pond creation

Features from Wildlife magazine Wildlife articles 2008 -- Spring 2008 -- ::Severn Barrage ::The Variety of life ::A year at Willsbridge ::Willsbridge comes of age ::Reaching out - Willsbridge ::Round the reserves Wildlife articles 2007 -- Autumn 2007 -- ::Thinking BIG ::Watery webs:the pond network ::Wildlife in the landscape ::Variety of life ::How to be a climate friend ::Seasonal stroll - Walborough ::Round the reserves -- Summer 2007 -- ::The Folly Farm appeal ::Weston Big Wood-biodiversity at its best ::The variety of life ::How to capture a butterfly ::How to get to know an orchid ::Seasonal stroll - WestonBigWood ::Reserves update -- Spring 2007 -- ::Folly Farm - a very special place ::Making a difference at Folly Farm ::How find the magic at Folly Farm ::Seasonal stroll at Folly Farm ::Magic spots at Folly Farm ::Batscapes ::Climate challenge ::Variety of Life - the Ponways project ::Round the reserves Wildlife articles 2006 -- Autumn 2006 -- ::The Severn Estuary ::Bird Watch results ::How to identify garden birds ::Making space for wildlife ::How does your garden grow? ::Round the reserves -- Summer 2006 -- ::Going for green ::Stand up and be counted ::Happy birthday NSLMP ::Holi day - a riot of spring colour ::Avon's species-rich grassland ::How to photograph dragonflies ::The Big Switch ::Round the reserves -- Spring 2006 -- ::How to identify winter water birds ::Make 2006 the year you... ::Invasive invasion ::Sowing the seeds: Willsbridge Mill ::Round the reserves Wildlife articles 2005 -- Autumn 2005 -- ::Indentify common funghi ::Build a hedgehog hideaway ::Big Bird Watch ::Champions for wildlife ::Round the reserves ::Seeds of the futre: Willsbridge Mill -- Summer 2005 -- ::Restoring Folly Farm ::How to become bee-friendly ::How to identify the butterflies of spring ::Save our seas ::The variety of life: hedgerows ::Round the reserves ::25 Ways to make a difference -- Spring 2005 -- ::The variety of life: water voles ::The Avon Biodiversity Action Plan ::How to take really good wildlife photos ::How to help your garden grow ::Round the reserves ::Seasonal strolls: Browns Folly ::Sowing the seeds: for wildlife for people ::Sowing the seeds: looking back

The Big Switch

Wildlife has never needed your help more. Simple actions we take in our everyday lives are putting habitats in serious danger. From leaving lights on to filling up the rubbish bin, we are indirectly damaging the planet and its wildlife.

Making some simple, painless and often money-saving switches to our lifestyle can make a massive difference to the natural environment - locally and globally. In June we're launching our Big Switch campaign, to encourage members to make a pledge to make small but significant changes to the way you live.. Meanwhile, here are 10 ways to start taking action for wildlife!

Help slow climate change There are lots of small steps you can take to reduce your CO2 emissions and help wildlife on a global as well as local scale. You can lower your energy consumption by using a timer and thermostat on your heating, use energy saving light bulbs and turn off appliances, especially the TV. Try catching public transport or car share to reduce fuel; using your bike or walking is even better. You can also change your electricity supplier to renewable energy. The Energy Savings Trust (www.est.org.uk or 0800 512 012) offers free home energy audits to show where you can save energy and money and www.energyhelpline.com compares the prices of green suppliers.

Compost Over 50% of your household rubbish can be composted to provide fantastic food for your soil. At present 80% of our compostable household waste ends up in land fill; once there it decomposes and emits methane gas responsible for 40% of the UK's greenhouse emissions. Contact your local authority for free or heavily discounted home composters.

Create a wildlife-friendly garden If all of our gardens were combined they would create the biggest nature reserve in the UK. There are many things you can do to make your garden a haven for wildlife, from pond creation to putting up bird boxes. Over the spring leave part of your lawn uncut as a refuge for invertebrates or sow a wildflower area and watch it come alive with butterflies and bees. For more information and ideas visit www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk or contact Fiona McCarthy, our Office Administrator, on 0117 917 7270 for a free information sheet.

Use peat-free products Amateur gardeners account for around 70% of peat used. Together with other uses of peat, this is a major threat to our remaining peat bogs which support some amazing wildlife such as the insect-eating sundews and bladderwort. They can also help reduce climate change by absorbing carbon. It has never been easier to grow peat-free. Whether in your vegetable plot, bedding plants or throughout your garden, you can kick the peat habit. A detailed list of where to buy peat-free products is available at www.wildlifetrusts.org under 'Get involved and join our campaigns'.

Think of our rivers and reservoirs Turning off the tap next time you brush your teeth will save six litres per minute. And did you know that one bath is enough for two five minute showers? The extraction of too much water creates low water levels in our rivers and reservoirs and has a direct impact on aquatic wildlife. As well as reducing use, you can also reuse water by installing a water butt in your garden. These butts are used to collect rainwater, which can in turn be used for watering your garden. For more tips on how to lower your water consumption check out www.wessexwater.co.uk/wiseup

Help your pets to be wildlife friendly We all love our own cats and dogs but did you know how many wild creatures they destroy each year? The most recent figures from the Mammal Society suggest that it is a shocking 275 million animals, of which 55 million are birds. You can prevent your cats and dogs from harming wildlife by putting a big jangly bell on your cat's collar and not allowing dogs to run without supervision. On nature reserves observe the “no dogs” or “dogs on short leads” rule. If sensitive ground-nesting birds and waders are disturbed they may never return. You can also keep your cat indoors when wild animals are most vulnerable: an hour before sunset and an hour after sunrise, especially during March - July and December - January.

Recruit a member Do your family, friends and neighbours share your passion for wildlife but aren't yet members of the Trust? For a small contribution they can enjoy a host of benefits and protect the wildlife they love. This year, encourage them to join by logging onto www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk or by calling Angela Davies, our Membership Officer on 0117 917 7270.

Volunteer If you want to help protect and enhance your local environment there are lots of opportunities to get directly involved with the Trust. There are physical activities like hedge planting or clearing ponds, you can help behind the scenes with projects and events, or you can join a local group. To volunteer, visit www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk or call Tim Curley, our Volunteering Officer on 0117 9177270.

Leave a legacy for wildlife You don't have to make a difficult choice between family or charity. You can remember both, giving security to your family and helping to ensure that they can enjoy the benefits of an area rich in wildlife. A vital part of the money the Trust uses to carry out its work comes from gifts left in Wills. However big or small your gift is, it can help us to make a difference. For more information please telephone Pat Ellingham, Head of Development on 0117 917 7270 or e-mail patellingham@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk