WWCE calls for less carbon, more wildlife this World Wildlife Day
At WWCE, not only do we seek out opportunities to develop renewable community energy projects like our solar arrays at Braydon and Chelworth, but we also promote the conservation and long-term protection of Wiltshire’s varied ecosystems in conjunction with our friends at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. So, on this World Wildlife Day when the United Nations celebrates and raises awareness of the world’s wild flora and fauna, we want to shine a light on the things Wiltshire residents can do to encourage more diversity in their own back yards.
The call of the wild
According to figures by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species, over 8,400 species of wild fauna and flora are critically endangered, while close to 30,000 more are understood to be endangered or vulnerable. Based on these estimates, it is suggested that over a million species are threatened with extinction worldwide. In the UK, biodiversity has declined dramatically as a result of an increasing prevalence of agriculture, urbanisation and the associated chemicals and other pollutants being pumped out into the environment.
In fact, since the 1930s lowland wildflower meadows have reduced by 97% and hedges, home to birds and shelter for other types of wildlife, have been ploughed away to create huge fields supporting monoculture crops. WWCE and WWT are working hard to reverse those trends, promoting greater biodiversity across the county and encouraging people to live in harmony with nature.
You can make a difference
When it comes to tackling the issue of ecosystem preservation, it can be hard to know where to begin. So, at WWCE we want to support groups who are taking the bull by the horns in pursuit of the shared goal of less carbon, more wildlife for Wiltshire. We’ve allocated grants to a whole host of forward-thinking organisations through our Community Fund, including the likes of Sustainable Warminster and Action for River Kennet.
Sustainable Warminster received funds to conduct bat surveys at Smallbrook Meadows, as well as engaging the local community in a bat walk & talk and hosting a bat box making workshop. Meanwhile, Action for the River Kennet used its award to run fun education sessions for schools and community groups, promoting the importance of water conservation and teaching people how to make their own rain gardens.
Positive, practical projects like these are vital in ensuring the future of our region’s native species and their habitats but there are lots of little things that we can all do to improve the outlook for our region’s wildlife, too.
Why not –
Grow a wildlife friendly vegetable garden
Set up a nectar café the bees will love?
Julian Barlow, chair of WWCE and trustee of WWT says, “World Wildlife Day gives us an opportunity to think about the plants and animals we share the planet with and to acknowledge the critical point we have reached in relation to their survival as a result of human interventions. The fates of native species and entire ecosystems are closely linked. Be it plant or animal – nothing can flourish if habitats are destroyed and that’s why WWCE works closely with WWT to protect and sustain the diverse wildlife that we find all around us here in Wiltshire. Everyone has a part to play, and we can all make a difference.”
You can find our more about World Wildlife Day 2022 here or visit our friends at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust for more inspiration on how you can help to give Wiltshire’s native species a home.