MORE people are being sought across the West Midlands to become ‘Wildlife Friends’ for the RSPCA.
The move was launched last year as part of the Big Help Out, a nationwide volunteering project started as part of The King’s Coronation celebrations.
The public’s passion has led to more than 1,100 nature lovers registering to become Wildlife Friends since the relaunch the scheme’s relaunch in March. But more are needed.
The roles involve undertaking simple tasks to protect and nurture wildlife in their own gardens and green spaces.
Volunteers will take part in the 2024 Big Help Out, (running from June 7 to 9, and at the same time helping the RSPCA celebrate its 200th birthday on June 16.
By signing up, people will also be joining the RSPCA’s one million strong movement to change the lives of animals for the better.
The RSPCA believes everyone can help create a better world for every animal and wants to hear from people, whether they have five minutes or five hours to spare each week. Whether people live in a flat, on a narrowboat or house with a garden, there are tasks suitable for everyone to complete for all the four seasons of the year.
The RSPCA fielded a staggering 83,000 reports about wildlife in need in 2023 when the ‘State of Nature’ report revealed the decline in wildlife was not letting up and one in six species are at risk of extinction in Great Britain.
Wildlife Friends have been taking part in ‘No Mow May’ by letting wildflowers grow in their gardens or outdoor spaces to help bees, butterflies and other insects to thrive.
Those without outside spaces have been able to contact their local councils to see if they are taking part and include a link to a document produced by Plantlife advising on managing road verges to preserve wildlife.
Other tasks include building a bug hotel to attract insects to gardens which then pollinate plants and break down compost, planting wildlife-friendly plants to support ecosystems and putting up bird boxes.
Points are earned by completing tasks and those who do all the tasks throughout the year will win a prize. Volunteers earning 50 or more points during a season will be awarded a seasonal certificate.
Together with fellow Wildlife Friends, volunteers will be making a positive impact on their local community by creating safe, clean and healthy habitats, and a better environment for animals to thrive.
Search for ‘RSPCA Wildlife Friends’ on Google for more on this year’s scheme and go to rspca.org.uk/everykind for more on finding out about the charity’s ‘Find Your Kind’ project.
