‘Hot July brings cooling showers, apricots and gillyflowers.’ said Sara Coleridge, daughter to the famous Samuel.
I’m not sure what gillyflowers are (I’ll google them later) but I’m sure we are all well versed in cooling showers.
For those of us who love to Step Up for Nature, July also brings us things to do, give, volunteer and campaign for.
Give: Rainforest appeal
Almost all of the lowland rainforest on Sumatra has gone. In its place are palm oil and timber plantations, where very little wildlife lives.
If the RSPB hadn't managed to get a licence for restoring Harapan forest, all of it would be gone by now. There's still a long way to go but we're making great progress. Harapan Rainforest is one of the most important conservation projects in the world, costing £2 million a year. Your support makes it possible. Go to www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/campaigns/rainforests/ to donate.
Do: Swift Survey
Swifts are now on the Amber List - they're birds of Conservation Concern. Their numbers have declined dramatically in the past 10 years; we're not sure why, but one of the possible reasons is that their nest sites are being destroyed.
We're working with swift groups around the UK to gather more information about swifts. Your information will help our knowledge of swifts so that more nest sites can be provided and protected. Tell us where you see swifts and help us to help them. To find out more go to www.rspb.org.uk/thingstodo/surveys/swifts/index.aspx
Volunteer: Corporate team challenges
Escape the office and enjoy learning new skills with your team. Ditch your suit, don your wellies and prepare to have fun! http://www.rspb.org.uk/volunteering/team
Campaign: CAP e-action
The CAP is currently being reformed and, for the first time ever, the European Parliament shares decision-making powers with Heads of State. At the moment, the proposals for reform do not do nearly enough to protect the natural environment (the bedrock of food production) nor to ensure wildlife-friendly farmers are properly rewarded for the excellent work they do for the environment alongside food production.
This means that our Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), elected to represent our views at the European level, need to step up and grasp this vital opportunity to shape the CAP for the good of the environment, farming and society.
Please step up for nature and e-mail your MEP to ask them to do all they can to ensure the CAP rewards wildlife-friendly farming.
Go here to sign the e-action www.rspb.org.uk/steppingup/campaign/
Happy July and get Stepping Up for Nature!