Natural Art at Stainton

Over a dozen people attended our regular activities for children at Kell Gate Green, Stainton, Middlesbrough this week
We started with an activity in the churchyard to encourage the children to use thier sense of touch - looking for half a dozen touches.
En route we manage to hear and see briefly a Jay.
When we arrived at the owl sculptures we created some "bird seed birds" using our Green TV stencils.

We then moved on and after looking at some photographs of Andy Goldsworthy work, we created our own Natural Art creations.

Such imagination!
Our next event is on April 8th 2013 -  9.30am meet at the Memorial Hall in Stainton.

The Wildlife Trusts’ Pre-Budget Statement

Society has spoken out repeatedly against policies that put short-term profit ahead of our countryside and wildlife, eroding our natural capital and quality of life. The budget next week (21 March 2012) will show whether the Government has chosen to listen.
It will test whether the Government is still at odds with itself as it was in the pre budget statement. We are unclear which side of its personality it will express.
On the one hand its Natural Environment White Paper (June 2011) states that it “wants this to be the first generation to leave the natural environment in a better state than it inherited”, a statement which we wholeheartedly support. This point is further reinforced by the National Ecosystem Assessment, (also June 2011), which makes a compelling case that failing to achieve this (i.e. failing to address declines in ecosystem health, habitat and species), will have a significant effect on the well-being of society, as well as having environmental and economic costs. The Government has committed to putting ‘natural capital at the heart of government accounting’.
On the other hand Government is pressing forward with new road building and priming the scene for more development with less planning control and even fewer environmental regulations, all in the name of growth. Comments made in the Autumn Statement on the Habitats Regulations, the ‘red-tape challenge’ and the ill-conceived planning reforms, show an out-of-date approach casting regulation and the environment as enemies to growth.
Since the Chancellor suggested ‘gold plating’ of European Regulations is hindering development, we have had to devote considerable charitable resources to participating in the review of the implementation of the Habitats and Wild Birds Directives.
The Wildlife Trusts work on the ground with developers every day and we know that the regulations are not holding back developments. We are pleased the review appears to have confirmed that view and concluded that the regulations are neither ‘gold plated’ nor an excessive burden on business. We do, however, acknowledge that there are measures that can be taken to streamline and clarify processes. Now we wait to see if the Treasury will accept the outcomes of the review.
Rather than being an obstacle to economic productivity, the environment is the very basis of it. And there is a growing body of evidence to demonstrate the fact. We appeal to the Prime Minister to champion long-term, sustainable economic policies that will bring much-needed prosperity without destroying the natural environment that millions hold dear.
To tear apart environmental regulations and weaken planning laws would be to take a huge step backwards. A Government seeking to be progressive and the greenest ever would certainly retain this established good practice.
Last century this country saw devastating declines in wildlife that only slowed towards its close. Far from undoing the laws that we created to stem this tide of loss Government should now be introducing new measures to restore our ecosystems and put our stewardship of the natural environment at the heart of government policy.

Call for Entries – Open from 1st February

Press Release - for immediate use


http://www.bwpawards.org
Call for Entries – Open from 1st February
Your chance to win a prestigious photography award and cash prize of £5,000. With an overall prize fund up to £20,000, winners and commended entrants will have their work showcased in a national touring exhibition and stunning book.
The British Wildlife Photography Awards were established to recognise the talents of wildlife photographers of all nationalities practising in Britain, whilst at the same time highlighting the great wealth and diversity of Britain’s natural history. The driving motivation to set up the Awards evolved through the nation’s growing awareness of the local environment and the need for its protection.
Now in its fourth year, this highly acclaimed and unique wildlife photography competition has captivated the nation with outstanding and beautiful imagery. It is a celebration of British wildlife as well as a showcase for nature photographers, both amateur and professional.

Categories http://www.bwpawards.org/categories

With twelve separate categories the subject matter covers everything from marine life and animal behaviour to creepy crawlies and urban wildlife. These include The Wildlife Trusts’ Living Landscape: Connectivity category.

Living Landscape: Connectivity
Many of our wildlife rich places are isolated and people are becoming more disconnected from the nature around them. Addressing these 'connectivity' issues is at the heart of The Wildlife Trusts recovery plan for nature, A Living Landscape. This category aims to encourage imaginative responses to capture this sense of connectivity or lack of it. Positive images illustrating how habitats, species, communities and individuals interconnect within urban and rural setting are encouraged.



Awards and Prizes

With a prize fund of up to £20,000 and the overall winner receiving a cash prize of £5,000, the images receiving judges’ commendations will form part of a series of nationwide exhibitions. Winners and commended entries will also be featured in the coffee table book British Wildlife Photography Awards Collection 3, published by AA Publishing.

The Awards ceremony and launch of the traveling exhibition will take place at the prestigious Mall Galleries, in London. www.mallgalleries.org.uk

Overall Winner, British Wildlife Photographer £5,000

All Category winners will receive photographic products or similar - value £1,000
(prize package to be confirmed shortly)
The Young People’s Awards
There are two special awards to encourage participation by young people.
These are free to enter.
Young British Wildlife Photographer (Up to 11) £300
Young British Wildlife Photographer (12 - 18) £500
Dates

The competition will be open for entries on 1st February 2012. The closing date is 12th of May 2012. Entrants will be able to submit entries on-line or via post.

Sponsors and Supporters

The competition is sponsored by: Sky+HD, Canon, The Wildlife Trusts, WWF, RSPB Wildlife Explorers, Countryside Council for Wales, VisitWoods.org.uk, Buglife, Genesis Imaging, Countryside Jobs Service, Sparsholt College Hampshire and Outdoor Photography Magazine.

Supported by: AA Publishing, Natural England, The National Trust, National Trust for Scotland, YHA and Wildlife Extra.

The Judging Panel

Neil Aldridge - Conservation Photojournalist, Greg Armfield - Film and Photography Manager WWF, David Fidler - Account Manager, Canon, Danny Green - Photographer, Sue Herdman - Magazine Editor National Trust Magazine, Stephen Moss - Naturalist and TV Producer, Andy Rouse - Wildlife Photographer, Diane Smyth - Deputy Editor British Journal of Photography, Christina Vaughan - Managing Director Image Source, Steve Watkins - Editor Outdoor Photography Magazine, Paul Wilkinson - Head of Living Landscape, The Wildlife Trusts, Mark Ward - Editor Birds Magazine / RSPB, David Watchus - Publisher AA Publishing.

Exhibitions
The exhibition will travel around the UK. Including the following venues: Mall Galleries (London), Nunnington Hall (Yorkshire), Moors Valley Country Park (Dorset) Nature in Art (Gloucester) and Luton Museum. The full schedule to be confirmed.

Further Information

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

Picture by Jacqui Jay Grafton 2011 Living Landscapes

Cull decision is shot in the dark

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.

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.

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.

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