Rightmove helps RSPB in ‘giving nature a home’
We know there is a housing shortage in the UK. Perhaps less well-known, however, is that there is an equally urgent housing shortage facing some of the UK’s wildlife. The parlous state of things for creatures that call our gardens ‘home’ has encouraged Rightmove to lend its support to the RSPB’s new Giving Nature a Home campaign. The objective is simple: to encourage people across the UK to create one million new homes for nature in their gardens and outside spaces.
The campaign comes a month after 25 wildlife organisations, including the RSPB, released the ground-breaking State of Nature report which revealed that 60% of wildlife species – including garden favourites like starlings, hedgehogs and butterflies – have declined over recent decades. As the campaign’s lead supporter, Rightmove will promote messages, tips and ideas to users of its website to encourage them to play their part in helping to protect these creatures.
Matthew James, Head of Communications at Rightmove, comments:
“Though we’re more used to helping people find their dream home than build one, when we heard what the report had unearthed we felt compelled to offer our support to the campaign. Gardens and outside spaces are integral parts of the family home and can be deal-breakers when choosing a dream home – and wildlife literally brings these spaces alive. More than a million people visit Rightmove every single day looking for a new place to call home and we’re delighted to help spread the word about just how easy it can be to make a difference.”
The RSPB has launched a Giving Nature a Home campaign microsite jam-packed with advice and tips, and promoted by a unique series of advertising across Rightmove. A range of adverts – featuring a homeless hedgehog and a starling in need of a house-share – can be seen across Rightmove to encourage people to learn more about the campaign and register for a Giving Nature a Home pack.
Matthew James adds:
“The fact that some of the actions are so simple means that whether you’re an inner-city renter or the lucky owner of a country estate, everyone can get involved. In fact, some of the advice is to not do certain things, such as cutting your lawn too often or throwing away piles of old twigs. The key message is that enriching the garden for nature, enriches the garden for people too!”
In a first for Rightmove, the house that features on its familiar logo has also made way for a birdhouse as a further show of support for the campaign, and a reminder that small changes can make a big difference.
Mike Clarke, RSPB Chief Executive says:
“Gardens provide a valuable lifeline for species like starlings, toads, hedgehogs and butterflies, which are struggling to find homes in the wider countryside. Our aim is to provide one million homes for nature across the UK, because if there’s no home for nature, then there’s no nature – it really is that serious. We’re delighted to have Rightmove’s support in helping us spread the word and inspire people to take action to make a difference.”
