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Conservation and field research - how can you help?

We all have a responsibility to look after our environment and the wildlife that lives in it. You can help in many ways here - are some of them.

In your home:

• Recycle everything you can; newspapers, scrap papers, cans, glass, motor oil, plastics, appliances, etc. Waste Aware Tayside

• Turn lights and TV off when you are out of the room.

• Don't leave the water running. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or washing your face. Government News Release

• Take reusable items to a charitable organization or thrift shop.

• Use cloth napkins, not paper.

• Keep your cat indoors. Cats do a lot of damage to wildlife including birds, mice, frogs, squirrels, etc. Putting a bell on your cat can help.

• Don't put hazardous materials down your drain or in the rubbish bin. Things like paint thinner; motor oil, and antifreeze can pollute our water or land, impacting wildlife as well as people. For more information, check out Waste Aware Tayside

• Learn about and support the Marine Stewardship Council

In your own countryside and community:

• Don't Litter.

• Walk, ride you bike, carpool or use public transportation when possible.
Contact a local conservation or nature reserve to learn about ways you can assist native wildlife.

• Support natural areas and nature centres near you.

• Plant native trees and bushes, with berries or seeds to provide birds and other creatures with both places to live and something to eat. BBC website

• Put bird feeders and baths in your garden. Birds can usually find food but it is good to give them a variety, but water is often harder to find. (Link to TRG bird food pages)

• Pull out your garden weeds instead of using weed killer.

• Buy or make your own natural compost. Compost is a natural fertilizer that enriches the soil. You can use food waste products like vegetables, fruit, teabags and any other non-animal products. For composting information visit Waste Aware Tayside