Help Wildlife During Winter

Here in the UK winter is well and truly upon us, bringing icy and hazardous roads and heavy snow falling in parts of the country. 

With many species on the endangered list and their natural habitats disappearing, our wildlife could use a helping hand at any time of year - but especially so during harsh winter weather.

This Christmassy ‘Do One Thing’ video has been around a while, but still serves as a timely reminder for us to do something to help wildlife.  Visit the BBC Breathing Places website (bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces) for information and ideas. 

Breathing Places has been around since 2005 and aims to encourage people to do something to help nature.  Hundreds of thousands of people have participated, including schools and local councils, whether by providing homes for wildlife, planting trees and habitats, or transforming wasteland.  Visit the website and use the ‘Event Finder’ to explore ways to participate in your area, or perhaps meet like-minded people and new friends in a rambling group. 

Click on the ‘partners’ link on the website to find information and links pertaining to your favourite creatures, whether your passion is bats, bumblebees, bugs, butterflies, or birds, there are links for many related wildlife organisations, including the RSPB, Bat Conservation Trust, BTO, Buglife, National Trust, Wildlife Trusts, and Woodland Trust, to name a few. 

Fans of Springwatch and Autumnwatch have a Christmas Special to look forward to before Springwatch returns in 2011.

There are lots of ways to get involved in helping wildlife, even if it’s just putting out food for the birds and providing fresh water for them to drink and bathe in (if your bird bath freezes over don’t forget to break the ice).

Why not voluneer at a local organisation, or research ways to attract insects, mammals and birds to your garden.  For those with the time and means there are opportunities to take volunteer conservation holiday breaks away from home for projects such as planting trees or researching rare species. 

Just like wild creatures, we humans are also vulnerable to the elements and unforseen dangers, but we can at least do something to protect ourselves from loss.  If your wildlife conservation or bird or nature watching expeditions take you overseas, don’t forget travel insurance for your trip. 

We offer ‘cheep’ Backpackers insurance from 20p per day.  Even our most basic insurance policies include the all-important cover for medical expenses, medical repatriation, personal liability and legal expenses.   Our Single Trip insurance starts from just £4.19. 

If you plan on taking several trips in a year, save money with the Annual Multi-trip policy.  Click on the ‘Levels of Cover’ to see what is included and ensure that the insurance is adequate for your needs and covers all your planned activities.