WIssue 104 • WINTERil 2015dlife

The future in your hands

Kevin McCloud Making a difference With your help... our new Vice President the living landscape realising Our Vision Includes UK news & stories

Protecting Wildlife for the Future Welcome

Dear member We are thrilled to welcome our new honorary Vice President, Kevin McCloud, who adds his support to the Trust’s work. Kevin’s team at HAB Housing is based in Bristol, and earlier this year, his staff gave their time to the Trust for free to build our volunteer cabin at Bennett’s Patch & White’s Paddock. It is a rare partnership between a Wildlife Trust and a housing developer, but as you will read, Kevin and his team have a genuine passion for development that makes space for wildlife, and forming such partnerships is an important part of influencing the future. We welcome Kevin at a critical time, when the four Unitary Dr Bevis Watts Authorities in the West of England are formulating a Joint Spatial Chief Executive, Plan – one which the Trust would like to see take into account the Avon Wildlife Trust ecosystems needed to support a growing population with clean water, clean air and the other services we take for granted, as well as simply for our wellbeing through that connection to nature. We need to be thinking 40 years ahead, protecting, restoring and planting the ecological networks we will need in the future, not simply mitigating individual developments. If mitigation is ad hoc, the continued decline of our ecosystems is inevitable. Through the West of England Nature Partnership, we are working towards a more strategic approach. You will see Kevin adding his voice to that cause in his article. This is an important issue of our magazine, where we profile how much practical work we deliver as an organisation and how that is only possible with your support. This year we have undertaken two major land-management projects at Prior’s Wood and Walton Common, and what follows will give you a flavour of the great work our team and volunteers have done. These projects are also great examples of how the Trust works in decades with visions of achieving real benefits for wildlife for the longer-term. In our 2014-15 Annual Review, recently published on our website, we reported that the number of people volunteering with the Trust last year nearly doubled to 1,538, delivering approximately 9,500 volunteer days. This is an incredible statistic and really demonstrates how the Trust is at the centre of a movement, serving as an enabler and advisor to those wanting to care for and take action for the natural world. And as you will read, we have the potential to do even more, and with additional funding from your membership donations, we can do just that. Read more on pages 14 and 15. Please help if you can, and enjoy the colours and sights of autumn! Autumn beech leaves at Brown’s Folly Your magazine

Avon Wildlife Trust is your Edited by Pat Ellingham Trust Office Registered local wildlife charity working Design by Kevin Lester 32 Jacobs Wells Road, Bristol BS8 1DR charity no. to secure a strong future Print by Burleigh Portishead 0117 917 7270 280422 [email protected] for the natural environment Front cover images: Hedgehog: Staffan avonwildlifetrust.org.uk Registered and to inspire people. Widstrand, Naturepl.com; Kevin and Bevis: company no. Folly Farm Centre THE Barbara Evridipou. Boy: James Beck. 1495108 With the support of 17,000 Stowey, Pensford, Bristol BS39 4DW Thank you to all contributors, especially members, the Trust cares for 01275 331590 Matt Collis, Matt Cracknell, Bernie D’Arcy, 37 nature reserves, it runs [email protected] TRUSTS Julie Doherty, Janice Gardiner, Matt Harcourt, educational and community follyfarm.org Jade Preddy, Joe McSorley, Simon Martin Wildlife magazine programmes, advises Portbury Wharf All uncredited photos © Avon Wildlife Trust is printed using A VON landowners, and campaigns A&W Building, The Docks, 100% renewable The views expressed in this magazine are on issues that threaten Newfoundland Way, Portishead energy on 100% not necessarily those of the Editor or the wildlife habitats. BS20 7DF recycled paper. Trustees of Avon Wildlife Trust. 01275 817710

2 Wildlife WINTER 2015 WINTER 2015 In this issue

Introducing... Spotlight on... 4 n Our new Vice President 28 n Guest member – Kevin McCloud Amy Coulthard Wild news Folly Farm Centre 6 n Our latest news and 29 n A summer in project updates abundance! Feature – The future Across the UK in your hands 30 n  UK News - 10 n  On our reserves Every child wild 12 n  A Living Landscape 32 n  UK News - Around the Trusts 14 n  How you can help 34 n  Living Seas Hands on – Making 36 n  Great days out – a difference! saltmarsh and estuary 16 n My Wild City Avon Wildlife Trust 1 7 n The last hedgehog 38 n Autumn ID – Fungus foray 1 8 n In the community 39 n Who’s who at the Trust 19 n Feed Bristol Postscript... 20 n Every Child Wild 40 n From Trust Chair, 21 n Team work Roz Kidman Cox

What’s on Follow us on Facebook and 22 n  Meet a Local Group Twitter for the latest news member! and events. Please share your wildlife pictures and 23 n  Events experiences! Teachers can check out the Ways into wildlife blog at wildschools.org.uk 24 n  Around the reserves and follow @wildschools. Go to the website to sign up 25 n  Green volunteer! for eshots and event alerts! 26 n  Seasonal stroll – /avonwt /avonwt Brown’s Folly

The hedgehog We mean no harm. We want Shares its secret with no one. Only to listen to what We say, Hedgehog, come out You have to say.

Of yourself and we will ELLINGHAM DICK love you. Paul Muldoon Hedgehog from Poems 1968-1998

WINTER 2015 Wildlife 3 WILD NEWS

Introducing our new Vice President – Kevin McCloud BARBARA EVRIDIPOU BARBARA

t is an honour to be garden collectively, plant trees and when neighbour meets neighbour associated with the consider how the spaces between which is why so many of the resources Avon Wildlife Trust buildings, whether private or public can we incorporate into projects, such and the brilliant work act as a conduit for wildlife movement. as car clubs, allotments, incidental it does. ForI that matter, it’s a privilege This idea lies at the heart of My Wild food growing, water storage and for any one of us to care for our City, a wonderful initiative from the play space, are shared. This reduces wildlife and make a contribution to Trust. Think of a city like an organism residents’ collective environmental the preservation, enhancement and even the creation of new habitats. It’s Think of a city like an organism that needs something I particularly enjoy doing on my farmland – if you haven’t yet tried feeding. Its vitality comes from the green it, build a small pond in your garden connective tissue, the gardens, plants and and watch as the frogs, toads, newts, dragonflies and water boatmen take trees that we nourish. ownership of it. Or sow a stretch of wildflower seeds on a patch of poor that needs feeding. Its vitality comes footprints, provides for greater ground and wait for the goldfinches from the green connective tissue, resilience, interdependence and social and linnets to arrive. Miraculously, these the gardens, plants and trees that sustainability, and frankly is more fun. species, and the flowers and seeds of we nourish. Collectively, with enough We aim always to build and improve the plants they live on, serve as food critical mass, the living environment biodiversity at the same time. Buildings for a wide range of birds and bats that can become as powerful as the built can accommodate birds, bats and bees will visit you. And so a great chain of one in Bristol. Sustained like this, it has as well as humans, and gabion walls wildlife come to enjoy what you have the power to nourish us back. provided in a rich complexity that no man could ever construct. The spaces inbetween I know this to be a fact because my Green connective tissue business, HAB, which is based in But major ecological improvement Bristol, builds housing schemes where will not happen if we dot havens just the quality of the public realm – the here and there. For wildlife to flourish spaces in between buildings – is in our cities and suburbs we need to sacrosanct. HAB builds not only houses join up habitats and provide wildlife (which are always low energy) but also corridors, stepping stones for insects, communities; we know that the most mammals and birds in an effort to valuable human interactions happen Goldfinch GILLIAN DAY

4 Wildlife WINTER 2015 SE 1 WEBSITE SE

Elephant and Castle Urban Forest and hedges are much more animal- point to the City. Personally, I’d like friendly than a brick wall. We also make a network of green gateways, some sure that wherever possible the planted of them single site projects, others components of our schemes work perhaps community projects where symbiotically with the architecture to residents ‘join up’ their front gardens to provide local micro-climate, water- create linear landscapes. It’s then just attenuation, summer shading and a short step to the establishing of rich humidity control. In other words, the wildlife corridors throughout the cities. hard-built stuff we construct works Bristol is poised to do this. It is a RICHARD BURKMARR with, rather than against, the natural remarkably progressive place, thanks world. In my view, only this approach fully partly to its very diverse communities defines the term ‘green architecture.’ and partly to the energies of its Mayor, Frog in creeping jenny George Ferguson and organisations Unlocking the land like the Avon Wildlife Trust. It currently The responsibility to green Bristol, to enjoys the status of European Green better and more diverse ecological build its wildlife havens, pockets and Capital 2015 and thanks to the environment by setting up hundreds corridors, does not, however, just lie rather wonderful One Tree per Child of their own neighbourhood schemes. with its human residents and our house campaign, by next March 36,000 new Retrofitting projects like Bristol Green builders. It lies with our institutions. trees will have been planted in the city, Doors are successfully adapting our The Trust has been working with the a national campaign with Bristol as the housing stock to low energy standards, Council, landowners and the Merchant pioneering pilot scheme. so why can’t we retrofit every Venturers to unlock land all around available verge, every roundabout, the city which has poor ecological riverbank and redundant scrap of land value and enhance it to provide much Let’s not miss our with wildflower seed and a pair of greater natural worth. This has to chance! willows? Bristol is on the brink of an happen – the idea of grim, unavailable It is, however, hugely important that extraordinary opportunity to become and near-sterile land not being used the emerging Joint Spatial Plan of the one of the world’s most biodiverse and to boost the city’s biodiversity is not four unitary authorities, recognises the species-rich cities. And yet this idea acceptable. A great first has been the value of the environment. We must has to be fully grasped. Let’s not miss conversion of Bennett’s Patch and think of our ecological networks that this chance!” White’s Paddock, next to Portway, support people with free services in Kevin is also Chairman by the Trust. I’m pleased to say HAB the same way we think about transport of HAB Housing, an helped deliver the volunteer building and other infrastructure. The people ambassador for Bristol 2015 and it sits at an important gateway here have implicitly demanded a and a Fellow of WWF.

WINTER 2015 Wildlife 5 WILD NEWS

Portbury Wharf a future in doubt

In recent months the Trust has raised concerns about the future quality of the Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve due to threats to its future funding, and concerns about the lack of any process of consultation with Avon Wildlife Trust on this issue by North Somerset Council (NSC).

We met with council officers in July to others will be able to comment on the share concerns from both organisations decision notices. However, in line with and waited to hear how NSC would NSC processes, any recommendations take forward a process for considering from the debate may or may not be options for the future funding and adopted by the Executive Member at management of the reserve and how his discretion. the Trust would be involved in that A letter from Cllr Nigel Ashton to process. Village Quarter Residents in March 2015 Spoonbill At the time of writing we understand has generated a number of problems AMY LEWIS that reports are being produced that and costs for the Trust. Given the clear will be the subject of two decision political will and processes, we have to Update from Portbury notices for a decision by NSC Executive work under the assumption that the Member Cllr David Pasley, and expect Trust will not have any involvement Wharf nature reserve to be alerted when they are posted in, or funding from, the management A great deal of habitat online so that we, along with residents of the nature reserve post-December management work has been carried and other interested parties, will be 2015. As a result we have already had out by volunteers and contractors able to comment. to reforecast our budgets and agreed to enhance the reserve for the However, we were disappointed reallocation of roles for staff whose birdlife. An existing large nesting to learn that the Trust would not be posts are funded to support Portbury island was levelled and covered invited to contribute our ideas on Wharf Nature Reserve. We will continue in stone in the Autumn of 2010 the future funding or management to care for the nature reserve until the and to our delight has provided of the reserve to the reports or have end of 2015 and remain open to future an over-wintering home for up any other input to them. We also involvement. to 120 lapwing each year. Other understand that we will not receive any The Trust’s concerns are that birds regularly using the pools responses to various letters to NSC and the future quality of an important include snipe, curlew, redshank and that our concerns will be addressed wildlife habitat is maintained, and breeding oystercatcher and we’ve in the reports to the decision notices. that commitments to offset the also been visited by a spoonbill, a Therefore, we hope that councillors development of 2,600 houses by bittern, a grey phalarope and little will call in the matter for a full council funding a nature reserve in perpetuity ringed plovers. debate, and at that time the Trust and are upheld.

6 Wildlife WINTER 2015 Drainage debris for Dismaland! Every year the Trust removes large quantities of reeds and rushes from the wetland reserves to manage waterway drainage. We were only too pleased to be asked to provide them to the Banksy-inspired Dismaland installation at Weston-super-Mare in August. The GREGOIRE BOUGUEREAU reeds and rushes were used in the creation of the pools in the alternative themepark installation. It’s not often we get to provide materials for world- renowned artists!

The Making of The Hunt 20 January 2016, 7pm Filming revelations from the landmark BBC1 David Attenborough series An evening at St George’s Bristol with breakthroughs, personal dramas, executive producer Alastair Fothergill scientific discoveries and aerial revelations, and series producer Huw Cordey and be shown special clips from behind Thank you to... The Hunt, which begins in November, the scenes. Characters appearing on Trust member Jan Barkworth has is a series with real-life, edge-of-the- screen include Arctic wolves, aerobatic supported the Trust by opening her seat drama. But it’s not about killing. caracals and giant blue whales. We can wonderful wildlife garden to support It’s a landmark production about the guarantee this will be an eye-opening the Trust for over 25 years. In this time sophisticated relationships between presentation. she has raised over £30,000. This predators and prey. And The Hunt’s Proceeds from this event go to year’s Open Day resulted in a donation state-of-the-art technology has The Avon Wildlife Trust. of a record £2,500! This will go towards revealed more about some of these £15 adults, £5 children My Wild City projects and Folly Farm’s relationships than even the scientists Book online from December: Wellbeing garden. knew. You will hear about filming stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Early morning filming

Climate Iron Man challenger Nathan Treby who raised over £500 for the Trust. countdown He writes: “I live in Bristol, have done so Marching for the for about 15 years, and work as an to Paris climate 2014 accountant down by the In December 2015, world leaders will meet in Paris to agree on docks. I’ve been how the world will respond to climate change. appreciating all the good work On 29 November, people will come member Bob Langton is in the of the Trust together again in the streets for the Bristol organising group, and invites all while out on my global People’s Climate March – to our members to march for the climate. Ironman training break last year’s record for the largest Meet at Castle Park by 12 noon. and hopefully climate change mobilisation in history. Further details from this can give a You can join in the Bristol March – Trust march.bristol.dobro.uk little back.”

WINTER 2015 Wildlife 7 WILD NEWS

The woodland network

Ecosystem services mapping One of the WENP maps

The Trust is playing a leading role in work currently being undertaken by The West of England Nature partnership (WENP), using Environment Systems GIS Consultants, to produce a range of maps for the West of England area which show the region’s services provided by our natural environment (called ecosystem services).

They show the benefits that people we think about planning and suggest the sub-region. Up to 85,000 new obtain from our ecosystems, such as we should be thinking decades ahead homes will be needed by 2036, so it the provision of clean water, flood about the ecological networks we need is important that the JSP process has alleviation and clean air. The maps to protect, restore or create to provide access to environmental evidence. have been commissioned as part of these services, as well as for our own We hope the WENP maps will inform a wider piece of work, funded by sense of wellbeing. decision-making, highlighting what Wessex Water, to produce a State of The four West of England Authorities ecosystem services exist and what Environment Assessment for the West are currently working together might be lost through development, of England. The maps are designed to prepare a Joint Spatial Plan: A as well as those that could be further to help inform decision making to Prospectus for Sustainable Growth. enhanced for our future benefit. ensure the best outcome for nature This aims to identify the quantity of and biodiversity alongside future housing and jobs that need to be See wenp.org.uk/projects/state-of- development. This is groundbreaking planned for in the next 20 years, and environment-assessment/ for more work which is challenging the way how they might be distributed across details

Can cities be nature rich? – Integrating nature into urban living, design and planning A one-day strand in the first Festival of the Future City will take place at the watershed in Bristol on 18 November 2015. The day will explore the challenge of making our urban landscapes wildlife-friendly, both to protect existing wildlife and to attract more in. The conference will showcase the journey Bristol has begun during European Green Capital 2015 and look at what it can learn from other cities nationally and internationally. The Festival runs from 17 to 20 November. The event, introduced by Chris Baines, is open to members of the public and professionals alike. For more details see: ideasfestival.co.uk/seasons/festival-future-city Chris BARBARA EVRIPIDOU BARBARA

8 Wildlife WINTER 2015 Badger cull condemned The Wildlife Trusts condemn the announcement by DEFRA that pilot badger culls in Somerset and Gloucestershire will continue, and that culling will be extended to a new area in Dorset. In the two years of culling in Somerset and Gloucestershire, the badger cull has been found to be repeatedly A Wild flawed in its methodology, its measures and its objectives. We support farmers in the battle against bovine TB and have huge Service! Boyd on site sympathy for those who have been affected. But this is the wrong way of tackling bovine TB and goes against Avon and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trusts have joined forces to the scientific evidence and expert create a merged ecological consultancy. Wild Service is an equal advice, and disregards the weight of venture between the two Trusts, and combines both Avon’s public opinion, which is against the and Gloucester’s excellent track record of providing ecological culling of badgers. The published consultancy services alongside a wider offering including land reviews of the pilot culls have shown them to be ‘ineffective’ and ‘inhumane’, management, habitat mitigation and conservation services. and more expensive than effective.

The business will operate from two Our full range offices, one in Bristol and the other of services and in Gloucester. Boyd Henderson is the contacts can Managing Director of Wild Service, with be found on our website at Eric Heath as Principal Ecologist.

gloucestershire PHILIP PRECEY The consultancy is able to offer wildlifetrust. SMITH DARIN ecological survey and guidance to a co.uk/ Wild service range of clients, including landowners, wildservice tree leaf large developers, utility companies, local authorities and private individuals. The ecology services provided include European protected species survey, Switch today and £100 is phase 1 habitat surveys, environmental impact assessments, grassland donated to the Trust* surveys, woodland surveys and planning advice in relation to ecology. Badger Complementing the ecology element Making a difference together. of the business Wild Service also Ecotricity, a green energy supplier, will donate £100 to Avon Wildlife Trust deliver land management, mitigation when you switch your electricity and gas to them* Plus the money you and conservation services. This includes spend with Ecotricity helps them build new sources of renewable energy. habitat creation and improvement £100 could help the Trust buy more cameras and equipment for our works, pond creation, access works Wild Schools Film Challenge – providing an opportunity for primary school such as path and bridge construction, pupils to interact with wildlife in and around their school and get outdoors. vegetation management, and wildlife fencing. We can also provide a full Switch to Ecotricity and help us to help children have fun in design service and input to clients inspiring ways and learn in nature. existing design regarding wildlife and landscape. How to switch? Switching is easy and takes less than five minutes. Call Ecotricity on 0800 302 302 Online: Visit ecotricity.co.uk/avon-wildlife-trust When you sign up quote: AWT1

DAVID KILBEY DAVID If you’ve already switched thank you – you’ve helped generate valuable donations to the Trust. Why not recommend a friend to switch? Great crested newts *For full terms and conditions, please go to www.ecotricity.co.uk/avon-wildlife-trust.

WINTER 2015 Wildlife 9 A FUTURE FOR WILDLIFE IN OUR HANDS

Securing wildlife on our

Volunteers at nature reserves Dolebury Warren

Reversing the decline in biodiversity is a huge challenge, given the scale and pace of loss of nature and wild spaces – even more so for our region, which has one of the fastest-growing human populations in the UK.

t the Trust we champion the delivers extraordinary achievements value of nature all over Avon. for both wildlife and people. Here And no more so than on the we highlight two of this year’s 37 nature reserves that we transformative achievements. manage.A They feature ancient bluebell woods to Iron Age hillforts, nationally Prior’s Wood important wetlands and wildflower This woodland is a fragment of the BARBARA EVRIPIDOU meadows. ancient semi-natural woodland that We want wildlife to thrive, to disperse once covered the limestone ridge Tree and recolonise our landscape so which stretches from Easton-in- planting that we and future generations can Gordano to Clevedon. It is one of the encounter, experience and enjoy our best bluebell woodlands in the country natural heritage. That is why local and is enormously popular in spring. 11h of rhododendron removed nature conservation is so important But since acquiring the site in 2001 to us. The Avon Wildlife Trust reserves following the sale of the Tyntesfield and 3000 trees planted last form important areas of refuge for Estate, the Trust has been aware of the year alone at Prior’s Wood many species and act as stepping urgent need to improve management stones in the landscape. They are of this ancient woodland. This has central to our wider conservation meant tackling the problem of another vision which aims to join and connect once-prized plant within Prior’s Wood – to support woodland management habitats through ecological corridors, the rhododendron. here and a key priority was removing enabling future growth and resilience. This plant was introduced to Britain invasive rhododendron. This was from Asia in the 18th century and was completed in February 2015 and has 37 nature reserves, covering used extensively by the Victorians already transformed Prior’s Wood, for attractive landscaping on country allowing light to reach the woodland over 1,100 hectares estates such as Tyntesfield. Unchecked floor for the first time in decades. The for many years, the rhododendron ground flora will be able to regenerate in Prior’s Wood had spread and naturally and increase biodiversity. Our reserves have to be actively expanded to an area of 11 hectares by Another important initiative in the managed to make sure they are in the 2001, shading the ground and inhibiting restoration work was the removal of best condition to benefit wildlife and growth of other species. the large larch plantation, which the ensure that visitors have a wonderful In 2013 the Trust was awarded Tyntesfield Estate planted as a cash wildlife experience. This hands-on work funding by the Forestry Commission crop after the war. The clear-felled

10 Wildlife WINTER 2015 areas have now been restocked with native broadleaf trees, which were donated by Eunomia Research and Consulting, whose staff worked with Trust volunteers on planting schemes throughout the winter. Further thinning work will continue in the future in order to improve the diversity and structure of Prior’s Wood. Walton Common Walton Common lies above the small village of Walton-in-Gordano in the Gordano Valley, and is both a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Scheduled Ancient Monument, with a rich history stretching back to the middle stone larch removal at age. The reserve is much loved and Prior’s Wood well used by the local community and attracts other visitors, due to the superb views over the Gordano Valley system. This is an underground electric Walton Common will soon welcome and Severn. cable that creates no visible or physical a small herd of short-legged Dexter There is, however, a pressing need to barriers within the Common, but which cattle who will begin the work of safeguard several scarce species of the will stop livestock straying beyond the restoring this valuable habitat by Common’s invertebrates and plants, by boundaries. grazing the scrub and rank grass. balancing their different management requirements. Walton Common has not been grazed by livestock for many Most of our nature reserves are open to the public for free, all year round. years and the grassland area has Guided walks on some are available to download from our website. For diminished due to legal issues over the details visit: avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves fencing of commons, access difficulties and changing land use. The grassland has relied solely on rabbit grazing, together with manual grass cuts and scrub clearance by volunteers. These Please help us to do more are difficult to sustain because of the Common’s size, and the encroachment This vital hands-on work on these reserves of trees and scrub has reduced the and all the others we manage is benefiting area of wildflower- rich grassland wildlife and people. This would simply not be

habitat. possible without your support. BARBARA EVRIPIDOU Much loved and well Thank you used by the local You make achievements like Prior’s Wood and Walton Common possible. And of course, all community. of the other work the Trust does too. Whether you are a member, supporter The Common has now been entered or volunteer your contribution to the Trust makes a huge difference, into Natural England’s Higher Level helping to secure wildlife and inspire people across the region, every Stewardship Scheme, which will single day. Thank you. support a programme of restoration But there is still so much more we need to do. And we can’t do it works for the next 10 years. One of without your help. the first steps involves a new piece of technology – an invisible fencing Please increase your membership by £2 per month today Your continued support for the Trust is so valuable, and together we can do so much more. How to increase your membership donation n Online. Visit: avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/upgradeOct15

Bluebells at n Phone: Call us on: 0117 917 7270 to speak to one of Prior’s Wood our team

WINTER 2015 Wildlife 11 A FUTURE FOR WILDLIFE IN OUR HANDS

A living landscape Grassland survey volunteers

For over ten years Avon Wildlife Trust, together with many other Wildlife Trusts, has been working to create a national network of high-quality wildlife habitats, a truly living landscape, for wildlife and for people.

ore areas of protected This is a conservation priority for habitat, such as our nature the Trust and we have been actively reserves and Sites of Special involved in the area since 1995. Scientific Interest (SSSI) The grassland has largely been provideC vital sanctuaries for wildlife. drained and improved for agriculture so They cannot exist in isolation however, that it is within the watercourses that because for species to increase in the area’s most important biodiversity numbers and wildlife become more is to be found. A number of important widespread there needs to be space for expansion from these sanctuaries 180 individual volunteers into the wider countryside. Valuable 1,546 volunteer days areas of wildflower grasslands and other habitats are scattered across farmland, adding to the rich tapestry Clapton Moor Ditch of our countryside. Together with condition assessors wildlife sites are designated as SSSIs, well-managed river courses, diverse and some managed as nature reserves. hedgerows and buffer strips However, the vast majority of the around fields, a biodiverse network North Somerset Levels ditches are within farmland and are is created. the responsibility of the individual Through our Living Landscape work and Moors landowners. the Trust supports landowners; across The North Somerset Levels and Through funding from the Esmée the North Somerset Levels and Moors, Moors (NSLM) are a major landscape Fairbairn Charitable Trust we were in the Chew Valley and around Bath to feature of Avon - representing 3.5% able to carry out a three year survey help them care for the wildlife habitats of the total UK coastal and floodplain project to determine the management on their land. Our work with Buglife on grazing marsh habitat. The landscape condition and value of the wetland the West of England B-Lines project is characterised by small, scattered network outside of protected areas. also supports landowners in adding settlements and cattle-grazed fields Our survey results indicate a wide to wildlife corridors across the whole bounded by an extensive network of range of habitat conditions across region. rhynes (drainage ditches) and rivers. the NSLM.

12 Wildlife WINTER 2015 Some landowners are engaged in surveys. Whilst meadows were integral Our volunteers started in 2011 and positive ditch/rhyne management to farming in the past, they do not have now contributed over 1,000 providing a significant biodiversity offer the modern farmer the same days of practical work towards resource in addition to the SSSIs. return from their land as “improved” the restoration of 165 hectares of However, we also identified a large grass swards. Lowland meadows wildflower grasslands. In addition to number of ditches where landowners may be fertilised to increase grass clearing scrub, removing weed species are struggling to carry out regular ditch productivity at the expense of the and cutting grass, the work days have management. A significant programme wildflowers, which cannot compete allowed us to have regular contact of well-resourced ditch management is with landowners and strengthened our needed to turn this round. This will only Engaged with over 250 relationships with them. We also know be possible through all organisations landowners that this support has encouraged them with an interest in the area working to do additional work themselves. together. As in so many areas of the Trust’s Funding through Wessex Water’s Partners Programme is enabling the with more vigorous grasses. Calcareous Trust to set up a new partnership and grasslands are often found on slopes, start the restoration process. Over which are too difficult to plough and the next five years, we are working fertilise. They may be abandoned as unprofitable to farm, resulting in scrub 2,400ha of land surveyed, encroachment and eventual loss of the 1,600ha with wildflower grassland. The Government’s agri-environment interest schemes provide compensation to farmers for loss of earnings through adopting less intensive farming to integrate flood management and practices. However, our experience has Seed gathering at Breech Hill Common sustainable farming practices, with best shown that landowners may still need practice management for biodiversity help with grassland restoration, and to achieve more with the resources working with Natural England we have work, the time given by volunteers was available. provided specialist advice along with vital to this scheme. They enabled us practical assistance through our volunteer to survey far more land than would Chew Valley Grassland Restoration Team (GRT). otherwise have been possible. The Chew Valley is recognised as the best area in Avon for lowland wildflower meadows with calcareous grasslands on the adjacent slopes of Please help us to do more the Mendip Hills and in the southern Cotswolds around Bath. We are now Our work in creating a truly living landscape acutely aware of the loss of wildflower- - a national network of high-quality wildlife rich habitats that has occurred since habitats, for wildlife and for people - would the 1930’s and the knock-on effect simply not be possible without your support. on bee and butterfly populations as well as other wildlife. It is vital that we Thank you are able to look after our remaining You make achievements like these across the wildflower grasslands and start to North Somerset Moors, Chew Valley and Bath reverse these declines. possible. And of course, all of the other work In 2008, through our Wildflower the Trust does too. Grasslands Project we started to make Whether you are a member, supporter or volunteer your contribution to contact with landowners to carry out the Trust makes a huge difference, helping to secure wildlife and inspire people across the region, every single day. Thank you. But there is still so much more we need to do. And we can’t do it without your help. Please increase your membership by £2 per month today Your continued support for the Trust is so valuable, and together we can do so much more. How to increase your membership donation n Online. Visit: avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/upgradeOct15 n Phone: Call us on: 0117 917 7270 to speak to one of Orchids at Blagdon our team

WINTER 2015 Wildlife 13 A FUTURE FOR WILDLIFE IN YOUR HANDS

Please help us to do more JAMES BECK

You make everything the Trust achieves possible. Whether you are a member, supporter or volunteer your contribution helps to secure wildlife and inspire people across the region, every single day. Thank you.

ast year, Avon Wildlife Trust nature to recover on a grand scale. To world, rich in wildlife and valued by had one of its busiest years. We do this we must continue to secure the everyone. With your help we can be acquired Middle Hill Common, wild spaces that our local wildlife needs even more active, inspirational, and an our 37th nature reserve, we to thrive. We need to inspire thousands influential local wildlife champion. inspiredL over 10,000 children with the more people with the beauty and wonder of nature through our Wild wonder of their natural world. And we With an additional £2 per month we Schools programme, and we engaged need to do this in a region with the can achieve: 1,500 volunteers to help protect local fastest growing human population in n more hands-on work on our wildlife. This vital work would simply the UK. reserves not be possible without your support. But there is still so much more we Please help us to do more n more wildlife friendly urban spaces need to do. And we can’t do it without If you can increase your membership n more restoration and conservation your help. donation by just £2 each month, we in the wider countryside can achieve so much more for wildlife n more well-being programmes that The Future and people in Avon. The Trust has an engage our communities Our Vision for our region is to enable ambitious vision for a healthy living

Supporting Avon Wildlife Trust and working in wildlife TV go hand-in-hand. I regularly visit the reserves. I am a member of the Trust and increased my membership donation as I know the Trust is doing vital work that makes me really inspired about the future for the region. Walton Common Mark Sharman, Bristol-based wildlife cameraman, photographer and

MARK SHARMAN MARK Avon Wildlife Trust member marksharman.co.uk

14 Wildlife WINTER 2015 Please increase your membership donation by £2 a month

We envision a future filled with thriving wildlife and buzzing with biodiversity, all cherished and cared for by local people. This is the future we are working for each and every day. This future is in your hands. How to increase your membership donation n Online. Visit: avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/upgradeOct15 n Phone: Call us on: 0117 917 7270 to speak to one of our team

As a member of the Fundraising Standards Board (FRSB) Avon Wildlife Trust has made a public promise to adhere to best practice, honesty, transparency, clarity and accountability in all fundraising activity, enabling you to give with confidence.

No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced Sir David Attenborough

WINTER 2015 Wildlife 15 INSPIRING PEOPLE My wild city

Making space for nature!

rom the Jack of the Green of thirty houses in a single road. We dancing of Gloucester Road’s were supported by wiidlife garden Mayfest to the arts and music designer Jody Fairish and a whole festival of Redfest, we’ve left no host of eager volunteers from Burges Fmarquee unvisited in our attempt to Salmon. Working closely with local get across our vision of transforming residents through both the design Bristol into a nature reserve. stage and construction, we’ve been My Wild City also took centre stage able to introduce a series of simple in the Architect Centre exhibition wildlife habitat features spread across which addressed the question ‘How the whole length of Stanley Park. can we make space for a nature-rich There were several issues to landscape in the city?’ The exhibition overcome, including finding spaces attracted over 1000 people and hosted for wheelie bins, provision of water, demonstrate what can be done to several drop in sessions where we gave and dealing with the odd naughty cat. support wildlife-friendly green space members of the public the opportunity However, these front gardens now in small terraced street front gardens. to talk to us and learn how they can do These designs will be made available something amazing for wildlife. on our website under the My Wild Street case study, along with additional My Wild Street information and photos. With this Wheelie bins, bikes, piles of junk and street now complete, we hope our the odd potted-up plant. This was actions will inspire neighbourhoods the sight that greeted us when we across the city to work together and first looked at the front gardens of replicate what’s been achieved in our My Wild Street demonstration Easton. street in Easton. However, after several See where people are getting involved months of preparation, consultation with My Wild City and taking action and support from project partners to make the vision a reality – turning Earth Timber Stone and leading UK law Bristol into a nature reserve. Check firm Burges Salmon, the conversion out the interactive map online at from uninspiring grey to a corridor of avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/mywildcity green is now complete. Over just two Follow the action on social media too weeks in September, the My Wild City and share your posts with the tag team transformed the front gardens #MyWildCity

16 Wildlife WINTER 2015 The last hedgehog in Avon?

When was the last time you saw a hedgehog? Sadly, the hedgehog is in rapid decline - over 95% have been lost since the 1950s. The hedgehog remains one of our best-loved wild creatures, but only one in five people in the UK has ever seen a hedgehog in their garden.

The hedgehog has; n About 6,000 sharp spines The future is in our hands. n An amazing sense of smell There is something we can do. n Poor eyesight Have you seen a hedgehog? n An appetite for slugs and snails We’d like to know as we’re collecting information that will help our future conservation work and monitor n An ability to curl into an impenetrable ball population trends. Please record any sightings of hedgehogs And – they are also Apex Predators! (dead or alive) on our website at: avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/lasthedgehog With your help there could be happy ending to the Why hedgehogs are so important story of ‘the last hedgehog in Avon?’. They’re an apex predator - which means they are at the top of the food chain and are a good indicator of the How you can help! general health of the environment. Hedgehogs are unfussy Take the hedgehog pledge! about their habitat requirements, so a dramatic decline 1. Report sightings, alive or dead on our website in hedgehogs is a warning about the condition of the 2. Make your garden hedgehog safe environment. They are the UK equivalent of tigers and lions, except they live in our gardens! We have the opportunity 3. Share the plight of ‘the last hedgehog in Avon’ to get nose-to-nose with these charismatic creatures, an with neighbours and friends experience which can form the lifelong connection with nature we all need in our lives. Find out more at: avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/lasthedgehog Why are they disappearing? There are lots of reasons - pastures and fields that used What to do if you find a underweight hedgehog to provide food and shelter have been ploughed up and or a hedgehog that is active in winter? hedgerows have been removed to create larger fields. If you’re concerned about underweight hedgehogs or Pesticides have killed off insects and often kill hedgehogs hedgehogs active in winter, provide tinned cat or dog food and too. British gardens are contributing to the decline, as fresh water. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society can also we’re making them too tidy for the shelter-loving offer advice and help you find a rescue centre near you. Contact: hedgehog. [email protected] or tel: 01584 890801

WINTER 2015 Wildlife 17 INSPIRING PEOPLE

Communities and Nature Your membership donation also supports the work we do with people across our area – even when projects are generously funded, we need to find resources from the Trust’s core income. On these pages you can catch up with recent activities. Lifecycle Over 55s and Bike Minded groups at Dundry Slopes

ur Communities and Nature both the diversity of habitats and the Project (CAN) works to views back over Bristol. connect vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in Bristol,O Bath and Weston-super-Mare A silver service with the natural world. Project Officers One of our weekly dates is with Kelly Bray and Matt Harcourt have had Silvacare in Southmead, who provide a busy summer. outreach daycare services for adults with learning difficulties. We’ve been Lifecycles working on a small area in the grounds We’ve been working with the of the Greenway Centre, which has cycling charity Lifecycles, been transformed from an overgrown who were award Bristol Green patch to a thriving space for people Capital 2015 funding for their Nature and Wildlife Cycle Rides project. People At nature group, of differing ages and abilities from the Over 55s and Bike Minded groups we’ve learnt and Terry and Phil creating an rode out to explore nature reserves done lots of things such insect hotel and green corridors across the city, as made benches for including many sites the CAN team has Community Centre and nearby Owen worked on. In July they visited two of people to use – they Square Park. Together we’ve focused our My Wild City demonstration sites are very stable. on practical improvements such as at Dundry Slopes and South Street wildlife gardening, by maintaining the Park in Bedminster. They discovered Len, from Silvacare raised beds in the courtyard of the the conservation improvement works community centre and developing that have happened here, and explored and wildlife. We’ve cleared brambles an overgrown area between here Dundry Slopes. They were amazed by and bindweed, planted trees, put up and the neighbouring Mosque. The bird boxes, created wildflower areas Brandon Trust group grew the plants and a wildlife-only hotel. To celebrate that are now thriving here at their summer we made a picnic bench so Lawrence Weston Farm base. This once that everyone can enjoy the space on neglected area has been transformed sunny days, and it’s already well used from an unloved patch of ground to as a spot to take a break and admire a thriving space, valued by the local our hard work. community. People often stop and chat about the improvements and tell us how nice it is to see positive Tyre planter Greening together at Easton Brandon Trust’s Greenfields horticulture changes being made to the group worked with us in Easton area.

18 Wildlife WINTER 2015 Feed Bristol Feed Bristol is the Trust’s community food growing project, which works with disadvantaged groups as well as supporting outdoor education, a large volunteer programme and a business incubator initiative. Project Officer Matt Cracknell looks back at a flourishing season. Anyone can drop in and help out!

e’re now The calming Project. Plants are now available and developing the can be bought on site, so if you have a conservation influence of working project that needs planting up, please management in nature has helped me let us know. plan of theW site, so that we can be think positively about life We have also had referrals from used as an exemplar of how food job centres for people who are in growing projects can be places where again after many long term people and wildlife thrive. Through years. unemployment collaboration with the Bristol Food Volunteer, Feed Bristol due to Council and the Bristol Food Producers depression Guild we’re also able to influence the School, and over the past three years and anxieties. wider producers’ network across the we’ve helped twelve businesses The benefit city region to adopt a wildlife-focused become established, and supported of working approach. over 40 people into employment. outside in the At the heart of all of this is the local natural world Seedlings for community – anyone can drop in and is now well plug plants help out with a range of different tasks, documented, from horticulture to DIY, in exchange and several of our participants have for a share of our harvest. The site shown a marked increase in confidence looks inspiring with lots of examples on completion of their placements. of wildlife gardening all around the One person told us that Feed Bristol food growing areas. This year we had a gave him a lifeline, where he could fantastic display in the pollinator beds work positively with others for the which was entered into the RHS Britain first time and forget his troubles. The in Bloom competition – a follow-on to Trust has now employed Ellie Chapman our winning an RHS Golden Gilt last as our Nature Health and Wellbeing Matt loads up the year. Officer to further develop our salad leaves We also launched our wildflower programme for Feed Bristol nursery, growing over 20,000 native and the Wellbeing Garden at plants. We’ve begun collecting seed Folly Farm. from nature reserves to build up a bank Feed Bristol hosts Sims Hill Shared Find out about our courses, events, Harvest veg boxes and Edible Futures of native plants of local provenance, volunteering (including Corporate) salads. Other initiatives include Re-wild and they are being used across the or hire from mattcracknell@ Tree Nursery and Pea Shoots Forest city as part of the Trust’s My Wild City avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

WINTER 2015 Wildlife 19 INSPIRING PEOPLE

Every Child Wild Taking children outside into the natural environment provides opportunities that will never be realised at home or in a classroom. In an age where children are spending more time indoors, many are are becoming increasingly disconnected with the natural world. Learning Development Manager Kate Marsh wants every child to have a chance to be wild. JAMES BECK

esearch has shown I just wanted to that children who spend more time thank you for outdoors are running a fantastic day at healthier, Rmore alert and in possession the reserve today. My kids of better behavioural, cognitive and social skills. There is evidence of both loved it and have benefits to their physical health and talked lots about habitats wellbeing, as well as improved learning and all the minibeasts and abilities. Getting outdoors is also crucial for the future of our environment; if everything they saw and Pond our younger generation don’t have watching did today. an appreciation of wildlife and nature or understand its value, they may not Parent of holiday club kids realise the importance of protecting during the summer holidays, they and conserving it. ran holiday clubs within Bristol to get getting muddy growing veg, building children outside and exploring the shelters and lighting fires! Holiday fun natural world. The clubs were based As autumn sets in there’s no better The Trust’s learning team has been at Feed Bristol and our newest nature time for youngsters (or the young at providing opportunities for young reserve, Bennett’s Patch and White’s heart) to get out in nature – splash in people to learn in the outdoors Paddock, located just off the Portway puddles, kick through leaves and play for years, and to complement this in the Avon Gorge. Great fun was had conkers! What are you waiting investigating the wildlife which now for? It’s time for ‘Every Child calls this site its home! They discovered to be Wild’. frogs, slowworms, dragonflies, newts, The Wildlife Trusts are launching crickets and grasshoppers as well as the Every Child Wild campaign this building a minibeast mansion. After autumn. See page 30 for more details. playing wildlife games and getting creative with natural materials, Keep your eye out on the events pages avonwildlifetrust.org.uk for future they toasted marshmallows over a holiday clubs and outdoor learning Grasshopper and woodland fire. At Feed Bristol children grubby hands! opportunities being run by Avon got stuck into forest school activities, Wildlife Trust.

20 Wildlife WINTER 2015 Look what we’ve achieved this year! Says Julie Doherty, Trust Community Engagement and Volunteering Manager.

Minibeast palace y ‘we’ I mean the 159 corporate wider wildlife trust volunteers, community, such as as well as up the 229 beavers, cubs to 100 staff and scoutsB who helped to plant 3740 from Burges trees at Bennett’s Patch and White’s Salmon on Paddock nature reserve, and the the My Wild volunteers who took the time to put up Street project. the new polytunnel at the Wellbeing Julie Giving garden at Folly Farm. The people something that I have met, worked out problems back and working together with with, shared stories and a cup of tea colleagues in a completely different Lloyds bank staff at with, dug holes and planted with and setting seems to be becoming more Folly Farm shared a love of nature with, are the people who really make the difference. the Trust couldn’t achieve as much as it Whether it’s a one off volunteering day One tree can absorb does without their help. or a regular commitment, every little bit as much carbon Since January I’ve worked with over helps us to provide resources for nature dioxide in a year as a car 774 other volunteers, which includes and wellbeing, protect habitats for the Trust’s local groups who provide wildlife and enables nature to provide produces while driving trips and talks for their community, look the ecosystem services that it does so 26,000 miles, so think after local sites and promote our work well, if we let it. in their area. It also includes volunteers Since the beginning of the year I of the benefits brought who provide family activities, have also worked with an estimated about by planting all refreshments and wildlife walks at those trees right next to events, regular gardeners who support each other and help to maintain the Minibeast palace the Portway at Bennett’s Wellbeing garden at Folly Farm, and creation Patch and White’s local people who have offered their Paddock. time to help wildlife in their area. The generosity of people, the willingness to take action and the deep rooted caring for our planet is something that popular and it’s easy to see why. It’s really stays with me, for without this fun, it’s healthy, it’s altruistic so it collective support the West makes you feel good and strengthens of England wouldn’t be the relationships between colleagues – and beautiful place it is today.

WINTER 2015 Wildlife 21 INSPIRING PEOPLE What’s happening near you!

From the Trust’s earliest days Local Groups have promoted our work through events and practical activities. Find out more – support a local group near you! A full list of contacts can be found below. Meet a local group member

athy Farrell has been an This year Simon Garrett from Bristol active member of the Zoo will be talking about Zoos – Past, Keynsham Local Group for Present, and Future, and there’ll be several years, and became plenty of hands-on activities for Kmore involved when she retired in 2013. children. The November meetings are Kathy is a keen wildlife photographer hosted by Wellsway School, whose and retirement has given her more Head of Biology Dave Sage is Chair of time for her hobby, as well as for the Group. Dave gets the school Green the Trust. She brought social media Team involved, so there’s a growing to the Keynsham Group, which now involvement of younger people. has its own Facebook page and The Keynsham Group arranges seven twitter account, and particularly events a year, as well as exciting field loves organising their big November Kathy outings to Trust nature reserves. “We’ve been to the crane project at Slimbridge Last year was and the great bustard project on amazing – Ed event, which is aimed at bringing the Salisbury Plain. We also organise an Trust’s message to younger people. annual river dip and a dawn chorus.” Drewett talked about the “We design it with the whole family To which 25 people came at 4am, and magic of bird migration, in mind,” she explained “and for the heard or saw 34 different species. “I and the Hawk & Owl Trust past two years we’ve attracted over like to think of our motto as Educate, 100 people each time. Last year was Encourage, Enthuse,” explained Kathy. came along and flew a amazing – Ed Drewett talked about the Looking at the exciting and varied kestrel for us in the magic of bird migration, and the Hawk programme of events the group has & Owl Trust came along and flew a come up with yet again, it certainly school hall! kestrel for us in the school hall!” does just that!

Local group and volunteering contacts

Volunteering opportunities at the Trust include: Wildlife Action Group (WAG), on Trust reserves – meet at Trust HQ (9.45am Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays) Grassland Restoration team (GRT) – meet at Trust HQ (Tuesdays and Thursdays) Reserve-based groups at Brown’s Folly, Folly Farm, Willsbridge Valley. Find out more at avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/volunteer

(C ) Cabot Jill Kempshall 0117 940 0706 (CV) Chew Valley Anne-Marie Morris 01275 332534 (GCG) Gordano Valley Keith Giles 01275 852627 (K) Keynsham Cynthia Wilson 01225 874259 (LA) Long Ashton Harry Williams 01275 392690 (P) Portishead Cynthia Dorn 01275 843160 Keynsham Group (S) Southwold Gloria Stephen 01454 310328 dawn chorus (WsM) Weston-super-Mare Frank Bowen 01934 632285

22 Wildlife WINTER 2015 What’s on – walks, talks and workdays

Wednesday 20 – THE MAKING OF THE Saturday 19 – BENNETT’S PATCH AND November HUNT special presentation at St George’s WHITE’S PADDOCK WALK led by warden Wednesday 4 – THE LATEST PROJECT, talk Bristol see p 7 ffi Tim Clarke. Meet at the Reserve at 11am by Simon Bell of BBC Natural History Unit Minibus from Keynsham. Ffi Liz 0117 909 Thursday 21 – BORN TO BIRD talk by Mya- 9667. (K) Centurion Hotel, Charlton Lane, Midsomer Rose Craig, Jubilee Pavilion, Keedwell Hill, Norton BA3 4BD, 7.30pm (Tea/Coffee Long Ashton, 7.30pm. (LA) available) for 8pm. (CVWG) Friday 22 – INSECT LIFE IN THE GORDANO April Saturday 7 – JUMBLE SALE at Avon Way VALLEY talk by Dr Bill Dixon. Folk Hall, 95 Hall, Portishead, 2.30 to 4pm. Jumble High Street, Portishead, 7.30pm. £2. (P) Friday 1 – QUIZ NIGHT LIVE! Pick a team collection 01275 843160 or 843865. (P) of four players and come to our general Thursday 28 – NATURAL NORWAY – LIVES knowledge quiz in aid of the Trust., £2.50 Sunday 8 – FAMILY OWL PROWL – MEET OF PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE talk by Andrew per individual team member. Contact THE OWLS! Folly Farm, 3pm-5pm talk Town. Millennium Hall, Old School Room, Malcolm on 01454 310328 to book your and walk with Chris Sperring. Adult £10 , Chew Magna 7.45pm. £2.50 i (CV) team’s place. The Old Grammar School, High Adult and child £14, Family £20 (up to two Street, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. (S) adults and two children). Pre-book:events@ avonwildlifetrust.org.uk. Sunday 24 April – DAWN CHORUS WALK February led by Dave Sage, 4.30 am to approx 8am. Friday 13 – ZOOS – PAST, PRESENT & Friday 12 – FILNORE COMMUNITY Meet at The Shallows car park, Saltford, FUTURE talk by Simon Garrett, Head of WOODLAND, THORNBURY, talk by Jerry Bristol BS31 3EX. Contact Dave 0117 940 Learning, Bristol Zoo Gardens, with extra Dicker. Baptist Church Hall , High Street, 7968. (K) activities for all the family. Wellsway School, Keynsham, 7.30pm Adults £2.50, Children Keynsham, 7pm-9pm, doors open 6.30pm. £1. (K) FFI Kathy Farrell 0117 986 9722. (K) Thursday 18 – NORTH AMERICAN WILDLIFE talk by Helen Mugridge. Jubilee Pavilion, Keedwell Hill, Long Ashton, 7.30pm (LA) Sunday 21 – SIGNS OF SPRING AND PEREGRINES WALK led by Liz Wintle. Meet at Water Tower, Stoke Road, Bristol Downs Birdwatch BS9 1FG at 11am. Ffi Liz 0117 909 9667. (K) event Cabot Group at Redland Fair Thursday 25 – URBAN PEREGRINES – THE INVENTIVENESS OF WILDLIFE talk by Ed Drewitt. Millennium Hall, Old School Room, Volunteer workdays Friday 18 – Monday 20 FESTIVAL OF THE Chew Magna, 7.45pm. £2.50 (CV) HELLENGE HILL RESERVE, BLEADON FUTURE CITY see p 8 ffi ideasfestival.co.uk/ Friday 26 – OTTERS ON MY DOORSTEP PURN HILL RESERVE, W-s-M. Work parties seasons/festival-future-city. talk by Gill Brown. Folk Hall, 95 High Street, and/or wildlife surveying/monitoring. Phone warden Frank Bowen on 01934 632285 for Thursday 19 – FLORA OF THE BRISTOL Portishead, 7.30pm. £2 (P) times and meeting point DOWNS, talk by Mandy Leivers, Avon Gorge & Downs Project, Jubilee Pavilion, Keedwell WAPLEY LOCAL NATURE RESERVE Hill, Long Ashton, 7.30pm. (LA) General maintenance work. Meet at the Shire Way entrance to the woodland, South Thursday 26 – BIG CATS SAFARI – Yate, BS37 8US, 10am. (S) Saturday 14 KENYA’S MAASAI MARA, talk by Jill Toman. November Sunday 21 February; Sunday 14 Millennium Hall, Old School Room, Chew February; Wednesday 24 February Magna 7.45pm. £2.50 (CV) TICKENHAM RIDGE. Reserve management. Friday 27 – BIRDS & BEASTS OF NAMIBIA Meet at the reserve (ST 442724) at 10am. & BOTSWANA, talk by Professor Bob (GCG) Sunday 29 November Thompson. Folk Hall, 95 High Street, Portishead, 7.30pm. £2 (P) PRIOR’S WOOD General management work. Meet 10am in car parking area Lichens walk opposite entrance to Children’s Hospice. December (GCG) Sunday 3 January Thursday 17 – EELS IN CRISIS, talk by See contact box on p 22 for information Andrew Kerr, chairman of Sustainable Eel about joining in with Trust workdays. Group. Jubilee Pavilion, Keedwell Hill, Long March Please wear walking or wellington boots and Ashton, 7.30pm. (LA) bring gloves. Friday 11 – BENNETT’S PATCH & WHITE’S Friday 18 – WINTER SOLSTICE AT FEED PADDOCK, the Trust’s new nature reserve, BRISTOL, 6pm ffi events@avonwildlifetrust. by Julie Doherty. Baptist Church Hall , High org.uk Street, Keynsham, 7.30pm Adults £2.50, Children £1 (K) 2016 Thursday 17 – BUTTERFLIES OF THE COTSWOLDS, talk by Sue Smith & Sue Dodd. Jubilee Pavilion, Keedwell Hill, Long January Ashton, 7.30pm (LA) Friday 8 – TALES FROM THE CUTTING Friday 18 – A WALK AROUND HUNGARY ROOM FLOOR talk by Peter Brownlee. AND BULGARIA, talk by Terry Wall. Folk Hall, 95 High Street, Portishead, 7.30pm. Baptist Church Hall , High Street, Keynsham, Dolebury Warren walk 7.30pm Adults £2.50, Children £1. (K) Entrance £2 (P)

WINTER 2015 Wildlife 23 WAYS INTO WILDLIFE

Around the reserves Burnet moth on thistle at Netcott’s Meadow

The old proverb says “make hay while the sun shines” and we’ve been doing exactly that this summer. Haycuts were carried out on our grassland reserves, including Weston Moor, Walton Common, Portbury Wharf, Lawrence Weston Moor and Bennett’s Patch and White’s Paddock

abitat monitoring is another record for this site. key summer activity. Our Weston-super-Mare volunteer Condition surveys were group have been busy clearing ragwort carried out on the ditches at both Hellenge Hill and Purn Hill Hat Clapton Moor and we’ve been to try to eradicate this plant which undertaking weekly botanical surveys, can be toxic to livestock. They’ve also adder surveys and butterfly transects been carrying out fencing repairs to across our reserves with our volunteer keep the livestock contained on site. survey teams. The highlight for the Our Wildlife Action Group (WAG) surveyors was a fleeting view of a and Gordano volunteer groups have DIMERY MIKE white admiral butterfly atDolebury completed sections of traditional dry White admiral butterfly Warren, which we believe is a first stone wall at both Dolebury Warren

and Tickenham Hill, which were started five summers ago. Volunteers have also been repairing steps and bridges at both Weston Big Wood and Prior’s Wood, where the block of beech that is adjacent to the clear-felled larch will be thinned this autumn. Coronation Meadows In the last 75 years wildflower-rich meadows in Britain have decreased by a staggering 97%. This has impacted on the abundance of wildflowers, butterflies, bees and birds. To mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation a project was established across the UK to increase the number of wildflower meadows. The idea was to use existing meadows Moor End Spout - a to act as donation sites where seeds Coronation Meadow could be harvested to regenerate

24 Wildlife WINTER 2015 Adder at Hellenge Hill A good day for a meadows where the rich biodiversity had been lost. green volunteer The Trust’s first project was to use Netcott’s Meadow to donate seed to Idalie a receptor site managed by Nailsea Environmental Wildlife Trust at Moor End Spout. We’re now in the second French student Idalie Sallerin spent her summer volunteering year of working on this site where with the Trust’s reserves team, and looks back happily on her we’ve prepared the ground harrowing time as a green volunteer

What a great feeling it is to be waking up in the morning knowing you will spend a good day! That’s exactly how I felt during the few months I spent volunteering in Bristol. For a French student in agronomy and environmental sciences, Avon Wildlife Trust was the perfect organization to both practice English and learn about wildlife, nature conservation, organic horticulture and so much more. From seed sowing and harvesting at Feed Bristol to drystone walling and scything with the Wildlife Action Group, through seed scattering and pulling out thistles and ragworts with the Grassland Restoration Team, I participated in a lot of different tasks. In addition to physical activity and fresh air, I had the chance to learn and develop my ID skills on butterflies, wildflowers, trees, birds, Grown at orchids and edible or medicinal plants, and to take part in different surveys and Feed Bristol site! walks. It allowed me to have several marvellous experiences such as: catching multicolour butterflies and letting them go, waiting in front of a badger’s sett while a deer appears behind you, walking through an enchanting display of one third of the site, then cutting and bluebells, observing the flight of barn owls and looking for newts in the light of transporting green hay from Netcott’s an electric torch. Meadow. Indeed, volunteering with the Trust was also an excellent way to visit the This spring we supplemented the region and discover the charming English countryside. I only had to jump in the seed laid last year with one thousand minibus and there I was, a cup of tea in one hand, a tool in the other, listening to plug plants individually planted by the schedule of the day. Whether it was sunny or rainy, each day took place in our WAG volunteers. The plug plants a good atmosphere surrounded by beautiful landscapes and nice people. And I were propagated at our Feed Bristol must confess it was sunny most of the times! site from seed collected at Netcott’s It was a different country, a different language, a different culture but despite Meadow last year. that I always felt comfortable, whether I was in the community garden or in a nature reserve, with officers, managers, growers, team leaders or other volunteers like me. That means a lot for me. To all the people of Avon Wildlife Trust, I thank them for giving me the opportunity of such a good and precious experience, for their warm welcome, their natural kindness, their enthusiasm and spontaneity, the share of their knowledge with passion and teaching skills and their indulgence for my first softball game ! Volunteering on conservation projects is a great way to make a real difference to wildlife, to get fit and healthy and to meet some wonderful people. Volunteering opportunities at the Trust include: Volunteer warden n Grassland Restoration team (GRT) – meet at Trust HQ (Tuesdays and Gill Brown Thursdays) n Wildlife Action Group (WAG), on Trust reserves – meet at Trust HQ (9.45am Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays) This year we’ve started our second n Reserve-based groups at Brown’s Folly, Folly Farm, Willsbridge Valley, Coronation Meadow at Folly Farm Purn and Hellenge Hill (W-s-M) and the Gordano Valley Group where we’ve transferred green hay n Feed Bristol in Stapleton and Feed Folly at Folly Farm Centre from one of our top fields, Great Wall n Communities and Nature, in Twerton and Whiteway, Bath Close to one of the lower meadows, Great Folly Mead. Find out more at avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/volunteer

WINTER 2015 Wildlife 25 WAYS INTO WILDLIFE Seasonal stroll

Brown’s Folly

Looking towards Bath

Standing high above the River Avon with commanding views towards Bath, Brown’s Folly has ancient woodland, woodland glades, open grassland and a network of caves originally created by the quarrying of Bath stone. Discover this special place for yourself on a walk through ancient woodlands and over delightful downland. Whatever the season, there’s delight to be found at Brown’s Folly.

Great spotted woodpecker Silver hairstreak butterfly Dead man’s fingers fungi DARIN SMITH ANDY SANDS, NATUREPL.COM

26 Wildlife WINTER 2015 Our Top 10 Nature Reserves

1 Brown’s Folly M48 Thornbury 2 Clapton Moor

3 Dolebury M5 M4 6 4 Folly Farm Severn 5 Goblinfor Combe bat caves andBeac h Bath asparagus Chipping 6 Lower Woods A403 Sodbury 7 Prior’s Wood Bathford OS grid ref: ST797 664 Prospect Place Walk details 8 Walbourgh/Purn Hill duration: 1.5 hrs 9 Weston Big Wood Portishead grade: easy M4 M32 A4174 Key to map 10 Willsbridge Valley Bristol A4 Pucklechurch walk 9 2 point of interest Easton-in- 1 2 7 Gordano reserve BRISTOL CHANNEL boundary

3 4 A4car6 park Clevedon 7 10 Nailsea Long Ashton A4174 Monkton R. Kenn Brown’s Folly M5 6 FarleighR. Avon Keynsham nature reserve A4 Bath 5 Yatton 1 5 A38 Congresbury A36 On the ridge R. Yeo Weston-s-Mare Chew Valley is the Folly, Blagdon built in A371848 A370 Lake Lake by a local The Folly landowner A371 to provide4 A363 A368 employment 3 for his estate workers. 8 Scale Winscombe 100m Radstock Silver- washed Midsomer fritillary Norton 0 10 butterfly Other AWT Nature Reserves kilometres

0 miles 6 Look out for: ollowing the path from the car park, follow the track north (1) along a route known locally as Fluester’s Road (1) which was built in the 1860s by PULLIN – MAURICE TOWER FOLLY BROWN’S CHAMBERS. – IAN FRITILLARY SILVER-WASHED EDWARDS. – GARETH HORSESHOE GREATER a local quarry master to cart stone from the mines beneath Brown’s Folly to the river for local distribution. To the right is an area of coppice (2) good Ffor woodland plants in the spring. The ride has been widened (3) to encourage breeding birds and foraging bats. Further on, look to your left (4), behind the trees, for large rock exposures – the oolitic limestone known locally as Bath Stone which was quarried here since Roman times. The disused quarries in the reserve provide excellent conditions for roosting bats. The woodland in autumn is full of the colours of leaves, nuts, berries and fungi. At the end of the ride take the left-hand path up on to the grassland (5) which is Bath asparagus full of common spotted orchids, salad-burnet and wild thyme in summer. Take in the spectacular views of the city of Bath from this area (6). In the valley you can see the three main transport routes for the mined stone – the river, the Kennet and Avon Canal, and the Great Western Railway. Behind you, high on the ridge, is the Folly, now owned by the Folly Fellowship. It was built in 1848 by a local landowner, Colonel Wade Brown, to give employment to his tenants during the agricultural depression of that time. Follow the path back out of the grassland through another metal kissing gate and into the woodland, passing several grilled-off caves (7) – access for bats only! Some paths are muddy in winter. Take extreme caution when approaching rock Greater horseshoe bat faces. Mines must not be entered. How to find the reserve Location: Prospect Place, Bathford, Bath BA1 7TW Public transport: go to traveline.org.uk Bike: go to sustrans.org.uk Car: from the A363 turn into Bathford Hill. Take the steep right-hand turn into Prospect Place. The car park is near the brow of the hill.

Find more walks on Avon Wildlife Trust’s other nature reserves – avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves-sites/walks Wild thyme

WINTER 2015 Wildlife 27 SPOTLIGHT ON...

Guest member Amy Coulthard Amy and her daughter ELEANOR REAST

Amy is Team Leader of the Avon Conservation Team, Natural England, and has been working with Avon Wildlife Trust to bring our Brown’s Folly nature reserve into favourable condition through active management since 2006. We asked Amy to tell us more about her work and how she became involved in conservation.

rrowing up, I spent Avon team Dorset and Severn stretches of the ssummers camping in 2002 and England Coast Path, delivering aaround the UK, when Natural Agri-Environment schemes and m most memorably England protected sites. in the SouthG Hams, The Lake District was formed My hope for the future? That and the Outer Hebrides. My Dad was in 2006 everyone will value the natural a dedicated walker and a fantastic I had the environment as being fundamental to story teller, bringing landscapes to opportunity Amy our lives. It provides the air we breathe, life with stories about the geology or to become water we drink and food we eat as well local legends. I was outdoors a lot and more involved as controlling pests and climate. It is spent time at my uncle’s farm in the with protected sites in the Bath area, critical to our emotional and physical Chew Valley area. I don’t remember and this included Brown’s Folly. Natural health providing tranquillity, fun and a time when wildlife, landscapes and England supported the Trust by exercise. Taking care of the natural the people who shape them were not providing advice and grants through environment is not something that important to me. the Environmental Stewardship we can do only if we have the time or My first job in conservation was with Scheme. At the beginning it felt like an resources. It is something the Farming and Rural Conservation impossible task but the combination we must do to live. Agency working on Environmentally of funding, dedicated trust staff and Amy’s favourite local Sensitive Areas (ESA) as a passionate volunteers have resulted in wild place cartographer. After the Foot and Mouth a significant positive change to the site. Brown’s Folly for the bats, far reaching crisis I moved into an adviser role We are now working towards achieving views, species rich calcareous supporting farmers with Countryside favourable condition by 2020. In my grassland and of course the stories Stewardship in Herefordshire and new role I will be leading the Avon attached to it. Worcestershire who were recovering Conservation Team, managing staff Brown’s Folly is our Seasonal Stroll and restocking their farms. I joined the who are establishing the Somerset, – see p 26.

28 Wildlife WINTER 2015 Folly Farm’s summer abundance

Here at Folly Farm we’ve had an action-packed summer, and as autumn gets underway, we look back at the highlights.

olly Farm Centre is the place leaves for our kitchens. Not forgetting where the Trust’s learning team three enormous homegrown melons! delivers high quality learning The upkeep of the garden is down to experiences for schoolchildren. the hard work of Emma and her willing BeforeF the summer holidays set in, band of volunteers, who have amassed we welcomed 3,500 pupils on both over 100 hours of time spent nurturing residential and day visits. They enjoyed food and proving that wildlife-friendly many activities including pond dipping, food growing is very fruitful. watching badger families playing at Our nature reserve takes a lot of dusk, and setting bait traps to capture looking after, and thanks to the Folly and study the nocturnal wildlife that volunteers, who visit us every week lives in our 250 acres of nature reserve. to lop, chop, prune, mend, and fix in churning up their paddock and the ancient woods and wildflower welcoming guests! Alongside the sheep 3500 schoolchildren visited meadows, they’ve spent a collective and cows they’ve put the farm back total of 700 hours keeping the into Folly. conditions just right for wildlife, and Lastly, the Centre has saved carbon It’s lovely to receive the letters from the maintaining the access-for-all trail, so all throughout the summer, by utilising children who thank us for having such our visitors can enjoy the woodland. the buildings’ eco-features including: a great time. Another group of valued volunteers We took part in the annual Big are the corporate clients who use our 15kg cherry tomatoes grown Butterfly Count and logged an impressive 18 different species in the 20 couples tied the knot gardens and nature reserve including lots of painted lady butterflies. solar powered electricity; rainwater We enjoyed another summer of harvesting; low food mile meals and an weddings, congratulating 20 couples conference facilities for business and electric car charging point for guests. and welcoming some 1900 guests, to then spend the rest of the day ‘giving A busy summer indeed! join them in their celebrations. something back’ by volunteering. So far Folly Farm Centre is available for The Wellbeing garden continues this summer we have had four groups school visits, residential and to bloom and grow, providing nearly giving us a total of 150 hours, tending non-residential conferences, 10kg of fresh berries, 15kg of cherry and planting flower beds and trimming weddings and overnight stays. tomatoes, 10kg of courgettes, 100 our reed beds. For more information please phone the pollinator-friendly plug plants for our We also welcomed our very own team on 01275 331 590 or flower borders, and dozens of salad three little piglets who are enjoying email [email protected]

WINTER 2015 Wildlife 29 UK NEWS

Research shows that experience of nature has huge benefits for children. This is Welcome London Wildlife Trust’s I used to love reading to Camley Street, a few hundred yards from Kings Cross my children at bedtime. The song about Mike TV’s fate in Charlie and Chocolate Factory was a favourite. In it Dahl vents his wrath on the hated television: “They sit and stare and stare and sit until they’re hypnotised by it”. The intensity grows until he shouts “IT ROTS THE SENSES IN THE HEAD! IT KILLS IMAGINATION DEAD!” What would Roald Dahl think now? Not only does the average child watch 17 hours of TV a week; they spend 20 hours online. People have probably always looked at the next generation’s lifestyle with horror, so as I join the ranks of parents struggling with screen addiction I try desperately to be objective. The facts are that children only roam 300 yards from the house, not six miles as my grandparents’ generation did, and 30% have never climbed a tree. That we are not designed for this is

borne out by shocking evidence of the WEBSDALE EMMA near incurability of serious obesity, and terrifying graphs of mental health admissions for children and young people. We need love, support and companionship, but the need to be close to nature is in our DNA too. Your Wildlife Trust is working with Contact with as many children as it can to reverse Every nature is these trends: in schools, in parks, in wild places. A ‘wild’ childhood is good child wild critical to the for health, wellbeing and nature. We want every child to be wild. Your support personal as a member is critical in helping us to How can we ensure future generations reach this ambition. Thank you. grow up with a love of wildlife? development We believe children need to connect with, love and care for nature – it’s good for them, of our children. and it’s good for nature, too. Our Every Child Wild campaign will raise awareness of the gap between children and the natural The Wildlife Trusts will have reached Stephanie Hilborne OBE world and what we can do about this. more than 400,000 children this year, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts Together we must find the solutions: who but there are 800,000 children in every else will look after our wildlife tomorrow? school year. If nature makes children happier and healthier, then shouldn’t we Together The Wildlife Trusts have more than How you can help be doing more of it? An overwhelming 800,000 members. We are the largest n Take a child you care for somewhere wild body of evidence (see opposite page) voluntary organisation dedicated to to play and explore. suggests we should. conserving all the UK’s habitats and species. n Join your local children’s nature club with “Contact with nature should not be the Contact us on [email protected] your Wildlife Trust – make friends, discover preserve of the privileged,” says Sir David or 01636 677711. To join your Wildlife Trust, wildlife and get muddy! visit wildlifetrusts.org/joinus. Natural Attenborough. “It is critical to the personal n Tell us what you think needs to happen at development of our children. We will be World, The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, #everychildwild Newark, Notts NG24 1WT. Editor Rupert n Continue to support your Wildlife Trust’s physically, mentally and spiritually Paul Communications officer Emma work with local schools and children impoverished if they are deprived of Websdale. Layout editor Dan Hilliard through your membership contact with the natural world.” Let’s create a future generation which twitter @wildlifetrusts wildlifetrusts.org/everychildwild loves wildlife – and which, when it grows facebook.com/wildlifetrusts up, will cherish and conserve it.

30 Wildlife WINTER 2015 16% of girls Nature versus exercise an 21% of boys hour or more exercise an hour or more modern childhood a day REFERENCES: 1 Derbyshire, 2007. 3 Department of Health, 2011. 3, 7 Health and social care information centre, 2013, In Bragg, et al., 2014. 4, 5 Moss, 2012. 6 National Trust, 2008. 8 Wells, 2000; Wells and Evans, 2003, in Bragg, et al., 2014. MacKerron et al., mappiness.org, 2013.

CHILDREN’S ROAMING RANGE, 1915-2015 1 PHYSICAL EXERCISE 3 Government recommends 1915 that children should exercise for Six miles an hour a day

84% of girls 2015 take less than 300 yards 79% of an hour of boys take less exercise a day than an hour of exercise a day

10% 40% 28% ACCESS TO WALKING TO SCHOOL 5 7 NATURE OBESITY 7 and 8 year-olds Fewer than 10% of

Percentage children play in natural 1971 80% of UK children areas. When today’s who are adults were children the 1991 10% overweight or figure was 40% obese

8 WASPS v GREEN v GREY DALEKS 6 Today’s 11-15 year-olds SCREEN spend around 4 7.5 hours a day TIME looking at screens

50% 90% n A study of 20,000 people showed they felt happier in green areas than in urban ones. of children of children n Nature close to home increases a child’s can’t tell a bee can identify ability to cope with stressful events, and improves from a wasp a Dalek cognitive function.

What The Wildlife Trusts are doing to help 193,922 Wildlife Watch groups nationwide, giving junior members of people a year 248 10,669 children experiences of nature each year 150,000 The Wildlife Trusts (mostly children) attend Wildlife Trust people visit a Wildlife Trust nature reserve as part of a school, college or society. forest schools, There are over 15,000 of these visits every year, the vast majority by young people workshops and 271,331 activities pupils and students spent time 300,000 with The Wildlife Trusts in 2014 OUR OUTDOOR LEADERS 456 environmental educators events a year are run by The Wildlife Trusts 1,487 volunteers devoted to Wildlife Watch 11,000 – the vast majority family focused and other children’s work

WINTER 2015 Wildlife 31 UK NEWS What next for Nature Act? Pre-election campaign won’t result in legislation yet, but it has borne fruit

You may remember our pre-election in the current government’s will keep you informed of any campaign for a Nature and manifesto as well as those of the opportunities for input. Wellbeing Act. More than 10,000 Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green We continue to talk to MPs from all people and a range of organisations parties. parties, pointing out that nature’s supported a joint Wildlife Trust and The Conservatives have promised recovery is vital not only for its own RSPB e-action, creating a combined to produce a 25-year plan for sake, but because of what it and passionate voice for nature’s nature’s recovery. This falls short of contributes to our lives, our society recovery. Thank you. an Act, but it gives the government and our economy. More than 25 Every MP in England was asked to the opportunity to produce a organisations think the same, and support the Act. We believe that this far-reaching plan. The Wildlife Trusts continue to support our campaign. helped ensure there was reference to will be watching all the way, and will n Learn more: wildlifetrusts.org/ nature, and the need for its recovery, contribute to its development. We naturewellbeingact

Did you know? In 2011 the scientifically robust National Ecosystem Assessment said society will be wealthier if we rebuild ecosystems degraded during the 20th Abundant wildlife century is the best indicator of a healthy local environment TERRY WHITTAKER/2020VISION TERRY 100th chick for Rutland’s ospreys JACK PERKS Worcestershire rivers to improve This summer the Rutland Osprey project Worcestershire Wildlife Trust has – a partnership between Leicestershire secured £80,000 for catchment- and Rutland Wildlife Trust and Anglian scale plans to improve water Water – saw its hundredth chick fledge. quality and wildlife habitats in Four generations of Rutland birds were Bromsgrove, Redditch and the at the reserve for the first time, and 15 Teme Valley. The Trust, which has young birds fledged from eight nests. years of experience in river restoration, will work with local authorities and communities to install sustainable drainage, protect river banks, create fish refuges, monitor wildlife and establish wetlands. The funds come thanks to the Catchment LEICS & RUTLAND WT The chick prepares Based Approach project. for its first flight

32 Wildlife WINTER 2015 Back on the Meon

It’s the UK’s biggest water vole Authority, the EA, Natural reintroduction – and it’s working. England and Hampshire & Isle of This summer 190 animals were Wight Wildlife Trust. It has released on the River Meon in turned around the factors which Hampshire. They join 450 wiped the voles out in the Meon released at Titchfield Haven in Valley: habitat loss, pollution and LYNDSEY YOUNG 2013 and 600 further upstream predation by non-native in 2014. Volunteer monitoring American mink. The Customers and Wildlife Trust staff appreciate VHF shows the voles are breeding at improvements will benefit the all three sites, sometimes more whole river ecosystem. than a mile upstream. “The voles haven’t been able Vine House Farm The project is led to return naturally to the by the South Meon, so they need a Downs little extra help,” said donates £1m National Park the Trust’s Ali Morse. A huge thanks to award-winning bird food producer Vine House Farm, whose donations to The Wildlife Trusts have just passed the £1,000,000 mark. This incredible sum is the result of a partnership which began in 2007. Since then, the award-winning family business in Lincolnshire has donated five per cent of each bird food sale to each customer’s local Wildlife Trust.

VHF founder Nicholas Watts has been a pioneer HALL JAMIE of wildlife-friendly farming since the 1980s. Thanks to his generosity we have been able to protect and Have river. Will breed restore more areas for nature, and to inspire more people to experience wildlife first-hand. n More on wildlifetrusts.org/blog/ vinehousefarm Ted Smith 1920-2015 Ted Smith CBE, founder of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and a leading light in the Wildlife Trusts movement, has died. He saw the need to conserve our country’s coast, heaths, meadows and Not every Lincolnshire farm has marsh harriers woodland as early as the VINE HOUSE FARM 1940s, and was widely recognised for his services to conservation. In 2012 he was presented with The Wildlife Ted was an inspiration to PITT SARAH Worcestershire rivers to improve Trusts’ Centenary Award by generations of Sir David Attenborough. conservationists Scottish beavers produce two kits Video from the Scottish Beaver Trial at Knapdale shows two young kits playing by their mother – a first for the project, which aims to bring back beavers after 400 years. Led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal

SCOTTISH WT Zoological Society of Scotland, the Fish such as grayling Trial finished this year. The Scottish will benefit from Environment Minister will now decide cleaner, more varied See mum and her three month- whether the beavers can stay. water flows old kits on the video n Video: youtube/gli8pWaOlBI

WINTER 2015 Wildlife 33 LIVING SEAS More MCZs please England’s network of Marine Conservation Zones is taking shape. But, as Maya Plass points out, it can’t properly protect all the wildlife in our seas until it’s ecologically complete

was recently asked, “Why do you together by invisible threads through the the damaged area. particularly love the British coastline?” food they eat, the nutrients they rely on This vitally important patchwork of I Where to begin? Common dolphins and the habitats they live in or visit. If habitats around the British Isles, leaping towards a boat of Lundy day- these threads became visible we would protecting a huge array of species, is trippers. Frolicking with seals off the see what a wonderfully complex and what we call an ‘ecologically coherent Farne Islands. Staring in awe at tiny connected ecosystem they share. network of Marine Conservation Zones’. nudibranchs while diving in Devon. So to conserve the highly mobile At the moment there are 27 designated Finding Montagu crabs with impressed white-beaked dolphins, for example, areas, and that is simply not enough. We school children. I could go on. takes more than just protecting the open need to follow the recommendations of We have an incredible variety of water they swim in. We need to protect scientists and fill in the gaps. coastline and creatures in our waters. But the fish, crustaceans and molluscs that And the protection must be more than we’re not just lucky to have all of this. We they feed on – and the habitats which are a shaded area on a map. It must mean actually need healthy, diverse seas for essential for their survival too. protection from activities which would our commercial fisheries, our tourism, Moreover, we need more than one damage the quality of the sites. We need our economy, our sense of identity, even patch of a particular habitat. Should an to monitor the sites so that we can our health and happiness. oil spill occur, we have then still got a measure how well we are protecting We need to ensure our children similar, healthy, protected habitat not too them. And we need to explain to others continue to enjoy all of these benefits. far away which could, in time, re-seed why our seas are so very important. And that means setting aside enough parts of the sea to safeguard all our marine life. We only have 27 designated The UK’s marine plants and animals are Marine Conservation Zones, not just a vast collection of weird or

JOHN CARNELL, NORTHUMBRIA MAMMAL GROUP wonderful species. They are all joined and that is simply not enough

The little-known Maya Plass white-beaked dolphin A marine ecologist ranges widely, but and guest has only two special presenter on BBC areas where it breeds Springwatch, Maya and feeds. They runs Learn to Sea should be protected in South Devon.

34 Wildlife WINTER 2015 Marine Protected Areas can More MCZs please only work if they are:

n

3. Representative 2. Close enough 1. Big enough

4. Numerous enough 5. Actively protected

England’s IT’S A DEVOLVED PROCESS missing MCZs This map shows potential So far the Government has 1 3 Marine Conservation Zones in approved 27 Marine Conservation English and Secretary of State Zones in English waters. A second waters, where the process of tranche is expected late in 2015. designating protected areas is This map shows some of the partially complete. Scotland, biggest gaps that still remain: Wales and Northern Ireland have their own processes. Full 1. Irish Sea mud habitats 2 update on wildlifetrusts.org/ 2. Offshore Wales MPA. 3. White-beaked dolphin areas 4. English Channel seagrass 3 4 ■ Add your voice: Help us complete the network of Marine Conservation Zones: sign up to our mailing list. You can also get up-to-date information on progress towards a complete network: http://wtru.st/ACTION4OURSEAS

WINTER 2015 Wildlife 35 GREAT DAYS OUT 10 places to see Salt marshes and estuaries Farlington Marshes shelduck, mute swan, Fingringhoe Wick plover, knot and dunlin 1 Hants & IOW WT comorant and oystercatcher. 4 Essex Wildlife Trust feeding on the mudflats. A coastal grazing marsh and The woodland has tawny One of the finest saltmarsh You’re restricted to a path so lagoon which attracts owls, wrens and polecats. panoramas in the region, and binoculars are essential. The thousands of brent geese in Where is it? W of West just extended with a sea wall saltmarsh itself is dangerous. winter, and large numbers of Williamston, S Pembrokeshire. breach. It’s a haven for knot, Where is it? N bank of the shoveler, wigeon, pintail and Grid SN033 058 dunlin, grey/golden plover, Humber: Side Lane, Welwick, teal. You can also see short- avocet and godwits. Raptors, Patrington, Hull HU12 0UX. eared owls and peregrines. South Walney wildfowl and divers too. Where is it? Between 3 Cumbria WT Where is it? Visitor centre is Montrose Basin Cosham and Havant S of A27. A shingle island with pools on S Green Rd, Fingringhoe, 6 Scottish Wildlife Trust Grid SU 685 045. and intertidal areas, and lots CO5 7DN. Grid TM 048 193. The vast mudflats attract of waders and wildfowl. Many thousands of waders feeding IAN CAMERON-REID IAN West Williamston of the 250 species recorded Welwick Saltmarsh on lugworm, ragworm, snails 2WT of S&W Wales are stopping to rest and 5 Yorkshire WT and shrimp. If the tide is out, Tidal creeks and saltmarsh, refuel: Wheatear, redstart, Marsh with extensive tidal watch from the visitor centre limestone outcrops and willow warbler and goldcrest. creeks. Look for short-eared (binoculars provided). Arrive woodland. Expect curlew, Where is it? S of Barrow in owl, merlin and marsh harrier, at dawn or dusk to see up to little grebe, grey heron, Furness. Grid SD 225 620 and hundreds of curlew, grey 80,000 pink-footed geese.

Saltmarshes are special!

n 250-300 species of invertebrates occur on saltmarshes – 150 of them uniquely

n A cubic metre of mud or sand flat can hold over 1000 ofworms, molluscs plus huge numbers

n This is why these areas are so attractive to more than 1.5m overwintering and roosting birds in the UK STEPHENTROTTER n Marshes easily absorb wave and storm energy, making them natural coastal defences n They also may be an important carbon store, and have a role in reducing climate change

Good times to visit: winter for geese and waders, spring for thrift, summer for sea lavender

36 Wildlife WINTER 2015 Where is it? On A92 30 miles Rye Harbour For our full listing N of Dundee. Main car park is 9 Sussex Wildlife Trust Where at the Old Mill, grid NO669 An internationally important to find of places to see 591. wetland of shingle, saltmarsh, these saltmarshes and saline lagoons, grazing marsh, places estuaries: Dawlish Inner Warren freshwater gravel pits and wtru.st/ 7 Devon Wildlife Trust reedbeds. 280+ bird species A long spit of sand curving recorded; most famous are saltmarshes- across the mouth of the river the breeding colonies of little, 6 estuaries Exe. Thousands of dunlins, common and Sandwich terns. curlews, ringed plovers, Where is it? 20 miles SW of black-tailed godwits and Ashford on A259. Post code shelduck gather to feed in the TN31 7TX, grid TQ 942 189. mud, moving gradually closer to the bird hide before the Salthouse Marshes rising waters drive them off. 10 Norfolk Wildlife Trust Where is it? 1 mile E of Shingle ridge (on the Norfolk 3 Dawlish, post code EX7 ONF. coast path), reed-fringed 8 Grid SX 981 787. dykes, marshland and shallow 5 pools. There’s a huge variety Ribble Estuary of birds on the sea, shingle 8Lancs Wildlife Trust and inland marshes, plus 10 A hotspot for wintering common and grey seals. wildfowl: more than 250,000 Where is it? Between overwintering ducks, geese, Weybourne and Cley. Use swans and waders are an Salthouse Beach car park. 2 4 astonishing sight. The Wildlife Grid TG 083 443. Trusts are working to get the estuary designated as a n Access/transport details for 1 9 Marine Conservation Zone. each site: wildlifetrusts.org/ 7 Where is it? NE of Southport, wildlife/reserves off the A565. Winter at Farlington Marshes, a reserve for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

A ONE-MINUTE GUIDE TO Saltmarshes Saltmarshes develop over mud flats, where pioneer salt-tolerant plants gradually establish when flows are slow. Regular tides deposit more mud and the marsh gradually accumulates around roots and stems. Many UK saltmarshes are eroding due to rising seas and increasing storms. MATTHEW ROBERTS MATTHEW

Salt marsh creeks flow from the sea upwards to the land

WINTER 2015 Wildlife 37 ID FUNGI Identify Autumn fungi

Autumn brings woodland walks and fungi forays – below we highlight six species of spectacular fungi to look out for.

Ear fungus – a reddish brown Stump puffball – these Honey fungus – a very fungus shaped like an ear, jelly-like suggest unopened ‘mushrooms’ but common parasite of trees and in texture when fresh and hard and release their spores via an opening the bane of both the forester and crusty when dry – it can revive on in the cap and not from their gills. It gardener, it typically forms huge tufts re-moistening. Commonly found on grows in clusters on tree stumps. of honey-coloured ‘mushrooms’ at the dead elder. base of the host tree.

Trevor

Sulphur tuft – also forms large Scarlet hood – a bright red Earth star – this is tufts at the base of trees, but this species, one of a group of ‘wax caps’ one of our most distinctive looking species feeds on dead wood only. typically found in grazed meadows. fungi with a central puffball like The caps are much smaller than the They can be clearly spotted as they sphere, collared with pointed wings honey fungus and are bright sulphur occur in swarms of scarlet caps in giving it the star name. Look for it in yellow in colour. autumn. deciduous woodlands.

Useful fungi guides We recommend books with good What’s in a name? In the past the word mushroom illustrations and descriptions such as: denoted fungi that was edible, and a toadstool was Mushrooms and other Fungi – Roger Phillips (Pan 1981) most definitely not! Nowadays, however, use of these words is archaic and mushrooms and toadstools are Mushrooms and Toadstools of Britain and Europe known as gill fungi. – R Courtecuisse and B Duhem (Collins Field Guide 1996) Note: although the above fungi are not poisonous, never eat fungi without consulting an expert. PHOTOS: SCARLET HOOD AND EARTH STAR: IAN CHAMBERS, HONEY FUNGUS AND SULPHUR TUFT: GATEHOUSE STUDIO, EAR FUNGUS AND STUMP PUFFBALL: JUSTIN SMITH

38 Wildlife WINTER 2015 AVON WILDLIFE TRUST Thank you for Leave a legacy... your support You make everything the Trust ...that will have a achieves possible. Whether you are a member, supporter or volunteer

lasting effect your contribution to the Trust makes STAFFAN WIDSTRAND, NATUREPL.COM; a huge difference, helping to secure wildlife and inspire people across the region, every single day. Thank you. A gift in your will is one of the most The future of wildlife in your hands. valuable ways you can help protect our wildlife. Please help us to do more We’re deeply grateful to members who have left lasting gifts. Without If you can increase your membership donation by just £2 each their generosity we would have been month, we can achieve so much more for wildlife and people denied many opportunities, such as in Avon. purchasing land or developing education programmes that have inspired a How to increase your membership donation generation of local children. n Online. Visit: avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/ upgradeOct15 For information about making a will or n Phone: Call us on: 0117 917 7270 to speak to making changes to your existing will call one of our team us on 0117 917 7270 MARK SHARMAN MARK Who’s who at the Trust

Simon King President Feed Bristol Project Manager Matt Cracknell Mark Carwardine Vice President Feed Bristol Project Officer* Rich Wright Mike Dilger Vice President Communities and Nature Senior Project Officer Kelly Bray Philippa Forrester Vice President Communities and Nature Project Officer Matt Harcourt Kevin McCloud Vice President My Wild City Officer Matt Collis Nature, Health and Wellbeing Officer* Ellie Chapman Trustees Therapeutic Horticulturalist* Emma Benton Roz Kidman Cox Chair Learning Development Manager Kate Marsh Dr Steve Nicholls Vice Chair WENP Coordinator Shelly Dewhurst Katherine Finn Treasurer Cecile Gillard Secretary Finance & Resources Anthony Brown Director of Finance & Resources Jane Davis Martin Brasher Finance and Resources Manager Freiny Miles Professor Justin Dillon Finance and Resources Officer* Pat Sandy Alan Dorn Grant Development Officer* Sam Pullinger Lesley Freed Membership & Administration Officer* Claire Davey Dilys Huggins Membership & Administration Officer Jenny Holmes Professor Jane Memmott Membership & Administration Officer* Angela Davies Nigel Morrison Accountant* Sarah Brander Site Assistant – Trust office* Roy Catford Staff Dr Bevis Watts Chief Executive Fundraising, Membership and Communications Director of Fundraising, Membership Delivery Programmes and Communications Sarah Moore Director of Delivery Programmes Dr Lucy Rogers Marketing Officer Jade Preddy Head of Land Management and Advice Chris Giles Communications Officer Ella Beeson Conservation Advisor Joe McSorley Folly Farm Centre Conservation Advisor Bernie D’Arcy Director of Folly Farm Centre Andrew Contractor Conservation Advisor* Suzanne Elson Lund-Yates Contractor Conservation Assistant* Rosie Maple Front of House Manager Stella Page Monitoring Officer* Dr Anne Halpin Event Administrator* Hannah Read Community Engagement and Event Administrator* Sarah Bolton Volunteering Manager Julie Doherty Front of House Manager Stella Page Nature & Wellbeing Programme Manager Janice Gardiner General Assistants Arthur Newton Elen Mannion *part-time

WINTER 2015 Wildlife 39 Postscript

I recently saw the most exquisite bit of tapestry. Three square metres of front-garden lawn on a housing estate transformed into a thing of beauty: a mixed sward of biodiversity almost without grass, a weave of texture and shades of green.

Says Trust Chair, Roz Kidman Cox Green woodpecker

y comparison, creating grassland features of beauty. the shaved grass Mow only paths and glades, leaving frontages next creatively shaped islands of grasses door were barren that will be a summer feature and eyesores. BYet one small innovation support communities of insects. can beget another. So come spring, Introduce plugs of a few key nectar- when the sward is dotted with daisy, rich wildflowers into the grass and cinquefoil, speedwell, buttercup and create mini-meadows for the spring. bugle flowers, the neighbours may Embrace anthills – tilled mounds reconsider their notions of lawn of soil that can sprout marjoram respectability and make their own and thyme – and consider ants as tapestry features – ‘lawns’ that will ecosystem engineers increasing the need relatively little mowing. Then a soil porosity, as plant protectors patchwork of insect feeding-stations Roz removing herbivores and as seed will run down the street. dispersers (the violets in a glade in Creating such showcases of inspiration is a my ‘lawn’ have all been spread by ants). way to contribute to the rewilding of the urban Many birds will benefit from the seeds and insects landscape – it’s volunteering at home, if you like. in your rewilded space, even in winter. A green And Bristol-based Trust members can inspire others woodpecker has been a regular mid-winter visitor by logging contributions on the interactive My Wild to my ant-grass area. And letting teasel grow City website map. Ones to do now could be insect into the long grass guarantees goldfinches on the hibernation hotels of hollow stems and old bamboo seedheads. or artistic mini log piles. My goal for spring is to lay down a The potential of gardens to provide nature-rich flower-sward quilt. Just a couple of square stepping-stones through the built environment is metres will be enough to create what I’m huge. Lawns especially have potential. Probably 60 going to call my Wild City bee lawn. per cent of gardens in Bristol and Bath comprise lawn, and a huge amount of effort is invested in keeping it relatively sterile. Yet there are simple

GREEN WOODPECKER: HERMANN BREHM/NATUREPL.COM. INSET PHOTO: MARK CARWARDINE ways to cut down on this time and money by

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