3^rd August 2007 … for Immediate Release

THINKING BIG MEANS HAPPY TOADS
Why did the lonely toad cross the road?  Because he had to!

Not the funniest joke you’ll ever hear but telling it to your friends could be a great way of raising awareness on how climate change is affecting wildlife – and how we all need to ‘think big’ to help.

Wildlife Watch is the UK ’s leading environmental action club for kids and the latest issue of its magazine, Watchword, – out this month - explains why making sure wildlife can easily move around is so important. 

Through the eyes of Neville the toad, we learn that moving around to find a mate is becoming more difficult in many places because of developments such as new roads.  Also, as climate change takes effect, some places where animals live become unsuitable for them and they may have to move elsewhere to survive.  They may need to find somewhere shady or head further north, where it’s cooler.  They need corridors like hedges, long grass and streams to be able to do this.

The Wildlife Trusts are creating huge areas of joined-up habitats such as meadow, woodland, wetlands and ponds.  These are known as ‘living landscapes’ and make sure wildlife can move around more easily, standing a better chance of survival. 

Julie Fulton, head of people and wildlife for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “We need to find ways to help our wildlife adapt to the challenges it faces in the future.  Driven by local people and their hopes, The Wildlife Trusts play a leading role in gathering support to allow communities to make their own changes.  We work closely with community groups, businesses, managers and local authorities on landscape-scale projects around the UK . Young people can help by encouraging schools and families to build new ponds and plant hedgerows.  All our actions will give wildlife a long-term chance and allow future generations to enjoy nature as we have.”

ENDS

For more details contact  Zoë Canham, Business Development Manager on 024 7630 8992. Photos available, please email zoe.canham@wkwt.org.uk

To find out more about joining Wildlife Watch and The Wildlife Trusts, log on to www.wildlifetrusts.org and www.wildlifewatch.org.uk

For further information please contact:

Anna Guthrie, senior press officer          Tel: 01636 670075          Email: aguthrie@wildlifetrusts.org

  Last updated 28 October, 2008