EVERYONE

We all have a vital role to play to help biodiversity. Many of the choices that we make everyday - what we buy, how we travel, how we use water and energy, how we garden and what we throw away - have a huge impact on our environment.

Key ways to help biodiversity:

1. Make wildlife welcome in your garden and community by providing food and shelter and avoiding herbicides and pesticides.
   
   
2. Volunteer to help a wildlife organisation with their work - from managing nature areas and helping with wildlife surveys to assisting with office tasks.
   
   
3. Buy locally and help biodiversity by reducing the transportation of products around the globe.
   
   
4. Buy products that are produced sustainably.
   
   
5. Cut down waste by practicing the 3Rs - reduce, re-use and recycle.
   
   
6. Use the car less and walk, cycle or take public transport.
   
   
7. Save energy and natural resources by turning off heating and appliances when not needed, using water wisely and insulating your home.
   
   
8. Be a role model for your friends and family and show them how to help the
   environment.
   

Contacts

Young environmentalists can learn more about wildlife by joining Wildlife Watch - the junior club of the Wildlife Trusts Partnership. The Wildlife Trusts Partnership are the 'leading charity exclusively dedicated to wildlife' and have many events and activities for all ages. The Hampshire branch of the Wildlife Trusts leads walks, talks, events and opportunities for volunteer involvement across the county.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds works for a healthy environment rich in wildlife. Their youth pages have lots of ideas for fun activities.

Biodiversity is one of the major environmental campaigns run by Friends of the Earth. FoE have detailed advice on how to get involved and make a difference. The Worldwide Fund for Nature campaigns for wildlife and endangered species.

The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers works with people of all ages on conservation projects. The Trust offer awards for environmental work and training in all aspects of nature conservation management.

There are many district councils in Hampshire. Each council has a major role to play in environmental protection. Contact the council's Local Agenda 21 or biodiversity officer, or countryside service for advice.

Hampshire County Council's Countryside Service safeguard many areas throughout the county for wildlife. See the 'Sites A to Z index' on their website. To find out about guided walks in Hampshire log onto www.hants.gov.uk/leisure/walks/guided.

The Environment Agency gives detailed information about many topics from climate change and waste to smog and water pollution. Dedicated environmental information for children includes movies, animations and games.

Search the environment and conservation pages of the National Trust's website to find information on wildlife, nature conservation and environmental issues.

Other websites to find out more about biodiversity and wildlife include the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the People's Trust for Endangered Species, and Plantlife. Visit the 'Postcodes Plants Database' to find a list of wild plants that live in your area and would be suitable for your garden.