2019

The celebrations are over and hopefully any accompanying hangovers, so now is the time to consider what we want to achieve in 2019. We like to think that it’s perfectly possible to keep new year’s resolutions as long as you make them realistic. So if you’ve not yet decided on a resolution for 2019, here are some ideas for you outdoor-enthusiasts.

Watch how the Sussex Wildlife Trust builds their pond

Learn more about ponds from the ‘Freshwater Habitats Trust’ website

Learn about plants in ponds

Are You Building Your Pond? If So, You Might Need:

Pond Liner:

Or the ready-prepared pond:

Common frogs could benefit from your 2019 resolution to add a pond to your garden.

Prepare Yourself to Get to Know Nature Better:

Purchase a field guide so you can identify wildlife when you find it. Our favourites are the Collins / Paul Sterry field guides:

For the past three years I wrote down the species I saw each day in this notebook. It really helps you to become more familiar with how to identify them at a glance:

By listening to bird calls on a CD, it can help you identify the species quickly when out in the wild:

And the same can apply to mammals:

Alternatively you can always put your feet up and enjoy a good nature documentary whilst learning at the same time:

Join in with the Big Garden Birdwatch 2019!

Each year the RSPB runs the Big Garden Birdwatch, which involves anyone, anywhere in the UK. By signing up here, you can spend just an hour of your time watching your garden and recording the animals and birds that you see.

Collared doves are one of the birds we are likely to see during our Big Garden Birdwatch 2019

First and foremost, ensure you know where you are going. Map out the route so you are familiar with it before you get there. Having a map will keep you safer if anything goes wrong. Believe me, I’ve been on Ben Nevis without a map and would never make that mistake again!

Here are some maps for the main UK three peaks. If one mountain isn’t enough of a challenge for you this year, why not try three within 24 hours?

(check that the map covers the area you need before purchasing!)