Recognise yourself?

[rlchew]

I had a bit of a flat de-clutter today and I have ended up with a lot of old magazines to go to the recycling centre.

However, I had a quick flick through some back copies of "Natural World", the magazine of the Wildlife Trusts. I came across an article published in Spring 2006 in advance of the BBC "Springwatch" programme.

The article stated that BBC research has estimated (how do they do that?) that half of the UK population is "actively interested in wildlife".

Now there is a potential for a growth in WAB membership .

Of the 30 million people "actively interested in wildlife", 2 million people are thought to be "concerned campaigners".

The rest of us (i.e. the 28 million) fall in to 4 categories apparently ....

"Child-led" (36%) .... interested in nature as an experience to share with their children .... their main focus is being outdoors with their family in the park or countryside.

"Nature enthusiasts" (23%) .... like nature, walking and heading for the great outdoors .... they enjoy wildlife but are not signed up to any conservation organisations.

"Helpless backyarders" (25%) .... very pre-occupied with the fact that nature is under threat .... unfortunately they don't feel there is anything they can do to help.

"Passive preservationists" (16%) .... see preservation of the countryside as important .... they are passive but will get worked up if there is a threat to a green space close to home.

So WAB members, which are you? .... or are you in a category that has not been defined?

Me? .... I am definitely not "child-led" (I don't have any ) .... I am probably a mix of "nature enthusiast" (although I do support several conservation organisations) and "passive preservationist".

One thing is certain and that is since joining WAB my interest in wildlife has broadened and with it my knowledge so I am definitely a "WAB enthusiast" .

I do not necessarily subscribe to classifying people and generalisations can often be misleading but I did find the article in "Natural Wold" interesting.

Richard

[brainfarmer]

a helpless backyarder is definately me.

[nightshade]

Never really fitted boxes; Helpless backyarder with Attitude
They all fit and then some

[Adam Cheeseman]

I prefer to think of myself as a conservationist

[badgerwatcher]

I strenuously avoid being put in a category, as then I have to be measured by standards within that category, and I never measure up! I stand alone!

[buzfuz8149]

I am with you BW I have never conformed and I am too old to start now.

Carol.

[Wild-Woman]

Obsessed with wildlife, member of several wildlife organisations and committed to educating youngsters (and adults if they show interest) into becoming active conservationists.So I don't think I'm in any of the above groups.

Jules

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by badgerwatcher

I strenuously avoid being put in a category, as then I have to be measured by standards within that category, and I never measure up! I stand alone!

Crikey,BW you have got it about you today