National Marine Week takes place from Saturday 25th July to 9th August and as such it's an opportunity to celebrate marine life and do what we can to protect it.

The "week" (it's actually longer than that) is organised by the Wildlife Trusts.  There are plenty of things to do and see or watch, however far away you are from the coast - and it's a wonderful chance to learn more about our marine life.

It's also a chance to spread the word that the Wildlife Trust have a gift membership - so if you are looking for a membership idea for a nature lover or someone who loves sea life and the natural world, this could be a great one to take a look at.

One of the great things about the Wildlife Trust is that there are 46 Wildlife Trusts around the UK (including Alderney Wildlife Trust which has some amazing You Tube videos of puffins and the wildlife there).  And most of them have membership schemes so actually you could look for a Wildlife Trust that's close to your loved on.

So what do the Wildlife Trusts do for the sea?

• Campaign for Marine Protected Areas - they campaign for parts of the seabed and the sea to be protected from damaging activities
• They work for balanced fishing policies that help to protect our marine environment and ensure a sustainable fishing industry
• They run surveys along the coast and under the sea to gather information on wildlife and marine habitats
• They help ensure that developments at sea avoid the most important parts of the sea for wildlife
• The run events around the coast such as talks, rockpool rambles and underwataer snorkel safaris to inspire people about the sea

The Trust looks after over 100,000 hectares of land for wildlife - woods, meadows, hils and beachers. They maintain nature reserves and provide wild volunteering opportunities for people of all ages.  And they run marine conservation projects to promote healthy seas and marine wildlife.

Give a Gift Membership to the Wildlife Trust.

(Image copyright Wildlife Trusts)

The National Trust for Scotland cares for some amazing places in Scotland and some wonderful wildlife, too.

They look after the habitats of over a million seabirds, and birds nesting in the woodlands and hills.  

And this week, they've launched a series of Spotter Guides - and the first one focuses on wildlife, most specifically, birds.  

As well as enjoying their Spotter Guides, you can share places and sights with the National Trust for Scotland on social using #ForTheLoveOfScotland

 Fly away to the Spotter Guide from the National Trust for Scotland

There's also one for families

Give a gift to the animal lover in your life,
as well as to the animals at Chester Zoo and worldwide

Like many zoos in the United Kingdom and indeed worldwide, Chester Zoo has been hit very hard by the coronavirus.  Visitor numbers played an essential role in supproting the zoo and also its conservation projects around the world.

If you know of someone who loves Chester Zoo, and/or who enjoyed the programme The Secret Life of the Zoo, you could give a membership to the zoo. 

You could also consider adopting an animal - there's a Bronze, Silver and Gold levels to choose from plus a huge range of animals. 

We need your help and support!   

Or you could make a donation on behalf of your loved ones.

The coronavirus has put a stop to a crucial source of income for the zoo.   Even though it has opened up, it won't have the numbers coming through to make up for lost income.   The animals need feeding and veterinary care.   Conservation projects need support.

Please visit Chester Zoo's website and look what you can do to give your support.  Taking out a membership or giving a membership is one way. 

Donating through the zoo's Just Giving page is another. 

Images copyright to Chester Zoo from their Just Giving page 

 
The National Trust for Scotland look after some stunning places, amongst them Brodie Castle.

You can take a virtual tour of Brodie Castle's Shrubbery with the Head Gardener, Ed Walling as he takes you on a relaxing tour round the beautiful shrubbery there.  

Click here to see the virtual tour

Incidentally, the National Trust for Scotland have an Emergency Appeal.  They desperately need help to help them look after Scotland's beautiful places, wildlife and heritage.  You can donate here.