We’ve shared a lot of tips and advice about how us humans can do our bit for the environment. In this blog, we will be shining a light on the small but mighty heroes of the animal kingdom that work tirelessly every day to protect planet earth.

Many of these small eco-warriors can be found in your garden or local park, so be sure to keep an eye out for them, treat them well and be thankful they’re doing their bit.

Bees

Did you know these fuzzy flying insects are vital to our survival on planet earth? We’ve all seen bees buzzing about hopping from flower to flower. When they do this they are in fact pollinating (encouraging more plants and trees to grow). Trees and plants are essential as they filter the air we breathe. Bees also pollinate a lot of the food that we eat and the plants that allow other species of wildlife to survive and thrive on our planet. Thank you very much, Mr Bumble Bee.

Beavers

These furry river creatures gnaw down trees and use the wood to build dams. This activity not only helps reduce flooding by redirecting water flow but also helps more plants grow.

When a beaver gnaws down a tree it creates space for sunlight to shine down in the forest and encourages the growth of more light-hungry plants.

Squirrels

Every year these common woodland animals gather and stash nuts and seeds ready for hibernating during the winter. However, often these forgetful creatures can’t remember where they’ve hidden all their spoils.

This allows many of the nuts and seeds to take root and grow and so we can thank squirrels for the survival of many different species of trees.

Fish

Fish are the protectors of the ocean. They reduce the acidity and help to balance the chemicals keeping it habitable. This is where it all gets a bit weird and a tiny bit gross. Fish ingest a lot of salt when they drink salt water which produces something called calcium carbonate when they go to the toilet. When the excrement floats to the surface it dissolves and counteracts the carbon dioxide making the oceans safe for all other sea life and for paddling at the seaside.

Worms

Who knew that wiggly worms were in fact responsible for a lot of the nutritious food we eat? As worms burrow beneath the ground they pick up nutrients from decomposing leaves and plants from the surface and carry them down deep into the earth. Not only do they distribute nutrients making the soil perfect for growing food and plants but they also ensure that the soil has enough air in it with all that digging. So worms are in fact a gardener’s best friend.

A big round of applause for these amazing unsung heroes!

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