Practical conservation is about looking after and protecting the natural resources we have on earth for example air, minerals, plants, soil, water and wildlife for future generations to come.
A number of organisations deliver practical conservation sessions in North Ayrshire ranging from Scottish Wildlife Trust, a national organisation with wildlife reserves across Ayrshire and The Conservation Volunteers who offer Green Gym™ which, through nature based conservation activity are designed to improve wellbeing of participants, and local community groups such as Irvine Clean Up Crew who regularly organise beach cleans to raise the profile of the importance of a clean rubbish free environment for our wildlife to flourish.
Taking part in practical conservation activities is similar to other activities such as walking, cycling etc it is a really good way of keeping physically active, reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and many other conditions as well as maintaining a healthy weight. It can also and can help to improve our mood by reducing anxiety, depression and helping us sleep better. Conservation activities also have a huge impact on the environment from sustainability to ensuring wildlife are monitored and invasive species are managed to ensure native species survive.
You can search for practical conservation projects local to you in North Ayrshire on our Events Calendar.
Green Gym
Green Gym™ is a fun and free outdoor session where you will be guided in practical activities such as planting trees, sowing meadows and establishing wildlife ponds.
Unlike other conservation projects, the emphasis is very much on health and fitness – sessions are short, volunteers warm up and cool down in preparation for a range of light to vigorous activities to suit all abilities.
In fact, almost a third more calories can be burnt in some Green Gym sessions than in an average aerobics class!
Green Gyms are currently being delivered at Kilwinning Library and at Castlepark Community Centre, for more details see our Events Calendar
The Scottish Wildlife Trust - Time out Thursday
From major species and landscape projects to managing wildlife reserves, education work and campaigning for nature, The Scottish Wildlife Trust protect Scotland’s wildlife for the future. The Scottish Wildlife Trust have 9 reserves across North Ayrshire. You can visit them here in the Explore this area section.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust have a number of practical conservation opportunities and groups that meet regularly in North Ayrshire. Opportunities like Time Out Thursday, Wednesday Volunteer Group and monthly weekend events called Action for Nature in North Ayrshire. All these great opportunities help to bring together people who are interested in giving back to their local environment and improve their health and wellbeing.
If you would like to be a part of any of these exciting opportunities please contact Harry Richards on hrichards@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk or 07785 468601
You can find the North Ayrshire Council Biodiversity Action Plan here.
Please see a link to The Conservation Volunteers Scotland where you will find links to activity resources, practical conservation activities in Ayrshire and much more.
