Richard on the litter pick with UCC Councillor, Kitty Sams

I recently joined a community litter pick to mark the launch of Cauldwell and Kingsbrook in Bloom 2010.  Local residents constantly tell me that littering is a real annoyance – not only for the ugly blemish on our landscape but also for the cost to local wildlife.

Our council workers do a good job, but there is always a need for local volunteers to spare their own time to help out.  One person who epitomises the volunteering spirit is Kitty Sams.  She is devoted to the community of Cauldwell and is also a hard working member of the Urban Community Council.  I was happy with the amount of rubbish I had collected, but Kitty managed to collect more!

Touring the RSPB’s Sandy Reserve with Tom Fewins and Amanda Crack of the RSPB

Last month, I took the opportunity of the RSPB’s Big Garden Bird Watch to visit the organisation’s headquarters and tour the reserve in Sandy. 

I was able to discuss a wide range of environmental issues with RSPB representatives– from wind farms to agricultural policies to global warming.  

The RSPB plays a vital role in bird conservation and for our environment. With over one million members, 12,000 volunteers and a charitable income of nearly £80million, it is great that they are headquartered in our area.   I hope local councils will continue to encourage our schools to make full use of this great resource and giving kids a great connection with our natural wildlife.

2011 will mark the 50^th anniversary of the move of the RSPB to its headquarters in Sandy.  A great way to mark this milestone is to bring the family to the sanctuary, learn firsthand about the work of the RSPB and maybe make a donation or two to help promote their vital work.