Small changes for the New Year for a healthier life and a healthier planet

How many times have you promised to make a New Year’s resolution, only to falter within the first few days? This year, why not make it easy for yourself and choose something you feel passionate about instead? That way you’re guaranteed to feel better about yourself and about the world. Plus, you’re more likely to stick to it as well.

To help you get started we’ve pulled together some great wetland themed ideas:

1. Head to a wetland and beat the winter blues

January can be tough on our mental health. It’s easy to fall into the temptation of staying warm and cosy indoors. Yet even in the depths of winter, nature is beckoning us with its healing powers. As the temperature drops, wetlands come to life with over-wintering birds. Combine a sprinkling of frost with low winter sunlight and you’ll quickly discover a magical winter wonderland. So visit a wetland near you and experience the special healing beauty of our magical winter wildlife first hand.

2. Create your own wetland oasis of tranquillity

Adding a wetland to a garden is a tried and tested stress-buster. The act of creating a wetland is a great way to tune into the current moment, get physically active and breathe in the fresh air. This time of year is before the breeding season kicks off and when wildlife is most in need of food and water. With 83% of freshwater species in decline worldwide, every little helps. So why not use these quieter gardening months to plan and build a watery space where you can wind down, lose your worries and find calm.

3. Make a world of difference: add your voice to our call for more wetlands

Wetlands aren’t just good for us, they’re good for the planet too, locking away carbon and helping combat climate change. New research carried out at WWT Steart show its saltmarshes stored as much carbon over four years as just over one million new trees grown in ten years. This year, help fight climate change by joining our Wetlands Can! campaign and pledge your support for the creation of 100,000 hectares of healthy wetlands.

4. Inspire the next generation of conservationists

The key to protecting our planet’s future lies in encouraging the next generation to value and care for the natural world now. Help nurture your children’s curiosity and love of nature with our tailor-made resources that’ll encourage them to get outside and have fun in wetlands. Together we can be the inspiration for them to want to protect nature and dream of a brighter future for the planet.

5. Make a difference with a small change to your life

We know huge changes are needed to address the climate and biodiversity crisis, but there are also small things we can all do to keep our wetlands and wildlife healthy. The products we buy and the day-to-day decisions we make may feel insignificant, but they send a message to companies that we want more sustainable options. Even something as small as being mindful about what you put down your sink can send a powerful message and make an impact.

6. Stay curious and learn something new

Challenge yourself to find out something new about your favourite wetland places. There’s plenty of evidence that embracing something new is a great way to keep our minds fit and active, which in turn keeps us happier, healthier and smarter. From learning the sounds of wetland birds to discovering how a place changes with the new season, there’s always a new experience to be had when exploring wetlands. Learn about our wonderful wetlands and why we need them now more than ever.

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