Despite the government having eased lockdown restrictions, it seems many of us are reluctant to take advantage and risk the possibility of contracting the dreaded virus. Some of us are still having to shield at home and for the North Nottinghamshire Local Group of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust it is still not possible to resume even their outdoor events.
The next one, towards the end of July, would have been to visit the open day of Geoff Garratt’s wildlife hospital and sanctuary. Geoff has been hard at work improving and extending the facilities for looking after injured and orphaned wildlife. He’s always very busy at this time of year so there’s plenty to see. They’ll try to arrange a visit as soon as it’s safe.
One positive emerging from lockdown is the increase in wildlife many of us have noticed. Lots of members have reported hearing cuckoos and turtle doves for the first time in several years. It seems that this may be partly influenced by lockdown in Spain, France and Italy where many of these birds are shot on their migration flights.
If you can’t get out to enjoy the wildlife in your area, you can still enjoy the wildlife from your armchair. Hang a bird feeder in your garden, put out a shallow container of water, sprinkle a few kitten biscuits around in the late evening and you’ll soon have birds visiting to take advantage, maybe a hedgehog too!
The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust website has lots of information about wildlife and access to a number of webcams showing birds, bats, badgers and lots more.
If you want any more information or you’d like a chat about things, call Jan on 01777 709974 or 07969 180067 or email janwilliamson133@gmail.com. If you would like to receive email updates of the group’s activities, please email Jan with your request.