Globally and in Hertfordshire, wildlife and habitats are in decline and we simply need to make more space for wildlife to thrive. What we have now in terms of habitat is not enough to halt this decline.
At least 30% of our land and sea needs to be managed for wildlife and protected for nature’s recovery by 2030. This is considered the bare minimum and we are far short of this now.
But 30% is tangible, we can all apply it to wherever we are, whether it is in our parks, verges, school grounds, places of work or gardens. It is something that we can all work towards. If you are taking action right now, no matter how small the act is then you are already helping to create a Wilder St Albans.
Take Action
Here are four actions you can take:
- Make a log shelter
- Plant a tree
- Make a hedge for wildlife
- Create a wilderwood
You can record your tree related action on the Wilder Actions Map at www.hertswildlifetrust.org/wilderstalbans
And if you plant a tree then you can also record it as part of the Countryfile Plant Britain Campaign to plant 750,000 trees.
Download full instructions for these actions here
Donate
Herts and Middx Wildlife Trust
https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/donate
Woodland Trust
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/give/donations/
The Tree Council
https://treecouncil.org.uk/donate-to-plant-and-protect-trees/
Trees for Cities
https://www.treesforcities.org/get-involved/donate
Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) tree planting initiative to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022: “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee.”
https://queensgreencanopy.org/donate/
Rewilding Britain:
https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/donate
Join a local group
There are many organisations and groups across our District that are passionate and motivate to bring about positive changes for trees and nature. Information on some of these groups can be found here, however, this list is not exhaustive.
Batford Springs Volunteers
A local community group that runs monthly work parties to support Harpenden Town Council to look after Batford Springs Nature Reserve. The River Lea flows through the reserve and the site also boasts borehole-fed chalk streams, grassland and wet woodland habitat.
https://www.facebook.com/BatfordSpringsVolunteers/
Butterfly conservation, Herts and Middlesex Branch
This is the local branch of Butterfly Conservation, a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of butterflies and moths.
https://www.hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk/canyouhelp.php
Friends of Bernards Heath
A local community group that works to protect, preserve and enhance the heath in St Albans for the benefit of the neighbourhood and local wildlife. The Friends arrange several Action Days per year for members and volunteers.
Friends of the Greenway Spinney
A local community group that looks after the designated local nature reserve between Alwick Road and Grove Avenue in Harpenden.
https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Greenway-Spinney-FOGS-173203399402538
Friends of the Nickey Line
A local community group that works to enhance, maintain and encourage use of the Nickey Line. The Nickey Line footpath and cycleway is a former railway line running from Harpenden to Hemel Hempstead. The Friends run regular volunteer work parties and organize local wildlife related events.
Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Fungi Group
A local membership organisation that welcomes anyone interested in fungi from beginner to very experienced. This group organizes field meetings, training and fungi forays.
http://www.hertfordshirefungusgroup.org/
Hertfordshire and Amphibian Reptile Group
A group established to promote, conserve and study Hertfordshire’s native populations of reptiles and amphibians. The group warmly welcomes new members whatever their level of knowledge or experience.
https://groups.arguk.org/harg/
Hertfordshire Countryside Management Service
This organisation is a land management agency that supports St Albans City and District Council in managing their green spaces. In addition, they run a programme of walks and practical conservation groups to create. These sessions do not take place at one specific site and there are opportunities to volunteer across the county.
Hertfordshire and Middlesex Bat Group
The local branch of the Bat Conservation Trust. This volunteer group is working to further bat conservation in Hertfordshire and Middlesex. The group offers advice and assistance with any bat-related enquiry.
Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust
A local conservation charity working to protect wildlife and help people connect with nature. With a team of volunteers they manage a network of nature reserves, covering nearly 2000 acres.
https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/
Herts Environmental Records Centre
Local organisation hosted by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust that manages all the information on habitats, species and sites across the county. The data they hold is provided by recorders, professional ecologists and the public. This information can be made available to a wide range of individuals and organisations for use in nature conservation, development, planning and research.
Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary
A small family-run charity based in Harpenden that helps rehabilitate wild hedgehogs. You can support the charity through donations, fundraising, sponsorships or partnerships.
https://www.hornbeamwood.org.uk/
St Albans Local Group RSPB
RSPB local groups are a great way to meet friendly, like-minded people while learning more about birds and wildlife. The group offers free bird watching walks that are led by members of the committee.
https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/stalbans/
St Albans Tree Action Group
The Tree Action Group was formed after an inspiring meeting of the Environmental Action Group and it aims to raise awareness of the issues trees face and help to develop an appreciation of trees. The group also supports local people who wish to see trees planted, find homes for tree saplings from local gardens and object to the inappropriate removal of trees. The group has created a downloadable tree trail to help you discover the fascinating trees of St Albans and the events that shaped their history.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/225998068519990
The Ver Valley Society
This local group is a membership organisation dedicated to protecting and promoting the River Ver. They hold regular riverbank work parties and run an events programme throughout the year. There are also volunteering opportunities to carry out riverfly monitoring and become a volunteer bailiff.
The Watercress Wildlife Association
This is a local nature reserve in St Albans bordered by the River Ver, the Alban Way and Riverside Road. Volunteers are very welcome at the regular work parties usually held on the last Sunday of every month and most Wednesdays.
https://www.watercresslnr.org.uk/
The Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust is the largest conservation charity in the UK concerned with the creation, protection, and restoration of native woodland heritage. The Woodland Trust manage Heartwood Forest’s, a local 347-hectare site, created from agricultural land.
https://heartwood.woodlandtrust.org.uk/about-heartwood/
Wilderhood Watch
This is a community group that supports neighbours across St Albans to drive wildlife-friendly initiatives on their streets. Your street can become a Hedgehog Street, Pollinator Highway or Bat corridor and be provided with all information and resources needed to help wildlife outside of your homes.
