SOMERSET Wildlife Trust has launched a social media campaign called #wildlifewindow to encourage people in self-isolation to let wildlife help their wellbeing.

The campaign, across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, is aimed at those who are self-isolating or social distancing to share the wildlife they see outside their windows and in their gardens.

And is also wants people to share positive actions they are taking for nature while at home during the coronavirus outbreak.

With so many people now working from or staying at home, #wildlifewindow aims to get people to connect people with nature and wildlife, even though it is currently more difficult to go outside, and demonstrate that their spaces, large or small, are homes to wildlife where they can make a difference. Somerset Wildlife Trust hopes this will help keep morale high, reduce feelings of isolation by allowing people to communicate with a community of other wildlife-lovers, and reduce the feelings of being trapped, bored or unable to help wildlife when indoors.

The trust hopes people will share what they are doing for wildlife while at home or in the garden – whether it is getting making a fence hedgehog-friendly or putting water out for the birds.

Head of communications,Kirby Everett said: “Evidence shows that connecting with nature helps people feel happier and healthier, improving both physical and mental wellbeing.

“We hope that by encouraging people to enjoy and value the wildlife on their doorstep and through their window, the current distancing or isolation measures will be easier to withstand and may even create a great sense of community online in a difficult time.

“We also hope that it might lead to positive changes in terms of how people value of nature after isolation ends, and also drive more people to act for it at a time it needs us the most.”

Somerset Wildlife Trust nature reserves currently remain free and open to all who need somewhere to unwind with wildlife and get fresh air and exercise away from any crowd.

Somerset Wildlife Trust will be sharing the #wildlifewindow images and posts received, as well as short videos, images and interesting wildlife facts. Follow on Facebook on Somerset Wildlife Trust, Twitter on @SomersetWT and Instagram on @somersetwt.