Wild Warwickshire Spring Magazine 2022

The member magazine for Warwickshire Wildlife Trust | Spring 2022 #TEAMWILDER and the 25% revolution NATURE FORCE AT 22 celebrating our volunteers Bringing wildlife back Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s 2030 Strategy – more space for nature, with more people on nature’s side

WELCOME 30 To the spring edition of your member magazine In a little less than ten years’ time a conversation will take place between the Trustees and staff of this Wildlife Trust to judge how well we have responded to the climate and ecological emergency. The strategy to guide what we intend to do over those years is presented on pgs. 4-10. I hope it is an approach which you believe will have the necessary impact, which you can see being part of yourself and which you can support! It includes important changes to how we see our wider role – welcome everybody to #TeamWilder – and a refreshed look overall (pg. 10). At the same time we are saying thank you to Crishni Waring as she steps down as Chair of Trustees after six years and hello to people who may be interested in guiding us in that role (pg. 11). This may all seem slightly trivial as atrocity and desolation spreads across Europe in ways unimaginable for decades, and some have jumped cynically on the band wagon of war to suggest that key environmental goals such as net zero no longer matter. Suggestions that adapting to climate change and avoiding ecological collapse can wait are misplaced and dangerous for sadly, if unchecked, the consequences for humanity of both will exceed war in Europe. We can take inspiration from history. It was in 1941, at the lowest point in WWII, that the Government began to think about post-war construction, forming a committee to establish nature reserves across the UK based on the first ever national survey of wildlife sites by Charles Rothschild and the Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves that he founded. At the darkest moment in the past century, that forward-thinking about what nurtures life on earth led to legislation in 1949 which created our first Government conservation agency (the Nature Conservancy Council), the first National Parks and the first protected wildlife sites (Sites of Special Scientific Interest). Our response to the misery and outrage in Ukraine cannot deflect us from the need to do even more, right now. With careful focus and wide support it can be done, and the conversation in 2030 can then be similar to the marvel we feel for the far-sighted determination conjured 80 years ago. Ed Green, Chief Executive GILLIAN DAY Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Get in touch Cover: Starling Wild Warwickshire is the membership Warwickshire Wildlife Trust is the leading WildWarwickshire MagazineTeam murmuration by magazine for Warwickshire Wildlife Trust local charity dedicated to conserving, Danny Green/ protecting and enhancing your local wildlife. Editor Lindsay Butler 2020Vision Email [email protected] We manage over 65 nature reserves in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull. We Design Sally Gregory, Wild Warwickshire magazine was printed by Telephone 024 7630 2912 are supported by over 26,000 members and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Design Studio Seacourt Printers on 100% recycled materials at a over 700 volunteers. factory powered by 100% renewables, using zero Address Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, water and chemicals, and generating zero landfill. Brandon Lane, Coventry, CV3 3GW facebook.com/WarwickshireWT/ Seacourt is a Net Positive printer that makes a positive contribution to the environment and society. Website warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk twitter.com/wkwt Warwickshire Wildlife Trust is a company instagram.com/warwickshirewt/ limited by guarantee. Registered in England, number 00585247. Registered charity, number 209200. VAT Number 670318740. 2 Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022

INSIDE... 4 B ringing wildlife back: Our 2030 strategy 11 We are recruiting a new Chair of Trustees 12 # TeamWilder and the 25% revolution 14 Rare plants rediscovered in Warwickshire 15 Nature Force at 22 16 Meet your membership team 18 T he Arden Farm Wildlife Network 20 Waxing lyrical about the Cole 24 Save our Bees! 25 Mental Health Awareness Week 26 Wilder future for Warwickshire Project 28 Everything we do is thanks to you! 29 Legacies – a lasting gift to nature 30 Six places to see beetles 32 Right Tree, Right Place Save the date for the 2022 AGM Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s AGM will take place on Saturday 18th June 2022. After a few years of virtual meetings, we are now looking at making this a physical event and we’re really looking forward to it. Details are still being firmed up but for now, save the date! Warwickshire Wildlife Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022 3 Trust thanks the players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

2030 STRATEGY TOM MARSHALL MATTHEW ROBERTSBringing wildlife back Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s 2030 Strategy – more space for nature, with more people on nature’s side W e are living in a climate and ecological emergency. Year after year we see and feel the growing disruption this is causing in extreme weather events, declining populations of familiar species and the deterioration in the services which nature provides us … pollination, flood management, soil fertility, beauty, serenity and relaxation. Adding sad irony to this stark crisis by distancing ourselves from nature and treating wildlife as a disposable commodity, we are making ourselves more and more unhealthy. Is it a wonder that levels of disease related to obesity and poor mental health are higher than ever before when fewer people spend less time outdoors enjoying the free benefits nature provides to mind and body? Nature’s recovery is the only way to solve the climate and ecological emergency, which in turn will help to improve our health and well-being. So, we must no longer just think about slowing the loss and protecting what remains. We need to stop and reverse the declines and bring wildlife back at scale and at pace, to help restore biodiversity, stabilise the climate, ensure food security, improve health and wellbeing, and protect our economy which depends on nature and not the other way around. It is time humanity started nurturing rather than eroding the very fundamentals of human progress and welfare. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is an international rallying call for the revival of nature all around the world. We need to do it now and we need to do it here. Our strategy describes what we will do in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull. This is our unique contribution. Local action, collective impact, global change. Ed Green, Chief Executive 4 Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022

SHUTTERSTOCK 2030 STRATEGY TOM MARSHALL What we stand for How people power can piece together the jigsaw that is our natural world Our Vision Our vision is of a thriving natural world where wildlife plays a valued role in addressing the climate, ecological and human health emergencies. Our Purpose Our purpose is to bring wildlife back, and to help people act for nature. Our Approach We are ambitious in our desire to reverse the decline in nature. We speak with a bold and confident voice, telling the truth about the state of nature and what needs to be done to put it in recovery. As part of a grassroots movement we are firmly rooted in our local communities where we look after wild places and increase people’s experience of the natural world. We look to establish common cause and work in partnership with others, to develop new ways to do what’s right for nature and deliver impact in support of our vision. We demonstrate what is possible, and inspire, empower, and enable people from all backgrounds to bring about our vision with us, embracing the diversity of our society to change the natural world for the better. As part of the UK network of Wildlife Trusts we work to ensure that our local actions add up to have a collective impact and help address global issues. STEPHEN CHESHIRE KIANA BOSMAN THECOAIR Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022 5

2030 STRATEGY More space for nature WILDER WARWICKSHIRE We will work for 30% of land in recovery, protected and connected for nature by 2030. S uccess will be when nature is in since 2004 and no breeding nightingales land which has low value for wildlife at recovery with abundant, diverse in the past seven years. the moment, which we will improve by wildlife and natural processes creating new habitats. creating wilder landscapes Given these historic and more recent where people and wildlife thrive. losses, it is no longer enough just to We will double our estate in ten years protect the wildlife that remains. Together by adding 1,000 ha to our existing nature But at the moment the UK is one of with others we will be at the forefront of reserves. the most nature depleted countries in the reversing the decline. world, with increasingly fragmented and But this alone will not be enough. isolated remnants of natural habitat across We will put nature firmly in recovery by Wilder Warwickshire requires action at a our land. We know that 41% percent making more space for nature, creating much greater scale, so we will work with of our wildlife species have declined in and connecting habitats at a landscape partners to influence others, farmers and scale, restoring the abundance of nature, foresters, businesses and politicians, to restore natural processes and reconnect “We will put nature firmly in recovery by wilder land to bring our wildlife back and create places where people and nature making more space for nature, creating and can thrive together. connecting habitats at a landscape scale” We will work for 30% of land in recovery, protected and connected for abundance since the early 1970s, and and getting nature working again, by nature by 2030. 15% of our species are threatened with making sure our wetlands are wet, extinction, and that this situation is getting our woodlands are in good ecological worse, not better. condition and reintroducing missing keystone species such as beavers. In Warwickshire, symptoms of this national picture include the loss of 11% of We will do this across our own estate. our ancient woodland in the past century, We will actively seek to expand the land the extinction of one species of wildflower we manage for wildlife but it will be the every three years, no sightings of adders right land in the right place and it will be DANNY GREEN/2020VISION CHRIS GOMERSALL2020VISION 6 Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022

2030 STRATEGY More people on nature’s side #TeamWilder We will help 1 in 4 people in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull take action for wildlife. E veryone needs nature yet we Everyone has an important role to Our part will be to do what we can to are increasingly disconnected play. People have the power to make help people act for nature. We will work from our natural environment. decisions in their own lives and those with people of all identities, cultures, Without many more people choices will make a difference to what the backgrounds and abilities, and where we on nature’s side we cannot hope to put future looks like for nature. Every action can we will help support them to value, nature into recovery, create more space for wildlife to thrive or reduce pressure on “By talking to friends, neighbours, teachers, the environment. work mates and politicians, people can pass on their passion for nature’s recovery” Our members, staff, volunteers, champions, supporters, visitors and has ripple effects and adds to a building enjoy, speak up and act for wildlife. advocates are already part of a growing wave of support for wildlife. Everyone If barriers exist which prevent anyone movement of individuals standing up for has choices, some more than others but doing this as much or as well as they nature: #TeamWilder. We know though, we can all decide to share our space with would like, then we will do what we can that for the scales to shift further, wildlife wildlife whether that’s a window box in to remove them. Where we may have needs even more people to be acting in Coventry, a garden in Solihull or a farm created those barriers ourselves, we will support of nature because while public estate in rural Warwickshire. By talking eliminate them entirely. concern about the environment is at an to friends, neighbours, teachers, work all-time high, behaviour change is lagging mates and politicians, people can pass In this way we will help to connect far behind. Science shows that when 25% on their passion for nature’s recovery and everyone with natural spaces and nurture of people act, this is enough to change the encourage others to do the same. their sense of belonging there through minds and behaviour of the majority. That is improved community engagement and what success will look like. organising, creating safe and inclusive wild places close to where people live, work, and play. #TeamWilder #TeamWilder will be a support community for nature which properly reflects our society. In local wildlife and green places residents of Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull have one of the most powerful tools for fighting climate change right here on our doorsteps: healthy natural systems, which can provide one-third of the cost- effective climate mitigation needed between now and 2030. Our role is to inspire and support community action through #TeamWilder; a people powered movement that will create a Wilder Warwickshire We will help 1 in 4 people in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull act for wildlife. Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022 7

2030 STRATEGY Achieving change #TeamWilder: More People on Nature’s Side Wilder Lives Wilder Communities Wildlife Champions Nature embedded into the Mobilising people to act Influencing and partnerships fabric of life Identify barriers stopping G ive people the skills E mbed ‘Five Ways to Natural people acting for nature by required to act for wildlife Wellbeing’ in our work understanding and learn if anything is stopping people E mpower people to Inspire a lifelong love of taking action influence their own nature through learning networks and communities F acilitate action for wildlife M ake nature accessible on other people’s land Work in partnership for everyone with others to achieve shared goals Diversify our volunteer opportunities Wilder Warwickshire: More Space for Nature Wilder Warwickshire Wilder Warwickshire Wilder Warwickshire Our existing assets Our new land Other people’s land Enable our reserves to be Buy the right land in the Guide landowners in acting catalysts for nature’s right places for wildlife recovery Improve this land by D eliver programmes of work Restore the abundance of restoring lost habitats that will support nature’s nature in our woodlands recovery Demonstrate best practice in Ensure our visitor centres habitat creation Help wildlife by influencing support nature’s recovery policy at all levels Use new funding Reduce our organisational opportunities to support carbon footprint land management 8 Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022

2030 STRATEGY Changing ourselves To help us achieve more space for nature, with more people on nature’s side we will undertake five transformative actions which will result in a stronger and more effective organisation. We will also work to five enabling priorities that are the most important foundations we need in place to achieve our goal of bringing wildlife back. Transformations Enabling Priorities 1 A ligning our charitable and commercial interests. We 1 Get our own house in order by ensuring our will work collaboratively with Middlemarch nature reserves are in good condition, able to be Environmental to build joint organisational capabilities the foundation for nature’s recovery, reduce our and maximise our impact by developing our people, environmental footprint and contribute to new ensuring we are all #TeamWilder, working in different models of collaboration to enable greater ways towards the same goals. alignment and consistency on our approach to key issues. 2 W orking effectively as a part of the distributed Wildlife Trust movement. We will engage with a wider and more 2 Communicate so that people hear and change diverse range of partners within our communities, their behaviour. Listen to how people in developing and embracing new models of collaboration Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull want to act that are transparent, direct, and agile and enable us to for wildlife, identify how we are best placed to address common causes and achieve greater impact. help and celebrate the success of others in bringing about nature’s recovery. 3 Inspiring community and mobilising organisations. We are committed to re-imagining volunteering and 3 D evelop clear and consistent evidence-based community action, to become more open and inclusive, policies and invest in citizen science which and to be led by our supporters. We will provide a supports the recovery of nature in Warwickshire, platform that can inform, connect, and support Coventry and Solihull. community efforts to restore nature, creating opportunities for them to step into the space of 4 Invest in our staff and volunteers, building a community action and campaigning. culture of learning and development, being guided by diverse, inclusive, and effective 4 U ndergoing a thorough digital transformation. Rapid leaders. advances in digital technologies have revolutionised the concept of community, and the way in which people 5 Speak with a bold confident voice, adapting the connect, organise and mobilise to bring about change is tone and timing of our communications to fit continuously evolving. We are committed to the challenges faced by people and nature. experimenting with new technologies to maximise our impact, promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration across our movement. 5 Delivering a step-change in the scale and diversity of funding. As the scale of our ambition for nature’s recovery expands, so too must the scale of the funding we secure. We will develop new approaches to fundraising, horizon scanning for significant funding and investment opportunities and exploring new business models, whilst preserving the bedrock of our traditional financial support. Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022 9

2030 STRATEGY Our shared values WWT shares the following fundamental values and beliefs with all other Wildlife Trusts which underpin all our work. Love for Nature Enthusiasm New strategy, new look! Our love and respect for the intrinsic A focused passion steers us to where we As we modernise the way we work value of nature sits at the core of our are uniquely placed to deliver the most and the channels we use, we’ve skilled, motivated, and dedicated team. impact for wildlife, enabling us to work modernised our logo too. We will always ensure that our work and enthusiastically with purpose and focus. partnerships and driven by what’s right Over the past few years, for nature. Integrity consultation has taken place with members and supporters from across Evidence-led innovation We are committed to transparency the Wildlife Trust movement on our and inclusivity within our actions and brand and logo. The feedback showed We are evidence-based and solution- projects, co-designing to deliver the widespread support for retaining our focused, working with partners and greatest impact for nature. We will always iconic and well recognised badger, but communities seeking innovative solutions uphold our values and beliefs and speak with conversations indicating that it to maximise our contribution and impact truth to power. could do with a refresh to bring it up for nature. to date. Respect Strength in diversity Our in-house designers got to work We work with respect for nature, respect on the challenge, and we’re delighted We are one movement, comprised of for people, and respect for diversity. We to announce that our logo is now 46 independent and unique Wildlife Trusts work collaboratively and champion inclusion ready for the digital age and is flexible who hold unparalleled knowledge of the and diversity within our communities, being enough to be instantly recognised wildlife and natural systems within their locally sensitive whilst ensuring that we across all the online channels that local communities. have impact beyond our borders. didn’t exist when it was originally designed. These channels are vital in helping us to deliver our message, communicate our campaigns and reach new audiences, meaning more and more people can join us in taking positive action for wildlife. It also means we’ll have an important sense of consistency with The Wildlife Trust movement as a whole, allowing recognition and strength on a wider scale. Our fresh new look was created by our talented in-house design team, so costs were kept to a minimum. We’ll be updating our physical assets over the next few years, as and when they need, meaning we’ll be avoiding wastage and unnecessary spend. We hope you like the new look! SHUTTERSTOCK 10 Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022

GET INVOLVED We are recruiting a new Chair of Trustees! Your chance to help us lead the way in making Crishni’s Reflections more space for nature, with more people on nature’s side Being Chair has been a fantastic opportunity to use my business After over five years with the other Trustees and the CEO. experience in support of a cause Trust, Crishni Waring has We’re looking for someone with that I am passionate about, alongside announced her intention to giving me the chance to take part in stand down from her role as excellent leadership and people skills, events such as a mass lobby outside Chair of Trustees of Warwickshire Wildlife an understanding of governance, the Houses of Parliament, where Trust. Crishni has been fantastic and we experience of management and chairing we joined 12,000 other people asking thank her for everything that she has done meetings. You will be an excellent MPs to act on the climate and for the charity. communicator and be prepared to act nature crisis. as a public ambassador for the Trust. An We are now looking to recruit a new interest in wildlife and the environment Naturally being a Trustee gives volunteer to lead the Council in its work to and a desire to connect people with nature you an opportunity to be involved deliver the Trust’s strategic ambitions for is a must! in determining the priorities for the wildlife and people across Warwickshire, Trust but as a Chair you play more Coventry and Solihull, working closely with The role requires a time commitment of of a leadership and ambassadorial 4 days a month, which is not remunerated. role, engaging with various different stakeholders. It’s the Chair’s role to manage and support the Chief Executive, meeting regularly to agree topics for Council discussions and to keep up to date with Trust business. If you care about nature, being Chair of WWT is a great chance to influence decisions locally in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull and nationally, through the wider Wildlife Trust network.  You don’t have to be an environmental expert - you can make a difference to nature’s recovery by using all sorts of other skills! We have a great team of people working for the Trust, a strong membership base and a refreshed strategy in place to deliver our ambitions, so it’s a great time to join us for the next phase of our journey. How to apply OFSHOOTS PHOTOGRAPHY The closing date for applications isTuesday 31st May. Please send a C.V and cover letter expressing reasons for interest in the role to [email protected]. Meet the current trustees at warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/ trustees Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022 11

PEOPLE AND NATURE #TeamWilder and the 25% revolution How people power can piece together the jigsaw that is our natural world Y ou might not even have noticed, young people today. Since the 1930’s, but for many, the present scarcity of nature you might have forgotten, or you species-rich wildflower meadows have is normal. may have never experienced it become virtually extinct. Since the 1950’s at all. we’ve seen declines in over half of all This planet is our only home. It has the You might remember the state of nature species across the UK and since the 1970’s ability to provide everything we need and was different when you were growing up, there’s been a 60% fall in vertebrates more, but the scale of change required but subtle changes easily go unnoticed. globally. Elsewhere recent reports tell the to reverse nature’s decline is so great, Sadly, the memories of meadows bursting story of insect populations collapsing by everyone needs to understand the need for with wildflowers and the resounding 75% between 1990 and 2014. change, now, and to recognise their own chorus of birdsong are unknown to many role in making change happen. Wildlife has been and is still in freefall, We cannot hope to do this and achieve Volunteers improving community green spaces for nature PENNIE DIXIE 12 Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022

PEOPLE AND NATURE nature’s recovery alone. We need to inspire people to want to make a difference. We want to see people acting for nature and the climate. Working with communities Give birds a helping hand by putting up birdboxes #TeamWilder is the Wildlife Trusts’ opportunity to work with the community EVIE AND TOM PHOTOGRAPHY and to embrace those who are motivated PETER CAIRNS/2020VISION to make a positive change for nature. It is about empowering and enabling people to take meaningful actions that bring about nature’s recovery, both on land and at sea, so we can witness the impacts at a global and local scale. It is about helping to find routes and messages to reach and inspire the community, with the aim of encouraging one in four people to take positive action for nature, now. The science shows that if one in four people adapt their behaviour and start making positive changes to the way they treat the environment and view nature, this can be enough to change the minds and behaviours of the majority. Imagine a jigsaw with one in four pieces already in place, the remaining three in four will be much easier to piece together with the first 25% already in place. Then we can “Warwickshire Wildlife Trust looks forward to and learn from our different communities. being part of community networks, encouraging We will understand what motivates them and supporting people to act for nature,” to act and work out how best to help them take action. achieve the complete picture. stimulate and facilitate nature’s recovery The #TeamWilder movement across across the places we care for and within Individual action is equally as valuable as the communities we work with, on other community-led activity and we especially the country shares a vision of ‘a wilder people’s land, and at sea. We know the want to support individuals to go further future’. A world rich in nature and wild scale of change needed is great and we as part of a community and, even better, spaces, which benefits both people and know we can’t do this alone. We want to initiate or lead activity themselves … wildlife. Wildlife Trusts already work hard to help everyone understand the need for because they’ve found the knowledge and change, now, and to see how they can help confidence to do so through us. Bacutiilvdiitnygtobidrdobwoixtehscihsiladrgerneat make that change happen. Tipping the balance Warwickshire Wildlife Trust looks forward to being part of community We are as much a part of the ecosystem as networks, encouraging and supporting the water we waste and the soil we pollute. people to act for nature, no matter how Our health and wellbeing is intrinsically small the act is, and then facilitating that connected to our natural environment, so positive action. In this way we will work we must start to turn this around today and alongside people from every sector of tip the balance in favour of nature’s recovery society helping them to lead change in and our own survival. We can only do this if their fields: farmers, businesses, schools, we work together, as a team. politicians, the health sector, individuals and their communities. #TeamWilder can be described as a murmuration. We move as one, with #TeamWilder means we need to listen to multiple wingbeats intricately coordinated to fly together, driven by instinctive and effective collaboration. Together we are #TeamWilder Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022 13

SPECIES FOCUS Rare plants rediscovered Brookweed seedlings in Warwickshire Local surveyors find colony of Brookweed plants not recorded since 1995 O ne of Warwickshire’s Flora Group joined Lisa Parkhill of Bordon JON BOWLEY rarest plants is making a Hill Nurseries to visit the unique colony. comeback at a local nursery. In August 2017 the plants were officially In 2017 two of our Habitat surveyed and the colony designated as Biodiversity Audit (HBA) recorders a single-species Local Wildlife Site by discovered a large colony of Brookweed Jon Bowley and Sarah Shuttleworth from (Samolus valerandi) growing at Bordon the HBA. Hill Nurseries Ltd. Mostly found in wet The plants were first identified on the “The plants were first identified on the bank by a former grower in 2004, but until 2017 the staff did not realise just how rare the colony was.” “Last autumn the business expanded and one of the consequences was building coastal dunes, Brookweed is unusual in bank by a former grower in 2004, but until a car park on the Brookweed bank. We Warwickshire and historically grew in local 2017 the staff did not realise just how rare had a few ideas about what we should valleys like the Avon around Stratford. the colony was. Staff are now championing do to preserve our rare colony; the plants It has been scarce since the late 1800s the unassuming plant and have begun had gone to seed so it was the right time and was last recorded near Wellesbourne transplanting them to suitable places around of year to collect them to sow later. We in 1995. the grounds to help the species thrive. transplanted over 1000 seedlings from the bank to plant in bedding packs and the John and Monika of the Warwickshire Grower Malcolm Tanner said: plants will over-winter before being planted out in the spring.” JON BOWLEY Malcolm and Lisa by a transplant bank Malcolm and Lisa contacted the HBA for help with formulating their rescue plan. Jon visited with local botanist Brian Laney, who was amazed by the size and health of the colony. This was also the first time that it had been found growing within nursery grounds, making the Bordon Hill colony particularly unique. Malcolm went on: “From our meeting with Jon and Brian we found four suitable locations where we could transfer plants and sow the harvested seeds. The contractors very kindly relocated the spoil containing Brookweed along the base of the new banks. Plants in the bedding packs are growing slowly and will be ready to plant out in February. We plan to sow the seeds we harvested last year in different locations around the site, to continue allowing this very special plant to thrive here at Bordon Hill Nurseries.” 14 Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022

VOLUNTEERING Nature Force at 22 The dedicated volunteer team aiding nature conservation across Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull celebrates 22 years T his year Nature Force, our Avon told us how it all started… Grass cutting ALEXIS EVANS dedicated team of volunteers ‘I responded to an advert in the Coventry who work across all great friendships. It has been dotted with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Evening Telegraph in 2000 in which the a few funny moments along the way, like reserves, will reach an incredible 22 years Trust advertised a new volunteer group when I got a soaking at Wyken Slough in operation. that would be travelling by minibus to twice in one day!’ Henley Sidings - and to bring wellies or To celebrate this landmark birthday, heavy boots. Arriving on the morning of As the Trust embraces a new and we’d like to thank everyone who has the first ever day, with some trepidation, ambitious strategy, we hope to continue volunteered over the years for their part a group of 6 new volunteers bussed it to our excellent relationship with Nature in making Warwickshire, Coventry and Henley to have a day of practical work. The Force volunteers. Alongside habitat Solihull a rich and vibrant place for wildlife. only issue was that my wellies had holes creation and improvement there will be The way Nature Force operates has in and were promptly filled with water as new opportunities to do even more and changed somewhat due to the pandemic, we accessed the site, which was flooded, diversify their well-established skill set but in 2019 the volunteers contributed and my new companions took great joy to continue bringing wildlife back. Many over 10,000 hours of work across our sites. in watching me wring out my socks. I did happy returns to Nature Force and here’s That is the equivalent of 1,482 days of however have a great time and returned, to the next 22 years! work to enhance local green spaces. The and have since been to 57 of the Trust diversity of tasks undertaken has been reserves over the years on over 601 extraordinary; from woodland coppicing to occasions. fencing, digging ponds to putting up owl boxes – there is no conservation task they ‘It has changed over the years with a haven’t gladly taken on. greater emphasis on health and safety – a good thing – but there has always been Avon Gallois was one of the volunteers an enjoyable mix of practical work, making present at Nature Force’s inception in 2000. a difference for wildlife but also building ALEXIS EVANS Reed cutting Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022 15

MEMBERSHIP Meet your membership team The people behind your membership tell us a little more about their roles and what the Trust means to them The membership team play an important role within the Trust, so we thought it a good opportunity to give you a small insight into the team. Donna Hook Philippa Arnold Membership Services Manager Membership Engagement Officer What is your role? I started working for the Trust in 2007 as the Database What is your role? Administrator. I have changed roles over the years but I started working for the Trust back in 2011, as the Wildplay and always staying within the membership team. I am now the Communities Coordinator, as part of the Wild:LIFE project, funded Membership Services Manager. by the Big Lottery. Since then, I have had a number of roles at the Trust but I am currently the Membership Engagement Officer. My Why do you enjoy working for the Trust? role is really varied from running events, to delivering talks and I’m very passionate about wildlife and our natural world, so overseeing our Peregrine Watch project. being able to support this in my job, I feel incredibly lucky. It’s a very friendly place to work and I have met some amazing people Why do you enjoy working for the Trust? over the years. From a young age I was encouraged to spend time in the natural environment, which made me want to learn more about it, both What do the members mean to you and the Trust? at college and university. After graduating I knew I wanted to They are the lifeblood of the charity; their support allows us to remain in the sector, so was really excited to get a job with the make the biggest impact in protecting our local environment. Trust. Knowing we help protect the environment and the wildlife Their loyalty is vital and I am thankful for each and every one. living within it, as well as enabling others to enjoy it, means I enjoy working for the Trust. What is your favourite WWT nature reserve? Bubbenhall Wood is my favourite. On each visit I love standing What is your favourite WWT nature reserve? at the top of the meadow and seeing the changes since the Daffern’s Wood is close to my heart. I grew up close to this Trust took ownership in 2015. It’s so peaceful and tranquil. reserve, so visited it regularly over the years. In the spring it is full of bluebells and wild garlic. This reserve was the first reserve I 16 Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022 worked on when I started working for the Trust.

MEMBERSHIP VICKY PAGE, OFFSHOOTS PHOTOGRAPHY Vicky Page Imogen Hardy Membership Development Officer Membership Administrator What is your role? What is your role? I joined the Trust as Membership Officer in 2014. Over time, I’ve been with the Trust since the start of 2020 as the Membership my role has evolved and I now enjoy keeping the membership Administrator, so I work with new members, renewals and any database running smoothly as Membership Development Officer. other membership enquiries. Why do you enjoy working for the Trust? Why do you enjoy working for the Trust? I’ve found the perfect fusion between my lifelong love of The climate crisis is currently the biggest threat to our planet nature and my technical leanings, between my environmental and to all life that calls this globe home. I believe it’s within our degrees and my experience working in the games industry. I power to save this world if we work together and I love working love everything the charity stands for, the beautiful wild places it with such an active conservation charity. Also, my colleagues are protects and, of course, my wonderful colleagues. wonderful! What do the members mean to you and the Trust? What do the members mean to you and the Trust? Our members are the reason we do what we do. We are very Our members are the best. They are very supportive of what we fortunate to have such a body of like-minded people supporting do and are our biggest advocates. They are the reason we will our work so selflessly and we thank them for everything they do make a difference. for wildlife. What is your favourite WWT nature reserve? What is your favourite WWT nature reserve? My favourite reserve is actually Brandon Marsh. There is just so I love getting lost in Ryton Wood, the spring flowers in much of it! From finding the strangest mushrooms in the autumn, Wappenbury Wood, the shoveler ducks’ spinning dance at to standing at the water’s edge in summer, watching terns skim Brandon Marsh, the frog chorus at Cock Robin Wood – it’s too across the pools or walking through the meadows by the river with hard to choose! the air alive with grasshoppers and banded demoiselles. I can, and have, spent hours exploring every corner. You can renew your membership, buy a gift membership and find out more by visiting warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/join Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022 17

FARMING & NATURE The Arden Farm Wildlife Network Farmer-led information sharing at landscape scale Wheat harvest on farmland delivers an effective ecological approach I n 2017, the Trust recognised that The Network aims to support farmers in order to create a catalyst for to make more space for nature, whilst nature’s recovery, we needed maintaining productive farms for growing to increase our work with high quality, healthy food. 16 farmers farmers. Agricultural land covers 70% became the founder members of the of Warwickshire and the intensification group and were supported by Zoe of agriculture over the last five decades Bell, an independent environmental has been one of many factors leading to agricultural adviser, who helped facilitate nature’s decline. In 2017, we recognised the activities. Over the following four that whilst the way people grow food for years the project has become a huge us to eat has impacted on wildlife, it can success. Membership of the network has also be part of the solution. And for nature grown to 46 farms who collectively farm to recover, we need farmland that grows nearly 10,500 hectares of land across high quality food, but also provides the Warwickshire. things our wildlife relies on. Fast forward five years and the foundations have been Landscape scale collaboration laid for a more sustainable future, but there The project is farmer-led, so farmers “The key to making this all work is finding success of the project through the ways to support farmers in making space for pandemic. An unexpected benefit has nature, whilst maintaining productive farms.” been the role the Network plays in helping tackle rural social isolation. Farmers JAMES WAINSCOT/UNSPLASH is still a long way to go. suggest ideas for subjects they would have valued sharing ideas, celebrating The Trust successfully secured funding like to learn more about and the Trust successes and reflecting on failures. identifies specialists who provide training. By approaching training and information from Natural England to support the The project has been a pre-cursor to our sharing at a landscape (rather than an creation of the Arden Farm Wildlife emerging #TeamWilder initiative which individual farm) scale, a more effective Network in April 2018. ecological approach can be taken. Species will enable people to act for wildlife like barn owls operate across a landscape Improvements for where they live. Over the last and catering for their needs in terms of barn owls four years, specialists from nest boxes, or habitat for small mammals around the country (their prey), delivers more impact at scale have provided advice than on individual farms. to the farmers on everything from Ian Jelley, Director of Living harvest mice and Landscapes said, water voles, through to barn owls and “We’re facing an ecological emergency lapwing. The farmers and 15% of all wildlife here in the UK have also been keen is under threat from extinction. We to keep up with cutting know farmers can play a critical role in edge subjects such as supporting nature’s recovery and with regenerative agriculture, agricultural land covering 70% of the land soil nutrition, cover crops and area, we really can’t bring our wildlife agroforestry. back without them. The key to making Group training is delivered this all work is finding ways to support farmers in making space for nature, whilst on farm or via Zoom and that maintaining productive farms. Managed flexibility has helped ensure the in the right way, farmland can grow food and also form part of our nature recovery networks. British farmers produce some of the highest quality food in the world

FARMING & NATURE OUR IMPACT AT A GLANCE IAN JELLEY and farmers we’re working 46 farms with are showing how covering a total of they can do that whilst also playing a leading role in 10,400 hectares nature’s recovery.” 20 barn owl 65 training events and One of the real successes boxes installed 7 planning meetings of the project is the foundation and surveyed yearly arranged with over it has provided to attract 800 attendees further funding. Funding to facilitate the farmer cluster is Tree sparrow villages 17 members quite narrowly focused. For created, with 110 take part in the additional capital work, extra tree sparrow Big Farmland funding is required. The farmer boxes installed Bird Count cluster provides the perfect across 11 farms platform for a landscape scale approach to project work and 12,732 free trees 7 hectares farmers are forthcoming with suggestions and hedging plants on the species we should target. This distributed of flower-rich combines to make an excellent case for grassland support when applying for funds. To date, restoration on the Trust has secured additional funds 5 farms to support tree sparrows, barn owls, tree planting and the re-creation of wild flower meadows. These mini projects have helped foster better working relationships and deliver significant added value to the farmers participating, whilst also providing a lifeline to some of our most threatened species. Farm network expansion The success of the Arden Farm Wildlife Network has inspired the creation of two new farm clusters in Warwickshire. In 2022 the Network will be joined by a South Warwickshire Sustainable Farming Group and the Upper Avon and Leam Sustainable Farming Group, thanks to collaborations with Warwickshire Rural Hub. Each group will help bring neighbouring farmers together and allow the ability to collaborate on issues benefiting members from all three geographic areas – meaning every farmer is welcome at any group. These groups will play a crucial role in our ambitions to ensure that 30% of Warwickshire is enabling nature’s recovery by 2030. Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022 19

LIVING LANDSCAPES Waxing lyrical about the Cole Empowering the community to restore the river Cole to a wildlife haven Little egret on the river Cole SIMON WATTS, 2021 T he river Cole runs for over So, what about the wildlife? The river Otters DANNY GREEN/2020VISION 40 miles through the West Cole corridor has long been recognised as Midlands, where it then meets one of the most important green corridors Valley Wetlands, with funding from the the river Blythe at Coleshill. in the north of the county for both people Environment Agency, developed a pilot Like many urban rivers the Cole suffers and wildlife. It includes some of our project called Love Your River Cole (LYRiC). from poor water quality, invasive plants most charismatic species such as otter, such as Himalayan balsam, flooding and kingfisher and little egret. However, it is in Work swiftly began and then… more than its fair share of shopping trollies. desperate need of improvement. COVID hit. Not perhaps the most obvious candidate to be described as a wildlife haven or the Delayed by COVID As much of the work was community inspiration for one of the most famous focused, effectively, everything was books in the English language. In 2018 The Environment Agency and put on hold. It is hard to deliver practical Tame Valley Wetlands (a landscape training sessions from your spare A certain JRR Tolkien spent much of his partnership led by Warwickshire Wildlife bedroom over Zoom! However, by the childhood exploring the river Cole and the Trust) commissioned a strategic vision surrounding countryside, when he lived for the Cole. This involved partners from in the small village of Sarehole, adjacent across the area; local authorities, national to the river. Many of these places such agencies, business and community groups as Sarehole Mill (now a museum) and and our sister Trust, Birmingham and Black Moseley Bog, inspired locations in the Country. A series of recommendations Lord of the Rings. were produced and in 2019 Tame 20 Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022

LIVING LANDSCAPES TARA HIGGS, 2022 Volunteers at six hectares of invasive Himalayan balsam species of fish recorded in the Cole, such Castle Bromwich from along a three kilometre stretch of the as bullhead and brown trout. Bankside Parkland river, which will now mean other plants vegetation not only provides habitat for are able to thrive. Work to create and birds like kingfisher and herons but is also reinstate footpaths around local nature important cover to allow other species reserves and parks, as well as a huge to move up and down the river. In total, range of training and engagement events improvements have been undertaken on delivered via the project, have meant over seven kilometres of the river. more people have been able to access and explore their area. Also in Solihull, at Castle Bromwich Parkland, a green oasis in a vast built up At the Kingshurst Brook, a tributary area, the project has delivered a variety of the Cole in Meriden Park, Solihull, of habitat improvements, including summer of 2020 there was a chink “The river Cole corridor has long been of light. All of a sudden, people were recognised as one of the most important becoming increasingly aware of the green corridors in the north of the county” importance of local green space and the river Cole is on tens of thousands we have carried out significant works to restoration of one of the most extensive of doorsteps. Even at the early stages narrow the river channel and reprofile areas of acid grassland in the county. 16 of the pandemic, conversations were the banks. This will help improve river species of butterfly have been recorded being had with Government as to how flows to provide clean areas of gravel in the last year. Wetland areas have the environment could help lead to a and areas of bankside vegetation, which green recovery. will provide valuable habitat for aquatic been improved providing invertebrates; the basis of the food habitat for dragonflies A successful outcome chain. In turn, this will improve and birds such conditions for the numerous as summer By late autumn 2020, this manifested warblers. itself in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) launching BORIS SMOKROVIC the Green Recovery Challenge Fund. Thanks to the vision, we already had the “With the help beginnings of a delivery partnership, a of some brilliant long to-do list and an opportunity to scale volunteers, we have up our pilot project. However, we only removed a total of six had a four-week window to submit a bid. hectares of invasive So, after some very frenzied activity, a bid Himalayan balsam was submitted by Warwickshire Wildlife from along a three Trust on behalf of the partnership and kilometre stretch of after an anxious wait we were awarded £707,000 - one of the largest awards of the river” the first round. The present LYRIC project aims to actively improve the river Cole for both wildlife and people by removing pollution, enhancing the structure of the river, and providing training and learning opportunities to local people so that they can continue to take care of the river into the future. With the help of some brilliant volunteers, we have removed a total of Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022 21

LIVING LANDSCAPES LYRiC trainee Freya LYRiC trainee Charmion CHARMION ROBERTS, 2021 OLIVER PICKERING, 2021 “Being one of the around me. Having engaged in some LYRiC trainees local conservation opportunities in the has been a truly past, the traineeship has helped me life changing re-build confidence, whilst learning and participating in a variety of conservation experience.” tasks and activities across Warwickshire.” – Charmion, LYRiC Trainee. At Cole End Park in North Warwickshire, conservation skills, helping lead volunteer the project has allowed the Trust’s groups, attending training events and Working alongside The Prince’s Trust reserves team to undertake significant engaging with local community groups, all has enabled us to engage with more improvements to the Trust’s reserve and whilst completing a City and Guilds Level young people across the Birmingham work is just being completed on a new 2 Diploma in Work-based Environmental and Solihull area, providing learning nature themed playground and footpath Conservation. opportunities to over 140 people aged improvements, led by North Warwickshire 16-25. Training courses have been centred Borough Council. “Being a LYRIC trainee has not around wellbeing in nature, introductions only helped me develop my practical to conservation and habitat management At Glebe Farm in Birmingham, The conservation skills, it has helped me and employability courses to introduce Wildlife Trust of Birmingham and the to develop my confidence in my own people to jobs in the green sector. Black Country are working with the local abilities, become a better communicator, community, delivering wetland and other lead groups, and work better both in We’ve also been working with local schools. At High Meadow Community School in Coleshill, our LYRiC trainees helped the pupils create a rain garden ANDREW APANASIONOK “Being a LYRiC trainee has not only helped me develop my practical conservation skills it has helped me to develop my confidence” habitat creation, footpath improvements groups and individually.” – Freya, LYRiC and engagement events. Trainee. At the heart of the LYRiC project are our “Being one of the LYRiC trainees has trainees. We’ve appointed six trainees, been a truly life changing experience. two hosted by Warwickshire Wildlife Previous to the traineeship, redundancy Trust, and the others at Wildlife Trust made me re-evaluate my options. During Birmingham and the Black Country and lockdown I had reconnected with nature, Castle Bromwich, and two at the B37 as many have highlighted for wellbeing, Project CiC. The trainees have worked including recording audio, appreciating tirelessly, learning and developing nature and taking more notice of what was 22 Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022

LIVING LANDSCAPES (a planted area designed to collect and use rainwater) in the school playground, and we received a wonderful letter from the children in response. And this is only the start. As the LYRiC project continues, we will improve more habitat, train and engage more people, and bring back more nature to the river Cole. With time and effort, we will make it into the wildlife haven it’s supposed to be. We’re so excited to see what’s next. Acknowledgements Thanks are due to the partners and the myriad of people involved: The B37 Project, Birmingham City Council, Castle Bromwich Hall & Gardens Trust, North Warwickshire Borough Council, The Prince’s Trust, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. The LYRiC project is funded by the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm’s-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England, the Environment Agency and Forestry Commission. You can find out more about LYRiC, including project vlogs, at tamevalleywetlands.co.uk/love-your- river-cole Improvements on the Kingshurst Brook, a tributary of the Cole Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022 23

CAMPAIGNING Save our Bees! The children at Edgewick Community Primary School protested to share their message ‘save our bees, don’t cut down trees!’ EDGEWICK COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL W e believe it’s really for humans to survive! The children were going on and people were cheering and important to set a good astonished to hear that if bees were to taking in our important message. The example and stand up for disappear from our Earth, vegetables and children were so excited to be part of wildlife. Recently, Year 4 fruits such as the tomato wouldn’t exist the protest and afterwards they all felt pupils at Edgewick Community Primary anymore (everyone was saddened to know proud that they had stood up for wildlife. School have done just that, holding a ‘save that this would mean no more pizza). One of the children said, “I was a little our bees’ protest as part of their lessons. It embarrassed at first, but it was worth it to is so inspiring to see young people making Soon the children discovered that there show people that they must stop hurting a difference - well done Year 4! is a lot of work being done to save and Their teacher, Mr Gray, wrote: “It was exciting to protest to save the bees. ‘The children have been learning all about animals and habitats and started We don’t want the bees to die! ” to question how humans and animals co-exist. After doing some research, the protect bees and preserve a brighter bees.” Another said, “It was exciting to children were disappointed to find out that future for all. They were inspired to make protest to save the bees. We don’t want humans and animals don’t always have a a difference by staging a protest in the the bees to die! They pollinate plants and positive relationship. community to raise awareness. They set give us all of my favourite food.” The children chose a creature to study to work creating posters and picket signs in more detail and settled on the humble and practising their chants until the day of The children have a message for anyone bee. There were a lot of interesting facts the protest finally arrived. who wants to get involved and raise to learn about bees and how they are awareness of wildlife: go for it, and don’t one of our most important pollinators - Dressed in black and yellow, the be shy. It’s for a good cause and you can without them it would be near impossible children took to the streets. Cars and make a difference! buses were stopping to see what was 24 Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022

HEALTH & WELLBEING Mental Health Awareness Week 9th-16th May 2022 Loneliness and how nature helps us connect T his year’s theme for Mental Connections Project Officer, Kat Reay, has TIM KYTE, LGC VOLUNTEER Health Awareness week is experienced this during the last two years loneliness. Something that of her project: affects millions of people in “Sometimes it’s easier to talk to the UK every year. Connection to others, someone when you’re walking or busy whether that be family, friends, or the working side-by-side. Noticing and sharing wider community, is so important for our the sights and sounds in nature can act mental health, but it’s been disrupted over as great icebreakers and there is less the last two years due to the Covid-19 expectation for eye-contact or constant Pandemic. conversation. With less pressure, I’ve “Here at Warwickshire often seen weekly interactions between my Wildlife Trust, we understand volunteers and wellbeing groups blossom into how restorative nature can be wonderful friendships. Planting trees as part My volunteers come of habitat creation on and also how wonderful it is Newbold Comyn at connecting people. ” from very different backgrounds and cover whether that’s as part of regular weekly a 60-year age range, but volunteering groups or during a wellbeing that doesn’t matter when event. Recent questionnaires show that across the project over 70% of those Here at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, we you’re working together on a common involved ‘feel less isolated’, over 85% ‘feel part of a community’ and 100% understand how restorative nature can be goal. My groups will often meet for walks, feel ‘part of a team’. Considering the necessary separation that has happened and also how wonderful it is at connecting a coffee, or another activity outside of at intervals over the last few years, this feedback is significant. One volunteer people. Whether it’s through volunteering sessions and many of them are even commented; “I think the only thing that has kept me in touch with the real world activities, education or our wellbeing about to take an art class together!” during COVID is the weekly volunteer sessions with the great people in our events, nature can be a great place Projects like LGC can create a really group…all becoming friends week on week…” to make friends. Leamington’s Green important opportunity to socialise, Nature is powerful. It’s crucial we protect KAT REAY, LGC PROJECT OFFICER it, not just for its own sake but for ours. Volunteers enjoying If you’re interested in boosting your some sunshine at tea mental health by learning something new, break time getting active or making new friends, why not join us by volunteering or joining a local event? We now have several wellbeing courses running regularly across the county - just search ‘wild wellbeing’ on our website. Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022 25

WILDER FUTURE Wilder Future for Warwickshire Project: Putting young people’s voices front and center Our Young Adult Ambassadors reflect on their time with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust T he Wilder Future for Committee which will act as a focal point for Chelsey Nightingale Warwickshire (WFfW) Project young adults at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. Young Adult Ambassador is a National Lottery Heritage To give them a community to share, discuss Fund supported program that and engage with the natural environment Taking part in Wilder Futures for has been running at the Trust for the past and ensure that young people’s voices are Warwickshire has been one of the best two years. Over the last 18 months the front and center of the Trust’s strategy decisions I’ve made in the past year. It’s project has delivered 52 online webinars going forward. given me a lovely community of people and 16 in person workshops, covering around my age, who also enjoy nature and topics ranging from species ecology, habitat As the project is coming to an end, we I hope to take it forward by joining the management, climate anxiety, social media wanted to share some of the volunteers’ Youth Council. and campaigning. We’ve had 66 wonderful experiences and memories. Young Adult Ambassador volunteers take part in the project and it has been an “Now I’m always stopping to examine moss, absolute pleasure getting to know them or identify a bird and I have confidence in all, watching them grow in confidence, showing other people to hopefully get them skills and knowledge. One of the ultimate interested too.” goals of the project is to set up a Youth JOANNA WELCH Sustainable Farming – Grounds Farm, May 2021 26 Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022

WILDER FUTURE I’m an information hoarder, so my JOANNA WELCH FieldTrip 2 - Preston favourite thing has been that each session Montford, October 2021 adds to the pieces of the puzzle I have. I can name more and I know where to look. Once you understand a little, it’s like a flashlight, you start to see secrets glittering in the corners of the natural world and you’re drawn into this other, smaller universe, that has its own ways of knowing. This project has given me the tools for knowing. Now I’m always stopping to examine moss, or identify a bird and I have confidence in showing other people to hopefully get them interested too. I’ll talk their ear off about it either way! Thank you to everyone who delivered talks to us. I get such a buzz from listening to people who are in love with what they do, so they really made this fun for me. Michaeljohn Cullen Young Adult Ambassador When I first heard about the Wilder Future the feeling of being a part of a small Records Centre (WBRC), as well as a for Warwickshire project, it was a beacon community and getting involved with demonstration of the WBRC’s data search of hope during a difficult time of my life and learning more about the work of process and how Quantum Geographic and the miracle I had been waiting for. Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. I particularly Information System (QGIS) is used as a Through certain circumstances, a couple of enjoyed the weekend trip to Field Studies part of this process. years before the WFfW project, I lost my Council Preston Montford. This was enthusiasm for wildlife and was struggling the first social event of the project and Abi Wilkin with loneliness. This project, due to its consisted of a good balance of learning aims and purpose, seemed like the perfect and fun activities including phase 1 habitat Young Adult Ambassador solution to both problems, as it would survey training, moth trapping and a quiz. provide training on a variety of wildlife As part of the project, I was given the The Wilder Future for Warwickshire project topics and allow me to meet people of a opportunity to present my own webinar. has been one of the best groups I’ve ever similar age. The subject was a general overview of been involved in, thanks to the friendly what biological record centres are and people and fascinating things I’ve learnt My favourite aspects of the Wilder what they do, with a particular emphasis along the way. It has introduced me to Future project have been socially on the work of the Warwickshire Biological a network of like-minded young people, interacting with others on a regular basis, who all share an interest in and passion for nature. Before the project started I didn’t JOANNA WELCH Birding 1 – Brandon know anyone who also took an interest in Marsh, June 2021 wildlife, so it’s been fantastic to listen to the sweet melodies of birds and go pond- dipping with the other Young Ambassadors who are just as enthusiastic as I am. The training has covered a brilliantly broad spectrum of topics, developing my skills in species ID, social media and campaigning, GIS mapping and practical conservation. The highlight of the project for me was the field trip at FSC Preston Montford in Shropshire. The weekend was packed with fun conservation activities and I came away hugely inspired. It was also spent with amazing company and lots of laughter, which is definitely the best way to enjoy nature! Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022 27

MEMBERSHIP Everything we do is thanks to you! Here’s to 2022 – Kickstart your wildlife adventure with us Take advantage of your free Change to your monthly child activity place Direct Debit card renewal We want every child to have the chance to be connected to To help us reduce CMaermd bership nature and to encourage them at a young age to value our our carbon footprint, natural world and our wildlife within it. As part of your family we’ve changed the membership package, which covers three children up to the age of 16, each child can take part in one free activity per season. way you’ll receive What a fantastic way to start their connection with nature! Free sessions include: your membership Weekly Nature Tots: Tuesday mornings at Brandon Marsh card. & Friday mornings at Parkridge Centre W eekly Nature Club: Saturday mornings at Brandon Marsh If you pay your M onthly after school clubs: After school on a Friday at both Brandon Marsh & Parkridge Centre membership via Kingfisher © Jon Hawkins School holiday workshops: Monday and Wednesday a monthly Direct mornings in Easter and May school holidays at both Brandon Marsh & Parkridge Centre Debit and your Simply call our membership team on 024 7630 8972 or email: [email protected] to book your child’s free place renewal is due in March, today, as these places cannot be booked online or on the day. And remember to bring your free activity card for each child to April, May, June, July or August, your cards will be your session of choice. Should you require further activity cards for children on your family membership, then please enquire enclosed in this issue. at either Parkridge or Brandon March Marsh Visitor Centres. Sessions are popular so don’t miss out and book yours today! The Summer magazine will contain monthly renewal Terms and conditions can be found on your free activity cards for renewals due in September, October, card included with your winter magazine. November, December, January and February. If you pay your membership fee via annual Direct Debit, you will not be affected and will continue to receive your cards by post, within the month they are due for renewal. If you have not received your cards with your magazine, please contact the membership team on 024 7630 8972 or email [email protected] Peregrine Watch is back GILLIAN DAY for 2022 The Peregrine team will be back with their telescopes at Regent Grove, Leamington Spa between 10am & 3.30pm on the following dates: A pril: 16th, 30th M ay: 14th, 28th June: 11th, 12th Find out more about the Leamington Peregrine Falcons here: warwickshire wildlifetrust.org.uk/ peregrine 28 Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022

LEGACIES A lasting gift to nature A legacy that lasts forever Leave a legacy and ensure wild places are Help protect a cause close to safe for future generations to experience their heart. and enjoy – just as you have Donating to Warwickshire WildlifeTrust in L egacies are a vital funding Leaving us a gift ensures that the memory of a loved one is a special way to source for us and whether wildlife you care so much about is make a lasting tribute, and one that will offer your gift is large or small, protected well beyond your lifetime comfort in knowing you are helping to protect it willl help us to protect for future generations to enjoy. their loved one’s favourite places and a cause Warwickshire’s wildlife and wild close to their heart. places well into the future. Some If you would like to find out more of the Trust’s most beautiful nature about leaving a gift in your will We have been honoured to have received reserves were purchased thanks to and receive a copy of our A Gift to donations in memory of the following legacies from our supporters. Nature, Forever guide, please get in individuals in 2021 and would like to thank touch with Donna Hook by emailing their family and friends for thinking of the After providing for your loved ones, [email protected] Trust at such a difficult time. please remember Warwickshire or calling 024 76308 972. Wildlife Trust in your will. Roy Ledbury Robin Gibbs Kenneth Hornby Roger Watson Robin Toogood Betty Browning Rachel Hill Mr M Spraggett Donald Riddoch John Henry Jones Tim Crowther Gloria Nightingale Aubry Ward Walter & Sheelagh Dean Rita Flecter Christine Green James Stanley Dunsby MargaretThompson Trevor Cox Peter Fitzsimmons Linda Trost ‘I’m sure that, like For more information or to discuss any me, you’re concerned about the future of our planet. aspect of in-memory donations please You too share a belief that it is important that we leave contact Imogen Hardy, Membership a thriving natural world Administrator, on 024 7630 2912 or email for future generations to [email protected] know and enjoy. That is why making a will is one of the most important jobs any of us has to do.’ Sir David Attenborough President Emeritus of the Wildlife Trusts MAMONTOVA YULIA Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022 29

ACORN WEEVIL © ALAN PRICE/NATUREPL.COM Six places to see beetles 30 Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022

Find out how See the spectacle you can help for yourself beetles and other imperiled insects at 1 Ayr Gorge Woodlands Wildlife Reserve, wildlifetrusts.org/ Scottish Wildlife Trust action-for-insects This ancient woodland is full of beetles.You may be lucky enough to spot rhinoceros beetles crawling over old logs, D id you know that there are over two-banded longhorn beetles resting on fence posts, or 4,000 species of beetle in the even a beautiful thorn-tipped longhorn beetle perfectly UK?These incredible insects camouflaged on a lichen-covered tree trunk. come in a huge array of shapes Where: Failford, KA5 5TF and sizes.There are broad-bodied ladybirds, 2 Highgate Common, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust An ancient lowland heath brimming with beetles, slender rove beetles, longhorn beetles sporting including the incredible glow-worm with its bioluminescent behind. Other impressive insects you oversized antennae, and weevils with oddly could spot include black oil beetles, bloody-nosed beetles, green tiger beetles and minotaur beetles. elongated faces. Many of our beetles have Where: Swindon, DY7 5BS fantastically evocative names to match their 3 Oakley Wood, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust In early spring you might find dor beetles bumbling looks or lifestyle. Head out on a beetle safari along the woodland floor, or spot a black snail beetle stalking its slow-moving prey — their narrow heads and you could meet tigers, stags, wasps and are perfect for poking into a snail’s shell. Dead wood provides habitat for many more beetles. even minotaurs! Beetles fill vital roles in Where: Leamington Spa, CV33 9QP nature, including pollination, predation, and 4 Balls Wood, Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust This varied woodland with its sunlit rides is a wonderful the recycling of dead wood, dung and dead place for beetles that depend on dead wood, but it also has an unusually large number of ponds, supporting a animals. One of the best things about beetles is range of water beetles.You might even spot the rare poplar leaf-rolling weevil. that you can find them almost anywhere, from Where: Hertford Heath, SG13 7PW parks and gardens to meadows and moorlands, 5 Sydenham Hill Wood, London Wildlife Trust London WildlifeTrust’s oldest nature reserve is home to or even beneath the surface of ponds. But many rare and scarce beetles, from metallic jewel beetles and tiny flower beetles to the impressive stag beetle, the some places are beetle hotspots — here are six largest species in the UK, growing to over 7cm long. Where: Sydenham Hill, SE26 6LS of our favourite places to see beetles… 6 Bystock Pools, Devon Wildlife Trust Bystock’s mosaic of habitats provides a home to many different beetles. Whirligig beetles spin across the ponds, tiger beetles hunt the heathlands and soldier beetles march over meadow wildflowers. If you’re really lucky, you could spot the greenish glimmer of a glow-worm on a summer evening. Where: Near Exmouth, EX8 5EE Did you spot any beetles? We’d love to know how your search went. Please tweet us your best photos! @wildlifetrusts

When it comes to tackling the climate crisis, sometimes it’s hard to see the wood for the trees, as Barnaby Coupe explores… 32 Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022

F or many people, trees and woodlands MISTY WOODLAND © MIKE READ/NATUREPL.COM are emblematic of our deepest connections with nature.They are a constant in our culture and histories, from the Hundred Acre Wood to the adventures of Robin Hood, and with good reason. Our native woodlands are vibrant, wild, and shrouded in mystery — the perfect place for nature to thrive. Ancient native woodlands in particular hold a wealth of life, with a complex weave of ecological networks and relationships between a huge array of diverse species. For example, the mighty oak, a staple of British woods, provides habitat for more than 2,300 species, from woodland birds to fungi. These long-standing woodlands also possess trees of varying ages, with old trees offering nest holes for birds like redstarts and pied flycatchers, dead and dying trees providing essential habitat for fungi and insects like stag beetles, and young trees and dense, thorny scrub creating nesting sites for warblers and nightingales. Stag beetles and nightingales, amongst other benefiting wildlife, are some of the most threatened species in the UK, so having wilder, natural woodlands which contain these habitats are critical for their continued survival. Yet as we are now seeing the impacts of a changing climate, our woodlands are receiving increased interest in another of their magical properties — the ability to take carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and lock it away for centuries in their branches, their roots, and within the soil. As a result, trees have increasingly been put forward as a win-win solution for nature and the climate, but are trees always a silver bullet? Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022 33

Many birds, like pied flycatchers, depend on diverse, native woodlands Heroic habitats planting, and creating new woodlands in these areas While important, trees are not the only answer to can release more CO2 than the trees end up taking solving the climate crisis. Habitats such as chalk in through soil degradation. Multiple examples of this were seen in the mid-20th century, when vast areas downland, hay meadows, peatlands, and heathland of peatland were drained, ploughed, and assailed with all have extraordinary value for wildlife and will single-species plantations of non-native conifers in a play a large role in addressing the climate crisis short-sighted bid to increase timber resources. too. Yet, in the drive to plant more trees, it is Right tree, right place precisely these habitats that can be put at risk. This approach to planting trees has been rightly In fact, planting trees on the above habitats often castigated by the majority of environmentalists and does more harm than good. Trees planted on habitats foresters alike, yet we are still seeing examples of this such as our flower-filled meadows, most of which happening today in the increased drive to plant trees have already vanished in the past century due to to address the climate crisis. In just one example from increased agricultural intensification, can lead to a loss last year, 100 acres of bog, heath and grassland were of wildlife, and further threaten the precious remnants destroyed to plant trees. So what’s the answer? Have that remain. Yet this bias for trees exists, as evidenced we learnt from the mistakes of the past? in a recent decision to replant an area of degraded heathland with conifers rather than restore it to its We know that trees are not just carbon-capturing natural state. machines. They are part of a living, breathing Shallow peat soil is particularly at risk from tree 3344 WMailgdaWzianrewNiacmksehi|rWe i|nStperri2n0g220022 Fallen trees can provide an essential habitat for beetles

Jays play a vital role in natural RIGHT TREE, RIGHT PLACE regeneration, carrying away acorns and caching them in the ground Branching out If you are considering planting a tree in your own garden or pursuing a small woodland creation project, check out our guide to tree planting at wildlifetrusts. org/plant-a-tree If you’re considering a larger woodland creation project, then check out our guidance on suitable sites for tree planting at wtru.st/tree-chart ecosystem. When creating new woodlands, it has to Y ou can also get in touch with your BLUEBELLS & DEADWOOD © NEIL ALDRIDGE; JAY, PINEMARTEN, PIED FLYCATCHER © MARK HAMBLIN/2020VISION; OAK SAPLING © ALAN PRICE be the right tree, in the right place, working with the nearest Wildlife Trust who can help with environment around it. By ensuring that the right tree any specific queries you may have when is planted in the right place, large areas of new, highly considering how best to go about a new biodiverse, native woodland can be created as part of tree planting project. a joined-up system which benefits other habitats for Barnaby Coupe nature, whilst drawing down carbon at the same time. is the Land Use Policy Manager Wilder woodlands at The Wildlife Of course, one way to get around the issue of where Trusts and to plant trees is to let trees plant themselves. After leads on the all, planting trees does not create a woodland. Forests development are diverse and dynamic environments which have of tree and developed over years, decades, and millennia. Their woodland policy. complex ecological networks are both above ground and within the soils, involving a huge array of interdependent relationships between many species. And these A nuanced approach systems were operating long before the development Now, natural regeneration won’t be possible of wooden stakes and plastic tree guards. everywhere, and in some locations it will need a great deal of support to get going. It is clear that expanding Natural regeneration is the best way of creating the UK’s network of native tree and woodland cover new, natural, and wilder woodlands for wildlife. This is will have a huge role to play in rebuilding ecological particularly powerful when expanding ancient semi- networks, delivering nature’s recovery, and tackling natural woodland, as it allows the expansion of the the climate crisis, and if we are to increase woodland entire woodland ecosystem, where new saplings cover in this country significantly then we will need to can take advantage of symbiotic relationships with look at planting more trees. networks of fungi in the soil. With time and patience, this can result in stunning woodlands for wildlife, such But we must not forget about the other habitats as Brampton Wood in Cambridgeshire. across the UK. Restoring the UK’s peatlands will be critical to meeting our climate ambitions, and the Not only is it more cost effective than planting, but protection and restoration of our other threatened natural regeneration is also the best way of creating habitats are crucial if we are to bend the curve on woodlands that are resilient to a changing climate. biodiversity loss. A nuanced approach is required, one It allows these habitats to develop a dynamic age- which creates more, bigger, better, and more joined-up structure, genetic variation, and associated ecologies, woodlands, hedgerows, trees and scrub thriving with where trees that grow to maturity will be best suited to wildlife and accessible to people, while also ensuring their local micro-climatic conditions, such as soil type, protection of other vital habitats where tree planting water availability, and sunlight. All of this makes them may be more damaging than helpful. more resilient to external pest and disease threats. Wild Warwickshire | Spring 2022 35

wild m#o3n0TtDhha-elyoWsnWgildcillhdifaeilslTetnrhugeseUtfsKro’sm Last year, over te7h5ve0em,r0y0bd0yapymefoaopkrlie3n0gwdteianmytseW. foILrD in June. Join nature Scan with your phone camera to sign up wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild RUNNING WITH FLOWER CROWN, WALKING WITH SCARF © ELEANOR CHURCH