Laura's Rebel Journey

No timescale.  Complete 5 of the 10 Clauses. Clause 1 - Take full responsibility caring for a pet for at least three months. We have owned chickens for over 18 months. DONE . Clause 3 - Learn about three animals which are close to extinction.  What can we do to help protect them? I chose three obscure animals because everyone knows about the larger and more impressive animals.  These little ones are still part of the ecosystem and need to be protected.  Visiting the Wild Place Project and spending money there helps them to support the causes that are looking after these critically endangered creatures.  Look away now if the eight-legged freaks you out! (This Clause overlaps with the Environmetalist Badge). DONE . PARTULA SNAILS - French Polynesia.  They were wiped out in Tahiti by the introduction of Florida rosy wolf snails into their habitat.  The wolf snails were supposed to control the infestation of giant African land snails, but they...

 On July 19th I blogged about my progress with the Environmentalist Badge. Clause 1 "For a month, track how much rubbish you generate personally" ended on the 10th August, so here is a complete list of my own personal rubbish. Chupa wrapper 5 Daily cotton bud (Daily) cotton wool pad (not daily in the end) String ties from new (2nd hand) clothes 4 Love Corn packet 4 Sweet chickpea packet 3 Popcorn packet 2 Ice lolly wrapper 3 Film from bread bag (paper part recycled) Starburst wrapper 8 Film lids from fruit/veg/coleslaw pots 10 Bread roll packaging 2 Yoghurt lids 9 Washi tape packaging 2 Schär rolls bag Oatcake wrapper  Lego bags 5 Lego sticker sheet Lego Dots bag Watch wrapper Crumpet packet Hook thing off a box  Not too bad in the end, but it probably helped that I chose the Money Saver Badge as part of the Carpe Diem Challenge.  Therefore I am already actively reducing my spending at the moment.  This also ties in to the second compulsory Clause "For a second...

 The Carpe Diem badge requires the completion of two brown "Wild" badges.  I chose Camper and Codebreaker.  Lots of the Camper badge I felt I could back date as we camp so often, and I have been over the Clauses so many times. Spend at least three consecutive nights under canvas - three nights is a minimum for us! Pitch and strike a tent - The pole tent we used to have, the air beam tent we currently have, a pole ridge tent from my youth and the pop up two person tent we camp in the garden with.  I think I can safely say that one is covered! Keep your belongings safe and dry - On our first trip as a family with little children in tow, I decided we needed a "dry box" and a "wet box" after reading about family camping online.  Our clothes go in a large Really Useful Box to keep them dry and things like toothbrushes and flannels in a smaller box with other items that can get wet.  Husband thought it was a bit much, but then it rained.  Norfolk had a mon...

 I had originally planned not to post more than once a day, but sitting here with the fan on in the coldest part of the house is rather nice, so I'm going to post again. Today's post was meant to be an update on my progress with the Environmentalist Badge but turned into an Animal Lover post about my chickens.  So here is the originally planned post to keep me on track. Clauses 1 and 2 for this badge are compulsory. 1. "For a month, track how much rubbish you generate personally." It goes on to suggest that you save it in a container, 'where practical'.  No, that isn't even vaguely practical!  So I am going to keep a log. 2. "For a second month, actively reduce your waste." I started Clause 1 on Wednesday 13th July and due to finish it and start Clause 2 on Wednesday 10th August. I am firmly fixed on the 'rubbish you generate personally' section.  So, items we use as a family I am not counting.  Here's my personal litter so far: Chu...

It's hot today. It was hot yesterday.  This heatwave is interesting. 😰 This was going to be a post about the Environmentalist Badge, but instead I'm going to write about Clause 8 of Animal Lover. "If you have a pet, make a proactive change to their lifestyle to improve their current way of life." We have three chickens, Peggy, Amelia and Lavender.  Chickens don't like hot weather, their bodies can't handle sudden changes in temperature in either direction. Once the temperature reaches 32C, it's too hot for a hen.  A neighbour recorded a high of 39.8C in her back garden yesterday, so yes, we have baked chickens. I'm very scared for them at the moment, and I am most definitely counting "keeping the chickens alive" as the scary thing I've had to do this week for the Carpe Diem Badge. I have made them frozen treats, chunks of watermelon, ice pops made from sweetcorn, raspberries and cucumber.  Their run was watered frequently throughout the...