Eco Holidays

posted by Catherine on Jan 23

Nothing beats actually doing something – so book yourself on a course.

If you are one of those people who says ‘oh, I’ve always wanted to do that…’ then you need to start doing them!

Sometimes they are such simple things, like going to a local castle, walking along a certain coast, climbing a certain mountain – all of which are usually free, but we never seem to fit them in, even though they are so simple to do.

Other things people might not get round to are new skills – or improving existing skills – where courses can be free, or the cost going to a great cause.

You will never learn how to identify fungi unless you get out there and actually search for them; learning bird calls is impossible without listening to the birds themselves and you certainly can’t learn how to manage a woodland, divert a stream or grow your own food from just reading a book!

Local Courses:
So, by booking yourself on to a course with a local agency, charity or organisation, you will finally get around to achieving something outdoorsy and eco friendly – and have a great time learning!

Build You Own Bug House

Here I have listed some courses and talks that I have found available in local advertisings – things that you could easily do:

Sustainable Building Talk – Local Permaculture Group:
Spend the morning listening to a talk by a leading local expert with a Q&A session – and then have a tour of an existing sustainably built and run eco house and get to see what is working where inside and outside.

Make Your Landscape Photography Come Alive – Local Wildlife Trust:
An intensive 1-day course for landscape photography for beginners and improvers. A few hours in the class room first thing to cover the basic settings, composition and equipment – then out in the field to experiment with emotion, light and adding your own style.

Basic Bushkraft – Local Independant Adult Ed Centre
Covering an array of outdoor skills – you will spend the day with adults all experimenting with basic survival skills. These skills include; green wood-working, shelter building, fire lighting, knots and cooking.

A Weekend With A View – Local Youth Hostels
Stay for 2 days at a local Youth Hostel in a picturesque location – with activites and walks planned throughout. Explore the local area and landscapes with your guide before settling down for group dinner and stories in the evening. Wake up to fresh air and a great breakfast and then head off on more adventures till hometime!

There Is Something For Everyone:
Even if none of those sound like your kettle of fish, then hunt around for other adventures to get you outside and exploring – and hopefully learning a new skill along the way.

Whether its an evening with badgers or bats, woodland or heathland ecology, an introduction to beekeeping or butterflies, or maybe rock pools, painting, basketry and bryophytes! You can always find something you like.

So, no more excuses – do what you have always wanted to do!

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 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!

posted by Catherine on May 17

Get your Kids Involved With the Wildlife In The UK, by joining one of the National Societies!

There are so many wildlife and nature groups in the UK, that there is always a reason to take you vacation locally and teach your kids about the very place they live in.  And as everyone is staying closer to home thie year – why not make the most of it and join a national society to get some great goodies and free entry for great days out!

Kids need to learn about the animals in the world – and it’s all fair and well teaching them about lions in Africa and Emu’s in South America – but what about the animals they get to see almost everyday!  Shouldn’t they know about those first?

Well, below are 4 great nature clubs that the family can become a member of to get to grips with where red squirrels live and what Robins eat.

RSPB – The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
There are over 100 RSPB reserves in the UK – and each one offers a perfect insight into local bird species as well as the mammals and invertebrates that share their habitat.

They have a Wildlife Explorers Club for the youngsters, meaning that they get magazines, information, posters and stickers as well as free entry to all the sites and member events.  You can join up to 3 children from the same address for just £25 for the year – and they get a free gift depending on their age group.

The WildLife Trusts Across The UK.
There are 47 Wildlife Trusts covering the British Isles with over 2,226 reserves – most with visitor centres offering maps and advice – and all are free to enter.

However, you can actually join with your local wildlife trust rather than a national membership, and get regular updates on their reserves and their Action Diary of events.  You can join the Family Watch membership group where your children can attend events and win merits for their actions – learning more all the time.  You can even encourage your child’s school to join as well!

You don’t have to join just your local Trust – you could select one where you normally take a holiday – and volunteer while you are away.

The Woodland Trust. 
1,000 woods covering 20,000 hectares – all completely free!  You can take you family to any of these sites for a great day out, including those with restaurants, large open areas and information stations.

Kids can join the Nature Detectives Club which gives them related information about the woodland habitat and regular competitions to enjoy.  There is also the opportunity to get their Teacher involved with a special membership package, where they get equipment to use in their classes.

WWT – Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. 
With only 9 sites in the UK, this is a charity that you won’t regret joining!  Not only do you get to see an amazing array of both British and migratory wetland birds at close quarters – you also get to see some exotic and endangered species face to face as well!

Kids can feed the birds from their hands, follow the trails across boardwalks and through woodlands as well a pond dip for bugs and shellfish.  All sites have an amazing amount of information for the family to enjoy, with large sculptures dotted around – and of course the famous nene geese that the founder saved from extinction!

Our wetland areas are also declining far too fast for some species and so joining this society will be making sure that the country has something left for your kids future!

Stay Local & Enjoy Local!

posted by Catherine on Apr 1

Should you buy anything ‘animal’ when on holiday?

As with all retail, there is a certain aspect of personal choice, but if you want to make sure that your holiday souvenirs don’t end up destroying local habitats or result in the deaths of endangered species – then you need to shop a lot more carefully!

It’s no good saying that you won’t buy anything that says it is an endangered species – because lets be honest, 1) would anyone really boast about it being illegal, or 2) could you tell if that bone was from a threatened rhino or a pet goat anyway?

Why Not Just One……
And as with all products of any type – it will only be made again if people are buying it.

If a bar of chocolate was made that tasted awful and didn’t sell – you can almost guarantee that no-one will be making anymore of it – ever. And it is the same with any product: if it doesn’t sell – they won’t make any more.

So, there is no good argument anymore for saying ‘well the elephant is already dead, so I may as well buy it rather than let it go to waste’ – because if a business owner just managed to sell a whole shop load of elephant ivory – he will think he can sell another one – so bang: there goes another dead elephant!

Shop owners can also lie about the origin of their items making you believe that the endangered monkey species is just the flesh of a common species or a local pest, or that the exquisite jewelry is from a sustainable source not a threatened species of turtle who’s numbers are dwindling!

The Main Culprits:
There are 12 headings below and in further articles – containing the generally agreed items that you should avoid buying abroad, and they include:

Ebony & Other Hardwoods:
No matter how beautiful that wood-carving is – it could be from a protected species. Not only will the seller have to go out and chop down another tree to replace your purchase, it is also possible that your ‘gift’ wil be confiscated on return to your home country as well. A wasted effort all round!

And it’s not just the trees that suffer. By felling woodlands in any area, you could be affecting all the wildlife and local communties that rely on it. Degradation of the area can also lead to gradual habitat loss as the soil is eroded or exposed – permanently affecting the whole area.

Ivory:
Anything made of ivory has virtually always come from a protected animal – usually just killed for that one reason. Although there are large amounts of ‘legal’ ivory available, you will almost certainly be offered the illegal kind as a tourist. And why even buy it when you know that 1) it is from a endangered species, and 2) that you could be causing a continuation of the illegal trade as a result of your consumer demand.

Reptile Skins:
These are very hard to distinguish from each other and so you need to not buy any to be sure. Why would the seller travel miles to kill a common lizard to make into a belt, when the endangered species he lives next door to looks exactly the same once it has been treated?

He wouldn’t, so don’t trust his sources or labelling. Between 2000 and 2004 in the UK over 800 illegal wildlife items were caught entering the country – most were from crocodiles and alligators. There are currently 37 species of threatened or endangered reptiles just in the US alone – so even in developed countries there are risks!

Big Cat Skins:
Need I explain this one?

Yes they look fantastic – and that’s why we love wildlife – but please leave the skin on the animal rather than on your floor or worse still – in a storage box as you changed your mind about the decor!

Come back for Part 2 – For objects that should be in the oceans not in your jewelry box!

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posted by Catherine on Feb 28

After years and years of campaigning – we are still trying to save the tiger!

Some species have been saved in recent years – for example the Amur Tiger which was basically brought back from extinction in the 1940′s.

There were an estimated 40 Amur Tigers left in the wild when a project was set up to reverse this dangerous trend – and it has taken over 60 years for the population to reach today’s figure of around 500 tigers today. It wasn’t easy and it leaves the species open to a genetic bottleneck where there is such a small gene pool for future generations. But the animals live on.

We can stop this happening to other species of tiger in the world if we start now, and do it properly!

Tigers 2009.
It is estimated that there are now only around 4000-7000 wild tigers left in the wild today. This is very low compared to recent history.

There are now only 5% of the total number of tigers that have lived in the past on earth today, with the stronghold being in India. It’s historic range – the area where it previously lived has shrunk by 93%, leaving only restricted pockets across the Asian continent.

As with many other species – they are illegally poached. Tigers are hunted and killed for their amazing skins and for apparently ‘medicinal purposes’. However, they are being wiped out faster than they can breed and of course the rarer they become – the more they are worth so it is a self-perpetuating spiral!

Another reason their numbers are dwindling is their competition with humans. They compete for the land and the resources, and unfortunately the humans are winning! When the tigers land is taken or destroyed by humans, the tigers will sometimes need to pass close to settlements and of course if they are hungry they will take livestock. Can you blame them?

However, it is not always livestock that become prey – many humans have lost their lives as these two forces are pushed closer together. If things are going to change, it must benefit the communities as well as the tigers.

What Can We Do?
Well, there are many groups set up and campaigning for the protection of the remaining tiger populations, and many of these are also trying to tackle the human aspect of this environment too.

Preserve:
Saving and protecting the tiger refuges are just a small part of this, as you also need to protect their prey species too, and the food and environment of that prey species. I mean you can’t save the tiger if the deer it eats aren’t there.

Educate:
By working with local farmers to better protect their livestock, charities hope it will reduce the risk of a tiger attack and lessen the conflict of retaliation. Offering a range of different crops and trades to farmers and their families should help to reduce their dependency on livestock and the environment by reducing the need to deplete local resources and ultimately making their lives more sustainable.

Protect:
Stopping or reducing the poaching is also a priority, and TRAFFIC and other charities and NGO’s are petitioning to increase fines and sentencing for poachers that are caught. They are also trying to reduce the market for tiger parts so a dead tiger is worth less.

Improve:
Increasing the money made from seeing the tigers alive is a major advance in the area. If local people are employed in tourism to show them that people are willing to pay big money to see the animals alive, they will do more to keep them alive. A single tiger killed will make money only once – a living tiger will make money every day it is alive. If it breeds, it will only multiply that money for future generations.

Large Scale:
Work with larger businesses and international companies to look elsewhere for resources or to use the land with alternative business. For example, reducing the clearing of forests for palm oil plantations, and increasing tourism-related enterprises.

Tourism is the reason that the tigers and national parks are even here in the first place. If no-one was paying to see them – they probably wouldn’t exist! By advertising travel and tiger safaris to these regions should help to increase their protection and their numbers.

Wildlife Ranger Course:
There is a 12 day full-board trip currently available for you to train as a wildlife ranger (www.discoveryinitiatives.co.uk) in India for around US$3700per person including a $43 contribution to the Global Tiger Patrol.

The cost involves travel to several wildlife refuges – one of which is rarely visited by tourists! You get to see the tigers themselves as well as spend time with local communities debating both sides of the issue. It’s very easy to sit at home and tell people what they should and shouldn’t do – but you only see the whole story when you are actually there.

Can you imagine your reaction if Hindu Indian officials were campaigning to stop us farming their sacred cow in the UK? They would be telling us that we can’t eat beef, drink milk, ferment cheese or wear leather. They will think this is so obvious and easy to do. Just as we can’t believe that anyone would ever think of cutting down a rain forest or killing an extremely rare and beautiful tiger, they probably can’t believe that we would kill a cow and then wear it!

Different cultures believe different things and act in different ways. Ultimately, we are all trying to make a living and keep our family safe – but we all have different challenges and deal with them in different ways. And this course is your chance to step into someone else’s shoes and see how they fit!

It’s not only just about the tigers either – you get to see the whole ecosystem – wolves, jackals, leopards and many more predators all live in the same area – all looking for different prey, but all ultimately dependant on each other. Take one of the fantastic night walks to really see the wildlife!

There are many other trips to the area to see the tigers – but make sure that some of the money actually stays in the area of goes to a sustainable and well recognised charity or other organisation – as unfortunately, many are just like package holidays – with all the money staying in the west and none actually going to fund tiger conservation!

If you can’t take this trip, then you can still contribute by contacting WWF and making a donation, becoming a member, sponsoring a tiger or by requesting tickets for their upcoming Tiger Raffle.

Can you help?

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