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CornwallISSUE 137 WINTER 2018

30,000 miles of hedges Why we have mapped them all Damage and disturbance What you can do to help wildlife Including

pull-outDiary of The Your Shore umbrella Events The rise of local Marine Groups I used to think I had a Wild welcomegood understanding of InFEATURES this issue wildlife but every day is definitely a school day here at - 04 What's 30,000 there is so much to learn! miles long, full of

Carolyn Cadman Who knew that Cornish life and found in hedges are 30,000 miles long, full of life and so different to the Cornwall? hedgerows that line fields and lanes across the rest of the country? If like me, you are lacking of a few hedge facts, then head to 07 page 4 for everything you need to know. Be a

In this issue we are also helping you to be hero a Wildlife Hero, providing you with the wildliFe information you need to report wildlife disturbance or damage to the organisations 20 Protecting who are responsible for protecting wildlife. Reporting wildlife damage on coastal wildlife land and at sea is really important in under the Your ensuring that perpetrators are held to Shore umbrella account by the authorities and organisations who need to know.

As the leaves fall from the trees and the nights draw in, the talk in my household has already taken on a distinctly festive theme. However, there’s no nostalgia here, the priority for my two boys is to complete the first of many drafts of their ‘Christmas list’. Luckily, there’s a great selection of ethically sourced gift ideas available from our online shop (see page 17) – and every item purchased is of benefit to local wildlife. This year, I will be buying gift membership for Cornwall Contacts: Wildlife Trust for everyone – it’s my first year General and volunteer enquiries: here! And arranging the traditional family [email protected] walk on one of our beautiful reserves. This is Membership info: [email protected] (01872) 273939 what gives me a warm glow and what I will Wildlife Information Service: (01872) 302250 be adding to their Christmas lists. Business Support: (01872) 302264 Cornwall Wildlife Trust Local & Specialist Groups: Enjoy the magazine! [email protected] Marine Strandings Network Hotline: 0345 2012626 Carolyn Cadman, Chief Executive, Cornwall Wildlife Trust Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Five Acres, Allet, , Cornwall, TR4 9DJ. www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

Any material intended for Events for the diary should be sent Cornwall Trust for Nature Registered office: publication should be sent on the latest template, available Conservation Ltd. Trading Five Acres, Allet, Truro, as Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Cornwall TR4 9DJ. CREATIVE: WWW.LOUJONESDESIGN.COM to both Ella Clark: from the Trust offices at Allet, to Registered charity number ella.clark@ Mark Dungey: VAT registration 214929. A company limited number 213 2687 26. cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk mark.dungey@ by guarantee and registered cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk in . Wild Cornwall is and Rowena Millar: printed on paper from rowena.millar@ Cover photo: Fieldfare Registration number 732511. responsible sources. cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk Chris Gomersall/2020VISION

/CornwallWildlife @CwallWildlife @cornwallwildlifetrust CornwallWildlifeTrust

We hope you like your membership magazine, but if you'd prefer not to receive this, please just contact Membership and let them know. Our privacy policy is on our website at www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/privacy-policy-and-tc Wild Cornwall NEWS & UPDATES 06 Conservation 18 Your Local Groups 31 catch-up 22 A day in the life… 10 Wildlife Wednesdays

23 The gift that Student keeps on giving On the voice for campaign trail wildlife 32 Beaver kits born in Cornwall Nature notices Nature reserves 24 33 A tribute to 12 Vic Simpson news 25 Diary of events New Cornwall 14 Specialist Groups 33 29 Find your inner Nature Reserve fund Natu ral World Embrace wild child News from across the UK Winter 2018 16 Where to see owls 35 your wild Ten great places for these mysterious birds, p14 side; get out and Natural get fundraising World UK news from “We love The great otter Wildlife- volunteering!” comeback friendly farms Seven people explain From almost extinct to Do they really exist? the attraction widespread in 40 years Of course they do The Wildlife Trusts

Family Membership is the Give someone a perfect family present – they can present this Christmas! discover Cornwall's wild places and wildlife together. Christmas Gift Membership lastswild the whole year, and Our Family Members receive… they will receive... A Wildlife Watch pack full of stickers, posters Three issues of our Trust magazine, Wild Cornwall, which is and fun activities, plus three issues full of feature articles, wildlife and conservation news of Wildlife Watch plus a handy pull-out diary of events, as well as our magazine. Nature Reserves guide.

Join online at www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/join or call (01872) 273939

Cornwall Wildlife Trust is a registered charity formed in 1962 by a group Mark Nicholson – Chair of Council of volunteers who were passionate about Cornwall’s natural Stephen Warman – Vice-Chair of Council environment and wanted to safeguard it for future generations. Steve Crummay – Chair of ERCCIS Advisory Board Trustee Officers are: Gordon Fuller – Chair of Health Safety and Welfare Policy Committee Prof R Jan Pentreath – President and Chair of Operational Business Risk Assessment Group Dr Nick Tregenza – Vice President Fred Currie – Chair of Nature Reserves Committee Daniel Eva – Hon Secretary, Chair of Staff Welfare and Reward Package Frank Howie – Chair of Conservation Strategy Committee Advisory Committee Dee Reeves – Chair of Marketing and Fundraising Committee and Paul Coyne – Hon Treasurer, Chair of Finance and General Purposes Committee Interim Chair Five Acres/Two Burrows Working Group 4

DAVE THOMAS SUE EARNSHAW DAVE THOMAS ISSUE 137 WINTER2018 What’s 30,000 miles long, full of life and found in Cornwall?

After 20 months of work and development. This would be a huge loss to Cornwall by 20 volunteers and where traditional hedge-laying is deemed a very valuable and irreplaceable skill. two staff, 2018 saw the completion of the first The wildlife value of the Cornish hedge Cornish hedges connect otherwise isolated species countywide mapping of and link a network of habitats, allowing wildlife to Cornwall's rural hedges, move freely between them. With ancient woodland Laura habitats in decline, hedges provide sanctuary and act Guy-Wilkinson writes Laura Guy- as wildlife corridors to areas of woodland that were Wilkinson, Data Officer once interlinked. at the Environmental Records Centre for Cornish hedges are also a hugely valuable habitat in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (ERCCIS). their own right, and the richness of their biodiversity is obvious to see. Each taxon group is represented Advanced satellite imagery was used to identify features in abundance. We often focus on mammals such as across the Cornish landscape, which showed an hedgehogs, dormice and foxes, but to really understand estimated 30,000 miles of hedges. the hedge’s incredible variety you have to look to the The hedge maps created by ERCCIS will provide a more unsung heroes of the natural world. wealth of information for research, conservation and Insects such as beetles, bees and butterflies are the sustainable management of wildlife and habitats. pollinators and pest controllers in their own right; but It will give conservationists an understanding about how these little insects also provide food for the rest of different species use hedges and interact with the wider the ecosystem. Reptiles such as the slow-worm and landscape. We can investigate how interconnected these common lizard use the stone-faced earth banks as a sun areas are in the hope that future management plans trap and refuge, while the damp, leaf-filled cool ditches will help protect isolated populations. The map at the base of the hedge are perfect for common toads. therefore will be of great value to landowners, Lichens such as the marvellous string of sausages researchers and professionals. hang from tree branches, while hedge sides often become a blaze of colours in April to June; like a vertical The nature of the Cornish hedge wildflower . Cornish hedges vary around the county depending In the spring, hedges are full of the sound of birdsong, upon climate, available materials and local farming and they also provide birds with food throughout practices. They extend from the granite boulder walls of the year, such as insects to fatten up their offspring West Penwith, to the dry stone, lichen-covered walls of Moor, all the way to the green lanes of southern and berries to keep them fed throughout the winter. Cornwall, where laid and coppiced hazel hedges buzz Just as importantly, hedges provide a place of refuge with insects and birdsong. from predators in the dense undergrowth for birds, and SUE SEARLE The construction of a Cornish hedge is still regarded as also small mammals, a hugely valuable skill today. Wide at the base, often insects and their larvae. with a verge or a ditch, and narrow at the top and always Understanding the This map will help with local materials, the Cornish hedge generally has a extent of the hedge network towards ongoing compacted soil middle with either a stone or turf face. in Cornwall is vital to ensure work, research The grassy top supports a shrubby hedgerow and often the protection and sustainable and partnership trees including oak, ash, sycamore or elm. management of our hedges for years to ensure hedges The classic English Hedgerow is protected under UK law are appreciated to come. For more information or to not only as a habitat, but also for its function as a wildlife and conserved for request access to the ERCCIS Hedges corridor. However, Cornish hedges do not fall under this generations Information, please contact legislation, which means they are at risk from destruction to come. [email protected] (01872) 302250.

ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 5 Conservation catch-up Nowedhyans gwithans

Cheryl Marriott Cheryl Marriott reports on the Trust's latest conservation news. Head of Conservation

Penwith landscape projects up and running There has been a flurry of It’s all about activity since we heard last the soil year that the Penwith Landscape Partnership programme had been Cornwall Catchment Partnership, hosted by the Trust, is developing awarded Heritage Lottery Funding. a Soils Framework for Cornwall. The Partnership has recruited a At present, no single organisation team, based in an office in St Just, has an overview of soils in which has begun work on a wide Cornwall, despite our soil being array of projects which will run a threatened, finite resource. It is over the next five years under the currently difficult to know what programme First and Last – Our PENWITH LANDSCAPE PARTNERSHIP collective effort is being made to Living Working Landscape. The projects include archaeology and ancient sites, protect and enhance soils and countryside access, redundant farm buildings, landscape assessment, Cornish whether we are focusing our hedging, farming and wildlife. Brief summaries can be found on the website efforts effectively. The framework www.penwithlandscape.com will set out the actions we can all take, from individuals to large businesses, to protect and enhance this essential resource. ABOVE: The team in Penwith, all set to deliver First and last – Our Living Working Landscape BELOW: A volunteer taster day in Penwith

TEVI – growing business and the environment Tevi (the Cornish word for growth) is the new name for the Environmental Growth for Business project, led by the

PENWITH LANDSCAPE PARTNERSHIP University of Exeter. The Trust is a delivery partner on the project and we will be working with businesses over the next three years to see where they can Cornwall Good improve their environmental Seafood Guide has performance. If you have links to any small or medium-sized first out-of-county business, from a campsite to a manufacturing company, that member you think could benefit from News about Cornwall’s sustainable receiving free advice from the seafood is travelling. Hook restaurant at project team, please get in touch The Fish Hotel, on the Farncombe Estate in with Catherine Pinney at the Cotswolds, recently signed up to catherine.pinney@ support the scheme and will put two or cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk more items from the recommended list on its menu. This is the first out-of-county member of the scheme. We are grateful to Flying Fish, a Cornish fish distributor and existing member of the scheme, for helping to bring the Fish Hotel on board.

6 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 We live in a spectacular location. Gulls soar over towering cliffs. Seals bask on sun-drenched beaches. Blackbirds nest in hawthorn hedges. We drive down sun- dappled lanes (when it’s not raining!). But maintaining Cornwall’s natural environment and wildlife habitats calls for constant vigilance – and occasional action. It calls for heroes. People who, instead of complaining to friends or feeling unsure what to do, can now do something positive to put a stop to careless or criminal activity. It calls for every one of us to pause when we see our wildlife or landscape under threat… and then turn an impotent frown into an actual phone call, or a senseless expletive into an urgent email. We know it’s not something you’d normally do but if you don’t do something, who will? SUE SAYER ADRIAN LANGDON We aren’t suggesting you confront anyone or risk your personal safety. What we do ask is that you take positive action by reporting what you’ve seen to the appropriate body (as you’ll see in the next two pages, there’s no shortage of bodies ready to act – all they need are the facts to alert them). So the next time you see someone fly-tipping into a field, tormenting wildlife or ripping out a wild hedge, make a call – and make a difference. We can be heroes… just for one day.

Be a hero makewildliFe a call – and make a difference If you see wildlife disturbance or damage you can become a hero On land wildliFe Freshwater Habitat change Waste pollution and damage Illegal dumping of large amounts of Removal of Cornish hedges (not waste (lorryloads) A river or stream is running brown garden/ornamental) over 20 metres with soil, is discoloured in some other long, or less than 20m but joined to way, is foamy, contains sanitary other wild hedges at each end. What To do: products, smells of sewage or contains Be a wildlife hero, report dead fish/fish gasping for air. Site clearance/building work/major anonymously to engineering work without Crimestoppers: planning permission 0800 555 111 Trimming, cutting or felling trees BeWhat a wildlife To hero,do: call the or online covered by a Tree Preservation Order Environment Agency: crimestoppers-uk.org or within a Conservation Area 0800 80 70 60. /give-information Waste water issue: you can Fly-tipping or unusual also contact South West Water BeWhat a wildlife To hero,do: check for southwestwater.co.uk/water-advice- planning permission at: amounts of litter on the and-services/waste-water-services/ planning.cornwall.gov.uk/ streets report-a-suspected-pollution online-applications or call 0344 346 2020. or 0300 1234 151. BeWhat a wildlife To hero,do: report to Report to Cornwall : Council planning enforcement: cornwall.gov.uk/flytipping cornwall.gov.uk/environment-and- planning/planning/enforcement/ or 0300 1234 141. report-a-breach-of-planning-control or 0300 1234 151.

If we take action: Perpetrators will know that they 1 are being watched and will begin to change their behaviour. Statutory organisations will record 2 the number of reports, use the statistics to make a case for additional resourcing and highlight the issues to Harrassment and disturbance politicians and decision-makers. See the Cornwall Marine and Coastal Code Guidelines at 3 Cornwall Wildlife Trust will be able www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/living-seas/ to focus its energies on enhancing cornwall-marine-and-coastal-code and increasing wildlife habitats throughout Cornwall. BeWhat a wildlife To hero,do: if wildlife or habitats are being disturbed, call Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s 24-hour strandings hotline: 0345 201 2626 Serious harassment: report to the Police: At sea see Wildlife crime opposite. If you see wildlife disturbance or damage you can become a hero

Tree damage wildliFeWildlife crime A felling licence is required to fell Several species have legal protection trees in certain situations in the wider under the Wildlife and Countryside Act countryside. 1981 (as amended), notably; all species of Exceptions include: bats, dormice, all species of reptiles, nesting birds and badgers. Poisoning of birds of gardens, churchyards or open spaces prey is also illegal. where the public have a legal right of access for recreation

trees with a diameter less than What To do: the width of a baked bean can (8cm) at Be a wildlife hero, if you Tree felling, hedge trimming and scrub a height of 1.3 metres on the main stem witness a suspected wildlife clearance when birds are nesting crime in action, call the Police on up to 5 cubic metres of timber is an offence under the Wildlife and 999 immediately. Supply photos/ (around 5 metric tonnes) may be felled Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). videos if possible. per calendar quarter. Non-immediate incidents: call the non- What To do: emergency number 101; you can ask to What To do: Be a wildlife hero, call the speak to a Wildlife Liaison Officer or Be a wildlife hero, you can non-emergency number 101; email WildlifeCrime@ find out more here you can ask to speak to a devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-6dfkw6 Wildlife Liaison Officer, or email To check if a site is covered WildlifeCrime@ by a felling licence or to report alleged devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk illegal felling: 0300 067 4960 or [email protected]

Live-stranded Live birds/other Dead-stranded marine animals marine life in need marine animals of rescue and What To do: What To do: Be a wildlife hero, for whales, dolphins treatment Be a wildlife hero, for all and seals call the British Divers Marine dead marine animals, Life Rescue’s 24-hour hotline: including birds, please What To do: call Cornwall Wildlife 01825 765 546 Be a wildlife hero, call the Trusts’ 24-hour Marine or see RSPCA’s 24-hour hotline: 0300 123 4999 Strandings Network hotline: www.bdmlr.org.uk 0345 201 2626 ROSS HODDINOTT/2020VISION, CHRIS LOWE, MARK HAMBLIN/2020VISION, TOM HIBBERT, TERRY WHITTAKER/2020VISION /index.php On the campaign trail Towards a wilder Cornwall

In late September my Like me, you may not totally agree youngest son and I, along with all of the ideas in the manifesto, but there is much in it that would help with other staff and families to reverse the decline of wildlife. And from Cornwall Wildlife Trust, this is something that we at Cornwall headed to London’s Hyde Wildlife Trust want too. We want to see, hear and feel the recovery Park with 10,000 others, to of nature, on land, at sea, in the air, take part in Chris Packham’s starting now, supported by local ‘People’s Walk for Wildlife’. communities and businesses across Cornwall. It rained. It rained a lot. But we kept Chris Packham said: “This is a people’s walking and waving our St Piran flag manifesto – it’s not devised by the because we know that, just like the rest government, and we don’t have to of the UK, the last 50 years have seen wait for them to do something. a decimation of Cornwall’s wildlife We can do it ourselves. species down by 56%. We walked all “I want this manifesto to be a first draft the way to Downing Street, where to ignite public interest, so that people Chris Packham handed over feel empowered to stand up and say ‘A People’s Manifesto for Wildlife’. ‘I’ve got ideas as well, and they work’. We know how to solve the problems, we just need to make it happen. If this manifesto can be a catalyst, I’d be delighted.” The manifesto comes at a time when key legislation and government policies are being developed which will impact on the future prospects for Cornwall’s environment and wildlife and all the communities, businesses and other interests that depend on them. There is an Agriculture Bill, the possibility of a Fisheries Bill and an Environment Bill so keep an eye on our website and will also be launched later in 2018. social media posts where, over the next few months, we’ll be asking you The Bills are being described as a to get involved to show your support once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get for wildlife and ensure that politicians The manifesto is aimed at reversing the right legislation to drive forward in London feel the public pressure to decades of declining wildlife figures the recovery of nature on land and at reverse the decline in wildlife. and species in the UK and starts with a sea, and we are working hard locally roll-call of extinct or declining animals, and with other Wildlife Trusts across Carolyn Cadman, Chief Executive the country to influence those policies insects and plants. It is well worth a You can read more blogs from to ensure they reverse the decline of read – packed with 200 ideas for action Carolyn and others on our website. nature. which range from helping garden The People's Manifesto for hedgehogs and adopting urban trees And you can help us! As Chris Wildlife is on Chris's website to more ambitious and provocative Packham said, “Our wildlife needs www.chrispackham.co.uk challenges for government. us – and it needs you more than ever”,

howJoin the campaign to campaignHead to the campaigns page with on our website: us on social media: cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/campaign @CwallWildlife Sign up to our eNewsletter on our website : Cornwall Wildlife Trust cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk On the Campaign Trail for updates on campaigns and how to take action

10 Imagine leaving a gif t that could truly last for generations

McClure Solicitors, are offering a year-round, free Will-writing service with advice about how to leave a gift to nature throughCornwall Wildlife Trust, if you wish. Once you have made arrangements for family and friends, a gift to Cornwall Wildlife Trust will help keep our precious wildlife and wild places safe for generations to enjoy.

I am so pleased to be able to leave a donation in my Will – I feel reassured that my love for wildlife will make a difference for years to come Claire, Truro

Visit McClure in Truro or Plymouth, or arrange a home visit for a free, no obligation chat. Contact Hayley Bayfield at McClure on Freephone 0800 852 1999 or visit www.mcclure-solicitors.co.uk or call Emma Miller, Fundraising Officer on01872 302249 www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/legacy

McClure Solicitors are supporters of Cornwall Wildlife Trust, and helping business work for wildlife in Cornwall.

ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 11 Nature reserves news Nowodhow an gwithvaow natur

Years of wet and windy summers contribute to declines in insects like butterflies, with knock-on effects on their predators. In contrast to recent years, this summer was a blinder, and observations by reserves staff suggest that our wildlife, particularly butterflies, flourished throughout our Nature Reserves. Our Reserves Managers , Penhale Dunes Ranger Jon Cripps and East Cornwall Reserves Officer Natalie Mitchell report. Insects flourish in sunny Butterflies and choughs on 2 1 but lush mid-Cornwall Penhale Dunes (part of Helman Tor Nature Reserve) The long, hot summer days on recorded the highest number of marsh fritillaries so far this Penhale Dunes created fantastic century, with 88 butterflies counted on a fixed survey conditions for butterflies, perfect route. We hope that such a long spell of fine weather, for several training days run by coinciding with good numbers Cornwall Butterfly Conservation of emerging butterflies Marsh fritillary (CBC). The first session looked following changes to the butterflies, at the grizzled skipper – Penhale Helman Tor grazing management, will Nature Dunes is the only place in have helped this fickle species Reserve Cornwall where it can be seen. lay eggs over a wide area. The group found grizzled Dragonflies and damselflies JON CRIPPS skippers in several locations, also had a good year, meaning that there are likely to be multiple colonies in the dunes. particularly at Breney Careful management of scrub will give the colonies a chance to Common, where they have flourish. At the other end of the spectrum are silver-studded blue responded well to our pond butterflies. In a single day, Steve from CBC and I were able to management regime. count over 4,500 silver-studded blues in the dunes!

Meanwhile, during the BEN WATKINS It was also a successful year for choughs in this area of the north drought period when many fields turned brown, most of coast. The resident pair produced four young, all of which fledged our sites in mid-Cornwall remained green and lush, and can regularly be seen roaming the coast. We had the pleasure benefiting from unaltered drainage and deep-rooted of seeing five fly past in the middle of ! This is a great plants. This brought to mind the traditional use of the reflection on the Trust’s habitat management in the area, grazing ‘rough ground’ in years past, as summer pasture – reliable, providing short turf and dung where choughs find insects and drought proof grazing whilst the hay were other invertebrates to forage. RSPB volunteers put in a great allowed to grow for winter fodder. deal of time monitoring the choughs, so please send them your sightings at [email protected] Many hands make light work 3 In July, the East Cornwall Reserves Team and their weekly Volunteers joined forces for the first time with the Wild Allet volunteer group. Our destination was a south-facing hay meadow at Community Nature Reserve in , south-east Cornwall, where we put to use a tool that is currently Volunteers and Reserves experiencing something of a resurgence: the humble staff scything at Churchtown scythe. Although the hay meadows at Churchtown Farm Farm Nature Reserve PETER KENT are mostly cut and baled using tractor-mounted machinery, entry to this particular field is via a narrow track which Cutting the meadow prevents the sward from becoming makes tractor access difficult. rank and dominated by coarse grass tussocks. Removal of the cut hay is key to the process as it helps to reduce soil Scything is a sociable task, the tools are lightweight and fertility, improving growing conditions for wildflowers and straightforward to use, and with enough people they can increasing diversity. Our thanks go to the volunteers for their have a real impact. scything expertise and enthusiasm.

12 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 4 1 Seán Nick Peter Natalie Jon 2 O’Hea Marriott Kent Mitchell Cripps

3 5 Bringing the school sylla-buzz to life 4 This summer, pupils of Delaware Primary Academy, near Gunnislake in south-east Cornwall, had an exciting outing to Sylvia’s Meadow, their local Cornwall Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve. Children from years 3 and 4 became nature detectives and spent the afternoon exploring pollination, a subject they had been learning about in class. A ‘nectar relay’ and ‘honey bee dance’ went down well and during a quick bug hunt, many of the pupils found insects they had never seen before.

Sylvia’s Meadow is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and in early summer it’s a great place to see several species of orchid, including southern marsh (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) and lesser butterfly (Platanthera bifolia). It is an important example of unimproved neutral grassland, a rare find in Cornwall. Its A marbled preservation from the plough is thanks in part to its use as a military white butterfly camp during World War II. Access to the meadow (no dogs) is via pollinating wildflowers at the Tamar Valley Donkey Park during opening hours. Sylvia's Meadow NATALIE MITCHELL

Windmill Farm Nature Reserve gets a new visitor 5 One site in particular that has been fizzing with dragonflies After a single confirmed UK record of the southern migrant and damselflies is Windmill Farm in West Cornwall, where hawker during the twentieth century, four individuals were deep ponds, shallow scrapes, grazed pools, non-grazed pools, observed in southern England during 2006. During 2010 many streams, ditches, spring seepages, wheel ruts and reed beds individuals were then seen in south Essex and north Kent, and mean the site can cater for a wide variety of species. it’s been spreading ever since. The 19 previously recorded species were joined by one more this summer in the form of the southern migrant hawker A tip for rare dragonfly enthusiasts: Windmill Farm’s Plantlife (Aeshna affinis). pond in June is a hotspot for another migrant from southern Europe: the red-veined darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii). DOUGY WRIGHT DOUGY WRIGHT

Known as the Plantlife pond, this is a hot spot for the red-veined darter dragonfly BEN WATKINS Windmill Farm’s new visitor, the southern migrant hawker

ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 13 Specialist Groups

Most people have a special interest, and Cornwall is a haven for diverse specialist groups that care about certain aspects of the natural world. Our wildlife and wild places benefit greatly from the enthusiasm of people just like you and me who start out by being a bit interested, and then, while making new friends and new discoveries, might even find themselves turning into experts.

On 1st February 2014, a dark seal with a triangular scar and a white Wildlife thrives in places of peace septum (the cartilage between his and serenity, as long as they are nostrils) was named ‘Septimus White’ by Rob Wells, managed with sensitivity. When who was featured in ‘A day in the life of a volunteer’ in funds are short, the answer lies Living our spring 2018 issue. The rest is history. with local people, whether they Churchyards are churchgoers or not. Cornwall Seal Group Cornwall’s Living Research Trust (CSGRT) When Septimus was first photographed on 30th Churchyards January 2014 by Danny Cooper, we had no idea The photo shows a where events would lead. wonderful display of Cornwall 433 days later, Rob Wells found Septimus dead columbine at St Ann’s Seal Group in Bay. At 2.4m, Septimus was the Church, Hessenford, in third longest dead seal recorded in Cornwall. south-east Cornwall. The Unusually, he did not wash out with the tide. site is home to two species Two years later, Septimus’s bones were cleaned and of very rare bee; Andrena taken to London to meet Derek Frampton, a professional bucephala, a mining bee, ‘skeleton articulator’ recommended by the Natural History and Nomada hirtipes, a Museum’s Richard Sabin. Derek discovered that Septimus solitary bee, both identified had suffered a number of serious injuries and infections, in November 2009. including a bullet wound to a rib and a final deadly blow to his head. Not forgetting his traumatic death, the skilfully There are several new reconstructed skeleton looks magnificent. projects starting this year in Now Septimus will outlive us all, as a celebrity seal and a South Petherwin, Launcells. multidisciplinary resource. After a private showing at County Braddock, , Hall, Septimus’s first public showing – as the centrepiece Landrake, Perranzabuloe of CSGRT’s full Seal Squad Xplorer Programme (SSXP) and St Day. I am finding that Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris ), Roadshow – was at the University of Exeter’s annual Marine quite often, it is down to the St Ann’s Church, Hessenford. Ecology and Conservation Network Conference. non-churchgoing members You will need to meet Septimus to learn more of his of the public, who become concerned and alarmed past and his ultimate survival in skeleton form, despite at the lack of a caring management style, or the lack of any management at all, in some of our Closed

everything we and nature have thrown at him. ROBERT MOOR Status churchyards. Sue Sayer, Volunteer, www.cornwallsealgroup.co.uk Wholesale clearance cutting before seed has set, and the resultant heavy cover of cut material, enrichens soils and smothers our dwindling natural flora. Closed status churchyards are maintained by Council contractors who are already pushed by pressure of work, from roadsides to recreation grounds. Even our poor clergy have several churches to look after nowadays, and often the Church family themselves have lost empathy with their surroundings.

Fortunately, some wonderful people are determined to do something about this, so we must help all we can.

Robert Moor, Volunteer CSGRT

14 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 If you wish you were a better John Macadam presents a beginner’s guide to geology photographer, what better way and the Geoconservation Group. to learn than joining in with the Photo Group? Photographic Group Cornwall

Geoconservation Geo- Photographic conservation Group Group Group Rocks? What have they to do with wildlife? Looking back to the long hot summer of 2018 we had How about soils? Well, yes, plants grow in soil… some great field trips. Where do soils come from? Rocks! For the first time, as a group, we paid a visit to the Trust’s nature reserve at Penlee Battery on . It isn’t an easy place for most of us to get to, but it is a wonderful location for its views and butterflies. We went in July when there were plenty of marbled The Nationally Scarce spring sandwort (Minuartia white butterflies and six-spot burnet moths. verna) is found on alkaline rocks and can tolerate heavy metal contamination. In Cornwall it is restricted to Photography tips for beginners the serpentine on © R ALLEN It is difficult to fill the frame with subjects which are active and wary, but a good photo is often found by OK, that’s all a little bit simplistic, but right from its start in making a composition of the subject and another 1962 Cornwall Wildlife Trust has been concerned with the element such as the flower or grass on which it is whole of nature, the living and the non-living parts, and resting. Generally we try to isolate the subject from the the connections between the two. Rocks are the source background. This is done by of Cornwall’s soils, with a bit of help from worms, fungi, positioning the camera so etc, and Cornwall’s varied rocks – its geology – give us our that the subject has a clear variety of landscapes, from the high granite moors to lower background. You can also ground usually on slate. Nature-lovers know about the choose a relatively wide special plants on the Lizard, on the serpentine, and in the aperture to reduce the Culm grasslands and on the coastal sand dunes. depth-of-field but Geologists were members of the Trust from the early days must be careful to but the Cornwall Geoconservation Group only got started keep the important bits in 1991. Since then the group has been designating special of the subject sharp. sites as County Geology Sites, with similar criteria to This photo, taken by County Wildlife Sites, and the Trust also has two geological Karin Saunders at reserves. More on all these topics in future issues of Wild Penlee Batterly, Cornwall but in the meantime you can find out more by demonstrates the use going to www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/geology. And of composition to create why not look at our Facebook page (search for ‘Cornwall an appealing image. Geoconservation Group’) where you will find events, and pictures of stunning geology. David Chapman, John Macadam, Volunteer Volunteer

Cornwall’s bats need you! Cornwall Bat Cornwall Bat Group Group Incredibly, the 17 breeding bat species also have to pick up new poorly found in the UK make up a quarter of all our individuals each day and dedicate resident mammal species. And in Cornwall, time to raising awareness about these we are very fortunate to have as many as fascinating animals. 13 different species of bats. More people are desperately needed to help make the coming seasons less

Every year about 200 grounded (injured MARION BEAULIEU and/or exhausted) bats all around the challenging. Could you be a ‘bat carer’, county are cared for by many dedicated ‘advanced bat carer’ or an ‘ambulance volunteer bat carers. None more so than driver’? If you would like to help in Chris and Sue Harlow who, for over ten this precious work, please contact years, have been nursing countless bat [email protected]. We pups that sadly get separated from their look forward to welcoming you mothers due to the weather or predators. to the team. These babies require feeding every three hours. Whilst they are busy with this for Marion Beaulieu, Cornwall Underweight brown most of June to August, Chris and Sue Bat Group Volunteer long-eared bat in care

ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 15 thank you

Embrace your wild side; get out and get fundraising

At the age of 11, Eva has taken Putting on a For example, you can embrace your to the streets of fundraising wild side and explore the South West Falmouth with Coast Path on a sponsored walk, her violin to raise Eva event is a although you needn’t necessarily walk awareness about with her great way 300 miles over 200 days like science the saddening violin communicator Sophie Pavel (below). decline of to socialise Or why not organise the biggest hide- dormice in the with friends, and-seek game of your life? Whatever UK. Eva said, Isabella Hawkes family, you choose to do, we can’t wait to hear how your fun helps us. “Because I love animals colleagues or classmates and I know that dormice while helping to raise Sophie told us, “Last year I decided to do something a bit different, and hike have been classed as awareness of the beautiful the 300-mile coastline of gorgeous ‘vulnerable to extinction’ wildlife around you, says Cornwall by myself. Using just my and have declined by the Trust’s new Community iPhone, I made a short video each about a third since the day for the full 22 days of the walk, Fundraising Officer Isabella about the wildlife I encountered on year 2000, which is Hawkes. my adventure, and posted highlights appalling, I went out on social media. It raised funds for Cornwall Wildlife Trust relies upon the busking to help them. Cornwall Wildlife Trust and helped So far I have raised £69.81 charitable donations of its supporters launch my career as a wildlife to fund its work, in our nature reserves naturalist and communicator." busking for dormice and throughout the wider landscape, and I will continue to coastline and coastal seas of Cornwall. We have created a new fundraising raise more.” pack, as we want you to enjoy yourself whilst supporting your local wildlife. The brand new pack contains all the tools and inspiration you will need to begin your fundraising journey.

The Rotary Club of St Agnes and St Piran has held several fundraising events including the ILOW festival in Mount Hawke, a Cornish Night and a Bollywood Night in St Agnes and finally the President’s Dinner. Club President Dr Brian Guttridge said, "One of the most important challenges for us all is to protect our wildlife, when so much is under pressure from human damage to the environment." JACK JOHNS

16 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 thank you Email You’re helping to protect Cornwall’s wildlifehelP and wild places! wear your isabella.hawkes@ Loads of wild ideas. wellies start cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk One important purpose Thank you for choosing to support Cornwall Last year I decided to do Wildlife Trust, Cornwall’s leading local wildlife something a bit different - and hike for your charity. Despite being surrounded by a diversity the 300 mile coastline of gorgeous Where your of wildlife and wild places, our stunning habitats Cornwall by myself, to raise money fundraising goes... and species are in decline. We work tirelessly to for Cornwall Wildlife Trust and protect and prevent this but it’s fundraisers like spread the love of the incredible you that make our work possible. wildlife and landscapes that we are £10 so lucky to have on our doorstep. one marine stranding Included in this pack is everything you should kit for a volunteer. need to get your fundraising event on the go; just Using just my iPhone, I made a Gloves, bags, tapes and FUNDRAISING PACK little video each day for 22 days, all disinfectant. and call her on add friends! From advice to personal stories, and about the wildlife I encountered information about how your donations are put on my adventure. I can’t think of a to good use, we want to make organising your more exciting and important time fundraising event as easy as possible. (01872) 302284 to be getting outside and spending Whether you’re hiking the South West time in our environment - and coast path, or taking a dip in the sea what better way to demonstrate On the last week of term, we did if you have any ideas with friends, we can’t wait to see your passion for our wild spaces how you have chosen to fundraise. to everyone than fundraising for a fundraising week Cornwall Wildlife Trust! to save the dolphins thank that were getting Wildlife Presenter – Sophie Pavelle you stranded. Our target was £55 and Good luck amazingly we raised £61.86! and thank you Charlotte Gray from everyone at

Cornwall Wildlife Trust how to use the pack... If you do have any other questions we’re This pack includes: Whatever you do, however much money you raise, your support is greatly appreciated and will make a huge difference only an email away at: fundraising@ ●● Step by Step Guide to Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places. cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk ●● Event Ideas Please let us know what you are planning ●● Inspirational Stories and we can help you to publicise it. ●● Health & Safety Go online www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/fundraise ●● Sponsor Form Contact the fundraising team: ●● Paying In Slip (01872) 273939 ●● Freepost - Poster Walk the Email us at: coast... ●● Collection Box [email protected]

thank you

Getting out to clean our local beach was a great way to raise money Where your fundraising goes... and work together as a community. We realised Jump in... we could clean up our town £35 and help the environment it’s easier than you think buys 10 new dormouse at the same time, and it boxes: creating shelter for was very warming to see this tiny species how many people joined in! tiPs Now we make sure things like this happen more 1 often, and are very grateful 2 to Cornwall Wildlife Trust Who, What, 3 Where, Weather! Invite! for all their support. Prepare… 4 Group fundraiser Think about who to invite, do Promote your event! Make 5 want people to take part or invites, and set up a page Whether you’re training Enjoy! sponsor you? What event do online at justgiving where you for your event, or making Donate you want to do? (See our tips can donate directly to us. decorations –make sure It’s important that you enjoy your day, it is fundraising after All the advice and tips page for ideas). Where is your Make sure everyone knows you have everything you You will find sponsor forms, event going to take place?What need for the big day. (Make all! Take lots of pictures to a paying-in slip and freepost what you’re doing and how record your event (these will you need to hold a will the weather be like? If they can join in to support you! the most of this kit!). Stay as envelope in your fundraising thank your event is outdoors make environmentally friendly as be great to send to the press to pack or feel free to donate you sure you have yourself ready Tell the media, and us possible; plastic bags, balloons let them know how well you online through our Cornwall Wildlife Trust for all eventualities! (fundraising @ and glitter harm wildlife and have done!) justgiving page: cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk). fundraising event. Just pick a date well in advance habitats, and you can have just https://www.justgiving.com/ as much fun without them! Don’t forget to tell us how your so you can let everyone know day went, and share what cornwallwildlifetrust about it! (Think weather, you’re doing on social media. location, attendance) You can find us here:

@CornwallWildlife thank you @CwallWildlife @cornwallwildlifetrust And Finally, have fun and go wild!

worst Winter fundraising ideas Wear your Gingerbread

Christmas jumper house During the festive time of competition giving, we can rustle up the 'Find Santa’ perfect ingredients for sweepstake fundraising with family, Pin the nose friends or colleagues to on Ruldoph support your local wildlife. Here are a few ideas, but the Crafty A Christmas quiz possibilities are endless: Christmas fair

Christmas shopping for wildlife Remember Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s online shop when you are looking for Christmas present ideas. Visit www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop

You can donate whilst you shop for DonateChristmas presents. One click saves wildlife: ●● Amazon Smile (donate while shopping on Amazon) ●● Easyfundraising www.easyfundraising.org.uk/ causes/cornwallwildlifetrust ●● Give as you live, www.giveasyoulive.com 17 Your Local Groups Agas Bagas Leel

As our Local Groups of volunteers look back over the summer, you’ll see that they have had some rewarding wildlife watching trips over the summer. See pages 20 and 21 to find out how Marine Groups like the MCG are now caring for shores all around Cornwall.

Camel Group Launceston Area As the summer continued with very little rain, many species seemed to fare very well whilst others Parish Wildlife Group suffered. It was a good vole year in the fields and Early forget-me-not meadows, which benefited birds of prey, with barn (LAPWG) owls doing especially well in the Camel area. Since the spring, the One young owlet decided to take a leap of faith Launceston Area Parish out of its nest box well before it could fly and Wildlife Group (LAPWG) spent the day sitting in the middle of a farm lane has been busy with walks, before being returned to its box in the evening by moth trapping, bat surveys, trained volunteers. small mammals, plants and butterflies. At the end of May Kestrels have also done well, with reports of new our group enjoyed some

broods around the patch. One bird was photographed sensational wildflowers and JEN BOUSFIELD by Adrian Langdon with a bank vole in its talons but stunning views during our late spring walk around Pentire sadly also line attached to it, possibly fishing line or Head and we were successful in our search for plants of the some kind of braided cotton. early forget-me-not (Myosotis ramosissima), a challenge set Another animal that has by expert botanical surveyor Ian Bennallick. had a good breeding In June we joined forces with the Botanical Group on a year in our patch has survey around Treburley, then found ourselves in field full of been the fox, with marbled whites and other butterflies (clouded yellows had reports of cubs in several been there recently). Later on, as we toiled up a footpath areas and views of them through a rather boring field of ryegrass, we came across tossing voles in the air in a splendid patch of arable weeds including Misopates play … a classic sign of a orontium or weasel’s-snout, which was quite a special find. well-fed brood. We returned to the Luckett mining area in July to continue The Group committee ADRIAN LANGDON with our surveys, begun last year. Over 900 moths were continue to monitor local identified from 105 species; an assortment of bat detectors planning issues and have recently been buoyed by followed volunteer and bat expert Tony Atkinson around the the failure at appeal of an application to build nine village with one or two questionable results from the Echo houses on a woodland site in . Many Touch meters (more work needed there). Everything wilted in trees were cut down on the site, which had been the heat on the Sunday, so we ended up by the stream quietly designated a ‘green buffer zone and corridor’ just recording butterflies and golden-ringed dragonflies until a days before a planning application was submitted. shout of “Isn’t that a purple hairstreak?” had everyone We surveyed the site for trees, flora and fauna, dashing for binoculars and yes, it was – a most suitable finding it a regular feeding area for bats, badgers end to the morning’s work. and birds and worked closely with the neighbouring residents, who fought a fantastic campaign. Jen Bousfield, Volunteer Vice-chair Sometimes it is heartening to think someone may for LAPWG actually have read our report or listened to our views! Camel Group committee

Thrift on JEN BOUSFIELD

18 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 Beaver watchers Common pipistrelle CHRISTINE SPOONER © HUGH CLARK www.bats.org.uk

Friends of Group Kilminorth Woods July saw the first event of the summer with a group of 14 meeting at Stowe Barton, courtesy of the National Trust Early July provided two memorable evening events, (NT) for an informative bat talk and walk. Sarah Stevens the first a trip to see the beavers introduced at (NT and Cornwall Bat Group member) gave a Woodland Valley Farm near Ladock in 2017. We were knowledgeable and entertaining talk on bats around the escorted by landowner Chris Jones and the Trust’s world and the UK in particular. She covered their breeding, Cheryl Marriott. Cheryl had brought ‘Trevor’ the feeding and echo location abilities along with species size stuffed beaver in the boot of her car, and most of us and weight using a 20p piece and some children’s privately suspected that this was the only beaver we confectionery to illustrate her points. were likely to see. After all, there were nearly 20 of us, and the light was fading. How wrong we were! There Equipped with bat detectors, the group then walked to followed a magical two hours tiptoeing around the Coombe Mill (a favourite roost for bats) to observe and ponds, with multiple sightings of two adult beavers record the emerging bats. Pipistrelles, soprano pipistrelles and their two kits (born a few weeks previously). At and lesser horseshoes were recorded, and possible greater one point a kit climbed on to the bank about ten feet horseshoe, Daubenton’s or Natterer’s recordings are being away from me and sat nonchalantly nibbling some assessed by experts. twigs. A memory to treasure. Our second event was Heritage Day showcasing societies in the Bude area. The committee manned several tables with Three days later it was our annual moth night in leaflets, photos, both static and computer-driven, illustrating Kilminorth Woods. This year, thanks to Tony James the local programme of events and items of interest that and colleagues, we had three moth traps strung out the Trust is involved in. Special emphasis this year was on along the path inside the woodland entrance. The the Beaver Project near Truro and we were lucky to have a warm weather was promising. There was one moth fine stuffed beaver specimen on loan from head office along that we were especially hoping might appear, the with promotional material which raised some real interest. scarce merveille du jour, a rare Red Data Book species To maintain the beaver theme we had a ‘name the beaver’ recorded here previously, but as yet never seen by competition with a prize of a toy beaver. Some of our table any of our members. Its name is misleading; it is space was allocated to the newly formed Bude Marine Group indeed scarce, but it does not fly by day. It has been who work to extend the knowledge of marine life in the area. found in only a few locations in south-west England in ancient oakwoods. By midnight a remarkable 87 Our last event for the summer will be a group visit to Ladock species had been recorded, but no scarce merveille to see the beavers originally released in 2017 into a five-acre du jour. A few minutes later a single newly emerged fenced area along a stretch of water at Woodland Valley specimen finally appeared. By then only three of our Farm. There has been a lot of interest in the event as shown members were left. Sadly, I was not one of them! by the number of requests to attend, so we are hoping for a successful evening with some sightings of the beavers. Derek Spooner, Volunteer Ursula Edwards, Volunteer

Looe Marine Conservation Group The Looe Marine Conservation Group to gain this experience. In Looe, the the award, so we’re expecting a bit (MCG) has recently been awarded students will learn to run different of a learning curve. We then hope to £500 from the Your Shore Beach activities such as rockpool rambles and continue working with the university to Rangers Community Pot to run a beach cleans and will receive training include students in the future. volunteering award in conjunction with in a variety of areas such as event the University of Plymouth. The award, management and rocky shore ecology. Ameila Bridges, Volunteer Chair of designed to help undergraduate Having two students join our group to Looe MCG and award organiser marine biologists gain skills in public help run events is likely to have engagement, will run from September the added benefit of encouraging 2018 through September 2019 and see more young people in the Looe area two students joining the group. to get involved.

Many outreach skills are not taught The £500 grant will go towards on higher education courses and have expenses such as the students’ travel to be sought elsewhere, but students costs, event posters and training

don’t need to fly to exotic countries guides. This is our first year running AMELIA BRIDGES

ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 19 Protecting coastal wildlife under the Your Shore umbrella

The Your Shore logo is more schools have been involved in the Beach Rangers mini programme. With two and a half more years of funding than just a nice design. It still to go, we look forward with excitement to helping our encapsulates how our network community of engaged and skilled young people in Cornwall to grow, as they become effective wildlife volunteers and the of Marine Conservation happy and confident employers and employees of the future. Groups works together, writes Cornwall’s Marine Conservation Community Community Engagement Natalie Gibb The local Marine Conservation Groups in Cornwall are Officer Nat Gibb. The bell of the diverse, but they are all united by a common goal: to look jellyfish is an umbrella and local marine groups, after their own special area of sea and shore. The Three Bays Wildlife Group have been documenting otters on the as dots on the tentacles beneath, come together streams adjoining Portmellon beach. The Falmouth Marine to form the shape of Cornwall, a perfect symbol Conservation Group run many exciting events such as snorkelling and night-time rockpooling, and the for the coastal protection group. Marine Conservation Group were responsible for the first ever The Your Shore network has been gaining rapid momentum beachside ReFILL station in Cornwall, reducing plastic bottle over recent years. It is now made up of 15 marine usage by providing free drinking water. You can find out more conservation groups run entirely by volunteers, coming at www.beachrangers.com/community/your-shore-network together to protect the places they love and providing a voice Volunteers from marine groups all across Cornwall share for local wildlife. ideas and resources, run collaborative events and projects and ultimately come together as a strong combined voice Ocean guardians for the future for our living seas. This joined-up approach has resulted in a Two and a half years ago, our Your Shore Beach Rangers number of conservation wins across the years, such as: project received five years of funding from the Big Lottery Fund’s ‘Our Bright Future’ project. This has given us the ●● campaigning to ban polyisobutylene (PIB) discharge opportunity, in collaboration with Cornwall College, to support following a tragic pollution event for seabirds in 2013 existing volunteer groups and set up new ones in Falmouth, ●● responding to and influencing the Marine Conservation Mounts Bay, St Austell, Bude and St Ives. An important goal Zone consultation process of the project is to empower and inspire young people, and ●● recording data which can be used in other marine we have done this through the development of the Beach designations and necessary fishing bylaws ●● the creation of the Cornish Plastic Pollution Coalition, which is becoming an ever-stronger and increasingly “Act as if what you do makes respected voice in lobbying on many issues ranging from balloon releases to the losses of plastic biomedia used in a difference. It does.” wastewater treatment. American philosopher William James (1842–1910). Getting together Every year we have the chance to celebrate the work of the Rangers Academy, which delivers accredited training with the network at the annual Your Shore conference. This year marine environment as the underlying theme. was our biggest yet, with over 150 volunteers and beach rangers coming together. Reflections at the 2018 conference One of the most rewarding aspects of the project has been showed us that in 2017, the Your Shore network worked with involving young people, who are typically harder to reach; an amazing 50,377 people at 807 marine events across the we’ve found that the best way of doing this is to get them out county. The network continues to grow by word of mouth of the classroom and onto the beach. There they can develop across thousands of people, with the numbers showing that their communication skills, self-awareness and confidence Cornwall is leading the way. And there's an opportunity for through our interactive beach games and workshops. And everyone to be involved. best of all, we get young people into the sea. We love it when a young person builds up their self-esteem in the water, going Visit www.beachrangers.com to find your nearest local from a nervous ‘toe dunker’ to a very excited person who’s marine conservation group, to discover more about the just seen a spider crab for the first time! Your Shore Beach Rangers Academy and to see what So far, over 500 young people have taken part in our training public marine-themed events are being held in your area. sessions and 1,040 secondary school pupils from 16 Cornish

PHOTOS: 1. Seagrass snorkel with Ocean High and the Mounts Bay Marine Group. 2. Sunset snorkel, Millook, Bude. 3. Radical rockpool, , St Agnes. 4. Your Shore volunteers on a conservation cruise with the Hardiesse sail training ship. 5. Your Shore conference 2018. 6. Honeycomb worm walk with the YSBR team, Crooklets Beach, Bude.

20 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 @LAWRENCE SMITH NAT GIBB 1 2 3 4

Growth spurt NAT GIBB Cornwall’s Your Shore JENN SANDIFORD network was originally made up of five volunteer groups based around each of our Voluntary Marine Conservation Areas, and has been developed by Cornwall Wildlife Trust with the help of Heritage Lottery funding.

5 @VINNY STELZER

Marine Conservation Group Bude Find your local MG 6 Polzeath MCG

Newquay MG MG Friends of Par Beach St Agnes MCG Three Bays Friends of Wildlife Looe Portherras Group Rame Cove MCG Peninsula Beach Friends Care of the Falmouth MCG Estuary Helford MCG Mounts Bay MG Friends of Fathoms ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 Free 21 CREDIT??????? A day in the life... Wildlife Wednesdays stuentvoice Stephanie Boon (known as Stephie) has been pulled a deer’s skull out from the undergrowth near the Trust headquarters building. I'm an artist and studying dead a Wild Allet Volunteer for over a year. The animals and bones is a significant way for me to understand group takes part in a range of conservation the world around me: it’s absolutely fascinating to see what for wildlife tasks at Five Acres Nature Reserve, Allet, goes on under the skin, or the incredible texture of a bat’s wing. I'm also the class clown. “Help clean out the pond you and beyond. say? Why don't I just slide in and provide Dave with a photo Wednesdays. A little over a year ago they were just your opportunity instead?” average middle-of-the-week days, nothing to write home I’ve learnt so much at Cornwall Wildlife Trust that feeds into about. But that soon changed when I started volunteering my walking as well (I'm a qualified walking leader) – from with the Wild Allet team at Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s other volunteers, from Dave (David May, Practical Projects headquarters near Truro. coordinator) and from the many reserve managers we get When I first turned up it didn't look like I imagined a nature to meet, because although we’re based at Allet, we regularly reserve to be; not wild, more an overgrown garden with go to other reserves to lend a hand. We’ve been as far afield conifer trees, a neglected veg patch and a couple of man- as Churchtown Farm Community Nature Reserve near made ponds. I soon learnt that it used to be a garden nursery Saltash to cut a hay meadow (see page 12) and as close to and the team of volunteers I'd joined were helping to home as Chyverton Nature Reserve just down the road, to encourage deciduous woodland, planted with native trees. control growth of willow scrub. We’ve been ragwort pulling A meadow was being nurtured and the ponds eradicated on Helman Tor, wildflower sowing at The Eden Project (did of the rampantly invasive New Zealand pigmyweed you see those flowers this summer? That was us!) and (Crassula helmsii). in between. But home is Allet, where I chase butterflies with Kiki and learn the call of chiffchaffs from Sue I was excited to get stuck in to help this site in transition and it’s the place I hope to see wildlife thrive, because of the – and was immediately handed a scythe! Learning to use things we do. hand tools means we keep old skills alive. These are much friendlier to wildlife, and importantly, it means we get to talk to each other as we work. "Wildlife Wednesday – absolutely Stephie We're a close-knit group with a thread of stalwarts who the best day of the week!" turn up in all weathers, and we have our characters too. I'm known as the volunteer with a penchant for dead things Stephie uses her artistic skills in a blog where she (hence the gift of a dead pipistrelle, now safe in my freezer). uses paints, oils and charcoals to recreate her wildlife And skulls. My excitement was palpable when Miguel explorations, creating an illustrated guide to Cornish (who's off to uni to study Marine Biology this autumn) walks. You can follow Stephie's blog at tenmilehike.com

Stephie the ‘class clown’ becoming fully Stephie’s immersed in her volunteering role drawing of a deer skull found at Allet. STEPHANIE BOON STEPHANIE BOON

Stephie helping renovate the woodland at DAVID MAY Five Acres Nature Reserve, Allet DAVID MAY

22 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 There are many factors that draw our students to conservation: it could be a life-changing or memorable nature experience that changes their career plans. It could be to undertake scientific research in their chosen field that stuentvoice confirms their career direction. It could be to meet someone who inspires them to study further. This page will now tell their stories, written by the very people who experienced them for wildlife and gives us a glimpse of the seed that started a career in wildlife. Jason Birt, Programme Manager for FdSc Wildlife Education and MediaCentre for Zoology, Cornwall College Newquay Something to crow about: There’s life in the churchyard! Kayleigh Hunt

Before After KAYLEIGH HUNT

North Hill churchyard before and after a Council cut. Removing all flowering plants and long grass has a direct impact on wildlife.

I have loved birds ever since I can remember. When I was ten churchyards and management level could be divided little, walking round my Grandad’s aviaries was time well into three categories. Overly managed (mown), well spent. I have noticed that churchyards can often be the only managed (overgrown and mown areas) and unmanaged remaining green area within fragmented landscapes and (overgrown). The three ‘well managed’ churchyards had have an important role in conserving natural habitats. Birds the highest levels of bird diversity. At one site, between two are excellent environmental indicators and the range of bird visits, the overgrown grass was decimated. Wildflowers species within a churchyard not only reveals information destroyed. Any invertebrate life inhabiting the area lost. about the avian community but other communities as well. Very tellingly, just 15 bird species were observed following For example, where there are insectivores, it’s likely the the cut, compared to 26 and 23 before. invertebrate community is thriving. Joined-up thinking for a ‘Living Churchyard’ Data collection in North Cornwall During this project I met with volunteer Robert Moor, As part of my BSc Applied Zoology degree I decided to coordinator of Cornwall’s Living Churchyards Project. research how the habitat composition of churchyards in One of the project’s main objectives is to diversify the North Cornwall is affecting bird communities and what grassland structure of churchyards to increase the range management implications this may have. of wildflowers and invertebrates. Upon this discovery, I realised how important the findings from my project My data collection involved two visits a day for two could be; that the science behind it could support the days to each of ten chosen churchyards. One visit at efforts of Robert Moor and local groups trying to help the 5am (thanks to the spring/summer weather of 2018, the fauna and flora in their churchyard. My passion for the spectacular sunrises were worth the early starts) and one subject has led to a group in North Cornwall – The South at 7pm. Six points were established throughout each Petherwin Cake and Rakers – approaching me to join their churchyard and the maximum number of individuals of committee to transform their churchyard into a ‘Living each bird species seen at any one time was recorded. Churchyard’. This opportunity enables me, along with As well as this, various habitat variables were recorded, other members of a small community, to take a proactive including tree cover and grassland structure. approach, which along with my research, I hope can Results revealed that the most influential habitat make a real difference in the future. variable on bird diversity is grassland structure. The Kayleigh Hunt, BSc student in Applied Zoology management of grassland varied greatly between the

All articles on 'Student Voice for wildlife' are the views of the authors, and can be read in full at the Cornwall College Newquay website - www.cornwall.ac.uk/cwt

ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 23 Nature 2019 Wild Cornwall notices calendar A treat for There’s still time to buy next year’s Wild Cornwall calendar, which features incredible shots of dragonfly lovers iconic species in the Cornish countryside Paul Hopkins, author of The DVD Guide to the Dragonflies and coastal waters, from kingfishers of the UK and Ireland, presents ‘European Odonata: My to bottlenose dolphins. See the back page Dragonfly Journey’ on Friday 15th March in Chacewater – and remember to treat yourself, Village Hall. His talk , for the Group, will be friends and family to a copy. illustrated with high quality video footage of the species he encountered. See the diary for full details.

Theft of pebbles from Calendar photo competition Pebble stealing is a serious issue at Crackington, north of . People regularly remove car bootloads Please send us your images of Cornish wildlife, of the very pretty pebbles. Signage is targeting these Trust nature reserves and wild places. The best people, rather than children picking up the odd pebble will be featured in our 2020 Wild Cornwall calendar. in their bucket. Send photos to: WildCornwallCalendar@ cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk Please spread the word that it is an offence, under Section 18 of the Coastal Protection Act, to remove For terms, conditions material from a beach without a licence. For more on and prize details, see our damage and disturbance, see pages 7 to 9. website and social media. This stunning kingfisher If you want more information, contact Sue Hocking is by Trust member at the Cornwall Geoconservation Group – Martin Yelland. sue.hocking@ cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

Race for Wildlife Put your running to the test with the Mounts Bay Harriers’ Race for Wildlife. Taking place on Sunday 2nd December, the 7.5-mile run crosses countryside north of with breathtaking views of Mounts Bay and St Michael’s Mount. The route takes you off the beaten track and across fields, moors and along roads, giving you a real experience of the Cornish wildlife and wild places around us. For more information, visit mountsbayharriers.co.uk DiaryPull-out of events Dydhlyver hwarvosow

December 2018 to April 2019

DECEMBER Mis Kevardhu

Sunday 2 disabled access for spectators only Wednesday 5 Saturday 8

Race for Wildlife CSGRT Meeting Festive Fun with a Penzance, 8.30am to 12.00 noon , 7.30pm to 10.00pm Campfire Meet at Porthcurno Building, Penwith Meet at the Inn for All Seasons (SW701434). Falmouth, 10.00am to 12.00 noon College, St Claire Street TR8 2SA (SX246537). Updates & seal highlights. Food can be Booking is essential This stunning 7.5 mile multi-terrain race ordered from 6.30pm. Contact: Sue Sayer Join Wildlife Watch & Generation Wild for through west Penwith to raise money for [email protected] festive fun & games and a small campfire. the Trust is a great pre-Christmas challenge. Part of Cornish Multi Terrain Race Series. Leaders: Chloe & Generation Wild. Contact: £15 affiliated, £17 non-affiliated. Organised Saturday 8 [email protected] by Mounts Bay Harriers.A Forhuge more info thankTwilight you Walk for supporting us, see www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/ Saltash, 4.00pm to 6.00pm Saturday 8 raceforwildlife Meet at Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve, Natural Christmas Wearde Road entrance PL12 4AS (SX421582). Monday 3 from everyone here at Cornwall WildlifeCrafts Trust A walk round the reserve to find out Newquay, 10.00am to 12.00 noon Christmas Ocean Quiz what’s about at dusk. Hot drinks & mince Booking is essential Penzance, 7.30pm to 9.00pm pies afterwards. Bring torches. Free for members of the Friends, £2 non-members. Short walk on the beach to collect materials Meet at Admiral Benbow, 46 Chapel Street (wrap up warm) and then back to a cosy Organised by FoCFCNR. Contact: Mary TR18 4AF room to make festive creations. Leader: Langworth (01752) 843852. Join us for a sea-inspired Christmas Sammy Brisdon. Contact: wildlifewatch@ pub quiz. Organised by Mount's Bay cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk Marine Group & Your Shore Beach Saturday 8 Rangers. To book, contact jacqui.keenan@ cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk Seaweed Press Monday 10 and Forage Seasonal Wildlife Quiz Falmouth,10.00am to 12.00 noon Tuesday 4 Bude, 7.30pm Booking is essential Meet at Stratton Primary School, New Christmas Ocean Quiz Meet at Castle Beach TR11 4NZ Road, Stratton, Bude, EX23 9AP. Bude, 6.30pm to 9.00pm Learn about the beautiful seaweeds A fun & friendly wildlife quiz with seasonal Meet at Rosie's Kitchen, Crooklets EX23 8NE found in Falmouth Bay & how to refreshments. Make up a team of 6 or come Join us for a sea-inspired pub quiz. preserve them. Organised by alone and we will organise the teams. organised by Bude Marine Group & Your Falmouth MCG & Your Shore All welcome. £3. Contact: Chair CWT Shore Beach Rangers. To book, contact Beach Rangers. Contact: info@ Bude Group (01288) 352726; cwtbude@ [email protected] falmouthmarineconservation.co.uk yahoo.co.uk

EVERYONE is welcome to attend ALL events except where specified (eg unsuitable for young children). Events are free unless specified, but donations are appreciated. Please bring appropriate clothing and footwear to all outdoor events. If bad weather is forecast, call event organisers to check that activities are still running.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PARENTS: Key to symbols: Abbreviations: Children must be accompanied by an adult at all events, and must remain CWT Wildlife Watch CSGRT Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust that person’s responsibility at all times. event for accompanied CWT Cornwall Wildlife Trust Sorry, no dogs at Cornwall Wildlife children Trust Wildlife Watch events. ERCCIS Environmental Records Centre for Full or partial Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Further details of events and activities disabled access are available on our website: FoCFCNR Friends of Churchtown Farm www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/ Sponsored by Community Nature Reserve whats-on South West Water MCG Marine Conservation Group Five Acres, Allet, Truro, TR4 9DJ Tel. NT National Trust (01872) 273939

ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 25 DECEMBER Mis Kevardhu JANUARY Mis Genver Saturday 15 Saturday 19 Saturday 26

Rubbish Monsters The Plight of the Bumblebee The Big Garden , 11.00am to 1.00pm. Booking is essential Gweek, 7.30pm Bird Watch Join Beach Guardian’s cofounders to Meet at Gweek Village Hall, TR12 6UG. Truro, 11.00am to 1.00pm explore plastic pollution and what you can Prof Juliet Osborne & Dr Pete Kennedy have Booking is essential do creatively with rubbish. Create a rubbish been studying bumblebees, honeybees Join Wildlife Watch volunteers for the art monster to take home. Leaders: Rob & and other pollinators for over 20 years. RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch survey Emily Stevenson. Contact: wildlifewatch@ Their talk will focus on what can be done and learn about birds. Leader: Ruth cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk to safeguard populations in Cornwall. U18s & HMCG members free. Others, £4 for Corbett. Contact: wildlifewatch@ others. Organised by Helford MCG. Contact: cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk Sunday 16 Sue Scott (01326) 340961; coordinator@ Photography helfordvmca.co.uk Sunday 27 Holywell Bay, 11.00am to 5.00pm Meet at NT car park, TR8 5PF. (SW767586). Saturday 19 Wild Winter Cooking We will photograph seashore, strandline, Wadebridge, 10.30am to 2.30pm landscapes & sunset. 15-minute walk Homes for Bugs Booking is essential from car park over grassland & beach to Illogan, 11.00am to 1.00pm Cook hearty, warming food on an open reach shore. Public toilets by car park. Booking is essential fire out in the woods with Wildlife Watch Bring camera, tripod, macro, telephoto We love bugs. Learn about bugs in your & Miss Elvy’s Curious School of the & wide angle lenses, food, drink, wellies. garden & make your own bug house to Wild. Explore & play in the woods too. Suggested donation to CWT: £2. Organised take home. Generously funded by David Leader: Nik Elvy. Contact: wildlifewatch@ by Photographic Group. Contact/leaders: Ekinsmyth. Leader: Emma Oliver. Contact: cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk Karin Saunders 07790 613786 & Becky Curtis [email protected] 07746 083422; [email protected] or [email protected] Sunday 20 FEBRUARY Mis Hwevrer Sunday 16 Winter Strandline Arts and Crafts Wednesday 2 Seaquest Public Seawatch Mullion, 11.00am to 1.00pm CSGRT Meeting St Ives, 11.00am to 1.00pm Booking is essential Redruth, 7.30pm to 10.00pm National Coastwatch Institute TR26 1NT. Join Wildlife Watch volunteers in Meet at the Inn for All Seasons Look out for dolphins, whales, seals & more! collaboration with Polurrian Hotel, Friends of (SW701434). Contact: [email protected] Polurrian Beach & Beach Guardian for a fun Updates & seal highlights. Food can be winter tideline ramble followed by marine- ordered from 6.30pm. Contact: Sue Sayer themed arts & crafts back in the warmth of [email protected] JANUARY Mis Genver the hotel. Leader: Rob Stevenson. Contact: [email protected] Wednesday 2 Thursday 7 CSGRT Meeting Sunday 20 Winter Bird Workshop See Wednesday 5 December for details. Wild Cornwall Film , 10.00am to 4.30pm Screening Booking is essential Saturday 12 Truro, 6.00pm to 8.00pm One of a series of ERCCIS biological Plaza Cinema, Truro TR1 2PN. recording workshops to develop ID Scrub skills. An excellent introduction to This inspiring and award-winning film by watching key bird species of woodland, Challenge Ian McCarthy follows the turning year in 10.30am to 3.30pm. Booking is essential Cornwall and wildlife living on the edge, wetland & open water. Bring wellies, Meet at Rosenannon Village, St Wenn where land, sea & sky meet. £8. Watch binoculars, notepad, pen, camera. parish, by phone box, PL30 5PJ (SW956661). trailer & book at www.cornwallwildlifetrust. £35 for most, £72 for commercial/ Rosenannon Bog is a hidden wildlife gem org.uk/WildCornwallFilm government. Contact us re disabled under threat from scrub encroachment. access. Leaders: Martin Rule, Bonfire & jacket potatoes. No experience Laura Fox (01872) 302246; necessary. Bring wellies, lunch, leather Monday 21 [email protected] gloves if you have them. Tools provided. Around the Bottom Organised by CWT Nature Reserves. of the World Saturday 9 Contact: Seán O’Hea 07971 542185; [email protected] Bude, 7.30pm Meet at Stratton Primary School, New Road, Brilliant Botany Stratton EX23 9AP. Falmouth, 10.00am to 12.00 noon Saturday 12 Booking is essential Superb wildlife photos & amusing narrative Feed the Birds charting this globetrotting couple’s cruise Join Wildlife Watch volunteers & , 10.00am to12.00 noon from Chile & Argentina, round Cape Horn Generation Wild to learn about spring Booking is essential to the Falkland Islands. £3 to include tea/ flowers and enjoy the ancient craft of Make treats to take home for birds this coffee. Speakers: Colin & Patricia Humphrey. hapa zome (leaf & flower bashing!). winter. All equipment & materials provided, Organised by CWT Bude Group. Contact: Leaders: Chloe & Generation Wild. generously funded by Counsellors Gary Chair CWT Bude Group (01288) 352726 or Contact: wildlifewatch@ Davis & John Crago. Leader: Natalie [email protected] cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk Mitchell. Contact: wildlifewatch@ cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

Monday 14 You can submit events to be included on our website 'What's On' listing and Photographic Group Wild Cornwall magazine's diary by contacting Mark Dungey. Groups affiliated Meeting to Cornwall Wildlife Trust will be given priority when space is short. Nr Truro, 7.30pm to 10.00pm Please email Mark Dungey for an event form: Meet at CWT HQ, Five Acres, Allet TR4 9DJ. [email protected] Members’ evening. Suggested donation £2. Deadline for Wild Cornwall issue 138, Spring 2019: Friday 4 January 2019. Contact: Adrian Langdon (01208) 813440 or 07702 527603; [email protected] Wild Cornwall 138 will be published on Monday 8 April 2019.

26 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 FEBRUARY Mis Hwevrer MARCH Mis Meurth Sunday 10 Sunday 17 Saturday 2

Photography Breney Common Reserve Home for Bugs Porthcurno, 12.30pm to 6.30pm Work Party Penryn, 10.00am to12.00 noon (sunset at 5.30pm) Nr , 10.00am to 3.00pm Booking is essential Meet at Porthcurno car park, Meet at Gunwen Chapel, Lowertown village Build a great little home for bugs using TR19 6JX. From Penzance take PL30 5DU (SX053613). wood, hammers & drill. Generously A30 to Land’s End, follow signs for Please come and help with shrub & funded by Cllr Jayne Kirkham. Supported Porthcurno (SW387226). vegetation clearance. In wet areas. Bring by local Community Chest Fund. Leader: We will photograph seashore, strandline, protective clothes, gloves, cutting tools, Emma Oliver. Contact: wildlifewatch@ cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk landscapes & sunset. Beach accessed picnic & friends. Cancelled if weather is via steep steps. Toilets in car park (coin- wet. Organised by CWT Restormel Group. operated). Bring camera, tripod, macro, Contact: Dave Thomas (01726) 861093; Saturday 2 wide angle, telephoto lenses, food, drink. [email protected] Donation to CWT; £2 suggested. Your Shore conference Organised by Photo Group. Leaders/ 9.00am to 5.00pm contacts: Karin Saunders 07790 613786 Monday 18 Venue tbc. Contact: jacqui.keenan@ & Becky Curtis 07746 083422; Secret World of the cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk [email protected] or kar1n@ madasafish.com Undergrowth Bude, 7.30pm Wednesday 6 Meet at Stratton Primary School, New Road, Sunday 10 Stratton EX23 9AP. CSGRT Meeting Redruth, 7.30pm to 10.00pm Winter Forest Award-winning artist, photographer & Meet at the Inn for All Seasons (SW701434). School Fun ecologist John Walters talking on the identification & diversity of beetles, Updates & seal highlights. Food can be Nr Bodmin, 10.00 to 12.00 noon butterflies, moths, flies & spiders in the ordered from 6.30pm. Contact: Sue Sayer Booking is essential undergrowth around us. £3 to include tea/ [email protected] Join Wildlife Watch volunteers & coffee. Organised by CWT Bude Group. Badger Forest School www. Contact: Chair CWT Bude Group (01288) Saturday 9 badgerforestschool.co.uk for campfire 352726; [email protected] & den-building fun. Leader: Ysella Reserve Clean Wood. Contact: wildlifewatch@ Saltash, 1.00 to 3.00pm Tuesday 19 cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk Meet at Wearde Road entrance PL12 4AS Build a Bird Box (SX423583). Monday 11 Devoran, 2.30pm to 4.30pm Help give the reserve a good clean up. Photographic Booking is essential Refreshments afterwards. Bring old gloves. Make homes for our local birds to nest Leader: Jackie Austin. Organised by Friends Group Meeting in. Wood & tools provided. Organised of Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve. Nr Truro, 7.30pm to 10.00pm in partnership with Restronguet Creek Contact: Mary (01752) 843852. Meet at CWT HQ, Five Acres, Allet TR4 9DJ. Society. Generously funded by Cllr Martyn Alvey. Contact: wildlifewatch@ Members' evening. Suggested donation £2. Saturday 9 Contact: Adrian Langdon (01208) 813440 or cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk 07702 527603; [email protected] Signs of Spring Falmouth, 10.00am to 12.00 noon Wednesday 20 Booking is essential Thursday 14 Den Building Join Wildlife Watch volunteers & Generation Love Your Beach and Campfire Wild to explore the signs of this season – Activities at various locations around St Just, 10.00am to 12.00 noon and plant some veggies too. Cornwall. For more info, contact: your Booking is essential Leaders: Chloe & Generation Wild. Contact: (01872) 273939; wildlifewatch@ local Marine Group (find them on the map Learn how to shelter from the cold – build a cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk at https://beachrangers.com/community/ den and help light a fire. Fun & games with your-shore-network/) or jacqui.keenan@ The Treebies School of Nature & Wildlife cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk Watch volunteers. Generously funded by Sunday 10 Cllr Sue James. Leader: Lisa Guy. Contact: Breney Common Reserve Saturday 16 [email protected] Work Party A Seal’s Tale Nr Luxulyan, 10.00am to 3.00pm Friday 22 Newquay, 2.00pm to 4.00pm Meet at Gunwen Chapel, Lowertown village Booking is essential Winter Waders PL30 5DU (SX053613). Learn all about our awesome local , 10.00am to 12.00 noon Please come and help with shrub & seals in a fantastic venue with Chris & Booking is essential vegetation clearance. In wet areas. Bring Annabelle Lowe from Newquay Sea Enjoy a bird watching wander. Explore protective clothes, gloves, cutting tools, Safaris & Fishing. Contact: wildlifewatch@ different habitats & identify species picnic & friends. Cancelled if weather is cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk as you go with our bird enthusiast wet. Organised by CWT Restormel Group. Daniel Eva. Contact: wildlifewatch@ Contact: Dave Thomas (01726) 861093; [email protected] Sunday 17 cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

Woodland Wander Saturday 23 Sunday 10 and Leaf Art , 10.00am to 12.00 noon Bird Ringing Spring in Your Step Booking is essential Truro, 10.00 am to 12.00 noon Saltash, 10.00am to 12.00 noon Booking is essential Woodland wander to explore winter Booking is essential wildlife, and then create clay leaf art Join Wildlife Watch Volunteers & Enjoy a wander around a wonderful to take home. Don’t forget to wrap up expert Mark Grantham for bird ringing reserve, with meadows, wetland, rocky warm! Generously funded by Cllr Philip in the woodland and then natural shore & mudflats, looking for signs Desmond. Contact: wildlifewatch@ arts & crafts. Contact: wildlifewatch@ of spring. Contact: wildlifewatch@ cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk. cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 27 MARCH Mis Meurth APRIL Mis Ebryl

Monday 11 Sunday 24 Saturday 13

Photographic Group Pond Dipping Gardening Club Meeting Nr Bodmin, 2.00pm to 4.00pm Nr Truro, 10.00am to 12.00 noon Nr Truro, 7.30pm to 10.00pm Booking is essential Booking is essential Meet at CWT HQ, Five Acres, Allet TR4 9DJ. Join our Wildlife Watch spring pond dip to Join Wildlife Watch Volunteers and Perennial Harvest for another springtime Members' evening. Suggested donation £2. see what lives in this watery world. Leader: gardening session. Inside or out depending Contact: Adrian Langdon (01208) 813440 or Ruth Corbett. Contact: wildlifewatch@ cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk on the weather. Leader: Tamasin 07702 527603; [email protected] Pemberton. Contact: wildlifewatch@ cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk Saturday 30 Tuesday 12 Plastic Pollution Sunday 14 Wildlife Photography Padstow, 2.00pm to 4.00pm Camborne, 10.00am to 3.00pm Booking is essential Spring Forest School Fun Meet at Tehidy Country Park, South Drive With a growing awareness of the impact Nr Bodmin, 10.00am to 12.00 noon car park TR14 0TS (SW651433). of plastic on our environment join co- Booking is essential We will photograph birds, fungi & squirrels founders of Beach Guardian Rob & Emily Join Wildlife Watch volunteers & Badger around the main lake. Please check the trip is Stevenson to find out more. Maybe get Forest School www.badgerforestschool. still on if bad weather forecast. Bring tripod. £2 creative too. Contact: wildlifewatch@ co.uk for a spring forest school experience: donation. Leader: David Chapman. Organised cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk campfire, den building & exploring all by Photo Group. Contact: (01736) 850287. the way. Leader: Ysella Wood. Contact: [email protected] Friday 15 APRIL Mis Ebryl Sunday 14 European Odonata: Tuesday 2 My Dragonfly Journey Looe Island Guided Walk Open Garden – Nr Truro 7.30pm. Meet at Chacewater Village 2.00pm to 6.00pm. Booking is essential Coldrenick House Hall, Chacewater TR4 8PZ. Boat ride to the island where you’ll join the , , 2.00pm to 5.00pm A talk by Paul Hopkins, author of the DVD warden for an escorted walk. During the Meet at garden, PL14 3RQ (SX246537). Guide to the Dragonflies of the UK and 3-hour visit we’ll help you spot the Island’s Lawns, beds & shrubs with ornamental Ireland. Paul has travelled throughout wildlife & learn about the Trust’s work and trees. Magnolias, camellias & bamboos. Europe in search of dragonflies. High the challenges of island life. After the walk Beautiful bluebell woodland is great to walk quality video footage of the target species there’s the option of a slide show in Jetty around. £5. Organised by CWT. Contact: from each country visited. Paul’s 3-DVD set Cottage. Cost £25 Leader: Jon Ross. Booking [email protected] will be on sale for £20; contribution to the is online only: www.cornwallwildlifetrust. British Dragonfly Society for each copy sold. org.uk/islandwalks Entry £3. Organiser: Paul Hopkins, CWT Wednesday 17 Restormel Group. Contact: (01726) 861093; Wednesday 3 Looe Island Guided Walk [email protected] CSGRT Meeting 2.00pm to 6.00pm. Booking is essential See Tuesday 2 April for further details. Redruth, 7.30pm to 10.00pm Saturday 16 Meet at the Inn for All Seasons (SW701434). Mud Monsters 2 See Wednesday 5 December for further details. Wednesday 24

Bude, 2.30 to 4.30pm Nature Treasure Hunt Booking is essential Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 St Just, 10.00am to 12.00 noon Enjoy mud & bugs in collaboration with Booking is essential Bude-based Happy Acorns – Outdoor Learning Cornwall Garden Enjoy a wonderful spring nature treasure – don’t forget to wear wellies. Contact: Society Show hunt in a coppice wood & wetland [email protected] Nr Wadebridge, 10.00 to 4.00pm with the Treebies School of Nature & Meet at Royal Cornwall Showground. Wildlife Watch. Don’t forget your wellies. Wildlife Watch will have a spring-themed Monday 18 Generously funded by Cllr Sue James. wildlife activity table with lots for you to do Leader: Lisa Guy. Contact: wildlifewatch@ AGM + the Diversity & learn. Entry fees apply. Leader: Tamasin cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk of the Impossible Pemberton. No booking required. Contact: Cornwall Garden Society Bude, 7.30pm http://cornwallgardensociety.org.uk/ Saturday 27 Meet at Stratton Primary School, New Road, spring-flower-show Stratton EX23 9AP. Bee Amazing Camborne, 10.00am to 12.00 noon The talk by Alison Woods & Carole Fellows Sunday 7 Booking is essential looks at hidden organisms that live in Learn all about the amazing life of bees this crevices and out of sight on the rocky shores Spring in the Rockpools spring with Daena Rose from Wildwood of Bude & surrounds. Macro photography Fowey, 1.00pm to 2.30pm. Booking is essential Eco Garden. Contact: wildlifewatch@ will bring this small world alive to the Enjoy a wonderful rockpooling experience cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk audience. £3 to include tea/coffee. Organised at a sheltered beach with our expert. See by CWT Bude Group. Contact: Chair CWT what has survived the winter and learn how Bude Group (01288) 352726; cwtbude@ they did it. Bring wellies & bucket. No nets Sunday 28 yahoo.co.uk please. Leader: Heather Buttivant. Contact: [email protected] Open garden – Pedn Billy Helford Passage, 2.00pm to 5.00pm Saturday 23 Meet at garden, TR11 5LF.

Gardening Club Monday 8 This stunning, unique garden boasts wildlflower areas, specimen trees & terraced Nr Truro, 10.00am to 12.00 noon Photographic Group borders. It is ablaze with azaleas, magnolias Booking is essential Meeting rhododendrons, camellias & flowering Join Wildlife Watch volunteers & Perennial Nr Truro, 7.30pm to 10.00pm bulbs. Half the 12 acres is ancient woodland Harvest for a spring gardening session. Meet at CWT HQ, Five Acres, Allet TR4 9DJ. with paths that wind down to Port Navas Inside or out, whatever the weather. Members' evening. Suggested donation £2. & to its own private beach. Leader: Tamasin Pemberton. Contact: Contact: Adrian Langdon (01208) 813440 or £5. Organised by CWT. Contact: info@ [email protected] 07702 527603; [email protected] cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

28 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 Find your inner child Sometimes it’s Family time outdoors can help relieve stress, build self esteem, encourage a good to go wild. healthy lifestyle and nurturewild positive Our Family behaviours and respect for each other and the environment. Above all, though, Events and it helps to create fantastic memories for Volunteer years to come and sparks interest for Coordinator future family activities – perhaps our Joanna Arvor gardening club with Tamasin at Joanna Arvor Perennial Harvest has meant you have reveals that going wild can started to grow veg at home, too? Or our rockpool rambles with Heather create precious family time in Buttivant have sparked an interest in our busy lives. more beach adventures? “They caught all the wild children, And put them in zoos, There’s a reason why we call our Wildlife Nik Elvy from Miss Elvy's Curious Watch events ‘family events’. Child-led School of the Wild is soon to run They made them do sums sessions, like the Wildlife Watch Badger sessions for us too. She says, and wear sensible shoes. Forest School event near Bodmin that I “The children that work with us They put them to bed attended in the summer, are fantastic fun carry their enthusiasm home At the wrong time of day, for children but also help to build with them and actively And made them sit still relationships with their accompanying encourage their families to when they wanted to play. adults. Den building, fire lighting and get more involved in activities They scrubbed them with soap butterfly spotting light up each child’s and days out that they may imagination, and they have a similar not have planned before. Just and they made them eat peas. effect on the adults too, whether they are one enthusiastic and curious They made them behave and mums, dads, grandparents, carers or wild child can make a whole say pardon and please. older siblings. family even more wild – we They took all their wisdom It’s been found that getting out into the see it happen all the time. In and wildness away. wild, be it a stroll on a beach or a fact, I think I would go as far as That’s why there are none woodland wander, is not just good for saying that one wild and curious in the forests today.” individual mental health, but works child can even impact a Jeanne Willis, wonders to strengthen family bonds too. neighbourhood or a school.” from her book Wild Child Life is so busy and dominated by screen time that it is easy for us as adults to feel I’m so proud that our Wildlife Watch we don’t have the space for individual sessions can help children and their time with our children. Our two-hour families in so many ways. To get Wildlife Watch sessions can really help involved as a family member, do get in with this and with 80 events a year to touch via Membership on (01872) 273939 choose from, all over Cornwall, there will or contact Jo at wildlifewatch certainly be one that fits the bill for you @cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk – and your family. wild times are waiting for all the family to enjoy. Joanna Arvor, Family Events and Volunteer Coordinator

EE G AN SE ROB STEVENSON

An in-depth study by Exeter University about the effect of wildlife can be found on our website: www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/discover-learn/naturematters Can you name our new beer? wildBrewed in partnership with St Austell Brewery

As well as naming the beer, the winner will receive: ●● The chance to select fine Cornish ingredients for the recipe ●● An invitation to a private brewing event to brew the batch

●● A case of our specially-brewed wild beer Sales of the wild beer include a donation Deadline Friday 1st March 2019 to Cornwall Please send your ideas to: Wildlife Trust cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildbeercomp

Competition rules: The name must represent Cornwall’s nature. One entry per person. Entrant must be over 18 years old. The gift that keeps on giving

In this issue “Since the earliest days of the Brewery, To celebrate this very generous we have always looked to give back to support, Chris Knight, Curator and PR we celebrate local people and local communities, Manager for St Austell Brewery, was the fantastic whether through our Charitable Trust presented with a special wildlife art support we or through sponsorship of good gift at our recent Wild Business event. causes. The wonderful wildlife that receive from surrounds us plays a major part in iconic Cornish what makes Cornwall such an amazing Serena place to live and work, so we are Pettigrew-Jolly beer producer delighted to have been able to play and one of the our own small part in supporting county’s largest employers, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, which works so hard to protect and preserve the St Austell Brewery, writes natural habitats of the county for future Serena Pettigrew-Jolly, our generations to enjoy.”

Business Support Manager. We are delighted to be working with The Brewery has also pledged to You may not think that a quick cup longstanding supporter St Austell involve more pubs with visit or gifting of coffee or leisurely meal out at Brewery. Donations from the visitor initiatives to further support the a local pub could mean a boost gifting schemes run by their popular Trust's vital conservation work. for wildlife and wild places, but pubs not only help to protect wildlife www.staustellbrewery.co.uk thanks to St Austell Brewery, those and wild places in Cornwall, enjoying a tasty treat have been but their customers can also benefiting Cornwall’s beautiful natural feel assured that they are making a environment at the same time. difference to our beautiful county. There are four pubs Whether tourists or local residents, Since 2010 St Austell Brewery currently running these everyone can give back to nature has donated nearly £15,000, through visitor gifting schemes, one which has been derived initiatives, plus their of which has seen 5p from every hot from nearly 300,000 popular Visitor Centre: drink sold at a selection of St Austell cups of tea, coffee or 3 The Lifeboat Inn Brewery pubs donated to Cornwall hot chocolate sold! 1 Wildlife Trust. 2 St Ives 4 The Old Custom House Charitable and External Relationships 5 2 Padstow 1 Director Piers Thompson comments, The Port William Inn 3 The Rashleigh Arms 4 Charlestown St Austell Brewery 5 Visitor Centre St Austell

To discover more about how your business can work for wildlife, please visit www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/business or contact Serena Pettigrew-Jolly, Business Support Manager, on (01872) 302264 or [email protected]

ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 31 Beaver kits born in Cornwall

During the summer we First glimpses of the kits were thrilled to discover Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) have a gestation period of around 105 days – just over three months. They usually breed around January and that Cornwall’s beaver the kits stay in the lodge for up to a month. So we were hoping to see pair have produced beaver kits any time from April onwards, but they made us wait until young (kits). early June. Chris Jones alerted the team after a lucky glimpse during an evening Since their release in summer Tom Shelley patrol of the enclosure. Chris saw the female beaver feeding on the 2017, our male and female bank and she had very pronounced teats, a tell-tale sign that she had beaver have been busy settling given birth. A few nights later he had a glimpse of a small beaver on into a 5-acre enclosure on Woodland Valley Farm, the island. Ladock, home of the Cornwall Beaver Project and Seeing the look of amazement on someone’s face at seeing their Trust Wildlife Partner. first beaver dam or even a beaver kit right here in Cornwall is just Mystery of the second beaver lodge brilliant! And now people have the chance to see beaver kits for the first time in 400 years – that really is a first for Cornwall and hopefully We witnessed the beavers’ lodge being built on the a glimmer of hope for the UK as a whole. main pond island a year ago. After a few months we noticed that another, smaller, lodge had been Tom Shelley, Conservation Manager built on the pond’s bank. This had us confused until we realised this was the male beaver building a BELOW: The team invited film-maker Nina Constable over and she temporary bachelor pad, ready to move out of the captured some great sequences of two kits around the lodge entrance, bobbing in the water next to the female. The footage was aired during the main lodge while the female was nursing. last episode of BBC Springwatch 2018 – the beavers had perfect timing! DAVID PARKYN NINA CONSTABLE NINA CONSTABLE

See the beaver site for yourselves The team are running walks each spring, summer and early autumn. Book your place at cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/ shop.

ABOVE: Since these initial glimpses, we have had many A nickname for a beaver kit is ‘cork’ as it bobs great encounters with the beaver family. The kits now Did you know? regularly swim alone across the main pond to feed in up and down in the water like a bottle cork due bankside vegetation. People on our public visits have

to its light and buoyant fluffy fur coat seen them suckling and being groomed by their mother. DAVID PARKYN

32 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 A tribute to Vic Simpson (18th February 1941 to 31st July 2018)

Cornwall lost an extraordinary Vic's strandings investigations identified dolphins and porpoises drowning in man this summer – around 300 fishing nets and mass seal deaths due “Always generous with people attended his funeral in to infections. First discoveries included his time and expertise, Truro. Vic was a distinguished parasites in pine martens and red Vic was a great man veterinary pathologist who, squirrels, heartworm in stoats, and bacteria in bats. He also carried out who will be sadly missed after some six years in Africa, ground-breaking research on birds, settled in Cornwall in the including swan deaths in the 1970s for his personality, mid-1970s. He worked at resulting in the ban on lead in anglers’ enthusiasm and fishing weights and garden bird disease the Veterinary Laboratories associated with summer feeding at remarkable knowledge.” Agency at Polwhele until bird tables. Mark Nicholson, Chair of Council, he ‘retired’ in 2001 and set Vic receiving a Cornwall Wildlife Trust up Britain’s first Wildlife dead otter in his natural habitat, Veterinary Investigation the laboratory. Vic’s legacy lives on – in the vets he’s Centre (Wildlife VIC) in trained around the world, the research Chacewater. that carries on and through ‘Simpson Junior’, the stuffed otter used by the Vic loved a good corpse and he had a Mammal Group and Trust for many string of corpse carriers to bring them events. His work has been recognised by to his lab – the ‘body line’ he preferred many awards. His last was in 2017: the to call it. I was delighted to join these ‘Special Award’ from the International wonderful people when I started at Otter Survival Fund, at which he said: Cornwall Wildlife Trust in 1998, as “The successes we have enjoyed a fledging Otters and Rivers Project were only possible due to others’ Officer. Vic’s pioneering work on otters commitment.” included over 700 otter post mortems, Kate Hills, Cornwall Mammal Group more than any other individual. KATE HILLS

New Cornwall Nature Reserve fund

This September we launched our Cornwall Nature Reserves Fund. This is in response to an alarming trend as local wildlife continues to diminish at a worrying rate. Our nature reserves are now more important than ever.

Every year it costs £720,248 to keep our nature reserves wild. We’re doing all we can to protect this county’s rich and varied landscapes. Will you help us secure the future of your local nature reserves? Whatever you can afford to give, you will be helping Cornwall’s wildlife to thrive, such as the vulnerable silver- studded blue butterfly, our iconic Cornish chough, and the barbastelle bat, which is one of the rarest mammals with very few breeding sites and identified as a UK Biodiversity Action Plan species. For more information, or to donate, please visit www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/naturereservesfund or please call 01872 273939

ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 33 Natu ral World News from The Wildlife Trusts across the UK Winter 2018 with a Where to see owls Ten great places for these mysterious birds, p14

We'll donate £60 to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust when you switch your electricity and gas

As Britain’s greenest energy company, we supply 100% green electricity and frack-free gas – but that’s not all. Our mission is to create a greener Britain, so we harness our customers’ bills to create new sources of green energy, like windmills and sunmills – it’s what we call turning ‘bills into mills’.

Call 0808 123 0123 (quote CWT1) or visit ecotricity.co.uk/CWT

“We love The great otter Wildlife- volunteering!” comeback friendly farms Seven people explain From almost extinct to Do they really exist? the attraction widespread in 40 years Of course they do 34 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 Natu ral World News from The Wildlife Trusts across the UK Winter 2018 Where to see owls Ten great places for these mysterious birds, p14

“We love The great otter Wildlife- volunteering!” comeback friendly farms Seven people explain From almost extinct to Do they really exist? the attraction widespread in 40 years Of course they do UK STORIES Latest UK-wide news and issues: wildlifetrusts. org/news Next job: an Environment Act You are part of a powerful grassroots movement for wildlife – one that has been central to securing strong laws for wildlife on land and sea since the 1940s. Most recently your support for the latest list of potential Marine Conservation Zones sent a 22,000 support strong message to Government. Thank you. But just as we make some progress at sea – and all is not won there either – so we must mobilise again for the wildlife that lives with us on the land. Out-dated road building proposals scrapped in the 1980s are back on the table – an M4 extension call to protect across the Gwent Levels, a bypass across iconic water meadows near Arundel and an “expressway” to dissect and destroy tracts of the Upper Ray valley between Oxford and Cambridge. And all this at a time of great uncertainty about farming and our sea life fi sheries as we leave the EU. Facing these new challenges we must be strong, Huge response to six-week public consultation on united and determined. We need everyone we can designating more Marine Conservation Zones muster to make their dedication to wildlife visible

BEX LYNAM and their voices heard. We need to challenge destructive road proposals and secure an hank you. In the six weeks paved the way for more protected To raise the 41 proposed Marine Conservation Environment Act that puts nature into recovery. leading up to July 20th, sites in English seas. awareness of Zones they will formally designate. The Westminster Government is committed to an 22,000 of you signed up to After two public consultations and the need for We hope to hear the outcome in Environment Act of some kind, but it will be down T more MCZs, we our Wave of Support campaign, campaigns by The Wildlife Trusts, early 2019. to us to make sure this is truly ambitious, hard- urging Environment Secretary Government has designated 50 new drew the UK Designating a Zone is just the hitting and cross-government. and its marine Take whatever action you can – make that hole Michael Gove to designate 41 new Zones in English waters. This is a life on Filey beginning. We need to make sure Marine Conservation Zones in the great start, but we need a network Beach, North these sites are managed well. This in your fence for hedgehogs, keep your garden seas around England. This is the of protected areas covering every Yorkshire means restricting damaging activities, unpaved, stop buying peat – and share your latest triumph in a decades-long kind of habitat and threatened such as scallop dredging and bottom actions to encourage others to act too. battle to secure better protection trawling, which threaten the wildlife Also, please think about who your elected for the wildlife in our seas. We hope that the site is designated to protect. politicians are and let them know that you want Until recently, we had no way of Restrictions are already in place for laws which set targets for nature’s recovery, maps protecting nationally important to hear the How to draw a shark in the sand. Doing some of the fi rst sites to be to identify where habitats must be protected and marine sites in England and Wales, the entire UK is a bit harder designated, such as The Manacles on improved, and strong enforcement. and only 0.001% of our seabed consultation species. This latest consultation the southern coast of Cornwall. With Join our campaign for a Wilder British Isles! was protected. So we campaigned could take us one step closer to a enough sites designated and proper for the Marine and Coastal Access outcome in complete network. The Government management, our seas can Act, which passed in 2009 and early 2019 has up to a year to decide which of thrive again.

The 47-year fi ght for marine protection Stephanie Hilborne OBE Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts 1971 1990 1995 2002 2009 2013 2014 2016 2018 @stephhilborne

Skomer in Wales The Wildlife First 27 Scottish 23 more English is designated a Trusts begin English Marine Government Zones designated. Marine Nature campaigning for Conservation designates 30 Four more in Reserve a Marine Act Zones Marine Protected Northern Ireland. designated. Areas (plus one Marine and Northern more in 2017). The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Rd, Newark, Notts NG24 1WT Lundy, o‹ Devon, Northern Ireland’s Website: wildlifetrusts.org Tel: 01636 677711 Coastal Access Ireland Marine Email: [email protected] becomes Britain’s Strangford Lough Act passed Act passed. Consultation on Twitter: @wildlifetrusts fi rst Marine is designated a in England. third tranche of Facebook: Facebook.com/wildlifetrusts Protected Area Marine Nature Scotland follows English Marine Instagram: @thewildlifetrusts Reserve Conservation Zones. Charity No: 207238 in 2010. Cover: Short-eared Owl at Worlaby Carrs, Lincs by Danny Green MAIN PIC: BEX LYNAM. INSETS: TBA INSETS: MAIN PIC: BEX LYNAM.

36 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 UK STORIES Latest UK-wide news and issues: wildlifetrusts. org/news Next job: an Environment Act You are part of a powerful grassroots movement for wildlife – one that has been central to securing strong laws for wildlife on land and sea since the 1940s. Most recently your support for the latest list of potential Marine Conservation Zones sent a 22,000 support strong message to Government. Thank you. But just as we make some progress at sea – and all is not won there either – so we must mobilise again for the wildlife that lives with us on the land. Out-dated road building proposals scrapped in the 1980s are back on the table – an M4 extension call to protect across the Gwent Levels, a bypass across iconic water meadows near Arundel and an “expressway” to dissect and destroy tracts of the Upper Ray valley between Oxford and Cambridge. And all this at a time of great uncertainty about farming and our sea life fi sheries as we leave the EU. Facing these new challenges we must be strong, Huge response to six-week public consultation on united and determined. We need everyone we can designating more Marine Conservation Zones muster to make their dedication to wildlife visible

BEX LYNAM and their voices heard. We need to challenge destructive road proposals and secure an hank you. In the six weeks paved the way for more protected To raise the 41 proposed Marine Conservation Environment Act that puts nature into recovery. leading up to July 20th, sites in English seas. awareness of Zones they will formally designate. The Westminster Government is committed to an 22,000 of you signed up to After two public consultations and the need for We hope to hear the outcome in Environment Act of some kind, but it will be down T more MCZs, we our Wave of Support campaign, campaigns by The Wildlife Trusts, early 2019. to us to make sure this is truly ambitious, hard- urging Environment Secretary Government has designated 50 new drew the UK Designating a Zone is just the hitting and cross-government. and its marine Take whatever action you can – make that hole Michael Gove to designate 41 new Zones in English waters. This is a life on Filey beginning. We need to make sure Marine Conservation Zones in the great start, but we need a network Beach, North these sites are managed well. This in your fence for hedgehogs, keep your garden seas around England. This is the of protected areas covering every Yorkshire means restricting damaging activities, unpaved, stop buying peat – and share your latest triumph in a decades-long kind of habitat and threatened such as scallop dredging and bottom actions to encourage others to act too. battle to secure better protection trawling, which threaten the wildlife Also, please think about who your elected for the wildlife in our seas. We hope that the site is designated to protect. politicians are and let them know that you want Until recently, we had no way of Restrictions are already in place for laws which set targets for nature’s recovery, maps protecting nationally important to hear the How to draw a shark in the sand. Doing some of the fi rst sites to be to identify where habitats must be protected and marine sites in England and Wales, the entire UK is a bit harder designated, such as The Manacles on improved, and strong enforcement. and only 0.001% of our seabed consultation species. This latest consultation the southern coast of Cornwall. With Join our campaign for a Wilder British Isles! was protected. So we campaigned could take us one step closer to a enough sites designated and proper for the Marine and Coastal Access outcome in complete network. The Government management, our seas can Act, which passed in 2009 and early 2019 has up to a year to decide which of thrive again.

The 47-year fi ght for marine protection Stephanie Hilborne OBE Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts 1971 1990 1995 2002 2009 2013 2014 2016 2018 @stephhilborne

Skomer in Wales The Wildlife First 27 Scottish 23 more English is designated a Trusts begin English Marine Government Zones designated. Marine Nature campaigning for Conservation designates 30 Four more in Reserve a Marine Act Zones Marine Protected Northern Ireland. designated. Areas (plus one Marine and Northern more in 2017). The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Rd, Newark, Notts NG24 1WT Lundy, o‹ Devon, Northern Ireland’s Website: wildlifetrusts.org Tel: 01636 677711 Coastal Access Ireland Marine Email: [email protected] becomes Britain’s Strangford Lough Act passed Act passed. Consultation on Twitter: @wildlifetrusts fi rst Marine is designated a in England. third tranche of Facebook: Facebook.com/wildlifetrusts Protected Area Marine Nature Scotland follows English Marine Instagram: @thewildlifetrusts Reserve Conservation Zones. Charity No: 207238 in 2010. Cover: Short-eared Owl at Worlaby Carrs, Lincs by Danny Green MAIN PIC: BEX LYNAM. INSETS: TBA INSETS: MAIN PIC: BEX LYNAM.

ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 37 38 RICHARD OSBOURNE CRAIG ALLARDYCE

UK STORIES UK Scottish Government considers development threat to pristine Sutherlanddunesystem Trust nature reserve a Norfolk Wildlife Roydon Common, Coming for awalk? Norfolk reconnects people andcommons curlew andcuckoo. support otter, osprey, of habitats that system withamosaic complete undisturbed in East Sutherland,are a a golfcourse. threatened by aplanto turnitinto important Scottish dunesystem is Despite this,aninternationally disappearing habitats intheworld. they’re alsooneofthe fastest- species that live nowhere else, but Sand dunesare hometo rare A golf courseA golf here? The dunes, at Coul Links The dunes,at Coul Links

Find out more about

wtru.st/coul-links

this exceptional Coul Links

wilderness at is special planning decisionsinrecent years. is oneofthemost important the said:“This is of‘national importance’. hands ofMinisters whosay thecase by localcouncillors butisnow inthe Jonny Hughes,ChiefExecutive of The development was approved It’s only right that it is It’s onlyrightthat itis considered by theScottish Government. We urge Ministers to maintain rare habitats.” fragile, internationally their protection of

The site includes extensive wetlands where ospreys are a top predator Coul Linksispartofa SSSI andSPA. These designations should The dunesystem at ISSUE 137 WINTER2018 protect it

Trust volunteers surveying plant species CIARÁN WALSH/ANTRIM LENS TERRY WHITTAKER/2020VISION to extinction inEngland.Now this gamekeepers hasdriven themclose fur industry andpersecutionby the UK,butwoodland clearance, the holes andoldnests. woodlands where they live intree of theotter andweasel, found in Pine martens are cat-sized relatives

in Derbyshire? Pine martens back

Five barn owl chicks in one brood is a record for Northern Ireland They were once common across ERIC RENNO ERIC in Norfolk commons creation of new decline, butUlster Wildlife are likely to have driven thepopulation an increase inmajorroads are all agriculture, useofrodenticides and in thecountry. Intensifi cation of with onlyaround 50breeding pairs Ireland’s most endangered birds, Barn owls are oneofNorthern Record brood ofbarn owls Derbyshire in16years. presence ofthespeciesin between BelperandRipley. noticed adeadmaleonroad photographer AndyParkinson was notoneofthem,untilwildlife few Englishcounties. Derbyshire rare mammalisonlyrecorded ina with theseancientplaces, celebrating two-year project to reconnect people Special Scientific Interest. with many designated asSites of These places are often fullofwildlife, such aswalking orgrazing livestock. traditionally granted thepublicrights land, where landowners have Around 3%ofEnglandiscommon This isthefirst confi rmed hasbegun a lead to the It could a rare sightingin A pinemarten is England & Suœolk Water Branch Outfund. Heritage Lottery Fundandthe Essex East Anglia, issupported by the County Council andtheUniversity of enjoy wildlife. also provide new places to walk and have areal stake intheland. It would woodlands, allowing residents to community orchards orcoppice new commons inNorfolk, perhapsas people researching theirhistory. museums. There willalsobe helpfor events involving schools,artists and to collect wildlife records andrun protect commons, enlist volunteers will helpcommunities tryingto county’s 300commons. The Trust the wildlife andheritageofthe in NorthernIreland. brood ofbarnowls ever recorded chicks inasinglenest –thelargest boosted by the discovery offi ve summer, thetiny population was best to helpbarnowls. This by advisinglandowners onhow working to reverse theirfortunes Lowick Common: aready-made reserve generations are ableto enjoy it.” over to theTrust sothat future that we canhandLowick Common 1990: “Itisagreat joy to thefamily bought itwithherhusbandJimin donation intheTrust’s history. Lowick Common isthelargest land yellowhammers. At 105hectares, spotted flycatchers and call thesite home, includingadders, protection for themany speciesthat gifted anew nature reserve, ensuring hasbeen for Cumbria Huge landdonation

The project, jointlyrunwithNorfolk This could leadto thecreation of It comes from Yvonne Miller, who ANDREW WALTER ANDREW RICHARD OSBOURNE CRAIG ALLARDYCE UK STORIES UK Trust nature reserve a Norfolk Wildlife Roydon Common, Coming for awalk? Norfolk reconnects people andcommons Scottish Government considers development threat to pristine Sutherlanddunesystem curlew andcuckoo. support otter, osprey, of habitats that system withamosaic complete undisturbed in East Sutherland,are a a golfcourse. threatened by aplanto turnitinto important Scottish dunesystem is Despite this,aninternationally disappearing habitats intheworld. they’re alsooneofthe fastest- species that live nowhere else, but Sand dunesare hometo rare A golf courseA golf here? The dunes, at Coul Links The dunes,at Coul Links

Find out more about

wtru.st/coul-links

this exceptional Coul Links

wilderness at is special planning decisionsinrecent years. is oneofthemost important the Scottish Wildlife Trust said:“This is of‘national importance’. hands ofMinisters whosay thecase by localcouncillors butisnow inthe Jonny Hughes,ChiefExecutive of The development was approved It’s only right that it is It’s onlyrightthat itis considered by theScottish Government. We urge Ministers to maintain rare habitats.” fragile, internationally their protection of

The site includes extensive wetlands where ospreys are a top predator Coul Linksispartofa SSSI andSPA. These designations should The dunesystem at protect it

Trust volunteers surveying plant species CIARÁN WALSH/ANTRIM LENS TERRY WHITTAKER/2020VISION to extinction inEngland.Now this gamekeepers hasdriven themclose fur industry andpersecutionby the UK,butwoodland clearance, the holes andoldnests. woodlands where they live intree of theotter andweasel, found in Pine martens are cat-sized relatives in Derbyshire? Pine martens back

Five barn owl chicks in one brood is a record for Northern Ireland They were once common across ISSUE 137 WINTER2018

ERIC RENNO ERIC in Norfolk commons creation of new decline, butUlster Wildlife are likely to have driven thepopulation an increase inmajorroads are all agriculture, useofrodenticides and in thecountry. Intensifi cation of with onlyaround 50breeding pairs Ireland’s most endangered birds, Barn owls are oneofNorthern Record brood ofbarn owls Derbyshire in16years. presence ofthespeciesin between BelperandRipley. noticed adeadmaleonroad photographer AndyParkinson was notoneofthem,untilwildlife few Englishcounties. Derbyshire rare mammalisonlyrecorded ina with theseancientplaces, celebrating two-year project to reconnect people Special Scientific Interest. with many designated asSites of These places are often fullofwildlife, such aswalking orgrazing livestock. traditionally granted thepublicrights land, where landowners have Around 3%ofEnglandiscommon This isthefirst confi rmed Norfolk Wildlife Trust hasbegun a lead to the It could a rare sightingin A pinemarten is England generations are ableto enjoy it.” over to theTrust sothat future that we canhandLowick Common 1990: “Itisagreat joy to thefamily bought itwithherhusbandJimin donation intheTrust’s history. Lowick Common isthelargest land yellowhammers. At 105hectares, spotted flycatchers and call thesite home, includingadders, protection for themany speciesthat gifted anew nature reserve, ensuring Cumbria Wildlife Trust hasbeen for Cumbria Huge landdonation in NorthernIreland. brood ofbarnowls ever recorded chicks inasinglenest –thelargest boosted by thediscovery offi ve summer, thetiny population was best to helpbarnowls. This by advisinglandowners onhow working to reverse theirfortunes & Suœolk Water Branch Outfund. Heritage Lottery Fundandthe Essex East Anglia, issupported by the County Council andtheUniversity of enjoy wildlife. also provide new places to walk and have areal stake intheland. It would woodlands, allowing residents to community orchards orcoppice new commons inNorfolk, perhapsas people researching theirhistory. museums. There willalsobe helpfor events involving schools,artists and to collect wildlife records andrun protect commons, enlist volunteers will helpcommunities tryingto county’s 300commons. The Trust the wildlife andheritageofthe Lowick Common: aready-made reserve It comes from Yvonne Miller, who The project, jointlyrunwithNorfolk This could leadto thecreation of

39 ANDREW WALTER ANDREW PEOPLE & WILDLIFE

Steven’s love Nathan Legall, London of nature and photography has helped him battle Ever thought of depression Having grown up near Nathan’s family has a history of Walthamstow Wetlands, Nathan volunteering. “But there’s a cultural joined on an barrier; people from ethnic internship. He learned habitat backgrounds think, ‘It’s not for me’. management, and how to lead There are socio-economic reasons other volunteers. “It was a too. London Wildlife Trust helps volunteering? springboard into break down those barriers.” 45,000 people volunteer for The Wildlife Trusts. Here, seven conservation. It improved Nathan is now employed of them explain why they do it. Could you join them? my communication by the Trust, and will soon skills. For the fi rst move to Somerset time, I was excited “For the Wildlife Trust, as their olunteers are the heart of the to go to work.” Wetland Ecologist. Wildlife Trusts. We were fi rst time, I founded by volunteers, we’re was excited governedV by volunteers and, without to go to the dedication of the thousands who give us their time and talents each work” year, we would not be able to look after so many wild places. From serving cakes to laying hedges, there’s a world of possibilities as a Wildlife Trust volunteer. We spoke to seven (well, six and one family) from around the UK, to fi nd out what they had to say

SIMON GREENER about their experiences.

“I now know Steven Morris, Northumberland that being out in nature Steven volunteers for these two passions makes me Trust has given his life 40s are lonely and isolated. In the Northumberland Wildlife Trust as a alive ever since. feel better” purpose, he says. group I can share my passion and wildlife photographer. He didn’t have Steven explains that, “Before, I’d have days knowledge and inspire other people.” an easy childhood. He was bullied, as an adult, he has where life felt empty. I’d “Getting out of bed can be so had a di­ cult father, and struggled su‹ ered from Obsessive panic about what I was going di­ cult, but I have done a lot of Nathan loved with school. To avoid going home in Compulsive Disorder and to do; now, after being out in nature things in my life despite my mental exploring local wild the evenings, he went for walks in depression, which has left him with my camera, I feel more positive, health problems. I have had things places as a child. Volunteering turned nature instead. When he got his fi rst hospitalised. He has struggled to confi dent, peaceful and relaxed.” confi rmed to me since volunteering his interest into a camera at the age of eleven, he fell in work full-time and battled with Now Steven is setting up a – I now know that being out in nature career

love with photography. He has kept loneliness. Volunteering with the photography group. “A lot of over- makes me feel better.” PENNY DIXIE

40 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 PEOPLE & WILDLIFE

Steven’s love Nathan Legall, London of nature and photography has helped him battle Ever thought of depression Having grown up near Nathan’s family has a history of Walthamstow Wetlands, Nathan volunteering. “But there’s a cultural joined London Wildlife Trust on an barrier; people from ethnic internship. He learned habitat backgrounds think, ‘It’s not for me’. management, and how to lead There are socio-economic reasons other volunteers. “It was a too. London Wildlife Trust helps volunteering? springboard into break down those barriers.” 45,000 people volunteer for The Wildlife Trusts. Here, seven conservation. It improved Nathan is now employed of them explain why they do it. Could you join them? my communication by the Trust, and will soon skills. For the fi rst move to Somerset time, I was excited “For the Wildlife Trust, as their olunteers are the heart of the to go to work.” Wetland Ecologist. Wildlife Trusts. We were fi rst time, I founded by volunteers, we’re was excited governedV by volunteers and, without to go to the dedication of the thousands who give us their time and talents each work” year, we would not be able to look after so many wild places. From serving cakes to laying hedges, there’s a world of possibilities as a Wildlife Trust volunteer. We spoke to seven (well, six and one family) from around the UK, to fi nd out what they had to say

SIMON GREENER about their experiences.

“I now know Steven Morris, Northumberland that being out in nature Steven volunteers for these two passions makes me Trust has given his life 40s are lonely and isolated. In the Northumberland Wildlife Trust as a alive ever since. feel better” purpose, he says. group I can share my passion and wildlife photographer. He didn’t have Steven explains that, “Before, I’d have days knowledge and inspire other people.” an easy childhood. He was bullied, as an adult, he has where life felt empty. I’d “Getting out of bed can be so had a di­ cult father, and struggled su‹ ered from Obsessive panic about what I was going di­ cult, but I have done a lot of Nathan loved with school. To avoid going home in Compulsive Disorder and to do; now, after being out in nature things in my life despite my mental exploring local wild the evenings, he went for walks in depression, which has left him with my camera, I feel more positive, health problems. I have had things places as a child. Volunteering turned nature instead. When he got his fi rst hospitalised. He has struggled to confi dent, peaceful and relaxed.” confi rmed to me since volunteering his interest into a camera at the age of eleven, he fell in work full-time and battled with Now Steven is setting up a – I now know that being out in nature career love with photography. He has kept loneliness. Volunteering with the photography group. “A lot of over- makes me feel better.” PENNY DIXIE

ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 41 PEOPLE & WILDLIFE

Jackie Walker, Durham Megan Humphreys, 35-year-old Jackie has volunteered Yorkshire for for nine years now. She had found it hard to Megan volunteers with fi nd work, so decided to try as part volunteering instead. It gives her a of the Tomorrow’s Natural sense of purpose and is sociable too; Leaders programme. her cerebral palsy doesn’t stop her “We did scrub clearance, keeping the Trust going. river management, working “I do typing, form writing, dealing with volunteer and education Bronwen has with enquiries and communications. just won the groups. Then we did a self-led Wales Council for It has helped me feel motivated. My project. I did one on mental Voluntary Action’s favourite part of volunteering is health, working with the ‘Green Volunteer seeing people. I’ve made friends.” NHS and our local of the Year’. college.” RADNORSHIRE WT Megan has “I did scrub Bronwen Jenkins, Radnorshire learned how to work with people clearance,

from di‹ erent and a project 81-year-old Bronwen has been can see at the end of the day the DAVID ARMOUR/FOCALPOINT backgrounds and on mental volunteering for nearly 30 years results of what you’ve done. And improved her with Radnorshire Wildlife Trust. doing it as long as I’ve been, I can communication health” She’s cut down bracken, built see long term results.” skills. She’s made stone walls, laid hedges, led walks, Bronwen also enjoys the social new friends, and been a trustee and put on side. “It’s good to get out with hopes to pursue a career exhibitions of embroidery at the people who have other interests. in nature conservation and Gilfach nature reserve. I’ve made lots of friends. My mental health. “I’m still reasonably fi t so hope to favourite thing is working together Jackie has helped keep Durham go as long as I can,” she says. “You and getting results.” TOM HODKIN TOM Wildlife Trust running for nine years

Katrina, Alan, Amelia & Ethan Bradbury, Norfolk Get involved! Katrina, husband Alan and Amelia where. We started o‹ with just Volunteering with your Wildlife Megan at Potteric and Ethan have volunteered at birds but expanded from there. Trust isn’t just good for wildlife Carr nature reserve near Doncaster Cley Marshes nature reserve for a Ethan likes insects and lizards and – it’s good for you, too. year. They wanted to fi nd a way arachnids, so he takes photos of A University of Essex study of giving back as a family. those little things. We also help with The Wildlife Trusts found “We go out on the reserve and with events. The kids are that after just six weeks, 95% of Crishni uses her OFFSHOOTS PHOTOGRAPHY we identify and count species, engaging other children so it’s volunteers who started with low NHS experience to Crishni Waring, then radio back what we see, so not intimidating for them; they all mental health improved help her local Trust the public know what’s out and have fun by learning together.” dramatically. Those starting with Warwickshire an average-to-high wellbeing The Bradburys at felt better too. Crishni was raised in Sri Lanka, Cley Marshes – a Volunteering is a chance to surrounded by nature, and her splendid place for a connect with other people and sunny day family were enthusiastic about learn new skills. It helps you stay wildlife conservation. active, immerse yourself in In 2014, she signed up as a nature and take notice of natural trustee with Warwickshire changes. We build our Wildlife Trust. “I couldn’t volunteering programmes imagine volunteering in other around these principles. ways, but I could make a real And of course, you’re helping contribution with business the wildlife you love. experience, and talking about the health and wellbeing benefi ts of nature.” ■ Find out more on Crishni has been Chair of wildlifetrusts.org/ Warwickshire Wildlife Trust for two years now. She is also Chair volunteer

of an NHS Trust. ELIZABETH DACK

42 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 PEOPLE & WILDLIFE

Jackie Walker, Durham Megan Humphreys, 35-year-old Jackie has volunteered Yorkshire for Durham Wildlife Trust for nine years now. She had found it hard to Megan volunteers with fi nd work, so decided to try Yorkshire Wildlife Trust as part volunteering instead. It gives her a of the Tomorrow’s Natural sense of purpose and is sociable too; Leaders programme. her cerebral palsy doesn’t stop her “We did scrub clearance, keeping the Trust going. river management, working “I do typing, form writing, dealing with volunteer and education Bronwen has with enquiries and communications. just won the groups. Then we did a self-led Wales Council for It has helped me feel motivated. My project. I did one on mental Voluntary Action’s favourite part of volunteering is health, working with the ‘Green Volunteer seeing people. I’ve made friends.” NHS and our local of the Year’. college.” RADNORSHIRE WT Megan has “I did scrub Bronwen Jenkins, Radnorshire learned how to work with people clearance,

from di‹ erent and a project 81-year-old Bronwen has been can see at the end of the day the DAVID ARMOUR/FOCALPOINT backgrounds and on mental volunteering for nearly 30 years results of what you’ve done. And improved her with Radnorshire Wildlife Trust. doing it as long as I’ve been, I can communication health” She’s cut down bracken, built see long term results.” skills. She’s made stone walls, laid hedges, led walks, Bronwen also enjoys the social new friends, and been a trustee and put on side. “It’s good to get out with hopes to pursue a career exhibitions of embroidery at the people who have other interests. in nature conservation and Gilfach nature reserve. I’ve made lots of friends. My mental health. “I’m still reasonably fi t so hope to favourite thing is working together Jackie has helped keep Durham go as long as I can,” she says. “You and getting results.” TOM HODKIN TOM Wildlife Trust running for nine years

Katrina, Alan, Amelia & Ethan Bradbury, Norfolk Get involved! Katrina, husband Alan and Amelia where. We started o‹ with just Volunteering with your Wildlife Megan at Potteric and Ethan have volunteered at birds but expanded from there. Trust isn’t just good for wildlife Carr nature reserve near Doncaster Cley Marshes nature reserve for a Ethan likes insects and lizards and – it’s good for you, too. year. They wanted to fi nd a way arachnids, so he takes photos of A University of Essex study of giving back as a family. those little things. We also help with The Wildlife Trusts found “We go out on the reserve and with events. The kids are that after just six weeks, 95% of Crishni uses her OFFSHOOTS PHOTOGRAPHY we identify and count species, engaging other children so it’s volunteers who started with low NHS experience to Crishni Waring, then radio back what we see, so not intimidating for them; they all mental health improved help her local Trust the public know what’s out and have fun by learning together.” dramatically. Those starting with Warwickshire an average-to-high wellbeing The Bradburys at felt better too. Crishni was raised in Sri Lanka, Cley Marshes – a Volunteering is a chance to surrounded by nature, and her splendid place for a connect with other people and sunny day family were enthusiastic about learn new skills. It helps you stay wildlife conservation. active, immerse yourself in In 2014, she signed up as a nature and take notice of natural trustee with Warwickshire changes. We build our Wildlife Trust. “I couldn’t volunteering programmes imagine volunteering in other around these principles. ways, but I could make a real And of course, you’re helping contribution with business the wildlife you love. experience, and talking about the health and wellbeing benefi ts of nature.” ■ Find out more on Crishni has been Chair of wildlifetrusts.org/ Warwickshire Wildlife Trust for two years now. She is also Chair volunteer

of an NHS Trust. ELIZABETH DACK

ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 43 Utterly at home in LOVE WILDLIFE the water, an otter polishes o an eel for Laurie Campbell’s camera The great o er comeback Forty years ago, pollution and habitat destruction had almost wiped out otters in England. But times change

ast August, an otter across the UK. If they do, it was found dead in will be in part due to e† orts LSussex. It might by The Wildlife Trusts, the sound like a tragedy, but in Environment Agency, Water many ways it is a cause for companies and many others celebration. Otters had to clean up our rivers.” made a miraculous There is more to celebrate comeback across many than the simple presence areas of the UK, but in the of otters, however. With South East the population the benefi t of science was recovering more Miriam we now understand the Darlington is the slowly: this was evidence author of Otter complex relationship indicating that otters are Country (2012) between predators and their present, even if in small and Owl Sense. ecosystems. In Yellowstone, numbers. USA, reintroduced wolves “We have waited a long have improved biodiversity. time for otters to return,” says Fran O† the west coast of the US, a Southgate from Sussex Wildlife recovering population of sea otters Trust. “We have lost vast areas of have helped restore kelp beds – a

natural wetland, and few of our crucial habitat and absorber of CO2 rivers and wetlands can be seen as – by feeding on the sea urchins that natural or healthy. Otters are only just were wiping the kelp out. beginning to re-colonise the South So if a predator is under threat, East. It is fantastic to think that within there is a serious issue to address. How to spot an otter the next 10-20 years, they may regain The otter in Britain is a prime their previous population levels example, where it plays an important Get up early Observe other animals Look for other clues Get lucky role in the ecosystems of our rivers. From the Industrial Revolution, the Dawn and dusk are the Otters are formidable A tell-tale trail of bubbles Otters are now on every otter began to su† er a decline from 1 best times. It is also when 2 predators. A fl ock of ducks 3 might mean the otter has seen 4 river catchment in the UK. persecution, pollution and damage much other wildlife is most suddenly swimming rapidly one you fi rst! Belly-slide marks into They have even been seen in to its habitat. Following the Second active. Their behaviour may way, glancing over their shoulders, water, paw prints on mud, and poo the heart of some of our biggest World War, its situation worsened give away an otter’s presence could be a sign of an otter nearby. (spraints) are all promising signs. cities, so you never know...

due to the proliferation of agricultural CAMPBELL LAURIE poisons and the most misguided period of land management in history, when rivers were side vegetation. Once widespread, The Wildlife Trusts are part of straightened and cleared of bank- the otter began to vanish. By the Blueprint for Water, a coalition of 1977-79 1995-2016 1970s, it was facing extinction. charities working with Government What a recovery The recovery that followed is to restore the UK’s rivers, lakes and The 1977-79 map shows We need remarkable, but new threats are waterways to meet the European recorded signs of otters replacing old ones. Pollutants such Water Framework Directive’s from the fi rst Otter Survey farming as fi re-retardant chemicals used in deadlines. of England. The later one clothing, carpets and household As we leave the EU, it’s critical gathers together 1995-2016 and industrial furnishings can leach into rivers. that we retain strong regulations presence data. It is taken These chemicals have been found about what goes into our rivers. from The Mammal Society’s AA policies that to impair reproduction and immune That includes farming and industrial Review of the Population and

CHRIS GOMERSALL/2020VISION. INSET: RICHARD ASUSTIN INSET: CHRIS GOMERSALL/2020VISION. help us keep functions in seals, and concentrations policies that help us keep our Conservation Status of British Otters are happy in the sea too. Look have been found in the livers of otters, and continue their amazing Mammals: Technical Summary. for them on quiet Scottish beaches our otters otters. comeback.

44 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 Utterly at home in LOVE WILDLIFE the water, an otter polishes o an eel for Laurie Campbell’s camera The great o er comeback Forty years ago, pollution and habitat destruction had almost wiped out otters in England. But times change ast August, an otter across the UK. If they do, it was found dead in will be in part due to e† orts LSussex. It might by The Wildlife Trusts, the sound like a tragedy, but in Environment Agency, Water many ways it is a cause for companies and many others celebration. Otters had to clean up our rivers.” made a miraculous There is more to celebrate comeback across many than the simple presence areas of the UK, but in the of otters, however. With South East the population the benefi t of science was recovering more Miriam we now understand the Darlington is the slowly: this was evidence author of Otter complex relationship indicating that otters are Country (2012) between predators and their present, even if in small and Owl Sense. ecosystems. In Yellowstone, numbers. USA, reintroduced wolves “We have waited a long have improved biodiversity. time for otters to return,” says Fran O† the west coast of the US, a Southgate from Sussex Wildlife recovering population of sea otters Trust. “We have lost vast areas of have helped restore kelp beds – a natural wetland, and few of our crucial habitat and absorber of CO2 rivers and wetlands can be seen as – by feeding on the sea urchins that natural or healthy. Otters are only just were wiping the kelp out. beginning to re-colonise the South So if a predator is under threat, East. It is fantastic to think that within there is a serious issue to address. How to spot an otter the next 10-20 years, they may regain The otter in Britain is a prime their previous population levels example, where it plays an important Get up early Observe other animals Look for other clues Get lucky role in the ecosystems of our rivers. From the Industrial Revolution, the Dawn and dusk are the Otters are formidable A tell-tale trail of bubbles Otters are now on every otter began to su† er a decline from 1 best times. It is also when 2 predators. A fl ock of ducks 3 might mean the otter has seen 4 river catchment in the UK. persecution, pollution and damage much other wildlife is most suddenly swimming rapidly one you fi rst! Belly-slide marks into They have even been seen in to its habitat. Following the Second active. Their behaviour may way, glancing over their shoulders, water, paw prints on mud, and poo the heart of some of our biggest World War, its situation worsened give away an otter’s presence could be a sign of an otter nearby. (spraints) are all promising signs. cities, so you never know...

due to the proliferation of agricultural CAMPBELL LAURIE poisons and the most misguided period of land management in history, when rivers were side vegetation. Once widespread, The Wildlife Trusts are part of straightened and cleared of bank- the otter began to vanish. By the Blueprint for Water, a coalition of 1977-79 1995-2016 1970s, it was facing extinction. charities working with Government What a recovery The recovery that followed is to restore the UK’s rivers, lakes and The 1977-79 map shows We need remarkable, but new threats are waterways to meet the European recorded signs of otters replacing old ones. Pollutants such Water Framework Directive’s from the fi rst Otter Survey farming as fi re-retardant chemicals used in deadlines. of England. The later one clothing, carpets and household As we leave the EU, it’s critical gathers together 1995-2016 and industrial furnishings can leach into rivers. that we retain strong regulations presence data. It is taken These chemicals have been found about what goes into our rivers. from The Mammal Society’s AA policies that to impair reproduction and immune That includes farming and industrial Review of the Population and

CHRIS GOMERSALL/2020VISION. INSET: RICHARD ASUSTIN INSET: CHRIS GOMERSALL/2020VISION. help us keep functions in seals, and concentrations policies that help us keep our Conservation Status of British Otters are happy in the sea too. Look have been found in the livers of otters, and continue their amazing Mammals: Technical Summary. for them on quiet Scottish beaches our otters otters. comeback.

ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 45 LIVING LANDSCAPES “My dad ploughed up hedges; I planted them.” Guy is passionate about combining farming and wildlife Properly maintained hedges shelter birds and mammals What does it take to be a wildlife-friendly farmer? Simon Barnes fi nds out from Guy Tucker

e forget about the passion business, sure, but o„ er Guy a for land. We are, more than You have to non-farming business with twice as W ever, city people these work four much money and half as much work, days. We talk about real estate, and he’d turn you down fl at. think that land is something to do or five years His family have been farming the with money, and that the land same land for three generations. It becomes better – ie more valuable ahead was a beltingly hot day, and we took – as soon as you’ve got planning a cut through woodland past the permission to build on it. We’ve what kind of life can spring from it. A places where Guy played as a boy. forgotten that land is life. gardener knows something of this; a From the shade we looked out at tall Human life, yes, and many other farmer knows a great deal more. hedges, wide fi eld margins, areas kinds of life as well. And that can stir I was walking with Guy Tucker, planted for pollen and nectar, wild the most profound feelings in the around his farm in Hertfordshire, and bird cover. human soul, not for what kind of it was clear from the fi rst step that he We have grown accustomed to the

MATTHEW ROBERTS MATTHEW income the land will generate, but is a man of passions. Farming is a notion that farming and wildlife Wide fi eld margins feature nectar and pollen bearing plants And there’s still plenty of crops for a sustainable business Jordans supplier Guy Tucker conservation are incompatible. for wildlife: buzzing with bees, farming. “You need a solid base to manages more than ten per Farmers have been seen as the fl ashing with butterfl ies, jumping your business to be able to do this,” cent of his farm for wildlife enemy of wildlife – and if there is with mammals and singing he said. “You have to work some truth in that, it’s a view that’s a with birds. The scheme is constantly four or fi ve years generation out of date here. important for what it does; ahead.” “My father was one of the worst,” and also because it shows We passed a handsome Guy remembered. “And his what can be done. badger sett in the wood. neighbour was just the same. But Guy was drawn into this From the harsh blue sky a that’s changing. My father ploughed creative way of managing buzzard yowled suddenly. up hedges; I’ve planted them.” land by changes in farming. Guy’s farm has the biggest Guy runs one of 40 farms that Mixed farms – combining population of linnets and supply Jordans with the oats they arable and livestock – bramblings in the county. make their products from. A became unprofi table and And why not? It’s all the partnership between Jordans and the Tucker family were same thing: managing land The Wildlife Trusts (see panel below) forced to sell their cattle. so that it supports more life. requires the farmer to manage at Guy felt he was ready, as one In the UK, 70 percent of all least ten per cent of farmland for of the next generation, to land is farmed: it’s thrilling wildlife. Woodland doesn’t count. take on new challenges, and that an increasing amount Guy is well over that ten per cent. make them work fi nancially. Look for our logo of the life supported by The total for all Jordans farms is And that is always the on packets of farms is wild, and vital that more than 4,000 hectares managed greatest challenge in Jordans cereal it continues.

954 hectares Here’s what we’re achieving of woodland The Jordans Farm Partnership with The Wildlife Trusts assigns Total area of 768 km habitat an advisor to each farm from the All 40 hedgerows 4,580 Jordans Simon Barnes local Wildlife Trust. Using their hectares 131 km of is a sports and expertise on the local area, the farms advisors develop a bespoke farm Total area of waterways wildlife journalist, farmed land and author of plan, focussing on key species 15,500 94 wildlife How to be a Bad and habitats relevant to the hectares Birdwatcher farm’s local landscape. ponds

46 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 LIVING LANDSCAPES “My dad ploughed up hedges; I planted them.” Guy is passionate about combining farming and wildlife Properly maintained hedges shelter birds and mammals What does it take to be a wildlife-friendly farmer? Simon Barnes fi nds out from Guy Tucker e forget about the passion business, sure, but o„ er Guy a for land. We are, more than You have to non-farming business with twice as W ever, city people these work four much money and half as much work, days. We talk about real estate, and he’d turn you down fl at. think that land is something to do or five years His family have been farming the with money, and that the land same land for three generations. It becomes better – ie more valuable ahead was a beltingly hot day, and we took – as soon as you’ve got planning a cut through woodland past the permission to build on it. We’ve what kind of life can spring from it. A places where Guy played as a boy. forgotten that land is life. gardener knows something of this; a From the shade we looked out at tall Human life, yes, and many other farmer knows a great deal more. hedges, wide fi eld margins, areas kinds of life as well. And that can stir I was walking with Guy Tucker, planted for pollen and nectar, wild the most profound feelings in the around his farm in Hertfordshire, and bird cover. human soul, not for what kind of it was clear from the fi rst step that he We have grown accustomed to the

MATTHEW ROBERTS MATTHEW income the land will generate, but is a man of passions. Farming is a notion that farming and wildlife Wide fi eld margins feature nectar and pollen bearing plants And there’s still plenty of crops for a sustainable business Jordans supplier Guy Tucker conservation are incompatible. for wildlife: buzzing with bees, farming. “You need a solid base to manages more than ten per Farmers have been seen as the fl ashing with butterfl ies, jumping your business to be able to do this,” cent of his farm for wildlife enemy of wildlife – and if there is with mammals and singing he said. “You have to work some truth in that, it’s a view that’s a with birds. The scheme is constantly four or fi ve years generation out of date here. important for what it does; ahead.” “My father was one of the worst,” and also because it shows We passed a handsome Guy remembered. “And his what can be done. badger sett in the wood. neighbour was just the same. But Guy was drawn into this From the harsh blue sky a that’s changing. My father ploughed creative way of managing buzzard yowled suddenly. up hedges; I’ve planted them.” land by changes in farming. Guy’s farm has the biggest Guy runs one of 40 farms that Mixed farms – combining population of linnets and supply Jordans with the oats they arable and livestock – bramblings in the county. make their products from. A became unprofi table and And why not? It’s all the partnership between Jordans and the Tucker family were same thing: managing land The Wildlife Trusts (see panel below) forced to sell their cattle. so that it supports more life. requires the farmer to manage at Guy felt he was ready, as one In the UK, 70 percent of all least ten per cent of farmland for of the next generation, to land is farmed: it’s thrilling wildlife. Woodland doesn’t count. take on new challenges, and that an increasing amount Guy is well over that ten per cent. make them work fi nancially. Look for our logo of the life supported by The total for all Jordans farms is And that is always the on packets of farms is wild, and vital that more than 4,000 hectares managed greatest challenge in Jordans cereal it continues.

954 hectares Here’s what we’re achieving of woodland The Jordans Farm Partnership with The Wildlife Trusts assigns Total area of 768 km habitat an advisor to each farm from the All 40 hedgerows 4,580 Jordans Simon Barnes local Wildlife Trust. Using their hectares 131 km of is a sports and expertise on the local area, the farms advisors develop a bespoke farm Total area of waterways wildlife journalist, farmed land and author of plan, focussing on key species 15,500 94 wildlife How to be a Bad and habitats relevant to the hectares Birdwatcher farm’s local landscape. ponds

ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 47 GREAT DAYS OUT Share your experiences Tweet us your best Rye Harbour nature reserve owl photos from 7 your day out What’s out there A mosaic of coastal habitats, Rye @wildlifetrusts Tawny owl Harbour hosts all fi ve regularly #LoveWildlife A nocturnal occurring UK species. Long-eared Top places to owl of parks and only appear occasionally, but short- woodland, eared, barn, little and tawny owls are famous for all commonly seen or heard. its haunting Where is it? Winchelsea TN31 7TX

MARGARET HOLLAND call. Map reference: TQ 942 189

Long-eared owl DAVID CHAPMAN Farlington Marshes 8 Hampshire & Isle of Wight WT seeEveryone loves owls – beautiful owls to behold, silent in fl ight and quite Smaller than In winter, short-eared owls are easily unlike any other birds. And winter is a great time to see them a tawny, spotted hunting above the open with orange fi elds of Farlington Marshes, adding eyes, and large ‘ear’ to the spectacle of the thousands of tufts to aid wintering wildfowl. camoufl age. Where is it? Solent Way PO6 1UN Map reference: SU 685 045

Short-eared owl Folly Farm Often seen 9 hunting by As night falls in the woodland day, they surrounding Folly Farm, listen out for have pale feathers and the calls of tawny owls. Don’t forget piercing to watch for the local badgers too. There is an extensive sett visible TERRY WHITTAKER/2020VISION TERRY yellow eyes. from the path.

Barn owl ANDY ROUSE Where is it? Stowey BS39 4DW Map reference: ST 607 603 The familiar owl of Hawkes Wood farmlands, Cornwall Wildlife Trust with dark 10 eyes in A delightful oak woodland with a heart- tawny owls. Check tree cavities and shaped face. branches near the trunk; you might spot one roosting during the day. Little owl Where is it? Just south of Tiny but Treneague, Bodmin with a Map reference: SW 986 710 ferocious stare, they For a more sometimes extensive list It’s hard to imagine a chase prey of places to more perfect stealth on foot. see owls visit JON HAWKINS

ANDY ROUSE ANDY fl ier than a barn owl wtru.st/owls

rave the cold this winter and Cors Goch listen out for a haunting “hooouh” This former colliery is teeming with Redgrave and Lopham Fen 2 you’ll have the chance to see 1 North Wales Wildlife Trust echoing through the trees. bird life, including plenty of birds of 6 Suˆ olk Wildlife Trust Bsome of our strangest and Extensive wetlands, heath and Where is it? New Lanark ML11 9DB prey. Little owls, barn owls and both A winter evening’s stroll most impressive birds. grassland make Cors Goch one of Map reference: NS 881 423 long and short-eared owls have all around this impressive and 3 While tawny and long-eared owls North Wales Wildlife Trust’s best sites been spotted in winter. varied wetland (which is are most active at night, our other for seeing barn owls. Look for them Eycott Hill Where is it? Shipley DE75 7JL partly maintained by Konik owls are often seen hunting in the emerging to hunt as dusk falls. 3 Cumbria Wildlife Trust Map reference: SK 449 439 ponies) could reveal the 1 4 day, especially around dusk and Where is it? Anglesey LL78 8JZ Watch for the silent shape of a ghostly shape of a hunting 5 dawn. Little owls watch for prey Map reference: SH 504 816 wintering short-eared owl as you Willow Tree Fen barn owl, though it’s easy 6 from old trees, barn owls like rough admire the views from this peaceful 5 Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust to be distracted by the grassland and short-eared owls Falls of Clyde upland nature reserve. This fenland reserve includes large thousands of starlings winter on saltmarshes and fl ood Scottish Wildlife Trust Where is it? Near Berrier, CA11 0XD areas of rough grassland, providing fl ocking together in amazing 9 2 7 meadows. The woodland surrounding these Map reference: NY 394 301 the perfect hunting grounds for barn murmurations. 10 8 For the best chance, head out on a spectacular waterfalls is home owls. Where is it? South Lopham, still, dry day, in the last few hours to tawny owls, famous for their Woodside Farm Where is it? Spalding PE11 3JH IP22 2HX before dusk. distinctive calls. As the light fades, 4 Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Map reference: TF 181 213 Map reference: TM 052 802

48 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 GREAT DAYS OUT Share your experiences Tweet us your best Rye Harbour nature reserve owl photos from 7 Sussex Wildlife Trust your day out What’s out there A mosaic of coastal habitats, Rye @wildlifetrusts Tawny owl Harbour hosts all fi ve regularly #LoveWildlife A nocturnal occurring UK species. Long-eared Top places to owl of parks and only appear occasionally, but short- woodland, eared, barn, little and tawny owls are famous for all commonly seen or heard. its haunting Where is it? Winchelsea TN31 7TX

MARGARET HOLLAND call. Map reference: TQ 942 189

Long-eared owl DAVID CHAPMAN Farlington Marshes 8 Hampshire & Isle of Wight WT seeEveryone loves owls – beautiful owls to behold, silent in fl ight and quite Smaller than In winter, short-eared owls are easily unlike any other birds. And winter is a great time to see them a tawny, spotted hunting above the open with orange fi elds of Farlington Marshes, adding eyes, and large ‘ear’ to the spectacle of the thousands of tufts to aid wintering wildfowl. camoufl age. Where is it? Solent Way PO6 1UN Map reference: SU 685 045

Short-eared owl Folly Farm Often seen 9 Avon Wildlife Trust hunting by As night falls in the woodland day, they surrounding Folly Farm, listen out for have pale feathers and the calls of tawny owls. Don’t forget piercing to watch for the local badgers too. There is an extensive sett visible TERRY WHITTAKER/2020VISION TERRY yellow eyes. from the path.

Barn owl ANDY ROUSE Where is it? Stowey BS39 4DW Map reference: ST 607 603 The familiar owl of Hawkes Wood farmlands, Cornwall Wildlife Trust with dark 10 eyes in A delightful oak woodland with a heart- tawny owls. Check tree cavities and shaped face. branches near the trunk; you might spot one roosting during the day. Little owl Where is it? Just south of Tiny but Treneague, Bodmin with a Map reference: SW 986 710 ferocious stare, they For a more sometimes extensive list It’s hard to imagine a chase prey of places to more perfect stealth on foot. see owls visit JON HAWKINS

ANDY ROUSE ANDY fl ier than a barn owl wtru.st/owls rave the cold this winter and Cors Goch listen out for a haunting “hooouh” This former colliery is teeming with Redgrave and Lopham Fen 2 you’ll have the chance to see 1 North Wales Wildlife Trust echoing through the trees. bird life, including plenty of birds of 6 Suˆ olk Wildlife Trust Bsome of our strangest and Extensive wetlands, heath and Where is it? New Lanark ML11 9DB prey. Little owls, barn owls and both A winter evening’s stroll most impressive birds. grassland make Cors Goch one of Map reference: NS 881 423 long and short-eared owls have all around this impressive and 3 While tawny and long-eared owls North Wales Wildlife Trust’s best sites been spotted in winter. varied wetland (which is are most active at night, our other for seeing barn owls. Look for them Eycott Hill Where is it? Shipley DE75 7JL partly maintained by Konik owls are often seen hunting in the emerging to hunt as dusk falls. 3 Cumbria Wildlife Trust Map reference: SK 449 439 ponies) could reveal the 1 4 day, especially around dusk and Where is it? Anglesey LL78 8JZ Watch for the silent shape of a ghostly shape of a hunting 5 dawn. Little owls watch for prey Map reference: SH 504 816 wintering short-eared owl as you Willow Tree Fen barn owl, though it’s easy 6 from old trees, barn owls like rough admire the views from this peaceful 5 Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust to be distracted by the grassland and short-eared owls Falls of Clyde upland nature reserve. This fenland reserve includes large thousands of starlings winter on saltmarshes and fl ood Scottish Wildlife Trust Where is it? Near Berrier, CA11 0XD areas of rough grassland, providing fl ocking together in amazing 9 2 7 meadows. The woodland surrounding these Map reference: NY 394 301 the perfect hunting grounds for barn murmurations. 10 8 For the best chance, head out on a spectacular waterfalls is home owls. Where is it? South Lopham, still, dry day, in the last few hours to tawny owls, famous for their Woodside Farm Where is it? Spalding PE11 3JH IP22 2HX before dusk. distinctive calls. As the light fades, 4 Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Map reference: TF 181 213 Map reference: TM 052 802

ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 49 Your Wild Life. Your Wildlife Trusts.

Wildlife Trusts around the UK are making amazing things happen on land and at sea, for wildlife and for people. We couldn’t do it without the support of our members. Here’s what we achieved with your help in the past year…

We are supported by our impact c.850,000 We care for members & over 35,000 hectares102,000 of land including There are volunteers more Wildlife Trust nature reserves 2,300 than there are UK nature reserves branches of McDonald’s 250,000 and Burger King people took part restaurants in 30 Days Wild combined!

ofMillions visits are made to our nature We advise more than reserves every year, and we have 4,000 121 landowners across the UK Happy visitor and education who manage centres 145,000 hectares of land for wildlfie Christmas 22,000 people repsonded We engage over to our call for more protected areas 270,000 young people at sea through schools, colleges and groups Over

450,000 we run people enjoyed our walks, talks and events 191 Wildlife Watch groups which inspire children These statistics cover the period Spring 2017 - Summer 2018 9,500

V2.indd 1 25/09/2018 10:59:15 Your Wild Life.

Your Wildlife Trusts.

Wildlife Trusts around the UK are making amazing things happen on land and at sea, for wildlife and for people. We couldn’t do it without the support of our members. Here’s what we achieved with your help in the past year…

We are supported by our impact c.850,000 We care for members & over 35,000 hectares102,000 of land including There are volunteers more Wildlife Trust nature reserves 2,300 than there are UK nature reserves branches of McDonald’s 250,000 and Burger King people took part restaurants in 30 Days Wild combined! ofMillions visits are made to our nature We advise more than reserves every year, and we have 4,000 121 landowners across the UK Happy visitor and education who manage centres 145,000 hectares of land for wildlfie ChristmasA huge thank you for supporting us, 22,000 from everyone here at Cornwall Wildlife Trust people repsonded We engage over to our call for more protected areas 270,000 young people You still have time to order some of these stunning at sea through schools, colleges wildlife Christmas cards from our online shop, and groups www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop. Over You can also ring Carolyn O’Hagan on 01872 302233. 450,000 we run Your help is protecting Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places – people enjoyed our walks, thank you so much! talks and events 191 Wildlife Watch groups which inspire children These statistics cover the period Spring 2017 - Summer 2018 9,500 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 51

V2.indd 1 25/09/2018 10:59:15 We love Cornwall and its wildlife, and we hope this calendar inspires you to share our appreciation of Cornwall’s precious wild places and the incredible wildlife that finds a home here.

Only £6.50 each or 3 for £16

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