WILDLIFE An appeal for Rutland and Stamford’s gardeners to look out of the window and help with the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch.

When you’ve a big task to accomplish, a little help is always welcome. That’s why the RSPB is asking for our help to continue to accurately predict the rise, fall, and health of our native bird populations...

>> This year represents the 42nd year that the RSPB has asked for our help in compiling the most accurate and comprehensive UKwide survey of bird populations. In Rutland, the osprey population quite justifiably enjoys much publicity, having been reintroduced into the country over the past 25 years. But what about our other birds, those species we might take for granted? That’s where the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch comes in. 2022’s event takes place from 28th-30th January, but the count has been taking place since 1979. The premise is simple; spend one hour counting the number of species you see in your garden, then submit your data to the RSPB and contribute to what amounts to being the largest and the most geographically comprehensive survey of UK bird populations. It makes a great deal of sense to involve the public, because doing so means the wildlife charity has a much greater quantity of data, and can account for regional variations in bird populations. What’s more, as the survey has been taking place since 1979, it also allows the RSPB to keep track of long-term changes, which is especially important in determining what affect climate change is having on our native bird species. Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s Chief Executive, said: “Everyone has a role to play in saving nature and protecting our wildlife. Previously, Big Garden Birdwatch participants have

This Page: The area’s five most common bird species; the House Sparrow; Blue Tit; Starling; and Blackbird. Pictured opposite, the Goldfinch.

made a significant contribution to monitoring garden bird numbers over the past four decades. It’s an enjoyable, easy, inclusive activity that anyone can do and a great opportunity to connect with nature.” “Our garden birds should be a part of our everyday life. For many people they provide our only connection to the natural world and they bring enormous joy. To have so many people spending an hour watching the wildlife in their garden doesn’t only help us build up a picture of how our garden birds are doing, but people who take part feel better for doing so.” Last year, 1,000,000 participants counted over 17,000,000 birds, and were able to determine that the most common garden bird in the UK was the House Sparrow, followed by the Blue Tit, Starling, Wood Pigeon and Blackbird. Sadly the survey’s longer term results also show that we’ve lost 38 million birds from UK skies in the last 50 years, so it really is vital we do all we can to look after our birdlife. So, whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or you’re wrapped up warm inside a chilly house this month, you’ll discover the thoroughly mindful pleasure of simply watching the natural world reveal itself just beyond your window... that’s why we think the RSPB’s 2022 count really is worth getting in a flap about. n

Robin.

Great Tit.

Sparrow.

Magpie.

Long-tailed tit.

THE 2022 BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH

Get ready for The Big Garden Birdwatch. It’s fun, free and for everyone...

Be wowed by your local wildlife. Big Garden Birdwatch is for everyone, whether you're a complete beginner or a birding expert. Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour between 28th and 30th January 2022. You can take part in the Birdwatch by simply counting the birds you see and going online to tell the charity what you have seen. However, the RSPB has also created a comprehensive pack providing all of the guidance you need to take part. “In recent years, there has been a broad and much-needed realisation that nature is an important and necessary part of our lives especially for our mental health and wellbeing. But nature needs us too,” says Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s Chief Executive. “By taking part in the Birdwatch, you are helping to build an annual snapshot of how our birdlife is doing right across the UK.” “It is only by us understanding how our wildlife is faring that we can protect it. We know that nature is in crisis, but together we can take action to solve the problems facing nature.” n You can download the guide online, by visiting rspb.org.uk to find out more.

Protection for the FUTURE

There’s an old adage that states life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans, and for the team at NFU Mutual Stamford, protection for every eventuality is a source of great security, yielding the reassurance that you’re ready for almost anything... except perhaps the stress of moving house!

Back in 1967, two American psychologists named Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe examined 43 common ‘life events,’ and created a stress scale based on the social readjustment needed to cope with them.

Death of a spouse and divorce or marital separation are at the top of the scale, as are being sent to prison and personal injury or illness, all quite understandable.

Also making the list though, are those ‘happy’ events like holidays, getting married, pregnancy, sons or daughters leaving home, retirement, Christmas and moving home.

Change – any change – is stressful. As we met Ashley Oxer and Miles Baker, the agents were getting ready for Christmas and were, respectively, heading off on holiday to Lapland with the family and preparing to move house over the festive break.

Whatever goes on, though, during the course of your festive celebrations, family life, financial affairs or fun and recreation, appropriate protection is a good way to ensure that you’re better prepared for any curved (snow)ball that life throws into the mix.

“Insurance today is too commonly a grudge purchase, chosen online from an anonymous company and price-driven. And that’s a shame because it’s only when the worst happens to you that you realise just how good your insurer is,” says Miles. “The NFU was established in 1908 as a representative body championing the interests of British farming and agricultural businesses right across the country.” “Two years later, NFU Mutual aimed to provide insurance and financial services to their members, and 112 years on, it consists of a network of 300 local offices.”

The company’s background does lead some to the conclusion that its services are available only to those who work in farming.”

“In fact, you don’t have to be a farmer or a member of the NFU to take advantage of NFU Mutual’s range of services, and those services are available to both individuals and businesses.

“You don’t have to be a farmer or work in the countryside to access advice and insurance or investment products offered by NFU Mutual but its origins in rural markets mean that as a company we have a holistic understanding of those communities and we’re keen to ensure we still have offices close to our customers to ensure we can maintain face-to-face contact.”

“The latter is really important to us because across our gamut of both home and business insurance products – from corporate and liability to home, contents, motor and dog & cat insurance – we’ve come to know that it’s really easy to be incorrectly insured.”

“There’s no substitute for a personal consultation and when you come to review your policy or make a claim, the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re appropriately insured and are dealing with a named person that you’ve met and spoken with before is really invaluable.”

“The same applies to our financial planning services which are provided by NFU Mutual Financial Adviser, Chris Gormley.”

“We believe wholeheartedly in personal service, an investment in building a good working relationship with our clients.”

NFU Mutual Financial Advisers advise on NFU Mutual products and selected products from specialist providers. They’ll explain the advice services and the charges. Financial advice is provided by NFU Mutual Select Investments Ltd.

“With that peace of mind, you’re free to get on with life, from house moves to holidays, or just looking after your family.” n

“You don’t have to work in the countryside to access advice and insurance or investment products offered by NFU Mutual...”

Find Out More: NFU Mutual Stamford is now based at 41 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DS. For more information call 01780 762421 or visit nfumutual.co.uk. A Oxer & M J Baker is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7BJ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. A member of the Association of British Insurers. And an introducer to NFU Mutual Select Investments Limited, a member of the NFU Mutual group of companies.