The Government’s proposed High Speed Rail route announced yesterday (Monday) will rip through ancient woodland and devastate sensitive wildlife areas.
Stephanie Hilborne OBE, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts, said:
“Whilst some consideration may have been given to noise and visual impacts on those people who live along the proposed route, the Transport Secretary made no reference at all to the impact on the natural environment.
“The proposed route will destroy or irrevocably damage a large number of important sites, dissect the landscape and fragment isolated patches of habitat. In the context of the recent Making Space for Nature report, the very last thing we should be doing is damaging existing wildlife sites and creating new linear barriers to the movement of wildlife.”
Ahead of Monday’s announcement by the Rt Hon Philip Hammond, The Wildlife Trusts’ own analysis indicates it will impact directly on two Wildlife Trust nature reserves, four sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs), 10 ancient woodland sites and 53 Local Wildlife Sites or potential Local Wildlife Sites.
Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust is one of the seven Wildlife Trusts* affected by the High Speed Rail route between London and Birmingham. Philippa Lyons, Chief Executive of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust, said:
“The new route for HS2 will be devastating for wildlife especially protected species such as bats, nationally-rare butterflies, water voles and otters in our most sensitive habitats such as ancient woodland and meadows. The route announced yesterday will irreparably damage several important wildlife sites including Calvert Jubilee nature reserve in north Buckinghamshire and the Colne Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest in south Buckinghamshire.”
The seven Wildlife Trusts affected by the proposed High Speed Rail route announced are:
• London Wildlife Trust
• Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust
• Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust
• The Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs, Northants & Peterborough
• Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
• Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust
• Staffordshire Wildlife Trust
Tuesday 21 December 2010
Tuesday 14 December 2010
RECORD RESPONSE TO NATURAL ENVIRONMENT WHITE PAPER DISCUSSION DOCUMENT
Over 15,000 people and organisations sent responses to a call for ideas on the Natural Environment White Paper, a record number for a Defra consultation, proving that people want to see a real positive change in the future of our natural environment.
The natural environment underpins our economic prosperity, health and wellbeing. The aim of the White Paper is to set out a clear framework for protecting and enhancing the things that nature gives us for free, which are too often taken for granted.
Thanking everyone for their responses, Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said:
“I’m delighted with the overwhelming response that we have had to our call for ideas on the Natural Environment White Paper. We’ve received over 15,000 replies from individuals, NGOs and businesses, which goes to show that people really care about the natural environment and want a say in how it is managed.
“This is exactly the kind of debate that we had hoped to stimulate. A healthy environment is something that we all need, and all enjoy, so it’s vital that people get involved. We will take these ideas forward as we look to create a new vision for our natural environment and seek opportunities to enhance its value.”
Stephanie Hilborne OBE, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, who is delighted with the response said:
“This overwhelming response provides a clear message to the Government that people care passionately about the natural environment and want to see bold and ambitious action to support its recovery.
“The Wildlife Trusts actively encouraged people to play their part for nature by responding to the consultation and encouraging their friends and family to do the same. Thousands chose to take action and show how much they value wildlife. We know millions of people have a passion for wildlife and the natural world. It inspires us every day and provides essential services including food and flood protection. This White Paper is an opportunity to make a real difference and help lay solid foundations for the future.”
Work continues to develop the White Paper for publication in the spring. As part of this, more detail has now been published on our thinking so far on biodiversity offsetting, where society is compensated for its environmental loss, by a developer paying to create or restore an area of habitat elsewhere. We would like to encourage people to give us their views on this potential approach.
Development is needed so that communities can grow and expand, but it can damage wildlife and habitats. Greater use of offsetting is one tool we could use to help us achieve a healthy natural environment.
Caroline Spelman continued:
“Finding innovative ways to protect and enhance our wildlife habitats is vital if we are to achieve the new targets to conserve the natural environment which were set in Nagoya last month. Offsetting could deliver a range of benefits such as helping to create bigger and better areas that allow our wildlife to thrive. We would be interested in views on how we might make greater use of this approach.”
Biodiversity offsetting would not stop development or affect the rules about where development could or couldn’t take place, nor will it weaken protection for species or make it easier to build on our most valuable conservation sites, but greater use of offsetting could help compensate society for biodiversity loss.
Notes to Editors
1. The Natural Environment White Paper will be a bold and ambitious statement outlining the government’s vision for the natural environment, backed up with practical action. It represents an opportunity to change the way we think about and manage the natural environment, seeing it as a system and valuing the services it gives us. It will be published in Spring 2011 and will cover England only.
2. The discussion material on biodiversity offsetting is available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/biodiversity/offsetting/index.htm
3. A detailed discussion document was published on 26 July 2010 to encourage the debate about how best we protect and enhance our natural environment, and the valuable services we derive from it. At the same time a short survey was launched, designed to draw in views from the general public.
4. These responses are currently being analysed and a summary of the key messages will be published on the Defra website prior to the publication of the White Paper.
5. More information on Defra’s biodiversity work programme can be found on the Defra website via www.defra.gov.uk/environment/natural/
The natural environment underpins our economic prosperity, health and wellbeing. The aim of the White Paper is to set out a clear framework for protecting and enhancing the things that nature gives us for free, which are too often taken for granted.
Thanking everyone for their responses, Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said:
“I’m delighted with the overwhelming response that we have had to our call for ideas on the Natural Environment White Paper. We’ve received over 15,000 replies from individuals, NGOs and businesses, which goes to show that people really care about the natural environment and want a say in how it is managed.
“This is exactly the kind of debate that we had hoped to stimulate. A healthy environment is something that we all need, and all enjoy, so it’s vital that people get involved. We will take these ideas forward as we look to create a new vision for our natural environment and seek opportunities to enhance its value.”
Stephanie Hilborne OBE, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, who is delighted with the response said:
“This overwhelming response provides a clear message to the Government that people care passionately about the natural environment and want to see bold and ambitious action to support its recovery.
“The Wildlife Trusts actively encouraged people to play their part for nature by responding to the consultation and encouraging their friends and family to do the same. Thousands chose to take action and show how much they value wildlife. We know millions of people have a passion for wildlife and the natural world. It inspires us every day and provides essential services including food and flood protection. This White Paper is an opportunity to make a real difference and help lay solid foundations for the future.”
Work continues to develop the White Paper for publication in the spring. As part of this, more detail has now been published on our thinking so far on biodiversity offsetting, where society is compensated for its environmental loss, by a developer paying to create or restore an area of habitat elsewhere. We would like to encourage people to give us their views on this potential approach.
Development is needed so that communities can grow and expand, but it can damage wildlife and habitats. Greater use of offsetting is one tool we could use to help us achieve a healthy natural environment.
Caroline Spelman continued:
“Finding innovative ways to protect and enhance our wildlife habitats is vital if we are to achieve the new targets to conserve the natural environment which were set in Nagoya last month. Offsetting could deliver a range of benefits such as helping to create bigger and better areas that allow our wildlife to thrive. We would be interested in views on how we might make greater use of this approach.”
Biodiversity offsetting would not stop development or affect the rules about where development could or couldn’t take place, nor will it weaken protection for species or make it easier to build on our most valuable conservation sites, but greater use of offsetting could help compensate society for biodiversity loss.
Notes to Editors
1. The Natural Environment White Paper will be a bold and ambitious statement outlining the government’s vision for the natural environment, backed up with practical action. It represents an opportunity to change the way we think about and manage the natural environment, seeing it as a system and valuing the services it gives us. It will be published in Spring 2011 and will cover England only.
2. The discussion material on biodiversity offsetting is available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/biodiversity/offsetting/index.htm
3. A detailed discussion document was published on 26 July 2010 to encourage the debate about how best we protect and enhance our natural environment, and the valuable services we derive from it. At the same time a short survey was launched, designed to draw in views from the general public.
4. These responses are currently being analysed and a summary of the key messages will be published on the Defra website prior to the publication of the White Paper.
5. More information on Defra’s biodiversity work programme can be found on the Defra website via www.defra.gov.uk/environment/natural/
Monday 6 December 2010
The Wildlife Trusts’ top Christmas tunes
The Wildlife Trusts believe Christmas is the perfect time to celebrate some of our most iconic wildlife – and the people who give their time to protect it too
And what better way to sing their praises than through a selection of the UK’s best loved Christmas Carols. Here’s a guide to The Wildlife Trusts’ top three:
• While shepherds watched their flocks by night
“While shepherds watched
Their flocks by night
All seated on the ground”
The Wildlife Trusts’ grazing flocks are a precious resource, ensuring marshes, meadows and other habitats are maintained for the benefit of wildlife.
Like all livestock, most of these animals need a watchful eye looking over them, and The Wildlife Trusts often rely on volunteers to do this. These volunteers, nicknamed ‘lookerers’ often work over the Christmas period, including Christmas and Boxing Day, ensuring the flocks are comfortable through the tough winter days.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s two shepherds will be watching over more than 1,000 - mostly Shetland - sheep this Christmas, whilst eight staff and six volunteers will be keeping their eyes on the Trust’s 100 Dartmoor, Konik and Welsh mountain ponies, as they go about their conservation-grazing work.
At Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s Brockholes Nature Reserve in Lancashire, longhorn cattle on loan from Cheshire Wildlife Trust will be watched over by lookerers as they help shape the landscape of the reserve in time for its grand opening in 2011.
A flock of belted Galloways grazing Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s Hill Court Farm will be watched over by a team of volunteers over the Christmas period, whilst Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s grazing officer will be out feeding its herds of ponies, sheep and cows.
• In the bleak midwinter
“In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone”
Birds and other wildlife looking for food and water over the winter can be met with bare branches, a layer of snow on the ground, and frozen ponds and puddles. Ready supplies of food and water left out in gardens can be a lifeline for them, and you can enjoy watching the wildlife that is tempted in, which is particularly visible when trees are bare and snow is on the ground.
Blue tits and great tits can often be seen in gardens where hanging feeders full of seed have been left out. Finches love snacking on seeds in wildflower patches, and also enjoy niger seed.
If you want to attract robins, leave a dish of mealworms outside for them – Robin Redbreast cannot resist this treat. Of course, they also favour the seasonal classic – a piece of juicy Christmas cake!
Don’t forget to ensure fresh water is available, as bird baths often freeze over in the cold weather. Nick Baker, naturalist and Vice President for The Wildlife Trusts, has produced short films on keeping your birds well watered and making bird feeders for the Wildlife Watch UK Youtube channel. Watch them here youtube.com/user/WildlifeWatchUK.
• The holly and the ivy
“Of all the trees that are in the wood
“The holly bears the crown”
As the UK landscape gently settles into a winter sleep, colours pale and foliage disappears. But holly defies this pattern, its scarlet berries and glossy green leaves blazing throughout winter. The evergreen plant is a useful food source for birds and other animals which can feed on the berries when other supplies have dwindled.
There are many Wildlife Trust reserves where the sight of holly can be enjoyed, including Shropshire Wildlife Trust’s The Hollies on the edge of the Stiperstones. Here, some of the UK’s most ancient holly trees can be seen. Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s Piper’s Hill and Dodderhill Common, Devon Wildlife Trust’s Bystock nature reserve, and Sheffield Wildlife Trust’s Fox Hagg are also good places to appreciate its bright colours.
Wildlife gardeners should consider growing both holly and ivy to support the creatures that visit their patch. Resist cutting back ivy, as its flowers can provide nectar to insects like queen wasps through the winter months and it offers a safe winter hideaway for butterflies and small mammals. The berries of both holly and ivy will ripen through winter and provide food for birds.
And what better way to sing their praises than through a selection of the UK’s best loved Christmas Carols. Here’s a guide to The Wildlife Trusts’ top three:
• While shepherds watched their flocks by night
“While shepherds watched
Their flocks by night
All seated on the ground”
The Wildlife Trusts’ grazing flocks are a precious resource, ensuring marshes, meadows and other habitats are maintained for the benefit of wildlife.
Like all livestock, most of these animals need a watchful eye looking over them, and The Wildlife Trusts often rely on volunteers to do this. These volunteers, nicknamed ‘lookerers’ often work over the Christmas period, including Christmas and Boxing Day, ensuring the flocks are comfortable through the tough winter days.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s two shepherds will be watching over more than 1,000 - mostly Shetland - sheep this Christmas, whilst eight staff and six volunteers will be keeping their eyes on the Trust’s 100 Dartmoor, Konik and Welsh mountain ponies, as they go about their conservation-grazing work.
At Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s Brockholes Nature Reserve in Lancashire, longhorn cattle on loan from Cheshire Wildlife Trust will be watched over by lookerers as they help shape the landscape of the reserve in time for its grand opening in 2011.
A flock of belted Galloways grazing Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s Hill Court Farm will be watched over by a team of volunteers over the Christmas period, whilst Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s grazing officer will be out feeding its herds of ponies, sheep and cows.
• In the bleak midwinter
“In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone”
Birds and other wildlife looking for food and water over the winter can be met with bare branches, a layer of snow on the ground, and frozen ponds and puddles. Ready supplies of food and water left out in gardens can be a lifeline for them, and you can enjoy watching the wildlife that is tempted in, which is particularly visible when trees are bare and snow is on the ground.
Blue tits and great tits can often be seen in gardens where hanging feeders full of seed have been left out. Finches love snacking on seeds in wildflower patches, and also enjoy niger seed.
If you want to attract robins, leave a dish of mealworms outside for them – Robin Redbreast cannot resist this treat. Of course, they also favour the seasonal classic – a piece of juicy Christmas cake!
Don’t forget to ensure fresh water is available, as bird baths often freeze over in the cold weather. Nick Baker, naturalist and Vice President for The Wildlife Trusts, has produced short films on keeping your birds well watered and making bird feeders for the Wildlife Watch UK Youtube channel. Watch them here youtube.com/user/WildlifeWatchUK.
• The holly and the ivy
“Of all the trees that are in the wood
“The holly bears the crown”
As the UK landscape gently settles into a winter sleep, colours pale and foliage disappears. But holly defies this pattern, its scarlet berries and glossy green leaves blazing throughout winter. The evergreen plant is a useful food source for birds and other animals which can feed on the berries when other supplies have dwindled.
There are many Wildlife Trust reserves where the sight of holly can be enjoyed, including Shropshire Wildlife Trust’s The Hollies on the edge of the Stiperstones. Here, some of the UK’s most ancient holly trees can be seen. Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s Piper’s Hill and Dodderhill Common, Devon Wildlife Trust’s Bystock nature reserve, and Sheffield Wildlife Trust’s Fox Hagg are also good places to appreciate its bright colours.
Wildlife gardeners should consider growing both holly and ivy to support the creatures that visit their patch. Resist cutting back ivy, as its flowers can provide nectar to insects like queen wasps through the winter months and it offers a safe winter hideaway for butterflies and small mammals. The berries of both holly and ivy will ripen through winter and provide food for birds.
Friday 26 November 2010
The Wildlife Trusts’ President is King
Simon King OBE to take over role from Professor Aubrey Manning OBE
Simon King OBE – renowned wildlife programme-maker, cameraman, photographer and presenter – will today be appointed President of The Wildlife Trusts. And, at 47, King will be the youngest President in the organisation’s 98 year history.
On accepting the role, King said: “I am honoured to be the next President of The Wildlife Trusts. I am particularly excited by the opportunity to encourage the millions of people in the UK who are already inspired by nature into taking action for it. Many of us have become disconnected from the natural world. Children and adults alike have developed a nature deficit.
“However The Wildlife Trusts’ vision for A Living Landscape and Living Seas embraces communities as a whole, for wildlife and people. Local Wildlife Trusts work to include everyone who has an interest in our natural world. The UK has some of the most magnificent, sensual and fulfilling natural phenomena in the world. However prickly the gorse and forceful the blackbird’s song, it’s vulnerable. The Wildlife Trusts have achieved a tremendous amount over the years with their local knowledge which, together, creates a powerful UK movement. And I am proud to be part of it.”
Professor Aubrey Manning OBE, outgoing President, said: “I am delighted to hand over this very special role to Simon and welcome him as the new President for The Wildlife Trusts. Simon is already an extraordinary asset to the movement in his role as vice president and a great ambassador for the natural world, on land and at sea. He represents and promotes our interests to great effect. Simon’s input over the next five years will be invaluable.”
King follows in the illustrious paths of Sir David Attenborough and David Bellamy as well as Aubrey Manning. Simon was appointed as a vice president of The Wildlife Trusts in 2008. He is also president of Avon Wildlife Trust and patron of Somerset Wildlife Trust.
The Wildlife Trusts’ other vice presidents are Sir David Attenborough OM CH CVO CBE FRS, Professor J Chris Baines, Chris Packham, Nick Baker, Professor David MacDonald CBE DSc FRSE, Bill Oddie OBE, Julian Pettifer OBE, Professor Sir Robert Worcester KBE DL.
Simon King OBE – renowned wildlife programme-maker, cameraman, photographer and presenter – will today be appointed President of The Wildlife Trusts. And, at 47, King will be the youngest President in the organisation’s 98 year history.
On accepting the role, King said: “I am honoured to be the next President of The Wildlife Trusts. I am particularly excited by the opportunity to encourage the millions of people in the UK who are already inspired by nature into taking action for it. Many of us have become disconnected from the natural world. Children and adults alike have developed a nature deficit.
“However The Wildlife Trusts’ vision for A Living Landscape and Living Seas embraces communities as a whole, for wildlife and people. Local Wildlife Trusts work to include everyone who has an interest in our natural world. The UK has some of the most magnificent, sensual and fulfilling natural phenomena in the world. However prickly the gorse and forceful the blackbird’s song, it’s vulnerable. The Wildlife Trusts have achieved a tremendous amount over the years with their local knowledge which, together, creates a powerful UK movement. And I am proud to be part of it.”
Professor Aubrey Manning OBE, outgoing President, said: “I am delighted to hand over this very special role to Simon and welcome him as the new President for The Wildlife Trusts. Simon is already an extraordinary asset to the movement in his role as vice president and a great ambassador for the natural world, on land and at sea. He represents and promotes our interests to great effect. Simon’s input over the next five years will be invaluable.”
King follows in the illustrious paths of Sir David Attenborough and David Bellamy as well as Aubrey Manning. Simon was appointed as a vice president of The Wildlife Trusts in 2008. He is also president of Avon Wildlife Trust and patron of Somerset Wildlife Trust.
The Wildlife Trusts’ other vice presidents are Sir David Attenborough OM CH CVO CBE FRS, Professor J Chris Baines, Chris Packham, Nick Baker, Professor David MacDonald CBE DSc FRSE, Bill Oddie OBE, Julian Pettifer OBE, Professor Sir Robert Worcester KBE DL.
Thursday 28 October 2010
The Wildlife Trusts’ response to the Spending Review
Major impacts on vital natural environment work are likely - through the loss of a third of Defra’s budget1 – so The Wildlife Trusts urge the Government to ensure the remaining investment achieves the greatest benefits for the environment.
Today’s review could provide the opportunity to identify where Government investment could achieve greatest value for money. The Wildlife Trusts believe a healthy natural environment is the cornerstone of a healthy economy and a healthy society. Government, private and voluntary sectors and wider society all have a role in helping to create a healthy natural environment.
Paul Wilkinson, head of Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “We are pleased to hear the environmental stewardship schemes will remain open to all farmers in England and the proportion of the programme spent through the Higher Level Scheme (HLS) is to be increased.
“What funding is available needs to be targeted effectively. For example, Local Wildlife Sites could have a real role to play in the establishment of an ecologically coherent network. Across England, there are at least 40,000 Local Wildlife Sites. Often they cover 8-10percent of a county’s land area. Collectively they play a critical role by providing wildlife refuges and by acting as stepping stones to link and protect the suite of nationally and internationally designated sites.
“We must find ways to support the recovery of the natural environment in the long term, which are cost effective, sustainable and which recognise its true value. Investing in the recovery of the natural environment and the natural services it provides is a sound investment for the future.”
Today’s review could provide the opportunity to identify where Government investment could achieve greatest value for money. The Wildlife Trusts believe a healthy natural environment is the cornerstone of a healthy economy and a healthy society. Government, private and voluntary sectors and wider society all have a role in helping to create a healthy natural environment.
Paul Wilkinson, head of Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “We are pleased to hear the environmental stewardship schemes will remain open to all farmers in England and the proportion of the programme spent through the Higher Level Scheme (HLS) is to be increased.
“What funding is available needs to be targeted effectively. For example, Local Wildlife Sites could have a real role to play in the establishment of an ecologically coherent network. Across England, there are at least 40,000 Local Wildlife Sites. Often they cover 8-10percent of a county’s land area. Collectively they play a critical role by providing wildlife refuges and by acting as stepping stones to link and protect the suite of nationally and internationally designated sites.
“We must find ways to support the recovery of the natural environment in the long term, which are cost effective, sustainable and which recognise its true value. Investing in the recovery of the natural environment and the natural services it provides is a sound investment for the future.”
Save our forests
Stephanie Hilborne OBE, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, said: “The Forestry Commission owns a substantial amount of land which is of high value for wildlife. This represents a tremendous national asset. Transfer of such land should not be rushed and should not take place before a clear policy has been established. This policy should ensure that those areas of high wildlife value – including Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Local Wildlife Sites – are secured in the long term. If such sites are to be transferred, the best way to guarantee their future would be to give priority to nature conservation bodies and to ensure that sites are considered as part of a local ecological network. We have a strong partnership with the Forestry Commission which we hope will continue, so we can make the most of our strong local presence.”
Thursday 30 September 2010
Wanted - your views on nature | Natural Environment White Paper
Wanted - your views on nature Natural Environment White Paper
The Government has launched a Natural Environment White Paper discussion document to ask for your views on nature. Anyone can take part. Whether you enjoy a walk in the woods, wildlife photography, gardening, birdwatching, visiting nature reserves or enjoying nature with your children or grandchildren – the Government wants to hear your views on how nature in the UK should be protected and enhanced – for us all to enjoy.
The Government's online survey only takes a couple of minutes to complete. The deadline is Saturday 30th October. Please complete the survey and play your part in nature's recovery
The Government has launched a Natural Environment White Paper discussion document to ask for your views on nature. Anyone can take part. Whether you enjoy a walk in the woods, wildlife photography, gardening, birdwatching, visiting nature reserves or enjoying nature with your children or grandchildren – the Government wants to hear your views on how nature in the UK should be protected and enhanced – for us all to enjoy.
The Government's online survey only takes a couple of minutes to complete. The deadline is Saturday 30th October. Please complete the survey and play your part in nature's recovery
Tuesday 28 September 2010
Thursday 19 August 2010
Alum, Alchemy and Ammonites - Natural Dyes Course
Saturday 4th September 10:00am – 4:00pm
‐ A one day course introducing you to the history of natural dyes and local dye plants.
‐ Try your hand at dying some wool to take home and use in your own dyed, woollen creations!
The course will be run at Margrove Heritage Centre, Margrove Park, near Guisborough, by local expert Tricia Hutchinson. Theay costs £10 per person, and booking is essential (places are limited).
This course is being run as part of the Alum, Alchemy and Ammonites project supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
For information and bookings contact Beth Andrews. Phone: 01287 636382 E‐mail: beth.geo@gmail.com
‐ A one day course introducing you to the history of natural dyes and local dye plants.
‐ Try your hand at dying some wool to take home and use in your own dyed, woollen creations!
The course will be run at Margrove Heritage Centre, Margrove Park, near Guisborough, by local expert Tricia Hutchinson. Theay costs £10 per person, and booking is essential (places are limited).
This course is being run as part of the Alum, Alchemy and Ammonites project supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
For information and bookings contact Beth Andrews. Phone: 01287 636382 E‐mail: beth.geo@gmail.com
Friday 28 May 2010
Wednesday 28 April 2010
British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA)
The cut-off date for entries into the British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) is 4 June and so this is a brief plea to remind everyone who might be interested in entering.
Entrants can submit entries on-line or via post. Chances to win a prestigious award, up to £20,000 worth of prizes and exposure in a nationwide touring exhibition and accompanying book. For more detailed information about the competition, including how to enter, a full description of categories, shooting tips, and terms & conditions, please visit the competition website: http://www.bwpawards.org/.
Entrants can submit entries on-line or via post. Chances to win a prestigious award, up to £20,000 worth of prizes and exposure in a nationwide touring exhibition and accompanying book. For more detailed information about the competition, including how to enter, a full description of categories, shooting tips, and terms & conditions, please visit the competition website: http://www.bwpawards.org/.
Friday 9 April 2010
Spring has sprung
Thursday 4 March 2010
Congratulations to Sussex Wildlife Trust
Many of you will have tuned in to watch BBC Two at 6pm last night – but those who weren’t able to will be thrilled - and proud - to learn the Wise Owls – Sussex Wildlife Trust’s team of challengers overthrew the Eggheads and won a truly staggering £37,000
Every day on Eggheads a new team of five challengers take on the resident quiz panel for the chance of winning a cash prize. Every time the Eggheads win, the prize money rolls over for the next competitors. Team captain and Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Education Manager Nigel Flynn said: “It’s a fantastic and sizable win against the Eggheads. The team has donated all their winnings to the Trust, so we can continue our work helping to conserve the county’s wonderful wildlife and habitats.
‘The Eggheads were quite surprised to learn we intended to donate all the cash to the Trust – they said they thought this was the first time individuals had not kept their winnings for themselves.
Last night, more than 50 members of staff and Trust volunteers gathered in The Cricketers Pub, Southwick, West Sussex to watch the show on the big football screens, by special arrangement with the landlord. Apart from the team members and chief executive no-one knew what the result would be!
The picture shows (from left to right) Henri Brocklebank (reserve) with team members Jon Whitty, Renzo Spano, Bryan Michie with captain Nigel Flynn holding Elli Saunders just after the televised result.
Tuesday 23 February 2010
GreenBits
The lastest copy of greenbits can be accessed at http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=mypagesuite&refresh=F0r73Y1k0gP2&PBID=28368c4a-ebb8-4517-9b5c-9ad7fcae5a9c&skip=
Friday 19 February 2010
Middlesbrough Beck Wildlife - WildPlaces
Just watched a splendid piece of video - 1 week on a Middlesbrough Beck - mice, rats, fox, badger, stoat, otters and watch out for the giant spider.It can bee seen at http://www.youtube.com/user/WildPlacesNE.
Monday 15 February 2010
Guisborough pupils enjoy wild time on ‘Going Underground’ project at quarry
GREEN-MINDED pupils from Guisborough’s Galley Hill Primary School have gleaned a host of ecological knowledge by visiting Cliff Rigg Quarry, near Great Ayton.
Four Tees Valley schools have explored local quarry sites to learn about nature, with tips from top artists and local wildlife and history specialists.
Tees Valley Wildlife Trust are working Tees Valley arts to deliver this project.
This is the second time the project has taken place - the first was so successful that funders Natural England wanted a repeat.
This week Galley Hill pupils teamed up with four local artists to explore and improve knowledge and understanding of geodiversity, biodiversity and local heritage at the site.
The Going Underground project is run by Tees Valley Arts and funded by Natural England via their Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund.
Pupils from Throston Primary, Hartlepool; The Links Primary, Eaglescliffe; Oakdene Primary, Billingham, and Galley Hill Primary are all taking part.
Guisborough pupil Owen Reeve, nine, said: “We’re learning all about wildlife, geology and conservation.
“Volcanoes which erupted in Scotland brought rock all the way down here!”
The “fun and innovative approach to learning” - has involved a class from each school visiting their local quarries to have a hands-on experience.
Joe Dunne, Tees Valley Arts heritage officer, said: “This project is providing an exciting means of interpreting these unusual quarry sites as a source of National Curriculum learning.”
Tees Valley Arts regularly works with schools to develop environmental learning arts-based projects.
The project will run until mid-March.
Four Tees Valley schools have explored local quarry sites to learn about nature, with tips from top artists and local wildlife and history specialists.
This is the second time the project has taken place - the first was so successful that funders Natural England wanted a repeat.
This week Galley Hill pupils teamed up with four local artists to explore and improve knowledge and understanding of geodiversity, biodiversity and local heritage at the site.
The Going Underground project is run by Tees Valley Arts and funded by Natural England via their Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund.
Pupils from Throston Primary, Hartlepool; The Links Primary, Eaglescliffe; Oakdene Primary, Billingham, and Galley Hill Primary are all taking part.
Guisborough pupil Owen Reeve, nine, said: “We’re learning all about wildlife, geology and conservation.
“Volcanoes which erupted in Scotland brought rock all the way down here!”
The “fun and innovative approach to learning” - has involved a class from each school visiting their local quarries to have a hands-on experience.
Joe Dunne, Tees Valley Arts heritage officer, said: “This project is providing an exciting means of interpreting these unusual quarry sites as a source of National Curriculum learning.”
Tees Valley Arts regularly works with schools to develop environmental learning arts-based projects.
The project will run until mid-March.
Long tailed Tits
Monday 25 January 2010
2010 Events Programme
The new Trust events programme can be downloaded from http://www.teeswildlife.org/TVWT%20Events%202010.pdf
Wednesday 20 January 2010
Amazing pictures
Visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8466000/8466208.stm for some amazing pictures of our living seas.
Tuesday 19 January 2010
Tees Valley Wildlife Trust launches vision for Living Seas
Tees Valley Wildlife Trust has launched Living Seas, its vision for the UK’s marine environment – where wildlife thrives from the depths of the ocean to the coastal shallows; where rocky reefs are bursting with brightly coloured fish, corals and sponges, and dolphins and seals dart among the waves – at an event in the House of Commons.
The launch follows the passing, in November, of the Marine and Coastal Access Act (MCAA), for which The Wildlife Trusts campaigned for nearly a decade. The challenge for the next five years is to ensure the Act is effectively implemented – that urgent action is taken to turn the UK’s over-fished, over-exploited, and currently under-protected waters back into a thriving marine environment. The Wildlife Trusts have a clear vision for how this should happen, and a plan for achieving it within 20 years, a single generation.
The Wildlife Trusts are achieving great things across the UK, working at the local level to understand, protect and raise awareness of our marine wildlife and habitats, from seagrass meadows to dolphins and seals.
Despite just 38 miles of coastline, the Tees Valley has a lot to offer with respect to marine wildlife. The coastal cliffs of the Tees Valley including the Trust’s reserve at Hunt Clifff near Saltburn are home to internationally important numbers of breeding kittiwakes, alongside other seabirds such as fulmars and cormorants, while the grassland clifftops are home to coastal wildflowers including Dyer’s Greenweed, Spiny Restharrow, Sea Plantain and Wild Carrot.
The majority of the coastline however, consists of shingle beaches and sand and mud flats. Such areas are both important breeding areas for little terns and ringed plovers, and important feeding grounds for sanderling and oystercatchers.
As a direct result of environmental improvements by local industry and the work of the Trust and other organisations such as INCA, common seals have returned to the Teesmouth after an absence of nearly 60 years, the only known estuary in Europe where seals have done so for this reason. Small but successful breeding populations have established themselves at Seal Sands, Greatham Creek and Billingham Beck, and now account for 2% of the English population.
Professor Aubrey Manning, BBC television presenter and president of The Wildlife Trusts, launched the Living Seas vision¹. He said: “The Living Seas vision is very direct in its aims. It sets out a clear plan of how we, The Wildlife Trusts, and our partners and supporters, can help achieve them. The opportunities that the Marine and Coastal Access Act has opened up need to be seized on immediately. We can no longer continue to treat the oceans as limitless. In particular, we need an effective and well-managed network of Marine Protected Areas by 2012.
“We may not get another opportunity to make Living Seas a reality. The future of our oceans hangs in the balance, and we want to tip it in the right direction for wildlife, and for the people – all of us – who depend upon it.”
Steve Ashton, People and Wildlife Manager for Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, said: “These are exciting times and the Trust is looking forward to working with local people to ensue that we achieve the Living Seas vision of thriving wildlife from the depths of the ocean to the coastal shallows.”
To find out more about Living Seas, to download our vision or to learn about local events occurring at your local Wildlife Trusts coastal nature reserves visit http://www.northseawildlife.org.uk/
The Wildlife Trusts have been campaigning for many years for comprehensive legislation to achieve better protection for marine wildlife and the effective management of our seas. For more information, visit
http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/index.php?section=environment:marine
The launch follows the passing, in November, of the Marine and Coastal Access Act (MCAA), for which The Wildlife Trusts campaigned for nearly a decade. The challenge for the next five years is to ensure the Act is effectively implemented – that urgent action is taken to turn the UK’s over-fished, over-exploited, and currently under-protected waters back into a thriving marine environment. The Wildlife Trusts have a clear vision for how this should happen, and a plan for achieving it within 20 years, a single generation.
The Wildlife Trusts are achieving great things across the UK, working at the local level to understand, protect and raise awareness of our marine wildlife and habitats, from seagrass meadows to dolphins and seals.
Despite just 38 miles of coastline, the Tees Valley has a lot to offer with respect to marine wildlife. The coastal cliffs of the Tees Valley including the Trust’s reserve at Hunt Clifff near Saltburn are home to internationally important numbers of breeding kittiwakes, alongside other seabirds such as fulmars and cormorants, while the grassland clifftops are home to coastal wildflowers including Dyer’s Greenweed, Spiny Restharrow, Sea Plantain and Wild Carrot.
The majority of the coastline however, consists of shingle beaches and sand and mud flats. Such areas are both important breeding areas for little terns and ringed plovers, and important feeding grounds for sanderling and oystercatchers.
As a direct result of environmental improvements by local industry and the work of the Trust and other organisations such as INCA, common seals have returned to the Teesmouth after an absence of nearly 60 years, the only known estuary in Europe where seals have done so for this reason. Small but successful breeding populations have established themselves at Seal Sands, Greatham Creek and Billingham Beck, and now account for 2% of the English population.
Professor Aubrey Manning, BBC television presenter and president of The Wildlife Trusts, launched the Living Seas vision¹. He said: “The Living Seas vision is very direct in its aims. It sets out a clear plan of how we, The Wildlife Trusts, and our partners and supporters, can help achieve them. The opportunities that the Marine and Coastal Access Act has opened up need to be seized on immediately. We can no longer continue to treat the oceans as limitless. In particular, we need an effective and well-managed network of Marine Protected Areas by 2012.
“We may not get another opportunity to make Living Seas a reality. The future of our oceans hangs in the balance, and we want to tip it in the right direction for wildlife, and for the people – all of us – who depend upon it.”
Steve Ashton, People and Wildlife Manager for Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, said: “These are exciting times and the Trust is looking forward to working with local people to ensue that we achieve the Living Seas vision of thriving wildlife from the depths of the ocean to the coastal shallows.”
To find out more about Living Seas, to download our vision or to learn about local events occurring at your local Wildlife Trusts coastal nature reserves visit http://www.northseawildlife.org.uk/
The Wildlife Trusts have been campaigning for many years for comprehensive legislation to achieve better protection for marine wildlife and the effective management of our seas. For more information, visit
http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/index.php?section=environment:marine
Monday 18 January 2010
The Wildlife Trusts welcome the North Sea Marine Conservation Zone Project
The Wildlife Trusts last week welcomed the start of an exciting and new process to designate Marine Protected Areas within the North Sea.
Over the past week, The North Sea Wildlife Trust’s Marine Advocacy Officer and other Wildlife Trust staff have been attending a roadshow up and down the North Sea coastline aimed at introducing Net Gain, the North Sea Marine Conservation Project to conservationists and sea users and to give people the opportunity to ask questions and voice concern and interest over the projects process.
These initial meetings organised and lead by Net Gain have provided conservationists and users of the sea with key details as to how and when Marine Conservation Zones will be identified. This process will help us all to secure the long-term health of the North Sea and the marine life within it.
Fishermen, government agencies, conservationists, recreational sea users and those from the commercial sector as well as many more are all being encouraged to get involved in the process of identify North Sea Marine Conservation Zones, in order to ensure their long term success. In the coming months and up to June 2011 sites will be identified by these stakeholders with an interest in the sea and its marine life. The Wildlife Trust are committed to being fully involved in the entire process, championing species and habitats that are in most need of protection and ensuring the network that is established is ecologically coherent allowing our marine wildlife to adapt and move as our climate changes.
Over the past week, The North Sea Wildlife Trust’s Marine Advocacy Officer and other Wildlife Trust staff have been attending a roadshow up and down the North Sea coastline aimed at introducing Net Gain, the North Sea Marine Conservation Project to conservationists and sea users and to give people the opportunity to ask questions and voice concern and interest over the projects process.
These initial meetings organised and lead by Net Gain have provided conservationists and users of the sea with key details as to how and when Marine Conservation Zones will be identified. This process will help us all to secure the long-term health of the North Sea and the marine life within it.
Fishermen, government agencies, conservationists, recreational sea users and those from the commercial sector as well as many more are all being encouraged to get involved in the process of identify North Sea Marine Conservation Zones, in order to ensure their long term success. In the coming months and up to June 2011 sites will be identified by these stakeholders with an interest in the sea and its marine life. The Wildlife Trust are committed to being fully involved in the entire process, championing species and habitats that are in most need of protection and ensuring the network that is established is ecologically coherent allowing our marine wildlife to adapt and move as our climate changes.
Thursday 14 January 2010
More sites needed for ponds
The Trusts Pondscapes Officer is looking for 5 sites where she can create new ponds. We have funding and a work team ready to come and dig them. We can'ts do schools or gardens but anywhere else is fine. If you would like more details contact Rachel on 01287 636382.
Wednesday 13 January 2010
New video on Wildlife Watch Web Site
The new Wildlife Watch web site has just up loaded a new video with Nick Baker showing you how to keep you bird bath ice free - well worth a look at http://www.youtube.com/user/WildlifeWatchUK .
Tuesday 5 January 2010
The Wildlife Trusts delighted with New Year Honours
Stephanie Hilborne, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, has become an OBE for services to nature conservation.
Michael Allen, chair of The Wildlife Trusts, said: “We are all delighted at this signal honour and it is recognition of the enormous commitment and energy which Stephanie always shows in our work.”
Other members of the movement received recognition, including:
Sir Nicholas Bacon, president of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, received an OBE for services to the community in Norfolk. He runs the 5,500 acre Raveningham Estate near Norwich. He was president of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association last year and was elected chairman of the RNAA's ruling council in January.
Simon King, The Wildlife Trusts’ vice-president, received an OBE for services to wildlife photography and to conservation.
Farmyard story author and vice-president of Avon Wildlife Trust, Dick King-Smith, 87, received an OBE for services to children's literature. In the past 30 years he has written dozens of books, selling over five million copies in the UK alone, and had one of his stories, The Sheep-Pig, turned into the hit film Babe. The 1995 film catapulted the author, who is to global fame. His first story, The Fox Busters, was published when he was in his 50s in 1978.
Jean Hedley was made an MBE for her tireless service to nature conservation. She was chairman of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust for eight years before becoming president of the organisation she joined with her husband Richard in 1962.
Valerie Holt, chair of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and executive secretary and treasurer of the Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM), was given an MBE for services to fisheries management and conservation. She championed the wildlife cause throughout her professional career at the Environment Agency.
Michael Allen, chair of The Wildlife Trusts, said: “We are all delighted at this signal honour and it is recognition of the enormous commitment and energy which Stephanie always shows in our work.”
Other members of the movement received recognition, including:
Sir Nicholas Bacon, president of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, received an OBE for services to the community in Norfolk. He runs the 5,500 acre Raveningham Estate near Norwich. He was president of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association last year and was elected chairman of the RNAA's ruling council in January.
Simon King, The Wildlife Trusts’ vice-president, received an OBE for services to wildlife photography and to conservation.
Farmyard story author and vice-president of Avon Wildlife Trust, Dick King-Smith, 87, received an OBE for services to children's literature. In the past 30 years he has written dozens of books, selling over five million copies in the UK alone, and had one of his stories, The Sheep-Pig, turned into the hit film Babe. The 1995 film catapulted the author, who is to global fame. His first story, The Fox Busters, was published when he was in his 50s in 1978.
Jean Hedley was made an MBE for her tireless service to nature conservation. She was chairman of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust for eight years before becoming president of the organisation she joined with her husband Richard in 1962.
Valerie Holt, chair of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and executive secretary and treasurer of the Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM), was given an MBE for services to fisheries management and conservation. She championed the wildlife cause throughout her professional career at the Environment Agency.
Monday 4 January 2010
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