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Headlines from week beginning 19 June 2017 |
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A round up of the top countryside, conservation, wildlife and forestry stories as chosen by the CJS Team.
Snake
fungal disease identified in wild British snakes for first time
- ZSL Europe’s wild snakes could face a growing threat from a fungal skin
disease that has contributed to wild snake deaths in North America,
according to an international collaborative study, led by conservation
charity ZSL (Zoological Society of London) alongside partners including
the U.S. Geological Survey. The new study is published in the journal
Scientific Reports.
Caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, snake fungal
disease (SFD) can lead to symptoms including skin lesions, scabs and
crusty scales, which can contribute to the death of the infected animal
in some cases. SFD was first recognised in wild snakes in eastern North
America around a decade ago. Prior to this study, the only wild
populations found to be affected had been those in the central and
eastern United States. Now, an analysis of samples collected from wild snakes in the United
Kingdom and the Czech Republic between 2010-2016 has confirmed the
presence of the pathogen and SFD in Europe for the first time. While the
disease poses no known risk to humans or livestock, scientists are
calling for further research to fully understand the significance of SFD
to Europe’s snake populations. Lead author and wildlife veterinarian Dr. Lydia Franklinos said: “Our
team at ZSL found evidence of SFD in grass snakes (Natrix natrix)
from the UK and a single dice snake (Natrix tessellata) from
the Czech Republic. The analysis found that the fungus strains from
Europe are different to those previously identified in North America –
suggesting that rather than being introduced across the Atlantic, or
vice versa, the disease could have been present below the radar in
European snakes for some time. Read the paper (open access): Lydia H.
V. Franklinos, et al
Emerging
fungal pathogen Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola in wild European
snakes. Scientific Reports 7, Article number: 3844 (2017)
doi:10.1038/s41598-017-03352-1
£200,000 makeover for Longdendale Valley trails to increase
accessibility - Peak District National Park Walkers, cyclists and horse riders in the Longdendale Valley can look
forward to more beautiful views and greater levels of accessibility in
the coming years. Three national trails are set to receive an upgrade
courtesy of a £200,000 grant secured by the Peak District National Park
Authority to help enhance access by creating disabled friendly circular
routes and to reduce the visual impact of electricity transmission lines
running through the valley.
The grant has been allocated as part of National Grid’s Landscape
Enhancement Initiative (LEI), which has set aside up to £24 million to
support small-scale landscape projects in the 30 Areas of Outstanding
Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks across England and Wales that
contain existing National Grid electricity infrastructure. Over a three year period, work will be carried out along three
popular national trails – the Pennine Way, the Pennine Bridleway and the
Trans-Pennine Trail – to reduce the visual effects of electricity pylons
in the Longdendale Valley. The funds will also enable the Peak District
National Park Authority to enhance access along the valley, particularly
for users with a disability and for horse riders. To refocus views away from the pylons, a number of new circular
routes will be established as an alternative to the existing routes that
follow the transmission line. Work will also be carried out to screen
the line, including selective planting of locally-appropriate tree and
shrub species, selective vegetation clearance and management and new
seating areas, which will be specially designed to ensure they are
inclusive for visitors with disabilities.
Take a bough for Tree of the Year 2017 -
Woodland Trust Earlier this year a UK entry was but a leaf's width away from being
crowned
European Tree of the Year. The Brimmon Oak near Newtown in Wales
finished second, just 1,300 votes behind the eventual winner from
Poland, Oak Josef. Now we want to go one better!
Once again we want you to nominate your favourite individual tree
(not species!) from across the UK which deserves to be crowned our 2017
Tree of the Year. Your tree could be linked to a historical figure or
event, at the heart of your local community or one which is just well
loved. We're looking for the most spectacular, quirky, controversial
trees, ones which make you stop in your tracks and fill you with
inspiration. From all the nominations we receive we'll then create four
shortlists, one for each region, from which the public will vote for a
winner. This year we will then be selecting just one tree from the four
regions to represent the UK in Europe. To nominate your tree fill in
the nomination form before the end of July and tell us all about it.
NIEA discovers rare butterfly previously feared extinct in Northern
Ireland - DAERA A surveyor from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency has
discovered a rare butterfly previously thought to be extinct here.
Bobbie Hamill came across the Small Blue Butterfly – Cupido
minimus while working in Co Fermanagh. Last recorded from its only
known site in 2001, it was feared that the butterfly was extinct in
Northern Ireland. NIEA’s Habitat Survey Team recorded a total of seven
butterflies on the wing on May 31. They partially attribute the
occurrence of the species in relatively high numbers to the unusually
warm weather – Northern Ireland has enjoyed its warmest spring since
records began. Bobbie Hamill spotted the butterfly while assessing
the condition of the flower-rich plant communities in one of Northern
Ireland’s most important grassland Areas of Special Scientific Interest
(ASSIs), just west of Derrygonnelly.
Catherine Bertrand, Head of Conservation for Butterfly Conservation
in Northern Ireland, said: “I cannot articulate how delighted we are
that the Small Blue has been reconfirmed. Our volunteers have revisited
the site sporadically over the past 16 years since the butterfly was
last seen, with no success. We genuinely believed it was extinct from
Northern Ireland.” She said the Butterfly Conservation had followed up NIEA’s discovery
with a further visit to the site, specifically to survey the extent of
Kidney Vetch, the caterpillar's sole food plant, and to hunt for Small
Blue eggs laid on the flower heads. She added: “The outlook for
the Small Blue is currently very positive, with plenty of the food plant
across the site, lots of eggs for the coming season and most
importantly, a landowner who is working to ensure this remains one of
the most important wildlife sites in the country."
And after all the recent bad news for birds of
prey here's some good news for a welcome change!
Hat-trick for Manchester peregrine pair with three chicks flying high
- RSPB Excitement has been caused by some new arrivals in the city – the
famous Manchester peregrine pair have successfully raised three chicks
this year, and the public are being encouraged to visit the viewpoint to
see them in action.
The news is welcomed by the RSPB and Manchester City Council who have
been running the Manchester Peregrine Date with Nature project, which
aims to bring the public closer to these remarkable birds, since 2007. Marc Whiteside-Ehlen, RSPB Area Manager said: “It is fantastic that
the peregrines have had three chicks this year. Peregrines had
successfully nested in Manchester every year since the project began,
but last year they sadly failed to breed. This makes the news this year
even more exciting! The chicks were recently ringed and given a health
check, which confirmed that all three of them are female. We’ll be
watching them closely over the next few weeks as they fly above the city
learning how to hunt.”
Rare hazel dormice reintroduced into a Warwickshire woodland
– PTES
With their soft caramel fur, furry tail and big black eyes, hazel
dormice are without question one of Britain’s most endearing mammals,
but sadly these charismatic creatures are also endangered. The decline
can be attributed to the loss of woodland and hedgerow habitat, as well
as changes to traditional countryside management practices. As a result,
hazel dormice have become extinct from 17 English counties since the end
of the 19th century and populations are declining. This is an animal in
critical need of help. Ian White, PTES’ Dormouse Officer explains: “Our dormouse
conservation work involves managing a nationwide dormouse monitoring
scheme, coordinating annual reintroductions and advising land owners
about empathetic land management practices. The reintroductions are
important for the long-term conservation of this species, as we’re
restoring dormice to counties where they’ve been lost so that they can
thrive again. This is a great start in beginning to combat their
decline. Our approach also benefits a whole raft of other species
including birds, bats and butterflies.” Read about the PTES National Dormouse Monitoring Programme in CJS Focus Report from Animal and Plant Health Agency -
Wildlife: disease surveillance reports, 2017 Quarterly reports published by the GB Wildlife Disease Surveillance
Partnership on the monitoring of disease in wildlife.
Survey – UK’s Disabled Cyclists – Wheels for
Wellbeing Wheels for Wellbeing has today (15/6) published the results of a
national survey into the experiences of disabled cyclists. Carried out between February and March this year, the survey gathered
the views and experiences of disabled cyclists in order to better
understand their issues and concerns, with 221 individuals taking part
from around the UK. The results challenge some widely held assumptions
about disabled people and cycling, whilst highlighting a clear need to
carry out more research into this area. The survey gathered data on the demographics of disabled cyclists,
how regularly they cycle, their reasons for cycling and the kinds of
cycles they are most likely to own. It also collected information on
disabled cyclists’ ability to access cycling facilities and schemes, as
well as looking at the key difficulties and challenges faced by disabled
cyclists. A substantial amount of qualitative data and written evidence
was also accumulated. The survey revealed a range of positive and negative experiences
encountered by disabled cyclists.
Loch Leven water quality improves at landmark 25-year anniversary
- Scottish Natural Heritage
Loch Leven’s water quality has improved hugely over the past 25
years, according to research carried out by NERC Centre for Ecology &
Hydrology (CEH), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and partners.
Twenty-five years ago, in June 1992, Loch Leven was visibly blighted
by poisonous, blue-green algal blooms and murky water. The event became
known locally as “Scum Saturday.” It was estimated to have cost the
local community more than £1M in lost revenue. Loch Leven is
Scotland’s largest lowland loch and an internationally important
wildlife site. As a result, there were strong calls for action to stop
this algal blight happening again and plans to clean up the loch were
put in place. Levels of pollution, mainly caused by excessive amounts of phosphorus
entering the loch, have been falling over the last 25 years. This has
led to improvements in water clarity, increases in the abundance and
diversity of aquatic plants, better habitat, and more food for fish and
birds. The improved water clarity, in particular, illustrates this
dramatic change, with visibility increasing from under 1m at its worst
to now nearly 5m deep. This restoration has come about from the many years of hard work by
the catchment management group, formed 25 years ago. The group and many
other local organisations have completed a number of innovative actions
in the first catchment plan of its kind in Scotland. SNH, SEPA, Scottish
Water and Perth & Kinross Council, and others in the community, have
worked hard to improve the water quality of the loch.
Baby kestrels found shaking at bottom of tree are on way to recovery
- RSPCA Three orphaned birds of prey which were found helpless at the bottom
of a tree are being cared back to full health at an RSPCA wildlife
centre in Cheshire. A member of the public found the baby kestrels – initially thinking
they were owls – shaking and frightened in the grounds of a residential
home in Doncaster, on 5 June. They were collected by an RSPCA inspector
and transferred to Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, in Nantwich,
Cheshire.
As they had very few feathers when they were found, they were classed
as nestlings – meaning they were too young to leave the nest and were
unlikely to survive long. Since arriving at Stapeley, the trio –
just weeks old – have gone from strength to strength and it is hoped
that they will be successfully released back to the wild when they have
gained more weight. Lee Stewart, manager at Stapeley Grange, said: “We don’t get orphaned
kestrels very often so it has been incredible to watch them develop as
each day passes. When they were found, they were all shaking, one of
them still hadn’t opened their eyes. But they are doing great and
growing fast, even the smallest one is beginning to catch the other two
up. They are currently being kept in isolation where they are weighed
daily and fed four times a day. As soon as they are old enough they will
be taken out to the main aviaries where they will be able to stretch
their wings."
Drowsy dormice doze into decline - University
of Exeter Britain’s population of hazel dormice, famed for their sleepy
lifestyle, has declined by more than 70% in just over two decades, new
research from the University of Exeter has shown. Dedicated dormouse monitors have been counting the rodents in 26,000
nest boxes in 400 woodlands for more than 20 years. The causes of the decline are not well understood, and the research
team is calling for an urgent appraisal of dormouse conservation.
“Dormice are declining despite strict protection and widespread
efforts to conserve one of Britain’s most endearing woodland mammals,”
said the study’s lead author Cecily Goodwin, of the Environment and
Sustainability Institute on the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in
Cornwall. The hazel dormouse is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species
and a European Protected Species. The Exeter researchers said
their findings suggested hazel dormice merit a national IUCN “Red List”
classification. “They are declining to such an extent that a
precautionary approach would classify dormice as ‘Endangered’ in the
UK,” said Goodwin. Dormice are also nocturnal and often sleep for much of the day,
enabling dormouse nest box monitors to make careful counts. Professor Robbie McDonald, who leads the research team at the
University of Exeter, said: “Dormice face a range of problems: Climate
change and habitat loss are likely important, but we think that woodland
management could also be key. One possibility that we are
currently researching, is that more active woodland management may be
needed, not less.” Access the paper: Goodwin, C. E. D.,
Hodgson, D. J., Al-Fulaij, N., Bailey, S., Langton, S. and Mcdonald, R.
A. (2017),
Voluntary recording scheme reveals ongoing decline in the United Kingdom
hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius population. Mam
Rev. doi:10.1111/mam.12091
Lake District farmers bag a future for recycled plastic
- Lake District National Park Authority A long-running farm plastic offensive which has seen thousands of
tonnes of waste recycled has had another bumper crop, thanks to around
50 farmers near Penrith. Lake District farmers took part in the big collection at Troutbeck,
in the east of the National Park, where large quantities of bale wrap,
silage sheets, string and lick buckets saw almost 30 tonnes deposited.
Organiser Lake District National Park ranger, Val Edmondson, praised
farmers for their support and said once again the annual event had been
a big success. She explained: “Agriculture produces masses of plastic
these days and if it wasn’t disposed of properly would be harmful not
just to animals but the environment as well. This is a really good
example of how we work with our farmers to improve this special
landscape for all to enjoy. Farm plastic by its very design
is not biodegradable. The only solution is recycling and we help make
this happen by providing a collection point. We had five farmers queuing
up with their loaded trailers at one point. Everyone benefits. Farmers
get rid of their rubbish and the plastic remerges as invaluable
plaswood, a material that doesn’t rot and is often used to build
boardwalks."
Respectful countryside access promoted in new national campaign
– Scottish Land & Estates A new awareness campaign designed to encourage respectful access in
rural Scotland has been launched by Scottish Land & Estates. Care for the Countryside, an initiative backed by farmers, rural
businesses and landowners, was unveiled today at the Royal Highland
Show. Three topics are the initial focus for campaign: responsible dog
ownership, flytipping and responsible mountain-biking. The Care for the
Countryside campaign is being supported by a range of organisations
including Scottish Natural Heritage, Police Scotland, Zero Waste
Scotland, Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland as well as the Scottish
Government. The initiative is backed by a new logo and publicity materials
promoting safe and responsible access to the countryside, all designed
to educate the public about the type of problems that exist but often go
widely unreported - and what people can do to help address these issues. Care for the Countryside has been developed after key, persistent
difficulties were identified by those who live and work in rural areas.
The awareness campaign around responsible dog ownership focuses on dog
mess and livestock worrying, a trouble for farmers despite the efforts
of agencies and Police Scotland to warn the public of the dangers that
can occur. Flytipping has also been selected, with many farmers and landowners
experiencing this blight on our landscape. With urban fringe areas
particularly susceptible to unscrupulous acts of rubbish dumping, this
is a problem Scottish Land & Estates members have faced more and more
regularly and in serious cases, it can lead to a scenario where a rural
business finds itself liable for a bill of thousands of pounds to clean
up land that has been flytipped. Responsible mountain biking is the third area of the Care for the
Countryside initiative. Mountain biking has enjoyed a boom in popularity
but whilst the vast majority of riders who access rural land do so
responsibly, there are increasing examples of where problems have
occurred, with unauthorised trail building presenting a particular
danger.
Rare spoonbills breed in Northern England for the first time
– RSPB Evidence of spoonbill breeding at Fairburn Ings – a first for
Yorkshire and a first for an RSPB reserve.
Spoonbill eating ten-spined stickleback (image:
RSPB)
Spoonbills had not nested regularly in the UK since the 1700s,
however recent years have seen them slowly expanding their range north
and returning to Britain once again. Birds are increasingly seen along
the east coast of England, and one breeding colony has been established
in East Anglia. Darren Starkey, Senior Site Manager of RSPB Aire Valley, says: “To
see a successful spoonbill nest is a very special event. Although we
have occasional spoonbill sightings each year at Fairburn Ings - some
travelling from as far as the Netherlands and Spain - none have
successfully nested before, and never on an RSPB site. When we suspected
they might be feeding chicks, the warden and volunteer team took turns
keeping watch for feeding flights “These spoonbill chicks – known here as ‘teaspoons’ – have been a
long time coming, following a lot of hard habitat management work.
They’re currently hidden away deep in the vegetation but we hope they’ll
be much more visible when they fledge.” Because of their rarity, spoonbills are a specially protected bird in
the UK, and their breeding presence at Fairburn Ings has been kept a
secret – until now. They are of conservation concern due to lack of
suitable habitats, water pollution, and drainage of wetlands for farming
and tourism.
Launch of 2017 Park Protector Award -
Campaign for National Parks Launch of 2017 Award to celebrate projects that protect and improve
the National Parks of England and Wales Projects contributing to our beautiful National Parks could receive a
£2,000 boost in recognition of their work thanks to the Campaign for
National Park’s Park Protector Award. The Award celebrates the work
being done in National Parks across England and Wales with the winner
receiving a £2,000 bursary. Nominations are being invited until Thursday 20 July. Nominated
projects must be seeking to conserve or enhance the biodiversity of an
area, restore heritage sites or protect an area in a National Park. For more information
click here Nominations are open until 20 July.
Download an application form (PDF)
Unauthorised structure on nature reserve removed
- BBOWT An unauthorised structure on Wildmoor Heath nature reserve near
Crowthorne, that was used as a drinking den has been demolished by the
local Wildlife Trust. The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust is responsible for the safety
of all visitors to the nature reserve, and was very concerned about the
unauthorised structure. It had been built by a local resident last
autumn, initially for children to play on, but it had also attracted
anti-social behaviour and vandalism. The Wildlife Trust assessed the structure, which was found to be
unsafe. Initial attempts to demolish it earlier this year were met with
abusive and violent behaviour from people who did not want it to be
removed. Alex Cruickshank, Senior Land Manager for the Berks, Bucks, and Oxon
Wildlife Trust, who assisted with the successful removal on Wednesday 21
June, said: “The whole area was littered with drink’s bottles and used
condoms. The Fire Service had been called out to deal with three cases
of arson in a week. It’s not something that we want on a nature
reserve.” Following the earlier attempt to remove the structure, vandalism on
Wildmoor Heath had increased dramatically.
Trust to take care of Glenridding Common -
John Muir Trust Lake District National Park Authority agrees in principle to
three-year management lease for Helvellyn and surrounding landscape
Following an extensive public consultation, members of the Lake
District National Park Authority (LDNPA) have agreed to lease
Glenridding Common to the John Muir Trust subject to final terms being
agreed.
In a statement on 21 June, Richard Leafe, Chief Executive of LDNPA
said, “At the Lake District National Park’s Authority meeting on 21 June
2017, members agreed to lease Glenridding Common to the charity the John
Muir Trust. This follows a period of consultation earlier this year,
which gave the community and key stakeholders an opportunity to
understand more about the proposal. During this period we continued our
discussions with the two commoners who graze the land and
representatives from the farming community made useful contributions
towards the content of the draft lease. We will now formalise a
three-year lease and we are aiming for this to be in place from August
2017. The John Muir Trust and the National Park are jointly committed to
caring for the common, including working with the local community, and
we look forward to seeing how the Trust’s management will enhance and
improve the environmental quality of this land.” Andrew Bachell, Chief Executive for the John Muir Trust said: “The
recent consultation has shown there is substantial support for the Trust
to manage this special landscape. It has also allowed us to speak openly
with those who raised questions and it’s been important in starting to
develop a relationship and dialogue with the local commoners, farmers,
residents and business community. We’re looking forward to
finalising the details of a lease and then having further conversations
with local people and organisations to agree a management plan that will
enhance and benefit the local area. We take the responsibility of
managing this special landscape and respecting its cultural traditions
seriously and feel delighted and privileged to have been given the
opportunity to do so.”
Long-distance footpath celebrates Britain’s original National Park
- Peak District National Park A new long-distance footpath, celebrating Britain’s original National
Park, has been launched by Friends of the Peak District. The 190-mile route stretches from South Pennine moorlands to the
gentle limestone scenery of the Derbyshire Dales, embraces the urban
edges of Sheffield and Oldham and takes in the rugged moorland of
Staffordshire and the undulating slopes of Cheshire. During the day, teams of walkers completed 20 stages of the walk,
‘first-footing’ the course in its entirety. The walk is the brainchild
of Julie Gough, a keen walker and Friends of the Peak District’s
fundraising and marketing co-ordinator. Over the last two years,
Julie and other Friends members have worked with volunteer walkers and
writers to complete the project, which has also been funded by Tesco’s
Bags of Help scheme and Marston’s Brewery. “One of the reasons for
devising the route was to raise awareness of the edge of the National
Park and its magnificent landscapes – and to encourage people to cherish
and protect them,” says Julie. “The walk follows existing paths and
trails and takes you away from the usual ‘honeypots’, into quieter, less
well-known corners of the Park, giving you a new perspective on the Peak
District.” A new guidebook to accompany the walk has also been launched, edited
by Peak District National Park member and outdoor writer, Andrew McCloy.
The 'Peak District Boundary Walk: 190 miles around the edge of the
national park' highlights many of the historical and current challenges
faced by the Peak District and how the Friends have fought to protect
it. Peak District National Park chief executive Sarah Fowler commented:
“This project brings the past into the present. Just as those who
originally mapped the boundary decided it was a landscape worth
protecting, today we are encouraged to enjoy the National Park and to
care for it for future generations.”
Taking forward Wales’ sustainable management of natural resources
- Welsh Government consultation The consultation seeks views on new regulatory approaches to the
sustainable management of natural resources in Wales. Proposals include:
Consultation End Date: 13 September 2017
New look for updated Marine Code - Scottish
Natural Heritage A best practice code for watching marine wildlife around Scotland’s
coasts has been revised, updated and re-launched by Scottish Natural
Heritage (SNH).
Dolphin watching (image: © Ben James via SNH) The code, originally launched in 2006, has been updated to reflect
changes in legislation, advances in technology and updated contacts. The SMWWC is complemented by a 62 page Guide to Best Practice for
Watching Marine Wildlife. Packed with superb photos, the guide provides
additional information about the animals you are most likely to see in
the seas around Scotland, along with practical guidance on responsible
behaviour around these animals. The Code and the Guide to Best Practice are available at
www.snh.gov.uk/marinecode
Scientific Publications Broughton, R. K. & Alker, P. J. (2017) Separating British Marsh Tits Poecile palustris and Willow Tits P. montana using a new feature trialled in an online survey. Ringing & Migration. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03078698.2017.1324000
Johnson, A. L., Borowy, D. and Swan, C. M.,
Land use history and seed dispersal drive divergent plant community
assembly patterns in urban vacant lots. J Appl Ecol. Accepted Author
Manuscript. doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12958
Andrej Christian Lindholst, A review of the outcomes from contracting out urban green space maintenance: What we know, don’t know and should know, Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, Available online 23 June 2017, ISSN 1618-8667, DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2017.06.012. Pereira JL, Vidal T, Mendes C, et al.
Invasive Asian clam distribution pattern reveals minimal constraints to
downstream dispersal and imperceptible ecological impacts. Aquatic
Conserv: Mar Freshw Ecosyst. 2017;1–12. DOI: 10.1002/aqc.2777
Sacha K. Heath, Candan U. Soykan, Karen L. Velas, Rodd Kelsey, Sara
M. Kross,
A bustle in the hedgerow: Woody field margins boost on farm avian
diversity and abundance in an intensive agricultural landscape,
Biological Conservation, Volume 212, Part A, August 2017, Pages 153-161,
ISSN 0006-3207, DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2017.05.031.
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CJS is not responsible for content of external sites. Details believed correct but given without prejudice. Disclaimer: the views expressed in these news pages do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of CJS. |
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A
healthy grass snake (image: ZSL - Philip Parker Associates)
Views
and access in the Longdendale will be improved with a grant from
National Grid (image: Peak District National Park)
Veteran
beech tree in Ballathie North Wood in Perthshire (Photo: WTML /
Julie Howden)
Small
Blue Butterfly (Image: DAERA)
Female
peregrine at nest feeding chicks (Image: Chris Gomersall, RSPB)
Wildlife
charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), Warwickshire
Wildlife Trust and partners, are today [Tuesday 20 June] releasing 19
breeding pairs of rare hazel dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius)
into an undisclosed woodland location in Warwickshire, near Royal
Leamington Spa, in an attempt to stem the decline of this endangered
species.
Loch
Leven (Credit SNH-Lorne Gill)
Kestrel
nestlings, (image: RSPCA)
Hazel
dormouse (image: University of Exeter)
(image:
Lake District National Park)
A
rare bird usually found in southern and eastern Europe has hatched
chicks for the first time in Northern England, at the RSPB’s Fairburn
Ings reserve, near Leeds. 
Striding
Edge (image: John Muir Trust)
The
Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code (SMWWC) aims to promote enjoyment
of marine wildlife and raise awareness about the best ways to watch
animals including dolphins, birds, seals, otters, whales and basking
sharks. It provides guidance on how best to enjoy watching these animals
without disturbing or harming them.
