Countryside Jobs Service


	Countryside Jobs Service Weekly Special Edition 21 May '07
in association with The Wildlife Trusts

Wildlife Conservation and Research Work Supplement.

The Wildlife Trusts

Today the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts operates under the trading name of The Wildlife Trusts and works as an umbrella organisation for the 47 local Wildlife Trusts across the whole of the UK, helping to co-ordinate campaigning and conservation activities.

The roots of this unique organisation date back to 1912 when Charles Rothschild formed the ‘Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves’, with the idea of setting up a network of local ‘Nature Trusts’, acquiring its first nature reserve in 1919 and establishing the first Trust, Norfolk, in 1926.

Local Wildlife Trusts now have a collective membership of 670,000 and manage 2,200 nature reserves covering more than 80,000 hectares.

Thinking BIG – A Living Landscape

It is apt that The Wildlife Trusts’ first nature reserve, Woodwalton Fen, should be at the heart of The Great Fen Project which aims to restore over 3000 hectares of fenland habitat to Huntingdonshire, creating a very large site with conservation benefits for wildlife as well as socio-economic benefits for people.

The Great Fen Project is a vanguard for The Wildlife Trusts’ Living Landscapes initiative launched in November 2006 with the report, ‘A Living Landscape’, which contains a four-point plan to counter climate change and restore the UK’s battered ecosystems. Stephanie Hilborne, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, says: "The UK’s wildlife will be dramatically affected by climate change and we can’t afford to ignore it. For wildlife to be able to cope, and to prevent a collapse in the number and variety of UK plants and animals, we need to restore and create ‘living’ landscapes.”

Thinking small – Wild About Gardens

Gardens have enormous potential to act as mini-nature reserves. There are 15 million gardens in the UK, estimated to cover about 270,000 hectares – more than the area of all the National Nature Reserves in the UK.

Each garden may be small, but together they form a patchwork of habitats for wildlife. The Wildlife Trusts in partnership with The Royal Horticultural Society are developing an online resource - www.wildaboutgardens.org - to bring together the worlds of gardening and nature conservation to help create the right conditions for wildlife to thrive in gardens.

Breathing Places

The Wildlife Trusts and BTCV have joined forces to work in partnership with the BBC to develop the communities campaign for Breathing Places; launched by the BBC in 2006, this three-year campaign has a simple purpose: to inspire everyone to create and care for green places wherever they live.

A year of Breathing Places activities will be launched on 9th& 10th of June, with ‘Springwatch Festivals’ happening in major cities throughout the UK. See: www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces

Saving our Seas, too

The Wildlife Trusts are perhaps best known for conservation on land but they are equally active in promoting marine issues. This includes campaigning for healthy seas, advising government, carrying out marine research, getting the public involved in marine conservation and generally raising awareness about the marine environment

We are running a national campaign for the introduction of a Marine Bill to help ensure a better future for the amazing wildlife that lives in our seas. You can help by joining the SoS (Save our Seas) team to help ensure that new laws provide a healthy future for our seas – for full details visit: www.wild-net.org/saveourseas

It’s a Wild World with The Wildlife Trusts' podcast

The Wildlife Trusts have just launched a pilot podcast which features interviews and news from local Wildlife Trusts around the UK. The free podcast, in association with Aggregate Industries, is available to download at www.wildlifetrusts.org.

Some of the County Wildlife Trusts:

Cornwall Wildlife Trust is the only conservation organisation working solely to protect Cornwall’s wildlife species and habitats. Membership costs from just £13 a year where you can make a real difference while learning more about conservation. Join online at www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk or call 01872 273939. Membership also makes an ideal gift

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust manages 40 nature reserves and runs conservation projects across the county. You can help by volunteering on a work party, with our education team or a species survey; or become a member and keep in regular touch. Discover more by visiting www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk or contacting us on 01773 881188.

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust - nature conservation from the Humber to the Wash. Learn more about wildlife and develop identification skills with our programme of Wildlife Training Courses, join volunteer work parties on nature reserves or help in our visitor centres. For more information contact tel: 01507 526667 or see www.lincstrust.org.uk

Norfolk Wildlife Trust - protecting Norfolk's wildlife and wild places for generations to come.

The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is the county’s largest environmental charity. Run by local people for the benefit of local wildlife we need your support to continue our work. For details of how you can support our work, please call 0115 958 8242 or visit www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust manages over 80 of the best wildlife sites across the region. For information on how to become a member, how to get involved as a volunteer, or attending our range of events, contact the Trust on 01904 659570, email info@ywt.org.uk or visit www.ywt.org.uk

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust. We are the largest membership-based wildlife organisation in the area, dedicated to inspiring people about wildlife, acting as a wildlife champion, creating wildlife havens and encouraging sustainable living.

We offer graduate training and are focusing our work on climate change adaptation. Contact: Herefordshire Nature Trust Telephone 01432 356872. Website: www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/hereford

Durham Wildlife Trust – takes action to protect wildlife and promote nature conservation in County Durham, Sunderland, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Darlington. We manage 26 nature reserves and operate 3 visitor centres. Support us by becoming an individual or corporate member, make a donation or visit our centres. www.durhamwt.co.uk info@durhamwt.co.uk 0191 5843112

Surrey Wildlife Trust, In partnership with Surrey County Council and Mole Valley District Council we manage 85 sites, covering over 4,000 hectares of land. A further 3,200 hectares are managed under a grazing contract with the MoD, making Surrey Wildlife Trust, in terms of land managed, the largest Wildlife Trust in England. www.surreywildlifetrust.org Tel: 01483 795440

Kent Wildlife Trust, formed in 1958, is the only charity dedicated to the conservation of the Garden of England’s wildlife. The Trust manages 58 nature reserves and five visitor centres and is supported by over 27,600 members and some 800 volunteers. Contact 01622 662012 or info@kentwildlife.org.uk. Website: www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Sheffield Wildlife Trust is the is the city's largest environmental charity, aiming for an environment where everyone has easy access to high quality, safe, wildlife-rich greenspace that is managed sustainably, and where economic and social development works with nature, not against it. Please become a member today - www.wildsheffield.com

Making the Grade

Can commercial farming and conservation work side by side? Bill Jordan thinks so, and to prove it he established Conservation Grade farming, read on to find out how this unique scheme works.

Food, farming and wildlife have always been close to Bill Jordan’s heart. The Jordan family had been flour millers for over one hundred years, then Bill and his brother David had other ideas and started making organic breakfast cereals in the early 1970’s. However, it quickly became apparent that there were not enough organic cereal farmers at that time to support Jordans as it grew. An ethical alternative had to be found, and the idea for Conservation Grade farming was born.

The principals of Conservation Grade are simple, farmers agree to put ten per cent of their land into designated wildlife projects which they manage specifically in order to increase biodiversity on their farms. They also go on training courses to make sure they are getting the best from the scheme, are audited once a year and become part of The Guild of Conservation Grade Growers. Every farm is different, so depending on the landscape farmers are encouraged to make the most of their natural resources as well as implementing projects like tree planting, re establishing hedgerows and meadows, creating ponds, and planting field margins and headlands teaming with wildflowers, grasses and bird food mixes. On a Conservation Grade farm you are likely to find a golden crop of oats fringed with a border of wild flowers, allowing wildlife and farming to live side by side. There are now eighty farmers who grow to Conservation Grade standards, and scientific studies show that the levels of wildlife are on average five times higher than on a conventional farm. Many of the farms are home to well loved British species such as barn owls, voles and a wealth of butterflies, bees and other endangered wildlife.

Bill Jordan

Bill Jordan has always believed in fair trade for British farmers and in return for the effort Conservation Grade farmers put into their wildlife projects Jordans pays them a premium for their grain. Contracts allow farmers to plan, as Robert Law, Jordans largest grower of Conservation Grade cereals says; “Having two year contracts allows me to plan and the scheme fits well with the countryside stewardship which is real progress.” Many of the farms, such as Robert’s are close to the Jordans family oat mill in Bedford where the cereals are cleaned and processed, which helps keep food miles down.

“Conservation Grade proves that you can grow high quality grain without damaging the countryside, and that is something we should all be striving for.” Says Bill.

For more information please visit www.jordanscereals.co.uk

Grazing Animals Project (GAP) – supporting conservation grazing in the UK. Services include a newsletter, online discussion group, training courses, field visits, on-site advice, a range of publications and website. Upcoming events include: grazing workshop in Cornwall, Pigs in Woodlands day, FACT/GAP Conference, Stirling 12-14 June. Email: enquiries@grazinganimalsproject.info NEW WEBSITE: www.grazinganimalsproject.org.uk

The National Biodiversity Network

Sharing Information about Wildlife

It is estimated that up to 60,000 people routinely record biodiversity information in the UK. Most of this effort is voluntary and is organised through about 2,000 national societies and recording schemes. The government, through its agencies also collects biodiversity data and one of the principal elements for the collation and interpretation of this data is the network of Local Records Centres.

The National Biodiversity Network (NBN) is a collaborative venture committed to making this information available, including on the internet via the NBN Gateway www.searchnbn.net the data search web site of the NBN.

The NBN Trust, the organisation facilitating the building of the Network, supports agreed standards for the collection, collation and exchange of biodiversity data and encourages improved access. By engaging with its membership (the present partnership consists of almost 40 public and voluntary organisations) and other non-member organisations, it is able to draw upon a broad range of skills and resources needed to develop an effective Network.

The NBN Gateway currently holds over 25 million records from 209 different datasets.

Data on the Gateway can be accessed by anyone interested in UK wildlife and can be searched at many different levels as it allows you to view distribution maps and download the data by using a variety of interactive tools. For instance, you can look at a specific area at Ordnance Survey grid map level or you can select one of the vice counties. All records are available at least at 10km scale and many at 2km or 1km, some are also available at 100m resolution (or better) although usually you must be registered and logged in to see these. You can also select a series of dates to customise the maps and show changes in a species’ distribution.

By providing tools to make wildlife data accessible in a digitised and exchangeable form and by providing easy access to the information people need, we believe that wise and informed decisions can be made to ensure our natural environment is diverse, rich and sustainable now and for future generations.

Visit www.searchnbn.net to access wildlife data or www.nbn.org.uk for more information on the Network.

Urban Wildlife Network The Urban Wildlife Network exists to promote & defend nature in cities. Its aims are to protect urban green space, encourage biodiversity, increase knowledge of urban ecosystems & ensure that urban areas provide plenty of opportunities for people to connect with the natural world. Visit www.urbanwildlife.org.uk

South Yorkshire Biodiversity Research Group. SYBRG/BaLHRI aims to gather information on wildlife, landscapes & archaeology in South Yorkshire & beyond. Our 2007 projects include a medieval deer parks conference; running the lottery funded Woodland Heritage Champions' Project; & working on our South Yorkshire Flora Project. For more details, please email info@ukeconet.co.uk or see www.ukeconet.co.uk

Landlife is developing a practical research project called Topsoil Inversion. It aims to create the right starting point for trees & wildflowers, address climate change impacts, soil fertility issues & loss of biodiversity. We have developed several landscape sites across England using the technique & produced a technical guide. info@landlife.org.uk Tel 0151 737 1819

Lothian Wildlife Information Centre is the biological records centre for the Lothians, providing an objective independent wildlife information service for users from all sectors. We provide a local focus for biological recording. We need experienced & trainee recorders & volunteers to help us. Contact: info@lothianwildlife.co.uk or 01875 825968

King's Meads Nature Reserve
www.geocities.com/kingsmead2 provides a wealth of information on the King's Meads Nature
Reserve situated between Hertford & Ware including access, maps, history of the New River, downloadable annual reports, recent sightings of birds & dragonflies & a database of the biological recording of a number of taxonomic groups.

rECOrd – The Biodiversity Information Centre for the Cheshire region. Please send your records to info@rECOrd-LRC.co.uk Visit www.rECOrd.co.uk

The Anglesey Red Squirrel Project

Anglesey is now one of the key sites for red squirrel conservation in the UK. Almost 8,000 grey squirrels have been culled in a successful program aimed at reinstating the native red squirrel. In 1998 there were only 30-40 red squirrels remaining on the island, all found within the isolated spruce forest of Mynydd Llwydiarth. The eradication of grey squirrels from this site in 1999 facilitated the rapid increase in adult red squirrel numbers to around 100 by the spring of 2002. However, the isolated nature of the site largely prohibited further geographical expansion of the reds, and hence a series of red squirrel reintroductions have taken place in woodlands across the island.

The largest of these releases has taken place within the coniferous coastal pine plantation of Newborough. This is the single largest piece of woodland on the island and although grey squirrel numbers have been reduced dramatically, it has as yet proved difficult to completely eradicate greys from the pine forest. Nevertheless, Newborough can boast a significant population of red squirrels and one which is genetically extremely varied.

The Anglesey red squirrel project is a partnership between a range of environmental groups and local people. Strong community support and volunteer involvement has been vitally important in efforts to control grey squirrels and in facilitating the recolonisation of the red squirrel.

Further information can be found at www.redsquirrels.info

Organisations working with and for Mammals:

Mammals Trust UK is dedicated to the conservation of British Mammals. Enthusiastic volunteers are needed as part of our national mammal monitoring programme. We also support projects for mammalogists between undergraduate & further study through our Mammals Internship Grant. For details please visit www.mtuk.org , phone (020)74985262 or email dave@mtuk.org

Lee Valley Bats is a voluntary group devoted to bat appreciation, detection, surveys, & arranging bat outings & activities for the community. The Lee Valley, a tributary of the Thames, is a rich foraging & roosting area for several species of bat. FREE membership. www.leevalleybats.org.uk Phone 0870 3301276 Email info@leevalleybats.org.uk

The Mammal Society works to protect British mammals, halt the decline of threatened species, & advises on all issues affecting mammals. We need your support to continue this crucial work. We also run training courses for environmental consultants & enthusiasts. 2b Inworth Street, London, SW11 3EP 020 7350 2200 www.mammal.org.uk

Other wildlife related organisations and projects:

Earthwatch is an international environmental charity who fund scientific field research & education around the world. There are currently 130 Earthwatch projects dedicated to finding solutions to environmental problems – from habitat destruction to climate change. There are opportunities to volunteer with Earthwatch, the charity also hosts regular lectures & debates in London. www.earthwatch.org. 01865 318838

Surrey based charity Wildlife Aid is now the largest organisation of its kind in the UK. Dealing with in excess of 20,000 wildlife-related incidents a year, it is the centre’s aim to rescue, rehabilitate & release any form of sick, injured or orphaned British Wildlife back into it’s natural habitat. www.wildlifeaid.com

The People’s Trust for Endangered Species lead the Biodiversity Action Plan's for the noble chafer & stag beetle & run the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme. We run an extensive events programme & rely on volunteers to participate in national surveys. Please visit www.ptes.org for further details, email enquiries@ptes.org, phone (020)74984533.

World Land Trust saving Biodiversity. £50 will purchase One Acre of rainforest or other critically threatened habitat, & protect all the wildlife that depend on it. WLT also offers six-month internships for post graduates to gain valuable experience & training in conservation management. www.worldlandtrust.org

The Freshwater Biological Association

Scientific charity & membership organisation promoting freshwater science through; innovative research, serviced facilities, meetings, events, training programmes, scientific publications, & sound independent advice. Access to freshwater information & data through our library & online resources, FreshwaterLife & the Fritsch Collection.

Tel: 01539 442468, email: info@fba.org.uk Websites: fba.org.uk freshwaterlife.org fritschalgae.info

Flanders Moss, nr. Stirling, Scotland. West Moss-side is a beautifully renovated barn & hayloft for meetings, courses, IT training, arts & crafts courses with access to a demonstration biodiversity management organic farm & bog management on Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve. Visit www.westmossside.com. or contact Kate Sankey, West Moss-side, Thornhill, Stirling,FK8 3QJ, kate@westmossside.com or 01786 850428.

Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust looks after 1800 acres of beautiful coastline, SSSIs, woodland & parkland in Torbay. The Trust has a winning formula of involving people – volunteers, members & through events as well as securing grants. We have won national recognition as an effective & dynamic conservation trust. More information: info@countryside-trust.org.uk or 01803 606035 or visit www.countryside-trust.org.uk

Greenspace Information for Greater London (GiGL) is the capital's open space & biodiversity records centre - we collate, manage & make available detailed information on London's wildlife, parks, nature reserves, gardens & other open spaces. For further information & contact details, please see www.GiGL.org.uk

Situated in the wonderful River Glaven Valley with ten acres of wildlife gardens, wildflower meadows & native British woodland. A superb wildflower & plant nursery with many native trees, flowers & bulbs. A great Wildlife & Eco-gardening Shop. Natural Surroundings, Bayfield Estate, near Holt, Norfolk NR25 7JN 01263 711091 www.naturalsurroundings.org.uk www.birdventures.co.uk

World famous Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust’s mission is to save species from extinction. Founder Gerald Durrell, inspired an army of conservationists both at the Jersey headquarters, & worldwide.

Durrell has 78 projects in 19 countries & is responsible for helping to bring back over 26 species from the brink of extinction. www.durrell.org

Flora Locale has over 30 events suitable for a wide range of people involved in designing, managing & restoring wild flowers for landscape & biodiversity, whether on the farm or on a new urban development throughout the country. Contact us on 01488 680457 or email us at info@floralocale.org for more information

Brickfields Country Park: Located in Aldershot, Hampshire, is probably one of the British Isles smallest & least known Country Parks. Reclaimed from a Victorian brickworks, Brickfields Country Park is a peaceful, natural park, known only by local residents & a few in the know - & now you !. For our latest info see www.brickfieldspark.org

The National Forest is a forest in the making, transforming 200 square miles of central England. Since the early 1990s over 7 million predominantly native trees have been planted, increasing woodland cover from 6% to nearly 18%. It is a working forest, attracting increasing numbers of wildlife species & around 7 million visitors a year. Contact: enquiries@nationalforest.org

Wales Environment Link is a network of voluntary environmental / countryside organisations in Wales and the officially designated intermediary body between government and the voluntary environmental sector. WEL currently has 29 member organisations, new organisations are welcome to apply. See www.waleslink.org for details or contact enquiry@waleslink.org or 01970 611 621

Mammals and margins: The benefits of Environmental Stewardship for farmers and wildlife

If you have ever watched a fox hunting for voles in long grass, you will have been captivated by the slow-motion, high stepping gait, the radar ears tuned in to the smallest rustling and the ultimate leap of faith when the fox jumps up and lands with both front paws on its unfortunate prey. The sheer grace of this display is almost enough to make you forgive the occasional hen hut raid. In all seriousness, a fox that has a plentiful supply of natural prey may be less inclined to visit the farmyard and may well even help out with a spot of rabbit or rat control.

As Field Officer for our local Mammal Group, I’ve conducted many surveys on farmland, with results which could well be applied to the changes taking place in our countryside under Environmental Stewardship. It all started when Countryside Stewardship made grassy field margins an attractive prospect and the more recent Entry and Higher Level Stewardship schemes (ELS and HLS) have continued this trend on arable land. Field margins make sense in many locations, but especially so alongside woodlands and large hedges where the land will be fairly unproductive anyway and beside ditches where they help to reduce pollution.

Softer grasses and flowers may well make an attractive margin out in the open, where birds and insects will benefit, but a tussocky mix of cocksfoot and timothy can provide excellent habitat for a range of small mammals, including less common species such as pygmy shrews and harvest mice. Site these margins next to an old hedge or woodland and you could have up to seven species of small mammal using them. The animal which will undoubtedly benefit most from such margins is the field vole, also at the top of the menu for many predators. If you ever pull apart a barn owl pellet and identify the small skulls within, you’ll soon realize how important field voles are to top avian predators. Field voles like to stick to their burrows down in the bottom of the grass, feeding on roots and shoots, so more open habitat does not suit their needs. A word of warning here though – avoid putting grassy margins next to newly planted hedges or farm woodland, as field voles are also rather fond of bark and may well make a meal of your young trees and shrubs!

Out in the open fields, brown hares, a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority species, will use grassy margins for lying up and for hiding their leverets. Alongside ditches, margins may well provide shelter and food for another BAP priority species, the rapidly declining water vole. This extra habitat can be vital to water voles when flooded out of their burrows in winter.

Buffer strips under ELS can be 2, 4 or 6m wide, but remember that you also need to satisfy SPS cross compliance requirements by first leaving 2m of uncultivated land from the centre of a hedgerow or ditch (and 1m from the top of the bank of a watercourse). Generally speaking, the wider the strip the more it will benefit wildlife, although even 2m margins will be used as travel routes between woodland blocks by roe deer and badgers. The management prescriptions for these margins mean that they can

only be cut once within the five years of the agreement to prevent scrub encroachment. In the case of 6m margins, the 3m nearest to the crop can be cut annually, but not until after mid July to protect ground nesting birds. Cutting margins on a rotation means that small mammals will not be left homeless and leaving cutting until the late autumn will give any harvest mice a better chance to breed successfully in the north of England. On the whole, margins are good news for mammals and for farmers too where they can be used to gain extra funds from ELS and HLS.

For further advice on margin management and Environmental Stewardship, contact your local FWAG office – see www.fwag.org.uk

Ann Hanson, South & West Yorkshire FWAG

Ecological, Environmental and Wildlife Consultancies and other specialists:

Environmental & Wildlife Habitat Management Service covering Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Dorset.

We also promote the development of a fresh approach, integrating nature conservation with ecologically-inspired philosophies. www.green-mantle.co.uk

Footprint Ecology is an applied consultancy, working with the conservation sector. We can provide original research, literature reviews, survey work, training or attendance at public inquiry. Particular areas of expertise include access, visitor surveys, disturbance, heathlands, commons and birds. For more information visit http://www.footprint-ecology.co.uk

Wildthing Wildlife Consultants. We provide support to developers and the construction industry. Services include: habitat and species surveys, mitigation reports, management plans, natural landscape design and installation. Other services include: A ranger support service, guest speaking/lectures, tourist guide service in Kent, bespoke activity packs, wildlife garden design. Contact: www.wildthingconsultants.co.uk

Cornwall Environmental Consultants (CEC) Ltd (founded in 1991 by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust) are based in Allet, Truro. CEC provides professional ecological, landscape architecture and graphics services to developers, local authorities, government bodies, voluntary organisations and private individuals. All profits are donated to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. 01872 245510 www.cec.gb.com

Environmentally Sustainable Systems Ltd undertakes ecological and environmental impact assessments, surveys and monitoring for on and offshore projects. Our highly skilled and experienced staff resolve conflicts between development and biodiversity by providing solutions to environmental problems and promoting environmental sustainability. For further information please see our website http://www.ess-ltd.co.uk

BritishFlora To discuss the horticultural options for your next project please contact us at: info@britishflora.co.uk or visit our website www.britishflora.co.uk BritishFlora – The Marque of local & native Provenance

TellTale - we put people in the (wildlife) picture. Call us when you need help with managing, or inspiring or engaging with visitors to your wildlife site. We are experts at balancing ecology and enjoyment through interpretation, access and experience management. Contact Peter on 01298 70376 or peter@telltale.co.uk

Ecology Consultancy Ltd provides a full range of ecological services to the corporate, public and voluntary sectors. With offices in London, Norwich, Lewes and Derby, we are well-placed to provide excellent services nationwide. For details on what we could do for you just visit www.ecologyconsultancy.co.uk or call 020 7326 0007.

RSKCarter Ecological carry out ecological survey and assessment for a broad range of habitats/species, and give advice on a wide variety of needs. The knowledge, expertise and experience encompassed in our services are delivered to the highest quality. Services include Botany, Habitat and Protected Animal surveys, Management Planning and GIS. Contact Ben Wild Tel: 01295 672970

ELM specialises in habitat management and wildlife protection. Based just outside Wrexham, we operate throughout Cheshire and North Wales, with a team of staff dedicated to high quality practical conservation. We have vacancies for casual and part time staff at various times of the year. For further information please visit www.elm.uk.net

Do you work in countryside management? Do you have a challenging problem in wildlife tourism? Whether it is with hides, access, interpretation or training? Find innovative and cost effective solutions, through consulting Zoo-lutions Ltd. With over 20 years experience: clients, include FCS. Contact jeremy@zoo-lutions.com or telephone 07786 433124

Helios Ecology is an ecological consultancy, which provides specialist skills and knowledge for conducting surveys for a range of species groups. We also provide advice on protected species protocol, legislation and mitigation techniques. We ensure that rigorous survey methodologies are strictly adhered to using current guidelines. Tel: 01663 749 659 www.heliosecology.co.uk

PPEC provides a professional and efficient service to clients throughout the UK. Our team of consultant ecologists are capable of providing a wide range of services from baseline habitat surveys through to detailed protected species surveys and mitigation.

For further information on the services we can provide our clients please visit www.pp-ec.co.uk Tel:07921 156 573 or email phil@pp-ec.co.uk

Catherine Bickmore Associates Environmental Consultancy providing specialist services in ecology, landscape management and recreation issues. cbickmore@aol.com

The Plight of the Bumblebee - Habitat Management for the Great Yellow Bumblebee, Bombus distinguendus.

Of the UK’s 25 bumblebee species, 3 are already extinct and a further 9 species are seriously threatened. The decline in these charismatic creatures has caused great concern, largely because of their important role as pollinators of crops and wildflowers. One such threatened species is the striking Great Yellow Bumblebee, Bombus distinguendus, which is now confined to the very northern and western fringes of Scotland.

This attractive dark-yellow bee, once widespread throughout a number of UK regions, is now typically associated with machair grassland. This globally rare habitat is itself restricted to parts of northern and western Scotland, and western Ireland. It consists of a flat, low lying grass plain formed on shell-based sand blown inshore by the wind. Throughout the summer months this costal grassland is covered in stunning swathes of wildflowers, hence its appeal to several of our rarest bumblebee species.

Traditionally, machair was a cultivated landscape on which crofting communities have grazed stock and grown crops for centuries. It is these low intensity farming systems that have allowed the unique machair vegetation to flourish. However, agricultural intensification or conversely in some cases, croft abandonment, has resulted in the degradation of this precious habitat, threatening the species which have come to rely on it.

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust (BBCT) is supervising a research project to try and determine the most effective methods for restoring degraded machair to its former glory. BBCT, based at the University of Stirling, is very keen to conserve and restore habitats that support rare bumblebee species. Nicola Redpath has just started work on the PhD, and is aiming to create viable management prescriptions for the restoration of machair which has, for one reason or another, lost floral diversity.

Much of this work will be situated on the Isle of Oronsay which lies off the west coast of Scotland, adjacent to neighbouring Colonsay. The island is currently managed successfully for a number of bird species by the RSPB who have kindly agreed to this research. Oronsay demonstrates both spectacular and degraded areas of machair and the seed bank and vegetation at these sites will be analysed in order to quantify the loss of species diversity. As well as providing information on the extent of current machair degradation, Nicola’s research will also involve trialling a range of treatments on an area of degraded machair in order to establish how it can best be restored.

It is hoped that by conserving its current habitat, this in turn will halt the decline of the beautiful Great Yellow Bumblebee and help ensure its long-term survival.

Bumblebee Conservation Trust

School of Biological & Environmental Sciences
University of Stirling
Stirling FK9 4LA

enquiries@bumblebeeconservationtrust.co.uk

Organisations working with and for invertebrates:

UKMoths – Britain's most comprehensive moth identification resource with over 4000 photographs illustrating more than 1700 species. http://ukmoths.org.uk .Contact: ian@ukmoths.org.uk

The British Dragonfly Society is a registered charity (No. 800196) whose aim is to promote and encourage the study and conservation of dragonflies and their natural habitats in the UK. For more information visit www.dragonflysoc.org.uk or call Katharine Parkes, BDS Conservation Officer on 01743 282021

The Moths Count project, launched on 2 May, aims to raise awareness of moths, stimulate moth recording and establish a National Moth Recording Scheme. Many free training events suitable for beginners are being organised. See www.mothscount.org for details.

The Natural History Museum's British bumblebee guide is an easy to use tool to identifying bees in your area by looking at their colour patterns http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/life/insects-spiders/bumblebee-id/british-bumblebee-identification-guide.html

Founded in 1833, the Royal Entomological Society plays a major national and international role in disseminating information about insects, and improving communication between entomologists.

Today, the society communicates with its members through a varied calendar of events and meetings, and stages the hugely successful National Insect Week campaign. Visit www.royensoc.co.uk

The Malacological Society is the major group studying the wildlife conservation and biology of slugs, snails, clams, octopus and squid in the UK (http://www.malacsoc.org.uk/index.html). It gives a range of awards, including £200 each for completed schools projects on molluscs (closing date: 1/3/2008).

Email - Prof. G.Dussart gbd1@cant.ac.uk for further information.

It’s a sad fact that butterflies and moths are disappearing fast with 3 out of 4 species of butterfly and two-thirds of ‘common’ larger moths decreasing. Butterfly Conservation is the UK charity successfully taking action to halt their decline – but we need your help!

For more information about Butterfly Conservation www.butterfly-conservation.org 01929 400209.

RSPCA Oiled Bird Research

Since a major report in 1997 showed that auks cleaned of oil after disasters at sea were not surviving as well as birds not caught up in oil spills, the RSPCA has been looking at ways to increase the unfortunate birds’ survival time. As part of a whole raft of measures to develop husbandry techniques a unique soft release cage was developed. This cage was anchored at sea and would provide cleaned birds the opportunity to experience a range of conditions that only a marine environment could provide but in a partly controlled manner. This project would be groundbreaking, as we were aware that this had not been done anywhere else in the world as part of a rehabilitation effort.

The primary aims of the sea cage were to show that birds were properly waterproof and able to dive for food and to give them an environment in which they could put on weight and further develop their fitness to enable them to survive better once finally released. The sea cage (a converted salmon cage) was anchored about a kilometre offshore in Portland Harbour and provided a minimum diving area of approximately 200 cubic meters with depths up to 8 meters depending on tides. The plan was to operate the cage for the winter months only and for a number of years that would provide enough data to enable an assessment to be made about its effectiveness.

While the Society could not satisfactorily look after the facility from its permanent staff it used CJS to advertise for temporary staff. A team of people was recruited to provide full-time cover for the period of use and to undertake a range of practical and observational tasks. The team was located in Portland and operated a dedicated boat in (almost) all weathers to manage the birds and the cage and to record information for later evaluation.

After operating for six full years the data shows that the birds were fully waterproof (surviving on one occasion a severe gale 11), were diving to the full 8m and altogether performing as wild birds. Sadly, however, these measures have not significantly increased the survival of released guillemots. The mean survival time is now 9 days for birds found dead (range one day to 278) and 5 days (range one day to 815) for birds found alive. This compares closely to the results from the 1997 findings (overall mean survival of 7 days). In terms of weight increase (and accompanying fitness) the overall gains did not reach the optimum 850gms we were anticipating with an average weight at release of 750gms.

As a unique operation the sea cage proved to be a success; however, the survival results are disappointing and indicate that there are factors that may well be out of our control that have rendered these birds totally unsuitable for rehabilitation. The RSPCA has considered the range of factors involved and although it will not be utilising the sea cage during forthcoming oiled bird rehabilitation a further range of measures will be employed to improve the overall long-term survival of these birds. However, we realise that unless significant improvements in survival times are not achievable then a harsh decision must be taken and humane destruction of all oiled auks may, in welfare terms, be the only option for the future.

By: Tim Thomas, RSPCA Senior Scientific Officer. www.rspca.org.uk

What to do if you find an oiled bird: http://www.rspca-westhatch-wildlifecentre.co.uk/ .

Organisations working with and for birds:

Logo: WWT

The Wildfowl & Wetland Trust (WWT) is a leading UK conservation organisation saving wetlands for wildlife & people across the world. WWT is the only UK charity with a national network of nine specialist wetland visitor centres. See wwt.org.uk for details

British Trust for Ornithology provides training courses, volunteering opportunities & facts & figures about the UK’s birds. For more information & current vacancies see www.bto.org

The Hawk & Owl Trust is Britain’s leading national charity dedicated to conserving wild birds of prey & their habitats – on its own reserves & by working with farmers, foresters & other landowners. It also carries out practical research & encourages greater understanding of these charismatic birds. Find out more at www.hawkandowl.org

Norfolk Ornithologists’ Association

Conservation charity (no. 267670) focusing on the scientific study of birds, based at Norfolk’s accredited bird observatory in Holme, with seven reserves in Norfolk. Friendly & informative. Ringing, census work, special surveys. Membership £17 single, £22 joint/family. Members throughout UK & abroad. 01485 525406, email; info@noa.org.uk, www.noa.org.uk

Raptor Rescue is the largest UK charity dedicated to ensuring that all sick & injured birds of prey are cared for by experienced persons & whenever possible released back into the wild. Help & advice line 0870 2410609 www.raptorrescue.org.uk Registered Charity No 283733

Founded in 1964, Walney Bird Observatory is funded entirely by membership subscription.

Bird Observatories are at the forefront of conservation, monitoring bird populations through the medium of census work, daily recording of migrants & ringing.

Contact the Secretary - Keith Parkes, 176 Harrogate Street, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria

The Scottish Ornithologists' Club (SOC) has over 3000 members, with 14 branches throughout Scotland. The club plays a central role in Scottish birdwatching, bringing together amateur birdwatchers, keen birders & research ornithologists with the aims of documenting, studying and, not least, enjoying Scotland's varied birdlife. For more information, visit www.the-soc.org.uk

Northern Kites, the project that is bringing the red kite back to the northeast of England, is a partnership between lead partners Natural England & the RSPB & Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, the National Trust & the Forestry Commission supported with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund & Sita Trust. www.northernkites.org.uk

Interested in seabirds? Why not join The Seabird Group for only £10 per annum, & receive regular seabird research news & become eligible for the group's grant scheme. See www.seabirdgroup.org.uk for more details or email seabird@bto.org

SongBird Survival has gone national with the merger with Save Our Songbirds, Scotland

Predation levels are seen as excessive for some vulnerable species & our research aims to prove this. Support this work by joining us at www.songbird-survival.org.uk or by calling us on 01379 641715.

www.redkites.net contains information about the history, reintroduction, monitoring & breeding success of the Red Kites in the Chilterns. Video clips & diary of the 2007 Red Kite Nestwatch, & a photo gallery are also available on the website

Contact Helen Olive on 07795 42 8806, email helen@thebirdinsight.com

Organisations working with and for marine and coastal wildlife and environments:

Logo: Project Aware Foundation

Climate change, over-fishing, pollution & development are just a few of the current threats facing our aquatic environment & its wildlife. Project AWARE Foundation works in partnership with divers & water enthusiasts to combat those threats. Take part in our projects & activities such as beach cleanups, & coral monitoring. www.projectaware.org

Atlantic Salmon Trust. Trust is an Atlantic-wide UK & Ireland based independent charity. Works for the conservation & restoration of wild salmon & sea-trout. Conducts & supports marine & freshwater research, gives practical advice, holds seminars & publishes journals & booklets to inform & educate. www.atlanticsalmontrust.org

The Marine Connection is a UK based charity working nationally & internationally for the welfare, protection & conservation of all dolphins, whales & porpoises (cetaceans) www.marineconnection.org

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is the UK charity dedicated to the protection of our seas, shores & wildlife. MCS campaigns for sewage-free seas, beaches free of litter, sustainable fisheries & sensitive management of our coast & sea - & much, much more. www.mcsuk.org.

The UK Coastal Dune & Shingle Network promotes a ‘habitat based’ & ‘evidence informed’ approach to the solution of management issues. It encourages the sustainable use & sharing of experience in conservation practice between site managers, consultants & researchers. For more information & to register your interests go to www.hope.ac.uk/coast

The Shore Thing - Get Involved!
Get Invovled in Intertidal Recording
Marine Biological Association

The Shore Thing Project - ‘Getting people involved in intertidal recording’

Our seas are changing! The temperature of our coastal waters has already risen in the 20th Century and scientists predict that the average seawater temperature could rise a further 2oC by the 2050s. This rise could affect the distribution of species on our rocky shores, but how will we know? You can help! We need people on the shore searching for our 22 climate change and non-native species. If you are a member or know of a voluntary group who would like to be involved then please contact Fiona Crouch, ficr@mba.ac.uk. See our website for project details www.marlin.ac.uk/shore_thing

Training, fieldwork and surveys:

The FSC is a leading provider of taxonomic and environmental training at its centres throughout the UK. The annual programme of courses includes biological recording and surveying, ecological principles, NVC, plant and animal identification, many of which are accredited and certified by awarding bodies. For more information visit www.field-studies-council.org/professional

Nature’s Calendar - Ever wondered if climate change affects our wildlife? Are flowers really appearing earlier and earlier? Nature’s calendar asks volunteer recorders to send in information on the plant, bird and animal species they see, and the date they first see them. Your observations can help scientists and conservationists alike. Join at www.naturescalendar.org.uk

Liverpool Hope University offers an MSc in Environmental Management that provides a flexible package promoting academic development directly applicable to professional practice in environmental management. A degree of specialisation is provided in areas of nature conservation management, urban change and coastal management. Contact Dr Kevin Crawford (crawfok@hope.ac.uk) for more information.

The British Seahorse Survey studies the 2 species of Seahorse found around the British Isles and it is totally reliant volunteers. If you are a diver or find a seahorse washed up on the beach contact the survey and we can advise you where to look for the British Isles best kept secret.

www.britishseahorsesurvey.org www.theseahorsetrust.co.uk

The Ring Ouzel Study Group comprises ring ouzel enthusiasts from across UK, meeting annually since 1998 to discuss local studies and research work investigating declines. Further information from www.ringouzelinfo.com

Glow-worm enthusiasts! If you are planning a glow-worm evening, intend to survey glow worms, want to report a site or simply want to know where and when they can be seen, visit the UK Glow Worm Survey website, www.glowworms.org.uk. Surveys are purely voluntary. Email robin@galaxypix.com.

More training information, see page 14 (bottom of this web page)

Bloomin’ Wild!

This year RHS Britain in Bloom communities throughout the UK will be letting their gardens go wild as they participate in the 2007 theme Bloomin’ Wild, set for them by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). The theme is to encourage all communities, large and small, to design and plant to sustain wildlife in parks, gardens and green spaces. Over 1000 communities will take part in the campaign this year, with winners of the UK finals announced in September, including the winner of the RHS Bloomin’ Wild Discretionary Award.

Plants are important in encouraging wildlife because they are the beginning of the food chain. In Britain increased urbanisation and farming practices have contributed to a decline in many species of wildlife. If planned and managed correctly, parks and public and private gardens can be a rich source of food and shelter for many species of birds, insects and mammals. Some forms of wildlife are unwelcome because they are pests but that is a small minority. Fewer than 1% of Britain’s 22 400 species of insects are pests. Many are beneficial as pollinating insects, or as predators of pests.

Many participants in RHS Britain in Bloom this year are designing specific spaces for wildlife with information for the community about what creatures can be found there as well as helping to protect and manage natural habitats that are already rich sources of wildlife such as woodlands or grasslands.

The finalists will be using some of the following ideas in their entries this year: ● Ensuring there is diversity in planting schemes and incorporating native plants as much as possible. ● Creating ponds to provide a breeding place for frogs, toads, newts, dragonflies and other aquatic animals. ● Planting wildflower meadows to encourage nectar-feeding insects. ● Where appropriate leaving dead logs and trees to naturally recycle for insects that feed on decaying material. ● Providing food for wildlife in addition to plants such as putting out seed mixtures for birds and providing water for drinking if there are no ponds. ● Reducing the use of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides.

RHS Britain in Bloom is much more than just flowers – the campaign looks for examples of sustainable practice, cleanliness and community involvement as well as horticultural excellence and a key part to the campaign is encouraging biodiversity.

The RHS provides advice for all communities on wildlife gardening and biodiversity in the advice section of its website at www.rhs.org.uk.

As well as the RHS Britain in Bloom campaign, the RHS champions wildlife gardening through a joint project run with the Wildlife Trust called Wild About Gardens, please see the website for more details www.wildaboutgardens.org.uk.

Nature Detectives Want your kids to have fun, get outside and take an interest in the natural world? Nature Detectives is a great internet club that gives games, facts, fun and activities to 7 to 11 year olds, helping them investigate nature in their own backyard, park or garden. Join at www.naturedetectives.org.uk

Natural World Experience, bringing Nature back to life with our specialist events available to all the family. Bat & Moth Nights, Bug Hunts & Pond Dipping and much more. Environmental Education. For more info: www.naturalworldexperience.com Tel: 07811 403713

The Harlequin Ladybird Survey

The Spread of an Alien Ladybird

Britain’s newest ladybird is an unwelcome visitor and has been described as the most invasive ladybird on Earth!

The harlequin Harmonia axyridis originates from Asia, but was introduced in several European countries to control pest insects on a range of crops. The harlequin first made its way across the English Channel in 2004, arriving in Britain by means of flight and wind. In addition, some have come here on produce.
The harlequin has been increasing in numbers very rapidly and spreading westwards and northwards fast. It is now found as far west as Cornwall and Pembrokeshire and as far north as Lancashire and county Durham. We expect it to reach Scotland in 2007.

The threat to native insects is our main concern. Because the harlequin is larger and more voracious than most native ladybirds (of which there are 45 species), it out-competes them for aphids. It is not a fussy eater and if aphid supplies run low, it turns to other food sources – including the eggs and larvae of ladybirds and other insects, possibly including butterflies.
How to recognise a harlequin ● It is big (for a ladybird!) – 6 to 8mm long, which is at least as big as the common 7-spot ladybird. ● It is usually orange-red with 15 to 20 black spots. ● Some are black with 2 or 4 orange-red spots and 2 prominent white ‘false eye’ markings. ● It normally has brown legs.
Some of our other ladybirds look quite like the harlequin, but the harlequin is often bigger.

How you can help

The Harlequin Ladybird Survey was set up to track the spread of the harlequin in Britain. If you see a harlequin, please report your sighting via the website – www.harlequin-survey.org In order to verify your sighting, ideally we would like to see a photo of the ladybird. Records of native ladybirds can also be submitted online, at www.ladybird-survey.org Thanks for your help! Peter Brown, UK Ladybird Survey

Jobs! Mostly voluntary.