» Listings for 2020

1. Good news for forests in Belize from the World Land Trust

   Posted on 7:00pm Saturday 8th Feb 2020

   The World Land Trust has great news for forests! On 16 January 2020, the Governement of Belize signed the declaration of North-eastern Biological Corridor of Belize.  It covers an area of nearly 70,000 acres and links the northernmost nature reserve in Belize with more central natural habitats. It’s really important, because it’s the first step towards achieving a total North-South corridor crossing the whole country as the map shows! It’s a tremendous example of public-private partnership:  the government of Belize, local NGOs, private landowners and many international donors – including the World Land Trust – have been involved. UNITED FOR CONSERVATION, WE CAN DO GREAT THINGS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE BETTER The corridor connects a system of three protected areas in one system.  Deforestation has caused the loss of over 25,000 acres of forest in tihe last 10 years. This will now allow big animals such as jaguar and Baird’s Tapirs enough space to move freely between protected areas and so ensure their long term survival!  It will also help build climate resilience into Belize’s network of protected areas. Why was this acquisition necessary? In Belize, about 50% of the country is under natural vegetation cover.  About 35% of the country is under some form of protection.  So it is still possible to create biological corridors between protected areas. It’s vital that these acquisitions take place, and speedily, because agricultural development are increasingly encroaching on forest. How did supporters of the World Land Trust – people like you & me – help in this achievement? The World Land Trust mobilised its supporters and inspired new ones to raise funds to support this land acquisition.  It included 2018’s Big Match Fortnight Jungle for Jaguars campaign, and another Buy an Acre opportunity a few months after that.  (The Big Match Fortnight normally comes in October when donations are matched for a specific appeal – it is incredible how much and how speedily this builds up.) Donate in memory of someone special I donated to this campaign during the Big Match Fortnight (actually in memory of my wonderful Dad as his birthday is in November and I plant a tree or do a buy an acre on his birthday and at Christmas for him, as Dad loved trees).  Ask someone to donate as a gift for you I asked my husband to also donate as my early Christmas present and it was by far the best present I had.   It really meant something to me.  We had made a difference. I cannot tell you the glow and warm feeling I have in my heart when I think of my jaguar roaming the biological corridor.   I call him “my jaguar” – he obviously isn’t, and I’m never going to meet him – but it’s lovely to think that because I donated and my husband has too, we’ve helped him and lots of other animals. Please do donate to the World Land Trust if you can, and keep an eye on their website.  I often post news of their new appeals here, so you can watch this space as well.  They are a wonderful charity and it’s good to give a meaningful gift which will last, so if you’re looking for a gift for a wildlife lover, making a donation could be a great way to do something to really make a difference – a win, win, win all round! This was the You Tube Video for Jungle for Jaguars – it raised £532,000 in the Big Match Fortnight (normally early October) alone and hit the £600,000 target by Christmas, helping to save 8,154 vital acres.  A further 1,818 acres were saved a few months later.

2. Bristol declares ‘ecological emergency’

   Posted on 8:00pm Thursday 6th Feb 2020

   Bristol has become the first major city to declare an ecological emergency. They’ve done this in response to escalating threats to ecosystems and wildlife, as there’s been a worrying decline in numbers and the diveristy of wildlife in the city. 41% of UK wildlife species are in decline and 15% are at risk of extinction In Bristol the city’s swifts and starling populations are virtually wiped out – with a 96% decline in numbers of these birds between 1994 and 2014 Marvin Rees, Major of Bristol, and the CEO of the Avon Wildlife Trust Ian Barrett, are building on the 2018 declaration of a climate emergency. Plans to Tackle this Ecological Emergency  Marvin Rees has asked the One City Envrionment and Sustainability Board work with the council and other city partners to look at ways in which the destruction of wildife habitats can be stopped. He wants them to look at ways to mange land sustainably, which will create wildlife-rich spaces, not just right across Bristol but across the region as well. Everywhere and everyone needs to support wildlife, including new developments, so that species can grow alongside people.  It’s recognised that is not a quick thing to achieve.  Nature takes her time, but she needs a considerable amount of help now.  She needs restoring.  Climate breakdown and ecological emergency are everywhere as wild spaces are lost and wildlife with it. As Ian Barrett says, we can’t wait for national governments or international bodies to lead the way.  Collective action is needed so that wildlife can thrive and the natural world can flourish. Find out more here about Bristol’s response to the ecological emergency This includes of course people like you and me.  We can all take action to do things such as planting a single window box for pollinators, walking where possible -  and doing beach clean ups on team building days or helping a local wildlife charity. At the moment, the Avon Wildlife Trust is working with local communities through a project called My Wild City.  It’s transforming 8 local wildlife sites across the city, so enhancing important wildlife habitats and providing opportunities for people to visit and enjoy them. Its urban wildlife site in Stapleton has restored wildlife in the heart of the city;  people can learn practical skills in wildlife friendly planting and help fight for nature’s recovery. Actions you can take: Donate to the Avon Wildlife Trust and help its work Volunteer – give your time and energy!  It’s a great way to meet like-minded people and make new friends and do something really worthwhile with your time that can make a difference.  Take action to help wildlife – there are a number of things you can do, including Build a hedgehog home Create a hole for hedghogs Grow a wild patch Attract butterflies to your garden Grow a vertical garden Provide water for wildlife Provide bushes for nesting birds Build a bug mansion Pick up litter (so wildlife don’t eat it or get harmed on it) Take part in a citizen survey Buy local produce And there are LOTS MORE! Become a member or give a gift membership – there’s even a business membership

    

3. Australia on Fire: Climate Emergency

   Posted on 5:00pm Monday 3rd Feb 2020

   There’s a programme on Channel 4 tonight (Monday 3 February 2020) at 8pm that I’m not sure I really want to watch, but I can’t help feeling I should.   I am watching it and there are graphic images and footage, just to warn you. Australia on Fire:  Climate Emergency is the story of the battle to save Australia form the bushfires.  It includes first-hand accounts from firefighters on the front line, and looks at the long-term impact of the fires on the animal population and ecology. Drone footage show the extent of the devastation. There’s also coverage of those who just escaped their burning properties – and we hear from those who have gone back to properties that are burnt out. Thank you to all those everywhere who fought the fires and worked so hard and continue to work hard to help the animals in Australia. The GoFundMe fundraiser for Port Macquarie Koala Hospital is still going (up to $7.7 million) and you can still donate to make a difference to Australian wildlife.

    

4. Currumbin Wildlife Hospital in Australia helps wildlife in wildfires and drought, including koalas

   Posted on 9:00pm Friday 24th Jan 2020

   Did you know that the National Trust is helping its partner, the National Trust of Australia, to help Australian wildlife recover after the terrible bushfires in Australia? A lot of the animals climb trees to escape the flames below - and when they get down again, they get serious burns on their feet.  They need treatment and regular bandage changes for months, food and water.  And a big challenge facing the hospital and sanctuary is that there is no home for the animals to return to when they are better - it has been destroyed by fire. They are helping to raise awareness of the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, which is caring for many animals with burns and dehydration. As a result of the drought and wildfires, the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital has experienced about a 20% increase in admissions from in and around the fire zones.  They are working to treat, rehabilitate and release wildlife – wildlife who are sick, injured and orphaned. Help Australian wildlife - Buy a Tree In 2019, over 12,000 animals were admitted to the hospital – including 600 koalas. You can help the hospital help wildlife by making a donation Buy a Walkways for Wildlife Visit the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital’s website here.

    

5. Help koalas and other wildlife in Australia....

   Posted on 8:55pm Friday 3rd Jan 2020

   So very quickly, some organisations which need urgent help to help rescue wildlife -  The Rescue Collective in Australia have a very urgent wishlist - they are in very short supply of stuff - you can find them on Facebook here.  They work together with like minded people, to support animal rescue, wildlife organizations and their volunteers across the East Coast of Australia.  The Rescue Collective have a BushFire Appeal which you can donate to and it gives you an idea of what they have been facing as you read down the page. Animals Australia have an appeal which will help "expert wildlife vets to travel to fire-devastated Mallacoota to assist local carers dealing with injured koalas; and to travel to other fire grounds where needed." Wildlife Victoria have an appeal which "will be distributed to wildlife shelters and carers to help rebuild enclosures and equipment that they have lost in the fires so that they can continue their lifesaving work, and support those that are struggling to cope with the enormous number of animals that will need care in the coming weeks and months."  Just click on their DONATE button, the blue one WIRES need funds too - they say in December alone the WIRES received over 20,000 calls and volunteers attended over 3,300 rescues Koala Rescue Queensland have an appeal too which you can find here.  They say the destruction is massive and the clean up and rehabilitation will take years. Their climbing ropes, throw lines, harnesses, haloes and poles, were destroyed. Please donate if you can - even $5 helps us rescue and get medical help for sick and injured Koalas. And the Fundraiser for the Port Macquaire Koala Hospital is continuing to grow - up to $2,868,000 plus as I type.  We need all of us to keep donating, spreading the word, and praying for rain in Australia.  And to look at our own lifesltyles and how we are affecting the health and wellbeing of the planet and all its inhabitants. Please forgive me coyping straight from these websites - I just want to get the news out there. It's heartbreaking.   These people and animals must be absolutely exhausted and terrified.  Praying for you, Australia xxx