Caring for the environment and wildlife — Easy Read

Start with something that matters to you

Caring for the environment can mean using fewer resources, creating less rubbish or protecting places where wildlife lives. Wildlife means animals and plants living in the wild. Choose one activity you enjoy, such as watching birds, growing a flower or learning which bin to use. You do not need a garden, expensive equipment or the ability to walk long distances. Your contribution can be small and still worthwhile.

Use things for longer

Try using what you already own, borrowing an item, repairing something with suitable help or donating usable things you no longer need. A reusable bag or bottle may help if it works for you. You do not need to buy products labelled “eco” to take part. Keep the medical supplies, accessible packaging, straws or other items you need. Environmental goals should not be used to deny essential care or disability support.

Find the right recycling route

Recycling means collecting materials so they can be made into something new. Rules differ between councils and buildings: check the council’s instructions or Recycle Now before sorting. Ask for picture labels and bins you can reach. Batteries and electrical items need a suitable separate collection route; do not mix them into ordinary rubbish or recycling. Some councils have special separate collections. Do not dismantle a device to remove a built-in battery. Ask the council or retailer how to recycle it.

Use energy and water safely

Switch off lights you do not need when it is safe. Turn off a running tap when you have finished and report leaks. Check appliance instructions before changing settings. Keep fridges, freezers and equipment needed for health, communication or safety working as required. Do not cut necessary heating, drinking water or personal care to meet a savings target. Agree a practical plan with the people who support you. Our bills guide explains where to ask for help with costs.

Waste less food

Check what food you have before shopping and make a list of what you expect to use. Plan storage and leftovers safely, with support if needed. Follow storage instructions and use-by dates; do not eat food after its use-by date. Keep following any allergy, swallowing or prescribed diet plan. The aim is to waste less, not to pressure someone to eat unsuitable food or finish a meal they do not want.

Keep outdoor places clean

Take your rubbish and food waste away or use the right bin. If you want to litter-pick, an organised group can explain the task, equipment and safe area. Ask for a litter picker, gloves and any support you need. Leave needles, broken glass, chemicals, dead animals and heavy dumped items alone. Tell the organiser or council where they are. Stay away from traffic and water edges, and wash your hands afterwards.

Make a small space good for wildlife

A flowering pot or window box can help insects. Choose plants suited to your space and ask for peat-free compost. In a garden, a quiet patch of longer grass, leaves or logs can provide shelter. Avoid pesticides where possible. Check permission for changes to shared gardens, fences or balconies, and keep paths and exits clear. Choose safe plants if someone may eat them, and agree support for tools or lifting. Seated gardening and raised containers may make an activity easier.

Help garden birds safely

Follow the RSPB’s current seasonal advice. As checked on 7 November 2026, it advises pausing seeds and peanuts from 1 May to 31 October to reduce disease risks. Small amounts of suet or mealworms may still be offered. Seeds and peanuts can be offered again from 1 November to 30 April. Avoid bird tables and other feeders with flat surfaces. Clean feeders and water bowls at least weekly and replace drinking water daily. Ask someone to help with cleaning if needed, and wash hands afterwards. Check the linked advice again if birds appear ill.

Help hedgehogs

Protect natural shelter and avoid disturbing resting animals. Hedgehog Street recommends a shallow dish of water and, if offering supplementary food, suitable meat-based cat or dog food. Never give hedgehogs milk or bread. Clean their bowls separately from household dishes. Helping their habitat is useful even if you do not feed them. Ask a wildlife rescue or vet for advice about an injured or unwell hedgehog rather than trying to treat it yourself.

If a wild animal looks hurt

Watch from a safe distance and keep pets away. Contact a wildlife rescue, a vet or the RSPCA for advice. Give the location and describe what you can see. Do not enter a road or water, climb, or put yourself at risk to reach it. Do not touch sick or dead birds. Do not try feeding, giving water to, or treating an injured animal unless the wildlife professional advises you. Use the RSPCA link to find the appropriate next step.

Young birds and bats need particular care

A young bird with feathers may be learning to fly while its parents feed it nearby. Leave a healthy fledgling alone and keep pets back. A featherless or injured bird, or a bird in immediate danger, needs expert advice; do not assume every bird on the ground is abandoned. Leave eggs and nests undisturbed. If you find a bat on the ground or exposed during daylight, contact the Bat Conservation Trust’s National Bat Helpline. Avoid direct handling and follow specialist advice.

Enjoy nature without disturbing it

Watch quietly and give wild animals space. Leave nests, eggs, plants and shelter alone. Follow signs, marked routes and the Countryside Code. Keep dogs under control and follow local lead requirements; bag and bin dog mess. Leave gates as you find them unless a sign tells you otherwise. Do not light fires, and only use a barbecue where it is permitted. Choose safe ways to observe, such as a photograph from a distance or watching through a window.

Plan access before visiting

Check the surface and slope of paths, step-free entrances, seating, toilets, Changing Places facilities, transport and costs. Ask about quieter times, accessible information and support-person arrangements. The Wildlife Trusts’ directory gives ideas, but facilities differ and may change. Plan rest, weather protection and a way home that suits you. You could start with a short visit, enjoy a view from a seat or watch nature from home.

Join in with other people

Ask a local wildlife group, community garden, park group or conservation organisation about activities and volunteering. Possible roles include growing plants, counting birds, taking photographs or helping with information. Explain your communication, mobility and sensory needs and ask for a suitable task, clear instructions and breaks. Ask about costs, support and accessible facilities before agreeing. You can take part without handling animals or doing heavy physical work. Our volunteering guide explains more.

TCV, Green Gym and conservation groups

The Conservation Volunteers is often shortened to TCV. You may remember its former name, BTCV. It brings volunteers together to care for green spaces. Green Gym is one way to take part. Local Wildlife Trusts also list roles such as helping reserves, recording wildlife or supporting events. See our conservation volunteering guide for group finders and a first-visit plan.

Food-growing groups can help communities too

Incredible Edible groups and other community gardens bring people together around growing food. You could explore a shared garden instead of renting an allotment. Our allotment and growing food guide includes group finders and questions about access, support, costs and sharing the harvest.

Make your own environment plan

Choose one thing you want to try, who will help and any cost or access needs. You could ask supporters for picture labels on bins, time to watch birds or help visiting a garden. Use the worksheet if useful. Agree when to check whether you enjoyed it and what you want to do next. It is fine to choose another activity or stop.

The world around us

Choose something you enjoy

Use things again

Your needs matter

Recycling

Batteries and electrical items

Save energy and water safely

Keep essential things working

Waste less food

Keep places clean

Picking up litter

Grow something for wildlife

Help garden birds

Help hedgehogs

If a wild animal looks hurt

Finding a young bird or bat

Enjoy nature gently

Plan an accessible visit

Join in with other people

Choose your next step

Volunteer with a nature group

What you can do next

More useful links