Spring 2016 final low res by JamesDennison

Staffordshire

Wildlife

The magazine of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust

Spring 2016 | No 126

How we are helping the UK's most threatened birds

Why we must rethink our approach to flooding and work with nature Binoculars guide

Expert advice on choosing the right pair for you

Springtime stroll

Wander among wildflowers in an ancient woodland

Frogs and toads

Fascinating facts plus how to help them in your garden

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Chief Executive's View

Staffordshire Wildlife Magazine Spring 2016 No: 126

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, The Wolseley Centre, nr Stafford, ST17 0WT. Tel: 01889 880100. Fax: 01889 880101 Email: info@staffs-wildlife.org.uk Web: www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk Chairman: Richard Higgs Chief Executive: Julian Woolford Registered charity No. 259558. Limited Company No. 959609 Editor: Liz Peck Email: l.peck@staffs-wildlife.org.uk Design: Liz Peck Advertising queries: Liz Peck 01889 880140 Printed by Creative Bee, Unit 14C/15D Raleigh Hall Industrial Estate, Eccleshall, on FSC certified paper from sustainable sources. Visitor centres: The Wolseley Centre, Wolseley Bridge, Stafford, ST17 0WT. Tel: 01889 880100 Open: Mon - Fri 9am 5pm, weekends 10am - 4pm Westport Lake Visitor Centre, Westport Lake Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 4RZ. Tel: 01782 826985 Open: 10am – 5pm Membership queries: Call Yvonne Leeson on 01889 880103 or email member@staffs-wildlife.org.uk. Special interest groups: Barn Owl Action Group, Staffordshire Fungi Group, Mammal Group, Bat Group and Invertebrate Group. For contact details, call 01889 880100 or visit www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk No part of Staffordshire Wildlife Magazine should be reproduced without written permsission from SWT. © Staffordshire Wildlife Trust 2016. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Trust Council. Advertisements are not specifically endorsed by the Trust, unless stated. Photos © unless stated.

We need to rethink our approach to flooding and work with nature to ensure a flood resilient future

Dear Trust supporter, I hope you have all had a happy and healthy start to 2016 and have had the chance to enjoy the county’s wildlife and wild places. As I write, it’s still pretty cold outside, especially if you sometimes cycle to work like me, but the days are already getting longer, and beautiful spring time is on the horizon. But we should continue to spare a thought for those who have suffered at the hands of the awful flooding we have seen in large swathes of the country in recent months. It has been sad to see people’s livelihoods and, in some cases, homes literally swept away. Hundreds of people have suffered the trauma and disruption of having their lives turned upside down. Inside this edition of Staffordshire Wildlife, the Trust’s Nick Mott highlights how our thinking and approaches to flooding need change, a change which embraces nature. In Staffordshire, compared to the flooding seen in places like Cumbria, we have remained largely unscathed. But what if that changes? Our whole approach to flooding and how it is faced needs a rethink, and as Nick highlights in his article, new Government policies need to be introduced to reward landowners for adopting Natural Flood Management schemes. We believe that the current flooding crisis means there has never been a stronger incentive to rethink our relationship with water – and how we use our land and the space in our towns and cities. What we need to do is work with nature rather than against it to ensure a more flood-resilient future. By carefully locating more absorbent natural habitats like woodlands, wetlands and floodplain grasslands, we have the technical knowledge and expertise to increase the holding and storage capacity of landscapes near to towns and cities. Natural flood management is also, of course, a great benefit to wildlife. You can see in the article, which starts on page 16, how the Trust is working closely with partners on a number of vital projects to tackle the issue of flooding in our county, from the Washlands project, which launched in 2003, to the Trust embarking on a Slowing the Flow project in the South West Peak alongside Cheshire Wildlife Trust and a five year natural flood management programme in partnership with Staffordshire County Council and the Environment Agency. We look forward to keeping you up to date with how the work is progressing and I hope you find the article informative. We are delighted to announce our Wildlife Fayre and AGM will take place on Sunday 22nd May at our Wolseley Centre headquarters, and we hope to see as many of you there as possible. The event will be our official launch of 30 Days Wild, which challenges you to do something wild every day for the month of June. We’d love to hear what challenges you will be up to. The good thing about 30 Days Wild is you don’t have to go far to participate – nature and wildlife is all around us.

al of with this inance d by the er plate. ctober p to 24

Cover: Curlew by Jon Hawkins, Surrey Hills Photography

@StaffsWildlife @StaffsWildlife

Julian

Julian Woolford Chief Executive

Spring 2016 | Staffordshire Wildlife 3

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Contents

3 Chief Executive's View 5 County news The latest news from around the county 10 Reserves news

What's been happening on our reserves 12 Reserves walk Take a springtime stroll around George's Hayes 14 Protecting threatened birds What the Trust is doing to conserve the UK's rarest and most endangered birds

16 A new approach to flooding

How working alongside nature can help us to reduce the impact of flooding 18 What we did in 2015 A look back at what the Trust achieved last year thanks to your support 20 Species Focus: Frogs and toads Learn about the lives of these amazing amphibians and how you can help them 22 Binoculars guide

Tips on choosing the right pair 24 Calendar gallery A glimpse at some of the

entries for our 2017 calendar competition 25 Nature Spy: Spring wildflowers Can you take our challenge and find all seven? 26 Wildlife at work Local businesses supporting wildlife conservation 27 Your photos Readers share their snaps 28 Local groups noticeboard 29 Natural World

Photos: Adrian Clarke, Jamie Hall, Amy Lewis, Nick Mott, Scott Petrek, Margaret Holland, Zsuzanna Bird, Anna Maxwell, Edward Atkinson

4 Staffordshire Wildlife | Spring 2016

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County News

EVENTS Amy Lewis (Little Egret)

our pick

➤ Wildlife Festival and AGM, the Wolseley Centre, nr Rugeley, Sunday May 22, 10.30am - 4pm.

New funding bid for landscape scheme

eople across Staffordshire are

The funding would be used to carry

being urged to get behind a

out projects to create new habitats

major funding bid which could

such as reed beds, wet pastures and

see millions of pounds ploughed into

woodland on land formerly quarried

the local area.

for sand and gravel, helping species

The Central Rivers Initiative (CRI),

such as bittern and wading birds.

which is hosted by Staffordshire

It would also help to create a more

Wildlife Trust, is proposing to submit

robust and attractive landscape for

a funding bid to the Heritage Lottery

local people and visiting tourists to

Fund (HLF) for £2 - 3million to fund

enjoy, and communities will benefit

'Transforming the Trent Valley', a

from projects to improve accessibility

major Landscape Partnership Scheme.

on foot, cycle and horseback with

If successful, the proposed scheme

new opportunities for exploring local

will undertake a wide range of

history, wildlife, recreation and sport.

environmental, cultural and

As part of the bid, CRI must

community-led projects in a 180 sq

demonstrate that there is community

km area covering the Trent, Tame and

support for the project. Trust

Dove river valleys within or near to

members are being urged to fill in a

the main towns of Burton, Rugeley,

survey at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/

Uttoxeter, Tamworth and Lichfield.

CRI2016

Children to benefit from donation The Trust’s education programme

buying new equipment such as wildlife

has received a welcome boost thanks

ID kits and pond-dipping nets, to enable

to a generous £13,000 grant from the

youngsters who attend environmental

Caterpillar Foundation.

education sessions to get even closer

Perkins Engines Company Limited in

to nature. It will also allow the Trust to

Stafford, part of Caterpillar since 1998,

offer additional training for staff who

was instrumental in supporting the

run education sessions and update its

Trust's successful application for the

programmes to reflect the new GCSE

funds. The donation will go towards

and A-Level curriculum.

A major event celebrating all things wild and kicking off our exciting 30 Days Wild campaign. Meet wildlife experts, listen to inspiring speakers including writer, producer and campaigner for wildlife, Mary Colwell. Tons of nature activities for children and adults. Pop -up dog-friendly cafe, wood-fired pizzas. FREE ➤ Nocturnal Wildlife Walk, Highgate Common, nr Wombourne, Saturday June 18, 9.30pm - 11pm. Explore the reserve at night and look for tawny owls, bats, moths and glow worms. £5 per person, booking essential ➤ Wildflower Meadow Discovery, Rod Wood, nr Cheddleton, Saturday July 2, 11am - 1pm. A guided walk around one of our most spectacular meadows, to celebrate National Meadows Day. FREE, booking essential ➤ Playday, the Wolseley Centre, nr Rugeley, Wednesday August 3, and Westport Lake Visitor Centre, Thursday August 4. Fun-packed family event to inspire children to enjoy the natural world. Price TBC - check website ➤ MORE EVENTS For more events and to book, visit www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/whats-on Spring 2016 | Staffordshire Wildlife 5

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County News

NEWS

in brief

➤ Volunteers wanted The Trust urgently needs volunteers to help out with a variety of front-of-house duties at its Wolseley Centre HQ near

Adrian Clarke

Rugeley. Jobs would include answering visitor enquiries on reception and using the till. Opportunities are available during the week, evenings and weekends.

Trust signs lease on new heathland reserve

he Trust signed a 99-year

out work such as scrub clearance to

lease with Lichfield District

encourage heathland plants and make

Council to manage Gentleshaw

the site a more attractive place to visit.

● Anyone interested should contactAlison on 01889 880108 or email a.homes@staffs-wildlife.org. uk ➤ Pupils enjoy Forest School sessions

Common SSSI at an official handover in

Councillor Andy Smith, Lichfield

January.

District Council’s Cabinet Member for

The 86 hectare site becomes the Trust’s

Leisure & Parks, said: “We’re pleased to

fifth largest nature reserve after The

be working with Staffordshire Wildlife

Roaches and Black Brook, near Leek,

Trust to ensure the future of Gentleshaw

Highgate Common near Wombourne,

Common.”

and Doxey Marshes in Stafford.

Julian Woolford, Chief Executive of

Pupils from Queen's Croft High

The Trust has taken over the

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, added: “As

School and The Friary School in

management of Gentleshaw Common

the county’s leading nature conservation

Lichfield enjoyed 10 weeks of Forest

to encourage the site to become a haven

charity, we have a proven track record

School sessions with the Trust

for wildlife, including birds, solitary

of caring for and improving special wild

thanks to funding from Lichfield

bees and wasps as well as many species

landscapes across Staffordshire and we

District Council. The students

of plants including bog asphodel,

are really looking forward to making

spent time exploring and learning

heather and carnivorous plants.

Gentleshaw Common an even better

about the woodland setting

A volunteer work party has already

place for people and wildlife.”

they were in, as well as making

been set up – meeting on the second

● For more information on the work

ropeswings, doing some outdoor

and fourth Wednesday of the month

party – email Jeff Sim on j.sim@staffs-

cooking and foraging for wild

– where volunteers will be carrying

wildlife.org.uk

garlic.

Forest schools Calling all educators! Are you interested in learning outside the classroom and looking to raise childrens' and young people's self esteem and confidence? Research has shown that children who attend Forest Schools show an increase in self-esteem and confidence in their abilities, gaining strong social skills and the ability to work in groups effectively, leading to better academic performance. Book a place on the Level 3 accredited training course in October now! We can also provide inset team-training or taster days for schools.

Want to book or find out more? Call Duncan Coleman on 01889 880106 or email d.coleman@staffs-wildlife.org.uk

➤ New man at the helm at Stafford Local Group The Trust would like to welcome Simon Palmer as the new chairman of the Stafford Local Group, and thank outgoing chairman Adrian Evans. The group has vacancies for committee members - if you would like to get involved, email Alison at a.holmes@staffs-wildlife.org.uk

6 Staffordshire Wildlife | Spring 2016

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County News

Restoration project HOTSPOTS receives high accolade

project headed by the Trust to

bullhead, sand martin and water

breathe life back into a stretch

rail and increase the diversity and

of the River Trent has been

abundance of wetland invertebrates.

named runner-up in the prestigious

Landscaping work was carried out to

2015 International River Foundation

restore the river to a more natural state,

European Riverprize.

with the creation of gently sloping

The European Riverprize celebrates

river banks and river islands. The new

innovative projects which have

features provide shelter and breeding

overcome challenges to river restoration

places and feeding areas for wetland

such as ecosystem health, water quality

wildlife.

and climate change and created new

CRI manager Andrew Hearle said: "We

habitats for wildlife.

are thrilled to have been shortlisted

The Trust was nominated for a project

within the top three projects for the

which was carried out by the Central

European Riverprize. This accolade

Rivers Initiative (CRI) to reconnect the

gives high recognition to the expertise

River Trent to its floodplain between the

and innovative techniques in river

Trust’s Croxall Lakes nature reserve in

restoration of the Wildlife Trust

Alrewas and the nearby Catton Estate.

and its partners. It gives us great

The aim of the project was to create

encouragement to continue developing

habitat for a diverse range of wildlife

new techniques in river restoration and

including fish and birds such as the

in applying these to the restoration of

Atlantic salmon, bittern and osprey as

the river and its floodplain in the project

well as eel, sea lamprey, spined loach,

area."

Jon Hawkins

Appeal for barn owl sightings

The Trust is appealing for sightings of one of the county's best loved birds after a dramatic fall in the number of records being submitted. Monitoring carried out by Staffordshire's Barn Owl Action Group found 40 breeding pairs across the county in 2015, suggesting barn owls are making a recovery after a drop in the population in 2013 following a

cold, late spring. Despite this, only 19 records of barn owl sightings were sent into the Trust from members of the public last year. Helen Cottam, of BOAG, said: “Last year some pairs attempted to breed but abandoned nests and some chicks died on the nest, possibly due to a crash in the vole population, the barn owl's favoured prey. “We had fewer sightings reported to us in 2015 so we want to remind people to contact us if they see a barn owl in Staffordshire.” More intensive farming has led to a reduction in habitat and traditional nesting sites, such as hollow trees and derelict farm buildings. Around 80 per cent of the UK’s barn owls now live in man-made boxes. For details on how to send in a sighting visit www.staffs-wildlife.org. uk/wildlife/send-us-wildlife-sighting

Wildlife sightings from Monitoring Officer Scott Petrek

At the time of writing the wild daffodils are just starting to break bud at George’s Hayes in Longdon and the carpets of bluebells, wood anemones and wild garlic are hot on their heels after the incredibly mild winter. The winter was so mild that a national citizen science project, The New Year Plant Hunt, recorded 612 different species of plant in flower between 1st and 4th January compared to 368 species the previous year. Another unseasonal highlight has been a hoopoe which was found near the Trust's Highgate Common reserve in South Staffs in late November. The bird, usually associated with the Mediterranean, was still present in early March. On our reserves, one of the highlights of winter has been the large flock of lapwing and golden plover at Doxey Marshes, in Stafford. The flock has been moving between the reserve and nearby fields depending on the water levels and over 800 lapwing and 500 golden plover have been recorded. Another highlight was a pink-footed goose at the beginning of January, the first record for the reserve since 2010. Wintering wildfowl (ducks, geese and swans) have seemed thin on the ground with varying numbers of species such as pochard and wigeon present on our wetlands. Despite the lack of wildfowl, two species of North American duck were seen in Staffordshire, a green-winged teal and an american wigeon. Elsewhere in the county, hundreds of people made the visit last autumn to see salmon and trout trying to leap up the River Dove weir at Ellastone, one of nature’s great wildlife spectacles! Spring 2016 | Staffordshire Wildlife 7

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County News

NEWS

in brief

➤ 3 for 2 offer on compost Gardeners can pick up three 40 litre bags of Wild & Free compost for the price of two during March and April at the Trust's Wolseley Centre HQ, near Rugeley. The compost is peat-free and 100 per cent recycled – Jon Owen

being made from green waste from kerbside collections. The bags cost £2.99 each - so that's just £5.98 for three bags of compost - bargain!

Young wildlife lover raises £3k for Trust

➤ New reserve trainees The Trust has taken on two new wardens for a 12 month trainee programme funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund. Pete McNee will be based at Highgate Common

he Trust has said a big thank

was a lot of fun and I’m really pleased

near Wombourne and Ian Kynaston

you to a young photographer

with how many people bought it. The

will be working on the Roaches near

who has raised over £3,000

Wolseley Centre is one of my favourite

Leek. The trainees will be learning

to help protect local wildlife and

places in the county and I love visiting

all the tools of the trade throughout

landscapes.

it with my camera.”

the year, including working with

Ryan Wood, aged 11, from Hixon,

● Inspired by Ryan's fundraising?

volunteers, reserve management and

visited the Trust’s Wolseley Centre

Download a fundraising pack at http://

coordinating events.

headquarters, near Rugeley, in January

bit.ly/1LSwRwp for more ideas.

to meet the charity’s Chief Executive, Julian Woolford (pictured above), following his latest fundraising exploit – a 2016 wildlife calendar.

Conference hire

The natural choice for your conference or meeting

Sales from the calendar, which features 12 stunning wildlife photographs from

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has conference

Ryan’s growing portfolio, have gone

rooms available for hire at the Wolseley Centre,

towards raising funds for the Trust.

between Stafford and Rugeley, and Westport

In total, Ryan, aged 11, has managed to

Lake Visitor Centre, Stoke-on-Trent.

raise a fantastic £800 from sales of his calendar, following on from the success

Booking with us is a positive choice - all

of his 2015 version.

proceeds go towards protecting wildlife and

Ryan has now raised over £3,000 for the

landscapes and bringing people closer to nature.

Trust, with other fundraising events including a signed print auction held

We offer:

at the Wolseley Centre last year and a

•

Modern meeting rooms

sponsored 10 mile walk.

•

Catering/refreshments

• Car parking

Ryan said: “I’m a huge fan of the work

•

AV equipment

• Beautiful surroundings

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust do around the county and I want to raise as much money as possible for them. “Putting this year’s calendar together

• Flexible room layouts

Interested? For Wolseley Centre enquiries, call Sam on 01889 880106 or email s.pachner@staffs-wildlife.org.uk. For Westport Lake enquiries, call Leonie on 01782 826985 or email westport@staffs-wildlife.org.uk

8 Staffordshire Wildlife | Spring 2016

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County News

Trust works to boost NEWS woodland wildlife in brief

David Martin

he Trust is set to carry out

The invertebrate population will then

work to make its woodland

provide a food supply for woodland

nature reserves across the

birds.

county even better places for wildlife.

It will also encourage bluebells and

The major woodland improvement

other spring woodland plants such as

work will encourage a greater diversity

wood anemone and wood sorrel.

of wildflowers, insects and birds such

Jeff Sim, Land Management Team

as redstart (pictured above), spotted

Coordinator, said: “The structure of a

flycatcher and wood warbler.

woodland needs to be diverse to be a

The Trust is re-introducing traditional

good place for wildlife.

management techniques at its

“It must have trees of different heights

George’s Hayes nature reserve in

and ages, mixed with woodland glades

Upper Longdon between Rugeley

which allow natural light into the

and Lichfield, and Hem Heath nature

wood, encouraging young saplings to

reserve in Stoke-on-Trent.

grow.

The work will include thinning the

“This kind of woodland management

woodland and creating natural light

will help to improve the structure of

spaces by widening the rides (tracks)

the wood and we will be carrying out

at the reserves to help the next

regular wildlife surveys throughout

generation of trees grow naturally and

the project to see how different species

attract butterflies and other insects.

have benefited.”

oil beetles The Trust is asking visitors to the Highgate Common reserve near Wombourne to keep an eye out for rare oil beetles and let the wardens know if you see one to help inform future conservation work. Take a photo of the beetle and email it, along with details of its location, to highgate@staffswildlife.org.uk ➤ We need your pre-loved goods If you're having a clear out please save any good quality pre-loved goods for our Leek charity shop to help raise money for local wildlife. We always need DVDs, CDs, books, clothes, homeware and toys, and donations can be dropped off at the shop, on Derby Street, at the Wolseley Centre, near Rugeley and Westport Lake Visitor Centre in Stoke-on-Trent. ➤ Bluebells and trees planted at

An appeal to improve footpaths on the

Jill Norman, from the club, said: “The

Roaches reserve near Leek has been

reason we make the donation is that

given a boost thanks to the support of a

our club members and those taking

local athletics club.

part in our races regularly run over the

Since 2014, Staffs Moorlands Athletics

Roaches and appreciate what a very

Club has donated £500 to the appeal

special place it is."

from the proceeds of races.

The appeal was launched in 2014 to

The club, based in Leek, has several

improve accessibility and help combat

Branston Leas Woods Around 4,000 bluebells have been planted so far this year by pupils and local residents at Branston Leas Woods near Burton-onTrent. The Trust is working with St Modwen to create a bluebell woodland and grassland wildlife haven at the site. As part of the scheme, a peace wood is being planted comprising of a variety of native trees and benches for quiet contemplation. Visitors can have memorial plaques added to an oak wood wall - anyone who would like to do this should conatct the parish council on kay.lear@

races throughout the calendar which

the effect of high visitor numbers on

btinternet.com

run through the Roaches.

the fragile footpath network.

Athletics club race to help appeal

Phillip Roxby

➤ Look out for

Spring 2016 | Staffordshire Wildlife 9

For More information:

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08/03/2016 14:34:13

David Martin

Reserves News

 Bringing back bitterns Restoration work has begun on the northern section of Tucklesholme Nature Reserve at Branston near Burton-upon-Trent to provide habitat for the threatened bittern. The Trust purchased Tucklesholme in 2013. The site is a working quarry and the Trust is working with the operators, Aggregate Industries, to gradually restore the landscape and create a wildlife-rich nature reserve. Mineral extraction has finished at the northern section of the site and it is now being landscaped to create the ideal habitat for bittern. Large shallow water areas will be planted

Lee Schofield

Lee Schofield Philip Precey

with reeds from a local supply from

Trust purchases flower-rich woodland The Trust has purchased Nans Wood, a flower-rich woodland next to its Thorswood nature reserve in Stanton. The site is located within the Stanton pastures and Cuckoocliff Valley SSSI and the Trust is hopeful its management will bring it back to its former glory. The woodland is dominated by oak, ash, hazel and rowan, as well as alder which grows in the many wetter areas of the woodland. These wet areas, known as flushes,

are also home to a number of rare or uncommon plants including water avens (pictured above) and marsh hawk’s beard, a rare species in Staffordshire. The importance of the wet flushes was recognised by Natural England when it commissioned a survey across the entire SSSI in 2011. Previously, the wet grassland areas on the edge of the wood were more open and contained some rare species, including petty whin and greater butterfly orchid.

the nearby Newbold Quarry, and deeper drainage ditches will be made to support fish populations. Work is due to start on the southern section of the site next winter.

 Scrub clearance The winter months are the best time to clear invasive scrub in order to avoid disturbing breeding birds, providing some areas of scrub are left for overwintering insects. The Trust's midweek and northern volunteers have been working hard on this job at Thorswood, near Stanton, to help create more wildflower grassland areas, and at Loynton Moss, near Woodseaves, to promote reedbed growth for wetland birds and insects.

10 Staffordshire Wildlife | Spring 2016

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08/03/2016 14:34:19

Shaun Rimmer

David Martin

What to look for on the reserves now Grass snakes particularly

Grass snake

like wetland habitats but can be found in dry grasslands and gardens, especially if there is a pond David Chamberlain

nearby. Look for them in April, basking in sunshine or swimming in ponds. Reserves: Highgate Common, Bateswood Country lanes with

Orange-tip butterfly

coming out of hibernation

hedgerows, woodland edges, gardens and damp flowery meadows are great places to find adult orangetip butterflies that emerge

ď&#x201A;&#x2021; New volunteers

in April/May. The female

The Trust has recently taken on the

but has a beautiful mottled

Clive Nichols

lacks the orange wing tips,

management of a new nature reserve, Gentleshaw Common, near Lichfield. The site is a lowland heathland which is teeming with wildlife, including birds, solitary bees and wasps as well as many species of plants including bog asphodel and heather. To help

pattern on the underside of her hindwing. Reserves: Wolseley Centre, Allimore Green Wheatear are found on

Wheatear

farmland, grassland and heathland, particularly

manage the new reserve the Trust has

where the land is open and

set up a new volunteer work party

rocky. They are passage

that meets fortnightly on Wednesdays

migrants that spend

from 10.30am to 3pm. So far the

winter in Africa and come

volunteers have been doing a great job

north in the summer to

removing scrubby vegetation that is Amy Lewis

starting to take over the heathland. To s.rimmer@staffs-wildlife.org.uk

Stoat

the UK from March. Reserves: The Roaches, Doxey Marshes Stoats can be seen on

Margaret Holland

get involved, contact Shaun Rimmer at

breed. They can be seen in

moorland, lowland farms, shorelines, lowland woodland and even towns. Stoats mate in the summer but delay the implantation of the fertilised eggs until the spring of the following year, when they have litters of up to 12 kits. Reserves: Possible anywhere!

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08/03/2016 14:34:25

J Wright

Reserve Walk

George's Hayes near Longdon Reserves assistant Lucy O'Toole takes you on a guided walk around George's Hayes, an ancient woodland that bursts into life in springtime.

Listen up

Before you set off from the car park listen out for the drumming of the great spotted woodpecker. You may also hear the familiar 'yaffle' call of the green woodpecker, which often feeds in the surrounding farm land. From here follow the footpath into the wood.

Floral carpet

During a spring visit you will soon see the cheery sight of the lesser celandine with its yellow flowers and heart shaped leaves, along with wild garlic with its delicate white flowers and heady aroma.

Woodland management

Here you'll begin to see how the Trust has been managing the woodland. Around the pond we have coppiced the alder to encourage the trees to produce new growth and allow light onto the woodland floor and the pond area. This helps plants grow, tree seedlings develop, insects thrive and birds feed. As you continue along the footpath, see if you can spot a colourful grey wagtail at the sides of the stream.

Bluebells and wild daffs

Continue to follow the footpath up the incline. In spring you will walk through carpets of bluebells, and as you progress round you will see the native wild daffodils. Continue around this section of path then rejoin the main footpath and head back to the car park.

Volunteer work

As part of a longer walk or a second visit, walk from the car park down the lane past the Grand Lodge and into George's Hayes Wood. Follow this path on to the main track (in the direction of Upper Longdon). Here, with the help of volunteers, the Trust has been removing rhododendron. One rhododendron can have multiple stems and spread over a large area, preventing other plants from growing. By removing it, native woodland species such as wild garlic, primrose, daffodils and wood anemone are now able to thrive.

Conservation in action

Follow the main track up. When you reach the top continue

straight on and follow the footpath round. Listen and look out for woodland birds including woodpeckers, nuthatches and tree creepers. Here, with the help of volunteers, the Trust has been thinning out the trees and widening the 'rides', the long grassy areas which run between the trees. This work encourages plants that need more light than the dappled shade of the woodland to flourish, such as common spotted orchids, and also benefits butterflies and bats.

Red deer roaming

Follow the ride down the hill and round to the right. At the end of this section veer left then right back into the woodland. As you walk back through the wood you may be lucky enough to see red deer or see signs of their presence such as prints in the mud. As you follow this path down you can take either the first or second right which leads you back onto the main track. Once you become more familiar with this wood, you will find other footpaths and a series of bridges which weave you through the wood.

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Gillian Day

Amy Lewis

Tom Marshall

Six to spot

Reserve Walk

An indicator species of ancient

Red deer Our largest deer species. Has a red

tail and bright yellow chest, the

woodland, bluebells like undisturbed

brown coat, a short tail and cream

grey wagtail can be seen near rivers

soil and need light in early spring to

rump. If you are quiet these beautiful

and streams, where they feed on

flower before the tree canopy closes

animals can be observed but should not

invertebrates.

over.

be approached.

D Wright

Paul Lane

Bob Coyle

Bluebells

With its long black and white wagging

J Wright

Grey wagtail

Wild garlic

Great spotted woodpecker

Daffodils

Another indicator of an ancient

With a bouncing flight, often heard

Drifts of delicate native wild daffodils,

woodland, wild garlic flowers in the

drumming before being seen. Clings to

found at the top end of Square Covert

spring and has broad and long green

trunks and branches searching for food.

and in areas of George's Hayes,

leaves. You may smell its strong

Look for on mature trees and standing

complement the bluebells with their

perfume before you see it!

dead wood, where you will see nest holes.

stunning yellow flowers.

George's Hayes

Getting there

From the A51 down Borough Lane at Longdon. Turn left at the T-junction onto Horsey Lake and the car park is on the right. Nearest postcode: WS15 4LW

Useful information

The short walk will take around 1 1Â˝ hours. There are some inclines, and the paths are sometimes muddy after wet weather.

START

So that we can protect the wildlife of this special place, we ask that you keep your dog close to you, preferably on a lead, especially between April 1 and June 30, when many birds are nesting.

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How we're helping the UK's most threatened birds RED LIST

The latest Birds of Conservation Concern report by the BTO has revealed that more of the UK's birds are increasingly at risk. Monitoring officer Scott Petrek reports on what the Trust is doing to protect some of the most threatened species.

irds of Conservation Concern, published in December last year, reveals the conservation status of 244 bird species in the UK and Ireland. Each species is assessed based on the most up-to-date evidence available and then placed on a list: red, amber or green.

Jon Hawkins

There are now 67 species on the red list (the highest level of concern), an increase from 52 at the last assessment in 2009 and includes many familiar species such as house sparrow, song thrush and cuckoo. Many birds on the red list are present in Staffordshire - and the Trust is working to protect these species thanks to the support of its members.

Curlew

RED LIST Amy Lewis

Status

Skylark Status

Although still a widespread species this supreme songster has declined by 24 per cent in the UK since 1995.

What the Trust is doing to protect it

Skylarks like to breed on moorland and have been recorded at the Trust's Black Brook and the Roaches reserves, near Leek. Restoration work being carried out on these reserves will create more open habitat for this ground-nesting species and many other upland species. Surveys undertaken by Trust volunteers over the last three years at the Roaches have shown an average of 20 singing males across the reserve. Away from the moorlands, skylarks also breed on seven other reserves in the lowlands, including Bateswood near Newcastle, Doxey Marshes in Stafford and Loynton Moss near Woodseaves. The Trust uses cattle to graze skylark breeding areas, which creates the tussocky landscape that the birds prefer.

Across the UK, curlew numbers have declined by 46 per cent between 1994 and 2010, and the bird was added to the red list for the first time in 2015. Curlews have also recently been listed as globally near-threatened, one of the few British species to be on this list.

What the Trust is doing to protect it

The bubbling calls of the curlew is a classic sound of the uplands and this is where most of the Trustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work for the species takes place. The Trust is working with Natural England, the Peak District National Park Authority, RSPB and other organisations as part of the South West Peak Landscape Partnership to restore upland habitats for curlew and other breeding waders including lapwing and snipe. In 2002 the Trust began a project to restore areas of conifer plantation back to open moorland and native woodland at the Black Brook reserve near Leek. Along with partners working on neighbouring land, survey work has shown a 27 per cent increase in the number of breeding curlews between 2009 and 2013 on and around the Trustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Black Brook and Roaches reserves. This year the Trust will be working with Natural England to help private landowners to restore areas of land surrounding the reserves for upland waders by creating bespoke action Ha bit at plans for habitat restoration.

rest oration at Bla ck Brook

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Special Feature

RED LIST

k Brook

Lesser spotted woodpecker Status

Populations suffered a rapid decline of 74 per cent in the UK between 1974 and 1999, and the birds are now too scarce to accurately assess change in the same way as the other species in this article. Breeding records of the species are now analysed by the Rare Bird Breeding Panel (RBBP) as there could be less than 1,500 pairs left in the UK.

What the Trust is doing to protect it

Lapwing Status

Also known as the ‘peewit’, this charismatic bird is associated with wet grasslands, uplands and arable fields. The species has declined by 42 per cent in the UK since 1995 and is noted as being one of the fastest declining species in Europe.

What the Trust is doing to protect it

This familiar wading bird is a key species at several Trust nature reserves across the county. At Black Brook near Leek, areas of rush pasture and unimproved grassland are carefully managed to provide suitable habitat for upland breeding waders including lapwing. The Trust is also working with partners in the wider South West Peak area to help restore more habitat as the species has shown a 45 per cent decline in its breeding population in the area surrounding Black Brook and the Roaches. In the lowlands, the Trust manages several reserves for lapwing and other wetland birds including Doxey Marshes in Stafford and Croxall Lakes in Alrewas. Over the last five years the Trust has been working with Natural England and the Environment Agency to create optimal water levels for breeding waders at Doxey Marshes through a new water level management plan. Additional wader scrapes (shallow water-filled ditches) will also be created on the reserve over the next few years. In 2014, the Trust helped coordinate a countywide breeding lapwing survey along with West Midlands Bird Club to help update knowledge of the species in the county. Over 360 records were collected supplying information on known breeding colonies and several new sites. The data will help the Trust target future conservation work.

This diminutive woodpecker is about the same size as a robin and depends on woodland for breeding habitat. It has been recorded on 10 Trust reserves including Loynton Moss near Woodeaves, Doxey Marshes in Stafford and Highgate Common near Wombourne.

Tree pipit

Since 2012 the Trust has been restoring parts of three woodland reserves through a woodland grant scheme to provide habitat for woodland birds. Along with lesser spotted woodpeckers the work will also benefit redstart, wood warbler and blackcap.

What the Trust is doing to protect it

Redstart will also benefit

RED LIST

Status

The parachuting song flight of the tree pipit is becoming an increasingly rare sight with breeding numbers declining by 49 per cent in England since 1995 despite a 13 per cent overall increase in the UK as a whole during the same period.

Derek Moore

Jon Hawkins

Sergey Yeliseev

Darin Smith

RED LIST

Tree pipits primarily breed along the edges of woodlands, in glades and on heathlands with pockets of tree cover. In 2009 the Trust took over the management of Highgate Common near Wombourne, one of four reserves where the species breeds. ork to reconnect the heathland by clearing targeted areas of dense scrub and young woodland, primarily to benefit the reserve’s rare invertebrates, will also benefit birds like the tree pipit by creating more woodland edge for the species to breed in. Spring 2016 | Staffordshire Wildlife 15

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Working alongside nature to tackle the issue of flooding

Devastating floods earlier this year have lead to calls to increase our flood defences. But are we going about it in the right way? Senior wetlands ecologist Nick Mott argues for a different approach.

hat do you see when you look at this photo? A village threatened by floods? Flood banks that need building up? Fields that need draining? Ditches that need maintaining? A river that needs to be dredged? Do you see the flooded fields as a sign of failure, or as something positive? No, this isn’t a view of the Somerset Levels, although there are obvious similarities, and it can be seen as a microcosm of the issues that the Levels are facing. It is Wychnor Meadows, one of Staffordshire’s finest surviving water meadows. In the past warm, nutrient-rich river water was channelled onto floodplain pastureland during the winter to melt the frost and to accelerate the growth of vegetation for livestock grazing. Today the owners of the site manage it in the same way as a water meadow via

a Natural England agri-environment scheme (a Government scheme which provides payments for managing land in an environmentally-sensitive way). The site shines like a beacon in demonstrating how to work with nature rather than against it to achieve a host of benefits for society. So what are the benefits of managing this land as a flood meadow? Firstly, the land offers a very effective way of managing flooding. The Trust and Natural England commissioned some research into the site in 2008 and were able to demonstrate that this area of functional floodplain stores in excess of 282,000 cubic metres of water during a 1:100 year flood event and, without it, part of the village of Alrewas would be flooded. Wychnor Meadows is also great for wildlife, providing a habitat and feeding and breeding opportunities for

wintering birds, lapwings, barn owls, brown hares and otters. It is also a stunningly beautiful place to visit and enjoy, especially when it’s covered by a ‘wash’ of floodwater, and from a farming point of view, the site lends itself to a patchwork of low-intensity grazing with rare breeds and summer hay meadow cuts. Additionally, the scheme is also valuable as it preserves and celebrates some wonderful historic features and gives us a glimpse of what many of our river valleys would have looked like 150 years ago. It's clear to see that managing the land traditionally as a water meadow secures a number of crucial benefits for the area. Imagine what we could do if we were able to restore sites like this all over Staffordshire? Devastating floods in northern England and southern Scotland over the winter

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A fresh approach to flood management what needs to happen now To prevent flooding in our towns and cities, a major change in land management needs to take place.

•

Just 150 years ago river water was welcomed by landowners onto their land and seen as an asset. We need to return to this way of thinking, instead of seeing water as something to be routinely removed.

•

reduction or removal of livestock grazing from riparian zones; woodland planting (especially at valley bottlenecks); hedgerow planting (across floodplains and across compacted slopes); the removal of sections of flood banks (to restore areas of functional floodplain).

The Trust's work in natural flood management The Trust has been involved in Natural Flood Management (NFM) since it launched its Washlands project in 2003 and Farming Floodplains for the Future in 2007.

To achieve this, new Government policies need to be introduced to reward landowners for adopting Natural Flood Management schemes.

This could include: •

•

• • •

restoring or protecting wetlands (peatlands, ponds, oxbows, flushes, flashes, reedbeds, wet washlands); river and stream restoration (remeandering, inputting gravels and woody debris); wider buffer strips; arable reversion on lower river terraces; the removal of maize on slopes and its reversion to rough pasture or woodland; moorland grip blocking; clough woodland restoration; compacted soil slitting;

resulted in intense media attention and debate about what could have been done to prevent it and what could be done to prevent it happening again. Unfortunately many of these views were polarised by some journalists and politicians into a blame game of rural vs. urban or of elevating the needs of wildlife over people. The reality is that we need to take a whole catchment approach to mitigating the impacts of floods and climate change. What does this mean? As we have seen at Wychnor Meadows, it really makes sense to work with natural processes rather than against them. Staffordshire could be next to experience an “unprecedented” rainfall event. We have a number of communities at risk including Burton-upon-Trent, King’s Bromley, Stafford, Penkridge, Stone, Leek and Tutbury. During the winter floods of 1999 - 2000

Working on a Rural SuDS project

Landowners should be rewarded for adopting NFM schemes Such interventions would need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure the right ‘programme of measures’ was implemented, to work best for the landowner, achieve the objectives of natural flood management and provide other benefits for wildlife, soil protection, water quality, groundwater recharge and carbon storage. the river level rose to within three centimetres of the newly upgraded hard defences at Burton-upon-Trent. If we are to protect Burton and other settlements, we need to give the hard defences a helping hand. Rather than building ever higher flood banks, we need to tackle the issue closer to where the rain is falling: in the headwaters and upper parts of the catchment.

More information Read The Wildlife Trusts' Director for England Stephen Trotter’s blog about Natural Flood Management at: www.wildlifetrusts.org/blog/ thewildlifetrustsblogger/2016/01/27/ nature-our-natural-fix-future-floods More on Farming Floodplains for the Future at: www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/ what-we-do/protecting-wildlife-andwild-places/publications

The work has continued through Rural SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Schemes) for the Scotch Brook, the Upper Sow and Whiston Brook. The Trust has also experimented with Engineered Log Jams in the Churnet river catchment and undertaken a number of river and floodplain restoration projects around the county.

Putting large woody debris into a tributary of the River Churnet The Trust is embarking on a Slowing the Flow project in the South West Peak with Cheshire Wildlife Trust and a five year NFM programme in partnership with Staffordshire County Council and the Environment Agency. The purpose of this initial article has been to introduce our readers to NFM and to flag up the Trust’s ongoing role. We consider this to be a vital part of our mission to restore a Living Landscape. In future articles we plan to home in on individual NFM projects to let you know how the work is progressing. Spring 2016 | Staffordshire Wildlife 17

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Bruce Shortland

Helen Walsh

greater butterfly orchids flowered for the first time in a restored hay meadow at our Thorswood nature reserve near Stanton.

5,842

Number of schoolchildren we worked with to inspire a love and respect for the natural world. Whether pond-dipping, bug-hunting, making shelters or discovering animal tracks, children had fun while learning.

What we did in 2015 Thanks to your support, 2015 was an amazing year for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. We share with you some of the highlights of last year to celebrate what we achieved together for nature and wildlife in our county.

15,000

hectares of wildflower meadows were created and restored by the Trust in Staffordshire. That's about 60 Wembley Stadiums worth of meadows! Since the 1950s, 97% of wildflower meadows have been lost. As well as looking beautiful, they support a complex variety of wildlife.

Scott Petrek

native trees planted at Branston Leas Woods, near Burton-on-Trent, as part of a project to create a wildlife haven at the site.

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Graeme Bird Helen Walsh

2,800

Number of planning consultations the Trust commented upon that could have a detrimental impact on wildlife, including two HS2 Phase 1 design amendments. Richard Bowler

metres of rivers, brooks and streams were restored to re-naturalise them and make them better places for wildlife

Scott Petrek

Tom Marshall

155

landowners and farmers were advised on how to manage their land in a more environmentally-sensitive way

badgers vaccinated against Bovine TB under our pioneering vaccination programme

38 different species of woodland birds recorded breeding on our woodland nature reserves

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Tom Marshall

Amazing amphibians Frogs and toads are often confused with each other. Wolseley warden Victoria Liu and work experience student Natalie Stewart explain the differences between the two amphibians and answer some frequently asked questions about them.

oth the common frog and the

out as tadpoles after two to four weeks.

They metamorphose into toadlets two

common toad live most of their

The tadpoles will slowly metamorphose,

to three months later.

lives on land. They can be found

growing back legs and gradually

After mating and spawning, adult toads

in damp conditions in woodlands and

absorbing their tails and emerging

leave the pond to resume their solitary

grasslands, and move into ponds during

as miniature adults in early summer.

lifestyles. Adult toads are most active

the breeding season.

Tadpoles survive by feeding on algae

at night, hunting their prey which

Both species can be seen all year round,

and water fleas, while adult frogs eat

includes snails, slugs and worms. They

although they are not seen as often in

insects as well as snails, slugs and

can live up to 40 years.

winter, spending the colder months in

worms. Frogs are mostly active at night

a reduced state of activity in sheltered

and can live up to 10 years.

Conservation status

damp places such as buried in mud or

Adult common toads emerge from their

log and leaf piles. If the weather turns

dormant state in late spring and make

mild, frogs and toads will come out to

their way to a pond. They visit the same

forage and then return to their hiding

pond using the same route each year,

place.

which puts them at risk of being run

After emerging from their dormant

over where roads have been built along

state, frogs can be seen heading towards

their route.

ponds for the breeding season. They

Males wait at the pond and 'grasp' the

breed from the age of two or three-

female for a few days before she spawns

years-old and mating takes place in early

by laying strings of eggs in double rows.

spring (it can be as early as January in

The tadpoles hatch out after two to

the south of Britain). The males croak

four weeks and like adult toads, contain

to attract females, and frogspawn is laid

toxins in their skin which makes them

in clumps of up to 2,000 eggs that hatch

distasteful to predators such as fish.

The common frog lives up to its name in being relatively common, but the common toad is now considered an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;at riskâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species, and is protected from sale and trade by law.

Threats to frogs and toads One third of amphibian species worldwide are under threat of extinction, with many more facing severe population declines. As well as habitat loss and other causes, there are two diseases that have made significant

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is it a frog or a toad? How to tell them apart

Common frog

Common toad

Size: 6 – 9cm in length. Males tend to be smaller than females. Appearance: Smooth moist skin, angular head and body shape, long back legs, olive-green/ brown in colour, dark patch or ‘mask’ behind eyes, spots/stripes/irregular marks on backs of legs, horizontal ovoid pupil with golden iris, long sticky tongue Movement: Tends to hop spawn: Deposits ‘rafts’ of spawn containing up to 2,000 eggs. young: Tadpoles are black when they hatch and become speckled gold/brown as they develop other characteristics: Able to lighten/darken their skin colour to suit the

impacts on amphibian conservation. Chytridiomycosis is caused by a fungus that is affecting amphibian species worldwide by infecting the skin of adults and mouthparts of tadpoles. The disease has already spread across Britain and it appears that toads are more susceptible than frogs, however there is still much research to be done. Frog Ranavirus (also known as Red Leg) was first noticed in the late 1980’s amongst wild common frogs in England and it has had a substantial impact on populations in southern England. Although no cure has been found

Size: 8 - 13cm in length. Appearance: Warty skin that often looks dry, squat body, rounded snout, brown/dark yellow in colour, two distinct lumps behind the eyes (paratoid glands), horizontal slit pupil with a coppery iris, swellings on the inner digits of the Movement: Usually walks rather than hops spawn: Produces long jelly-like strings of spawn. Strings contain a double row of eggs. young: Tadpoles remain uniformly dark in colour throughout development with a short tail and bulky head other characteristics: Secretes an irritant on the skin to deter predators and can puff themselves up to appear bigger

helping frogs and toads in your garden ● Create a wildlife friendly garden pond, even a small one, for frogs and toads to breed in. Frogs and toads will easily find your pond of their own accord so there is no need to transfer frogspawn to your new pond. ● Create log piles, leaf piles and compost heaps for frogs and toads to overwinter in, as well as habitat for the insects on which they feed. Piles of bricks or broken slabs can also provide suitable shelter for them.

● Ensure that there is access to your garden through hedgerows or tree lines to allow frogs, toads and other wildlife into and out of your garden.

Family a

Tom Marshall

Species Focus

ity v i ct

Learn all about frogs and toads on our special trail at the Wolseley Centre throughout March. £1 per child.

research suggests populations do recover.

Frog and toad advice There is too much frogspawn in my pond. What should I do? Frogs and toads lay large numbers of eggs to ensure survival and this is entirely natural. Spawn is heavily

predated and it is estimated that around 1 in 50 survive and make it out of the pond. When large numbers do make it out they will naturally disperse. It is recommended that you do not transfer spawn between ponds as this can aid the spread of disease.

What should I do if I find an ill or injured frog/toad? Place them in a nearby damp, sheltered and safe place away from predators to help them recover. Visit www.gardenwildlifehealth.org for info on diseases. Spring 2016 | Staffordshire Wildlife 21

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Buying guide

Special Feature

Under £150

Wildlife Trust Oregon 4 LE WP Roof Prism Binoculars 8 x 32 - £99, 10 x 42 - £119

Which binoculars are right for me? S taffordshire Wildlife Trust, working in partnership with Opticron to raise funds for conservation, has a range of great binoculars on sale at its Wolseley Centre headquarters, near Rugeley, Westport Lake Visitor Centre in Stoke and the Trust's charity shop in Leek. Products available range from starter binoculars for the casual watcher to instruments suitable for the keenest wildlife enthusiast. Opticron’s Chris Galvin offers advice on buying the perfect pair for you.

What to consider when buying binoculars You might hear people referring to their binoculars being 8x32 or 10x50, but what does that mean? All binoculars have these two figures which indicate their basic specification. The first number refers to the magnification which is usually between 7x and 10x. Although there are binoculars with higher magnifications available, these can be difficult to use in the field. Opticron recommend 8x magnification for most wildlife watchers. Higher magnifications (10x or more) are suitable for use in hides or for viewing estuaries, reservoirs or other large, expansive areas. If you do not use a telescope a 10x binocular can be a good solution when what you want to see is that bit further away. The second number refers to the diameter in millimetres of the larger

The Wildlife Trusts have their own binocular line with Opticron. The WT Oregon 4 range carries the Wildlife Trusts logo and every purchase financially supports our conservation work. Chris says: “These are the perfect choice for the first-time or occasional user, combining a high standard of optical performance and functionality in a well-constructed body. These binoculars are perfect for general wildlife observation."

lens at the far end of the binoculars (the objective lens). As a general rule, a larger objective lens will gather more light and make what you see seem brighter. However, a 42mm binocular will generally be larger and heavier than a 32mm binocular. This is worth bearing in mind if you are going to be wearing and using them all day. Butterfly, bee and dragonfly enthusiasts will want to choose a binocular that has good close focus. An example would be Opticron’s Discovery WP PC 8x32 which will focus down to 1.5 metres. The final and most important thing to remember when buying binoculars is that there is no “one size fits all” solution. There is no substitute for trying several pairs to see which one is right for you. We recommend you come along to see the range at the Wolseley Centre where you can try them out in field conditions.

£150 - 200

Discovery WP PC Roof Prism Binoculars 8x32 - £169, 10x42 £189 “Using an ultra-compact optical design, the Opticron Discovery WP PC is among the smallest waterproof roof prism binoculars available on the market today”, notes Chris. With a host of special features including wide field eyepieces, close focus to 2 metres or less and designed to fit faces as young as seven years, they are a well-made, stylish and user friendly choice for birdwatchers of all ages.

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Thanks to magazine volunteers Did you know that around 75 per cent of our magazines are delivered by volunteers? This saves the Trust a significant amount of money each year in postage costs, enabling us to spend more on protecting the county's precious wildlife and wild places and promoting enjoyment and understanding of the natural world.

The Trust would like to thank all its magazine deliverers for carrying out this much-needed job. We're always looking for extra deliverers, so if you'd like to join the team contact Yvonne Leeson on y.leeson@staffs-wildlife.org.uk We produce three issues per year, and the time commitment for volunteers can be as little as 2 - 3 hours per year.

Luxury holiday caravan in south wales £200 or more

Explorer WA Oasis-C Roof Prism Binoculars 8 x 42 - £209, 10 x 42 - £219 The Explorer WA Oasis-C offers an unbeatable combination of specification, quality and ergonomics - an ideal choice for anyone wanting a wide-angle binocular in a full size 8 x 42 or 10 x 42 body. “Following our compact optical system philosophy, both models combine wide-field vision with crisp, clear images,” notes Chris.

Luxury holiday caravan (sleeps 6) for hire on the 5* Cardigan Bay Holiday Park in Pembrokeshire. • • • •

300 yds from award-winning Poppitt Sands Enjoy coastal walks, rockpooling, picnics and fun in the sea Rich bird life on the nearby sandbanks and saltmarsh of the Teifi estuary Indoor pool complex and lounge bar on site

For more info or to book email: sandra.peck@btinternet.com

Want to get closer to wildlife?

Test out our expanded range of Opticron binoculars at the Trust's HQ, the Wolseley Centre, nr Rugeley Choosing a pair of binoculars is a very personal

What next?

Interested in buying a pair of binoculars but still have some questions? Come along to the Wolseley Centre to see them up close and ‘try before you buy’ around the site to make sure you are completely happy before your purchase. We also sell a range of telescopes, including the MM3 60 ED Travelscope which was awarded Best Spotting Scope in the Best Binocular Reviews 2015 Annual Awards. ● You can see Opticron’s full range by visiting www.opticron.co.uk

thing, and it's always best to try a out few pairs before buying to find the right ones for you. We offer a variety of high quality binoculars to suit a range of budgets, starting from just £29.95. All proceeds from the sale of our binoculars go directly back into supporting the Trust's work, conserving and protecting the county's wildlife and special landscapes.

the wolseley centre, Wolseley Bridge, on the A51

between Stafford and Rugeley. Postcode: ST17 0WT.

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Photo competitionn Photo competition

Photographs celebrate the beauty of Staffordshire's wildlife and landscapes Ga rry S mit h

Ro b Ca nn ell

Ja ke La wson

Ry a n Wood

Entries for our 2017 calendar competition have been flooding in - make sure you don't miss out on the chance to see your pictures in print! Nature lovers from across the county have been sending us their photos of Staffordshire's amazing wildlife to be in with a chance of securing a spot in Staffordshire Wildlife Trust's first ever fundraising calendar. From snow-covered landscapes to darting dragonflies and colourful jays, the entries capture the diversity and richness of our county's wildlife and landscapes throug the seasons. And with the competition deadline fast approaching, we're urging everyone to get snapping and send in their favourite pictures to be in with a chance of appearing in the top 12 and winning a calendar for themselves.

How to enter How to enter: You can send your images to us (a maximum of six per photographer) by email or on a CD. For email entries, download an entry form from www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/ photographycomp and email it, together with your images, to calendar@staffs-wildlife.org.uk

De re k Holdcro ft

Email size should not exceed 10MB so you may need to send multiple emails. For CD entries, download an entry form from www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/photographycomp and post together with a CD of your images, labelled with your name, to Liz Peck, Calendar Competition, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, the Wolseley Centre, Wolseley Bridge, Stafford, Staffs, ST17 0WT. Closing date: Friday 22nd April 2016. Image size: Images should be LANDSCAPE and MUST be 300dpi, 12”x8” (A4) jpg images. Images not submitted at this size cannot be considered.

Terms and conditions: please read before entering • Images must be accompanied by an entry form where the entrant signs to agree to their use by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust as described • Images should be landscape and MUST be 300dpi, 12”x8” (A4) jpg images. Images not submitted at this size cannot be considered. • Images must have been taken in Staffordshire and locations noted. • A maximum of six images per person can be entered into the competition. • Winners announced on Facebook and Twitter as well in local press and our magazine. • Judges will be looking for ‘natural’ photos so entrants should avoid too much post-processing and the use of post-camera effects.

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Nature Spy Spring flowers Brush up on your ID skills and see if you can identify all seven of these spring flowers while you're out exploring. As the weather warms up and spring arrives, our woodlands and grasslands start to burst into life with wildflowers. Survey and records officer Anna Maxwell shares identification tips for some of her favourites. Can you complete our challenge and find them all?

Primrose Flowers March-June. The name comes from 'Prima rosa', meaning first rose. Rosette of wrinkled spoon-shaped leaves surround saucer-shaped flowers on a woolly stem. Flower is pale yellow, with five petals, each having a shallow notch. Violet-like scent in hot sunshine.

Wild daffodil Flowers March-April. Grows up to 35 cm tall. Flat, long, grey-green leaves with a solitary flower turned to one side. Be wary of confusing them with similar varieties of garden daffodils which occur as garden escapes. See wild daffodils at George's Hayes reserve near Longdon.

Cowslip Grows in meadows and grassland on alkaline soils, flowers April-May. Leaves are spoon-shaped, wrinkled and downy on both sides. Flowers are apricotscented with 10-30 drooping flowers in a cluster. The cup-shaped flowers are deep yellow with orange streaks inside.

Anna Maxwell

Wood anemone

Flowers March-April in woodland. Grows to a height of about 15 cm. Starlike white flowers (often pink-purpleflushed). A whorl of three-lobed leaves occur about half-way up the flower-stalk and similar leaves on long-stalks arise from the root of the plant.

Ramsons (wild garlic) Flowers April-June in woodlands and grows up to 45 cm tall. Has bright green, elliptical-shaped leaves on long stalks. Six to 20 white star-shaped flowers are present in a cluster. The plant smells strongly of garlic or onions, you often smell it before you see it!

Your challenge See if you can find all seven and share your photos with us on our Facebook and Twitter pages:

Wood sorrel Flowers April-May in woodlands and often on fallen logs. A small, attractive plant growing 5-10 cm in height. Leaves are like those of clover but more delicate. Solitary flowers on delicate stalks with five broad, white, lilac-veined petals.

Early purple orchid Grows in woodlands and grasslands on alkaline soils. Flowers April-June. Leaves are shiny, dark green, oblong and usually have dark purple blotches on them. Flowers are bright pinkish-purple and arranged in a dense cone-like cluster. They have a tomcat scent.

StaffsWildlife @StaffsWildlife

Photos by Anna Maxwell

Special Feature

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Wildlife at Work

Corporate Members GOLD Alton Towers Carillion Engineering and Construction JCB Lafarge Tarmac Prologis

SILVER Alstom (UK) Ltd International Power â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rugeley Mann + Hummel (UK) Ltd Marley Eternit South Staffordshire College The Trentham Estate

BRONZE Aggregate Industries British Gypsum Florette UK & Ireland Newcastle-under-Lyme College Taste of the Moorlands Ltd

L - r: Linda Howell, Eric Wright Group, Katie Shipley, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust's Wildplay Officer and Darren Kerfoot, Eric Wright Group

Donation is Wright for Wildplay Materials kindly donated by Eric Wright Group have gone towards providing activities for Wildplay sessions in Stoke-on-Trent. Wildplay sessions are designed to encourage youngsters to discover the delights of the natural world and include exciting activities such as den building, bug hunting and wild trails. The Eric Wright Group are currently

working on a development in Blurton and offered to support Wildplay by providing the Trust with new tarpaulins, buckets and a wheelbarrow as well as lots of other items which make Wildplay easier to deliver. Katie Shipley, Stoke Wildplay Officer, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Eric Wright Group has supported other projects for the Trust in the past and we really appreciate their help."

WR Davies Toyota Stafford Quality Office Supplies South Staffordshire Water Abbey Polymers

STANDARD R&RW Bartlett Hanson Aggregates - Central HMP Featherstone JBA Consulting Keele University North Staffs Chamber (NSCCI) Staffordshire Business Environment Network Silver Trees Holiday Park

BUSINESS SUPPORTERS Angus Mackinnon Dove Valley Centre NPF Bassetts Pole Moathouse Acton Trussel

Carillion help heathland wildlife A group from Carillion volunteered with the Trust to carry out vital conservation work on our Highgate Common reserve near Wombourne. The team helped out with work to create heathland corridors through a patch of woodland towards the end of last year. Warden Hannah Dalton explained: "The volunteers did a great job. They spent the day clearing birch trees and burning brash to allow light to reach the heath species under the trees. "Their work will enable the heathland

to regenerate, which will benefit the rare heathland wildlife at Highgate Common, leading to increased feeding and breeding opportunities." Staff from Carillion have volunteered at Highgate Common since it was taken over as a Trust nature reserve in April 2009. They have carried out a huge range of conservation work on the reserve ranging from creating sandy habitat for the rare bees on the site to installing dormouse boxes and pond restoration.

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Your photos

STAR PHOTO

Unusual visitor

Wild experience Neal Mcintosh first started taking photos as a hobby – and it has now become an addiction. He said: “I like to see people’s reactions to my photos so started by putting some on Facebook. “They were well received so I’ve kept on – it’s something I really enjoy.” The father-of-one moved back to Stafford around three years ago after

living in Spain's Basque Country. Since then he has sent pictures regularly to the Trust and even had one of a stag on the Chase printed on the front page of the Express & Star. He said deer were among his favourite subjects to capture on camera as well as insects, particularly bees which he photographs near where he lives by Radford Bank in Stafford.

Photographer's paradise

Jade McCoan, aged 32, from Newcastleunder-Lyme took this picture of a black swan at Westport Lake in Stoke-on-Trent. which has proved a popular sighting recently. She said: "I was really surprised to see a black swan as I've never seen one before. It was brilliant to see it. I love taking wildlife photographs and scenery and I've been told I have an eye for it. "I'm saving for a proper camera as everything I take at the moment is on my phone. Even though the camera on my phone is nice, it'd be even better to have a professional camera to use instead."

Send us a photo: you could win a £15 Amazon voucher

Edward Atkinson is a regular visitor to the

He said: "The Wolseley Centre is a big

Trust's Wolseley Centre HQ near Rugeley

attraction with its layout and location - and

and snapped this goosander in flight

is a paradise for photographers. Its' one of

during a recent visit.

my favourite place to visit in Staffordshire

The 79-year-old especially enjoys taking

and I've been lucky to take some really

pictures of birds and insects.

pleasing photos there."

Our star photo in each issue wins a £15 Amazon voucher. Email your images, along with some info about you and your photos, to: l.peck@staffs-wildlife.org. uk or share on the SWT Facebook, Flickr or Twitter pages. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions. Spring 2016 | Staffordshire Wildlife 27

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Local Groups’ Noticeboard ALTON Based in the heart of the spectacular Churnet Valley Living Landscape, members of this group enjoyed their splendid surroundings and endeavour to share our enthusiastic interest. We hold monthly indoor meetings through autumn and winter at the popular Ramblers’ Retreat. So far, these have included talks on ospreys and squirrels. Our next talk on February 25 was based on other local mammals by popular speaker Derek Crawley, and then on March 23 the Trust’s Chief Executive, Julian Woolford, will be telling us about the running of the Trust. Living where our members do and being constantly out and about on the network of local footpaths, we rarely organise walks but we do encourage others and introduce them to our local nature reserves. Contact Michael Swales on 01538 703348 BURTON Along with our regular monthly talks, we have planned out several walks for the National Forest Walking Festival in May. We will be involved in six of the walks, although only two are badged as Burton Wildlife. The Trust's Shaun Rimmer will be leading a seventh walk around Branston Leas, and will be our guest speaker in January. Still on the subject of Branston Leas, slightly saline pools occur on site and we have arranged for a group of botanists to help us to survey them and see what their current condition is, so future change can be monitored. Contact Lawrence Oates on 01283 537074

Cannock Group's Gail Bates and Jeff Brough on their fundraising stall

CANNOCK The group held its final fundraising event for 2015 in December at the Museum of Cannock Chase's Christmas

Family Day when over £61 was raised selling sales goods from the Wolseley Centre shop. There will be another Family Day at the Museum on Sunday 7th August when the group will again have a sales stall. Contact Jeff Brough on 01543 570972 LEEK Audiences for our October and November talks were gratifyingly much higher than the rest of the year with many new faces. With admission fees increased to £3 from September and the continued support of our sponsors we have made a profit on talks of £322 for the year. Our coffee morning raised £180 and the sale of Christmas cards raised £166. Our thanks to Mr & Mrs Magnier who for the fourth year running donated locally produced honey raising £195. The group was pleased to provide £2,687 as third party funding for the acquisition of land at Thorswood reserve. Our thanks to recent sponsors: The Three Horseshoes Inn and Country Hotel, Gee’s Ironmongers and A & C Vehicle Services. Contact Val Riley on 01538 300264

The Edwards family at the Leek Group's December work party at Swineh oles Wood

LICHFIELD We had an enjoyable Fungus Foray last Autumn, in Beacon Park led by Beverley Rhodes. For the past few years in early January it has been very good to see large flocks of pied wagtail roosting in a tree in Lichfield Precinct. Perhaps they like the warmth from the Christmas lights! Three of our Committee attended excellent day courses at RSPB Coombes Valley reserve last year as part of the Trust's Churnet Valley Living Landscape scheme.. Woodland flowers, grasses and habitat surveys were among the topics covered. Some of us responded to Lichfield

District Council's Stowe Pool Survey. This summer we are having our usual programme of outdoor events, including walks at Tucklesholme and Pipe Hall Farm. Join us if you can. Contact David Wall on 01543 253763 NORTH WEST We have had some fantastic talks during the winter months, ranging from 'Meeting the Birds' to 'In search of the Royal Bengal Tiger' and 'Cheetah Survival through Africa'. Our talks alternate between Eccleshall Parish Room and Maer Village Hall. Our last talk will be on April 1 We have no planned summer activities and we resume our talks in September. Contact David Lovatt on 01782 680250 SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE We decorated a Wildlife Trust Christmas Tree for the Wombourne United Reformed Church Festival. This is a well attended event where local societies endeavour to get some publicity for their groups. We were very pleased that Margaret Grant became the third member of our Committee to be awarded the Staffordshire Wildlife Medal. This was presented to her by retiring Wildlife Trust Chairman Vince Smith and Jayne Taylor (Head of Resources) at a packed house attended by 69 people to see Joan Lockley’s talk about “Hedgehog Rehabilitation and Rescue” complete with hedgehog. Contact Fred Davies on 01902 892776 TAMWORTH Bee enthusiast Ron Rock started our New Year programme of indoor meetings with a fascinating talk on solitary bees. His knowledge and fondness for these exceptional creatures is enough to encourage us all to do what we can to bring them into our gardens by planting wildflowers and putting up bee hotels. He also advised us to give the hotels a clean with boiling water after the eggs have hatched to prevent mites. We have kept our entrance fee to £2 which we think is very good value but with the uprise in the cost of speakers this may be increased. Numbers at our indoor meetings are stable but walks are poorly attended and disappointing. This year we have planned only four walks with others in the pipeline. Contact Sylvia O'Sullivan on 01785 54655

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Natural World

News from The Wildlife Trusts across the UK Spring 2016

Extreme flooding: the new normal?

If the old solutions arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t working, what will? See p38

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UK NEWS

Vote for nature ✗ on May 5th

Devol electi ved ons

With would-be politicians in listening mode, it’s time to make your views count

ed up with the politicians who don’t recognise nature’s importance? Well on Thursday 5 May, if you live in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland or London, you can do something about it. The elections decide the makeup for the next four years of the Welsh and London Assemblies, and for Northern Ireland and the Scottish Parliament for five years. In London they also determine who will be Mayor. Other cities, including Bristol, will also have mayoral elections. Until now, few aspiring politicians have acknowledged nature as a driver of human wellbeing, and the backbone of a sustainable economy. These elections give parties a chance to commit to its restoration. A healthy environment gives us food, shelter, water storage, pollution reduction, flood mitigation, carbon

Healthy people

£2.1bn

If every household in England had good access to quality green space, it could save an estimated £2.1 billion in health care costs.

Healthy nature

£12m

The Alkborough Flats coastal realignment scheme in the Humber estuary cost £10m to build and provided £12m of storm protection benefits to land and property. Other ecosystem benefits of the scheme contribute £1m a year.

Healthy economy

£350,000

One pair of ospreys breeding at the Cors Dyfi reserve in Wales has attracted 35,000 extra visits to the area, bringing in an estimated £350,000 locally.

WWW.JOANNEGLOVER.COM

Sources: Natural England 2009, Environment Agency and Wildlife Trusts Wales

capture, crop pollination and coastal protection. It is also where we walk, talk, think, listen, see and rejuvenate. It is the place that keeps us healthy, happy and alive. And that’s what politicians need to understand. To help, The Wildlife Trusts have developed five questions (see right) for the people who want your vote. And they’re worth asking. Already in Wales, the National Assembly has passed The Well-being of Future Generations Act which requires all public bodies to work towards sustainable development, and a biodiverse natural environment. Next is the Environment (Wales) Act, to bring in an ecosystem-based approach to land management in Wales. In Edinburgh, the recent World Forum on Natural Capital, hosted by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, brought together environmental economists from around the globe. Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon opened the conference by acknowledging the debt Scotland owes to its wonderful landscape and the economic benefits it brings. In London, prospective Mayoral candidates are realising that the environment is a strong concern for many of the city’s voters. ■ More at wtru.st/devolved-elections

Nature keeps us healthy, happy and alive. And that’s what politicians need to understand

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Lat newsest UK-w wild and issuide li e org/fnetrusts.s: ews

Learning about nature – and having somewhere nearby to experience it – is a right, not a luxury

Our shared earth

k, e d to

k a s in

er d ola

JOHN FERGUSON

Five big questions for candidates What is your plan for the 1Wildlife restoration of wildlife? habitats and species

need help. We want ambitious restoration targets and connection of natural green spaces to be set and achieved. This needs more resources and clear responsibilities. What will you do to ensure this happens?

Will you ensure at least 2 1% of the public health budget goes on accessible

natural green spaces? We want this sum spent creating and promoting the use of natural green spaces for all, as part of the NHS’ preventative and treatmentbased healthcare.

What is your plan for 3 outdoor learning in schools?

We want to see outdoor learning and caring for nature

a key purpose for all schools. This is key to children’s development and their future. How will you better 4 protect and promote nature in local plans?

Local planning statements should map, protect and create areas for nature. We want wild places for people and nature in every neighbourhood. How will you ensure a 5 strong voice for nature within Government decisionmaking? Government needs to be a strong leader when it comes to nature’s recovery. How will you ensure that all Government departments, including housing, transport and health, take commitments to nature seriously?

The Thestrandings strandingsof ofsperm spermwhales whaleson on the beaches of Germany, Holland the beaches of Germany, Holland and andEngland EnglandininJanuary, January,although although tragic, tragic,remind remindus usjust justhow howphenomenal our sea life is.sea These ocean phenomenal our life is. These giants weigh up to 60 tonnes ocean giants weigh up to 60and have the largest on earth. tonnes and have brains the largest brains on earth. One theory is is that pod ofof young males strayed One theory thata a pod young males strayed off course course in pursuitof ofsquid squidand andhit hitthe thebottleneck bottleoff in pursuit neck this shallow, of the Sea. North Sea. of thisofshallow, narrownarrow part ofpart the North Disorientated, panicking and hungry, the whales Disorientated, panicking and hungry, the whales could well well have have swum swum on on to to the the beaches. beaches. could This nothing these Thistime timewe wecould coulddodo nothingtotosave save these wonderful creatures. But it reminded me thatwe we wonderful creatures. But it reminded me that are not as much of an island as we might think. are not as much of an island as we might think. We We joined are joined to the of Europe by shallow are to the restrest of Europe by shallow seasseas which are are no no barrier barrierto toour ourfifish, toour ourporpoises, porpoises, which sh, to dolphins and and smaller smallerwhales whalesor orindeed indeedto toour our dolphins migratory birds. And we are joined emotionally migratory birds. And we are joined emotionally to to our European neighbours as well, sharing our European neighbours as well, sharing thethe heartbreak and and helplessness helplessness of ofwatching watchingthese these heartbreak beautiful animals die. beautiful animals die. For wildlife, For wildlife,the theEuropean EuropeanUnion Unionisistherefore therefore very very important. is no accident that important. And itAnd is noitaccident that the EUthe hasEU has most the most substantial of environmental the substantial bodybody of environmental legislationin inthe theworld. world.Without Withoutthis, this, likely legislation it it is is likely that that our children would be swimming in raw sewour children would be swimming in raw sewage off age shores off our as shores as we and the Thames our we did, anddid, that thethat Thames would would still be devoid of salmon. is true EU still be devoid of salmon. It is trueItthat EU that policies policies on agriculture and fisheries have a less on agriculture and fisheries have a less honourable honourable record in wildlife butclear it is track recordtrack in wildlife terms, but it isterms, far from far from clear thathave nature would that nature would fared any have betterfared if theany UK better if the been left to its own devices: had been leftUK to had its own devices: consider the consider the agricultural deserts of the US andofthe agricultural deserts of the US and the collapse collapse of Canada’s Canada’s cod stocks.cod stocks. The EU builds The EU buildsupuppolicy policyslowly slowlyand andcarefully carefullyand and rarely loses loses that thatwhich whichitithas hasbuilt. built. This offers rarely This offers aa solid insurance insurancepolicy policyfor forwildlife wildlife against shortsolid against short-term term thinking, and our unquenchable thirst for thinking, and our unquenchable thirst for economic growth. economic growth. Whilst lost those wonderful Whilstwe’ve we’ve lost those wonderfulwhales whaleswe wedodo have something to celebrate: a recent massive have something to celebrate: a recent massive expansion in inthe thearea areaof ofour ourseas seasafforded afforded real real expansion protection (page (page 36). Thatprogress progresswas was kicked kickedoff off protection 8). That by the the EU EU and and taken taken forward forwardby by our ourGovernments. Governments. by

Artist Jo Glover’s vision of Pumlumon Mountain in mid-Wales – one of Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust’s nature restoration areas Stephanie Hilborne OBE Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts

Together there are 47 Wildlife Trusts covering the UK, all working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone, on land and at sea. Contact us on enquiry@wildlifetrusts. org or 01636 677711. To join your Wildlife Trust, visit wildlifetrusts.org/joinus. Natural World, The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark, Notts NG24 1WT. Editor Rupert Paul Communications officer Emma Oldham. Layout editor Dan Hilliard Cover: Christmas day 2015 in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire. Pic: Getty twitter @wildlifetrusts facebook.com/wildlifetrusts Spring 2016 | Staffordshire Wildlife 31

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UK NEWS

23 new Marine Conservation Zones

Did you know? Marine Conservation Zones help safeguard wildlife such as seahorses, cuttlefish and cold water corals.

Following years of campaigning to protect marine wildlife we are delighted to report that 23 new Marine Conservation Zones have been created – mostly in English waters. These latest zones add to the 27 that were created in 2013. Westminster has also committed to setting up a third round of Marine

Conservation Zones by 2018. This must be ambitious if we are to achieve the full network of protected areas so absolutely vital to ensuring the recovery of our seas. We’ll be asking for your help to ensure this happens. ■ Learn more and get involved at wildlifetrusts.org/MCZ

PAUL NAYLOR

2016 gets off to a good start with new protected areas at sea

A greater pipefish using the new Swale MCZ, off Kent Edible crab on a species-rich chalk reef off Cromer, Norfolk.This is what it has all been about: protecting the diversity of seabed life around the UK

PAUL NAYLOR

A huge thank you to everybody who responded to the Government consultation on MCZs

Spring is here The newlypublished Spring is a must for fans of nature writing

A new four-part anthology, published in conjunction with The Wildlife Trusts, celebrates the changing seasons. The editor is Melissa Harrison, an award-winning journalist, novelist and nature writer. In the four books she brings together the classic works of great naturalists and pieces by

new writers. They describe moments of transition, from changes in urban settings to the shifting patterns of country life. All are threaded together to mirror the unfolding of the season. The full set of four will be published during 2016. You can buy the first, Spring, at wtru.st/seasons-spring

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ELEANOR CHURCH

h s : d K

Tony Juniper is our new President

Tony at Cherry Hinton, an urban nature reserve owned by the Beds, Cambs and Northants Wildlife Trust

The well-known campaigner, writer and environmentalist has been appointed President of The Wildlife Trusts. Tony has been involved with the movement for “This over 30 years, and was the first organisation recipient of The Wildlife Trusts’ prestigious Charles Rothschild and is the very Miriam Rothschild Medal in 2009. backbone of In his new role he will help drive conservation our mission to support nature’s recovery on land and at sea, and to in the UK” put nature at the heart of society. “It is a huge honour,” he said. “This organisation is the very backbone of conservation in the UK and the work it does is vital in bringing huge benefits for people, nature and our economy. I am very much looking forward to adding what I can to the already huge impact of this amazing network.”

Forest schools grow – yet again

LYNDSEY YOUNG

A forest school with a difference: Nick Baker and friend

Prophet and Loss A new ebook Prophet and Loss by award-winning author Simon Barnes explores the legacy of The Wildlife Trusts’ founder, Charles Rothschild. 100 years ago Rothschild recommended protection of 284 wild places in Britain and Ireland: areas of mountain, woods, bog and coastline ‘worthy of preservation’. Prophet and Loss revisits some of those places and uncovers their stories. Available digitally for £1 from wildlifetrusts.org/prophet

As a learning experience you can’t beat it: seeing, smelling, hearing and touching the plants, animals and habitats that make up our world. So we’re delighted that our Forest Schools will grow again in 2016 to include Nottinghamshire,

London and the Bristol area. It’s all thanks to funding from many sources, but most of all from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Our schools boost children’s confidence and increase their knowledge and love of wildlife.

Wilfred Toadflax: trouble on a string

Be inspired by Brambly Hedge

Bass Rock – one of the places revisited in Prophet and Loss

Brambly Hedge and The Wildlife Trusts have joined forces to help families explore and feel inspired by the animals that live close to them. Go to wtru.st/Brambly-Hedge for a wild recipe, colouring sheets, puzzles and much more. Plus a detailed look at the characters which are celebrating their 35th anniversary this year.

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PEOPLE & WILDLIFE

Go wild this June

The Wildlife Trusts would love you to commit 30 Random Acts of Wildness from 1-30 June. Are you up for it?

NICK TURNER/NATURE PL

he UK’s leading nature challenge is back for 2016, and we are inviting you to take part. Last year The Wildlife Trusts launched 30 Days Wild, when we asked people to do something wild every day throughout June. Thousands of you did, from the centre of London to the

Outer Hebrides. We were inspired by the amazing ideas people came up with for their Random Acts of Wildness. Grown-ups danced in the rain and made cheeky nature cocktails out of natural ingredients, like elderflowers. Children and families made wild works of art, went star-gazing and created

homes for wildlife in their gardens. Even people at work managed to find some time for wildlife, such as holding meetings outside in the sun. And in the busiest city centres people were finding their own little bit of wild and encouraging it to thrive. But don’t take our word for it…

Do something wild every day from 1-30 June 34 Staffordshire Wildlife | Spring 2016

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Healthier and happier in 30 days

TIFFANY FRANCIS, 24, HAMPSHIRE “I already love nature, but this was an excuse to try different things. I made wild garlic pesto (that was awesome), listened to buzzards mewing overhead, and when it rained I looked at the newly-hatched chicks on the Rutland osprey camera. I even “I already love made elderflower champagne, which nature, but this tasted amazing and was an excuse luckily didn’t to try different explode! Every week I did a things” summary blog (http://tiffanyimogen.com); the activities were so diverse that it appealed to new people every time. Taking part in 30 Days Wild was just lovely. It’s easy to take nature for granted and not go out as often as you should. Until you try it, you don’t know how much joy it can bring.”

ALEX WHITE, 12, OXFORDSHIRE “At first it was a bit of a struggle having to think of something new to do every day. But then it got really exciting and we started to think of loads of ideas. As it got easier I found that I wanted to spend more time outdoors. When it came to the end of June I “It got really didn’t want to stop. Some of our exciting. When it activities were came to the end around the house of June I didn’t and garden. Other times my want to stop” mum, dad and sister, Amelia and I went for a day at the beach, or wild swimming. I took my camera with me, and blogged on appletonwildlifediary.wordpress. com. This year I want to get people from school involved: I found it really fun and inspiring, and I want to share that with people in my class.”

Many studies show that spending time regularly in wild green environments improves your health, happiness, and pro-nature behaviours. So, working with the University of Derby last year, we evaluated the impact of the first 30 Days Wild on our participants. They took a quiz before June, straight after June and again two months later. The results were startling. People reported feeling significantly healthier and happier not just at the time, but months after the challenge had finished. Taking part also led to a sustained increase in connection to nature, and pro-nature behavious. Great news for wildlife and people.

Free wall chart! When you take the 30 Days Wild challenge

KATHERINE DIXSON, 59, STAFFORDSHIRE “I’ve always loved getting out into nature, but 30 Days Wild focused my love of wildlife, and gave me an opportunity to improve skills like birdwatching. I had a much keener awareness of being part of nature. At the time I worked in Wolverhampton. Even there I made “I had a much the most of wild keener places – having awareness of breakfast outside before I left for being part of work, or visiting (for nature” the first time!) the park near to my office. I don’t think I would have ever visited it, or done a spot of birdwatching on my way back from doing the shopping, if it wasn’t for the challenge. It was so fulfilling and made me realise the richness of wildlife, and how important it is to me.” waybeyondwords.co.uk/blog

DAWOOD QURESHI, 16, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE “I was in the middle of my GCSEs and it was a welcome break from revision. It gave me time to breathe a little, and actually I concentrated better when I was stuck at my desk. It was a great stress relief. Usually I could only photograph plants and insects or watch red kites above “It was a the house. But I welcome break also got the from revision… chance to build my own moth a great stress trap. There was a relief.” really big community, too, and I met lots of other young people like me, who love nature. There are loads of barriers for teenagers and children to experience nature – they don’t think it’s cool – but 30 Days Wild is a great way to unlock their love of wildlife.” heartofwild16.wordpress.com

Sign up and you’ll receive a beautiful pack filled with inspiration, ideas and resources to help you plan your wild month. Among them: a wallchart to pop up at home, a badge, and a selection of Random Acts of Wildness to carry out yourself or share with friends and family.

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LIVING SEAS

Real hope for our s After 15 years of campaigning by The Wildlife Trusts, the first seabed habitats are being protected

PAUL NAYLOR

’m feeling optimistic about our seas. Thanks to recent designations (p4) there has been a huge increase in the area of our seabed that is protected by law. And new measures restrict damaging fishing activity, giving our seas time and space to recover. There are now 50 Marine Conservation Zones in English and UK offshore waters. It’s a great step forward from just a few years ago, but it’s still work in progress. Ultimately, sites at sea protected under national and European laws should come together to create an ‘ecologically coherent’ network that works for wildlife.

In fact, EU laws have made a big difference to our seas: from stopping us dumping raw sewage at sea and forcing us to clean up our beaches, to driving progress in setting up, and then managing, protected areas. Designation of a protected area at sea should mean that potentially damaging activity, from fishing to offshore wind farms, is regulated to safeguard special wildlife and habitats. But until three years ago, those protected areas we did have were lines on a map – protection in theory more than practice. Then, in late 2012, after significant pressure from The Wildlife Trusts and others, including the

threat of court action, the Government began to bring in proper protection, beginning with sites designated under EU laws. Fishing activities were assessed, starting with the most damaging types, such as scallop dredging. By the end of 2013 there were 17 new byelaws to protect seabed habitats in 25 areas (covering more than 5,680 square kilometres). Now the focus is moving to ‘medium-risk’ activities affecting the seabed and intertidal habitats. To support this process Wildlife Trusts across the UK have been working with Defra and other stakeholders, getting

from

o m

g a i s

t E S B h

■ w

Until three years ago, protection happened more in theory than in practice

C In

Emily Cunningham scuba-diver and writer Emily is Living Seas Officer at The Wildlife Trusts. 36 Staffordshire Wildlife | Spring 2016

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r seas from damaging activities out in all weathers to gather vital data on marine species and habitats. For years we have taken our seas for granted, relying on them for food, fuel and fun without thinking about the impact we are having, particularly on the seabed. Finally this is starting to change. Further progress is coming: a third tranche of Marine Conservation Zones in England, and more protected areas in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. But we’ll need your help to make it happen.

All over the UK, local authorities are working out the nitty gritty of seabed protection. Here are two examples

Key

Swansea

Newport

District administered by Devon and Severn IFCA

Cardiff

Bristol Bath Wells

Designated Marine Protected Area Exeter

Area protected from bottom trawling Truro

Plymouth

Penzance

■ Please join our campaign. Sign up at wildlifetrusts.org/mczfriends

Huge drop in bottom trawling off Devon Now, 1,106 square km are protected from bottom trawling. That equates to 92.5% of the area’s designated MPAs. Many vulnerable species are benefiting from this management, among them the slow-growing pink sea fans and soft corals of the rocky reefs off Start Point to Plymouth Sound and Eddystone SAC.

Almost 4,522 square km of sea off Devon are now managed by the Devon & Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA). Of that area, around 27% is designated as MPAs. Before the IFCA took over, damaging fishing activities in MPAs were widespread.

Cuttlefish eggs found on a survey with Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conserv ation Authority

A Cumbria Wildlife Trust trainee surveys a honeycomb worm reef at low tide

A new era for Scottish seas Scotland got its first 30 Nature Conservation MPAs in 2014 – but nevertheless they remained unprotected. Then, in December 2015, the Scottish Government announced new measures for managing the most damaging fishing activities in many of its inshore MPAs. These measures have begun a new era in the management of Scottish seas. They will protect vulnerable seabed habitats such as cold water coral reefs and maerl beds (see main picture). Maerl is a slow-growing seaweed which calcifies and provides a habitat for other sea creatures. The Scottish Wildlife Trust played an important role in campaigning for this strong decision, as well as in the collection of valuable data via video surveys on the seabed habitats of the Wester Ross MPA.

ALEX KINNINMOUTH

cted

Success stories

Here’s what the video saw on the seabed

Blennies and a sea hare stretch out on a bed of maerl algae, one of the habitats which is finally being protected

The Scottish Wildlife Trust used video survey gear in Wester Ross MPA

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ANNA GOWTHORPE/PRESS ASSOCIATION

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LIVING LANDSCAPES

Something has t

With serious floods now a part of life in the UK, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to flush the old ways of thinking down the drain 38 Staffordshire Wildlife | Spring 2016

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December 27th: Emergency services rescue a family in York

ebden Bridge, York, Leeds, Tadcaster, Cockermouth, Pooley Bridge, Bradford, Glenridding, Aberdeen. Just some of the villages, towns and cities affected by the December floods. More than 16,000 houses flooded, and many businesses too. Tens of thousands of people have suffered the trauma and disruption of having their lives turned upside down. Recovery takes months or years. Prime Minister David Cameron recently called for an ‘attitudinal change’ on flood protection. Whilst we agree on that point, he wants to shift the focus away from protecting nature and towards protecting property. In fact, we must do both. We need to take a new, collective approach to finding long-term, effective solutions to these predictable and recurring floods. They are the result of a combination of factors:

More than 16,000 houses have been flooded, and many businesses

Stephen Trotter The Wildlife Trusts’ Director, England is passionate about wildlife and wild places, and what they can do for people.

s to change

n the drain. Stephen Trotter sets out The Wildlife Trusts’ alternative

■ Our natural defences (habitats, water catchments and river ecosystems) have been dismantled and damaged by intensive land management – often driven by Government subsidies intended to increase food production. ■ We lack an integrated approach to flood and drought alleviation, water quality issues and wildlife decline. The solutions to these challenges need to be woven together, not sat in separate silos. ■ We have spent decades ignoring Environment Agency advice by building in the wrong places. Floodplains are not suitable for housing and other developments. ■ Urban areas lack the vegetated wild spaces needed to absorb water safely and release it slowly. Poor planning, too much hard landscaping and paved-over front gardens don’t help. The most fundamental factor in any catchment is how the land is managed. For example, research by Devon Wildlife Trust and Plymouth University shows that wilder ‘culm’ grassland absorbs 4.5 times more water than sown and fertilised pasture. Trees are better still. So well-wooded catchments and those with Spring 2016 | Staffordshire Wildlife 39

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MONTGOMERYSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST

LIVING LANDSCAPES wetlands and wildflower-rich grasslands are much better at coping with extreme rainfall events. Ploughing-up of densely-vegetated wild habitats, over-grazing, digging drains and straightening rivers have all had disastrous consequences for our landscapes, which now have a severely reduced capacity to absorb and store water. Once a catchment is saturated, the speed of run off determines whether a flood becomes an extreme incident. Often the land manager’s objective is to get the water away as quickly as possible. But this simply passes it on downstream – where it can become someone else’s bigger problem. Then it hits the floodplains which we have developed and constrained – the spaces into which they could naturally

Carefully designing more absorbent habitats can protect towns and cities expand during intense flood events. Far too often, society has failed to respect or value the functioning of this natural process. There has to be a better way and there is: to work with natural processes rather than against them. By carefully locating and designing more absorbent habitats like woodlands, wetlands and floodplains,

we can increase the water-holding capacity of landscapes near towns and cities. This can be good for people and good for wildlife – and often far cheaper than the hard concrete solutions we hear so much about. Natural approaches help avoid the extreme peaks that can be so damaging.

Before

Welsh peatland dried out by ‘improvements’

DAN HILLIARD

After

I t d m m o

d w t t n s w PAUL HOBSON

How nature reserves protect homes Lunt, North Merseyside

Rotherham, Yorkshire

Thacka Beck has been rerouted through a purpose-built reserve, allowing wet grassland to act as a floodplain when water levels rise – protecting the nearby town.

Lunt Meadows nature reserve sits next to the River Alt and acts as an overflow when water levels rise. In heavy rain, water enters the wetland area, protecting communities downstream.

The Centenary Riverside urban nature reserve is also a flood storage area. Last winter it kept floodwaters from the River Don away from surrounding streets and buildings.

AMY LEWIS

Penrith, Cumbria

Penrith’s flood reduction sys tem

s Overflow slip at Lunt Meadow

Centenary Riverside fills up

Short-eared owl – often seen in wetlands that can help to fight floods Designing more places like these three into local plans can help us deal with future flooding – and provide much-needed space for wildlife. A real win-win.

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LAURIE CAMPBELL

The same peatland after ditch blocking was completed

SOME EVIDENCE FOR A RETHINK

SOURCE: ENVIRONMENT AGENCY, PUTTOCK & BRAZIER 2014

10 ways to help nature help people

4.5

68%

less flow

Plan land use at a catchment scale Use ecological network maps to create large, new multi-functional areas at strategic locations around vulnerable villages, towns and cities.

times more

Blocking drainage ditches on the Exmoor Mires reduced storm flows to 32% of the pre-restoration level.

Stop building on floodplains Planning policy must rigorously prevail against urban floodplain development. Too often, concerns are dismissed with disastrous effect.

Culm v cropped Devon’s culm grasslands hold 4.5 times more water than intensively-managed grasslands.

The magic of trees

155 million litres

Leave that dead tree Six large woody debris piles in a Northumberland stream doubled the travel time for the flood peak 1km downstream.

Ditch-blocking 250 ha of peatland in Pumlumon, Wales raised the water table by 5cm. That’s an extra 155 Ml held back.

PAUL HOBSON

One branch at a time might not look like much. But over time beavers are nature’s wetland engineers

Wildlife Trusts are doing this across the UK, for example in the ‘Slow the Flow’ projects we’re implementing. We just need more of them in more places. This is why we are calling on the Government to invest in smarter natural solutions for flood control (see right). Evidence shows that in most places working with the grain of nature is more effective, and more affordable. ■ Read more at wildlifetrusts.org/flooding.

SHEFFIELD WILDLIFE TRUST

If all of the tributaries in a catchment spill their water into main rivers at slightly different times, it has been shown the most severe flooding can be avoided – making a huge difference to the number of homes and businesses affected. There is a role for hard defences and dredging in some places but they won’t work everywhere. We need an approach that looks at underlying causes – from the headwaters to the coast. Everyone needs to work together to find local solutions that work for people and wildlife across whole catchments.

Protect soils Encourage farming practices that restore soil and its ability to intercept run-off – especially near streams and rivers.

JACK PERKS

DAN HILLIARD

6FT HUMAN

LAURIE CAMPBELL

Renaturalise rivers Introduce more meanders, dead wood and rocks to slow the water. Recognise that the floodplain is part of the system, even if it is dry most of the time.

Water soaked into tree plantations in Wales at the rate of 100cm/h. On grazed pasture the rate was negligible.

Rebuild absorbent uplands Keep more water in the hills for longer by restoring wet peatlands, and letting broafleaf trees regenerate naturally in critical places.

Rip up city paving Permeable surfaces, green roofs and wild areas in communal outdoor spaces should be part of all new development.

Create buffer strips Strips of grasses and flowers along watercourses in towns or countryside slow the flow of water and reduce levels of pollutants.

Design and protect buildings better Help vulnerable householders to adapt their houses so that a flood is less of an issue and life can return to normal more quickly.

Ensure farm payments reward helpful practices Public payments should be for public benefits such as flood alleviation and the restoration of wild habitats.

Commit fully to tackling climate change Properly commit to the Paris Climate Change agreement. Set up a National Natural Infrastructure Commission to lead and coordinate activity.

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GREAT DAYS OUT

10 places to see

Urban wildlife 1

CS Lewis reserve, Where is it? Off Johnston woodland and marshy Risinghurst Terrace, SE of Edinburgh grassland it’s one of the best Berks, Bucks and Oxon of WTBritain’s castle.aGrid NT254735. areas insix Wales for thespecies rare A glimpse of one reptile adds thrill Thought to be the inspiration marsh fritillary. The wild to any walk. Here’s where to find these ancient, mysterious behind the Narnia books, this flowers are magnificent, and Cricklepit Mill, Exeter and long-lived animals there are butterflies, grass tranquil woodland belonged Devon Wildlife Trust to the celebrated Oxford snakes and common lizards. Once overgrown and disused, author. Toads spawn in spring Where is it? Off Weavers it’s now the Trust’s HQ, a and there are dragonflies and Road, Ystradgynlais SA9 1SE. working mill and an damselflies in summer, as well Grid SN796 108. inspirational wildlife garden. as songbirds. A stream encourages grey Where is it? Risinghurst, Johnston Terrace, wagtails, dippers, kingfishers Oxford OX3 8JD. Park end of Edinburgh and otters. There are also Lewis Close. Grid SP560067. Scottish Wildlife Trust more than 150 plant species. The Trust’s smallest reserve Where is it? Commercial demonstrates how a small, Road, Exeter EX2 4AB. 10min Ystradfawr, neglected urban area can be on foot from Exeter centre. Ystradgynlais converted into an invaluable Brecknock Wildlife Trust wildlife refuge. Access is Once an industrial landscape Winnall Moors, through a locked gate by with three collieries, the Winchester prior arrangement with the reserve has been left to Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust nature for 60 years. With wet Trust’s head office. A collection of former water

JACK PERKS

meadows and reedbeds surrounding the River Itchen, Winnal Moors has orchids, dragonflies, kingfishers and water voles. Children’s discovery packs are at the tourist information centre. Where is it? Durngate Place, Winchester SO23 8DX. Grid SU486297.

Gunnersbury Triangle, Chiswick London Wildlife Trust Saved by local people from development 30 years ago, the reserve has birch and willow woodlands, a pond, and marsh and meadows. There are butterflies, amphibians, woodpeckers and sparrowhawks.

DAVID CHAPMAN, BCN WILDLIFE TRUST

Urban ’s wildlife – ityou! good for

ur mood, n improve o worth1 ca s ce la p f self■ Wild our sense o and increase n ild places ca learning in w ■ Playing and n to develop meaningfu2l help childre and friends s with family relationship e more able to nature ar ss ce ac sy 2 ith ea ■ Children with stressful situations to cope w and taking risks ildren about 2 ch h ac te s ■ Wild place aking rational decisions m d more healthier an are happier, e natural n th re to ld d hi C te ■ ’re conn2ec ey th n he w creative world ls , 2000; Wel 07. 2: Wells Garden 10; Bird, 20 al., 2014. et g, ag Br 1: DCSF, 20 in 2003, tiger moth 2013 and Evans, piness.org, et al., map MacKerron

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W G G

N A w T s s a p a W o D

N A a p f m S a g y t

Where is it? Bollo Lane, Gunnersbury, W4 5LW. Grid TQ 201 786.

Where is it? St Nicholas Hospital, Gosforth, Newcastle NE3 3XT. Grid NZ 235 683.

Seller’s Wood, Nottingham Nottinghamshire WT An ancient coppiced woodland managed by the Trust and the City Council. It straddles two bedrock types so there are oak, birch, ash and wych elm, with early purple orchid and wood anemone in spring. Where is it? On the NW edge of the city off Seller’s Wood Drive West, NG6 7FW.

Hutchinsons Meadow, Woodbridge Suffolk Wildlife Trust Donated to the Trust by Sir Peter and Lady Hutchinson, the wetter area has a superb mix of flowers including ragged-robin, common fleabane and southern marsh orchid. The drier meadow is equally wildlife-rich. Where is it? Melton Road, Woodbridge IP12 1PD. Phone 01473 890089 to visit.

St Nicholas Park, Newcastle Northumberland WT A woodland, pond, grassland and wildlife garden. There’s a play area, and the pond has frogs, palmate newts and many damselfly species. Summer brings butterflies and a developing mix of grassland flowers including yellow rattle, cowslip and tufted vetch.

Bog Meadows, Belfast Ulster Wildlife A mosaic of reedbeds, meadows, ponds, woodland, streams and hedgerows with nearly two miles of smooth paths. The abundant bird life has helped win it the UNESCO award for Urban Wildlife Excellence. Where is it? Off the A501 Falls Road near St. Louise’s School. Grid J312726

Where to find these places

For our full listing of places to see urban wildlife see wildlifetrusts. org/urbanwildlife

3 8

7 2 4

9 6

Who can resist a grin like that? According to wildaboutgardens.org, there may now be more common frogs in urban areas than in the countryside

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For more information e-mail legacies@staffs-wildlife.org.uk or call James Dennison on 01889 880109 for your free booklet.

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Richard Boiwler

Leaving a gift in your Will to Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is a perfect way to share your love of wildlife with future generations.

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