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Help Nature

Practical actions, each with a reason — and a note on where they apply.

At Home

At Home

Make big windows visible to birds

Birds can see reflected trees and sky in glass, or see straight through it, and fly into it. Markings on the outside break up the reflection.

How to do it

  1. Pick the windows where birds have hit, or that reflect trees.
  2. Add markers on the outside of the glass: tape, stickers, tempera paint or hanging cords all work.
  3. Space them closely: no more than about 5 cm apart horizontally and 10 cm vertically (the '2 × 4 rule').

Good to know: Applies everywhere. Check rental or building rules before marking shared windows.

Source: Acopian Center for Ornithology, Muhlenberg College

At Home

Give the night back its dark

Outdoor light that is too bright, badly aimed or left on all night disturbs wildlife and wastes energy.

How to do it

  1. Ask whether each outdoor light is useful at all.
  2. Aim lights downward so they only shine where needed.
  3. Use the lowest brightness that works, add a timer or motion sensor, and choose warm-coloured bulbs.

Good to know: Some outdoor lighting may be required for safety or by local rules; adapt rather than remove it.

Source: DarkSky International

In Your Garden

In Your Garden

Open a hedgehog highway

Hedgehogs roam about 2 km a night looking for food, mates and nesting places. Solid fences and walls block their route.

How to do it

  1. Agree it with your neighbour first.
  2. Mark a gap of 13 × 13 cm at the bottom of a shared fence, or dig a small channel under it.
  3. Cut it out, smooth rough edges, and keep the gap clear.

Good to know: Relevant where hedgehogs live, such as much of Europe. In other regions, ask a local wildlife organisation which animals need garden-to-garden routes.

Source: Kent Wildlife Trust

In Your Garden

Leave some fallen leaves

Many insects and other invertebrates spend the winter in leaf litter, protected from cold and weather.

How to do it

  1. Let leaves lie in borders and under shrubs instead of clearing every corner.
  2. Rake leaves off the lawn into beds rather than bagging them.
  3. Avoid shredding leaves with a mower, which can kill the insects and eggs inside.

Good to know: Remove leaves from paths and drains for safety. In vegetable beds, tidying can limit some pests.

Source: Xerces Society

In Your Garden

Keep feeders and bird baths clean

Where birds gather, diseases such as trichomonosis can spread through contaminated food and water.

How to do it

  1. Clean and disinfect feeders and bird baths at least once a week.
  2. Refill bird baths with fresh tap water daily.
  3. Move feeders now and then, clear old food from underneath, and avoid flat bird tables.

Good to know: Based on UK guidance (RSPB). If you see sick birds, stop feeding for at least three weeks and empty bird baths.

Source: RSPB

Outdoors

Outdoors

Watch wildlife from a distance

Interacting with wild animals can harm both them and you, including through injury and disease.

How to do it

  1. Use binoculars or a zoom lens instead of moving closer.
  2. If an animal reacts to you, you are too close: move back.
  3. Never feed, touch or disturb wild animals.

Good to know: Distances differ per area. Many U.S. national parks require at least 25 yards (about 23 m) from most wildlife and 100 yards (about 91 m) from bears and wolves. Check local rules.

Source: U.S. National Park Service

Outdoors

Stay on the path, keep dogs close

Wandering off trail and loose dogs can disturb animals. The U.S. National Park Service lists staying on marked trails and keeping dogs leashed among its basic ways to respect wildlife.

How to do it

  1. Stick to marked trails.
  2. Keep dogs on a short leash where that is asked.
  3. Pick up after your pets and take your rubbish home.

Good to know: Leash rules differ per area and season; follow local signs.

Source: U.S. National Park Service

Outdoors

Clean your boots before and after a walk

Seeds of invasive plants can hitch a ride in mud on boots, gear and pets, and start growing in a new place.

How to do it

  1. Brush mud and seeds off boots, clothes and gear before you leave home.
  2. Do it again before you leave the trail or park.
  3. If you fish or boat, clean, drain and dry your equipment.

Good to know: Applies everywhere. Some parks provide boot-brush stations.

Source: U.S. National Park Service

Please don’t touch, pick up or feed wild animals. If you find an animal that seems injured, contact a local wildlife rescue organisation for advice.