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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Do we have a Wildlife/Nature/Conservation topic?

223 replies

kinkytoes · 18/05/2025 08:24

If so, where is it please?

If not, could we have one please?

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AudHvamm · 22/05/2025 17:46

EndlesslyDecluttering · 21/05/2025 10:49

Beautiful @RainOnTins the blue and purple flowers really seem to attract the insects. I let borage self seed in between my plants on the allotment and once it starts flowering you can hear a steady hum from all the insects on it, and it's so pretty. I agree about changing the mindset, no one bats an eyelid at overgrown grass verges now whereas when it first started local FB was full of people moaning about it. But there is a small green in front of some houses near me (about 10x10m) when it was mowed regularly it always used to have children playing on it, now it's a foot high most of the time the children have all vanished which is a shame.

All welcome @thelittlestkiwi are you in NZ?

I've noticed that too - we've got some Green alkanet in our garden and tend to leave it in spring because it flowers early and the bees love it! It spreads like crazy though so been pulling out some clumps this week.

And hello, I'd be interested in this topic! We've got a tiny urban garden but we are try to have a mix of edible and pollinator-friendly plants.

FizzingAda · 22/05/2025 17:50

Yes please. I garden for wildlife, draw and paint nature and wildlife, read etc etc.

Trounlet · 22/05/2025 17:55

Yes please, my specific area of interest would be bird spotting.

Cursory · 22/05/2025 18:04

The problem with creating topics is that MNHQ won’t often move threads into them when they’re framed as an AIBU or in Chat.

There are 100s of topics which people have asked for then never get used because everyone wants to post ‘for traffic’ in AIBU.

BunnyBerries · 22/05/2025 18:05

I would love to visit a nature & wildlife board, you could also have a conservation/rewilding topic if people would like news and discussion on that.

Crowfeet · 22/05/2025 18:59

Yes please to wildlife/nature topic!

MaMisled · 22/05/2025 19:27

Yes please!!!!! I spend much of my time out in nature and want to discuss birds, orchids and all things wild!!!

ExquisiteSocialSkills · 22/05/2025 19:30

I promise not to do an ‘IABU to show you this amazing photo of a stoat?’

logiccalls · 22/05/2025 20:13

Would the word 'ecology' attract traffic? All things ecological are linked. Toxins and chemicals and microplastic are destroying us all, and all other life on the planet. Above anything, especially on Mumsnet, I would hope for a place for a thread on living plastic-free, particularly with plastic-free food and drink. Remarkably, organic food tends to be plastic-wrapped, which is extraordinary, when alternative 'not-plastics' are available.

(For example, one manufacturer packs organic dried fruit in a sturdy see-through flexible but not- plastic bag, one tomato grower packs in not-cardboard boxes, made from pulping his waste tomato leaves, and covers in plant-based cellophane.)

Many supermarkets are selling plastic-free sandwich bags and roasting bags by 'if you care'. yet still pack their own produce and organic food in plastic. They still sell plastic bottles to feed baby milk, and there is no advice to the public not to warm plastic ever, especially not in a microwave.

Two years ago there was a (recently reported) measurement of microplastic in human organs of some 8 year old autopsy samples, to compare with the same tests on some new ones: In only eight years, there had been a significant increase in plastic prevalence in major organs, especially the brains, for all ages including infants.

That seems too important for an AIBU. But also, too important to vanish in a never-seen corner. (Newbie here)

nahthatsnotforme · 22/05/2025 20:52

@logiccallsIs that not covered in ‘Ethical Living’?

kinkytoes · 22/05/2025 21:39

Cursory · 22/05/2025 18:04

The problem with creating topics is that MNHQ won’t often move threads into them when they’re framed as an AIBU or in Chat.

There are 100s of topics which people have asked for then never get used because everyone wants to post ‘for traffic’ in AIBU.

Edited

Personally I would rather post in a topic where I know others are going to be just as interested as I am.

I don't think it's our problem if people use AIBU and chat for traffic for similar threads?

If anything having a specific topic will reduce that, surely! There's nowhere else to post currently 😕

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kinkytoes · 22/05/2025 21:40

BunnyBerries · 22/05/2025 18:05

I would love to visit a nature & wildlife board, you could also have a conservation/rewilding topic if people would like news and discussion on that.

Yes to rewilding!!

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Agapornis · 22/05/2025 22:16

nahthatsnotforme · 22/05/2025 20:52

@logiccallsIs that not covered in ‘Ethical Living’?

Indeed - I wouldn't join this topic for discussions on plastic, smoke control, clean air zones/ULEZ etc. To me those issues are more about campaigning to change human behaviour, it's not about nature as such.

I'd like a pro-nature board, not a humans being dicks board.

ErrolTheDragon · 22/05/2025 22:44

Agapornis · 22/05/2025 22:16

Indeed - I wouldn't join this topic for discussions on plastic, smoke control, clean air zones/ULEZ etc. To me those issues are more about campaigning to change human behaviour, it's not about nature as such.

I'd like a pro-nature board, not a humans being dicks board.

Yes…threads discussing ecological systems may fit on a board with ones about conservation/rewilding/wildlife/nature but the pros and cons of packaging materials probably doesn’t.

CatOnAHotRadiator · 23/05/2025 06:00

I agree. About the nature itself not the shit things humans do to harm the nature

Golidlocksandthethreeswears · 23/05/2025 06:43

I would definitely frequente this topic if it existed. Somewhere where other people might be interested in the stuff I ramble on about that my husband doesn't get 🤣

EndlesslyDecluttering · 23/05/2025 06:58

Mine doesn't either, he's not anti, just not really interested. Luckily adult DS is very engaged with it all, we talk about nature LOTS.

Golidlocksandthethreeswears · 23/05/2025 07:25

EndlesslyDecluttering · 23/05/2025 06:58

Mine doesn't either, he's not anti, just not really interested. Luckily adult DS is very engaged with it all, we talk about nature LOTS.

Yes similar in our household. My husband doesn't do well in the sun, doesn't like insects and is scared of most animals! I have however, noticed that he's taking a bit more of an interest in birds, particularly birds of prey so that's progress. Our child is autistic and gets so much benefit from being out in nature.

TottersBlithely · 23/05/2025 08:13

Okay - I’ve downloaded the Merlin app …

Sourisblanche · 23/05/2025 10:09

I’d be interested I some recommendations for wildlife cameras. The ones you set up and leave overnight to see who has been visiting your garden during the night.

I definitely want something for my new house, we will have quite a bit of land and a fieldShockSmile

RainOnTins · 23/05/2025 10:33

I’m sure you’ll love it @TottersBlithely. I even used it on holiday (downloaded an additional data pack for the area) and saw lots of exciting things as a result - bee eaters were my favourite. They were flying closely overhead, but with the bright light it was impossible to tell for certain what I was looking at. After starting the Merlin app I got a positive ID in seconds 😊

kinkytoes · 23/05/2025 12:15

Sourisblanche · 23/05/2025 10:09

I’d be interested I some recommendations for wildlife cameras. The ones you set up and leave overnight to see who has been visiting your garden during the night.

I definitely want something for my new house, we will have quite a bit of land and a fieldShockSmile

A binoculars recommendation thread would be a good one too I reckon.

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nahthatsnotforme · 23/05/2025 12:27

I’d be really interested to know what you’re feeding your garden birds with too.. I buy all sorts of brands and types but really have no idea about them. Is there any advantage to the more expensive ones for instance (less waste etc)

kinkytoes · 23/05/2025 12:31

@nahthatsnotforme I steer clear of any seed mix that contains whole wheat grains. Hardly any birds eat it, and then it starts sprouting if it gets left on the ground 🤦🏻‍♀️

Sunflower hearts are loved by most.

Suet blocks or balls (not in nets ofc)

Peanuts, either crushed or in feeders (not left out whole)

Mealworms (but not on the ground in case hedgehogs can access them which they MUSTN'T for health reasons)

Cut up fruit (apples/pears)

Raisins (but not in nesting season).

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kinkytoes · 23/05/2025 12:32

I'll also add that I'm putting far less food out now because chicks are being fed.

Chicks need insects, worms and caterpillars which also contain water. If they are fed a diet of seeds they will die of dehydration.

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