Do we have a Wildlife/Nature/Conservation topic?

[kinkytoes]

If so, where is it please?

If not, could we have one please?

Just wondering what other sorts of things people would discuss on such a board, as per the request from @HebeMumsnet

Any suggestions anyone?

I would love to discuss experiences in nature that wowed us, caring for injured wildlife, discussing the impact of humans on the natural world (at home and overseas) among others.

Maybe a thread about what we did today to help wildlife/nature. Eg a litter pick, or feeding the birds or encouraging others to do the same.

I feel it could be a force for good.

I guess this would be for the other thread - the great outdoors?

We were birdwatching. A man yelled, ‘Go back to your own country’

https://www.thetimes.com/article/0cbf8137-1cf5-4dfb-be1b-4a871e435bdc?shareToken=284cac8a4e5b495008cd4f5764d585bc

Though I haven’t found my way there yet - it may already have been posted.

I hope the proposed new thread would be somewhere everyone is welcome - not just those in possession of vast country estates and lots of Keep out! signs?

I'd welcome a board for wildlife/nature/conservation/the environment etc. So many things to talk about. There's probably quite a few Gardening board regulars who'd be interested too.

As well as @kinkytoes list, I’d also like to discuss some of the more everyday nature experiences - things spotted in the garden/ local park, signs of changing seasons etc etc.

I’m a keen birdwatcher and have seen some amazing and rare things as part of that, but, for me, the things I see in my garden and local area are equally interesting and special. May be we could have a thread on nature & mindfulness?

That’s a shocking article @TottersBlithely. I wish I could say I was surprised, but I’m not. I’ve worked in the environment sector for decades and never seize to be amazed by just how poorly some minorities are represented or how middle class the majority of my colleagues are. It’s far from representative of society as a whole and that’s a huge issue if we are to solve the environmental issues we’re all facing.

Yes absolutely EVERYONE is welcome, whether they are already interested or not sure and just dipping their toe in.

I seem to remember Springwatch covered this particular issue several years ago @TottersBlithely

I cannot get my head around anyone gatekeeping the countryside. It's for everyone! One of the few places most can access/appreciate/benefit from relatively easily and cheaply.

Urban wildlife areas are also growing - again, featured regularly on Springwatch - and I think it's one of the most hopeful subjects on there. Wildlife in cities and towns is great for people too!

@Yamadori please spread the word if you are on there and they know you! Let them know MN is looking for feedback 😃

Yes I would be really interested in a conservation/wildlife board. I currently follow something similar on Facebook but would prefer mn.

I’be also just bought a house with several ponds and a field so will have plenty of questions.

I think I have posted on the great outdoors threads from time to time. And definitely on gardening.

@RainOnTins

I love your ideas!

Sometimes an exciting sighting can be enough to set your day on the right track. Sharing it with others here who are also interested would mean so much.

I heard on the radio this week that a new virus (Usutu) spread by mosquitoes is affecting the blackbird population in the south of England.

My blackbirds disappeared weeks ago. I’ve had blackbirds and babies every year for decades (the dads are excellent parents), so I’m worried about what’s happened to them.

I’d also be very interested in this topic. We’ve always been wildlife watchers, keen bird watchers, visit nature reserves etc. Our chief love now is probably butterflies, so fascinating to see the various species.

We are currently doing some work on our garden and plan to create a wildlife area with overgrown grass, wild flowers and maybe make a bug hotel too.

Brilliant idea. I'd love a rolling thread where people can put up photos of any wildlife they see.

I'm in. Somewhere where people won't be bored to see my bee orchid snaps or a fuzzy shot of a butterfly...well they might - but then they'll hopefully also be posting their own 😃

I think the Merlin fans would also appreciate it!

Ooooh yes please!

Oh no :( I've got lots in my garden, not sure what I'm doing right but they sing the most beautiful songs

Could animal identification be part of it. I’m sure shared knowledge would be really helpful. “What is this fish” is our current query but I can’t get a clear enough picture!!

I use the Merlin app. I picked up a green woodpecker on a local walk at the weekend. I didn’t manage to spot one but at least I heard it.

Things I have found myself discussing recently are engagement of the public with nature, the pros and cons of re-wilding, habitats and how they impact wildlife, the changing of the seasons, invasive species, gardening for wildlife, greenwashing, sustainable food production. Things we've seen on Countryfile.

Ooh yes please. I'm a licensed bird ringer (BTO), keen photographer and lover of nature. I'd love to join in.
Here's my starter for ten

Me too

Wow thanks for all the support everyone! Am now even more excited at the prospect.

Loads of fantastic ideas!

I would love this.
I love wildlife photography and have travelled to some wonderful places to view wildlife. Seen amazing creatures in the wild. I'd love to be able to chat about that. And ask the odd "what is this bird" kind of question.
I'm not an "outdoorsy" type though.

Love this idea: I am in the overlap area between allotment/garden for wildlife; birdwatching; ‘one small thing’ environmental changes. And always up for a bit of Merlin swooping and citizen science.

my current topic would be no mow may: I’ve always been a fan but interested in the science of whether it’s really impactful in month - I know a few people who are sniffy about it as you can’t grow a wildflower meadow in a month. My feeling is that’s not quite the point (it gives a space for insects to feed baby birds; a few extra wildflowers for establishing insects and bumble nests etc) but I don’t know enough to be confident.

I'm also interested in that discussion @Notexactlyasplanned (unsurprisingly perhaps 😄)

I try to make it No Mow June as well but DP does love to mow....

So much potential here. I really hope MNHQ can see it too.

I am VERY conflicted on No Mow May.