Blogger: Gena Correale-Wardle, Community Fundraising Officer

This Valentine's day I am showing my love in many ways... presenting my boyfriend with a romantic treasure hunt, giving one of my best friends a handmade card to show how much I love and appreciate her, and I am using the rest of my affection to sign up for this year's Love Nature Week! I have never been a huge 'Valentine's' fan but I do think it's a great excuse to get out there and shout about the people and things you care about.

Love Nature Week is launched all over the UK today to tie in with the tidal-wave of affection that sweeps the nation at this time of year. And why should Valentine's day be limited to people? Nature needs just as much nurturing and care as us humans do, it just doesn't crave fluffy hearts and boxes of over-priced chocolates to prove it.

I have always been a huge fan of nature and wildlife but not really known how to express this love into genuine action... until I started work at the RSPB that is. Since I have worked at the RSPB I have seen the variety of ways I can make a real difference on a daily basis, from joining up as a member to signing pledges and petitioning my MP to going into my local school as a 'Bird Friendly Schools' volunteer.

Whilst I know not everyone can be as involved as I am in being proactive for conservation, I'm sure many of you would like to do something to show nature that you care. Love Nature Week gives people all over the UK the opportunity to give something back to the woodlands, fields and coastlines they love - all by volunteering for just two hours! There are hundreds of supermarket and street collections taking place from 28 May - 5 June and there will definitely be one near you, so why not show the world how much you care about saving our special places by getting out there and collecting some cash?!

I'll be at my local co-op dressed in a ridiculous costume and feeling more than a little sheepish to start with, but I know that once the pounds start dropping in I will feel full of pride that I'm doing my bit for nature conservation in a very simple and easy way. If collecting's not for you there are plenty of other ways to raise valuable funds and awareness in your local community.

If you'd like to know more, please have a look at our website - hopefully I'll see some of you there showing nature how much you love it! http://www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/fundraise/individuals/rspb/lovenatureweek.aspx