Safeguard wildlife: Hazard spotting

The first step is looking for things that can physically harm an animal in your local area.

Keep an eye out for:

• Getting Stuck (Entrapment): Are there narrow gaps in fences, open drains, rope, or discarded containers that could trap an animal?
• Getting Cut (Injuries): Is there "hidden" litter? Sharp tin cans, broken glass, or old wire can cause serious injuries to paws and wings.
• Falling & Drowning: Steep-sided garden ponds or deep holes can be deadly traps. Does every water source or hole you find have a ramp or a way for a small animal to climb out?

Some of the biggest threats to wildlife are less obvious. These require a bit more detective work and an understanding of how nature works.

Think about these "Invisible" risks:

• Pathogens: Dirty bird feeders and stagnant water can spread diseases like Trichomonosis between birds (we now advise scrapping flat bird feeders).
• Chemicals & Poisons: Are weed killers being used? These will likely harm insects that try to rest or snack on plants.
• Windows: Clear or reflective glass is invisible to birds. Look at your home, bus stops, or large glass office buildings in your area.

An audit is only the beginning! Now it’s time to choose one issue you’ve identified and fix it. Real stewardship means leaving the environment better than you found it.

You could…

• Tidy things away
• Place ramps in water sources
• Regularly clean pathogen hotspots
• Go litter picking in your local community
• Contact your local councillor for their advice with problems you spotted in the community