World Wildlife Conservation Day is dedicated to raising awareness as well as promoting action for the protection and preservation of wildlife
Written by Lindsay Rowe
World Wildlife Conservation Day, observed on 4th December, is a global day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting action for the protection and preservation of wildlife. Focusing on educating people about the urgent need for conservation and the threats that wildlife face, such as habitat loss, poaching, and climate change, organisations and communities come together to promote sustainable solutions that protect animals and their natural habitats.
World Wildlife Conservation Day is a reminder that safeguarding wildlife is essential for maintaining biodiversity and the balance of our planet’s ecosystems.
As mentioned before, most of my life has been spent in Africa so my focus on wildlife conservation until now has been based on African wildlife.
However, as I wrote in my piece in our April edition this year, it has now moved to a more local focus.
I am not going to go into details of the vast amount of stats out there, quoting numbers and percentages, as I am of the belief that getting to know, and actually viewing, what is around us, and the effect we have on this, is far more effective at making people aware of the need for conservation rather than looking at a string of somewhat boring (albeit important) numbers!
We are very lucky, down here in our corner of the UK, with the number of dedicated conservation groups and organisations available to us. Managed by The Sussex Wildlife Trust (founded in 1961 and with its headquarters at Woods Mill south of Henfield), there are twenty-six nature reserves around us!
So, if you are at a loose end, why not take yourself off and do some exploring and add your bit to conservation. Everything from entry fees to a cup of coffee or tea and a bite to eat all feeds into the cause – and you’ll benefit from the walk and the fresh air!
Locally, we have the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, Dungeness RSPB, Hastings Country Park, Fairlight Place Farm, West Park or Old Lodge in Uckfield to name but a few.
But if you do want something a little more exotic (though not local fauna) and add a touch of Africa without the expense of an airfare and hotels, there’s the Big Cat Sanctuary, or Port Lympne Reserve, or Howletts Animal Park – the latter two both working in partnership with the internationally renowned animal conservation charity, The Aspinall Foundation, which has been dedicated to protecting endangered animals around the globe for over 40 years.
Take care and stay safe!
