It’s that time of the year again – shall I, shan’t I make a new year’s resolution. A year ago I resolved to plan my time better and here I am rushing out a blog seconds from the deadline. I’ll put that resolution down as a work in progress!
I’m sure, like me, you are still trying to make sense of 2016 and as the colour or firmness of our Brexit is still very much up in the air – I think we should resolve to go for a green one. Transferring across the EU’s world-leading (and now safe) Nature Directives into UK law as part of the Great Repeal Bill will just be the start (and then we have the small matter of ensuring that our farmers are properly supported to produce the food we need and the countryside rich in wildlife that we also need. As the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy and its history of damage to wildlife fades into history – there’s a real opportunity to design the future for food, farmers and wildlife that works for all.
So my first resolution suggestion for 2017 is – become a campaign champion.
While it’s undoubtedly true the turmoil of 2106 has thrown up more challenges for our wildlife than obvious answers – it was also a year worth celebrating, here’s just some of the high points.
Across the RSPB our teams rely on volunteers and that’s my second resolution suggestion for 2017 – have a go at volunteering!
Our nature reserves are at the heart of what we do; they’re giving nature a home across the UK. And we have big plans to double their area by 2030.
Winter woodland at the Lodge RSPB Reserve. RSPB (rspb-images.com)
Resolution suggestion number three – donate or raise some money for our Homes for Nature fund
Closer to home many of us a gearing up to Big Garden Birdwatch (of course you’ve already resolved to take part) but it’s also a reminder of just important our gardens and local patches are to wildlife close to home.
So resolution suggestion the fourth is do something to give nature a home in your garden, or near to your home.
And a final one. One for you, and one to do while you’re thinking about the first four.
Give yourself some time to spend with nature. Gaze at a dunnock (probably three as they have interesting relationships), visit a nature reserve or a favourite place and just sit and watch, and wonder at all that nature.
Watching wildlife - do it your way! Picture credit Jack Farrar photographing his Dad watching a black headed gull
Have a peaceful and nature rich 2017.