Wild Warwickshire magazine Issue 163 Winter 2019

The member magazine for Warwickshire Wildlife Trust | Winter 2019 THE STATE OF NATURE Can we reverse wildlife decline? HELP WILDLIFE THIS WINTER 10 ways you can support your garden wildlife VOLUNTEER With an award winning team! City slickers Fr om foxes to otters, disMcagoazvinee Nramthe |eSumwmielrd20l19i fe 1 making a home in our towns and cities 1 Magazine Name | Summer 2019

WELCOME 25 To the winter edition of your membership magazine The nights have closed in, the leaves have turned and fallen from the trees and winter is coming. In this edition, we delve into the cold facts of a newly published report on the state of nature, which confirms a shocking decline in the UK’s wildlife. The report paints a stark picture of deterioration across the country. Head to page 16 for the facts, to hear Sir David Attenborough’s view on Nature Recovery Networks and to see how we’re addressing the problem in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull. 2020 will be a very special year for Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, as we celebrate 50 years since the charity was founded in 1970 by a group of dedicated volunteers. Enclosed is a car sticker celebrating this milestone, and we’ll update you on our plans throughout the year. Volunteers like our marvellous founders are the bedrock of the charity – donating the endless hours and passion needed to reverse the decline in nature. Flip to page 22 to see the latest award our amazing volunteers have won for their persistent hard work and dedication. On a functional level, woodlands provide timber, fuel and shelter and secure carbon, purify the air and prevent flooding. Effective woodland management is therefore clearly essential, especially as Warwickshire is one of the least wooded counties in the UK. We outline our approach on page 28, followed by a more light-hearted way to enjoy the woods and entertain the kids on page 29 with 10 things to do with sticks! If you’re keen to get out and get active, browse our events on page 11 and rediscover the lost art of getting muddy on page 15. Family members will also find activity cards enclosed for booking free children’s activities. With such a focus on the worrying decline of species, we also wanted to discuss our work with hedgehogs and bats on page 24, and on page 30 we’re proud to introduce you to a new type of elephant making its home in Warwickshire. If you’re a keen birder, we’ve got a list of 6 places for you to see wildfowl this winter on page 12, and the gardeners amongst you can garner some inspiration for providing safe habitats for overwintering wildlife on page 20. I hope you enjoy this update, thank you for your continued support, and a special thank you to our volunteers. Ed Green, Chief Executive Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Get in touch Cover: Urban fox by Sam Wild Warwickshire is the membership Warwickshire WildlifeTrust is the leading WildWarwickshire MagazineTeam Hobson/ magazine for Warwickshire WildlifeTrust local charity dedicated to conserving, Editor Douglas Nairn Naturepl.com protecting and enhancing your local wildlife. Design Yorkshire WildlifeTrust Design Studio Email [email protected] We manage over 65 nature reserves in Consultant Editor: Sophie Stafford, and Wild Warwickshire magazine was printed by Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull. We are Consultant Designer: Tina Smith Hobson Seacourt Printers on 100% recycled materials at a Telephone 024 7630 2912 supported by over 23,000 members and factory powered by 100% renewables, using zero over 500 volunteers. water and chemicals, and generating zero landfill. Address Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Seacourt is a Net Positive printer that makes a Brandon Lane, Coventry, CV3 3GW facebook.com/WarwickshireWT/ 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 | Winter 2019

INSIDE... 4 Urban wildlife 8 Bishop’s Hill & Ufton Fields 10 Raffle 11 Events 12 6 places to see wildfowl 14 Wild thoughts 15 Dirt = Danger? 16 State of Nature 18 Gordon Miller award 19 National Lottery turns 25 20 Gardening for wildlife 22 Volunteer award 23 1 9 years at the Trust 24 Hedgehogs and Bats 26 UK news 28 Woodland management 29 10 things to do with sticks 30 Dunsmore Elephants 31 Our impact 3 ways to get involved with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Volunteer Could you donate your Donate Your generous donations will Leave a legacyIf you’ve had skills and time to look after wildlife? You go towards our conservation work in your a lifetime’s pleasure from nature, help local area warwickshirewildlifetrust. can choose from indoor and outdoor org.uk/donate ensure its future by leaving us a gift in tasks warwickshirewildlifetrust.org. your will. warwickshirewildlifetrust. uk/volunteer org.uk/legacy Warwickshire Wildlife Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019 3 Trust thanks the players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

GO WILD in the city It’s not only pigeons and people that live in concrete jungles. Nature writer Amy-Jane Beer reveals the exciting variety of wildlife that not only survives but thrives in the built-up habitats of our cities. Red and fallow deer live in managed herds in some urban parks, but wild deer also roam our suburbs. We need green spaces in our towns and cities to create a Nature Recovery Network that helps wildlife spread and thrive and connects people with nature. 4 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019

DISCOVER URBAN WILDNESS W orldwide, about 55% of people live mice are food for foxes and owls. Where there is in cities or towns, and that figure is ivy, there is food for bees and cover for birds, even set to rise to 66% by 2050. The UK in winter. Where there are sparrows there may be is ahead of the curve: as far back as sparrowhawks. Where there are pigeons, peregrines 1950, urbanites accounted for 79% of the populace, can thrive – the pair that live in my home city of York and by 2030 it’ll be 92%. have bred among the ornate stone grotesques and finials of the Minster, and their lethal raids provide The urban landscape offers humans every an appropriately gothic spectacle over the often- convenience – providing us with roosts and dens unsuspecting heads of shoppers and tourists. (though you might call it housing), optimal foraging opportunities (retail, if you must), efficient means Another cliff-nesting bird that has taken to of getting about, of interacting socially, of rearing manmade structures is the kittiwake – a dainty gull families. They are an ideal human habitat in many with an eponymous ‘kitti-waaaayyk’ call. The colony ways, except perhaps for the loss of close contact that has made its home fully eight kilometres inland with nature. This contact, we are beginning to on Newcastle quayside has become a local cause recognise, is vital. Where there are Happily, it is surprisingly easy to encourage wildlife sparrows, there may be into urban areas. In fact some species have been sparrowhawks. Where exploiting the opportunities of manmade environments there are pigeons, for generations, and others are on the rise. Partly this is peregrines can thrive a result of increasing pressure on habitats in the wider RED DEER: TERRY WHITTAKER/2020VISION, KINGFISHER: LAURENT GESLIN/NATUREPL.COM countryside, but it’s also because some towns and célèbre, despite the liberal splatter of guano that cities are making space for nature. accumulates on local landmarks such as the Tyne Bridge and Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. Green oases Many British townscapes have a surprising amount Unlike larger gulls, kittiwakes are not scavengers. of green space. Gardens, parks, recreation areas, No chips, kebabs or cigarette butts for them. The business parks, university campuses and other Newcastle birds still hunt far out to sea, spending 10 institutional grounds can all offer excellent habitat hours or more away from their young and returning to for everything from butterflies to bats, woodlice to their artificial cliff ledges with crops full of sandeels. wood mice, sparrows to swifts. Wild plants thrive too, A webcam installed by Durham Wildlife Trust attracts invited or otherwise – there is no reason for anyone to thousands of viewers, who follow the annual drama grow up unfamiliar with daisies, dandelions, nettles, of nesting, rearing and fledging. docks, and ivy or with trees such as planes, willows, holly and limes. These all bring their own retinues of Water brings life invertebrates and birds, so that gardens, parks and Water is a magnet and a corridor for a huge range of even scrub-covered vacant lots and back alleys often urban wildlife. Canals and ornamental ponds invite the literally thrum with life. solemn, stately presence of grey herons, which may even nest in plain sight if trees of adequate stature You’d be mistaken for thinking urban wildlife was are available. None of our cities yet rival Amsterdam, mostly small. Our largest terrestrial mammal, the red deer, lives wild a stone’s throw from central London. which is home to more than 800 herons, but A November morning in Richmond Park can feel there is potential. primordial, with rutting stags bellowing and clashing The electric blue and orange flicker of antlers, while locals jog and commuters hurry past kingfishers may seem like the stuff wearing headphones. of leafy idylls, but improvements in water quality and fish populations The first and most conspicuous species mean these glittering birds can to reclaim urbanised habitats are often now be seen flickering along commensals – species that thrive waterways in cities such as best alongside humans, including rats, house London and Bristol. A similarly mice, house sparrows and feral pigeons. These may heartening story is that of not be universally popular creatures, but a little bit the otter. In the 1970s and of wildlife easily begets more. Just as ‘weeds’ bring 1980s, these sinuous invertebrates, which in turn feed bats and birds, aquatic carnivores were creatures of near mythic Flashes of electric blue scarcity. can be witnessed over the waterways of central Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019 5 Coventry – home to healthy populations of Kingfishers, benefiting from better water quality and increa sed fish stocks.

My favourite As cities have Now they can be seen in or close to the centres of urban spectacle cleaned up their Edinburgh, Leeds, Exeter and Winchester. waterways, grey Our experts from around the Wildlife herons have returned. On a smaller scale, the popularity of lime trees with Trusts share their wildlife highlights Today, the birds loiter the urban planners of yesteryear means city streets in many London and parks are among the best places to spot one of Stag beetle parks, watching our most spectacular insects. The adult lime hawk- “Stag beetles are such an passers-by for moth wears a version of the 1960s carpet I remember exciting part of summer. handouts, and form from my grandma’s house, while the pencil thick Hearing their whirring, bustling breeding caterpillars are resplendent in lime (naturally) green, clumsy flight over the garden or colonies in park trees. with smart diagonal stripes and a lurid blue ‘horn’ at balcony on a warm evening is so the posterior. atmospheric. I always rush out to see their amazing ‘antlers’. I’m lucky to live Home for hedgehogs in south London, which is a hotspot Perhaps the best loved of all urban wildlife is a for these otherwise declining giants, species that visits our homes without causing any so I try to create as much habitat as inconvenience and often without apparent fear. possible for them.” Hedgehogs have undergone a catastrophic decline Rachel Dowse, London Wildlife Trust over recent decades, but some urban populations are bucking the trend, thanks largely to sympathetic Ragwort homeowners. Gardens make superb hedgehog “Ragwort is known by many names, including stinking The adult lime hawk-moth willie, benweed and St wears a version of the Jameswort. It’s commonly viewed as 1960s carpet I remember a weed and a pest, but I love it for the from my grandma’s house important role it plays in our ecosystem, providing a home and food to at least 77 insect species, 30 of which eat only ragwort and nothing else!” Qasim McShane, The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country Cheerful ragwort flowers attract butterflies and other insects Brown hare “There’s wildlife we’re used to seeing in urban settings, such as foxes and squirrels – and then there are some surprises. One morning, I saw what I first thought was a rabbit near my tram stop in Nottingham. A closer look revealed it to be a brown hare – a creature associated with wide open countryside – wandering unfazed up the street!” Hattie Lavender, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust 6 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019

10 great cities for urban wildlife DISCOVER URBAN WILDNESS DISCOVER URBAN WILDNESS 1 Inverness On the edge of 1 the Moray Firth, ‘The City in the 2 Highlands’ is great for wildlife. If you’re lucky you could even spot a bottlenose dolphin. 2 Glasgow The city’s rivers hold 34 wild and watery wonders, from dippers and water voles to otters! 56 10 3 Belfast In the heart of the city, 7 Bog Meadows reserve attracts abundant birds, from warblers in 89 spring to winter thrushes in autumn. 4 Newcastle A colony of kittiwakes has swapped coastal cliffs for buildings and bridge ledges. 5 Liverpool The Mersey estuary 8 Cardiff This metropolis is home is a haven for wildlife, hosting to over half of the UK’s bat species, internationally important numbers including the rare lesser horseshoe. of wading birds and wildfowl. 9 Bristol One of the UK’s best cities for urban wildlife, the nearby Avon 6 Sheffield A green corridor of Gorge is home to peregrine falcons parks and reserves with woodlands, and ravens. wetlands and hedgerows carries 10 London England’s capital is full of wildlife through the city. wildlife. Stag beetles roam the parks and gardens, deer patrol parklands 7 Coventry The Rivers and herons stalk the Serpentine. Sherbourne and Sowe provide a refuge for wildlife and people, as do the ancient woodlands surrounding the city. habitat provided they are accessible (see how we’re in parliament. You’ll still be lucky to see one in the Amy-Jane Beer planning for hedgehogs on page 24), and contain capital, but at least the decline has gone some way sufficient cover and invertebrate food. Small slugs, to rehabilitate the image of a species regarded as too is a North Yorkshire- beetles and grubs make up the bulk of the diet, and numerous in years gone by. this further endears the ‘hedgepig’ to gardeners. based biologist and Starlings have declined markedly too, but are still Foxes are particularly well suited to city living. common enough that their cheery, irrepressible author specialising Adaptable and opportunistic, they have taken to whistles and cover versions of sirens, car alarms and in natural history denning under sheds and decking; sunning themselves text alerts can still be heard on many city streets in and conservation. on shed and garage roofs; making use of roads and rail spring, while winter flocks boosted by birds from She contributes verges, canal paths, cycleways and footpaths to cover the continent put on displays of such grandeur they to The Guardian distances more efficiently; and foraging among bins literally stop traffic. and BBC Wildlife and outside takeaways. magazine. Perhaps the best known urban murmuration Town foxes are often less nocturnal than rural location in the UK is Brighton, where a mixed flock of ones, and less wary of people, which gives them around 40,000 gathers to roost on the scaffold of the the impression of being more abundant, though in derelict West Pier, often obliging photographers with a truth they only account for about 13% of the total fox performance against the setting sun. population. Nor are they any bigger, or any more or less healthy – rural foxes are just as likely to be afflicted by Waxwings are another winter spectacle sure to draw mange, but less likely to be photographed. Some foxes the wildlife paparazzi. These big, buff, immaculately appear to transition between urban and rural habitats, coiffed rockstar birds arrive from Scandinavia in taking advantage of each in different ways. numbers that vary from year to year, depending on the severity of winter and the availability of food, specifically In need of a helping hand berries. It’s worth planting a rowan, cotoneaster or a It’s not all good news. Some formerly abundant hawthorn in an urban garden, just for the chance of a urban birds are in trouble. The house sparrow, once waxwing irruption alighting on your patch. They don’t considered too common to even be counted on bird usually stick around longer than it takes to strip the fruit surveys, has declined massively as an urban bird, and toss them down like peanuts, although fermented nowhere more so than London, where a 98% crash in fruit sometimes reduces whole flocks to drunken population in the 1990s led to questions being asked lethargy. Either way, a sighting will give you wildlife bragging rights for at least a year. Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019 7

WILD WELLBEING Bishop’s Hill Join us at our new nature reserve B ishop’s Hill Nature Reserve, FAYE IRVINE in the village of Bishops Itchington, offers more than dirty and become a volunteer? You’ll learn Volunteering at Bishop’s Hill is just the chance to catch new things and witness nature in a way a breath of fresh air. The grassland, you wouldn’t if you were just passing supported by Tesco’s Bags of Help, woodland and blue pool provide a rich through. Volunteering also expands your which provided us with £4,000 – the top mosaic of habitats for wildlife including friendship group – trust us, there’s nothing small blue and grizzled skipper butterflies, like bonding over a bit of wildflower award – in a recent instore vote. with awe-inspiring views from the seeding or tree popping. Plus, we provide top of the hill into Leicestershire and the tea and biscuits! If you’d like to Northamptonshire. get involved at either Bishop’s Hill or Ufton Fields, contact us on The Trust has launched a series [email protected] of community events and practical volunteering sessions to introduce locals to their new nature reserve, encourage them to get out and meet new people and stay active in nature. We’re running “I feel like I really added value, I changed something, I made something better” Volunteer a similar scheme in Ufton, which you can read about next! Bishop’s Hill can also bring together the different communities in the new houses near Bishop’s Itchington and the established village of Harbury. Our Summer Open Day on 1st August saw nearly 80 local residents from both sides join us for guided walks, bird box making and face-mask painting (right). Why not immerse yourself in these beautiful surroundings, get your hands Get involved n 2nd & 16th December n 13th & 27th January n 10th & 24th February n 9th & 23rd March 8 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019

WILD WELLBEING Green and Healthy Ufton Getting active outdoors FIONA BENNETT U fton Fields Nature Reserve, from wetland work to scrub management. “The sessions got me between Southam and Sessions run fortnightly on Tuesday talking with people Leamington, plays host to from different walks our Green and Healthy Ufton mornings from 10am to 1pm. Everyone Project, which encourages local people to is welcome and just like our sessions at get out and get active. Bishop’s Hill, no time commitment or prior After a similar project in Rugby welcomed experience is required. of life that I may 20 new volunteers, further funding was Since we started, 15 volunteers have secured to launch a new volunteer group in the south of Warwickshire. Through a series contributed 228 hours towards nature otherwise not have of practical taster sessions, volunteers conservation. Volunteer surveys revealed have the opportunity to work on various conservation tasks throughout the year, increased levels of physical activity outdoors Get involved met.” Volunteerand significantly improved mental health. n 10th December Group activities provide a social network - n 7th & 21st January n 4th & 18th February reducing social isolation and depression. n 3rd March The Trust is also engaging with the wider community through a variety of events, including Outdoor Yoga and Mindful Walking, a Geology evening and Family Bat event. The South Warwickshire Health and Wellbeing Partnership fund this project with the aim of improving and using green spaces to promote health and wellbeing. Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019 9

2019 RAFFLE Our wonderful prize donors Thanks to everyone who bought or n Badgers Tea Room sold tickets - you helped us to raise an astonishing £4,640! n Brandon Hall Hotel & Spa £4,640wofitthhtehfaotllmowoinisneagyhfwoureglecoocauamlldowufiulndntl,diafean.l.dl. n Compton Verney Thank n Coombe Abbey Hotel you! 100 wild flower plants, n Coombe Country Park nectar and pollen sources n Coventry Golf Club for rare butterflies (£50) n Draycote Water Sailing Club n Hatton Adventure World n Kenilworth Books n Majica Photography n Oakes Farm Shop n The Café @ Parkridge n The Foraging Course Company n The Royal Oak Brandon n Touchwood Shopping Centre One week 5 metres of dormouse food of hedge laid (£50) (£140) 20 new bug pots for 12Train volunteers Software local school trips (£50) in First Aid so they to map species can help lead work distribution and habitat oneScreen, assess parties (£300) connectivity (£200) and respond to planning application (£250) Power Brandon 10 pre-planted coir Marsh visitor centre for rolls to enhance river one week (£350) edges with native wetland plants (£1,500) Sending tickets with Wild Warwickshire Materials 4 days of Nature reduces costs, and raises more for local wildlife. If you prefer not to receive raffle tickets and equipment for Force (biscuits not please email your name and membership an artificial otter included – £1,000) number to [email protected] holt (£750) 10 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019

EVENTS DIARY WHAT’S ON Book now for 2019, and book 2020 events from January warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/events Here’s a selection of upcoming events. Keep an eye on our social Warwick Half media, website and e-newsletter for more in our 50th year! Marathon 2020 DECEMBER LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS Sunday 1st March Warwick Racecourse Christmas Wreath Brandon Marsh Scare away evil spirits, wake (£20 instead of £30) Making (adult members only, £40pp) the orchard trees and sing to Make and take home a mix of their health, plus traditional We’ve been chosen Thursday 5th December miniature, rustic decorations. Morris dancing. as charity partners for 10am – 12:30pm Tiny trees, mini reindeer, and 2020! Run with us for a Parkridge Visitor Centre baby hoops and stars. MARCH £10 discount on entry, (£20pp) running top, fundraising Create a beautiful, natural JANUARY Art in the World: guide and support on the wreath with materials from our Willow Weaving day, plus a guided walk reserve. Includes tea/coffee Wassail around Brandon Marsh. and cake. Saturday 7th March You’ll need to raise £50 Sunday 12th January 10am - 2pm minimum sponsorship Christmas Craft Fair 11am – 2pm Brandon Marsh and pay the £20 entry Brandon Marsh (adult members only, £40pp) fee using our code Saturday 7th December (Normal entry applies) Learn how to make a small warwickshirewildlife 10am – 3pm willow basket, suitable for trust.org.uk/Warwick Brandon Marsh bread or fruit, and ready to take HalfMarathon (Normal entry applies) home. Festive treats from local Additional benefits! independent businesses, and Quiz Night n High-quality medal a wintery walk around our n Finishers 18+ get a free stunning reserve – perfect! Friday 13th March 8pm-11pm half pint of Hooky Ale! Art in the World: Griff & Coton Club Heath n 1 0% discount in-store Christmas Willow End Rd, Nuneaton CV10 7JQ Weaving (£1.00 pp 18+) at Warwick Sports Shop Put your brain to the test in a n F ree entry to Sunday 8th December team of up to seven with this 10am – 2pm themed quiz. Money payable Countryside Race Day, on the night. March 10th at Warwick Racecourse We also offer talks Would your local group be interested in a talk from us in 2020? Topics range from geology and conservation, to hedgehogs and gardening. Our experienced speakers are used to addressing groups big and small, and happy to field questions from the crowd. Next year is a special one for the Trust as we turn 50, and we’d love you to join our celebrations. For more information, prices and booking, simply head to warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/TakePart/talks Don’t miss out! Follow us on social media wkwt WarwickshireWT/ warwickshirewt/ Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019 11

6 places to see Winter wildfowl A s the temperature drops, our wetlands fill with wildfowl escaping the harsher winters of their breeding grounds. It’s a sensational spectacle as swans, geese and ducks descend on our lakes and reservoirs in loud, colourful groups. The air fills with the joyous whistling of wigeons and teals, while groups of elegant grey gadwalls rub shoulders with green-headed mallards, beautiful pintails and bizarre-billed shovelers. Diving ducks like pochards and tufted ducks are joined by goldeneyes – the males a glorious glowing white as they bob to the surface between feeding dives. 12 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019

1 2 See the spectacle 3 4 6 5 for yourself GADWALL BY GUY EDWARDES/2020VISION 1 East Chevington, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Just a short walk from the beach, the wintering ducks on these two lakes are sometimes joined by seagoing species like the lovely long-tailed duck. Where: Near Red Row, NE61 5BX 2 Foulney Island, Cumbria Wildlife Trust Spot wintering brent geese, or look for common scoters and long-tailed ducks on the sea amongst the large flocks of eiders. Where: Near Barrow in Furness, LA13 0QL 3 Teifi Marshes The Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales One of Wales’ best wetlands, attracting large numbers of wintering ducks including teals, wigeons and mallards. Where: Cardigan, SA43 2TB 4 Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Over 230 species of birds visit this SSSI, including goldeneyes, shovelers and tufted ducks, as well as rare migratory species. Where: Coventry, CV3 3GW 5 Catcott, Somerset Wildlife Trust In winter the flooded fields host wigeons, teals and pintails – a definite contender for the UK’s most elegant duck. Where: Burtle,TA7 8NQ 6 Blue House Farm, Essex Wildlife Trust Listen to the bubbling calls of thousands of brent geese, which travel from Siberia to feed in the sheltered Crouch Estuary. Where: North Fambridge, CM3 6GU Did you see one? We’d love to know how your wildfowl search went. Please tweet us your best photos of ducks, geese and swans from your day out @wkwt Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019 13

WILD THOUGHTS Melissa Harrison Connect with winter this year When I lived in a city, winter didn’t mean connection that becomes stronger, more A LITTLE BIT WILD much more than a warmer coat for my rewarding and more enriching with every commute. Now I live in a rural village it seems darker, longer and colder, but also passing year. Study the seasons more interesting, with so much to observe and take pleasure in. The slow cycle of the seasons is now a There’s a good case to be made for Phenology is the study of central part of my life. These days nearly 90 per cent of us live in urban spending daily time outdoors in nature, cyclical natural phenomena. areas where, unless we get outdoors and immerse ourselves in nature, seasonal changes are much whatever the weather (within reason!) Several projects record less noticeable than in the countryside. But while insulating ourselves from the colder months with and all times of the year. Perhaps it’s a sightings from citizen 24/7 street lighting and temperature-controlled offices may be convenient, it comes at a cost. Our lunchtime stroll that takes in your local scientists, so you can bodies and minds evolved in nature, alert to its cycles. Studies have shown that part of the brain green space, an evening run around a contribute to these valuable, knows what time of year it is outside and adjusts our immune system and metabolism accordingly, even nature reserve or a new morning route long-running studies of if the subjects involved are entirely protected from seasonal cues. to the bus stop that takes you across a nature. Visit wildlifetrusts. It’s only very recently in evolutionary terms that we’ve started spending so much time indoors; just nearby common: build it into your routine org/citizen-science a blink of an aeon, in fact. Perhaps that’s why forging a year-round connection to nature can prove and you’ll soon feel the benefits. Having so rewarding, because it’s something our brains have evolved over millennia to do. Tuning in to a dog is a great motivator; any owner cyclical events like the slow ripening of apples, the blossoming of ivy flowers providing late food will tell you the benefits to body and mind that come for bees, the shy eruption of mushrooms among the leaf litter or the peeping calls of redwings from taking their four-legged friend out every day – migrating over cities after dark – these things root us in time as well as place, creating a feeling of even if they may grumble a little on rainy mornings! Watching even the humblest place change through all four seasons will lead you to know it intimately, a deep, atavistic pleasure that connects us to our past and helps prepare us for an uncertain future, too. The more connected we are to our environment, the more likely we are to protect it – so when the days draw in, keep going out; keep looking, keep listening, keep loving the natural world. Wild Warwickshire Winters From bugling cranes to bubbling brent geese, there’s a world of wild wonders to get you outside this winter. warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves 14 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019

LIVING LANDSCAPES Dirt = danger? Is our fear of dirt keeping us away Mud kitchen now open! from nature? Sophie Greenway, PhD student at the University of Warwick, The brand new Mud Kitchen at has been researching our perceptions Parkridge is now open to muddy little visitors! Book your children onto of cleanliness. Nature Tots or Nature Families and get them mini-beast hunting and P ublic health advice about and carers about how they viewed the den-building at one of our wonderfully domestic hygiene between balance between hygiene and exposing wet, majestically muddy nature 1930 and 1970 fed into a huge their children to dirt which could help build reserves! warwickshirewildlifetrust. increase in the production their immunity. org.uk/ForChildren and consumption of products for cleaning and pest control. Although they reduced Many appreciated the fact that children and wild places. I hope my research can the housework burden these products can get muddy at Brandon without the encourage more people to experience have not been beneficial to our health or need to clear up and expressed guilt at nature by addressing concerns that might the planet’s. the lack of opportunities their children hold them back. The Mud Kitchens are had to get muddy. There were different a great asset for families and a place to So did this influence the way we approaches to dirt between generations. allow children to make up their own minds think about dirt today? I visited the Trust’s Some grandparents were relaxed about about dirt and getting muddy. Mud Kitchens at Parkridge and Brandon children getting muddy, whilst others were Marsh visitor centres and spoke to parents very concerned about hygiene. Thanks to staff, volunteers and the public for supporting my research ‘If my grandchildren Warwickshire Wildlife Trust encourages this year. To read the full report, please have muddy play I people to interact confidently with wildlife email [email protected] worry about germs and hate the mess!’ Survey response Why is mud good? VICKY DUNNE Microbes are tiny organisms in mud, which can help bolster developing immune systems. Mud also contains microsopic bacteria (Mycobacterium vaccae) which increase seratonin levels in our brains, relaxing and calming us. Funded by Wellcome Trust Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019 15 Secondment Fellowship in Humanitie s and Social Sciences Grant.

LIVING LANDSCAPES EUROPEAN BADGER. TERRY WHITAKER, 2020VISION The challenges we face… ...and the possible solution that gives us hope for a wilder Warwickshire Some urban environments support biodiversity and can provide opportunities for specific species. 16 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019

LIVING LANDSCAPES T he recently published State of Nature report RSWT 41% of UK species confirms that the UK’s wildlife continues studied have declined to decline. Over 70 wildlife organisations including The Wildlife Trusts joined with 133 species have already government agencies to present the clearest ever been lost since 1500 picture of the status of our species across land and sea, which you can read now on our website. Butterfly numbers are down by 17% Since rigorous scientific monitoring began in 1970 - the same year Warwickshire Wildlife Trust was places and creating more across the UK we would founded - the indicator of abundance for 214 priority improve our lives and help nature to flourish. We species has declined by a statistically significant need a Nature Recovery Network set in law. A legally 60%. More than 26% of our mammals are at risk of binding network for nature would mean that wildlife is disappearing altogether and the Wild Cat and Greater prioritised when managing our land and planning our Mouse-eared Bat are among the most threatened. towns. We must act now!“ “Governments, conservation groups and individuals Our Living Landscape work aims to build bigger, must work together to restore our land and sea for better and more joined-up areas for the benefit of wildlife and people in a way that is both ambitious and wildlife and people in Warwickshire, Coventry and inspiring for future generations.” Daniel Hayhow, Lead report author By joining up wild places and creating more across the UK It is clear that our land management is having we would improve our lives the biggest impact on nature. Whilst emissions of and help nature to flourish. many pollutants have reduced dramatically in recent decades, pollution continues to impact the UK’s Solihull. Landscape-scale conservation enables species sensitive habitats and freshwaters. to move in response to climate change and enables people to interact with nature on a daily basis. In response to our current crisis, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust established the Arden Farm Wildlife Nikki Williams, Director of Campaigns and Policy Network in 2018 with funding from Natural England’s at The Wildlife Trusts, says “Local action is already Facilitation Fund. The project brings together like- making a real difference and now the government minded local farmers to share best practice on needs to play its part. We need a Nature Recovery improving land for wildlife whilst maintaining a Network established in law – one that is locally productive farm. The network has grown to 25 farms, developed and nationally connected – this would help covering more than 9,000 hectares. Read on for the join up our last remaining wild places by creating next step in our plan for nature’s recovery. vital new habitats. It’s time to make nature a normal part of childhood again and restore wildlife so it can Nature Recovery Networks recover and thrive across urban jungles and the countryside once more.” In answer to these warnings of devastating wildlife declines, we are calling for powerful new laws to ensure our wild places can thrive again. We believe the way to achieve that is a Nature Recovery Network. Sir David Attenborough, President Emeritus of The Wildlife Trusts, had this to say “A wildlife-rich natural world is vital for our wellbeing and survival. We now live in one of the most nature depleted places on the planet. Nature urgently needs our help to recover – and it can be done. By joining up wild THE WILDLIFE TRUSTS We want you to take action for a Wilder Warwickshire. For more information about how to join us in creating a Nature Recovery Network, and to help us kick start nature’s recovery, visit our website warwickshirewildifetrust.org.uk Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019 17

WILD WELLBEING Gordon Miller award The Environment and Me (TEaM) have won a national award! R osie (pictured, left) from the Rosie with Barnie and Michelle soon for all to see. We’d like to take this TEaM project was presented from Coventry City Councils Park opportunity to say a huge thank you to with the Gordon Miller Award Team by Lake Windermere our partners, staff and most importantly, at the National Countrywide everyone who has used our service since Management Conference in the Lake for the award, which recognises the most we started. District on Thursday 10th October. The 10th deserving project making an outstanding was also World Mental Health Day, which contribution to countryside/urban green If you live in Coventry and space management. are experiencing low well-being, “TEaM were or know someone who is, find nominated by their The award, which is a beautiful owl out more about TEaM here fabulous partners trophy called Barnie, will shortly be on warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/ Coventry City display at Brandon Marsh Visitor Centre TEaM Council Parks Team for the award” tied into the project’s focus on mental health and wild wellbeing. TEaM work with Coventry and Warwickshire Mind after successfully securing over £350,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund to provide positive, engaging outdoor experiences for people experiencing poor mental health in Coventry. TEaM were nominated by their fabulous partners Coventry City Council Parks Team Willow weave Allotment open day . MAN-LAN ADAMS . MAN-LAN ADAMS 18 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019

FUNDING National Lottery turns 25! We’re celebrating by taking a look back at some of the projects we’ve funded with the support of National Lottery players. T he National Lottery has given more than £10 billion to UK charities over the past 25 years, and is celebrating its 25th birthday from October to December this year. We celebrated the big occasion by asking our volunteers and partners to share photos copying the famous fingers crossed logo! Landscape Across the movement: To date, 840 Wildlife Level Action Trust projects have been funded by the National The National Lottery Heritage Fund Lottery, including wetlands created for waders has awarded over £1million to the and dormice protected in woodlands. Thank you, Dunsmore Living Landscape scheme, National Lottery players, for helping! which is working to restore important wildlife habitats between east Coventry, Rugby and north Leamington and reconnect people with these special places. The funding will bring landscape- scale level action for wildlife and allow us to restore 300 hectares of ancient woodland, 20km of historic hedgerows including old parish boundaries, 10 ponds and 20 hectares of flower rich grassland over the next four years. This will create habitat for iconic wildlife such as the hazel dormouse and Purple Emperor butterfly. Woodland management Community volunteers The National Lottery Heritage Fund, amongst other donors, The Trust has received National Lottery funding of almost £75,000 to support communities to get involved with grant organisations and members, helped us to purchase volunteering at two nature reserves in Leamington Spa - Oakley Wood and Leam Valley. Bubbenhall Wood back in 2015. They have also been funding This funding will help run taster sessions for those the first five years, where we have been setting up the interested in volunteering, bring people together to learn new skills and meet new friends, and reduce loneliness and social wood and meadow, as well as isolation. We will also host regular events for communities to engage in bat walks, moth nights, bird watching and guided Bubbenhall helping to purchase tools for site walks. The grant will also help recruit a new member of volunteers management and a new charcoal staff who will engage with the local community, co-ordinate retort to make our own charcoal volunteers and deliver sessions. with. We also have a new portable saw mill, which enables us to harvest and process our own lumber to create benches, gate posts and way markers. Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019 19

hHoewlpyowu cialndlife Bird box this winter Birds may use these to From log and leaf piles to open compost roost communally on very cold nights. Fill them with heaps and towers of terracotta pots by the dry leaves or similar material side of the shed, Kate Bradbury reveals to make them warmer. how we can provide safe habitats for overwintering wildlife in our gardens. Long and tufty grass Log pile Caterpillars and other Insects hide beneath the logs, insects hunker down in the while amphibians and small thatch. Some caterpillars mammals, such as these may emerge on mild days to wood mice, shelter in gaps. eat the grass, so try to leave Fill them with autumn leaves it uncut until mid-spring. to make them more snug. ILLUSTRATION: HANNAH BAILEY, PHOTO: SARAH CUTTLE Compost heap A large, open heap will attract insects including bumblebees and amphibians, such as this smooth newt. It may even lure mammals such as hedgehogs. Try to leave it undisturbed until April. Pond Seedheads Frogs (particularly Seedheads provide shelter males) overwinter at for ladybirds and other insects in the bottom of ponds winter, and offer a natural source so they can be the first of food for birds, so leave them to mate in spring. Float standing until spring. a ball on the surface to stop it freezing over. 20 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019

GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE With the notable exception of birds, most garden the thatch of long or tufty grass, bury themselves in Kate Bradbury wildlife lies dormant over winter, with only a few the soil, or shuffle into the still-warm grass clippings is passionate about species, such as hedgehogs, truly hibernating. The and food waste in the compost heap. wildlife-friendly rest spend winter in various states of ‘torpor’ – not gardening and the fully shutting down their bodies as true hibernating Wildlife is very vulnerable at this time. Disturbing author of Wildlife animals do. That’s why, on sunny days, you may mammals can cause them to waste energy that they Gardening for spot frogs swimming at the bottom of your pond, or can’t easily replenish, while insects can be exposed bats flying on mild evenings. Even true hibernating to fungal infections if they get damp. Providing Everyone and animals have a break from all that sleeping – winter refuges (called hibernacula) will help wildlife hedgehogs wake up and move nest sites at overwinter – but not disturbing these habitats once Everything in least once during the cold months. you’ve created them is imperative to their survival. association with The Wildlife Trusts. But on the whole, much of our wildlife isn’t seen Spare a thought for birds, too, which have to battle from around November to March. Where does it it out in winter, instead of hibernating. Growing go? Insects might crawl into seedheads or wedge berrying plants, feeding them and creating cosy themselves beneath bark for winter. A pile of leaf roosts can help them in winter, too. litter might shelter anything from caterpillars, beetles, centipedes and woodlice to larger species, such as Gardens of all sizes are an essential part amphibians and mammals. Others hide deep down in of a Nature Recovery Network. For more tips visit wildlifetrusts.org/gardening Shed Adult butterflies may sneak into your shed or outhouse to overwinter on the walls, where they resemble leaves. Make sure there’s a gap so they can leave in spring. Soil Bird feeders A wide range of species Birds need as many calories as overwinter in the soil, from they can find during the short slow worms to moth pupae and winter days to give them the bumblebees. Try to resist digging energy they need to survive the soil until mid-spring when each night. Provide energy-rich they’ll be awake. suet products, peanuts and sunflower hearts. You can even buy window-mounted feeders if you don’t have a garden. Garden borders Lots of insects like to shelter among fallen plant stems, particularly hollow stems. Try not to cut back or tidy the border until spring – leave it to rot down naturally, instead. Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019 21

WITH YOUR SUPPORT Volunteering underpins everything we do. Get involved today [email protected] Congratulations We extend our thanks and congratulations to them for their outstanding work.” To our inspirational volunteers! This is the highest award given to B randon Marsh Voluntary and present is worthy of this recognition. local volunteer groups across the UK to Conservation (BMVC) team Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve, on the recognise outstanding work done in their recently received the Queen’s doorstep of Coventry, is a healthy and own communities. It was created in 2002 Award for Voluntary Service in vibrant place for wildlife due to the group’s to celebrate the anniversary of the Queen’s recognition of 50 years of dedicated work to knowledge and dedication. They work in coronation and is equivalent to an MBE for improving nature reserves for wildlife. all weathers to practically manage and volunteer groups. enhance the wetlands, woodlands and One afternoon in September, the Lord meadows for a huge variety of local wildlife. The team’s Chairman, Dave Evans, said Lieutenant of Warwickshire visited Brandon Plus, our visitors get to benefit from their “The award was completely unexpected by Marsh to present the prestigious award labour too, with a nature-rich place to enjoy. the team, and you only had to look at our to a team of volunteers who have worked faces at the presentation to see it meant tirelessly for the last five decades. The visitor more to us than we can express. We are centre played host to volunteers past and deeply honoured to receive this prestigious present, local dignitaries and staff from the award for over fifty years of effort by a Trust as we celebrated the team’s efforts. raft of volunteers, many of whom are no Amazingly, the BMVC team have committed longer with us, and hope this inspires more over 100,000 hours of work to the cause people to volunteer their time and skills to since forming in 1968. It would take one worthwhile causes.” member of staff five years to carry out the same amount of work! We think that is both Thank you to the BMVC team, and to staggering and inspirational. all of our amazing volunteers. We couldn’t continue our vital work without you, and we Karl Curtis, Director of Reserves and truly appreciate your hard work every day! Community Engagement “The commitment and hard work of all BMVC volunteers past If you’d like to join our team of awesome volunteers, take a look at our website warwickshirewildlifetrust. org.uk/volunteer Our volunteers receive their award at Brandon Marsh LOUISE BARRACK 22 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019

WILD TALK 19 years at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Legacy Officer Pip Bradley Vigor tells us what has changed at the Trust since she started in 2000 What was your first role? apart from my son – hand-building a log overwhelm you. Take small steps, ask I started as Finance Assistant, cabin with my husband and successfully for advice and seek help because things before moving to marketing applying to plant 40 acres of native always work out better when you do! and then membership. woodland nearby is a legacy I’ll be proud Nowadays, it’s pretty unusual to work in to leave behind. Who has been your biggest inspiration? one place for so long, but the variety has People taking action to make a difference always kept me on my toes. If you could go back to your first day – whether that’s volunteers, members and give yourself one piece of advice, What’s changed since you started? what would it be? “Take small steps, ask On my first day there were 25 of us, and Don’t shy away from things that we were mostly part-time. Our focus was for advice and seek on managing isolated reserves, so the shift to landscape scale conservation has help because things been awesome to witness. The charity has evolved so much, and it’s incredibly always work out exciting to think about the next 19 years. I joined straight from university and now, better when you do!” at 42, I’ve learned a few life lessons and grown up along the way! or colleagues. My son inspires me daily, and he really understands the importance What has been your proudest of our natural world. I was so proud achievement? when, aged three, he told a group of Producing our guide book Discover Wild HS2 workmen that they were ruining our Warwickshire with trustee John Roberts. countryside. Not all children are lucky Sir David Attenborough wrote to me enough to grow up surrounded by nature, saying how good it was, which made so our work to inspire children’s passion my chin hit the floor! And personally – for the environment is imperative. Why do you enjoy working for the charity? It’s incredible to be part of such a wonderful team and although I’m office- based, there are always opportunities to get hands on. I’ve met some special people during my time, who have all made a lasting impression on me and a difference to nature. What do the members mean to you, and to the Trust? They are the lifeblood of this charity. Without them, our local nature conservation would never have been possible. I’ve loved getting to know members and volunteers and some are more like old friends now. I’m often referred to as ‘part of the furniture‘ and I’m perfectly comfortable with that! Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019 23

SPECIES FOCUS Planning for hedgehogs DEBORAH WRIGHT With populations declining by a third since 2000, why are hedgehogs in trouble? H edgehogs like to live local authorities to push for hedgehogs also worked with various local groups alongside humans, to be considered in development since to include hedgehogs in at least eight preferring garden habitats. 2016. Her work on planning applications Neighbourhood Development Plans, Degraded land earmarked means hedgehog-friendly fencing will giving communities control over the for development can provide a perfect be included in 16 new developments type, location, size, pace and design habitat, but developers are not required across Warwickshire. Deborah also wrote of development within designated to plan for them, and do so on their own the new nationwide guidance booklet Neighbourhood Areas. goodwill. Hedgehogs are actually listed “Hedgehogs and Development” with the as a Schedule 6 species on the Wildlife People’s Trust for Endangered Species There is still a way to go to make new and Countryside Act, meaning no laws and British Hedgehogs Preservation homes hedgehog-friendly. One option is currently protect or provide habitat Society. Subsequent petitions continue lobbying for hedgehog-friendly measures for them. to ask government to plan for hedgehogs in standard planning conditions provided and have led to promising guidance to developers by local authorities. Connected landscapes with a mixture to accompany the national planning Despite many obstacles, hedgehogs have of habitats provide food and shelter, and law. Writing the measures into law will travelled a long way through the planning enable an adult to roam up to 3 kilometres lend them weight and ensure they are system in just a few years and the future for food and mates. Hedgehog-friendly implemented. looks bright. fencing is simple and free for developers, and entails cutting 13cm2 holes into fence Putting measures into law and changing For guidance on including panels to connect gardens to nearby policy are the best ways to ensure green spaces. Previous petitions asking that hedgehogs are considered in the hedgehogs in planning, see for such provisions to be passed into law planning process. The Trust has worked helpforhedgehogs.co.uk have been unsuccessful, so hedgehogs with Rugby Borough Council to include must be factored into planning by a statement regarding connectivity and other means. permeable barriers in the new Rugby Local Plan, identifying how land is used Senior Hedgehog Officer, Dr Deborah and determining the type and location Wright, has worked with planning of future developments. Deborah has officers, ecologists, developers and “Putting measures into law and changing policy are the best ways to ensure that hedgehogs are considered in the planning process.” 24 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019 TOM MARSHALL

Brilliant Bats SPECIES FOCUS Essential to a healthy ecosystem, these Daubenton’s bat flying mammals give us clues to climate change. By Dr Rhosanna Jenkins. Bats are vital parts of our Bats are also important indicators counties further south. DALE SUTTON, 2020 VISION ecosystems. They are pollinators, of how climate change is affecting our Connecting up our woodlands by pest controllers and indicators TOM MARSHALL ecosystems. As highly mobile creatures, of high levels of biodiversity. if the conditions of an area become introducing other useful habitats in Lots of bats forage in woodland and move unsuitable for them, there’s a good chance between (like hedgerows) will help between these habitats along linear features they will be able to move far enough away species like the Greater Horseshoe Bat. like waterways and hedgerows, as well as to find a preferable environment. Generally, The area around Brandon Marsh is an through grasslands. We can model the most species will move further north to relatively bat-friendly routes across the landscape. cooler areas. By looking at where they “Bats are also move from and to, we can see how important indicators Southern Warwickshire’s woodlands are conditions are changing. This can help us of how climate not currently very well connected, and a determine which other species are able to change is affecting lack of interconnecting woodland across track the climate and which may fall behind. our ecosystems.” the whole area means that bats will be forced to try and cross unsuitable habitats Projections from the Wallace Initiative example of a well-connected area. The between woods. database showed that some of addition of Brandon Reach between Warwickshire’s bats will be winners and Brandon Marsh and Brandon Wood is Whiskered bat some losers with climate change. As likely to further improve the connectivity little as 2°C rise in the global temperature of the area, which will help species move MARTIN FELSTEAD would render Warwickshire’s climate around in a changing climate. largely unsuitable for the Soprano Pipistrelle Bat. With greater warming, the This article made use of bat records county may also become unsuitable for from the Warwickshire Biological the Whiskered Bat and Daubenton’s Bat Records Centre and the Habitat (pictured above). Biodiversity Audit for the locations of woodlands. The suitability of Warwickshire’s climate is projected to increase for Horseshoe Bats in the future. Greater Horseshoes are not common in the area, but as the climate warms they may move here from Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019 25

UK NEWS UK UPDATE A shore thing SHORESEARCHERS: ULSTER WILDLIFE A shoal of citizen scientists across the UK the first time, the same methods will be A YEAR OF SUCCESS will be learning more about our shorelines used across the UK, giving us even better FOR OUR SEAS than ever before, following the launch of data and ensuring that species records can The Wildlife Trusts’ new and improved be compared between different regions n More protection - this May Shoresearch programme this summer. and changes can be monitored. the Government announced the designation of 41 new Marine This national citizen science survey The data collected by Shoresearch in Conservation Zones, adding to trains volunteers to monitor the marine the past has already been key to securing the 50 already designated. life around our coasts, gathering valuable many of our Marine Conservation Zones, These will form a vital series of data that will help experts monitor our sea revealing the special places on our coast underwater habitats which, with life and better understand the effects of that are most in need of protection. the right management, will allow pollution and climate change. Following the Government’s designation nature to recover. of 41 new Marine Conservation Zones Surveys focus on the intertidal zone (the this summer (bringing the total in n Better information – The area of the shore that is covered by water English waters to 91), the Shoresearch Wildlife Trusts’ new Shoresearch at high tide, but exposed to the air at low programme will be crucial for monitoring programme launched in July, tide). They take place on all shores, rocky, the health of the coastal regions of many of giving citizen scientists the chance sandy and muddy alike, to chart coastal these protected areas. to survey our shores, gathering wildlife around the UK. vital data on the health of our Shoresearch launched during this coastal wildlife. Anyone can become a budding marine year’s National Marine Week, the annual biologist by attending a free Shoresearch celebration of our seas in which thousands n Fantastic support – thousands event hosted by a coastal Wildlife Trust. of people enjoyed coastal activities, from of people across the UK, Alderney Regular volunteers will be trained to rockpool rambles to whale watching. and the Isle of Man joined us in identify and record intertidal plants and celebrating our seas during National animals and their habitats, from colourful Find out more Marine Week. butterfish hiding in rockpools to weird Learn more about Shoresearch and and wonderful worms buried in the discover how you can get involved: sand and mud. wildlifetrusts.org/shoresearch Previous Shoresearch surveys have used different approaches depending on which part of the UK they took place in. Now, for 26 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019

NEWS UK UPDATE UK HIGHLIGHTS End of an era Discover how The 1 Wildlife Trusts are 2 Stephanie Hilborne OBE has stepped down working for you as Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts. Steph has led The Wildlife Trust movement, across the UK 3 championing its beliefs and vision, for the last 15 years. 1 Moor wildlife Under Steph's leadership, The Wildlife 600 acres of wildlife-rich moorland Trusts have been at the forefront of marine conservation, successfully campaigning for have been saved from potential the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, led on landscape-scale conservation and development by Northumberland published ground-breaking research on the benefits of nature for health and wellbeing. Wildlife Trust, thanks to incredible Speaking about her departure, Steph support for their fundraising appeal. said, “I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to be so central to this amazing Benshaw Moor is home to round- movement of dedicated people who care so passionately about wildlife and future leaved sundews and sphagnum generations. I wish all my friends in the movement well as they go from strength mosses, as well as nesting curlews, to strength.” otters and rare butterflies. The site will We wish Steph all the best in her new role as CEO of Women in Sport. now be protected as a nature reserve. wildlifetrusts.org/ceo-steps-down nwt.org.uk/news/benshaw MARK HAMBLIN/2020VISION ANDY ROUSE/2020VISION 25 years of support land,protect rare and vulnerable wildlife 2 Tern tracking and bring people of all generations This November, The National Lottery closer to nature, from helping For the first time ever, chicks from celebrates its 25th birthday and we look barn owls in Northern Ireland to Wales’ only Sandwich tern colony have back on a quarter of a century of support restoring wild landscapes in been given special “flags” to help for wildlife and wild places across the UK. Scotland. Learn more about birdwatchers track their movements. the work that The National Each flag, fixed to a ring on the bird’s Since the first draw in 1994, The National Lottery has supported at leg, has a unique code that can be Lottery has raised over £40 billion for good wildlifetrusts.org/ read through a spotting scope, helping causes – including more than 800 Wildlife 25-year-lottery us learn more about these seabirds. Trust projects. northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk/ news/ringing-changes This vital funding has enabled Wildlife Trusts to save thousands of hectares of 3 Going batty Saving sand dunes VAUGHN MATTHEWS The largest ever survey of Alderney’s bat population has revealed A pioneering project is stepping in to the island’s first live brown long-eared save Europe’s most threatened habitat, bat. For Alderney Wildlife Trust’s sand dunes. Home to rare plants and ‘Bat Week’, visiting experts trained animals, including fen orchids and sand residents in survey techniques while lizards, the last century has seen them conducting an island-wide study. decline dramatically. The ambitious They also found five pipistrelle roosts, Dynamic Dunescapes project aims to including a maternity roost, and a reverse these declines, working with local natterer’s bat. alderneywildlife.org/ people to bring life back to our dunes. This bat-week-2019 partnership project was made possible by £4m funding from The National Lottery. wildlifetrusts.org/saving-sand-dunes Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019 27

NATURE RESERVES Managing woodlands for the future Our ambitious new woodland management regime by Nick Feledziak W oodlands are vital to us all, be Snitterfield Bushes near Stratford-upon- At Snitterfield Bushes, we will replace and yet Warwickshire is Avon and Warwick District Council-owned ash trees with alternative species to among the least wooded Oakley Wood, near Leamington. Further mitigate against ash dieback. The disease counties in the UK, which large woodlands will see management in has swept north, devastating ash trees in turn is one of the least wooded countries subsequent years. throughout the country and has now in Europe. This makes Warwickshire’s reached Snitterfield Bushes. As the ash existing woodlands crucially important. Redressing the balance trees die they become dangerous to people and property, and where they form Our new approach to woodland After the Second World War, Oakley Wood the majority of a woodland, the wildlife was cleared and replanted with non- that inhabits the woodland can also be “These openings native conifers to address national timber threatened. So, we are planning ahead by in the tree canopy shortages. As a result, the woodland is removing potentially hazardous roadside will provide light mostly of the same age and therefore of trees and thinning woodland blocks in and space for limited use to wildlife, which benefits from favour of alternative native species. This native trees” a more diverse selection of native trees. should give a head start to the woodland To promote native broadleaved trees, recovery following the initial impact, with management began this autumn when the Trust will partner with the woodland alternative species and resistant ash we started delivering long-term plans owners Warwick District Council over a trees ready to replace the ash that will covering 12 large woodlands owned or ten year period to slowly replace many eventually be lost. managed by the Trust. These plans run of the conifers with native species. This alongside a new strategy aimed at making autumn and winter, a third of the trees For more information on woodland our woodlands better protected, resilient will be removed across specific areas, to change, and more sustainably managed. and several 30 metre clearings will be management, and to see how you The first two nature reserves to benefit will created and planted with new trees. These openings in the tree canopy will provide can get involved, see the frequently light and space for native trees like oak, birch, hazel and hawthorn to thrive. asked questions on our website warwickshirewildlifetrust.org. uk/ woodlandmanagement MARK HAMBLIN, 2020VISION Oak tree 28 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019

EDUCATION 10 THINGS to do with sticks! N owadays, there are 1 Build a 2 Create a so many distractions birds nest stick picture clamouring for our attention - from binge- 4 Make some noise 10 Whittle watching a favourite TV show to with a woodland Christmas endless notifications on our smart instrument tree hot phones – so why not step away from chocolate whisks your screens, grab the kids and get out for some low-tech fun? The humble stick can spark a hundred adventures – with your imagination they can become anything! Here’s a few ideas to get you started, feel free to whittle them down to your favourite few. 3 Add spikes to a hedgehog 6 Make a home Hheodmgeeh! og 7 Play some 8 Cast spells with for wildlife games magical wands 9 Create charcoal 5 Build dPeanr!kridge pencils a den Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019 29

DUNSMORE LIVING LANDSCAPE Elephants return to Ryton Stunning new sculptures installed at Ryton Pools Country Park as part of the Dunsmore Living Landscape. F unded by the National Lottery The stunning new adult and calf collaboration with Artfabs Ltd, a specialist Heritage Fund, the Dunsmore sculptures were designed to breathe life fabrication contractor who assisted with Living Landscape scheme is into the geological history of the Dunsmore the larger construction challenges. restoring Warwickshire’s most Living Landscape scheme area at Ryton significant ancient woodland, increasing Pools Country Park. Straight-tusked “The sculptures help landscape connectivity by reinstating elephants (Palaeoloxodon antiquus) roamed to tell this important hedgerows, grasslands, ponds and heritage the area around half a million years ago and part of the park’s sites in the area. The team also engage pieces of neck bone, tooth and tusk were history” local communities via a programme of found in local sand quarries. The sculptures, natural and heritage-related activities. along with a new interpretation board, help Park visitors voted on what to call to tell this important part of the Country the elephants and the winning names, From the outskirts of Coventry and Park’s history, reflecting these significant Ryton and Bubbenhall, were announced Leamington Spa over to the ancient Fosse palaeontological finds. Green wood at a family open day on Saturday 19th Way, Dunsmore is a wooded heartland and metalwork artist, Spencer Jenkins October, complete with ice age themed bursting with life, linked by a network of designed and project managed the job, in children’s activities. hedgerows and meadows. LUCY HAWKER Elephants never forget, so remember to visit the new sculptures as they settle into their new homes at Ryton Pools Country Park, Ryton Road, Ryton-on- Dunsmore, CV8 3BH. IAN JELLEY 30 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2019 The Trust would like to thank National Lottery players, our key partners and stakeholders, local landowners and communities for their enthusiastic support throughout the development of the scheme.

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Really Wild Christmas Presents Gift membership Adopt a Species Encourage your loved Many iconic birds and mammals ones to reconnect are under threat and need your with nature help. Our ‘Adopt a Species’ scheme by gifting raises awareness of the plight of Warwickshire local wildlife and funds for our Wildlife work to protect threatened wildlife Trust membership this Christmas. and wild places. With individual, joint and family memberships, this is the perfect gift for Follow the journey of your chosen the active nature lover in your life. species over a year and discover fascinating facts and information - To give the gift of nature, visit our you can adopt a badger, hedgehog, website at warwickshirewildlifetrust. peregrine, owl or bat. org.uk/membership, pop in to one of our visitor centres or call the Each pack is £25 and makes a lovely membership team on 024 7630 8972. gift for wildlife enthusiasts, young or old! sjupseAtcdi£eo2sp5ft!oar See our website, visit Brandon Marsh Visitor Centre or call the membership team to give the gift of nature this year! warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/membership 024 7630 8972 Brandon Marsh, Coventry, CV3 3GW