Natural England

Natural England and the RSPB are offering young people the chance to get creative this Saturday (26 January), at the Garden Bird Bonanza in Derby’s Market Place.

The Bonanza takes place between 11am and 3pm and has been organised by Derby City Council as part of its WildDerby project, and will be supported on the day by the RSPB, Natural England and Derby Museums. The free event also ties in to the BBC Breathing Places campaign and the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch (26/27 January).

Throughout the day, Natural England staff and RSPB volunteers will be on hand to help youngsters make their very own bird feeder from recycled plastic bottles or natural logs, all kindly donated by Severn Trent Water. The RSPB will also be running hour-long walks alongside the River Derwent at 12pm and 2pm, to show people birds and other wildlife.

In addition the National Probation Service, Derbyshire will be helping people make their own bird boxes and Derby Museums will host a fun, creative mask workshop. Visitors will also be able to get their photos taken on the BBC bus for the BBC’s website and there will be an opportunity to participate in the RSPB’s bird identification.

Geoff Sansome, East Midlands Regional Director, said: “Natural England is delighted to be involved in the Garden Bird Bonanza, and hopes that it will encourage people across the city to take an interest in the wildlife which surrounds them.”

Chris Hunt, Leader of RSPB Derby Local Group, said: “We expect the Garden Bird Bonanza to be a really fun day, and we hope it will motivate people to make their gardens wildlife-friendly.”

There is no need to book a place – just head down on the day. For more information please call Derby City Council on 01332 255021.

For more information about the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch survey, visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

Notes to Editors:

1. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.

2. The RSPB is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, helping to create a better world for us all.

3. The event was organised by Derby City Council as part of its WildDerby project, was supported by the RSPB, Natural England and Derby City Council Museums.

Issued on behalf of Natural England by Government News Network East Midlands. Media enquiries to Gaby Hateley on 0115 971 2797 or gabrielle.hateley@gnn.gsi.gov.uk

Post Event News

Dear Editor,

I would like to thank all of your readers who attended last weekend’s Garden Bird Bonanza in Derby’s Market Place for making it such a great success.

More than 1,000 people came along throughout the day to learn about wildlife on the BBC’s bus and join the riverside nature walks as part of the BBC Breathing Places campaign and RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. Natural England and RSPB staff were also kept very busy helping 200 youngsters create their very own bird feeders from recycled plastic bottles and natural logs supplied by Severn Trent Water.

It’s so important that people, young and old, take an interest in the wildlife which surrounds them. Together with the BBC and its partners we aim to transform our landscape to create breathing places for people and wildlife. There are so many wonderful species of birds, animals and insects, all of which can be found in your back garden. My message to everyone is take time to discover the wildlife in your own neighbourhood - your Local Nature Reserve, garden or park and take action to make a difference for wildlife where they live.

There is a whole host of information to help people locate breathing places in their neighbourhood and get involved with Natural England, the BBC and RSPB’s campaigns on their websites; www.naturalengland.org.uk, www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces or www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch. Together we can protect and enjoy our wildlife for today and for the future.

Geoff Sansome: East Midlands Regional Director Natural England