NATURE lovers are being called on to embrace the call of the Autumn and sign up to be Wildlife Friends.
As the days shorten with the clocks going back, the weather becoming chillier and the trees adding stunning shades of red and yellow and purple and gold, the RSPCA is urging residents join as Wildlife Friends and give nature a helping hand.
The charity’s volunteering department have devised tasks so people can play their part in a one million strong movement to change the lives of animals.
The Autumn tasks that volunteers can access by registering online are clean bird feeders ready for the winter, help hedgehogs get ready for hibernation and create a mini compost heap.
There are 24 self-service tasks for Wildlife Friends volunteers to complete in 2024 with different tasks set for each of the four seasons.
Points are earned when completing tasks and those volunteers who earn a set number or more during a season are awarded a seasonal certificate.
RSPCA head of volunteering Brian Reeves said: “The RSPCA’s Wildlife Friends volunteering scheme is great for anyone who can spare a few minutes, or a couple of hours, to create a better and kinder world for every animal.
“We’ve got seven great tasks to inspire everyone into action this Autumn. It is a great time of the year to get out and enjoy gardens, open spaces and woodlands and the tasks can all be completed close to home.
“By getting involved, people can help make their communities safer for wildlife. Small tasks like these all make a huge difference for wild animals and their welfare. We had a great response last year and we want more people to pitch in again as we aim to create a one million strong movement for animal welfare, during our 200th year.”
Last year around 2,000 people signed up for the charity’s Wildlife Friends scheme as part of the Big Help Out, a nationwide volunteering initiative which marked the King’s Coronation.
This year 1,950 volunteers have already taken part since Wildlife Friends was relaunched again in the Spring.
Wildlife Friends make a difference for the nation’s wildlife by helping to create habitats and environments where wildlife can thrive and be safe from harm, and promote ways people can help the animals in their neighbourhood.
Everyone can play their part in creating a better world for every animal, from small jobs to bigger projects there are tasks for all to enjoy.
For more or to become a Wildlife Friend visit the RSPCA website.
