Guest Author - Nicola Jane Soen

As the summer is here; you maybe are wondering what to do with yourselves on family days out, or on your own just rambling. If you are one of the many individuals or families who are into conserving nature and caring for the environment; you may consider buying into one of the Wildlife Trusts.
This is a number of Trusts whose intention is to conserve the wild life of Britain and its habitats; along with the native animals who rely on these areas for their survival.

The local branch (for me!) is Kent wild life trust, who have various bits of Kent, uniquely known as ‘The garden of England’ and these bits are carefully maintained to provide both please and education for the future generations; as well as preserving the balance of nature and protecting its wildlife.
Membership is not very expensive and is worth every penny. It lasts for a year. There are many different trusts all under one umbrella of ‘The Wildlife Trusts’ (47 to be exact!) you merely choose the one of your preference.
Some can be joined online; others do not yet have that facility.

There are many events hosted in and by the Wildlife Trusts over the summer and even a competition for the most environmentally friendly garden of Britain! You fill out a form, ticking what environmentally friendly stuff you have, fill in a few words and you could win a certificate or a plaque.

There is no set price because each of the Trusts has their own different sizes and mandates, but it is very reasonable. You also receive a magazine with details of anything local possibly and what is available to encourage you looking at nature from wherever you are.

Some local ones to Kent are;

Hothfield Heathlands Nature reserve: which is antiquated land; dating back centuries.
Oare Marshes a local nature reserve has many birds, for these who love bird watching and some lovely wild flowers.

Sandwich and Pegwell bay has some lovely flowers like the common spotted orchid; there are also dunes, salt marshes and mudflats, with so much wild and natural to Britain growing safely in this part of the Trust.

This August there are some events going on such as Bat evenings, Going down in the woods, Serpenting, guided walks, education regarding what and who lives in hedgerows. Some events are suitable for wheelchair access, others are not. It is best to check before you turn up.

But what ever you like there will be something going on to suit all the family. And it all supports helping the environment, so it’s a win - win situation!