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Six ways to help and discover nature this summer

There’s never been a better time to get involved with saving nature in Scotland. Not only can you make a huge positive difference for wildlife, but spending time in nature can make you feel good too.

Posted 10 min read
The view of the lake at Loch Lomond with views of mountains in the back and autumnal trees to the side.
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What you do matters

We all know that nature is in trouble, with iconic Scottish species such Ptarmigans suffering huge declines in recent years. But we also know that when we take action, we can make a difference. White-tailed eagles were once extinct in the UK, but following their reintroduction into Scotland and dedicated conservation efforts, numbers are on the up.  

That’s why we’ve teamed up with YoungScot and Barnardos  to help young people in Scotland enjoy and get involved with nature. This summer holidays, get involved and make a difference for nature. Here’s our top six suggestions:

1. Discover wildlife on an RSPB nature reserve

If you’re aged 16 to 25 you can now visit RSPB nature reserves for free!  We look after some of the most magical places for nature in Scotland and manage a network of 77 nature reserves across the country. From ancient woodlands and rare temperate rainforests to wild seabird sanctuaries and bustling wetlands, there’s a wealth of wildlife waiting for you. Choose your adventure today! 

Get free access

Bluebells cover the woodland floor surrounded by tall trees.

2. Be part of RSPB Scotland’s Youth Network for Nature

We’re looking for young people in Scotland aged between 12 and 18. Through monthly online meetings, you’ll learn more about nature and wildlife from experts, take action to protect and restore nature in Scotland, gain new skills, and be heard by those taking decisions about the future of Scotland’s environment and wildlife. Find out more or get in touch at youth.scotland@rspb.org.uk  

Find out more

Volunteer trimming back a shrub

3. Join an RSPB Youth Group near you

Learn more about nature, make new friends and take action for nature by joining a local RSPB Youth Group. Run by specially trained volunteer youth leaders, these groups are a great way to develop your knowledge and passion for wildlife, while also joining with others to help nature.

Find my local group

Youth council members looking out over the heathland landscape, towards mountains in the background.

4. Help nature in your space

When you think about it, wildlife – just like us – needs food and shelter to survive and thrive. It’s quite simple really and here’s where we can help! Could you put out bird food, put up a nest box or plant wildlife-friendly flowers? Whatever the size of your garden or outdoor space you can help - even a small window feeder can prove a lifeline to hungry birds. Or why not try a pot of sunflowers to provide food for pollinators in summer and seeds for birds come winter? You could even join others and help nature in your local community such as parks and gardens. Read on for plenty of ways to help, from feeding Hedgehogs to making a mini nature reserve.

Do something for wildlife 

A plastic seeding tray with wooden plant labels stuck into the cells, laying on a grass lawn in front of a house.

5. Be inspired by Our Beautiful Wild film

Find your motivation in this thought-provoking film showing how young people across the UK are taking action for nature. Written, produced and edited by more than 100 people aged between 13 and 25, the 20-minute film is a heart-felt exploration of how to create a sustainable future.

6. Join other young people in standing up for nature

Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed by global problems such as climate change and the decline in wildlife. But there are things we can do. Remember you’re not alone and even the smallest actions can make a huge difference when we act together. Take a look at how you could campaign with us for nature.

How to take action

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