I can't pretend to be fond of the commercialisation of Christmas, particularly not with Christmas adverts which start in August, but we're also told that Christmas is a time for giving, so with that in mind, how about giving the environment a gift this Christmas, either for yourself or as that last minute present for someone else? NatureSpot is a registered charity and although we're a pretty frugal organization, the more popular we become the more it costs to run the site. We have an ongoing call for donations, so if you have found NatureSpot useful during the last year perhaps you could consider giving us a small donation?
All the Wildlife Trusts do invaluable work, but the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust continues to work to create a Living Landscape rich in wildlife, valued and enjoyed by all and they are deserving of your support.
Buglife the insect conservation charity, continues both practical work and campaigning on behalf of the environment. In particular, their Urban Buzz campaign is carrying out exciting work - see the attached newsletter. In Leicester Urban Buzz has completed ground preparation and wild flower seeding of six flagship ‘Buzzing hotspots’ with additional preparation on completed on an additional four sites. These sites have been seeded with wild flowers such as Field scabious, Yellow Rattle, Betony, Ladies Bedstraw, Cornflower and Agrimony and a lot of further work is planned to 2018.
The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and has many sites in Leicestershire and Rutland. Just 13% of the UK is covered with trees, compared to the European average of 37%. Since the 1930s, more than half the UK's ancient woodland we had has been destroyed. This rich, complex habitat dates back to medieval times and once swept in vast swathes across our countryside; today it covers just 2% of the UK. The effects are devastating: 60% of our animal and plant species have declined in the past 50 years. Many are now endangered; some face extinction. The Trust now owns more than 1,000 wildlife-rich native woods across the UK. Many are ancient woods and Sites of Special Scientific Interest and all are open and free to enjoy.
Possibly we have not listed your favourite wildlife charity, so please free to tell us what it is in a comment below.
Seasons Greetings to everyone, and we'll see you next year.