Reflections on Badgers and TB There’S More to Brock Than TB Dung Why We Should Care About It Delicious but Destructive Invasion of the Pacific Oyster Including

Wild

CornwallISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018

Reflections on badgers and TB There’s more to Brock than TB Dung Why we should care about it Delicious but destructive Invasion of the Pacific oyster Including

pull-outDiary of Discovery Day Events Don’t miss it! After six months in post, Wild Cornwall welcomeI have been consistently InFEATURES this issue impressed by the work of our volunteers and the contributions they o4 make. ‘A day in the life of a volunteer’, on page 32, Carolyn Cadman illustrates how one of our volunteers is involved in chemical surveys of streams, monitoring grey seals and is now training to be a British Divers Marine Life Rescue medic.

Ranging from organising our Open Gardens programme, to inspiring a younger generation by leading Wildlife Watch Beach Cleans, or getting wild in the Cornish countryside with some hands-on land Focus on badgers management at our many Nature Reserves – we have a truly remarkable group of people working alongside our staff at Cornwall 10 Wildlife Trust. Research is accumulating about the health and wellbeing benefits gained from volunteering, and even more so, from volunteering outdoors and for wildlife. It’s more than just a rosy glow to your cheeks, with longer-term physical and mental health benefits to be had. An explosion At Cornwall Wildlife Trust we also have a of jellyfish backbone of volunteers who set the Trust’s strategy and challenge our performance, supporting staff to ensure we do the best we can. Experts in their field – providing 12 guidance as we lead the way in conservation, Poison in Cornwall. pats So I’d like to say thank you. And remind Contacts: myself that it can be the little actions that General and volunteer enquiries: make a difference as well as the larger [email protected] coordinated efforts. I am working on Membership info: improving wildlife in my garden over the [email protected] (01872) 273939 summer, and hope that wherever you are, Wildlife Information Service: (01872) 302250 you are enjoying being that little bit closer to Business Support: (01872) 302264 Cornwall Wildlife Trust Local & Specialist Groups: nature. For the sake of your health, as well as [email protected] for our wildlife and wild places. Marine Strandings Network Hotline: 0345 2012626

Carolyn Cadman, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Five Acres, Allet, Truro, Cornwall, TR4 9DJ. CE, Cornwall Wildlife Trust www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

Any material intended for Events for the diary should be Cornwall Trust for Nature Registered office: publication should be sent sent on the latest template, Conservation Ltd. Trading Five Acres, Allet, Truro, as Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Cornwall TR4 9DJ. to both Ella Clark: available from the Trust offices Registered charity number ella.clark@ at Allet, to Mark Dungey: VAT registration 214929. A company limited number 213 2687 26. cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk [email protected] by guarantee and registered in England. Wild Cornwall is and Rowena Millar: Badger printed on paper from [email protected] Cover photo © David Chapman Registration number 732511. responsible sources.

2308 17 23 Nature notices Alien 24 Nature invasion 24 Reserves news on our Diary of Events shores 30 Your Local Groups

14 Student voice 18 Specialist Groups for wildlife 32 20 A day Businesses in the lend a life of a volunteer 15 helping hand 33 October is Will for Wildlife month

Natu ral World 16 News from The Wildlife Trusts across the UK Summer 2018 Ocean giants 35 Find out where to see them on Annual Raffle page 48 21 Still time to help Natural Conservation our dolphins and World

catch-up Presenter “My ﬁ rst Tales from a UK news from porpoises Liz Bonnin nightjar” river canoe On why we should Out after dark with the Matt Gaw paddled 13 all Stay Wild, p44 BBC’s Frank Gardner, p46 rivers. His story, p40 The Wildlife Trusts

For your generous support, each year you will receive...

Members receive... Our Family Members receive… Three issues of our Trust magazine, Wild Cornwall, which A Wildlife Watch pack full of stickers, posters joinis full of feature articles,us wildlife now! and conservation news and fun activities, plus three issues plus a handy pull-out diary of events, as well as our of Wildlife Watch Nature Reserves guide. magazine.

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

The badger has been in Britain for at least 250,000 years. Can we find a way to celebrate rather than persecute this native species, while also tackling

DAVID CHAPMAN TB in cattle? 4 ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 In this special four-page article, our Head of Conservation Cheryl Marriott takes a step back from the controversial debates to realise there is much more to badgers than news stories would suggest … and there’s a glimmer of hope about disengaging badgers from the tangled issue of bovine TB.

Cheryl Marriott

habitats, from Ireland across to Russia. A similar Why do badgers have a species, the Asian badger, is found across the striped face? remainder of the continent from eastern Russia as far west as the Pacific Ocean. I only learnt the answer to this recently whilst reading the New Naturalist book Badger by Britain and Ireland have amongst the highest Timothy Roper, as it quickly dawned on me that I badger densities in Europe, probably due to a knew little about badger ecology and behaviour. mix of the right climatic conditions and their Most of my work on badgers has been about protected status. Interestingly, Sweden also has them coming into conflict with human interests: a high density of badgers, but no one seems badgers occupying sites destined for built to know why. Populations are thought to be development, badgers digging up lawns and of generally stable across most of the range, but the course, badgers and the transmission of bovine geographic range seems to be shrinking from the TB. Most of the column inches featuring badgers south and extending northwards in response to cover the same contentious topics, so perhaps we climate change. should rekindle our interest in the natural history of these remarkable carnivores. Badgers share many characteristics with other mammal species; their nocturnal habit for instance, which means they are far more reliant on their senses of smell and hearing than their vision. Burrowing is not uncommon in other mammals, and like most burrow-dwellers, badgers have short, muscular limbs, strong claws and small ears and eyes. In other ways, though, badgers are unusual amongst the mustelids. Badgers are large and fairly cumbersome in comparison to stoats, weasels and martens. Stoats and weasels need to be fast and agile in order to catch their prey all year round; this speed also allows them to escape from predators. By contrast, the main food of badgers is the earthworm, and badgers have no natural predators, so there is no need to be built for speed. When threatened, badgers will generally stand and fight rather than escape, relying on their muscular bulk and their bite. This has the added advantage that they can afford to lay down Badgers have a fascinating life history. Whilst they live in distinct territorial groups, mating a large amount of fat to get them through the with members of neighbouring groups is a winter when food is scarce. common occurrence.

DAVID LIDSTONE There has been a huge amount of research into badger setts in recent years. Their scale and The badger species we have in Britain is the complexity took everyone by surprise. Setts are Eurasian badger Meles meles. Badgers belong extended over time by successive generations, to the Mustelid family so are a close relative of even though they may not actually require stoats, weasels, polecats, martens, wolverines more living space. One particular sett that was and otters. All mustelids share a long, sinuous excavated by researchers was estimated to have body-shape. In the case of badgers, this means over 150 entrances and nearly 900m of tunnels. they are perfectly adapted to live in burrow Setts provide a safe place for sleeping and systems. Eurasian badgers are probably breeding, and for spending many winter descended from martens in south-east Asia that hours in torpor, where the metabolic rate is left the forests 20 million years ago and sought slowed to conserve energy. shelter in underground burrows. Today, Eurasian badgers are found in an impressive variety of

5 Focus on badgers

An understanding of badger social groups and their Society of London’s proposals for badger vaccination territorial nature is essential when trying to tackle some of research in West Cornwall will go ahead; this will provide the human-badger conflicts; particularly the management the evidence we need to determine what effect vaccination of bovine TB in badger populations. In Britain badgers of badgers has on TB incidence in the badger population. live in groups usually containing between two and eight adults. These groups occupy distinct territories, and whilst Badger vaccination won’t fix the problem both males and females will mate with individuals from of bovine TB on its own, but it could take neighbouring groups (to prevent inbreeding), dispersal from badgers out of the equation. one group to another is relatively rare. If vaccination starts to be used instead of culling we could all One of the reasons we are planning to vaccinate badgers then enjoy having badgers in our countryside, without them on our nature reserves as a means to control bovine TB in being under a cloud. There is no doubt that badgers are an badgers is because it doesn’t disrupt badger social groups adaptable species and have recovered from past persecution, in the same way that lethal control does. If badgers are but might we now be pushing them too far? removed from a territory, the space is less well defended and becomes available to neighbouring groups. Movement Going back to badger biology, and why they have the of badgers and contact between individuals from different distinctive striped face: the theory is that they are not fast social groups increases, as does transmission of bovine TB enough to run away from their enemies, but neither are between the remaining badgers. All the evidence suggests they big enough to be left well alone, like bears for example. that badger vaccination against bovine TB could be a viable What badgers do have, though, is an impressively strong option. This is not yet reflected in the Government’s TB bite. Researchers believe that animals with a ‘secret weapon’ Eradication Strategy unfortunately, although it is being of some kind often have distinctive markings to advertise the reviewed, with the results announced in September. At fact. I will never look at the Cornwall Wildlife Trust logo in the time of writing we are still hopeful that the Zoological quite the same way!

Badger vaccination There is growing evidence to suggest that badger ●● The vaccination has no positive or negative effect vaccination will have a beneficial effect on TB in on badgers that already have TB. Badgers typically cattle. There is a lot of misinformation circulating, thelive for threescience to five years, so over a four-year period, so here are some of the key facts so that you can vaccination should reduce new cases of TB in badgers spread the word. whilst infected animals will gradually die off. ●● Although the vaccine is live, it is safe and does not lead ●● Vaccination of badgers reduces to shedding of BCG by vaccinated animals; neither does the rate of new infections* in it disrupt badger social groups. Radio tagging studies badgers by 76%. Vaccination will not 76% have also shown that vaccination does not lead to guarantee protection from infection changes in badgers’ ranging behaviour or ‘perturbation’. in all individual badgers (this is also true for the human BCG vaccine ●● During four years of badger vaccination against TB, which has been used across a 288km2 area in Pembrokeshire, TB incidence in successfully since the 1940s). TB incidence in roadkill badgers declined roadkill badgers year on year. The sample size was small, ●● Vaccinating at least one-third of but promisingly, incidence dropped from YEAR ONE adults in a badger social group 19% in year one to 10% in year two, 6.5% in reduces new infections* year three and 4% in year four. in unvaccinated badger cubs 19% ●● We don’t know for sure, but we by 79%. This is sometimes 79% would expect reduced TB in the known as ‘herd immunity’. YEAR TWO badger population to have a knock-on ●● Each individual badger only needs to be vaccinated beneficial effect on TB in cattle. If badger once. Vaccination is carried out once per year at each vaccination is carried out in more areas, 10% sett for four years. Repeat vaccination is the effects of TB in cattle can be better to increase coverage by vaccinating understood. YEAR THREE new cubs and adults that ●● An oral vaccine for badgers is currently in might have joined the development. This will make vaccinating group over the year. x1 badgers easier – as and when it is available, 6.5% programmes can switch to this method.

*measured using diagnostic tests YEAR FOUR SETH JACKSON 4% 6 LEFT: No one should be writing off vaccination as a method for controlling TB in badgers; we do not yet know to what extent it could TOM MARSHALL

ANDY ROBERTSON reduce TB incidence in cattle

RIGHT: An oral badger vaccine against TB is in developemtn and will make the whole process much simpler

A Cornish fact 'Brogh' is the Cornish word for badger, and 'broghes' is the plural. This is a variation of one of the few Celtic words borrowed into English as 'brock'.

Find out more... An understanding of badger about the science of badger vaccination here: behaviour is vital in our efforts www.tbhub.co.uk/wildlife/badger-vaccination to control bovine TB. Badger vaccination by cage trapping does not disrupt social groups in the about what the Trust is doing; please visit: same way lethal control does. www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/living-landscapes /badgers-and-bovine-tb

ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 7 Nature reserves news Nowodhow an gwithvaow natur

Our Reserves Managers and East Cornwall Reserves Officer Natalie Mitchell describe their work to ensure that our nature reserves are ever-more wildlife friendly. Recently this has involved seasonal Natalie Seán O’Hea Nick Marriott Peter Kent Mitchell clearing, grazing, coppicing … and a remarkable new machine for tackling steep and difficult terrain.

2 Mid-Cornwall Cattle grazing survey results are out This summer marks six years since Ever since 2011, the year before grazing Making a mess for cattle grazing was re-established on began, we have been carrying out 1 Rosenannon and Tregonetha Downs, survey work to record any changes. wildlife two commons owned by the Trust in This year we’ve used charts to display the parish of St Wenn. This followed a comparison of the vegetation We have been eagerly awaiting many months of planning, consultation changes over the years since early the summer months to see the and practical work – most significantly, in the grazing project. The compared emerging results of further wetland working in partnership with local results of one survey area (transect) on habitat restoration work at Breney commons rights holders and Natural Rosenannon Downs is shown below, Common and Red Moor – parts of England to figure out how it was all and we believe it demonstrates that the Helman Tor Nature Reserve. We going to work. During the consultation grazing is working. The graph shows have worked in partnership with the we presented the reasons why we and the vegetation height in 2012 (blue line) charity Plantlife to improve habitats Natural England felt that reinstating and the height in 2017/18 (orange line), for wildlife including rare plants, cattle grazing, after as much as a with an increased saw tooth shape. building on work carried out with 60-year absence, was so crucial for a The pie chart shows the changes in the Freshwater Habitats Trust the wildlife-rich future for the Downs. We what’s growing in that transect, which previous year. On both sites willow expected the cattle grazing to provide has changed from mostly grass to scrub has been cleared to let light a more varied vegetation profile – from lots more bare ground and variation. in, and then sediment removed short turf to scrub (think of a saw blade This is satisfying to see. We’ll keep to create the nutrient-poor, thin rather than a ruler, each zig and zag on monitoring to check we’re getting soil conditions required by plants providing vegetation at different growth it right, and to see how the wildlife is such as the rare pillwort. There’s stages with ideal conditions for different responding to these changes. no escaping the fact that at the end wildlife); more bare ground – great for of winter it was fairly messy – but insects and reptiles which use bare wildlife often likes a mess! We’re Rosenannon Downs ground to bask on and burrow into; and expecting more shallow pond and Plant composition less dominance of vigorously growing open marshy areas, which should Transect 4 grasses, which shade out more delicate, provide all sorts of ecological niches rarer plants and heathers. Purple moor grass for plants and insects alike – it’ll be Heather exciting to watch the wildlife move Rosenannon Downs Transect 4 Gorse back in over the coming years. sward heights Wild ﬂowers and grasses 2012 2012 and 2017/18 Bare ground Cattle on Rosenannon Downs 70 Veg height 2012 60 Veg height 2017/18 50 40 30 tion height (cm)

ta 20 ge 2017/18 Ve 10 0 1713 19 25 31 37 43 49 55 59

SEÁN O'HEA Sample point Re-wetting old stream beds in Pendarves Wood

2 1 3

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East RICH MOORE Cornwall 3 4 Embracing new technology to aid West Cornwall 5 habitat management Pendarves Wood Access and terrain are often the trickiest elements to – a natural playground for families overcome when carrying out work on our nature reserves, All 15 hectares of Pendarves Wood, near Camborne, have especially when undertaking larger scale winter work such been cleared of rhododendron and laurel thanks to four years as scrub management or cutting firebreaks. Steep slopes of funding from Natural England. To begin with, the freshly and waterlogged ground can mean it’s not feasible to use felled areas look like a scene from a battlefield, particularly as conventional tractors and machinery, as they will be too any standing or fallen deadwood is left in place. By the second unstable or cause too much damage to the ground. summer, however, these sunny and sheltered areas are full of To overcome this problem, the East Cornwall Reserves woodland plants and buzzing with insects. By the fourth to fifth Team employed the services of Country Conservation, summer the previously bare ground is thick with a staggering one of Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Business Supporters, amount of naturally regenerating tree species, which provide excellent nesting conditions for visiting birds such as willow with whom we have built up a successful relationship warbler, blackcap and chiffchaff. over the years. It’s not just the rapid return of wildlife that’s surprised nature reserves staff, but also the discovery of previously unknown streams, ponds, islands, bridges and beautifully crafted hedge banks which were part of the formal gardens of Pendarves House estate before its demise. The numerous hummocks, hollows, ditches, streams and islands, with dozens of fallen trees criss-crossing them, provide a natural playground for the daring – it’s a Marriott family favourite, so put it on your ‘to do’ list for a visit in 2018. 6 Coppicing returns to Devichoys Wood Nature Reserve As part of a new a 10-year project, Devichoys Wood has had its first coupe coppiced (a periodic cut that allows regrowth). The project Country Conservation’s remotely aims to deliver a sustainable coppice cycle for part of the woodland, operated flail in action on Priddacombe creating varied habitats ranging from flower-rich open ground good Downs Nature Reserve for butterflies, invertebrates and small mammals to dense scrub

PETER KENT which is great for attracting warblers. The work has been carried This year we asked them to remove scrub from a out as part of a community wood fuel project by Nick and Tom of particularly steep hillside at Churchtown Farm Community Working Woodlands Cornwall, a not-for-profit organisation. Nature Reserve3 in Saltash using their remotely operated Before and after photos of a typical coppice flail. As this machine is set low to the ground it reduces coupe after two summers of regrowth the risk of becoming unbalanced when working on steep terrain. The operator controls the machine via a remote control so they can remain at a safe working distance. This same machine also proved very successful cutting firebreaks in the more remote location of Priddacombe Downs Nature Reserve4 on Bodmin Moor. Largely comprised of mire and wet heath, machinery access is nearly impossible at this reserve and firebreaks are therefore usually cut using brushcutters. As the remote TOM KEMP Tom and Nick work with volunteers to share knowledge and flail runs on caterpillar tracks and is relatively small and training, providing communities with the opportunity to get light, it reduces the likelihood of it getting stuck in soft involved in managing woodlands. The timber goes to developing ground and it made quick work of what is usually a very local markets hoping to reduce the gap between product and labour intensive and time-consuming task. consumer. Wood of insufficient quality for building or crafts will New, specialised technology such as this enables us to be solar-dried to produce sustainable firewood available for sale complete work more efficiently and to be more versatile in locally. Any profits support the woodland conservation work. our habitat management approach. Find out more at Working Woodlands Facebook page.

ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 9 An

Nic Harrison- exPlosion Laura Fox of jellyfish White

Nic Harrison-White and Laura Fox of our Jellyfish begin life as sessile polyps living on the seabed. Wildlife Information Service tell us about a When conditions are just right they strobilate – a process in which the top surface of the polyp divides by segmentation, wondrous phenomenon in our seas. creating multiple identical baby jellyfish. In just a few hours, thousands of jellyfish are released and find themselves at the The past few years have been unprecedented in terms of mercy of the ocean currents. They will either perish together jellyfish sightings. It began in 2014 when we saw swarms of or, if conditions are favourable, thrive together, explaining enormous barrel jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo) drift into our why we experience these mass swarms of a single species. waters. These dustbin-lid-sized beasts look daunting but are completely harmless. 2016 was just as eventful, including We have seen so many swarms recently of both warm a mass stranding of thousands of moon jellyfish (Aurelia and cold water species, there seems to be something else aurita): small, delicate creatures with a mild sting. And happening. It may be that jellyfish numbers are on the rise then, just last year, our waters were invaded by Portuguese globally, suggesting that the smaller gelatinous zooplankton man-of-war (Physalia physalis). Not technically jellyfish but they rely on for food is increasing in the oceans. This could hydrozoans, Portuguese man-of-war are actually a collection be due to a range of factors, from climate change to high of smaller organisms, each with their own specialism, that nutrient pollution inputs, or just a natural fluctuation. work together as a unit. These strange creatures are capable of inflicting a dangerous sting, even when stranded on the This explosion of jellyfish is good news for animals that feed beach, so take care when they are near. Another jellyfish to on them, such as sea turtles. We have witnessed more of be wary of, the mauve stinger (Pelagia noctiluca), was also these stunning creatures off our coast, too, as they pursue seen in our waters in record numbers in the autumn. This their prey into our waters. was most unusual, given that this is a cold-water species, whereas many of the other species appearing en masse If you are interested in finding out more about prefer warmer waters. jellyfish in Cornwall, we have a workshop in October. Check the events pages for more Such swarm events are highly unpredictable and we cannot information. say which species we will see floating our way this summer. If you spot any jellyfish while out and about, please let The Wildlife Information Service is here to help you with your us know. You can report stranded jellyfish to the Marine wildlife questions, from identifying species to encouraging Strandings Network on 0345 201 2626, or submit all other wildlife in your garden. If you have anything you would like sightings to www.orks.org.uk to ask us, we are only a phone call or email away.

Barrel jellyfish, the gentle giants

Portuguese man-of-war, a floating hydrozoan colony ALL PHOTOS: MATT SLATER UNLESS OTHERWISE CREDITED

10 ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 This explosion of jellyfish is good news for animals that feed on them, such as sea turtles. We have witnessed more of these stunning creatures off our coast, too, as they pursue their prey into our waters.

For more information: The Wildlife Information Service: erccis.org.uk/WIS

Submit your jellyfish sightings to Online wildlife Recording for Kernow & Scilly (ORKS) www.orks.org.uk

Marine Strandings Network: Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/strandings

By-the-wind-sailor (Velella velella), Blue jellyfish a hydroid polyp (Cyanea lamarckii) CWT MARINE STRANDINGS NETWORK

ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 11 Poison pats Why we should protect dung wildlife

Peter Warman, Manager, and Stuart Coleman, Farm Adviser, of the Upstream Thinking project bring us down to earth as they discuss an essential but often overlooked substance.

The squelch of cow pat underfoot is a Dung is vital if you are a necessary part of Pete Warman Stuart Coleman a good walk in the coprophilous (dung-loving) Cornish countryside. invertebrate. Grass pastures form much of the landscape in Cornwall, where the warm, wet climate and steep river valleys often Fresh droppings are quickly inhabited by a range of specialist favour grass over arable systems. Cows, sheep and horses insects which rely on dung for their life cycle: laying eggs leave dung while they graze, which gets broken down which hatch into larvae, which feed on this organic matter to naturally and fertilises the soil. Dung provides many other grow, before turning into adults. There are over 40 species benefits for wildlife and farming, but these are under threat of dung beetle in the UK which eat and breed in livestock from lasting toxins in some livestock wormers. droppings. Some also tunnel below the ground to make dung balls where they lay their eggs.

Coprophilous creatures co-evolved with wild herbivorous Cale can produce around 6% of their body weight in dung every day. mammals, but with less of these around, it is now important 6 that livestock dung provides a food source. As well as On average, being curiously fascinating, dung-diners are themselves each animal 12 on the menu for some of our cherished wildlife including may produce 9 Dung from just 12 cows could cover hedgehogs, choughs, and horseshoe bats. 9 tons of dung a hectare in a year if it weren’t tons each year. broken down by dung-loving invertebrates.

Sheep can On average, each produce around sheep may produce 4% of their body 800 more than 800kg of weight in dung dung each year! 4 every day. kgs £370 16 18 million 3-5 kgs Horses can An average Dung beetles produce about 16-hand horse can are worth £370 3–5% of their produce 18kg of million to UK body weight in dung a day. Agriculture dung every day. per year.

STUART COLEMAN Dung wildlife relies on healthy cow pats

12 ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 Dung life is also important for farm economics 3 practical solutions Invertebrate activity in dung helps it to mix with the soil to healthy dung management quickly, where it provides nutrients for better grass growth. 1. Choose wormers which include the most benign active This also protects livestock by quickly removing dung that ingredients. contains harmful parasites. The value of dung beetles to UK agriculture was recently estimated at £370 million per year. 2. Only use wormers when necessary, rather than routine or whole-herd treatments. Conduct faecal egg-counts Rivers benefit too; dung which is quickly incorporated into to show which animals need treating; the cost of this soil doesn’t get washed into the water where toxic wormers should be recouped in better management of animal can kill freshwater wildlife too. Dung also encourages Cale can produce around 6% of health and reducedtheir risk bodyof drug weight resistance. in dung every day. earthworm activity; they create tunnels in soil which trap 6 3. Use land management practices which reduce the rainwater. Over large areas this reduces the downstream need Onfor average,chemical wormers. For example, chicory and flooding risk. other eachbeneficial animal herbs 12 in pastures offer natural worming may produce 9 Dung from just 12 cows could cover properties,9 tons ofas dungwell as improving wildlife diversity. Anthelmintics are wormers which improve livestock health a hectare in a year if it weren’t by controlling a range of intestinal parasites; but when tons each year. More guidance about responsiblebroken down use by of dung-loving wormers is active ingredients end up in dung, some are deadly to invertebrates. available from cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/upstreamthinking beneficial invertebrates. Through projects like Upstream Thinking, Cornwall Wildlife Trust is supporting hundreds Lots more aboutSheep the can importance of dung beetles can be found On average, each produce around of farmers across the county to protect wildlife while also on the DUMP website, dungbeetlemap.wordpress.comsheep may produce Cale can produce around 6% of 4% of their body 800 producing good food. One focus of this work is to protect more than 800kg of their body weight in dung every day. weight in dung dung each year! dung life by6 ensuring livestock worming practices are as every day. kgs wildlife-friendly as possible. 4 On average, each animal The unintended impacts 12of some wormers threaten may produce 9 Dung from just 12 cows could cover 9 tons of dung £370 Cornwall’s dung insects anda hectare wildlife, in a yearbut there if it weren’t are plenty of tons each year. practical solutions for farmersbroken and down horse by dung-loving owners. million invertebrates. 16 18 3-5 kgs Sheep can On average, each Horses can An average Dung beetles produce around sheep may produce produce about 16-hand horse can are worth £370 4% of their body 800 more than 800kg of 3–5% of their produce 18kg of million to UK weight in dung dung each year! body weight in dung a day. Agriculture 4 every day. kgs dung every day. per year. £370 16 18 million 3-5 kgs PETE WARMAN Horses can An average Dung beetles produce about 16-hand horse can are worth £370 3–5% of their produce 18kg of million to UK body weight in dung a day. Agriculture dung every day. per year.

Yellow dung flies (Scathophaga Chough eat dung insects stercoraria) on Alexanders JEREMY BARTLETT

Noon fly (Mesembrina meridiana) Dung beetle (Aphodius pedellus) Dung beetle larva (Aphodius sp.) JEREMY BARTLETT STUART COLEMAN Welcome to the Centre for Applied Zoology, Cornwall College Newquay page. Our programme aims to maintain young people's instinctive interest in wildlife. This partly mirrors my own interest in nature as a child – I played in fields and studentvoice ditches and fell in love with rockpooling, snorkelling and fishing on coastal holidays. But within a year Underwater photography first started to take shape in 1856, when William Thom- son took the first underwater picture using a primitive camera which had been Underwater mounted onto a pole. Over time technology has advanced, so that now this kind of equipment is available for anyone who is interested in the world of marine life. or so at secondary school, I was teased about Tom Daguerre from Hydro Motion Media took his passion for nature and turned it into his own CIC (community interest company), using his photography and films photography to help raise awareness and help protect the fragile coastlines of Cornwall. I caught Underwater photography first started to take shape in 1856, when William Thomup with- Tom to see how his experiences have helped to mould his profession... son took the first underwater picture using a primitive camera which had been Underwater with...mounted onto a pole. Over time technology has advanced, so that now this kind for wildlife birdwatching and slipped away from being of equipment is available for anyone who is interested in the world of marine life.What first drew you to underwater photography and film-making? Tom Daguerre from Hydro Motion Media took his passion for nature and turned I ithave always loved taking pictures of nature and before I started underwater photography I spent By Ruth Kent. a lot of time photographing terrestrial invertebrates. As my love of diving developed it was natural into his own CIC (community interest company), using his photography and films photography for me to want to try and photograph and film the creatures I encountered under the waves. Film to help raise awareness and help protect the fragile coastlines of Cornwall. I caughtmaking came later but is now my main passion. up with Tom to see how his experiences have helped to mould his profession... What was your first camera? And how have you developed your skills over the years? involved with nature. with... My first ever camera was a Pentax film camera - unfortunately I cant remember the model. Pho- What first drew you to underwater photography and film-making? tography was very different in those days. Collecting films after they were developed is something I have always loved taking pictures of nature and before I started underwater photography I spent I miss greatly, the excitement of seeing your images for the first time and physically holding them By Ruth Kent. a lot of time photographing terrestrial invertebrates. As my love of diving developed it was natural is something I feel is becoming lost in the digital era we live in. Over the years I had many cameras for me to want to try and photograph and film the creatures I encountered under the waves. Film and my favourites are not the highest spec, most expensive I own but the ones that are the most making came later but is now my main passion. fun to use! I have developed my skills by practice and patience, also doing a course with someone who has experience is invaluable to progress. What was your first camera? And how have you developed your skills over the years? My first ever camera was a Pentax film camera - unfortunately I cant remember the model. Pho- Who or what is your biggest inspiration? And this is not unusual. Our students are therefore involved in tography was very different in those days. Collecting films after they were developed is something Nature is my biggest inspiration without a doubt. It surrounds us all and I have made it a priority I miss greatly, the excitement of seeing your images for the first time and physically holding them in my life to try and become a part of it rather than live alongside it. My photography allows me to is something I feel is becoming lost in the digital era we live in. Over the years I had many cameras connect in a very intimate way with the natural world. and my favourites are not the highest spec, most expensive I own but the ones that are the most fun to use! I have developed my skills by practice and patience, also doing a course with someone What’s your most memorable underwater experience? who has experience is invaluable to progress. According to a Natural England a vast range of conservation activities: Wow, that’s really hard! I have so many but I think being in the water with a pod of 30 bottlenose Who or what is your biggest inspiration? dolphins at Sodwana bay, South Africa was one of the most incredible experiences I ever had. One Nature is my biggest inspiration without a doubt. It surrounds us all and I have made it a priority minute nothing and the next surrounded by graceful smiling dolphins. One individual, particularly in my life to try and become a part of it rather than live alongside it. My photography allows me to interested in me, came up eye to eye and mirrored my every move for 30 seconds, kicked its tail study conducted in 2015, children’s relationship with the we are the partner organisation for connect in a very intimate way with the natural world. and was gone. I spent the next week smiling too. What’s your most memorable underwater experience? What advice do you have for any young aspiring underwater photographers? Wow, that’s really hard! I have so many but I think being in the water with a pod of 30 bottlenose Get experience! First in diving, when you can dive well, then pick up a camera. I spent a number dolphins at Sodwana bay, South Africa was one of the most incredible experiences I ever had. One of years diving before I got my first underwater camera. However, my path into underwater pho- minute nothing and the next surrounded by graceful smiling dolphins. One individual, particularly tography and film making was somewhat unconventional. If you have a burning desire to take film natural environment changes as they mature, with a move the Your Shore Beach Rangers project interested in me, came up eye to eye and mirrored my every move for 30 seconds, kicked its tail or photos underwater I would suggest that you try and find an opportunity to do it. Be that as a and was gone. I spent the next week smiling too. student, a volunteer on a research project (that’s where things started for me), and a training programme or on an internship. Don’t let fears or money stand in your way, do all you can to realise What advice do you have for any young aspiring underwater photographers? your dreams. Get experience! First in diving, when you can dive well, then pick up a camera. I spent a number away from physical engagement in middle childhood with Cornwall Wildlife Trust, actively of years diving before I got my first underwater camera. However, my path into underwater photography and film making was somewhat unconventional. If you have a burning desire to take film In 2018 Hydro Motion Media CIC will be running its third internship programme. There will be 4 or photos underwater I would suggest that you try and find an opportunity to do it. Be that as a spots available this year. 2018 interns will have the chance to contribute directly to our films for the student, a volunteer on a research project (that’s where things started for me), and a training pro- Wildlife Trusts and Natural England and work alongside Cornwall’s most active conservationists. gramme or on an internship. Don’t let fears or money stand in your way, do all you can to realise Follow us on facebook for updates www.facebook.com/HydroMotionMedia. towards socialisation in adolescence. They don’t re-engage training beach rangers through the Beach your dreams.

In 2018 Hydro Motion Media CIC will be running its third internship programme. There will be 4 All photography courtesy of HydroMotionMedia, spots available this year. 2018 interns will have the chance to contribute directly to our films for the Wildlife Trusts and Natural England and work alongside Cornwall’s most active conservationists. until early adulthood – if they re-engage at all. Rangers Academy, and many students Follow us on facebook for updates www.facebook.com/HydroMotionMedia. In my case, I found my way back to nature a few years are active in marine conservation groups, All photography courtesy of HydroMotionMedia, later when environmentalism, perversely, seemed more principally Newquay Marine Group. Other acceptable amongst my peer group and I wore my One students work in practical terrestrial and freshwater World T-shirt with pride in the sixth form. Roll on 25 years, conservation activities, and Wildlife Watch, becoming and a much-needed shot of peer group credibility came to inspirational role models for children throughout Cornwall. Cornwall, with specialist courses from Cornwall College So we hope this new addition to Wild Cornwall rekindles Newquay in the shape of specialised courses such as other young peoples' energy, talent and commitment to FdSc Wildlife Education and Media, a course designed nature, and gives a taster about what is concerning them to produce the next generation of conservation-literate today. With forest schools and wild activities popping up educators, journalists, wildlife guides, campaigners and all over Cornwall, a new generation need not be shy about media producers. birdwatching any more. Jason Birt, Programme Manager for FdSc Wildlife Education and Media

Cornwall’s herring gulls Protecting Cornwall

(Larus argentatus) Cornwall is facing some massive changes with Common species regards to developments that are going on within that are seen on the county at the moment. By 2030, the government a daily basis are has stated that they want 57,000 new properties Protecting Cornwall just as important By Ruth Kent Cornwall is facing some massive changes with regards to developments that are going to be built in this county on within the county at the moment. By 2030, the government has stated that they want 57,000 new properties to be built in this county alone, so what effect is that go- as our unique ing to have on the environment? Masses of land are being sold off to create new estates to expand towns and villages in Cornwall, and this may include areas of land that are abundant in wildlife, both flaura and fauna. Since the loosening of laws in respect alone, so what effect is to land within greenbelt areas being open to development, patches of land that hold rare species that a high diversity of wildlife could be open for planning which can destroy functioning habitats including important pollinating insects and ground nesting bird species such as Skylarks. The current state of affairs is land is only protected if it is a registered that going to have on the conservation site such as a Site of Special Scientific interest, a Site of Historical interest or are classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Unfortunately this leaves are seen around a loophole that can be abused by developers on such areas of land, and once planning permission has been granted then it is invariably difficult to overthrow, and this environment? Masses of can still happen even if there is a rare species known to reside in that area. Due to the influx of development in Cornwall, many parishes have got together to create neigh- Cornwalls coast. In bourhood planning groups to help prevent unsuitable land from being built on. This is a great way to be able to get involved with what happens in your local town or village and help protect vulnerable areas that need it. If you know of an area of land that you land are being sold off beleive is worthy of protecting, contact The Cornwall Wildlife Trust or Natural England Newquay you have to see if they can help you. Development cannot be stopped, but it can be prevented from destroying delicate habitats.

This picture was taken last

TOM HIBBERT to create new estates to summer along Droskyn point in the opportunity Perranporth. When in bloom It’s an expanse of wild-flowers and expand towns and villages pollinators but unfortunately has been sold for development. to see such beautiful wildlife from dolphins to The walls are over 100 years old. porpoises, from the iconic cornish chough to in Cornwall, and this may peregrine falcons. As well as Newquay thriving in include areas of land that biodiversity its location boasts some spectacular are abundant in wildlife, views of ocean and surrounding woodland. I both flora and fauna. want to focus here on a species that is extremely Since the loosening of overlooked by humans due to its pervasive laws in respect to land within greenbelt areas being behaviour. The truth is that this beautiful iconic open to development, patches of land that hold a species, although thought by most people to be high diversity of wildlife could be open for planning common and annoying the species is in decline which can destroy functioning habitats including throughout the UK. important pollinating insects and ground nesting bird species such as skylarks. To read the whole article, go to [website address] To read the whole article, go to [website address] Jade Clayson, FdSc Conservation and Ecology 2nd year student Ruth Kent, FdSc Wildlife Education and Media

14 ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 Families going wild across Cornwall One of the most exciting aspects of Wildlife Watch is our collaboration with a marvellous range of organisations, local businesses and local Joanna Arvor groups. We are visiting more sites and covering a greater part of Cornwall than ever, and families can take part in a fantastic range of activities as a result.

We’ve been on Bug Hunts at King Edward Mine, Camborne, enjoyed Beach Cleaning & Crafts with West Cornwall Friends of the Earth, Polurrian Hotel and Friends of Polurrian Beach near Mullion, and Gardening & Planting with Perennial Harvest, based in St Austell – just a few examples. A glance B IB at What’s On - Wildlife Watch on the website through the G IE L A year shows us getting wild with organisations including T A Beach Guardian, Forest Holidays, Your Shore Beach Rangers, N Atlantic Divers, Wheal Martyn and the Badger Forest School, Porthtowan Eco Park, Cornwall Wildlife Trust Beaver Project, Helford and Polzeath VMCAs (Voluntary Marine Conservation

Areas) and Cornish Rock Tors.

And there are more exciting developments coming soon! R

-We are linking with Generation Wild. This is a student-led

volunteering project based at the University of Exeter’s V

Penryn Campus. Generation Wild will introduce children to S O

the environment through free outreach sessions for local N schools and children’s groups here in Cornwall. Wildlife Watch family events will take place six times a year on Penryn Campus during term time in October, November, December, February, March and May. Thank you to Jenny and Chloe, who pioneered this partnership! What a wonderful opportunity for families in this area, spreading a little Wildlife Watch wildness and happiness! I’ve run Badger Joanna Arvor, Family Events and Forest School sessions both Volunteer Coordinator at Cardinham, Bodmin & Wheal Martyn, St Austell. Both sites are brilliant as families can enjoy our TOP TO BOTTOM: Beach art and sessions, but also visit the woods or smiley faces with West Cornwall museum and make a whole day of Friends of the Earth and Polurrian Hotel. it too. Forest School ethos is very child-led and children always love R A natural tiara at Wheal Martyn O B the campfire or fire lighting and

with Badger Forest School. S T E den building - regardless V E N of the weather! Campfire cooking in the wild S O outdoors with Badger Forest N Ysella, School at Wheal Martyn. Wildlife Watch volunteer

ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 15 Conservation catch-up Nowedhyans gwithans

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

Cornwall’s beavers on the BBC The Trust is a lead partner in the Cornwall Beaver Project. We were delighted to be featured on BBC Countryfile in April, showing presenter Ellie Harrison what the Cornwall beavers Tell us have been up to. Following a study tour last November, we what you see! have made a short documentary ‘Living with Beavers’, which features farmers and landowners in Bavaria, Germany, who Your wildlife sightings provide vita have learnt to live alongside a large wild population of beavers information for research and conserv over the last 50 years. If you missed it, you can watch the BBC clip on our YouTube channel, and we'll keep you posted about when our new beaver documentary is ready on Facebook. l TOM SHELLEY ation Environmental Progress with growth for business Consultation strandings The Trust is a partner on the University of on new Marine research Exeter-led project ‘Environmental Growth Conservation for Business’. As part of the project we In the last issue of Wild Cornwall have a new business advisor in post for Zones we reported a record 250 dead three years: Catherine Pinney will be dolphins and porpoises on The national Cornish beaches. Our Marine working with businesses to see where consultation on Strandings Appeal (see page 21) they can improve their environmental the third tranche has already raised over £10,000 performance, from enhancing wildlife of Marine to help us tackle this problem. habitats and reducing water and non- Conservation Thank you to everyone who has renewable energy use to looking at newDOWNLOAD Zones (MCZs) TH donated. We are working with uses for waste. There is a grant scheme has been an MSc student to analyse all connected to the project. If you run a ORKSlaunched and E available data to try to find out business and would like to get involved, includes several APP how the deaths were caused. please contact catherine.pinney@ large offshore For the early part of this year the sites around cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk MATT SLATER dolphin and porpoise strandings Cornwall. seemed to have returned to We will be campaigning to normal levels, but we did record support the inclusion of the a high number of seal strandings, Cornish MCZs this summer. particularly pups that did not survive the winter storms.

Online Recording Kernow Pesticide amnesty Tell us and Scilly (ORKS) App what you see! Our Upstream Thinking team, working Your wild with farmers on behalf of South West launched information forlife ressighti ngs pr Water, have been running a ‘pesticide ov Recording Cornwall’s wildlife is easier than earch and conservide vita amnesty’ over the spring. The idea is to l ever thanks to a new app developed by the atio remove unused chemicals from farms n Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall to reduce the risk of them leaking or and the Isles of Scilly (ERCCIS), hosted by being disposed of in a way which could the Trust. The ORKS App was launched damage habitats. Get in touch with the during National Hedgehog Week in May. Upstream Thinking team to find out how You can find out more here: orks.org.uk you can take part upstreamthinking@ cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk DOWNLOAD TH ORKS E APP 16 Alien invasion on our shores Our estuaries and harbours are increasingly being threatened by an alien oyster, writes Marine Awareness Officer Matt Slater. Originally introduced for aquaculture, the Matt Slater Pacific or Portuguese oyster (Magallana gigas) is a fast-growing species that threatens the very habitats that make our south coast A Pacific oyster reef at Grid Irons estuaries, bays and harbours so important to marine life. on the shore opposite Fowey docks. It has totally smothered the shore

Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Shoresearch Project has been CLAIRE HODDINOTT, FOWEY ESTUARY PARTNERSHIP/ FOWEY HARBOUR COMMISSIONERS recording marine life on our shores with the help of a dedicated team of citizen science volunteers for six years now. Unlike the native oyster (Ostrea edulis) which lives below During this time we have noticed a striking increase in the low water, Pacifics tend to live on the shore and often attach abundance of many non-native species of algae, seasquirts to hard surfaces such as rocky reefs, harbour walls and and crustaceans. The recent massive increase in the presence pontoons. Each adult oyster can release millions of tiny of invasive Pacific oysters is causing the most concern for larvae which settle as spat and then rapidly grow. Eventually several reasons. they are able to take hold on softer intertidal mud flats by growing attached to each other. The oyster reefs created Pacific oysters were first introduced to Britain in 1926 and are razor sharp and they result in the loss of estuarine sand were brought into the UK to be farmed in the 1960s. At that and mud flats, a very important and productive habitat, vital time government scientists stated that this species would be as a feeding ground for wading birds and for important ideal for aquaculture as, although they would grow well here, commercial fish stocks such as bass and bream. sea temperatures at that time were not high enough to allow the oysters themselves to reproduce. Since then we have Surveys carried out by Helford Marine Conservation Group, witnessed the effects of climate change and in many parts of Falmouth Marine Group and Friends of the Fowey Estuary, the UK, including Cornwall, a wild population of these oysters as well as Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Shoresearch project, has now become established. have highlighted that there is already a considerable issue with these invasives in the Fal, Helford, Fowey and Tamar estuaries. Shoresearch surveys have shown that in some areas we are now also finding oysters in coastal sites where you wouldn’t expect to see them, such as Mounts Bay,Whitsand Bay and St Ives Bay. Some people may be thinking, "What is the problem with Know Your oysters a plague of delicious edible oysters?" Sadly, the majority of oysters that we find are attached to rocky reefs and it is very The difference between the hard to remove them without damaging the shells. When you eat oysters it is important to purify them first by storing Pacific and the native oyster them in specially designed aquaria, filtered by UV sterilisers. Oysters with damaged shells usually die before being properly sterilised, making commercial collection and sale Pacific oyster (Magellana impossible for those found attached to reefs. gigas) (formerly Crassostrea gigas) Natural England are understandably extremely concerned about the impact this species could have on our Marine Sharp frilly edge – sometimes Protected Areas and thanks to European Marine and purple/ black Fisheries funding, a major partnership project between Usually attached to rock on the shore Natural England, Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Devon ANOB has just started to both monitor the problem and find Very variable in shape and size solutions. Growing to 20cm in length. Currently, the only practical approach to limit the numbers and spread of Pacific oysters is to kill them in situ by breaking their shells with a hammer. The oysters die Native or ‘flat’ oyster instantly and the meat is not wasted, as it is scavenged by (Ostrea edulis) crabs and other animals. Other solutions will be researched by National England as part of the project. More delicate frills – flatter, Evidence from Kent Wildlife Trust shows that this approach more circular overall outline is effective, and Cornwall Wildlife Trust will be looking for Uncommon on shore – usually lots more volunteers this autumn to help us survey and control oysters all around our coastline. found beneath the low water mark in estuaries. To get involved, please email [email protected]

17 Specialist Groups

Whatever the weather, help yourself by helping wildlife There is a growing body of evidence that being in the natural world leads to creativity, relieves stress, sharpens concentration and boosts the immune system. Early this year, Cornwall's specialist wildlife groups were out in all weathers. Even in cold and rain they reaped rich rewards: a sense of achievement and of course, the sheer joy gained from observing and helping wildlife, despite, or as in the Photographic group's case, because of, the dull conditions.

Dull conditions enabled Karin Saunders to produce this masterpiece on a David Chapman of the Photo Group outing Cornwall Wildlife Trust Photographic Group relates: “In the winter we had two field trips specifically organised to practise landscape photography, one at Trevose Head (and Constantine Bay), the other at Cape Cornwall. In both cases we planned to stay for sunset but we didn’t see any sun at Trevose. Dull conditions are not great for landscape photography but it did give us the chance to play with our neutral density filters. These are dark filters which result in a longer exposure and create that ‘milky water’ effect – see Karin Saunders’ image of Trevose Head; notice also the way in which Karin has composed the picture to use the foreground sea to lead the eye towards the lighthouse.” Visit the Photo Group's latest exhibition in the meetings room at Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Five Acres offices, Allet, or come to a Photo Group meeting at Allet (see events diary, centre pages).

Robert Moor, from the Cornwall’s Living Churchyards project, also reports a drab start to the year’s volunteering, followed by positive news: “It was a damp, miserable day in February when a noble, hardworking group met together Volunteers admiring the new at St Uny, Lelant, to do a rake-up.

ROBERT MOOR interpretation board in Lelant This closed status churchyard had just received its late annual cut by the Cornwall Council Team, normally planned for October. During a break in our work, we erected the new interpretation map that local groups and St Ives Council had generously donated. Even at that time, there were snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) carpeting cleared areas. Many thanks to those hardy volunteers who supported us in the rain.

But the greatest news of all is that The Wheal Buzzy Project, to support struggling bee species across AONBs (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) has received funding from its bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund. Congratulations to our expert Paddy Saunders; the initiative will enthuse several church groups into projects, and encourage schools, with voluntary 18 help, to planting the appropriate flora.” ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 Living Cornwall Photographic Seal Group Group Churchyards

So what are these two Specialist Groups doing next? David In July 2011 the Polzeath (POLPIP) survey started and by Chapman has a preview of forthcoming Photo Group October, skippers Chris and Annabelle Lowe embarked on expeditions: our first St Agnes to Polzeath (STAPIP) survey aboard ‘Atlantic “In August, Becky Curtis and Karin Saunders have arranged Diver’. Initially summer surveys, by 2014 they extended all special access to the Natural England HQ on The Lizard, year round. Now we do three quarterly surveys with Sea- where we will photograph insects, flowers and birds. Changers and Polzeath Marine Conservation Group, currently Dave Thomas is leading a trip to Breney Common in funded by outdoor clothing and gear suppliers Patagonia – all early September, so if you want help with identifying and with Newquay Sea Safaris. photographing dragonflies and butterflies that would be a great trip to go on. I am leading a walk at Degibna on Loe Pool in October, looking for fungi in the woodland and doing a bit of bird watching around the edge of the lake. See the diary of events on pages 24–29 for details.”

Robert Moor’s own local churchyard project at St Clement has, sadly, closed after 15 years, but might restart in the future. Robert is appealing for help throughout the rest of Cornwall: “Trust members living near churchyard projects are badly Inspiring volunteers make needed to guide and support volunteers. Church members these surveys possible tend to be elderly and not the most active workers, however beneficial some gentle exercise might be for them! If you can share knowledge and expertise helping a local project, it will To date we’ve done 40 CASPIP, 35 POLPIP and 27 STAPIP be most worthwhile; not only for those endangered buzzy surveys. We know what this coast looks like and are ‘eyes invertebrates, but for the dwindling Cornish flora too. Contact and ears’ to detect changes taking place. We record species me on (01872) 272929.” including cetaceans, sea birds, jellyfish and sunfish as well as seals, alongside human activity, disturbance, entanglement Volunteers needn’t confine themselves to the land. Sue Sayer, and ghost gear. 2018 saw microplastics and eDNA added to describing the work of Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust the list. What started as a seal survey has transformed into (CSGRT), conveys the sheer joy of volunteering on a boat – vital systematic, long-term ‘marine life and human impact’ first just in summer and now all year round: research for 115km of Cornwall’s north coast, monitoring “Seven years …WOW! Time flies when you’re having fun in three Marine Conservation Zones. Data feeds into national a truly awesome environment. In April 2011, British Divers and international projects. We are hugely grateful to all our Marine Life Rescue offered Cornwall Seal Group Research volunteers and to partner organisations Cornwall College, Trust their RIB (rigid inflatable boat) for coastal surveys. Our Newquay and Newquay and Polzeath Marine Groups. PIPs (Photo Identification Projects) using boats began with the Believe us when we say, Cornwall’s coast is spectacular in all Carracks to St Agnes seasons and conditions!" (CASPIP) survey. To take part in CSGRT, email [email protected]

Whether you’ve just tried out The Wildlife Trusts’ ‘ Recording nesting ledges 30 Days Wild’ challenge for the first provides vital data time, or you’re a an experienced naturalist, there’s an opportunity to meet together through the Specialist Groups to help both wildlife and ourselves in meaningful ways. ead more about how Nature Matters under Discover & Learn on our website. ALL PHOTOS: SUE SAYER

ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 19 The most popular way for a business to pledge support is Businesses through annual membership to our Business Supporter lend a helping scheme. We currently have over 160 committed business members! Serena hand Pettigrew-Jolly

Giveaways Choosing the Here are some RIGHT: HatHats coffee gifts delicious Trust to be freshly roasted coffee their Charity other ideas samples for our events. of the Year Donation of prizes which we use for our Annual Raffle and other competitions. Hosting nature RIGHT: Jon Tremaine regularly donates events stunning wildlife Employee to inspire their customers or artwork. members of the public about BELOW: Hotel fundraising wildlife. Tresanton has by doing something BELOW: John Bray Cornish Holidays donated a luxury fun and raising sponsor marine events. short break. funds, such as a sponsored swim or wearing wellies to work.

Sponsoring our stunning calendar to cover print costs. Gifts of specialist equipment such as wildlife cameras, to help WeLcome!We would like to welcome the with conservation work. following businesses to our BELOW: Handykam provides Business Supporter scheme. Meerkams for children to explore nature. Wildlife Partners Avanti Gas Business Members Arts and media Volunteering Silverlake Design through our Wild Work days to inspire their customers or The Royal Cornwall members of the public Polytechnic about wildlife.

Whatever the size of your business, we are always delighted to find ways to work together. To discover more, please contact Serena Pettigrew-Jolly, Business Support Manager, on (01872) 302264 or [email protected]

20 ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 Annual Raffle Top prizes include: A luxury one night stay for two people at Hotel Tresanton, St Mawes, including dinner and breakfast A pair of professional Opticron Traveller BGA ED 8x32 binoculars £500 cash prize! This year’s annual raffle has some great Special Free Draw prizes on offer and you could be in with Sell 50 tickets or more, to be in with a chance a chance of winning them! to win a two night stay for two people at 4 star Call our team at (01872) 273939 to WILL HAWKES Mullion Cove Hotel with a Cornish cream tea order your booklet or buy online at £1 upon arrival, including dinner in the award winning www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/raffle per ticket Atlantic View restaurant. Closing Date: 30th November 2018 Draw date: 3rd December 2018

Still time to help our dolphins and porpoises With your help, we have so far raised over Ruth Williams, the Trust’s Marine Conservation Manager, is presenting the £11,000 of our £16,000 appeal target. research we have carried out to decision- 16,000 14,000 makers and researchers at a national Since launching the appeal in January, our supporters have 12,000 and strategic level, highlighting the fact shared their own devastating experiences of discovering 10,000 that 2017 was the worst in 15 years for 8,000 these majestic creatures washed up dead on local beaches. marine strandings along the Cornish 6,000 If you love dolphins and porpoises as much as we do, please 4,000 coastline. be part of our project. We want to keep more dolphins and 2,000 0 porpoises alive and thriving in our seas. Ruth says, “I am hopeful that we will start to get the answers we need to enable us to work proactively to better protect our dolphins and porpoises. Bycatch is still going on in local fisheries and has not gone away. I am pleased that the Institute of We need just 250 Zoology is keeping this issue people to donate £20 - on the agenda”. can you help us?

We still need to raise just under £5,000 to carry out our work. Here’s how to donate and make a difference today:

Text STRA18 £5 or £10 to 70070 Donate securely online at www.justgiving.com/ cornwallwildlifetrust Call us on (01872) 273939 (credit card donations only).

Have you seen a stranding? Let us know: call our Marine Strandings Network hotline on (0345) 2012626.

ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 21 Cornwall Wildlife Trust Business Supporter ZLC is delighted to announce a special offer for Wild Cornwall readers: Trustees for OR £100 Readers can choose Cornwall Wildlife Trust DONATION to donate the full Do you have the skills and experience to to Cornwall Wildlife lend your expertise to the leading local Trust per renewable £200 conservation charity in Cornwall? energy system to the Trust! installed PLUS If so, please email us on [email protected] Use code 'Cornwall Wildlife £100 Trust' when making initial for a confidential discussion. DISCOUNT enquiry. Valid until Oct 2018 zlcenergy.co.uk 01726 390390

Providing ecology, landscape and aboricultural services throughout the South West. t: 01872 245510 e: cecenvironment.co.uk

All profits are donated to Cornwall Wildlife Trust Nature notices Open your garden to support Cornish wildlife Marine Week is back We are looking for new gardens to open between and bigger than ever April and September 2019. To make things easy Our Marine Conservation team invites you to go out and for garden owners, all stewarding, signage, car experience our wonderful marine life. Here in Cornwall we parking, catering and organising is managed by have a wealth of fabulous family events at the start of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust volunteers. Our only school summer holidays. Join us on rockpool rambles, requirement (apart from the garden looking kayak beach cleans, clifftop sea watches, arts and crafts, boat stunning on the day!) is nearby space to park trips and crabbing sessions. See the centre pages about 50 cars, and access to basic kitchen facilities. of this magazine and our website: If your garden might be suitable, we would www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/whatson love to hear from you. Email: stephen.howe@ cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk or phone: (01872) 571925.

Thank you Calendar 2019 A big thank you to all who voted for Cornwall Wildlife Trust in the M&S Energy The Wild Cornwall 2019 calendar is now Fund awards in 2017. As regional winners available for buy. It features magnificent we received £12,000 to have solar panels images of Cornwall's flora, fauna and installed at our offices, reducing both our habitats to delight you and your friends all carbon footprint and our running costs. year round. All proceeds support Cornwall's ZLC, who installed the panels, are Cornwall wildlife, with production costs covered by our Wildlife Trust Business Supporters. generous sponsors. Only £6.50 or three for £16. Call our team on (01872) 302233 or visit cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/calendar Marine book reviews The amazing photo of Pen-wyn Reef on the Switch to green manacles featured in our 2019 Wild Cornwall Calendar was taken by renowned underwater photographer Anita Sherwood. and Ecotricity will Anita’s books, Dive Weekends in South West England, in which Cornwall features heavily, and British Shore Dives, are donate £60 recommended by our Marine Awareness Officer Matt Slater. Cornwall Wildlife Trust has partnered Matt says, “These are practical and inspiring books that any diver with Ecotricity on an exciting new offer. will enjoy.” See http://britishshoredives.co.uk Ecotricity has an excellent reputation and Exploring Britain's Hidden World: a natural history of seabed provides electricity generated through habitats is the culmination of 50 years of research by author wind and solar power. The Trust has Keith Hiscock, drawing on 200 years of underwater exploration. recently chosen it as the supplier for our This is a fascinating book for anyone with an interest in marine headquarters. Now, gas and electricity biology, diving or underwater photography. customers that switch their supply to Available from www.wildnaturepress.com Ecotricity will also benefit Cornwall Wildlife Trust as we will receive a one off donation of up to £60! To get a free quote and for more details, please visit www.ecotricity.co.uk/cwt Pull-out Diary of events Dydhlyver hwarvosow

August 2018 to November 2018

AUGUST Mis Est Wednesday 1 to Friday 3 Saturday 4 Sunday 5 Seaquest Sea Watch Strandline Treasures and Open Garden: Trenarth Wed: Towan Headland, Newquay Sandsculpture Competition Constantine. 2.00pm to 5.00pm Thur: The Rumps, Polzeath Meet at Trenarth, High Cross TR11 5JN. Nr Polzeath, 1.00pm to 3.00pm Fri: Hella Point, nr Porthgwarra Booking is essential 4-acre garden around 17th century 11.00am to 1.00pm Scavenger hunt. Create sand sculptures farmhouse with panoramic views. 1 Join dedicated recorders & volunteers at decorated with your beach finds. Prizes to 6th century courtyard, listed garden walls, sea watches countywide for the National be won. Leader: Megan Rush. Sponsored gravel & palm area, yew rooms, Whale & Dolphin Watch. For more info by John Bray Holidays. Contact: Wildlife vegetable garden, orchard & woodland including July's sea watches, email Watch (01872) 273939; wildlifewatch@ area. Abundant wildlife; water & bog [email protected] , A huge thankcornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk you for supportingfeatures, maternity roost us of lesser horseshoe bats. Quirky, child-friendly Wednesday 1 Saturday 4 garden with trail. Ancient green lane walk Looe Summerfrom Snorkel everyoneButterflies here andat CornwallMoths Wildlifeto pond, on through Trust bluebell woods to Looe, 4.00pm to 6.00pm Trenarth Bridge. Refreshments & toilet. Saltash, 10.00am to 12.00 noon Booking is essential, for ages 9 to 24 Well behaved dogs on leads welcome. £5. Meet at Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve, Meet below Coastguard Station, Hannafore U16s free. Organised by CWT; between St Stephens Church & Cecil Arms Look out for our sail flags. PL13 2DL. cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/opengardens PL12 4AR (SX 417583). Supervised snorkelling, clambering See how many different butterflies & through gullies & exploring. Hot chocolate Sunday 5 moths we can find on the reserve. Bring afterwards. Kiosk & toilets. Unaccompanied binoculars, camera. Free for Friends Photography Field Trip U16s must be signed in by a parent/ members; £2 non-members. Leader: Gary The Lizard, 10.00am to 3.00pm guardian. Must be confident sea Lewis. Organised by FoCFCNR. Contact: Meet at Lizard NNR, Higher Bochym swimmers. Bring wetsuit, snorkel, mask Mary Langworth (01752) 843852. Rural Workshops, Cury Cross Lanes, & fins if you have them. Leaders: Jenn Helston TR12 7AZ (SW703201). Sandiford & Looe MCG. Organised by Please arrive on time; compound gate Sunday 5 Your Shore Beach Rangers & Looe MCG. will be locked behind us. Contact: Jenn Sandiford (079737 28775); Summer Vegtable Planting Meadow with wildflowers, butterflies, jennifer.sandiford and Growing 2 ponds & hide for birds & insects. @cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk St Austell, 10.00am to 12.00 noon Bring camera, macro & telephoto lenses, Booking is essential wide angle lens, tripod, reflector, food & Wednesday 1 Learn about organic vegetables. Decorate drink, portable chair (only 2 in the hide). Beaver Walk for pots; plant seeds to take home. £1.50 to £2 donation to CWT suggested. Community Groups cover costs. Leader: Tamasin Pemberton. Leaders: Karin Saunders & Becky Curtis. Ladock, nr Truro, 8.00pm to 11.00pm Organised by CWT Wildlife Watch & Organised by CWT Photographic Group. Booking is essential, age 11+, £10 per www.perennial-harvest.co.uk. Contact: Contact: Karin 07790 613786; person (group discounts available) Wildlife Watch (01872) 273939; Becky 07746 083422; kar1n@madasafish. Meet at Woodland Valley Farm TR2 4PT [email protected] com or [email protected] (SW907515). Join farmer Chris Jones & CWT for a guided walk around our fantastic beaver IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PARENTS: project. U16s accompanied. Wear waterproof footwear, long trousers. Bring Children must be accompanied by an adult at all events, and must remain that person’s binoculars. Leaders: Cheryl Marriott & Tom responsibility at all times. Sorry, no dogs at Cornwall Wildlife Trust Wildlife Watch events. Shelley. Contact: CWT (01872) 273939; [email protected] Further details of events and activities are available on our website: Info/bookings online only at www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/whatson www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop Five Acres, Allet, Truro, TR4 9DJ Tel. (01872) 273939

EVERYONE is welcome to attend ALL events except where specified (eg as 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 weather-dependent activities are still running. 24 ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 AUGUST Mis Est Monday 6 Wednesday 8 Sunday 12 Learn to Snorkel in a Beaver Walk for Rockpool Ramble Rockpool Individuals/Families Porthleven, 11.30am to 1.30pm Bude, 3.00pm to 5.00pm Ladock, nr Truro, 7.45pm to 10.45pm Booking is essential, ‘meet at’ details on Booking is essential, strictly 6+ years Booking is essential, age 11+, £10 per booking, age 6+ only Learn about snorkelling in a safe rockpool person Join expert Matt Slater for an exciting environment. Bring wetsuit, boots & See Wednesday 1 August for details. expedition, exploring pools and gullies snorkel (some snorkels can be provided). at a hard to reach and exposed Cornish shore. Access is challenging. All U18s Leaders: Natalie Gibb & Jen Sanderford. Friday 10 Contact: Wildlife Watch (01872) 273939; must be accompanied by an adult. [email protected] Extreme Rockpooling Contact: Matt Slater (01872) 302251; Port Isaac, 10.00am to 1.00pm [email protected] Tuesday 7 Booking is essential: Cornish residents only; Sponsored by South West Water. age 8+ only Marine Litter Masterpieces Meet at Old Fish Cellar, Port Gaverne, Port Sunday 12 Marazion, 10.00am to 12.00 noon Isaac PL29 3SQ (SX002808). Meet on beach near Folly Field car park, Coasteering with Cornish Rock Tors & Newquay Summer Snorkel Marazion TR17 0EG (SW514308). marine biologist Matt Slater. Discover Newquay, 2.00pm to 4.00pm Beach clean; create masterpieces with the fantastic wildlife in hard to reach places at Booking is essential, age 11+ only colourful plastics you find. Organised by low tide. Bring towel, wetsuit. £36 per Snorkel safari ideal for the young & CWT. Sponsored by South West Water. person, please quote CWT eco coaster for adventurous: come face-to-face with Leader/contact: Matt Slater (01872) 302251; this discounted price. Organised by CWT. amazing wildlife. Unaccompanied [email protected] Leader/contact: Ben Spicer 07791534884; U16s must be signed in by a parent/ [email protected] guardian. All must be confident sea Wednesday 8 swimmers. Equipment can be provided Friday 10 but bring wetsuit, snorkel, mask & Crazy about Crabbing fins if you have them. Leaders: Jenn Mevagissey, 2.00pm to 4.00pm Summer Garden Wildlife Sandiford & Newquay MCG. Meet at Harbourside, Mevagissey Nr Camborne, 10.00am to 12.00 noon Organised by Your Shore Beach (SX015448). Please park in one of the town Booking is essential Rangers & Newquay MCG. car parks and walk down to the harbour – it Exploring a stunning country garden: Contact: Jenn Sandiford 07973728775; will be very busy. beautiful birds, bees, flowers, pond jennifer.sandiford Learn all about Cornish crustaceans & the inhabitants. Lots to see & do. Leader: @cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk Cornwall Good Seafood Guide. Take part Daena Rose. Organised by CWT Wildlife in a wildlife-friendly crabbing competition, Watch & Wildwood Eco Garden. Contact: Wednesday 15 meet the fishermen & learn about this (01872) 273939; wildlifewatch@ sustainable fishery. Bring crab-fishing cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk Mini Marine Medics lines, bucket (no hook or drop nets). Nr Porthtowan , 11.00am to 1.00pm Organised by Cornwall Good Seafood Booking is essential Friday 10 Guide & Three Bays Wildlife. Leader/ Learn with fun & games how to help contact: Matt Slater (01872) 302251; Rockpool Ramble if we find a stranded seal, dolphin or even [email protected] Fowey, 10.45am to 12.45pm a whale. Leader: Megan Rush. Meet at Readymoney Beach, Fowey. PL23 Contact: Wildlife Watch (01872) 273939; Wednesday 8, Thursday 9, 1DG for nearest car park (SX117512) [email protected] Friday 10, Sunday 12 Family fun exploring rockpools. U18s accompanied. Café open. Bring money for Wednesday 15 Seal Squad XP Roadshow car park. Free to FoFE members, £1.50 Festival non-members. Organised by FoFE. Leader/ Guided Tour of Pendeen, 11.00am to 4.00pm contact: Claire Hoddinott (01726) 833061; Beaver Project Meet at Geevor Tin Mine, on B3306 between [email protected] Ladock, nr Truro, 7.45pm to 10.45pm Land’s End & St Ives TR19 7EW (SW375344). Booking is essential. Discover amazing grey seal facts & learn Sunday 12 Meet at Woodland Valley Farm TR2 4PT about their coastal environment at the (SW907515). Xplorer Xhibition. Activities, talks, displays, Summer Rockpooling Walk around a unique reserve to see films and more! Wheelchair access to West Looe, 11.00am to 1.00pm what the beavers have been building, museum, shop, cafe & some surface Booking is essential including dams & the first lodge in buildings. Dogs on leads welcome but not What will you find in the rockpools this Cornwall in over 400 years. Wear clean in shop, cafe or underground. Sturdy summer? Bring wellies/sturdy beach wellington boots, long trousers. Bring footwear recommended. Cost included in shoes & bucket. No nets please. Leader: binoculars. £10 in advance. entrance fee. Organised by Geevor Tin Heather Buttivant. Contact: Wildlife Watch Organised by Bude Group. Contact: Mine & CSGRT. Contact: Sonja Kuefer (01872) 273939; wildlifewatch@ Ursula Edwards (01288) 321078; (01736) 788662; [email protected] cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk [email protected]

If you are a Local Group and Key to symbols: Abbreviations: affiliated to Cornwall Wildlife Trust, you can submit events to be CWT Wildlife Watch CSGRT Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust included on our website 'What's event for accompanied CWT Cornwall Wildlife Trust children On' listing and Wild Cornwall ERCCIS Environmental Records Centre for magazine's diary. Full or partial Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Email Mark Dungey for an event disabled access FoFE Friends of the Fowey Estuary form and submit a season in FoCFCNR Friends of Churchtown Farm advance to be included in the Sponsored by Community Nature Reserve South West Water next issue. MCG Marine Conservation Group [email protected] NNR National Nature Reserve

ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 25 AUGUST Mis Est SEPTEMBER Mis Gwynngala Saturday 18 Saturday 1 Wednesday 5 & first Wed of each month

Build a Bug Hotel Bats of the Helford CSGRT Meeting Camborne, 10.00am to 12.00 noon Mawnan, 7.30pm Booking is essential Redruth, 7.30pm to 10.00pm Booking is essential Meet at Mawnan Church, Old Church Road, Meet at the Inn for All Seasons (SW701434). Create safe places for the minibeasts in Mawnan TR11 5HY (SW788272). Updates & seal highlights. Food can be your garden. £5. Leader: Demelza. Dr Carol Williams, Bat Conservation Trust, ordered from 6.30pm. Leader/contact: Sue Organised by CWT Wildlife Watch with introduces the cast of bats that make this Sayer: [email protected] volunteers from King Edward Mine. part of Cornwall their home, followed by Contact: Wildlife Watch (01872) 273939; walk with ultrasound bat detectors. Tea, Wednesday 5 [email protected] coffee & cakes. Free for U18s & HMCG members; £4 others. Beaver Walk for Organised by Helford MCG. Contact: Individuals/Families Tuesday 21 [email protected] Ladock, nr Truro, 7.00pm to 10.00pm Fowey Marine Day Booking is essential, age 11+, £10 per person Fowey, 10.00am to 4.00pm Saturday 1 See Wednesday 1 August for further details. Meet at Town Quay PL23 1AT (SX126516). Autumn Organic Gardening Saturday 8 Find out about amazing marine life of the Nr Mevagissy, 10.00am to 12.00 noon Cornish coast. An expert from CWT will Booking is essential History of Looe Island give talks throughout the day. Arts & crafts Learn about organic vegetables to plant for children. Bring cash for car park. Guided Walk for autumn. Decorate pots; plant seeds to Looe, 2.15pm to 5.45pm Organised by FoFE & CWT. Leader/contact: take home. £1.50 to cover costs. Booking is essential Claire Hoddinott (01726) 833061; Leader: Tamasin Pemberton. [email protected] Join local historian Mark Camp for a Contact: Wildlife Watch (01872) 273939; boat ride to & walk around Looe Island [email protected] Nature Reserve. During the 3-hour walk Wednesday 22 (& optional slide show) you’ll learn of the Beaver Walk for Saturday 1 island’s intriguing history. Fantastic views & wildlife. £25. Contact/booking: www. Individuals/Families Back to School Beach Day cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/islandwalks Ladock, nr Truro, 7.15pm to 10.15pm Bude, 2.00pm to 5.00pm Booking is essential, age 11+, £10/person Join Wildlife Watch volunteers & Your Saturday 8 See Wednesday 1 August for further details. Shore Beach Rangers to banish back to school blues. Shoreline discovery & beach Mud Monsters Thursday 23 games. Leader: Jen Sandiford. Bude, 10.00am to 12.00 noon Booking is essential Learn to Snorkel in a Contact: (01872) 273939; [email protected] Enjoy mud & bugs in collaboration with Rockpool Bude-based Happy Acorns – outdoor Penzance, 10.00am to 12.00noon learning – wear your wellies. Leader: Booking is essential, strictly 6+ years Sunday 2 Tracy Gates. Contact: (01872) 273939; Learn snorkelling in a safe rockpool Exploring Flower Meadows [email protected] environment with Your Shore Beach Nr St Kew, 2.00pm to 4.00pm Rangers. Bring wetsuit, boots & snorkel Booking is essential Saturday 8 (some snorkels can be provided). Leaders: Meet at PL30 3HG, village green outside Brilliant Bees – Bee and Natalie Gibb & Jen Sanderford. Contact: Rose Cottage, Tregellist (SX009775). Wildlife Watch (01872) 273939; Explore wetland pastures & traditional Flower Identification [email protected] herb-rich meadows; study the variety of Camborne, 10.00am to 12.00 noon Booking is essential native wildflowers. Organised by CWT Friday 24 Camel Group. Leader/contact: Trevor Honey bee hives & wild bees; identify Renals (01208) 880893; trevorrenals@ the bee-friendly flowers planted for Marine Litter Masterpieces gmail.com them. Enjoy bee-related arts & crafts in Nr Polzeath,1.00pm to 3.00pm a rural garden. £3. Leader: Daena Rose. Booking is essential Contact: (01872) 273939; wildlifewatch@ Sunday 2 Beach art session using canvasses to cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk create masterpieces with your finds. Open Garden: South Bosent Nr Dobwalls, 2.00pm to 5.00pm Sunday 9 Leader: Megan Rush. Sponsored by John Bray Holidays. Contact: Wildlife Meet at South Bosent PL14 4LX. Bird Ringing and Watch (01872) 273939; wildlifewatch@ Over 9 acres of land under development, cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk already attracting butterflies. Soft fruit, Arts & Crafts ponds, new meadow, new borders, Truro, 9.30am to 11.30am. Booking is essential Wednesday 29 magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons. £5. Bird ringing demo & bird-related arts & Contact: Adrienne or Bob (01579) 320753; crafts. Leaders: Mark Grantham & Wildlife Beaver Walk for 07710 163402. Organised by CWT Open Watch volunteers. Community Groups Gardens; cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/ Contact: (01872) 273939; wildlifewatch@ Ladock, nr Truro, 7.15pm to 10.15pm opengardens cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk See Wednesday 1 August for further details. Sunday 2 Wednesday 12 Thursday 30 Nature Photography Ferns Rockpool Ramble Breney Common, 10.00am to 3.00pm Nr Truro, 10.00am to 4.30pm Prisk Cove, Mawnan Smith, 1.30pm to 3.30pm Meet at Gunwen Chapel car park nr Breney Booking is essential. Meet at CWT offices, Allet. Booking is essential Common Nature Reserve PL30 5DU One of a series of ERCCIS biological Meet at Mawnan Church, Old Church Road, (SX053613). recording workshops. Learn how Mawnan, TR11 5HY (SW788272). Photographing butterflies, dragonflies & to identify & name the ferns found Discover a hidden world of crabs, sea wildflowers. Cancelled if raining. Bring in Cornwall. £35 for most, £72 for anemones & strange shellfish. Leader: equipment for macro & landscape work, commercial/government, Contact us re disabled access. Leader: Ruth Williams, CWT. Organised by Helford wellies & lunch. £2. Organised by CWT Derek Green. Organised by ERCCIS. MCG. Contact: Sue Scott (01326) 340961; Photography Group. Leader/contact: Dave Contact: Laura Fox (01872) 302246; laura. [email protected] Thomas [email protected] [email protected]

26 ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 SEPTEMBER Mis Gwynngala Wednesday 12 Sunday 23 Saturday 29 and Sunday 30

Beaver Walk for Crafty Woodland Wander Sponges of the UK, Community Groups Truro, 10.00am to12.00 noon Seasearch Specialist Course Ladock, nr Truro, 6.45pm to 9.45pm Booking is essential Nr Truro, 9.30am to 5.00pm See Wednesday 1 August for further details. Explore this small woodland reserve, Meet at CWT, Five Acres, Allet TR4 9DJ. then get creative, drawing on your 2-day course for divers, to identify & Saturday 15 surroundings for inspiration. Leader: understand marine sponge species. Moth Trapping and Sammy Brisdon. Contact: (01872) 273939; Includes optional shore dive on Sunday [email protected] for qualified divers. Bring packed Bat Detecting lunch, diving kit if diving. £60/person. Nr St Kew, 9.00pm to 11.00pm Sunday 23 Leader: Dr Jennifer Jones. Contact: Booking is essential Matt Slater (01872) 302251; seasearch@ Meet at village green outside Rose Cottage, Discovering Minibeasts cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk Tregellist PL30 3HG (SX 009775). Tregellist, St Kew, 2.00pm to 4.00pm Study, identify & photograph the wide Booking is essential Saturday 30 variety of moths attracted to a light trap; Meet at PL30 3HG, village green outside detect & identify the bats that hunt them. Rose Cottage, Tregellist (SX 009775). Snorkel Safari and BBQ Bring a torch. Organised by CWT Camel Find out about the amazing tiny creatures Nr Mawnan Smith, 11:00am to 2:00pm Group. Leader/contact: Trevor Renals that live in ponds, fields & woods and how Booking is essential, snorkelling places (01208) 880893; [email protected] important they are to the countryside. limited. Meet at Durgan Beach, Helford River Organised by CWT Camel Group. Leader/ (SW773272). Sunday 16 contact: Trevor Renals (01208) 880893; End of summer beach barbecue with [email protected] option to snorkel with CWT marine Open Garden: experts on a guided tour of the Helford Marsh Villa Garden Wednesday 26 eelgrass beds. Snorkellers must bring own Par, 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Meet at Marsh Villa, wetsuit, snorkel, mask & fins. Barbecue St Andrews Road PL24 2LU. Mosses and Liverworts £5. Organised by Helford MCG. Contact: Magical 3-acre water & woodland Mount, Bodmin, 10.00am to 4.30pm Sue Scott (01326) 340961; coordinator@ garden in a former tidal creek. Extensive Booking is essential helfordvmca.co.uk herbaceous borders & mixed beds, One of a series of ERCCIS biological amongst a charming network of recording workshops. Cornwall has waterways that drain the Tidesmill amazing bryophyte flora including OCTOBER Mis Hedra marsh levels. Meandering paths from worldwide rarities. For all interested in one ‘room’ to the next, to a large natural identifying bryophytes, either for their Wednesday 3 pond, formal enclosed garden, woodland own interest or professional work. Advice Beaver Walk for areas & comfortable corners with seats. on equipment, techniques & where to 16 acres left as wild habitat. £5, U16s free. get ongoing support. £35 for most, £72 Individuals/Families Organised by CWT: for commercial/government. Leader: Roy Ladock, nr Truro, 6.00pm to 9.00pm. cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/opengardens Jeffery. Contact us re disabled access. Booking is essential, age 11+, Organised by ERCCIS. £10 per person Monday 17 Contact: Laura Fox (01872) 302246; See Wednesday 1 August for details. [email protected] The Geology of the Coast Saturday 6 from Wanson Mouth to Sandymouth Wednesday 26 Gardening Club – Nr Bude, 7.30pm to 9.00pm Beaver Walk for Composting for all Meet at Stratton Primary School, New Road, Community Groups Truro, 10.00am to 12.00 noon Stratton EX23 9AP. Ladock, nr Truro, 6.15pm to 9.15pm Booking is essential Journey through time on the geological See Wednesday 1 August for further details. Join Wildlife Watch volunteers & Tamasin history of North Cornwall, followed by Pemberton from Perenial Harvest for the a photographic ‘armchair walk’ along first of our new and regular Gardening Saturday 29 the beach from Wanson Mouth to Club sessions – make & use compost, sow Sandymouth to guide you through the Rocking Rockpools greens & sweetpeas in the polytunnel, folds, faults & sedimentary structures of St Austell, 12.30pm to 2.30pm plant broad beans in the veg patch. Learn the 320 million year old Carboniferous Booking is essential, strictly age 6+ how wildlife helps us in the garden. Bude Formation. £3 to include tea/coffee. Contact: (01872) 273939; wildlifewatch@ Leader: Jane Anderson. Organised by CWT Enjoy a walk along a coastal path learning cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk Bude Group. Contact: Chair CWT Bude Group about the geology as you go – then arrive (01288) 352726; [email protected] at a sandy bay to explore what creatures Saturday 6 call these rocks home. Leader: Catriona Wednesday 19 Burt. Contact: (01872) 273939; Hedgehogs and Herbs [email protected] Camborne, 10.00am to 12.00 noon Beaver Walk for Booking is essential Individuals/Families Saturday 29 Hedgehog-related & herb-planting Ladock, nr Truro, 6.30pm to 9.30pm activities. Explore an eco-garden Booking is essential, age 11+, £10 per person Foraging setting to find suitable hedgehog See Wednesday 1 August for further details. Saltash , 2.00pm to 4.30pm approx. shelters. Learn to identify herbs & taste Meet at Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve, some too. £1.50. Leader: Daena Rose. Sunday 23 between St Stephens Church & Cecil Arms Contact: (01872) 273939; wildlifewatch@ PL12 4AR (SX 417583). cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk Looe Island Guided Walk Andy will walk through the reserve looking 2.30pm to 6.30pm. Booking is essential at edible plants and then cook some Boat ride to the island, where you join soup he made earlier. A fun afternoon For further details on the warden for an escorted walk. During suitable for families. Bring mug & spoon, the 3-hour visit we’ll help you spot the binoculars, camera. Free for members of events and activities island’s wildlife. Learn about CWT’s work the Friends; £2 non-members. Click on: & the challenges of island life. After the Leader: Andy Pearson. Organised by walk there’s the option of a slide show cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/ FoCFCNR. Contact: Mary Langworth in Jetty Cottage. £25. Contact: www. whats-on (01752) 843852. cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/islandwalks

ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 27 OCTOBER Mis Hedra

Sunday 7 Saturday 13 Wednesday 17

Fungus Foray Migratory Madness Beaver Walk for Tregellist, St Kew, 2.00pm to 4.00pm Falmouth , 10.00am to 12.00 noon Community Groups Booking is essential Booking is essential Ladock, nr Truro, 5.30pm to 8.30pm. Meet at village green outside Rose Cottage, Join Wildlife Watch & Generation Wild Tregellist PL30 3HG (SX009775). See Wednesday 1 August for further volunteers to learn about autumn birds & details. Explore the amazing world of fungi and our seasonal visitors to Cornwall. Bring study the wide variety of colours, shapes & suitable footwear. Leader: Chloe. Contact: Saturday 20 sizes they come in. Organised by CWT (01872) 273939; wildlifewatch@ Camel Group. Leader/contact: Trevor Renals cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk Leaf Detectives (01208) 880893; [email protected] and Leaf Art Sunday 14 Bodmin, 10.00 to 12.00 noon Sunday 7 Fungus Foray Booking is essential Looe Island Guided Walk Tregellist, St Kew, 2.00pm to 4.00pm Join Wildlife Watch Volunteers on a 2.00pm to 6.00pm See Sunday 7 October for further details. woodland adventure; make your See Sunday 23 September for details. own leafy masterpieces to take home. Leader: Natalie Mitchell. Sunday 14 Tuesday 9 Contact: (01872) 273939; Free Riverfly Training Day [email protected] Jellyfish and Similar Launceston, 10.00am to 4.30pm Booking is essential Species Monday 22 Falmouth, 10.00am to 4.30pm Meet at Kensey Vale Bowls Club, Riverside, Booking is essential Launceston PL15 8DH. Slugs and Snails Meet at Falmouth Marine School. The Angler’s Riverfly Monitoring Initiative Newquay College, 10.00am to 4.30pm One of a series of ERCCIS biological (ARMI) helps rivers to be monitored more Booking is essential recording workshops. Learn how to widely and at greater frequency than is One of a series of ERCCIS biological identify jellyfish & hydrozoans from the possible by the Environment Agency recording workshops. Cornwall’s mild, ocean and rare & important tiny stalked alone. Volunteers take kick samples from damp climate is ideal for slug & snail jellyfish species found in rockpools. £35 for the river bed each month, recording the species. Learn how recognise BAP species most, £72 for commercial/government. presence & abundance of invertebrate Leader: Heather Buttivant. Contact us re groups which are good indicators of water as well as indicators of specific habitat disabled access. Organised by ERCCIS. quality. This free workshop aims to types. £35 for most; £72 for commercial/ Contact: Laura Fox (01872) 302246; laura. introduce new volunteers to this scheme. government. Contact us re disabled [email protected] Bring wellies, waders if you have them & access. Leader: Keith Alexander. lunch/drink. Leader: Iain Barker. Organised Organised by ERCCIS. Wednesday 10 by CWT & The Riverfly Partnership. Contact: Laura Fox (01872) 302246; Contact: Laura Fox (01872) 302246; laura. [email protected] Beaver Walk for [email protected] Community Groups Tuesday 23 Ladock, nr Truro, 5.30pm to 8.30pm. Sunday 14 See Wednesday 1 August for further details. Bug Hunting Adventure Marine Arts and Crafts with Campfire Fun Padstow, 1.00pm to 3.00pm Saturday 13 Penwith, 10.00am to 12.00 noon Booking is essential Booking is essential Geology Join Wildlife Watch volunteers & www. Walk & bug-hunting adventure into the Saltash, 11.00am to 1.30pm beach guardian.com for a marine-themed trees and down to a coppice willow Meet at Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve, arts & crafts session. Enjoy a beach clean woodland for campfire fun. Learn how to near Cecil Arms by St Stephens Church and then get creative in the warmth. make a fire and toast marshmallows too! PL12 4AR (SX417583). Leader: Rob Stevenson. Contact: (01872) Organised by Wildlife Watch with Learn about the geology of the reserve and 273939; wildlifewatch@ other things of interest. Bring cameras, cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk The Treebies School of Nature. binoculars. Free for members of the Leader: Lisa Guy. Contact: Wildlife Watch (01872) 273939; Friends; £2 non-members. Leader: Gus Monday 15 Horsley. Organised by FoCFCNR. Contact: [email protected] Mary Langworth (01752) 843852. Friends of Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve AGM Wednesday 24 Saturday 13 Saltash, 7.30pm to 10.00pm Meet at Room 2, The Wesley Methodist Beaver Walk for All at Seal Church, Callington Road, Saltash, PL12 6AN. Individuals/Families Gweek, 7.30pm Speaker & refreshments. Organised by Ladock, nr Truro, 5.15pm to 8.15pm Meet at Gweek Village Hall, TR12 6UG. Booking is essential, age 11+, £10 per person FoCFCNR. Leader/contact: Bob Austin Sue Sayer presents photo & video (01752) 846274. See Wednesday 1 August for further details. highlights of the boat-based seal surveys carried out by CSGRT. U18s & HMCG Monday 15 Thursday 25 members free. £4 for others. Organised by Helford MCG. Contact: Sue Scott (01326) Up the Creek ... and Beyond Autumnal Rockpool 340961; [email protected] Bude, 7.30pm to 9.00pm Ramble Sand Sculpture Meet at Stratton Primary School, New Road, Saturday 13 Stratton, Bude, EX23 9AP. Competition Polzeath, 11.30am to 1.30pm Pond Dippy The Lone Kayaker, Rupert Kirkwood, Booking is essential Bodmin, 1.00pm to 3.00pm presents the multitude of wildlife he has Booking is essential seen & photographed during 15 years Join Wildlife Watch & Polzeath MCG paddling around the coast of SW England. volunteers to explore rockpools See what pond life gets up to as winter £3 to include tea/coffee. Organised by Bude in autumn. Contact: Wildlife Watch approaches. Leader: Ruth Corbett. Group. Contact: Chair CWT Bude Group (01872) 273939; wildlifewatch@ Contact: Wildlife Watch (01872) 273939; (01288) 352726 [email protected] [email protected] cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

28 ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 OCTOBER Mis Hedra NOVEMBER Mis Du

Thursday 25 Saturday 17 Saturday 3 Autumn Beaver Watch Cornwall Wildlife Trust Nr Truro, , 5.15pm to 8.15pm Forest School Fun Discovery Day & AGM Booking is essential, strictly age 6+ Nr Bodmin, 10.00am to 12.00 noon The Eden Project, St Austell, PL24 2SG Booking is essential Join Tom Shelley, our Conservation 11:00am- 3:00pm Join Wildlife Watch Volunteers & Badger Booking is essential Manager, to see the amazing work of two Forest School www.badgerforestschool. Guest speaker to be confirmed. beavers. Learn about their nocturnal lives co.uk to learn how to help wildlife prepare as you explore their habitat. We can’t for winter. Campfire, den building & Sunday 18 guarantee a sighting but you may be lucky. exploring all the way. Leader: Ysella Wood. Contact: Wildlife Watch (01872) 273939; Contact: (01872) 273939; Tree Tastic Tree Planting [email protected] [email protected] Porthtowan, 11.00pm to 1.00pm Booking is essential Saturday 27 Saturday 10 Visit a wonderful Eco Park for tree planting Explore the Shore Reserve Clean and related arts & crafts. Café open from Bude, 12.30pm to 2.30pm Saltash, 1.00pm to 3.00pm midday serving delicious Reggae Roast. Meet at Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve, Join Wildlife Watch volunteers & Your Leader: Ruth Corbett. Contact: (01872) Wearde Road Entrance PL12 4AS 273939; wildlifewatch@ Shore Beach Rangers for a rockpool (SX423583). ramble & shoreline discovery session. cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk Help give the reserve a clean up. Leader: Nat Gibb. Contact: (01872) 273939; Refreshments. Leader: Jackie Austin. Monday 19 [email protected] Organised by FoCFCNR. Contact Mary Langworth (01752) 843852. The Water Vole Project Saturday 27 Bude, 7.30pm to 9.00pm

Saturday 10 Meet at Stratton Primary School, New Road, Extreme Rockpooling Stratton, Bude, EX23 9AP. Nr Port Isaac, 1.00pm to 3.00pm British Divers Marine Life Booking is essential, strictly age 8+ History of the devastating decline of the Rescue Work in Cornwall water vole in the area and details of the Join CWT Wildllife Watch Volunteers & Gweek , 7.30pm project to reintroduce the water vole, Cornish Rock Tors www.cornishrocktors. Meet at Gweek Village Hall, TR12 6UG with releases & follow-up surveys. com to learn about wildlife along our rocky Welfare development & field support £3 to include tea/coffee. Leader: Teagan shorelines, combining the thrill of coastal officer Dan Jarvis explains how this Hill. Organised by Bude Group. Contact: traversing with marine biology. Bring nationwide marine animal rescue charity Chair CWT Bude Group (01288) 352726; well-fitting wetsuit & boots. £10 per operates in Cornwall with a special focus [email protected] person. Leader: Ben Spicer. Sponsored by on the Lizard Peninsula, Helford River John Bray Cornish Holidays. Contact: & surrounding area. U18s & HMCG Saturday 24 (01872) 273939; wildlifewatch@ members free. £4 for others. Organised by cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk Helford MCG. Contact: Sue Scott (01326) Christmas Pyrography 340961; [email protected] Gifts and Cards Tuesday 30 Nr Truro, 10.00am to12.00 noon Fungus Photography and Saturday 10 Wonders of the Night Sky Booking is essential,s strictly age 8+ Bird Watching Falmouth, 6.00pm to 8.00pm Join Wildlife Watch volunteers to design Helston, 10.00am to 2.00pm Booking is essential wooden tree decorations using our Meet at car park for Degibna, National Trust: pyrography equipment. An event of astronomical proportions parking is to right of chapel TR12 7PR Make Christmas cards using materials (SW653250). – learn all about the night sky with a tour of our galaxy. Leaders: Chloe & from our nature reserve. £2 per child. Approx. 3km walk looking for fungi to Generation Wild. Contact: (01872) 273939; Leader: Rachael Findlay. photograph & watching for birds on Loe [email protected] Contact: (01872) 273939; Pool. Some steep hills & mud. No facilities [email protected] on site. If bad weather forecast, phone Saturday 10 David Chapman the day before to check Sunday 25 trip is going ahead. Bring packed lunch, Twighlight Walk tripod, macro lens, wide angle lens, Saltash, 4.30pm to 6.30pm Eco Crafts and camera, binoculars, outdoor clothing & Booking is essential, strictly age 6+ Christmas Market walking boots. £2 donation. Join Wildlife Watch volunteers & Natalie our Porthtowan, Truro 11.00am to 1.00pm Organised by CWT Photographic Group. reserve ranger to explore the hedges & fields Booking is essential Leader/contact: David Chapman of a working farm & learn all about nocturnal Join Wildlife Watch volunteers & www. (01736) 850287. creatures that may appear in the twilight. Will the bats come out to play? Leader: beachguardian.co.uk at an Eco Park’s Natalie Mitchell. Contact: (01872) 273939; Christmas market for festive fun. [email protected] Get creative making Christmas gifts NOVEMBER Mis Du & decorations to take home from recycled plastics & materials. Café open. Saturday 3 Sunday 11 Leader: Rob Stevenson. Gardening Club: Winter Tideline Arts Contact: (01872) 273939; Bulbmania and Crafts [email protected] Truro, 10.00am to 12.00 noon Nr Mullion, 2.00pm to 4.00pm Booking is essential Booking is essential Join Wildlife Watch volunteers & Tamasin Join Wildlife Watch volunteers, Polurrian from Perennial Harvest for our regular Hotel, Friends of Pollurian Beach & West For further details on gardening club. Plant edible bulbs & Cornwall Friends of the Earth for a fun winter events and activities wildlife-attracting flower bulbs ready for tideline ramble followed by marine-themed arts & crafts back in the warmth of the hotel. spring. Help make overwintering bug Click on: Wrap up warm; it could be chilly. Leader: houses too. Contact: (01872) 273939; cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/ Abbie Brooks. Contact: (01872) 273939; whats-on [email protected] [email protected]

ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 29 Your Local Groups Agas Bagas Leel

Our evolving Local Groups Cornwall's local wildlife groups offer all sorts of opportunities for getting together to discover and help wildlife in your patch. Contact Cornwall Wildlife Trust to find your nearest group.

As well as outdoor events, the Bude Group runs a well-attended indoor talks programme. Volunteer Ursula Edwards reports: Bude Group

Our first meeting of the season started with a full house ADRIAN LANGDON to greet Adrian Langdon, who came to talk about his travels through Yellowstone National Park and the In the catchment of the River Camel, the Local Grand Teton. Adrian is a knowledgeable speaker, Group has actively championed wildlife and superlative photographer and naturalist who kept the audience enthralled and amused throughout. His photos wild places in neighbourhood planning, while covered all aspects of wildlife, from the magnificent but still going out to watch and monitor wildlife: dangerous bison to golden and bald headed eagles, and because he had been at different times of the year the full spectrum of wildlife had been captured against Camel Group magnificent scenic backdrops. At long last we’ve seen the publication of the Wadebridge Our next topic was closer to home as Nick Dixon area Neighbourhood Development Plan, to which we had came to share his expert knowledge of the peregrine input so many ideas and suggestions. falcons at St Michael’s Church in Exeter. Nick has been It has been available to view at the local library and the monitoring these urban falcons for nearly 22 years and Town Hall and we now await the referendum to see how it is the longest running survey in the country. He took others view it. We are aware there is a lot of demand for us through the history, physiology and life cycle of these better public services before hundreds of houses are built in powerful raptors and also their little quirks, such as the the area but that wasn’t our brief, we merely looked at the current resident female who has an unreasonable hatred ecological and environmental factors affecting the wildlife of buzzards and will pursue and kill any who come and natural resources in the area. We called for green within her range. corridors and wildlife friendly areas along with the inclusion The last talk of the season was by Simon Wiltshire, a of nesting facilities in new builds for species such as swifts, Biodiversity Advisor in the aggregates business. He told sparrows and martins. us about the wildlife that coexists alongside men and As spring took off we saw the wildfowl and waders leave us, machinery in working quarries, what is done to protect to be replaced by the warblers and hirundines which breed that wildlife, and the enormous amount of work that here during the summer months. There was an incredible is put into reclaiming and renovating disused quarries group of 17 cattle egrets feeding in at Walmsley sanctuary in and surrounding fields for the benefit of flora and mid-April and up on Bodmin Moor the ravens were already fauna. Since 2015 over 62,000 trees have been planted feeding young in their huge nests amongst the granite tors. by Aggregate Industries, 15% of the bittern population live in quarries restored across all UK companies, and On the coast the local pod of bottlenose dolphins has been wildflower meadows and heathlands have been created. seen in the mouth of the Camel estuary and off Pentire Simon acknowledged the enormous help he receives and the Rumps. These dolphins have also been seen from local groups in creating and maintaining habitats passing up and down the North coast from St Ives and for wildlife. Newquay headlands. Always a fantastic sight and one that immediately makes one’s day much brighter! Contact: [email protected] Contact: Brian Wright: (01208) 814138.

30 ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 In Penwith, a dedicated team are involved Various ‘Friends’ groups have sprung up in hands-on practical conservation, as in the woods, valleys and estuaries of beautifully described by Julian Little in our Cornwall, including the Your Shore network Spring 2018 issue. of Local Marine Groups. Derek Spooner of Contact David May: the Friends of Kilminorth Woods, Looe, is a [email protected] regular Wild Cornwall contributor:

The Restormel Group offers exciting Friends of wildlife-watching boat trips plus friendly get-togethers to share wildlife images and Kilminorth Woods raise funds. While early 2018 saw members concerned with routine tasks – getting nest boxes ready for the new season, litter- Contact Dave Thomas: [email protected] picking, repairing paths – it was also a time for looking out from the confines of our home patch to the wider conservation scene in Cornwall. In the Launceston area, a cluster of parishes In January we held a minibus trip to Rough Tor to see have come together to experience and monitor the starling murmurations. In Kilminorth Woods starlings wildlife together, with friendly informal are now rarely seen, but these birds descend on the training, under the acronym ‘LAPWG’. plantations below Rough Tor in vast numbers each winter. It is one of Cornwall’s most amazing natural spectacles Volunteer Vice-Chair Jen Bousfield has and despite the cold we were not disappointed. their news: Launceston Area Wildlife Group (LAPWG) We enjoyed two sunny and dry (if a little cold) late winter walks; at new year we were up on the moor around Bowithick and then down through the Kensey Valley in February. At our AGM in March we walked a different route down to Crackington Haven, an area we must revisit in summer, and we look forward to some great photos and results from our marsh fritillary survey day in June. This has been organised in partnership with Butterfly Conservation’s ‘All the Moor Butterflies’ project and we hope to find even more colonies along the Withybrook on Bodmin Moor. Our application for a grant from a local trust through the The group listening to Simon Humphreys. Cornwall Community Foundation was approved, so we have CHRISTINE SPOONER just purchased some new equipment: two Echo Meter Touch2 bat detectors for mobile phones and tablets. Local expert In February our AGM brought a visit by Cornwall Wildlife Tony Atkinson and the Cornwall Bat Group are advising, so Trust's Head of Conservation, Cheryl Marriott, who we should have these ready and in use before the summer, delivered a fascinating talk on the beaver introductions which is really exciting and should liven up a few evenings! at Ladock. Such was the interest generated in these extraordinary animals that we have already booked a See http://launcestonparishwildlife.org.uk group visit to Ladock in July. for events, news and information. In April we travelled to Stara Woods in the Lynher valley which, thanks to the generosity of Anne Hughes, is managed as a community woodland. Our guide was . Simon Humphreys from the Friends of Stara Woods, and his expertise on forestry and ecology gave us many insights into the problems of managing conservation in ancient woodlands alongside recreation and public access. Stara Woods in the spring is an enchanting place, with wood anemones galore, sparkling cascades and abundant birdsong. Watching a pair of dippers by the ancient clapper bridge was a bonus, as we rounded off our visit with a picnic. Learning how another Cornish volunteer conservation group operates, and sharing experiences, LAPWG members above was an inspiring way to start a busy summer.

ROBIN PARIS Crackington Haven. Contact: [email protected] 31 A day in the life... of a volunteer Rob Wells takes us with him on a richly varied On the way home I detour inland at Portmellon to and rewarding day devoted to Cornwall's visit my trailcam on the wildlife. stream there. I exchange the camera card for a new Good morning world, it's a brand new day. one and wonder what has Dry and clear outside. been by to trigger it since I First some chores, then was there a week ago. I can get out to survey After lunch, I sit down Mevagissey stream. With to report the two stream our Your Shore group surveys online and send ‘Three Bays Wildlife’ I off details and photos of have organised a group the ghost gear and the seal to monitor local streams survey. as part of the Westcountry Rivers Trust’s citizen The trailcam has recorded pheasants, squirrels and false science project. Healthy triggers showing just the stream. This happens when a bird streams mean healthy flies quickly past or the wind blows foliage. Never mind, I have wildlife and contribute already recorded badger, fox, otter, roe deer, squirrel, rat, Rob checking water to cleaner beaches. I do pheasant, wood pigeon, mallard and blackbird there this year. quality in a local stream a visual and chemical Tomorrow I have a Three Bays Wildlife meeting, then I'll survey and all looks well. pop over to Roseland to do a seal survey there. The seals Now down to the harbour to look for ‘Backwards S’, the lazy are dispersing after hanging around to moult, so seal seal (not there – good!) and great black-backed gulls ringed surveying will decrease but soon, dormice will come out of on Looe Island (none today), check for any strandings (no hibernation. With the Friends of Fowey Estuary Your Shore dead gulls today) and look for ‘ghost gear’. The Cornwall Group I have 60 dormouse nest boxes to check regularly Seal Group Research Trust is in its fourth year of monitoring using my dormouse licence. lost and discarded fishing gear as it takes such a toll on our On Saturday I shall train to become a British Divers Marine seals, birds and other marine life. Today I photographed Life Rescue (BDMLR) medic. I already get called out to help some lengths of rope out of reach in the outer harbour. occasionally, so I might as well get trained to do the job Next, on to a seal survey along the coast path. I have been more fully. surveying St Austell Bay for several years now, monitoring We are so lucky to live in such a wonderful county with and photographing our Atlantic grey seals. Each has fabulous wildlife and a splendid team at Cornwall Wildlife unique fur patterns and members of the Seal Group share photographs and information to build up the stories of their Trust to help and guide us. I shall have no problem getting to lives and movements. Seals that I have photographed in sleep tonight! St Austell Bay have also been photographed at “ The joy of being retired is that you Portland Bill in Dorset, South Devon, The Isles can do what you want to ... and put of Scilly, all around off until tomorrow anything Cornwall, Brittany and Pembrokeshire. Not you do not fancy.” much luck today, but I do get some reasonable Rob Wells, Volunteer pictures of one seal bottling (floating vertically in the water). A second is busy searching for food. Looking out Clearing detritus from for wildlife I collect, photograph beaches is an important and remove rope, a way to help wildlife damaged buoy and a tangle of monofilament line/net in a small bay. There is a stream there, so I get out my equipment and survey, test and photograph it. ALL PHOTOTS: DAN WELLS www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/volunteer 32 October is Will for Wildlife month

For the whole of October, Cornish solicitors are offering you the chance to arrange your Will at no cost to you. Once you’ve taken care of your loved ones, we hope that you will consider leaving a gift to us in your Will.

Proceeds from legacies have been used for all manner of essential wildlife conservation work, from education projects to vital habitat restoration.

Solicitors kindly offering their services for free in October are:

Penzance - DB Law Contact Justyn Thomas on (01736) 364261 Truro - Carlyon & Son Contact Katrina Granville on (01872) 278641 McClure Solicitors Contact Hayley Bayfield on Freephone 0800 852 1999 Available for home visits throughout Cornwall Redruth - Grylls & Paige Contact Mark Heywood on (01209) 215261

Newquay - Greenways Solicitors Contact Jane Flaherty on (01637) 872251

Camborne - Walters and Barbary Contact Sarah Painter on (01209) 712454

Please contact one of the participating solicitors to book your appointment, mentioning that you are a supporter of our work (you do not need to be a member), to qualify for this great offer. Book early There are a limited number of free Wills available!

If you would like to speak with somebody at Cornwall Wildlife Trust for more information, please call Emma Miller on: (01872) 273939 [email protected] www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/willforwildlife JOANNA CLEGG VHF A4 Cornwall discount code.pdf 1 25/05/2018 11:12:49

10% ﬁrst order discount Quote CWT10

Valid until 31/12/18

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34 ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 VHF A4 Cornwall discount code.pdf 1 25/05/2018 11:12:49 Natu ral World News from The Wildlife Trusts across the UK Summer 2018 Ocean giants Find out 10% ﬁrst order where to see discount them on Quote CWT10 page 48

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Presenter “My fi rst Tales from a Liz Bonnin nightjar” river canoe On why we should Out after dark with the Matt Gaw paddled 13 all Stay Wild, p44 BBC’s Frank Gardner, p46 rivers. His story, p40 UK NEWS Latest UK-wide news and issues: wildlifetrusts. Our vision for the future Fight for a org/news green future Campaign begins for 1 Nature is normal 6 Recovering seas Children have trees to Sightings of whales and Imagine being a swift with the climb, fi elds to explore other sea creatures are freedom of racing through the skies and ponds to investigate. increasing. and screaming those wonderful screeches. How di erent the Nature’s recovery 2 Green developments 7 Fertile soils patchwork of our towns, cities and We all need the future to be more wild as an urgent priority. All housing and other Nutrients are staying countryside would look from the air! development creates a locked in soils rather than You’d search for places with abundant insects to Please help us build momentum for a Nature Recovery Network net gain for wildlife. eroding and blowing eat and safe places to nest. It wouldn’t be easy away. fi nding food because in recent years insects have s we stand on the brink of The campaign for a Network wellbeing and prosperity,” said Nigel 3 Wilder cities declined so dramatically. There are not many the biggest ever shake-up of kicked o with a presentation at Doar, Director of Strategy at The Green roofs, green walls, 8 Restored uplands invertebrates left in our parks and arable fi elds, but Aenvironmental rules, The Westminster in May. 48 MPs heard Wildlife Trusts. “Nature needs to pocket parks and trees Instead of just close- lucky swifts may fi nd a Local Wildlife Site. Here Wildlife Trusts are calling for The Wildlife Trusts explain the need recover – for the sake of wild plants are common. grazed grasslands, the there may be up to 800 di erent species politicians to introduce new laws to to rebuild nature after decades of and animals, and for everything it trees and peat bogs are compared to less than 100 in a typical playing fi eld. build a wilder, better Britain. destructive practices. brings us: better health, climate 4 Buzzing countryside back, reducing fl ooding In Local Wildlife Sites soils are healthy, plants can

Central to this would be a “We know from research across the control, fl ood management, Farmland is crisscrossed and locking up CO2 from fl ourish and biodiversity, including insects, can requirement for Local Authorities globe that a healthy, wildlife-rich enjoyment, employment and more.” by colourful habitat for the air. thrive. to produce local Nature Recovery natural world is essential for our The Westminster Government wild pollinators. Protecting, managing and expanding the Maps, showing where the recently consulted on future English network of Local Wildlife Sites is central to the remaining wildlife is and how it can planning policies and public 5 Long-term fi sheries work of The Wildlife Trusts who regularly advise be reconnected and expanded. Nature payments to farmers. As part of their All fi shing is sustainable local authorities, farmers and developers to this These maps, produced with wide campaign for a Nature Recovery and jobs are secure. end. The recent Agriculture Command Paper, local consultation, would join up to needs to Network, The Wildlife Trusts lobbied published by the Westminster Government, form a national Nature Recovery strongly for the planning system to supports greater investment in wildlife in England, Network. For the fi rst time our recover – for protect Local Wildlife Sites, and for 8 8 and Trusts are campaigning across the UK to landscapes would be farmed and government payments to farmers ensure that such investment happens, not least in developed in an integrated way everything it that help them create and look after Local Wildlife Sites. that benefi ts people and wildlife. brings us places for wildlife. However, government budgets for farming will be squeezed, and there is growing pressure to remove perceived barriers to infrastructure and built development, like Local Wildlife Sites. To ensure the voice of wildlife is heard over the 6 cacophony of Brexit, we’ve been campaigning 5 under the banner of #ActSwiftly. It’s vital that all governments hear from as many people as possible about the need to make the right 3 decisions about new farming and planning policy. We’re determined that the future should be about nature’s recovery. Your support for your Trust is helping protect wildlife for the future. 7 Thank you from the swifts.

Stephanie Hilborne OBE Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts @stephhilborne

1 Wherever you are in the UK, your Wildlife Trust is standing up for wildlife and wild places in your area and bringing people closer to nature. Contact us on [email protected] or 01636 677711. To join your Wildlife Trust, visit wildlifetrusts.org/joinus. Natural 4 World, The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark, Notts NG24 1WT. Read the report and Editor Rupert Paul Layout editor Dan Hilliard Communications join our campaign on Manager Lucy McRobert. Cover: Basking shark feeding o the Isle wtru.st/natnet of Coll, by Alex Mustard/2020Vision. twitter @wildlifetrusts facebook.com/wildlifetrusts NIK POLLARD

36 ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 UK NEWS Latest UK-wide news and issues: wildlifetrusts. Our vision for the future Fight for a org/news green future Campaign begins for 1 Nature is normal 6 Recovering seas Children have trees to Sightings of whales and Imagine being a swift with the climb, fi elds to explore other sea creatures are freedom of racing through the skies and ponds to investigate. increasing. and screaming those wonderful screeches. How di erent the Nature’s recovery 2 Green developments 7 Fertile soils patchwork of our towns, cities and We all need the future to be more wild as an urgent priority. All housing and other Nutrients are staying countryside would look from the air! development creates a locked in soils rather than You’d search for places with abundant insects to Please help us build momentum for a Nature Recovery Network net gain for wildlife. eroding and blowing eat and safe places to nest. It wouldn’t be easy away. fi nding food because in recent years insects have s we stand on the brink of The campaign for a Network wellbeing and prosperity,” said Nigel 3 Wilder cities declined so dramatically. There are not many the biggest ever shake-up of kicked o with a presentation at Doar, Director of Strategy at The Green roofs, green walls, 8 Restored uplands invertebrates left in our parks and arable fi elds, but Aenvironmental rules, The Westminster in May. 48 MPs heard Wildlife Trusts. “Nature needs to pocket parks and trees Instead of just close- lucky swifts may fi nd a Local Wildlife Site. Here Wildlife Trusts are calling for The Wildlife Trusts explain the need recover – for the sake of wild plants are common. grazed grasslands, the there may be up to 800 di erent species politicians to introduce new laws to to rebuild nature after decades of and animals, and for everything it trees and peat bogs are compared to less than 100 in a typical playing fi eld. build a wilder, better Britain. destructive practices. brings us: better health, climate 4 Buzzing countryside back, reducing fl ooding In Local Wildlife Sites soils are healthy, plants can

Stephanie Hilborne OBE Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts @stephhilborne

ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 37 RUPERT PAUL, NIALL BENVIE GINA GAVIGAN NICKI DYAS wildaboutgardens.org.ukwildaboutgardens.org.uk Good enough to to Good enough a – if you’re eat worm Happy: (and Grace buttercups) Teiﬁ at Marshes reserve ...and Rebecca ...and Rebecca of the Pow Conservatives Nature: good for you for good Nature: Following 30 Days Wild this June, researchers at the University of Derby have proved that seeing tobeauty in the natural world leads improved wellbeing and happiness. The three-year study involved thousands of participants, and demonstrated the positive impact of wildlife on our health. Root for worms! worms! for for Root Root have have The Wildlife TrustsThe Wildlife Trusts launched their wildlife with the gardening campaign with the gardening campaign encouragingRHS. This year, we’re encouragingRHS. This year, we’re for worms,everyone to go wild for worms,everyone to go wild nature’s engineers, by helping themnature’s engineers, by helping them in your garden: try making a compost heap for starters! on wildaboutgardens.org.uk More chance Labour’s water vole a vole water Hilary Benn... Support from Support from Network (p36) Network would give the give would A Nature Recovery Recovery A Nature This would be even worse be even would This It has now vanished from 94% of from vanished It has now was. once it where places and Trusts Wildlife without The others carrying out river and reintroductions restoration well causes are the UK. The across water loss, habitat known: and pollution, built development the North American by predation Senior Policymink. Ellie Brodie, Trusts, Wildlife The Manager for bring to hard working “We’re says: isthem back, but much more this stop going to needed if we’re disappearing altogether. creature a Nature to need commitment We Network.” Recovery It has now It has now vanished from 94% of of 94% from its former haunts The water vole is still heading for is still vole water The the stark That’s extinction. Theled by of research conclusion data Analysing Trusts. Wildlife has years ten over collected vole’s the water that revealed 30% has declined by distribution 2006 in England and Wales. since Because of your action, Housing Because of your still declining, voles Water research new says

resource. Designated Local Designated resource. 3% of Wales cover Sites Wildlife 5% ofand Northern Ireland, of the Isle ofEngland and 1.7% and recognised are Man. They – the in planning policy protected is one of their only process – but nevertheless protections each year. lost still some are Dominic Raab has agreed Minister (in England). the wording revisit to But these special you! Thank – we secure from far are spaces help again soon to need your may Sites. Wildlife our Local save TERRY WHITTAKER TERRY see ospreys ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 ISSUE 136 You can use them to can use them to You Not only can you buy Not only can you binoculars at Birdfair. Birdfair. binoculars at This change would have have change would This 25,000 stand up for Local Wildlife Sites Wildlife Local up for stand 25,000 of you 25,000 An incredible this weeks two in just responded spring when the Government to all reference take to proposed out of the Sites Wildlife Local Policy Planning National Framework. for all protection removed Wildlife Local 42,000 England’s quiet, often are These Sites. wildlife where places unnoticed woodlands, – meadows, thrives tend city oases. Although they a are they radar under the fall to critical part of our wildlife Wildlife Trust members get 10% Trust Wildlife Last year’s Birdfair raised Birdfair year’s Last

of nature and conservation. On conservation. and of nature Trusts Wildlife 19th, The Sunday their hugely popularwill perform by supported pantomime, family celebrities. wildlife favourite your native help conserve to £330,000 Polynesian on the French birds Birdfair year island of Rapa Iti. This ofwill support the creation park, national largest Argentina’s nearly a for a refuge providing amingos and shorebirds. million ﬂ ■ er o This 19th. on Sunday o book inapplies whether you More on the gate! or pay advance birdfair.org.uk and tickets: info

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PAUL HOBSON

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Birdfair, as it is a ectionately as it is a Birdfair, and of stands hundreds With is ringing display bird BTO The Rutland Water nature reserve nature Water Rutland August 17-19 Download the report at

This year, the British Birdwatching the British Birdwatching year, This as the 30 years celebrates Fair festival. wildlife biggest world’s this amazing not experience Why yourself? for event Leicestershire by is hosted known, at Trust and Rutland Wildlife Oakham, on 17th- Rutland Water, with in partnership 19th August, the RSPB. favourite your to can chat you stalls wildlife charities; compare wildlife optics; try the latest holidays; and admiresample local food; art and photography. wildlife is 2018 for and new popular, always

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UK NEWS

Sheﬃ new eld’s Sheﬃ report nature ■ wildsheffield.com/stateofnature Did you know that Sheffield’s city boundaries are drawn around the old county of Hallamshire? The ground-breaking Sheffield State of Nature report reveals that a third of the area is now designated for its wildlife value and habitat quality is improving. Sheffield’s once heavily polluted rivers are recovering, with 26 out of 31 fish species doing well. Otters have also returned to the River Don. Despite this, over 100 Local Wildlife Sites still need better management. 4 NATURAL WORLD

EMYR EVANS EVANS EMYR EMYR 38 RUPERT PAUL, NIALL BENVIE GINA GAVIGAN NICKI DYAS 39 wildaboutgardens.org.ukwildaboutgardens.org.uk Good enough to to Good enough a – if you’re eat worm Happy: (and Grace buttercups) Teiﬁ at Marshes reserve Nature: good for you for good Nature: Following 30 Days Wild this June, researchers at the University of Derby have proved that seeing tobeauty in the natural world leads improved wellbeing and happiness. The three-year study involved thousands of participants, and demonstrated the positive impact of wildlife on our health. ...and Rebecca of the Pow Conservatives Root for worms! worms! for for Root Root have have The Wildlife TrustsThe Wildlife Trusts launched their wildlife with the gardening campaign with the gardening campaign encouragingRHS. This year, we’re encouragingRHS. This year, we’re for worms,everyone to go wild for worms,everyone to go wild nature’s engineers, by helping themnature’s engineers, by helping them in your garden: try making a compost heap for starters! on wildaboutgardens.org.uk More chance Labour’s water vole a vole water Hilary Benn... Support from Support from Network (p36) Network would give the give would A Nature Recovery Recovery A Nature This would be even worse be even would This It has now vanished from 94% of from vanished It has now was. once it where places and Trusts Wildlife without The others carrying out river and reintroductions restoration well causes are the UK. The across water loss, habitat known: and pollution, built development the North American by predation Senior Policymink. Ellie Brodie, Trusts, Wildlife The Manager for bring to hard working “We’re says: isthem back, but much more this stop going to needed if we’re disappearing altogether. creature a Nature to need commitment We Network.” Recovery

It has now It has now vanished

ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 ISSUE 136

from 94% of of 94% from its former haunts The water vole is still heading for is still vole water The the stark That’s extinction. Theled by of research conclusion data Analysing Trusts. Wildlife has years ten over collected vole’s the water that revealed 30% has declined by distribution 2006 in England and Wales. since Because of your action, Housing Because of your

says new research new says still declining, voles Water

save our Local Wildlife Sites. Wildlife our Local save may need your help again soon to need your may spaces are far from secure – we – we secure from far are spaces Thank you! But these special you! Thank to revisit the wording (in England). the wording revisit to some are still lost each year. lost still some are Dominic Raab has agreed Minister protections – but nevertheless – but nevertheless protections process is one of their only process protected in planning policy – the in planning policy protected Man. They are recognised and recognised are Man. They England and 1.7% of the Isle ofEngland and 1.7% and Northern Ireland, 5% ofand Northern Ireland, Wildlife Sites cover 3% of Wales 3% of Wales cover Sites Wildlife resource. Designated Local Designated resource. TERRY WHITTAKER TERRY see ospreys You can use them to can use them to You Not only can you buy Not only can you binoculars at Birdfair. Birdfair. binoculars at This change would have have change would This An incredible 25,000 of you of you 25,000 An incredible this weeks two in just responded spring when the Government to all reference take to proposed out of the Sites Wildlife Local Policy Planning National Framework. for all protection removed Wildlife Local 42,000 England’s quiet, often are These Sites. wildlife where places unnoticed woodlands, – meadows, thrives tend city oases. Although they a are they radar under the fall to critical part of our wildlife 25,000 stand up for Local Wildlife Sites Wildlife Local up for stand 25,000 Wildlife Trust members get 10% Trust Wildlife Last year’s Birdfair raised Birdfair year’s Last

ERIC RENNO

PAUL HOBSON

plot in the city the in plot

derelict housing housing derelict

annuals on a a on annuals

Cornﬁ eld Cornﬁ

this is Bird Photographer of the Year the of Photographer Bird is this The presentations are always popular: popular: always are presentations The a ‘Wild Zone’ for young people and people young for Zone’ a ‘Wild in star celebrities Wildlife families. and game shows, events debates, on all aspects lectures are and there SUMMER 2018 Birdfair, as it is a ectionately as it is a Birdfair, and of stands hundreds With is ringing display bird BTO The Rutland Water nature reserve nature Water Rutland August 17-19 Download the report at This year, the British Birdwatching the British Birdwatching year, This as the 30 years celebrates Fair festival. wildlife biggest world’s this amazing not experience Why yourself? for event Leicestershire by is hosted known, at Trust and Rutland Wildlife Oakham, on 17th- Rutland Water, with in partnership 19th August, the RSPB. favourite your to can chat you stalls wildlife charities; compare wildlife optics; try the latest holidays; and admiresample local food; art and photography. wildlife is 2018 for and new popular, always Visit Birdfair and join the celebrations along in August Come year. is 30 this Glastonbury birders’ The

UK NEWS

Sheﬃ new eld’s Sheﬃ report nature wildsheffield.com/stateofnature Did you know that Sheffield’s city boundaries are drawn around the old county of Hallamshire? The ground-breaking Sheffield State of Nature report reveals that a third of the area is now designated for its wildlife value and habitat quality is improving. Sheffield’s once heavily polluted rivers are recovering, with 26 out of 31 fish species doing well. Otters have also returned to the River Don. Despite this, over 100 Local Wildlife Sites still need better management. ■ 4 NATURAL WORLD

EMYR EVANS EVANS EMYR EMYR PEOPLE & WILDLIFE

Matt Gaw is a writer and journalist who works with Su olk Wildlife Trust

lthough the river is straight, Bradfi eld Combust before travelling ditches and ponds. Nearly all have v-shaped valleys, or follows paths advanced, rivers were modifi ed. almost canalised, in the slowly through the Brecks to reach been shaped by humans in some gouged by long-gone glaciers. Later Water Water was impounded for mills, A morning light it is beautiful. the fl atlands of the Fens. A couple of way, bent to our purpose and needs. the streams converge to create a gathers as abstracted for farming, drinking and Sun scalds the surface, the ripples miles downstream it meets The The path rivers take depends on river, which meanders through the industry. The channels were refl ecting gold pencil lines onto the Great Ouse, whose name so neatly the lie of the land and the underlying landscape. The fl ow forms shingle rain, dew or straightened and deepened for bank. Two buzzards lope into the air, captures its sluggish demeanour. It is geology. Water wells up from bars and sparkling braids, chuckling transport and drainage. The circling and mewing. There are teal, part of a network of 42,700 watery springs, or gathers as rain, snowmelt, over ri es as it pulses towards the snowmelt relationship between the water and the wobbling gas fl ame of kingfi sher miles that spread like blue veins mist and dew, before streaming sea over clay, sand, gravel and rock the fl oodplains fractured. and, from over the fi elds, lapwing. under the nation’s skin. downhill. – shaping the land as it goes, cutting, still possess fully-functioning natural It’s hard to imagine how the Lark This Su olk river, the Lark, bubbles Britain drips with water: rivers, In the uplands, the water cheese- carrying and depositing silt. processes. Over the centuries, as used to look. In prehistoric times it through chalk at its source near streams, bogs, marshes, lakes, canals, wires into the earth, forming Few rivers in England and Wales development and agriculture was part of a delta, a wild landscape

40 ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 PEOPLE & WILDLIFE

Matt Gaw is a writer and journalist who works with Su olk Wildlife Trust

Fancy a paddle? Who wouldn’t want to be here? Britain drips with water, observes Matt Gaw, who has canoed on rivers all over Su olk’s River Britain. But he wonders whether we have lost our connection with our watery past Stour is greatly changed, but it’s still beautiful lthough the river is straight, Bradfi eld Combust before travelling ditches and ponds. Nearly all have v-shaped valleys, or follows paths advanced, rivers were modifi ed. almost canalised, in the slowly through the Brecks to reach been shaped by humans in some gouged by long-gone glaciers. Later Water Water was impounded for mills, A morning light it is beautiful. the fl atlands of the Fens. A couple of way, bent to our purpose and needs. the streams converge to create a gathers as abstracted for farming, drinking and Sun scalds the surface, the ripples miles downstream it meets The The path rivers take depends on river, which meanders through the industry. The channels were refl ecting gold pencil lines onto the Great Ouse, whose name so neatly the lie of the land and the underlying landscape. The fl ow forms shingle rain, dew or straightened and deepened for bank. Two buzzards lope into the air, captures its sluggish demeanour. It is geology. Water wells up from bars and sparkling braids, chuckling transport and drainage. The circling and mewing. There are teal, part of a network of 42,700 watery springs, or gathers as rain, snowmelt, over ri es as it pulses towards the snowmelt relationship between the water and the wobbling gas fl ame of kingfi sher miles that spread like blue veins mist and dew, before streaming sea over clay, sand, gravel and rock the fl oodplains fractured. and, from over the fi elds, lapwing. under the nation’s skin. downhill. – shaping the land as it goes, cutting, still possess fully-functioning natural It’s hard to imagine how the Lark This Su olk river, the Lark, bubbles Britain drips with water: rivers, In the uplands, the water cheese- carrying and depositing silt. processes. Over the centuries, as used to look. In prehistoric times it through chalk at its source near streams, bogs, marshes, lakes, canals, wires into the earth, forming Few rivers in England and Wales development and agriculture was part of a delta, a wild landscape

ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 41 PEOPLE & WILDLIFE

of sluggish rivers, meres and reed more natural state: re-instating OTTER: LUKE MASSEY/2020VISION ✛ HERON: NEIL ALDRIDGE PIKE: BERTIE GREGORY/2020VISION ✛ CROWFOOT: LINDA PITKIN/2020VISION ✛ KINGFISHER: JON HAWKINS swamp fanning out over the land. The Tame meanders, allowing woody debris to

Ribbons of grey silt called ‘rhodons’ be left and removing barriers to GAW MATT can still be seen from the air, cutting has the migrating fi sh. The otter, pushed to River wildlife across the arable expanse: a ghost world’s worst the brink by a toxic cocktail of O er Beautiful demoiselle river tracking across the black earth. pesticides and persecution, has now While the decline of industry and microplastic returned to every county in England. This aptly-named damselfl y more e ective regulations have Nevertheless, many of our frequents fast-fl owing rivers in improved water quality, pollutants pollution freshwater bodies are not faring well the south west between May and August. This is a male; the female still make their way into our rivers. against targets set by the the EU has iridescent brown wings Topsoil washed by heavy rain from of the country and The Wildlife Water Framework Directive. Less fi elds brings phosphates, nitrates, Trusts are part of 96% of them – than a fi fth of England’s rivers and herbicides and pesticides. Sewage advising, supporting and directly lakes are in a good enough condition Sunset stillness on the river Lark, in Grey heron and wastewater bring microplastics managing nearly 12,000 miles of to support species that should be Su olk, in January 2017 The nearest thing on a and pharmaceuticals. waterway. Plans typically focus on present. river to a pterodactyl In 2016, 16 British waterways were reducing pollution and restoring a Part of this is due to the sheer o erings and holy meanings have Increasingly common in river tested for neonicotinoids, a powerful extent of the issues: it is a landscape- been slowly forgotten, neglected. valleys following the 1984 ban on organochlorine pesticides insecticide. The Waveney in Su olk Matt’s canoe, scale problem. I wonder too if there Part of The Wildlife Trusts’ e orts was the most contaminated, the The Pipe, on is a disconnect between people and aim to increase awareness and acute harm level exceeded for a MATT GAW the Waveney rivers. Our relationship with the understanding of rivers and wetlands Pike whole month. The River Tame at water that shaped life, language and amongst the public and landowners. Denton, Greater Manchester has the culture has changed dramatically But we also need a political solution. Stealthy ambush predator, best worst microplastic pollution in the over the years. Although the move “We can really benefi t our rivers if seen from a bridge or canoe. JK world, with levels even greater than away from industry may have we can reshape land management Rowling borrowed its species name South Korea and Hong Kong. resulted in fewer pollutants – no coal policy and agri-environment Lucius to name Draco Malfoy’s father in the Harry Potter books It is easy to feel gloomy. I have dust, no heavy metals or slicks of schemes after we leave the EU,” says canoed all across the UK, and for sewage – it also means our Ali Morse, Water and Catchment every stretch of bucolic beauty there interaction with rivers has O cer for The Wildlife Trusts. “It’s a is also abuse and neglect. But there is declined. Flows that were vital opportunity to create a really also hope. There are catchment- once worshipped and important role for rivers and Water crowfoot scale partnerships now in every part sacred, full of votive wetlands in future.” Beautiful plant of chalk streams, often forming huge clusters of waving feathery fronds. The fried The River Itchen, with Restoring egg-coloured, buttercup-shaped blunt-fruited water-starwort fl owers emerge into the sunshine below the surface and rivers will Itchen Stoke Mill above deliver multiple benefi ts in the future

This means ensuring there is public money for public good – that Government will fund projects that bring benefi ts for all. And this is something rivers are well placed to do. Not only are these waterways valuable for biodiversity, a network of wild corridors across the land; they are also vital for naturally If you liked managing fl ood risk. Wetland this article... habitats, such as peatland, are also crucial for carbon storage. That You might means restoring them will deliver enjoy Matt’s multiple benefi ts in the future. book, which It’s a lot to think about. I turn my Kingfi sher chronicles his canoe around, and paddle slowly canoeing back upstream, towards where the Commoner than you might think. Once you hear its travels along river – with its restored ri¢ es and squeaky-hinge call and many of shingle bars – gurgles and sings glimpse the darting fl ash of Britain’s rivers again. A place where the Lark, once blue you’ll get your eye in

LINDA PITKIN LINDA more, lives up to its name.

42 ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 PEOPLE & WILDLIFE

LINDA PITKIN LINDA more, lives up to its name.

ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 43 LOVE WILDLIFE Stay Nature is good for you – so make the most of your local Liz Bonnin is a wild biochemist, wild green space this summer, says Liz Bonnin animal biologist and science and his June, The Wildlife Trusts a few days. They might even last a wildlife presenter asked everyone to notice whole year. Tnature everywhere, every day. So this summer, treat your body Hundreds of thousands of you took and mind as often as you can. Go for part in 30 Days Wild, carrying out a long walk, pick the blackberries in literally millions of Random Acts of the hedgerows, take o your shoes Wildness. and feel the grass underfoot, and So why not stay wild? Nothing breathe. There are pockets of green restores you like spending time in everywhere, even in our busiest nature – the breeze in your face, the cities. I live in London and love to fragrance of grasses and ﬂ owers cycle around Richmond Park in warmed by the summer sun, the soft search of its red deer, or enjoy the buzz of insects and trills of birdsong. majestic oaks. We know nature makes us feel Many of the UK’s wilder places good. But now, there is mounting have a special place in my heart evidence that it can improve your too: the breathtaking mountains energy levels and mood, lessen hypertension, respiratory tract and cardiovascular illnesses, and reduce You can anxiety and depression. Over the past three years, The beneﬁ t Wildlife Trusts have also proved from our that taking part in 30 Days Wild improves health, happiness, and the natural world desire to protect nature. It starts with the beauty of nature, connecting us and lakes in Scotland’s Cairngorms more deeply to the natural world. National Park; the magical Lundy As our appreciation increases, so Island in the Bristol Channel with its does our happiness. This, in turn, colourful pu ns and playful seals; encourages people to do more to the impossibly beautiful coast of help wildlife and take action for Pembrokeshire (and the chance to

MAIN PIC: PENNY DIXIE nature. The impacts don’t just last clamber over rocks and jump into crystal clear waters). One of my favourite experiences is Families all over the to listen to the echolocation calls of UK are going to stay bats at dusk. It’s already quite lovely wild this June, no to watch them darting back and matter where they forth in the stillness of the evening live. Will you? as they pick o their prey, but with a bat detector, an entirely di erent and thrilling scene reveals itself. The make a real di erence; it’s only the bats vocalise with incessant through individual actions that we Five ways to stay wild this summer high frequency squeaks and clicks can bring about the change our that allow them to manoeuvre at natural world needs to thrive. Take part Cut down Go on Enjoy a Look for lightning speed without crashing into No matter where you live, you 1 in a wildlife 2 on plastic. 3 a wild 4 day at the 5 nature on each other, locating the insects with can benefi t from our natural world survey, monitoring Say no to plastic adventure with beach looking your doorstep: sublime precision. and play a big part in protecting it. some of our most straws, bags, friends and out for rockpool wildfl owers on It’s never been more important to The people around you can too, so beautiful wildlife, wrapping and family. Use the creatures, verges, butterfl ies protect our wild places, so that the share your wild experiences with such as water bottles. Instead, long evenings to dolphins in woodland health of our planet’s ecosystems, friends and families. Stay wild, stay voles, butterfl ies invest in reusable explore a nature o shore or glades, bees at Liz on Rathlin island, famous for its and ultimately our health, is connected to nature, and have a or barn owls alternatives reserve near you majestic seabirds window boxes pu ns, o the Northern Irish coast safeguarded. Each individual can wonderful summer! LOVE WILDLIFE Stay Nature is good for you – so make the most of your local Liz Bonnin is a wild biochemist, wild green space this summer, says Liz Bonnin animal biologist and science and his June, The Wildlife Trusts a few days. They might even last a wildlife presenter asked everyone to notice whole year. Tnature everywhere, every day. So this summer, treat your body Hundreds of thousands of you took and mind as often as you can. Go for part in 30 Days Wild, carrying out a long walk, pick the blackberries in literally millions of Random Acts of the hedgerows, take o your shoes Wildness. and feel the grass underfoot, and So why not stay wild? Nothing breathe. There are pockets of green restores you like spending time in everywhere, even in our busiest nature – the breeze in your face, the cities. I live in London and love to fragrance of grasses and fl owers cycle around Richmond Park in warmed by the summer sun, the soft search of its red deer, or enjoy the buzz of insects and trills of birdsong. majestic oaks. We know nature makes us feel Many of the UK’s wilder places good. But now, there is mounting have a special place in my heart evidence that it can improve your too: the breathtaking mountains energy levels and mood, lessen hypertension, respiratory tract and cardiovascular illnesses, and reduce You can anxiety and depression. Over the past three years, The benefi t Wildlife Trusts have also proved from our that taking part in 30 Days Wild improves health, happiness, and the natural world desire to protect nature. It starts with the beauty of nature, connecting us and lakes in Scotland’s Cairngorms more deeply to the natural world. National Park; the magical Lundy As our appreciation increases, so Island in the Bristol Channel with its does our happiness. This, in turn, colourful pu ns and playful seals; encourages people to do more to the impossibly beautiful coast of help wildlife and take action for Pembrokeshire (and the chance to

t’s warm. Unusually 20 species of dragonfl y as warm, even for a well as lizards, newts and I summer night in July. the occasional rarity like last Above the peat bogs, year’s pectoral sandpiper heathland and pine copses that was eventually driven of Thursley Common a full o by a swooping Merlin. moon has risen, casting a On local advice, I turn ghostly glow over this right, still wheeling over the Frank Gardner delightful Surrey nature is on Instagram boardwalk and heading for reserve just o the A3. at frankgardner_ a clump of Scots pines. This The last of the day visitors nature. His latest seems like a good time to have returned to their cars novel, Ultimatum, check what I’m supposed and by 9.30pm I have the is out now. to be listening out for. I place to myself, leaving me take out my phone, open alone to pursue a lifelong up my Collins Bird Guide ambition: to see a nightjar in the wild app and type in ‘European nightjar’ in Britain. These curious, nocturnal, (as opposed to the related Nubian, highly camoufl aged birds have long Egyptian and Red-necked species fascinated me and historically, they that occur on the Continent). I click have attracted legends. One of these on the audio button and up comes is that they feed from the teats of the churring. I memorise it and My first sleeping goats, earning them the old switch o the phone. English nickname of ‘goatsucker’. And it continues. From somewhere, They also have an unmistakable out there in the darkness, the signature call, known as a ‘churring’, a churring has started up. Yes! I’m in strange, low vibrating sound that I’m luck. As quietly as possible, I make my way by moonlight towards the pine trees. The noise is loud now; Nightjar I keep very it seems to reverberate all around still and me, electrifying the night-time For the BBC’s Security Correspondent atmosphere. I keep very still and scan the scan the night sky where the pine Frank Gardner, fi nding a nightjar in Britain branches lie against the deep purple last year was a thrilling experience night sky sky and the silver moon. Suddenly there is a clapping sound followed told can still be heard on summer by the swish of beating wings. There, nights like this across the heathlands silhouetted just yards from where I of Britain. am, a pair of nightjar rears up into the The wooden planks of the air, chasing moths with their sharp, boardwalk creak and groan as I pointed wings, before vanishing o trundle across it in my wheelchair. into the night. Thursley Common is a National And yet the churring continues. Nature Reserve comprising 325 I scan the branches and then I hectares of peat bog and woodland see it, halfway up a tree, perfectly with winding trails and nearly a mile silhouetted against the summer of raised boardwalk to take you over moon. I raise my camera for a chance the otherwise impassible marshes. shot but immediately it’s up and o . By day I have had great views of Yet I’m overwhelmed by a sense of

stonechats here, perching on isolated triumph: I have seen my ﬁ rst British DAVID TIPLING/2020VISION branches. The reserve harbours over nightjar! Experience it for yourself The Wildlife Trusts manage Heath (Notts); Cors Bodgynydd (N Many DAVID TIPLING/2020VISION DAVID many heathland nature reserves Wales); and GreenhamCommon & Wildlife Trusts that are home to the haunting Snelsmore Common (Berks). run nightjar nightjar: Chobham Common and Arrive before dusk on a warm, events and have Wisley and Ockham Commons dry evening in June or July and wheelchair and Chatley Heath (Surrey); ﬁ nd a spot with open skies. Keep accessible Higher Hyde Heath (Dorset); your ears open: you’ll hear the wing nature reserves. Roydon Common andGsd Grimston jygdsvyg clapping and churring before you ■ Find out more: Warren (Norfolk); sdyvgydgsvsdvStrawberry Hill see them! https://wtru.st/access sdugsdvdsv

46 ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 PEOPLE & WILDLIFE

ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 47 GREAT DAYS OUT Share your experiences Tweet us your best Spey Bay Wildlife Reserve ocean giant photos 7 Scottish Wildlife Trust from your day out What’s out there Bottlenose dolphins all year round, @wildlifetrusts some up to four metres long! Plus Top places to see #LoveWildlife Grey seal Like a seals, otters and ospreys in summer. curious, Where is it? Nr Elgin, Moray, IV32 laid-back, 7PJ Map ref: NJ 325 657 well-fed dog – only Cullernose Point much bigger Northumberland Wildlife Trust ocean giants – up to 2.5m 8 Harbour porpoises, grey seals and If you want to see really big animals in the UK, you need to look in the sea. long! bottlenose dolphins all regularly seen. As it happens, there are dozens of great spots. Here’s a selection In summer, white-beaked dolphins Risso’s dolphin sometimes venture close, or even humpback whales! Where is it? Nr Craster, NE66 3TJ Map ref: NU 261 187

Flamborough Head 9 Yorkshire Wildlife Trust See minke whales in mid to late summer as they follow mackerel and Up to four metres long, crisscrossed with tell-tale white scars herring inshore. These magnifi cent mammals can grow to 10m. You can even go on a sea safari from Whitby! Basking shark Address: North Marine Road, East The world’s Riding of Yorkshire, YO15 1BJ second Map ref: TA 239 720 biggest fi sh: an awesome sight. Fin Lyme Bay shape 10 Devon Wildlife Trust identifi es So important for cetaceans, like individuals white-beaked dolphins, we are campaigning for a Marine Conservation Zone here. Also Bottlenose dolphin harbour porpoises and common dolphins often spotted from Berry Head. Post code: TQ5 9AP Map ref: SX 940 561

What common dolphins Big, strong and usually seen in For a more lack in size they make up 7 for with dazzling swimming small groups. Grows up to 4m extensive list and aerial skill of places to JOSPEH PENDER JOSPEH see marine megafauna visit wtru.st/ oceangiants rom playful dolphins to the Alderney West Coast and or boat trips. Common dolphins, Cardigan Bay Marine Where is it? SW side of the island. 8 enormous basking shark, our 1 Burhou Islands sunfi sh and basking sharks, plus 4 Wildlife Centre Map ref: SC 242 844 6 F ocean giants o er a rare Alderney Wildlife Trust occasional whales and rarer dolphins. Wildlife Trust for S&W Wales glimpse into an unseen world. Seals, Internationally important Ramsar site Where is it? 28 miles o Land’s End. Join the Wildlife Trust team on the North Antrim Coast 9 porpoises, whales, sharks and great for grey seals, and common Map ref: SV 911 095 harbour wall to spot the resident 6 Ulster Wildlife 5 dolphins can be spotted from our and bottlenose dolphins. Maybe even bottlenose dolphins, harbour The waters between Malin shores, so here are some of our top an ocean sunfi sh! Towan Headland porpoises and grey seals. Or join a Head, Donegal, and Rathlin places to fi nd them. Where is it? Look from Fort Tourgis 3 Cornwall Wildlife Trust Dolphin Survey Boat Trip. Island are some of the best for Choose a calm day, with a fl at nature reserve. Good for harbour porpoises, common Glanmor Terrace, New spotting basking sharks, with Address: 4 sea and a bit of cloud cover. Bring Map reference: ST 531 798 dolphins and resident bottlenose Quay SA45 9PS. Map ref: SN 389 598 feeding and breaching a binoculars, fi nd a high vantage point dolphins. Also minke and even regular sight in summer. and make yourself comfortable – Isles of Scilly humpback whales. There are regular Isle of Man Shark-watching boat trips patience is essential! Carefully scan Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust Seaquest seawatches, and wildlife Manx Wildlife Trust run from Portstewart 2 5 3 10 the sea for movement, looking for Start scanning as you sail to the boat trips from the harbour. See basking sharks between Peel Harbour. 2 splashes, a fi n cutting through the islands, then look for fi ns and Address: Towan Headland, Newquay, and the Calf of Man. Risso’s dolphins Post code: BT55 7AD water, or feeding fl ocks of seabirds. splashes from the many headlands TR7 1HN. Map ref: SW 800 627. are also regular summer visitors. Map ref: NV 996 982 1

48 ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 GREAT DAYS OUT Share your experiences Tweet us your best Spey Bay Wildlife Reserve ocean giant photos 7 Scottish Wildlife Trust from your day out What’s out there Bottlenose dolphins all year round, @wildlifetrusts some up to four metres long! Plus Top places to see #LoveWildlife Grey seal Like a seals, otters and ospreys in summer. curious, Where is it? Nr Elgin, Moray, IV32 laid-back, 7PJ Map ref: NJ 325 657 well-fed dog – only Cullernose Point much bigger Northumberland Wildlife Trust ocean giants – up to 2.5m 8 Harbour porpoises, grey seals and If you want to see really big animals in the UK, you need to look in the sea. long! bottlenose dolphins all regularly seen. As it happens, there are dozens of great spots. Here’s a selection In summer, white-beaked dolphins Risso’s dolphin sometimes venture close, or even humpback whales! Where is it? Nr Craster, NE66 3TJ Map ref: NU 261 187

ISSUE 136 SUMMER 2018 49 my legacy — MY WILD LIFE — Lucie, Constantine, Cornwall

The warden’s Hedge Warbler imitation was Wildlife hysterical! my Flora, age 7 Celebration legacy 2018 — MY WILD LIFE — Lucie, Constantine, Cornwall

What a Great to hear fantastic animal, kids and adults I’m looking so exhilarated at forward to seeing seeing so much more them in the wild than just fish in the on the Beaver pond-dipping. Walk. Ian, Cornwall Catherine Wildlife Trust River Fishing Team

Lucie has been a nature lover since childhood and enjoys encouraging wildlife to thrive in her garden. She knows her local Wildlife Trust will continue to work hard to protect wildlife for future generations where she lives. Love wildlife? Leave a gift in your Will to your Wildlife Trust or to The Wildlife Trusts movement as a whole. wildlifetrusts.org/legacy © Alastair Sopp Living with Nature Discovery Day 2018 Incorporating Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Annual General Meeting Saturday 17th November 2018 The Eden Project with Programme St Austell, PL24 2SG day pass 10.00am – 10.30am 11:00am- 3:00pm to the Annual General Meeting of Eden Project Cornwall Wildlife Trust 2018 included! 11:00am to 3:00pm Discovery Day Everyone is welcome to join us for the rest of the day at Eden for Discovery Day after the AGM. 2018’s theme is Living with Nature, with nature experts touching on various aspects of our Living Landscapes, Living Seas and Inspiring People projects in Cornwall. We will be also be screening short films, and ending the day with a guest inspirational speaker. Discovery Day includes a free day pass to the Eden Project, an educational charity working to Please cut off and return connect people with each other and the living world through a host of striking contemporary Discovery Day 2018 Booking Form gardens, displays and experiences. As well as the infamous biomes, Fill in the form below or book online at: the Outdoors Gardens has a www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop Wild Cornwall area of Cornish landscape demonstrating the email [email protected] or call (01872) 273939 wealth of Cornwall’s landscapes, Return this booking form with your cheque made payable to Cornwall Wildlife Trust habitats and wildlife no later than Friday 9th November 2018. to Carolyn O’Hagan, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Five Acres, Truro, Cornwall TR4 9DJ.

places at £15.00 = £ Steak pasty or vegetarian pasty:

I enclose a cheque for £ payable to Cornwall Wildlife Trust * Please note that no tickets are issued but you will be signed in on the day

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Are you a Cornwall Cornwall Wildlife Trust would love to keep you up to speed with our wildlife Yes No Wildlife Trust member? news and events. Please tick this box if you’d like to receive our email updates: Any personal information given to us is protected under the UK Data Protection: Act 1998 and will only be used for the purpose of membership administration and fundraising for Cornwall Wildlife Trust. To find out how we use and protect your personal data, read our Privacy Policy: www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/privacy-policy-and-tc