A NEW activities platform has been launched in Gloucestershire to "inspire" residents to take positive steps to protect local wildlife and the environment.

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (GWT) has launched the new platform, called ’WilderGlos’, to encourage more people in the county to connect with nature and make "sustainable choices".

The platform gives residents the opportunity to earn ’Green Points’ by taking part in activities that help protect nature and promote positive environmental actions.

Residents can compete as individuals or as part of their local community to top the WilderGlos leader board for the chance to win monthly prizes.

There are more than 25 activities available in the programme, ranging from growing a wild patch in their garden to helping to promote insect growth, organising a local litter pick, taking a carbon quiz or submitting a photo of their zero-waste shop.

Will Masefield, Head of Engagement and Learning at GWT, said: "We’re excited about the idea of people joining us on a journey to safeguard nature, which needs us now more than ever.

"These personalised dashboards will help us all to understand that our actions, however humble they may be at first, are meaningful when many people get involved."

The launch comes "hot on the heels" of this month’s UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in China.

GWT says the conference draws further attention to "the urgent need for action, acknowledging that biological diversity is about more than plants and animals - it is about people needing food security, medicines, fresh air and water, shelter, and a clean and healthy environment in which to live."

Though the trust, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, has one of the highest membership rates of all of The Wildlife Trusts with five per cent of all Gloucestershire residents registered, it is aiming to reach "even more local people" with the WilderGlos launch to support the county’s net zero carbon target.

For more information, go to wilderglos.greenrewards.co.uk.