With lockdown easing and the weather getting warmer, it is the perfect time to get outdoors, enjoy the countryside and visit your local nature reserve. But we ask that you do your best to help us protect our precious wild places.
Tim Graham, Chief Executive, Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust says
“Spring is a wonderful time to get out and experience nature. Birdsong is in the air, flowers are blooming, and bees and butterflies are starting to emerge. Unfortunately, this time last year we did experience an uplift in littering and some cases of vandalism across our sites, so we are urging visitors to be considerate and please enjoy our sites responsibly.
We want people to make the most of their local wild spaces, but at the same time, it is so important to do what we can to keep these areas protected for wildlife. Nature has been there for us over the last year and now it needs our help.”
Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust nature reserves comprise some of the most important wildlife habitats across the region and contain a variety of special and some very rare species. They also provide a great place for people to visit, enjoy and experience nature.
To keep them good for wildlife and good for people, Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust is asking that visitors protect and respect these special places by following these five simple steps:
- Stay on waymarked paths
- Take your rubbish home with you
- Don’t light fires or barbeques
- Check in advance if dogs are allowed, and if they are allowed, keep them on a short lead to avoid disturbance to nesting birds and any livestock
- Remember nature reserves are special places for wildlife; take extra care when visiting to cause as little disturbance as possible
At this time of year, wildlife is particularly vulnerable. Birds are starting to nest, which can sometimes be low to the ground, so easily trampled on. Wildflowers are also starting to emerge and if we don’t tread carefully, they can be easily crushed underfoot. By taking a little bit of extra care, we can all make a difference and keep these places special for many more years to come.
Explore nature on your doorstep, find you local reserve.