Nobody wants to be too flashy as another austerity Christmas approaches but an excellent idea for a present is to give an adoption for a year of some local animal, sealife or wildlife in need. The Wildlife Trusts website has a collection of local Trusts which offer different options for adopting everything from a seal to a water vole. You can also adopt a wildlife meadow or an ancient tree.
Recipients receive differing presents which can include certificates, free entry to the Trusts themselves and sometimes even a cuddly toy of the animal they're adopting. This is an excellent present for children but adults love it too.
Meanwhile, read how you can adopt a beehive in our latest update on bee populations and the terrible year for the honey crop.
* Adopt a hedgehog * Adopt an otter * Adopt a water vole * Adopt a dormouse * Adopt a barn owl * Adopt a bat * Adopt a hare * Adopt a bird * Adopt a red squirrel * Adopt a seal * Adopt a tree, flower or habitat
* Subscribe to Country Life Magazine and get the Ipad edition at no extra cost
* Follow Country Life Magazine on Twitter
