We talk a lot about a syndrome called "nature deficit disorder" and worry that in busy, industrial and developed places such as the Greater Thames, young people will grow up not understanding the value and importance of our natural world. Fortunately, with funding from EU LIFE+ through our Futurescapes programme we have been able to take action and were surprised by the response. Here is a guest blog from Stephanie Lawrence, our Community Engagement Officer for the Greater Thames:
What will you do for nature where you live in 2014?
Whilst many of us are vowing to make it to the gym more, to eat less or to give up our vices, wildlife in the Greater Thames is still under threat and needs help. With partners, such as the Greater Thames Marshes NIA, the RSPB is working to halt these declines in the Greater Thames, but we need your help too.
Throughout January, I asked children all over the Greater Thames what their one wish for nature where they live in 2014 is and was amazed by what they said! Whether it was getting out to enjoy their local nature reserve or making a home for a hedgehog in their back garden, we had some great ideas. Here are some of my favourites:
My one wish for nature where I live in 2014 is....
... for people to plant more flowers for bees – Ben, aged 9 from Greenwich.
...for everyone on my street to put up nest boxes – Gabby, aged 10 from Bexleyheath.
...to see a hedgehog because I’ve never ever seen one – Harry, aged 9 from Greenwich.
...to visit Rainham Marshes with my mum and dad – Poppy, aged 10 from Bexleyheath.
...for all my family to do the Big Garden Birdwatch – Rueben, aged 9 from Maidstone.
...to see a hedgehog in my garden – Emily aged 10 from Bexley.
...to help my dad build a pond for frogs – Damien, aged 10 from Bexleyheath.
...to see a water vole – Fifi, aged 9 from Greenwich.
...to count all the birds in my garden during the Big Garden Birdwatch – Jack, aged 8 from Greenwich
....to build a bug hotel in my garden with my little sister – Robbie, aged 8 from Maidstone
.....to go on a big walk in the park with my dog – Lilly, aged 9 from Bexleyheath
...for my mum to like creepy crawlies! – Rosie, aged 6 from Gravesend.
...for birds to make a nest in my garden – James, aged 10 from Bexley.
...to see a badger – Imogen, aged 9 from Maidstone.
All of the above make me feel proud to know that the work of the RSPB and its partners in the Greater Thames will not go to waste in the hands of future generations. Why not ask yourself what your family can do for nature this year?
You can start by taking part in our Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend! Visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch