SING OUT FOR NATURE. Devon Wildlife Trust's twelve special species on twelve days of Christmas fundraising campaign.

Twelve dormice hibernating, eleven willow tits foraging, ten string-of-sausages lichens hanging… the traditional carol has been given a Devon wildlife twist this Christmas.

Nature conservation charity Devon Wildlife Trust is focusing on twelve special species that find a home on DWT nature reserves across Devon in a festive fundraising campaign.

Consisting of six insect species, two wildflowers, a tree, a lichen, a mammal and a bird, this ‘Devon dozen’ forms part of a wider list of species of conservation concern.

The Devon Special Species list was first created in 2017, identifying the wildlife that needed more focused species recovery work in the county.

From this list 96 species demanded particular attention because their remaining footholds in Devon were of national – even international - importance.

Earlier this year, an update on these species showed they still desperately need conservation help: they need the best habitat management on wildlife-friendly land where they are currently found. This will give some individuals the chance to move and re-colonize former sites to give each species a more secure future in Devon.

Many of these Devon special species find a home on DWT’s 58 nature reserves.

With the best habitat management in place, DWT nature reserves are where dormice can find plenty of food, where willow tits can use damp scrub to excavate their nest holes, where rare butterflies can find the right habitats to complete all the stages of their life cycle and where trees and wildflowers now found hardly anywhere outside Devon can continue to thrive.

DWT’s Director of Conservation Pete Burgess said: “Some of our rarest and most threatened wildlife relies on the landscapes - and people - of Devon. DWT has an ambitious plan to double the amount of wildlife-rich land in Devon in coming years. But nature reserves will remain the wildlife reservoirs needed to restore life to the wider landscape. Nature reserves are where good habitat management can help species to recover and find their way to new places. And Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserves are where anyone can help Devon’s special species with a donation to this fundraising appeal.”

The twelve Devon Special Species highlighted in Devon Wildlife Trust’s festive fundraising campaign include:

1. the hazel dormouse, already lost from so many other parts of England
2. the brown hairstreak butterfly – this species overwinters as an egg laid on blackthorn stems so populations of this butterfly can be devastated by severe cutting of Devon hedges in autumn and winter.
3. the southern damselfly, a vivid blue-coloured insect lost from several heathland sites that DWT successfully re-introduced to an East Devon nature reserve
4. the Devon whitebeam, a tree that is so special to Devon it takes its name from the county
5. the sand crocus, a shy spring flower located on the golfing greens at Dawlish Warren and only found in one other place in the whole of England
6. the heath potter wasp, the six-legged artisan whose habit of constructing clay pots makes it the Grayson Perry of the insect world
   

DWT Engagement Officer Dan Smith said: “The limitations placed on our movements during this difficult year inspired many people to explore nature close to home and notice more of the creatures who share the Devon landscape with us. Some of those rare and threatened species are very special to Devon. Their future depends on the action we take now. That’s why DWT has launched a fundraising campaign to help the Trust manage the habitats on 58 nature reserves across Devon so they are in perfect condition for these species to thrive.”

Entry to Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserves has not been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Most Devon residents will be within a short cycle ride or car journey from a DWT nature reserve. More information on these 58 places for wildlife and people – and details on how to support the Devon Special Species appeal - can be found at www.devonwildlifetrust.org

Dormouse at DWT Teigngrace Meadow nature reserve. Photo copyright Andrew Taylor (All Rights Reserved)

 

 Warren Crocus at DWT Dawlish Inner Warren Nature Reserve. Photo copyright Vicki Gardner (All Rights Reserved)

Pearl Bordered Fritillary butterfly. Photo copyright Chris Root (All Rights Reserved)

 

Full list of twelve Devon Special Species and where they can be found in Devon on DWT nature reserves – a ‘pen portrait’ of each species can be found on each PDF file at the foot of https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/devon-special-species

1. Heath potter wasp – DWT Bovey Heathfield, (near Bovey Tracey)
2. Southern damselfly – DWT Venn Ottery, (in Otter Valley)
3. Willow tit – DWT’s Culm grassland nature reserves, northwest Devon
4. Brown hairstreak butterfly – 3 DWT-managed Exeter Valley Parks
5. Sand crocus – DWT Dawlish Inner Warren
6. Bog hoverfly – DWT Emsworthy Mire, (near Haytor)
7. Heath lobelia – DWT Andrew’s Wood, (in Avon Valley)
8. Devon whitebeam – DWT’s Culm grassland sites, north-west Devon
9. Dormouse – DWT nature reserves across Devon including Lady’s Wood (near South Brent) and Meeth Quarry (near Hatherleigh)
10. String of sausages lichen – DWT’s Dartmoor oak woodland reserves such as Dart Valley and Blackadon
11. & 12. Pearl bordered fritillary & small pearl bordered fritillary butterflies – DWT Marsland nature reserve, on the Atlantic coast where Devon meets Cornwall

About Devon Wildlife Trust: Devon Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading environmental charity, with 35,000 members. The charity manages 52 nature reserves and six Valley Parks 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 £4million every year. Money raised is spent maintaining our work for wildlife conservation and education in Devon, for present and future generations. More at www.devonwildlifetrust.org

"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

Journey to the Sea film series set to make waves in North Devon

A new six-part documentary series starring the people and landscapes of North Devon premieres in the county this month - narrated by BBC Springwatch presenter Gillian Burke. Journey to the Sea has been produced in partnership between North Devon Biosphere, WWF, Sky Ocean Rescue, the National Trust, and the Environment Agency.

Journey to the Sea is a celebration of the connection between people, land and the sea - putting nature centre stage. A special Director’s Cut of the films will be screened on Tuesday 21st January in North Devon. The exclusive event will be hosted by science communicator, zoologist and star of one of the episodes, Sophie Pavelle. Following the launch, one episode per week will then go on general release.

Filmed in North Devon, and following the course of the county’s waterways, the collection of short films is a celebration of Devon’s stunning, diverse habitats - from the wild moors of Dartmoor, to the crashing surf of the coastline and out to the open water around Lundy’s shores. The series aims to inspire viewers to take action to protect the UK’s natural world wherever they live.

The films are told through the eyes of local people, who help bring these special places to life. During the series viewers will meet a range of characters, whose lives and livelihoods are intrinsically linked to the area’s waterways, including Ilfracombe’s harbour master and Lundy Island’s warden.

The six films are:

• ‘Wild camping with Trev’ - hiking through Dartmoor National Park
• ‘Farming for the future with Simon’ - connecting young people with wildlife on a working farm
• ‘Exploring the estuary with Sophie’ - paddleboarding on the peaceful Taw-Torridge Estuary
• ‘Surfing with Jasmine’ - disadvantaged young people learning to surf with the Wave Project at Saunton Sands and Croyde beach
• ‘The harbour with George’ - meeting the thriving harbour community in Ilfracombe
• ‘Lundy island with Dean’ - diving below the waves and exploring the island

Rose Stainthorp, Marine Pioneer Coordinator, North Devon Biosphere, said: “North Devon can be a magical place, packed full of wildlife and diverse habitats. We have world-class surfing conditions, which attract surfers from across the country and beyond. Along with the beauty and tranquility of Dartmoor National Park, and the wildlife found on land and at sea, North Devon supports a thriving tourism industry that employs thousands of local people. This should be celebrated and brought to life so we all understand why now is the time to take action and protect nature on our doorstep.”

Alec Taylor, Head of Marine Policy, WWF, said: “We know our oceans and waterways are under threat like never before, from plastic pollution and climate change, to overfishing and underwater noise. Nature is not just a nice to have - it’s our life support system and we can no longer ignore the pressures we’re placing on our environment. We hope these films will inspire people to join the fight for our world and take action to help protect and restore our precious oceans and waterways for the wildlife and communities that depend on them.”

#journeytothesea

  Journey to the Sea - Photos copyright @ninaconstablemedia (All Rights Reserved)

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 (Tap here for "Journey to the Sea" trailer)

"Films were written and produced by Nina Constable Media in collaboration with Mindfully Wired Communications"
#journeytothesea
Email: rose.stainthorp@devon.gov.uk
Facebook: @NorthDevonBiosphere
Twitter: @NDevonBiosphere
All images copyright @ninaconstablemedia (All Rights Reserved)

‘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

 Website: 

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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)