Encouraging a biodiverse parish
Wild About Gardens has a great set of wildlife guides, that are applicable to the green spaces that you may have access to at home.
Take your pick from the following guides:
Lawns, ponds, worms, molluscs, bats, bees, beetles, hedgehogs, butterflies, swifts, swallows and martins.
Well that’s assuming there is some at some point!
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has you covered though, for all kinds of nature related summer fun in the last month of summer.
Check out their full set of summer suggestions on the YWT website.
Priority ponds are waterbodies that have a particularly high conservation value: usually because they support important freshwater species or rare community types. These ponds can be permanent or seasonal waterbodies and can span a wide size range: from one metre squared to two hectares.
Volunteers can now get involved by conducting a Priority Pond Assessment Survey (PASS) to identify a potential priority pond.
For more information check out the FHT Priority Ponds Scheme pages.
Beverley Guildhall is hosting a short film showing, from Klosk Tyrer, showcasing Beverley Westwood throughout the seasons. More details on opening times are here.
Look under leaves, search under stones and turn over twigs on the hunt for interesting insects.
A great looking event from Yorkshire Wildlife Trust!
Sign up at Eventbrite.
Butterflies are an important indicator species for biodiversity health, and because their short lifespans is quick to respond to environmental changes such as global heating.
Butterfly Conservation is running its annual Big Butterfly Count again this year, a UK-wide survey aimed at helping assess the health of our environment simply by counting the amount and type of butterflies (and some day-flying moths) that can be seen. Please take some time out to take part in this vital annual count (and if you snap any good shots be sure to get them uploaded to iNaturalist too!).
After a visit to the Molescroft Grange Community Allotments this week by MWN, it was only fitting that the daughter of one of our founding members released a wonderful book “This Allotment” edited by Sarah Rigby.
This Allotment brings together thirteen brilliant contemporary writers in a glorious celebration of these entirely unique spaces: plots that mean so much more than the soil upon which they sit.
We know that not everyone wants to talk about politics, or the election, but one of the best ways to campaign for change that impacts biodiversity, and our local wildlife landscape, is to let those who are keen to secure your vote, what your expectations are for them.
The Yorkshire Rewilding Network has a great piece about how to engage over the election cycle!
YRN would like your help to tell every political candidate in Yorkshire:
Read the full article here. And don’t forget your photo ID on polling day!
If environmental concerns feel overwhelming, engaging in personal eco-action can be a constructive approach. Springwatch and the Open University are interested in a piece of citizen science research with people their sharing experiences of eco-anxiety and eco-action. Volunteers are invited to explore, participate, and contribute to making a difference.
This initiative aims to foster a deeper connection with nature through various transformative actions. From hands-on activities to mindful moments in nature, discover practical ways to manage eco-anxiety while contributing to environmental protection and enhancement.
Check out the Springwatch page, or download the Mindful Moments booklet online.
