Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust

SHARING some of your Christmas leftovers with the birds this year could make a real difference for local wildlife.

That is the message from the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, which is asking people to join its free 12 Days Wild challenge.

The charity wants people to do one “wild” act each day for the 12 days of Christmas to connect with nature at the coldest time of year.

Recycling Christmas cards, creating nature-themed crafts and going for a walk in the park are among other suggested ways people can take part.

Liz Shearer, community engagement director of the trust, says: “Cold roast potatoes are a fantastic thing to give to birds at this time of year because they’ve got natural carbohydrates with a bit of extra fat which is great in the cold.

“You can also leave out Christmas pudding, fruit cake and mince pies which all have useful sugars and fats, and a little bit of mild low-salt cheese is good too.

“Doing things like leaving out leftovers is a really simple way to help birds and mammals and helps us feel like we have a real connection to wildlife, especially at this time of year. ”

The 12 Days Wild challenge runs from Christmas Day to January 5. Anyone who signs up online will receive daily emails with fun activity ideas.

Sign up online at
wildlifetrusts.org/12dayswild

Pete Hughes