Wildlife left guessing by mild winter weather

The mild weather is set to continue but as temperature records are broken and the ice rinks melt, Devon Wildlife Trust is asking us to spare a thought for our local wildlife.

Winter is a tough time for wildlife. It is a time of hibernation, migration and survival. But with temperatures reaching 14 degrees in Exeter at the beginning of the week, Devon's wildlife is not following its usual seasonal patterns.

The charity Devon Wildlife Trust is reporting some strange goings on at the 50 nature reserves it cares for across the county. David Wodehouse who helps manage DWT's Meeth Quarry nature reserve, near Holsworthy said:
 "The primroses are out at Meeth, normally a sign that spring is on the way. We also have marsh ragwort and wild strawberries in flower and our bee hives are still active."

Andrew Warren who has worked on The Trust's reserves for more than ten years added:
"Many of our winter birds including robins and song thrushes have been very vocal. I'm almost expecting to start seeing them collect twigs ready for nesting!" Birds do sing throughout winter but often in short bursts. The long songs being heard now suggest that these birds are thinking it might be time to find a mate and start breeding.

Devon Wildlife Trust has also been receiving reports that hibernating animals or those that normally lie dormant in the winter are being spotted out and about. Toads are one species that still seem to be very active this December. Some experts are concerned that this will have a knock on effect on toad numbers as female toads must go through a period of dormancy to develop their eggs ready for spawning in spring.

Sightings of hedgehogs are also being sent into the Trust with these prickly garden friends still being seen at people's garden feeding stations. Hedgehogs normally go into hibernation around October or November. Bats are another hibernating creature still on the move. East Devon based bat expert Sarah Butcher tweeted
"Common pipistrelle bat hunting over Devon Wildlife Trust Bystock Pools this evening. Bizarre for the shortest day of the year!"

Pete Burgess, Devon Wildlife Trust's Director of Development, Policy and Research said:
"Our wildlife has evolved over millennia to cope with our climate. As weather patterns change at an unprecedented pace, we are entering a period of great uncertainty. "It is unknown how our wildlife will cope with the recent mild weather. Everything has been delayed as if we are having an extended autumn, this is unlikely to have a significant long term effect unless it extends throughout the rest of the winter. If we have a mild spring followed by a cold snap, that's when you can have more serious problems."

Devon Wildlife Trust are asking members of the public to send in their unusual wildlife sightings via Twitter @DevonWildlife or Facebook. The Trust wants to get a clearer idea of the effect the weather is having on Devon's Wildlife. The charity advises that people help their local wildlife by providing a regular supply of fresh water and keeping birdfeeders topped up. To find out more about Devon Wildlife Trust visit devonwildlifetrust.org  

Photo Hedgehog copyright Adrian Evans (All rights reserved)

Photo  Robin copyright Chris Root(All rights reserved)

Fresh evidence of beavers discovered at four sites on East Devon river

Despite recent news headlines that a local beaver population had 'disappeared' from their East Devon home, a local wildlife charity is now claiming that it has evidence that they are very much alive.

In November the BBC reported the concerns of some local people that they had not had sightings of beavers on the River Otter for some weeks. This 'disappearance' was then reported by national newspapers. However, Devon Wildlife Trust has now come forward with evidence which shows that the beavers are still there, although they may have relocated their homes, known as lodges, along the river.

Devon Wildlife Trust is leading the River Otter Beaver Trial - a five year study of what is believed to be the first population of breeding beavers living wild in the English countryside for several centuries. The charity has said that it is currently monitoring four 'active areas' along the river where it has seen fresh evidence of the beavers' presence.

Mark Elliott is the Trial's manager and said:

"We knew the beavers had not 'disappeared' but it's good to be able to report recent evidence showing that they are still active on the river. Beavers are mobile animals and it's quite common for them to shift their lodges and feeding grounds. There's lots of room for beavers on this river so it's unsurprising that they have relocated from the places that we saw them last spring and summer."

The beavers have proved popular with local people and have also attracted many wildlife-lovers to East Devon after the animals gained national coverage when their story was featured on BBC's Springwatch programme. Devon Wildlife Trust's own series of beaver walks along the river were fully subscribed in 2015 and now the charity says it plans to run more next year to meet demand. However, winter is not the time to go beaver watching and any visitors are likely to leave disappointed. 

Mark Elliott explained:

"Beavers are largely nocturnal animals so they are difficult to see during winter when the nights are long. However, they will still be busy at this time building their lodges, preparing for mating in January and the birth of their kits in May. At this time we're keeping the locations of the new beaver sites a secret to ensure that disturbance to the animals and local landowners is kept to a minimum."

In February 2015 it was established that nine beavers were living on the River Otter. In May it is known that a breeding female gave birth to three kits taking the total to 12. This family were seen by many people throughout summer close to their lodge on a stretch of river near Ottery St Mary.

Devon Wildlife Trust is keen to record sightings of beavers to help it with its ongoing work monitoring the impact of the animals on local communities, local landowners and wildlife. Mark Elliott said: "

As we move into the New Year and the daylight hours lengthen beavers will be active at dusk and dawn. If people do see them then it's important they let us know so that we can get a clearer picture of the beavers' numbers and locations."

People with information can let the charity know if they see a beaver via email on beavers@devonwildlifetrust.org and mailto:beavers@devonwildlifetrust.org with details of the date, time, exact location and whether the beaver has a coloured ear tag.

The River Otter Beaver Trial receives no government funding. Devon Wildlife Trust is urging people to offer their support via its website www.devonwildlifetrust.org/devons-wild-beavers-appeal

Recent beaver activity has been found at four places along the River Otter in East Devon. Photo copyright DWT (All rights reserved)

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

It's been an event full year. Thanks for visiting hope you drop by in 2016.

Don't forget to feed the birds and wildlife over the festive season.

Big Garden Birdwatch 2016 is from 30th-31st January