FOUNDING PINCIPLES

Our goal is to foster stronger connections between the community and the natural world. This begins by encouraging people to spend time outdoors, observing the nature that surrounds us.

Many groups of people often find nature and nature spaces inaccessible or less enjoyable. This can be due to various reasons such as socio-economic factors, lack of access to specialized equipment, safety concerns, transportation issues, mobility limitations, or simply feeling unsure about how to properly observe nature. At Kettering Nature Group, our aim is to eliminate as many barriers as possible so that everyone can have access to and enjoy nature.

When planning our events, we follow specific criteria. First and foremost, the event should be welcoming and accessible for all individuals. We also strive to educate attendees about their local environment - its challenges and what they can do to help preserve it. Our focus is on biological recording, encouraging participants to submit their observations through platforms like https://www.northantsbrc.org.uk/ or other relevant organizations.

Furthermore, we prefer hosting events in local open-access green spaces whenever possible. Whenever feasible, our events are free of charge so that anyone from the community can attend without any financial burden. Ultimately, our goal is not only benefiting the community but also promoting biodiversity in and around Kettering.

To support our activities effectively, Kettering Nature Group has a wide range of equipment and reference materials available for use during events. These resources enable us to facilitate activities such as bat detecting sessions, moth trapping exercises, small mammal trapping demonstrations, birdwatching outings, pond dipping experiences, and much more.

Additionally,Kettering Nature Group actively participates in citizen science surveys on behalf of esteemed organizations including the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), National Plant Monitoring Scheme (NPMS), Twywell Hills and Dales Nature Reserve SSSI, Bat Conservation Trust (BCT), Butterfly Conservation,and numerous others.

When individuals develop a connection with nature - by experiencing, observing, and learning about it - they will naturally feel compelled to protect it. 

One of the most valuable ways in which we can safeguard nature is by contributing to the wealth of data used to inform accurate and appropriate decision-making at both local and national levels. Biological recording plays a crucial role in generating these biological records, which document the presence of various species and their respective locations. These records serve as essential building blocks for evidence-based conservation efforts, as they provide vital information necessary for species preservation. After all, without knowing where specific species are located, it becomes challenging to effectively conserve them.

Moreover, biological records enable scientists to predict how changing conditions like climate change might impact different species and habitats. This knowledge helps shape conservation measures that take these factors into consideration. In line with this mission, Kettering Nature Group was established not only to contribute valuable data on Biological Records for Kettering and its surrounding areas but also to inspire others to do the same. During our events, we emphasize the importance of biological records while demonstrating how attendees can submit their own findings.

As an organization committed to wildlife conservation, Kettering Nature Group diligently submits all sightings recorded during our events through https://www.northantsbrc.org.uk/. By actively participating in this process of submitting Biological Records, our events make significant contributions towards monitoring the health of various species and habitats alike

Read more about Biological recording in Northamptonshire here.

When individuals have the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and establish a personal connection with it, they are more inclined to take action in protecting it. 

By submitting Biological Records, our events are making a valuable contribution to wildlife conservation by helping monitor the well-being of species and habitats. As an organization dedicated to nature conservation, Kettering Nature Group submits recorded sightings during our events through https://www.northantsbrc.org.uk/ and other relevant bodies.

By actively participating in this process of submitting Biological Records, and introducing attendees to the process, our events play a crucial role in monitoring the health of various species and habitats alike.

Kettering Nature Group collaborates with local landowners, nature wardens, and other organizations in the community to maintain and enhance habitats. Our efforts include installing nest boxes for owls, bats, and bees, creating reptile and small mammal habitats, as well as building refugia to support nesting sites. We welcome local landowners to reach out to us so we can discuss potential projects that enrich existing habitats or create new ones. In addition, we promote wildlife gardening to increase biodiversity in our town.

In conjunction with these smaller initiatives, we are currently preparing the 'Kettering Bee Barn' project which focuses on observing solitary bees. In spring 2024, we will invite local organizations such as schools, scout groups, and allotments to participate in this project. Participants will receive a Solitary Bee Observation Barn along with equipment, guidance, and assistance needed to nurture their own solitary bee populations for observation and learning about their life cycles.

During the overwintering stage (cocoons) of the bees' lifecycle, KNG volunteers will collect them from the Bee Heroes. The collected cocoons will be cleaned, sorted recorded,and stored until they are redistributed among both existing Bee Heroes and any new participants in the following spring. This process allows us to monitor the health of solitary bee populations in our area while also serving as a valuable educational tool.