Devon residents urged to become 'bat detectives'

Wildlife enthusiasts are being encouraged to take part in one of Devon's biggest citizen science projects

The Devon Bat Survey returns this year with opportunities for nature lovers to get involved in one of the county's biggest citizen science initiatives. 

The Devon Bat Survey has run since 2016 and has clocked up millions of sound recordings of the flying mammals, contributing to conservationists' knowledge of bats and their habits. This vital information helps understanding about the health of Devon's environment which can then be used to help protect the bats. All UK bats eat insects, so they need conditions in which insects thrive including clean rivers, wildflower rich meadows, healthy woodlands and hedgerows.

This year, the Devon Bat Survey is especially keen to hear from people in North Devon, Torridge and the Blackdown Hills – areas where it has fewest records.

Lindsay Mahon works for the charity Devon Wildlife Trust and is the Devon Bat Survey coordinator. Lindsay said:

"The feedback we get from our bat detectives is amazing – people enjoy being involved and discovering which bats are living near them.  I am delighted that we have been able to open the survey more widely this year and offer more people an opportunity to get involved in helping these protected species.

We are looking for surveyors in Devon who have gardens or their own land in which they can safely put one of our digital bat detectors. The detectors themselves are small and come with full instructions. The survey is free to take part in, and people can sign up via the Devon Wildlife Trust website.

Taking part in the survey involves borrowing one of our bat detectors for a few nights, setting it up outside and letting it do the rest. Participants then upload the digital sound recordings to an online system. This then tells them which bats have visited their garden.

The survey is usually very popular, so my advice is to book early as the spaces fill up fast. We are extremely grateful to everyone who takes part, including the host centres which act as the collect and return points for the bat detectors. We simply couldn't run a survey of this scale without our host centres and citizen scientists."    

During its previous seven years the Devon Bat Survey has identified 13 different species of bat in Devon. Some of these are relatively common such as pipistrelles, but others, including greater horseshoe and barbastelle bats, are considered rare and under threat.   

Tammy Falloon, Managing Director of St. Bridget Nurseries, is acting as a Devon Bat Survey 'host centre' – one of the places across the county where detecting equipment can be borrowed. Tammy said:

"Being a host centre attracts new visitors to our garden centre and we are always looking to encourage people to find ways to attract wildlife to their gardens. The process of taking part is very simple, I did it myself with my family and the results are so detailed and interesting. I knew I had bats in my garden, but I had no idea there were so many different types!"

This year, the bat survey's data will again be helping the vital work of the Saving Devon Treescapes project.  This partnership project is led by Devon Wildlife Trust on behalf of the Devon Ash Dieback Resilience Forum, and is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.  The initiative is working with local communities to plant new trees to replace those lost to the destructive fungal disease known as ash dieback. The Devon Bat Survey is an important part of the project's citizen science activities providing vital insights into where bats fly and feed locally will help the project target its work most effectively.

Devon residents can find out more about taking part in this year's bat survey at https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/devon-bat-survey-2023.

The Devon Bat Survey runs from now until 6^th October.

Devon Bat Survey. Common Pipistrelle bats. Photo copyright Tom Marshall (All Rights Reserved)

Devon Wildlife Trust is the county's leading environmental charity, with more than 38,000 members. The charity manages 60 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 £5million 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

DEVON COMMUNITY SPIRIT. Grants of up to £500 available for Devon community wildlife projects

Independent charity Devon Communities Together (DCT) has announced the launch of the second round of a Community Wildlife Grant scheme. The first round was so successful that funders Devon Environment Foundation have doubled the pot, providing £10,000 for community organisations to contribute even more towards Devon’s wildlife.

The programme has been developed by the Devon Local Nature Partnership (DLNP) to provide small grants of up to £500 to community wildlife projects.

The aim of the grant scheme is to provide an easy way for community groups to access small amounts of funding to kickstart their groups and initiatives, as well as benefit from advice, equipment, and other resources.

Amanda Keetley, Executive Director, Devon Environment Foundation said, “DEF was delighted by how many community wildlife projects were able to start-up or expand last year as a result of the new Wild About Devon scheme. We’re excited to be able to double the amount of funding this year to encourage even more positive action for nature in Devon.”

“This is a great opportunity for communities to get together and support the wildlife in their local area,” said Rod Birtles, Project Manager at DCT. “This could be by creating or restoring a wildlife space or through monitoring and education. Projects could take place in gardens, parks, green spaces, churchyards, orchards, ponds and ditches, buildings, and more. We’re excited to support communities in Devon to provide lots of long-term benefits for wildlife.”

In the previous round, 27 community organisations used the funding to create 15 new wildlife groups, restore neglected habitats and create new ones, and set up monitoring of local wildlife.

Applications are open to parish and town councils, community groups, and community partnerships that wish to fund initiatives that will benefit local wildlife. This includes funding a new idea, continuing an existing project, or starting a new group.

Guidance for applicants may be found on the website: https://www.devoncommunities.org.uk/projects/wild-about-devon-community-wildlife-grant-scheme-2023

The scheme is being managed by Devon Communities Together and has been funded by Devon Environment Foundation, DCT and Devon County Council (DCC), as part of their shared commitment to help tackle the ecological emergency.

Email: info@devoncommunities.org.uk

Phone: 01392 248919

Website: www.devoncommunities.org.uk

 

👀👀👀👀

ABOUT DEVON COMMUNITIES TOGETHER & DEVON ENVIRONMENT FOUNDATION>>>>>>

Pet owners urged to help keep wildlife and livestock safe this spring

Devon Wildlife Trust asks the public to keep dogs on leads to protect nature 

The leading local charity Devon Wildlife Trust is urging dog owners to keep their pets on short leads now that birds are nesting, species are emerging from hibernation and to protect grazing livestock. 

Experts say dogs off leads are one of the biggest causes of wildlife disturbance – this is particularly problematic when many species are breeding and vulnerable either on or near the ground. 

Ground-nesting birds such as curlew, corn bunting and skylark, are particularly at risk. Research shows that 66% of ground-nesting birds are in decline in the UK, compared to 31% of other species.  

Dogs can also be a threat to sheep, cows and other grazing livestock, with regular problems reported on land owned by Devon Wildlife Trust. Dog waste is dangerous for wildlife too, as it can carry diseases, scare away animals and fertilise soils, affecting the natural balance of fragile habitats. 

Dog owners can help wildlife if they: 

• Keep dogs on short leads on nature reserves and the wider countryside 
• Clean up after animals and dispose of dog waste in bins or at home 
• Avoid using nature reserves if walking large groups of dogs  

Many of Devon Wildlife Trust's 59 nature reserves welcome responsible dog walkers but instances of loose dogs disturbing wildlife, livestock and people have led it to act. Now the charity, which manages many of Devon's best-known beauty spots including sites at Dunsford (Dartmoor), Bystock Pools (East Devon), Warleigh Point (Plymouth), Meeth Quarry (North Devon) and Andrew's Wood (South Devon) is issuing a public plea with spring fast approaching.

Penny Mason, Director of Wilder Living at Devon Wildlife Trust, says:

"I am a dog owner myself, and I know that exploring the countryside with your dog is a way that many people connect with and enjoy nature. But Devon Wildlife Trust and many of our partners are experiencing increasing issues linked to dogs on our nature reserves. Dogs off leads routinely disturb ground nesting birds and other wildlife. They have attacked livestock that we use to support conservation grazing and dog fouling is a perennial problem that spoils enjoyment of our sites for staff and visitors alike. Fear of dogs is also a big barrier for some people visiting green spaces where they run free.

Wildlife has been increasingly squeezed into smaller and more fragmented places. Where we have established nature reserves, we do need to make sure wildlife has the space and peace to thrive. This is why we ask dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead and clear up after them. By following this simple request wildlife and people will benefit."

Jenna Kiddie, head of canine behaviour at Dogs Trust, says:

"A countryside dog walk is understandably popular, especially as we move into the warmer months. But owners have a responsibility to keep their dog under control, including around livestock and wildlife, to ensure they do not worry other animals or stray onto neighbouring land for everyone's safety and wellbeing.

"This can be managed by ensuring dogs are kept on a short lead, and close to their owners, whenever livestock are nearby, within seeing, hearing or smelling distance or whenever their presence is likely to be expected. It is important to remember that chasing is normal dog behaviour, and that any dog is capable of chasing, irrelevant of breed, type, age or size."

The impacts of dogs off leads in wild places include trampling nests and scaring adult birds away from their young. Vulnerable chicks can perish if left alone for too long. Disturbances can also affect feeding and foraging behaviour – wildlife is less likely to breed and feed in areas where dogs are encountered. 

The law states you must keep your dog on a lead no longer than two metres between 1^st March and 31^st July when on any open access land to protect ground-nesting birds.  

The Countryside Code outlines that dogs must be controlled to avoid disturbing farm animals or wildlife. Farmers are, by law, entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries their animals. 

Jenna Kiddie, Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust, continues:

"Training has a crucial role to play and at Dog School we teach owners how to ensure their dog walks nicely on their lead around distractions – such as the sights, smells and sounds of other animals. We would encourage dog owners to visit our Dog School website for more information on training techniques, or to book onto training classes. 

"For dog owners living in rural areas, we emphasise the importance of habituating young puppies to livestock. This should be done gradually and considerately so the dog and livestock alike are able to feel positively and safe in close proximity to each other, again with the dog always on a lead and under control.

"As a responsible dog owner, you can also ensure that everyone is able to enjoy countryside walks and protect wildlife by ensuring you pick up after your dog and dispose of dog waste appropriately."

Responsible dog owners who keep their dogs on leads during nature's busy season will also be helping wildlife by:  

• Lessening the negative impacts of dog poo and urine.
• Preventing dogs jumping in ponds, which can disturb aquatic wildlife. Insecticides found in dog flea treatments also pollute waterways. 
• Reducing risks to other animals, including farm livestock.  

Oystercatcher photo copyright Amy Lewis (All Rights Reserved)

Meadow Pipit  photo copyright Mark Hamblin (All Rights Reserved)

--------------------------

Dog ownership increased during the Covid-19 pandemic 

The Pet Food Manufacturers' Association reported in 2021 that 3.2 million households in the UK acquired a pet since the start of the pandemic. In 2022, it was estimated that 34% of households own dogs. It was reported that 59% of new pet owners were 16-34 years old. 

 

European bird declines: Do we need to rethink approaches to the management of abundant generalist predators? 

Barry J. McMahon, Susan Doyle, Aimée Gray, Seán B. A. Kelly, Steve M. Redpath 

20 July 2020 - link here 

Details of local training workshops offered by The Dog's Trust through its Dog School can be found at https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/dog-school/search/

Devon Wildlife Trust is the county's leading environmental charity, with more than 38,000 members. The charity manages 59 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 £5million 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

Project to explore return of wildcats to South West of England

A project is underway to investigate the possibility of bringing wildcats back to the South West of England after an absence of more than 100 years.

Devon Wildlife Trust has announced that it wants to appoint what is believed to be England’s first ‘Wildcat Project Officer’. The successful candidate will lead a feasibility study which will judge whether wildcats could be reintroduced successfully to the region.

European wildcats look very similar to a large tabby cat, but the animals are stockier with a fluffier, blunt tail. Distinct banding on the tail and markings on the body also distinguish the animals from their domestic cousins.

Wildcats were once found throughout the UK but were hunted to extinction in most of England and Wales by the 18th century. Today, wildcats are on the verge of extinction in Scotland and are subject to urgent action to save the species.

The South West was one of the last strongholds for wildcats in England and there is evidence that a small population may have survived in Exmoor until just over a century ago. Conservationists are now keen to explore the animal’s reintroduction, stressing that they once played an important ecological role in our countryside and could do so again.

Peter Burgess is Devon Wildlife Trust’s Director of Nature Recovery. Peter says:

“With the appointment of our first ever Wildcat Project Officer we are at the beginning of a process which will explore the return of wildcats to the South West of England. There’s a lot for us to do before this becomes a reality. Much of this will involve working with local communities to see if reintroduction is feasible. As yet we have no scheduled date for any animals to be released.

Wildcats are the UK’s rarest mammal and are on the verge of extinction in Scotland - their last refuge. They are now subject to urgent species recovery action – we want to investigate the possibility of the South West being part of this.

The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the World. The reintroduction of key species, such as wildcats, is part of our wider work to see wildlife and wild places restored.”   

Devon Wildlife Trust’s decision to explore wildcat reintroduction follows a preliminary ecological feasibility study carried out by Vincent Wildlife Trust. This report concluded that there are regions which warrant further exploration for wildcat reintroduction, including the South West of England, and especially Devon. Other places highlighted as possible reintroduction areas included the North and West of Wales.

The role of Devon Wildlife Trust’s Wildcat Project Officer will be to assess the suitability of different localities for the animal’s return. They will lead scientific assessments, a social feasibility study, as well as a comprehensive public engagement programme. At every stage of its work the South West Wildcat Project is following best practice guidelines established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature on the reintroduction of species.

Further details of this unique job are available on the Devon Wildlife Trust website www.devonwildlifetrust.org/jobs

European wildcat Photo copyright Elliot Smith (All Rights Reserved)

Devon Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading environmental charity, with more than 36,000 members. The charity manages 60 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 £5million every year. More at www.devonwildlifetrust.org

Vincent Wildlife Trust’s study ‘A preliminary feasibility assessment for the reintroduction of the European wildcat to England and Wales’ is available to download here: https://www.vwt.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/WildcatFeasibilityReportFeb2020FinalCompressed.pdf

Charity offers free trees to good homes

Free trees are part of the offer to visitors at a series of special tree events taking place across Devon.

The Saving Devon's Treescapes project is marking the beginning of National Tree Week on Saturday 26 November with no less than four simultaneous tree give-aways, known as 'tree hubs'. Each begins at 10am and continues until all trees are given away!

The venues for each event are:

• Devon Wildlife Trust's Meeth Quarry nature reserve (main car park), near Hatherleigh, EX20 3ER
• Village hall, Buckland-in-the-Moor, Dartmoor, TQ13 7HN
• Orchard House, Pyworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 6SW
• South Brent Old School Community Centre, Totnes Road, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9BP

The biggest of the events is taking place at Devon Wildlife Trust's Meeth Quarry nature reserve. Entry is free and open to all. As well as being able to pick up a sapling to plant at home, visitors will also be able to join a guided walk where they'll learn how to identify common trees and talk to a woodland creation adviser from the Woodland Trust about what support is available if they want to plant more trees.

Staff and volunteers will also lead tours of the Meeth Quarry tree nursery which is helping Saving Devon's Treescapes achieve its mission of planting half a million trees in Devon by 2025. The stunning work of local landscape photographer, Robert Darch will also be on display.

The events at Buckland-in-the-Moor, Pyworthy and South Brent will distribute trees only.

Devon Wildlife Trust's Rosie Cotgreave is the project lead for Saving Devon's Treescapes. Rosie says:

"These are our first tree hub events of what will be a busy winter. Our mission is to replace trees lost across Devon to the terrible scourge of ash dieback disease. 

Ash dieback is having a devastating impact on our landscape which is why it's vital that people are able to plant the right trees in the right place to ensure we have healthy and resilient treescapes in future years.

At each event our staff and volunteers will be giving away sapling trees of Devon species such as oak, hazel, rowan and crab apple, with a maximum of five trees per family group or individual. Every tree will come with an easy to follow guide to its planting, protection and aftercare. Our stock of trees will be limited to 350 trees at each event, so I'd urge people to get to the venues early."

The Woodland Trust has generously donated trees for the tree hub events. The charity's partnership manager, Eleanor Lewis says:

"The Woodland Trust is really pleased to be working in partnership with Devon Wildlife Trust, together we can have a bigger impact. We need more trees across our landscape. This means replacing not only the trees lost to ash dieback but also the woods and trees lost over the past centuries. These new trees will start to reconnect the county's fragmented woodland and provide important habitats for our wildlife, as well as acting to combat climate change. If you have space for a tree, please come along and get involved." 

Saving Devon Treescapes is planning a series of free tree hub events around Devon throughout the winter. Other dates and venues include Brixham (Tuesday 29 November), Starcross (Sunday 11 December), Slapton (Saturday 7 January), Kingsbridge (Saturday 14 January). People are urged to check the Devon Wildlife Trust website for a full list and for more details www.devonwildlifetrust.org/events

Saving Devon's Treescapes is led by Devon Wildlife Trust on behalf of the Devon Ash Dieback Resilience Forum. It's a partnership project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, One Tree Planted as well as other funders.

More on the work of Saving Devon's Treescapes project https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/saving-devons-treescapes

Saving Devon Treescapes' Rosie Cotgreave (Photo copyright Devon Wildlife Trust)

---------------------------------

 

Devon Wildlife Trust is the county's leading environmental charity, with more than 37,000 members. The charity manages 60 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 £5million 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

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK. It has over 500,000 supporters. It wants to see a UK rich in native woods and trees for people and wildlife.

The Trust has three key aims:

• protect ancient woodland, which is rare, unique and irreplaceable
• restoration of damaged ancient woodland, bringing precious pieces of our natural history back to life
• Plant native trees and woods with the aim of creating resilient landscapes for people and wildlife.

Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 29,000 hectares. Access to its woods is free so everyone can benefit from woods and trees. 

Want to make your life a little ‘wilder’? Charity can show you how

A leading local charity is launching a series of free on-line talks aimed at getting people, community groups, schools and businesses across Devon to turn their gardens and green spaces into havens for wildlife.

The talks are the idea of Devon Wildlife Trust’s Wilder Communities team – which exists to help inspire and support people from neighbourhoods, towns and villages in Devon to make where they live greener, wilder and richer in nature. 

The series of six free on-line talks begins in early November and then take place once a month into spring 2023. Together they cover a range of key practical topics which include: going without pesticides, ‘wilding’ school grounds, wildlife gardening, raising funds for community wildlife projects, and boosting local nature in churchyards.

Katie Wilkinson, who is Devon Wildlife Trust’s Project Lead for Wilder Communities, says:

‘’Our aim with these talks is to inspire people to take action for nature on their doorstep and to help people make their local area greener and richer in wildlife.

We hope they will be informative and useful for those that are already taking action and for those that are just starting out. Saving and nurturing our local wildlife can be achieved through a joint effort; together, we can create wilder communities across Devon.’’

The seminar series starts on Wednesday 9 November at 7pm when Nick Mole of Pesticide Action Network will be giving tips and advice on gardening without pesticides and herbicides.

This is followed on Wednesday 7 December at 7pm with ‘Top tips for funding your community project’ given by grants and major giving expert, Amanda Strowger.

Places for each of the on-line talks in the series is free, but people must register for them via the ‘What’s on’ pages of the Devon Wildlife Trust website www.devonwildlifetrust.org. There people can also find full details about the topics, dates and times of all the talks in the series, plus dozens of others nature-focussed events run by the charity.

Katie Wilkinson of Wilder Communities, says:

“We hope people will join us at these events – whether it’s for one or two talks or all six. We’ve deliberately based them around the ‘hot topics’ that have come up time and again from the communities we’ve been in touch with. Providing free on-line talks allows us to reach a wide and diverse audience which is vital if we’re to help communities achieve their vision for wilder, nature rich spaces where they live, work and learn.

Want to make your life a little ‘wilder’?  Photo credit Penny Dixie

------------------------------

For more on the work of Wilder Communities visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org/wilder-communities

👀👀

Devon Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading environmental charity, with more than 37,000 members. The charity manages 60 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 £5million 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

Public urged to defend nature as new policies threaten nature, climate and food security

Devon Wildlife Trust is asking their members, supporters and the wider public to defend nature by contacting MPs and local councillors – both online and in person – to voice concerns over new Government proposal

Devon Wildlife Trust, alongside other nature charities, is extremely worried about announcements made by the Government that pose serious threats to nature, climate and food security.

Over the last few days, the Government has:

• Announced the Retained EU Law Bill – threatening to revoke hundreds of laws that protect wild places and ensure standards for water quality, pollution and the use of pesticides

• Announced a new planning and infrastructure bill as well as investment zones as part of the growth plan, which threaten to weaken vital protections for habitats and wildlife

•  Launched a ‘review’ of the long-awaited Environmental Land Management schemes – which were meant to reward farmers for restoring nature, preventing pollution from entering rivers and climate-proofing their businesses

• Lifted a ban on fracking in England, despite there being no evidence that proves fracking is safe

The proposals have caused outrage among green charities, politicians of all political persuasion, farmers, campaigners, and members of the public – many of whom feel anxious that the Government is not tackling the nature and climate crises with the urgency required.

A recent poll by the Climate Coalition – a group of leading environmental organisations and campaigners – found that only 23% of people felt the Government is doing enough to tackle the climate crisis. Polling carried out by Unchecked found that strong regulation is supported by voters – irrespective of which way they voted in the EU referendum.

Craig Bennett, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, says:

“Nature is under attack from a raft of dangerous decisions by Government and we know people are furious at the new threats. Vital legal protections for wildlife are at risk, fossil fuel extraction is being favoured over renewables, and the Government is going back on plans to reward farmers for managing land in a nature-friendly way.

“The Government’s Food Security Report 2021 identified climate change and biodiversity loss as the biggest threats to food production in future – so farming in harmony with nature must be encouraged – yet the Government wants deregulation that’ll lead to yet more poo in rivers, less wildlife and land that’s unable to adapt to climate change.

“We are calling on the public to contact their elected representatives and share just how concerned they are. These actions will affect us all – the communities where we live, our wild places, food security, and our futures. The climate and nature crises pose monumental challenges, and recent proposals by this Government will only make things worse.” 

Harry Barton, CEO Devon Wildlife Trust, says:

“The recent Government announcements could put us back decades in our efforts to protect nature and the climate. Senior UK Government representatives have recently referred to environmental protections as ‘burdens’, yet our economy depends on everything that nature provides – from food protection to clean air and water, and so much more. A healthy environment benefits our economy greatly, and nowhere is this clearer than in Devon with its £2.5 billion visitor spend.”

Devon Wildlife Trust argues that abandoning regulations that protect nature and creating low regulation ‘investment zones’ with few planning restrictions could decimate UK wildlife, which is already suffering steep declines.

Since 1970, more than 40% of species have declined in abundance, with 26% of mammals at risk of disappearing altogether. Every river and lake in England currently fails chemical pollution standards and only 16% are classed in good ecological health compared to 53% on average in the EU.

As things stand, Government ambition for nature’s recovery aims to have just 10% more nature in 2042 than 2030 levels – by which time the state of our natural world is expected to have declined even further. Earlier this year, The Wildlife Trusts wrote to the Prime Minister expressing serious concern and calling instead for a 20% increase on 2022 levels.

For more information, see: https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/defend-nature-0

To tweet to your MP, visit: www.wtru.st/DefendNatureTweet

#AttackOnNature. Photo copyright Luke Massey/2020VISION (All Rights Reserved)

2021 Food Security Report. The report sets out an analysis of statistical data relating to food security, fulfilling the duty in the Agriculture Act 2020 to present a report on food security to Parliament at least once every three years. Read the full report here.

The Climate Coalition. Research commissioned by The Climate Coalition – and released on 27^th September – shows 7 out of 10 Brits are anxious about the impact of climate change and only 23% believe the Government is doing enough to tackle the climate crisis. The impact of climate change is British parents’ biggest worry for their children’s futures.

 

Unchecked – Protect or deregulate? This research seeks to explore public attitudes to regulation. Read the full report here

 

State of Nature. The State of Nature 2019 report also revealed that 41% of UK species studied have declined, 26% have increased and 33% shown little change since 1970, while 133 species assessed have already been lost from our shores since 1500. Read the full report here.

Devon Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading environmental charity, with more than 36,000 members. The charity manages 60 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 £5million 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

Calls for ‘clarity and urgency’ from Government on plans for beavers

A charity which pioneered the reintroduction of beavers is now calling for greater clarity and urgency from the Government in relation to its national plans for the widespread return of the animals.

Devon Wildlife Trust says it welcomes the recent announcement from Government that Eurasian beavers will be given legal protection in England from 1st October 2022, and the publication of guidance in early September which outlines how beavers might be managed in the future.

However, the charity is concerned that the proposals lack ambition and detail. It warns that, in their current form, they will not deliver the widespread reintroduction of a species which scientific studies have shown can improve water quality in rivers, stabilise water flows during times of drought and flood, store carbon and boost other wildlife.(1)  

Harry Barton is Devon Wildlife Trust’s Chief Executive. In 2015 the charity led a successful trial on the River Otter in Devon where England’s first wild population of beavers were reintroduced – 400 years after their extinction due to hunting and habitat loss. This trial was a great success and the Government subsequently agreed that the beavers on the River Otter could remain in the wild and spread naturally to other rivers. Harry said:

“A summer of record-breaking heat and drought has highlighted the urgency of making our landscapes more resilient to the unfolding climate emergency. Beavers have created green oases in our parched river valleys, because of their ability to store water through dam building and wetland creation.  And we know they can reduce peak flows in times of flood and help improve water quality. 

The Government’s recent announcements on protection for beavers and their management are good news, but they lack clarity and a sense of urgency.  We need a clear plan and timetable so these amazing animals can become part of the wildlife of rivers throughout England.”

The Wildlife Trusts and Beaver Trust is backing this call in a letter to Ranil Jayawadena, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This asks Government to make five key actions to ensure beaver reintroductions can take place on a scale and at a pace which will bring maximum advantage to wider society. These actions include:

1. Publishing an ambitious strategy and timeline for beaver reintroduction in English river catchments.
2. Reconsidering the proposals for funding beaver releases into the wild. At present these impose prohibitive levels of upfront costs on groups wanting to reintroduce beaver populations.
3. Establishing a system of financial support which will reward the farmers and landowners who provide space for beavers and their wetlands.
4. Putting in place and then resourcing a network of Beaver Management Groups across England to support farmers, landowners and local communities as new beaver populations become established.
5. Confirming the futures of existing wild living beaver populations (including the Tamar in Devon and the Stour in Kent) outside of the River Otter, Devon. 

Sandra King, Chief Executive of Beaver Trust, commented:

“Beavers bring such an astonishing array of ecosystem services to our landscape, this truly is an historic day for the species in England. It is thanks to the hard work and determination of pioneering individuals and wildlife organisations that the recovery of this once-native animal is able to celebrate this milestone.

“It remains urgent and vital that the Government delivers a clear, ambitious policy and licensing guidance to support beaver restoration in the wild.  At the end of the day, if we are to welcome beavers back as a native animal our primary objective must be to target positive coexistence with beavers. A properly resourced, forward looking strategy will enable land managers and communities to do this.”

Ali Morse, water policy manager of The Wildlife Trusts, says:

“The Government’s recent consultation on the future of beavers in England showed significant support for their widespread reintroduction. Of more than 3,000 responses nearly 70% were positive about Defra’s plans for the return of beavers. Even among the minority who objected the most common reason given was that the pace of Government plans for their return was too slow! (2)

The return of beavers to rivers across England has public support and is line with the Government's own commitments enshrined in its 25-year Environment Plan and the legally binding target of its Environment Act 2021 to halt nature’s decline. What we need now is action.”

Beaver female - Photo credit Mike Symes

Beaver kits - Photo credit Mike Symes

Beaver female with kits - Photo credit Mike Symes

------------------------------------------

Footnotes.

• River Otter Beaver Trial: Science and Evidence Report > CLICK HERE 
• Consultation Outcome: summary of responses and next steps regarding the Government’s public consultation on the approach to the reintroduction of beavers in England> CLICK HERE 

About Devon Wildlife Trust: Devon Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading environmental charity, with more than 36,000 members. The charity manages 60 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 £5million 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