December 17th
Looking forward to the future!
The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust would like to say a HUGE thank you to those of you who have already promptly responded to our latest appeal - 'Looking forward to the future'. Without your help and support we would not be able to undertake even half of the work that we do. Thank you! For those of you that haven't yet supported the appeal and would like to please see below:
Looking Forward to the Future!
I know that, like me, you are probably fed up to the back teeth with listening to all the bad news over the past few months. So I thought I would write to you with some good news. As a Yorkshireman, I’m immensely proud to be the President of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, YOUR Trust, and I take great pleasure from being able to support such a worthwhile organisation - as I’m sure you do. In spite of the difficult economic climate which is now affecting us all, the Trust is making ambitious plans for the future - plans that will help our wildlife adapt to the changing climate; plans to go beyond the limitations of nature reserves, creating large wild areas where wildlife and people can thrive; plans to protect our incredible marine life; plans to create new environmental education centres and involve more communities in caring for their own wild places; plans that will ensure that this fabulous county of ours stays special for future generations.
All these plans are truly wonderful and exciting, but (of course, there has to be a but!) the reality is that without money they will remain just that, exciting plans on a shelf. The Trust needs your support to begin the move into a new era for conservation in Yorkshire. I know that the economy is causing problems for everyone, particularly as we approach Christmas, but I really would like to plead with you to spare a thought – and a small amount of money - for Yorkshire’s wildlife. With your support the Trust can go ahead and start putting these plans into action. Can we afford to wait for the world economy to sort itself out with our wildlife under ever-increasing threat?
I know you already support the Trust; well that’s tremendous, thank you, but I want to ask you to think about whether you could give just a little bit more? I’m told that if all the Trust’s supporters could give the equivalent of just an extra £1 for each month of the coming year it would generate over £150,000 of additional income, enough to make a huge difference to what the Trust can achieve for Yorkshire’s wildlife and people, turning great plans into real improvements on the ground. Thank you for your support and may I take this opportunity to wish you all the best for 2009.
Yours, Brian Blessed, President.
To donate to the appeal please do one of the following:
Thank you for your continued support and generosity!
December 17th
Lowland Adders
Yesterday students from the ND Countryside Management Course at Askham Bryan College and a very brave tutor, Kathryn, came to the Strensall Common reserve to build a hibernaculum for adders, the first one as part of the Lowland Adders project. It was a very productive morning, the students learnt how to mimic a species particular habitat, by using natural materials from the immediate area. The students had come along the week before to create some of these materials i.e. tree felling as part of heathland restoration projects = lots of brash and timber, Hoooray! They had a lovely fire on that day, but not today, as the brash was needed for the construction of the hibernaculum.
As part of the students learning process, in a real live classroom, they had to work in teams to try and find the best possible spot for the snakes to ZZzzzzzzz! Taking into consideration, south facing aspect, shade, topography (drainage), and areas where the adders are likely to be already hibernating. Eventually we found a spot, started building and then had to move it, brash, timber and bracken. The spot was in the best area, but too much of a dip. So the whole lot had to go higher up onto a natural mound, with better drainage, among lots and lots of lovely bracken. Bracken! I hear you cry!? Yep, great if managed as a mosaic for lots of beasties including the adder!
So after the alleged practice run, cough, cough! construction masterfully began again.So the practice run was useful after all. Hooray! Subsequently a fabulous hibernaculum was built, some people even got in it! Had to be tested so didn't collapse and squash them!So lots of timber, brash, bracken and cutting of earth/turf were weaved and built together creating entrances, exits, different chambers at different levels, and south facing plateaus of heathery sods to chill out on. (thermoregulate) Marvelous!!! And lots of mince pies to make up for the lack of fire. Thanks guys, great Job! To find out more about workdays please email sam or check the project webpage.
December 15th
Where there's a willow!
The Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts Mid Aire Otters and Rivers Project will be hoping to improve a water side habitat and protect river banking at a local nature reserve near Bradford this weekend. Aire Valley Conservation Officer Don Vine and volunteers from Friends of Denso Marston Nature reserve near Baildon in West Yorkshire will be planting a living willow ‘fedge’ on the reserve with the aim of not only protecting the river bank and adjoining footpath from erosion but also creating a small area of willow coppice along the river that will hopefully attract a wide variety of wildlife.
The willow revetment will form a living barrier on a section of river bank where the action of the river Aire over the last few years has carved a large hole that is now threatening not only a vital section of footpath but also the integrity of this section of the reserve. Fortunately this work should also help to form a long section of willow growth that will also provide a haven for both water borne and land based wildlife. The willow will be cut and transported with volunteers from Bradford Motor Education ‘Dreamweavers’ Project from Rodley Nature Reserve in Leeds additionally helping to maintain a large stand of willow coppice on this site.
Don Vine
December 11th
Big Bug Hunt!
Children from Blythe pre-school had a fabulous time at Potteric Carr on the 11th of December taking part in a sponsored bug hunt in aid of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Meningitus UK. The activities included finding bugs around a trail, searching for brightly coloured woolly worms and decorating and hiding their own bugs. The weather was frosty and cold, but running around searching for bugs kept everyone warm and giggly! Potteric Carr runs a large education programme of fun activities for all ages.
If you’d like to know more about how your group could join in the fun, call Jo Smith on 01302 570077.
December 10th
Winter Bird Filming
Yesterday Look North ventured out to the winter wonderland that is Potteric Carr Nature Reserve to film the affects winter has on local bird populations. To see the film - click here. At this time of year Potteric is a haven for local birdlife and regulalry has exciting bird sightings.
On Tuesday 9th December four waxwings were spotted on the reserves
So, if you fancy a leisurely walk this weekend, an opportunity to learn about local bird life from our very experienced on site staff or fancy buying some christmas presents that could benefit local wildlife, such as bird feeders, boxes or binoculars then Potteric Carr is teh reserve to visit. To learn more about Potteric or to find out how to get there - click here.
November 29th
Dons scholars go back to nature
Scholarship youngsters from Doncaster Rugby League Club recently took part in some volunteering at Potteric Carr Nature Reserve, Doncaster. The nature reserve, a 500 acre site just off Junction 3 of the M18 is the site of rare birds and animals. Scholars from the Dons took part in Viva Veolia Youth Volunteering Project, which is aimed at getting young people involved in volunteer work in the community. Scholars worked throughout the morning clearing a meadow at the site in preparation for next spring. Work involved cutting back trees and hedges, racking away dead grass and generally tiding up the area. Dons Scholar Adam Jones said:
“We really enjoyed the day, it was something different for us to do. There’s a good spirit in our squad and things like this help us bond and get to know each other better.”
Scholarship manager, Pat Howdle added:
“We’re putting on a lot of non-rugby activities on for the lads this year as a way of getting to know them better and them getting to know each other. The better relationships these youngsters have with each other, the better they will work together on the training field. Its also important that the players get used to doing volunteering work and being involved in the community as it’s a vital part of being a professional sportsperson.”
Potteric Carr Nature Reserve is continuing its development of the site and is open daily to visitors. Anyone interested in visiting the centre can call 01302 570077 for further information.
Dave Marshall
November 25th
Lowland Adders Project
On Tuesday the 25th November the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust launched an exciting new conservation project, the Lowland Adders Project. The Lowland Adder Project is an initiative of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and funded by the Sita Trust. The aim of the project is to help further develop prime Adder habitat on selected lowland heath sites within Yorkshire. Both the habitat and this unique species of snake are extremely threatened and this project will help to restore vital habitats, which are also essential for many other species of plant and animal.
The launch event took place at Calley Heath, one of the Trust reserves. Under the guidance of Sam Jarrah-Moon the Trust’s new Lowland Adder Conservation Officer Countryside Management Students from Askham Bryan College got stuck in digging ditches in the mud. The newly created ditches will allow for the increase in diversity of habitats for many different egg laying species on the reserve, such as dragonflies and damselflies. The creation of these ditches also aims to increase the 'edge effect' allowing an increase in the diversity of plants at the site, such as water mint. Well known entomologist Roy Crossley popped along to say hello and promptly gave a fab talk to the students about the history and rarities of Cali Heath, once known as California Heath. The site is well known for some endemic species of very rare fly and beetle. Good fun was had by all and everybody came away looking particularly grubby. Fantastic!
To find out more about future volunteering opportunities please see below:
November 24th
Gala Dinner 2008
On Friday 21st November the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust hosted their annual gala dinner to thank its corporate members for their much needed support over the year. The dinner, which was held at York racecourse, was a fantastic success with 150 corporate members and sponsors attending. Approximately £3000 was raised on the night which will go towards helping support the charities work during 2009. During the evening guest speaker, Chris Packham (television presenter and wildlife photographer) gave an inspiring talk about wildlife, drawing on his childhood experiences to highlight the importance of getting people outside and active while still young. Community Development Officer, for the Running Wild Project, Vicky Harland commented:
“Chris’s speech was inspiring and helped to enforce the message we send out to people across Yorkshire. It gave further depth to the projects we undertake and helped others to acknowledge the importance of our work.”
During the evening the Trust took the opportunity to present the first, of what is to be annual business and president’s awards. These awards were given to thank and acknowledge both the effort and hard work businesses and individuals undertake to help benefit the Trusts work and local nature conservation.Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts president, Brian Blessed unfortunately could not attend in person to present the president’s award, however did produce a recorded message to acknowledge those individuals who were given the award. The President’s award was presented to Jean Hall and Brenda Gilling for their involvement in founding the Trusts Living Churchyard project. Elizabeth Hardcastle, the projects coordinator commented:
“The project began in 1985, but soon faced being abandoned due to lack of funding. The then Archdeacon of York Leslie Stanbridge, a Trust member, recognised the projects importance and persuade both Jean and Brenda to help out. With the help of the Trust, the project was awarded three years funding to launch it as a joint venture between the Diocese of York and the Trust. Over the years, Jean and Brenda have been indefatigable in spreading the word, giving talks to church and secular groups, visiting churchyards to meet local people, surveying churchyards and helping to suggest management practices that would be sympathetic to wildlife. This project would not have been possible without these two individuals, it is a great honour to be able to reward their work in this manner.”
Also winning the award was Peter Person (former chairman of the Trust) and Barbara Winfield (organizing of the Otley and Chevin children’s Watch group for 24 years). Also presented on the evening, was the first of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts Business Awards. The winners of which were Aggregate Industries for their continued support to the Trusts work as a partner of the Breathing Places programme. This programme has provided the catalyst for communities across Yorkshire to transform previously derelict sites for the benefit of wildlife, allowing the Trust to run more public events and to develop stronger links with the media. Geoff Storey, from Aggregate Industries comments:
“We are incredibly happy to receive this award. Aggregate Industries has over the past year worked in partnership with the Trust to see the progression of the 40 year aftercare project at Kilnsey Quarry in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, allowing the creation of valuable habitats such as calcareous grassland, which provides a home for peregrine falcons. At Ripon City Quarry, Aggregate Industries and the Trust have proposed to create a new regionally significant nature reserve for future generations to enjoy. The wet grassland habitat to be created complements the on going progressive reed bed restoration scheme and the restored areas will provide habitat benefits for a number of UK and local biodiversity action plan priority species, including otters and reed bunting. During 2008 we have played a very active part in nature conservation, long may it continue!”.
Runners up for the business award were Flamborough Holidays Ltd. for their work at the Thornwick and sea farm holiday centre. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, on behave of both its staff and members, would like to give a special thank you to all who attended the evening and to those presented with awards. This evening provided us with the opportunity to thank companies and individuals for their continued support, without which the Trust could not operate.
November 24th
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust improves access
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust have spent over £80,000 over the past few months to help improve access on two of the Trust’s nature reserves, Stoneycliffe Wood in Wakefield and Sprotbrough Flash in Doncaster. Firstly 500 metres of metal estate fencing were installed at Stoneycliffe Wood during the spring, to prevent motorbikes and horses entering areas of the woods and trampling the bluebells and other delicate wildflowers that grow on the reserve. Before the installation of the fencing, bikes were also responsible for disturbing ground-nesting birds and causing erosion, threatening some of the incredible 364 species of fungi that grow on the reserve. Six stiles have been replaced with new kissing gates at the reserve entrances, making it easier for walkers to enjoy the woodland. Finally, the network of woodland footpaths has been improved for walkers, with the building of a new bridge and boardwalk increasing access to the reserve, and the resurfacing of 700 meters of footpath which has literally just been completed within the last few weeks.
At Sprotbrough Flash Nature Reserve in Doncaster, the Trust has built two new wheelchair-accessible bird hides so that members of the public can watch the local birdlife in comfort. Birdwatchers have recorded an amazing 112 different bird species on the reserve, 65 of which breed there. The Trust has just completed construction of wheelchair-friendly access paths to the two new bird hides, allowing people of all abilities to enjoy the huge range of birds that use the reserve. Work undertaken at the reserve has been funded by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Wealth project. The Wildlife Wealth project enables local communities to enjoy and learn about wild places near them. The practical work funded by the project on these reserves aimed to improve access for footpath and wheelchair users, allowing more people to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of these areas. To find out more about the Wildlife Wealth project click here or about our nature reserves- click here.
November 17th
Volunteers at Spurn
Last week 6 volunteers from around the globe undertook practical conservation at Spurn Point on behalf of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Volunteers from Korea, Germany, Japan, Belgium and the UK spent the week working with Andrew Gibson (the Trusts Outer Humber Officer) cutting back seabuck thorn from around the houses on the point to create a 60metre buffer zone against the brown tail moth caterpillars. The caterpillars, which earlier in the year proved a nuisance to local residents via causing irritation to the skin should as a result of this practical conservation work have no food plants within the area around the houses located on the point. This work will hopefully, next year lessen the proximity of the caterpillars to the local residents, therefore reducing any affect they may have.
The volunteers found the week incredibly enjoyable and learnt a great deal about not only practical conservation work but about other people and other cultures also. The volunteers organised the trip through the charitable trust concordia and would recommend that others undertake similar experiences. The Trust would like to give a big thank you to these volunteers for their effort throughout the week.
November 6th
Little Rays of Hope!
The Deep, Hull’s award winning aquarium has announced the birth of the world’s first captive born twin Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray pups! As the mother is called Hope, the twins have been named Raif and Charity! The multiple birth was a surprise to curator Katy Rigby and The Deep’s aquarist team, who have special responsibility for the newly-borns.Delighted Katy explains,
“Hope gave birth, just two weeks ago to a perfect pair of healthy girl and boy twins! They are each about the size of a CD with an impressive tail, weighing in at a hefty 181g and 242g - more than some our singly born rays. I have been keeping a close eye on them in our nursery facility and they are both doing very well indeed. Having contacted other aquariums around the world, we can confirm that ours are the first twin Bluespotted Ribbontail Rays to be born in captivity. Three years ago, we were the first aquarium to successfully breed this species, and recently we have had a flurry of births – with more mothers ready to pup! Our Lagoon of Light is fast becoming a stingray maternity unit. Bluespotted Ribbontail Rays are very difficult to breed in captivity, so we’re delighted that the naturalistic environment that we’ve created here at The Deep has proved to be conducive to their reproduction."
Background
Bluespotted Ribbontail Rays (Taeniura lymma) give birth to live young rather than laying eggs as many other rays do and are found in the Pacific Ocean and Red Sea. They usually live alone or in small groups on sand or rocky bottoms of coral reefs. They have one venomous spike towards the base of their tails that is used when under attack. They grow to a maximum length of 70cm. The Deep’s baby rays will not be on public display as they are part of a European breeding exchange programme. A big well done to the team at the Deep! To learn more about their work click here.
November 5th
Don't drop the Marine Bill Mr Brown
The UK Marine Bill is in danger of being dropped from the Queen’s Speech due to competing Government priorities, say The Wildlife Trusts. The Marine Bill is vital if we are to save underwater wildlife such as seahorses, sunset corals, sea fans and basking sharks. At the moment less than 0.001% of our seas are highly protected from damaging activities. The Marine Bill will provide us with the legislation to allow us to designate Marine Conservation Zones which will protect our unique marine wildlife.
An advertisement will appear in The Times and The Guardian newspapers today, 5 November, pleading with Gordon Brown not to drop the Bill. A year ago, 300,000 people signed pledges to show their support for the Bill, showing the depth of the public’s concern for the marine environment. The Wildlife Trusts have been working with the RSPB, the Marine Conservation Society and WWF for over 6 years on our Marine Bill campaign. We have provided evidence of the damage being done to our marine environment and demonstrated the need for new legislation. The UK Government itself has admitted the need for the bill, which also has cross-party party support.
The Scottish Government will introduce its own Marine Bill next year. The UK Government has invested large sums of public money in developing the Marine Bill, including conducting three large-scale public consultations. This investment would be wasted if the Bill were dropped at this final stage. Joan Edwards, Head of Living Seas for The Wildlife Trusts, said:
“The UK’s marine wildlife is under serious threat, stronger legislation is already long overdue, and we need the UK Government to take urgent action to protect it. It would be a tragedy for the UK’s sea life – and for those who depend on our seas for their livelihood and enjoyment - if the Marine Bill was lost now. We urge Mr Brown to make sure the Marine Bill is in the next Queen’s Speech.”
October 21st
MOD presented with conservation award
Projects and individuals within the MOD who have excelled in conservation work have been presented with prestigious awards at a ceremony held at the Guards Museum in London on Tuesday 7 October 2008. The Sanctuary Awards, which are held annually, recognise group and individual efforts that benefit wildlife, archaeology, environmental improvement or community awareness of conservation on or within MOD land in the UK or overseas.
The Sanctuary Award and Silver Otter Trophy has been awarded to The Defence School of Transport (DST) for their Leaf Trails Project. The project, based in Leconfield, East Yorkshire, offers Blue, Red and Green Leaf Trails, which have been carefully mapped out by local conservation group, Leconfield Carrs Committee, to allow walkers to learn more about wildlife on the DST site. The three nature trails were opened last year and offer interesting nature walks, whilst enabling flora and local wildlife to flourish. The routes range from 1.5 to 4.5 kilometres in distance and have been filmed as well, to provide virtual walks. Dr. Rob Stoneman, Chief Executive of the Yorkshire WIldlife Trust officially opened the Leaf Traill at DST for the MOD.
MOD defence News
October 21st
Summer at Thorpe Marsh
Damsels and dragons.
Another interesting summer at Thorpe Marsh has been capped by exciting appearances of Emperor Dragonfly, Anax imperator. A male has been hawking around the L-ponds, dwarfing the Four-spotted Chasers, Libellula quadrimaculata (what a name !). The Emperor was first seen on 29th May and then on several occasions up to 10th July when YWT field officer Karen McDiarmid saw it. A real treat before she got down, or actually up, to the business of re-felting A hide roof. A female Emperor Dragonfly was resting in Smallholme meadow in cool conditions on 8th July. We can hope that they met up and have bred. Other highlights include a Banded Demoiselle damselfly, Calopteryx splendens , on 29th May, followed by two on 10th June. So far this year we’ve also had Large Red, Azure, Common Blue and Blue-tailed damselflies and Migrant Hawker, Brown Hawker and Common Darter dragonflies as well as possible sightings of Hairy Dragonfly.
Breeding lapwings and visiting red kite. Lapwings have been more evident this year than for over a decade and have bred. They have displayed over Applehurst Flash and field and over the tip and two broods have been seen, one in the ash tip hollow and one on the tip’s eastern face. The wardens are obviously delighted about this success and hope that the lapwings will return to do the same next year. Four wardens were lucky enough to see the reserve’s first red kite on 23rd May. It flew over the tip and the mere before landing in the pasture near to the Mere. Obviously we are looking forward to return visits by this striking bird.
Activity days.
With several water bodies of different sizes, Thorpe Marsh attracts a good range of waterfowl. Join us from 11am to 1.30 pm on Sunday 23rd November 2008 for a walk to enjoy the reserve and its birds. On Tuesday 11th November and Thursday 4th December, both from 10 am, there are work days with Trusy field officers. Extra volunteers are always welcome. From mid-October we have weekly work days from 10 am. For all these activities, meet at the Norwood Gate entrance on Fordstead Lane between Arksey and Barnby Dun, near to the pumping station construction site. Take care. Contact Mick Townsend on 07982-533650 for further details.
October 20th
Lamped Badger, nr Norton Malton, North Yorkshire
Not for the faint hearted!
I was called by a passing motorist and the RSPCA to attend an injured badger found alive in the middle of a country road at 9 am on a Sunday morning. The adult sow was bleeding heavily and in a shocked condition. She was obviously seriously injured and needed putting to sleep as quickly as possible. I took her straight to Batteflatts vets where she was immediately put to sleep. We then gave her a thorough examination. This was an adult sow in very good condition with slightly tarnished unworn teeth approximately 2 to 5 years old. She was a good weight and her coat was in pristine condition. She had a grave injury to her face where a spade or similar straight hard implement had been brought down hard and knocked her eye ball out splitting it. She had various dog bites to her muzzle, neck, chin and front leg. There were wheelings in the field close by where a 4x4 had circled the winter wheat field and came out on to the road. There was blood at 2 locations on the junction of the road where the badger was found.
This badger had been lamped using strong dogs the previous evening or earlier that morning and left for dead. This is the second incident, that I know about, at this location this year, where a badger has been illegally lamped.
If you find a badger injured in this manner, whether alive or dead please report it to Jean Thorpe at Ryedale Rehab/Badgers via email or ring on 01653 695124 or 07831145943.
Jean Thorpe, Ryedale Rehab/Badgers
October 16th
Photography Competition
Yesterday judging took place for the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust photography competition that was launched earlier this year. We had an overwhelming number of fantastic entries and would like to thank all who entered. Judging was carried out by three external judges. The winners are as follows:
Wild Yorkshire
To see the winning entries click here
YWT Reserves
To see the winning entries click here
Creative use of light
To see the winning entries click here
Children and schools
To see the winning entries click here. We will be contacting all winners shortly by letter to arrange the prizes. Some of the best entries will be featured within the December issue of Yorkshire Wildlife and an exhibition of photographs will be announced shortly.
October 8th
BIG clean up!
On Sunday 5th of October a BIG clean up took place at Potteric Carr Nature Reserve as part of the ‘Keep Britain Tidy’ campaign. Volunteers alongside Mark Roberts of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust carried out litter picking at the entrance to the reserve in Mallard Way and along the A6182 where it crosses over the East Coast Main Railway Line.
The clean was organised and led by a local volunteer to the reserve Sue Bird alongside the assistance of six others aged from 20 – 70. The amount of litter gathered was shocking and the content collected was very surprising, comprising of two wall safes, a shower tray and a push chair. There were also many drink bottles, some half full and many fast food packages. A total of over 20 sacks of rubbish were collected in little over 3 hours. We hope now the area has been cleaned that it will encourage drivers passing along this road to dispose of their litter in a more thoughtful manner. For more information on the big tidy up and how you can help your local community go to www.bigtidyup.org.
September 29th
Free book & prize draw
Why not join the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust before the 31st January 2009 and receive a free Wildlife Walks book. For bookd etails please see our webshop by clicking here. Or if you are already a member then why not enter a prize draw in order to win a pair of 8 x 32 discovery binoculars worth £139.
To enter this prize draw or make the most of the fantatsic membership offer click onthe link below and fill in the form given. Forms can be returned by post to Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, 1 St. George's Place, York. YO24 1GN or via email to paul fox.
Free book offer and prize draw for existing members.- publisher file
Free book offer and prize draw for existing members. - pdf.
September 12th
Otter Update
As part of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts 'Water for Wildlife' Conservation project we undertake a variety of survey work, which includes working towards uncovering the secrets of Yorkshire's Otters. Recent work has brought to light some interesting findings, which we thought you would be interested in hearing about.
To find out more please click on one of the following links: