CountryLife launches Operation WildNation Initiative

CountryLife Garden Centres want to educate the nation about wild bird conservation through our exciting and engaging new Operation WildNation initiative. We’re helping to protect some of our under threat wild bird species – among these thrushes and finches – during the tough autumn and winter months.

The fun initiative, which is already gathering momentum, aims to engage thousands of primary school children country-wide on the importance of looking after nature’s wildlife.

The campaign includes an exciting “Colour Me Wild” colouring competition focusing on children from first to third class. Download templates and full competition details here.

The winning child or school will receive an interactive talk with Éanna and an expert horticulturalist from their local CountryLife Garden Centre. The prize also includes a fun peanut butter and seed roll-making session as well as vouchers, a wild bird survival kit for the school and more.

Éanna Ni Lamhna said young peopleare the best possible people to educate their parents and the wider community about the importance of wildlife and wild bird conservation. “Children are the ones leading the charge on climate change and protecting our environment.

“Anyone with a garden can get great enjoyment and fun out of watching out for wild birds. If there are berries in your garden, if there’s ivy on your walls, if you’ve prickly hedges or if you introduce bird boxes, some bird seed and invest in a good wild bird book and a pair of binoculars there’s endless pleasure to be had.

“It’s fun, its where lifelong memories are made and it requires focus – you can’t press pause or rewind if you miss that robin or goldfinch. But it’s so worthwhile. I’m delighted to be championing Operation WildNation and getting out and meeting children and visiting schools,” she said.

We intend on making it easier for all the family and the wider public to join in and have invested in attention-grabbing and easy to understand promotions, branding and assistance from their expert horticulturists when choosing the right berry and bird-friendly plants, shrubs and trees in its 14 outlets nationwide.

The campaign is being championed by staff in CountryLife’s Garden Centres, which are open year-round. Friendly staff and in-store horticulturalists are keen to guide both aspiring and experienced gardeners through their wide range of quality, wild bird-friendly plants, as well as the most appropriate feeders, seed and other wild bird foods for each and every garden.

Read more about the competition, prize details and download your school pack here.