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Over the last 100 years the 'urban jungle' has been expanding rapidly with more people living in cities than ever before, having severe impacts on the environment, species and people. Here, we will get an insight into conservation in the urban environment, including the conservation of species and reducing the gap between people and nature in cities.
Engaging hard to reach young people in conservation: Improving knowledge and well-being
Sara Booth-Card
(Yorkshire wildlife trust)
Nature Deficit Disorder, though numerous pieces of research, has been identified as a concern in today’s young people. More screen time and less outdoor time has become prevalent in society and parents are less willing for their children to venture out alone. A Big Lottery funded project, through the Our Bright Future initiative, has been engaging young people in Hull in conservation. Sara discusses how the young people have been engaged and why their input is crucial to the future of conservation
Goatsucks and Grabble-ratchets; Changing habitat selection of a nocturnal, insectivorous bird.
Lucy Ryan
(PhD student in Ecology, University of York)
Many species are in decline due to urban development, agricultural expansion & climate change. To help conserve these species we need to know what is important to them, such as where they need to breed and feed. Our study focuses on a migratory, nocturnal, insect-eating bird the European nightjar, which migrates from Africa to the UK to breed.
We have used mini GPS units attached to their tails, to follow them as they move around their breeding site in South Yorkshire. We have found that all the birds are very different in their preferences and can fly surprising distances to find food.
We have used mini GPS units attached to their tails, to follow them as they move around their breeding site in South Yorkshire. We have found that all the birds are very different in their preferences and can fly surprising distances to find food.
Spiritual Trees: Connecting nature to culture and wellbeing
Zakiya Al-Afifi
(PhD Student in Environment, University of York)
Mangrove trees form valuable and unique forests occupying only the ocean-land borders in tropical and subtropical countries, including Oman. I conducted a study to explore the cultural value of a mangrove forest in Oman, beyond materialism and solid science. The values provided by the forest were significantly related to the teaching of Islam and influenced by the Omani culture. Islam highly values nature, and encourages meditation and spiritual engagement with it. In summary, mangroves provide significant cultural services for Oman, and therefore deserve protection and proper management.
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