"Taking Action for Insects". New guide encourages us all to take urgent action for insects

A local conservation charity is launching a new initiative which urges us all to play a part in reversing the failing fortunes of some of our most easily overlooked wildlife: insects.

Devon Wildlife Trust is launching a new practical pack, Your Guide to Taking Action for Insects, which will help everyone do their bit in reversing decades of decline for the UK’s struggling bees, butterflies, moths, bugs and beetles.

The colourful, 20-page, illustrated guide is available as a free download via https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/take-action-insects. It’s packed full of tips, useful info, and links to finding out more, all aimed at helping individuals and families make simple yet crucial changes to helping insects through the ways we shop, garden and run our homes.

The guide has been authored by The Wildlife Trusts working with partner organisations including Buglife, Pesticide Action Network (PAN) and Garden Organic. It has been launched as part of a wider campaign called Action for Insects, which looks to reverse recent drastic population declines among insects.

A recent report published by the campaign, authored by Professor David Goulson, concluded that 41% of insect species now faced extinction around the world, while population declines were widespread across other insect species. The report also highlighted the vital part played by insects in human food production and in their support of countless other birds, mammals and plants.

Your Guide to Taking Action for Insects recognises that some insects aren’t always popular with the public when it comes to wildlife, and that this is especially true when applied to gardeners. However, it highlights the crucial roles they play in pollinating flowers and crops, controlling pests and natural recycling, plus the beauty and joy that they bring to our lives.

In a range of top tips for helping insects in people’s gardens, it gives guidance on going chemical- and peat-free, along with advice on which plants are best at combining colour, scent and attraction to bees and butterflies across the seasons. The guide stresses that all outdoor spaces, whatever their size and location, from tower block balconies to cottage gardens, can make a real difference to restoring insect numbers.

Steve Hussey, spokesperson for Devon Wildlife Trust, says:
“We’re delighted to be launching Your Guide to Taking Action for Insects. The warmer weather of spring combined with the current restrictions placed upon everyone in response to the Covid-19 virus means that people are spending more time in their gardens, yards and on their balconies. This guide provides people with advice on how to make positive changes to help insects, which will not only help mini-beasts but boost morale too! We’re asking people to make whatever outdoor space they have into a better place for insects, be it a window box, a garden or an allotment.

Our guide gives them the inspiration and the practical know-how to take a few simple steps to making a big difference to their local wildlife. Insects are one of the key building blocks of life on which we and countless other familiar species from hedgehogs to garden birds rely. If we follow the guide’s advice as gardeners, shoppers and homeowners we can turn the tide on insect declines.”

James Campbell, Garden Organic CEO says:
“Garden Organic is pleased to be supporting the Action for Insects campaign. All gardeners and growers should celebrate insects who are part of the natural chain of life. Organic gardeners also help by creating habitats and shelter, as well as providing plants to feed and support insect life”

Josie Cohen, CEO Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) says:
“Everyone has a role to play in making the world less toxic so insects can flourish. By stopping using pesticides in your home and garden, and supporting businesses working to reduce chemicals in their supply chains, you can contribute towards building a healthier and more sustainable planet for both us and our six-legged friends.”

Your Guide to Taking Action for Insects 

is available now as a free download 

via the Devon Wildlife Trust website www.devonwildlifetrust.org or www.wildlifetrusts.org/take-action-insects

 A privet hawkmoth being held by unnamed person. Photo credit Jane McIntosh

A peacock butterfly settled on a bluebell. Photo credit Janet Packham

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Action for Insects is a national campaign coordinated by The Wildlife Trusts. Its aim is to reverse insect declines.  go to Tap here for more on the campaign The figure of 41% of insect species being threatened with extinction I taken from Insect Declines And Why They Matter, authored by Prof David Goulson (University of Sussex), 2019.  The report can be downloaded here

Devon Wildlife Trust becomes owner of major new wildlife haven in North Devon

Devon Wildlife Trust has purchased the 80 hectare wetland which forms part of the northern edge of the Taw Estuary, close to the village of Braunton. The undisclosed purchase price was met by the charity after it received a generous donation from a local resident and bird watching enthusiast, Mr Mark Ansell. The Trust now intends to make the site its latest nature reserve.

After a breach to its sea wall in 2017, Horsey Island now consists of an extensive intertidal salt marsh and wetland. It is a haven for wildlife and is especially important as a feeding and roosting place for thousands of birds including many rarities. A flock of more than 1,200 golden plover has been seen roosting and feeding there. Ospreys, Spoonbills, Glossy Ibis and Great White Egrets have all been recorded there in the recent past. These and many other seasonal sightings have made the site popular among birdwatchers.

With the addition of Horsey Island Devon Wildlife Trust now manages 57 nature havens covering well over 2,000 hectares of the Devon countryside. The Trust aims to improve the site still further as a place for nature and provide opportunities for people to enjoy the spectacular bird life in this quiet corner of North Devon.

Horsey Island has a long and interesting history. The land was reclaimed from the sea in the 1850s to create farmland. Two earth bank defences were constructed to keep the sea out; one an outer wall facing the sea, and the other known as ‘Great Bank’ (not part of the new nature reserve owned by Devon Wildlife Trust), which runs between the site and Braunton Marshes further inland.

However, in recent times Horsey Island’s defences have been compromised. In 2017 a major breach occurred to its outer wall, inundating its interior with sea water. Rising sea levels and more frequent violent storms have since widened the breach. Today its interior is open to the tide and in the place of what was once farmland a fascinating system of tidal creeks, salt marsh and mudflats has been formed.

Peter Burgess, Devon Wildlife Trust’s Director of Conservation and Development, said:
“Horsey is an exciting, dynamic place which is now being shaped by natural processes, dominated by the daily tides which ebb and flow into the reserve. Shifting sands and muds are starting to be colonised by salt marsh plants. It is now an exceptionally important location for roosting and feeding wading birds and stands as one of the best locations in the county to see murmurations of wading birds from the security of the Coast Path”.

Devon Wildlife Trust’s Chief Executive, Harry Barton, said: 

“The purchase of Horsey Island is a wonderful opportunity. It will allow us to protect and enhance a stunning area of intertidal habitats in North Devon. Over the coming months we will be developing ambitious plans for the site in discussion with local stakeholders so that it reaches its full potential as a stunning place for wildlife and the local community.”

At present Horsey Island has no direct public access, but good views of the site and its wonderful birdlife can be had from the South West Coast Path which runs adjacent to it.

Devon Wildlife Trust has a successful track record of managing newly created tidal wetlands elsewhere in the county. In 2012 it took on the management of a similar nature reserve at South Efford Marsh nature reserve, near Kingsbridge, in South Devon. Since then the charity has successfully overseen its transition from rough grassland to saltmarsh and mudflats. The nature reserve has become one of Devon’s premier birdwatching venues.

 View across Horsey Island. Photo copyright Andy Bell (All rights reserved)

Golden Plover flock with Lapwing in foreground (Nb. not taken at Horsey Island). Photo copyright Andy Parkinson (All rights reserved)

Going 'wild' is secret for happiness. Thousands take up challenge to go wild every day in June

The Wildlife Trusts' annual challenge – 30 Days Wild – calling on everyone to go wild every day in June starts this weekend. This year looks set to be bigger and wilder than ever. So far 50,000 people across the UK including nearly 2,000 in Devon have signed up to participate. The numbers are made up of individuals, families, schools, businesses and care home communities.

30 Days Wild encourages everyone to enjoy nature locally through daily Random Acts of Wildness: listening to bird song, gazing at butterflies, growing borage for bees and making the most of our parks, gardens and school grounds. Evidence shows that taking part can also make us happier and healthier.

The impact of taking part in 30 Days Wild has been tracked by academics at the University of Derby. Their study found that people who did something 'wild' each day for a month, felt happier, healthier and more connected to nature, with added benefits for the natural world too.*

Miles Richardson from the University of Derby said; "Our research looked at the impact of 30 Days Wild on 1,000 people, two months after completing the challenge. All those taking part benefitted, feeling 30% healthier than when they started on average. People who reported a disconnect from nature and who spend less time outdoors, showed the greatest improvement in happiness and pro-conservation behaviours."

"At a time when poor mental health is on the rise and the decline of our wildlife show no sign of slowing down, 30 Days Wild demonstrates what a much-needed new relationship with nature might look like, for everyone, throughout the year."

Supporting the 30 Days Wild challenge this year are:

Ellie Harrison, presenter of Countryfile and President of the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, said: "Being outside in nature makes us all well. The smallest moments connecting - the surprise of a beetle revealing its wings; the fleeting secrets of bats at dusk; or the puff of valuable pollen from flowers we saw as weeds - all bring us wonder and enchantment. This June we're challenging you to a Random Act of Wildness every single day of the month. What will you be delighted by?"

James McVey of rock band The Vamps said, "30 Days Wild is a fantastic challenge and everyone can take part - whether it's building a den, listening to the dawn chorus or visiting a favourite wild place, enjoying our wonderful wildlife can help us to feel happier and healthier, I'll be joining in this June!"

Dr Amir Khan from Channel 5's GPs behind closed doors said; "Spending time outdoors, enjoying wildlife on our doorstep and in our communities is free and can benefit our mental and physical health in so many ways. Spend a few moments every day in June taking part in random acts of wildness – notice something new in nature, climb a tree or create space for nature in your neighbourhood - The Wildlife Trusts has lots of ideas and inspiration to help you make the most of the 30 Days Wild challenge. Go Wild!"

Devon Wildlife Trust's Steve Hussey said: "30 Days Wild has become a much-loved challenge and it's set to be an exciting month for everyone taking part. This year in Devon we're staging a special 30 Days Wild celebration at Exeter's Mincinglake Valley Park on Sunday 16 June from 10.30am. It's free and gives everybody an opportunity to join us in discovering Exeter's wild secrets and to be inspired by nature."

People wanting to sign up to this year's 30 Days can do so at the Devon Wildlife Trust website www.devonwildlifetrust.org Signing up is FREE!

‘Dangerous’ fly-tipping creates problems for charity

A Devon-based charity has been left the costly and dangerous task of clearing up fly-tipping left by thoughtless vandals at one of its nature reserves.

 

A ‘substantial truck or van load’ of mixed rubbish was dumped recently at Devon Wildlife Trust’s Meresfelle nature reserve. The reserve is near Woolfardisworthy in North West Devon and is a haven for rare wildlife including the marsh fritillary butterfly.
 

The charity’s staff discovered what was described as a ‘mixed load’ of rubbish fly-tipped and blocking an entrance to the site. On closer inspection the items dumped included carrier bags, children’s toys, general household rubbish, concrete paving slabs, timber, an old fan heater and garden waste.
 

Devon Wildlife Trust’s Steve Hussey said:
“It’s always sad when people fly-tip at one our nature reserves. Most are in rural spots and represent easy targets for unthinking individuals who can’t be bothered or don’t want the expense of recycling and disposing of rubbish properly.
 

Clearing up after fly-tippers puts our staff at risk because you can never be sure what has been dumped. In the past we’ve discovered used medical equipment in amongst discarded materials.
 

It’s very expensive for our charity to deal with these incidents. We’d much rather be directing our people and resources to the job of helping Devon’s wildlife.”
 

Devon Wildlife Trust cares for 50 nature reserves in the county. Anyone with any information on the fly-tipped rubbish should call the charity or the police with information.

The fly-tipped rubbish recently found at Devon Wildlife Trust’s Meresfelle nature reserve

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Devon Wildlife Trust cares for 50 nature reserves in the county. Anyone with any information on the fly-tipped rubbish should call the charity or the police with information.

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Keep in touch with Devon Wildlife Trust

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Wild days ahead in Devon. A leading South West charity is urging us all to go wild.

Sign up is now open for the Wildlife Trusts’ month-long national nature challenge. People can get their free packs at www.wildlifetrusts.org/30DaysWild and start planning their 30 Days Wild which starts on Saturday 1st June.
 

Last year 30 Days Wild was a record breaker with more than 2,500 people in Devon joining the 350,000 people across the UK who chose to embrace the challenge of experiencing nature every day during June.
 

People choosing to make the commitment this year are promised a rich array of resources to help them go wild. Participants receive a handy pocket-sized guide to 101 Random Acts of Wildness, a packet of wildflower seeds, a wall chart to make memories of their wild month, and wild-at-heart stickers to share with family and friends.
 

For the first time, the Wildlife Trusts have also produced a pack for care homes alongside packs for schools and businesses. Research has shown that providing contact with nature can help people to feel happier and healthier.
 

Steve Hussey for Devon Wildlife Trust, said:
“30 Days Wild is such a fun thing to do and everyone can get involved - make a daisy chain, start a list of wildlife you see in your garden, look for animal tracks or feel cool grass between your toes. You can sign up now to get your free pack of goodies, including stickers, wallchart and lots more Random Acts of Wildness to help you to plan your wild month. Get your family, friends, school, work place or care home involved too. We can’t wait to share in everybody’s wild adventures!”
 

Now in its fifth year, 30 Days Wild participants keep up to date and share the fun and activities across social media #30DaysWild.

#30DaysWild with Devon Wildlife Trust. Photo copyright Matthew Roberts (All Rights Reserved)

#30DaysWild with Devon Wildlife Trust. Photo copyright Nick Upton (All Rights Reserved)

Stepping into the Past at Meeth Quarry Nature Reserve

Here we go again, as we just start to think about Spring, the UK is hit by the "Beast from the East". Well there is snow on them there hills of Exmoor and Dartmoor but once again just a snow flurry today where I live near Bideford.

We had lunch at RHS Garden Rosemoor on Sunday hoping to capture a preview of the Snowdrops before their "Snowdrop Trails" start in February, but sadly due to very high winds the garden was closed so we took the opportunity to walk around Meeth Quarry Nature Reserve near Hatherleigh.

Hard to believe this was a working quarry up until 2004. It was purchased by Devon Wildlife Trust in 2012 and opened as a Nature Reserve in 2013. 

The clay pits of the past have flooded creating a series of lakes, ponds and muddy puddles. There are different colour-coded paths around the reserve some of which include access for wheelchairs/mobility scooters. 

The line of trees in the distance is the Tarka Trail which was once a railway line. The Marland narrow gauge locomotive, built in 1883, used to haul the white clay in open wagons as far as Torrington.

Not a lot of wildlife  to report we spotted a Buzzard aloft on the way then a couple of water fowl took off as we arrived at the Glebe.  Took a shot of some hoof prints in the mud up high beside Woolladon Lake, sadly did not to see the Exmoor ponies on this visit. We sat for a while in the freezing wind just taking in the view of the lake glistening in the Winter sun. Happy days.

 

 

Meeth Quarry DWT nature reserve is on the southern edge of the village of Meeth on the A386 between Hatherleigh and Great Torrington. Follow the access road for half a mile and the car park is on the left. Nearest postcode is EX20 3EP 

Tap here to check the Devon Wildlife Trust website for more information

Tap here to read post about the herd of Exmoor Ponies at Meeth Quarry: 

"The herd of Exmoor ponies are the unpaid workforce at Meeth Quarry. They work 24 hours a day, seven days a week munching the rank grasses and scrubby shrubs which would otherwise quickly overwhelm the nature reserve's open areas." 

New film shows off city's 'wild' children

A new film is being launched this week which features the success of a local charity in its efforts to get Exeter’s school children out of the classroom and into a very different, wilder place to learn.

‘Wildlife Champions’ is a short film, but in its five minutes it packs a lot in. It features children, teachers, parents and classroom assistants from the city who have all been helped by Devon Wildlife Trust to take their learning beyond the confines of the classroom and into the great outdoors.

The film explores the work the charity has done since 2016 with over 5,000 children in 26 of the city’s schools. It follows Devon Wildlife Trust’s Emily Bacon and Paul Martin as they inspire a generation of Exeter pupils through school assemblies, wildlife gardening sessions, outdoor craft activities, lessons in wildlife exploration and  all round fun. The project has been generously supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.   

The film shows the positive difference being made to local wildlife. However its main focus is the transforming influence wildlife and ‘wildness’ has had on the children and adults involved in the project. This story is told through a series of uplifting interviews with the people who have taken part.

Devon Wildlife Trust’s Paul Martin, said:

“Classrooms are great, but all children come alive outdoors. The Wildlife Champions project is about showing children and teachers that there is another way to learn. We have loved introducing this wilder, outdoor element into tbhe lives of the schoomls we’ve worked with and I hope this comes across in the film.”

Sharran Singh, classroom assistant at Stoke Hill Infant School, Exeter, said: 

“I work with children who don’t have English as their first language and that have never had much outdoor learning. [through the Wildlife Champions project] They’ve come out of themselves. That’s the part I love the most. Devon Wildlife Trust have just brought a whole world alive for them, it’s just been amazing.”

Gary Speiss, Deputy Science Lead at Isca Academy, Exeter said:

“I found a woodland area at the back of the school. It was overgrown and unused. As a science teacher I wanted to use it as a resource for our students. I needed help so I contacted Devon Wildlife Trust and they encouraged me to join Wildlife Champions. I recruited a team of students and over the course of a year we opened up a woodland area, established a nature trail, we also established wildlife habitats. As the time has gone on the students have become increasingly independent, they are starting to make their own decisions and making progress, clearing paths, picking up litter. Week on week we’re making progress.”

Sarah Mackay, Headteacher at Stoke Hill Infants School, said:

“They [Devon Wildlife Trust] have been amazing, absolutely inspirational. They’ve come in to support the curriculum and what started as a small partnership has really grown and grown. I’ve noticed a huge difference in children’s attitudes, behaviour and learning, and the children’s sheer enjoyment at coming to school. We were described as a bit ‘outdoorsy’ once and I thought that was one of the biggbest compliments we’ve had about our school!”  

Earlier this year it was announced that Wildlife Champions has received a further two years of support from Players of the People’s Postcode Lottery. This good news means that the project will continue to inspire, bringing wildlife and wild places into the lives of hundreds of Exeter’s school children until 2020.

To watch the Wildlife Champions film go to www.devonwildlifetrust.org/what-we-do/our-projects/exeter-schools-project or search on YouTube under Wildlife Champions Exeter

Festival celebrates North Devon’s bats

Residents in North Devon are being encouraged to celebrate one of the region’s rarest and most fascinating wildlife species: greater horseshoe bats.

Members of the public are invited to celebrate one of Devon’s nocturnal wonders by joining one of more than 20 ‘Bat Festival’ events being staged across the county. The festival is the only one of its kind in the UK and its events have been organised by the Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project – a 5 year partnership project made possible by National Lottery players through a £785,500 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant, led by Devon Wildlife Trust. The project is working towards sustaining Devon’s population of these threatened nocturnal animals.

Ruth Testa, Project Manager of the Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project, said:

‘We want people to be as excited about bats as we are, and this festival will bring people closer to the secret life of bats – quite literally!  There are events to suit all interests, ranging from a ‘Bats, Moths and Stargazing night’, an exhibition of wonderful illustrations, talks and plenty of bat walks.’

The month-long festival, which begins on 25^th August with a launch event at Bovey Tracey, includes public bat walks organised by the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (18^th and 25^th September), and a drop in bat event followed by an evening talk at Braunton Countryside Centre (Weds 12^th September). The Centre also hosts one of the projects ‘Bat Beacons’, allowing visitors to find out more about bats through an interactive touchscreen.

Dave Edgcombe Project Officer at North Devon AONB said:

“The festival is a great way of raising public awareness of these little known creatures. Braunton is a very special place for greater horseshoe bats, as the surrounding countryside provides excellent feeding grounds. So why not come along and join us to find out more?” 

Further details and booking information for all the events can be found on the project’s website www.devonbatproject.org/events.  

Greater horseshoe bats have seen their numbers plummet by over 90% in the last 100 years. Today Devon remains a stronghold of this endangered species with about a third of the UK population found in the county.

The Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project hopes to reverse the species’ decline. Over the coming years it will continue to work with local landowners, farmers and communities across Devon ensuring that Devon remains a place which offers greater horseshoe bats the room to live and flourish.

A Greater Horseshoe Bat – Photo copyright Michael Symes (All Rights Reserved)

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 Tap here for further Bat Festival details and booking information for all the events .

‘Bat cam’ provides unique view of rare animals

Viewers of a very different kind of reality TV will be going batty in the coming weeks. People can visit www.devonbatproject.org to view a live webcam of a greater horseshoe bat roost in Devon to see hundreds of the rare animals appearing on screen at one time.

The bat cam, installed as part of the Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project, is beaming live pictures around the world from a greater horseshoe bat roost at a secret location in South Devon. The Project is a 5-year partnership initiative involving 18 organisations led by Devon Wildlife Trust and supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, as well as other funders.

Ruth Testa, Project Manager, of the Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project said:

‘The hi-tech infrared camera allows everyone to see what goes on inside a bat roost – something that is not normally possible. By logging on to our website (www.devonbatproject.org) and watching the live footage, people can get a unique and intimate view into the lives of these wonderful animals. You can also watch footage of some of our team’s favourite moments from previous years.’

Colin Morris, Nature Reserves Manager for The Vincent Wildlife Trust, the project partner that owns and manages the roost site, said:

‘The bats are very active at the moment - people should keep their eyes peeled as the female greater horseshoe bats are getting ready to give birth. While difficult to see during daytime, the new-born pups are left on their own once the adults go out to hunt at night. The coming weeks should see some drama as a succession of baby bats appear on screen!’

Greater horseshoe bats have seen their numbers plummet by over 90% in the last 100 years. Today Devon remains a stronghold of the endangered species with about a third of the UK population thought to be surviving in the county.

The Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project hopes to reverse the species’ decline. Over the coming years it will continue to work with local landowners, farmers and communities across Devon ensuring that Devon remains a place which offers greater horseshoe bats the room to live and flourish.

Members of the public can help us improve our scientific knowledge of bats by taking part in the Devon Bat Survey. During the summer months, you can borrow a special detector from 20 locations across Devon using an online booking service www.devonbatproject.org/devon-bat-survey.

A Greater Horseshoe Bat – Photo copyright Michael Symes (All Rights Reserved)

Giant wave of support wanted for new campaign to protect wildlife at sea

The Wildlife Trusts are calling on everyone to join a giant wave of support for 41 new Marine Conservation Zones

The Wildlife Trusts have launched a new campaign – #WaveOfSupport – to give everyone across the country the chance to back 41 new Marine Conservation Zones and protect our part of the Blue Planet around the English coast.

Recently, the government launched a consultation asking the public for their views about protecting a new group of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) – areas at sea where wildlife is protected from damaging activities. 41 special places have been chosen for the public to comment on, including nine in Devon’s waters.

None of these places will be designated unless there is public support for their protection. That’s why The Wildlife Trusts are urging the public to have their say and join a giant #WaveOfSupport e-action campaign which sends a message to government calling for all 41 potential MCZs to be recognised and protected. The public have until Friday 20th July to make their views known. The e-action can be completed at www.wildlifetrusts.org/wave-of-support

Plymouth-based Joan Edwards, Director of Living Seas at The Wildlife Trusts said:
“It’s rare that people get a chance to influence the future of our precious seas and the beautiful but fragile wild places and animals that live there. Since The Wildlife Trusts’ president emeritus, Sir David Attenborough, brought us the Blue Planet series, there’s been a surge of interest in the wonders of marine life coupled with horror at the threats facing the delicate marine environment. We’re offering people a way of channelling this concern into a giant wave of public support to create a network of protected special places at sea.”

Coral Smith, Marine Education Officer for Devon Wildlife Trust, explained the significance for Devon’s marine wildlife: 

“Nine areas in Devon’s waters have been put forward for protection in the form of Marine Conservation Zones, reflecting just how special and important our marine environment is here in Devon.
“Five estuary sites have been nominated, providing some of the most biologically productive mud and sand habitats, which in turn are hugely important feeding areas for waders, seabirds and juvenile fish. Four recommended offshore sites are home to commercially important species such as crab and lobster and many other wild and extraordinary creatures which are part of a healthy marine ecosystem."

Coral continued: "It is vital that these remaining areas are designated in order to create a blue belt of protection around Devon to restore the sea-bed that has been ravaged over the past century and allow fragile marine life to recover.  “This MCZ consultation process could be our last chance to protect Devon’s most important marine wildlife and habitats, and so we must make the most of this opportunity for our voices to be heard.”

The Wildlife Trusts believe that the consultation is a step in the right direction for England’s seas. Proper protection through good management of these sites after designation will be essential to ensure that our seas have the opportunity to recover.

Grey Seal - Photo copyright Paul Naylor (marinephoto.co.uk) All Rights Reserved.

Supporters can add their #WaveOfSupport at www.wildlifetrusts.org/wave-of-support

Nature reserves are latest campaign focus for Devon Wildlife Trust, as ash dieback confirmed on first DWT site

Devon Wildlife Trust has launched a campaign to secure more support for looking after 50 Devon nature reserves: http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves-fund
 

The charity spends around £2000 per day on management of 50 nature reserves across Devon, totalling 1943 hectares (4801 acres.) Funds are spent on ensuring varied habitats support the widest possible range of wildlife and on maintaining accessible places for visitors to enjoy exploring.

But this year, staff and volunteers will have to deal with an additional problem. Ash dieback is the latest threat to manifest on DWT nature reserves, with evidence of the disease now present on at least five DWT sites.

With the charity finding it increasingly difficult to secure funding for the ongoing management of nature reserves, DWT has launched a new campaign. The Devon Nature Reserves Fund makes it easier for more visitors to the Trust’s 50 Devon wildlife sites to support the work required to ensure thriving wildlife and satisfied visitors at all the reserves.

Many of the most wildlife-rich sites in Devon are semi-natural habitats such as heathland, coppiced woodland and wet grassland. Once traditional ways of managing the land were discontinued during the later decades of the 20th century, this had a detrimental impact on the wildlife that had evolved to thrive alongside human use of the landscape in these semi-natural habitats. Managing the varied habitats on nature reserves revives this traditional land use, but now exclusively for the benefit of wild plants and animals – and the people who enjoy seeing them.

Nature reserves without management would feature less varied habitats and less diverse wildlife.

Now, in addition to clearing gorse and scrub, managing grazing animals, maintaining ponds and keeping paths and boardwalks in good condition, reacting to ash dieback is the latest challenge facing Land Manager Matt Boydell and his team of staff and volunteers. The Forestry Commission has confirmed the presence of the Chalara fraxinea fungus that causes ash dieback, at DWT’s Dunsdon National Nature Reserve, near Holsworthy. Ash trees with symptoms of the disease have also been recorded at DWT nature reserves Halsdon (on the River Torridge), Meeth Quarry (near Hatherleigh), Dunsford (in the Teign valley) and The Rough (near Honiton.)

After an inspection of the Trust’s Dunsford reserve on Dartmoor, Matt Boydell said: “So far we’re seeing young trees, around 10 feet tall, that have been affected, with discolouration of branches from the tip down. It hasn’t yet affected the 60-70 mature ash trees on the reserve. But given the geographical spread of reserves affected already, it is likely that we will see symptoms of ash dieback on all young growth on most reserves from next spring.”

Matt outlined DWT’s next steps for dealing with ash dieback on nature reserves: “We need to map where the biggest and most high-risk ash trees are, those close to roads and public footpaths, as any large diseased trees posing a risk to the public will have to be felled. Mapping how quickly the disease is spreading and the age of infected trees is likely to be our focus over the next few years. Then we can plan what level of re-populating of native tree species is suitable for each reserve, in harmony with natural regeneration of the woodland, particularly where hedgerow ashes have died.”

DWT’s wildlife sites cover 1943 hectares (4801 acres) of Devon, with reserves spread around the compass. The intrepid nature-lover would need to travel 83 miles from the Trust’s most southerly nature reserve, South Efford Marsh, home to curlews and otters on a tidal stretch of the River Avon, to reach the northernmost site, Swanpool Marsh, near Braunton. Journeying from east to west, a 67-mile journey would be required from Hawkswood, near Honiton, to Warleigh Point, a riverside oak woodland where the Tavy and Tamar rivers meet.

At 326 hectares, Dart Valley is the largest DWT nature reserve, with 6.5 kilometres of the River Dart at its wildest rushing through the woodland between Dartmeet and New Bridge. The very first DWT reserve was important dormouse haven Lady’s Wood, a bluebell and hazel woodland near South Brent which was gifted to the charity by eminent Devon naturalist HG Hurrell in 1961.

The 50 reserves include:

• Devon’s largest goosander roost at Meeth Quarry
• the largest colony of pearl bordered fritillary butterflies in the South West at Marsland (on the Atlantic coast near Hartland)
• the only remaining site in England for narrow headed ants at Chudleigh Knighton Heath
• the biggest colony in the country of the rare heath lobelia flower at Andrew’s Wood (near Loddiswell)
• the Devon site with the highest recorded number of marsh fritillary butterflies, Volehouse Moor (near Bradworthy.)
• the site of the first UK field study of dormice, at Lady’s Wood, where the rodents’ distinctive way of eating hazelnuts was first discovered

DWT nature reserves include some of the best places in the county to see cuckoos (at Emsworthy Mire, near Hay Tor), otters (at Halsdon) and glow worms (at Bystock Pools, near Exmouth.)

DWT’s Dan Smith said, “Regular contributions from our members help cover the everyday costs of looking after some of Devon’s best wildlife sites. But thousands of other people enjoy visiting these wonderful places and now they can easily support work on our 50 reserves with a gift to the Devon Nature Reserves Fund.”

Donations can made online at www.devonwildlifetrust.org/make-a-donation or by calling the Trust on 01392 279244.

 Ash Tree. Photo copyright Peter Wakely (All Rights Reserved)

 Ash Tree Flower - Photo copyright Michael Symes (All Rights Reserved)

Dunsdon Path. Photo copyright Dave Chamberlain (All Rights Reserved)

Donations can made online at www.devonwildlifetrust.org/make-a-donation or by calling the Trust on 01392 279244.  

About Devon Wildlife Trust 

Devon Wildlife Trustis the county’s leading environmental charity, with 32,000 members. The charity manages 50 nature reserves across Devon, including a range of beautiful landscapes such as woodlands, meadows, wetlands and heaths. Devon Wildlife Trust relies on charitable donations, grants and the generous support of its members and the general public to raise more than £3.5million every year. Money raised is spent maintaining our work for wildlife conservation and education in Devon, for present and future generations.

Charity appoints new top role

A former Director of Conservation at Dartmoor National Park has been elected to a top role at one of Devon’s leading charities.

Suzanne (Sue) Goodfellow, who describes herself as an ‘ecologist and all-round environmentalist’ is the new Chair of Trustees of Devon Wildlife Trust. She will head the charity’s Board of Trustees, the body which determines the Trust’s strategic direction. As with all the charity’s trustee board members, this position is an unpaid, voluntary one.

Sue has been a member of Devon Wildlife Trust’s Board of Trustees since 2013 and a member of the charity, which has more than 32,000 supporters, since 1978. Her career saw her spend 30 years at Dartmoor National Park Authority working as an ecologist, a landscape conservation officer and then as its Director of Conservation. In recent years she has been Chair of Devon Local Nature Partnership, the umbrella organisation which works to bring together everyone with an interest in securing the benefits of Devon’s natural environment.

Sue said:

“I am delighted to be in a position to support the trustees, staff, volunteers and members of this amazingly vibrant charity which is making such a difference to Devon’s wildlife. I am passionate about making space for the other species with which we share our wonderful county and bringing people closer to wildlife for their mutual benefit. The Devon Wildlife Trust really stands up for wildlife and is an effective campaigning organisation as well as owning beautiful, restful reserves for us all to enjoy. I look forward to helping the Trust deliver new exciting projects such as Seaton Jurassic, Exeter Valley Parks and the Greater Horseshoe Bat Project.”

Sue replaces Dr Peta Foxall who has moved to become Chair of The Wildlife Trusts, the national body which helps coordinate the 46 county Trusts, of which Devon Wildlife Trust is one.

The appointment sees Sue lead the charity’s 17-strong Board of Trustees at a time in which the charity is engaged in some of its biggest ever projects and campaigns for local wildlife which include beavers, bats and marine wildlife.

Devon Wildlife Trust’s Chief Executive, Harry Barton, welcomed the appointment and said:

“Sue is a great people person, she is passionate about the environment and her knowledge of Devon is truly impressive. She and I have worked closely together for several years on the Devon Local Nature Partnership, which she led with great skill and tact. I’m really looking forward to working with her at DWT”.

One of Sue’s first tasks will be to help the charity in its efforts to raise extra support for the 50 nature reserves it cares for across the county. The Devon Nature Reserves Fund is being launched by Devon Wildlife Trust this May at a time of year when thousands of people will visit and enjoy the charity’s wildlife havens. People wanting to help are being urged to visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org/make-a-donation

Devon Wildlife Trust’s new Chair of Trustees, Suzanne Goodfellow

JUNE HIGHLIGHTS Charity urges us all to take part in ‘random acts of wildness’

A wildlife charity is urging us to take part in what it describes as a series of ‘random acts of wildness’ which it hopes will involve thousands of people throughout the month of June.

Devon Wildlife Trust is suggesting that people use the month to reconnect with wildlife and the natural world through a campaign known as 30 Days Wild. Now in its fourth year, 30 Days Wild is a nationwide initiative in which more than 250,000 people across the UK took part last year.

Participants in 30 Days Wild sign up for free and in return commit to undertaking a simple random act of wildness each day for a month. This year these acts include searching for mini-beasts in your own back garden or park, running/walking barefoot across grass or the beach, and learning to recognise a new birdsong.

For those wanting to take it easy there’s also the more restful suggestion of taking a ‘nap in nature’ where participants are being urged to ‘chill out & take a nap in the long grass; while the birds and the bees serenade you to sleep.’

Devon Wildlife Trust’s Steve Hussey, said:

“The idea behind 30 Days Wild is to get us all to take a bit of time out of our busy lives to engage with nature. A growing amount of research, along with our own common sense, tells us that being out of doors and in the natural world is good for our physical and mental health.

30 Days Wild is there to help us make time to go wild. Many of its random acts of wildness are aimed at families. We know parents often struggle to get children away from their screens and into the fresh air. But the campaign is also a chance for everyone to go a little bit wilder this June.”

30 Days Wild is free to take part in. Participants receive a pack with wallchart, stickers and lots of suggestions for ‘going wild’. People can sign up on-line at www.devonwildlifetrust.org/30DaysWild and is open to individuals, couples, families, schools and even businesses.

Steve Hussey, said:

“In the past we’ve had great take up from people undertaking 30 Days Wild with their schools, in their offices and as families. People seem to like the fact that it’s easy to do, is free and that it gets them out of doors to enjoy the wonderful Devon’s natural riches.”

Devon Wildlife Trust is staging its own 30 Days Wild event in the middle of the month. The 30 Days Wild Big Family Fun day is being held on Saturday 16 June between 11am and 3pm at Exeter’s Mincinglake Valley Park. Visitors to the event are promised a range of wild activities, including bug hunting, storytelling, wild craft and much more.

Beavers do dam good work cleaning water, research reveals

Beavers could help clean up polluted rivers and stem the loss of valuable soils from farms, new research shows.
 

The study, undertaken by scientists at the University of Exeter using a captive beaver trial run by the Devon Wildlife Trust, has demonstrated the significant impact the animals have had on reducing the flow of tonnes of soil and nutrients from nearby fields into a local river system.
 

The research, led by hydrologist Professor Richard Brazier, found that the work of a single family of beavers had removed high levels of sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus from the water that flowed through their 2.5 hectare enclosure.
 

The family of beavers, which have lived in fenced site at a secret location in West Devon since 2011, have built 13 dams, slowing the flow of water and creating a series of deep ponds along the course of what was once a small stream.
 

Researchers measured the amount of sediment suspended, phosphorus and nitrogen in water running into the site and then compared this to water as it ran out of the site having passed through the beavers’ ponds and dams. They also measured the amount of sediment, phosphorus and nitrogen trapped by the dams in each of the ponds.
 

Their results showed the dams had trapped more than 100 tonnes of sediment, 70% of which was soil, which had eroded from ‘intensively managed grassland’ fields upstream. Further investigation revealed that this sediment contained high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, which are nutrients known to create problems for the wildlife in rivers and streams and which also need to be removed from human water supplies to meet drinking-quality standards.
 

The research was funded by Westland Countryside Stewards and the Natural Environment Research Council and conducted by a team from the University of Exeter led by Professor of Earth Surface Processes, Richard Brazier. Professor Brazier said:
 

“It is of serious concern that we observe such high rates of soil loss from agricultural land, which are well in excess of soil formation rates. However, we are heartened to discover that beaver dams can go a long way to mitigate this soil loss and also trap pollutants which lead to the degradation of our water bodies. Were beaver dams to be commonplace in the landscape we would no doubt see these effects delivering multiple benefits across whole ecosystems, as they do elsewhere around the world.”
 

The research findings about beavers’ positive impact on soil erosion losses and pollution in water courses come at a time of growing concern about these issues. In 2009 a separate study estimated that the total cost of soil loss from the UK’s agricultural land was £45million, much of which was due to the impacts of sediment and nutrient pollution downstream.
 

Devon Wildlife Trust has been conducting its enclosed beaver trial for seven years, while since 2015 it has also been running another beaver project involving a population of wild-living beavers on the River Otter, East Devon. The charity’s Director of Conservation and Development, Peter Burgess said:
 

“Our partnership with Exeter University working on both our fenced and unfenced beaver trials is revealing information which shows the critical role beavers can play, not only for wildlife, but the future sustainability of our land and water. It is truly inspiring to have our observations confirmed by detailed scientific investigations.”
 

The research, ‘Sediment and Nutrient Storage in a Beaver Engineered Wetland’ is published in the academic journal, Earth Processes and Landforms. It is available to read on-line at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/esp.4398

One of the Devon Beavers. Photo copyright Michael Symes Devon Wildlife Trust (All rights reserved)

Endangered plant discovered for first time in 40 years on a farm in North Devon

A rare and endangered plant has been discovered on a farm in North Devon.

The plant, known as Three-lobed Water-crowfoot, was discovered by the conservation charity, Devon Wildlife Trust, on a routine survey of a farm near Dunsdon, Holsworthy. Its exact location is being kept a secret.

The plant is classed as ‘endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation Nature and appears on its ‘red-list’.

It is thought that this is the first record of the plant, which is a member of the buttercup family, in Devon for 40 years.

The Three-lobed Water-crowfoot plant, which lives in wet ground, was spotted by Devon Wildlife Trust’s Kate Langdon.

Kate is part of Devon Wildlife Trust’s Working Wetlands team, Kate said:

“For many years I have been on the lookout for this rare plant and always make a point of checking wet gateways, small pools and old vehicle ruts (all places the plant favours) in the vain hope I would find. And there it was in-front of my eyes, it really was a heart-stopping moment. I couldn’t believe it, all those years of searching had finally paid off. I was thrilled to bits.”

Kate was taking part in a survey of local Culm grasslands being undertaken by the charity’s Upstream Thinking project. The project works with local landowners to help improve water for local people and wildlife.

Three-lobed water crowfoot (small round leaved plant in picture). Photo copyright Kate Langdon (All rights reserved)

Has Santa’s beard been found in North Devon?

If Father Christmas appears beardless in our skies this Christmas then he could do worse than to visit North Devon to reclaim his famous white facial fuzz.

The discovery of a rare and weird looking fungus has led to it being nicknamed ‘Santa’s beard’ by amazed staff at the wildlife conservation charity Devon Wildlife Trust. The fungus, which is more usually known by its scientific name Hericium erinaceus and by other names including hedgehog fungus and lion’s mane fungus, has been spotted near the village of Thornbury, in North Devon. The fungus is rarely seen in the UK and it’s thought to be only the second sighting of it in Devon, and only the 215th time it has been recorded in the UK since 1923.

The white, football-sized mass was spotted growing from the trunk of a tree by Meg Galley-Taylor as she drove along a road close to her North Devon home. Meg said:

“People call me ‘Curious Meg’ so of course I spotted the fungus! It is large, white and very conspicuous. I had no idea what it was but I knew I had never seen anything like it before.”

After returning with binoculars and her camera, Meg set about researching the strange object, trying to find out just what it was. Meg said:
 

“In the end I posted the picture on-line and then I started to get a response. At that point I thought, oh wow, this is seriously rare.”
 

Meg also reported her sighting to leading conservation charity Devon Wildlife Trust. The Trust’s Steve Hussey said:
 

“This fungus is usually spotted in North American and Asia but has occurred in the South West of England only rarely before. We’re so pleased that Meg managed to spot it and tell us about it. Fungi come in wondrous and fascinating forms, but this is one of the most unusual we’ve ever seen.”
 

“Its weird shape and shaggy appearance, combined with the Christmas spirit here in the office, to make us wonder if the fungus could be part of the Santa Claus story? If the great man does appear without his beard this Christmas then we will know where to send him to look for it: it’ll be hanging on a tree in North Devon.”

Santa's Beard (Hedgehog Fungus) Photo copyright Meg Galley-Taylor (All Rights Reserved

New ‘mindfulness trail’ launched at popular Devon nature reserve

An East Devon beauty-spot has become the venue for a new ‘mindfulness trail’, promising visitors the chance to get away from some of the worst stresses and strains of modern life.

The trail has been established at Devon Wildlife Trust’s Bystock Pools nature reserve, in East Devon, and is the brainchild of local woman Clare Carter. The 46 year old from Exmouth created the mindfulness trail because she wanted to help other people to “slow down and switch off” from the demands of 21st century living.

The trail leads participants to 25 points around the varied nature reserve which features ponds, heathland, woodland and meadows. At each place people are asked to undertake an act of mindfulness ranging from the simple “take four deep breaths and stretch”’ to the more contemplative “Watch the water falling, listen to the sound of the water and watch the ripples”.

The trail has been designed to be done in short or long form, ranging from 60 to 90 minutes. It urges people to slowdown, to walk at an easy pace, reminding them that “mindfulness is about focusing on the present” and asks them to “let go of any distractions and bring back your attention to your surroundings”.

The inspiration for the trail came to Clare as a way of combining her interests in mindfulness and wildlife. Clare said:

“I was introduced to Bystock Pools nature reserve in the late nineties and now call it my second home! My main hobby is natural history, especially dragonflies. I also enjoy yoga, mindfulness and meditation. I wanted to create a walk which included some mindfulness techniques to help people switch off from their busy lives and encourage them to live in the moment.

I love being at Bystock and this Mindfulness walk has 'slowed' me down and allows me to switch off my busy mind! I hope it will help others too.”

Bystock Pools is one of 50 nature reserves cared for by Devon Wildlife Trust. The charity’s Steve Hussey welcomed the new trail:

“People visit our wildlife havens for lots of different reasons. Some will be real nature enthusiasts, perhaps searching for a particular bird, plant or insect, but many others will be there because of the sense of peace and tranquillity that these special places provide. This new mindfulness trail is a reminder to us all of how important nature reserves are to the health and well-being of people, as well as wildlife.”

A copy of the Bystock Pools mindfulness trail can be downloaded for free from the Devon Wildlife Trust website www.devonwildlifetrust.org/wildlife/reserves

 

  Bystock Pools "Mindfulness Trail"  - Photo copyright Sheila Hancox (All Rights Reserved)

 

Devon Wildlife Trust's Bystock Pools "Mindfulness Trail" the brainchild of Clare Carter

Wildlife lovers have the chance to Adopt-a-Beaver this Christmas.

Devon Wildlife Trust leads England’s only wild beaver re-introduction project, on east Devon’s River Otter. The project receives no government funding, relying on donations from people who care about wildlife and are enthusiastic about Devon’s wild beavers.

This month, the charity has launched the Adopt-a-Beaver scheme to help raise funds for the River Otter Beaver Trial. The five year trial is scheduled to run until 2020, working to gather evidence on the beavers’ impacts on the landscape and wildlife, infrastructure and farm businesses in the Otter valley. Introduction of further beavers into the river system is also covered by the project licence from Natural England.

Each virtual adoption includes a soft toy beaver wearing a Devon Wildlife Trust ‘Beavers are Back’ T-shirt. The charity’s Dan Smith explains: “The beaver soft toy is modelled on the project mascot, Nora, whose name was chosen in a public competition by a shop-owner in Sidmouth. These beaver soft toys are unique to Devon Wildlife Trust and the River Otter Beaver Trial and are not available anywhere else.”

Adopt-a-Beaver packs are available for children and adults for £30. All packs include the unique-to-Devon beaver soft toy but children’s packs also feature a beaver quiz, word-search, maze and colouring sheet.

For an additional £10, the pack also includes a beaver wood chip, gnawed from a Devon tree by one of the beavers living in the county. These wood chips - which come with a card of authenticity in a presentation box - have been collected from a site where Devon beavers are active.

These unique Devon gifts support what Chris Packham has described as “one of the most exciting conservation projects of the 21st century”, the River Otter Beaver Trial.

DWT’s Dan Smith said: “It’s heartening to see the continued enthusiasm for Devon’s beavers, more than two years after DWT first re-introduced beavers back on to the river after their health screening. Again this year, dozens of wildlife watchers gathered on the River Otter’s footpaths on summer evenings to spot parent beavers swimming with their new-born kits. Adopt-a-Beaver packs and Devon beaver wood chips are the ideal gifts for anyone who wants to see these charismatic mammals thriving in our countryside.” 

Beaver gifts are available from www.devonwildlifetrust.org/support-devon-beavers or by calling 01392 279244 or calling in to DWT’s headquarters at Cricklepit Mill in Exeter, on a weekday. 

 

River Otter beaver kits - Photo copyright Mike Symes.(All Rights Reserved)