Blogger: Aggie Rothon, Communications Officer
A little taster of some of the steps you could take this month to step up for nature.
Do: Swift Survey - They're some of the last spring migrants to arrive, and the first to leave. But they're in trouble. 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. Tell us where you see them and your information will help our knowledge of swifts so that more nest sites can be provided and protected. Submit your results online www.rspb.org.uk/applications/swiftsurvey
Give: UKOT appeal – This appeal is soon to launch 9w/c 4 July). We need £529,000 to continue our work with overseas territories such as Henderson Island and protect the incredible wildlife that these places are soon to lose. Look out for more info on www.rspb.org.uk/steppingup
Campaign: Marine Petition - We already have the national and international laws that should be protecting marine wildlife, including seabirds. There is now an urgent need to implement them and designate those sites that need protection. The process of selecting these sites and forming a network of nationally and internationally protected areas for marine wildlife is underway. Unfortunately the needs of some of our most precious sealife are not being considered properly. As things stand there is a real risk that seabirds, such as the kittiwake, will remain unprotected when foraging at sea for themselves and their chicks. Please step up for nature and support our campaign to ensure seabirds are fully protected. Sign our pledge and call on the Minister to Step up and safeguard our seabirds at sea now! www.rspb.org.uk/stepup2020
Volunteer: Micro volunteering - Well, the humble stamp has a resale value – small, but still valuable in large enough quantities. When you send in your stamps you are helping give these birds a brighter future. For example, £50’s worth of stamp sales will buy a tori-line (bird scaring device) for a longline fishing vessel. Our stamp appeal is one of the largest stamp appeals. It runs throughout the year, and in 2010 we raised £15,000 from stamps. http://www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/campaigns/albatross/howyoucanhelp/stamps.aspx
Do you have an old or unwanted pair of binoculars, telescope, spotting scope or tripod that are in good working order, collecting dust in the cupboard? If so, we can put them to use in a conservation or educational project somewhere in the world. Please send your items to the address below:
RSPB second-hand binocular scheme Unit 17 St Martins Business Centre St Martins Way Bedford MK42 OLF
Thanks all, happy July!