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Conservation advice

Looking after the natural environment

As our urban areas continue to grow and farmers continue to use pesticides, Britain’s wildlife remains under threat: between 10 and 20% of our native species are struggling to survive.

Here are some ways in which you can help:

• Plant a tree.
  Trees take up carbon dioxide from the air around them, helping to reduce the most serious cause of climate change. Trees also screen out noise, help to reduce flooding and are lovely to look at.
• Look after what's there.
  If you know of a tree or trees that you think need to be protected, you can apply for Tree preservation orders to be applied.
• Go wild.
  Create a new feature in your garden that will provide a habitat for wildlife (for example, a pond will attract frogs and dragonflies). Or you could put up a feeder or a nesting box to encourage birds.
• Get involved.
  Why not try Volunteering with Countryside Services? Volunteers play an extremely important part in the delivery of countryside management in Calderdale, undertaking many tasks ranging from habitat management, tree planting and wildlife surveys through to maintenance of public rights of way and way marking.
• Say no to peat.
  The extraction of peat from lowland habitats for use as compost is causing damage to some of the UK’s most valuable wildlife habitats. There are an increasing number of alternatives available - ask your local garden centre to supply peat-free compost or even better, make your own.
• Don't be a litterbug.
  Set a good example by not dropping litter and support community litter clean-ups. If you have seen evidence of fly tipping, report it to the Council. Report fly tipping.
• Choose good wood.
  Buying products made from sustainably produced wood will help preserve the world's endangered forests. Look for the Forests Stewardship Council (FSC) logo.
• Think before you pour.
  Avoid putting oil, paint, varnish or solvent down the drain. It will often end up in a nearby river where it will seriously harm fish and other wildlife.

Useful links

Treesponsibility| are a Calderdale based not for profit group combining reforestation and ecological restoration with awareness-raising about climate change. the group plant over 10,000 trees a year with the help of hundreds of volunteers. To join in on a planting weekend email treesponsibility@yahoo.co.uk

The Wildlife Trusts|
For lots of great advice about how to encourage wildlife into your garden.

Recycle Now|
For home composting advice.

The Forest Stewardship Council| (FSC)
The FSC is a not-for-profit organisation devoted to encouraging the responsible management of the world’s forests and can supply information about sustainably harvested timber.

Environment Agency|
If you see an incident of environmental pollution, you should report it to the Environment Agency. Telephone 0800 807 060

Calder Future|
A partnership involving a wide range of organisations, communities and individuals who want to participate in improving the River Calder, its tributaries and its bankside.

Friends of Lister Lane Cemetery|, Halifax
Their aim is to preserve and maintain the area as a local green space and educational resource. They manage the vegetation so that it can continue to support an increasing number of wildlife species.

National Trust|
A registered charity set up to act as the guardian for the nation in the acquisition and protection of threatened coastline, countryside and buildings.

Tree Council|  
Their aim is to improve the rural and urban environment by promoting the planting and conservation of trees.

BTCV|  
The UK’s leading charity working to bring about positive environmental change.

Campaign to Protect Rural England| (CPRE)
CPRE promotes the beauty, tranquility and diversity of rural England by encouraging the sustainable use of land and its protection and enhancement for the benefit of everyone.

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