Roebuck 157 - Summer 2022

RoebuckThe member magazine for Northumberland Wildlife TrustSummer 2022 | 157 ALL ABUZZ Avoiding an insect apocalypse WARMING WORRIES How climate change is affecting our seas StoatallyMARVELLOUSMUSTELIDS Wild Six places to see these magnificent mammals

Welcome 4-5 High profile Nature What a year it’s already been for the Trust in terms of public awareness and putting our work on the map for all to see. Our Hauxley reserve has been the hub for showcasing how we aim to connect people with nature’s diverse abundance and wonder to help them discover the crucial health and relaxation benefits it brings. In May, the Wildlife Trusts’ CEO, Craig Bennett, and its President, Liz Bonnin, the science, wildlife and natural history TV presenter and campaigner, visited the Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre before heading to our new West Chevington wilding site; their visit was closely followed by zoologist and TV presenter Megan McCubbin and the BBC Springwatch team who broadcast live from the reserve for four days at the start of June. All this gave everybody involved with the Trust a great lift - from volunteers, staff and trustees to partners and funders. Now, more people than ever want to help us realise our 2030 vision of a Wilder Northumberland and bring nature back to offset climate change. With the Wilding West Chevington project as the next big thing for the Trust, we have a very exciting future ahead of us. With your support we are at the forefront of bigger, better and more joined up nature improvement in the region, so thank you so much. Chief Executive Northumberland Wildlife Trust Follow me on twitter @Mike_Pratt_NWT MIKE PRATT: TRAI Northumberland Wildlife Trust Get in touch Roebuck is the membership magazine for Northumberland Wildlife Trust is a member of the Roebuck Magazine Team Northumberland Wildlife Trust UK’s largest voluntary organisation concerned with Editor Fiona Dryden Email [email protected] all aspects of wildlife protection - The Wildlife Trusts. Designer Richard Clark Telephone (0191) 284 6884 Consultant Editor Sophie Stafford Address Garden House, St Nicholas Park, Gosforth, For The Wildlife Trusts Consultant Designer Tina Smith Hobson Editor Tom Hibbert Designer Ben Cook Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3XT. Roebuck is printed on Registered charity number 221819 Cover: Stoat © Richard Steel/2020VISION Registered company number 00717813 Website nwt.org.uk facebook.com/northumberlandwt twitter.com/northwildlife instagram.com/northwildlife 2 Roebuck | Summer 2022

7 16 Contents 20 4 Your wild summer ANFIELD. WILD STRAWBERRY: KIERON HUSTON. BUTTERFLY: TOM MARSHALL. FUNGI: NEFGS. FILMING: KATIE TIFFIN. The best of the season’s wildlife and where to enjoy it on your local patch 10 Wild reserves Why summer is the best time of year to visit these Wildlife Trust reserves 13 Wild thoughts Professor Dave Goulson on averting the insect apocalypse 16 Wild news The latest regional and national news from The Wildlife Trusts 23 Cotswold Outdoors offer 15% discount for Wildlife Trust supports in-store or online 24 Shifting seas Bex Lynam explores the effects of the climate crisis on our underwater wildlife 28 Fresh faces Six fantastic freshwater fish to look out for 30 The art of wildness Kielderhead Wildwood’s creative partnership 32 Summer in Redesdale Explore Redesdale, learn about its history and take in the stunning scenery 34 Gardening for wildlife It’s busy in summer as the whole garden buzzes with life 6 ways to get involved with Northumberland Wildlife Trust Membership Help us protect Volunteer Could you donate your Local groups Join one of our the wildlife and countryside you love... and skills and time to look after wildlife? A network of local groups and enjoy learning discover the incredible natural world on wide range of indoor and outdoor tasks about wildlife. your doorstep nwt.org.uk/membership need doing nwt.org.uk/volunteer nwt.org.uk/local-groups Donate to an appeal From Campaigning You can play Leave a legacy If you’ve had purchasing land to protecting species, a vital role in raising awareness and a lifetime’s pleasure from nature, help exciting projects near you need your lobbying, on local and national issues. ensure its future by leaving us a gift in support. nwt.org.uk/donate nwt.org.uk/campaigns your Will. nwt.org.uk/legacy Roebuck | Summer 2022 3

Your wild summer The best of the season’s wildlife and where to enjoy it Wild strawberry 4 Roebuck | Summer 2022

Thank you To Ringtons for its £10,000 donation in support of the Trust’s work across Kielder. ringtons.co.uk SUMMER SPECTACLE KIERON HUSTON Small and tasty Wild strawberries are a common native plant found growing on the grassy banks of limestone and chalk downlands, open woodland, fields, scrubland and gardens. Not actually the ancestor of commercial strawberries, wild strawberries have long, rooting runners and spread quickly and low to the ground. Their white flowers appear from April to July with the fruits following after that. They are a good source of vitamin C and a favourite amongst many birds, slugs, mice as well as humans. William Morris, the 19th century textile designer and artist, immortalised the wild strawberry in his famous ‘Strawberry Thief’ pattern. He was inspired after watching a thrush swoop down to take a wild strawberry in its beak in the grounds of his home at Kelmscott Manor. SEE THEM THIS SUMMER † East Crindledykes Quarry Stanegate, Bardon Mill, Northumberland NE47 7AE. † Annstead Dunes between Beadnell and Seahouses, Northumberland NE67 5BT. † Ford Moss 2.5km east of Ford, Northumberland TD15 2QD. Roebuck | Summer 2022 5

YOUR WILD SUMMER Common gorse Common gorse is an evergreen shrub, widespread across the UK in a variety of habitats, including woodland, under-grazed grassland, heaths and coastal areas. Its peak flowering time is April and May when almost all the plant is covered in bright, uniquely coconut- scented, yellow blossom that turns into purple-brown pods containing two or three small, black seeds. In hot summer sunshine, the pods crack open and the seeds are ejected. The cracking is said to sound similar to the clacking calls of the stonechats that perch on its sprigs. SEE THEM THIS SUMMER † Ford Moss Ford, Northumberland TD15 2QD. † Whitelee Moor Carter Bar (near Byrness), Northumberland NE19 1TJ. Common gorseBRUCE SHORTLAND Silver Y moth RICHARD BURKMARURBAN FIELDCRAFT 6 Roebuck | Summer 2022 Gorgeous garden moths Gardens are a valuable habitat for night-flowering and nectar-rich moths, but they are often neglected plants that have specifically or ignored by gardeners, in favour evolved to attract nocturnal insects of butterflies. However, unlike their is one of the best ways to help cousins, they can be spotted in them. gardens all year round. Tobacco plant and evening With around 2,500 species of primrose are ideal, while summer- moth in Britain, they are diverse, flowering jasmines, honeysuckles interesting, and vital for the food and sweet rocket are all valuable chain and pollination. sources of nectar. Garden moths love a In smaller gardens, moth-friendly combination of safe places to plants such as any of the single shelter and plenty to feast on. white impatiens can be grown in Many gardens are already good pots or raised beds. And no matter habitats for them due to the range the size of your garden, don’t use of plants present but planting pesticides.

SEE THIS DO THIS The Kielder ospreys from the Osprey Watch cabin at Head to Northumberlandia for a spot of outdoor Tower Knowe before they leave the UK for sunnier theatre or out to sea on a North Sea pelagic cruise. weather. nwt.org.uk/events SPECIES SPOTLIGHT Top tips Butterflies 3 SPECIES TO SPOT Small pearl-bordered Butterfly watching has become a popular activity, with new information fritillary and records being collected every year. Latin name Boloria selene. Selene is derived from the OSPREY: PETER CAIRNS/2020VISION. FRITILLARY: TOM MARSHALL. HEATH: STEFAN JOHANSSON. SKIPPER: PHILIP PRECEY. There are over 30 species of butterfly that The dingy skipper, as its name suggests Greek noun ‘selas’ meaning can be spotted in Northumberland, some is a small grey-brown, moth-like and ‘light, brightness, gleam’. resident, some regular migrant species and rather drab looking butterfly, but is ideally the occasional visitor blown off course camouflaged for resting on bare ground. Large heath (vagrants). The male has a fold of scent scales along the When at rest, this butterfly’s front of the forewings. It has a wingspan of wings are always in the Three North East resident species that approximately 3cm. It is a species of open, closed position to help you may spot if you are lucky include the sunny habitats and, in the North East, it camouflage it. large heath, dingy skipper and small pearl- has thrived on old industrial land because bordered fritillary. of the poor soils and sparse vegetation. Dingy skipper However, it has also declined because of the A small butterfly often The small pearl-bordered fritillary has a lack of protection on this type of land and confused with being a 4cm wingspan and is orange and black laced, its redevelopment or lack of management moth due to its moth-like with small white ‘pearls’ on the underside allowing it to vegetate over. appearance. and a central black dot and chevrons at the edge of their wings. The butterflies are on the wing from late April to late June, with a low and rapid flight Their flight period in northern England over short distances. is usually late June to early August, with a single brood. Across the UK, their habitat All three species are Section 41 species of varies between coastal cliffs, woodland principal importance under the NERC Act glades, grassland with bracken or scrub in England, UK BAP priority species and and, in northern England, mainly moorland, Butterfly Conservation High Priority species. marsh, damp grassland and woodland. SEE THEM THIS SUMMER The large heath butterfly is a member of † Weetslade Country Park Great Lime Road, the brown butterfly family. It has a wingspan Dudley, North Tyneside NE23 7LZ. of about 4cm and is orange and brown in † Mill Burn near Whiskershiels Farm, Elsdon, colour with varying black eyespots on the Northumberland NE19 1BX. underwing with more on the hind wing. The † Benshaw Moor between A696 and Winter’s butterflies mainly use mire habitat, feeding Gibbet Road, Northumberland NE19 1BP. on cross-leaved heath, heather and tormentil. To find out more please visit our They can survive bad weather for years by website nwt.org.uk/wildlife-explorer staying in the larval stage until the next year or the year after and not developing into a butterfly - perfect for the Northumberland climate. Did you know... † The word caterpillar is thought to be fifteenth century, possibly from old French † Growing caterpillars fill and shed their skin catepelose literally meaning ‘shaggy cat.’ 4-7 times. These stages are called instars. † In Cornwall caterpillars are apparently † In the chrysalis, the caterpillar’s body and called ‘nanny-vipers’ or ‘snortywinks’ (Fauna appendages are broken down and the adult Britannica, S. Buczacki, 2002). butterfly eyes, wings and other appendages develop. Roebuck | Summer 2022 7

HEAR THIS FORAGE FOR THIS Bees buzzing amongst the flowers is one of the best Chickweed leaves can be used in salads with lemon sounds of the summer, so sit back and listen to these and olive oil dressing and the edible flowers make a amazing insects moving from flower to flower. pretty salad garnish. NOT JUST FOR KIDS Seven wild activities for summer Reignite your love of nature with these really wild things to do Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre CHICKWEED: AMY LEWIS. HAUXLEY: LAUREN BROUGH. BEE: NICK UPTON/2020VISION. LITTER PICKING: JON HAWKINS. 1 GET OUT INTO NATURE 2 AND ACTION… Escape to one of our reserves When you’re this summer and immerse yourself out and about, don’t in the tranquil setting. Entry to our forget to film any reserves is free and both Hauxley interesting wildlife Wildlife Discovery Centre and and send it to us for Northumberlandia have drinks, snacks inclusion on our social and ice creams available to make your media platforms. You experience even better. won’t get a filming fee but you may get a 4 A CLEAN-UP HIKE standing ovation from Whenever you’re out our followers. exploring your favourite green space, take along a bin bag Litter picking and clean up any rubbish you Bumblebee find along the way. Chances are, you’ll be (unpleasantly) 3 COME DINE WITH ME surprised at just how much Set up a feeding station in your rubbish has been discarded. garden for butterflies and bees. Place Don’t forget to send us your sugar and a few sweet fruit slices in a photos for our social media shallow dish with water. They will be platforms. very grateful and you will be delighted when they visit. 5 GET CRAFTY WITH LAVENDER This summer why not collect some lavender and dry it ready for fragrancing your home over the long winter months when the scents of summer are a distant memory? 8 Roebuck | Summer 2022

YOUR WILD SUMMER 10 upcoming events 6 GO BACK TO YOUR Take your pick from this selection of some of the CHILDHOOD best seasonal activities and events close to you Head out to one of our reserves and go back to your 1 Beach wildlife watch 6 Behind the scenes tour childhood by indulging in a 4 August 28 September bit of cloud spotting. All you need is a place to lie down, a Hauxley, NE65 0JR Hauxley, NE65 0JR patch of cloudy sky and an imagination to create shapes Learn about the wonderful Ever wondered what goes from the clouds. sea creatures that call the on behind the scenes at North East their home. Hauxley? 7 A HOME FOR GARDEN BUGS Ncaratuftre 2 Enchanted Cramlington 7 Family den building How to make a bug hotel 1-6 August 25 October Northumberlandia, NE23 8AU Northumberlandia, NE23 8AU You will need An exciting trail, around Build a den using natural Wooden pallets, bricks, plastic the themes of folklore and resources and tarpaulin. bottles*, bamboo canes, straw, nature. leaves, tiles, cardboard, stones/ 8 Autumn trail pebbles and twigs/loose bark. 3 Busy bees 22-30 October 11 August Weetslade, NE23 7LZ Hauxley, NE65 0JR Enjoy a self-led, family- Learn all about our fabulous friendly trail around the pollinators. reserve. *Use old plastic bottles for this, and always recycle after use. 4 Minibeast hunt 9 Halloween trails 30 August 27-30 October How to make † Place a wooden pallet in your chosen location. On Northumberlandia, NE23 8AU Northumberlandia, NE23 8AU top of the pallet, line bricks around the corners and across the middle. Find the bugs and insects Owls and pumpkins galore † Place your next pallet on top of this and repeat the that make Northumberlandia each day with a series of process for all of your pallets. their home. trails around the reserve. † Cut off the top two-thirds of your bottles. Fill up half of them with bamboo canes and the other half with 5 Guided walk 10 Doggy spooktacular rolled up cardboard. Place these inside the hotel. 24 September 29 October † Fill the remaining spaces with bricks, leaves, pebbles, stones, tiles, loose bark and straw. Northumberlandia, NE23 8AU Weetslade, NE23 7LZ † Add in any extra materials that you want to recycle e.g. old pipes, carpeting, toilet Join the team for a relaxed Bring your pooch to the tubes, old plant pots. and informative walk reserve and meet fellow Be creative - add a around the reserve. nature loving dog walkers. welcome sign or give your hotel Discover more on these and all forthcoming events CLOUDS: PETER CAIRNS/2020VISION. BUG HOTEL: CORINNE WELCH. a name! (including prices and booking), by visiting our website nwt.org.uk/events Northumberlandia Roebuck | Summer 2022 9

Juliet’s Wood Mid-way between The 1km walk north from Slaley Village and replanted over 100 years ago. The Slaley Village and taking you downhill along the edge of central area is a former pasture planted in Dipton Woods in South two agricultural fields to the woodland the early 1990’s by the previous owner. Northumberland lies entrance is well worth the effort. The area the little gem that is is a relatively well wooded part of the This area is home to good populations Juliet’s Wood. county, with native broad-leaved woodland of large and small skipper butterflies with and conifer plantations providing homes red and black froghoppers and many other 10 Roebuck | Summer 2022 for many species. invertebrates thriving on the sun-soaked grasses under the young trees. Juliet’s Wood was acquired by the Trust in 2000 with support from players of the To retain this diversity, and in an National Lottery via the Heritage Lottery attempt to establish a population of Fund (now The National Lottery Heritage white-letter hairstreak butterflies - a Fund) and a generous donation from the previous owner. White-letter hairstreak At a little under 8 hectares, Juliet’s Wood butterfly isn’t a big reserve, but quite big in terms of ancient woodland in Northumberland. The reserve is divided into three sections. Lying to the east and west are two ancient semi-natural woodland areas with the west forming part of a much larger woodland. The even age structure of the canopy suggests these woods were felled

£17,511 OUR BEST SUMMER RESERVES From donations in support NOW YOU DO IT of the Trust’s Wilding West Chevington appeal, including The Visit Juliet’s Wood Big Give Green Match Fund in April and online donations. Thank KNOW BEFORE YOU GO you to everybody for their Location: 1km North of Slaley Village, Northumberland. Nearest postcode NE47 generous support. 0AA. OS Map Reference NY 977 586. Opening times: All day, every day. Roe deer Access: From Slaley Village through a at Juliet’s large field gate beside the main road. Walk downhill along the edge of the field and Wood climb over the stile into the next field. Continue downhill along the edge of the second field and enter the reserve via a small gate. Park with consideration in Slaley Village. The permissive paths are relatively easy going, but a couple of sections are quite wet, and on the same moderate slope as the path from the village TOP WILDLIFE TO SPOT The reserve is a great place to spot birds such pied flycatcher, redstart, tawny owl and green woodpecker. Be very quiet and keep an eye out for red squirrel, brown hare and roe deer. In the evenings you may spot badger and various bat species. Keep to the paths to avoid trampling the woodland flora. species found on the nearby South Close Seats can be found in the central section, Green woodpecker DEER: STEVEN MORRIS. BUTTERFLY: VAUGHN MATTHEWS. WOODPECKER: JOSHUA COPPING. Field reserve, the Trust has divided this near a large glade and along the border central area into twenty sections. Ten of with the west wood - perfect for absorbing THINGS TO DO the sections consist of additional planting the sights, sounds and smells. † Walk around the permissive footpaths of wych elm (larval food plant for the butterfly) and 10 receiving additional hazel, The east and west woods are dominated through the woodlands. along with other native trees, to create by pedunculated oak trees together with † Sit on the seat and listen to the coppice with standards, where full size rowan, birch, ash and wild cherry. Hazel, trees are placed amongst trees that are cut hawthorn and holly trees provide an wildlife. Can you hear Professor Yaffle the on rotation. understory growing beneath the wood’s woodpecker? canopy but above its floor to ensure the † Visit in the evening and sit quietly for a By cutting the elm trees on a regular tallest trees receive the most light. chance to see bats and badgers. rotation, NWT hopes to prevent the thick bark, required for elm bark beetle to breed, The woodland floor has drifts of from forming. The trees have established wood sorrel, wood anemone and greater very well with several sections having stichwort among grasses, bramble and received their first cut. Now the challenge shuttlecocks of male fern. Honeysuckle is protecting the regrowth from the and ivy add structure and nesting resident deer and hares. sites. Other plants of interest are sweet woodruff, wood speedwell and the delicate There is no public access to the east moschatel. wood to ensure there is an undisturbed area for wildlife, however, permissive In the central section, coarse grasses footpaths circuit the central and west dominate, punctuated by meadow woods. vetchling, devil’s-bit scabious, cowslip, primrose and little clouds of pignut. Roebuck | Summer 2022 11

OUR BEST SUMMER RESERVES More Northumberland Wildlife Trust nature reserves for a great summer day out Berwick upon Tweed Alnwick Beltingham River Gravels Kielder Why now? Morpeth In the small grassland area, thrift, alpine penny-cress and mountain pansy provide Hexham Newcastle upon Tyne a colourful display in the summer. Along the riverside, water mint and the poisonous Juliet’s Wood hemlock water-dropwort grow. Two rather large insects found on the reserve are the ARNOLD MEMORIAL: DUNCAN HUTT. FLOWERS: DUNCAN HOYLE. Arnold Memorial Know before you go birch sawfly and cockchafer beetle. Location: Next to the main car park and the Why now? Craster Tourist Information Centre, Craster, Know before you go At this time of year, luxuriant shuttlecocks of Northumberland, NE66 3TW. Location: 2km south of Bardon Mill on the male fern add structure to the woodland floor Open: All day, every day. road from Beltingham to Willimontswick, where flowering plants such as bittersweet, Wildlife to spot: Breeding bird species Bardon Mill, Northumberland, NE47 7BZ. foxgloves and woodsage can also be found. including sedge and willow warblers, Open: All day, every day. At the side of the stream, meadowsweet and chiffchaff and blackcap inhabit the site. Wildlife to spot: Past heavy metal pollution water avens grow. Amongst the migrants, a number of rarities washing onto the banks has resulted in an have been recorded over the years including unusual habitat which allows metallophyte Arnold Memorial wryneck, icterine, reed and barred warblers, (metal loving) species uncommon to the redbreasted flycatcher and bluethroat. region to grow. These include alpine penny- cress, spring sandwort and mountain pansy. The lowdown The majority of the reserve consists of The reserve, an old quarry, is within Craster deciduous woodland and scrub established Heugh, an outcrop of the Whin Sill that on river gravels subject to periodic flooding. provides an important habitat for both The areas around the trees are home to a migrant and breeding birds. The Sill tracks sub species of rare dune helleborine orchid. north from the reserve to provide the vantage point for Dunstanburgh Castle, a mile up the Flowers at coast. Beltingham The lowdown The reserve is one of four areas of calaminarian grassland managed by the Trust. This section of river banks and shingle is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for the unusual plant species it supports. Plan your next great day out from all our nature reserves at: nwt.org.uk/nature-reserves 12 Roebuck | Summer 2022

WILD THOUGHTS Dave Goulson @DaveGoulson @dave.goulson Silent Earth: Averting the Insect Apocalypse ILLUSTRATION: DAWN COOPER Since I was a child I have been but as I explain in my book Silent Earth, FOOD FOR THOUGHT obsessed with insects; they are we can all get involved in reversing insect amazing, often beautiful, and with declines. If you are lucky enough to have As we live through a fascinating, peculiar lives. I grew a garden, take some simple steps to invite time of great uncertainty, up in the countryside, and spent my childhood insects and other wildlife in; it is astonishing food security is an roaming the lanes and meadows in search how much life a small garden can support. important issue. But it’s of caterpillars, butterflies, grasshoppers and If you have no garden, you might consider vital we consider nature beetles. My bedroom filled with jam jars, cages joining national and local campaigns to fill in any plans. Industrial and tanks housing all manner of small beasts. I our urban greenspaces with wildflowers, agriculture has destroyed eventually came to learn that the world would or to have your town or village declared wildlife on a grand scale. not function without these tiny creatures. pesticide-free. Imagine every garden, park, Further intensification will They pollinate; control pests; recycle all sorts cemetery, roundabout and road verge filled be a huge blow for nature of organic material from dung to corpses, tree with swathes of wildflowers. We could create and climate, but also trunks and leaves; they keep the soil healthy; a national network of wildlife-rich habitat jeopardise long-term disperse seeds; and provide food for many from Land’s End to John O’Groats. food security. larger creatures such as birds, bats, lizards, amphibians and fish. Of course we should not forget our Learn more: It should thus be of profound concern to farmland, which covers 70% of the UK. It is wtru.st/energy-food all of us that insects appear to be undergoing my view that the move towards ever-more massive declines. As a child, I vividly intensive, pesticide-soaked monoculture Dave Goulson is a professor remember my parents having to stop the car farming is unsustainable; it has done of biology at the University on long summer journeys to scrub clear the terrible damage to our wildlife and soils, of Sussex, one of the UK’s windscreen, which quickly became crusted pollutes streams and rivers, and contributes leading insect experts, and an with splatted insects as we drove along. Today, a lot to greenhouse gas emissions. You can ambassador for The Wildlife our windscreens are disturbingly clean. reduce your own impact and support more Trusts. He champions insects The causes of insect declines are many: sustainable farming practices by buying in his latest book, Silent Earth: habitat loss to intensive farming, housing and eating local, seasonal, organic produce, Averting the Insect Apocalypse. and other developments; the ever-growing buying loose fruit and veg, and reducing your blizzard of pesticides used by farmers and meat consumption. Better still, grow what Get more tips on how gardeners; climate change; light pollution; food you can in your garden or an allotment. to help insects at impacts of invasive species and more. Our tidy, pesticide-infused world is largely hostile Love them or loathe them, we all need wildlifetrusts.org/ to insect life. insects. We have to learn to live in harmony action-for-insects This may all seem terribly depressing, but with nature, seeing ourselves as part of it, not do not despair. We may feel helpless in the trying to rule and control it with an iron fist. face of many global environmental issues, Our survival depends upon it, as does that of the glorious array of life with which we share our planet. Roebuck | Summer 2022 13

STOAT © RICHARD STEEL/2020VISION 6 places to see wsteoaastsel&s 14 Roebuck | Summer 2022

he UK might not have lions and tigers, See the spectacle but there are still carnivores roaming our countryside. The mustelids are a fearsome for yourself family of mighty mammals, with seven species scattered across the UK. There are badgers, otters, 1 Straidkilly, Ulster Wildlife pine martens, polecats, non-native American minks, Despite its small size, this secluded hazel woodland is and of course, stoats and weasels. These pugnacious a wonderful refuge for mammals. You could spot a red little predators often punch above their weight, squirrel, Irish hare, badger, pygmy shrew, pine marten or tackling prey much larger than themselves. an Irish stoat — a distinctive subspecies. You won’t spot a Stoats and weasels look similar, with short legs weasel though, as they’re not found in Ireland. and long bodies covered in white and brown fur. Where: Carnlough, BT44 0LQ Whilst stoats are larger and stockier than weasels, the best way to tell them apart is to look at the tail. A 2 Willington Wetlands, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust stoat’s tail is long and ends in a bushy black tip, but a This former gravel quarry is now a haven for wildlife in the weasel’s tail is short and entirely brown. A useful clue Trent valley. If you’re lucky, you could spot a stoat or weasel as it dashes away from you and darts into cover! scampering across a path. You might even spy one of the recently released beavers that now call Willington home! Where: Burton upon Trent, DE65 6YB 3 Brook Vessons, Shropshire Wildlife Trust This atmospheric nature reserve, dotted with ancient trees, is criss-crossed with rock piles; remnants of old dry stone walls and small holdings. They provide the perfect hunting ground for stoats and weasels, stalking mice and voles through the cracks and crevices. Where: Snailbeach, SY5 0SJ 4 Whisby Nature Reserve, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Whisby’s lakes are surrounded by grassland, scrub and willow carr, providing plenty of places for stoats and weasels to stalk their prey. After your walk, you can hunt down some food of your own in the Boardwalk Bistro. Where: Lincoln, LN6 9BW 5 Brandon Marsh, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust The mosaic of scenic pools, reedbeds, grassland and woodland creates a home for a wealth of wildlife. As well as stoats and weasels, you could also spot an otter. Where: Coventry, CV3 3GW 6 H auxley Wildlife Discovery Centre, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Hauxley’s lakes are surrounded by meadow, grassland and woodland areas perfect for stoat and weasel. If you’re lucky you might also spot an otter - or even a cheeky red squirrel. Where: Near Amble, NE65 0JR Did you spot any mustelids? We’d love to know how your search went. Please tweet us your best photos! @wildlifetrusts

WILD NEWS Thank you All the latest regional and national news from The Wildlife Trusts AA Award Winning and 5-star caravan, camping and glamping site Herding Hill Farm is offering a 10% discount to all members during 2022. Quote NWT10 when booking. herdinghillfarm.co.uk REGIONAL Shaggy Scalycap Pholiota squarrosa For the love of fungi The North East Fungus Study Group, strong foundation and provide amazing now know over 90% of all land plants, or NEFGS for short, celebrates its 25th mentorship to those who want to learn. and probably more, form mycorrhizae birthday this year and we are hoping to do However, what we all share is a love of (symbiotic associations between fungus it in style with a public celebration of all nature and enjoyment in learning together, and plants) and that they influence plant things ‘mushroom’ on UK Fungus Day in making friendships as we go. nutrition, community structure and October. nutrient cycling. There was even research Although the main fungi season is in the published in April this year to suggest that As a group member, I am one of the autumn, we do try to have forays all year fungi can communicate with each other many fungi enthusiasts who lend their as there is always something to find when using up to 40 ‘words’! knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise to you look for it - be it large (macro-fungi) or forays, bioblitz and surveys all over the small (micro-fungi). It’s also important, if There is so much we don’t know yet North of England. Our members range surveying a specific site, to monitor what regarding these amazing life forms but the from curious beginners who want to dip is growing at different times of the year NEFGS is a great place to start learning. their toe into foraying, to experienced as different fungi have different ‘fruiting’ and professional mycologists (biologists periods. We record all our finds on a Why not join us at our UK Fungus Day who study fungi) who lend the group a national database. event in October and take part in our public foray, take a look at our display and The NEFGS works with Northumberland information tables, listen to our experts Wildlife Trust to provide site surveys and and win prizes, including your very own support at bioblitz events around the personal foray at a site of your choice. In region. This year we are foraying at the East addition to NEFGS members, we will have Chevington Reserve at Druridge Bay to representatives from the Newcastle Fungal provide records and assist Trust volunteers Group whose members have an interest with the development of their ID skills. in the research of molecular genetics of ‘model’ and pathogenic fungi. It should Fungi are very much in the news at the prove to be an exciting day! minute with new research increasingly highlighting their importance in our eco- Sally Pattison systems. NEFGS Committee Member www.nefsg.co.uk We are starting to see a move towards regenerative, no-till farming which preserves the symbiotic relationship between fungus and plant (crop). We 16 Roebuck | Summer 2022

NEWS REGIONAL Gifts in Wills Storms not all bad news Together we’re stronger with legacy support Storm Arwen in November 2021 and gaps have enabled us to improve FUNGI: NEFGS. AWFUL AUNTIE: ILLUSTRATION © TONY ROSS 2014. LETTERING OF AUTHOR’S NAME © QUENTIN BLAKE 2010. LICENSED BY HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS LTD. the storms at the start of 2022 brought structural diversity and introduce The Trust is delighted to have devastation to woodlands across the additional, locally native trees and shrubs. been named as a beneficiary in North. Plantations were worst affected the following legacies: with native woodlands withstanding the In plantations, the dense tangle of battering much better. fallen stems prevents access by larger Kathleen Craggs - £300 mammals such as humans, dogs and Anthony Baldwin - £2,000 The destruction of so much plantation deer which is ideal for ground nesting Irene Robinson - £24,000 will impact the populations of many birds and regeneration of woodland from Dorothy Charlton - £100,000 species, not least the red squirrel, whilst blown and bird assisted seeds. the loss of mature broadleaved trees This selfless generosity is hugely from woods and hedgerows will remove Where root-plates have lifted, multiple appreciated. important feeding and nesting habitat for small pools will see an explosion of many more species. amphibian and invertebrate numbers. Teacher’s lasting legacy Earthy plates that face the sun will make Our worst affected reserves were the ideal homes for mason bees, digger wasps The Trust’s estates team was able to young plantations at East and West and other invertebrates, while the influx carry out work on our Holywell Pond Chevington and the mature woods at of light will encourage ground flora to and Newsham Pond reserves following Northumberlandia and Holystone. thrive until the canopy closes once again. a £33,000 legacy from Dr James Parrack, a lifelong member of the Trust Access is still not possible at Holystone, So it’s not all bad news, but let’s hope and former Bedlington teacher. but at Northumberlandia the canopy storms like these don’t occur too often. The previously weather-beaten and severely vandalised wildlife viewing hide at Holywell Pond has been totally renovated and the ramp up to the hide has been replaced to comply with updated UK disability standards. In addition, the bird viewing screen brought down by Storm Arwen (November 2021) has been replaced. At Newsham Pond, a regular breeding spot for swans and ducks, a new pond dipping platform will shortly be installed. If you are inspired by Dr Parrack’s legacy supporting our reserves work, why not consider leaving a gift to the Trust to ensure we protect the region’s green spaces that are so vital for our health and wellbeing? A Charitable Legacy, when you leave a gift to charity in your Will, is tax exempt so for more information visit nwt.org.uk/legacy or alternatively contact Dan Venner, Trust Director of Finance and Business on (0191) 2846994 or email daniel.venner@ northwt.org.uk. Roebuck | Summer 2022 17

UK NEWS UK UPDATE BUILDING BIRD BOXES © BRONI LLOYD-EDWARDS ground-breaking new Wildlife wild touch to the places that need it most, recover, and making sure that no matter Trusts initiative is bringing improving the lives of people from some where we live, we can be part of this communities together to of the most disadvantaged areas across crucial endeavour.” rewild their neighbourhoods. the UK. This could include establishing Learn more about this inspiring new Nextdoor Nature will give people the skills, wild habitats and green corridors in areas project at tools and opportunity to take action for of economic and nature deprivation, wildlifetrusts.org/nextdoor-nature nature in the places where they live and rewilding school grounds, or naturalising work. The initiative was made possible by a highly urbanised or unused areas. Most Natasha Hemsley is the Trust’s £5 million investment from The National importantly, through Nextdoor Nature, Nextdoor Nature Officer who will Lottery Heritage Fund, to leave a lasting it will be local communities that decide be working within communities in natural legacy in honour of the Queen’s on what happens and drive the change in six electoral wards in Newcastle: Platinum Jubilee. their neighbourhood. Benwell and Scotswood, Elswick, Nextdoor Nature will provide solutions Wingrove, Arthur’s Hill, Byker and to two of the most important issues The initiative will bring huge benefits Walker. that The Wildlife Trusts are working to for nature, too. One of the big problems If you have a community idea you address: the urgent need to create more facing our wildlife is fragmentation — would like to discuss with her, email space for nature, with a goal to restore wild places are isolated and disconnected, [email protected]. 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030; preventing plants and animals from and the need to make nature a part moving freely across the landscape. By of everyone’s daily life. We know that creating green corridors and wild patches spending time in nature can bring huge in urbanised areas, we can reconnect benefits to our health and wellbeing, but our wild networks, creating pit-stops for we don’t all have the same level of access pollinators, buffets for birds and bats and to green or wild spaces. highways for hedgehogs. Research shows that 85% of people in nature-deprived areas say more natural Liz Bonnin, President of The Wildlife spaces would improve their quality of life. Trusts, says: “We humans are key to The importance of this was reinforced by solving the climate crisis and restoring the pandemic, which demonstrated how our natural heritage. The UK is one of the vital it is to have access to nature in your most nature depleted countries in the local area. Nextdoor Nature will bring a world, but Nextdoor Nature is working to set that right, putting local communities at the heart of helping our wild places to 18 Roebuck | Summer 2022

UK NEWS UK UPDATE UK HIGHLIGHTS Full marks for new school subject Discover how The Wildlife Trusts This April, the UK Government essential for the future of the natural are helping announced the introduction of a new world, as is inspiring a connection to wildlife across GCSE in natural history. From 2025, nature. The new natural history GCSE is a the UK secondary school students in England will great first step, but this journey needs to have the opportunity to study the natural start sooner and involve all pupils in the Raptor real estate world, developing an in-depth knowledge UK, regardless of the subjects they study. of wildlife and wider ecosystems, as well A pair of peregrine falcons have nested as real-life experience of nature. The We want to see children given for the first time on St Albans Cathedral, GCSE will teach transferable skills in opportunities to spend at least an hour thanks to a nesting tray provided observation, identification, classification a day learning outside, and for nature by the Wilder St Albans project — a and data gathering, and how to apply and climate education to be embedded collaboration between Herts and this knowledge to real world issues. across all subjects and at all levels. Middlesex Wildlife Trust and St Albans The announcement follows years of This message has been championed City and District Council. The St Albans campaigning to make nature part of the by thousands of young people through pair is one of only five pairs breeding curriculum, led by naturalist and writer the Our Bright Future programme, who in Hertfordshire. Mary Colwell. want greater opportunities to learn in, wtru.st/st-albans-nest and about, nature. Providing young people with the Hope for hazel dormice knowledge to protect the planet is Read our full response to the new GCSE at wtru.st/new-GCSE Surrey Wildlife Trust has trained more than 100 volunteers to help hedgerows flourish across Surrey’s North Downs, SWIFT © NICK UPTON; PINK CUTTLEFISH © LUCY LUCK, CORNWALL WILDLIFE TRUST giving hope to the iconic hazel dormice. Even small gaps in a hedgerow can be a barrier to dormice, isolating populations. The new volunteer task force is surveying, laying and planting hedgerows to help dormice populations expand. wtru.st/dormice-hope Sky-high ambitions Scuttled cuttle Wild About Gardens, an annual joint have contributed to swifts and house A rare pink cuttlefish was found on a initiative between The Wildlife Trusts martins joining the UK’s red list, marking Cornish beach, following late winter and the Royal Horticultural Society, is them as birds in dire need of help. The storms. This small species is more setting its sights sky-high as we go wild campaign is calling on the public to help commonly seen in the Mediterranean, about our high-flying birds. This year, the by nurturing insect-friendly gardens and with only sporadic records from focus is on swifts, swallows and martins adding nest boxes to homes. southern Britain. The discovery was — summer visitors that have suffered made by Cornwall Wildlife Trust some serious declines. Plummeting insect Find out more at volunteers and recorded in the Trust’s populations and loss of nesting sites wildaboutgardens.org.uk Marine Strandings Network. wtru.st/pink-cuttlefish Roebuck | Summer 2022 19

REGIONAL BBC Springwatch puts Hauxley on the map BBC Springwatch headed to our Hauxley reserve at Druridge Bay in June as part of the programme’s three-week road trip with presenter Megan McCubbin. Over four nights, from Monday 6th to Thursday 9th June, part of the award winning programme was broadcast live from our 26-hectare reserve. Behind the scenes, Alex Lister (Wilder Druridge Manager) and Sophie Webster (Catch My Drift Project Officer) worked around the clock to ensure the live programmes hosted by Megan were broadcast without any hitches. The live programmes were interspersed with pre-recorded films of wildlife in the Druridge Bay area from roseate terns and puffins on Coquet Island and the reed beds on our East Chevington reserve to our Hauxley reserve’s fabulous birds including duckling shelducks, the resident red squirrels and colourful meadows all of which highlighted the beauty of the whole of the Northumberland coastline.  The decision to broadcast from around our reserve and use the Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre as a base over the course of the week is a great sense of achievement for the 112 volunteers, who, between 2015 and 2017, spent 24,000 hours constructing the multi award winning building. Springwatch is available on BBC iPlayer bbc.co.uk/iplayer

NEWS REGIONAL Andrew Poplett Golden support from CMoermpboerrastheip healthcare consultants We offer three levels of corporate The Trust celebrated the arrival of spring with a new membership which are designed HAUXLEY IMAGES BY: JOHN FAULKNER, ALEX LISTER, TIM MASON, GEOJACKRICH, SHEILA LUCK, KATIE TIFFIN AND FRANCES SMILES. ANDREW POPLETT: ANDREW POPLETT. BEE: PROPOLOGY. gold category corporate supporter. to enhance your Corporate Social Responsibility commitments, provide Healthcare estates consultants, Andrew Poplett year-round benefits to your business Enterprises Ltd, is offering its support to the Trust at a and support your staff development, time when nature needs human support more than ever. PR and marketing strategies. You choose the level that you feel reflects The independent healthcare consultancy, founded by Andrew Poplett, offers your company’s commitment to the independent, impartial and bespoke consultancy services such as Authorising local environment. Engineering Services for specialist healthcare ventilation and water systems, compliance auditing, personnel assessments and awareness training, whilst guiding Become a corporate member, its clients through the maze of NHS and HSE guidelines and current legislation and contact Katie Tiffin, via email at compliance requirements. [email protected]. We have a number of reserves close to the consultancy’s Alnwick headquarters GOLD including Hauxley, East Chevington, Cresswell Pond, Cresswell Shore and Druridge Pools, all of which are set to benefit immensely from its support. Aaron Optometrists Andrew Poplett Ltd Over the past 18 months, more people than ever before turned to nature for the sake EGGER (UK) Ltd of their mental health and wellbeing, so it is wonderful to see a company with such Northumbrian Water Ltd huge knowledge of the NHS, supporting our very own natural health service. Ringtons Tarmac Andrew Poplett Enterprises Ltd Thermofisher Scientific Thompsons of Prudhoe REGIONAL SILVER Silver support from property company Cabosse Over the past year, the Trust has had number of Trust reserves. Harlow Printing Ltd wonderful silver corporate category In November 2021, the company received Herding Hill Farm support from multi award-winning Historic Property Restoration Ltd Propology Boutique Properties, the Alnwick the gold award in the Sustainable Agency Karpet Mills based property company. Many of the of the Year category at The Negotiator Northumberland 250 houses it sells are in close proximity to a Awards - the leading awards programme for Original Cottages UK estate and letting agents. Potts Printers Ltd Pumphrey’s Coffee Riverside Leisure BRONZE Bell Ingram Blyth Harbour Commission Cottages in Northumberland EcoCabs Holidaycottages.co.uk Howick Hall Gardens Northern Experience Wildlife Tours Northumberland County Council Northumberland Estates Ord House Country Park Poltross Enterprises Propology Boutique Properties Shepherds Retreats The First and Last Brewery Verdant Leisure Wardell Armstrong Roebuck | Summer 2022 21

We bet you didn’t know... ThTyahnoakunyk!ou Owls are unable to move their eyes, so to combat this, they are able to rotate their heads 270-degrees around their body, as well as look up and down at 90-degree angles, without moving their shoulders. Dr Angus Lunn MBE £1,000 REGIONAL Donation in memory of Jean Thompson. Trust Vice President receives MBE £1,000 Dr Angus Lunn, the Trust’s Vice Alongside a small number of OWL: STEVE DAVIS. ANGUS LUNN: ELAINE MORE. POND DIPPING: GRAHAM BARKE. President, was awarded an MBE in the similar enthusiasts, Angus was From gold category corporate Queen’s Birthday Honours list in June. one of the original members of supporter Thompsons of Prudhoe. the Northumberland and Durham Angus, a naturalist, whose dedicated Naturalists’ Trust which began life in 1962 £670 actions were crucial to securing until it became Northumberland Wildlife protected status for the Border Mires, Trust in 1971. He is now one of our Vice Donation in memory of Irene Robinson. will receive his MBE, awarded for his Presidents and was one of our Trustees services to education and peatland and Chair of its Conservation Committee £500 conservation, later this year. for 35 years. From the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Without him, many precious species Fund via Northumberland County would have been lost. Council for the Enchanted Cramlington Woodland Trail at Northumberlandia. REGIONAL £271 Record breaking June From donated jewellery items via the The UK’s biggest nature challenge, 30 Days Wild, which Recycling for Good Causes Scheme. encourages people to do something wild every day throughout June, was a record-breaking success. recyclingforgoodcauses.org In the Trust’s area, 1,563 people, 149 schools, 19 £531 businesses and 17 care homes signed up and took part. Raised during the 2020 season from Popular activities included bug hunting, switching to Riverside Leisure Park and Heather green energy, watering plants with recycled bath water View Leisure Park in County Durham. and enjoying early evening cocktails and mocktails outdoors. £500 The Trust also hosted a Big Wild Day at Donation in memory of Wendy Northumberlandia in the middle of June as part of the Anderson from her husband Michael, national Big Wild Weekend celebrations. the oldest and longest serving Trust volunteer. Donations, whatever the amount, are always welcome by the Trust and never more so as we continue to cope with the effects of coronavirus and rising costs. To find out how you can help us visit: nwt.org.uk/support-us Pond dipping 22 Roebuck | Summer 2022



Bex Lynam explores the effects of the climate crisis on our underwater wildlife. 24 Roebuck | Summer 2022

This spring, the Intergovernmental Panel SEAL IN KELP © ALEXANDER MUSTARD/2020VISION on Climate Change (IPCC) released its sixth assessment report, and it makes for deeply uncomfortable reading. The report, authored by the world’s leading climate change scientists, outlines the damage being done to the planet from our continued release of greenhouse gases, as well as the action needed to slow down the rate of change. The impacts of a rapidly changing climate are not only felt on land (where we see droughts, wildfires, and flooding after heavy rainfall) but in the ocean too, as our seas heat up, rise and become more acidic. Globally, across both land and sea we’re witnessing increases in the frequency and intensity of climate and weather extremes. Coral bleaching is widespread and glaciers are retreating, changing the waters around them. Closer to home we know that UK seas are getting warmer. The biggest changes in sea surface temperature have been recorded in the North Sea and north of Scotland. Since 2000, eight of the 10 warmest years on record have occurred. At the same time, UK sea levels have risen by an average of 12-16cm since 1900. This may sound like a small increase, but even seemingly small rises cause more erosion on the coast and increase the chances of flooding. The chemistry of our seas has also shifted; according to the Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership, the North Atlantic Ocean contains more anthropogenic CO2 than any other, causing it to become more acidic. So what does all this change mean for our marine wildlife? Roebuck | Summer 2022 25

SHIFTING SEAS New neighbours out of areas previously suitable for them. which in turn has been linked to declines Nature is constantly changing, so the Whereas warm water fish species like in UK seabird numbers. effects of climate change can be difficult northern hake, largely absent in UK to discern. However, scientists are in waters for over 50 years, are increasing in Temperature isn’t the only aspect of agreement on some of the common number, cold water species like cod will our seas that’s shifting. Climate-driven effects seen across the world’s seas. One move north. This will have consequences changes in ocean chemistry have reduced of the most obvious trends is that wildlife for our seas, but also for UK fishers and the amount of carbonate available in sea is on the move. Long-term evidence the availability of cod in our local fish and water. This matters because carbonate is shows shifts in the distribution of not chip shops! an important building block of the shells only wildlife, but habitats too. As the seas of many marine creatures, including crabs around the UK warm, species that prefer Seas out of sync and lobsters. These shelled species are cooler water are shifting northwards to Ocean warming also affects the timing eaten by a variety of different animals, seek a more suitable temperature. At the of animal lifecycles. There’s evidence including us! Any impacts on their same time, some species from warmer that grey seals are giving birth earlier in numbers could quickly affect the wildlife waters to the south are moving into the year, and that climatic changes are that relies on them, as well as many key our seas, as conditions become more part of the cause. In some cases, these fisheries across the UK. favourable for them. timing shifts can lead to repercussions felt across the food web. One worrying The rise in sea level will impact coastal Several kelp species (a type of brown example is the sandeel, a small, silvery habitats like saltmarshes and sand seaweed) have declined because of fish that plays a big role in the UK’s dunes, as deeper water and bigger waves warming sea temperatures. This has a seas. It’s an important prey item for can reach them, increasing erosion. As knock-on effect on other wildlife, as so many animals. Seabirds like Arctic terns, these places are damaged and potentially many animals rely on the kelp as a food puffins and kittiwakes rely heavily even lost, we also lose the valuable source, hunting ground or shelter against on sandeels to feed themselves and services they provide such as capturing predators. Many marine mammals, like their chicks. Warming seas have led and storing carbon, or protecting the white-beaked dolphin, require cooler to a mismatch between the timing of coastal communities from flooding and waters to live in. It’s estimated around sandeels’ spawning and the time when erosion. Habitats like saltmarsh also 80% of the European population of zooplankton, their favourite food, is have an important role to play for our white-beaked dolphin is found in the UK, available. As a result, sandeels have wildlife, providing food for breeding and yet as our waters warm their range is declined (exacerbated by overfishing), wintering wading birds and wildfowl, getting smaller and they’re being pushed and acting as nursery sites for many fish and invertebrates. White-beaked dolphins thrive in UK seas, but that could change as waters warm.

SHIFTING SEAS Ocean optimism Alongside the designation and proper The ringneck blenny, also KELP FOREST © KEITH HISCOCK, RINGNECK BLENNY © SHANNON MORAN, WHITE-BEAKED DOLPHIN © ESPEN BERGERSEN NATUREPL.COM Ultimately, we need to work hard to management of MPAs, we’re championing known as the variable blenny, drastically reduce our carbon emissions. the use of nature-based solutions to is a small fish that thrives in But whilst we do that, there are ways combat climate change. This means the warm coastal waters of the to help our seas cope in the meantime. protecting the habitats and wildlife that Mediterranean and eastern The key step is to reduce the pressure provide us with ecosystem services, like Atlantic. There were no UK from other human activities. This means the saltmarshes and seagrass meadows records of this species until ensuring we are fishing sustainably, that prevent flooding and take in carbon. 2007, but in recent years it has making sure development is carried out The Wildlife Trusts lead many restoration become increasingly common in a sensitive way that minimises impacts projects around the UK, bringing these along the southern coasts of on wildlife, significantly reducing marine habitats back to areas of our coast where Cornwall and Devon. Ringneck pollution and noise in our oceans, and they have been lost. Using both of these blennies live around rocky managing invasive species. tools together, we hope to tackle the dual shores, reefs and maerl beds climate and biodiversity crises we face, — a seaweed that forms hard At The Wildlife Trusts we have been before it’s too late. skeletons, a bit like a coral reef. campaigning for the establishment and protection of Marine Protected Areas We can turn the tide if we all take (MPAs) for decades. Well managed action now! MPAs are a tried and tested tool for making space for nature. By restricting Bex Lynam is the marine advocacy damaging activities, they can allow wildlife officer for the North Sea Wildlife populations to rebuild and flourish. These Trusts and her role focuses on policy healthy populations are better prepared development and implementation, to face other threats, like those introduced particularly around Marine Protected by climate change. While the UK has Areas and their management. established a network of MPAs in its waters, we believe more are needed and with greater levels of protection (in the form of Highly Protected Marine Areas) to ensure we safeguard wildlife for the future. Some kelp species are in decline, threatening the wildlife that relies on them. Find out more about how you can help protect our seas at wtru.st/marine-mailing Roebuck | Summer 2022 27

UNDERWATER LAKE © GRAHAM EATON NATUREPL.COM. ILLUSTRATIONS BY KATY FROST here’s a whole world of wildlife hidden beneath the surface of our streams, rivers and lakes. It’s often out of sight and out of mind, but spend a while watching a still section of water and you could catch a glimpse of a whole host of fish. Perhaps a pike lurking in a shadowy stretch, poised to pounce on passing prey, or a raft of roach roaming near the surface. Here are six fantastic freshwater fish to look out for... Name: Chub Scientific name: Squalius cephalus Size: Up to 60cm This thick-set fish inspired the word chubby, possibly aided by its eclectic appetite. They’re known to eat anything from plant debris and invertebrates to smaller fish and frogs. The large mouth is a key identification feature! Chub favour rivers and streams as they need flowing water to breed, but can sometimes be found in lakes. Name: European eel Scientific name: Anguilla anguilla Size: Can be over 100cm Eels have an extraordinary lifestyle, much of which remains a mystery. They breed in the sea, then their tiny larvae drift for two or three years on Gulf Stream currents to European and North African shores. Some remain in coastal waters whilst others migrate upstream into freshwater habitats, maturing and living long lives until spawning urges drive them to migrate back to sea. Although now critically endangered, eels can be found in almost any watery place, and can even wriggle across land in wet conditions. 28 Roebuck | Summer 2022

This fearsome fish Name: Perch has a distinctive look, with a long, Scientific name: Perca fluviatilis stretched-out green body splashed with Size: Up to 60cm yellowish markings. The fins are set far back on the body, perfect for a sudden burst of speed as they This green-tinged fish has the dark stripes of a tiger dash towards their prey — like a torpedo with teeth. Pike and an appetite to match. They’re piscivorous like to lurk amongst underwater plants, darting from their hiding place to ambush other fish, frogs, small mammals and predators that regularly feast on other fish, as well even birds. They can be found in many canals, rivers, reservoirs as invertebrates. Smaller perch are often found in schools close to the bank. They are one of and lakes. our most widespread fish and can be found in almost any freshwater Name: Pike habitat. Scientific name: Esox lucius Size: Up to 150cm The silvery, red- eyed roach is one of the UK’s most common fish and can be found in almost any waterway. They can form large shoals, sometimes seen close to the surface but often lower down. To separate it from the similar looking rudd, look at the dorsal fin on its back: in the roach, this is level with the pelvic fin below the body; the rudd’s dorsal fin is set further back. Name: Roach Scientific name: Rutilus rutilus Size: Up to 50cm Name: Brown trout Scientific name: Salmo trutta Size: Usually up to 80cm This adaptable fish can be found in waters across the UK, from Cornish rivers to Scottish lochs. Some brown trout live out their whole life in freshwater, whilst others known as ‘sea trout’ spawn in freshwater but migrate to coastal seas to grow. They eat a varied diet, including insects, crustaceans, and small fish. Roebuck | Summer 2022 29

The art of wildness The Kielderhead Wildwood project is a hectares of open heather moorland along To delve further into the ‘wildness’ at multifaceted project that goes beyond Scaup Burn at Kielderhead. Kielderhead Wildwood, the team has the trees you can see being planted in the been working with a select group of ground. The whole project delves into different academics and artists in partnership disciplines to discover the meaning of with the creative writing department Managed by Northumberland Wildlife ‘wildness’. at Northumbria University, Visual Arts Trust and Forestry England, the project in Rural Communities, together with has been made possible thanks to The Oxford English Dictionary defines local designers and film makers, to National Lottery players via a grant from ‘wildness’ as ‘the quality in scenery or help interpret the project and make it The National Lottery Heritage Fund. land of being in its natural state and not accessible to all. Over the past four and a half years, it has changed by people.’ battled worldwide pandemics and storms The project has been working closely (most notably Storm Arwen) and worked Another definition is ‘behaviour that with Northumbria University’s Associate tirelessly towards establishing a low shows a lack of discipline or control’, Professor Dr Tony Williams, and have density, native upland woodland on 100 although this is hopefully a less enjoyed his poetry about Wildwood. It appropriate definition for those that work on the Kielder based project! 30 Roebuck | Summer 2022

dsTiKfihftieteeirlneidngnettroehernpeleaarmedstteWaantniitlodsdnowfwocfoiuottohhnndedsciiussanpttts-2eoKo0cuiifeeytalsesdavotehrifrsshami’otetainaamndroeye.f WOODLAND: SIMON EDWARDS. INTERPRETATION: STEVE PARDUE. The Wildwood creatives has also hosted the Exploring Wildwood Kielderhead Wildwood links to Jurassic DR TONY WILLIAMS: an event which saw staff from the Trust Park! It certainly is well worth watching. associate professor in the and academics talking about the Department of Humanities at project’s place in the rewilding debate By way of bringing the expertise of Northumbria University. An and climate change, as well as hearing the ecologists, scientists, artists, writers, author of poetry and prose fiction, Tony has about its ecology and history. project staff and contributors under been involved in the Kielderhead Wildwood one roof, we are busy writing a book project from the start. Following on from the success of the scheduled for release in September 2022 Exploring Wildwood event, the project and aptly titled, Reseeding. For more SOFIE SCHREY: a PhD candidate in English team hosted an online conference, details visit nwt.org.uk/shop. and Creative Writing at Northumbria Rediscovering Wildness - Kielderhead University, working on ‘Bio-Graphic’: Wildwood, which is available to watch on Graham Holyoak is A Graphic Novel Documentary of the YouTube and includes presentations as Kielderhead Wildwood Kielderhead Wildwood Restoration Project. diverse as the Scots pines of Kielderhead Project Officer Sofie’s research thus far has focused on to the Wood Wide Web and how wilderness representations across written and visual mediums in 19th Century and Modern Literature. She will be writing a creative work about Kielderhead Wildwood, its identity and its history. SHANE FINAN: assembles artworks from interactive technologies and traditional media. He was artist in residence with Kielderhead Wildwood Project in April 2021, as part of the artistic project, ENTWINED. Rural. Land. Lives. Art., led by Visual Arts in Rural Communities. He created interactive installations, video, writing, photographs and web artworks influenced by the complex networks in nature. The saplings and trees, the wildwood team, volunteers, fungi, birds, deer, materials and technologies present at the wildwood all influenced his work. shanefinan.org/visual_art_pages/ woodwideweb.html ALAN FENTIMAN: a filmmaker and web video producer based in the North East. He has worked with Northumberland Wildlife Trust for six years - firstly documenting the reintroduction of water voles as part of the Restoring Ratty project and latterly, following the story of Kielderhead Wildwood. You can watch both his Ratty and Kielderhead Wildwood films on YouTube. youtube.com/ northwildlifetrust STEVE PARDUE: an artist and designer at Hexham based Differentia Design and Interpretation. Steve specialises in interpretation that employs the power of design to create a sense of place. He has created a travelling exhibition for the project as well as onsite interpretation at the currick which overlooks the site. Steve is also the designer for the Reseeding book. differentia.co.uk

Head to Redesdale and start exploring this summer This summer, why not explore Redesdale other Roman features, like the baluster for yourself, learn about its history and missiles in the school house end. take in the stunning scenery. Otterburn: When visiting Otterburn, the As part of the Revitalising Redesdale Battlefield site at Percy’s Cross is a must, Landscape Partnership, we have been then head across to Dargues Bridge along working to improve walking and cycling the River Rede and through stunning routes throughout Redesdale, increasing countryside. way marking along the rights of way network in the valley and replacing broken Revitalising Redesdale has worked in infrastructure where necessary. this area with The Battlefields Trust to investigate the exact location of the Battle We have worked with partners at of Otterburn in 1388, using archaeological Northumberland National Park and techniques to build a better picture of Northumberland County Council to survey, where the battle took place. agree works and promote 14 individual walks. From Otterburn, you can also visit the impressive remains at Shittleheugh Bastle, Survey work completed during or head south and cross the Rede at the the summer of 2021 involved walking reinstated ford crossing at Smoutel Ford. Redesdale’s public footpaths, bridleways and cycle routes and identifying where Elsdon: Elsdon is the largest settlement replacement gates, stiles and way marking in the Northumberland National Park. posts are needed, as well as any larger There is a wealth of heritage and wildlife to works required on bridges. Works will be be enjoyed here. undertaken by partners and contractors this summer. Benshaw Moor, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve, is within The promoted walks range from shorter walking distance of the village, sporting village walks, to longer walks making the a waterfall and a mosaic of moorland most of the area’s beautiful landscapes. habitats. Why not try these highlights around A walk from the village up to nearby our main hubs of Carter Bar, Rochester, Landshot Hill provides a great vantage Otterburn, Elsdon, Woodburn and Ridsdale? point and takes you across spectacular countryside. There is also a short circular Upper Redesdale: At Carter Bar, on walk leaving the village towards the south the Scottish Border, you can follow the west, taking in the Elsdon Burn, wonderful newly installed boardwalk (built by meadows and farmland. Northumberland Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers), along to Carter Pike to take in Woodburn: Walking in the Woodburn the stunning views across Whitelee Moor area has a real historical focus, taking in the National Nature Reserve and Catcleugh remains of the Ironworks at Ridsdale and Reservoir. the site of the Roman fort Habitancum. Alternatively, starting further south, From West Woodburn village there are from Byrness village you can walk part of various routes to enjoy along the River the Pennine way, along the Forest Drive Rede and its tributaries, one of which through Kielder Forest, to the hidden gems crosses the Grade II listed East Woodburn of Hindhope Linn waterfall and the Three Bridge built in 1832. Here you can also walk Kings Stone Circle. to the beautiful setting of St Cuthbert’s Church, Corsenside, and admire the Rochester: From Rochester Village you wildflower meadow areas in the Church can walk the permissive path to the fort at grounds, in flower in late summer. High Rochester (Bremenium) and a circuit around the fort. Roaming further afield Natasha Hemsley is you can walk the Roman road along Dere Revitalising Redesdale Street and visit the Roman tombs at Petty Project Assistant Knowes. Keep an eye out in the village for View from Carter Pike looking down towards Catcleugh reservoir 32 Roebuck | Summer 2022

St Cuthbert’s Three Church Trail CATER PIKE: NATASHA HEMSLEY. The St Cuthbert’s Three Church Trail celebrates the presence of St Cuthbert in Redesdale. It is a route linking three churches in Redesdale all dedicated in the name of St Cuthbert. The trail is walked on an annual pilgrimage around St Cuthbert’s Day, celebrated on the 4th September. Starting at Elsdon, the St Cuthbert’s Trail goes through the picturesque landscape of Redesdale via Smoutel Ford and up to Corsenside Church. After taking in the breath-taking views, the trail then drops down to West Woodburn and then on to Bellingham and ‘Cuddy’s Well’. The Churches and trails are open every day. Look out for the St Cuthbert’s Three Church Trail way markers to guide the way. A walking guide leaflet, developed by members of the Church, is available at each St Cuthbert’s Church for a suggested donation of £5. Interpretation in Redesdale The Revitalising Redesdale project is designing and installing a suite of interpretation panels within Redesdale, developed with the local community to give locals and visitors reasons to stop and pause in Redesdale to learn more about the area. Due to be installed this summer, there are three different forms of interpretation: impressive three- sided monoliths (seen above) to welcome visitors to the main hubs, more traditional panels at significant locations in the valley and toposcope maps celebrating the area’s fantastic views and highlighting important places in the landscape.

Summer Kate Bradbury is passionate Wildlife Gardening about wildlife- friendly gardening The garden in summer is busy, as froglets and toadlets leave the and the author of pond for the first time, fledgling birds beg for food and the whole Wildlife Gardening garden buzzes with life. for Everyone and Everything in association with The Wildlife Trusts. In the sky, swallows, house martins and If you haven’t already, leave an area of of species further up the food chain, swifts gather insects to feed their young, grass to grow long, particularly around like hedgehogs. Later in the season, the and at night bats take their place, foraging your pond. Long grass provides the grasses will seed and you may spot house among the treetops or swooping low over perfect shelter for young amphibians sparrows stripping them for food. Avoid ponds. and food for the caterpillars of several strimming your grass at all if you can, butterflies, including the ringlet, meadow but if you must, be sure to check for hedgehogs and other wildlife first! brown and speckled wood. Here, you’ll Being more tolerant of naturally also find beetles occurring plants is also important and bugs, in a wildlife garden. Anything from plentiful dandelions to nettles, dock and prey for a chickweed, provide food and shelter for a variety wide range of species. Let them flourish! Or at least leave a few around the edges. It’s also a good time to do an audit of flowering plants in your garden. Fill gaps with flowering annuals such as cosmos

ILLUSTRATION BY HANNAH BAILEY, PHOTO © SARAH CUTTLE and borage, which are magnets for birds can bees and other pollinators. Towards the bathe and clean end of summer, add Verbena bonariensis, their feathers. rudbeckias and echinaceas for insects still on the wing. You can also sow foxgloves Take advantage and other biennials now, which will of fine weather to flower next year. construct that log pile you’ve been meaning to build, If conditions are dry, it’s a good idea or start a large, open compost to water insect foodplants so they don’t heap where wild things can live. shrivel up and ensure flowers continue to There are always improvements to bear nectar. Use water from your water make in our gardens, and summer is a butt if you have one, and grey water from fine time to do them. What can you add? baths and washing up bowls if you don’t — avoid using tap water as this is a precious Get more wildlife-friendly gardening resource. Leaving a dish of mud can help tips at house martins fix and build their nests, and providing water — in a pond, bird bath wildlifetrusts.org/gardening or other container — will ensure foxes and hedgehogs have something to drink, while Roebuck | Summer 2022 35

Photo: Green-winged orchid by Lianne de Mello Thank you to players of People’s Postcode Lottery Players of People’s Postcode Lottery are enabling Northumberland Wildlife Trust to bring the green winged orchid onto one of its reserves following an absence from the region of over 50 years. Pollinated by bees, the orchid will add an additional splash of colour to our meadows. Without player support it would not have been possible, so thank you!