Eco Holidays

posted by Catherine on Jun 2

If I raise enough money for charity - will it off-set the cost of the flight to get there?

A friend of mine is going to be taking part in a Charity Trek across Patagonia later in the year - but it made me think of the eco side of things - not just the ethical part.

Don’t forget that ethical holidays are all about the people - so raising money for a humanitarian charity and supporting the local population as guides and hosts along the way fit’s the bill perfectly.

But what about the eco friendly side?  Flying a group of up to 70 charity trekkers and all their equipment across the globe to the very south of South America isn’t really carbon-friendly is it?

So, can we justify these as Eco Holidays or Eco Adventures at all? They are for charity - and they all have responsible travel codes of ethics - but the flight is a bit of a sore point.

The Eco Side: 
Well, they certainly offer the particient something to remember - and the experience of another culture and meeting like-minded people in their group.  And no doubt, a large percentage of these people will be taking a holiday anyway - so why not make it count?

Added to this, they will have worked hard to raise the money, sharing experiences with other people and opening other peoples eye’s up to the charity they are raising money for and for the culture and country that they are going to be visiting. 

It’s not like they are going to be a drain on the country either.  There is no chance of my friend just sitting around the pool, eating all inclusive burgers and ice cream!  They will be out taking advantage of the natural world and eating local food cooked by local people - maybe even learning the language too!

Not So Eco:
Firstly, think of a group of up to 70 people all turning up in the same place at the same time.  This is certainly something that is avoided on very ethical tours. And for good reason.

Another friend went to Machu Picchu a few years back with a group of 75 people, and a second group of charity trekkers overlapped them in the same hotel - so that’s over 100 people all blundering around Cuzco at the same time, wanting the same things at the same time! 

All those people booking on to the same plane, creating all that waste - and possibly bringing foreign products into the local stores, just through demand.  And could it create a market for child beggars and child salesmen - taking time off school to make money in the markets?

And - what are you raising the money for in the first place?  If it is for an eco charity like WWF -  should you be using all those resources on your journey - including a flight - to raise money to help reduce the effects of carbon in the atmosphere.  I mean flying to the other side of the world to raise money for a company that is spending their donations on trying to reduce carbon emissions couldn’t be more ironic.

But - I fancy a long horse riding ’holiday’ across the Mongolian plains, living in local homes and eating yak butter - and that would be a great eco holiday if I went there by train.  Now, wouldn’t it be a good idea to raise money for a charity at the same time rather than just save the whole experience all for myself?

What do you think?

posted by Catherine on May 27

Well, some big names in conservation are getting together to promote it - so why is it so good?

It has always been assumed that catching fish ‘for fun’ was not in the Top 10 most animal friendly hobbies - infact some would say it is a ‘cruel sport’ and can lead to habitat damage.

But then, most of the best animal trackers and conservationists around the world today were once hunters - so maybe there is something in it.

What’s The Key?
Well, it would seem that although many people are aware of the ‘great outdoors’ and that it needs our help to be maintained and improved (or saved) - but it is really only those people actively dependant on that environment for their pleasure - ie hunters and anglers that actually make a difference.  The same could be true for active nature lovers, photographers scientists.

These are the type of people that will do all they can to protect and improve an environment.  A regular visitor to a certain river or woodland will, over time, be able to spot changes that others might not see straight away - and our waterways are seriously under threat.

So what better way than to encourage those young people who love fishing to stand (or sit) for hours beside rivers and streams and see what is happening to them.  Not many footpaths follow streams and major rivers - and even then most people just walk on by.

An angler on the other hand will get there at the crack of dawn, set up shop, and stay there most of the day.  The wildlife they see will be amazing and the peace an quiet will be worth getting up early for.

And, if the fish stop coming or there is obviously something wrong with the water - they will want to get to the bottom of it!  After all, they can’t be fishermen if there are no fish! 

There’s More:
Of course, you don’t have to waste the fish you catch either - you can either return them to the water (after a photo if you have to) or you can eat them - well, that really would be local food!

Obviously there could be issues with regards to endangered species along the way, but by monitoring and identifying the fish you catch, you can help conservation charities and organisations to monitor river health and other local wildlife.

Signs of otters and minks would be most gratefully received by the RSPB, PTeS or WWT, rare wetland birds could be reported to BTO, and pollution or fish deaths to the local council.

And obviously, if could be a great day out for just 1 or 2 people, like father and daughter, 2 friends, or grandad and grandson.

Peaceful day, great scenery, great conversations - and if you are lucky - a fish or two for supper!

posted by Catherine on May 22

We all know that 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity - so what’s special about today?

International Year of Biodiversity is a time where huge projects can be started, or completed. Many projects across the world take years and years of planning and can take up to 15 years to start to become effective - and according to climate change experts: we don’t have much time left.

So the idea of this ‘year’ is to highlight the need for research into biodiversity and the beginnings of a change in the way that we deal with climate change, extinctions and the environment as a whole.

So Why The ‘Day’?
Well, the day of Biodiversity is a time where ordinary people like you and you family can become involved in something much bigger without having to devote months of your life to field research, and without cracking out the cheque book!

Events across the world have been organised for today that involve the very simplest of events such as pond dipping - to show you what actually lives there; through woodland creation - to help what is already there; right up to scientific meeting and lectures discussing everything on the world agenda.

So today you could be introducing your friends and family to the whole diverse world out there - and hopefully making a difference to their future.

And What About Tomorrow?
Well, the future isn’t looking like it’s going to be as good as it has been in terms of many weather related things, such as farming and soil fertility.

I mean many people think of ‘bio-diversity’ as being about all the amazing wild animals and plants that we love to see in parks and zoos - but diversity also means in terms of ‘boring’ plants and animals too.

Take for example the ability of wheat to grow in certain weather conditions, and we all know that rice needs water to grow - but the weather could change all that and make these crops very difficult to grow in the huge amount that we currently do. So we need a diverse range of crop plants to take their place when we start to get short. If it’s to dry to grow rice - we need to find something that we can grow instead!

Then think about all the thousands of different bugs and creepy crawlies that live in the earth and under rocks and even feeding on other dead animals - we need thousands of them to get the job done! If not then the soil loses it’s fertility and we will be surrounded by dead animals and plants, festering in the sun!

The more species that become extinct, the less chance we and the planet has of finding a solution to our problems - whenever the arise. For example, imagine you have a serious disagreement with one mobile phone company - you can currently just go and use another one; there are plenty to choose from today.

But what if there was only that one phone company? What if you had to put up with their charges or go without a phone?

This is the scenario that many of our animals face today - and more will so in the future. If they can’t find the food type or the habitat or the nesting site that the need to survive - they will have only 1 choice: Move on and hope to find it elsewhere - or die.

Your Actions:
However you can stop this - in both the example and in real life.

If you make sure that there is always a vast array of choices for both your family and the wildlife in the world - then there will always be a second, third, fourth or fifth choice. So when species are faced with the effects of climate change or the results of human encroachment, they can evolve a different way to deal with it - like eating berry B instead of the usual berry A.

And we all know that when something is the only thing left - it will be in demand (it’s scarcity value) - and then it becomes very expensive and very difficult to get your hands on.

So by keeping the world rich in choices and full of variety - there will always be a fair spread for everyone involved. This is what sustainability is all about - and it can make a huge difference to humans and the environment.

So think about that today: Biodiversity Day

posted by Catherine on May 13

There is a very unusual evening event taking place across the UK - but are you too squeamish?

This event focuses on those sometimes scary and often unwanted nighttime moths - but if you read more about them, you will find that they have much to offer your garden and the environment.  And you may even get to like them after this!

The event has been running since 1999, and takes place on a date where the conditions should be best for moths to be out hunting.  This year is falls on the night of May 15th - and there are events all over the country that you could become a part of.

The Event:
Run by the Butterfly Conservation Trust (BCT), this annual event allows you experience the world of moths when they are at their best, and to help the trust to identify species distribution and any new arrivals in the country - for example in 2008 a species was found in Ireland that hadn’t been seen in the UK ever before!

However 62 moth species became extinct in Britain during the 20th century - so it’s not always good news!

This year though, is the first time that the BCT are teaming up with the Bat Conservation Trust (confusingly also the BCT - so BatCT for this article).  As bats are also found hunting at night (mainly the moths you are trying to record!), it seemed the best use of resources to get the people who were already out at dusk counting moths to record and bat activity they saw at the same time.

This extends the nighttime adventures you could have!  Whether you are aiming to just watch from inside you home at the creatures who fly up to your lights, whether you want to head out into the woods and set overnight (live) traps or whether you want to join a group bat watch and get to use their specialised equipment to hear their communications.  It’s up to you!

There are 16 species of bat to be found in Britain - and they all feed on moths!

Habitat Change:
However, as the bats feed on the moths and other insects, they are just as much at threat to land use changes.  This includes your gardens and local parks and woodlands. 

If plants are cleared for driveways and decking replaces grass, there is less food for the insects and less nesting sites for their young - like caterpillars.  Caterpillars need to eat plants when they are growing - and they eat a lot, so rather than only having delightfully ornamental plants in your garden for your own pleasure - make sure there are some local plants still around that they can use to grow and breed.

That way, when they start to eat through young plants, you won’t be tempted to use chemical to keep them away.  And their prefered plants are often fast-growing native plants that can be planted away from your favourites!

The same goes for ponds and other waterways.  Bats are commonly associated with water as well, as many insects lay their eggs in or around water and as they hatch - along come the bats for a feast!

Counting Them:
Take a look at the event website for details on local events or how to make your observations count - and how to download your photos of the event.

You don’t need to buy any special equipment to take part - unless you are very enthusiastic - but there are some easy home-made ways to trap moths of all sizes.  And some are truly beautiful to look at - not all of them are brown or grey!  Take the Elephant Hawk Moth - it’s pink and lime green and a good size!

photo credit: Wm Jas

There are obviously many tips on how to make the night a success - and you never know, you may well find a new species along the way!

posted by Catherine on May 4

If you live in California, or a planning a trip there in the next week - then look this place up.

Basically, it is a huge celebration of the landscapes, natural heritage, wildlife and rich native culture, across a huge area of the state; including walks, sea kayaking, very early birding tours and heritage trails from coast to mountain top!

There are areas of land here that can almost take you back in time to a place where humanity hasn’t interfered. A place where native Americans still practice their way of life, whether it’s salmon fishing or kayaking through their land and hunting.

The rivers run free here - and virtually untouched by dams and pollution. There are also large patches of land that are home to some very endangered species - both large and small - as well as hummingbirds, frogs and condors! Out at sea there is ample chance to see whales and dolphins as well!

The Festival 2010:
There are 69 events in total over the Friday thru Monday morning festival days, and there are plenty of experts on hand to to run workshops, run tours and offer hands-on advice.

The areas covered in this festival are wide reaching and include Redwood National & State Park, Smith River National Recreation Ground and Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge amongst many others.

And in fact it was the Castle Rock refuge that is the predescesser of this event as this refuge is home to hundreds of migrating Aleutian Geese - which formed The Aleutian Goose Festival.

What’s There?
Firstly the event will be host to it’s keynote speaker: Micheal Fay (from National Geographic) on the Friday evening, as well as offering up a whole host of active biologists, geologists, ornithologists and foresters to help you explore all the available habitats.

Whether you are studying earthquakes and owls, ecology and salamanders or condors and giant redwoods - there will be plenty of time available for you to explore and learn to work with and love these precious habitats and their vital biodiversity.

And all this in your own back yard!

Getting There:
All events are based at or start from the Crescent City Cultural Center in northern California, although some leave before 5am!

You need to register for the event and pay a 1-off fee, but this includes the keynote speech and Friday night reception - as well as all the free events and the meet-and-greet.

There is of course no way that you could attend all 69 events anyway - so make sure you take a look at the schedule of events and get your moneys worth - and really get ‘inside’ this amazing habitat in the US.

Anything Else?
As if this wasn’t enough, the festival coincides with the International Migratory Bird Day (May 8th), and is a celebration of all migratory bird species for North, Central & South America - certainly a huge event to be incorporated into this annual wildlife festival.

posted by Catherine on Mar 30

It felt like being in an Agatha Christie novel - but in a slightly smaller room than they show on TV!

I recently travelled overnight on a train from London to Edinburgh in a sleeper car.  It was a lovely gift that someone had brought me as I was going on about a visit to the city for ages.

However, the journey I made a few years ago to the Cairngorms was a bit more boring and a lot more carbon-emitting! 

I had decided to drive there from Hampshire, and it had taken me over 10 hours of driving up motorways to arrive.  And, of course on arrival, I was so tired that I had a shower and fell asleep - thereby wasting a lot of my first day!

However, on the train - The Caledonian Sleeper - I was able to snuggle up in a cosy bed for the whole night and arrive in the centre of the city bright-eyed and bushy tailed the following morning - ready for a full day of sight-seeing.

The Train:
It was 13 carriages long and still had the 1st class division, but as it was part of the whole adventure - seeing them settling down for an evening meal at their cute little tables didn’t put me off.

We got to our cabin and found a delightfully cheery man waiting to check us in on the platform.  He welcomed us aboard, checked our tickets and then asked the ‘most important question’ - What do we want for our complimentary breakfast in the morning!

He explained that there are toilets in every carriage, as well as a dining carriage if we didn’t want to go straight to sleep or got peckish in the night!  He also explained how the catch on the door worked - but I never managed to figure this out on either journey!

We stepped into our cabin and although it was a bit snug, it had everything you would imagine for the journey.  It had 2 bunk beds decked out with crisp white bedding, 2 fluffy pillows and a bedside light each as well as the main cabin light.  There were plenty or coat hangers on the wall for your clothes (with their own little seat-belts to stop them flapping about).

Each bed had a table flap coming out of the wall about mid way down and a solid shelf along the end of the beds to put your bags on - and in my case some overnight nibbles, drink and a good book!

The lower shelf was wider as it had a flap that lifted up to expose the sink with complimentary soaps and toothbrush sets as well as 2 hand towels!  There was also a full length mirror, a button to call the attendant and a window.

All in all it was just what I was hoping it to be!  And I couldn’t wait for the return journey either!  It felt as though - even though we were leaving Edinburgh - that there was still a whole part of the trip to look forward to!

And, it was my first holiday of the year, and it was eco friendly! I’m definately starting as I mean to go on!

posted by Catherine on Mar 19

Could your travel plans help to promote a new business agenda?

Yet another ‘day’ has been put into place to try to get companies and individuals to think more about their impact on the environment and how to change things for the better.

People sometimes get so used to certain procedures or suppliers or activities that they don’t even consider the alternatives.  And those people who looked into alternatives a few years ago and found that they were not viable may well now be quite surprised at the options now available to them.

In the same way that the thought of drilling for tiny amounts of hard-to-get oil in remote parts of the world was once written off as pointless (ie it would cost more money to get at the oil in the first place than they would make for selling it) business ideas may well also have been ‘out of reach’ of most small businesses and ‘not worth the time’ for larger firms. But times have changed!

Long Haul Travel:
Many businesses have certain staff that will travel to other countries as part of their everyday running.  And this has long been widely accepted - and even a perk - as part of a job.

However, with the added expense of flying (due to rising oil costs) and the added pressure from society (ie: their customers) it is now seen as somewhat ‘bad business practice’.

Why fly one person all the way across the Atlantic Ocean to talk to someone when they can call them up on the phone, talk to them over the internet or video conference them for an almost face-to-face meeting?

Action can be taken on laptops at either end these days, and we can communicate with virtually every person and place on earth if both people have a hand held device. 

Live news can be beamed from a cell phone in the middle of a desert in a war zone; safari guides in the middle of the Kalahari desert can send images to UK wildlife charities reporting poaching, and marine biologists can communicate with scientists around the world whilst sitting on the bottom of the ocean!

So why on earth businesses can’t decide which book to publish or which policy to agree on unless they are sitting in the same room?

What Can They Do?
Well, for a start they can take a look at the latest video conferencing equipment - either on their own or with the professional help of an expert in the field. 

By just thinking about alternative means of communication within their own business and between other businesses, it is possible that they could find a viable option that will not only save the planet - but also save themselves money and time, as well as increasing the productivity (and happiness levels) of their staff.

Planet: Less carbon emissions from travel
Money: Not paying for travel and accommodation
Time: Staff could be working rather than travelling
Productivity:  More time spent working - more targets reached
Happiness: Not leaving family for days on end - and being tired!

Also: Updating your business’ technology and reducing your climatic impact can also be seen by others as a positive attribute - and could therefore improve your customer base, ‘green-up’ your company image as well as letting other businesses know that you are a serious player in the future of your industry.

See for yourself at Climate Care Day.

posted by Catherine on Mar 7

Going on a riding holiday can throw up a few uncertainties for you.

Rather than just book anything and turn up with just your suitcase, you really need to consider a few important things before cantering off along the beach!

So the following 10 tips might answer a few of your questions:

1) The Horses:
Make sure that someone you can trust has either been there themselves or has seen or heard about the horses used.  You really don’t want to be funding an organisation that doesn’t care for their horses as you would care for your own.

2) The Human:
Make sure that you haven’t over estimated your ability and comfort zones!  Could you really sit on a horse for hour after hour crossing mountains or rivers?  Can you keep up with everyone else if they are going to be galloping up hills and around the edges of volcanoes?

It’s not just the horses that have to be fit for these adventures!

3) The Weather:
It wouldn’t be a bad idea to check the weather for your destination as people do better in certain environments - and getting wet isn’t any fun either.

Will you get sunburnt the higher you go up a mountain?  Will you get sand blown on your eyes if you are cantering across a desert?  Will it be raining or misty when you head through the cloud forest?  Make sure you are prepared for it all…..

4) The Facilities:
Depending on where you want to go riding, there will be different facilities - and you need to be happy with this - as rather than releasing in a nice hot bath after 6 hours racing through the wilderness - you might only get a warm shower and a night in a tent!

And, make sure the clothes and toiletries you pack take this into account to - and throw in some extra first aid supplies too!

5) The Agenda:
If you are going to spend your money on your perfect holiday, then make sure you only settle for what you want rather than something that looks ‘ok’.  For example, if you want to ride from one accommodation to the next every day rather than returning to the same place day after day, then don’t settle for something else because the rooms are nicer or the price is cheaper.

You might only get one holiday like this for a year or 2, so spend the extra and get what you want out of it.

6) The Room Mate:
Is your accommodation going to be for just you, with a friend or with a complete stranger.  Maybe it is is bunk beds shared with everyone!

Check these things out in advance - as for a small amount extra you could plan alternative arrangements before you arrive.  However, if you don’t realise this until you arrive - it could be too late to make changes.

7) The Food:
If you have dietary requirements that stray from the ‘I’ll eat anything’ rule, then make this clear when booking your trip.

Most companies can be flexible with food and make vegetarian options almost as standard, but never assume anything and make sure you check the alternatives or nearby restaurants you could use instead!

8) The Equipment:
It is always recommended that you take your own riding hat, as although these will be supplied by the riding centre, they may not be certified to your home countries high standards if you are riding abroad - but even riding at home could mean wearing a hat that isn’t quite the right size, but was the best fit at the time!

Your own riding clothes and gloves are essential for your own comfort, but crops, reins and spurs may or may not be accepted.

9) The Insurance:
It might be worth checking out the riding centres insurance policies with regards to any injuries to the horse.  If you are riding a horse when it becomes injured, are you free from all costs - or should your insurance cover this? 

Have you even checked that your holiday insurance covers horse riding without exclusions?

10) The End Result:

 Make sure that this is really what you want to spend your money on!  There will be a lot of things to consider on a vacation like this, so make sure that you want to even start with a long trip, especially if a) you have never used this company before, and b) if this is the longest horseback trip you have been on in a while!

Use your holiday time and money wisely, and you can make even a great holiday even greater!

posted by Catherine on Feb 27

That’s exactly what the National Trust in the UK are offering to everyone who fancies it!

They are opening up all their sites for 2 days this month with no entry fee - that’s a saving of up to £15 a person at the larger sites, so well worth investigating.

Check your diary for Saturday the 20th of March and Sunday the 21st - and make sure they are free!

Many of the larger properties have huge grounds for you to explore - and some even have their own deer herds…..

There are great lakes, hidden follies, secret churches, trout-filled streams, rose gardens, miles of glass houses and acres of woodland walks - and that’s just a few of the things you can find with the National Trust.

And the fact that they have properties all over the country means that you don’t need to travel too far to make the most of their offer either.  You could be just a few miles away from something magnificent!

So, here are a few of the best sites, and the normal price for 2 adults and 2 children under 16 - kids under 5 are usually free (but do check for exact prices for your group before you go!).

Wakehurst Place - West Sussex: (Family: £22.70)

This huge landscape is also the home of Kew Gardens Millennium Seed Bank, and also has plants from around the world in distinct gardens.

A family could spend hours walking through the pine woodlands or along the scary limestone ‘wall’ where trees have grown almost out of the very rock itself!  There are great water worlds and a few bird hides too.

The Japanese garden is a delight and there is a wonderful walled garden to explore for the adults - and of course you can all marvel at the amazing challenge of collecting every single seed from every single plant from every country in the world!

Stourhead - Wiltshire: (Family: £18.30)

This world-famous 2,650 acre landscape is set within it’s own valley and has miles and miles of chalkland trails - including 2 iron age hill forts - and has a view over 3 counties.

With a huge lake, classic temples and follies with many rare and exotic trees to discover, this could be a great place to wear out the kids whilst learning about some unusual and totally native plants and habitats.

St Micheal’s Mount - Cornwall: (Family: £21.75)

Take your kids to the most amazing place on the south coast - well actually, just off the south coast - this place is an island.

However, there is no boat involved - you have to walk across the sea floor at low tide to get to the island - and be off before you get wet feet!

There is a cobbled causeway (covered in crabs and seaweed) leading up to the gates of this property, and plenty of nooks and crannies to explore inside.  A castle with narrow passages dominates the island and the house, monastery ruins and church can fill the rest of your day.

Have a look at all their sites on the website and see if something appeals to you and your family - you need a voucher for the free admission - so don’t forget to print it out before you go!

posted by Catherine on Feb 22

Your dog walk in the woods could be doing the ecosystem serious damage!

Dogs are the cause of a lot of damage to wild areas, cause the deaths and injuries of many mammals, birds and fish and can actually be responsible for making species locally extinct!

Don’t forget that domestic dogs are not part of the natural habitat, they are a pest to the natural way of things.  Wild animals see them as a predator and run away, and predators can pass on or catch viruses and other illnesses off our pets.

And of course - there are far to many of them in one place!  If a piece of woodland becomes a busy dog-walking site - then it will be goodbye to the wildlife.

So, here are a few tips to help make sure that your dog doesn’t become an eco disaster in your local woods and heaths, or to wild places you visit on your holidays.

1) Loiter Around The Car Park
By hanging around the car park when you arrive in a wild area, you will know exactly when and where your dog relieves himself and then be able to clear it away and most poo bins are located here too.  Dog feces in woodlands isn’t a natural or beneficial thing, and it can spread diseases to wildlife, other dogs and to humans.

2) Carry An Airtight Container
Always have poop bags and an airtight container in your car, so that if there isn’t a poo bin at the site (which is likely in remote locations) you can take yours away.  And don’t pick up your dogs feces in a plastic bag and then leave it there!  This is even worse than not picking it up in the first place!

3) Train Your Dog:
By making sure that your dog responds to your basic commands instantly, you can really enjoy wild places without the worry of your pet injuring or killing wildlife.  If you can see your dog is stalking something, you can instantly give your command and the situation is over.

4) Use A Long or Extending Leash:
If you are not sure of your ability to control your dog, then make sure you keep it on a lead.  That way they can still experience the scents of wildlife without any risk to it, and you can explore an new environment too.

5) Plan Your Route:
By making sure you visit the information board of the place you are visiting, you will be able to see the best or recommended route for dog walkers.  These routes don’t mean that you can only go that way, they mean that if the hundreds of dog walkers all went the same route, then other paths, delicate habitats and wildlife-filled locations are less disturbed.

6) Learn About Local Species:
If you know when certain wild animals are migrating through an area, when ground-nesting birds are at risk and when young animals are first exploring their new home - you can avoid taking your dog there.  If you (along with a high percentage of other dog walkers) could limit their access during these times - species could be encouraged and saved from needless harm.

7) Stick To The Paths:
If you head off anywhere you want, you could be damaging delicate plants or scaring off other animals.  The paths are usually there as they are the best route to use, and sticking to them will limit your impact on the environment.  Once you trample a route - others might follow - making it permanent.  But it could pass close to a badger, fox or other nest area that will no doubt have to be abandoned if the ‘people’ traffic increases.

Dogs and wildlife can exist in harmony - but it is up to their owners to make this happen.  So it’s down to you!