Whether the sun is shining, or the snow is falling, there is always something magical to see and do in nature during January. As we welcome the new year, RSPB England’s, Oriole Wagstaff reveals five easy New Year’s resolutions to help you connect with nature.
Image: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen January. Credit: Matt WIlkinson
#LoveMinsmere
Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin launched the RSPB’s and Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s new #LoveMinsmere e-action during a live online event in November. EDF Energy are planning to build a new nuclear power station, Sizewell C, directly on the border of RSPB Minsmere, which is home to over 6000 different kinds of animals, plants and fungi. This could have devastating consequences for nature. The build could destroy an area equivalent to 10 football pitches of protected wildlife site Sizewell Marshes, which is managed by Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Legally protected animals like otters, water voles and marsh harriers could lose their homes. Toxic chemicals and up to 3 million dead fish could be pumped into the sea each year.
Over 65,000 people have already taken action to call to protect RSPB Minsmere and Sizewell Marshes from Sizewell C. We have said that Sizewell C must not go ahead, and we need you to make our voice stronger for nature. Take action now, sign our e-action at loveminsmere.org
Image: Why people Love Minsmere Credit: David Tipling
Stop the Super Peninsula
Wildlife charities are calling for a major development to be stopped. Plans for Portsmouth ‘super peninsula’ will see 4000 new homes and new marine hub rip up an internationally important wildlife site and tear a hole through legal safeguards. The public are being asked to sign a petition opposing this development here. To find out more check click here.
What better way to start the new year than by heading out on a mini adventure in nature? January is a great time to go for a walk and blow away the Christmas cobwebs. With more than 110 RSPB nature reserves in England there is plenty out here to be explored, maybe closer than you think. Look out for snow drops breaking through the leafy ground and take in some dramatic crisp views. If you’re lucky you might even spot a barn owl- January is one of the best times to see these magnificent birds as males begin to hunt in the daytime to gather food for females.
Find out which is your closest reserve, and check the latest updates on what’s open here.
Image: January at RSPB The Lodge nature reserve. Credit: Ben Andrew
The January sales are here, and this year you can enjoy them guilt free by supporting the RSPB as you shop, and best of all- it’s free! Easyfundraising works with 4,000 shops and sites which donate to a number of charities, when you shop online with them, including Etsy, John Lewis, Argos, eBay, M&S, Waitrose, House of Fraser, Screwfix and many more. All you have to do is go through the easyfundraising website or app whenever you shop online and we’ll receive a % of your spend as a free donation. It won’t cost you a penny more as the retailer pays the donation, not you. Feel good shopping!
Big Garden Bird Watch is the world's largest wildlife survey- and we need you to get involved. This year’s event takes place on 29, 30 and 31 January 2021. This year, we’ve seen how important the natural world is to our mental health and wellbeing.
Join us and spend just one hour watching and recording the birds in your garden, balcony or local park, then send us your results.
Close to half-a-million people join in the Birdwatch every year. Now in its 42nd year, 144 million birds have been counted giving the RSPB an astonishing amount of insight into how our wildlife is faring.
To register, and for your FREE Big Garden Birdwatch guide, which includes a bird identification chart, top tips, RSPB shop voucher, plus advice on how to help you attract wildlife to your garden, text BIRD to 70030 or visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch
Image: Mother and daughter taking part in Big Garden Birdwatch. Credit: Eleanor Bentall
A great way to help the environment is to buy products that don’t harm, but support, nature. There are a huge range of sustainable products in our online and reserve shops - find your nearest store here. From organic cotton clothing to palm-oil free toiletries and fair trade snacks, check out our nature friendly goodies here and start you year with some feel good shopping.
The 13,000 quoted about those that have signed to support Minsmere is well of date. As the latest of those that have signed to support Minsmere was over 50,000 so the number quoted is well out of date and now the number could well be more, as 50,000 was mentioned as the number from over 2-3 weeks ago. Regards, Ian.