Everyone has the responsibility to protect wildlife. A new platform 'WilderGlos', created by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (GWT) will help guide the county into supporting nature.
The GWT’s Community Action Officer, Stephen Dawson, said: “it’s a movement playing into getting people to take action for nature, whether that's as individuals or as a community. It's about increasing the accessibility for that information and making it more fun."
He explained how this new approach could encourage communities into helping their local wildlife. This involves more independence for those taking part to complete activities themselves, focusing more on gentle guidance and encouragement from the GWT. This will help build the confidence of participants.
"It’s trying to be more innovative as well," Dawson added, "trying to get out that message that you can do it, it’s within your grasp and within your power. [We're] using the power of community to achieve that."
On the GWT's website for the platform, there are resources and easy-to-follow instructional guides on various actions for nature (such as how to build a hedgehog home). There is also the 'WilderGlos family map', showing all your local WilderGlos groups.
How 'WilderGlos' works: see video below -
Source: Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
According to the 2019 State of Nature report, 39% of British species have decreased in number over the past ten years. So just how important are these community projects for helping British wildlife? "Hugely important," Dawson says, "it’s [about] the respect of the land and [what's] really important is people taking pride in where they live. The more people are involved in their community, the more likely they are to protect the wildlife around them."
Web page of 'WilderGlos' - source: Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
Adele Beaumont is a member of the steering group of Wild Highnam, a nature organisation in this rural village. They work alongside the GWT. "I think WilderGlos provides a clear, informative and fun framework that can help everybody get involved with helping the wildlife in [the village]," she said, "as well as taking action on climate change."
Beaumont added - "I think what's promising is its geographically competitive aspect - small communities can work together encouraged by a bit of healthy competition with their neighbouring parishes, which means that every little action helps."
Other members of the Wild Highnam Facebook group shared their thoughts. John Muttley felt it was better for the younger generation: "I signed up as I already do a lot of the ideas," he said, "but to be honest it's such a faff that I've dropped off it. [It's] probably good if you have keen kids though."
Joanne Harvey agreed that the site would be ideal for families. "It's simple, nice and colourful for a family... you can plan what kinds of activities you want to do, and get your points and the odd prize. I like the way it's set out and it's easy to follow."
The WilderGlos website can be found here, and you can sign up- https://wilderglos.greenrewards.co.uk/#activity-block-30
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