INSIDE

WIN A TIGER
PROTECTOR GIFT
PAGE 30
THE MAGAZINE FOR WWF MEMBERS  SPRING 2022

A WILD
FUTURE
From mountain high
to valley low, we’re
making Yorkshire’s
uplands greener

JOIN THE TIGER TEAMS RACING TO PROTECT NATURE

Experience life on patrol with Meet the inspirational long-distance
China’s all-women team and runner Eliud Kipchoge and learn
Nepal’s finest tiger tracker about his mission to restore forests
 “THIS IS AN CONTENTS
Protecting wild tigers is
about more than restoring
a single species. Tigers
play an important role

EXCITING TIME IN
in maintaining a healthy
ecosystem. Every time we
protect a tiger, we protect
TOGETHER, WE DID IT! 4 depend on it. Find out how we’re CROSSWORD 31
forests that sustain wildlife A round-up of all you’ve helped helping protect these iconic birds. Solve our crossword to win

HISTORY – WILD
and local communities us achieve in recent months By Paul Bloomfield a copy of Into the Wild

WWF IN ACTION 6 INTERVIEW: ELIUD KIPCHOGE 24 NOTES FROM THE FIELD 31

TIGER NUMBERS
Environment news, including Record-breaking runner Eliud Azaria Kilimba explains how
our report from COP26 tells us why he’s racing to forests in Tanzania are being
protect forests in Kenya protected… with fish paste
WILD INGLEBOROUGH 10

ARE STARTING In the Yorkshire Dales, an

ambitious project will see
TIGER PROTECTORS
A day in the life of Nepal’s wild
26

TO RECOVER”
nature restored to its former tiger trackers and on patrol with
glory. By Derek Niemann China’s first all-women team

BIG PICTURE 18 COOLER CLEANING 28

With indigenous lands under Take the pledge – and follow
threat in Brazil, people are our top tips – to make your
making their voices heard laundry day even greener

PENGUINS ON THE EDGE 20 COMPETITIONS 30

A warming world means You could win an adorable walrus
Antarctic sea ice is melting – cushion, a stunning photo book

YEAR OF THE TIGER

bad news for the penguins that or an exclusive tiger adoption

Welcome to the lunar year of

the tiger. During the last one, MEET THIS ISSUE’S GUEST CONTRIBUTORS My Action
in 2010, a summit in Russia set ELIUD LIZZIE
ROD DOWNIE Conservation stories and inspiration for

KIPCHOGE KNIGHT
WWF members

up the next 12 years of tiger leads our work

conservation. Governments in all is a Kenyan in the polar is our project
professional regions. “For manager for
13 tiger range countries agreed the goal of

VISIT MY ACTION
long-distance runner me, emperor penguins Wild Ingleborough. She
doubling the number of these big cats in who is passionate about are the iconic Antarctic says: “Wild Ingleborough
the wild, known as TX2. protecting the forests species,” he explains. is a blueprint for

This lunar year, we’re shining a spotlight on

where he trains. He says: “When I first saw them restoration to show how You’re invited to discover
“The Kaptagat forest on the ice, I was struck by we can boost nature’s
the amazing progress made towards helping helped me to keep their serene grace and recovery and help fight
our brilliant new online
tiger populations recover in the wild, and on my dreams alive.” intricate beauty.” climate change.” home for conservation
areas where urgent action is needed to avoid news and stories for
further declines towards extinction. Working members, My Action.
on WWF’s tiger conservation programmes, GET IN TOUCH MEET THE ACTION TEAM Visit the site to learn
I’ve celebrated with our teams in countries
Editor Liz Palmer editor@[Link] more about the issues
[Link]/contact Editorial executive Holly Towner
that have overcome huge challenges to we explore in each
Senior supporter engagement manager
increase their wild tiger numbers – and 01483 426333 Hannah Crawley
edition of Action, and to
shared disappointment about the countries Supporter engagement manager enjoy exclusive photo
WWF-UK Living Planet Centre,
where wild tiger populations remain Rufford House, Brewery Road,
Stephen Osborne galleries, videos and other
Senior editor Guy Jowett interactive content. Check
worrying low. Woking, Surrey GU21 4LL
But there’s still a chance for wild tigers to
For Immediate Media Co. for regular updates at
Consultant editor Sophie Stafford
bounce back if we can gain political support. FOLLOW US [Link]
Art editor Nicole Mooney
September’s tiger summit in Vladivostok will [Link]/facebook Production editor Charlotte Martyn
be a pivotal moment to set the path for the Account manager Katy Hewett
COVER © GETTY | THIS PAGE © GETTY

[Link]/twitter Design director Will Slater

EXTRA!
next 12 years, to sustain the achievements
[Link]/pinterest Editorial director Dan Linstead
made so far, and to act as a turning point for
countries where wild tiger populations have [Link]/news THANKS TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS To find out
[Link]/youtube Paul Bloomfield, Rod Downie, David
declined or become extinct. Now is the time more, scan
Faulkner, Barney Jeffries, Azaria Kilimba,
for global leaders to play their part to ‘bring [Link]/instagram Eliud Kipchoge, Lizzie Knight, Jonathan the QR code
back the roar’, to benefit people and nature. Leadley, Becci May, Derek Niemann when you
Becci May, senior Asia programme adviser see this box.
Produced in association with Immediate Media Co. [Link]

2 | Action Spring 2022

THANK YOU TOGETHER, WE DID IT!

“LIFE ON EARTH, YOU HELPED US

THE PERMANENCE STUDY POLAR BEARS
IN SVALBARD
OF HUMANITY, With your support, Arctic

DEPENDS ON WHAT
scientists have published
groundbreaking research

YOU HELPED
HUMANITY DOES”
into the effects of climate
change on the genetic
diversity of polar bears. PEOPLE AND LIONS
NEIDINHA SURUÍ, ACTIVIST, BRAZIL Analysis of 626 bears in four
COEXIST IN KENYA
areas in Svalbard, Norway,
revealed a 3–10% loss of Thanks to your support, YOU HELPED ONE OF YOU HELPED TRACK
genetic diversity over two livestock owners in Kenya OUR RAREST CATS YOU HELPED INDIAN SNOW LEOPARDS IN
decades. There’s also been
a 200% increase in genetic
can sleep more soundly
after our partners at the ROAR BACK IN RUSSIA TIGER RESERVES THE HIMALAYAS
differences between distinct
sub-populations. Both results
Mara Predator Conservation
Programme (MPCP)
Thanks to your support, the
number of Amur leopards EARN THEIR STRIPES Thanks to you, we can
strengthen efforts to protect
suggest increased inbreeding installed 300 lights to keep in the wild has stabilised, Your support has helped snow leopards in Nepal
within local groups as the predators away. Around 500 and there’s new hope for the raise standards in tiger after two of these elusive big
loss of sea ice leaves bears lions live in Kenya’s Mara long-term survival of the conservation in India. cats were fitted with GPS
increasingly cut off from each landscape, and as natural species. The latest camera Conservation Assured collars. Two adult males
other. Genetic diversity is habitat is lost and livelihood trap analysis in Land of Tiger Standards (CA|TS) is were successfully collared
© GETTY
vital. With regular migration activities change, conflict the Leopard National Park the gold standard for tiger in Shey Phoksundo National
across the ice and breeding with people is increasing. in Russia’s far east has conservation. Developed Park, the largest protected
between different groups, Last year, MPCP recorded identified 16 cubs over the by experts, it provides a set area in Nepal. The GPS
the bears can mix and
match the genetic traits
835 incidents of lions
and other predators
last year, suggesting the
population is growing.
of criteria from managing
habitats to community
collars provide invaluable
information on the cats’ YOU HELPED
that can help them adjust attacking livestock, Conservationists studied relations. Since 2020, the movements, behaviour and ORANGUTANS IN
to rapid environmental
changes. This study adds
leading some people
to retaliate lethally.
some 700,000 photos from
around 400 remote cameras,
Indian government has been
working towards CA|TS
primary habitats, allowing
them to be closely monitored BORNEO RECONNECT
to growing concerns over The flashing identifying individual across all 50 of its tiger over the next 18 months. Because of your support,
the long-term future of LED lights help leopards by their unique reserves. A year later, 14 sites This will help strengthen the orangutan populations
polar bears. n prevent lions from coats. Camera traps revealed in India had been CA|TS management of the landscape in two protected areas
attacking livestock that one female, Grace, has approved, including 10 in and reduce conflicts between in Borneo will soon be

© JUOZAS CERNIUS / WWF-KENYA | INSET © GETTY

in enclosures at given birth for the fifth time. WWF priority landscapes snow leopards and people reconnected. Work is about
night. Supporting Two new cubs mean she’s where we support tiger from local communities. to begin to restore a 5km-

© LAND OF THE LEOPARD NATIONAL PARK

© LIFE ON WHITE (ALAMY STOCK PHOTO)

coexistence isn’t just now raised 10 in total. Some conservation. CA|TS plays an Your support provided long forest corridor between

DISCOVER MORE
about protecting Amur leopards are moving important role in the goal of vital funding for collaring Tabin Wildlife Reserve
livestock. When local between Russia and China, doubling the number of tigers expeditions, and supplied and Silabukan Forest
communities benefit so combined analysis from in the wild. At the last count, essential equipment for the Reserve in the island’s

© DNPWC / WWF-NEPAL
Access exclusive extended from and engage with both countries later this year in 2018, there were estimated local community-based Malaysian state of Sabah.
articles for each of these conservation, both should give us an even better to be around 3,000 wild snow leopard conservation About 1,000 orangutans
stories and others at people and wildlife understanding of movements tigers in India, and numbers committees who play such an live in Tabin and about 50
Thanks to your [Link]/

TOGETHER, WE DID IT!

can thrive. n and population numbers. n seem to be increasing. n important role in our work. n in Silabukan. The corridor
successes
will enable them and other
membership, we can wildlife, such as elephants,
to move freely and safely
help protect wildlife between the two areas to

and wild places. Here feed and breed. Currently,

© EDWIN MATULIN / WWF-MALAYSIA

the two forest reserves

are some of the great are separated by oil palm

plantations. Over the next
things supporters like five years, with our partners,
we aim to restore a safe
you have helped achieve passage so that orangutans
can reconnect. n

4 | Action Spring 2022 Action Spring 2022 | 5

 WWF IN ACTION FOR YOUR WORLD
FORESTscoOFut PR OMISES
Schools, groups and home NEWS IN BRIEF
sent us
educators across the UK
pap er lea ves with
handwritten
ir ple dge s to the pla net , as
the
ask ing wo rld
well as messages
to kee p the ir clim ate
leaders

© RICHARD STONEHOUSE / WWF-UK

se
promises. We displayed the
How we’re building a better world for wildlife and people messages in our For est of
leaders
Promises at COP26 for our
e eve n add ed
to read – and som
n pro mis es to the tree .
their ow
bas sad or
Here’s WWF youth am
Hat tie with some of them.

OUR STATE OF THE PLANET ADDRESS

Days before world leaders gathered for
COP26, we were joined by more than 300
influential guests for our State of the
Planet Address. The event at London’s Tate
Modern highlighted the realities of climate
change through immersive soundscapes
and visual displays. Christiana Figueres
(above), former UN climate chief and
architect of the 2015 Paris Agreement,
called on leaders to fulfil their promises, to
cut greenhouse gas emissions by half by
2030 and restore the world’s ecosystems.

300
CLIMATE MARCH NEWS IN NUMBERS
For the Global Day of Action, over
100,000 people, including WWF
staff and supporters as well
as Indigenous leaders, braved
the rain and marched along the
streets of Glasgow, calling on
governments to take action on
climate change
Wild tigers were on the brink of extinction in
China 25 years ago, but thanks to political

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

support for their conservation, today there
are around 50. And there could be more to
come. An exciting new study shows that, with
The UN summit on climate change, recognises the latest science, and calls on countries – make a commitment to reverse better links between areas of habitat and
recovering prey numbers, four forest
YOUTH AMBASSADORS
COP26, took place in Glasgow in countries to return by the end of 2022 with deforestation and land degradation by 2030.
November. But did it deliver what the stronger pledges and plans for how they’ll While this has huge potential for nature and landscapes in the north-east of the country

£150,545
world needs? reduce emissions and limit warming to 1.5°C. climate action, countries must keep their Our youth ambassadors joined young climate leaders could support around 300 individuals!
We joined delegates at COP26 to hold world It’s the first climate deal to reference coal promises and not delay in implementing from across the world at the Youth Empowerment and
leaders to account, and demand that they keep – the most polluting fossil fuel – and phasing measures to halt deforestation. Education Day. Sally made an inspiring speech before
all their climate promises. Thousands of us out fossil fuel subsidies. And the role and The end of the summit marked another the climate march, and Hattie and Arielle spoke at a
marched in Glasgow and around the world; importance of nature as a climate hero milestone, as the UK’s Environment Act business leaders’ meeting , while climate activist
we saw powerful speeches from Indigenous in achieving the target of 1.5/2ºC was became law. We’ve been campaigning for Txai Suruí was the only Brazilian Indigenous
leaders; and activists and young people made formally recognised. more than two years to strengthen this new person to speak at the opening of the conference.
sure their voices were heard. We celebrated a great win for sustainable legislation. Our efforts have helped ensure Pictured above, from left, are Ollie, Sally, Anastasia,
WWF ambassador Cel Spellman, Hattie, WWF-UK chief
And you were there with us. Whether you finance, with the announcement of new rules the act includes measures that will help tackle
executive Tanya Steele, Txai, Izaak, Will and Arielle.
wrote to your MP, shared your placard calling that will require UK firms to outline plans for deforestation, and we’ll continue pushing for Last summer’s unprecedented wildfires in
© TOMMY GA-KEN WAN / WWF-UK

for action or joined in with the Great Big Green how they’ll hit their climate targets and move secondary legislation that ensures companies Greece and Turkey destroyed thousands of
© DAVID BEBBER / WWF-UK /

Week – your support made a big difference. closer to achieving net zero emissions. It will in the UK are accountable for their impact on hectares of forests, devastating livelihoods
Although COP26 didn’t go far enough to help drive business actions and investments the environment overseas, not just at home. and habitats. More than 20,000 of you
address the climate loss and damages that that are good for people and nature. After all the talk at COP26, now we need to For more COP26 highlights answered our call for aid, giving £150,545
developing countries face, there were signs Another significant development saw more see action. Together, we can keep the pressure and how you got involved, through Revolut’s app. Your donations will
of progress, with breakthroughs on some key than 130 countries representing over 85% of on world leaders to deliver on their promises visit [Link] support wildlife rescue and landscape
climate promises. The Glasgow Climate Pact the world’s forests – including many Amazon and keep 1.5°C within reach. recovery, and help prevent fires in the region.

6 | Action Spring 2022 Action Spring 2022 | 7

WWF IN ACTION FOR YOUR WORLD
NEWS IN BRIEF
PREDICTING THE FUTURE OF SEA ICE
The melting of the Arctic’s sea researchers led by The Alan Turing
ice is one of the most visible Institute and British Antarctic Survey. The variety of life – such as
symptoms of our rapidly Together, we’ve been developing a new

REVEALING THE
this violet-fronted brilliant
heating planet. We’re currently artificial-intelligence tool – IceNet – hummingbird – in the
previously undocumented
losing about 13% of the region’s that forecasts sea ice conditions several

RICHES OF LOS
Los Picachos rainforest could
September sea ice per decade, and months into the future. make the area an ecotourism
it’s predicted that the Arctic could IceNet represents a significant step destination, boosting the

PICACHOS
local economy
be virtually free of sea ice during forward in our ability to forecast sea ice.
© GREG ARMFIELD / WWF-UK

the summer within our lifetime Tests show it’s almost 95% accurate in
The loss of this sea ice is having predicting the presence of sea ice two Colombia is one of the world’s
dramatic consequences for our global months ahead, significantly improving ‘megadiverse’ nations, hosting
climate, for Arctic ecosystems and on existing models. nearly 10% of the planet’s
wildlife, and for Indigenous and local We are just now starting to examine biodiversity. But for more than
communities whose livelihoods may be and test how IceNet might be applied 50 years, armed conflict meant
linked to seasonal ice cycles. to support conservation planning in that large areas of the country
SEAGRASS SUPERHEROES We need to be able to better predict the Arctic. were off-limits to science, and
Seagrass is vital to the health of our oceans. sea ice in order to adapt and plan for Reliably quantifying uncertainty is its natural riches remained
Yet over the past century, the UK has lost up change, but that’s very hard to do. The a crucial element in decision-making, largely undocumented
to 92% of our seagrass meadows. We’re atmosphere and ocean have complex and IceNet is a powerful tool that still Everything changed in 2016
working with partners to plant approximately effects on sea ice formation and melting, has more to offer. The team is working with the signing of the historic
1.2 million seagrass seeds across 20,000 and it’s difficult to predict when, where to increase the model’s usefulness by Peace Accord. This was a turning
square metres along the Pembrokeshire or how much will disappear. making it update its predictions every point for the people of Colombia
coast. And last August, we invited donors to That’s why we’ve been working day and producing the forecasts in and its wildlife, as research
Wales. After learning why seagrass is a nature alongside an international team of real time. Watch this space. became possible again.
superhero, they ventured under the water to WWF recently backed a
experience the seed-harvesting process. scientific expedition to the

© STAFFAN WIDSTRAND / WWF

“I sit in an office and read reports,” said one Cordillera de los Picachos
donor, “but it’s important to understand what National Natural Park, an area of
it takes to bring a project to life.” well-preserved rainforest where

100 MILES IN MARCH

the Andes, Amazon and Orinoco
regions meet.
A team of 23 scientists and
Thank you to all of you who joined our locals carried out the first ever
100 Miles in March Facebook fundraiser biological survey of Los Picachos,
in 2021 and recorded some amazing
We challenged you to cover 100 miles by findings. These included some
walking or running (or however you liked!) during 248 species of plants, 275
March to raise funds for our conservation work. species of birds, 376 species
And you didn’t disappoint: thousands of you of butterflies, 26 species of
took part, raising over £355,000. amphibians, 10 species of
© AMI VITALE / WWF-UK

David Faulkner (pictured) from Colne, reptiles, 30 species of medium

Lancashire, took on the challenge after seeing an and large mammals, and
advert on Facebook. “We were coming to the end 36 species of bats.
of our third national lockdown, I was on furlough These astonishing natural
and I needed to do something to get physically riches mean ecotourism
and mentally prepared for returning to work,” he could offer vital income for
FROM CONFLICT TO COEXISTENCE? says. “I like walking by myself or with my family local communities. By raising
Human-wildlife conflict is now recognised and knew I would be able to do the 100 miles.” “Our kids really enjoy getting out in nature, awareness of the importance
as an increasing threat to wildlife, according In fact, after completing 10 miles on the first and the green spaces surrounding our town of conservation, our expedition
to a groundbreaking report from WWF and day, David decided to up his target to 300 miles: helped us get through the lockdowns,” says David. hints at a brighter future.
the UN Environment Programme. As global “My motivation was a mixture of wanting to “A few minutes from my house I can walk by the
consumption grows, there’s more achieve the 300 miles and that my friends, family river, through the fields and trees, and listen to

SEE MORE!
competition for space and resources, and work colleagues were sponsoring me. I raised the sounds of nature. We need to protect these

© PABLO MEJÍA / WWF COLOMBIA

habitats shrink, and people and wildlife £220, exceeding my fundraising target of £50.” wild places so our children and their children
come into closer contact – which can lead WWF’s online support group provided further can benefit from the nature on their doorstep.” Enjoy our photos
to conflict. The report calls for a new encouragement to David and others, along with If David’s story has inspired you, the good news from Los Picachos
coexistence-based approach, with strategies tips and resources for fundraising posts, and is that 100 Miles in March is back this year, and online: myaction.
that create opportunities for people and highlighted how the funds raised would support it’s bigger and better than before! Sign up today [Link]
wildlife to thrive together. our crucial conservation efforts. at [Link]/100milesinmarch

8 | Action Spring 2022 Action Spring 2022 | 9

 WILD INGLEBOROUGH

A WILD
TOUGHING IT OUT
Brown hares eke out a living in the Yorkshire
Dales, surviving in one of the most exposed,
challenging environments in England. Hardy
as they are, they still need places to shelter
during severe weather. Given time, the trees
planted as part of the Wild Ingleborough project

FUTURE
will provide just that. And hares much prefer
feeding in areas grazed by cattle, since cows
don’t nibble down the grass too much, so the
switch of livestock from sheep to cattle will be
a bonus. In winter, grasses will make up around
90% of a hare’s diet, though they’re able to feed
on shrubs if the ground is covered in snow.

From windswept peak to valley floor,

a beacon of hope for people and
nature is emerging in the heart of the
Yorkshire Dales. We’ve embarked on a
visionary project to restore this iconic
landscape and fight climate change

WORDS: DEREK NIEMANN | IMAGES © ANDREW PARKINSON / WWF-UK

10 | Action Spring 2022 Action Spring 2022 | 11
 WILD INGLEBOROUGH

M
any people won’t remember
Ingleborough mountain as anything
but a flat-topped landmark of
the Yorkshire Dales – its second-
highest peak, characterised by
huge, broken slabs of limestone pavement.
At first glance, this is a bleak, almost barren, BLOOMING MARVELLOUS
landscape where you might think you feel A riot of colour and a profusion of growth – the result of 30
wildness in your bones. But the oldest farmers, years without sheep grazing on an area of limestone pavement
within the Wild Ingleborough project site. In an early example
who know the land, remember something
of rewilding, Natural England fenced sheep out of Scar Close
different: a vibrant, colourful paradise. around 1990, and the results have been extraordinary. Nine
Now, thanks to a visionary landscape-scale different species of fern sprout from the deep fissures (known
restoration project known as Wild as grikes), while alpine mosses and the vivid pink of wild
thyme carpet the rock. In heavily grazed areas outside this
Ingleborough, we’re hoping to return this exclosure, the pavement is practically bare of vegetation.
iconic area to its former glory and create These limestone rocks were formed from sediments laid down
a better future for the UK’s uplands. in a shallow tropical sea more than 300 million years ago.

REVIVING THE WILD

“The Yorkshire Dales is one of the UK’s most
nature-deprived national parks,” says Lizzie
Knight, WWF’s project manager for Wild
Ingleborough. “It has the lowest amount of
woodland cover of any of our national parks.”
Around Ingleborough, most of the woodland
had been cleared long before the publication
of the 1851 Ordnance Survey map. But what
didn’t register on the map was the lattice of
dwarf woodland that grew between the cracks
in the limestone pavement. Nor did the map
show the fields of wildflowers or the exuberant
birdsong of spring.
At the start of the Second World War,
farmers were still harvesting timber from
the limestone woodland and raising cattle
in these uplands. But increasing pressures on
food production saw farmers respond to UK
government demand, so cows were replaced
with sheep – grazers that are more productive
and easier to manage. The upland bogs, which
had locked up vast amounts of carbon, were
drained to grow more grass to feed the sheep.
In just a few decades, the sheep had bitten
into Ingleborough’s natural assets, the heather
eaten out of the upper reaches, and with it the

CRITICAL CURLEWS A WATCHFUL EYE

They were once so common Yorkshire-born Jonathan Leadley
around Ingleborough that has been visiting Ingleborough
nobody bothered much about all his life. It’s been more than a
counting curlews, but changes decade since his interest in the

© JOSEPH GRAY / WWF-UK | © ANDREW PARKINSON / WWF-UK

in farming have drastically site became professional, when he
reduced their numbers. The began working for the Yorkshire
parlous condition nationwide Wildlife Trust. Jonathan is helping
is reflected here, with only to oversee the restoration and
a handful of pairs nesting is managing the project team
in recent years. Elsewhere, on the ground. He emphasises
a shift towards growing the collaborative nature of the
grass for silage has meant scheme, as each member of the
that the birds don’t have partnership – as well as supportive
enough time to raise a organisations, individuals and
brood before the grass crop local communities – lends their
is harvested. By changing own experience and knowledge
habitat management, we can to the whole team effort: “That’s
encourage curlews to nest one of the joys of the conservation
among longer vegetation community – we share in each
on the mountain itself other’s successes and failures
in years to come. and learn from them.”

12 | Action Spring 2022 Action Spring 2022 | 13

 WILD INGLEBOROUGH
TWO LANDSCAPES
Looking south towards the
top of Ingleborough mountain
reveals two radically different
landscapes. In the foreground,
gaps in the limestone pavement
are billowing up with green,
as the grikes are colonised by
bushes. In time, the pavement
will develop into an open dwarf
woodland. Since rewilding
efforts began in this area, the
vegetation is growing back at
an extraordinary rate, given
the climatic conditions. Further
back, closer to the mountain’s
flat top, intensive sheep grazing
has created a lunar landscape.
The pavement here is devoid
of flowers and there’s little
vegetation other than grass.

© JOSEPH GRAY / WWF-UK | © ANDREW PARKINSON / WWF-UK | © GETTY

PLANTING UP
Natural England’s Frank Morgan
is part of the team responsible
for the Wild Ingleborough
landscape. He helped with
efforts to plant 30,000+ trees
that began last winter, a mix
of native species including
hazel, hawthorn and rowan
that can thrive even in harsh
conditions. The trees will
support other wildlife and act
as a carbon store. Frank also
helps manage the cattle on
the National Nature Reserve,
supervising drystone wall
repair, looking after volunteers,
and monitoring wildlife.

iconic black grouse. The chorus of curlews, connect existing nature reserves in the area,
cuckoos and others grew much, much quieter. creating a bigger area for wildlife to thrive.
Fortunately, there were still pockets of “By making Wild Ingleborough a blueprint for
diverse habitat, primarily in nature reserves restoration, we’ll demonstrate how UK nature
owned by Natural England and Yorkshire can help fight climate change,” says Lizzie.
Wildlife Trust. The Trust’s north regional Jonathan is helping lead the move to
manager, Jonathan Leadley, explains how the grow back better on the initial target area.
mountain’s remarkable geology gives the area Sheep numbers have come down and, in
a special botanical character: “The limestone places, they have been replaced with cattle

“WE WILL SHOW

bedrock produces a richness of grasses and
flowers, such as early purple orchids, bird’s-
eye primroses and cuckooflowers.”

GROWING BACK BETTER HOW UK NATURE BLACK GROUSE EVER GREEN

CAN HELP FIGHT
Through the Wild Ingleborough project, we’ve
partnered with these two organisations – as The decline in black Despite their appearance, the
grouse numbers probably blue ‘berries’ of juniper are
well as The Woodland Trust, the United Bank

CLIMATE CHANGE”
began centuries ago when actually the fused scales of
of Carbon, The University of Leeds and local Ingleborough was stripped female seed cones. This short
communities – to help make Ingleborough of much of its woodland. But conifer, one of the rarest of
they fell even more when the our native trees, had all but
a haven for nature and people. An area of
limestone pavement lost its disappeared from a large part
1,200 hectares, from the River Ribble up – less destructive grazers here. “We must be trees and bushes after the of Ingleborough. Sheep nibbled
towards Ingleborough’s summit, will see the agriculturally productive, but at the same Second World War. The black down much of the growth and
re-establishment of the natural tree line, from time allow wildlife to flourish,” he explains, grouse is one of the UK’s fastest then a fungus-like tree disease
declining species. Today’s – accidentally introduced into
broadleaf woodland to dwarf shrub, heather highlighting the project’s twin objectives to population on Ingleborough the UK – destroyed nearly three
moorland and lichen heathlands. implement more sustainable farming. – largely reliant on the thin quarters of the remaining juniper
The restoration of peatlands and the Woodland that’s currently confined threads of woodland alongside forest. However, planting along
streams – totals around 10 the ghylls (mountain streams
expansion of native woodland and scrub largely to streamsides is starting to spread breeding males. As the new in narrow gullies) in unaffected
will store carbon and therefore help tackle to the slopes, thanks in part to thousands woodland grows, it will provide areas allows the juniper to
the climate emergency. The project will also of trees donated by The Woodland Trust. habitat for these special birds. recover there.

14 | Action Spring 2022 Action Spring 2022 | 15

 WILD INGLEBOROUGH

TOP CALLER
In spring, the most famous sound
in nature echoes around the
mountain. Cuckoos are widespread
on Ingleborough. The female birds
that fly here every summer most
likely lay their eggs in the nests of
meadow pipits, which are plentiful in
the uplands. Cuckoos perch in cover
on a high vantage point such as a tree
or boulder, spying on the pipits to see
where they land to nest on the ground.
Wild Ingleborough is bound to benefit
the cuckoos, as they rely on a supply
of hairy caterpillars for food. More
vegetation will mean more food.

YORKSHIRE PRIDE
This gorgeous little mauve
HELP US CREATE A WILDER
FUTURE FOR INGLEBOROUGH
flower has the official name
of bird’s-eye primrose, but
in its northern England
heartland it’s affectionately You’re already supporting our work
known as the Yorkshire
to tackle nature loss in some of the
primrose. A nationally
scarce plant, it has become
world’s most precious places. But
a jaw-dropping sight will you help us restore an iconic
in May and June on the landscape and develop a flagship
hillside at Sulber Nick, example for future UK conservation?
an area of Ingleborough, Here’s how an extra gift could help:
where its flowers carpet
the whole slope. These £10 could help us restore
moisture-loving plants
have blossomed since the
10 square metres of native
meadow was grazed by scrub and woodland through
cattle, not sheep. natural regeneration

£20 could help us grow, plant and

“We planted 30,000 trees over the last nursery. Blocking drains will make the blanket protect one native tree in our
year with the help of local volunteers bog wet again, allowing peat to reform, moss specialist montane nursery
NATURE UNDISTURBED and schoolchildren,” says Lizzie, “with to grow and carbon reserves to build. And
The ancient ash woodland at Colt Park has been potential for more.” The trees will cover an tumbledown drystone walls will rise again to £50 could help repair one metre
almost untouched for generations, ever since
area roughly the size of 25 football pitches, keep livestock in – or out of – sensitive areas. of drystone wall, helping to
farmers put up a wall to keep their livestock control livestock and
from straying inside. The wood has never been and natural regeneration will create 25 more. When the children of the young volunteers
preserve this important
This project is only possible with the who planted seedlings walk up the mountain

© ANDREW PARKINSON / WWF-UK | © GETTY

grazed because the grikes (cracks) are so deep
that it would be dangerous to allow animals in.
element of the landscape
wisdom and support of local people. We’re decades from now, they will see a natural
Colt Park gives us a real indication of what the
whole area could look like. Trees and flowers are working with landowners, farmers and treeline from the valley towards the summit. £100 could help us monitor how
abundant and the rocks are almost completely communities to share knowledge and skills They will ascend beside wooded streams, recovery of vegetation is
covered in plants, lichen and moss. to help overcome barriers created by more climb slopes clad in dwarf scrub, on through benefiting wildlife and allowing
than 80 years of intensive grazing. Heather heather moorland echoing to the cries of black the landscape to store more
LITTLE OWL and other upland plants that struggle to gain grouse, and over heaths of colourful lichens to
carbon and reduce flooding
The little owl needs woodland with big
a roothold in thick, choking the windy, exposed peak. And there they will Donate today at
hedgerows and old trees in order to nest, and
rich grasslands where it can find abundant mats of grass will be given a stand, gazing at a world transformed below, [Link]/reviving-the-wild
earthworms, beetles and other insects. leafy start in a new montane and see what wildness is really all about.

Action Spring 2022 | 17

 THE BIG PICTURE

DEFENDERS OF THE FOREST

As the Amazon burns, Indigenous peoples take
to the streets of Brazil’s capital to defend their
rights, the forest and their way of life
Last autumn, more than 5,000 Indigenous
women marched through Brasília to protest
against controversial attempts by the government
to strip back indigenous rights to ancestral lands
and open up their territories to exploitation.
Clutching banners and wearing brightly coloured
headdresses, female representatives of more than
185 of Brazil’s 300+ Indigenous groups gathered to
oppose a legal challenge to indigenous land rights
that was being considered by the supreme court.
The landmark case was to decide if Indigenous
peoples have the right to claim ancestral lands
they have traditionally occupied. If successful, the
decision could nullify all Indigenous peoples’ claims
to land they were not physically occupying when
Brazil’s constitution was enacted on 5 October 1988.
This would be catastrophic, not just for communities
but for the world, enabling Indigenous peoples’
territories to be potentially sold and used for mining
and agribusiness. Though currently paused, the
ruling can be resumed at any time.
With your support, we’re working to ensure
Indigenous voices are heard in important decisions
like this, which affect their lives and the future
of our planet. We’re also advocating for stronger
action against deforestation by countries such as
Brazil and the UK.

© JACQUELINE LISBOA / WWF-BRAZIL

18 | Action Spring 2022 Action Spring 2022 | 19
 EMPEROR PENGUINS

EDGE OF T
EXISTENCE
he emperor penguin lives life on staying underwater for over 20 minutes. breeding and rearing process takes place
the edge. The largest of the world’s With its smart black tux, white chest and in huge colonies, or rookeries. These can
18 penguin species inhabits the yellow collar, it’s strikingly dapper. comprise thousands of birds on fast ice –
very margins of Antarctica, where Emperor penguins are the only sea ice that covers the ocean but is firmly
the frozen boundary dividing land penguins that breed during the Antarctic attached to land.
from icy sea shifts between the long, dark winter. They don’t build nests, but instead
winter and all-too-brief summer. It’s an balance their single egg on their feet. BALANCING ACT
already extreme existence that looks more “Emperor penguins are the only birds that

“EMPEROR
challenging in the face of global climate breed on sea ice,” explains Rod Downie,
change. So we’re tapping into satellite our chief adviser for the polar regions.

PENGUINS ARE
technology to increase our knowledge about “For about nine months of the year they
Emperor penguins are particularly vulnerable to climate this majestic bird and inform conservation rely on the stable platform provided by fast

DEPENDENT ON
efforts to give it the best chance of surviving ice: they mate on it, incubate their eggs on
change, as they depend on sea ice for their survival. With your into the 22nd century. it, raise their chicks on it, and moult on it.”
Here’s what we do know about the emperor ‘Goldilocks’ sea ice conditions are, therefore,
help, we’re using satellite imagery to understand more about
ANTARCTIC FAST
penguin. Reaching up to 120cm tall and essential for breeding success: not too little,
these Antarctic icons to support vital conservation efforts 40kg in weight, this flightless, semi-aquatic but also not too much – extensive unbroken

ICE FOR BREEDING”

species has evolved several characteristics sea ice forces adults to travel further and
that enable it to endure the bitter Antarctic expend more energy accessing open water
cold. Insulated with ample fat reserves and to hunt while incubating and rearing chicks.
two dense layers of feathers, it has small And conditions look set to deteriorate.
flippers, feathered legs and clawed feet that Each female produces one egg between “Most predictions anticipate a
contain special fats. Along with regulating May to June, early in the austral winter, significant loss in Antarctic sea ice caused
blood flow, these fats prevent the penguin’s so that her chick will be developed enough by global climate change,” says Rod.
feet from freezing when temperatures to venture to the sea in December to “Some models suggest that, if global
plummet as low as -50°C. It can dive deeper January, where they will stay the rest of the greenhouse gas emissions aren’t curbed now,
than 500m to hunt silverfish, squid and krill, summer, feeding independently. The entire over 80% of emperor penguin populations

WORDS: PAUL BLOOMFIELD | IMAGE © GETTY

Emperor penguins are perfectly
adapted to survive in the most
extreme and remote place on Earth.
But their numbers have declined
by up to 50% in some places. One
colony off the Antarctic Peninsula
has disappeared completely

20 | Action Spring 2022 Action Spring 2022 | 21

 EMPEROR PENGUINS

HOW SATELLITES
Emperor penguins may be

PENGUIN
the only birds never to set
foot on land – their colonies
are mostly on the Antarctic

SURVEY POLAR
sea ice. But the ice is melting,

PROSPECTS
due to climate change,
threatening their survival

SPECIES This map shows the location of all

known emperor penguin colonies

PENGUINS
in Antarctica, and the estimated
number of breeding pairs, including
the newly discovered colonies.
Scientists use aerial and
satellite images to locate (Note that of the 65 breeding
locations only 61 are
penguin colonies and spot currently occupied.)
population trends for chinstraps,
Adélies and gentoos. Some breeding
sites are identified from the colour
of the penguins’ poo.

WHALES
British Antarctic Survey
has pioneered the use of
very high-resolution (VHR) satellite
Previously known Newly discovered
imagery for identifying and
counting species including Estimated breeding pairs
humpback, sei, fin, grey, blue and
southern right whales. 0–2,500 10,001–20,000

SEALS
2,501–10,000 20,001–25,904

VHR satellite images are

used to study Weddell
could be lost by 2060 and the species will be of breeding, feeding and wintering grounds. satellite imagery study that identified should be established around the Southern
and crabeater seals.
virtually extinct by the end of the century. Recording such data enables scientists 11 previously unidentified colonies, bringing Ocean, to safeguard foraging grounds.
New methods combining these
There’s a clear link between climate change and conservationists to identify changes in the known total to 61 and increasing global And third, it will help us to develop a
images with artificial intelligence,
and emperor penguin populations.” behaviour and locations. population estimates to 266,500–278,500 dedicated action plan, potentially including
thermal imaging and spectral analysis
Already we’ve seen one of the world’s In addition, satellite images of the Earth’s breeding pairs. Some of the newly specially protected designation, for the
will help to detect and count seals.
largest emperor penguin colonies at surface reveal significant habitat and discovered colonies exist in offshore emperor penguin.”
Halley Bay almost disappear after three land-use changes – notably, in light of the habitats or on ice shelves, something not Thanks to your support, we’re developing
ALBATROSSES consecutive years of breeding failure,
largely because sea ice broke up earlier
climate emergency, reductions in forest cover
and seasonal extents of land and sea ice.
previously reported for emperor penguins,
leaving them particularly vulnerable to
a clearer picture of the emperor penguin’s
status, and of what the future might hold.
Surveying the breeding sites than usual. Increasingly, high-quality satellite imagery is climate change. In addition, all of us can play a part in
of great albatross species One challenge conservationists being used to survey wildlife populations, too, tackling the biggest problem facing this
– all threatened with
extinction – on remote islands
faced until recently is that we knew identifying groups and, in some cases, even EYE IN THE SKY species and other vulnerable wildlife: climate
relatively little about emperor penguin individual animals. With your support, we’re contributing to change. “The wider issue is that only human
is difficult, so BAS has developed populations, colony locations and “Satellite technology has advanced a larger project to buy and study satellite action can secure the fate of this iconic
systems for counting the birds feeding areas. This is a consequence tremendously in recent years,” says Rod. images to build an Antarctic-wide view of species,” Rod concludes. “It comes down
using VHR satellite imagery. of the challenges of researching “We now have access to commercial satellite emperor penguin colonies over an extended to global climate policy to safeguard
in such an extreme environment, imagery that’s highly detailed. We can period. This will allow us to create a baseline the future of the emperor penguin.”

WALRUSES where remote sites are difficult and

expensive to reach and monitor. Satellite
identify the locations of emperor penguin
colonies from the stains produced by their
that will help us understand how the
locations and sizes of the colonies change

BE A PENGUIN PAL
Join the five-year technology plays an important role in this. guano, which are visible on the satellite from year to year. Specifically, we’re funding
Walrus from Space For example, we’re working with British images – the clue’s in the poo!” analysis of a large quadrant that hosts 16
project to conduct a Antarctic Survey (BAS), using satellite WWF has worked with BAS for a known colonies. Help support projects to monitor
census of Atlantic and Laptev walrus imagery to fill in gaps in our knowledge number of years on projects using satellite “The results of this study will contribute and protect Antarctic wildlife
populations using satellite imagery, about the location, size and trends in imagery to detect and monitor emperor to three objectives,” explains Rod. “First, from the effects of climate
and help scientists better understand emperor penguin colonies. penguin colonies, comparing their sizes it will help us better understand emperor change by adopting a penguin:
the impacts of climate change. Sign up Satellite tagging of various bird species with estimates in previous years. In 2020 penguin population trends. Second, it may [Link]/penguinadopt
at [Link]/walrus-from-space
© GETTY

reveals migratory movements and locations BAS reported the results of a multi-year inform where marine protected areas

22 | Action Spring 2022 Action Spring 2022 | 23

 INTERVIEW

“To run a marathon, you need to

be strong – both mentally and
physically. To restore a forest,
it’s the same – we need to have
the planting of trees in our
hearts as well as our minds. Long-distance runner and marathon world-record
holder Eliud Kipchoge talks about his passion
It’s what’s in our hearts that
makes people plant trees”

for Kenya’s forests and why he’s supporting our

ambitious project to help protect them

THE
Tell us about WWF’s Greening Kaptagat We need to restore and preserve the forest for the
project and how you’re supporting it next generation. By 2030, I want to plant indigenous
The Eliud Kipchoge Foundation is working trees and create paths through the forest to make
with WWF to restore the Kaptagat landscape training easier. I’ve adopted 50 hectares of degraded
in Kenya and improve livelihoods for at least forest so I can restore this crucial resource.
1,000 people. Working with partners including
the UK government, we aim to restore at least What inspired you to launch the Eliud

RACE
1,000 hectares of deforested lands, train the local Kipchoge Foundation in 2021?
community in climate-smart agricultural practices, I launched the Foundation to conserve the forest,
and support women and young people. The project because if we remain silent it will continue to be
will help alleviate poverty, tackle climate change depleted. I was lucky to have access to books and
and reduce pressure on forests. knowledge from a young age, but lots of children
don’t have an education due to a lack of resources.
Why is it vital we protect Kaptagat forest? I hope to not only fund forest restoration but also

TO
Kaptagat forest lies within a landscape that includes enhance education in Kaptagat and beyond.
important forest and water catchment areas. Its I’ve helped establish a library in Kapsisiywa,
rivers and springs are the main source of water for the village where I grew up, to educate future
people in the area. Despite this, the forest is under generations about protecting our environment.
pressure from deforestation and degradation,
driven by illegal logging, unsustainable subsistence What’s your advice for young people who
agriculture and a growing human population. want to take action for the environment?
Just like in a marathon, restoring our forests will

SAVE
Why is Kaptagat forest special to you? have a flat course, a hilly course and sometimes the
I can’t speak about my personal journey in athletics unexpected can happen. Don’t engage reverse gear.
without talking about Kaptagat forest. In 17 years, In athletics, the difference between a world record
I’ve never trained anywhere else. My dreams came can be just a second. In forest restoration, every
true because of the forest. But over time, I’ve seen a second counts. Globally, we’re losing an area of
forest that was intact and rich with indigenous trees forest the size of a football field every second.
become degraded, most of the trees cut down. We must change this – and it is possible.

FORESTS
What makes it a good place to train? What’s your message for world leaders?
It’s 2,450m above sea level! A winning mentality is It’s time for world leaders to fulfil the promises
the first step towards success, but that alone is not they made to help people and nature bounce back.
enough. You also need the environment: fresh air, When it comes to the fight against climate change
rich soil, clean water. Winning is about teamwork and nature loss, a promise without action is an
and determination – and that’s what we need to expensive debt. We need to invest in nature right
restore our forest. If Kaptagat forest disappears, our now, and not just make empty promises.
crops, our livestock and our water will disappear
too. My generation of athletes will run the marathon What are your dreams for the future?
to save this forest and to empower our people. To bring together Kenyans and the world to
conserve the environment, the same way people
How are sport and nature related? of different cultures, nationalities and languages
Sport and nature go hand in hand and move hip are brought together by athletics. I believe running
by hip. In sport, you need to train in a healthy marathons and planting trees are the same. If we
environment where you can breathe fresh air. can break a world record in a marathon, we can also

© GETTY
Without trees, the air isn’t clean. Without taking create a world record in tree planting. I want to help
care of the environment, you can’t train well. make Kenya and the whole world green.

24 | Action Spring 2022 Action Spring 2022 | 25

 YEAR OF THE TIGER: PART 1

22 
20

YE
ER 

AR O
IG

YEAR
F
THE T

OF
THE

TIGER
photographed,” he explains, “it can be identified by
its unique stripe pattern. This enables scientists to
estimate populations.”
Bishnu’s team also records signs of tigers and
their prey in order to map their distribution and
abundance. So now they walk along the riverbed,
eyes cast down. They are thrilled to come across
ABOVE: With the support of tiger tracks. They take photos and notes about
tiger protectors around the pugmarks for later analysis.
world, wild tigers are beginning Next, two of the team walk 1.5km along the river TOP RIGHT: Qui Shi and her
Shi. “Every trace of a wild animal is a thrill. The
to make a comeback in China team work to protect China’s
in a straight line to record signs of prey. They spot landscape is unforgiving, but when we see roe deer northernmost region of
BELOW: Bishnu has earned respect as a herd of hog deer. “For a forest to support a healthy walking among the trees, it feels like a fairytale.” Heilongjian. She says: “As a
Nepal’s finest tiger tracker. He considers tigers to keystone species, tigers prove to
population of tigers, it must offer good habitat and Climbing the steep and snowy mountainsides, the
be an inseparable part of his life. He was just 16 me that my work is meaningful”
when he started working to conserve the species an abundance of prey,” explains Bishnu. women change the batteries and replace the data
The data his team have gathered today will help cards in the infrared camera traps that are used to TOP LEFT: It’s important to
check the placement and angle
to focus conservation actions. But now it’s nearly capture video footage of any big cats passing by in
of the camera traps. To do this,
sundown. Time to head back to camp, to share the night. The rangers also remove snares – metal Bishnu and his team in Nepal
stories around the campfire. wire traps set to catch wildlife. These traps are perform the ‘tiger walk’, imitating
We meet some of the heroic people who are playing a big cat walking past

a crucial role in helping to double wild tiger numbers

CHINA’S TEAM TIGRESS
“WE ARE THE NEW

T
Deep in the mountains of north-east China, tigers

GENERATION OF
roam. And in Heilongjiang Province, these rare cats
his is the lunar year of the tiger. through our days and nights in the forest safely.” are protected by a unique ranger team – the only CONSERVATION FOCUS

YEAR OF

FORESTRY PEOPLE
And it marks 12 years since all Red vermilion, rice grains and flowers are sprinkled all-female patrol in the country.
13 countries where wild tigers live on a stone under a tree, while oil lamps and incense Patrol leader Qui Shi is proud of the crucial THE TIGER
We meet some of the heroic people

committed to double their numbers sticks scent the air. Each team member daubs red role her team plays in helping to safeguard tigers
who are playing a crucial role in

PROTECTING WILDLIFE”
helping to double wild tiger numbers

by the end of 2022, known as TX2. vermilion – the colour of life – on their forehead, and their forest home. “We live beside the forest,
Thanks to you, we’ve made great progress, then it’s time to prepare for the day’s work. regarding it as a companion,” she says. “Our fathers
and wild tiger numbers are now up in five The team packs the equipment and scrutinises and grandfathers walked these forests before us.

© WWF-NEPAL | © WWF / DONGNING FORESTRY BUREAU | © GETTY

countries, including China and Nepal. Let’s
meet some of the tiger heroes you’ve helped.
a map divided into five grids of four square
kilometres to plot the route they’ll take. After an
Today, I encourage my family to pay attention to the
harmonious coexistence of humans and nature, and
often concealed, hard to spot and indiscriminate
– one even caught the foot of one of Shi’s team.
SEE MORE
hour-long hike through the forest they arrive at to care consciously about wildlife.” Fortunately, she was unharmed. “Over the years Go on patrol with our tiger
NEPAL’S TIGER TRACKERS Nakkali Khola. There’s a stream here and Bishnu At first light, the six rangers set out on patrol, poachers have grown more cunning,” sighs Shi. trackers on the My Action
“There’s nothing like the scent of the jungle in the has spotted tiger tracks; maybe the cats follow this their breath fogging in freezing air. They will often “We are continually learning too, but sometimes an website. Our photo galleries
morning,” says Bishnu Prasad Thapaliya, breathing trail to the river to drink. It’s the perfect site to trek for hours across the freezing and unforgiving accident is unavoidable.” show the teams at work
in deeply. He’s worked to conserve Nepal’s wildlife set up a pair of camera traps. terrain, where temperatures can fall as low as The team also works closely with local protecting wild tigers and
for 17 years, and now he’s leading a tiger-tracking Once the cameras are installed, -40ºC. The women walk quietly in the snow, communities to understand their concerns about helping to achieve the
team. After an early brunch of rice, lentils and Bishnu does the ‘tiger walk’ studying the ground, scanning for footprints and living with predators such as tigers, to communicate TX2 target.
vegetables, Bishnu and his team seek the (prowling on all fours) to other signs of the big cats’ presence. the importance of protecting local wildlife Take a
blessings of the Forest Goddess. check their direction – the TIGER When they spot tracks, the team measures from poaching and to offer support developing look at
“We don’t know what we’ll encounter,” he placement is perfect. PAWPRINT them to see if they belong to a tiger or a leopard, sustainable livelihoods. “We are the new generation myaction.
explains. “We ask the Forest Goddess to guide us “Once a tiger is takes photos and logs the coordinates. “These of forestry people protecting wildlife,” explains Shi. [Link]
moments are the highlight of our days,” says “For us, this is purpose with deep meaning.”

26 | Action Spring 2022 Action Spring 2022 | 27

 SUSTAINABLE LIVING

FILTER OUT MICROFIBRES WASH COLDER SHAKE UP YOUR MEALS

Lots of our clothes are made Lowering the temperature Around 75% of the world’s
of plastics such as polyester and of your wash is a vital part of food comes from just 12
nylon. Each time we wash them, reducing the environmental plants and five animal
these materials shed microfibres impact of your laundry. species. This places
– tiny bits of plastic, thinner than Up to 60% of laundry’s unnecessary demand on
a strand of hair. They’re so small carbon footprint comes from our food system, making it
they can pass through wastewater heating water. Even slightly more vulnerable to disease,
treatment plants into the sea. Not cooler water can save a lot of pests and the effects of
enough is known about the long- energy, and choosing a quick climate change. By eating a
term impacts of microplastics on wash cycle will maximise more varied diet, you can

MAKE A
marine ecosystems – or on human your energy saving. Make help relieve the pressure on
health. Putting your clothes in the pledge to wash colder at our ecosystems. You might
a microfibre bag before you wash [Link] even discover a new favourite
them can help reduce the amount of and track your progress on meal. If you’ve got kids, why not let them
microplastics reaching the ocean. the My Footprint app. choose to try a recipe they fancy?

CHANGE, SWITCH TO ECO MODE FIGHT FOOD WASTE FASHION STATEMENT

TAKE THE
MAKE A
Less than 1% of the world’s An incredible 33% of food Avoiding synthetic materials in
fresh water is available is wasted. In the UK, that’s favour of natural fibres such as

WASH COLD
for people to use. And it’s 4.8m tonnes every year. cotton will help you have a more
not just hot countries that Discarded food is one of sustainable wardrobe. Many
struggle – water scarcity is the biggest sources of the manmade fabrics are infused

CHALLENGE
DIFFERENCE
an increasing problem in the greenhouse gas methane, with chemicals. They also have
UK. Using less water reduces as it rots in landfill. And a short lifespan. Even better,
pressure on our rivers and when we waste food, we’re organic cotton certification
lakes, and leaves more water wasting the energy used to doesn’t allow the use of toxic WWF supports vital research into
to support wildlife. Running grow, transport and package chemicals or genetically how climate change is affecting
your dishwasher on its eco setting is it. So see how empty your modified organisms. Energy the environment, and what we can
a great step towards cutting water fridge can be before buying demand for organic cotton is also 62% do to tackle it. That’s why we’re
consumption. Make a bigger impact by more food. Planning meals lower than that of regular cotton. Buying working with Ariel to help alert

W
ensuring it’s full before you run it, and will minimise food waste organic cotton tells manufacturers that everyone to the environmental
don’t rinse your plates first. and maximise your budget. you want them to make better choices. impact of our laundry and the
e’ve all seen the devastating impact human simple changes we can all make to
activity can have on the natural world, but reduce our CO2 footprint.
it doesn’t have to be this way. We can build Ariel is inviting UK households

WA STE LESS, WANT NOT CUT OUT COW’S MILK GIVE IT A SECOND LIFE
a better world by making small changes to pledge to take part in its
to our everyday lives. #WashColdChallenge. Once
Using our My Footprint app is it’s hit one million pledges, Ariel
one easy step you can take to help Despite more of our Plant-based milks made Did you know it takes up will donate £100,000 to WWF to
our planet and keep yourself packaging being recycled, from soy, oats, rice, almond to 2,700 litres of water to support our conservation work.

DOWNLOAD
motivated to make a change. the amount we send to and coconut create only a produce the cotton in a Take the pledge by using the
You can calculate your carbon landfill in the UK has gone third of the CO2 emissions single T-shirt? Or that in hashtag #WashColdChallenge
footprint within the app, and
then get practical advice AND TRACK up by 446,000 tonnes
(15%) since 2013. Zero-
of cow’s milk. They also use
less land, and don’t produce
2019 we generated 22.1
million tonnes of waste
on social media or visit the website
[Link].
on how you can introduce
positive changes to your YOUR waste shops are essential
to the government’s plan
harmful methane gas. Using
plant-based milk in place of
and less than half of that
was recycled (just 46%)?
Ariel will also make a donation to
WWF for every pack of Ariel PODS
life through a variety of PROGRESS to eliminate all avoidable cow’s milk, some or all of the By reusing items and Cold Wash sold in the next year.

TODAY
challenges, from cutting plastic waste by 2042, with time, will reduce your carbon giving them a new life,
down your plastic new stores launching each month. footprint and you might find you’re not just saving money but helping
consumption to eating Less packaging also means lower a new favourite. Why not try the planet too. So turn that T-shirt into a You can win a year’s supply of Ariel
more plant-based meals. costs, adding up to significant savings the full range of plant-based tote bag, or a wine crate into a footstool. PODS Cold Wash, formulated to
on your shopping. Search online for milk substitutes and see There are thousands of creative ideas for work at low temperatures. Turn to

© GETTY
‘zero waste’ or ‘waste-free near me’. which one you prefer? ‘upcycling’ online. What will you make? page 30 to find out how to enter.

28 | Action Spring 2022 Action Spring 2022 | 29

COMPETITIONS NOTES FROM THE FIELD

WIN!
ARCTIC STYLE FUN WALRUS
CUSHION COVER
CROSSWORD
Solve our crossword and you could win
We’re giving away three
walrus cushion covers
WORTH £29.99 a copy of Into The Wild by Gemma Padley
(Laurence King, RRP £40)
designed by Barry Tranter
Let wonderful walruses into your world with these modern, The community
minimal designs by illustrator Barry Tranter. Another exclusive tree nursery
to the WWF range, their simple graphic style gives these cushion helps restore
degraded forests
covers plenty of personality. With designs in either pink or grey,
and supports
they’re great for sofas, chairs, bedrooms or your home office, livelihoods
and will be a hit with adults and kids alike.
The covers are 40x40cm with zip closures, and are printed

REGENERATING FORESTS
and handmade to order in the UK, using AZO-free dyes and
100% GOTS* organic cotton.
For your chance to win, follow the instructions (below) and
* Global Organic Textile Standard mark your entry ‘Walrus competition’. Smearing tree seedlings in fish paste to deter baboons probably
isn’t one of the techniques you learn in forestry school. But local
knowledge and local support are crucial if you want to restore a
forest – as our work in Tanzania’s Uchungwa Forest has shown.
The forest is home to an incredibly rare tree, Erythrina

PAWSOME PHOTOGRAPHY
schliebenii. In old times, erythrina was a lifesaver for local people
who used its spiny bark to cure children of fever. But by 2008 it
had been declared extinct – until our surveys found 50 surviving
We’ve got four copies specimens. In 2016, we started working with villagers to collect
the trees’ seeds and grow them in a new nursery.
of Remembering African
That was when the baboons became curious about what we
Wild Dogs to give away

© NEIL ALDRIDGE / REMEMBERING WILD DOGS

were doing, and quickly took a liking to the erythrina tubers.
The latest book in the groundbreaking Remembering series We had to set up patrols to chase them off. The breakthrough
WWF ACTION CROSSWORD 50: Spring 2022 issue. Compiled by Aleric Linden
aims to raise awareness of one of Africa’s most elusive and came when villagers suggested smearing the seedlings in sifa,
After solving the crossword, take each letter from the shaded squares a stinky, oily substance made from fish carcasses, traditionally
misunderstood animals – the African wild dog. There are only
(going from left to right and top to bottom) to spell out the prize word. used to seal boats. After that, the baboons left the trees alone.
about 6,600 African wild dogs, and 660 breeding pairs, in the
To be in with a chance to win, just send a postcard with the prize word Since then, we’ve returned almost 30,000 erythrina saplings
wild. They’re threatened by loss of habitat, conflict with
to the address on page 30, or email it to competition@[Link] to the forest, bringing the species back from the brink of
people, disease and snaring. This stunning
The closing date is Friday 25 March 2022. extinction. And we’ve replanted thousands of other native
collection of images brings together the
world’s leading photographers to raise Clues across 2  Infectious types that cause diseases trees from the village nursery into the community-managed
such as Ebola and Covid-19 (7) forest reserve. The nursery also grows fruit trees to enrich the
awareness of the wild dog’s plight 1 Sustainable _ , more careful use of

DISCOVER MORE
environmental resources (6) 3  Birds lay their eggs in it (4)
and support its recovery. All profits 4  ‘Southern’ body of water
village farmlands, and teak to restock abandoned timber plots,
7 Chicken enclosure (4)
from the sale of the book will surrounding Antarctica (5) effectively providing a long-term savings account that will pay a
8 _ Dales. Ribblesdale and Wensleydale
support projects that protect wild You can see more beautiful form part of this UK nature area (9) 5  Travel industry sector which can handsome return when the wood is harvested.

WINNING FOR WILD TIGERS

dogs. To win your copy, follow the images from the book on 9 Land measure – just over 4,000 (in some cases) be sustainable (7)

instructions (below) and mark your the My Action website: square metres (4)
10 Green growth that many animals
6 Wintry Russian region where
Amur tigers once lived (7) WORKING TOGETHER
entry ‘Wild dog competition’. [Link]/ 11 World region that includes China After five short years, the transformation of the forest is palpable.
wilddogs graze on (5)
and Japan (3,4) Forest reinvigorates quickly here: on every visit now, we find
Win an exclusive Tiger Protector gift 11 Wind _ , renewable energy site (4)
12 Buzzing pollinators with a key role 13 Largest of all the penguin species (7) buffalo dung and elephant tracks, where before there were none.
in ecosystems (4) 14 Effective home insulation helps
An exclusive The Tiger Who Came to Tea collection, featuring Judith reduce these winter bills (7)
Our camera traps are alive with leopards and porcupines, as

HOW TO ENTER ACTION GIVEAWAYS

14 Plant cultivated to make eco-friendly
Kerr’s beloved characters, has been created to support our efforts to 16 _ male or female, leader of the pack (5) wildlife returns in numbers.
products such as rope, clothing and
help double the number of tigers in the wild by the end of 2022. paper (4) 18 A turtle’s protective covering (5) Thanks to your support, and the Trillion Trees joint venture,
The limited-edition Tiger Protector gift box comprises a special Send an email with your name, address and phone number, 15 Killer whale (4) 20 Natural hazard that causes forests we’ve developed similar models in nearly 50 villages in Tanzania,
to literally go up in smoke (4)
edition of The Tiger Who Came to Tea book, a plush toy, an enamel along with ‘Walrus competition’, ‘Tiger competition’, ‘Wild 17 Wetland habitat (5) enabling us to protect and regenerate 5,200 sq km of forest.
19 Blubbery animal that polar bears
badge and a tiger adoption welcome pack. It also includes a year’s dog competition’ or ‘Ariel competition’ in the subject line, to We’re now working with the Tanzanian government to develop a

© GREEN RENAISSANCE / WWF-UK

worth of exciting tiger updates, so you can discover all the ways you’re
feed on (4) Autumn 2021 answers nationwide forest restoration strategy. Tanzania has pledged to
competition@[Link] 21 A nasty chemical such as DDT (9) Prize word: COASTAL
supporting our vital work to protect the cats and their habitats. 22 Scotland’s Leven or Lomond (4) Across 7. Climate change 8. Leopard restore 52,000 sq km of forest by 2030 – and we’ll ensure this
Or post your entry to Action Magazine, WWF-UK, Living Planet
We have one exclusive Tiger Protector gift box, worth £49.99, to 23 Most of this tiger population 9. Hippo 11. Near 12. Leased 15. Tanker happens in a way that benefits people, wildlife and the climate.
Centre, Rufford House, Brewery Road, Woking, Surrey GU21 4LL lives in India (6) 17. Gobi 20. Thick 21. Glasgow
give away. To be in with a chance of winning, follow the instructions 22. Environmental
(right) and mark your entry ‘Tiger competition’. Please indicate on
your entry if you would like a standard pack or a pack for under-12s
Only one competition per entry. Closing date: Friday 25 March
2022. For terms and conditions, visit: [Link]/compterms
Clues down
1 
Ozone _ , absorber of ultraviolet
Down 1. Iceland 2. Kilowatt
3. Javan 4. Herd 5. Marine 6. Egypt
10. Hair 12. Lake 13. Droughts 14. Oil well
Azaria Kilimba
16. Arctic 18. Rhino 19. Waves 21. Guns
that includes special The Tiger Who Came to Tea activities. radiation (5) WWF-Tanzania forest programme officer

30 | Action Spring 2022 Action Spring 2022 | 31

 WWF • ACTION • SPRING 2022 • ISSUE #50
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All information correct at time of printing, January 2022