AN OTLEY group is urging people to ‘go wild’ with their Christmas shopping this year.

But Wildlife Friendly Otley isn’t encouraging any irresponsible spending sprees. Instead, it is hoping local residents will consider festive gifts that will help nature while spreading some joy.

Andrew McKeon from the group said: “Looking after wildlife brings its own rewards and there is a wide range of gifts including bird feeders, nest boxes, bird baths and houses for bugs and butterflies, frogs, toads and hedgehogs which can bring fascinating life to any garden.

“From a first pair of binoculars for a youngster to stocking fillers like wildflowers seeds and small packs of bird food, there is something to suit all tastes and budgets.

“During the first lockdown in spring and early summer many people enjoyed seeing the beauty of nature and hearing and seeing birds and wild flowers.

“They also found comfort and peace in the natural world and their gardens.

“Christmas time is a good opportunity to give something back to nature too.”

Other wildlife-focused presents could take the form of memberships to charities such as the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust or the RSPB.

Wildlife Friendly Otley is also asking residents to consider shopping locally to support the town’s economy after what has been a particularly difficult year.

Mr McKeon added: “Books on nature and wildlife also make great presents and nature writing has boomed in recent years and become hugely popular this year with the increased interest and awareness of nature during the lockdown.

“Otley’s independent Bookshop on the Square has a good range of nature writing.

“Other local retailers such as Courtyard Planters, Petwise, The Original Factory Shop and Yorkshire Trading sell a wide range of wildlife related items.

“And local artist Kate Broughton has produced a new artwork, in the form of a poster which celebrates some of the wonderful wildlife we have here in Otley, and is donating a percentage of the cost to Wildlife Friendly Otley.

“A fabulous hanging woodpecker, inspired by our logo, has been created by Amy Panda too. Both items are available through the artists’ websites.”