I do, because Richard Mason, our warden at Sutton Fen taught me. And here he is taking quiet but giant steps for nature over on the reserve this month. Richard is a big supporter of our 'Steps for Nature' this month having started out as a residential volunteer himself.

 Do we want more Richard Masons? Of course we do! Lets help plenty more budding conservationists Step Up for Nature and start helping to manage some of our incredible reserves through the residential volunteering scheme.

 For greater detail about October’s Steps please scroll below the photo.

 

 

Do: Put up a nestbox October is traditionally all about Feeds the Birds Day but whilst you’re out there filling up your feeders why not go that extra Step and put up a nestbox. It will provide a cosy place for roosting and be ready for birds prospecting nesting places come spring time. Instructions on how to make a nestbox are here http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/nestboxes/smallbirds/making.aspx

 Give: Marine appeal All around the coast of the UK, seabirds and other wonderful marine wildlife are in danger. But unlike on land, there are very few protected areas at sea. Our target is to raise £535,000 to help fund the urgent work needed to protect our wonderful sealife. Your donation will allow us to research seabird declines, as well as continue our work to protect the places where seabirds and marine wildlife live. We'll also be counting the number of donations we receive to show ministers how strongly people feel about the threats to our sealife. Together we can show government that they must step up and and protect our precious seas. Go to https://www.rspb.org.uk/applications/donations/single/index.aspx?dt=APLITH0318 to make a donation.

Volunteer: Residential Volunteering Residential volunteering is your chance to have a break, try something new or get some experience for your CV. There are over 40 different places to stay and hundreds of things to do. You can spend a week or more on a reserve, and you can do it alone or bring a friend. We'll provide you with accommodation, new skills and some great memories. For more information contact Annie Sadler on 01603697504

Campaign: Planning e-action The Prime Minister has made a personal intervention into the highly contentious debate on the future of England’s planning system. His comments are both timely and reassuring – but they are not enough for us to breathe a sigh of relief and pat ourselves on the back for a job well done. In a letter to NGO’s Mr Cameron has said that any reforms will maintain current protection for the greenbelt, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks. However, Sites of Special Scientific Interest – those areas protected specifically for wildlife and the natural environment – are notably absent from his assurances. It is essential that the planning system support, not undermine, the UK Government’s ambitions to restore biodiversity. To this end we will continue to step up for nature by calling on the UK Government to maintain the existing protections afforded our finest wildlife sites – please step up with us by signing the e action at http://campaigning.rspb.org.uk/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=13&ea.campaign.id=11417   you can also sign the National Trust’s planning campaign at https://www.planningforpeople.org.uk/  

Thanks all and happy October.