Sustainability

Be kind to the environment

Published on September 1, 2021 3 min read

Get outside and be kind to the environment

No one likes walking amongst litter, seeing plastic bottles bobbing around our waterways or wildlife distressed. So, now it’s time for us to think about how we give back and take care of the environment, just as it’s taken care of us. Here are 6 ideas to help you get outside and be kind to the environment.

If you would like more ideas of things to do on National GetOutside Day and how you can GetOutside more often, sign up to the OS newsletters. By signing up we will offer you a discount on our OS Shop.

1. Go on a litter pick

Help protect wildlife, tidy up your local area and keep our favourite scenic spots looking beautiful by spending an hour or so collecting rubbish. All you need are some old gloves plus a bucket or bag to put the rubbish in. Be careful not to pick up anything sharp and make sure you wash your hands before touching anything else. The Great Big Green Week and The Great British Beach Clean are also taking place this National GetOutside Day, helping you get outside and be kind to the environment.

Organise your own litter pick

Organise your own litter pick with friends, family or others in your community.

2. Leave the car at home

How many times a week do you jump in your car? Think how much we can help the environment, if we occasionally make the effort to swap four wheels for two. Not only will you help reduce your carbon footprint but you’ll save money and keep fit too!

We’re challenging you to leave the car at home this GetOutside Day and enjoy walking or cycling instead.

Track your miles

Keep track of the miles you’ve travelled by foot or bike and reward yourself with the money you’ve saved on petrol.

If you plan to leave the car at home and wild camp, please do so responsibly.

3. Do a wildlife survey

There are many organisations in need of volunteers to conduct wildlife surveys so they can learn more and help look after animals. From spotting butterflies, looking for creepy crawlies or collecting samples of animal poo to send off and see whether they’ve eaten plastic, there’s a wildlife survey to suit everyone. This is a great activity for all ages and it doesn’t cost a penny.

Sign up to take part

Search ‘animal surveys UK’ online to find out how you can get involved. Often you’ll be provided with a recording sheet to download/submit online.

4. Outdoor learning

Step outside and help children learn more and understand how the world works, all while having fun and making creations, from large bubbles to garden activity packs. Teaching kids about the world we live in will help promote sustainable habits and encourage the younger generation to look after our planet for years to come. Walk to a geographical landform, take the classroom outside or have fun with educational toys.

Get kitted out

Head over to the OS Shop for a large range of outdoor learning kits

5. Plant something outside

Whether you’re sewing bee bombs in your garden, growing your own veg or planting a tree at your local community allotment, you’ll get great satisfaction from watching it grow and attracting all sorts of wildlife. When thinking about what to plant, do a little research into what’s best for the time of year, where you are going to plant it and how you should care for it.

Check before you plant

Always get permission before planting anything in a public place. Some plants can have a negative impact the ecosystem.

6. Build an animal home

Help protect animals in your local area by building them a home in your garden. You don’t need much to build an animal home, some basic tools and natural materials like logs, hollow sticks and leaves. Hedgehog houses, bug hotels, bird boxes and mini ponds are some of the most simplest animal homes to build.

Location, location, location

First, think about where you will place your home. Is it easy for the animal to get in and out? Have they got enough shelter? It is protected from predators?

“Remember, when getting outside; take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints and kill nothing but time.”

Follow the countryside code

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