Nature heritage by Ola Stepien

Biological Photography and Imaging Professional Techniques in the Field C14204 Aleksandra Stepien 4214412

MAY 2014

Warsaw, Poland, the city of the

Red Squirrel

Falconry

beautiful and controvertial

Disused Quarries

new life and exciting journey to the Palozoic

Little Owl

Alien Invader or Welcome Newcomer?

May Bug Identified!

NATURE HERITAGE

FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the May issue of Nature Heritage Magazine. This issue is dedicated to the Little Owl introduced to Britain in 1889. Despite being non native it is one of the most commonly seen owls in the British countryside due to its diurnal habits. However, the British population of the Little Owl is poorly researched and has been steadily declining since 1967. No conservation actions have been taken to establish the causes of its decline due to its non native status. Dr. Ken Thompson, author of recently published book “Where do camels belong? The story and science of invasive species” suggests that our perception of alien species is determined by prejudice and lack of knowledge. The book highlights often extremely different attitudes towards different species introduced to UK depending on their attractiveness and reproductive success.Dr Thompson puts a new perspective on the thwe threat of invasive species and brings up data that shows that only very few of them cause a real damage to the biodiversity and ecosystems. The question is how long does it take for the species to become native and be considered worthy to be well researched and its habitat protected before it’s too late? In this issue we will also discuss wether in the 21st century it is necessary to keep up the tradition of falconry. When we no longer require to hunt game to survive, falconries take on new roles of conserving endangered species of birds of prey and educating the public about them. Old industrial sites can be an eyesore. The landscape of Derbyshire Dales has been shaped by centuries of mining and quarrying. Some disused quarries have been well managed and looked after by communities and became great recreational and educational sites. They not only are a gateway to the geological history of our planet but also, thanks to their relative seclusion, create undisturbed habitats for twildlife. Red Squirrels in Britain suffered greatly due to the arrival of their grey cousins from America. However in the main land Europe Red Squirrel population is doing well and thrives in urban habitats. We visited Warsaw City in Poland and discovered that although Red Squirrels are generally liked and popular with people, some do worry that they might pose a hazard and potentially spread rabies. Urban Red Squirrels aren't shy and can be fed by hand. The problem is that they sometimes bite… May is the month of… the May Bug! Our Identification sheets have proven very popular amongst the readers and this month we will identify a Cockchafer commonly called a May Beetle. Scary as it might look, it is harmless to people and doesn’t sting.

CONTENTS Friendly Invader? ..............4 Furry Residents of Warsaw City Parks .........................10 Falconry ............................12 Idenification Sheets..........19 Disused Quarries of Wirksworth in Derbyshire Dales ................................21 Technical Data ..................28 References......................31

Aleksandra Stepien

NATURE HERITAGE

Falconry - cruel sport or a noble tradition? Find out what you didn’t know.

Little Owl - how long does it take to become British?

What happens to disused quarries in rural Derbyshire.

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Life of urban Red Squirrels in Warsaw City In Poland

Identify a May Beetle with this month’s ID sheets.

Friendly Invader? NATURE HERITAGE

Little Owl (Athene noctua) was introduced in England by Lord Lilford in 1889. Since then its population spread across England, Wales and Southern Scotland. It has become an integral part of British countryside without causing any harm to any native birds population. Yet, despite the evidence that numbers are steadily declining since 1967, no steps are taken protect the little owl.

ost people have heard of Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, giant hogweed, American signal crayfish and grey squirrels. They are all so-called invasive species that have migrated to Britain and contributed to the decline of native species: white clawed crayfish, red squirrels; or, in case of plants, these pose a threat to biodiversity of certain habitats. Those interested in nature and conservation would most likely agree with the statement that invasive species pose a great threat to native British flora and fauna and therefore action should be taken to prevent alien species from being introduced and spreading. This seems to be the unquestionable view shared by wildlife conservationists, the government and the general public. Great efforts are made to preserve what is considered British and native and keep under control or eradicate what is alien and invasive.

ot many people, however, can define what is “native” and what is “invasive” and at what point in the history the line should be drawn after which a species becomes native. For as long as life on Earth has existed, species have been born, have migrated; some have fallen extinct, while others evolved into new species. Therefore it is hard to establish what would be appropriate period of time for a newly arrived species to gain its “leave to remain” status. Would it be a century? Or perhaps we should count as native species that lived in Britain since the beginning of the current interglacial era around 11.000 years ago?

r. Ken Thompson, former lecturer at the University of Sheffield, questions the common use of the terms “native” and “invasive”. In his latest book - “Where do Camels belong?” he shakes up the popular view - that all invasive

species cause damage to the environment and threat biodiversity. By analysing the migration of many different plants and animals since the break-up of the supercontinent of Pangaea, around 200 million years ago, Dr. Thompson puts into perspective our current perception of where different species belong.

ertainly human activity plays a big role in speeding up the natural process of species migration. People accidentally or deliberately introduce new species to different parts of the world with various consequences. If we detach ourselves and our own migratory habits from nature then perhaps we can consider alien all the species that were brought to Britain by people, as oppose to these that came here without human aid.

y this definition the little owl (Athene noctua) is a non-native bird that was introduced in Britain by Lord Lilford in 1889.

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NATURE HERITAGE Until then its home was mainland Europe and Asia, very rarely crossed the English Channel and never settled here to breed. After its successful introduction in 1889 the little owl population rapidly spread and by 1925 it had reached Yorkshire and Lancashire. With increasing numbers, prejudice against the newcomer grew - farmers and landowners accusing it of hunting chickens and pheasants.In response to this in 1935, the British Trust of Ornithology conducted a research into the little owlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diet. The research discovered that little owls eat mainly invertebrates and occasionally small mammals like mice and voles. In fact, it turned out that their favourite food are earthworms! In the 1950s and 60s the little owl, like many other birds in UK, suffered a drastic decline due to organochlorine pesticides. However, the population recovered reaching its peak in 1984.

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he little owl population is considered well established with 5.900 breeding pairs in the UK. However according to the British Trust for Ornithology the numbers have declined by 46% between 1967 and 2007. This is most likely due to habitat loss. Although it is protected under the Wildlife and countryside Act (1981), no conservation action has been taken to protect the little owl population from declining due to its non-native species status. In 2008, wildlife photographer Andy Rouse in partnership with Paramo clothing set up a fund to sponsor a research project by Emily Joachim from University of Reading. Emily studied the habitat and behaviour of little owls to establish the causes of the drop in population. Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT) and nest cameras were used to monitor two little owl nest sites in Wiltshire to monitor population dynamics, juvenile dispersal behaviour, and diet. The study concluded that little owls easily adapt to

to changing conditions. They switch their diet from small mammals to invertebrates when needed and are capable of nesting in a wide variety of places. However changing countryside and intensifying of agriculture decreases the available nesting space, but the main cause of the decline is yet to be confirmed.

he little owl is one of the most commonly seen wild owls in England and Wales perhaps due to its habits and living in close proximity to human es-

NATURE HERITAGE tablishments. Despite its name Athene noctua - Nocturnal goddess of wisdom, they can often be spotted during the day perched on telegraph poles, and tree branches. They hunt at dawn

and at dusk. However in late spring and summer, when feeding young chicks they also hunt during the day. They nest in stone wall cavities and hollow trees. They compete with native barn and tawny owls over food and territory, however there has been no decline in the native owls numbers due to the arrival of the little owl. The little owl itself is

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NATURE HERITAGE a prey for larger birds and foxes. It seem to fit well within the British countryside despite its avian non grata - immigrant status.

verall it is a likeable creature. With its fluffy feathers, big bright yellow eyes with white arches resembling eyebrows its grace makes it popular with bird watchers and wildlife photographers. It has lived in UK for over 100 years now without causing any trouble. With numbers declining across Europe as well as Britain it is perhaps time to include little owl in monitoring and conservation programs.

ccording to Dr. Thompson our perception of non-native species depends their attractiveness, how long ago they arrived and how successful they are. This is particularly visible in Britons’ attitude towards the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and brown hare (Lepus europaeus). Both species were introduced to Britain in the iron age. The rabbit is successful and considered a pest, while the brown hare has its own biodiversity action plan. Our biased attitude towards alien species also depends on the scale of damage they cause, but in fact very few newcomers cause any trouble. Dr. Thompson divides plants and animals into two groups: success-

ful and unsuccessful - regardless of their native/non-native status. Successful species are always more visible and more tolerant to habitat change caused by human activity. Native aggressive species can cause as much harm to biodiversity as invasive ones.

e keep forgetting that the world we see today is only a snapshot in 3.5 million years’ history of life on Earth. By increasing migration of species between continents humans are effectively bringing back the times 300 million years ago when all living creatures occupied and migrated freely on one continent of Pangaea. This isn’t necessary negative but it is happening a lot quicker than it would without our involvement. We detach ourselves from the natural world by deeming all our actions “artificial”. This includes our impact on climate change, habitats, and on increased species migration due to travel and agriculture. If we put ourselves back into the equation it turns out that the most dangerous and invasive species is Homo sapiens and the most damage caused by alien invaders is linked to our activity. Our negative attitude towards invasive species really reflects the fear of the speed and scale at which we have changed Planet.

A modern Greek one euro coin with an image of an ancient tetradrachm coin from 525BC with an image of the little owl and an olive branch - both were the attributes of goddess of wisdom Athena.

NATURE HERITAGE

Little Owl is indeed little... Some interesting facts: •

Breeding pairs form strong bonds. Male and female can often be seen hunting nearby one another and flying together. Both birds maintain body contact through mutual preening. After mating, the male presents potential nesting cavities to the female. He tries to attract her to the potential nest by depositing prey in it.

•

In ancient Greece the little owl was associated with the goddess of wisdom - Athena. Silver tetradrachm coins from around 525 BC carried an image of the little owl with an olive branch on one side and an image of Athena’s head on the other. Tetradrachm coin was the official currency of Athens city for nearly two centuries. The same image is carried on modern Greek one euro coin.

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In the nineteenth and early twentieth century in Europe, little owls were kept as pets in gardens with their wings clipped, to catch mice, slugs and insects. They were also used as a bait in hunting larks.

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It is the smallest owl in Britain. It measures around 20cm and weighs approximately between 150 and 200g; females are heavier than males. Their weight varies throughout annual cycle . During the breeding season, a male, kept busy feeding chicks can weigh as little as 138g.

NATURE HERITAGE

living in Britain are Mostusedpeople to the sight of grey squirrels

in big city parks. While the red squirrel (Scirus vulgaris) population in the UK

has been nearly wiped out by the invasion of their grey cousin (Scirus carolinensis) it might be hard to imagine that in some European cities red squirrels are

not only thriving but are even considered a pest by some. For those who are used to seeing red squirrels only in nature reserves and wildlife centres, walking

ed squirrels spend most of their time on trees where they build their nests. Mating season starts in February and lass till July. Female produces litter twice a year. Between three and six young are born per litter. Squirrel offspring is born vulnerable, blind and furrless, and weighs between 10 and 15g. There is a high mortality are amongst young and only one in four reaches puberty. If successful red squirrel can live up to seven years.

FEEDING SQUIRRELS

rban red squirrels arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t shy and will happily accept food from people. Citizens are advised to take extra care when feeding squirrels. Impatient and demanding individuals can bite. Although extremely unlikely there is a chance for red squirrels to carry rabies. Currently no rabies vaccination of red squirrels in Warsaw is being carried out despite complaints being made to the authorities. No cases of rabies from squirrel bites have so far been reported and park management recommends caution and common sense when interacting with the animals.

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NATURE HERITAGE

into the Royal Łazienki Park in Warsaw City in Poland might feel like a surreal experience. Red squirrels are particularly visible in autumn, getting ready for

a long winter ahead, as they “squirrel away” nuts and seeds by burying them in the ground. Red squirrels do not hibernate during winter months and rely on

these food stores to feed. However there is no food shortage in the biggest park in Warsaw as people can’t resist feeding these cute furry animals.

he r ed squirrel isn't always red. Colour of the coat varies depending on population and season from orangey red, brown and dark brown to almost black. Red squirrel moults twice a year. During winter months the fur gets thicker with hint of silver while the summer coat is thinner and lighter. In populations throughout Poland both darker brown and red varieties are common. In the South of Europe black individuals are dominant, while British population consists only of red furred squirrels.

FOOD THIEVES

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ooded crows (Corvus cornix) follow red squirrels and steal their food cache. Squirrels often chase them away, but most of the time crow will be back as soon as the squirrel leaves its stash buried.

NATURE HERITAGE

FALCONRY GREAT TRADITION OR CRUEL SPORT?

eople used to hunt with birds of prey since ancient times. It is thought that the practice originated in Central Asia and differed greatly from falconry as we know it today. It was mentioned by Aristotle and later by Pliny in his Natural History describing “men and hawks having a sort of partnership for fowling” in the Thrace district in Ancient Greece.

he earliest evidence of falconry which involved breeding and training birds to hunt comes from Japan around A.D. 244. The tradition of falconry and hawking spread

west and reached Europe around A.D. 500. It was known to be practised in England since around A.D. 733 by Aethelbald, King of Mercia.

alconry flourished in mediaeval times, when it became a part of the education and pursuit of aristocracy and royalty. Although there is no documentary evidence, it is likely that poorer classes still hunted with birds simply to obtain food.

hroughout the centuries, falconry drifted in and out of fashion amongst the upper classes in Britain and Europe. In 18th Cen-

Training birds of prey

tury interest in hawking started to decline amongst the aristocracy and clubs for hobbyists were formed to preserve the tradition.

n modern times falconers are mainly passionate individuals who breed and keep their own birds or work in larger birds of prey centres and country clubs. Keeping large raptors is expensive and time consuming. To support their hobbies, hawking enthusiasts exhibit their birds to the public through flying displays at events and fairs.

requires commitment and consistency. It comprises of

four stages: manning, training, fitness and hunting. In

the ‘manning’ stage, a wild bird is introduced and accustomed to humans. At the ‘training’ stage the bird is trained to come to the keeper. This is done through a reward based system, similar to training pets. The difference lies within the nature of prey

hunting birds. They only come to the keeper when they are hungry and unlike dogs, they will not do so when fed and content. Food is therefore carefully administered and birds are weighed frequently to ensure that they are not overfed to stay keen

to hunt. Third stage - ‘fitness’ - involves flying the bird frequently - ideally daily. Just like humans, birds need exercise to stay healthy. To get the birds used to hunting, falconers swing a lure,.as part of training. The hunting stage puts into practice the first free stages.

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NATURE HERITAGE

Falconer flying a Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) during a flying display at the International Centre for Birds of Prey in Gloucestershire.

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CONTROVERSY AROUND FALCONRY

irds are perceived as a symbol of freedom. Looking at birds in cages or on a leash can often bring unsettling feelings. We no longer rely on hunting to survive, therefore falconry and hawking are perceived by many as a bloodsport as cruel and unnecesary as fox hunting. Not all birds kept by falconers are used in hunting. Owls for example are kept maily for displays or as injured wild birds to be released when recovered.

Eurasian Tiger Owl (Bubo bubo) at the Rosliston Forestry Centre in Derbyshire.

All British birds of prey are protected by the Countryside and Wildlife Act, 1981. It is illegal to capture and breed wild birds without a licence.

ll British birds of prey are protected by Countryside and Wildlife Act, 1981. It is illegal to capture and breed wild birds. A licence needs to be granted by the Secretary of State for the environment to take hawks from the wild as well as to import them from another country. Ringing and registration are imposed on bird keepers wishing to breed and keep certain species. Frequent inspections are carried out to prevent illegal trade.

dvocates of the sport state that there is a significant difference between hawking and any other bloodsport. Raptors have an instinct to hunt and would do so in the wild in exactly the same way. There are even odds between the birds and

their prey. Birds come back to their keepers out of their own will, due to their strong bond and the association of the keeper with food. Falconers play a big role in the conservation and breeding of endangered species. The European peregine falcon (Falco peregrinus) population was nearly wiped out due to organochlorine pesticides during 1950s’ and 60s’ and recovered thanks to the to efforts of captive breeders.

alconers play a significant role in educating public about raptors, and give people chance to admire species that would be hard to come across in the wild.

Juvenile peregirne falcon (Falco peregrinus) at the International Centre for Birds of Prey in Gloucestershire

NATURE HERITAGE

British Falconers Club recommends strict welfare standards to be kept by any bird of prey keeper.

uitable indoor and outdoor quarters should be provided for captive birds. Shed dimensions should be at least 6 ft by 4 ft for smaller birds and 8 ft by 6 ft for larger ones. There should be as much daylight as possible inside the room. No clutter or unnecessary objects should be placed inside the room. Perches should be placed by the window as well as further inside. Walls ought to be checked for any sharp protruding objects, like nails, to prevent birds from getting injured. The floor can be covered with sawdust or sand. Phillip Glasier, author of Falconry and Hawking recommends not to keep the birds tied when indoors.

he outdoor area should be sheltered from the wind and

provide enough sunlight. Specific blocks or bow perches should be chosen depending on the species and size of the birds.

bath container of sufficient size and depth should be provided for each bird and these should be kept clean and filled with fresh water regularly.

Birds should be flown and exercised daily, apart from periods of moulting or during summer months to protect wildlife. They should not be subjected to any unnecessary stress factors.

irds should have regular check ups done by a veterinary practitioner, in case of any outbreak of disease, help should be sought to prevent it from spreading.

here is a fine line between keeping bird at their ‘flying weight’ and underfeeding. It is important that every falconer keeps an eye on any signs of malnutrition. Above: Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) at the Rosliston Forestry Centre in Derbyshire.

International Centre for Birds of Prey in Gloucestershire with Hobby (Falco subbuteo) in the foreground.

NATURE HERITAGE

FLYING DISPLAYS There is something magical about watching large raptors flying within arm’s reach. The experience is unforgettable.

here is something magical about watching large raptors flying within arm’s reach. The experience is unforgettable. Flying displays are carried out daily at the International Centre for Birds of Prey in Gloucestershire. These provide birds with much needed exercise and the public with breath taking moments and beautiful memories. Displays are also a great opportunity to educate people about raptors. During flight displays, falconers talk about each species, their habitats and characteristics. Birds often

come flying straight out of their aviaries right above the audience.

here is undoubtedly a strong bond between birds and their keepers that is clearly demon-

strated during displays. Harris hawks, particularly, accept keepers as part of their pack. They are on of the two species of raptors that adapted a cooperative hunting style. Hawks of the same pack hunt together and share the spoils.

Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa) at the flying display, International Centre for Birds of Prey in Gloucestershire. The Great Grey Owl is native to the coniferous forests of the Siberian taiga.

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The Merlin (Falco columbarius) is the smallest British falcon. In the wild it is found in Northern Europe and Northern and Eastern Asia and North America. It is a migratory species that spends winters in Africa and South America.

Falconry Walking Fishing Archery and more! find out whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on: www.wwt.org.uk

01283 563 483

www.roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk

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Help create new habitats from only £3 a month.

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identification sheets create your own nature guide

May Bug Cockchafer

Melolontha melolontha This month’s identification sheet is dedicated to the Cockchafer, commonly called the May Beetle or May Bug. The Cockchafer belongs to the phylum Arthropoda, class Insecta, order Coleoptera and family Scarabeidae. Adults appear in late April and throughout May, and can often be seen in the evenings in the vicinity of trees where they breed. This large beetle is attracted to artificial light and frequently wanders into people’s households through open windows. It makes a characteristic, buzzing noise when flying.

Lifecycle

Eggs are layed in the ground around 10 cm deep. Larvae, called white grubs, hatch after approximately 6 weeks. They are white-ish, C shaped with six legs and brown faces. They grow up to 5 cm long and feed on plant roots. The white grubs feed for up to 3 years and pupate in Autumn. Adults spend winter under ground and emerge in late April and May to breed. They live for approximately 4 to 5 weeks and feed on tree leaves.

Identification The Cockchafer is 2 to 3 cm long. It has a black head and thorax. The body is covered with white hair. Its wing cases are hard, brown and textured. It has characteristic white triangles on the sides of the segments. The last segment of the abdomen, called the pygidium, is elongated and pointy. Although it resembles a sting, it is used by females to lay eggs in the ground. Cockchafers don’t sting. Another characteristic feature are loose clubbed antennae, which when open, look like a fan. There are 7 to 6 leaves on each antennae.

Key features White triangles on a side of each segment.

Loose clubbed antennae with 6 to 7 leaves.

Pointy last segment of the abdomen (pygidium).

REMEMBER: Cockchafer DOESN’T sting! 19

NATURE HERITAGE

Middle Peak Quarry PAST:

The site started being exploited in the late 19th century. Limestone was obtained for road surface and aggregate until the 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. The majority of the stone used in the Midlands motorway network come from the Middle Peak Quarry. The site was flooded during exploitation and two blue lagoons were formed.

PRESENT:

The site is still owned by the Tarmac company and is deemed too dangerous for the general public to access. Despite warnings, people attempt to swim in the lagoons, attracted to the beautiful blue colour of the water. Access to the quarry is fenced off, however the impressive view can be admired from a purposely built view point at top of the Green Hill Lane.

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NATURE HERITAGE

Disused Quarries of Wirksworth in the Derbyshire Dales Wirksworth is a small town in Derbyshire, approximately 14 miles north of Derby. It is hidden in a bowl and surrounded by hills and has a population of around 6000. Mineral rich rocks underlying the area have attracted people to live there since Roman times. Lead mining gave the town prosperity and sustained it until the 19th century. The decline of mining was followed by the rise of limestone quarrying. High quality carboniferous limestone was quarried here for road stone and aggregate. Mining and quarrying have shaped the landscape surrounding Wirksworth and gave it a unique setting. Today most of the quarries are disused and some have been adapted by people as recreational and educational sites.

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Stoney Wood PAST:

Stoney Wood is the remnant of the oldest quarries around Wirksworth, the Stoneycroft Quarry. It was started in 1830 by John Shaw. Lime was burnt on site and carted to the Cromford Canal, bringing coke for the kilns on the return journey. The site was exploited for nearly 200 years. In 1876 the company was joined by Mr. Bowne and the quarry was connected to the railway. The company carried on under the name Bowne and Shaw despite being taken over by Stanton, Steward and Lloyds, Derbyshire Stone and eventually Tarmac Ltd. During the exploitation the quarry was almost 100 m deep. After its closure it was backfilled and donated by Tarmac to Wirksworth Town Council.

PRESENT:

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Tarmac Ltd. initiated planting trees on the site prior to handing it to the Town Council. In 1994 Wirksworth citizens inspired by the “Foret Giorno” project in Wirksworth’s French twin town Die. The Stoney Wood Group was formed amongst volunteers to carry out further tree planting on site. Today Stoney Wood not only thrives with trees and wildflowers. There are also sculptures made by local artists, including the iron gate at the entrance designed and built by Danny Marsh. Stoney Wood has a designated bonfire place and is a venue for local art and music events. The Northern Light Cinema, opened in 2012, hosts picnic style outdoor film events every summer. Music concerts and local choir performances are held there during the annual Wirksworth Art Festival every September. Every October, the 12 mile Undulator Fell Race organised by Wirksworth Running Club starts and finishes at Stoney Wood. The site is a green retreat in the summer. In the winter it is popular with kids sledding on the slopes of the backfilled quarry. Stoney Wood is a great example of what can be done at abandoned industrial sites to bring them back to life and to the community.

Top: View of the Stoney Wood from the top of the Green Hill. Bottom left: Iron gate designed and built by local artist Danny Marsh. Bottom right: Bon fire are built by community volunteers.

NATURE HERITAGE

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Cole Hill Quarry PAST:

Cole Hill quarry is one of the youngest in the area. It started operating in 1912. It was a in fact a group of six small quarries scattered around the area. Evidence of charcoal burning was found on the site, hence the name Coal Hill which evolved in time to Cole Hill. Most of the stone quarried there was used in building the Midlands motorway network. There was a railway link to the quarry. The main quarry closed just after the end of Second World War but the smaller ones carried on operating for another ten years. It had various owners until it was eventually taken over by Tarmac Ltd.

PRESENT:

The site has now been taken over by the National Stone Centre (NSC) and it is classed as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest due to the abundance of fossil specimen. The NSC holds a permanent geology and minerals exhibition on its grounds. It also runs guided geology tours as well as stone craft and dry stone walling courses. South East Cole Hill quarry is also popular amongst climbers. It is easily accessible and sheltered with variety of climbing routes and secure bolts.

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NATURE HERITAGE

Carboniferous Limestone geology explained

he limestones quarried in Wirksworth area were deposited during Dinantian epoch of Carboniferous period around 350 million years ago. They are part of the limestone formation of the White Peak in Derbyshire. Natural outcrops of these rocks can be seen in Dove Dale or Matlock Bath. During that period Britain was part of the Pangaea supercontinent and was situated in equatorial altitudes. Marine transgression progressed from the south. Clear and shallow waters were home to millions of small marine organisms. Their calcareous shells were deposited on the sea bed. From time to time the area emerged above the sea level which resulted in formations of fossil soil horizons, called paleosols. During those dry periods the rock was subject to erosion and caves and sinkholes were formed. These formations can be visible as surfaces called paleokarst. Other unconformities in deposition sequence include intrusions of volcanic lava. Lava flows of basaltic composition formed tuffs and weathered greenish clay horizons called clay wayboards.

bonate, associated with shelf province (shallow seas) and reefs.

onsal Dale Limestones are approximately 100 m thick and have been deposited in a shallow lagoonal environment. It comprises mainly of shelly crinoidal calcarenites with frequent chert (fine grained silica) nodules. There are frequent paleokarst and paleosol surfaces in the sequence. Two volcanic horizons are present within the formation called the Lower and Upper Matlock Lavas. Monsal Dale Limestones were quarried in the Middle Peak quarry and Stoneycroft quarry.

he Eyam Limestone Formation is also known locally as the Coal Hills Formation. This sequence is approximately 50 m thick and consists of grey to dark grey, thinly bedded, cherty limestones. At the base of the formation, pale patches of fine grained reef-limestone are present. These reef formations are called carbonate mud mounds - calcite mudstones bound by filamentous algae. They are rich in fossils and stromatactis cavities.

imestones quarried in Middle Peak, Stonecroft and Cole Hill quarries were deposited during Brigantian stage of Dinantian epoch. Two formations are associated with the Brigantian stage: older Monsal Dale Limestones and younger Eyam Limestones. Both formations are sedimentary rocks high in calcium car-

arboniferous limestones are made predominately of calcareous shells and skeletons of brachiopods and crinoids. Quarrying processes often exposed fossilised remains of these animals.

Brief history of life on Earth 3.6 billion years ago - first evidence of life on Earth, simple procaryotic cells.

3.4 billion years ago - cyanobacteria, performing photosynthesis evolved.

4600 Ma

2500

Archean

600 million years ago simple animals evolved.

2 billion years ago complex eucaryotic cells evolved.

550

Proterozoic

* Courtesy of the Integration and Application Network, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (ian.umces.edu/symbols/).

NATURE HERITAGE

rachiopods are filter feeder marine animals with two valve hinged calcite shells. Brachiopods can be distinguished from bivalve molluscs by their anatomy. Bivalve molluscs shells cover the lateral sides of their bodies with the hinge being on the top side. Brachiopod shells cover the top and bottom of the animal, with the hinge being at the rear end and opening at the front of the animal. The top shell is called pedicle valve and it is bigger than the bottom shell called brachial valve. Brachiopods attach themselves to the seabed by pedicle that grows on the hinge of pedicle valve.

rachiopods evolved in the early Cambrian and thrived throughout the Palaeozoic era. Fossils of the largest brachiopods ever recorded, Gigantoproductus, reaching up to 20 cm length can be found in carboniferous limestones at Cole Hill quarry. Brachiopods survived mass extinction during the Permian and Triassic; they became less diverse after this period. Today brachiopods live in deep, cold seas in low light conditions, sheltered from strong currents.

rinoids are often called sea lilies or feather stars due to their appearance. Despite looking like plants they are in fact marine filter feeding invertebrate. They belong to the phylum Echinodermata and are closely related to starfish and sea urchins. The body comprises the stem, which attaches crinoid to the seabed, the calyx - the main body cavity holding the digestive and reproductive organs and the arms. They have pentaradial symmetry, however in most modern species, the arms are divided multiple times and covered in smaller tentacles that resemble feathers. Most modern species have very small stem and are

Arround 360 million years ago amphibians evolved. Earth was covered with vegetation, terrestrial life flourished.

500 million years ago fish evolved. 475 million years ago first land plants appeared.

550

free swimming. Species with long stems are fewer and can be found in the deep seas. The stem is made of segments called ossicles which resemble a hoover pipe. Although it is attached to a surface it is known for crinoids to â&#x20AC;&#x153;walkâ&#x20AC;? on the sea floor. Like other echinodermata, crinoids have calcareous endoskeletons.

350

Carboniferus

Paleozoic

150 million years ago marks arrival of birds. 66 million years ago - mass extinction of dinosaurs. 60 million years ago first primates evolved. 2.5 million years ago first evidence of modern humans.

305 million years ago reptiles evolved Mesozoic era between 250 and 66 million years ago is called an Era of Dinosaurs. 200 million years ago first mammals evolved.

300

250

Mesozoic

Cenozoic

NATURE HERITAGE ISO100 40mm f/3.5 1/80s

ISO100 31mm f/16 1/80s

ISO100 40mm f/16 1/100s

N53.043322, W1.343086

ISO100 40mm f/16 1/80s

ISO100 17mm f/16 1/100s

N53.043322, W1.343086

ISO3200 128mm f/3.2 1/2000s N51.551343, W2.252517 wild

ISO1000 157mm f5.6 1/1000s N51.565026, W1.384701 captive ISO500 200mm f/8 1/640s N51.565026, W1.384701 captive ISO1000 180mm f/8 1/1000s N51.565026, W1.384701 captive ISO160 50mm f/3.5 1/800s

ISO100 50mm f/16 1/160s N52.932959, W1.207827

N51.565026, W1.384701 captive

wild

ISO8000 80mm f/8 1/1000s N51.565026, W1.384701 captive

ISO8000 80mm f/8 1/1000s

ISO1000 180mm f/3.5 1/2000s

ISO8000 112mm f/3.2 1/1000s

N51.551343, W2.252517

ISO3200 128mm f/3.2 1/2000s N51.551343, W2.252517 captive

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ISO2000 200mm f/9 1/1000s N51.551343, W2.252517

ISO1000 147mm f/3.5 1/2000s N51.551343, W2.252517

ISO8000 112mm f/3.2 1/1000s N51.551343, W2.252517 captive

ISO2000 200mm f/9 1/2000s N51.551343, W2.252517 captive

NATURE HERITAGE

technical data

Front Cover

Private farm, Dunstone Lane, Chesterfield.

Rosliston Forestry Centre, Swadlincote.

Wirksworth, Derbyshire.

International Centre for Birds of Prey Gloucestershire.

University of Nottingham Broadgate Park.

Lazienki, Royal Baths Park, Warsaw, Poland.

ISO1250 180mm f/14 1/1000s

Little Owl

(Athene noctua) captive Rosliston Forestry Centre N51.565026, W1.384701

ISO12800 400mm f/7.1 1/1000s ISO10000 400mm f/7.1 1/1000s

ISO12800 400mm f/7.1 1/1000s

N52.123393 E21.021364

ISO10000 400mm f/8 1/1000s

ISO12800 400mm f/7.1 1/1000s

â&#x20AC;&#x192;29

NATURE HERITAGE

technical data continued RSPB Reserve Bembton Cliffs.

WWT Wetland Centre Slimbridge.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Rosliston Forestry Centre, Swadlincote.

ISO6400 200mm f/8 1/2000s N53.294556, W1.030312

University of Nottingham Broadgate Park.

ISO100 200mm f/4 1/1000s N51.551343, W2.252517 wild

captive

ISO100 200mm f/4 1/1600s N54.084768, W0.0936876 wild

ISO1000 200mm f/5.6 1/1000s N51.565026, W1.384701 captive

ISO8000 200mm f/7.1 1/1250s N51.442795, W2.241385 captive

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ISO100 50mm f/22 1/180s N52.932959, W1.207827 composite image.

ISO320 200mm f/3.5 1/1000s N54.084768, W0.093676 wild

NATURE HERITAGE

references Dries Van Nieuwenhuyse, Jean-Claude Genot, David H. Johnson, The Little Owl, Conservation, Ecology and Behavior of Athene noctua, Cambridge University Press 2008. Derek Niemann BBC Wildlife Magazine, Little at large, July 2008. Peter Holden, Tim Cleebves, RSPB Handbook of British Birds RSPB 2010. Phillip Glasier, Falconry and Hawking, Batsford 1998. Gordon Mitchell, Barry Joyce, Lesley Law, The Wirksworth Story, New Life For An Old Town, The Wirksworth Project/ Civic Trust 1989. F. C. Cox, D. J. Harrison, Mineral Assessment Report 47, The limestone and dolomite resources of the country around Wirksworth, Derbyshire, SK 25 Wirksworth, Derbyshire, Institute of Geological Sciences 1980. Albert Horton, Peter Gutteridge, The Geology of the East Midlands, Geologists’ Associacion Guide No. 63. The Geologists’ Associacion 2003. Bob Gibbons, Insects of Britain and Europe, Harper Collins 1999. Katarzyna Wojtowicz, Co wkurza wiewiorki w Lazienkach? (What annoys Red Squirrels in Lazienki Royal Baths Park?) Gazeta Wyborcza 4 March 2008. magazyn.salamandra.org.pl/Polskie Wiewiorki (Polish Squirrels). www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/species-of-the-day/biodiversity/economic-impact/melolontha-melolontha/.

NATURE HERITAGE

APO 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM

Fully equipped with OS large aperture telephoto zoom lens for full frame SLR cameras. AF mounts: Sony, Nikon, Pentax, Canon.

This large aperture telephoto zoom lens has an open aperture value of F2.8 through the entire zoom range. Two FLD glass elements, offering performance on par with fluorite glass, and threeSLD glass elements effectively correct chromatic aberration to assure excellent image quality all the way to full aperture. The super Multi-Layer Coating minimises flare and ghosting, and the HSM provides fast and quiet autofocusing with full-time manual capability. www.sigma-imaging.uk.com

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