World Wildlife Day

Today, March 3rd, is World Wildlife Day. We spoke to Karyn from Molescroft Wildlife Network (MWN), an incredible local voluntary group dedicated to protecting and developing wildlife in the Molescroft Parish.

MWN comprises a small team of committed volunteers who work closely with partners such as the local Parish Council, local schools and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. These partnerships have enabled them to impact change, such as alterations to local ecological wildlife plans and vegetation cutting regimes directly informed by experts. Karyn describes their work as, ‘creating a loop; a conduit between local people and regional and national groups.’

Speaking on their impact, Karyn stated, ‘an area or habitat is better now than it was before we started. When management takes wildlife into account nature can thrive. We are aiming to make our local patch better for biodiversity.’

In their efforts to inspire a new generation of naturalists, MWN worked with three schools to form the Environment Education Forum, creating opportunities for both primary and secondary school children to gain hands-on experience with field studies equipment in their local green spaces. This valuable transfer of skills and knowledge has now enabled three schools to take more informed care of their own natural spaces. Discussing this wider impact, Karyn said, ‘there is now more knowledge about what birds, plants and animals there are because we have been promoting citizen science. In time, we hope for a ripple effect.’

For anybody who wants to take a more active role in protecting and restoring local wildlife, these were Karyn’s top tips!

1. Download the iNaturalist app – Help identify species in your area and contribute to professional research. You don’t need to be an expert – other users can help.

2. Join volunteer action days/fun events – You can keep updated with MWN’s activity and upcoming events on their website

3. Become a Site Guardian – Contact MWN directly to ask about becoming a Site Guardian of a natural space in the Molescroft Parish. This could be an area already covered by MWN, or a new area you have identified such as a plot outside of your house. MWN can assist with developing a site management plan.

4. Donate money – Donations allow small groups to continue their great work.

On World Wildlife Day we want to give Molescroft Wildlife Network a huge shout out for all their amazing work. Groups like this play an integral role in maintaining natural green spaces that provide evidenced improvements to mental health, as well as ensuring all the wonderful species in our local area thrive. We applaud the trustees of MWN and their volunteers for donating their time, skills and expertise. This is just a flavour of their work, we would encourage everyone to discover more on their website.