Do one new thing for conservation

3 February 2010

2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity so the United Nations are encouraging everyone to do 'one new thing for conservation' in 2010. Maybe that one new thing could be to support the scientific work of an A Rocha project?

Minet science

At Minet Country Park in Hayes the A Rocha team and others have been observing and surveying the wildlife since 1988 so we know there's a lot of variety – birds, butterflies, reptiles and more, many examples are here. But this year we will be working to intensify and consolidate scientific work across the park and bring it together in an Annual Report to be shared with conservation organisations like the British Trust for Ornithology and Butterfly Conservation as well as being available on line.

Seven spot ladybirds hibernating

There will also be two new scientific surveys. There's a small mammal survey of the southern woodland section which is especially critical as this area is earmarked for development, and a new bat survey of the river bank and woodland areas.

We'd love you to get involved, please email sarah.hodgetts@arocha.organd she will keep you informed of activities.

Hibernating ladybirds

We are also joining forces with BugLife to carry out a pilot survey of ladybirds in the UK. The main launch of the project is in June but ahead of this we are keen to learn if there are ladybirds hibernating in your house. Take a look on window sills, in porches, garden sheds and loft spaces. If you find any take a photo and send it to sarah.hodgetts@arocha.org. Sarah will confirm the species and the data will help to build a national picture.

In this International Year of Biodiversity there'll be more activities to join in with at other A Rocha projects around the country. Look out for events posted here.