Do you know all the ways you get involved with the RSPB? We’re loads more than just the Big Garden Birdwatch – honestly! Here’s 10 ways to get you started, many of them you can do at home...
1. Create a home for wildlife
Why not turn your garden into your very own nature reserve? Our Homes for Wildlife project gives you free tailored advice that will turn your garden into a wildlife-friendly zone, bursting with bees, butterflies and birds that’ll be great for you too! Follow the tips and maybe you’ll be able to count more birds during next year’s birdwatch!
2. Count swifts
It’s straightforward this one: all you need to do is look up in the sky and count swifts. When these summer migrants are back, let us know if you see them nesting or hear their screaming call. If you’re not sure if you’ve seen a swift check out our identification guide. Swifts have declined dramatically over the last 10 years, so if you can let us know where they are nesting you’ll be adding to our knowledge of this enigmatic bird.
3. Follow migrating birds
From your house. Yes, really! You can follow ospreys, bald ibis, white-tailed eagles and red kites from the comfort of your own home via our tracking pages. They’ve all been fitted with state of the art, lightweight satellite tags, so we can follow them on their travels. Just where will they go?
4. Write a letter
Do you want to help nature even more from your home? Yes? Then become one of our army of letter writers! We’re always campaigning to save nature, so if you can take the time to influence those that matter that this nature is worth saving, then give it a go. All the info you need to get started is on our letter writing pages.
5. Take a photo
If you’ve taken a great photo of UK wildlife enter it in this year’s Love Nature Calendar Competition. The twelve best shots will appear in 2014’s Love Nature Calendar, whilst the overall winner will take home a fantastic Canon camera. You don’t need to travel far – many of last year's photos were taken in back gardens. Go on, get snapping!
6. Volunteer
Join nearly 18,000 others and get involved in our work. If you’ve some spare time, or are looking to learn the skills that will lead you to a career in nature conservation, volunteering could be just the ticket for you. We’ve got hundreds of positions, all over the UK, from hands-on conservation work on reserves, office-based roles and spreading the RSPB message. Whatever you’re looking for you’ll find something with us. Take a look – you won’t regret it.
7. Go local
Our local groups run an active events programme, ranging from indoor talks to outdoor walks, but all revolving around wildlife. They support our work and are a great way to meet other nature-lovers in your area. You can find your local group, and how you can get involved on our local group pages.
8. Take part in an event
We run events for all ages throughout the whole UK, from guided walks on a reserve to making your own nestbox, photography courses and half-term fun for the kids. It’s a great and easy way (some are even free) to get out of the house, have some fun and learn about the wildlife around us.
9. Go on a date
Did you have a hot Valentine’s date yesterday? Whether the answer is yes or no, you won’t want to miss our Dates with Nature! They’re just kicking off for 2013, so pop along and you might find swooping peregrines, rutting deer and lazing seals. Although obviously not all at once! Spread across the whole UK, but not on our reserves, you’ll get up close with wonderful wildlife, in some surprising places! Take a look and find your perfect date.
10. Visit a reserve
I thought I’d finish with an old favourite: our reserves. They’re wonderful places for people and wildlife. There’s over 200 of them scattered around the UK and they are the perfect places to get you and your family closer to nature. Some like Saltholme are in urban areas, whilst others are in more remote corners. Many have visitor centres, children’s playgrounds etc. There’s bound to be one out there for you, so why not plan a visit?
Why would you like to do?
See there’s plenty more to the RSPB than just the Big Garden Birdwatch. And these are just the start! What will you get involved in next?
For more on our science, check out the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science web pages.