Ben Watkins
Looking after yourself and nature during the latest lockdown
Cornwall Wildlife Trust's response to Coronavirus (updated Tuesday 5th January 2021)
We have reviewed Government guidance following the announcement of the latest nationwide lockdown in England. To play our part in stopping the spread of the infection in Cornwall and to take care of our staff and volunteers while continuing our work, we have made the following adjustments:
- Our offices will remain closed to the public – please be patient when contacting us via email and phone while we work from home
- Our nature reserves (with the exception of our Five Acres site and Looe Island) will remain open - when visiting these wonderful places please make sure you practice social distancing
- Volunteering in groups will pause until further notice
- Orders from our online shop will continue to be fulfilled once a week
Nature was an enormous comfort to many during the lockdowns of 2020 and we hope you find joy and hope from Cornwall’s wildlife and green spaces over the difficult weeks ahead. If you would like to show your appreciation of nature, please consider becoming a member or making a donation – your support will make a huge difference.
Take good care of yourself, make the most of the opportunities below and we look forward to the day we can see you face-to-face again!
Keeping connected with nature while staying at home
In light of the latest national lockdown, maintaining a connection with the natural world is more important than ever to ensure we're taking good care of our health and wellbeing.
We know that people who spend time in nature are happier and healthier, but it can be difficult to know how to do this safely in the current climate.
Throughout the start of 2021, we will be updating this page regularly so you can get your wildlife fix from home! Sign up to our newsletter, below, and we will email you with regular updates, tips, actions, videos and images to help you maintain a connection to nature.
Things to do
There are still lots of ways that you can help wildlife during this time. We've got some brilliant activity sheets to download. If you do try any of these, please share with us on social media. We'd love to see!
Videos to watch
Throughout 2020, Cornwall Wildlife Trust projects adapted their programmes due to social distancing restrictions, with many offering videos and live streams as an alternative to what would have otherwise been in-person events. We will be adding to this selection of videos throughout this lockdown.
Rays around the Cornish coast
Penwith Landscape Partnership - Carn Kenidjack 360 degree video
Nick shows you how to make a hedge whistle - a swazzle!
Spring-time trees in West Cornwall
Matt, from the marine team, shows us how to press seaweed
Jenn, from Your Shore Beach Rangers, hosts a live shark Q&A
Catsharks of Cornwall
What can you eat in the garden?
Seasonal sharks - beautiful sharks in Cornwall's waters
Breakfast with a seal!
Photographing and studying Cornish Seaweeds With Michiel Vos
What is Seasearch and what is its impact so far?
Where do sharks go and how do we know? with Haley Dolton
Spring wild flowers in the lanes of Penwith
Things to read
Curl up in the warm and read some of our recent blog posts.
Soaring declines: Cornwall's woodland birds face extinction
Something serious is happening in our woods. Discover some of the most threatened species and how you can help woodland birds to thrive…
2024 People's Choice Award winner: Story behind the winning shot
The winner of the People’s Choice Award for our Wildlife Photography Competition 2024 was Harvey Pringle with his image of a weasel…
How to have a green Halloween
Halloween is a great time for some spooky fun, but unfortunately it is often filled with plastic and waste. Follow these tips to avoid…
An autumnal update from Looe Island Nature Reserve
As autumn arrives on Looe Island, Island Warden Claire reflects on the changing season and key species who visited over the summer, and…
Six months of beavers at Helman Tor: what's changed?
A little over six months ago, we welcomed two unexpected new residents to our Helman Tor nature reserve. So, what's changed?
An update from Looe Island
Looe Island Warden Claire Lewis shares an update featuring birds and butterflies, a pregnant seal, drone safety and the new webcam!
Things to see
You don't have to go far to see wildlife. Even looking out of your window or standing in your garden can give great opportunities for nature spotting!
Things to make and do as a family
Crafts and activities can be a great way of keeping busy as a family whilst still connecting with wildlife in your home and garden.
Click the images under each heading to download a printable worksheet.
How to identify bees
Bee Identification Sheet
Make a simple hedgehog house
Make a bird feeder
Make a garden wigwam
Make a butterfly feeder
How to make a homemade bird hide
How to build hidey holes
Make a butterfly feeding table
How to go pond dipping
How do you go pond dipping
Wildlife worksheets for homeschooling
Cornwall Willdife Trust supporter, Caitlin, created these wonderful Wildlife Worksheets for those who are currently homeschooling. Answers to the questions can be found in issue 141 of Wild Cornwall or by searching online. Let us know how you get on!