Wise ideas for Christmas

Presents that don't cost the earth

It’s that time of year again and before we jump on the bangwagon of over indulgence and commercialism we thought it would be a great chance to make some suggestions for alternative gift ideas this season. 

We wanted to bring you some gift suggestions that have sustainable origins and lifespans, a reduced carbon footprint and that help people get back out in nature.

It has been a year like no other for almost all of us. Whilst personally we have been fortunate to still have our health, I suspect we can empathise with many when it comes to employment and the health of those around us. So before anything else, we wish you all a happy and healthy festive season. 2020 has also really put into perspective the importance of wildlife and green spaces, especially during lockdowns, so it is with these things in mind that we make these alternative suggestions for gifts for those around you. 

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Trees

Why not consider planting a native tree to help offset your own footprint or the footprint of friends and family, as well as providing a home for tens if not hundreds of species and potentially even some tasty food for you and your family? It’s a very simply process and a great present. The Woodland Trust have some great advice on which species of native tree to plant where and you can also buy trees directly from them.

In the UK we have a superb mix of possibilities meaning you could plant an apple, Blackthorn, or Rowan, all of which provide food for you and wildlife and are relatively fast growing, alternatively leave a legacy in the form of an Oak, Ash or Scot’s Pine.

If you don’t have the space but would still like to buy a tree, Trees for Life are actively restoring Caledonian Forest over a substantial area of Scotland. We have just started our own grove with them and you can add trees to this for just £6, or why not start your own grove? By buying a tree you will be directly contributing to regenerating a little piece of the Scottish Highlands.

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Give Wildlife a Home in 2021

We are losing habitat faster than ever before and every bit of green space is vital. Green spaces start on your window sills and in your gardens so why not maximise their wildlife potential.

Nest boxes are a brilliant way of attracting wildlife into your garden and giving it a safe place to breed, roost and/or hibernate.

There are a plethora of different boxes available. If you want to buy a readymade box then check out NestBox or you can peruse insect hotels here.

If you are struggling for cash and have some tools then why not make your own? There are plenty of detailed instructions online including:

Bee Hotel

Bug Hotel

Hedgehog House or here

The Bat Conservation Trust have loads of advice on building bat boxes here as do the RSPB here and the Wildlife Trusts here.

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General Wildlife Kit

For general nature-based kit from bird feeders and camera traps to microscopes, books and pond-dipping nets then try these two stores:

The One Stop Nature Shop

NHBS

The Field Studies Council also have a superb range of products many of which are focussed on engaging children with nature - check them out here. They also have some great ‘activity’ ideas here.

Membership to a Club or Society

The UK has many wildlife charities that range across a variety of topics from plants to bats, general wildlife to bumblebees. You can help support your favourite animals or plants, or indeed all animals and plants, by becoming a member of one of these. Memberships are not normally too expensive and can be a great gift for people just getting in to wildlife.

I have listed out different charities and the current (Dec 2020) subscription price* (all prices are based on a single adult membership).

*Prices may vary.

Invertebrates

Buglife £36

Butterfly Conservation  £38

British Dragonfly Society £20

Bumblebee Conservation £25

Botanical 

Plantlife £39

Botanical Society for the British Isles £35

Birds

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds £60

British Trust for Ornithology  £36

Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust £55

General Wildlife

The Wildlife Trusts membership varies but usually around £30-35 per annum

Woodland Trust £48

Marine

Marine Conservation Society £42

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust £24

Mammals

The Mammal Society £36

Bat Conservation Trust £33

 

There are of course many other charities that do not necessarily have a monthly membership but would still value donations and these include: 


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Reusable & Sustainable Products

I used to get nuts and tangerines or pointless plastic toys in my stocking as a kid, so why not replace them with a few things to kick start someone on the right path to a more sustainable future by filling their stocking with reusable products?

 There are lots of online options for these kind of products, such as:

Earthwise Girls

Plastic Freedom

Peace with the Wild

Increasingly small shops and market stalls are also starting to see these things too and its worth looking around locally.

If you are looking for the most sustainable and ethical clothing brands then try

Tentree

and for outdoor gear Patagonia is a world leader.

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If you are simply after wildlife themed gifts and home décor then we recently found this shop: 

Bee Eater

What’s not to love about a Puffin Cushion or a Bumblebee Apron hey!?

Ethical Consumer have drawn together a huge amount of information on the best brands to buy from and their Christmas Guide can be found here.

If it’s books you’re after then the selection these days is endless but why not pick up a copy of Dan’s Bird ID guide or his introduction to the best birding experiences in the UK?

Great British Birding Experiences

Reed Mini Guide: Birds

And finally how about a ‘doing’ present?

Get Your Wild Discovery Vouchers NOW! 

We are now offering vouchers redeemable on any of our tours so why not pick one up here and get someones 2021 off to a wild start! 

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