The Wildlife Trusts today express disappointment and regret in advance of the Government’s expected decision to press ahead with a cull of badgers in pilot areas in England.
The Wildlife Trusts call on the Government to put biosecurity and vaccination at the centre of efforts to tackle this disease and avoid wasting more time and money on a badger cull.
Paul Wilkinson, Head of Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts, said:
“A badger cull is the wrong tool to address this serious and complex problem and a distraction from other measures to tackle bovine TB. An industry-led cull with open shooting in the countryside is untested and these pilots will not provide a scientific evaluation of the impact on bovine TB. The rationale for any cull of native species needs to be extremely clear and well proven. We do not believe this is the case with the proposed badger cull.”
The Wildlife Trusts believe that Defra should pursue the following as a matter of priority:
• Support landowners to improve on-farm biosecurity and the deployment of the injectable BadgerBCG vaccine;
• Continue to develop an oral vaccine for badgers;
• Complete development of a cattle vaccine and secure change to EU regulation to permit its commercial deployment.
Paul Wilkinson continues:
“The Government’s priority should be preventing transmission of the disease on-farm, through improved biosecurity, badger vaccination and making swift progress on a cattle vaccine.”
Earlier this year, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust was the first non-governmental organisation to begin deployment of the injectable BadgerBCG vaccine on seven of its nature reserves. The outcomes from this first year of a five-year vaccination programme are available in a published report at: www.wildlifetrusts.org/badgers-and-bovineTB
Contact information:
Anna Guthrie (Media & PR Manager)
Office: 01636 670075
Mobile: 07887 754659
Email: aguthrie@wildlifetrusts.org
Tanya Perdikou (Media & Campaigns Officer)
Office: 01636 670057
Mobile: 07887 754657
Email: tperdikou@wildlifetrusts.org
Images are available for use with this news release. They are granted on a one-time use basis, in association with this release and the photographer must be credited.
The Wildlife Trusts has an ISDN line available for radio interviews. Please contact us to book an interview.
Notes for editors:
The Wildlife Trusts (TWT) wildlifetrusts.org
There are 47 individual Wildlife Trusts covering the whole of the UK. All are working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone. We have more than 800,000 members. Find out more about badgers, bovine TB on The Wildlife Trusts’ web page http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/badgers-and-bovineTB.
Friday, 16 December 2011
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Winners of The British Wildlife Photography Awards 2011
Now in its third year, the acclaimed BWPA competition has created another stunning showcase of British wildlife.
The winning image of a jellyfish was captured by Richard Shucksmith. His photo was taken at Sula Sgeir (meaning Gannet Rock) a small uninhabited Scottish island, 41 miles north of Lewis. The inhospitable area is home to exposed islands sustaining an astounding variety of marine life. The remoteness of these islands, as well as the challenge that comes with visiting them, makes Richard’s incredible photo all the more special.
Greg Armfield, Photography and Film Manager from WWF said “A truly beautiful shot of a jellyfish that perfectly captures its iridescent colours and magical qualities. All the more remarkable that it exists in UK waters. Fantastic.”
Competition judge Paul Wilkinson, Head of Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts, said “We are delighted to see how many people from around the UK were inspired by the competition to explore nature in their local area. This year’s entries reflected a real passion, and affection, for local wildlife. This competition is a special opportunity to give the natural world that surrounds us the recognition, and reverence, it deserves.”
The Winners are:
1. BRITISH WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER, (prize £5,000)
Richard Shucksmith, Jellyfish in the Blue Sea of Sula Sgeir, Scotland
2. YOUNG BRITISH WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHERS (prize £500 and £300)
Oliver Wilks, fox yawning (aged 16)
Walter Lovell, frog with spawn (aged 8)
3. CATEGORY WINNERS (£1,000 worth of prizes from Canon)
COAST AND MARINE, Richard Shucksmith, “Jellyfish in the Blue Sea of Sula Sgeir”
ANIMAL PORTRAITS, Mark Smith “Mystical Mist, Fallow Deer
HABITAT, Ian Paul Haskell “Hare in Morning Light with Hoar Frost”
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR, Andrew Parkinson “Grey Heron Walking on Water”
URBAN WILDLIFE, David Biggs “Champagne Starling”
WILDLIFE IN MY BACKYARD, Rana Dias “Busy Wasp on Blackberries”
HIDDEN BRITAIN, Leslie Holburn “Scorpion Fly on a Leaf”
LIVING LANDSCAPES:
Connectivity, Graham Eaton “Llyn Idwal – War and Peace”
BRITISH SEASONS, Ross Hoddinott “Summer Insects”
DOCUMENTARY SERIES, Neil Aldridge “Its Only a Game”
WILDLIFE ON VIDEO, Mark Sisson “Great Crested Grebe Family”
Winning Video can be viewed here: link http://vimeo.com/29395313
Exhibition
BWPA are delighted that the touring exhibition of around 70 images will launch this year at the very first WildlifeXpo http://www.wildlifexpo.com , which takes place on the 14th and 15th October at Alexandra Palace, London. The exhibition continues until 28th October.
A year-long tour of the exhibition will follow throughout England, Scotland and Wales. For full details of the nationwide tour visit: http://www.bwpawards.org/page/exhibitions
Competition
For more detailed information about the competition, including how to enter, list of categories, shooting tips, and terms & conditions, please visit the competition website: www.bwpawards.co.uk.
The winning image of a jellyfish was captured by Richard Shucksmith. His photo was taken at Sula Sgeir (meaning Gannet Rock) a small uninhabited Scottish island, 41 miles north of Lewis. The inhospitable area is home to exposed islands sustaining an astounding variety of marine life. The remoteness of these islands, as well as the challenge that comes with visiting them, makes Richard’s incredible photo all the more special.
Greg Armfield, Photography and Film Manager from WWF said “A truly beautiful shot of a jellyfish that perfectly captures its iridescent colours and magical qualities. All the more remarkable that it exists in UK waters. Fantastic.”
Competition judge Paul Wilkinson, Head of Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts, said “We are delighted to see how many people from around the UK were inspired by the competition to explore nature in their local area. This year’s entries reflected a real passion, and affection, for local wildlife. This competition is a special opportunity to give the natural world that surrounds us the recognition, and reverence, it deserves.”
The Winners are:
1. BRITISH WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER, (prize £5,000)
Richard Shucksmith, Jellyfish in the Blue Sea of Sula Sgeir, Scotland
2. YOUNG BRITISH WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHERS (prize £500 and £300)
Oliver Wilks, fox yawning (aged 16)
Walter Lovell, frog with spawn (aged 8)
3. CATEGORY WINNERS (£1,000 worth of prizes from Canon)
COAST AND MARINE, Richard Shucksmith, “Jellyfish in the Blue Sea of Sula Sgeir”
ANIMAL PORTRAITS, Mark Smith “Mystical Mist, Fallow Deer
HABITAT, Ian Paul Haskell “Hare in Morning Light with Hoar Frost”
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR, Andrew Parkinson “Grey Heron Walking on Water”
URBAN WILDLIFE, David Biggs “Champagne Starling”
WILDLIFE IN MY BACKYARD, Rana Dias “Busy Wasp on Blackberries”
HIDDEN BRITAIN, Leslie Holburn “Scorpion Fly on a Leaf”
LIVING LANDSCAPES:
Connectivity, Graham Eaton “Llyn Idwal – War and Peace”
BRITISH SEASONS, Ross Hoddinott “Summer Insects”
DOCUMENTARY SERIES, Neil Aldridge “Its Only a Game”
WILDLIFE ON VIDEO, Mark Sisson “Great Crested Grebe Family”
Winning Video can be viewed here: link http://vimeo.com/29395313
Exhibition
BWPA are delighted that the touring exhibition of around 70 images will launch this year at the very first WildlifeXpo http://www.wildlifexpo.com , which takes place on the 14th and 15th October at Alexandra Palace, London. The exhibition continues until 28th October.
A year-long tour of the exhibition will follow throughout England, Scotland and Wales. For full details of the nationwide tour visit: http://www.bwpawards.org/page/exhibitions
Competition
For more detailed information about the competition, including how to enter, list of categories, shooting tips, and terms & conditions, please visit the competition website: www.bwpawards.co.uk.
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Alum –The Magic Mineral at Loftus Town Hall
Have you ever been in Loftus Town Hall? Do you know why Alum was so important in East Cleveland? Do you know who Lewis Hunton is? These are just 3 questions which you will be able to answer if you visit Loftus Town Hall this weekend as part of Heritage Open days. Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and Loftus Town council are hosting the event as part of this national event and as part of a Heritage lottery funded project “Alum, Alchemy and ammonites”.
Loftus Town Hall was built in 1879 for the growing local population and you will be able to see artefacts related to the history of the building and local council display. Come and view the special Heritage Open day exhibition, highlighting the important role of the Alum industry in the development of the town. There will be a quiz, colouring and games for children.
Loftus Town Hall is situated at the junction of Loftus High Street and Water Lane and will be open for Thursday 8th September until Sunday 11th September form 10.30-16.30 for more details about this and other open days visit http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/home/.
Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors, ranging from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples. It is a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture.
For more information about the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust visit website
The Alum, Alchemy and Ammonites project was a two year project which has worked to raise the profile of the unique legacy of the alum Industry of East Cleveland. This was done through a series of walks, talks working with school groups and public exhibitions as well as this travelling exhibition for more information visit http://www.tvrigs.org.uk/home-page/alum-alchemy-ammonites.
Loftus Town Hall was built in 1879 for the growing local population and you will be able to see artefacts related to the history of the building and local council display. Come and view the special Heritage Open day exhibition, highlighting the important role of the Alum industry in the development of the town. There will be a quiz, colouring and games for children.
Loftus Town Hall is situated at the junction of Loftus High Street and Water Lane and will be open for Thursday 8th September until Sunday 11th September form 10.30-16.30 for more details about this and other open days visit http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/home/.
Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors, ranging from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples. It is a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture.
For more information about the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust visit website
The Alum, Alchemy and Ammonites project was a two year project which has worked to raise the profile of the unique legacy of the alum Industry of East Cleveland. This was done through a series of walks, talks working with school groups and public exhibitions as well as this travelling exhibition for more information visit http://www.tvrigs.org.uk/home-page/alum-alchemy-ammonites.
Friday, 26 August 2011
WildlifeXpo - Just the ticket for wildlife fans
A brand new wildlife exhibition is coming to London’s Alexandra Palace on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 October 2011. WildlifeXpo offers wildlife lovers an exciting combination of exhibitors, lectures and workshops.
Conservation is a key focus for WildlifeXpo. From each ticket sold, £2 will go to The Wildlife Trusts, helping to conserve UK wildlife. Each visitor is able to specify which of the 47 Wildlife Trusts they would like their donation to go to. And it’s not only buying a ticket that will benefit wildlife – at The Wildlife Trusts’ stands (15, 17 and 19) there will be the opportunity to:
• Sign a scale on Petition Fish, The Wildlife Trusts’ petition for Marine Protected Areas around the UK
• Learn how to help wildlife in your garden
• Join your local Wildlife Trust, helping to ensure the wildlife on your doorstep is protected
London Wildlife Trust (stand 1) will run outdoor wildlife-spotting activities for families, and Deputy Chief Executive Mathew Frith will give a lecture on London: a wild place.
Tickets for WildlifeXpo are £10 for one day, and £18 for both. After entry all entertainment is free, including presentations from natural history TV presenters Mark Carwardine and Chris Packham, David Lindo ‘The Urban Birder’ and artist David Shepherd CBE.
Over 70 of the winning and commended entries from the 2011 British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) will be on display. The Wildlife Trusts are sponsors of BWPA, within which they have their own category; Living Landscape: Connectivity.
Powell Ettinger, chairman of WildlifeXpo, said: “With the growing public interest in wildlife conservation and an increasing desire to experience wildlife in the wild, both at home and abroad, we felt that a dedicated exhibition with expert advice and topical presentations would satisfy this need. Moreover, having it all under one roof at such a fabulous venue as Alexandra Palace makes it even more special.”
More information:
• WildlifeXpo www.wildlifexpo.com
• The Wildlife Trusts and Petition Fish www.wildlifetrusts.org
• London Wildlife Trust www.wildlondon.org.uk
• BWPA www.bwpawards.org
-Ends-
Contact information:
Anna Guthrie (Media & PR Manager)
Office: 01636 670075
Mobile: 07887 754659
Email: aguthrie@wildlifetrusts.org
Tanya Perdikou (Media & Campaigns Officer)
Office: 01636 670057
Mobile: 07887 754657
Email: tperdikou@wildlifetrusts.org
Images are available for use with this news release. They are granted on a one-time use basis, in association with this release and the photographer must be credited.
Notes for editors:
The Wildlife Trusts (TWT) wildlifetrusts.org
There are 47 individual Wildlife Trusts covering the whole of the UK and the Isle of Man and Alderney. All are working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone. We have more than 800,000 members including 150,000 members of our junior branch Wildlife Watch. Our vision is to create A Living Landscape and secure Living Seas. We manage around 2,300 nature reserves and every year we advise thousands of landowners and organisations on how to manage their land for wildlife. We also run marine conservation projects around the UK, collecting vital data on the state of our seas and celebrating our amazing marine wildlife. Every year we work with thousands of schools and our nature reserves and visitor centres receive millions of visitors. Each Wildlife Trust is working within its local communities to inspire people about the future of their area: their own Living Landscapes and Living Seas
Conservation is a key focus for WildlifeXpo. From each ticket sold, £2 will go to The Wildlife Trusts, helping to conserve UK wildlife. Each visitor is able to specify which of the 47 Wildlife Trusts they would like their donation to go to. And it’s not only buying a ticket that will benefit wildlife – at The Wildlife Trusts’ stands (15, 17 and 19) there will be the opportunity to:
• Sign a scale on Petition Fish, The Wildlife Trusts’ petition for Marine Protected Areas around the UK
• Learn how to help wildlife in your garden
• Join your local Wildlife Trust, helping to ensure the wildlife on your doorstep is protected
London Wildlife Trust (stand 1) will run outdoor wildlife-spotting activities for families, and Deputy Chief Executive Mathew Frith will give a lecture on London: a wild place.
Tickets for WildlifeXpo are £10 for one day, and £18 for both. After entry all entertainment is free, including presentations from natural history TV presenters Mark Carwardine and Chris Packham, David Lindo ‘The Urban Birder’ and artist David Shepherd CBE.
Over 70 of the winning and commended entries from the 2011 British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) will be on display. The Wildlife Trusts are sponsors of BWPA, within which they have their own category; Living Landscape: Connectivity.
Powell Ettinger, chairman of WildlifeXpo, said: “With the growing public interest in wildlife conservation and an increasing desire to experience wildlife in the wild, both at home and abroad, we felt that a dedicated exhibition with expert advice and topical presentations would satisfy this need. Moreover, having it all under one roof at such a fabulous venue as Alexandra Palace makes it even more special.”
More information:
• WildlifeXpo www.wildlifexpo.com
• The Wildlife Trusts and Petition Fish www.wildlifetrusts.org
• London Wildlife Trust www.wildlondon.org.uk
• BWPA www.bwpawards.org
-Ends-
Contact information:
Anna Guthrie (Media & PR Manager)
Office: 01636 670075
Mobile: 07887 754659
Email: aguthrie@wildlifetrusts.org
Tanya Perdikou (Media & Campaigns Officer)
Office: 01636 670057
Mobile: 07887 754657
Email: tperdikou@wildlifetrusts.org
Images are available for use with this news release. They are granted on a one-time use basis, in association with this release and the photographer must be credited.
Notes for editors:
The Wildlife Trusts (TWT) wildlifetrusts.org
There are 47 individual Wildlife Trusts covering the whole of the UK and the Isle of Man and Alderney. All are working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone. We have more than 800,000 members including 150,000 members of our junior branch Wildlife Watch. Our vision is to create A Living Landscape and secure Living Seas. We manage around 2,300 nature reserves and every year we advise thousands of landowners and organisations on how to manage their land for wildlife. We also run marine conservation projects around the UK, collecting vital data on the state of our seas and celebrating our amazing marine wildlife. Every year we work with thousands of schools and our nature reserves and visitor centres receive millions of visitors. Each Wildlife Trust is working within its local communities to inspire people about the future of their area: their own Living Landscapes and Living Seas
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Monday, 22 August 2011
North Sea Video
The Wildlife Trust’s North Sea Project, in conjunction with Yorkshire Diver Andy Jackson, has produced a short film to illustrate the beautiful and sometimes bizarre marine wildlife that lives in the North Sea.
The film produced for The North Sea Wildlife Trusts, available at www.northseawildlife.org.uk shatters the myth that the North Sea is both grey and lifeless. All species featured can be found right here in our cool Northern waters. Alongside footage of rich habitats such as kelp forests and rocky reefs, the film introduces us to some of the weird and wonderful animals that live beneath the waves. Molluscs include filter feeding mussels and scavenging whelks, while footage of crustaceans shows not only the familiar Edible Crab and Common Lobster, but also the delicate and easily overlooked spider crab. Anemones, starfish, seaweeds and brightly coloured fish also make an appearance, alongside the charismatic Grey Seal, with all footage shot on location here in the North Sea.
The video aims to provide an education about how rich the North Sea is for marine wildlife, and gather support for The Wildlife Trust’s Petition Fish Campaign, a campaign aiming to gather public support to ensure our UK marine wildlife gains protection through the creation of a network of nature reserves under the UKs seas.
Andy Jackson comments:
“I have thoroughly enjoyed capturing the footage of these remarkable creatures. At times the path to getting rewarding results has been a winding one though, with the Lumpsucker footage being a prime example. After several years trying to film one I managed to get perfect conditions at Flamborough Head, with still, clear water. Within minutes of entering the water I had a beautiful specimen in front of the camera fanning its eggs. Unfortunately the battery in my camera completely failed before I could even capture a second! I had to wait until April 2011 before the conditions came right again and I encountered another off Gristhorpe, he's a handsome pink specimen though and well worth the wait!”
“I urge everyone to support the Wildlife Trusts and get involved and sign a scale; these creatures need our protection before it is too late.”
Kirsten Smith, The Wildlife Trusts North Sea Living Seas Manager say:
“It’s fantastic to be able to show people what’s out there under the waves and to inspire people to take action to protect marine wildlife. Andy’s video shows a wonderful selection of North Sea wildlife from the small shorecrab commonly found in rockpools to deep rocky overhangs covered in corals and anemones”
• To view the video and find out more about the marine wildlife in the North Sea visit www.northseawildlife.org.uk
• ‘like’ our facebook page www.facebook.com/northseawildlife
• Support The Wildlife Trusts Marine Protected Areas campaign www.wildlifetrusts.org/petitionfish
The film produced for The North Sea Wildlife Trusts, available at www.northseawildlife.org.uk shatters the myth that the North Sea is both grey and lifeless. All species featured can be found right here in our cool Northern waters. Alongside footage of rich habitats such as kelp forests and rocky reefs, the film introduces us to some of the weird and wonderful animals that live beneath the waves. Molluscs include filter feeding mussels and scavenging whelks, while footage of crustaceans shows not only the familiar Edible Crab and Common Lobster, but also the delicate and easily overlooked spider crab. Anemones, starfish, seaweeds and brightly coloured fish also make an appearance, alongside the charismatic Grey Seal, with all footage shot on location here in the North Sea.
The video aims to provide an education about how rich the North Sea is for marine wildlife, and gather support for The Wildlife Trust’s Petition Fish Campaign, a campaign aiming to gather public support to ensure our UK marine wildlife gains protection through the creation of a network of nature reserves under the UKs seas.
Andy Jackson comments:
“I have thoroughly enjoyed capturing the footage of these remarkable creatures. At times the path to getting rewarding results has been a winding one though, with the Lumpsucker footage being a prime example. After several years trying to film one I managed to get perfect conditions at Flamborough Head, with still, clear water. Within minutes of entering the water I had a beautiful specimen in front of the camera fanning its eggs. Unfortunately the battery in my camera completely failed before I could even capture a second! I had to wait until April 2011 before the conditions came right again and I encountered another off Gristhorpe, he's a handsome pink specimen though and well worth the wait!”
“I urge everyone to support the Wildlife Trusts and get involved and sign a scale; these creatures need our protection before it is too late.”
Kirsten Smith, The Wildlife Trusts North Sea Living Seas Manager say:
“It’s fantastic to be able to show people what’s out there under the waves and to inspire people to take action to protect marine wildlife. Andy’s video shows a wonderful selection of North Sea wildlife from the small shorecrab commonly found in rockpools to deep rocky overhangs covered in corals and anemones”
• To view the video and find out more about the marine wildlife in the North Sea visit www.northseawildlife.org.uk
• ‘like’ our facebook page www.facebook.com/northseawildlife
• Support The Wildlife Trusts Marine Protected Areas campaign www.wildlifetrusts.org/petitionfish
Be a part of the ‘Big Wildlife Garden’
Everyone has the opportunity to help create the UK’s largest nature reserve from today (Friday 19 August) – with the launch of the ‘Big Wildlife Garden’ (BWG) competition.
The competition - a commitment in the Government’s recently published Natural Environment White Paper - is being run by The Wildlife Trusts and the Royal Horticultural Society, with funding from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The Big Wildlife Garden competition encourages everyone to do some wildlife gardening on their doorstep. Anyone is eligible to take part – including individuals, communities, businesses and schools – and no space is too small to be transformed; be it a window box, school playing field or retail park in a town, city or in the countryside. There are six categories[1] and entry is free via the BWG website.
It is hoped that, through showcasing some of the best wildlife gardens in the UK, the competition will inspire everyone to take action and turn their gardens into wildlife havens; a great way of getting active and fit.
The competition is being launched by Caroline Spelman, Secretary of State for Defra, alongside the new England Biodiversity Strategy (EBS). The EBS will set out how the Government will aim to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2020.
Launching the competition, Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman, said:
“No matter how big or small, every garden is a home for wildlife, and this competition gives gardeners the chance to be recognised for what their hard work has achieved, inspiring others to do what they can to make their gardens more wildlife-friendly. Ultimately, gardening for nature can create not just a local home for wildlife, it can help to connect habitats together from our neighbourhoods to our national parks.”
Paul Wilkinson, Head of Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts, said:
“The UK’s wildlife is under pressure from loss of habitat. But, we can all make a difference by gardening with wildlife in mind. We want to see nature reserves around the UK being connected through pockets of healthy habitat within the wider landscape, in both urban and rural areas. Clearly, gardens are an essential part of this vision. The Big Wildlife Garden competition aims to raise awareness of the role we can all play in becoming nature’s guardians.”
Dr Roger Williams, Head of Science RHS, said:
“Twenty years ago few people really thought about the importance of gardens for UK wildlife. Now we know how vital they are.
“The huge interest in our ‘Plants for Bugs’ research project and our ‘Perfect for Pollinators’ label initiative shows how this awareness has changed. We encourage as many gardeners interested in wildlife to enter the competition as possible.”
Entries for the BWG competition can be submitted from today. The competition closes on Sunday 20 May 2012. Prizes include a wildlife gardening masterclass at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, where the prize-giving ceremony will take place, along with membership of The Wildlife Trusts and the Royal Horticultural Society.
Sarah Raven, gardener, writer and television presenter, will be on the BWG competition judging panel. She said:
“I am really excited about the launch of this competition. The more people we can get interested and involved in gardening that has a wildlife focus the better. So many positive and easy-to-do things can be done to make gardens wildlife-friendly and running a competition like this will help raise awareness.”
The BWG website contains top wildlife gardening tips and links entrants to a community of gardeners throughout the UK, with a facility to view BWG entries in their locality. It also includes a ‘My Garden’ page where information about gardens can be uploaded and stored. To find out more visit the BWG website www.bigwildlifegarden.org.uk.
Contact information:
Anna Guthrie (Media & PR Manager), The Wildlife Trusts
Office: 01636 670075 / Mobile: 07887 754659 / Email: aguthrie@wildlifetrusts.org
Tanya Perdikou (Media & Campaigns Officer), The Wildlife Trusts
Office: 01636 670057 / Mobile: 07887 754657 / Email: tperdikou@wildlifetrusts.org
Eoin Redahan, PR Manager Science, Trials and Government Affairs, The Royal Horticultural Society Office: 0207 821 3044 / eoinredahan@rhs.org.uk
Sean Armstrong, press officer, Defra
Office: 0207 238 1822 / sean.armstrong@DEFRA.GSI.GOV.UK
Notes for editors:
Competition categories include
• Small residential garden
• Large residential garden
• New residential garden
• Educational garden
• Community garden
• Business garden
England Biodiversity Strategy and Big Wildlife Garden
The Big Wildlife Garden competition has been created to recognise the importance of individuals’ action for nature, and the benefits it brings to people. The competition is being launched alongside the Government’s England Biodiversity Strategy. This stems from a commitment in the Natural Environment White Paper, published in June 2011, to ‘protect and improve the natural environment’ and to ‘reconnect people with nature’ in England. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is funding the competition, and has appointed The Wildlife Trusts and the Royal Horticultural Society to run it.
The formal launch of the new England Biodiversity Strategy and BWG competition takes place today at London Wildlife Trust’s Camley Street Natural Park, with an announcement from Caroline Spelman, the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The Wildlife Trusts (TWT) wildlifetrusts.org
There are 47 individual Wildlife Trusts covering the whole of the UK and the Isle of Man and Alderney. All are working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone. We have more than 800,000 members including 150,000 members of our junior branch Wildlife Watch. Our vision is to create A Living Landscape and secure Living Seas. We manage around 2,300 nature reserves and every year we advise thousands of landowners and organisations on how to manage their land for wildlife. We also run marine conservation projects around the UK, collecting vital data on the state of our seas and celebrating our amazing marine wildlife.
The Royal Horticultural Society www.rhs.org.uk
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK's foremost gardening charity, helping and inspiring millions of people to garden. We do this at our gardens and shows and thorough our scientific research, publications, libraries and our education and community programmes. We are entirely funded by our members, visitors and supporters.
Wild About Gardens www.wildaboutgardens.org
Wild About Gardens is a joint project run by the Royal Horticultural Society and The Wildlife Trusts. It aims to bring the worlds of gardening and nature conservation closer together. The project’s website offers a variety of advice on how to attract wildlife into the garden, including the best plants for birds and insects, and suggestions of things to do for wildlife – in two hours, in a weekend, or all year round.
Defra www.defra.gov.uk
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is supporting and funding The Wildlife Trusts (TWT) and Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) ‘Big Wildlife Garden’ competition to promote the importance of individual action for the natural environment and the benefits it provides for people. The running of this competition is a commitment in the Government’s Natural Environment White Paper that will help to both protect and improve our natural environment and reconnect people with nature.
The competition - a commitment in the Government’s recently published Natural Environment White Paper - is being run by The Wildlife Trusts and the Royal Horticultural Society, with funding from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The Big Wildlife Garden competition encourages everyone to do some wildlife gardening on their doorstep. Anyone is eligible to take part – including individuals, communities, businesses and schools – and no space is too small to be transformed; be it a window box, school playing field or retail park in a town, city or in the countryside. There are six categories[1] and entry is free via the BWG website.
It is hoped that, through showcasing some of the best wildlife gardens in the UK, the competition will inspire everyone to take action and turn their gardens into wildlife havens; a great way of getting active and fit.
The competition is being launched by Caroline Spelman, Secretary of State for Defra, alongside the new England Biodiversity Strategy (EBS). The EBS will set out how the Government will aim to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2020.
Launching the competition, Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman, said:
“No matter how big or small, every garden is a home for wildlife, and this competition gives gardeners the chance to be recognised for what their hard work has achieved, inspiring others to do what they can to make their gardens more wildlife-friendly. Ultimately, gardening for nature can create not just a local home for wildlife, it can help to connect habitats together from our neighbourhoods to our national parks.”
Paul Wilkinson, Head of Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts, said:
“The UK’s wildlife is under pressure from loss of habitat. But, we can all make a difference by gardening with wildlife in mind. We want to see nature reserves around the UK being connected through pockets of healthy habitat within the wider landscape, in both urban and rural areas. Clearly, gardens are an essential part of this vision. The Big Wildlife Garden competition aims to raise awareness of the role we can all play in becoming nature’s guardians.”
Dr Roger Williams, Head of Science RHS, said:
“Twenty years ago few people really thought about the importance of gardens for UK wildlife. Now we know how vital they are.
“The huge interest in our ‘Plants for Bugs’ research project and our ‘Perfect for Pollinators’ label initiative shows how this awareness has changed. We encourage as many gardeners interested in wildlife to enter the competition as possible.”
Entries for the BWG competition can be submitted from today. The competition closes on Sunday 20 May 2012. Prizes include a wildlife gardening masterclass at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, where the prize-giving ceremony will take place, along with membership of The Wildlife Trusts and the Royal Horticultural Society.
Sarah Raven, gardener, writer and television presenter, will be on the BWG competition judging panel. She said:
“I am really excited about the launch of this competition. The more people we can get interested and involved in gardening that has a wildlife focus the better. So many positive and easy-to-do things can be done to make gardens wildlife-friendly and running a competition like this will help raise awareness.”
The BWG website contains top wildlife gardening tips and links entrants to a community of gardeners throughout the UK, with a facility to view BWG entries in their locality. It also includes a ‘My Garden’ page where information about gardens can be uploaded and stored. To find out more visit the BWG website www.bigwildlifegarden.org.uk.
Contact information:
Anna Guthrie (Media & PR Manager), The Wildlife Trusts
Office: 01636 670075 / Mobile: 07887 754659 / Email: aguthrie@wildlifetrusts.org
Tanya Perdikou (Media & Campaigns Officer), The Wildlife Trusts
Office: 01636 670057 / Mobile: 07887 754657 / Email: tperdikou@wildlifetrusts.org
Eoin Redahan, PR Manager Science, Trials and Government Affairs, The Royal Horticultural Society Office: 0207 821 3044 / eoinredahan@rhs.org.uk
Sean Armstrong, press officer, Defra
Office: 0207 238 1822 / sean.armstrong@DEFRA.GSI.GOV.UK
Notes for editors:
Competition categories include
• Small residential garden
• Large residential garden
• New residential garden
• Educational garden
• Community garden
• Business garden
England Biodiversity Strategy and Big Wildlife Garden
The Big Wildlife Garden competition has been created to recognise the importance of individuals’ action for nature, and the benefits it brings to people. The competition is being launched alongside the Government’s England Biodiversity Strategy. This stems from a commitment in the Natural Environment White Paper, published in June 2011, to ‘protect and improve the natural environment’ and to ‘reconnect people with nature’ in England. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is funding the competition, and has appointed The Wildlife Trusts and the Royal Horticultural Society to run it.
The formal launch of the new England Biodiversity Strategy and BWG competition takes place today at London Wildlife Trust’s Camley Street Natural Park, with an announcement from Caroline Spelman, the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The Wildlife Trusts (TWT) wildlifetrusts.org
There are 47 individual Wildlife Trusts covering the whole of the UK and the Isle of Man and Alderney. All are working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone. We have more than 800,000 members including 150,000 members of our junior branch Wildlife Watch. Our vision is to create A Living Landscape and secure Living Seas. We manage around 2,300 nature reserves and every year we advise thousands of landowners and organisations on how to manage their land for wildlife. We also run marine conservation projects around the UK, collecting vital data on the state of our seas and celebrating our amazing marine wildlife.
The Royal Horticultural Society www.rhs.org.uk
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK's foremost gardening charity, helping and inspiring millions of people to garden. We do this at our gardens and shows and thorough our scientific research, publications, libraries and our education and community programmes. We are entirely funded by our members, visitors and supporters.
Wild About Gardens www.wildaboutgardens.org
Wild About Gardens is a joint project run by the Royal Horticultural Society and The Wildlife Trusts. It aims to bring the worlds of gardening and nature conservation closer together. The project’s website offers a variety of advice on how to attract wildlife into the garden, including the best plants for birds and insects, and suggestions of things to do for wildlife – in two hours, in a weekend, or all year round.
Defra www.defra.gov.uk
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is supporting and funding The Wildlife Trusts (TWT) and Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) ‘Big Wildlife Garden’ competition to promote the importance of individual action for the natural environment and the benefits it provides for people. The running of this competition is a commitment in the Government’s Natural Environment White Paper that will help to both protect and improve our natural environment and reconnect people with nature.
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