Help nature this winter by putting water out for wildlife

The freezing temperatures are not only affecting our daily routines. Below zero temperatures not only cause icy footpaths and frozen windscreens, but also limit wildlife’s access to water.

As the puddles, bird baths and ponds freeze, here’s how you can simply do a big favour to our nextdoor nature and garden visitors.

A shallow plate (such as a plant saucer) with water, placed at ground level is a simple action that can make such a difference! You can put them in areas frequented by birds, or close to shrubs and trees so that smaller birds can easily find shelter. Make sure to melt the ice if it freezes, and clean the plate regularly.

And who knows, they might even reward you with their song 🐦🎶

A frosty early morning walk

B-Lines: a short video about insect pathways, by Buglife

“Saving the small things that run the planet”

This vid is a few years old but the message is still valid. It’s the easiest thing – just do less! Mow the grass less, sweep the leaves less. Leave native plants to do their thing.

I’d love to see all the gardens and greenspaces in Craigshill managed for nature as well as humans. Our whole neighbourhood could be an insect pathway! There’d be more pollinators for our plants, more food for the birds, and just more life everywhere 🙂

Tackling the nature emergency – SWT

In September, the Scottish Government launched a consultation entitled “Tackling the nature emergency – Consultation on Scotland’s Strategic Framework for Biodiversity”. They are seeking you views and responses by 14 December 2023

Responding to this consultation is an action open to everyone which could make a fundamental difference to the future of Scotland’s wildlife and landscapes.

Use the SWT consultation tool to create your own response before 14 December 2023

Helping Nature Flourish

At Almond Valley Nature Action our aims are:

  • To improve biodiversity in the local area
  • To take action for nature that will improve wildlife habitat
  • To encourage local communities to take action for nature on their doorstep (private gardens, shared green spaces, local parks etc)
  • To provide opportunities for community members to learn about how to protect nature and to participate in actions for nature
  • To promote nature friendly gardening practices, encouraging native plant species

🌸🐝🦇🐌🌲🪱🦋🌳🦔🌿🍄

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Almond Valley Nature Action assemble!

Today was our last official day on the SWT Nextdoor Nature Pioneers programme. Six months of education, inspiration and fun. I’m sad it’s over but very grateful for the opportunity. I met some lovely folk, and visited inspiring projects. Also, today we constituted this new group!

Almond Valley Nature Action will be an umbrella, covering various small, nature based projects throughout the River Almond valley. Formed by the 3 West Lothian based “pioneers” in our cohort, we each currently have a project in our own neighbourhoods. We all hope to engage our communities to improve native biodiversity, and to work with existing projects and organisations.

There will soon be opportunities to join in! Follow us here, on Facebook, or other socials to keep up to date

…and during the day we also had the opportunity for a photography workshop. Here’s is some of what we did…

A garden rainbow
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