Hello,

As I write this edition for Keele Wildlife Society... May is coming to a close! According to the Met Office, this spring has been the sunniest since records began with over 573 hours of sunshine recorded. I hope you all have been able to enjoy the sunshine and recent warm temperatures!

Each time I take a walk or cycle I feel lucky; lucky to live in the countryside, lucky to be able to enjoy wildlife and lucky for being able to watch the season's progress. This week I have been on a 5-mile walk along the River Stour, passing through fields and areas of wildlife conservation. I was able to see and hear so much wildlife; I admit I notice more these days compared to ever before. One of the most frequent sightings was of the Enallagma Cyathigerum (Common Blue Damselfly). However, another common sighting was of rubbish including takeaway wrappers and personal protection equipment (PPE). This is a huge disappointment. The local takeaway has only just reopened and demand for PPE remains high….. What makes people decide to leave their rubbish in the countryside?

As many of us are aware, this is not a unique experience. A simple online search brings up multiple news articles from large scale fly tipping to individuals throwing rubbish from car windows. One reason for an increase in fly tipping this spring is the temporary closure of recycling centres and with many spending so much time indoors; it is unsurprising that the amount of waste we are accumulating has grown. But, we must be responsible. We must look after wildlife and the countryside. Many of us within the society are active in litter picking and may feel encouraged to do so when we see litter around our local areas. If you are litter picking to help make wildlife safe, ensure you keep yourself safe - especially when dealing with discarded PPE.

As always, send us our stories or photos of wildlife around you!

• The principal spokesperson and representative of the society
• They shall have overall responsibility for the development and growth of the society.
• They shall be responsible for performing the duties of any unelected officers in their absence.

The Vice-President

• They will assist the President and stand in their place if they are not available.
• They shall be responsible for performing the duties of any officers in their absence

The Treasurer

• Ultimately responsible for the society account and shall ensure that society funds are spent sensibly and within the society means.
• They shall be responsible for keeping financial records and producing a financial report to the society Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The Secretary

•  Responsible for taking minutes at all society meetings.
• Maintaining the membership and mailing lists of the society.

Welfare and Inclusion Officer

• Attending specific welfare-related training to fulfil their role.
• Working with the committee to plan socials that consider all members

The Speakers Officer

• Invites speakers and organises speaker events.
• In charge of arranging venues and providing members with the opportunity to meet and network.

The Events Coordinator

• Thinks of ideas for events, socials and walks for the society.
• Use social media to regularly promote and post about upcoming events.

Nominate yourself now and help the Keele Wildlife Society continue to be a fantastic society!!!

Important dates:

Nominations

OPEN: Monday 9^th March (9am)

CLOSE: Friday 20^th March (9am)

Voting

OPEN: Saturday 21st March (9am)

CLOSE: Thursday 26th March (9am)

Results

PUBLISH: Friday 27th March

Dear Fellow Wildlife Enthusiasts,

This April edition of the Wildlife Society Newsletter hopes to provide you all with some ideas and activities which you can do to help wildlife at home. If there is anything which you have been doing please share with us on social media! 

I have been taking part in the Garden Birdwatch; I am lucky to have seen a range of bird species in my garden. These have included Sparrows, Starlings and a regular Robin which has made a daily appearance at breakfast!. A number of birds are nesting with a young Blackbird finding its flight last week…. It took a few attempts and help but has been successful! If you are interested to take part in this take a look on their website here: https://www.bto.org/ 

A number of wildlife related organisations and charities have been providing activity ideas. Here are a few pages:

The Wildlife Trusts

A number of different activity sheets; for example, creating a hedgehog highway (this can be done with a fence or hedge - anyway you can alter your own gardens to increase Hedgehog mobility!). Another easy way to help nature is by making your own bird feeder; this is something I have very fond memories of doing myself as a child.

For more information and alternative ideas check out The Wildlife Trusts website here: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wild-activities-families-and-schools

RSPB

Here you can select the wildlife which you would like to help; this allows you to choose activities which are most appropriate for your location and garden. For example, to help Bees, why not build a Bee B&B? Or you can help Frogs, Toads and Dragonflies by creating a mini pond. Even if you do not have a garden pond this is still an activity for you; all you need is a large container, some rocks and small plants. 

See the RSPB website for more: https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/give-nature-a-home-in-your-garden/garden-activities/

Zooniverse

If you are looking for ways to help wildlife online then you could check out Zooniverse. This provides a range of online volunteering to help science and research. Examples include: identifying species and behaviour from cameras, transcribe historical documents and classify sound recordings.

Take a look on the website and find something which is of interest to you: https://www.zooniverse.org/#projects

I hope you are safe, well and enjoying nature!