The RSPB is a UK charity that speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. As the largest wildlife conservation organisation in Europe, with over one million members, its work is focused on the species and habitats that are in the greatest danger. The RSPB has more than 200 nature reserves, 10 regional offices, 1,300 staff and one vision – to work for a better environment rich in birds and wildlife.

If you love being outdoors and have a drive to better the environment, there are interesting and exciting ‘green jobs’ that you can pursue. With several categories of outdoor environmental jobs, you are sure to find your niche in this growing sector.

In the field of natural resources and conservation, rangers, wardens, and landscapers work outside in all weather conditions. They are involved primarily with land stewardship and monitoring. In addition, they work with the public to educate on topics pertaining to the land’s resources and the steps that can be taken to preserve them.

Ecology

Protect the endangered species of the world when you work in the field of Ecology. Analyse how organisms interact with their natural environment and report on the distribution of organisms in a specific area. Make a difference when you work to create and maintain thriving natural habitats.

Energy

Energy is a rapidly growing field with diverse and exciting new positions. Wind is an energy source still being evaluated so there are many positions for wind resource specialists. Out in the field, they conduct assessments, design measurement campaigns, and evaluate wind farm layouts. Similarly, hydrologists are hired to study the distribution and circulation of water and their work is done primarily through research at outdoor sites.

Construction and Engineering

There are many construction jobs that focus on the geotechnical aspects of building projects. Evaluating the earth’s subsurface, creating foundations, and monitoring the conditions at the building site are all duties that fall under this category. Geotechnical engineers and construction workers assure that the physical and chemical properties are taken into consideration before and during building.

Recycling and Waste Management
Those looking to work hands-on to better the environment can consider a job in waste and recycling. Many of the worksites are located outdoors and the jobs can include collection services, sorting and processing, and composting and landfill operations.

Farming and Animal Care

Another hands-on industry is farming. The United Kingdom is rich in farm land. Animal care, horticulture, and fencing are just a sample of the many jobs in the agricultural community.

Recreation Jobs

For individuals who are adventurous and athletically inclined, there are many outdoor recreational jobs that connect people with the environment. Those working in a wilderness park, leading a mountain climbing or river rafting expedition serve an important purpose. They are bringing others closer to nature as well as educating them on their surroundings.

So is it more environmentally friendly to have a real tree or a fake one? This debate seems to be raging at the moment, so which is the best option if you want to do your bit for the planet?

Our conclusion is that the best option is to buy a real tree, grown in the UK and sold with roots on. With a little luck (and judicious watering over the festive season) it should last and can then be planted in the garden come January to be used in future years – very sustainable! Clearly, if you are really concerned about the environment then you should collect it from where it has been grown on foot or on a bicycle!

Number two in our eco-tree chart is a UK grown cut tree, and for extra green points recycle it after Christmas. But it is at this point that the debate gets tricky – is an imported tree worse than a fake tree? Well, clearly neither is ideal from a carbon point of view. Both have probably originated abroad and required transporting over vast distances, consuming considerable quantities of fossil fuel. And, whilst purchasing a new fake tree almost certainly wins you last place in our eco-chart, what if you’ve already got the fake tree – surely the damage is then done and it’s ongoing environmental impact is minimal.

So, if you want a green Christmas, buy local and replant afterwards or dig out that fake tree from the attic and keep on using it. But hurry if you want a local tree, as they are in short supply…

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has announced a review of England’s wildlife and ecological network to see if it is capable of responding to the challenges of climate change and other pressures.

The review will look to see what benefits could be gained by connecting sites within designated areas and outside them through re-wilding initiatives – allowing farmland to return to its wild state which could include reintroductions of species such as lynx and elk.

But the proposal looks certain to be controversial. The Country Land and Business Association has already branded the proposals ‘misconceived and ill thought out’ and it will be interesting to see how Defra balances its food security agenda with its wildlife and countryside plans…