What we can do for wildlife
Table of Contents
Introduction
There are a lot of things we are doing to wild life from turning their habitats into farmland and urban sprawl, using chemicals like pesticides which harm both them and us, as well as activities that many people don't think twice about. For example light pollution and noise pollution, or even our presence in their habitats can alter their behavior making it harder for them to go where the need to go, breed, find food, which all adds further stress to their survival.
Generally we should avoid feeding wildlife directly as this further changes their habits, but instead focus on providing food via biodiversity. Otherwise, feeding wildlife directly puts them at risk of an unhealthy diet, as well as causing dangerous interactions such as animals attacking humans when they learn that we and our children are easy sources of food. Some examples would include pigeons and seagulls who dive bomb people for ice cream and crisps, or bears who can be drawn to communities for their food scraps.
Ways to Help Wildlife
Some of the best ways to help animals is to help reverse the environmental problems we're causing them. You don't have to do everything listed, but even small actions like putting clean water out can help animals survive droughts, safe shelters can protect our wild neighbors from winter freezes, and a wilder landscapes can provide a wide range of benefits to all animals including us humans. We can help support wildlife organizations, or we can do these projects around our own homes, schools, businesses, park/greenbelts, and roads.
We've even included some options for those who plan and build our infrastructure. Overpasses and underpasses can help prevent road collisions while preventing habitat fragmentation which are both major dangers to wildlife. Click on one of the sections below to learn more.
Let There Be Dark!
Light pollution hurts human, animal, and even plant health.
It can cause migratory species including birds and endangered baby turtles to get lost and killed.
Bright lights on and near roads increase the chances of deadly accidents. Brighter lights do not equate to safer neighborhoods or homes, in fact they can actually make it committing crimes easier for criminals in several ways.
Light pollution counts for a surprising percentage of energy waste as well as electricity bills.
Simple changes such as dimming lights, pointing them downward, and using technology: motion detectors or timers, can significantly cut emissions, save money, all while creating safer, healthier communities.
Water Options
Food Options
Shelter Options
Poison Free
Clean Up
Plant Wildflowers
Provide Safe Passage
Injured/Orphaned Wildlife
Hopefully you won't have too many situations where wild animals need emergency help, but sometimes a turtle in the the middle of the road, a hedgehog fell into a fishpond, or a chick fell out of it's nest, and action should be swift to ensure their survival.
The two biggest issues here are safety for you and the animal. Some species are poisonous, may have a deadly kick, or may die of fright just from being handled. Sometimes it's illegal to transport or capture certain species. If you find bird eggs in the middle of a field or sand dune, never remove them, as this is probably their natural place, and taking them could be illegal plus result in their death. Feeding chicks the wrong food can be deadly, so always make sure you know what you are doing, and how to do it safely as well as legally to protect yourself and the animal in question.
Welfare & Correct Handling Methods
This is important to avoid harming animals we intend to help, and for helping to ensure legislation that require their proper handling to avoid causing suffering in animals who are released back into the wild or not.
Sentience in Cephalopod, Molluscs, & Decapod Crustaceans Final Report (PDF) This report includes study data, a gradient of confidence of information (very sure vs medium, low, and very low levels of certainty) of the different scores used to determine sentience among different species, and finishes with advice for which practices should be banned, or which bans should be reinstated to prevent suffering.
Resources, Tools, & Guides
Create A Community Greenspace (for Bumble Bees) "This guide offers support to community groups, housing associations, local authorities, schools and other organisations who want to develop a bumblebee-friendly greenspace within their community or local area.
It provides guidance on identifying your space, securing funding, designing and creating your space, and of course top tips for enjoying your new bumblebee haven as a community!" (PDFs available in English and Welsh/Cymraeg)
Europe
UK
Amphibian Habitat Management Handbook "is a resource for a range of range of users including conservation professionals and interested volunteers." ... "The natterjack is a conservation priority and a habitat specialist with very different ecological requirements to the other native amphibians. Hence a section of the handbook is dedicated to this species. The pool frog is currently subject to a reintroduction project and is not covered by the current handbook."
Create A Community Greenspace (for Bumble Bees) "This guide offers support to community groups, housing associations, local authorities, schools and other organisations who want to develop a bumblebee-friendly greenspace within their community or local area.
It provides guidance on identifying your space, securing funding, designing and creating your space, and of course top tips for enjoying your new bumblebee haven as a community!" (PDFs available in English and Welsh/Cymraeg)
Scotland
SMEEF Restoration Toolkit "Whether you are starting your first coastal or marine restoration or enhancement project, or have been working on an established programme, this toolkit aims to guide you through the maze of supporting information available.
Each section covers the key facts and there are links to the latest advice. The Toolkit also enables you to create a bespoke action list for your group.
Please note this toolkit is a live document and will be updated regularly. If you believe there may be something missing or incorrect, please email us..."
Organizations & Networks
International
Europe
UK
England
The Big Green Internet 🌳 🕸️ "Our aim is to give wildlife a helping hand by creating new habitats and improving the ecological health of those already here. This is known as Nature Recovery.
The Big Green Internet project achieves this by planting wildlife corridors and hedgerows to connect isolated ‘orphan’ woodlands together."
Scotland
REVIVE 🐦is a coalition of like minded organisations working for grouse moor reform in Scotland.
North America
MonarchNet 🦋 "The North American network of monarch butterfly monitoring programs"
Maps
International
Butterfly Conservation: Wild Spaces: Put Your Wild Space on the Map "Our interactive map shows the number and types of Wild Space near you. When you sign up in the UK, your Wild Space will also appear on the map so you can show everyone that you're taking action and encourage others to get involved too."
Europe
UK
Butterfly Conservation: Wild Spaces: Put Your Wild Space on the Map "Our interactive map shows the number and types of Wild Space near you. When you sign up in the UK, your Wild Space will also appear on the map so you can show everyone that you're taking action and encourage others to get involved too."
Grants & Funding
Europe
UK
National award schemes There are a number of key organisations offering grants and advice to community based projects e.g.
Big Lottery Fund "Groups can apply to us for funding under £20,000, or over £20,001, depending on what they want to do."
Heritage Fund "We fund projects of all sizes that connect people and communities to the UK’s heritage."
Grow Wild UK "Bringing people together to value and enjoy wildflowers and fungi"
Scotland
SMEEF Restoration Toolkit "Whether you are starting your first coastal or marine restoration or enhancement project, or have been working on an established programme, this toolkit aims to guide you through the maze of supporting information available.
Each section covers the key facts and there are links to the latest advice. The Toolkit also enables you to create a bespoke action list for your group.
Please note this toolkit is a live document and will be updated regularly. If you believe there may be something missing or incorrect, please email us..."