Wildlife training, eco-tips and more with the Wildlife Trust BCN
Amy Gerhard, of the Wildlife Trust Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, has some updates and some eco-tips for us.
It's February! The weather might still be dreary and winter feels like it's holding on, but look closely and you'll see signs of spring everywhere.
Keep an eye out for those early spring flowering plants such as snowdrops, winter aconite and maybe even some sprouting daffodils. And take a closer look at those 'bare' trees when you are next outdoors - the buds have been waiting there all winter and you might see them starting to crack, now, with the promise of the lush greens of the bud burst.
A new “In Conservation” podcast episode
There is a new episode of the Wildlife Trust BCN podcast “In Conservation” for you to listen to. “A Great Fen for People” introduces listeners to the Great Fen and the Peatland Progress project. Podcast host Sophie Baker chats to Great Fen Project Manager Lorna Parker and Communities and Education Manager Alison Chaves about the huge landscape-scale project, from the point of view of the people who use and appreciate it, and learns how we’re connecting people to this amazing place.
You can listen to this episode on our website at www.wildlifebcn.org/podcast, on your podcast streaming software, or here.
Upcoming Wildlife Training Workshops…
Have you heard of our Wildlife Training Workshops? Each year a programme of friendly, welcoming training workshops are provided by staff and supporters of the Trust. Covering a wide range of topics, these workshops are a good way to gain a bit of extra in-depth knowledge about your favourite species.
There are some fantastic topics coming up over the next month in Cambridgeshire. On Wednesday 12 March, Gwen Hitchcock, Senior Monitoring and Research Officer, will present an online “Introduction to Reptiles” talk. With only six native species, reptiles are one of our most elusive group of animals. This online workshop will give you an understanding of these fascinating creatures, introducing the species that live in the UK, their natural history and how to identify them.
Later in March, on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 March, Kevin Rowley and Henry Stanier will run a 2 day “Introduction to Water Beetles” at the Great Fen. Water Beetles are a great indicator species and the Great Fen has a diverse variety. This workshop will introduce you to the group, how to sample them using nets and traps and how to identify them. Additionally, field trips in Woodwalton Fen and the Great Fen will be included to practise the skills you learn in the workshop.
You can find the details of these workshops and many more on our website at www.wildlifebcn.org/get-involved/training-workshops.
Eco-tips from our sustainability group
Doing our bit to reduce our impact on the environment and climate change is a great way to help wildlife. We know it can feel overwhelming, so the sustainability group at The Wildlife Trust BCN have put together some tips for easy changes you can make at work or at home that will all add up to make a difference.
Tip 1: Conserve energy – turn it off when not being used
If you don’t already do so, switch off tech devices when you have finished using them. Make sure lights are turned off where/when not required. It is a common myth that turning lights off then on again uses more energy than leaving them on all the time. It is best to switch them off when not required, even if it’s just for a short while.
Tip 2: Reduce heating costs
During these colder months try to close curtains or pull down any blinds in windows near you at home or before you leave your workspace in the evening, and especially for the weekend.
At work, if you turn radiators up during a meeting, then remember to turn them back down as you leave the meeting room. Plus, make sure there are no obstructions in front of any radiators in the space you work or areas you store equipment.
Tip 3: Kitchens - kettles, fridges and other appliances
Insulated eco kettles are a great way to save on hot water heating. If kettles need replacing then you can look for a sustainable upgrade – newer, more energy-efficient models are a good choice, or go all out for an eco kettle that keeps water hot for hours, reducing the need for a re-boil. All those cuppas add up!
Check thermostats in fridges every now and then as it's very easy to knock them when taking food/drink out (remember the higher the setting the colder the fridge will be). Also, it’s good practice to ensure you defrost fridges on a regular basis. This can make a big difference to its efficiency.
In our office, the Sustainability Group recommends that teams use washing up bowls for washing large number of mugs, crockery etc. after large meetings or events. This saves on hot water by not running the hot water tap for individual mugs or plates.
Tip 4: Lift Sharing
If a journey requires you to drive, could you reduce the impact by joining up with somebody else also making that journey and share a lift? This reduces the number of cars on the road, therefore lowering carbon emissions. Maybe someone at work lives nearby and you could arrange to share the journey between you.
