Wild Warwickshire Issue 169 Winter 2021

The member magazine for Warwickshire Wildlife Trust | Winter 2021 NATURE AND ME Explore the pathways to nature connectedness GREEN POET-IN-RESIDENCE Brandon Marsh provides inspiration for BBC’s flagship poetry festival Stand up for Nature The small changes in your life that will make a big difference to wildlife and the environment

WELCOME 34 To the winter edition of your member magazine When this magazine reaches you there will have been about three weeks to reflect on the decisions and commitments made at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. The UN has told its member governments that the IPCC report issued in August ‘is a code red for humanity’, the strongest possible warning that our impact on nature is putting ‘our planet and billions of people at immediate risk’. Our government, and conference hosts, have told the UN that we must ‘listen to the warnings of the scientists’ and make COP26 a ‘turning point for humanity’. Few voices argue against fulfilling our responsibility to the young and unborn, those who will live with our decisions for longer than us, by nurturing the environment and cutting greenhouse emissions. This means protecting and restoring nature. As I write, there have been just five days to reflect on the latest parliamentary debate on the Environment Bill, our government’s showpiece legislation to ensure we leave the environment in better condition for future generations. Although it’s significantly delayed, Lord Goldsmith (Minister with responsibilities for climate and environment) stated a month ago ‘that it is in the national and international interest that we should pass the Bill in the strongest possible form before COP26’. So the rejection by the House of Commons of nearly all of the cross-party changes made by the House of Lords to strengthen the Environment Bill was intensely disappointing. The action of at least five of our own MPs in voting against a new legal obligation on water companies not to discharge raw sewage into our rivers was especially shocking. Action failing to live up to words is nothing new, but never before does it risk such consequences. Perhaps not right now for us here in the UK, but certainly for everyone, everywhere, for ever – eventually. Whether or not our leaders fail us in Glasgow or actually deliver on their fine promises, what will we do? We will respond to the rallying call for the revival of nature all around the world. We need to do it now and we need to do it here in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull. Early in 2022 we will share our new strategy with you – our unique contribution. Local action, collective impact, global change. Thank you for your support, Ed Green, Chief Executive GILLIAN DAY Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Get in touch Cover: Illustration by Wild Warwickshire is the membership Warwickshire WildlifeTrust is the leading WildWarwickshire MagazineTeam Al Boardman magazine for Warwickshire WildlifeTrust local charity dedicated to conserving, protecting and enhancing your local wildlife. Editor Lindsay Butler Wild Warwickshire magazine was printed by Email [email protected] We manage over 65 nature reserves in Seacourt Printers on 100% recycled materials at a Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull. We Design Sally Gregory, factory powered by 100% renewables, using zero Telephone 024 7630 2912 are supported by over 24,000 members and Yorkshire WildlifeTrust Design Studio water and chemicals, and generating zero landfill. over 500 volunteers. Seacourt is a Net Positive printer that makes a Address Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, positive contribution to the environment and society. Brandon Lane, Coventry, CV3 3GW facebook.com/WarwickshireWT/ 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 2021

INSIDE... 4 The importance of nature connectedness 6 M ore space for nature, with more people on nature’s side 8 Upcycle your garden for wildlife 10 Donations in memory 11 Remembering Robin Gibbs 12 Membership news 14 Connecting communities and greenspaces 16 In search of Warwickshire’s wildflowers 17 Children and nature 18 Play at Parkridge 19 New mural for Brandon Marsh 20 Green city poet-in-residence 22 Regenerative agriculture – a future farming system? 24 Orbit commits to improving land for wildlife 26 2020 Annual Report 32 News 34 6 places to see birds of prey 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 2021 3 Trust thanks the players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

PEOPLE AND NATURE The Importance of Nature Connectedness Nature is inextricably linked to our health and well-being, from managing our mental health during the pandemic, to finding a vaccine for COVID-19 O ver the past 18 months the pandemic has resulted in more people exploring the greenspace on their doorsteps, resulting in a re-awakening appreciation of the value of nature in our lives. Not only that, but nature also played an important part in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine. The horseshoe crab’s blue blood was used to ensure that the vaccine was free of potential bacterial contamination. Nature has long been instrumental in helping us to develop drugs commonly used in the health sector. The cone-snail, amongst the most venomous creatures on earth, disarms its prey with very precise toxins which have been cultivated into non-addictive, targeted anaesthetics. Nature has made contributions to human health on a huge scale, and on a day-to-day basis it continues to help us feel physically and mentally well. Time to re-connect distribution of wildlife and wild places is just how important contact with nature was reducing rapidly, and people’s relationship for them. 99% said being able to connect Accessing wildlife-rich greenspace has with nature is suffering as it becomes a with nature during the restrictions was less frequent and less significant part of ‘very important’ or ‘important’, and 67% huge benefits for both physical and mental our daily lives. The pandemic has shown valued nearby nature ‘much more’ or ‘more now, compared with before restrictions’. health, and is an easy way for people of A better relationship all ages and backgrounds to feel more in By becoming better connected and building control of their own health and wellbeing. a new relationship with nature, we can simultaneously improve the well-being of “No one will protect what they don’t care people and health of the natural world. The about; and no one will care about what they more people value nature and understand have never experienced.” Sir David Attenborough its importance to health and well-being, the more people will make positive changes People who connect with nature every us that now, more than ever, it is time for a to protect it. In the great and wise words day are more active and mentally resilient, re-connection. experience reduced social isolation and loneliness and have better all-round health. During lockdown 1.0, more than 1,200 However, the abundance, quality and residents in and around the city of Manchester told Lancashire Wildlife Trust 4 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021

PEOPLE AND NATURE GILLIAN DAY Improve your connection with nature with AMY LEWISthese suggestions from The University of Derby’s ‘Nature and Me’ guide. of Sir David Attenborough, “No one will GEORGE STOYLE protect what they don’t care about; and no Senses one will care about what they have never experienced.” This could be... listening to birdsong, smelling wild flowers, watching the Changing behaviours breeze in the trees, going barefoot, tasting the fruits of nature. The University of Derby has developed thinking around pathways to nature Emotion connectedness which move us beyond simply being in contact with nature, to This could be... finding joy in wildlife building a relationship with the natural world at play, taking a moment to feel calm and our place in it. These pathways aim to with nature. Wondering at details, like a strengthen the relationship between people spider’s web. Reflecting on your feelings and nature, creating pro-conservation and and sharing these with others. pro-environmental behaviours which will help to put nature into recovery. Meaning This could be... creating a story about a tree, mapping the journey of a bee, finding folktales about nature, or celebrating key moments, like the longest day or the first swallow of summer. Beauty This could be... creating some wild art, painting the amazing colours of insects, taking a photo of a flower, visiting a place with an amazing view. Compassion This could be... planting wildflowers, taking part in a beach clean, digging a pond, putting up a nest box, supporting conservation charities or buying eco- friendly products. In order for nature to recover, we need more space for nature, with more people on nature’s side. Science shows that if just one person in every four (25%) takes action, this can be enough to change the minds and behaviour of the majority, which could make a huge impact on tackling the environmental crises we are all facing. The University of Derby’s Nature Connectedness Research Group worked with The Wildlife Trusts and other national nature conservation NGOs to develop a course which shows how humans can develop a new relationship with nature, to benefit both people and the environment. Access the free, 4-week course here: futurelearn.com/courses/nature- connectedness-derby Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021 5

APPEAL More space for nature, with more people on nature’s side Climate anxiety is on the rise, leaving many people feeling powerless. However, we can all act now to protect our planet W e are in the middle of an Find out where people are selling Change your energy use environmental crisis, and local produce in your area, and see we know that nature is in what’s on offer Energy used in buildings accounts for trouble. Climate change around 17% of total emissions. There are C heck which fruit and vegetables are in some simple ways to reduce emissions is driving wildlife decline and the loss of season and buy them accordingly from your household energy use. green spaces is leaving us ill-equipped to Grow your own food, and make space Turn off lights when you don’t for wildlife while you are growing it need them reduce carbon emissions, and to feel the Change how you travel Switch to a green energy supplier benefits of connecting with nature. Transport currently accounts for 27% of W ash clothes at a lower temperature – There are simple and easy things that we UK emissions. Making small changes to 30 degrees is better for the planet how you get from A to B will make a big can all do to reduce our carbon footprint, difference! Reduce food waste make more space for our wildlife and stand Avoid flights where you can, and see Food waste generates about 8% of global if you can get there by boat or train greenhouse gas emissions. So, anything up for nature. instead of air you can do to limit what you throw away will make a big difference to your carbon Have a look through our top tips below U se public transport where possible footprint. and see what changes you can make today. C ycling is good for your health and the P lan your meals around using up food environment that has a short shelf life, and only buy Together, we can put nature into recovery! what you need Change how you shop for food Agriculture accounted for 10% of UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2019. Buying local, considering the impact of what you eat and reducing your food miles will shrink this footprint. 6 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021

APPEAL Freeze it. If you’re not going to eat it in Make more space for nature More ways to help… the next few days, stick it in the freezer To reach 30by30, with 30% of the T o donate to our Nature P ick ugly fruit and veg. It all tastes the UK land and sea supporting nature’s Recovery Fund Appeal, visit same but a lot of this is thrown away recovery by 2030, we all need to work www.warwickshirewildlifetrust. together. Taking individual action in our org.uk/appeal Climate-friendly gardening own gardens can have a big impact on our local wildlife. Talk to your friends and family Across the UK, 1.9 million people about making lifestyle and currently live in areas of significant Build a bee hotel, install a bat box or put behaviour changes that will help flooding. This number could double as up bird boxes nature recover early as the 2050s, however there are practical ways that you can reduce the Cut a hole in your fence to encourage Volunteer your time damage flooding will cause. hedgehogs, and buy a hedgehog house If you can, increase your Avoid paving sections of your garden. If you don’t have much outside space, membership subscription and Borders and lawns soak up the rain even a window box or a bird feeder will help us achieve even more for and help reduce flood risk. Even using help your local wildlife. You can find out people and wildlife pebbles and stones is better than more on how to make space for nature concrete or slabs, as it provides some here, www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions Consider leaving the Trust a gift in drainage or turn to the next page for more tips on your will, and help protect nature wildlife gardening for generations to come Be diverse in your planting. Some plants love wet conditions in the Campaign for change W rite to your local MP, or arrange to summer while others soak up water meet them. Find your local MP here in the winter. By growing a mixture, Contact your MP to help them to https://members.parliament.uk/ you can help improve water absorption understand more about the issues members/commons throughout the year impacting nature in your local community. MPs want to know what it J oin local rallies, protests and Opt for a hedge, not a fence. Hedges is you care about. Not only do they want demonstrations that raise awareness of are a better choice of boundary for to hear from you, they also have a duty environmental issues wildlife as they absorb water, heat to listen - their job is to represent you in and CO2. Not only that, but they allow Parliament. F ollow our campaigns page and wildlife to move about between gardens take part in online campaigns here and other spaces, and provide feeding warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/ and breeding opportunities TakePart/campaigns Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021 7

WILDLIFE GARDENING Upcycle your garden for wildlife Wildlife gardening doesn’t have to be expensive. There’s nothing more rewarding than upcycling old, broken or unused household items into wildlife habitats for the garden. Use hessian bags to grow bee-friendly plants Many bee-friendly plants grow well in pots and hessian bags make excellent alternatives that you can pack away in winter. Choose drought-tolerant catmint, lavender and Mediterranean herbs like oregano and mint. Pallet herb garden Grow plants in saucepans An upturned pallet can add height to Drill holes in old saucepans and other kitchen your garden. You can paint it a nice containers to make plant pots. They’re colour and simply wedge plants in perfect for salad crops like lettuce and their pots between the slats. radish, plus herbs like chives and parsley. 8 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021

WILDLIFE GARDENING Upcycling is a fantastic way to reduce the the loft or shed. What can you use to make Kate Bradbury ILLUSTRATION BY KATY FROST, PHOTO © SARAH CUTTLE amount of waste sent to landfill, while a cosy bird box for a blue tit or a refugia is passionate saving you money, too. Who needs to buy for slow worms? Do you have enough old about wildlife- expensive plant pots when there are old bits of wood to knock up a hedgehog or friendly gardening saucepans, wellington boots or even basins bat box? Whatever you choose, make sure and the author and toilets that can be used instead? Or you use materials safely and effectively. of Wildlife how about making a pond from your old Upcycled gardens look fun, quirky and Gardening for bath or kitchen sink? unique.They can make fantastic wildlife habitats, too. Everyone and There are no limits to what you can do with old, broken and unused items. Use Get more wildlife gardening tips on our Everything in your imagination to find creative ways to website wildlifetrusts.org/actions association with find new uses for forgotten possessions in The Wildlife Trusts. Tin can bee hotels Fix an old tin can to a fence or wall and pack it with dried, hollow plant stems from 1mm to 12mm in diameter, to attract a range of solitary bees and wasps. Make sure the can overhangs the stems so they don’t get wet. A teapot bird house An old teapot can make the perfect nest site for a robin or wren. Hang it with the spout facing down, in a sheltered site away from cats and other predators. Plant tray bird bath Fill an old plant pot tray with water to make a bird bath. Stand it on old bricks to raise it from the ground or leave it low to provide water for hedgehogs. Add a stone to help bees escape if they get stuck. Old sink pond A Belfast sink or old baby bath make attractive mini container ponds, or sink a full-sized bath into the ground for a bigger pond. Pile up logs or stones to make sure wildlife can get in and out safely. Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021 9

LEGACIES Donations in memory We thank those who have given a gift to nature S upporting Warwickshire Wildlife n Simon OliverTaylor Brandon Marsh Memorial Tree Trust is a wonderful way to n John Judd celebrate the life of someone n David Victor William Hancock Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve means so much you love, share your precious n Vicki Hancox to so many people. It is a place to see wildlife, memories and honour their passion for the n Raymond Albert Mace connect with nature and make memories with natural world while raising vital funds in n Cannon David Clark friends and family. their name. n Marvis Ward n David Hubbard If you have lost someone who had a special We’re always incredibly touched and n Edward Ernest Read place in their heart for Brandon Marsh, and grateful to receive these donations, and we n Norman Parkes who was passionate about nature’s recovery, would like to thank the friends and family n Idris Macey we have a wonderful way for you to remember of the following people for thinking of us at n Dave Ronnie them. Celebrate their life with a beautiful oak leaf, such a difficult time. n Bob Batts made from brass and engraved with a personal nTony Willmott message, which can be displayed on the carved If you would like to give a gift in n Paul Wakeman Brandon Marsh memorial tree or sent to you n Pat Abrams in the post for you to choose your own location. memory to Warwickshire Wildlife n Zig Layton-Henry The donations from each memory leaf will n Robert Barby help the Trust manage our nature reserves and Trust, please contact Imogen Hardy on create thriving habitats that will help our wildlife 02476 308972 or email membership@ to recover. wkwt.org.uk. For more information please visit www. warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/legacy/ memory-leaves or call Imogen Hardy on 02476 308972. STEVEN CHESHIRE Oak leaf plaques at Brandon Marsh 10 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021

OBITUARY Remembering Robin Gibbs Michael Bunney reflects on his fellowTrustee’s contribution to Warwickshire WildlifeTrust W hilst not a founder member of the Chair of Council, the Trust had grown and become Trust, Robin was a long-standing a more complex organisation. Roger asked Robin to member and actively involved do some detailed work on the finances, and in his with many of those founders. He capacity as a Trustee Robin set up improved systems was not only passionate about wildlife, but also a for controlling cash flows and asset management. keen photographer and built up a wide collection of imagery which he was always glad to share with His clear thinking contributed significantly to others. At his funeral his family said that he would our strategic thinking and development; no doubt take them all over Europe to seek out butterflies, his strengthened by his early education at the London special interest, sometimes leading them into the School of Economics. He was a member of the most inaccessible places. Conservation Committee (later the Living Landscapes Group) and could always be relied upon to make “He was a member of succinct suggestions, along with occasional pertinent the local Natural History jibes. His background also encouraged him to follow Society and a garden the political scene carefully, enabling him to provide group and through these further guidance to the Trust. he built up an extensive knowledge of both We owe him a great debt of gratitude and shall miss wild and cultivated his wise counsel. flowers.” He was a member of the local Natural History Society and a garden group and through these he built up an extensive knowledge of both wild and cultivated flowers. He was also part of a group of garden enthusiasts who would travel to a different part of the country each year and visit as many special gardens as they could within a three-day period, learning about new plants and taking that knowledge home to try in their own gardens. Auriculas were a particular fancy of Robin’s, linking his search for butterflies with these mountain-loving plants. He would always try to ensure that these outings were combined with some good food and drink in fine locations. This range of interests was no doubt brought about by his upbringing in Dover, right on the beach; traumatically interrupted by the wartime experience of being evacuated to a remote village in Dorset. It was through these interests that he was able to help the Trust with its conservation work, and Robin’s career working for The Inland Revenue at a senior level meant he was also able to offer his professional skills and experience. By the time Roger Cadbury became Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021 11

MEMBERSHIP Everything we do is thanks to you! Your winter update from our membership team Bon Voyage to Val and John 25,000 Members! Val and John Roberts, founder members of the Trust, have moved John and Margaret, our to a new home in the Bristol area, so marking the end of an era of 25,000 members! 50 years of volunteering for Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. Recently we hit a huge milestone in our membership and John wrote about their volunteering work at Ufton Fields Nature we spoke to John and Margaret, our 25,000th members, Reserve in our 50th anniversary edition of Wild Warwickshire to find out what motivated them to join the Trust. magazine, however this does not pay tribute to the much wider work that this pioneering couple undertook in establishing the Trust What inspired you to join Warwickshire Wildlife Trust? and laying the foundations of what we are today. “Our appreciation of the importance of local greenspaces has increased during the pandemic. Friends mentioned In those days, the Trust was run entirely by volunteers. Val and that they were members, so we visited Brandon Marsh John were the ones who carried out the detailed survey work to and thought about joining afterwards”. identify potential reserve sites and set about acquiring them, and so they became experts in species identification. John became a What do you believe are the greatest threats to our local fungi expert; though judging from his very extensive collection of wildlife and greenspaces? photos, his knowledge has gone far beyond fungi. Furthermore, “HS2 is a significant local threat and we have been sad to they continued to survey sites right up to present times, collating learn of its impact.The prospect of using green belt land detailed information which enabled production of the Trust’s first for housing is another cause for concern”. two reserve guides. What species are you hoping to spot as you explore? Val not only helped with this survey work, but made a huge “We once saw a kingfisher at Brandon Marsh and it contribution to the education offering at the Trust, so vital for would be lovely to repeat that experience. Margaret connecting young people and nature. She also did a fantastic job would love to see badgers and we were sad to learn of keeping in touch with our staff as numbers started to build. through theTrust’s magazine, that the Government has plans to cull them”. We thank them for all they have done and wish them all the best in their ‘retirement’, though we suspect Avon Wildlife Trust Why do you think it is important that people support will now benefit hugely from their knowledge and experience. In their local Wildlife Trust? any case, they are going to keep in touch with us and look out for “The pandemic has highlighted the importance of all of the latest news from the Trust. the natural environment as a place of recreation and healing. We should not take it for granted and cannot Michael Bunney, Trustee of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust rely on the Government to preserve our natural heritage. Community involvement would be a more reliable way Val and John have done of ensuring the conservation of local greenspace, and so much for theTrust events for children are important for future generations to appreciate nature”. 12 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021

MEMBERSHIP Membership News Win a meal for two! Free fun for family members Our members are hugely important to us, and we could not Family members, make sure you look out for your child’s free achieve everything we do for nature without your support. Your activity card for 2022 in this magazine. As part of your family views and feedback are invaluable, and help us to ensure that we membership, each child can enjoy a free educational activity per are representing you in the work that we do. season, encouraging little ones to have fun in the great outdoors and to learn more about nature! We carry out our membership surveys every couple of years, and we’re always delighted that so many of you take the time to If you have more than one child on your get in touch and tell us what you think. We are asking for your family membership, you can collect your extra input again to our 2021 membership survey and, for a little added cards from Brandon Marsh Nature Centre encouragement, members completing their questionnaire by the or the Parkridge Centre. Your membership 14th January 2022 will be entered into a free prize-draw to win a includes activities for up to three children under meal for two at The Badgers Kitchen. In order to save the Trust’s the age of 16. postage costs, and help us reduce our carbon footprint, we are running this year’s survey online. To complete the survey, just You and your child can choose one free activity per scan the QR code or enter this link into your web browser season from; Nature Families, Nature Tots, holiday www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2021mshipsurvey workshops or after school clubs. Just remember to bring your activity card along to your session! Smcaen Details of all the activities are listed on our website at www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/events. Please call 024 7630 8972 or email our membership team on [email protected] to arrange your free place, as these cannot be booked online. The winning member will receive a voucher for Sunday KATRINA MARTIN/2020VISION lunch for two people at The Badgers Kitchen. Voucher will have no monetary value. If you would like to receive a hard copy of the survey, just contact the membership team. Eco-friendly car sticker for 2022 We’ve included your 2022 members’ car sticker in this Winter edition of Wild Warwickshire magazine.Your car sticker is eco-friendly, and is made from wood pulp sourced from managed plantations. We’re happy to report that the material is fully biodegradable and compostable, so at the end of the year just pop it in your compost or green bin. If you can’t find your car sticker in your magazine, please contact the membership team on 024 7630 2972 or email membership@ wkwt.org.uk. Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021 13

COMMUNITY GREENSPACE Connecting Communities and Greenspaces Dave Marriot and Matt Crossley discuss how local authorities can be thought leaders in connecting communities and greenspaces. Dave Marriott, former From my own personal involvement, The borough’s long history of mineral Conservation & Open Spaces I know how successful some Local extraction and industry had damaged Officer/Land Manager at Authorities can and have been in large areas of land, although much had Nuneaton & Bedworth delivering similar concepts. This article re-colonised naturally and increased its Borough Council features Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough wildlife value. An early priority of the new Council, who have been pro-active in post was to draw up an Ecological Sites O ne positive to come out of developing nature conservation policies Map, which plotted greenspaces, existing this pandemic must surely be the re-awakening of people’s “We have seen our towns and cities become need for green space, and a concrete jungles, wildlife disappear from connection with nature. our countryside and we now have to travel farther afield to connect with nature.” Despite many decades of scientific warnings, nature is in crisis. We have seen as standard practice since way back in and potential wildlife sites, and substantial our towns and cities become concrete 1974. That year, the Council saved a areas of derelict land. Added to this were jungles, wildlife disappear from our local wetland at Bedworth Sloughs and in water courses, disused railway lines and countryside and we now have to travel doing so demonstrated a commitment to public rights of way. This data began to farther afield to connect with nature. Much wildlife protection and the creation of a show many inter-connecting arteries and has been done by the Wildlife Trusts, in Conservation and Open Spaces post. corridors, which gave rise to the concept collaboration with other environmental organisations, to get nature back on track through building living landscapes and creating nature recovery networks. 14 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021

COMMUNITY GREENSPACE of creating a borough-wide network of the borough. Perhaps testimony to the a crucial role in championing the need for greenspaces. This concept was adopted success of the Council in championing robust legislation for nature, most likely and given the title of Link Linear Scheme green space policies and investing in receiving a platform now as a result of (later re-named Your Greentrack, now specialist staff. This does not detract from increasing public awareness of the climate Greenspace) and driven forward by the the role played by Warwickshire Wildlife and ecological crises. NBBC already work newly established Environment Team. Trust in achieving great things for wildlife in partnership with the Trust and are and people; it is an example of how others keen to develop that relationship further The ambitious vision for the scheme can step up and help play their part in to achieve more for people and nature, was for local people to be able to leave nature’s recovery. hopefully with the Trust having a greater the car at home, step out of their front presence in the borough and ideally in door and be within a short, accessible Matt Crossley, Greenspaces time having one or more reserves locally. distance of woodlands, wildflower Planning Officer at Nuneaton meadows, ponds, streams and other and Bedworth Borough Council Councillor Julian Gutteridge, wildlife habitats. A matrix of green portfolio holder for Health and corridors would link neighbourhoods with The past thinking Dave sets out Environment and Councillor recreational and community spaces, and still fully underpins the way we Damon Brown, Nuneaton and swathes of greenspace would become approach greenspace provision Bedworth Borough Council integral parts of the urban scene, bringing today, both in negotiating Biodiversity Champion: the countryside into the towns and nature on planning applications and in the to the doorstep. management of our council-owned “W e continue to be fully greenspaces. committed to the Much of this has been achieved over positive and pro- some 46 years in many neighbourhoods In fact, Nuneaton and Bedworth active approach to across the borough, and significant Borough Council recently adopted a green infrastructure taken by the Council greening is now an integral part of what ‘Supplementary Planning Document’ to since right back in the 1970s. The recent was a predominantly industrialised help guide developers on provision of adoption of the Supplementary Planning area. Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough publicly accessible greenspace, and for Document evidences that, and we will be Council were early adopters of the kind of interlinking habitat corridors with cycle looking to further strengthen policies and schemes that are now being championed paths. Such policies are hopefully soon to action relating to the ‘Green Network’ and by environmental organisations, and the be included in the upcoming Environment the environment in the borough - including current team at the Council continue to Bill, which will obligate all local authorities through the development of a revised protect wildlife habitats and facilitate to map ‘Nature Recovery Networks’, Borough Plan and in due course acting on provision of greenspace corridors within increase their quality and connectivity and the Nature Recovery Network obligations new developments across the borough. report regularly on progress. for local authorities in the Government’s Environment Bill” Nuneaton and Bedworth do not often The Wildlife Trusts and other feature in Warwickshire Wildlife Trust environmental organisations have played news, and the Trust has no reserves in Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021 15

NATURE RESERVES In Search of Warwickshire’s Wildflowers A “botany bubble” used lockdown to record plant species across the Trust’s nature reserves W hen restrictions began pondweed which had not been seen to ease, a small “botany there for 25 years and was thought lost. bubble” of five members However, water quality has deteriorated of the Warwickshire Flora markedly throughout the county since the Group set out to produce an up-to-date 1950s, when even the Coventry Canal in plant list for each of the Trust’s reserves. Bedworth used to support five species Managing to cover most of the Trust’s of pondweed. reserves, with some needing more than one visit, we also looked at the gains Returning to the league, Brandon and losses of the rarer indicator plants to Marsh doesn’t win on quality. The ancient show the health woodland of Clowes Wood boasts 39 indicator species against Brandon’s 28. “The Trust’s current ambition to double the amount of land it holds is a bold one, and potentially good news for the county’s flora.” of each site. Rarities here include the heath spotted- Autumn gentian For sheer numbers, Brandon Marsh orchid and the wood is home to a large colony of common cow-wheat. The Trust’s from the roses!) as both marsh violet and wins the biodiversity league for the most long-established volunteer group has done meadow thistle have not been seen for species with a total of 296. This is hardly an excellent job keeping the bilberry and many years, and must now be considered surprising as it has such a wide range of lilies-of-the-valley free from bramble. Not extinct in this location. habitats. An excellent find here was the everything in Clowes Wood is rosy (apart re-discovery of the ribbon-like blunt-leaved The elegant autumn gentian is not often reported as it is easy to overlook when Heath spotted-orchid not in flower and appears late in the year. In August 2020 we counted plants at all IMAGES BY JOHN AND MONIKA WALTON of the previously known sites and it was still present in good numbers and not declining. Ufton Fields is a good place to see them! Nature reserves are always changing, and good management is vital to maintain habitat variety. Our survey reports have been passed on to the Reserves Team for use in their planning. The Trust’s current ambition to double the amount of land it holds is a bold one, and potentially good news for the county’s flora. However, it is essential that management continues on existing sites in order to maintain the quality of the habitats and protect the limited biodiversity we still have left. John and Monika Walton, The Warwickshire Flora Group 16 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021

EDUCATION Connecting Children and Scan the Nature through Education code! Local children feel the benefits of the great WwVwiiislwlddiLtwlAeiofa.bweurotarnruruiWtwnsLgitielc.odHakrrAsugnhb.buiinorkgeu/ t outdoors, feeling happier and more relaxed after spending time with our Education Team T he Education Team at and since April over 90% of our work has themselves and the children with nature.  Warwickshire Wildlife Trust been block booking. This means that we Working with children for a prolonged are passionate about engaging have worked with individual children for a children with nature. Our school longer period of time, typically between 5 period of time has been extremely trip program has taken us to many schools and 10 weeks. We have also been using rewarding, as we have been able to see across Coventry and Warwickshire, giving our Wild About Learning Hub to encourage how they have positively embraced nature students the opportunity to explore their parents and teachers to take their children and how it has made them feel. We have school grounds and enjoy nature on their outside of the house and classroom. The even done extremely small-group work with doorsteps. Hub includes a collection of videos and children who have been identified by their school as needing a little more intervention, “We have been able to see how they have and where better than in their school grounds! We have shown these children positively embraced nature and how it how to create a hedgehog house, how to make bird feeders and even how to safely has made them feel” build their own campfire. Each and every one of them has become more connected We absolutely love getting out and about resources that focus on giving parents with nature, with many of them telling us doing school visits, but just recently we and teachers the confidence to take how much they are loving being outdoors, have focused on spending a little bit more lessons and activities outdoors, providing and that the sessions have helped them quality time with the children in our patch, topics and frameworks to connect both become happier and more relaxed. A bracelet inspired If you know a school that would by nature love to take part in some outdoor learning, why not recommend to them our Wild About Learning Hub. We also still have funding available to work with schools in Coventry, Warwickshire and Nuneaton, so if you feel your school would benefit from some help connecting children with nature, please contact [email protected]. Building outdoor fire 17 session with St Barts Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021

GRANTS & FUNDING Play at Parkridge Parkridge Visitor Centre is the perfect place for families, who are enjoying exploring the new playground funded by Tesco Bags of Help P arkridge Visitor Centre has us to install a sensory path, mud kitchen, Events at Parkridge always been popular with bug hotel screens and beautiful wooden young families, having plenty signage, encouraging children to use their Events at Parkridge are back up and to offer in a safe and relaxing imaginations whilst playing. running, after pausing for much of environment. The café, baby changing 2020 due to lockdown. Rob Halcrow, facilities, woodland play area and easy, Young families and parents’ groups are Visitor Centre Manager at Parkridge, accessible walks around the reserve are already enjoying the new equipment and is passionate about making the the perfect combination for a day out. making the magical connection between centre a community hub and has play and the natural world. launched a programme of events With the help of our fantastic volunteers, that connect people with nature and our project to improve outdoor nature- “This is wonderful. It’s great that the celebrate diversity. based play facilities at Parkridge has been children get to play on something that is completed. Thanks to Tesco Bags of Help, real and not just plastic.” 2021 has seen the return of the who funded the project, the playground popular Halloween treasure trail, the now has a scrambler set, a ‘tree crown’ Parkridge now also hosts ‘Happy launch of the ‘Birder’s Breakfast’, natural climbing structure, a willow Mamas’, a parent and baby group who get in partnership with Solihull’s local tunnel and a range of outdoor musical together every Monday at the visitor centre RSPB group, and connections made equipment. The project has also helped for a catch-up over cake and coffee. with Solihull Faiths Forum to put on a spectacular Diwali light trail New Bike Racks celebration. In other news at Parkridge, Transport Look out for festive events for West Midlands kindly donated four Sheffield bike stands, which are accessible happening at Parkridge on from the cycle path through Brueton Park. If you are riding through the park and are social media and on our website! looking for a place to stop, rest and refuel, come and park up at Parkridge! LINDSAY BUTLER Beautiful wooden play equipment, ERIN GREEN funded byTesco Bags of Help 18 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021

NATURE RESERVES New Mural for Brandon Marsh A beautiful piece of artwork, inspired by local schoolchildren, has been unveiled at Brandon Marsh O ur Dunsmore Living SIMON WATTSPupils from Binley Woods Landscape scheme has a Primary School see the big focus on connecting new mural for the first time SIMON WATTS people with nature and telling stories about the local landscape. and movement and have become a The project team have been doing this in popular photo opportunity for families a variety of ways since 2017, from new visiting the reserve. We will also be interpretation boards and a revamp of the growing a column of moss on the central Discovery Centre at Coombe Abbey Park, to our fabulous straight-tusked elephant sculptures at Ryton Pools Country Park. The team were excited when an opportunity arose to work with BRINK Contemporary Arts on two new murals at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre; the first along the main wall in the car park and the second within the courtyard, guiding people onto the reserve. Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve sits at the heart of the Dunsmore Living Landscape and is surrounded by woodland, grassland and wetland. The reserve is a ‘wonderfully wild’ mosaic of habitats that supports a mass of wildlife, and is loved by local communities. One of those communities is home to the year 6 pupils of Binley Woods Primary School, who helped us to decide which “This is a great way to show that people like us can come up with great ideas like this” species should appear in the mural. white pillar in the large mural. Tim from BRINK adds It is thanks to them that we have the When the murals were finished, we some finishing touches striking underwater scene and the words ‘Brandon Marsh: Wonderfully Wild’ woven invited the Year 6 pupils to Brandon important it was to them to have been in to the artwork. Marsh to see them. The children walked involved in the design stages, saying: through Brandon Wood and down the “This is a great way to show that people BRINK took inspiration from the drive at Brandon Marsh, where the team like us can come up with great ideas children’s suggestions, and from their were ready to greet them and reveal the like this”. own experiences of exploring the reserve, mural. Their reaction was priceless and and created the two stunning murals that can be seen in our film about the murals Thank you to everyone involved, are wowing visitors. The large car park on our YouTube channel. To watch, visit our funders and everyone who mural was painted freehand, whilst the YouTube and search for ‘Warwickshire plays the National Lottery. courtyard mural also includes intricate Wildlife Trust murals’. stencil work. Both are alive with colour One pupil commented on how Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021 19

PEOPLE & NATURE Green City Poet-in-Residence Sujana Crawford reflects on how Brandon Marsh inspired her poetry for the BBC’s flagship poetry and spoken word festival O ver the summer I’ve been spotting birds and dragonflies from the Hoglets in Warwickshire the Green City Poet-in- bird hides. Since 2017 I have also been a Residence at Brandon Marsh hedgehog conservation volunteer, visiting Here she is. Bobbling pigtails, as part of Coventry City of various sites across Rugby to set up chubby fists, a chariot of drunken legs. Culture 2021 and BBC’s Contains Strong survey tunnels and study local habitats. And here he is. A new crown of soft Language festival. It has been an amazing quills gauging the kilter of his reign, experience and I’ve loved having an The first piece I was inspired to excuse to spend some reflective days in write as part of the residency was silky grass curtsying as he leads the wonderful spot that is Brandon Marsh. Hoglets in Warwickshire; a celebration the way. of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s Now she’s down on scuffed knees I first came to Coventry as a conservation work, and a reflection in her dress grass-stained, postgraduate student from Nepal, over on why conservation of wildlife is so following him into the undergrowth. a decade ago now. Since graduating I important. travelled and worked in different places, A forgotten, forgiving wonderland – a from isolated Applecross in Scotland The second piece, Marshland Whispers, blessing really. to war-torn Jammu & Kashmir in India, was inspired by conversations I’ve had Ivy brambling with two-toned where I developed and implemented with some birdwatchers at the reserve. silver queen, blackbirds mastering projects promoting sustainable agriculture The way they spoke passionately hopscotch, a slumber party of slugs. and permaculture. It was on my return to about the different birds, their different the Midlands, this time to Rugby, that I characteristics and quirks inspired me. She holds out the runway of her arm, got to know Brandon Marsh properly and I really enjoyed working on this piece, to grant a woodlouse safe passage. I have felt a strong kinship to the nature which is quite unlike anything I have What are our little ones if not a reserve ever since. written before. It was also a steep balancing act, trying to make their way learning curve given that despite always across earth’s undivided playing field? When my children (now five and seven) loving birds, I’d clearly never paid any real were younger, I spent many wonderful attention to them. But this residency has Later, she will eat spaghetti from a afternoons with them pottering around changed that - it’s ignited an interest in purple plate, then be read to until her the mud kitchen, building dens, and birdwatching which I hope to nurture. eyes grow heavy. And he will suckle his mother before setting out again to forage into the night. But for now, she offers him a fistful of dandelions, their bright yellow ligules like sunlight filtering through woodland,where he has feasted since it all began. BBC Contains Strong Language 2021 is a partnership between the BBC, Coventry City of Culture Trust, Writing West Midlands and Nine Arches Press, supported by Arts Council England, the British Council, Creative Lives and Jerwood Arts. www.bbc.co.uk/ containsstronglanguage 20 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021

PEOPLE & NATURE NEIL ALDRIDGE Marshland Whispers A peckish red-backed shrike, eyes fixed on migrant Having found her rhythm, hawkers, misses her turn. a snipe has taken to winnowing her It glides to the ground, as if secrets, tales of silk, golden as a grass dreaming, only to be sucked spine. Nearby an emperor dragonfly spies back up in a whirlwind of wings. on her, carries away a stray line. And The sky opens its eyes. Hard tears moments later, deep in a pool, a red fin send a white moth hiding. A seagull grunts stares out a kingfisher, storms off and soon its echo spreads like a fan to attempt the tyndall effect. But it’s too through the feathers of a cormorant’s late, the air is tuned in now. Dusk has open prayers. It rests at the webbed fallen, binoculars packed away, the car feet of a grey heron. park empties. Dodging the splashes of his juvenile And it’s with a solitary nuthatch now, cousins, he only half hears before the so loud for a little thing, who wind takes it up for a spin – to sightsee absentmindedly mimics what he hears, the reeded universe, and, as darkness bruises the air, its anvils of water cradling a skyline lush baby saplings and sharp-winged crickets with bickering goslings. Then whoosh, are the first to join in. Soon the marshes it’s dropped near a butterfly bush just will be a gigantous thrum, laced with the in time sonar beams of bats, for a muntjac doe, worn out by her the whole breathing forest warbling, fawn’s antics, to pack it into her nap a fine-tuned warble, unleashing time ritual. A lullaby. Bees croon, its full unfathomable secret. beetles scurry, keen to keep it company. Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021 21

FARMING & WILDLIFE Regenerative Agriculture – a future farming system? Regenerative farming could help us to reach 30by30, bring our wildlife back, help to capture carbon and grow the food we need Michael Bunney is a trustee of WWT. F arming, like a lot of things in life, The 1947 Agriculture Act set up an He was originally an agricultural has suffered from a disconnect integrated research, development and adviser in Warwickshire and then in with nature, and over the last advice service that drove this approach Whitehall, London before becoming few decades intensive farming and also included the start of support an independent rural consultant in the policy has driven farming practice to payment systems. This favoured larger 1990s. He joined WWT in 1983 and overlook the role nature can play in growing agrochemical, machinery and food was chair for 8 years in the 2010s. food. However, things are changing. manufacturing companies, which now He retains his agricultural connections dominate both the input and output side of and believes there must be better Collectively, we have both a huge farming businesses. ways of farming. challenge and a huge opportunity on our hands in our ambitions to reach 30by30. It Silent spring will mean making more space for nature across all land types and usages, with that Rachel Carson, in her book Silent Spring land being managed positively for wildlife. (1962), was one of the first to highlight It is generally accepted that 70% of land the impact of these policies. In the USA in this country is used for farming, which this book led to the creation of the US presents a huge opportunity for nature. So, Environmental Protection Agency and what can be done to better manage more inspired the environmental movement on farmland for wildlife? How can we restore a global scale, however when I worked in the biodiversity that has been lost through Whitehall in the 1980s only token actions farming systems and practices that have were being taken and the organic farming been in place for at least the last 50 years? system was considered insufficient to feed the nation. The policies introduced after the Second World War were a result of severe food In more recent years there have been shortages, with an emphasis on using a number of environmental policies and artificial methods to boost crop yields. schemes aimed at achieving more for Powered tractors and other new machinery nature through agriculture, and there are became available, also enabling intensive a growing number of farmers and estates drainage to bring a wider range of soils that have made huge advances in this area. into cultivation. Despite these efforts, the figures show that 22 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021

IAN JELLEY the decline in wildlife species is continuing with 15% of UK species at threat of extinction, so more needs to be done. Let nature help sAocilosvterur cctruorpetohvaetrhwelipnstetro improve fungi and bacteria help to build the crop’s immunity against attacks from pests and Our ancestors recognised that the maintained for a number of years, carbon disease. Crop yields may be reduced key to good crop yields lay in managing levels increase. One farm measured an initially, but reducing the use of machinery the fertility of their soils, something increase from around 3% to over 6% over and saving costs on fuel and chemicals can modern farming systems have tried to a 20-year period. The crops take CO2 out of counter the loss. There are also savings in achieve by using chemical fertilisers, the air, and the roots and micro-organisms labour and machinery purchases, so it can pesticides and more powerful machinery retain this in the soil. be possible to maintain overall margins to counteract the effects of intensive when the system becomes more refined. systems. Now is the time to return to Natural systems are driven by carbon, those forgotten practices, and there is an Other adaptations in overall farm policies increasing focus on alternative ways of will also be required, however we are improving soil conditions. already moving towards this approach as agricultural support systems post-Brexit One line of development comes under require changes in national policies and the general heading of ‘Regenerative types of support. The practices followed by Agriculture’. There are many elements farmers will be driven by these influences. to this, but the main one is to stop both ploughing and deep cultivations and Perhaps what is changing is that some farms in Warwickshire are currently Regenerative Agriculture is not a prescriptive, regulated approach and “Now is the time to return to those there are no fixed blueprints to follow. forgotten practices, and there is an Each farmer has to work out the best increasing focus on alternative ways of combination to suit circumstances and improving soil conditions” conditions, including variability of seasons and climate. There are many questions still adopting this approach. As one farmer said, not nitrogen. When more nitrogen and to be answered, but it is a step in the right “there must be a better way of farming”. other fertilisers are used, soil microbiology direction for our soils, and for nature. is upset and carbon is broken down into The principle is to let nature do the carbon dioxide, with the process being work for you. We all know that worms further accelerated when soils are exposed help break up soils, and now science to air through cultivations. is showing us that fungi, bacteria and other micro-organisms are also a key Those practicing regenerative farming part of the process when plant roots are systems are moving from a chemical-based left undisturbed. Combining no-plough approach to a biological one, significantly principles with near-continuous plant cover reducing the use of both fertilisers and through an actual productive crop or an pesticides. The action of the micro-flora in intermediate cover crop, can improve soils helps release nutrients from minerals natural fertility. When this technique is in the soil, whilst the action of certain Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021 23

PEOPLE & NATURE Orbit commits to improving land for wildlife Housing provider Orbit has partnered with the Wildlife Trusts as part of their ‘Orbit Earth’ environment programme, with the aim of protecting and enhancing greenspaces on their housing estates O rbit, who provide over 45,000 for wildlife, and more than 65% strongly Orbit employees and their contractors on affordable and social rent supported changing the way their local area how to make more space for nature and homes largely throughout the was maintained in order to benefit wildlife. take action for wildlife on housing estates Midlands, East and South of they manage. This approach aligns with our England, has recognised the ecological crisis The Trust led on the pilot project, working 30by30 campaign, which aims to enable we are facing and want to play their part in with Orbit to look at what can be done to 30% of the UK land and sea to support nature’s recovery. The partnership involves make space for nature on four housing a pilot project across four housing estates in Warwickshire, which looks to assess the “We look after a variety of spaces, both in existing value for wildlife in the communal size and characteristics and we know that outdoor space surrounding the houses. there won’t be a ‘one size fits all’ way of Then, following detailed assessments, improving these spaces” identifying opportunities to make more space for nature, which will make Orbit estates in our local patch. This detailed nature’s recovery by 2030. estates better for wildlife and people. assessment has provided the framework “We look after a variety of spaces, for the development of a national toolkit, A survey of residents who live in the to help provide consistent guidance to both in size and characteristics and we pilot areas revealed that more than 78% know that there won’t be a ‘one size ORBIT HOUSINGstrongly supported creating new areas fits all’ way of improving these spaces,” explains Jessica Marshall, Environmental Existing flower-rich Change Manager at Orbit. “Some of the grassland at Cephas Court actions that we are looking at are changing the way we maintain areas, like leaving the grass to grow longer and creating wildflower meadows; providing shelter for insects, butterflies and birds, and other actions will be more transformative such as removing unnecessary manmade surfaces which has an added benefit of reducing flood risk.” Over the next few months we will be supporting Orbit to implement a number of changes, from creating wild flower meadows to planting trees. In other areas the intensity of management will be reduced to help support more wildlife. Orbit is also encouraging its customers to make more space for nature in their private outdoor spaces through a new campaign, which includes the launch of a ‘Wildlife Outside Your Window’ pack. Created in partnership with the Wildlife Trusts, the pack is designed to connect 24 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021

PEOPLE & NATURE Existing habitats present on site at Holly Walk ORBIT HOUSING customers with nature, containing tips and opportunity for us to engage our customers filled with tips and simple ideas about advice to encourage wildlife. Customers and try and positively influence the how customers can help welcome more can also claim a free packet of wildflower private spaces within our communities,” wildlife into their communities and provide seeds which can be sown in the autumn continues Jessica. a thriving environment for both nature and or spring. residents. Not only will this have obvious “We know from the recent study that benefits for local wildlife, there is proven “With around 45,000 homes across we published in collaboration with the evidence to show that people connecting 2,000 estates, we felt there was a huge Chartered Institute of Housing, that our with nature improves mental wellbeing customers really value their outdoor space. and, of course, being outdoors has a 85% of the 900 customers we surveyed positive impact on physical health too. With for the study said that they enjoyed over 600 requests for the booklets and spending time in nature, either in local seeds on the first day alone, we’re really greenspaces or their garden, whilst 92% thrilled with the response from customers believe it is important to have access to so far.” greenspace within a 10-minute walk. As part of the initiative, Orbit customers “With help from The Wildlife Trusts, are also being encouraged to take part in a we’ve created a really practical booklet wildlife photo competition for a chance to win a bird box camera, DIY bee hotel or a nature book. httithnpefsoc:/ra/Fmbmoiartpt.lamiyoi/gon3nrvaeqvbrioszuiXttG: You can read more about Orbit’s joint study with the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) – ‘Working with customers to make net zero carbon a reality’, here: orbitgroup.org. uk/#zerocarbon Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021 25

ANNUAL REPORT Warwickshire Wildlife Trust 2020 Annual Report 2020…what can we say. It was, of course, an exceptional year. Like everyone else across the country, and indeed the world, many of our plans were thrown in to disarray by Covid-19 and multiple lockdowns. T he capacity of the Trust to responding to changing regulations, Bubbenhall Wood and was significantly reduced and the need to develop and implement Meadow project throughout the pandemic, Covid-19 safe systems of working and both in terms of staff and financial planning. 194 volunteers contributed 604 volunteers. Compared to 2019 the Trust days of volunteer time over the operated at 80% of its staff and 59% of Despite the difficulties, and the its volunteer capacity. Of probably even suspension of many of our work past four years, helping local greater impact, a large amount of staff programmes for long periods, we still time was diverted away from delivery managed to achieve a huge amount for wildlife by improving the land people and wildlife. they rely on for homes and food OUR IMPACT AT A GLANCE Education Farming Nature Reserves Launching our 40 farmers are now members of 40ha of woodland our Arden Farm Wildlife Network, improved for wildlife, wildlife learning hub: working with us to make their through management warwickshirewildlifetrust.org. farms better for wildlife of our nature reserves uk/wildaboutlearning helped Health & Wellbeing Hams Hall children enjoy the natural world Environmental Centre We helped over 90 people improve at time when they were not able their mental health, with many saying Volunteers helped to build spending time in nature helped them a roundhouse, an amazing to get out and about much manage their anxiety or depression educational resource £253,600 funding Young Adult Social media followers: Ambassadors Awarded from the National Lottery 22 young adult volunteers Heritage Fund to took part in our “Wilder Future for Warwickshire” project, where support our River they learnt a range of skills to help Sherbourne Valley them give nature a voice Living Landscape 10,670 10,963 4,609 908 26 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021

ANNUAL REPORT SOME KEY HIGHLIGHTS Young Adult Ambassadors learning about sustainable Nature Reserves JOANNA WELCH farming techniques Despite reduced resource, we continued standing up for nature. to manage our reserves throughout The project started in January 2020, were in post and busy developing ideas, the pandemic and were delighted to commissioning feasibility studies and experience an increase in the number stopped in March and restarted again in engaging the local community on the built, of people visiting our reserves in 2020. August 2020 in a completely different cultural and natural heritage of the River The pandemic has re-awakened people’s format. Intended to be highly interactive, Sherbourne in Coventry. connection with the natural world, and social programme, in-person programme, we saw local communities turn to the it adapted to online delivery, with virtual Dialogue commenced with Coventry greenspace on their doorsteps for solace platforms and a series of webinars. City of Culture, which was also delayed and respite at an incredibly difficult time. from its original start date of January The fact that no one living or working 2020 to May 2020 due to COVID-19. in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull The Sherbourne Valley Project is now is more than 6 miles from one of our positioned as a key legacy delivery partner nature reserves, gave local people the for the City of Culture. opportunity to experience nature at a time when we needed it most. Love Your River Cole At Brandon Reach, our ‘Reaching In December 2020 a partnership led out to Communities’ project, funded by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust through by FCC Communities Foundation, with the Tame Valley Wetlands team was a third-party contribution from Millie’s successful in obtaining a grant of £705,000 Watch Charitable Trust, was completed. from the Green Recovery Challenge Fund The project delivered £47,000 worth of to continue our work as part of the Love access and infrastructure improvements, Your River Cole (LYRiC) project. “The programme helped young people between The river and its valley run from the the ages of 18 and 35, who are all passionate centre of Birmingham to where the river about environmentalism and conservation, joins the River Blythe near Coleshill learn more about standing up for nature. ” in north Warwickshire.  The grant will support our vital work restoring and helped and advised at all stages by The The volunteers received training enhancing key locations along the river. Warwickshire Disabled Ramblers. The site in ecology, practical conservation, These include the historic Parkland at now takes its place beside Brandon Marsh environmental campaigning, social media Castle Bromwich Gardens (Solihull), Cole and Brandon Wood as a welcoming, influencing and political lobbying, with End Park (North Warwickshire), Glebe safe and accessible place to Farm Recreation Ground (Birmingham), experience nature. a view to helping the Trust raise and Meriden Park (Solihull). awareness of key conservation Wilder Future for issues and ultimately to inspire Work will be delivered by a partnership Warwickshire and motivate their peers to of eight organisations (including the champion the environment. Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the The Wilder Future Black Country) and will involve tree for Warwickshire Sherbourne Valley Project planting, wildflower meadow creation and project, funded by wetland habitat enhancements as well as the National Lottery In August we announced that access improvements to paths and trails Heritage Fund, was set we had secured £253,600 for through the key sites. We will also be out to help the Trust respond the Development Phase of our to the environmental concerns of young people and empower Sherbourne Valley Project. The them to deliver a wilder future funding was primarily from for their local environment. the National Lottery Heritage The programme helped young Fund, with match funding people between the ages of 18 from Coventry City Council, the and 35, who are all passionate Environment Agency, Severn Trent, about environmentalism and Citizen Housing and Diocese of conservation, learn more about Coventry. By November 3 members of staff funded by the project Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021 27

ANNUAL REPORT SIMON WATTS Outdoor craft activities helped people improve their mental health “We celebrated the 50th anniversary of woodlands. The project supports people Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.” with a range of activities to help improve their mental health. Jess grew up in an focusing on creating and supporting local into crisis due to lockdown manage urban environment, and was not used green jobs in partnership with The Prince’s their mental health through virtual to encountering the natural world as a Trust, and will offer traineeships aimed at nature events and a new weekly nature child. Jess joined the TEaM bush-craft giving people the experience and accredited newsletter. Volunteers said the project programme through Recovery Academy training required to pursue a career in the was a true lifesaver in 2020 and if TEaM and shares her experience in our film, environmental sector. hadn’t given them the confidence to use Jess’s story. green spaces, they may not have left their TeAM houses at all that year. You can watch it here www.warwickshire The Environment and Me project was Funding was secured for Armed Forces wildlifetrust. successfully extended through an veteran projects and from the European org.uk/Jess application to the National Lottery Social Fund to develop the 8-week bush Community Fund, allowing us to expand craft programme. 50 Years the programme into Warwickshire. TEaM helped people who were thrown TEaM works at a wide range of sites, We celebrated the 50th anniversary of from allotments and gardens to rivers and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. Not in the way we had planned in 2019, which involved a range of in-person events and activities, but none the less we feel we did the founders of this wonderful charity proud in the way that we were able to mark the milestone through our magazine and through a series of online events. It really is a remarkable history when we consider the very modest beginnings of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, with just 8 members and no reserves. In 2020 we had over 24,000 members supporting the Trust and standing up for nature and it was certainly a moment to reflect on just how far we have come, and also to look to the future. 28 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021

Financials ANNUAL REPORT OVERALL FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE It’s all thanks to you Charitable 2020 Total 2020 was a challenging year where unpredictability and uncertainty took centre stage in our lives. Like many Trading (Middlemarch organisations, there was great concern about how the Environmental) pandemic would impact the Trust and the work that we do for wildlife and people. We were absolutely overwhelmed Total Income £2,845,000 £5,250,000 £8,095,000 by the loyalty and generosity of our members and Total supporters throughout the year, and thanks to you we Expenditure £2,833,000 £4,650,000 £7,484,000 were able to continue to deliver all of the amazing projects Net Income outlined in these pages. We really are incredibly grateful. (Expenditure) £12,000 £600,000 £611,000 The pandemic was a timely reminder of how intrinsically linked we are with nature, and how deeply it can nurture our wellbeing and provide solace during dark times. Your support is more vital now than ever before and we must do all that we can to champion nature’s recovery, together. INCOME 2020 Income tax recovered Fundraising 2.25% Income 2020 under Gift Aid 4.75% Donations & Charitable activities £1,613,000 Legacies 3.83% gifts 0.84% (e.g. grants & contracts) Membership subscriptions £613,000 Visitor Investment Visitor centres £277,000 centres 9.74% income 0.25% Legacies £109,000 Income tax recovered £135,000 Corporate under gift aid membership Fundraising £64,000 subscriptions Donations and gifts £24,000 0.11% Investment income £7,000 Corporate membership £3,000 subscriptions £2,845,000 Total Membership Charitable activities subscriptions 21.55% (eg grants & contracts) 56.7% Like a lot of charities, we apply for n S olihull Metropolitan Borough Council provide us with vital income free from grants from a variety of organisations in (SMBC) conditions set by funders which allows us a competitive process which involves us to invest in the areas that matter most. having to demonstrate the importance of n Rugby Borough Council (RBC) Without your support our charity would our vital work. n Orbit Housing not be able to function. Thank you! n National Lottery Heritage Fund We are extremely grateful to the following n Severn Trent We are humbled and truly grateful to the organisations who awarded us grant n Stonewater Housing generous donations of our legators; June funding in 2020 n Regional Flood and Coastal Committee Cooper, Dorothy Elstub, Vera Rosemary n Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Harrison, William Michael Hulme, Jenny n Big Local n European Social Fund and the Education Skidmore, Margaret Cotton, Carole n Environment Agency Robinson, Ronald Edward Parr, Christine n The Ratcliff Foundation and Skills Funding Agency Mary Kitchen and Herbert Heywood n National Lottery Community Fund n L&Q The lifeblood of our organisation is our membership. Membership subscriptions Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021 29

ANNUAL REPORT Volunteers 1.13% Expenditure 2020 EXPENDITURE 2020 Governance Charitable expenditure £1,998,000 Communications 4.45% 0.21% Visitor centres £324,000 Membership services £347,000 Membership Communications £126,000 services 12.25% Volunteers £32,000 Governance Visitor £6,000 centres Total 11.44% £2,833,000 Our charitable expenditure within the annual report includes the management of our nature reserves, our Living Landscapes work in partnership with farmers, landowners, businesses and councils, as well as our health and wellbeing, planning policy and education work. Charitable expenditure 70.53% Designated Funds 2020 2019 Nature Recovery Fund £1,500,000 £1,000,000 Charity Projects Fund £946,000 £946,000 Infrastructure Investment Fund £25,000 £25,000 Covid-19 Recovery Fund £315,000 £315,000 Contingency £730,000 £730,000 Total £3,516,000 £3,016,000 30 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021 A full version of our 2020 annual accounts can be found on our website www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/reports

ANNUAL REPORT Vision for the future – 2030 O ver the course of 2020, nature provides us … pollination, flood and at pace, to help restore biodiversity, the Trust supported the management, soil fertility, beauty, serenity stabilise the climate, ensure food security, development of national and relaxation. improve health and wellbeing, and protect Wildlife Trust strategy, playing our economy, which depends on nature a full role in the development of the 30by30 Adding sad irony to this stark crisis by and not the other way around. campaign (a call for 30% of the UK land distancing ourselves from nature and area to be managed for wildlife by 2030) treating wildlife as a disposable commodity Our 2030 strategy will set out what we and related issues such as the proposal we are making ourselves more and more will do in Warwickshire, Coventry and for a new legal designation referred to as unhealthy. Is it a wonder that levels of Solihull under one goal; More space for Wildbelt. disease related to obesity and poor mental nature with more people on nature’s side. health are higher than ever before when This will be our unique contribution. The development of national strategy fewer people spend less time outdoors has continued into 2021 and Warwickshire enjoying the free benefits nature provides Local action, collective impact, global Wildlife Trust is now working on its own to mind and body? change. plan for delivering that collective strategy locally across Warwickshire, Coventry Nature’s recovery is the only way We look forward to sharing our strategy and Solihull. to solve the climate and ecological with you in the coming months! emergency. It is an effective and “Nature’s recovery is the only way to solve the climate and ecological emergency.” We are living in a climate and ecological cheap way to help improve our health emergency. Year after year we see and and well-being. feel the growing disruption this is causing in extreme weather events, declining So, we must no longer just think about populations of familiar species and slowing the loss and protecting what the deterioration in the services which remains. We need to stop and reverse the declines and bring wildlife back at scale STEPHEN CHESHIRE Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021 31

UK NEWS UK UPDATE We can’t COP-out on nature Nature has a vital role in combating the climate crisis PROTEST SIGN © MARKUS SPISKE ON UNSPLASH T his November, world leaders more carbon into the atmosphere. Only Among other asks, The Wildlife are gathering in Glasgow by integrating climate action with nature’s Trusts are calling on Government to to discuss action to tackle recovery can we achieve a net zero (where the climate emergency. The the amount of greenhouse gases emitted n Reform the planning system so 26th UN Climate Change Conference of balances with the amount taken out of the that it helps to address the nature the Parties, known as COP26, will bring atmosphere), climate resilient UK where emergency, by establishing Nature together more than 190 world leaders nature is thriving, by 2050. We need all Recovery Networks and creating and tens of thousands of representatives of our national policies to be contributing a new Wildbelt designation that to find solutions to the worsening crisis. to nature’s restoration, not degrading protects land that is being restored Countries will set out their latest plans it further; this includes affording better for nature. to reduce emissions and attempt to limit protection to the wild places we already global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as have, such as upgrading Marine Protected n Ensure that sustainable land well as adaptation plans for the changes Areas to Highly Protected Marine Areas, use practices are adequately that are now inevitable. and designating new sites to create more incentivised through the new space for nature. Environmental Land Management There is a sense of urgency around this schemes to allow UK agriculture to conference, with the effects of current Our 30by30 vision, which would see significantly contribute to meeting warming becoming increasingly evident, the UK restoring at least 30% of land and net zero targets and 30% of land in from record temperatures and widespread sea for nature by 2030, is a minimum recovery for nature. wildfires to an increase in episodes of very requirement for nature’s recovery and heavy rainfall and flooding. Changes to the depends on commitment and funding from the habitats that can help combat the climate are not just dangerous for people, the UK’s governments. Nature can’t thrive climate emergency, we recently launched but are also threatening wildlife, including in fractured pockets, we need to think a new climate education tool for Key Stage here in the UK. In the run-up to COP26, bigger and link up our wild places. Two, Nature’s Climate Heroes. Not only The Wildlife Trusts have been working is it packed with information, it also hard to raise awareness of the connection However, it’s not just the UK provides students with positive action between nature and climate, and to governments that need to act. We can’t to take, so that they can make their own encourage Government to take ambitious achieve nature’s recovery without wide contribution to tackling the issue. For those actions that focus on the restoration of support, which is why The Wildlife Trusts out of the school room, we’ve also created nature, as well as a reduction in emissions are so passionate about empowering some advice pages, about actions you can and improved resilience. people to take action. We want to see take in your own life. Together, we can a wildlife-rich natural world at the heart ensure a wilder future — and to find out Nature must be at the heart of action of everybody’s education and learning how you can play your part visit on climate. Healthy natural landscapes journey, inspiring a connection to nature wildlifetrusts.org/taking-climate-action can take in carbon and store it, whilst that lasts a lifetime. damaged habitats often release even To help teachers inspire students about 32 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021

NEWS UK UPDATE UK HIGHLIGHTS Big vision, high ambition – a year of progress Discover how The Wildlife This September marked the first large-scale community rewilding Trusts are 1 anniversary of 30by30, our vision for 30% project, on 170 hectares of land near helping 2 of land and sea to be restored for nature Bere Regis, Dorset. wildlife across by 2030. In the past year we’ve launched the UK 3 some inspirational projects to restore Discover more of our land for nature, from saving meadows for 30by30 projects at 1 Great news for gulls mountain pansies in Shropshire to restoring wildlifetrusts.org/30-30-30 rhos pasture in Radnorshire — marshy Gull chicks have fledged at South SUNFLOWER © MATTHEW ROBERTS, WHITING INSIDE OF JELLYFISH © IAN WATKIN & CORNWALL WILDLIFE TRUST, SNIPE © ANDY ROUSE/2020VISION grasslands home to rare butterflies, curlew Walney nature reserve for the first time and snipe. Thanks to your generous since 2015, thanks to a new predator- support, we will continue to bring nature proof fence. Since 2017, no chicks back across the UK — to link up wild have survived longer than a week, but places and protect and repair others. this summer Cumbria Wildlife Trust recorded over 100 large and healthy Our latest projects include chicks of lesser black-backed gulls and securing more land for nature in herring gulls – a red-listed and declining Somerset’s Avalon Marshes, an species. Find out more at wtru.st/ internationally important wetland landscape Cumbria-gulls home to waders, wildfowl, and rare insects and plants, and establishing England’s first Vine House Farm grows over 2 Tadpole triumphs 100 acres of sunflowers The northern pool frog has been successfully reintroduced to Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Thompson Common, the last place it was recorded before its extinction in Britain in the 1990s. Since 2015, more than 1,000 pool frog tadpoles have been released on the site, with early indications promising that the frogs will form a self-sustaining population. Learn more at wtru.st/frogs-return Sunflower power pass the impressive milestone, with 3 Jelly jeopardy the COVID-19 pandemic prompting Birdfood supplier, Vine House more people than ever to purchase Cornwall Wildlife Trust supporter Farm has generated £2 million to food for their garden birds. Vine Ian Watkins spotted the unusual sight support the conservation work of House Farm grows 400 acres of of a whiting trapped inside the bell The WildlifeTrusts. For the past bird seed crops, including the ever- of a compass jellyfish, whilst on a 14 years,The WildlifeTrusts have popular sunflower seeds, as well as walk during National Marine Week. been in partnership with the wildlife being a haven for wildlife in itself, Juvenile fish often hide amongst friendly farm in Lincolnshire, with with a thriving population of tree jellyfish tentacles for protection from a percentage of each purchase of sparrows and other farmland birds. predators, but are occasionally stung their bird seed going to local Wildlife Learn more at wtru.st/2-million and eaten. Trusts and helping wildlife across the UK.This year saw the contribution Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021 33

SHORT-EARED OWL © DANNY GREEN/2020VISION F rom a kestrel hovering above a roadside verge to a barn owl drifting over a grassy field, spotting a bird of prey is always a special experience. One of the best things about these feathered predators is that they can be seen almost anywhere – practically any patch of sky could hold a circling buzzard, and sparrowhawks often venture into gardens. But some birds of prey have to be sought out, and by visiting a nature reserve you can often see several species in action. Winter is a great time to track down many of our birds of prey, with some roosting in large numbers, others attracted by gatherings of ducks, starlings or other small birds, and some even starting their courtship or territorial displays. 34 Wild Warwickshire | Winter 2021

6 places to see See the spectacle 2 5 birds of prey 3 14 for yourself 6 1 Wappenbury Wood, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust With a network of grassy rides and glades, these beautiful woods offer tranquil walks through a wildlife treasure trove. Historically, an impressive 88 species of birds have been recorded, with plentiful sightings of tawny owls. Where: Princethorpe, CV23 9QA 2 Wheldrake Ings, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust In winter, huge flocks of ducks and wading birds visit the flooded fields, often attracting the attention of peregrine falcons. Other birds to look out for include merlins, buzzards, barn owls and sparrowhawks. Where: NearYork,YO19 6AX 3 Gors Maen Llwyd, North Wales Wildlife Trust Meaning ‘Bog of the Grey Stone’, Gors Maen Llwyd is named for one particularly large stone deposited by retreating ice sheets.This heather moorland is home to buzzards and kestrels, and you might also find a hen harrier, red kite, merlin or even goshawk. Where: Nantglyn, LL16 5RN 4 Great Fen, The Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs & Northants This vast fenland landscape is a fantastic place to see birds of prey in winter. Kestrels and buzzards are common, with regular sightings of barn owls in the evenings.You could also spot short-eared owls, red kites, marsh harriers or more! Where: New Decoy info point, near Holme, PE7 3EW 5 Hickling Broad, Norfolk Wildlife Trust Witness one of winter’s greatest wildlife spectacles as dozens of marsh harriers come in to roost in the reedbed at Stubbs Mill each evening.They are sometimes joined in the air by hen harriers, merlins and barn owls.The reserve is also home to roosting common cranes. Where: Hickling, NR12 0BW 6 Westhay Moor, Somerset Wildlife Trust The famous flocks of starlings that roost on the Somerset Levels provide a tempting evening snack for peregrine falcons and sparrowhawks.You could also spot marsh harriers, buzzards and barn owls flying above the reedbeds. Where: Glastonbury, BA6 9TX Did you spot any birds of prey? We’d love to know how your search went. Please tweet us your best photos! @WKWT

sjpuAescdtio£ep2s5tf!oar Adopt a Species Since 1970, when Warwickshire Wildlife Adopt one of five species as a gift this Trust was founded, 41% of UK species have Christmas. You can choose from a badger, seen their populations decline, with 15% of hedgehog, peregrine, owl or bat. Each pack species currently at risk of extinction. Our is £25 and contains fascinating facts and ‘Adopt a Species’ scheme raises awareness of information on your chosen species, with some of our most loved species who need our a little cuddly toy included in both adult help, and funds our ambition of bringing our & children’s packs… a great gift for any wildlife back! nature lover! To order online please visit www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/online-shop or phone our membership team on 024 7630 8972. We also have a digital version available, please see our website for details! A Christmas Gift to Wildlife CHRIS MAGUIRE Stuck for ideas this Christmas? Then share your passion for wildlife by giving your friends and family Warwickshire Wildlife Trust gift membership this festive season! This gift will give them a whole year of wildlife discovery, allowing them to explore new places and connect with nature. For a minimum donation of £42 they will join 25,000 other members, all dedicated to supporting nature conservation across Coventry, Warwickshire & Solihull. To give the gift of nature… visit our website at warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/join p op in to one of our visitors centres at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Coventry or the Parkridge Centre, Solihull call the membership team on 024 7630 8972