I've just opened this new forum category to enable all members to say hello and tell everyone a bit about themselves. To start the ball rolling here's a bit about me.
I'm in my early thirties and work as an energy and environment consultant throughout the UK, advising companies on increasing energy efficiency and reducing their impact on the climate.
I started Wild About Britain as a charity about 18 months ago, as a way to help promote every aspect of British wildlife throughout all of the UK. Essentially, there were several main reasons for getting the project off the ground.
Firstly, I felt that during the last few decades, younger generations have been losing touch with their natural environment. Many young people are unable to confidently identify a dozen trees, birds, insects, mammals etc - and I admit that I had to include myself in that group.
Secondly, I felt that whilst many people were aware of the large UK wildlife charities, few people knew about the army of volunteers that were doing vitally important work in their own local area, as part of small conservation and wildlife interest groups.
Thirdly, I wanted to create a place where everyone could find a wide variety of information about British wildlife, without having to be restricted to single specialist subject or a limited area of geography. A place where they could find information about birds and butterflies in Cornwall, alongside fungi and sharks in Scotland.
Lastly, I wanted to create a place that belongs to everyone involved. I want Wild About Britain to be a community project that will be shaped by the ideas and suggestions of the forum members, gallery photographers, authors and editors that help to build this site.
Thankfully, there are lots of volunteers, many of whom you'll meet in these forums, who share the same ambitions. With their invaluable help, I'm proud to say that we are making a great contribution to British wildlife. wildaboutbritain.co.uk is now growing at a rate and quality that has far exceeded initial expectations and is a superb place to meet some great new friends from across the UK.
We hope you enjoy being here. We're a friendly bunch with a wide range of interests and unlike some other places on the net, we have a very low geek-factor
As a result, we're always keen to welcome new visitors and no question should be considered too embarassing, basic or obvious to ask. Feel free to start your own threads on any subject related to British wildlife, or start a new thread here to introduce yourself.
Cheers
StuartDH