Conservation
Protection and conservation of animals
There is a difference between animal protection and animal conservation.
Animal protection is about the care of an individual animal or bird whereas animal conservation is concerned with a population or species. It is often the case that animal protection implies there is some danger to the animal, perhaps from people or from pollution, whereas animal conservation is about safeguarding environments so animals can live undisturbed.
Until very recently the law did not protect wild animals from cruelty. The Wild Mammals Protection Act which came into effect on 30 April 1997 protects wild mammals (though not birds or fish) from acts of cruelty such as kicking, beating, stoning or drowning.
However there are a number of exceptions. For example, if an animal is injured as a result of lawful hunting, shooting, coursing or pest control activity, and is then killed swiftly and humanely, this is not illegal. Because the Act has only recently come into effect, it may be some time before the courts interpret sections of it.
There are other laws already in effect which help to protect wildlife, including laws on rare and endangered species, badger bating and the protection of otters.
Turtles in Trouble
Turtles have been on the earth for 200 million years! There are seven species, or kinds, of sea turtles. All are endangered.
World Turtle Day is an international celebration that aims to raise awareness about the dire state of most turtle populations. More about endangered species >>
Protecting wildlife and countryside areas
There is a wide range of areas which are defined for their scientific interest, their importance for plant or wildlife, or for their habitats.
The National Trust, Wildlife Trusts, English Nature, the Countryside Commission, the European Commission and local authorities are some of the organisations responsible for establishing them.
Wildlife conservation
It is estimated that there are between 13 and 14 million different species on earth and only about 1.75 million have been scientifically described. Scientists and environmentalists are concerned at the increasing number of species in danger of extinction. It is not just rare animals which are threatened. Species of butterflies, frogs, toads, newts, snakes and insects are all in decline.
In Britain 24 bird species have halved in number in the last 25 years. Common British birds like the songthrush and skylark are now at risk. Wildlife habitats are particularly threatened by changes in land use, by the spread of towns, cities and roads, and by farming practices.
Many of the wildlife organisations listed below spend a lot of their time managing areas of land to make sure the conditions are right for animals and birds to survive. The RSPB is one of these. It manages reserves throughout England and relies heavily on volunteers to maintain the work.
The RSPB offers a range of volunteering opportunities for young people over the age of 16. Most are outdoors on bird reserves as voluntary wardens, but there are also office based jobs helping with campaigns. In 1993 the RSPB joined with other bird and habitat organisations throughout the world to form a global partnership called Birdlife International.
RSPB Phoenix is the youth section of the RSPB for 13-19 year olds. For information, including an introductory pack, send an s.a.e to the RSPB address below.
Annual RSPB Garden Birdwatch
The Big Garden Birdwatch takes place at the end of January every year. The Birdwatch continues to inspire hundreds of thousands of people to watch the birds their gardens and local parks. Approximately 6 million birds are recorded and 210,000 gardens surveyed.
The information recorded helps the RSPB to prioritise its conservation work. The declines that are reported over time highlight which birds need the RSPB's help most. To find out more visit the RSPB's website or read the survey results.
Organisations
Bag It & Bin It Campaign
Bag It and Bin It is a national water industry-led campaign promoting responsible disposal of discarded personal products. It raises awareness of the key issues through distribution of leaflets, stickers and other material to the public.
Be part of the solution; follow the simple disposal code: Don't Flush It …Bag It & Bin It
Website: http://www.bagandbin.org/
Bat Conservation Trust
The Bat Conservation Trust is the only UK organisation solely devoted to the conservation of bats and their habitats. There are 90 local bat groups around the UK who aim to turn around the bad image of these native mammals. If you would like to find out more about bat habitats and conservation contact the Bat Conservation Trust. The BCT also operate a helpline service. If you find an injured bat or are worried about where bats have chosen to live call their advice line.
The Bat Conservation Trust organises a National Bat Week every year.
Helpline: 0845 1300 228
Telephone: 020 7627 2629
Address: 15 Cloisters House, 8 Battersea Park Road, London, SW8 4BG
Fax: 020 7627 2628
Email: enquiries@bats.org.uk
Website: http://www.bats.org.uk/
Born Free Foundation
The Born Free Foundation operates a number of animal conservation projects including Zoo Check Project which exposes the physical and psychological suffering of captive animals and campaigns to keep wildlife in the wild, the Elefriends Project helpling to protect elephants from poachers, battling against the ivory trade, and caring for rescued elephants and the Big Cat Project that resucues neglected big cats from lives of misery in cages, and protects big cat species in the wild.
Telephone: 01403 240170
Address: 3 Grove House, Foundry Lane, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 5PL
Fax: 01403 327838
Email: info@bornfree.org.uk
Website: http://www.bornfree.org.uk/
British Association for Shooting and Conservation
BASC is the UK's national representative body for shooting sports with just over 130,000 members. They represent and safeguard the interests of all those who enjoy shooting sports.
Telephone: 01244 573000
Address: Head Office, Marfod Mill, Rossett, Wrexham, LL12 0HL ,Wales.
Fax: 01244 573 001
Email: pr-enq@basc.demon.co.uk
Website: http://www.basc.org.uk/
British Trust for Ornithology
The British Trust for Ornithology has existed since 1933 as an independent, scientific research trust, investigating the populations, movements and ecology of wild birds in the British Isles. Their speciality is the design and implementation of volunteer wild bird surveys.
Getting involved: Garden BirdWatch is a permanent, ongoing bird survey for anyone with access to a garden: urban, rural, extensive, average or even tiny. You do not need a special garden. Average suburban gardens are of great ornithological interest. Even records from urban patios are of conservation value.
Telephone: 01842 750050
Address: The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU.
Fax: 01842 750030
Email: info@bto.org
Website: http://www.bto.org/
Cadw: Welsh Historic Monuments
Cadw is a Welsh word which means 'to keep'. Cadw's mission is to protect, conserve, and to promote an appreciation of the built heritage of Wales.
The full title of the organisation is Cadw: Welsh Historic Monuments Executive Agency, and it is a part of the National Assembly for Wales. Created in 1984, Cadw carries out the complete range of responsibilities for the conservation, presentation, and promotion of the built heritage of Wales on behalf of the National Assembly for Wales.
Telephone: 01443 33 6000
Address: Welsh Assembly Government, Plas Carew, Unit 5/7 Cefn Coed, Parc Nantgarw, Cardiff, CF15 7QQ
Fax: 01443 33 6001
Email: cadw@wales.gsi.gov.uk
Website: http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/
Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales
The Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales can give information on local and National campaigns and offer advice on how to get involved. They hold a Youth Environment Conference each year which is open to young people from Wales aged 16-21.
Telephone: 01938 552525
Address: Ty Gwyn, 31 High Street, Welshpool, SY21 7YD ,Wales
Fax: 01938 552 741
Email: info@cprwmail.org.uk
Website: http://www.cprw.org.uk/
Forestry Commission
The Forestry Commission is the Government Department responsible for advising forestry Ministers on forestry policy and for implementing that policy throughout Britain.
Telephone: 0131 334 0303
Address: 231 Costorphine Road, Edinburgh Cambridge, EH12 7AT ,Scotland.
Fax: 0131 334 4473
Email: enquiries@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Website: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/
Greenpeace UK
Greenpeace is an active campaigning organisation which aims to raise awareness of environmental issues around the globe. Greenpeace brought the plight of the whales to the attention of the world over 2 decades ago and have gone on to become a central force against industry and pollution.
Telephone: 020 7865 8100
Address: Canonbury Villas, London, N1 2PN
Fax: 020 7865 8200
Email: info@uk.greenpeace.org
Website: http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/
International Otter Survival Fund
IOSF is a global organisation working to conserve all 13 species of otter by helping to support scientists and other workers in practical conservation, education, research and rescue and rehabilitation.
Telephone: 01471 822487
Address: 7, Black Park, Broadford, Isle of Skye, Scotland, IV49 9DE
Fax: 01471 822487
Email: iosf@otter.org
Website: http://www.otter.org/
John Aspinall Foundation
The John Aspinall Foundation in conjunction with Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks located in Kent is devoted to saving rare and endangered animals, returning them to protected areas in the wild.
Website: http://www.totallywild.net/
Marine Conservation Society
Marine Conservation Society promotes the protection of marine species and habitats under threat through campaigning, advice and information work. In 1996 the Marine Conservation Society launched its Adopt-a-Beach campaign.
Telephone: 01989 566017
Address: Unit 3, Wolf Business Park, Alton Road, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 5NB
Fax: 01989 567815
Email: info@mcsuk.org
Website: http://www.mcsuk.org/
Natural England (formerly English Nature)
Natural England has been formed by bringing together English Nature, the landscape, access and recreation elements of the Countryside Agency and the environmental land management functions of the Rural Development Service.
Natural England will work for people, places and nature, to enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas; promoting access, recreation and public well-being, and contributing to the way natural resources are managed so that they can be enjoyed now and in the future.
Telephone: 0114 241 8920
Address: Natural England, 1 East Parade, Sheffield, S1 2ET
Fax: 0114 241 8921
Email: enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk
Website: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday, 8.30am – 4.30pm
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)
There is an emergency number which you can call from anywhere in the country, day or night, if you become aware of animals in danger.
The RSPCA asks callers to give the following information:
Name, address and telephone number (these details are confidential and will not be given to anyone without your permission); Name(s) and address(es) of the people involved (if you know them); The date, time and place of the incident; The names and addresses of any witnesses; Registration number and description of any vehicle involved; Please also say if you willing to speak in court about what you saw.
The RSPCA ask that specific requests for leaflets be made in writing, accompanied by two first class stamps to cover their postage costs.
Helpline: 0300 1234 999
Telephone: 0870 444 3127
Address: Causeway, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1HG
Fax: 0870 5 555 999
Website: http://www.rspca.org.uk/
Opening Hours: The cruelty and advice helpline is open 24 hours
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
The RSPB is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, helping to create a better world for all of us. They are part of BirdLife International, the global partnership of bird conservation organisations.
Getting Involved: the RSPB has many volunteering opportunities - You don't have to be an expert on birds to be able to help - whatever skills you have to offer, or whatever aspect you are interested in, we can find something to suit you. In 2007, we had over 14,000 committed volunteers, each playing a key role in our work. Whether you want to get your hands mucky on our reserves, or you prefer to help out in an office, or from the comfort of your own home, it's entirely up to you.
Telephone: 01767 680551
Address: RSPB UK Headquarters, Volunteering Development Department, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL.
Fax: 01767 692 365
Website: http://www.rspb.org.uk/
Wild About Britain
Wild About Britain is a wildlife education charity that provides resources for schools and the general public on every aspect of wildlife, environment and conservation throughout all of the British Isles. Our web site includes a newspaper, gallery, directory, forum and events calendar that aim to help promote green projects across the UK and raise awareness of our natural environment.
Email: email@wildaboutbritain.co.uk
Website: http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/
Wildlife Trusts
The Wildlife Trust is the largest voluntary organisation in the UK concerned with wildlife protection. It is a partnership of 47 Wildlife Trusts, 52 Urban Wildlife Groups and WATCH the young people's section.
Telephone: 01636 677711
Address: The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1WT
Fax: 01636 670001
Email: enquiry@wildlifetrusts.org
Website: http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/
Wildlife WATCH
Wildlife WATCH is the national environmental club for young people - the junior section of the Wildlife Trusts. There is a national network of local groups and a subscription scheme for schools and community groups. WATCH produces action packs and other publications and encourages young people to become involved in specific campaigns like Frogwatch and Rockwatch.
Wildlife WATCH website: http://www.wildlifewatch.org.uk/
Telephone: 01636 677711
Address: The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1WT
Fax: 01636 670001
Email: watch@wildlifetrusts.org
Website: http://www.wildlifewatch.org.uk/
WWF (UK)
WWF is the world's largest and most experienced independent conservation organisation; a global network, with 52 offices working in more than 90 countries. It is a challenging, constructive, science-based organisation that addresses issues from the survival of species and habitats to climate change, sustainable business and environmental education.
The mission of WWF - the global environment network - is to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment, and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by: conserving the world's biological diversity; ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable; promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.
WWF History website: http://www.panda.org/
Telephone: 01483 426444
Address: Panda House, Weyside Park, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1XR.
Fax: 01483 426409
Email: supporterrelations@wwf.org.uk
Website: http://www.wwf.org.uk/
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