New Year’s resolutions are popular and around one-fifth of us pledge to change their lives in one way or another every year. The most popular ones are losing weight, exercising more and saving money. However, the majority fails to keep their promises, often because they take on too much. But resolutions don’t have to be daunting and they’re easy to keep when you enjoy them. It’s important to focus on one or two major goals and lay out steps toward reaching them.

How you can help wildlife this year

This year, why not take a different approach and pledge to help wildlife? Small actions can make a big difference and you will find that what’s good for nature will also be good for you and it might also help you achieve other goals like exercising more or spending less money.

Get outside

Getting outside and enjoying wildlife has been proven to help improve physical and mental health. Adding some outdoor time is easy and can be done in different ways. Whether you’d like to leave the car at home a couple of days a week and cycle or walk to work or take a big walk on the weekend, it’s up to you. This is something you can easily fit into your daily routine and you will notice quickly how it benefits you.

Save water

In Hertfordshire, more than half of our water at home comes directly from local rivers and their underground sources. Chalk streams are incredibly rare and we are lucky that we have a large proportion of them in Hertfordshire. But chalk streams are under threat and every drop you save in your home will be one drop more in these precious habitats.

Respect personal space

The joy of experiencing wildlife is that it’s wild. When you encounter a wild animal, please disturb it as little as possible. Keep your distance, respect their personal space and don’t feed them. Leave only footprints and take away what you brought with you when you go outdoors. This way, you can make sure that wildlife stays wild.

Pick it up

Sadly, many people don’t care about nature and leave their litter in the environment. This is not only unsightly but can also have a serious impact on wildlife. Consider bringing a bin bag onto your walks and pick up what you can find. It doesn’t take much, but the more people do it, the more enjoyable our countryside becomes, for us and for wildlife.

Bring a friend

Give the gift of wildlife this year and introduce your friends and family to your favourite spot in nature! Invite them to walks, sit down together in a hide and try to spot rare birds and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones in nature.  

Volunteer for wildlife

Volunteering is a great way to support wildlife. Volunteers are the lifeblood of any charity and they make a huge difference. From regular volunteering in a nature reserve or in the office over skill-based volunteering for certain projects to event volunteering, Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust has many different volunteering opportunities, there’s surely something for everyone.

Become a member

Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust is the leading voice for wildlife in Hertfordshire and Middlesex. With the help of members and volunteers, we manage a network of nature reserves covering around 2,000 acres all over both counties. 

Join during the limited New Year’s Membership Offer and save 50%!