Did you know that the UK’s wildlife is in decline?

I must admit we get out and about enjoying the countryside, nature and wildlife every weekend so were shocked to discover that the nature in this country is not doing as well as in others around the world.

According to the State of Nature report, released by RSPB and 50 other wildlife organisations, over 56% of our incredible species have declined over recent decades and 15% of UK species are threatened with extinction. There are a range of factors causing this decline, including agriculture and climate change.

Now I know that just one person or one family cannot make a huge amount of difference to the country wildlife but every little thing we do can help. From clean living to eco holidays or even encouraging bees to visit your garden. There is plenty we can do.

Next year is a big year for us. A career change for husband, a new home for us all and new schools for the girls. We are going to be busy. Change is good though and seeing as though it is a time for making changes we have decided to do our bit to improve Britains wildlife in 2017.

5 small things which we hope will make a little difference:

1. Record the number of butterflies we see:
Every year a close friend sends us a link to join in with the big butterfly count and usually we do it. This year though we didn’t. I have no idea why. We probably spotted a record number of them out and about too.

2. Buy another Live Butterfly kit:
Daisy was given one of these for her birthday this year and the girls were fascinated. They learnt so much and really enjoyed the whole experience so we will definitely do it again.

3. Make a nature area (possibly a small bug hotel) in our new garden:
We are moving into a new home February/March next year. It doesn’t have a huge garden but when it comes to doing the garden up we will make sure the flowers we plant attract wildlife.

4. Attract and feed wild birds:
The girls have enjoyed regular visitors to our garden here including a robin who returns each year and a sparrow who nested and had babies. Next year we will aim to learn more about how to attract and feed birds to our new garden. We already know we could help by feeding birds in both the Summer and Winter.

5. Install a nest box for birds in our new garden:
The girls were delighted to see a bird nesting in our garden this year. We think it was a Coal Tit but are not 100% sure. They were amazed by the whole thing and when she flew off with her babies they were pretty sad. We would love to repeat the experience and help a Mum find a safe place to have her babies.

By teaching our children about nature and how to protect and nurture it, we plan to do our bit and make small changes. We might not change the world but it will be a definite step in the right direction.

Are you doing your bit?

Karen x

This is our entry into the British Eco holidays blogger competition 2016.competition 2016