For immediate release: Wednesday 1 July 2020

The RSPB is inviting Herefordshire residents to share how nature has lifted their spirits during lockdown, from nature aficionados to nature novice’s exploring their green spaces for the very first time

During lockdown, more than ever, we’ve seen how important the natural world is to our wellbeing, with 77% of people in England finding that visiting nature has been important for their general health and happiness.

Between 1st and 31st July, share your story and photos using #MyWorldNow on social media.

Between 1st and 31st July, the RSPB is inviting people from Herefordshire and across the UK to share the new things they have noticed that’s different in their world, and what they have started to value more during these unsettling times as part of a nationwide celebration of nature and wildlife

Since the UK first went into lockdown it’s been a unique time for most of us. This spring has been unlike any other and, more than ever, we’ve seen how important the natural world is to our health and wellbeing.

From enjoying the uplifting sound of birdsong through an open window, to getting a welcome dose of fresh air and exercise in a local park, many of us have found solace in nature and had time to notice what’s going on around us.

Adam Murray, Head of Community Empowerment at the RSPB, said: “Connecting with the natural world is more important than ever. Over the last few months, as we juggled work, family life and wellbeing, all from the confines of home, the natural world became a playground, a gym, a tonic, and much more besides. But while our lives have changed, the threats to nature have not gone away.

“We’d love you to share the new things you have noticed and started to appreciate more in your world – large and small. Whether it’s cleaner air, the wildlife in your local park or getting creative in your support of the natural world, we’d love to hear about it. We want to know what you’ve started to value during these strange times.”

Nature enthusiast, Daisy Hughes, said: “I’ve noticed that some of my nearby verges are being mown less often, meaning they’re full of ox-eye daisies, orchids, dandelions, trefoil and clovers – gorgeous, amazing for pollinators and absolute oases for insects in a heavily built-up area! Would love to keep it like this after lockdown wherever growth doesn’t obstruct road view – would be great to see councils following “no-mow May”.

To get involved, simply share your stories and photos using #MyWorldNow on social media. Share the campaign with friends and family and post about what you’ve been noticing and appreciating in your world to join the conversation this July

A recent study1 found that 74% of people in England had noticed more nature in their neighbourhoods since the Coronavirus outbreak in the UK than they would normally at this time of year, and so the RSPB can’t wait to see and hear about what you’ve been spotting.

Sharing ideas along the way to help encourage more wildlife to your doorstep, and as lockdown begins to ease, the charity is urging its supporters to share how important nature is to them. With people also now valuing nature and green spaces more since lockdown began, the RSPB will be on hand to provide some simple steps you can take to take action to help care for these special places in the years to come.