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Adam Murray

Blogger: Jane Warren, RSPB in the East Green Team Member

Editor's Note: Your next monthly posting from our fab Green Team - who keep us on our green toes (or should that be green fingers?)

I came back to Norfolk four years ago after a 15-year stint in Australia, which is often described as the driest inhabited continent on earth. Living with drought conditions was a normal part of everyday life where I lived in Melbourne. By April 2007, dams were at only 25% capacity and serious water restrictions were put in place. And there were reports of ‘bucket back’ as people lugged heavy buckets and basins of grey water from showering or washing up to water their parched gardens...

Probably the last thing I was expecting on my return to this green and pleasant land was to find myself caught up in drought conditions again. But as we know, one of the worst droughts in living memory is currently gripping southern and eastern areas of the UK. As I’m writing this, the rain is actually pouring down in Norwich, but there are no plans to lift the hosepipe ban that has been in place since early April. We need weeks and weeks of rain in order to beat the drought.

The prolonged period of drought has already had a big impact on RSPB wetland nature reserves across the drought-hit area, and is threatening to adversely affect this spring's breeding season at many sites. If we can reduce the demand we put on water catchments and reservoirs, this will help keep more water in the environment, keeping rivers flowing for longer and protecting their precious wildlife.

There are simple things that we can all do to reduce the water we use in our homes and gardens, helping to protect rivers and wetlands:

  • Take short showers rather than baths
  • Use water butts and used water from washing up bowls and basins to water gardens and house plants (but beware the infamous ‘bucket back’!)
  • Only use washing machines and dishwashers when you have a full load
  • Comply with hose-pipe ban restrictions and please don't use hose-pipes or sprinklers in the garden or to clean your car
  • Contact your water company for water efficient shower heads and shower timers.

If we all take small steps now and act together, we can make a big difference for wildlife.

And just in case you’re interested, by the end of 2011, Melbourne’s water fortunes had completely changed thanks to that weather phenomenon La Niña, which delivered rain by the bucket loads.

Internet article: http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/310966-down-hoses-for-wildlife-conservationists-urge

 Photo: curlew by Tom Marshall (rspb-images.com)