Nature Wise

3 people in a conversation

How do we talk to people about climate and nature? Here’s 5 things you can do…

It might be hard to grasp why some people don’t seem to care about nature or climate change, but for many, life is busy and already full of challenges and priorities. We have also become so disconnected from the natural world that it can be easy to forget that it’s essential to our existence. Unfortunately, just telling people why climate and nature matter, is unlikely to get them to change their mind or their habits. In fact, scare tactics have been shown to switch people off more than get them on board.  

To help you improve your approach to talking to your friends, family or colleagues, our training team have drawn on their shared experience to create their five top tips for communicating about nature and climate change. 

1. Focus on what’s possible, rather than what isn’t

Create a positive vision of a thriving future, and encourage people to share their own vision – storytelling can be a great tool for this. 

2. Appeal to people’s better self and encourage empathy

Most people want to be healthy and happy and would like the same for their family and friends – so highlight the tangible benefits of taking action on climate change. 

3. Remember the importance of listening

When communicating about climate change, what you hear is as important as what you say. Understanding why someone thinks the way they do will help you engage with them more effectively. 

4. Find some common ground

Avoid polarising arguments or rhetoric that can lead to ‘us and them’ or ‘everybody else’ thinking. Instead, highlight the things we have in common. 

5. Normalise positive behaviours

We tend to respond to things we see our peers doing, so provide some real, positive examples of how others are taking action.

If you want to know more? Check out these useful resources. 

To read: 

To watch: 

  • Colli Cymru i’r Môr – three-part series on iPlayer and S4C Clic looking at climate change in Wales and further afield. It’s presented in Welsh with English subtitles.  

To listen: 

To learn: 

You can also learn how to talk to people about climate change or the nature emergency as part of our Carbon Literacy or Nature Wise training courses.

How do we talk to people about climate and nature? Here’s 5 things you can do… Read More »

Bees and biodiversity: Why we all need to support our pollinators

This month, the Cynnal Cymru team have been sharing photos and stories about birds, bees and other wildlife encounters. It is summer, after all, and nature is in full swing! Our Training Administrator Tom also took part in the Wye Valley BuzzWatch: Bee ID and Monitoring workshop, which you can read about below.

But first, why should we care about bees?

  • Twenty percent of the UK’s cropped area contains crops which are dependent on pollinators, and the value of pollinators to UK agriculture is over £690 million per year.

We have lost 97% of our wildflower-rich meadows since the 1940s, and as the number of flowers in our countryside have declined, so too have our bumblebee pollinators, and they are in desperate need of our help!

The main threats to pollinators include habitat loss, environmental pollution, climate change and the spread of alien species.

Honey bees Vs native pollinators

There is just one species of honey bee in Britain and Europe, the Western or European Honey bee Apis mellifera. In contrast, there are over 1500 other pollinator species in the UK, including over 270 wild bee species, as well as hoverflies, moths and butterflies. Honey bees are not at threat of extinction in the UK. But there is increasing concern worldwide that declines in wild pollinators may be worsened by high densities of honey bees. For example, one honey bee hive can contain over 40,000 bees. That’s 40,000 bees competing with other wild species for food and resources, which could put a strain on the native wild bees. Honey bee hives have also been known to spread disease to wild bees, devastating local populations. If, for example, a honeybee hive was introduced into an area where a rare bumblebee species had made its home, this could result in the end of that population.

The UK has also lost 97% of its wildflower meadows in the last century, which means bumblebees are struggling to find enough food and good nesting spots to survive. The use of insecticides can also directly kill or affect the ability of bumblebees to find food and reproduce, with herbicide use killing flowering plants, a vital food source for bumblebees. Shifts in seasonal patterns and weather also disrupt bumblebee behaviour and impact survival at key life stages, such as spring emergence, nesting, and winter hibernation.

Extreme weather events like floods, droughts and storms also impact bumblebee numbers. Floods can drown hibernating queens and underground nests. Droughts can cause plant deaths, reducing the amount of nectar and pollen available for bumblebees to feed on and collect, with storms preventing bumblebees from foraging for food, as they struggle to fly in wet windy weather.

How you can help support pollinators

From volunteering to making your green spaces more pollinator friendly the Bumblebee Conservation Trust has plenty of bee-friendly ways to get involved.

Read ‘An introduction to bumblebees’, by Dr Richard Comont. The book covers bumblebee biology, their decline and conservation and what you can do to help them in your garden and beyond.

Whether you are a business, community or an individual, you can join the ‘Bee friendly’ initiative supported by Wales Biodiversity Partnership to help make Wales a pollinator friendly country

If you want to learn more about the links between human activity and ecosystem disruption and develop the knowledge to enable you and your organisation to take action for nature recovery, then signing up for our Nature Wise Eco-Literacy course might be the next step for you.

Nature Wise is a science-based, action-focused course to help you to understand the relationships between people and natural systems. It shares knowledge, builds understanding and provide the tools to motivate and catalyse action. You can sign up to our online courses at the below link.

Tom talks about what he learnt at the Bee ID and Monitoring workshop

On World Bee Day May 20th, I was lucky enough to attend a Bee ID and Monitoring workshop that was organised by Wye Valley National Landscapes and delivered by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Our expert for the day was Dr Richard Comont (Bumblebee Conservation Trust Science Manager). During the morning session Richard took us through a presentation on the benefits of bumblebees and other pollinators, and the data showing their unfortunate decline over the years. We looked at what we can do as individuals to allow them to thrive and make sure their much-needed habitats are protected. We learnt how to identify different bees and the differences between the queen, other female workers and male drones.

Fun fact: Female bees, including worker bees and queens, are the only ones that can sting. The stinger is a modified ovipositor; the organ used for laying eggs and is therefore only possessed by females. Male bees (drones) do not have stingers.

After a wonderful lunch put on by the National Landscapes team, we collected our Bee ID kit and went to Trelleck Wet Meadows for an afternoon session of bee identification.

We had a great afternoon carefully catching and identifying bees. I caught three female worker Red-Tailed bumblebees. Sadly, I didn’t get a picture of these as I was far too excited at the time. One of the other attendees caught a Brown-Banded Carder bee which was the first time one was recorded in the Wye-Valley National Landscape. 

I went away from the day with new knowledge and skills that will allow me to record and document the bumblebees that I come across, and add to the baseline data of bumblebee populations across the Wye-Valley National Landscape to allow them to focus their conservation efforts in the most important areas.

Tom Kirkton is the Training Administrator at Cynnal Cymru

Bees and biodiversity: Why we all need to support our pollinators Read More »

09 July | Nature-based solutions at work

Join us on 09 July for an informal roundtable event where we’ll be exploring how nature-based solutions can create real business benefits in the workplace .

Led by Louise Cartwright, our Head of Training, this session will feature expert insights on how organisations are embedding nature into their operations—and the positive impacts they’re seeing. We’ll also be joined by Stacy Griffiths, Corporate Environment Lead and Danielle Pugh, Sustainability Assistant from Wales & West Utilities. They will be sharing their integrated approach to supporting nature.

Whether you’re just starting your nature journey or looking to enhance your existing strategy, these sessions are a chance to connect, learn, and share your own experiences.

Places are limited, with priority booking for Cynnal Cymru members.

Register to attend

This event is Cynnal Cymru members and for businesses or organisations that are based in Wales.

Date: 09 July 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 am
Location: Teams Meeting (online)

Register to attend

Speakers

Stacy Griffiths (AIEMA) | Corporate Environment Lead, Wales and West Utilities

Stacy Griffiths joined Wales & West Utilities in 2005, where she gained extensive experience across a variety of roles in Business Services before moving into Asset Management. In March 2022, she joined the Corporate Environment Team as an Environment Analyst, swiftly ascending to Corporate Environment Lead in October 2022 when the team expanded into the Sustainability and Environment team it is today. 

In her current capacity, Stacy is responsible for delivering Wales & West Utilities’ comprehensive Environmental Action Plan. This plan outlines the company’s short, medium, and long-term ambitions to significantly reduce environmental impacts in key areas such as business carbon, resource use, and waste, while simultaneously maximising positive impacts on natural capital, culture, and society.

Stacy earned her BSc through the Open University, graduating in 2023. She is currently completing a Certificate in Environmental Management with IEMA, working towards obtaining Registered Environmental Practitioner status on her path to full chartership.

Danielle Pugh (AIEMA) | Sustainability Assistant, Wales and West Utilities

Danielle Pugh is a Sustainability Assistant at Wales & West Utilities, where she joined the Sustainability & Environment team in 2024. She plays a key role in embedding eco-conscious solutions into daily operations and supporting strategies that drive meaningful environmental change. With over eight years of experience across various departments at Wales & West Utilities, Danielle brings a broad perspective and valuable insight to her current role.

Danielle earned her BSc at the University of South Wales in 2014 and has recently gained her IEMA Associate status and is working towards full chartership. Danielle looks forward to contributing to the conversation on building a more sustainable future.

09 July | Nature-based solutions at work Read More »

Top tips for increasing nature and biodiversity at work

Why is this important

A recent report in Harvard Business Review demonstrated that even small interventions to increase access to nature – in offices from Canada to China – increased staff creativity, productivity and helpfulness. Natural England’s “Links between natural environments and mental health” 2022 paper also affirms that spending time in natural environments is associated with positive outcomes for mental health, stress and psycho-social wellbeing.

Both reports indicate that increasing access to nature need not be large-scale, expensive or onerous to generate these benefits. Whilst not every organisation can invest in a green roof or living wall, even micro spaces can become ‘stepping stones’ to connect up habitats and provide feeding stations for wildlife. For staff too time-pressed to fit in a regular nature walk, daily glimpses of nature at work and a chance to see, smell or hear our incredible biodiversity are also effective in boosting mood and performance.

Public bodies already have a duty, under the Environment (Wales) Act 2016, to maintain and enhance biodiversity and their partners and suppliers are being asked to showcase their biodiversity commitments too when they tender for public contracts.

With all these reasons to incorporate nature more in both our personal and professional lives, we are delighted to share some top tips to help!

How you can take action for nature

Let it grow!

Take part in No Mow May and Let it Bloom June – Plantlife’s annual campaign urging everyone to pack away the lawnmower, let wildflowers grow freely and help nature. Whether you’re in a city, town or the countryside, it’s easy to take part. 

Adopt a green space

Adopt a verge or a green space near your place of work. Download Plantlife’s ‘Road verge and green space management best practice’ guides and learn how to transform verges and green spaces.

Small is beautiful

No lawn or green space is too small! Even the smallest wild patch can provide vital food needed by bees and butterflies, connecting us with nature and giving nature the best start to summer. 

‘Nature isn’t neat’

Check out the MonLife’s ‘Nature isn’t Neat’, approach to establishing joined-up green space management to create wildflower-rich pollinator habitats across Gwent local authority areas. This includes a comprehensive toolkit to support organisations and community groups.

Turn a neglected space into a vibrant garden

Keep Wales Tidy are giving away free garden packs to community groups, schools and other community-based organisations to turn neglected spaces into vibrant gardens. Whether you want to grow fruit and veg, create a green community hub, or boost local biodiversity, there are several packs to choose from.

‘Biodiversity Basics’

If you are a community or town councillor, you can take part in One Voice Wales Biodiversity Basics (Module 25 – Biodiversity basics Part 1 and Module 26 Part 2) designed by the Cynnal Cymru training team. This course teaches the basics of biodiversity, nature recovery and ecology to enable good decisions and effective Biodiversity Action Plans.

Citizen science

If access to land in your work place or at home is limited, why not explore biodiversity in your local area by using the LERC App, contributing to nature conservation, planning, research and education by submitting biodiversity records.

You can also help control and reduce the spread of invasive species at home or work with the help of this easy-to-use toolkit from the Wales Resilient Ecological Network.

Increasing nature & biodiversity at your business premises

Using the expertise of its Landscape Architecture team, Groundwork has pulled together a free Nature & Biodiversity toolkit which outlines the different nature-based features your business could consider at different scales of investment and impact.

Practical examples of organisations taking action for nature

From small growing initiatives to site-wide biodiversity action plans, the following businesses and organisations are already taking action to increase biodiversity within their community and place of work.

1. Incredible Edible Network

Transport for Wales are supporting and working with the ‘Incredible Edible Network’ of growing initiatives including ‘Incredible Edible Abergavenny’ and Machynlleth (via Edible Mach) which plant fruit and vegetables in public places for anyone to help themselves.

2. Action on Climate Emergency

Action on Climate Emergency (ACE) Monmouth are a community group supporting a variety of nature-based initiatives to boost biodiversity and carbon capture. This includes coordinating seed swaps, a pesticide free Monmouth, sustainable open gardens and supporting nature enhancement in school gardens.

3. Y Stiwdio – A place to make, learn and grow

Y Stiwdio in Pembrokeshire is a creative space where wellies are welcome. A place to make, learn and grow. Y Stiwdio volunteers have created a community described as ‘A special place for all of us with secluded seating and a variety of wildlife-friendly plants to enhance the centre of the village’.

4. Cardiff University – Ecosystem resilience and biodiversity action plan 2024-2026

Cynnal Cymru has office space in the Sbarc|Spark building in Cathays Cardiff. While it is located in an urban area, we were pleased to discover the surrounding land was being used to create wildlife friendly spaces including mini meadows, hedgerows and a bug hotel. The Ecosystem Resilience and Biodiversity Action Plan, sets out how Cardiff University are going to maintain and enhance biodiversity and promote ecosystem resilience across Cardiff University’s campuses.

5. Capital Coated Steel – Biodiversity garden

Capital Coated Steel are an excellent example of how a steel manufacturer has made space for nature on a previously derelict site. The Biodiversity garden supports staff well-being, helps to educate visitors and repurposes waste. The project initiated by, Simon Nurse, and co-created with his team, has now taken on a life of it’s own! You can follow the latest updates on Simon’s Linkedin page.

6. Greener Grangetown, Cardiff – Sustainable Drainage Systems

Greener Grange is a nature-based intervention to retrofit a sustainable drainage system into existing urban streets, creating over 100 raingardens while leaving space for parking and other needs. Not only does the system reduce flooding, it has increased biodiversity and provides multiple benefits to the local community. You can read more about the Green Grangetown project on the Nature Based Solutions hub.

Top tips for increasing nature and biodiversity at work Read More »

A Capital garden: how a steel company is taking action for nature

How have you decided to take action?

The creation of a biodiversity and wellbeing garden, designed to acknowledge the lengthy industrial heritage of the site and also to restore the area to a bio-productive space; introducing nesting boxes, bee hives, planters filled with pollinator friendly flowers, two ponds and a canopy with a green roof.

We see the garden as a multi-faceted tool for sustainability, it:

  • Gives nature a place to thrive
  • Is part of a wildlife corridor on site
  • Offers a real-world example of nature alongside industry
  • Is a mechanism for training
  • A clear embodiment of our sustainability aspirations
  • An inspiration for other businesses

How did you get started?

The inspiration for the garden was provided by the space itself (the Victorian walls presented an opportunity to conceive the area differently); the book ‘Islands of abandonment’ (Cal Flynn)  made me think about how places can revert to their previous states; and finally desire to do something positive and meaningful that would have internal and external benefits.

Advice came from lots of quarters; social projects Project Nestbox and the Sirhowy Bee Company, and also from gardeners within our team, alongside friends and family. We have also never stopped listening to ideas and are currently working on an edible gardening journey to share crops with our staff. 

What is a key challenge that you have faced?

The challenges came from the environment within which the garden is sited and also creating the ‘right’ balance between core business activities and maintenance. Would the bees thrive? Which plants are hardy, low maintenance and good for biodiversity? Can we allocate sufficient resource within weather windows? (we are after all, a steel company and not a botanical garden, so there is only so much time we can devote to the garden itself).  However the latter point is almost moot – where there’s a will there’s a way.

What benefits have you seen?

The benefits have been significant:

On the environment – we have returned life to a formerly barren area. The space is now full of flora and fauna, most obviously flowers, shrubs, birds, bees, insects and amphibians.  

On the workforce – I can’t think of a better project that’s communicated the values of sustainability and the importance of biodiversity, from materials re-use to eco-systems.

On the organisation – it has been a real success in convincing the outside world that we listen, think, plan and act on sustainability. This has manifested itself in improved relations with key stakeholders and customers. Banks in particular, value organisations who take their responsibilities seriously.

Do you have any words of advice for those starting their biodiversity journey?

The big takeaway from our project is no matter what resources you have – or don’t have – at your disposal, do what you can with what you’ve got. Any area can be used, waste can be upcycled. Imagination and commitment are more important than financial resources.

Capital Coated Steel is a processor of pre-finished steels and metals, offering slitting, decoiling, profiling and shearing services. A Welsh owned company established in 1972, Capital serves multiple markets including building envelope, domestic appliance, cold rooms and general manufacturing. At Capital we believe in long-term relationships, looking after our customers, supporting staff, contributing to the local community and taking our sustainability responsibilities seriously.

Not sure where to start on your own biodiversity journey? Check out our Nature Wise course to learn about the links between human activity and ecosystem disruption. Our eco-literacy training will help you develop the knowledge to enable you and your organisation to take action for nature recovery.

Find out more >>

A Capital garden: how a steel company is taking action for nature Read More »

How does my job relate to nature?

Why holding a space for nature-connection is my dream job

Our Sustainability Trainer Sara Wynne-Pari discusses her sustainability journey.

Growing up in rural North Wales has greatly influenced my love for nature and my dedication to protecting the natural environment. Although I’ve worked across a wide variety of disciplines, nature and biodiversity have been a constant underlying theme. I enjoy helping others on their sustainability journey and being a good environmental communicator, able to understand and tailor discussions to individual needs, has been integral to my work.

This passion for both nature and communication has led me to be the lead trainer and project manager for  Nature Wise, our eco-literacy training programme. I also develop content and deliver bespoke nature-based training to help organisations improve their understanding of the nature crisis and recognise ways they can take action to reverse it. 

I’m currently studying an IEMA-accredited MSc in Environmental and Business Management at Bangor University. Although I was nervous to return to education two decades after my bachelor’s degree, I have found the experience re-energising. It is rewarding to develop my own knowledge but also great to be able to apply all the experience and insights I have gained to what I’m learning.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me exploring the beaches of Ynys Mon, waiting for the cuckoo’s return to Nant Ffrancon, looking for new swimming spots or riding my electric bike through Eryri (Snowdonia). Delivering the NatureWise course has given me an even deeper respect and connection to nature and I feel very lucky to be able to hold a space for others to explore this through the course.  

Nature Wise is a science-based, action-focused course to help participants understand the relationships between people and natural systems. It shares knowledge, builds understanding and provides the tools to motivate and catalyse action. 

We can’t live without nature — it provides us with the essentials for life, such as clean air, water, and food, and greatly contributes to our physical and mental wellbeing. It is our best ally in the fight against climate change. 

There’s a way we can all incorporate nature into our work – of course planting trees and volunteering outdoors is important but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. There are lots of other ways we can help, for example, you could become a nature champion at work, sharing tips and ideas with your colleagues; encouraging your organisation to incorporate wildlife corridors and pollinating plants around your business sites or incorporating biodiversity considerations into your procurement process. 

Unsure of how you can implement any of that in your role? Worried you don’t have the right influence, or can’t figure out the steps to getting there?

Join us for the Nature Wise eco-literacy course! We will provide you with information, ideas and inspiration. We also offer bespoke courses for any organisations who would like more tailored content.

Sara Wynne-Pari is one of our Sustainability Trainers. She leads Nature Wise eco-literacy training, regularly running Nature Wise for Work which helps you understand your human-nature relationship as it fits in with your job role, and how you can improve your work’s relationship to nature via achievable goals.

How does my job relate to nature? Read More »

Nature Wise for business – ‘Give it a go, because the clock is ticking’

Tell us about Orangebox and your role 

We design and manufacture office furniture and the company is sustainability-led. Our HQ and two factories are in south-east Wales, and three years ago we were bought out by Steelcase, a big American company. 

I joined as a furniture designer around 20 years ago, but just over a year ago I became Head of Sustainability. I’m interested in minimising our carbon footprint and I also look after our energy efficiency. 

Why is nature important to you and the businesses? 

I do a lot of cycling, I’m a keen birdwatcher and part of a conservation group. So I’m passionate about biodiversity and I’m helping Orangebox acknowledge that climate change isn’t the only big risk.  

Part of the Orangebox team volunteering at the Stump up for Trees nursery outside of Abergavenny.

How important is nature in your sector? 

Increasingly so, but we are at the first rungs on the ladder. Orangebox prides itself on being environmentally-led, but it’s always felt like we’ve been pushing. Now customers are asking how they can reduce their carbon footprint. The biodiversity and nature discussion is nowhere near as mature, but as we see more media exposure of biodiversity loss that will increase exponentially in the next 5 years.  

What do you think are the best things about nature in Wales?  

It’s the variety. I love where I live because in half an hour I can be on top of a mountain, on a cliff looking out to sea, or at Newport wetlands surrounded by thousands of starlings. 

I work in a design studio on the banks of the Taff, where I’m lucky to look onto woodland. Every time we see a species of bird we print out a picture and put it on the wall. You won’t believe how many species we’ve seen!  

Why did you choose to do Nature Wise? 

The minute I saw it, I wanted to deepen my knowledge of how ecosystems work and get a better understanding of biodiversity loss. Because I’m with Cardiff Conservation Volunteers my course was essentially free, as it was funded by GWR. 

Volunteering at Stump up for Trees.

How was the course? 

I really enjoyed it. The trainers knew the content and had passion for it, and it was just the right level in terms of complexity. 

What changes are you making, following the course? 

Personally, I’ve pledged to do more in my village and have been talking to my neighbours. But more impactful will be how I can help at Orangebox. We’re thinking harder about the materials we use and where they come from. For example, we use a lot of wood, and while that is low impact compared to plastics and metals, we still have to buy most of it from abroad. So we’re working hard on developing partnerships that allow us to source wood from well-managed forests in the UK.  

Litter Gareth collected from a local stream.

What would you say to others about why they should sign up for Nature Wise? 

Give it a go, because the clock is ticking.  

Nabod Natur – Nature Wise is a science-based, action-focused course to help individuals to understand the relationships between people and natural systems. It shares knowledge, builds understanding and provide the tools to motivate and catalyse action. 

Nature Wise for business – ‘Give it a go, because the clock is ticking’ Read More »

'It's important for people to disconnect from work and get out in nature' Julie Longton, Associate Director (Grasshopper Communications)

Nature Wise for Business – ‘being outside and close to nature is crucial for wellbeing’

What is your job at Grasshopper Communications?

I’m a communications professional at Grasshopper, a communications agency with an office in Cardiff. Our work is all about social value, we create campaigns that change attitudes and actions in positive, lasting ways. We partner with like-minded organisations, such as renewable energy companies, environment agencies and local and Welsh Government, supporting campaigns on active travel, regeneration, net zero and conservation.  

What are the best things about nature for you? 

I work remotely and I’m usually in front of my laptop, so it’s critical I spend any free time out by the beach, or in the woods walking with my kids and spotting birds and beetles. 

I want to bring my children up so that they’re really fond of nature. Our local beach, Maenporth (near Falmouth), has lots of craggy rocks and little tunnels which kids love. We can go whatever the weather – they just love it! 

How important is nature to your sector? 

I think that for communications – for most industries – people have realised that the environment is important for staff wellbeing. The pandemic was a bit of a turning point, when we realised that we need human connection but also that being outside and close to nature is crucial for wellbeing.  

Why is nature important to you and the business? 

Personally, being closer to nature was part of the motivation for moving with my family from London to Cornwall. I wanted my children to be close to the woods and the beach, to have more work-life balance and be closer to wildlife.  

As for Grasshopper, wellbeing is a real focus for us – it’s part of our culture. It’s important for people to disconnect from work and get out in nature. In fact, this year we’re hopefully starting some team voluntary work to support a local conservation charity.  

Grasshopper Communications team on a wellbeing day.

Why did you do the Nature Wise course? 

I was keen to do it because at the time I was putting together a communications strategy for a project for Natural Resources Wales, called Natur Am Byth. The aim is to bring people closer to nature and protect endangered species. So Nature Wise was really helpful for that role, particularly for the work I was doing on how to inspire people. 

How did you find the course? 

I thought it was brilliant. The trainers were really good and it really was a two-way course with lots of discussion. Doing it over two days meant you could go away and digest it before coming back to the next phase. 

What would you say to others about doing Nature Wise?  

Go for it! Whether you’re a junior member of staff or a senior manager, it’s relevant for anyone with an interest in the environment who wants to take a more active role. 

Nabod Natur – Nature Wise is a science-based, action-focused course to help individuals to understand the relationships between people and natural systems. It shares knowledge, builds understanding and provide the tools to motivate and catalyse action. 

Nature Wise for Business – ‘being outside and close to nature is crucial for wellbeing’ Read More »

Save our Wild Isles

The experience was organised by WWF Cymru, RSPB Cymru and National Trust Cymru together with experts from the Open University that brought to life the Save Our Wild Isles campaign and television series, demanding an immediate halt to the destruction of nature here in the UK and urgent action for its recovery.

The event outlined the challenges facing us and how everyone has a part to play in supporting this recovery – something Sylvia and Jason know first-hand from their experience teaching Cynnal Cymru’s Nature Wise | Nabod Natur course. It brought together nature ambassadors advocating on behalf of our precious grasslands, freshwater areas, woodlands and oceans in a combination of film screenings, panel discussions and interpretation boards, all accompanied by a delicious sustainable vegan meal provided by local caterers Wild Thing Cardiff.

This fantastic opportunity to network and share experiences with others working in the sustainability sector did, however, make clear just how much work still needs to be done. The statistics are deeply worrying: 30 million birds have vanished from our skies over the last 50 years and as many as 1 in 6 species is at risk of extinction here in Wales. And this is something humanity has caused: in the words of Sir David Attenborough, “this starts and ends with us”.

But all is not lost – part of the event was to promote the People’s Plan for Nature created by thousands of people across the UK in an inclusive participatory process calling for “urgent, immediate action from everyone to protect and restore nature for future generations”. The Plan is an ambitious vision which aims to bring the nature crisis and nature conservation to the forefront of decision making while maintaining the delicate balance between human and non-human needs. Add your voice now to the People’s Plan for Nature and make it too big to ignore any longer.

Save our Wild Isles Read More »

Nature Wise for Business – Working in harmony with nature

What is your role at Arup?

My focus is on two projects with Welsh Water, helping them maintain and improve sewer systems. My job includes sending out survey crews and coming up with ways to make sure the system works properly.

Is there anything you think is particularly special about nature in Wales?

I grew up in west Wales and we have fantastic beaches there – one of my favourite spots is Tresaith (in Ceredigion). I love seeing birds, seals and dolphins. Since moving to the valleys I really appreciate the waterfalls and forests, and I like walking at Garwnant (in the Brecon Beacons, near Merthyr Tydfil).

Why did you take the Nature Wise course?

I was interested because I saw it as an opportunity to link my work with my interest in nature. I like spending time outdoors, doing walking and cycling in the Brecon Beacons, so I often think about how to improve the environment.

How useful did you find the course?

It was very helpful to focus on what you can do as an individual, how I can think in a more eco-friendly way and talk to others about preserving nature for future generations. I really liked hearing success stories like the recovery of the red kite.

Why should someone do Nature Wise?

It’s great for beginners, as it explains why it’s important to look after the natural environment, sets out the problem and lays out solutions. For those with more knowledge it’s a refresher. We need policy makers to have these attitudes embedded.

What have you been doing to help nature since doing the course?

Arup’s very good at considering the impact of its actions, but I have presented what I learnt to my colleagues and that’s been a useful reminder.

Personally, I’ve been working on my garden and had been planning to dig up the tree stumps. I’ve now realised they’re a vital habitat that’s being lost. I’ve explained this to my children – it’s a good teaching opportunity! Another thing in my plan is to try to have more native plants.

What about the future?

I hope construction will use more nature-based solutions, like using wetlands. And I hope that will filter through into the general population and people will realise how important nature is, and have more of a connection.

What is your message to other engineers?

I’d say that the more we involve nature in solutions, the more durable that project will be. So let’s work with nature rather than fight against it!

Nabod Natur – Nature Wise is a science-based, action-focused course to help individuals to understand the relationships between people and natural systems. It shares knowledge, builds understanding and provide the tools to motivate and catalyse action. 

Nature Wise for Business – Working in harmony with nature Read More »

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