Wild Life
The magazine for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust members
Spring 2022
Wild Isle
Why a nature renaissance on the Isle of Wight is a win for all
BEAVER FEVER
Learn about our exciting plans to introduce beavers
REWILDING SUCCESS
Discover how we are transforming an arable farm into a wildlife paradise
Hampshire & RED SQUIRREL: KARIN GREEVY Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust 1 Cover .indd 3
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Welcome
A celebration of wildlife on the Isle of Wight
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Debbie Tann, Chief Executive Twitter @Debbie_Tann
SIAN ADDISON
s nature blooms all around us, I am looking forward to an exciting year for the Trust. In this edition of Wild Life we take a closer look at our plans to create a Wilder Wight. Over the past year, we have extended our network of Island nature reserves thanks to the generous gift of Alverstone Mead and adjacent sites from the Wight Nature Fund (WNF); find out more about these extraordinary wetlands on page 8. Mary Edmunds, retired secretary of the WNF, shares her passion for the Island’s special wildlife on page 30. On page 18, our Beaver Recovery Project Officer, Izzie Tween, outlines our plans to bring nature’s ecosystem engineers to the Eastern Yar, and we celebrate the fantastic story of rewilding at Little Duxmore Farm on page 24. In just two years we have seen a dramatic transformation on this former arable farm with all kinds of rare and more common wildlife returning. Finally, find out how our new Wilder Wight Communities Officer, Kelly Wetherick, is supporting Island communities to take action for nature and create wild spaces where they live on page 17. Thanks to you, our members and supporters, for helping to make a wilder future possible. We couldn’t do it without you.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Wild Life is the membership magazine for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Email membership@hiwwt.org.uk Telephone 01489 774400 Address Beechcroft House, Vicarage Lane, Curdridge, Hampshire SO32 2DP Registered charity number 201081. Company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales No. 676313. Website hiwwt.org.uk
Get in touch
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is the leading nature conservation charity in the two counties. With your support, we strive to create a wilder future for our local area and make nature part of life, for everyone. ● We manage over 60 nature reserves. ● We are supported by 27,000 members and 1,600 volunteers. Cover image Red squirrel among bluebells, by Karin Greevy
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Wild Life Magazine Editor Jake Kendall-Ashton, Senior Communications Officer Design Keely Docherty-Lee, keelydl@icloud.com Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is registered with the UK Fundraising Regulator. We aim to meet the highest standards in the way we fundraise. You can change your contact preferences at any time by contacting Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust via email: membership@hiwwt.org.uk, telephone: 01489 774400, or write to us at: Beechcroft House, Vicarage Lane, Curdridge, Hampshire SO32 2DP. For more information on our privacy policy visit hiwwt.org.uk/privacy-notice
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Contents 4 Your wild spring
Seasonal nature highlights to look out for
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Discover Alverstone Mead One of our most alluring new reserves
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Wild news All the latest Trust news and updates
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Focus on: Bird surveys Monitoring bird populations in the Solent
16 Visions for a Wilder Wight
We outline our ambitions to make the Isle of Wight even wilder for nature
IAN PRATT
18 24
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Bringing beavers back Learn about the Trust’s exciting plans to introduce beavers on the Isle of Wight
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Team Wilder Sharing stories of local people and communities taking action for nature
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Rewilding on the Island Spotlight on Little Duxmore Nature Reserve, the Trust’s first rewilding site
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Six places to see beetles The UK is home to over 4,200 beetle species, but where’s best to find them near you?
28 Tending a spring garden
Wildlife gardener Kate Bradbury on how to help nature in your garden this spring
STRONG ISLAND
30 My wild life
We chat to Mary Edmunds, ex-secretary of Wight Nature Fund, about the Isle of Wight’s wildlife
6 ways to support Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Volunteer
Campaigning
Events
Could you donate your skills and time to look after wildlife? Visit our website to find opportunities near you (please check for restrictions due to Covid-19).
You can play a vital role in raising awareness and lobbying on local and national issues.
Join us for an event or activity near you – all organised by knowledgeable staff and local groups.
Donate to an appeal
Local groups
Join one of our network of local groups and help make a difference to nature where you live.
If you’ve had a lifetime’s pleasure from nature, help ensure its future by leaving us a gift in your Will.
From purchasing land to protecting species, projects near you need your support.
Leave a legacy
For more information visit hiwwt.org.uk/get-involved Wild Life | Spring 2022
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have port, we p u s r u e and to yo ct, creat Thanks e t o r p our two le to bitats in been ab a h d n your woodla out how b a e r maintain o m n d s at s. Learn woodla g in countie lp e d h oodlan rship is membe bitats/w a h / k .u rg hiwwt.o
Your wild spring The best of the season’s wildlife and where to enjoy it.
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SPRING SPECTACLE
Bluebell bonanza
It’s hard to imagine a scene that captures the virtues of spring more perfectly than a verdant woodland carpeted with sweetly scented bluebells. As the country finally begins to shed its winter coat, the beguiling colours of nature gradually bloom into life across woodland floors. First to brave the early season nip are usually snowdrops and daffodils, their appearance providing a cheering sign that spring is well on its way. Another early bloomer is wood anemone, with its pure white, star-shaped flowers. These delightful plants are often found in ancient deciduous woodland. Then, typically in April and May, vast swathes of the velvety bluebells begin to emerge. Their spring flowering allows the plant to maximise the sunlight it receives before woodland canopies become too dense. Take care not to trample over bluebells, as the plants can take years to recover from the damage.
Roydon Woods Nature Reserve – this extensive reserve in the New Forest is blessed with wildlife-rich habitats, including beautiful beech woodland.
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GUY EDWARDES / 2020VISION
SEE THEM THIS SPRING Eaglehead and Bloodstone Copses Nature Reserve – ancient woodland at these adjoining reserves near Brading on the Isle of Wight burst into life in spring.
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YOUR WILD SPRING
Very rare Bechstein’s bats roost in ash and can be found on the Isle of Wight.
CHRIS DAMANT
Managing ash dieback to protect bats Known in Norse mythology as the ‘Tree of Life’, a single ash tree can provide a home for almost 1,000 other species, including birds, mammals, insects, mosses, fungi and lichen. One such beneficiary is bats, which often roost in ash. The widespread loss of ash trees due to the devastating impact of ash dieback disease – which is usually fatal for infected trees – has worrying implications for the UK’s bat populations. As there is no known cure to ash dieback,
investigating trees’ natural resistance could be the best way to safeguard the future of ash. To tackle the problem, the Trust regularly surveys its reserves to identify areas where trees are hoped to display resistance. In areas where we must take action – due to the risk of unstable and brittle diseased trees endangering public safety and to help control the spread of disease – we’ll remove infected trees following a risk-based approach. Before
felling any trees, we carry out ecological surveys to check for the presence of bats and other species like badgers and dormice, and ensure appropriate mitigation is followed. During spring, bats begin to wake from their winter slumber in hibernation and will gradually become more active as they hunt for food. Throughout the year, the Trust hosts several guided night-time bat walks where you can learn more about these fascinating creatures. Find out more at hiwwt.org.uk/events
URBAN FIELDCRAFT
MARK HAMBLIN / 2020VISION
Ancient woodland indicators
Wood anemone is an indicator of ancient woodland.
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Some animals, plants and even bacteria are known as indicator species. This means they serve as a measure of the environmental conditions around them. The presence of lichen can depend on the local levels of air pollution, while the presence of whiteclawed crayfish indicates a river’s water quality. Likewise, there are plant species that signify a woodland is ancient – defined, in England, as having existed since 1600. Some common examples of ancient woodland indicator plants include bluebell, primrose, wood anemone, wild garlic, lily-of-the-valley and dog’s mercury. There are more, of course, such as lichens, ferns and
even slugs. The more of these species found, the stronger the indication you are standing in an ancient woodland.
HOW TO FIND ANCIENT WOODLAND Check the Ancient Woodland
Inventory (AWI) This map-based online tool shows the location of ancient woodland in the UK. Explore the AWI for England at magic.defra.gov.uk
Explore our nature reserves Many of the Trust’s nature reserves feature enchanting ancient woodland. Discover one near you in your members’ reserves guide!
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SEE THIS
DO THIS
DAVID TIPLING / 2020VISION
GUY EDWARDES / 2020VISION
Look to the skies in April and listen for the screeching call of swifts as they return from Africa.
Find a patch of ancient woodland and hug a tree in the knowledge it’s over 400 years old.
SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
Sensory joys of spring
3 species to spot Bumblebee
Early purple orchid As its name suggests, this is the first of Britain’s native orchids to flower, exploding into bloom from April. See it at Warnborough Greens Nature Reserve in north Hampshire.
MARK HEIGHES
JON HAWKINS
Pussy willow Also known as goat willow, this tree is known for its silvery, fluffy catkins that turn bright yellow in March. See it at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve in Ringwood.
See
From resplendent spring blossoms and swathes of wildflowers to ponds teeming with tadpoles and boxing March hares, there’s a bounty of life to spot in spring. You just have to get out there to see it!
Hear
A cacophony of birdsong and insects chime into life at this time of year, whether it’s an ebullient verse of the dawn chorus or a bumblebee’s lazy buzz. Also listen out for distinct calls from cuckoos, swifts and other migrant birds returning from faraway lands.
Spring is a brilliant time to sustainably forage. The leaves and flowers of wild garlic, from February to May, are delicious
Touch
When walking through woodland blanketed in bluebells the temptation to sweep a hand over the nodding flowerheads is almost irresistible. Likewise, a gentle touch of a fluffy catkin or fresh leaves bursting from their winter buds is just good for the soul.
Blackthorn blossom Painting hedgerows in brilliant white from early March, blackthorn flowers are vital early sources of nectar for bees and other insects. See it at Milton Locks Nature Reserve near Southsea.
Smell
The unmistakeable aroma of wild garlic pervades woodlands at this time of year, while freshly cut grass, floral blossoms and the dewy petrichor of April showers are all signs that spring is in the air.
PAUL GONELLA
Taste
in salads, soups, sandwiches and to make pesto. Other edible plant leaves include dandelion, nettles, chickweeds, brambles and gorse.
LIZZIE WILBERFORCE
Spring supplies a splendid assault on the senses. It truly is a wonderful time to see, feel, smell, listen to and even taste the newfound life of nature. Here are some of the highlights:
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Discover Alverstone Mead
MARK HAMBLIN / 2020VISION
From enchanting woodlands to tranquil wetlands, the beauty of Alverstone Mead is plain to see. This special mosaic of habitats teems with wildlife, especially red squirrels, and spring is prime time to visit.
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ituated around two miles from the Isle of Wight’s east coast, Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve is one of the Trust’s newest and most exciting reserves. It is home to one of the best red squirrel populations on the Isle of Wight and boasts a precious mix of important wetland, tranquil woodland, low-lying grasslands and wildflower meadows. The Trust was delighted and honoured to take on the management of Alverstone Mead in 2021 from Wight Nature Fund, an
independent volunteer-run charity that had managed the reserve since 1995. Read more about Wight Nature Fund on page 30. Rather than a single reserve, Alverstone Mead is made up of four nature reserves: Alverstone Mead, Bensteads Marsh, Bretts Meadow and Youngwoods Copse. The alluring complex of reserves, which covers an area of almost 30 hectares, sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
A crucial wildlife corridor
Located in the Eastern Yar valley, Alverstone Mead adjoins the Trust’s existing reserves at Sandown Meadows and Newchurch Moors to create a vital 4.5km-long wildlife corridor. Too often nature is forced into fewer and smaller pockets of wild space. Yet, creating connected spaces like this across our landscape gives wildlife a chance to recover and adapt to pressures such as climate change. The addition of new reserves like Alverstone represent a fantastic step towards achieving the Trust’s ambition to create an Island-wide Nature Recovery Network.
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NATURE RESERVE SPOTLIGHT
Like fitting together pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, adding Alverstone Mead to the Trust’s established reserves on the eastern corner of the Isle of Wight will provide exciting opportunities to restore and enhance habitats for myriad species. Crucially, connecting diverse habitats gives wildlife a chance to thrive by allowing species to expand their range and disperse to new areas.
Wildlife haven
Alverstone Mead is well-loved for its wetland habitats, part of which is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the importance of the floodplains.
Plans for a wilder future
Looking ahead, the Trust aspires to introduce one of nature’s great ecosystem engineers, the beaver, in the Eastern Yar valley (read more on page 18). The introduction of this charismatic mammal would help to restore the wetland systems surrounding Alverstone Mead and further create thriving natural spaces that abound with biodiversity. In the coming months and years, our dedicated teams of reserves staff intend to further enhance Alverstone Mead’s habitats for wildlife and restore areas of fen by managing scrubland. We are also keen to restore the natural form of the Eastern Yar river and reconnect it to the floodplain, which will help reduce flood risk and boost biodiversity. The Trust looks forward to continuing Wight Nature Fund’s excellent stewardship of Alverstone Mead and safeguard it as a paradise for nature and a place to cherish for the people of the Isle of Wight.
DID YOU KNOW? The old track bed of the disused Newport to Sandown railway line, which was closed in 1956, runs through Alverstone Mead and now serves as a cycle path.
NOW YOU DO IT
Visit Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Location: Alverstone Mead, Burnt House Lane, Alverstone, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 0HB OS Maps grid reference: SZ 580 852 Parking: Limited on-street parking on Alverstone Road. No parking on reserve or on Burnt House Lane. Nearest train station: Sandown (2 miles) Nearest bus stop: Winford, #8 bus, 22-minute walk to Alverstone Getting around: The reserve features a mix of gently sloping unsurfaced paths and boardwalks. Low lying areas can become very wet over the winter and are liable to seasonal flooding across the floodplain. There are boardwalks throughout the reserve with some steps. Access to the squirrel hide is possible year-round. TOP WILDLIFE TO SPOT Red squirrel: Alverstone Mead is one of the best places on the Isle of Wight for our native red squirrel and a dedicated hide in the centre of the reserve offers a prime chance to spot one. Kingfisher: Watch out for a flash of electric blue as a kingfisher skims over the lakes and meadows. Dragonflies: The reserve’s wetland habitats provide an ideal environment for dragonflies, including the banded demoiselle, emperor and common hawker. THINGS TO DO Walk the length of the disused Newport to Sandown railway line. The old rail track runs for 10 miles along almost entirely well-graded cycle paths and passes through Alverstone Mead. Visit the UK’s first purpose-built dinosaur museum in Sandown. ‘Dinosaur Isle’ contains over 1,000 fossils dating back to the Cretaceous period, as well as animatronic and life-sized dinosaur reconstructions. Enjoy the golden sand and clean waters of Sandown Beach. Water sports enthusiasts can hire kayaks, surfboards and paddleboards.
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JON HAWKINS, SURREY HILLS PHOTOGRAPHY
“Alverstone Mead adjoins two existing Trust reserves to create a vital 4.5km wildlife corridor.”
SIAN ADDISON
Beautiful woodland at Alverstone Mead supports red squirrels.
These special habitats support some wonderful species, including birds such as snipe, treecreeper and kingfisher. Barn owls and marsh harriers are often spotted soaring through the Eastern Yar valley, while the suite of reserves is a stronghold for water voles and dormice on the Island. A dedicated red squirrel viewing hide is located in the centre of Alverstone Mead and affords fantastic opportunities to catch a glimpse of the distinctive russet mammals leaping from tree to tree. Alverstone Mead is also an important site for several bat species, waders, wildfowl, dragonflies and damselflies. Bensteads Marsh hosts a patchwork of critical wetland habitats, including fen and reedbeds, which support a variety of warbler species, like sedge and Cetti’s and reed warblers. Youngwoods Copse features seminatural ancient woodland with an enticing mix of tree species that are important for woodland birds and red squirrels, while Bretts Meadow supports a range of rare flora, including orchids and populations of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies.
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WILD NEWS
All the latest news from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Street artist ATM adds final touches to seal mural in Newport.
R
ADRIFT
enowned street artist ATM has completed two beautiful marine-themed murals on the Isle of Wight to help highlight the Solent’s incredible biodiversity. Known for his wildlife-inspired street art, ATM has agreed to paint six artworks around different parts of the Solent region, including two on the Isle of
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Wight, as part of the Trust’s Secrets of the Solent project. The island’s artworks include a harbour seal painted next to the Lord Louis Library in Newport while a seagrass mural adorns the Isle of Wight Distillery, who have partnered with the Trust in its #WilderSolent initiative, in Ryde. Each freehand painting took roughly three days, and the wildlife subjects were chosen by local communities, who voted for their favourite Solent species. Describing the seal mural in Newport, artist ATM said: “The painting process was challenging due to heavy rain, however I’m very pleased with the finished result and hope the people of Newport are too. “ Dr Tim Ferrero, Senior Marine Biologist at the Trust, said: “The harbour seal is surely one of our most charismatic marine species and the Solent is home to a small resident breeding population. “These murals are a fantastic way to raise awareness of our region’s marine
SIÂN ADDISON
New murals celebrate Solent’s wildlife wildlife and I really hope people will come away with the knowledge that the Solent, our harbours and our seas are incredibly important for wildlife.” Meanwhile, in Hampshire, ATM has painted a huge thresher shark at Langstone Harbour and a spider crab at Hythe Pier. The artist will complete his final two murals in Southampton this spring – look out for a full update on this in the summer magazine. Secrets of the Solent, which is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, works to celebrate and raise awareness of the Solent’s diverse marine environment.
Want to get involved?
Whether it’s by making small daily changes, participating in citizen science or volunteering, visit hiwwt.org.uk/secrets-of-the-solent to find out how you can support Secrets of the Solent.
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NEWS
Nursing nature at our hospitals The Trust is supporting several NHS Foundation Trusts to benefit the wildlife living in or near hospital grounds and encourage people to connect with nature. So far, the Trust has worked with University Hospital Southampton, Basingstoke & North Hampshire Hospital, Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Andover War Memorial Hospital and St Mary’s Hospital on the Isle of Wight. Our involvement has included carrying out initial ecological surveys to map the current habitats and assess the sites’ potential for wildlife. Using
this information, we then provide the hospitals with ideas to create, restore or enhance areas for nature. Such recommendations have included installing bird and bat boxes, sowing patches of wildflowers and planting various shrubs and trees to provide nuts, fruits and seeds for wildlife. As well as wildlife, these improved green spaces are designed to benefit the health and wellbeing of hospital patients, staff and visitors, by providing quiet places in which to rest, walk, exercise or simply observe nature.
Basingstoke & North Hampshire Hospital.
In numbers
27,713 This is the current number of Trust members, which is very nearly the highest ever!
£68,022 You helped us celebrate our birthday in style by smashing our 60th anniversary fundraising target of £60,000. Thank you for supporting local wildlife!
SARAH JACKSON
Tha nk you for supporting local wildlife Demanding local leaders to pledge action to help protect nature Last year’s COP26 summit, while not a resounding success in terms of policies delivered, did at least highlight the crucial role nature can play in helping us mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis and its impacts. The problem is that nature is in freefall, facing a serious emergency, which limits its ability to help. Yet, across our two counties, councils can support nature’s recovery by prioritising it in their plans and strategies and taking action on the ground. That’s why we’re calling on councils to declare a Nature Emergency (also called an Ecological Emergency). Similar to the wave of recent Climate
Emergency declarations throughout the country, a Nature Emergency includes nature’s recovery as an imperative through entire council strategies, action plans and decisions. Crucially, this will help us all hold councils and the elected officials accountable for their actions. The local elections this May present a prime opportunity to demand that our councillors start taking the Nature Emergency seriously, or they risk losing our votes. To find out if your council has declared a Nature Emergency and call for your local leaders to take action, visit hiwwt.org.uk/nature-emergency
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The total number of nature reserves the Trust now manages, including five new reserves on the Isle of Wight.
1,607
This is the incredible number of Trust volunteers who currently give up their time to help protect local wildlife.
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WILD NEWS
CAROLINE MEECH
We’re calling for marine enthusiasts to join our important intertidal surveys this year and help protect and conserve our precious coastal wildlife.
Common starfish
CAROLINE MEECH
Our coasts need you!
Intertidal zones – defined as being above water level at low tide and underwater at high tide – are incredibly special habitats where land meets sea and fascinating nature abounds. During any one survey it’s possible to find as many as 50 different species: anything from crabs, sea snails and oysters to nudibranchs, anemones and starfish. Volunteer citizen scientists are the lifeline of the intertidal surveys, which provide invaluable data that help build our understanding of intertidal habitats and how they are affected by pollution, climate change and invasive species.
CHARLOTTE GOSWELL
Snakelocks anemone Intertidal data has also proven key to securing legal protection for intertidal areas, such as having them designated as Marine Conservation Zones. Each survey takes approximately twoand-a-half to three hours and involves surveying a stretch of shoreline to identify and record the wildlife found there. Survey teams meet roughly twice a month at various coastal sites across our two counties and will run between March and October this year. On the Isle of Wight, surveys take place at Colwell Bay, Compton Bay, Freshwater, Thorness Bay, Ryde and St Helens, while the Hampshire locations include Keyhaven, Calshot, Lepe, Royal Victoria Country Park, Lee-on-the-Solent and Hill Head. No special knowledge or experience is needed to take part in the surveys as training is provided, but volunteers must be over 18 or over 16 and accompanied by a participating parent or guardian. To find out more on how to get involved, visit our webpage at hiwwt.org.uk/ secrets-of-the-solent/intertidal-surveys
Trust commits to reducing its carbon footprint Protecting the environment is at the heart of the Trust’s mission, which is why we’ve committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025 and net negative by 2030. By striving to be a climate positive organisation, we hope to help tackle the interlinked crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. We’ll achieve these goals by reducing our emissions from all activities and delivering various nature-based solutions to increase carbon storage while also conserving natural spaces. To reduce the Trust’s carbon footprint, 12
we’ve already installed solar panels at two of our sites and plan to begin installing electric vehicle charging points at our offices in 2022, welcoming a transition to electric vehicles. We’ve also moved to a 100% renewable energy supplier and reduced our paper usage, keeping sustainability at the forefront of our actions and encouraging our staff to do the same. To monitor the Trust’s emissions, we’re calculating our carbon footprint annually so we can continue to reduce our impact on the planet and protect nature across our two counties.
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NEWS
UPDATES FROM OUR PARTNERS The Trust is delighted to welcome two new Corporate Members.
WightFibre
WightFibre provide full-fibre, ultrafast and future-proof broadband to the Isle of Wight. We’ll support the development of their sustainability strategy, and are delighted to have another island-based business join our family of Corporate Members: wightfibre.com
STEPHEN JEFFERY
Charlotte Cornelius
Based in Southsea, Charlotte Cornelius creates bespoke handmade jewellery and is well known for designs influenced by the sea and nature. We look forward to working with Charlotte and the team, who are also hoping to add a Wilder Solent-inspired design to their collection later this year: charlottecornelius.co.uk
The Eel House on the River Arle.
New projects mark busy year for Watercress and Winterbournes Four exciting community-led projects have been awarded inaugural grants through the Watercress and Winterbournes Landscape Partnership Scheme to help protect, enhance and celebrate our region’s chalk streams. The Trust is one of 16 partners in the National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported scheme, which cares for seven chalk streams in Hampshire. The first project will see Hampshire Bat Group install 35 bat boxes near local chalk streams. Habitat loss has put pressure on bat populations in recent years, so these boxes are crucial – especially given the importance of rivers as feeding grounds for bats. In Alresford, a key heritage feature of the River Arle – the rare 19th century Eel House – is set for improved interpretation. New Alresford Town Trust plan to enhance
visitor information about the historic building and the critically endangered European eel. Separately, a new project by the Watercress Way Charity will run a programme of events, including guided walks and art activities, to offer people the chance to explore and learn more about the River Arle, its wildlife and history. Funding will also help the charity develop its community and volunteering work. And finally, communities in and around Andover are invited to connect with their local chalk streams via a new series of musical workshops and artist-led walks. Volunteer-led charity Andover Trees United will run the project. If you’d like to learn more about the scheme or get involved, please visit hiwwt.org.uk/winterbournes
News in brief Did you know? Wilder Wight Communities is supported by our long-term corporate partner and friends at Southern Co-op. We can’t thank them enough for all their support over the last 12 years.
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News in brief
WILD NEWS
Restoring seagrass meadows in the Solent After planting over 21,000 seagrass seeds in Langstone Harbour in December 2021, the Trust is keenly anticipating fresh shoots any moment now. As part of our exciting plans to restore seagrass in the Solent, we planted the seeds in the harbour’s mud flats in small hessian sacks. With support from project partners Boskalis Westminster and the University of Portsmouth, plus volunteers and our own Marine Champions, we planted 1,025 sacks with each containing up to 30 seeds that
2021 AGM update Due to Covid, we held our 2021 AGM via Zoom on 2 November and were delighted that over 200 members joined us online. The proceedings ran smoothly with voting conducted using Zoom’s polling feature. The Q&A function allowed members to put questions to the panel, which included our guest, CEO of The Wildlife Trusts, Craig Bennett (left). Craig outlined The Trusts’ new collective strategy and highlighted how our work in Hampshire & Isle of Wight contributes to the national picture. You can view recorded highlights of the meeting at hiwwt.org.uk/agm The Trustees are considering plans for the 2022 AGM, which we hope can be in-person. Look out for details in the Summer issue.
had been harvested earlier in the year. Restoring seagrass is incredibly important given the plant’s potential to store carbon up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforest, thus helping to combat the effects of climate change. We’ve been closely monitoring the Langstone Harbour seeds and hope to see promising signs of fresh seagrass meadows this spring. Find out about our Solent Seagrass Restoration Project by visiting hiwwt.org.uk/seagrass-restoration and stay tuned for more seagrass updates!
ELENYA LENDON
New book review The seeds were planted inside small hessian sacks.
City of Southampton working to create a wilder future
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now exploring how those spaces could be transformed. Waste of Space is an ongoing project you can still get involved with, please visit hiwwt.org.uk/waste-space to find out more.
PAUL HOBSON
This time last year, the Trust launched its Waste of Space campaign, a new project to raise awareness of the opportunities to create more space for nature in urban areas. The project attracted the attention of Southampton City Council, who are now working with the Trust to look at how to make the city better for nature. In August 2021, with the help of Southampton locals, we created a list of 92 ‘wasted spaces’ in the city’s catchment area. Of those, we discovered around 50% were owned by the council – they are
Where to Watch Birds in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is the 5th edition of this title, fully updated and every bit as useful as the predecessors. The book is divided into subregions and each of the 89 sites, including several Trust reserves and is introduced with an outline of the habitats to be found, tips on when is best to visit and what species to look out for with allimportant access details. There are lots of useful sketch maps and a nice scatter of black and white vignettes throughout. This book has lots to offer residents and visitors alike, thanks to the level of informed detail that only real local knowledge brings. Trust supporters can get 30% off this book by using the code WTWB30 at bloomsbury.com/wtwb
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WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
FOCUS ON... Bird surveys in the Solent
Did you know?
Dark-bellied brent geese travel around 3,000 miles from Siberia to the Solent. Each winter the Solent hosts up to 25,000 individuals.
CARMEN GREEN
Brading Marshes Nature Reserve on the Isle of Wight is a haven for winter birdlife.
WORDS CARMEN GREEN, Senior Ecologist
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or most ecologists, winter is a quiet time of year. Our ecology team, however, are far from hibernation and instead keep busy carrying out vital surveys of the Solent’s overwintering birds. The UK’s population of wading birds and waterfowl swells during winter as migratory species arrive from breeding grounds in northern Europe, seeking milder temperatures and plentiful food supplies. The Solent region covers approximately 250km of coastline and supports bird populations of national and international importance. On a single winter day, an incredible 125,000 birds can be found along the Solent’s shoreline. The region boasts a patchwork of habitats, from sandy and shingle beaches to saltmarshes and mudflats, that are important to different birds at different times of day. Such distinct variety makes the Solent one of the most important places in western Europe for birds – and birdwatchers!
What we’re doing
Our bird surveys, in partnership with Bird Aware Solent, involve collecting data on resident and migratory birds to assess the species present and their numbers.
They also highlight the importance of wetland sites for wildlife and reinforce the need for their long-term protection. A typical survey lasts two hours as we observe birds from different vantage points to record their numbers and activity; for example, where the birds are flying.
“On a single winter day, an incredible 125,000 birds can be found along the Solent’s shoreline.” As well as monitoring birds, we carry out equally important visitor surveys. These help us understand how people use coastal sites and their potential impact on overwintering birds, many of which are rare or need special protection. Despite best intentions, the presence of people and dogs can alter birds’ behaviour and, if threatened, they may waste precious energy fleeing from potential danger. By doing surveys, we can understand how introducing information boards at these sites can help develop awareness among visitors. Our survey areas include Chichester Harbour, Warsash and Langstone Harbour in Hampshire, plus Brading Marshes RSPB reserve on the Isle of
facebook.com/HampshireandIsleofWightWildlifeTrust
Wight. At Brading Marshes, there’s a damaged fence line which is resulting in visitors and dogs accidentally straying off-path onto fragile habitats for overwintering birds and other species. Surveys will help us understand whether repairs to this fence line will benefit habitats and wildlife by preventing unwanted access. To aid our surveys, it’s important we invest in good equipment. Last year, we purchased a telescope to help us observe and count flocks more accurately, and this year, we bought a tablet which has saved paper and significantly improved our efficiency as data we collect in the field are uploaded instantly onto software like Excel and GIS maps.
How you can help
The Solent, while a fantastic place to visit, is highly sensitive to recreational pressure. Yet, it is possible for both people and nature to enjoy our wonderful coastlines. Everyone can do their bit by raising awareness, avoiding disturbing overwintering birds and keeping dogs on leads. This will help protect the rare and special species that visit our shores and encourage these amazing birds to continue spending their winters in the UK.
@hantsiwwildlife
@hantsiwwildlife Wild Life | Spring 2022
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Creating a
WILDER
WIGHT With its unique location at the southern extremity of the UK, the Isle of Wight is an important haven for wildlife – but it could be a paradise. We just need to unlock its wild potential.
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Putting nature in recovery
AUSTIN MORLEY
he world’s islands are special, almost sacred, places for nature. Think Madagascar, Australia, and the Galapagos. These chunks of rock, cut adrift of the mainland, often host unique wildlife given the natural barrier formed by the sea. And despite being just 23 miles wide, the Isle of Wight is no exception. This, England’s largest island, is a wildlife haven. In 2019, the Isle of Wight became a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, joining a global network of outstanding cultural and ecological locations. The Island boasts a diverse mosaic of habitats, from ancient woodland and chalk downs to maritime cliffs and saltmarshes, and supports over 10,000 species, including some found nowhere else in the UK. Already this humble isle punches above its weight in terms of its biodiversity but it can also achieve so much more. Here, we outline our plan for a Wilder Wight to encourage even more nature to thrive on the Island – because our future must be wilder.
We need to deliver landscape-scale nature recovery with at least 30% of land and sea actively managed for nature across the whole Island by 2030. More space for nature The Trust now manages 15 nature reserves on the Island, covering 650 acres. Our reserves provide vital refuge for vulnerable species, such as water voles, dormice, snipe, woodcock and rare dragonflies, and are central to our plans to create a Wilder Wight. We aim to continue expanding and connecting our network of reserves by acquiring and improving marginal habitats and poor-quality farmland, such as floodplains. We’ll work alongside those who share our vision for a Wilder Wight, including the Isle of Wight AONB, local authorities, conservation organisations like the National Trust and RSPB, and private landowners. These partnerships will create an Island-wide Nature Recovery Network to provide bigger, better and more joined up spaces for nature – doubling the space for wildlife to reach the 30% goal. Together, we’ll get nature working again, making sure our wetlands are wet and reversing declines in wildlife on land and at sea. Bringing back missing species We want to bring back missing keystone species to restore the wider ecosystem and create a more climate resilient landscape where wildlife can adapt and thrive. The recent reintroduction of white-tailed sea eagles has blazed a trail of success across the Island’s skies. We hope to return other lost native species, including beaver (read more on page 18), cirl bunting and chough. The Trust is also supporting the conservation of rare species already existing on the Island, including the Glanville fritillary butterfly, the reddish buff moth and endangered field cow-wheat, all of which have a foothold on the Island yet exist almost nowhere else in Britain.
Left: The Island could support a cirl bunting recovery.
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WILDER WIGHT
People taking action for nature
For wildlife to thrive, we need more people on nature’s side and we all have a part to play. To make real and lasting change, we need to create a ripple effect, with one in four people acting on behalf of nature and the climate. Our Wilder Communities Project Officer, Kelly Wetherick, funded by Southern Co-op, has been empowering Island communities to value, enjoy Volunteers at a Wilder Wight school. and take action for wildlife. There are many ways to get involved, from creating more space for nature in your home, work, school or community to becoming a Wilder Champion (see more on page 22). We want to enable people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with natural spaces close to where they live, work and play. To encourage desperately needed change, we’re campaigning, too, for stronger legislation to protect our wildlife and wild spaces. We also want to see greater investment in nature and nature-based solutions from government, local authorities, Nature can help us tackle serious developers, water companies and landowners. Together, we are #TeamWilder. issues like climate change, pollution and flooding. Whether that’s through introduced beavers reducing flood risk or restored seagrass meadows absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, nature-based solutions provide win-wins. Rewilding Sometimes it’s better to let nature take the lead. This is why, thanks to excellent relationships the Trust has formed with key partners and landowners on the Island, we’re piloting nature-based solutions to demonstrate they work. For example, last year the Trust acquired 100 acres of farmland near Arreton with plans to transform the area into a rich wildlife refuge. Restoring poor-quality arable land can help combat the nature crisis and also offer solutions to other problems, like reducing nitrogen pollution and locking up carbon. Learn more about Our plans for a Wilder Wight our exciting rewilding plans for Little include working with farmers to Duxmore Farm on page 24. benefit nature. We’re also restoring seagrass beds in the Solent to support marine wildlife and help slow down coastal erosion. Seagrass is also a globally important carbon sink We want people to benefit from a recovery alongside sustainable food– some species can store carbon 35 times healthy and wildlife-rich environment. production across the farmed landscape. faster than rainforest. Nature can boost local economies by We’ll work with other organisations on providing new business opportunities, the Island to champion farming with jobs, and income. nature; ensuring farmers are supported Increasing eco-tourism can boost rural to adopt wildlife-friendly methods and economies by visitors spending locally on rewarded for embracing financially food, accommodation, wildlife-themed sustainable business models that deliver gifts and nature-based enterprises. for farming and the environment. With 80% of the Island devoted to We also want to demonstrate how agriculture, farming is another important investment in nature can nurture part of the economy. Government policy innovative business models that benefit is moving in the direction of naturethe whole island and mitigate the Aerial view of Little Duxmore positive farming, so now is the ideal financial impacts of climate change and Nature Reserve. time to work in partnership on nature extreme weather.
Nature as a solution to local and global problems
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Supporting a thriving nature-based economy
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Back from the brink
WORDS IZZIE TWEEN Beaver Recovery Project Officer Izzie joined the Trust in August 2021 to support a potential return of beavers to the Isle of Wight. A zoology graduate, Izzie has studied reintroduced beavers in Scotland and gained experience working on a beaver relocation project in the USA.
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MISSING SPECIES
Hunted to extinction in the UK around 400 years ago, Britain’s beavers are on an astonishing comeback trail. We’re on a mission to give this industrious, much-loved creature a helping paw in its return to the south coast.
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he Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) is native to Britain. Populations of the paddletailed mammals were once healthy here until relentless hunting for their meat, fur and scent oils drove them to extinction in the UK by the 16th century. Thankfully, coordinated conservation efforts mean the species is making a remarkable comeback across the British Isles. Wild populations are currently thriving in Scotland, Devon, Kent, Somerset, Wiltshire and Herefordshire. Beavers are, once again, becoming a key part of the British landscape. Last year, the Government announced that the mammals would get legal protection as a native species, making it illegal to deliberately capture, kill, disturb or injure them, or to damage their breeding sites or resting places. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) also gave the green light to discuss further licensed reintroductions in England and ran a public consultation to gather people’s views on the species’ return. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is keen to support the recovery of this industrious creature with an initial introduction on the Isle of Wight. Here we highlight the myriad ways that beavers can benefit our communities and our wildlife and outline our hopes for a potential release in 2023!
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Top beaver facts ● Beaver teeth are orange! The unusual colour is derived from an iron-rich protective coating on the enamel that strengthens them.
● Beavers slap their broad tails against the water to warn others of danger. When other beavers hear this alarm, they tend to seek deep water out of harm’s way. The noise may also help scare off predators. ● Beavers can stay underwater for up to eight minutes. ● Beavers have a third, transparent, eyelid to protect their eyes when they swim underwater.
● Beavers can swim at up to six miles per hour. ● Adult beavers can grow to be up to 1m in length, plus a tail of 30cm, and weigh as much as 30kg. ● The average lifespan of a wild beaver is 7-8 years – though some have been recorded to reach 25.
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Beaver history and ecology
Contrary to common belief, beavers are vegetarian – they don’t eat fish. They are known as ‘generalist herbivores’ since their varied diet, especially during spring and summer, includes many different types of plants and grasses. In autumn and winter, once plants die back and become less nutritious, beavers turn to tree bark. This is when they begin carrying their renowned felling activities. In gnawing, chomping and nibbling away at the bark, beavers expose the nutrient-rich inner growing (cambium) layer of the tree so they can feast on the plant sugars stored inside. Stripped of its bark, the ‘white wood’ left behind lacks nutrition but serves as valuable building material for beavers’ famous dams and lodges! To avoid predation, beavers evolved to be aquatic and crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk). They build dams to raise the water level so they can stay submerged and safe from predators, especially while feeding. Incredibly, if a beaver has eaten its way through most
of the nearby trees, it will build its dam higher to raise the water level and make trees further afield more accessible.
Beaver benefits to wildlife
Fondly referred to as high-skilled ecosystem engineers, beavers are classed as a keystone species thanks largely to their renowned ability to fell trees, construct dams and create ponds..
DID YOU KNOW?
A keystone species is one that has an inordinate effect on its environment relative to its abundance. Essentially, these species help define entire ecosystems. Keystone species are often predators, such as lions, sharks or wolves but can be herbivores, like African elephants and beavers, or even plants and fungi. On the Isle of Wight, there are many species that could benefit from the habitat modifications beavers carry out. Here’s a look at some of the main beaver beneficiaries:
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It’s a common misconception that beavers eat fish as they are strictly vegetarian.
Nature’s ecosystem engineers
Beavers have an instinct to dam rivers, which benefits the landscape and other species.
> Water voles The Island is a haven for water voles, however, thick willow scrub on riverbanks can overshade the open grassy habitat they like to forage on. Beavers can coppice back willows, which opens up the canopy to promote grass growth and create precious feeding lawns for water voles. > Amphibians Beaver ponds can increase the volume of standing water in the floodplain, which makes ideal spawning habitat for amphibians, including our protected great crested newts. Increased fallen dead wood could also provide newts and other amphibians with additional foraging, shelter and hibernation sites. > Fish The plant material that beavers drag into their ponds to feed on also provides lots of food for aquatic insects. Plus, the woody material provides cover from fish-eating predators, making beaver ponds a great rearing habitat for fish such as trout.
It’s no coincidence the definition of the verb ‘beaver’ is ‘to work hard’. Naturally diligent, these plucky animals can provide great advantages for people and rural communities. Indeed, when announcing the launch of a government consultation on further reintroductions of the mammal last year, Environment Secretary, George Eustice, said ‘the benefits [of beavers] for the environment, people and the economy are clear’. Here are some ways beavers can help us: > Reducing risk of flash floods Beaver dams can hold back water, storing it in ponds and thereby slowing down river currents and minimising the impact of heavy rainfall events. Following a storm, a river’s flow can increase rapidly and significantly – this is a called a ‘flashy’ response – which makes flooding more likely. Beaver dams can reduce this response, which gives storm drains downstream more time to take away water from vulnerable urban areas. > Improving water quality Beaver dams can trap silt and sediment and capture it in curated ponds, along with pollutants such as nitrates and phosphates. Water that flows downstream through the dams is therefore filtered and can be cleaner than upstream sources. > Attracting ecotourism Beavers are undeniably cute, their dams simply amazing and their pencil-shaped tree stumps easy to spot, all of which make for a fun day out wildlife-watching. Wildlife tourism through beaver watching can boost rural economies by visitors spending locally on food and accommodation.
Our plans for a release
In view of all these benefits, the Trust is hoping to introduce beavers on the Isle of Wight next year. In a feasibility study carried out in 2020, the Eastern Yar river was found to have highly suitable habitat to support a beaver population. The Trust is lucky enough to own 300 acres of land along the Eastern Yar in a series of nature reserves already set aside for conservation. The RSPB’s Brading Marshes Nature Reserve adds another 1,150 acres of protected habitat. The Trust is currently carrying out consultation to engage with as many stakeholders as possible and to gather local opinions on a potential beaver release. If you’ve not already done so, please give us your views by completing our questionnaire found at: hiwwt.typeform.com/beaver As a sign of commitment to the project, last year the Trust created a new role for a Beaver Recovery Project Officer and I was fortunate enough to get the job. In the coming months and years, I’ll be leading on outreach and engagement about beavers. Depending on the outcome of the consultation, as well as local buy-in and support among our island communities, the Trust hopes to submit a licence application to Natural England later this year. In the meantime, we’ll be (ahem) beavering away in earnest in our attempts to bring these marvellous mammals to the Isle of Wight. The Trust would like to thank the James Tuttiett Charitable Trust and the John Swire 1989 Charitable Trust, whose funding helps make this beaver reintroduction project possible.
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TEAM WILDER
TEAM Welcome to Team Wilder, where we share the stories of local people coming together to take action for wildlife.
Sandy from Freshwater, Isle of Wight
No garden is too small for nature “We have a very small garden (roughly 10ft x 15ft), consisting mainly of patio bordered by a hedge on two sides. We knew badgers lived in the garden opposite but, other than that, we didn’t seem to have any other wildlife in our small patch, so we thought about how we could attract more. Firstly, we bought a single bird feeder, which almost immediately attracted some nosy sparrows. Then, soon after, we added a fat ball feeder and even more birds came to investigate. In total, we now have two seed feeders, one fat ball feeder and a bird table. On a
usual day we have up to 25 sparrows at any given time, plus blackbirds, pigeons, a robin, the occasional crafty rook and starlings. The hubbub of noise is quite deafening but so lovely to hear. Badgers also come and go, and we even had a visit from a weasel recently! With just a couple of bird feeders, our garden has morphed from a very boring, uninspiring place devoid of life into one full of wonderful wildlife. It shows how we can all help in our small ways by making our gardens, even small ones, an attractive haven to wildlife.”
Above: Sandy’s wildlife garden
St Margaret’s Community Church, Portsmouth
Nature in the community St Margaret’s Community Church has quickly become the heartbeat of Highland Road in Southsea, a future no one could have predicted when it closed five years ago. Thanks to their pioneer minister, Fran Carabott, the church has reopened and
undergone an amazing transformation, providing spaces for groups to meet, children to play, and people to relax among nature. The church is a great place for the community to come together and experience nature. By the entrance there’s a bench and a raised flower bed, while around the church there’s a bug hotel, bird boxes, and more flower patches. The church has partnered with the Trust and is now a part of our efforts to create a Wilder Portsmouth. We think the church represents everything it is to be wilder, creating spaces for wildlife and people to exist in harmony. Right: Bird boxes on the St Margaret’s Community Church building.
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TEAM WILDER
Emma from Sandown, Isle of Wight
Walking for wildlife Ryde Academy plan to enhance this area for nature.
“A couple months ago, I came across the Trust’s Wilder strategy and immediately wanted to get involved. Over the years, I’ve participated in several fundraisers and have taken a keen interest in community projects on the island, so naturally I latched onto the idea of making our island Wilder.
Ryde Academy, Isle of Wight
School celebrates nature grounds, to enhance for nature and outdoor learning. Our Wilder Communities Project Officer on the Island, Kelly Wetherick, will assist the school in developing this area. The academy’s other plans include creating a wild meadow, starting an Eco school club and promoting the use of recycled materials and sustainability throughout the school and the community.
Twyford School, Winchester
Pupils fundraise for wildlife
During the pandemic, I was going through some personal struggles and needed something positive to focus on, so doing walking challenges for charity seemed like the perfect answer. Throughout 2021, I completed walking challenges for multiple charities, raising almost £600. These challenges gave me a purpose and I also found a new love for nature. My young son and I now love going out exploring and especially enjoy the red squirrel cycle trail leading to Alverstone. So, we decided to take part in the Trust’s 30 Days Wild challenge and then, after that, I signed up to the Trust’s ‘Big Wild Walk’ to raise money for our wilder futures. I’ve become really passionate about protecting my local wildlife and I’d love to raise awareness of the impact of litter on local wildlife.”
EMMA JUPE
Pupils at Twyford School in Winchester have committed to raising thousands of pounds for nature after the school partnered with the Trust. The school’s Twyford Explorers outdoors learning and pursuits programme sees pupils exploring the natural world by roaming the school’s extensive woodland and taking part in bushcraft skills sessions, as well as taking part in various Outward Bound trips. As a result of their passion for nature and the environment, the school has partnered with the Trust and organised events to raise money for the charity throughout the year. Through tea towel sales and a Christmas party and raffle, the school has raised £2,000 to date.
EMMA JUPE
Ryde Academy’s staff and pupils are aiming to raise awareness of the Isle of Wight’s UNESCO biosphere status by celebrating local nature and the environment. The secondary school, which has been given a grant to start a creative biosphere project, has partnered with the Trust to become a Wilder School. As part of the biosphere project, the school has been given an outdoor space, within the school
Anyone can become part of Team Wilder. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an individual, a local business, a school, a community group or just simply enthusiastic to help nature. If you’d like to find out how you can get involved, please email wilder@hiwwt.org.uk or visit our website for more information. Wild Life | Spring 2022
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Return of the
WILD
A nature revival is taking place on the Isle of Wight at the Trust’s first rewilding site. Wildlife is returning, the environment is healthier, and we hope this is just the start. LINNET - JAMES WEST
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ometimes, it’s best to let nature take the lead. That’s the ethos at Little Duxmore Nature Reserve, a 100-acre plot of arable farmland the Trust acquired in 2019 to become its first dedicated rewilding site. Until then, Little Duxmore had operated primarily as an intensively managed arable farm, producing crops such as maize. However, since purchasing the Isle of Wight-based site, we hope that letting natural processes occur will transform the landscape at Little Duxmore over the coming months and years.
Situated within the East Downs Area of Natural Beauty, Little Duxmore neighbours several of the Trust’s existing nature reserves on the Isle of Wight. Adding Little Duxmore to the Trust’s suite of Island reserves marks a significant step towards our vison for a Wilder Wight. It also forms part of our 10-year goal to see at least a third of land and sea actively managed for nature by 2030. The natural restoration of vital habitats here will benefit an expanding nature recovery network on the Island – creating the rich, connected landscapes that wildlife needs to survive and thrive. 24
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Wildlife bouncing back
We began carrying out ecological monitoring at Little Duxmore in April 2021. This has included monthly wildlife surveys, setting up remote, motion-sensor wildlife cameras, testing the soil quality
STRONG ISLAND
Hands-off approach
Rewilding also benefits both people and wildlife by helping to reverse species declines, tackle the climate crisis and mitigate pollution. As part of our approach, small groups of cattle and pigs now freely roam Little Duxmore as part of our conservation grazing strategy whereby the animals enhance the ecosystem by living naturally on the land.
and sampling earthworm numbers across the site. So far, bird surveys at Little Duxmore have recorded 36 different species, including several nationally threatened species such as linnet and song thrush, while skylark have successfully bred on the former arable fields.
Above: Lane leading to Little Duxmore Farm. Left: Wildlife is returning to Little Duxmore. STRONG ISLAND
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NATURE BASED SOLUTIONS Natural solution to pollution
for stronger legislation to protect our wildlife and wild spaces as well as stricter regulation and better enforcement for reducing pollution. We are also calling for greater investment in nature and naturebased solutions from government, local authorities, developers, water companies and landowners to help bring about much needed change. We already have the necessary tools and knowledge to help wildlife. It’s now just down to us all to champion naturebased solutions and embrace rewilding as one of a suite of ways to support nature’s recovery.
Alongside being the Trust’s first rewilding site, Little Duxmore is the site of a pilot project for a new type of nature-based solution, demonstrating one way of mitigating and reducing the impact of nitrates on the Solent from planned housing developments.
DID YOU KNOW? Nature-based solutions (NBS) harness the power of nature to help tackle problems like climate change, pollution, flooding, soil erosion and water quality whilst benefiting nature at the same time. NBS come in many forms including rewilding, reintroducing missing species, seagrass meadow restoration, wetland and woodland creation, and regenerative agriculture. By transforming sites – like Little Duxmore – from intensively managed, poor-quality farmland to places where natural habitats are restored and rewilded, we can start to help mitigate the level of polluting nitrates that suffocate our natural environment. Nitrate pollution is only one of the many problems facing our freshwater and marine habitats. Alongside piloting naturebased solutions to demonstrate they work for people and wildlife; we are calling for widespread change to protect our natural environment. This includes campaigning
Wall brown butterfly on cow parsley.
AMY LEWIS
STRONG ISLAND
Our ecologists have also discovered the presence of 19 butterfly species, including the endangered wall brown, plus six of the UK’s so-called ‘Big Eight’ bumblebees and 13 separate bat species. Our trail cameras have also captured discreet footage of other iconic British wildlife too, including red squirrels, badgers, foxes and barn owls. Surveys of Little Duxmore’s plant life, meanwhile, found evidence to suggest the site is of international importance for its flora, with rare species like spreading hedge-parsley and upright goosefoot identified. These initial results show rewilding efforts are paying off already. They’re also extremely promising as they demonstrate nature’s ability to recover after years of intensive management. However, we hope this is just the tip of the iceberg and even more exciting times lie ahead as wildlife continues to recover and thrive at this reserve.
Rewilding is in full swing at Little Duxmore Nature Reserve.
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6 places to see
ACORN WEEVIL © ALAN PRICE/NATUREPL.COM
beetles
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Find out how you can help beetles and other imperiled insects wildlifetrusts.org/ action-for-insects
See the spectacle
for yourself 1
Pamber Forest and Upper Inhams Copse Nature Reserve, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust At over 200 hectares, these combined reserves burst with wildlife year-round. The enchanting ancient woodland at Pamber Forest especially provides ideal habitat for several large beetle species, such as minotaurs, dors, longhorns and cardinals. Where: Tadley, RG26 3EQ 2
Highgate Common, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust An ancient lowland heath brimming with beetles, including the incredible glow-worm with its bioluminescent behind. Other impressive insects you could spot include black oil beetles, bloody-nosed beetles, green tiger beetles and minotaur beetles. Where: Swindon, DY7 5BS 3
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id you know that there are over 4,000 species of beetle in the UK? These incredible insects come in a huge array of shapes and sizes. There are broad-bodied ladybirds, slender rove beetles, longhorn beetles sporting oversized antennae, and weevils with oddly elongated faces. Many of our beetles have fantastically evocative names to match their looks or lifestyle. Head out on a beetle safari and you could meet tigers, stags, wasps and even minotaurs! Beetles fill vital roles in nature, including pollination, predation, and the recycling of dead wood, dung and dead animals. One of the best things about beetles is that you can find them almost anywhere, from parks and gardens to meadows and moorlands, or even beneath the surface of ponds. But some places are beetle hotspots — here are six of our favourite places to see beetles…
Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Formerly working clay pits, Swanwick Lakes is now a peaceful wooded landscape with wildlife-rich wetlands and meadows. As well as an array of birds and woodland flowers, the reserve is a hotspot for eye-catching beetles, including alder leaf beetles and fleabane tortoise beetles. Where: Swanwick, SO31 7AY 4
Greywell Moors Nature Reserve, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust The internationally important fenland at Greywell Moors makes it attractive to wildlife and an abundance of rare plants. Recent invertebrate surveys revealed the presence of over 250 beetle species at the reserve, including flea beetles, weevils and tumbling flower beetles. Where: Hook, RG29 1BY 5
Sydenham Hill Wood, London Wildlife Trust London Wildlife Trust’s oldest nature reserve is home to many rare and scarce beetles, from metallic jewel beetles and tiny flower beetles to the impressive stag beetle, the largest species in the UK, growing to over 7cm long. Where: Sydenham Hill, SE26 6LS 6
Did you spot any beetles?
We’d love to know how your search went. Please tweet us your best photos! @wildlifetrusts
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Newchurch Moors Nature Reserve, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Situated in the beautiful Eastern Yar valley, Newchurch Moors is the Trust’s largest reserve on the Isle of Wight at 124 acres. Beetles recorded at the adjoining Martin’s Wood reserve include jewel beetles, wasp beetles and four-spotted longhorns. Where: Newchurch, PO36 0NL
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Spring ILLUSTRATION BY HANNAH BAILEY, PHOTO © SARAH CUTTLE
Wildlife Gardening Our gardens come alive in spring. Ponds fill with mating amphibians, borders buzz with the season’s first bees, and everywhere else, from trees and hedges to fences and roof panels, birds are busy singing to defend territories, mating or feeding young. It’s an exciting time of year.
While all of this goes on around us, there are things we can do to make our gardens even better for wildlife. First, take a look at your borders — in early spring they should be carpeted with flowers such as spring-flowering hellebores,
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lungwort, primroses and other primulas, and bulbs like crocus and snake’s-head fritillary. Later grape hyacinths, alliums, cranesbills, bugle and cuckooflower take centre stage. The early flowers are the most important as they provide food for pollinators emerging from hibernation — remember that daffodils and tulips are usually ignored
Kate Bradbury is passionate about wildlifefriendly gardening and the author of Wildlife Gardening for Everyone and Everything in association with The Wildlife Trusts.
by bees. Make a note of which flowers you have, and fill gaps with pollinator favourites. Ponds are full of mating amphibians and invertebrates, so are best left alone now. However, it’s important to check that wildlife can enter and exit your pond safely — add a log or large stone to help wildlife access the water safely. If you don’t have many plants in the pond you can add more now, as long as you don’t disturb the water too much. Aim for a mix of floating, submerged and deep-water plants, with around two-thirds of the surface of the pond covered. Plants absorb nitrates from the water and therefore inhibit the growth of algae. They also provide hiding places for tadpoles and other larvae from
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predators such as diving beetles and dragonfly nymphs. Choose native marginals such as brooklime and water forget-me-not, floating plants such as frogbit, and oxygenators like hornwort and water crowfoot. Around the pond, think ahead to summer, when froglets and toadlets may be exiting the water for the first time. Let the grass there grow long and grow plants to protect them from predators. Cranesbill geraniums and birds’ foot trefoil work well around ponds, providing plenty of shelter for amphibians big and small. If you have a meadow then cut it back in early spring and remove clippings, then let it grow until autumn. As well as providing wildflowers for pollinators, the
long grass will provide foodplants for caterpillars and shelter for beetles and other invertebrates, plus amphibians, small mammals and even hedgehogs. Get more wildlife-friendly gardening tips at wildlifetrusts.org/gardening
Wild Life | Spring 2022
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MY WILD LIFE
Mary Edmunds, former secretary of Wight Nature Fund, at Alverstone Mead.
Mary Edmunds
Before retiring in November 2021, Mary was the long-serving secretary of Wight Nature Fund, an independent charity on the Isle of Wight, which recently passed on the management of several of their nature reserves to the Trust. She tells us why wildlife on the Island is so special to her and why everyone should care about protecting its future. I am now in my seventies. I was born on the Isle of Wight and have lived here most of my life – apart from a year I spent hitchhiking through Europe and the Middle East and two years at college in Chelsea training to be a nursery nurse. The Island is incredibly special to me. I have travelled to around 30 countries across the world in my lifetime, mostly on walking holidays, but I still don’t think you can beat the downlands across the Island for views. 30
I have been a member of the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society since I was at school (I was among the first girls allowed on the annual Newtown Wildlife Surveys in 1958!) and my interest in nature was sparked by a wonderful teacher, Mr Oliver Frazer, who could get you interested in a blade of grass. I have had numerous memorable encounters with wildlife on the Island. Several that spring to mind include playing
hide-and-seek as a child and running behind a bush to almost step on a nest of adders. More recently, I spotted something that looked like a huge snake in the road, but which turned out to be a weasel with seven young, all holding each other’s tails, with mum leading them across the road and up a grassy bank. Then, just last August, we had a young sparrowhawk fly straight through an open window into our lounge! Thankfully, it was unhurt, so after taking a quick photo we let it go.
Wild Life | Spring 2022
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OUR WILDLIFE CHAMPIONS
Before Wight Nature Fund (WNF) was formed in December 1989, I was part of the Isle of Wight Friends of the Earth group. I was involved in creating its first nature reserve at Alverstone. After this, members wanted to do more, so the then chairman Hugh Walding, asked me to see what I could do. So, I arranged a meeting in Newport between interested people from different Island conservation groups and from there a steering group oversaw the formation of the independent charity WNF. There wasn’t so much in the way of health and safety in those days. With the support of volunteer warden John Ralph – whose involvement at Alverstone from the beginning was vital – we built bird hides and boardwalks, gave walks and talks and had schools and many other groups visit our reserves. Later, a wonderful workshop was created where we built wildlife boxes for birds, bats, hedgehogs, dormice and bees from timber from Mill Copse, to sell at country fairs and events. Other funds came from grants and donations.
force, we approached the Trust last year about the possibility of taking over our Alverstone and Newchurch reserves, to add to the conservation of the East Yar valley. WNF will continue to manage its fifth nature reserve, Mill Copse at Yarmouth.
View across Alverstone Mead. throughout (although I tried to retire several times!), and our loyal volunteers stayed for years. However, with more stringent health and safety regulations, insurance and an ageing volunteer
Everyone at WNF hopes the reserves are now in safe hands being managed by the Trust. I think it’s especially important to get the schools and children more involved with these special places again. Young people all over the world are doing some amazing things, but whatever happens, we know the planet will survive long after we are all gone!
Wildlife-rich wetland habitat at Alverstone Mead.
“I have travelled to around 30 countries across the world, but I still don’t think you can beat the downlands across the Island for views.” What is so special about the Alverstone Mead complex of reserves is its variety of habitats (woodlands, water meadows, marshland, hay meadow) and species (red squirrels, hazel dormice, water voles, barn owls, orchids, dragonflies). Many of these have disappeared from other areas, which makes it so important that people care about Alverstone. Ever since WNF was formed, my objective as secretary was always to act as the liaison between the committee, volunteers and interested groups to get everyone talking. I remained secretary Wild Life | Spring 2022
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