Waterlife Apr - Jun 2016

waterlife 196 APRIL/JUNE 2016

waterlife The magazine of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust | 196 Apr/Jun 2016 | £4.25 | wwt.org.uk

GREAT BALLS OF FLUFF!

THE SEASON OF NEW LIFE STARTS HERE INSIDE THIS ISSUE

PLUS

wwt.org.uk

THE CRANE CHICKS ARABIAN FLIGHTS HAVE MADE IT!

WELL RED

BUILDING A WETLAND PAGE 24 CENTRE IN DUBAI

A BETTER WORLD FOR THE RED-BREASTED GOOSE

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THE LEADPHOTO STORYCOMP

YOUR LAST THE LATEST UPDATE ON CHANCE LEAD AMMUNITION TO ENTER FOR 2015

BUILDING ON SIR PETER SCOTT’S LEGACY PAGE 22

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NORTH AND MIDLANDS

Barns at Beal, overlooking Holy Island, Northumberland 17th Apr / 19th Jun Hauxley Nature Reserve, Northumberland 10th Apr / 8th May / 12th Jun / 10th Jul Low Barns Nature Reserve, Co Durham 15th May / 17th Jul North Cave Wetlands, East Yorkshire 3rd Apr / 5th Jun Washington WWT, Tyne and Wear 24th Apr / 22nd May / 26th Jun / 24th Jul Whisby Nature Park, Lincolnshire 29th May

SOUTH AND EAST

Arundel WWT, West Sussex 10th Apr / 19th Apr / 8th May / 24th May 12th Jun / 21st Jun / 10th Jul / 19th Jul Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, E Sussex 17th Apr / 22nd May / 19th Jun / 17th Jul Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory, Kent 30th Apr / 18th Jun / 31st Jul Welney WWT, Norfolk 9th Apr / 11th Jun

SOUTH AND WEST

Blashford Lakes, Ringwood, Hampshire 5th Apr / 3rd May / 7th Jun / 5th Jul Exmouth Nature Reserve, Exe Estuary 3rd Apr / 7th May / 5th Jun / 9th Jul Portland Bird Observatory, Dorset 23rd Apr / 28th May / 25th Jun / 23rd Jul Steart Marshes WWT, Somerset 31st May / 28th Jun

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CONTENTS

FUTURE PERFECT

Step into the future with WWT

As spring comes round, with it come those

wonderful signs of new life, and excitement about the future. In this, WWT’s 70th anniversary year, the future is very much on our minds. In fact, we’d like you to be a part of shaping it.

The government has promised a 25-year plan for nature, which is good news, particularly as we have the opportunity to help create it. WWT is working with the Environment Department to build the best possible plan that we can.

Would you like to join us? We’d love to hear your ideas for what makes a truly ambitious plan for nature in this country. Perhaps you’d like to see new planning laws, or more renewable energy?

Maybe you want stronger protection for an individual species? Light pollution, coastal conservation, disappearance of bees… whatever matters most to you, let us know.

We have a number of suggestions at wwt.org.uk/plan-for-nature. Why not take a look, then simply email your ideas to peter.morris@wwt.org.uk or write to Peter at WWT, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT, and we’ll collate them all for the minister to read. Do get involved. It’s a great chance to be a part of the future.

In this issue...

4 7 16 18 22 26 32 36 40 42 45 66

Front lines Martin Spray on voting for the environment Waterways News and views from the world of WWT Wigeon post Your letters, plus our crossword and competition WWT and you How to make the most of the glorious spring Home from home WWT Slimbridge’s exciting plans for the future Private life Providing a future for the red-breasted goose The big issue The latest updates on the lead shot issue Flight path A fascinating new wetlands project in Dubai Wonderful world Amazing tales from behind the scenes at WWT Kids’ zone Steve Backshall on the charismatic shelduck Down your way All the news and events at your local centre Back chat Meet 90-year-old volunteer, Ronnie Williams

On the cover: Young shelducks by Lindsey Talbert/Alamy

WWT is the leading global conservation organisation committed to the protection of wetlands and all that live in and around them. WWT is the only UK charity with a national network of specialist wetland centres that people can visit. It was founded in 1946 by the late Sir Peter Scott, the renowned naturalist and artist.

HEADQUARTERS Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT 01453 891900 wwt.org.uk membership@wwt.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1030884 and SC039410 CENTRES For full contact details, please see page 45 WWT Arundel 01903 883355 WWT Caerlaverock 01387 770200 WWT Castle Espie 028 9187 4146 WWT Llanelli 01554 741087 WWT London 020 8409 4400 WWT Martin Mere 01704 895181 WWT Slimbridge 01453 891900 WWT Washington 0191 416 5454 WWT Welney 01353 860711

WATERLIFE The quarterly magazine of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Managing editor: Katy Baird waterlife@wwt.org.uk Executive editor: Emma Fauré Editorial board: Ray Clark, Baz Hughes, David Salmon, Rob Shore, Mark Simpson, Fiona Williams Editor: Malcolm Tait malcolm.tait@thinkpublishing.co.uk Senior sub-editor: Marion Thompson Designer: Mark Davies Senior sales executive: Daniel Haynes daniel.haynes@thinkpublishing.co.uk 020 3771 7214 Publisher: John Innes Think, Capital House, 25 Chapel Street, London NW1 5DH thinkpublishing.co.uk

Waterlife is published four times a year, and is printed

by Herons, on UPM Ultra Silk 70gsm, an FSC paper accredited as coming from well-managed forest.

Views expressed in the magazine do not necessarily reflect those of WWT. ISSN: 1752-7392 Average net circulation for the period Jan-Dec 2015: 92,555

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FRONT LINES

A REFERENDUM FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?

Martin Spray CBE, WWT Chief Executive This year, we go to the polls in three votes that could have significant impact on UK environmental protection. You may not think of them as environmental decisions, but the EU referendum, local elections and the London mayoral race could each have a huge influence on our wetlands and wildlife.

In each case, there will be considerations to weigh up and we will have our own individual opinions, priorities and conclusions.

But I believe that it is incumbent on me, and all conservationists, to talk about what works for wildlife and how such big decisions affect nature. With 60% of UK species in decline and only a third of waterbodies in good condition in the UK, we need to improve environmental protection from top to bottom – by working effectively at local, national and international levels.

It is simply not possible for the UK to protect migratory species, to address the challenges of climate change or to clean up the oceans alone. That takes international action and cooperation. As we wave goodbye to the Bewick’s swans, it is good to reflect that they are Dutch, Danish and Russian Bewick’s as much as our own.

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The EU referendum, which is expected to be held this year, is especially important in this respect. Last year, WWT members, staff and volunteers joined 550,000 people, an unprecedented number, in a petition to defend the EU Nature Directives, which were under review. You and many others recognised that these laws are essential for UK wildlife.

These directives, however, are just one part of the EU law protecting the UK environment. There are also directives on climate change, water quality, fisheries and air quality.

In the past, some aspects of the EU have been damaging to nature, such as intensive farming under the Common Agricultural Policy, but that is starting to change. And, indeed, if we want to see even more and better action to protect and improve our environment, we need to be part of those negotiations.

As part of Europe, we have a seat at the table to encourage better standards for wildlife across the continent. Would the UK still be influential if the decision of the nation is to leave the EU? While the referendum debate will, quite understandably, focus upon many major economic and social issues, the natural environment is our one and only life-support system and it warrants the highest consideration.

The experience of past elections is not encouraging in this respect. We need to know what environmental policies would be enacted by each of the political parties should we exit from the EU. Without a balanced debate, how will we know?

This equally applies to the local government and mayoral elections. That should be our challenge to the politicians at this important time.

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As we wave goodbye to the Bewick’s swans, it is good to reflect that they are Dutch, Danish and Russian Bewick’s as much as our own

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WWT NEWS

WATERWAYS NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE WORLD OF WILDFOWL AND WETLAND CONSERVATION

SHE FLIES THROUGH THE AIR

4 ,500 The distance

miles that S in will be flyinacha during Fligh g the Swans.t of

Sacha follows the Bewick’s in her flying machine

As you read this, the Bewick’s swans that we enjoyed during the winter are on their way back to their breeding grounds in the Russian Arctic. When they return in the autumn, however, they won’t be alone. Someone rather remarkable will be travelling with them.

That someone is WWT’s Sacha Dench, who will be accompanying the swans on their journey back to the UK. She will be flying the route using a paramotor, in what will be the first ever attempt to follow the swans on their migration.

‘This expedition, which we’re calling Flight of the Swans, is a chance to learn more about Bewick’s swans and why they’re declining,’ says Sacha. ‘Just as importantly, it’s a chance to bring people from different cultures together, as the swans’ fate rests in all our hands.’

‘When I heard about Flight of the Swans I knew it was a winner, and instantly accepted the chance to be a patron,’ says polar explorer Pen Hadow.

‘But we can’t leave great conservation projects like this to charities alone; corporate partners can help do the

Where otters potter Keep an eye out for otters at WWT Washington

This could be a good year for otters at WWT Washington Wetland Centre, as no fewer than three new otter holts have been installed along the centre’s boundary with the River Wear. The new additions, purchased with a grant from Sunderland City Council, were already

heavy lifting, not just with sponsorship, but also with reaching their audiences.’

If you know of anyone who may be interested in sponsoring this aweinspiring Flight of the Swans, please get in touch by calling John Creedon on 01453 891274. To follow Sacha’s journey and for behind-the-scenes updates, search ‘Flight Of The Swans’ on Facebook, or follow @WWTSwanFlight and #FlightOfTheSwans on Twitter.

We’ll also keep you updated in future issues of Waterlife.

showing signs of use in the winter, with lots of additional otter prints seen. With luck, you may get some great views of these charismatic mammals from the new hide overlooking the lagoon.

To adopt an otter to support work like this, visit wwt.org.uk/otter.

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WWT NEWS

MISSION MADAGASCAR: AN UPDATE

Children in Marofamara, one of the poorest villages

capital. These involved the development of a common identity for the project, linking all activities to benefits for people as well as the lake.

Meanwhile, at a governmentled workshop, we secured a mandate to develop national guidelines for the management of wetlands, linked to Ramsar and national wetland policies.

The project continues to gain support, not least from the British ambassador to Madagascar, who emphasised how our work is making a genuine difference for birds, livelihoods and the environment.

Peter Cranswick/WWT

Six years since bringing Madagascar Lake Sofia pochards into captivity, writes Peter Cranswick, WWT’s Head of Planning and Advisory, we are making real strides into the ambition of our Madagascar programme. The aim is to turn around the fortunes of the world’s rarest bird, the highly degraded Madagascar wetlands and the livelihoods of the impoverished communities that rely upon and manage those sites.

It’s important to get Late last year, we reviewed all your ducks lined progress with the Conservation up in a project this big Breeding Centre, where the captive birds In time, Lake Sofia are kept, and where six banks of aviaries will become home to currently house 75 birds. We also the pochards and a model reviewed the site and designed a place for sustainable wetland for the Malagasy to come and see the management. We also visited pochards. It will enable more people to villages to see the initiatives that our learn about the project, as well as take development partner, a local affiliate the pressure off the centre and add a of the Aga Khan Foundation, has set up degree of safety by not having all the to improve and diversify agricultural captive birds in one place. practices. The team has also identified Lake Sofia is less degraded than where and how pochards could most wetlands in Madagascar and is potentially be released at Lake Sofia – in the focus of the next major phase of our a small bay surrounded by papyrus and programme. We are working with the fringed with a mat of floating vegetation, communities that depend on the lake, used by local women to fish from. developing systems that empower The visit ended with project meetings them to protect the site and develop and workshops in Antananarivo, the sustainable livelihoods for themselves.

This project has been grant-aided by the Darwin Initiative through UK Government funding and other generous funders.

FOLLOW THE TRAIL

It’s a busy year for the LEGO® brick animals, as they’ll be appearing at a number of WWT wetland centres in the months that lie ahead.

From 24 March to 17 April, they’ll be at WWT Washington, joining the GIANT Duck Hunt for the Easter holiday. On 1 May, you’ll be able to see them at WWT Arundel, where they’ll be on show until 26 June.

Come the summer holidays, it will be the turn of WWT Martin

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Mere to host the trail from 16 July to 5 September, then from 17 September to 6 November, the brick bandwagon will return to WWT Slimbridge. With WWT Llanelli marked in for 12 November to 4 December, and a return to WWT London on 12 December in time for Christmas, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to catch them.

To find out more, and to check dates closer to the time, simply visit wwt.org.uk/legobrickanimals.

LEGO brick animals are a children’s favourite

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DID YOU MAKE A SPLASH?

It was the wettest half-term ever, and we’re not talking about the weather. Up and down the country, enthusiastic children (and a few adults, too) slapped their wellies on and entered the very first National Puddle Jumping Championships at WWT centres.

‘We know that children love nothing more than to splash about in puddles,’ says WWT’s Hannah Clifford, ‘so we thought we’d give them the chance to channel their inner splasher, while also encouraging outdoor fun.’

Daily winners were announced across the centres throughout the half-term holiday, and each centre’s winners were then put forward to national level for a grand winner. The competition was still under way as Waterlife went to print, so we can’t announce the outcome until next issue, but everyone had a splashing good time.

Sam Stafford/WWT

Watery fun was had by all who took part in puddlejumping events

WE HAVE A CHAMPION! Everyone needs support, and Bewick’s swans are no exception, which is why WWT was delighted to welcome South West MEP Julie Girling as the first ever Bewick’s swan Species Champion earlier this year. Julie met with conservationists from WWT and RSPB at Slimbridge in January to arm herself for an important vote the following month. The EU Directives that provide protection to Europe’s wildlife were due to be voted on in February, and Julie was there to wave the flag for the swan.

Ms Girling also wished WWT’s Sacha Dench success in her expedition to follow the swans later this year (see page 7). ‘The decline of the Bewick’s swan across Europe is a tragedy,’ she said. ‘I am

Julie Girling MEP (right) looks at drawings from WWT’s Bewick’s swan study with swan researcher Julia Newth

delighted to be able to support initiatives here in the South West, which will ensure their survival. We must work across borders

to ensure the future preservation of the Bewick’s swan and other migratory birds.’

We’ll have more on this important vote next issue.

Erratum On page 4 of issue 195 we published a photograph, captioned as Peter Scott, but not of him. This is a photograph that has appeared in other publications over the years, similarly captioned, and we have now been making attempts to get it withdrawn from circulation.

Our apologies to all.

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WWT NEWS

CONSERVATION CROWDFUNDING IN ACTION! To kick-start our 70th anniversary celebrations, in January we launched our first crowdfunding campaign to republish the famous novella The Snow Goose by Paul Gallico, illustrated by Sir Peter Scott.

We received an amazing response.

In just eight days we had smashed our original target of £4,000 and reached our stretched target of £10,000! Thank you to everyone who supported us, and helped to turn the idea of republishing The Snow Goose into a reality.

Thanks to the kind support we received, we have raised enough money to cover the marketing and publication costs of 5,000 copies.

We aim to raise £50,000 from sales, which will go towards the conservation

One of thousands of cottages to choose from

and education work of both WWT and the Snowgoose Wildlife Trust. The Snowgoose Wildlife Trust is based at the lighthouse where Peter Scott lived before the war, providing the inspiration for The Snow Goose.

Seventy years on from the first publication of this illustrated version of The Snow Goose and the founding of WWT, the spirit of Peter Scott lives on. Our wetlands and their wildlife face so many challenges, but you’ve proved once again what we can do when we join forces.

This is just the beginning of what we can achieve in 2016!

Snow goose in flight

TAKE A GANDER The republished edition of The Snow Goose, including a new foreword by Michael Morpurgo, will go on public sale in November at WWT centres and bookshops across the UK. Do look out for it.

TAKE A BREAK WHILE SUPPORTING WETLANDS If you’re looking for an enjoyable break this year, then you can do so while helping WWT at the same time. Thanks to a special deal with cottages.com, for each booking made, WWT will receive a donation based on 10% of the cost of the holiday towards our vital conservation work in the UK and abroad.

There are plenty of great places to choose from, too. Whether you’re looking for cosy cottages, roomy villas or something truly unique and quirky, there are around 15,000 properties spread throughout the UK, Ireland, France and Italy.

To find out more, simply visit www.chooseacottage.co.uk/wwp.

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cities | scenery | culture | heritage | events | seasons

The Charming Dordogne This holiday to the Dordogne takes in one of the most beautiful areas in France.

Renowned for exquisite medieval towns and prehistoric caves, take in the very best of this striking region.

Itinerary (for full details visit www.raildiscoveries.com/DQS) Day 1 Le Bugue Travel on the Eurostar service from St Pancras International to Paris, and connect with the train to Brive. From here transfer by coach to the town of Le Bugue. You will spend the next five nights here at the Hotel Royal Vézère.

Day 2 Gouffre de Proumeyssac Enjoy a wonderful excursion to the Gouffre de Proumeyssac, amongst the most spectacular of the region’s cave systems. Here you take a guided tour, as the caves and eerie caverns are beautifully illuminated by a sound and light show. Later you take to the waters at La Roque-Gageac in a traditional flatbottomed gabare boat, your chance to experience the true charm of the Dordogne countryside as you gently cruise down the river, past rolling countryside and pretty châteaux.

honey-coloured stone, is virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages.

Day 5 Rocamadour This morning you travel to the magnificent village of Rocamadour, perched high above the meandering river below. The town rises up in levels, and is crowned by l’Hospitalet abbey.

In the afternoon you continue to the medieval village of Martel for a ride on the restored Truffadou Train* which offers superb views over the Dordogne valley.

Day 6 Brive Transfer by coach to Brive for the connecting train to Paris, where you change for the Eurostar to St Pancras International. *Steam or diesel-hauled depending on departure date.

FLIGHT-INCLUSIVE HOLIDAYS ARE ATOL PROTECTED, NON FLIGHTINCLUSIVE HOLIDAYS ARE FINANCIALLY PROTECTED BY ABTA.

BOOK WITH 100%

CONFIDENCE

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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: • Fully escorted by a UK Tour Manager from start to finish • Return rail travel • 5 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast and 4 course dinner with wine every day • Conveniently located hotel • Gouffre de Proumeyssac caves • Gabare boat cruise

Day 3 Le Bugue Your morning is free to explore the charming town of Le Bugue. You have the opportunity to admire the town’s traditional houses and take a stroll along the river. This afternoon there is the chance to join an optional excursion to the Château de Puymartin, a wonderfully preserved fairytale French castle perched on a hilltop which played a key role during the Hundred Years’ War. Day 4 Sarlat A leisurely morning gives you the chance to explore the market in Le Bugue today. As well as the local produce on display, you will find stalls selling traditional craftwork. After lunch it’s time to visit Sarlat, an incredibly picturesque town in the heart of the Dordogne.

The medieval Old Town, with its labyrinth of alleyways and architecture built in warm

6 DAYS from £645

• Sarlat and Rocamadour • Journey on the Truffadou Train • All tour itinerary admission costs Departures 27 Apr 16 11 May 16 1 Jun 16 8 Jun 16 15 Jun 16 6 Jul 16

Price £695 £745 £745 £725 £725 £725

Departures 3 Aug 16 17 Aug 16 31 Aug 16 7 Sep 16 21 Sep 16 5 Oct 16

Price £695 £695 £745 £745 £725 £645

Dates and prices are subject to availability. Prices shown are per person, based on 2 people sharing. Prices may change prior to and after publication.

Itinerary may differ depending on the departure date you choose - please call for details. Terms and conditions apply. Calls will be recorded.

Call us now to book or request a brochure

01904 730617 www.raildiscoveries.com Our tour advisors are here 7 days a week

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WWT NEWS

THE NATURAL CLASSROOM Are children becoming disconnected from the natural world around them? A study from 2013 has shown that only 21% of children – that’s just one in five – are connected to nature, which is defined as having an empathy with creatures, an enjoyment of nature and a genuine sense of responsibility for the environment. This does not simply mean that they’re missing out on these pleasures – losing this valuable connection can cause them problems in life, too.

Another study has shown that the symptoms of attention deficit disorder (ADD) are actually relieved after contact with nature, and that children can perform better in their school work after those experiences.

Catering for learning opportunities at our centres is something WWT has done since the organisation was founded

by Sir Peter Scott in 1946. With fantastic wildlife and outstanding habitats, our reserves lend themselves to some of the best outdoor learning in the UK, nurturing the young generations towards becoming environmental citizens of the future.

Every year, some 55,000 school children visit our centres to find out more about nature, wetland species and habitats, and the great outdoors. Our nine centres offer guided or self-guided hands-on, exploratory and investigative sessions, provided by our passionate and inspiring teams. Children are given the opportunity to discover the

An outdoor learning session

wetland world through a multitude of activities, such as pond dipping, birdwatching, studying migration in action or monitoring minibeasts. In addition, our outdoor formal learning sessions support schools with their pupils’ academic achievement, as well as providing social benefits.

With passionate staff, unforgettable experiences, outstanding resources, shared scientific knowledge and the ability to empower young children, the sites at WWT truly stand out as places to connect school visitors with nature.

To find out more about learning opportunities, visit wwt.org.uk/learn.

INSPIRING THE FUTURE

We are now in the final year of our Inspiring Generations free school visits scheme, generously funded by HSBC Water Programme. By the end of this year, 60,000 pupils from disadvantaged areas will have enjoyed a free school visit to one of our wetland centres.

It has been thrilling to see so many young children derive so much pleasure from their experiences. ‘Our visit today was magical,’ reported Churchdown Parton Manor Junior School. ‘Their faces came alive when we got back to school and they talked about their best parts of the day.’ Teachers from May Park Primary agreed: ‘As we are an inner-city school, many of our children do not have the opportunity to visit this type of environment and your scheme has opened up a new world for them.’

Crossword solution

Here are the answers to last issue’s crossword.

Across: 7. Autumn 8. Watch 9. Clef 10. Garganey 11. Anagram 13. Chase 15. Stint 17. Gainsay 20. Unsprung 21. Boom 22. Roost 23. Relief Down: 1. Dunlin 2. Ruff 3. Enigmas 4. Swarm 5. Strachan 6. Shrews 12. Gene pool 14. Badgers 16. Tundra 18. Avocet 19. Tufts 21. Bill

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WWT NEWS

PICTURE THIS: 70 YEARS OF WWT Exciting news for art lovers: this autumn,

f we are putting together an exhibition sum dolor at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre

r

CELEBRATING

70

to celebrate our 70th anniversary by exploring wetland wildlife in art over YEA R S the years. Art is at the heart of WWT, from Sir Peter’s beautiful paintings and the Bewick’s swan identification project to the sculptural designs of some of our hides.

70And years of you can be part of it. If you have any pieces of art lorem impsum dolor that you think could help to tell the story of WWT and the Scott family, please do consider taking part in the exhibition. Without our supporters, we wouldn’t have made it this far and achieved so much, so it’s fitting that you have the chance to contribute to this exhibition.

Running from 12 October to 22 November, the exhibition will consist of work for sale as well as just on display, so you will have the choice to either loan or donate your work to help WWT achieve its ongoing mission of bringing wetlands and their wildlife closer to people.

Please get in touch with Eleanor Wise, who will collate submissions with Paul Walkden, Sir Peter’s biographer, who is curating the exhibition, by Monday 1 August 2016.

Contact Eleanor at eleanor.wise@wwt.org.uk, by post at the WWT Slimbridge address, or by calling 01453 891157.

We look forward to hearing from you.

DUCKERY’S DOUBLE DECADE

Our Downy

Sir Peter Scott at his easel

Duckling Days Downy Duckling Week at WWT are popular events Washington Wetland Centre is from 28 May to 5 June, but a week Sir Peter Scott, Sir James Steel, who before it begins, there’s another special part-funded its creation. The building date for your diary, as on 21 May the itself was designed with big viewing centre’s duckery celebrates its 20th windows to allow close-up views of the anniversary. The centre is busy newest hatchlings in their rearing units, gathering images and stories about its and dozens of staff and volunteers history to share with visitors in May. have trained and learnt essential skills Here’s a little taster. The duckery there over the years. was originally named after a friend of

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Of course, the duckery also has an important role to play in conservation, as it’s where Washington’s aviculturists incubate and hatch eggs from the centre’s waterbird collection, from the critically endangered Baer’s pochard to the vulnerable red-breasted goose. One of the great success stories involves Washington’s Chilean flamingos: between 2012 and 2014, the team hand-reared 29 of these fascinating birds and introduced them to the flock in an effort to stimulate natural breeding.

It worked, with seven chicks born in the past two years!

Come along in May and find out more about Washington’s fascinating duckery… and watch this year’s fluffy new generation hatch and take their first steps, too!

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THE PEOPLE’S SUPPORT If you’re a player of People’s Postcode Lottery, then thank you. This is a charity lottery, played by simply entering your postcode for the chance to win a daily cash prize, and it raises lots of money for good causes. In 2015, its players provided a magnificent £250,000 funding for WWT. ‘Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery helps to ensure that WWT goes from strength to strength, by making our wetland centres even better for wildlife, and helping even more people make that special connection with nature,’ says WWT Chief Executive Martin Spray CBE. All nine of WWT’s centres will benefit, as well as our new reserve at Steart Marshes, from improvements, including enhancing habitat for breeding birds at WWT Llanelli, providing new educational play areas for children and a new school mentoring scheme.

Keep an eye on these pages and the website for further details of these projects. Meanwhile, you can find out more about People’s Postcode Lottery at wwt.org.uk/ppl.

BO�M AND BUST

oomienrge b e r o M erns w bitt orded in es rec and Wal d Engla2n015 than at n i ny time . a 0 years o f r 20

CELEBRATE A LIFE Our wetland reserves teem with life. Why not celebrate the life of a loved one by helping us look after these amazing places?

The lasting value of donations is clear. As Gary Haseley-Nejrup, General Manager at Slimbridge, explains: ‘Each year, gifts in memory allow us to do so much more at the centre.

We can look after habitats for wetland wildlife, and carry out special projects that otherwise couldn’t go ahead.’

At Arundel and Slimbridge, you can donate to record your loved one’s name in a Commemoration Book, and soon we’ll have them at London and Martin Mere, too. Or you can give to any of WWT’s centres to celebrate a special anniversary.

Whatever you do, you’ll help nature provide a living memorial. To find out more about making a lasting difference in memory of a relative or friend, please visit wwt.org.uk/gifts-in-memory.

The latest assessment of the status of the UK’s 244 bird species revealed some disturbing news. Birds of Conservation Concern 4 showed that 67 species are now of ‘highest conservation concern’, putting them on the assessment’s Red List, which now accounts for more than one quarter – 27% – of the UK’s birds. This is a rise of 6% on the last assessment, made in 2009. The long-tailed duck and velvet scoter are among the waterbirds now on the list, while curlew, puffin, shag and kittiwake have also been added.

There is, however, some good news. The bittern, previously on the Red List, has now been moved to the Amber List, which is a less threatened ranking, thanks to improvements in its numbers and range. In 1997, there were only 11 booming males left in Britain, but efforts to improve its preferred habitat of wet reedbed have helped to raise that figure to 150 last year. Recoveries such as this are testament to WWT’s work on improving wetland environments. Dunlins, too, have been removed from the Red List, and both species can be seen at several of our reserves.

This latest assessment shows that much work is still to be done, but it also proves that, with the right approach, we can continue to achieve success stories.

Birds of Conservation Concern 4 was compiled by a partnership of organisations, including WWT. APRIL/JUNE 2016

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WIGEON POST

Send your letters on all things WWT or Waterlife to Wigeon Post, WWT, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT, or email waterlife@wwt.org.uk

great habitats and food resources for such an iconic bird.

Jade Cook, Chichester

The Arundel barn owl

Dear Waterlife I love nature and wildlife in every shape and size, and am a regular visitor to your wonderful WWT wetland centre in Arundel.

I noticed on my last visit in October, (I’m not sure how I hadn’t noticed before) that an owl nest box had been erected on site. On 16 January this year, my husband and I visited again and had a wonderful day spotting water rails and voles, although I had secretly been hoping to spot a glimpse of the barn owl that had been reported to be using the nest box as featured in your January edition of Waterlife.

We waited in the freezing cold for dusk to fall. As closing time approached, we reluctantly prepared to head back towards the visitor centre and then head home, but I took one quick, last-minute peek behind me as we left.

There, to my amazement, was the barn owl perched on the ledge of the owl box, looking a little sleepy. We grabbed our camera, and were able to catch a quick snap before it popped back inside the box for a quick ‘five more minutes’ snooze (please excuse the blurred focus, but light was fading and excitement was taking over!).

I am so pleased that the barn owl has chosen to nest here, as it is such a wonderful sight to see, and to know that Arundel wetlands is providing such

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Dear Waterlife In the Jan/March issue you asked what inspired readers about WWT. Here’s mine.

In the early 1990s, I was in the Swan Link Hide at Martin Mere as the mid-afternoon swan feed-time approached. The sight of hundreds of wild swans, geese and ducks was wonderful, but it was the sound of the swans that really hit me. I closed my eyes and just let the sound of the swans envelop me, building to a crescendo as the warden brought out the barrow of feed. A truly inspiring moment.

Geoff Smith, Rafford, Forres Editor replies: Many thanks for sending this in, Geoff; you have captured a wonderful moment. In this 70th anniversary year, we’re looking for all your inspiring moments. Do keep sending them in.

Dear Waterlife I am a composer and guitarist, and a frequent visitor to WWT Arundel Wetland Centre. I have been inspired while there to write several pieces of music, each based upon a specific bird species; impressions formed from their behaviour and song.

After some conversations with Lizzy Pearce, one of the educators at Arundel, I was lucky enough to be asked to play these pieces for visitors at the centre. These ‘recitals’ started small, but ended up with me playing to about 40 people in the lecture theatre at one of Arundel’s event weekends last year.

tell us what you think!

As a result of that, Claire Ellis (who liaises with the Supporters Group) arranged for a fantastic opportunity for me to work with the centre manager, Dave Fairlamb, to create a ‘talk with music’ based on the birdlife to be found at Arundel. The Supporters Group talk, entitled ‘Wild at Arundel’, is the last in the 2016 season and is scheduled for 20 June. I am keen to publicise this in order to get as much interest as possible in the event, so as to maximise the ticket sales (which will, of course, go to WWT).

I am planning to see if I can get interest in taking the music to some of the other WWT centres as well.

Hopefully you might consider doing an article on this project for the April/ June edition of Waterlife, as I know WWT is always keen to try new things.

I can certainly see many ways in which the music could be used to help spread the message of conservation, human engagement with wildlife, and all the other good things done at the centres.

Tony Randle, via email Editor replies: I don’t think there’s any need to run an article, Tony, as you’ve already expressed the power of music so well in your letter. The June event at Arundel sounds as if it will be superb. If other readers have examples of how art forms can help to spread the message of conservation, we’d love to read them. All of which leads us onto our next letter…

Singing birds, such as this song thrush, can be truly inspiring

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LETTERS

Dear Waterlife In response to your comment about artworks in a recent edition, these two sculptures were in my final show at The Art Academy in July, no doubt inspired by my time at WWT London Wetland Centre as a volunteer.

Angela Wilkes, via email

Dear Waterlife When I read the item about the book The Snow Goose in the last issue, I immediately ran to my cupboards and turned everything out to see if I still had it, and I do. I bought this little book over 60 years ago and have read it many times. I suppose I love it so much because I was brought up among ducks and geese that my father used to keep. The pages are brown with age, but it will remain with me until I die.

Patricia Johnstone, via email

Angela’s stunning sculptures

crossword We’ve got this great prize for the winner of our crossword, set by WWT member Tim Bonsor. It’s a lovely selection of exclusive Bewick’s swan bill pattern stationery, worth around £23. Send your crossword (photocopied if you wish) to the address opposite by 20 May and the first correct entry drawn after that date wins. Meanwhile, the solution to last issue’s puzzle is on page 12; Waterlife Spring 2016 congratulations to the winner, Patrick Cannings.

Across 1. Of all the downy ducklings, which is the _ _ _ _ _ _? (6) 4. Convenience for half of the population. (6) 9. Flower that appears in 26 across. (7) 10. Wader that makes a drumming sound with its tail feathers. (5) 11. What we all do, gracefully, we hope. (3) 12. Spectacular bird now often seen at Slimbridge following a reintroduction scheme. (5) 13. Part of an engine, whichever way you look at it. (5) 14. Paint one to take part in an annual race in May at Martin Mere. (7,4) 19. His thoughts turn to love, especially in 26 across. (5) 21. With 26 across, freshen up your home following winter. (5) 23. You’ll need one to go pond dipping. (3) 24. Italian who gave his name to a warbler present all year at Barnes. (5) 25. To carry out (a plan). (7) 26. ‘If Winter comes, can _ _ _ _ _ _ be far behind?’

– Shelley. (6) 27. All-white birds you might well see at 7 down. (6)

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It may have had its head tipped downwards, but it couldn’t escape your eagle eyes. Our close-up last issue was of a fieldfare, one of the thrushes (along with the redwing) that we see in winter. Well done to everyone who got it right, and in particular to Linden Rhoden, whose name was the first to be drawn out of the hat after the closing date.

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Down 1. By this you have good fortune. (6) 2. A letter of the Greek alphabet. (5) 3. Typical weather in 26 across. (7) 5. Genus covering all grey geese. (5) 6. It’s stupid. (7) 7. _ _ _ _ _ _ Marshes is the latest WWT site. (6) 8. You’ll need spectacles to see the birds if you are this. (4-7)

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15. Device which confines, eg speed. (7) 16. What you’ll find in the hatchery. (4,3) 17. Flower that appears in 26 across. (6) 18. Indentations of the shoreline. (6) 20. With 26 across, a tasty salad ingredient. (5) 22. An instrumental piece of music by Chopin, for example. (5)

This issue, as it’s spring, we’ve zoomed in on the detail of one of our visitors from abroad. But which one? Send your answer to the address opposite, and the first correct identification drawn after the closing date of 20 May wins a copy of Ultimate Wildlife Experiences.

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Looking forward to Easter? Waiting for spring and the wildlife it brings? Wait no longer: your local WWT centre is full of young birds and other exciting signs of new life

NEW BEGINNINGS Easter has come a little early

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A large red damselfly adult emerges from its nymph-stage skin

The water dragons

It’s around this time of year that dragonflies and damselflies first appear. But where do they come from? Pond dipping can help to provide the answer.

Dragonflies spend the early part of their lives as larvae called nymphs, and they live underwater, trawling for other insect larvae, tadpoles, snails and even small fish. You may find one the next time you scoop your net during a pond-dipping session.

What’s amazing is that a dragonfly can remain at the nymph stage for a long time… in some species up to five years! Eventually, the nymph crawls up a stem of an aquatic plant and clings on. Slowly, the dragonfly emerges, moulting its previous skin over a period of one to three hours. Having unfurled its body, it sits until its wings dry, then away it flies to begin life as an adult.

It’s a fascinating process to witness, if you’re lucky enough to see it. If not, there are still the vibrant colours and acrobatic skills of the dragonflies to watch. Among the earlier species to spot are the large red damselfly and the broad-bodied chaser.

A fully formed large red damselfly

Matt Cole/FLPA

this year, and we can say hoorah for that. As the holidays are starting in March, it gives us all a great opportunity to get out and about earlier than usual, and witness the true beginnings of new life at WWT wetland centres up and down the country.

There are so many ways that you can enjoy the great outdoors. Our centres run a range of walks and talks to help you discover sights you’ve never seen before, and photography courses enable you to capture them for ever. Canoe safaris and boat discovery tours take you out into the heart of the wetlands where so many of our charismatic creatures dwell on the surface of the water, while pond dipping provides glimpses of the myriad forms of life that exist on the flip side. The Down Your Way section that begins on page 45 of this issue, as well as the centre web pages (at wwt.org.uk/visit), will provide you with the details.

But what can you hope to see once you’re out there? Keep your eyes peeled and your ears pinned back, as here we showcase just a few of the sights and sounds of this new season that will be appearing at a WWT centre near you.

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W W T AN D YO U

Wherever you look, there’s a new generation coming to life and, as the season rolls on, more and more youngsters will be appearing for the first time. Across our collections and among the wildlife on our reserves, you’ll be able to see gorgeous chicks, ducklings, goslings and cygnets as they energetically follow their parents around hoping for food, while finding out how the big wide world works.

It’s such a busy time of year, and there’s so much to take in. Keep an eye out for kingfishers as they zip back and forth across the water, bringing food to the young in their burrows in the sides of banks. Watch out for water voles, active at this time of year, as they feed on vegetation before slipping below the water with a plop! And, of course, the sight of cute, fluffy ducklings, as they zoom across the water like wind-up toys, never fails to bring a smile to the face.

Malcolm Schuyl/FLPA

Starting young

Three young shelducks, all in a row

At our wetland centres, we run a host of walks and talks during the season so that you can find out more about this fascinating stage of the lifecycle of wildlife, plus learn great tips on how to identify adults and their young. Don’t forget that our volunteers around the grounds are always keen to share information, so if there’s anything you want to know, all you have to do is ask.

Can you find the GIANT ducks?

Barry Batchelor/WWT

HOORAH FOR THE HIRUNDINES

GO BIG! The more you explore, the more you find. That’s true of nature, of course, but over Easter the same can also be said of plastic ducks.

Giant plastic ducks. During the Easter period, you can follow trails and join in the fun during our annual GIANT Duck Hunt; find them all, and there’s a Cadbury’s chocolate treat waiting for you at the end.

New life isn’t just about the young; it’s also about spotting returning wildlife.

They may have been absent during the winter, but the summer visitors are now beginning to arrive once again.

There’s one family in particular that we always love to welcome back, and that’s the hirundines, the name given to swallows and martins.

The first to return is the sand martin; in fact, the first of them should already be here by now.

In April, the house martins and swallows arrive to complete the family, all of whom have spent their winter in Africa.

It’s a wonderful sight to see them swooping low across the water at your local WWT wetland centre, hunting for insects as they go.

But how do you tell the difference between them? Sand martins are browner than the other two, with a dark band beneath their chin.

House martins don’t have that band, but they do have a visible white rump. Swallows stand out with those beautiful, long tail feathers and rich-red throats.

Sand martins

House martin

Swallow

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Wakey, wakey!

Jelger Herder/FLPA

seen in February. The sight, and humming sound, of bumblebees drifting from flower to flower is one of the pleasures of spring and summer. WWT centres, with their flowering plants, are wonderful for bumblebees. In fact, last year, Common the scarce ruderal bumblebee was spotted Spring means one thing to much of our wildlife: lizard at WWT Welney. Bumblebees are vital for it’s time to wake up. After their winter hibernation, pollination, but many species are in insects, reptiles, amphibians and even some mammals decline, so every one you spot is a little are now getting about their business once more. good news story in itself.

One of them is up earlier than most, as its name Another creature to look out for is the suggests. It’s called the early bumblebee, and common lizard, which will also have shaken off it usually emerges from its winter slumber its winter slumbers. They can sometimes be seen in March, although in mild years it can be on paths or rocks on hot days, soaking up the sun.

Early bumblebee

Not all the cute, fluffy young birds are outside. We have duckeries at many of our centres, where we hatch and look after some of the birds in our collections, and during our Downy Duckling Days you can see these delightful little gems for yourself. From egg to duckling, you can watch this early stage of life, while finding out about incubation and hatching.

You can even see the tiny creatures while they’re still inside the egg! Candling is a process whereby aviculturists check to see how the young birds are doing before they hatch. It’s a very simple and totally safe process that involves shining a light from one side of the egg so that its contents can be seen from the other.

Check the Down Your Way section at the end of this issue for details of Downy Duckling Weeks at WWT centres.

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Nigel Jarrett/WWT

DIVINE DUCKLINGS

Newly hatched ducklings

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Brick works

SPACE INVADER

In among the wildlife in our grounds, there’s also the chance to see our fabulous LEGO® brick animals, which are touring WWT’s wetland centres this year. To find out where they are now and in the months ahead, simply turn to page 8.

It may only be two notes, repeated several times, but it’s one of the most famous sounds of spring. The cuckoo returns to our shores in April, and we all hope to hear that familiar refrain echoing out over our wetlands (incidentally, for music lovers, the notes that it sings at the beginning of the breeding season are a descending minor third!).

Cuckoos are famed for their sneaky behaviour, as they don’t bother to bring up their own young, and leave others to do the job instead. They lay their single egg in other birds’ nests, and when their chick hatches, it pushes all its rivals

out and, quite simply, takes over the nest. Astonishingly, cuckoos are actually able to lay eggs that mimic the colour and pattern of the eggs of the host parent that are already in the nest!

Even though the chick grows to be much bigger than its foster parents, the adults carry on feeding it, seemingly none the wiser. One of the commonest bird nests chosen by the cuckoo is that of the reed warbler, tucked safely away in reedbeds, making the cuckoo a true wetland bird.

Listen out for it as you explore the reserve.

Sacha Dench/WWT

A time of discovery

They’re young, they’re full of energy, and they love to explore the world around them. It’s a wonderful thing to be a child, with their rampant curiosity and so much out there to discover.

WWT wetland centres are perfect for children, as they provide so much to see and do, which stimulates the imagination, particularly in springtime.

Many of our centres run events specially tailored to kids, and learning opportunities abound (see page 12). From

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Adam Finch/WWT

e/FLPA Thomas Hinsch

A young cuckoo demands food from its foster parent, a reed warbler

Come along and see our LEGO brick animals

There’s plenty of fun for children at our centres

photography to arts and crafts, from feeding the birds to the facilities in our Discovery Hides, there’s always something new to try.

Of course, one of the best ways to learn is through play, and WWT’s play areas are all designed to fire up children’s enthusiasm for the great outdoors and the life it contains. From WWT Slimbridge’s Welly Boot Land to WWT London’s Explore!, these themed areas provide plenty of opportunity for creative play.

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HOME FROM HOME

Peter Scott was one of the first to realise that people will protect nature when they understand and value it. Slimbridge’s new Living Legacy project will not only celebrate this heritage, but build upon it

A VISION FOR ACTION ‘Peter Scott was a pioneer in claiming

the needs of conservation...

I admire him very, very much.’

That is a quote that Sir David Attenborough gave to Waterlife as part of the celebrations of the centenary of Sir Peter Scott’s birth, and it’s a fascinating one. Look at the final sentence.

Peter had died some 20 years previously, but David still spoke of his admiration in the present tense.

That simple statement gets to the very heart of the legacy of Peter Scott.

His work, his spirit, his ideals live on.

And they will continue to do so.

WWT is shaping a vision for the next 25 years, based upon Peter’s spirit, his powers of innovation, and his committed belief that bringing people closer to wildlife is of paramount importance to both. We want to make wetlands and the wonderful wildlife they support even more accessible to even more people. We want to provide amazing experiences that will inspire people to care even more for these vital habitats. Most of all, we want to show that the more we support wetlands, the more they will be able to support us.

This is the Scott vision for the 21st century, and it begins right now. In this, the 70th anniversary year of Peter’s founding of WWT, we are celebrating that pioneering spirit and those continuing ideals, and moving on to the 22

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Bringing people closer to wildlife

In this, the 70th anniversary year of Peter’s founding of WWT, we are celebrating his pioneering spirit, and those continuing ideals next stage of building upon them.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has earmarked £4.4m towards an exciting and uplifting project that will transform Slimbridge into a 21st-century centre of conservation that will inspire, entertain and nurture generations of conservation enthusiasts. We are extremely grateful to National Lottery players for their help.

It all comes back to Peter’s own passionate belief and one of his greatest triumphs: wildlife experiences are to be shared.

Using the tools available to him at the time – books, TV programmes and, of course, his growing network of wetland centres – he made it his life’s work to bring wildlife to people, and bring people to wildlife, too, enhancing the understanding of the natural world around us in the process.

Today, we have more communication tools available to us, and the project will use them to maximise the ways in which we can build upon that unique Peter Scott heritage. For example, one of the plans for the project is the installation of a Conservation in Action exhibit, which will showcase WWT’s work around the world.

Another way in which Peter communicated his wildlife message was through his art, and a new People and Wildfowl exhibit is planned to become a permanent hub for art projects for visitors and school children, inviting everyone to create their own wetlandsinspired works.

That’s not all. Much of Peter’s work took place firstly in the old decoyman’s cottage and then in the house he designed and built for his family. For the first time ever, both residences will be accessible to the public. In the cottage, the full story of Peter’s life will

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Looking out onto the Slimbridge reserve

be told while, in the main house, rooms will be preserved just as they were when the Scotts lived there.

Guided tours will allow access to the famous studio overlooking the Rushy Pen. Other rooms in the house will also store and display thousands of specimens accumulated by Peter and WWT over the years.

Moving out into the grounds, we’ll be Peter Scott introducing a narrative at his living trail that will immerse room window visitors in Peter’s story while showcasing modern conservation at its best. and entertainment were all part of the We are also looking at ways to create process of motivating people to engage the opportunity to become an ‘Arctic with wildlife and its conservation, and researcher’, spotting birds from a a Living Wetland Theatre, another part replica research hut looking onto a view of the plan, is designed for just such of Peter’s beloved tundra landscape. a purpose. It will include talks and The close connection between people demonstrations and we’re in the early and wildfowl over the years, including design stages of another eye-opening the domestication of geese and ducks, is feature: a tall, glass-fronted tank in being planned for a fascinating exhibit, which you’ll be able to watch the and there will be added opportunities fascinating unseen world of diving for families to feed large flocks of geese. ducks in their underwater environment.

These close connections are so Restoration is in the mix, too. We’ll important. Peter knew that recreation restore the duck decoy pipes and

WWT

It all comes back to Peter’s own passionate belief and one of his greatest triumphs: wildlife experiences are to be shared

netting using traditional materials, while the decoyman’s hut will be renovated to allow visitors to explore the process of decoying, once used to catch ducks for food, but nowadays used to catch them for ringing and research.

The decoy was built in 1843 and is one of only five working decoys left in Britain.

Out onto the reserve, during summer, visitor access will be improved to cater for wheelchairs and pushchairs, while a new viewing platform and ramp will provide close-up views of the estuary and its wildlife. We will be looking at APRIL/JUNE 2016

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HOME FROM HOME

‘I think it’s wonderful that absolutely anyone will be able to sit in Peter’s window in future years and feel just as inspired’ that interest and passion develop, and better ways are found.

Let us leave the final words with David Attenborough: ‘Peter is the patron saint of conservation.

Long before words like “biodiversity” were coined, Peter looked out from that huge window in his house at Slimbridge and realised our lives are so linked with our natural world that we have to learn to love it and look after it. I think it’s wonderful that absolutely anyone will be able to sit in that same window in future years and feel just as inspired.’

There are exciting times ahead.

In addition to the HLF funding, we will need further donations to support this exciting project. Please turn to the delivery sheet that accompanies this issue of Waterlife for further details.

Illustrations by Scribble and Nonsense

heritage sites along the trail, such as the Goose House and World War II pillbox, for restoration, providing shelter and information about Slimbridge’s history.

Land Rover safaris are very popular events at Slimbridge, but dependent upon good ground conditions. By improving and raising the tracks we will be able to provide more of these guided excursions. The Holden Tower is another iconic aspect of Slimbridge life, and we’re planning work to improve viewing, develop a roof terrace and create wheelchair access, all providing greater wildlife sights across the reserve, river and landscapes beyond.

All in all, this is a highly ambitious project that will unfold steadily over the years ahead, and that in itself is true to Peter’s heritage. What began as a small collection of birds near the River Severn expanded over the years to become an international conservation organisation that brought more and more people together in the common aim of finding better ways for people and wetland wildlife to live alongside each other.

Through these plans for the future, we are continuing to build that important engagement, because it is in this way

Initial artistic impressions of just a few of the new developments being planned

Peter and his family

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Red-breasted goose in flight

A five-year project to protect the red-breasted goose has been a resounding success – and it all began with you

A RED-LETTER DAY!

Daniel Mitey

In 1969, Peter Scott paid a visit to

Eastern Europe, where his eye fell upon flocks of a stunning species of goose. In fact, with its striking red and black plumage, it is arguably the most beautiful of all the geese. It certainly had an effect upon Peter. ‘Let us hope that the opportunity to fall in love with the red-breasted goose is affordable to others for many years to come,’ he said.

There was something very prescient about that remark. By the end of the last century, there were still the best part of 100,000 red-breasted geese in the world. Worryingly, over just a couple of winters, that number had plummeted to around 50,000. Peter’s hope was in danger of being shattered.

To understand why, we need to take a look at the bird’s wintering grounds and the pressures it faces there. The red-breasts breed in Arctic Siberia during the summer, before flying some

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6,000km south to Eastern Europe for the winter. There’s one area in particular that it focuses on – a small coastal strip, just 20km x 40km in size, in Bulgarian Dobrudzha. At least half the world’s population settles here each year; in some years, when severe weather grips the Black Sea, all 50,000 birds congregate here. In short, this relatively small area is the red-breasted

By the end of the last century, there were still the best part of 100,000 red-breasted geese in the world. Worryingly, over just a couple of winters, that number had plummeted to around 50,000

goose’s last refuge, where it can feed in the large, open wheat fields and roost on the lakes at Durankulak and Shabla, two sites protected under EU law for their importance to red-breasts and other waterbirds.

They’ve been wintering on the Black Sea coast since the 1960s, ever since agricultural changes made their previous wintering grounds on the shores of the Caspian Sea untenable, but in recent years the pressures upon them have been increasing.

Their feeding area has been reduced by expanding wind farms or by the planting of crops unsuitable for grazing. They’re disturbed from the fields by farming practices, or by farmers concerned that they will damage their crops. Illegal fishing in the lakes disturbs them during the night, too. Despite the fact that they’re protected birds, they’re even

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Peter Cranswick

P R I VAT E L I F E

shot – sometimes accidentally when they’re flying with other geese, sometimes deliberately – by hunters.

It was clear something needed to be done, and you, our members, agreed.

In 2008, WWT ran an appeal through Waterlife for funding for a field station at Lake Durankulak, to help to centre operations. Your response was extraordinary, and the £35,000 you donated far exceeded our expectations.

The project was under way.

Shortly after, WWT, along with partners including the RSPB and the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB), was putting together a bid for EU funding. We had worked out an action plan, we had researched conservation methods and held workshops, and we knew we had an approach that could go a very long Celebrating the local environment through art

way indeed towards finding a way for red-breasted geese and humans to live alongside each other in Bulgaria. This is where your generosity went such a long way. We were able to use a large chunk of your donations for matchfunding as part of the bid, and in the summer of 2010, we heard that the bid was successful. The EU’s LIFE+ programme, its most significant fund for protection of the environment, awarded €2 million for the project Safe Grounds for Redbreasts.

The coalition had a chance to make a difference, and we’ve taken it. The project ended in May, the EU approved our reports just before Christmas, and the future of the red-breasted goose is now far more secure than it was.

There really was a lot to do. In those early days of the project, it was clear

that the red-breasted goose really was hugely disliked by many members of the community. So, to be honest, were the NGOs. The project vehicle was regularly stopped for checks by the local police, while anti-project articles popped up in the local press, too. We knew that this project was not just about conservation management, but about hearts and minds, too.

The early part of the project involved plenty of research. Observations across three winters enabled us to develop a foraging habitat model to understand which fields the geese favour and why.

We studied the flight lines within Dobrudzha, particularly between their roosts and their preferred feeding areas: this involved fitting GPS loggers and satellite tags to a total of 25 birds, which provided precise information on

Hearts and minds Among the initiatives to raise the profile of the red-breasted goose were: * the introduction of a new annual public event – the Red-breasted Goose Kite Festival – which celebrates local wildlife and culture and has, with more than 3,000 people turning up, already become the largest such event in Bulgaria * a red-breast education programme, developed with teachers and local authorities, which has already reached 10,000 children * national media coverage of the red-breast story, which has not only appeared more than 700 times in various media, but even received international coverage through Euronews and the BBC * a documentary that has been broadcast across Bulgaria.

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P R I VAT E L I F E

Nicky Petkov

Winter monitoring has helped us to understand foraging behaviour

their location every two Fitting a GPS tag hours. We examined the extent to which geese reduce wheat yields – the results showed that this ranged from 0% in some years to 15% in heavy grazing years. By mapping grazing distribution, we assessed the extent to which geese avoid areas close to turbines, treelines, power lines and roads.

Armed with this information, we were then able to address the difficult balance between the needs of the local communities and the needs of the birds. First, a new agri-environment measure for red-breasts was developed, paying farmers in favoured feeding areas to adopt agricultural practices that would benefit the geese. We published guidelines for developers and decisionmakers, explaining how to minimise the impact of new developments upon red-breasts. Importantly, and by working with local authorities, we were able to set up patrols, which enforce existing restrictions on the times and locations for fishing and hunting in order to minimise disturbance to roosting geese.

This all involved working closely and cooperatively with various members of the local communities – farmers, hunters, fishermen, developers, authorities and more.

In the past three winters, the grand total of red-breasted geese that have been shot is… zero!

Bear in mind that these lakes were already protected: we were simply seeking to enforce existing measures, rather than introduce new ones, to find a way in which people and red-breasts could coexist.

Which brings us to those hearts and minds. We needed to raise the awareness and understanding of the goose and its needs. We wanted the local communities – just a few towns and a dozen villages – to see the red-breast the way that Peter Scott saw it all those years ago, and to realise the

unique importance of their region. By working extensively with schools, interest groups and the ‘Green Centre’ in the town of Shabla, which preserves local natural heritage, we were able to raise the profile of the goose through a number of initiatives, all aimed at inspiring current and future generations (see box, page 27).

Has the outcome been successful? It most certainly has. In a survey conducted at the end of the project, within the local communities that had previously strongly disliked the goose, 96% of residents were now aware of the bird’s protection status and, most impressively, 71% of them would now be concerned if it disappeared from the area. This sea change in perception of the bird has had a knock-on effect. In the past three winters, the grand total of red-breasted geese that have been shot is… zero!

Disturbance on the lakes from illegal fishing is virtually down to zero, too.

There’s more. Scientific findings from the project helped to prevent the development of a major wind farm near to the key roost at Lake Durankulak, and conservation requirements for red-breasts have now been incorporated into Bulgarian energy development plans. In fact, the ecological needs of red-breasts are now

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The Grant Arms Hotel

What Guests Say “Wildlife watching in Speyside - look no further!.” Island of Anglesey “A Superb Five Night’s Stay.”

Grantown-on-Spey

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Four Poster Room Superior Room

The refurbished GRANT ARMS HOTEL offers wonderful food, friendly staff and 50 high quality ensuite bedrooms. All bedrooms come with hairdryer, colour TV, toiletries and coffee making facilities.

As soon as you walk into the Grant Arms Hotel you realise it isn’t just any ordinary Hotel. In short the refurbished Grant Arms is the hotel for bird and wildlife watchers.

Speyside and the Cairngorms are one of the best areas for wildlife watching in the UK. Perfect for beginner to expert, whether for a day or a fortnight. Depending on the season you could see: Golden Eagle, Capercaillie, Pine Marten, Red Squirrel, Mountain Hare, Osprey, Ptarmigan, Otter, Red and Black Grouse, Red and Roe Deer, Slavonian Grebe, Crested Tit and Crossbill, as well as Dolphins, Waders, Sea Ducks and Sea Birds along the Moray Firth coast.

Guests have free use of the BWWC Information Centre, Club Room and Library. BWWC staff are available at Breakfast and in the Evening to help you make the best of your holiday whilst leaving you free to do what you want.

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By Train: The nearest station is Aviemore (14 miles) on the EdinburghInverness line.

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What’s included: O Breakfast Menu ranging from full Scottish to Kippers or Continental O Fine Scottish Dining O Special Diets accommodated O Afternoon Tea & Coffee O After Dinner Coffee & Tea O Programme of Talks, Walks and Wildlife Briefings, Films & Quizzes O WiFi O Complimentary Daily Newspaper O Free Parking O Free use of BWWC’s private Slavonian Grebe Hide O Boot wash, drying room and laundry O ‘Early Birder’ breakfast if required.

SPECIAL EVENTS SPECIAL EASTER BREAK

Fri 25th to Tues 29th Mar 16 A full BWWC programme of wildlife watching events is included along with a Easter Gala Dinner on Easter Sunday. We also are delighted to have DAWN BALMER from the BTO leading a couple of field trips as well as giving a couple of fascinating talks.

4 nights DB&B from £330pp in our Club Room - from £390pp in our Superior Room - from £450pp in our 4 Poster Room

CAPER/GROUSE SPECIAL THEMED WEEK Fri 29th Apr to Fri 6th May 16 If you have a special interest in one or more of the 4 Grouse species, then this is a good time of year to visit the Highlands. During these months these birds are at their peak of activity. Special Black Grouse Watches and Caperwatch are being organised locally and with our organised guided trips we hope to see the Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Red Grouse and Ptarmigan.

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For more information on BWWC Special Events visit www.bwwc.co.uk/wildlife-breaks.php www. bwwc.co.uk

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All programmes, talks, walks and rooms subject to availability and liable to change without notice.

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P R I VAT E L I F E

Mladen Vasilev/Nicky Petkov

We have helped create and see through a project with an outcome of genuine conservation significance part of the country’s national agricultural scheme, as well as Bulgarian frameworks for sites protected for wildlife under EU law.

All in all, the project has helped to stabilise the winter world of the red-breasted goose. Numbers have yet to climb again, but there is a very exciting sign that the bird’s future could be more assured: the IUCN Red List recently changed the red-breasted goose’s status from Endangered to Vulnerable. When the EU LIFE+ Unit wrote back to confirm receipt of our final report, it said that the team was ‘to be commended’ for its ‘effective work’, and that the ‘project was successfully completed and has achieved its objectives’.

None of this means that everything stops, of course. The patrols that help to enforce the protection of the lake areas will continue to run; the kite festival (see box, page 27) will still be

Preparing to X-ray red-breasts for hunters’ shot

held on an annual basis; there will be further monitoring and research; the impacts of hunting will continue to be assessed, and more; and the BSPB will be able to oversee all this in its country.

But, at WWT, we can take stock now and know that we have achieved our aims. It’s a pretty good feeling to know that, along with our partners, we have created and seen through a project with an outcome of genuine

conservation significance. It’s a feeling you should share, too. Through your support of WWT, and your donations all those years ago, you have helped make this happen, and we could not have done it without you. In this anniversary year, Peter Scott would be proud.

Peter Cranswick is WWT’s Head of Planning and Advisory.

Number of birds

There is now a chance that sights like this will be safeguarded for the future

RED-BREASTED GOOSE FLYWAY

Red – breeding areas Solid green – main wintering areas Hatched green – additional/irregular wintering areas Orange – migration corridor Yellow – main migration stopover areas Circles represent counts from individual sites

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THE BIG ISSUE

lead from the front

Thousands of birds die each year through ingesting toxic lead gunshot, scattered in the environment after shooting.

There are risks to other wildlife, too, and even humans. It’s an issue we’ve known about for many years. Ruth Cromie reveals why we’re still going on about lead Here we are in 2016 and WWT scientists

and others in the UK and around the world are still publishing papers on lead ammunition and its poisonous effects on wildlife, as well as the risks to people who frequently eat game shot with lead, in particular children and pregnant women.

So are we any closer to solving this problem by making the transition to non-toxic ammunition once and for all?

Well, we are getting there, but it can feel like a tortuous process (I keep reading in the shooting press that going fully non-toxic would be a knee-jerk reaction – do snails have knees?). Defra has funded various studies over the years to better appreciate whether the partial restrictions on use of lead shot are being adhered to (they’re largely not) and then, sensibly, set up a group of stakeholders to review the evidence and suggest mitigation options. This Lead Ammunition Group reported in the summer of 2015 and, at the time of

writing, Defra and the Food Standards Agency are reviewing the findings.

Based on five years of risk-assessing and reviewing options, the report was written by John Swift, the recently retired ex-chief executive of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC). Its conclusions make it clear that there really is a problem for people and wildlife and that a transition to non-toxic ammunition solves this once and for all. As a lifelong shooter and after 25 years as the boss of Britain’s biggest shooting organisation, John Swift surely knows what he’s talking about and it must have taken some integrity to write a robust report, knowing it would be unpalatable to many of his colleagues. Indeed, he has been criticised by those who clearly do not agree with his more sustainable approach to the future of shooting. Yes, going non-toxic will involve some issues, but these can be addressed (as they have been in other

Sacha Dench/WWT

X-ray of a wood pigeon, destined for the table, showing the fragments of shot that are easily accidentally consumed

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LEAD POISONING

BY NUMBERS

1in 4 recorded deaths of Bewick’s swans are due to lead poisoning

50,000 to 100,000 wildfowl are estimated to die each winter in the UK from lead poisoning

77%

6,000 tonnes of poisonous of ducks examined lead ammunition recently in England are deposited in had been illegally the UK countryside shot with every year lead ammunition

1983

Avoidable deaths: ground-up shot is removed from the muscular gizzards of lead poisoned birds, in this case, a whooper swan.

The use of non-toxic shot would avoid this

The year the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution recommended phasing out lead shot

countries). What is needed is acceptance of a problem, then a working through of the practicalities of change.

How big a problem are we talking here?

In one of our recent papers, published in a University of Oxford symposium proceedings, we calculated that between 50,000 and 100,000 wildfowl die each winter in the UK directly as a result of consuming spent lead shot from the environment (others will, too, due to the impact of lead on the ability to fly and APRIL/JUNE 2016

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THE BIG ISSUE Lead shot ends up being eaten directly from the ground by some birds, such as swans, or within injured, but surviving prey, affecting predators and scavengers, or on our plates.

Illustration by Edward Grey Institute

further info evade predators, as well as impairment of the immune system). Our long-term wild bird disease surveillance, which is based on decades of staff and volunteers seeking out bodies for us, finds just a tiny proportion of these poisoned birds, but even this number still feels like way too many: one in four whooper or Bewick’s swans!

And here’s the irony. We began trying to solve the problem because we kept seeing the bodies on the post-mortem bench, but because most sick birds hide away and are quickly predated and scavenged, many shooters don’t see the bodies and remain unconvinced.

In general, seeing any dead wildlife is pretty unusual, unless it’s shot or accidentally killed by cars or by flying into windows. We produced a video of the miserable lead poisoning evidence, but, so far, it hasn’t turned the tide. It would be easier if the outcome of the disease was more visible: if all the birds that were going to die of lead poisoning in one year staggered their way to a grizzly end on one single day, the visible

There are already many British shooters, such as wildfowlers, using non-toxic ammunition

effect would be appalling to shooters and non-shooters alike. We would stop using lead shot the very next day.

So what is stopping change? We know from a very useful shooter questionnaire survey we undertook with BASC in 2010 that there’s a sense that lead poisoning isn’t a problem and, moreover, that many shooters don’t like the non-toxic alternatives.

Indeed, if you read the shooting press or organisational websites, you’ll see these themes repeated – often. You’ll also see articles suggesting that lead in game isn’t a problem for humans to eat because it doesn’t cause death (lead in petrol, paint and pipes wasn’t killing me as a child, but it was poisoning me and I’d be livid if they reintroduced it now).

Nonetheless, there are already many British shooters, such as wildfowlers, using non-toxic ammunition. Occasionally, the UK shooting press will publish a piece by a responsible shooter who has put their head above the parapet (there are a lot of shooting idioms in the English language) and say that it’s time that shooters got over themselves as non-toxic ammunition works very well.

They also point out that it is better for the image of shooting, for wildlife and for those putting it on their plates

We’re sharing and seeking views on this issue, especially with anyone who shoots. Look for the wildfowl lead ammo poisoning discussion group on Facebook.

(personally, I’m usually quite keen on a grinding of black pepper on a meal but less keen on a sprinkling of lead. You?).

But the dead bird bodies, the science and the practicalities are just the surface of the problem – lead ammunition is, unfortunately, about powerful politics and effective lobbying.

In WWT’s 70th anniversary year, we are missing Peter Scott all the more.

He had been a keen wildfowler, so he understood shooting. He knew the rich and powerful, and, importantly, he was an extraordinarily wise and persuasive diplomat. Knowing what we know now about lead ammunition, he could surely have brokered an understanding with those who support the idea of keeping lead at practically any cost. Peter’s passion for wildfowl and wild places is shared by many of us, including many shooters. In his absence, and in his memory, we’ll keep going until we succeed for wildfowl, people and the wider environment – for that is exactly what the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust does.

Ruth Cromie is WWT’s Head of Ecosystem Health. For further information, visit wwt.org.uk/lead.

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F L I G H T PAT H

When Dubai wanted to build a wetland centre in the heart of a busy city, there was just one group to turn to: WWT Consulting

arabian flights

Dubai’s bustling city has a new wetland centre attracting many thousands of birds

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plenty of wonderful birdlife to enjoy, from the powerful greater spotted eagle to the delightful broad-billed sandpiper and many more. The bird that most tourists come for, however, is the greater flamingo. There are more than 3,000 of them, and the sight of them striding across a lagoon, with the imposing skyscrapers of the city behind them, is one of those fascinating contrasts that urban wetland centres can provide.’

So what role will WWT Consulting have? ‘On behalf of the Dubai Municipality, we’ll be working with architects on plans for a 5,000sq m visitor centre, as well as designing new habitats and restoring old, degraded ones across the site,’ explains Emma.

‘The sanctuary itself is 634 hectares in size, and we’ll be providing planning and advice for its management. This preparatory stage of the project will run until 2017, when the construction phase begins, with the centre due to open the following year.’

‘During the winter, the sanctuary supports more than 20,000 waterbirds, and it’s a critical stoppingoff point for birds using the East African-West Asian Flyway’

Skyscrapers dominate the skyline

Site guide The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is the nation’s first Ramsar wetland site.

It stands at the head of the 14km-long watercourse known as Dubai Creek, around 8km from the centre of the city, and it covers an area of 634 hectares, featuring sabkhas (saline flats), intertidal mudflats and mangroves, small lagoons and pools, and a few tiny islands that sit where the Arabian Gulf meets the Al Awir Desert.

Shutterstock, Kane Brides

Anyone who lives in London will know

that, particularly in the summer, tourism goes through the roof. There are now approximately two tourists per year for every man, woman or child who lives in the capital, which is great for income. It keeps the streets busy, too… but there are busier ones. Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, has emerged as a truly global city in recent years: with a population of 1.8 million, it receives no fewer than five million visitors, many of whom want to know more about the natural and cultural heritage of this coastal land. With the help of WWT Consulting, they’re going to get their wish.

WWT Consulting, a subsidiary business of WWT, is the UK’s leading wetland consultancy. Over the years, it has run ecological surveys and habitat design and management schemes across the globe. It’s also a specialist at helping to set up visitor centres at iconic wetlands around the world, and this is where Dubai comes in. A few years ago, the emirate asked WWT Consulting to put together a master plan for the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, and now work is about to get under way on a new visitor centre at this wetland site.

‘The sanctuary really is a fascinating and important place,’ says Emma Alesworth, Associate Director of WWT Consulting. ‘During the winter, it supports more than 20,000 waterbirds, and it’s a critical stopping-off point for birds using what’s known as the East African-West Asian Flyway. There’s

Western reef egret Just a few of the thousands of greater flamingos

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‘The new visitor centre is being designed with the goal of promoting awareness of wetland ecosystems and wetland management in the region’

Kane Brides

You don’t have to go to Dubai to watch greater flamingos. You can enjoy the sight of these wonderful birds at Slimbridge and Martin Mere, and adopt one at wwt.org.uk/adopt. You can also see other flamingo species at Washington and Llanelli.

The net result won’t just be to encourage tourism. ‘The new visitor centre is being designed with the goal of promoting awareness of wetland ecosystems and wetland management in the region,’ says Emma. ‘We’ll be demonstrating how humans use wetlands and affect them, and drawing a stronger connection between people and their environment. Its creation will also ensure that the area will be protected for future generations.’

The centre will be filled with fascinating information about previous generations, too. Dubai started as a fishing village back in the 18th century, and the creek upon which the sanctuary stands eventually developed into a prosperous port. Fishing developed into an industry and, although this has declined in recent years, the dhows (traditional sailing vessels) that once

Flying in More than 60 species of waterbird use the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Among the highlights are:

n Broad-billed sandpiper n Lesser sand plover n Kentish plover n Ringed plover n Greater sand plover n Grey plover n Socotra cormorant n Spoonbill n Greater flamingo n Spotted redshank n Yellow-legged gull n Black-winged stilt n Curlew sandpiper n Bar-tailed godwit n Slender-billed gull n Sandwich tern n Caspian tern n Western reef egret n Little stint n Osprey n Little green bee-eater n Blue-cheeked bee-eater

plied their trade there can still be seen drifting up and down the creek.

For most of the 19th century, and up until the 1930s, pearl fishing was a very important industry, but it drew to a close with the invention of cultured pearls. In fact, Dubai Creek is rich in cultural heritage, providing amazing stories that can be told through a range of interpretation at the centre.

There are many other areas in the world where WWT Consulting has played an important role, from Laos and Guyana to the Maasai Mara and the fjords of Norway, but the ability to advise upon and help create city wetland centres and reserves stands tall among them. Like a previous project of WWT Consulting’s at the Hong Kong Wetland Park and, of course, WWT’s London Wetland Centre itself, the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary and visitor centre will nestle at the heart of bustling city life. With their high levels of tourism, London and Dubai already have one thing in common. In three years’ time, thanks to WWT, they’ll have two.

For more about WWT Consulting, visit wwtconsulting.co.uk. All WWT Consulting profit is donated to WWT.

Caspian tern

Socotra cormorant

Blue-cheeked bee-eater

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l u f r e d n o w d 10 l r o w TOP TEN

1

Bob-bobbobbing along

things you (probably) didn’t know about life at WWT

If you’ve been to WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre recently, you’ve probably met Bob. He’s the friendly robin who welcomes people to the centre as they arrive in the car park, and he’s generated plenty of social media interest, with visitors sharing their own images and experiences of him when they arrive. When he’s in a particularly friendly mood, Bob will even jump into your car as a very special welcome! Come along and say hi to him.

2

What a buffalo!

Here’s a great update to our story in issue 194 on the Buffalo Bank scheme in Cambodia. Under it, WWT loans poor communities in the Mekong Delta working water buffaloes to provide milk and muscle power for their local farming needs. Although the adult buffaloes are a loan, the villagers can keep any offspring for themselves, and early this year the first one was born.

As it grows, it will help to keep the wetlands healthy for people and wildlife, including the sarus cranes that depend on the area.

4

3

Otter chaos!

While the BBC Autumnwatch team was at WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre last year, it hoped, in vain, to see an otter. It was a shame that it wasn’t around in January, then, when the most remarkable thing happened. During one of the daily swan feeds, an otter suddenly appeared in full view of all the visitors, and it was having such a good time nosing around in the pond that the swan feed had to be delayed as the otter was keeping the swans away!

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Toad-ally confused

The mild winter that we’ve just experienced had many species of wildlife confused as to what season it was. On 15 December, WWT Arundel Wetland Centre Grounds Manager Paul Stevens spotted a male toad crossing Mill Road on its migration to the breeding grounds at the far end of the Wetlands Discovery Boat Safari – months earlier than usual.

The site is a regular toad crossing point, but this was the earliest the toads have ever been seen on the move. This photo is the evidence!

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Voles in a hole

7

Dextrously done

WWT London Wetland Centre’s new dexter cattle have settled into their conservation grazing duties very well, and WWT members now have the chance to meet them as part of the centre’s guided summer walks.

Their purchase was made possible through the efforts of long-term volunteer Joan Wheeler-Bennett, who introduced the project to one of her contacts. If someone you know might be interested in supporting WWT, please contact James Byron on 01453 891145 or james.byron@wwt.org.uk.

8

6

Paul Stevens

5

Visitors to WWT Arundel are often met by this big water vole feeding in the lily pads in the entry reedbed. Well, 2015 was a tough year for water voles, mainly because it was a good year for stoats. Fortunately, in recent years, the growing population of water voles has spread out into the reedbeds, where it is harder for stoats to find them. With fewer water voles to find this year, the stoat population will probably drop, giving the voles the chance to boost their numbers again.

Flamingo lingo

Wild flamingos can be tricky to study because of where they live, so the birds at centres like WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre help add to our understanding of the life of a flamingo. This male greater flamingo, for example, appears to be guarding his mate from two other boys. Some interesting behaviours that can explain the pecking order in the flamingo flock are to be studied in more detail this year, to find out why and how some birds have a greater influence over the flock compared to others.

Pintails aplenty

New records are always exciting, and the pintail count at WWT Slimbridge was no exception. There was a huge flock of them out on the River Severn – more than 1,300 in all – with a further 275 on the Tack Piece at the same time. For visitors in the Holden Tower, to see such a massing of this elegant bird was a real treat.

10

9

Rivals on the edge

Here’s something you don’t see every day, but Victor Heng from the WWT London learning team did, and he took this photo to prove it. The bittern and the heron are members of the same family, they’re both fish eaters and, at the point this photo was taken, they seem to be patrolling the same spot at the edge of the reedbeds. What we particularly like is the way the bittern appears to be studiously ignoring its relative, although, in fact, it’ll be keeping its beady eye on proceedings.

Road to health

The road to WWT Welney Wetland Centre is meant for vehicles, not swans, but a whooper swan was discovered there this winter by WWT’s Emma Brand on her way to the centre.

The bird was trying to take off, but seemed unable to, so Emma arranged for it to be taken to a local branch of the RSPCA, which had fitted its leg ring in the first place. The great news is that, having spent Christmas under observation, YKA was passed as fully fit, and was returned to WWT for release back into the wild.

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with

Steve Backshall

Hello again

Shelduck mum

with her ducklings Have you noticed that Easter is quite early this year? For all of you looking forward to enjoying the holidays, that’s really good news, particularly if you want to make the most of your school break by exploring the wonderful world of wildlife all around you.

Your local WWT wetland centre is a great place to start as, for the holiday season, there’s the added fun of the GIANT Duck Hunt, too. It’s like an Easter egg hunt with a difference – what you have to do is find giant toy ducks hidden around the centre.

You’ll find out more about this family favourite on page 18 of this issue, but first I’d like to introduce you to another type of giant duck that you can see at centres all year round. It’s the shelduck, and it really is rather special.

The first question most people ask about the shelduck is: ‘Is that really a duck, or is it a goose?’ It’s a good question, because shelducks are much bigger than mallards In fact, shelducks pick the There’s something really rather and shovelers, and all the other ducks strangest places to bring up their elegant about shelduck ducklings you see out on the lakes and ponds. young. Not only are some families (hmmm, I wonder if they should It’s actually more closely related raised in old rabbit burrows, but be called shelducklings). to ducks than to geese (after others are brought up in tree Look at those all, it is called shelduck!), but holes. The birds have even been neat chocolatey it’s often put by people in known to use big bird boxes to caps, and the a little group all of its own. s ck u make their nests. lovely patterns on d el sh One of the things o s, If you see tw g The ducklings clearly get used their bodies and n li ck I really love about u d f o with lotsrobably not all to hiding away. If someone gets wings. These cute shelducks is their they’re pShelducks often little lads and lassies too close to a family while they’re call. The next theirs. eir young in on water, the ducklings will dive often start life in time you see a pair leave th y’ with just beneath the surface, while Mum a rather strange together, have a a ‘nurserults to look and Dad take off in a different place, though – good listen. They two ad them. a rabbit’s burrow! direction to lure the intruder away. have a sort of deep after quacking call, but it sounds rather like a laugh. It actually sounds as if they’re going ‘ha ha ha’, and, once you’ve got that in your mind, it’s impossible not to smile when you hear them chatting away.

If you’ve become a fan of shelducks, you can Until next time…

Now that’s cute! ?

Did you know

Badge of pride

have your very own one. You can even wear it!

Not the real bird, of course, but this pin badge, which is one of many you can buy the next time you visit a WWT shop.

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KIDS’ ZONE

What’s the difference?

At first glance, you might think that male and female shelducks look pretty much alike. They’ve both got that lovely dark-green head and neck, as well as that chestnut band across their chest.

They’ve got pink legs and feet, too.

There are a couple of main differences, though.

First, the male is a little bigger than the female, so if they’re standing next to each other, you can easily pick Dad apart from Mum. But what if you only see one shelduck by itself. Here’s a clue: take a close look at the head. Can you see?

On the female, there’s a little bit of white just above the bill. But the main difference is that great big lumpy bit at the top of the male’s bill, called a knob.

Ho ho!

Spot the difference between the male and female

They’re not alone

What do you get if you cross one of me with one of you?

Although the common shelduck is the one you’ll find in Britain, there are actually several other shelduck types that live in various parts of the world. There are the South African shelduck and the Australian shelduck (bet you can easily guess where those two come from!), but there’s also a lovely species found in far-off places like China and Mongolia, called the ruddy shelduck.

You don’t have to go that far to see them, though, as there are various types that live at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre.

Interestingly, the ruddy shelducks are quite nocturnal birds – which means they’re out and about at night – but you can see them during the day, too.

Ruddy shelduck

A shell duck!

Get in touch Send your letters to Explore, Waterlife, WWT, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT, or waterlife@wwt.org.uk.

I’d love to hear from you.

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The GIANT Duck Hunt is back for the spring, among a host of great events and wildlife highlights to look forward to For the full list of centre events, information and news, find your local centre at wwt.org.uk

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A warm and friendly guest house situated in a A warm and friendly guest house situated peaceful setting just a short walk from Arundel Castle in a peaceful setting just a short walk from Arundel WWT. AHA001_Bcard-Lucie-p4p.pdf

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Short walk from Arundel WWT, and town centre with its magnificent Castle and range of independent shops, pubs and restaurants.

We are able to accommodate up to 14 guests in a choice of 7 comfortable double or twin bedrooms.

FreeFowler parking on-site.

Lucie 4 Queens Lane | Arundel | West Sussex | BN18 9JN T: +44(0)1903 884184 | M: +44(0)7775 991933 E: ardenhousearundel@gmail.com www.ardenhousearundel.com

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Extend your comfort zone Páramo keeps you drier. Páramo waterproof jackets manage moisture much better than conventional raingear.

Páramo use the Nikwax Analogy waterproof system. It breathes up to twice as well as membrane based systems. In addition, Páramo waterproofs are directional and push condensation away from your body. ®

The result is unrivalled comfort when you’re working hard in wild conditions.

So it’s not surprising that outdoor people choose Páramo.

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D O W N YO U R WAY Arundel

Mill Road, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9PB 01903 881530 | info.arundel@wwt.org.uk WWT Arundel

WWT ARUNDEL WETLAND CENTRE The GIANT Duck Hunt is back for the Easter holidays at WWT Arundel. Children love searching for our giant rubber ducks to win a prize. They may also see lapwing chicks on the wet grassland, goslings and cygnets hatching among the birds in the grounds, and sand martins back from Africa, as new life returns to the wetlands.

Starting on the May bank holiday weekend, the world’s most popular toy will bring families closer to nature at Arundel. The giant LEGO® Brick Animal Trail will be here from 1 May to 26 June, with the sculptures displayed around the grounds. The awesome models, which include a kingfisher and an otter, will form a trail for kids (and big kids), to inspire them to build a better future for nature. Visitors can also pre-book a LEGO brick workshop to build a duckling to take home, and take part in other brick activities.

The new Begin Birdwatching workshops, led by Dave Fairlamb, are under way, and the next one, on 22 May, covers the songs and behaviour of breeding birds.

The Discover Birds weekends continue at Arundel on 16-17 April, with WWT experts leading walks and talks about wild and captive birds, while a new event on St George’s Day on 23 April highlights dragonflies and other English wildlife. You can get back to basics and learn to make fire like our ancestors, when Jonathon Huet returns with a Primitive Firelighting course on 24 April: check out our website to book this great course on how to forage and prepare a three-course meal!

We mark Sussex Day on 16 June with a day of wildlife walks, talks and activities. June also gives kids a chance to ‘go buggy’ as we host pond-dipping and net-sweeping activities as part of National Insect Week.

LEGO Brick Trail

Season’s highlight

These great workshops with Dave Fairlamb provide a fascinating introduction to fieldcraft and bird Identification.

Begin Birdwatching, 22 May

Arundel Events (Key below. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/arundel) Daily Activities Wetland Discovery Boat Safari Glide with a wildlife guide on quiet electric boats through the reedbeds of Wetlands Discovery. First boat 11am, last boat 4.30pm.

Suggested donation of £1.

Pond Dipping Visit the Pond Explorer station on weekends and holidays to discover minibeasts that live below the surface.

11am-1pm and 2-4pm.

Diving Duck Feed See some of the rarest waterfowl in the world show off their fishing

key

skills in the clear chalk-fed waters of the Icelandic Lake pen. 2pm.

Hand-feed Wildfowl Hand-feed rare and exotic wildfowl in our World Wetlands feeding bay. Until closing.

Feeding grain costs 20p per handful from the vending machine in the feeding bay.

Thu 24 Mar to Sun 10 Apr GIANT Duck Hunt Go quackers on our GIANT rubber ducky hunt trail and see new life emerge as wild ducklings hatch out across the reserve.

Sat 16 to Sun 17 Apr Discover Birds Weekend: Spring Enjoy seasonal walks and talks with WWT experts on the wild and living collection birds at Arundel.

Sat 23 Apr

By George There’s Dragons Discover wetland dragons and other English wildlife as we celebrate St George’s Day. Sun 24 Apr Primitive Firelighting Learn to make fire without matches.

Experience the joy of lighting a fire by sparks

or by friction, just as our ancestors would have done. Price includes admission. £25. .BE. Sat 30 Apr to Sun 26 Jun Amazing GIANT LEGO Brick Animal Trail This spring the world’s most popular toy will bring families closer to nature at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre. The giant LEGO brick animal trail will be here, with the sculptures sitting among some of their real-life cousins.

Sat 30 Apr to Sun 26 Jun, weekends and holidays

LEGO Workshops These one-hour workshops are perfect for LEGO brick fans, young and old! Take part in a fun-filled LEGO brick workshop and leave with your very own model to take home. £8.50 .PP..

Ages 4+. .BE. Sun 22 May Begin Birdwatching: Summer This session is an introduction to the breeding bird season.

Indoor and outdoor segments allow you to observe and listen to birds display breeding behaviours.

Bring your binoculars

and wear appropriate outdoor clothing.

9.30-11.30am. £12 .PP.. .BE.

Thu 16 Jun Sussex Wildlife Day Celebrate Sussex Day with free walks and talks about Sussex wildlife with WWT experts.

Sat 25 Jun & Sun 26 Jun Incredible Insects Weekend Go buggy with our children’s ponddipping, net-sweeping and bug-making activities. This event is part of National Insect Week. 11am-4pm.

.BE. Booking Essential .RI. Refreshments Included .WP. Weather Permitting .PC/PP. Per Child/Person Centre events are subject to change.

Please phone for further information or visit the WWT website wwt.org.uk/visit/arundel /caerlaverock /castleespie /llanelli /london /martinmere /slimbridge /washington /welney

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D O W N YO U R WAY Caerlaverock

Eastpark Farm, Caerlaverock, Dumfriesshire DG1 4RS 01387 770200 | info.caerlaverock@wwt.org.uk WWT Caerlaverock

WWT CAERLAVEROCK WETLAND CENTRE It was such a popular event last year, and it’s back!

The GIANT Duck Hunt is a family favourite already, with clues to help you find the GIANT rubber ducks hidden around the grounds, while you discover more about their real-life counterparts. The centre is running another great Easter event – Eggstravaganza – involving egg-painting and that old favourite, the egg-and-spoon race. Find out more below.

Make sure you don’t miss the Natterjack Walk and Talk on 7 May, when there’s a real chance of hearing the distinctive call of this rare toad. If you fancy getting to grips with wildlife photography, then why not try out our beginners’ workshop on 5 June, in which you can try your hand at close-ups?

All being well, it won’t be long before the ospreys return; the first week in April is when they’re usually first sighted. Yellow 80 and his mate could well be returning to their nest, while the newly built platform offers opportunities for further birds, too. From the camera positioned at the original nest site, the centre will be uploading film of the ospreys’ progress so that you can keep track of all the comings and goings of these charismatic birds of prey.

Keep an eye out for the barnacle geese, too – they should still be around until early May. Meanwhile, the spring arrivals, such as warblers, will be dropping in. Look for these and other harbingers of warm weather from the highly popular Sir Peter Scott Observatory. On 15 May, you can even join our warden, who will help you to sort out their calls. Before then, there’s still just time to catch the daily swan feeds, which take place at 11am and 2pm, before the birds leave for their summer breeding grounds.

Osprey

Season’s highlight

A frog chorus is one thing, but a natterjack toad chorus is something truly special! This time of year is a great chance to hear them.

Natterjack Talk and Walk, 7 May

Caerlaverock Events (See page 47 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/caerlaverock) Daily Activities Wild Swan Feeds See wild whooper swans from the Sir Peter Scott Observatory, with live commentary by the warden, before they leave in April. 11am and 2pm daily.

Watch wild badgers feeding just outside our observatory. Tea, coffee and biscuits available.

8pm. Adults £7.50, concessions £5, children £2.50. Tickets must be paid for in advance.

Osprey Update Find out what our osprey family has been up to and learn about ospreys in general. Daily at midday (Apr to Aug).

Thu 31 Mar Eggstravaganza Paint an egg and take part in an egg-andspoon race on the reserve. Learn about birds and eggs. Family event. 1-3pm. .BE.

Mon 28 Mar GIANT Duck Hunt Take part in the GIANT Duck Hunt around the reserve. Follow the clues to find the giant birds and learn more about ducks! Family event.

10am-2pm. .BE. Mon 4 to Fri 8 Apr Stars and Stripes Badger Watching

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Tue 5 Apr Beginner Birding for Kids Learn about some of the common bird species seen at the centre, including ducks, geese, swans and garden birds. Use binoculars and telescopes to take a closer look. Family

event. 10am-12 noon. .BE.

Wed 6 Apr, 4 May & 1 Jun Caerlaverock Kids Join our group for parents and toddlers.

Take part in outdoor and nature activities at the centre. 10-11am. .BE. Sat 23 Apr Bird-ringing Demonstration Join the North Solway Ringers as they demonstrate how to ring a range of birds. 11am-4pm.

Sat 7 May Natterjack Talk and Walk Learn about natterjack toads and why they are the rarest amphibian in Britain. There may be a possibility at dusk of taking a walk out onto

the reserve to try and hear the toad chorus as the male toads sing to the females to encourage them to spawn. Bring warm clothing and a torch.

8.30pm till late. Adults £7.50, concessions £5, children £2.50. Tickets must be paid for in advance. .WP. .BE. Sun 15 May What’s That Warbler?

Find and identify the newly arrived spring migrants on the reserve.

Learn to identify those difficult warblers by song. 1-4pm. .BE. Sun 5 Jun Wildlife Photography for Beginners Special beginners’ photography workshop with Tom Langlands and Bob Fitzsimmons.

Learn how to take

fantastic macro shots of the plants and insects on this wetland reserve.

10am-4pm. £60 .PP. .BE.

find any in the trap?

Learn more about these fascinating insects.

10am-12 noon.

Fri 10 Jun Bat Walk and Talk Freda Seddon from the local Bat Group will give a talk about bats, followed by a bat walk around the reserve. Bring warm clothes, a torch and insect repellent. Alison Robertson, the county moth recorder, will be setting the moth trap as part of national Moth Night. 8-11pm.

Sat 18 Jun Guid Nychburris Float Help us decorate our float for the Guid Nychburris parade, then join us in the afternoon for the parade around Dumfries. Our theme will be ‘insects’ and we welcome all creative ideas. 2-4pm, 5-6pm (parade in Dumfries).

.BE.

Sat 11 Jun Hawkmoth Morning Alison Robertson will be looking at the moths caught in the moth trap overnight. The theme for Moth Night 2016 is hawkmoths – will we

Sat 25 Jun Insectathon We will try to find and identify as many different types of insect as we can on the reserve.

This event is part of National Insect Week.

Drop in during the day to take part in a variety of hourly activities.

10am-4pm. .BE.

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Castle Espie

WWT CASTLE ESPIE WETLAND CENTRE It’s Easter, and that means something special is happening at WWT Castle Espie: the Giant Easter Bunny Hunt. This family favourite is back once again, so make sure you don’t miss out.

It’s just the start of a season of great ways to explore the world around you at the centre. Across the May bank holiday weekends, Castle Espie will be holding the first of its Giant Duck Hunts, full of adventure, craft-making and more. We’re running a series of Birdwatch Mornings with expert Dot Blakely, to help you find out more about the avian highlights of the reserve, and we’re not forgetting the youngsters, either. If you have kids who’d like to try their hand at birdwatching, then the Wee Birdie Birdwatch will be right up their street. Dates and details are below.

Pond dipping is another great way to discover wildlife, and the first sessions of the new season will be taking place on 23 and 24 April. How many minibeasts can you find?

Around the reserve, signs of new life will be everywhere. Look out in particular for the common terns, whose airborne acrobatics are fabulous to watch as they prepare for the breeding season.

Within the grounds, as summer approaches, the Sensory Garden will be in full bloom, providing a host of shades and smells as you wander around.

If you’ve not ventured there before, now’s the time to visit our Secret Swamp, in its second year and maturing nicely. This special wetland really is a hidden gem, and children love it. Starting their adventure at the wishing tree, they can swing through the trees, zoom along the zip wire, tiptoe through the toadstool glade, search for the log den hideout, and look for the secret trees with magical mini-doors. It’s a paradise!

With butterflies and dragonflies emerging and young birds taking their first flights, it’s a wonderful time to be at WWT Castle Espie.

Ballydrain Road, Comber, Co Down BT23 6EA 028 9187 4146 | info.castleespie@wwt.org.uk WWT Castle Espie

Children will love exploring the Secret Swamp

Season’s highlight

Don’t miss the wonderful sight of cute, fluffy ducklings as they hatch and explore their world in our duckery!

Downy Duckling Tour, every Wed, Sat and Sun in June

Castle Espie Events (See page 47 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/castleespie) Daily Activities Thu 24 Mar to Sun 3 Apr Giant Easter Bunny Hunt Join us for our giant Easter bunny hunt with activities across the holidays. 11am-4pm.

Sat 26 Mar to Sun 8 May Ulster Society of Women Artists: Down to Earth The Ulster Society of Women Artists returns to the Castle Espie Gallery with its 2016 collection. 10am-5pm.

Fri 13 May to Sun 26 Jun Water’s Edge A nature-inspired

eclectic exhibition by established artists Lyn, Emma and Sarah Majury. 10am-5pm.

Thurs 31 Mar, 28 Apr, 26 May & 30 Jun Birdwatch Morning Join birdwatching expert Dot Blakely to find out about the latest happenings on the reserve.

10.30am-12.30pm.

Suns 3, 10, 17 Apr, 1, 8, 15 May & 5, 12, 19 Jun​ Wee Birdie Birdwatch Stop by the ‘Bird Stop’ Hide in the Wild Wood, where Castle Espie Birdwatching Club is on hand to help the little ones to learn

about the wee birdies.

Equipment provided.

2-4pm.

Sat 9 Apr Dawn Chorus Listen to the bird world wake up as dawn breaks over Strangford Lough.

Improve your recognition of birdsong on a walk around the reserve with expert Dot Blakely, followed by breakfast in the Kingfisher Kitchen.

6.30am. £12.50. .BE. .RI.

Sat 23 & Sun 24 Apr Pond Dipping Join us in the Pond Zone for the first ponddipping session of the year. 12 noon-4pm.

Sat 30 Apr to Mon 2 May Giant Duck Hunt Go quackers over the May bank holiday and search for the giant rubber ducks around the reserve, enjoy duck-themed crafts and more.

11am-4pm.

Sat 14 & Sun 15 May Quackanory Story Time Join us for story time with children’s classic stories inspired by nature. 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Sat 21 to Sun 22 May Simply Science Busker Our Simply Science

Busker will be conducting experiments illustrating the wonders of the natural world. 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Sat 28 to Mon 30 May Giant Duck Hunt Go quackers over the May bank holiday and search for the giant rubber ducks around the reserve, enjoy duck-themed crafts and more.

11am-4pm.

Every Wed, Sat & Sun in Jun Downy Duckling Tours There really is no cuter

sight than a tiny fluffy chick taking its first wobbly steps in life. This is your chance to meet the newly hatched ducklings inside the duckery on a special behind-the-scenes downy duckling tour.

12 noon, 2pm and 3pm. Wed 3.30pm only. .BE. Sat 4 & Sun 5 Jun Meso-man Who is Meso-man?

Meet our Mesolithic man from 10,000 years ago, discover his world and get survival tips.

Learn how to build a camp, light a fire and work with Stone Age tools. 2-4pm.

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D O W N YO U R WAY

C E LE

B R ATI NG

25 YEAR S Llanelli

WWT LLANELLI WETLAND CENTRE

Llwynhendy, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA14 9SH 01554 741087 | info.llanelli@wwt.org.uk WWT Llanelli

Spring is a wonderful time to visit WWT Llanelli, with new life being seen everywhere. But we seem to have lost some of our ducks (the large yellow rubber ones!) and we need your help to find them. Join us this Easter break to take part in our GIANT Duck Hunt across our beautiful grounds to find out where they are hiding. There will be prizes for everyone who can locate them.

There are plenty of other exciting activities to take part in, too, including den-building every weekend throughout April and May. It’s a great chance to make your very own den out of willow from the wetlands. There will be ready-made dens to give you some ideas. We’d love to see your creations.

Here’s another date to put in your diary: 17 April. Why is this such a red-letter day? It’s our 25th anniversary, and we will be marking this special birthday with some cracking events throughout the day. It’s also a chance to thank you for all of your support over the years and to highlight the many developments that have taken place since the opening of WWT Llanelli. Keep an eye on the website to find out exactly what’s going on. It’ll be a day to remember!

Not only is there plenty to do in the upcoming weeks, there’s plenty to see, too. After months of hard work clearing trees from the islands in the Millennium Wetlands, we hope to see lapwings begin their noisy courtships, wheeling above the raucous black-headed gull colony. See if you can spot a Mediterranean gull in among them – we had our first chick last year.

Keep your eyes peeled for rare visitors, too – in previous years we have been graced by avocet, osprey, ringed plover,

Lapwing

Llanelli Events (See page 47 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/llanelli) Daily Activities Every Mon during Term Time Monday Munchkins Come along with your toddlers to take part in fun activities especially for them, with a different theme every week. Activities include pond dipping, minibeast hunts, arts and crafts, stories, games and feeding the birds.

11am-12 noon.

Enjoy a pond-dipping session

Fri 25 Mar to Mon 11 Apr Easter Holiday Fun Activities all day with something for everyone: GIANT

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Duck Hunt: all day; Minibeast Hunt and Mini Pond Dipping: 11am-12 noon: Flamingo Talk: 1pm; Flamingo Watch with Telescope: 1-2pm; Pond Dipping: 2.30pm; Craft Workshops and Hook a Duck: times vary, please check (a small charge applies to cover materials).

April Weekends Activities All Day With Something for Everyone Self-guided Denbuilding: all day; Minibeast Hunt and Mini Pond Dipping: 11am-12 noon; Flamingo Talk: 1pm;

Flamingo Watch with Telescope: 1-2pm; Pond Dipping: 2.30pm; Craft Workshops: times vary (a small charge applies to cover the cost of materials).

Sun 17 Apr WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre’s 25th Anniversary Come and celebrate our 25th birthday with special events happening throughout the day.

Sat 30 Apr Dawn Chorus A guided walk to listen to the bird world wake up as dawn breaks over the Burry Inlet.

Improve your

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Mediterranean gull

spoonbill, garganey, spotted crake, pectoral sandpiper, grasshopper warbler and little gull in the springtime, to name just a few.

With hundreds of black-tailed godwits and other birds stopping off at our saltmarsh lagoons on their journeys northwards, the first butterflies taking flight and the hedgerows filling with blossom, it’s a great time to enjoy life at WWT Llanelli.

recognition of different birdsong, with the help of our guides, on a walk around the reserve lasting approximately two hours, followed by a full, cooked breakfast in the estuary café.

Begins at 6am. Contact the centre for details and to book. £15 .PP., £10 .PC.. .BE. .RI. May Weekends & Mon 2 May Activities All Day With Something for Everyone Self-guided Den-building: all day; Minibeast Hunt and Mini Pond Dipping: 11am-12 noon; Flamingo Talk: 1pm;

Flamingo Watch with Telescope: 1-2pm; Pond Dipping: 2.30pm; Craft Workshops: times vary (a small charge applies to cover the cost of materials).

Sat 28 May to Sun 5 Jun Duckery Tours Visit our tiny baby ducklings up-close in the indoor duckery, see their older brothers and sisters in the outdoor duckery, and in our candling session you can even witness baby ducklings at different stages of development still inside their eggs!

Please book at the information desk on arrival at the centre.

Sorry, no advance bookings taken.

Tours leave at 12 noon, 2pm and 3pm.

Sat 28 May to Sun 5 Jun Fun Activities Self-guided den-building: all day; Craft Workshops: times vary (a small charge applies to cover the cost of materials); Minibeast Hunt and Mini Pond Dipping: 11-11.45am.

June Weekends Activities All Day Minibeast Hunt and

Season’s highlight

Enjoy some exclusive behind-thescenes tours of the duckling nursery, and watch these delightful balls of fluff take their first steps.

Duckery Tours, 28 May to 5 June

Mini Pond Dipping: 11am-12 noon; Flamingo Talk: 1pm; Flamingo Watch with Telescope: 1-2pm; Pond Dipping: 2.30pm; Craft Workshops: times vary (a small charge applies to cover the cost of materials).

Mon 6 to Fri 10 Jun Guide in the Boardwalk Hide To celebrate Wales Biodiversity Week, there will be a guide in the Boardwalk Hide at 2-3pm every day.

Watch our wild black-headed gull breeding colony and spot their chicks with the help of our guide.

Fri 10 Jun Bat Walk Join us for a night-time bat walk around the Millennium Wetlands and the grounds, to look and listen for bats.

Come and witness a flying spectacle as they begin their feeding frenzy, using bat detectors to help find the best places to see and hear them. The walk starts at 9pm.

Hot drinks (tea, coffee or hot chocolate) and biscuits at the end. The walk lasts around an hour. £5 .PP.. .BE. .RI. .WP. Thu 23 Jun Bugs and Buggies As part of National

Insect Week, we are running insectthemed activities for toddlers, including minibeast hunts, pond dipping and insect crafts. 1-2pm.

Sat 25 Jun Dragonfly ID Workshop and Walk Spot and learn to identify dragonflies and damselflies, with the help of our guides, and receive tips on how to tell similar species apart. Find out more about the lives of these insects and their interesting habits, and discover why they are so important to us here at the wetlands. 1-4pm. £10 .PP./£5 .PC.. .BE.

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D O W N YO U R WAY London

WWT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE

Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, London SW13 9WT 020 8409 4400 | info.london@wwt.org.uk WWT London

Some of our ducklings are missing! Come and help us find them… in the GIANT Duck Hunt. There are chocolate prizes for everyone who helps us discover them. This Easter, for the first time, we also have LEGO® brick ducklings for sale at just £5 each, for you to build and take home.

Don’t miss out!

You won’t want to miss our Early Bird openings, either, which take place every Saturday in April and May. The centre will be open from 8.30am to give you a chance to see wildlife earlier in the morning. We’ve got some late-night dates lined up, too, so that you can enjoy the centre at different times of the day.

Please note that, as of now, the standard closing time at WWT London is 5.30pm in the summer and 4.30pm in the winter, bringing us into line with the other WWT centres.

April is a wonderful month for birdsong, such as the explosive call of the Cetti’s warbler in the reedbeds, so why not join our Dawn Chorus walk or take part in our introductory course to birdsong to find out more? The Dawn Chorus walk starts at 5am, so that you can really get up with the lark!

Talking of reedbeds, which are such important wetland habitats, we’re offering a great opportunity to discover more about them with our reedbed walk that takes you into areas not normally open to the public. In June, we’re running an exclusive members’ walk to discover the centre’s various types of orchid; an impressive display so close to the centre of London.

Bee orchid

London Events (See page 47 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/london) Daily Activities Otter Feeds Meet the otters at feeding time, when our warden will tell you more about these amazing and fascinating aquatic mammals.

Guided Tours Learn how the centre was created and gain an insight into the sort of wildlife that lives here. 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Feed the Birds Join a warden as he or she feeds the beautiful and endangered birds in World Wetlands.

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Guide in the Hide (in the Peacock Tower and Headley Discovery Hide) Join one of WWT’s experienced birdwatchers, who will be on hand to point out unusual species and answer any questions you may have. 10am-1pm.

Fri 25 Mar to Sun 10 Apr GIANT Easter Duck Hunt Follow our GIANT Easter duck trail around our beautiful nature reserve to discover where they are hiding. Trail £1.

Plus, you can make your own LEGO

duckling to build and take home (£5 per model); it makes a fantastic souvenir of your Easter visit.

But hurry, we have a limited number, so don’t miss out!

9.30am-5.30pm.

Sat 9 Apr Members’ Walk: Wildlife and Habitat Management On this walk around the reserve, the warden will explain more about the work they do, creating and managing the habitats for the wetland animals and plants that you see. 1pm. £2 .PP.. .BE.

Fri 15 Apr Wildlife Photography: Intermediate Skills If you already understand how your camera works and the basics of photography, but want to fine-tune your pictures of the natural world, then this is the ideal course.

Based both in the classroom and outside.

10am-4pm. £60 .PP.. .BE.

Fri 15 & Mon 25 Apr Introduction to Birdsong In this 1½-hour session you’ll learn how to identify birds through song, guided by one of our experts, through useful tips,

notes and fieldwork.

By the end of the course you should be able to identify 10 key species. 10-11.30am. £10 .PP.. .BE. Sat 16 Apr to Sun 22 May (incl Mon 2 May bank holiday) Weekend Family Activities Enjoy a pond-dipping session to see what minibeasts are about and get creative with our nature crafts. See the website for full details nearer the time.

Sat 23 Apr St George’s Quest Are you brave enough to slay the dragon and win a prize? Join us for

St George’s Quest, with help from the Blacksmith, the Wise Woman and other characters you meet along the way. £3 .PP..

10am-4pm.

Sat 30 Apr Dawn Chorus This is a unique opportunity to enjoy our wonderful wildlife reserve before daybreak as we celebrate International Dawn Chorus Day. Everyone can enjoy listening to the birds sing as the sun rises over the reedbeds, lakes and ponds. 5am and 5.15am. £20 .PP..

.RI. .BE.

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Dawn walk

Everything is still on course for the opening of the new theatre by the summer, offering great sessions for school children and a fabulous new function space.

WWT London is very popular for weddings and other parties and celebrations, and this new area could be perfect for your own plans. If you’d like to know more, get in touch by emailing info.london@wwt.org.uk.

Learn more about capturing spring wildlife on camera

Fri 13 May Spring Wildlife Photography Course Photograph the centre’s spectacular spring wildlife with guidance from photographer and tutor Iain Green.

Discover and learn about seasonal specialities of the reserve and how to photograph them. A practical course, the day will begin with an introductory session inside, before heading out onto the reserve.

10am-4pm. £60 .PP.. .BE.

Sat 14 May Members’ Talk: What’s for Lunch?

Come behind the scenes with our warden on this 15-minute talk as he gives an explanation of the contents of the feed shed, explaining what we feed our feathered – and furry – friends. 1pm. £2 .PP.. .BE. Sun 15 May Reedbed Walk Come on this walk into our reedbeds – an area normally out of bounds to visitors – with one of our wardens. Discover how mankind has used the common reed for centuries and gain an

Season’s highlight

Bemused by birdsong? In just one and a half hours, we can help you to identify 10 key species by their voices alone!

Introduction to Birdsong, 15 and 25 April

appreciation of the biodiversity this habitat supports, both here at the centre and further afield.10.30am12.30pm and 1.303.30pm. £3 .PP.. .BE. Thu 9, Fri 10, Thu 16, Fri 17, Thu 23, Fri 24, Thu 30 Jun & Fri 1 Jul Robin Hood – An Interactive Promenade Play!

Join us for this immersive outdoor adventure. With Richard the Lionheart absent, corruption and injustice are rife in England. The country cries out for a champion – and in the heart of the forest, a legend stirs. 6.30pm

or 8.15pm. £20.50 .PP..

No admission to the centre before 6pm. .BE. Sat 11 Jun Members’ Walk: Orchids Considering its close proximity to central London, London Wetland Centre supports an impressive array of wild orchids on site. Half a dozen orchid taxa are found on the reserve and this is the perfect chance to see some of them. 1pm. £2 .PP.. .BE. Sat 11 Jun to Sun 17 Jul Weekend Family Activities Our wildlife reserve

is at its most colourful at this time of year, with flowers in full bloom and our gardens looking glorious.

Join us for pond dipping, outdoor crafts and plenty of nature-themed fun for families.

Sat 18 Jun Introduction to Wildlife Photography Photographer and author Iain Green will guide you through your camera’s various automatic settings – and then show you how to turn off the ‘automatic’ mode, but still get fantastic photos. 10am-4pm. £60 .PP.. .BE.

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03/02/2016 14:30 18/02/2016 16:46

D O W N YO U R WAY Martin Mere

WWT MARTIN MERE WETLAND CENTRE The GIANT Duck Hunt, with its intriguing twist, is sure to be a family favourite this Easter. There will be 25 ducks hidden around the grounds, each with its own name tag, with one name for each letter of the alphabet. To win a prize, you have to find out which letter is missing. It’s great fun! But that’s not all – you can also paint a plastic duck over the Easter period, then bring it back on 2 May to compete in our annual plastic duck race. May the best duck win!

The canoe safaris and guided boat tours have already reopened, and there’s an excellent chance of spotting a kingfisher while you explore the reedbed habitat, as they have been appearing in good numbers of late. Of course, we’re now entering the period when new life should be visible wherever you look. Nene goslings, greater flamingo chicks, cygnets, ducklings and more should all be appearing in the weeks ahead, so don’t miss them.

Numbers of avocet and lapwing will be building up, too, and there have been great sightings of barn owls with spring approaching, which bodes well for the season ahead. Keep an eye on the sky for marsh harriers, too.

As you walk around the northern area of the grounds, you’ll see that work has started on a new redevelopment, which should be open by the autumn. We’ll be revealing more details next issue, but here’s a sneak preview: the final scene will be a recreation of North American swamps and forests.

Finally, make a note in your diaries for July, when the LEGO® brick animals will be returning to Martin Mere once more, this time with a new creature to discover. More on that next issue.

Burscough, Ormskirk, Lancashire L40 0TA 01704 895181 | info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk WWT Martin Mere

Season’s highlight

The nursery will be open once more so that you can enjoy watching the fluffy duckling delights as they hatch and start their lives!

Downy Duckling Week, 28 May to 5 June

Nene goslings

Martin Mere Events (See page 47 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/martinmere) Daily Activities Otter Talk Come and meet our friendly family of otters – Ned, Tai, Penny, Bell and Flick – at 11.30am and 2.30pm every day.

species, ranging from water voles to reed buntings. 12 noon-4pm weekdays and 10.30am4pm weekends/ holidays. £6 per canoe (seats up to three).

Toddler Thursday Gosling Gang Come along with your toddlers to enjoy story time and craft activities every Thursday during term time at 10.30am and 1.30pm.

Guided Boat Tours Take a peaceful tour of our wetlands and learn all about Martin Mere.

Enjoy watching wildlife, spotting dragonflies, listening for warblers and admiring the wild flowers. Please check at the information desk for times. £3 .PP..

Canoe Safari Our self-guided canoe safari is a fun way to explore the reedbed habitat and its rich biodiversity. Enjoy spotting some of the UK’s most threatened

Flamingo Talk Learn all about our fascinating flamingos in this daily talk at 12.45pm from 25 March.

Fri 25 Mar to Sun 24 Apr Easter Holidays Take part in a GIANT duck hunt, delve into pond dipping, build a den out of conifer, paint a duck, enjoy family crafts, experience Wild Walk, go on a boat trip and much more.

Fris 1 Apr, 20 May & 17 Jun Birdwatching Morning Join Andy Bunting from In Focus to develop your bird identification skills in the field and receive expert advice on using guides and choosing binoculars and telescopes. £22.

7am-12 noon. .BE.

Sats 2 Apr, 21 May & 18 Jun Wildlife Photography Workshop A workshop with Andy Bunting from In Focus, introducing you to the finer points of wildlife photography, going beyond automatic settings to create truly spectacular images. £65. 10am-4pm. .BE. Suns 3 Apr, 22 May & 19 Jun Drawing and Painting Birds Join award-winning local artist Tony Disley to explore the process from drawing through to a finished painting of a bird subject. £50.

10am-4pm. .BE.

Suns 17 Apr, 15 May & 19 Jun Meet Reptiles Come along and meet reptiles from the North West Reptile Club.

12 noon-3pm.

Mon 2 May Annual Plastic Duck Race Over Easter you can paint a duck to bring back on 2 May to take part in our duck race.

Cheer on your duck as we release the water in the ditches to create a fun family race. 3pm.

Sat 28 May to Sun 5 Jun Downy Duckling Week How does a duckling develop inside an egg?

How long does it take to hatch? When can it first go on water? These questions and more are answered as you take part in candling workshops, see hatching eggs and walk through our duckling nursery. 11am-4pm.

Weekends Sat 11 Jun to Sun 17 July Duckling Nursery Wander through the duckling nursery, seeing our baby birds as they grow. Chat to our volunteers and find out about the egg-to-duckling process and how our work helps WWT’s conservation work across the world.

12 noon-3pm.

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D O W N YO U R WAY Slimbridge

WWT SLIMBRIDGE WETLAND CENTRE They’re big, they’re yellow and they’re hiding around the grounds of WWT Slimbridge. Yes, the giant ducks are back, and you’re invited to find them during the popular Easter treat, the GIANT Duck Hunt. And, in the tradition of Easter, there’s a chocolate prize for everyone who completes their activity sheet. Great entertainment for kids and adults alike. Don’t forget to bring your camera to record the fun.

Talking of cameras, if you’d like to get more from yours this spring, we’re running a number of courses to help. On 8 April, you can enjoy a special introduction to wildlife photography for parents and children (aged eight or above). It’s a great way to find out how to take top shots of the world around you, and encourage your kids to get close to nature at the same time. On 16 April, Iain Green hosts another course for beginners, involving one-to-one tuition, then, on 10 May and 7 June, Slimbridge warden James Lees takes you out on a photography tour to explore the reserve via Land Rover, showing you the very best places to take the very best shots.

There’s so much to photograph – or simply watch – by then. Flocks of bar-tailed godwit, knot, sanderling, grey plover and ringed plover will all be stopping by on their way back north to breed, while possible rarities include spoonbill, purple heron and great white egret. Our own

Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT 01453 891900 | events.slimbridge@wwt.org.uk Prebook all paid events on 01453 891223 WWT Slimbridge

Sanderling

Season’s highlight

Don’t miss the chance to get out onto the reserve with a warden, to enjoy great views of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and more.

Land Rover Safari, weekends and school holidays from 30 April

Slimbridge Events (See page 47 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/slimbridge) Daily Activities Otter Talk: Back from the Brink Meet our friendly family of Otters – Flo, Minnie and Ha Ha – and hear a talk as they tuck into a tasty fish supper. 11.30am and 3pm daily.

Toad Hall Talk Come to Toad Hall and hear our amphibian experts give an insight into the world of amphibians and their habitats.

You will have the opportunity to hold some of his collection of frogs, toads and newts, and ask questions you have always wondered about. 2.15pm daily, plus 12.30pm at weekends and school holidays.

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An Introduction to Slimbridge Join one of our volunteers as they take you on a walk through the grounds, telling you about the history of the centre, the birds that you can see and the other things you might like to see or do. 10.30am (times can vary, so check on the noticeboard on the day).

Fri 25 Mar to Sun 10 Apr GIANT Duck Hunt A group of oversized ducks has decided to visit WWT Slimbridge this Easter holiday.

Can you spot them in the grounds?

Pick up an activity sheet on your arrival.

9.30am-5.30pm.

Fri 8 Apr Parent and Child Introduction to Wildlife Photography A practical and enjoyable day for budding young wildlife photographers and their parents to learn how to get great shots of wildlife.

This event is suitable for all skill levels and camera types (compact or SLR). Starting with an illustrated introductory session looking at composition, technique, fieldcraft and equipment, you will then head outside for a practical session of nature photography.

Due to small course numbers, there will be plenty of time for 1-2-1 tuition. All children must be accompanied by an adult and must

be aged eight years or over. 10am-1pm. £25 per adult and child. .BE. Fri 22 Apr Advanced Birder Learn to assess fine details such as plumage, weather conditions and habitats to take your skills to a new level.

8am-12 noon. £27.95, includes tea/coffee and a bacon roll. .BE. .RI.

Sat 23 Apr & Sun 8 May Birdwatch Morning Spring is a magical time on the reserve, with many birds settling down to raise a family on the banks and adjoining fields of the River Severn. Join our wardens as they aim to show the group some of the more

special species such as redshank and lapwing, song birds such as warblers, sparrowhawks, kingfishers and maybe the elusive cuckoo.

8am. £15.95, includes tea/coffee and a bacon roll. .BE. .RI. Sat 30 Apr Needle-felt Mammal Workshop Learn how to make beautiful felt animals in this needle-felting workshop. You can make any of the mammals seen at WWT Slimbridge, such as an otter, badger or fox.

Sophie Buckley, an experienced craft teacher, will be running the workshop.

All materials and equipment will be provided for the extra

charge of £3.50. 10am (lasts for 4.5 hours). £32 .PP., includes tea/ coffee and biscuits.

Book in advance as there are limited places. .BE. .RI. Sat 30 Apr to Sun 25 Sep, Weekends & School Holidays Land Rover Safari Enjoy the opportunity to go out onto the reserve in the company of an expert warden and enjoy views of the wild birds that live on the banks of the Severn – all from the comfort of a seat in the covered trailer. Please wear sturdy footwear and warm protective clothing, especially during cold and/or wet days. 2pm. £5 .PP. and £3 .PC.. Book tours on arrival at the Admissions area. .WP.

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Spoonbill

breeding birds will be at their best and, if all goes well, the wonderful cranes will breed again. Look out, too, for lapwings on the Dumbles.

After a lot of work during the autumn to provide good breeding conditions outside the Zeiss and Discovery hides, we’re anticipating better views of breeding birds than

Fri 6 May Advanced Birder Learn to assess fine details such as plumage, weather conditions and habitats to take your skills to a new level. 8am-12 noon. £27.95, includes tea/ coffee and a bacon roll. .BE. .RI.

Nature Photography on Tour Our reserve warden and wildlife photographer, James Lees, will take groups of keen photographers out onto our 800 acres of wild nature reserve in a Land Rover. His

Sat 7 May Birdsong Workshop Join our wardens to explore the reserve at one of the most productive times of the year. Learn how to identify the birds by sound, as each one has a most beautiful call and song, followed by a full English breakfast. 7-10.30am. £20, includes full breakfast. .BE. .RI. Tues 10 May and 7 Jun

Birdwatch Morning

inside knowledge of all the best wildlife spots provides numerous opportunities for taking unique photographs, and you’ll learn about the best ways to approach wildlife without disturbance.

ever before. Keep an eye out for avocets from the Holden Tower, too.

As June comes around, the grounds will be full of floral colour, including the splendid orchids that can be found around the site. All in all, it promises to be a season of splendour and fun at WWT Slimbridge.

7.30am-1pm. £60, includes tea/coffee and a bacon roll. .BE. .RI. Sat 28 May to Sun 5 Jun Downy Duckling Days Go behind the scenes of our busy duckery to learn how we rear

hundreds of young birds each year, and see many of the fluffy ducklings, goslings and cygnets.

On the tour learn all about eggs and see inside one using a technique called candling. Visit the newly hatched ducklings inside the duckery and in the outdoor enclosures.

Just sign up to a time slot on your arrival, but do come early to avoid disappointment as tours are booked on a first come, first served basis. For younger visitors there is a duckling crèche, giving them the opportunity to see ducklings up-close without the tour.

There is also an incubator so you can watch the progress

of a baby bird hatching during your visit. In our discovery centre there will be paper and craft activities on offer. 9.30am-5.30pm.

Book your tour on the day on arrival at the centre.

Sat 11 Jun Wildflower and Orchid Walk Join our reserve manager for a magical behind-the-scenes walk, looking for the wetland’s finest wildflowers and orchids. Orchid walk around the grounds and centre: 11am-1pm; walk out along the estuary looking at saltmarsh flowers: 2-4pm. £8 for one walk, £12 for both, plus admission to the centre if not a member. .BE.

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23/02/2016 09:41

D O W N YO U R WAY Washington

WWT WASHINGTON WETLAND CENTRE It’s going to be the most exciting Easter yet at WWT Washington.

The GIANT Duck Hunt, so popular last year, is back, complete with chocolate prizes, but this year there are other giants to find; yes, the LEGO® Brick Animal Trail is here, and you can find these amazing figures out in the grounds, mingling with the residents. From Lottie the otter to Flavia the flamingo, there are no fewer than nine to spot in all. If you’re lucky, there may be spaces left in the special LEGO brick workshops, too, but hurry, as they’ve been going fast.

There’s another celebration coming up in May, when Little Squeak, our young otter, who has so captured the public’s imagination, reaches her first birthday on the 22nd. We’ll be throwing a tea party for her, so do come along. Incidentally, she’s not so little any more, so she’ll be gaining a new name on the special day: Ruby, to commemorate the fact that she was born in the centre’s 40th anniversary year.

The Lagoon View Hide is another upcoming highlight, and it’ll be opening before the summer. Do check for more details when you’re next in. By the time it opens, there’ll be a new feature to enjoy: staff have been busy building a kingfisher pool close to the right-hand side of the hide at the edge of the reedbed. Kingfishers are often seen in the area, but this new pool, complete with perches, should bring them wonderfully into view.

There has been plenty of work going on at Wader Lake over the winter, too, with new islands built close to the hides. It should provide better views than ever of avocets, lapwings, common terns and more.

With Downy Duckling Days from 28 May to 5 June to look forward to, this is shaping up to be a great spring and early summer.

Pattinson, Washington, Tyne and Wear NE38 8LE 0191 416 5454 | info.washington@wwt.org.uk WWT Washington

Flavia the LEGO brick flamingo

Season’s highlight

Can you guess how many bricks there are in the LEGO brick animals? It’s probably more than you think!

LEGO Brick Animal Trail, 24 March to 10 April

Washington Events (See page 47 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/washington) Daily Activities Otter Feeds Meet our playful Asian short-clawed otters as they devour tasty fish at commentated feeds.

11.30am and 3pm.

Flamingo Talks Learn more about our Chilean flamingo flock and its conservation breeding success story.

11.45am and 3.15pm.

First Sat of the Month – 2 Apr, 7 May, 4 Jun Guide in a Hide Discover more about our diverse wild bird species with the help of our volunteer guide.

The guide will be on site from 10am-12 noon and 2-4pm. Please check on arrival for details of which hide they’re in.

First Sat of the Month – 2 Apr, 7 May, 4 Jun Walking with Wildfowl Learn fascinating facts about our rare and

endangered waterbird collection on a guided walk with our aviculture expert and hear about how WWT’s conservation breeding programmes are playing a vital role in their survival. Meet in the picture window at reception at 2pm.

Third Sat of the Month – 16 Apr, 21 May, 18 Jun Walk With a Warden Join our wildlife reserve manager as he leads a guided tour around our site, taking in the sights, sounds and seasonal wildlife. Meet in the picture window at reception at 2pm.

Fourth Sun of the Month – 27 Mar, 24 Apr, 22 May, 26 Jun Walk with a Warden Take a walk with our wildlife reserve warden as he shows visitors the latest seasonal

highlights around the site. Meet in the picture window at reception at 2pm.

Fourth Sun of the Month – 27 Mar, 24 Apr, 22 May, 26 Jun In Focus Don’t miss your chance to check out the latest in optical equipment and chat to the friendly In Focus experts.

Test, select and buy state-of-the-art binoculars and telescopes under field conditions. Part exchanges are always considered and used stock is available. Plus, a percentage of every sale is donated to WWT – helping us to continue our valuable conservation work.

For further details, contact In Focus on 01484 864729 or log onto at-infocus.co.uk.

Throughout the day in the picture window.

Thu 24 Mar to Sun 17 Apr LEGO Brick Animals The UK’s only giant LEGO brick wetland animal trail comes to WWT Washington this Easter. Discover how many LEGO bricks have been used to make the large-scale creatures, including a gigantic otter, super-sized crane and humongous goose – some of which are up to 12 times life-size!

Take part in awesome LEGO brick workshops (11am and 1pm daily, 24 Mar to 10 Apr plus Sat 16 and Sun 17 Apr) and make your own duckling to take home.

LEGO brick workshops £8.50 .PP.. .BE. for LEGO brick workshops; please visit wwt.org.uk/ washington/lego for details and tickets.

Fri 25 to Mon 28 Mar Easter Weekend GIANT Duck Hunt

A gang of GIANT ducks will be landing at WWT Washington this Easter weekend – and we need your help to find them all! All day.

Sat 28 May to Sun 5 Jun Downy Duckling Days Meet fluffy babies at our specialist duckery, learn more about WWT’s vital conservation breeding programmes, and see tiny ducklings and goslings taking their first wobbly steps in the outdoor pens. Duckery talks from 1-2pm (WA) and duckling-themed crafts 1-3.30pm (every day, small costs apply).

Sun 19 Jun Father’s Day Lunches Treat your loved one to a delicious meal in the tranquil surroundings of Waterside Café, overlooking our spectacular barnacle geese, wigeon, Eurasian

cranes and other waterbirds. Lunch served 12 noon-2pm. £14.95 .PP. and £6.95 .PC.. Call 0191 416 5454 ext 235 for menu details and to book. .BE. Sat 25 Jun Day Trip to WWT Martin Mere Join us as we visit WWT’s Lancashire centre, with highlights including canoe safaris, pond-dipping sessions and guided boat tours, plus otter and flamingo talks. The bus leaves WWT Washington’s car park at 7am, returning for 6pm. Please bring a change of clean footwear for the coach.

Cost is £24 .PP. and £13 .PC. (not including admission to the centre, which is free for WWT members). Canoe safaris £6, boat tours £3.

Call 0191 416 5454 or email info.washington@ wwt.org.uk. .BE.

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D O W N YO U R WAY Welney

Hundred Foot Bank, Welney, Nr Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE14 9TN 01353 860711 | info.welney@wwt.org.uk WWT Welney

WWT WELNEY WETLAND CENTRE The GIANT Duck Hunt went down really well last year, so if you missed out, fear not: it’s back again throughout the Easter period. Find the giant ducks, and check the tags around their necks for clues to their names. There are prizes for everyone who finds the answers!

Welney’s total of whooper swans went through the roof this winter, beating the previous record by about 700 birds. There were more than 8,000 of them at the season’s peak count, which is remarkable for such a mild winter. There will probably still be a few left, yet to migrate back to their breeding grounds, if you come down quickly. You’ll certainly be able to see black-tailed godwits, which numbered some 1,500 birds in December. By now, though, the number has doubled, with hundreds more of the Icelandic race of this species on their way north, and they are a fantastic rusty-red colour in preparation for the breeding season. They have been coming very close to the hides in the mild weather so, along with the returning avocets, lapwings and more, there’s plenty to see, and plenty to hear, too, with the arrival of the warblers.

Come the half-term holiday, we’ll be running a great competition, and it centres on pond dipping. There’s such a variety of fascinating creatures to discover in May with your pond-dipping equipment, and there’s a daily prize for whoever gets the record number.

To take in as much as possible, why not try our Wetland Safari on Easter Monday as well as in May? In addition to the great waterbird life, you’ll be able to explore all sorts of fascinating wildlife, from owl pellets to the contents of our moth traps. Don’t forget, too, to take a meal in the restaurant. This is the time of year when the moorhen chicks are out and about in full view, so that you can enjoy a bite to eat while watching these adorable bundles of fluff.

With water voles becoming more active, butterflies and dragonflies beginning to emerge, and young birds everywhere, there’s plenty to see and do as spring gets under way.

Black-tailed godwit

Season’s highlight

Discover Welney’s wildlife after dark in our evening ramble around the reserve. Bat detectors are provided – all you need to bring is your enthusiasm!

Bats and Barn Owls, 7 May, 1 June and 4 June

Welney Events (See page 47 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/welney) Sat 28 Mar to Sun 12 Apr GIANT Duck Hunt Take part in a hunt for some GIANT ducks that have been hidden around the site, follow the spring trail and have a go at pond dipping.

Mons 28 Mar, 2 May & 30 May Wetland Safari Get closer to the wetland wildlife on the reserve with a range of activities and tours. Learn more

about underwater creatures with guided pond dipping, improve your bird identification skills and much more.

Tue 12 Apr Wicken Fen Talk An evening talk by Dr Peter Green about local National Trust reserve Wicken Fen. The evening is hosted by the Friends of Welney group.

7.30-9.30pm. £3 .PP. (£2 Friends of Welney members).

Barn owls

Sat 7 May, Wed 1 Jun & Sat 4 Jun Bats and Barn Owls Explore the reserve by night. Join our guide to watch barn owls coming out to hunt, listen to bats with the detectors and see which insects visit the traps. 8.30-11pm. £10 .PP., £5 .PC..

Sat 28 May to Sun 5 Jun Pond-dipping Competition Explore the reserve this spring and take

part in the ponddipping competition.

How many underwater creatures can you find during your day?

Tue 14 Jun Deer of East Anglia Talk An evening talk by Norma Chapman about the deer found in East Anglia. The evening is hosted by the Friends of Welney group.

7.30-9.30pm. £3 .PP. (£2 Friends of Welney members).

APRIL/JUNE 2016

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Taking On A Tablet is Easy

ne of the greatest things about touchscreen tablets such as the iPad, Hudl, Galaxy Tab and the rest is how easy they make it to stay in touch.

You can use Skype to make video phone calls (which are usually free), send emails, even attach photos to send to family and friends miles away, all at the touch of a screen.

With a tablet, you can browse the web or watch TV online, play games or read ebooks, too – and even borrow ebooks from the local library without leaving your armchair. These gadgets are much more convenient than a cumbersome desktop computer and a lot of people find them easier to use.

But there’s a flip side – if you’re not sure how to use this technology, you can feel left behind. Even if you have a device that can do all these things, you might not find it all plain sailing. That’s because these tablets hardly ever come with a proper manual. That’s where this guide comes in. It doesn’t assume

you are an expert or a ‘techie’ and it explains things step by step.

The guide is published by The Helpful Book Company and the author Tim Wakeling has helped thousands get to grips with their tablet, PC and laptop since he set up the company 10 years ago. Wakeling explains things in plain English for the less technical, with plenty of illustrations showing what the screen will look like and where you’ll need to tap it. Anyone who’s struggled with a tablet will find it’s not so hard, once explained simply.

There are separate books for the Apple iPad and for Android-based tablets such as the Kindle Fire, Hudl, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Sony Xperia and the Nexus range. An information pack helps explain how to tell which version a customer has, to make sure they buy the right book. The books are available direct from the publisher.

Step by step guide means there is nothing to fear about using devices

Call The Helpful Book Company on 01229 777 606 and ask for a free information pack.

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Calling all iPad or Android Tablet owners...

If you ever find your tablet frustrating, aren’t quite sure how to do things or just think you might not be getting all you should from it, read on... ablets are becoming hugely popular. And no wonder they’re lighter and easier to carry around than a PC. You can sit in a comfy armchair and browse the web or even video call your family around the world.

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They’re easier to use than PCs in lots of ways, too.

But there’s a catch. In fact, two.

Catch number 1: They’re different from PCs. So if you already know how to use a PC, you have to start again.

Someone needs to tell you these things – it’s just not possible to work it out as you wouldn’t even know they’re there!

If I ran the world...

If I ran the world, these devices would come with a proper manual.

But when they do come with a

062_WWT_AprJun_16.indd 62 Helpful Book Company_WWT_AprJun_16.indd 1

And when you do get at it, it’s usually written assuming you already know how to use it which makes it a bit pointless.

“Thank you for producing such a superb book – it is really helping me. I had bought one (a book) in W H Smiths a short while ago and couldn't get on with it at all!” - J.S.

and “I am delighted with the new book on tablets, so many things I didn’t understand before, being of That’s why I’ve written these books: iPads One Step at a Time the 'retired brigade' it’s a great and Android Tablets One Step at a help.” – Doreen Wadsworth Time (ideal for all Android tablets) Don't buy now, do this instead Anyway, don't buy now. Instead, Plain English - that's not all... you can find out the full details They explain how to use the device, in plain simple language, about what's covered, who they're ideal for and what you might be with pictures of the screen missing out on, then decide. Just showing exactly where to tap or ask for a free information pack. slide your fingers. No jargon!

Only Half the Story...

That’s only half the story, but I don’t have room to explain what I mean by that here. So I’ve put together full information on the books - who they’re for, what they cover and so on.

Quick and Easy to Get Yours Why not ring or write off for the full information now? There’s no obligation at all. Discover what the

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WHS There’s no obligation, no cost. You while a have nothing to lose so why not do got on it now, while you think of it? Best Jane S not risk losing the details, reply to her Ini ask for your free infopack today.

AND Only available direct from the publisher.

Best send for info now Yes, please send me a free info-pack about iPads One Step at a Time and Android Tablets One Step at a Time. It's free & there's no obligation.

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What’s more, the books also come with a small free gift – no room to Address explain that here, either!

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As soon as these books came out, I started getting comments like...

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We won't share your details with anyone else

Catch number 2 (the big one!): There are lots of important features that are “hidden”. There’s no button for them, saying “click here”. And you simply can’t work it out. You need to know to slide the screen from the left, or drag the thingy-me-bob to the right.

manual, it’s on the device, so you can only get at it if you already know how to use the thing!

Post to The Helpful Book Co, 13B Devonshire Rd Est, Millom, Cumbria, LA18 4JS or call 01229 777606

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Pu Ju Yes, please send me a free info-pack about iPads One Step at a Time bl st is and Android Tablets One Step at a Time. It's free & there's no obligation. 22/02/2016 23/02/2016 09:44 12:03 h and we wo ed

D O W N YO U R WAY Steart Marshes

WWT STEART MARSHES

Stert Drove, Bridgwater, Somerset TA5 2PU 01278 651090 | steart.wwt.org.uk/visit WWT Steart Marshes

Longhorns will be doing their bit for conservation

The skylarks are singing, the wheatears are perching on almost every post, and WWT Steart Marshes is looking wonderful as spring dawns. It enjoyed a memorable winter, too, with regular otter sightings and a cattle egret that, at the time of writing, has been here for months. Two birds arrived from the other side of the Atlantic – an American wigeon and a green-winged teal – while flocks of 4,500 dunlin looked glorious in the late winter sun. There was even a Siberian chiffchaff in the car park.

The reserve is not just about wildlife, though: WWT Steart Marshes is also a flood relief system, and this winter it proved just how important well-managed wetlands can be. During the heavy rains, the water levels on parts of the site were a metre higher than in the drainage ditches that help to relieve local villages from flooding. This meant that the ditches were not overloaded, and were able to perform their function.

Talking of high water levels, if you’d like to witness the intertidal area full of water during high tide, then 23-26 March, 6-11 April, 6-10 May and 4-8 June are when to come.

For specific times, visit the web page at steart.wwt.org.uk.

Over time, we’ll be developing our presence online even more, as we build an events calendar to showcase the wonders of this fabulous reserve. A new team member, Lucy Bartlett, has been engaged to expand volunteer schemes and learning opportunities on site, and we’ll have more on these next issue.

Before then, there’s so much to see. Avocets should be returning in May, and we’ll be manipulating the water levels to expose the mud in the freshwater area, encouraging migrating waders such as ruff, little stint and green sandpiper. All going well, little ringed plovers will return to breed. Keep an eye out for peregrines and red kites, too.

The flower-rich meadows will come into bloom as summer approaches, while cuckooflower (or lady’s smock), yellow

Longhorn cattle are among the rare breeds that graze the grassy areas of the site from April to October rattle, oxeye daisies, knapweeds and more provide a visual treat from the Wetland Walkway.

By early April, conservation grazing will have begun once more. Right the way through until October, we’ll have rare breeds from local farms grazing on site, including longhorn and Highland cattle, and Herdwick and Rutland sheep.

It promises to be an exciting spring and summer at WWT Steart Marshes: for further information, keep an eye on steart.wwt.org.uk.

Green sandpiper

APRIL/JUNE 2016

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Classified directory

To advertise please contact Daniel Haynes on 020 3771 7214 or daniel.haynes@thinkpublishing.co.uk

ACCOMMODATION

MARTIN MERE, LANCASHIRE CROOK HALL FARM COTTAGES Quiet, peaceful area, perfect for walking and bird watching. Ideally placed for visiting Martin Mere and Mere Sands Wood nature reserves and Formby Point on the coast. 4* Barn Owl Cottage sleeps 4, Maltkiln Cottage sleeps 2. www.crookhallfarmcottages.co.uk

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Laura Ashley beamed spacious ensuite bedrooms. Stay any three nights Sun - Fri £34 pppn (dbl occ). Stay 4 nts get 5th for £25 for two!! 1nt stay -£78 and single occ £48. Many attractions including NT in easy travelling distance.

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TUDOR ARMS

Self-catering ground floor flat for two in Glencaple village close to WWT. Recently renovated to high standard. Very comfortable with multi-fuel stove and small sunny garden. In winter barnacles fly past morning and evening. This is a nature lover’s paradise.

Real Ale, Real Food Pub with 18 well appointed ensuite bedrooms ETB4* 10 Minute Stroll from WWT Slimbridge and situated adjacent to Gloucester-Sharpness Canal CAMRA awards 2007-2013

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T: 01453 890306 E: enquiries@thetudorarms.co.uk W: www.thetudorarms.co.uk

Caerlaverock Cottages

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The Old Cider House, one double bedroom. Tranquil riverside location, paradise for walkers, cyclists and bird watchers.

Convenient for WWT Slimbridge.

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13:22

In a lovely valley in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Victorian-built Rosemoor offers characterful accommodation in spacious grounds. Unpolluted beaches, Skomer and tidal wetlands nearby (2 miles). Our own 30-acre Nature Reserve is home to badgers, otters and a great variety of birds and plants.

E-mail: jamiecowan2000@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 07711583320 www.hollinscottage.co.uk www.bankswoodcottage.co.uk www.blossomholidaycottage.co.uk www.keepersholidaycottage.co.uk

Holiday Lets set within a National Senic Area of outstanding beauty available for short breaks or weekly bookings, all within 1/2 mile of WWT Caerlaverock, NNR and Caerlaverock Castle.

A nature lovers paradise.

The migrating geese graze in the surrounding fields around the properties.

John M. and Jacqui Janssen Rosemoor Country Cottages & Nature Reserve Walwyn’s Castle Haverfordwest SA62 3ED

Tel: 01437-781326 Fax: 01437-781080 E-mail: rosemoor@walwynscastle.com www.rosemoor.com

WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS

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Glencaple, Caerlaverock

06/09/2013 10:30

Puffins, porpoises, deer & dolphins & seals, seabirds, whales & wild flowers,

spectacular scenery,

Watch birds skimming the water from our 3 bed 2 bath cottage (sleps 6) sitting just a stones throw from the River Nith on the edge of Glencaple close top WWT.

Dave Buoy - 07721752152 admin@shorepark.co.uk www.shorepark.co.uk

Wales, puffins, red kites and thousands of starlings, seals, otters, dolphins sights and sounds to remember forever From single days out to week-long holidays throughout the year, contact: 0845 052 3533 info@welshwildlifebreaks.co.uk www.welshwildlifebreaks.co.uk

David Buoy.indd 1 28/01/2016 64 Waterlife APRIL/JUNE 2016 10:44 WWB_WWT_JulAug13.indd 1

good company, great meals. “light carbon footprint” sailing holiday on the famous 65ft yacht

CORRYVRECKAN 0845 260 2677 www.corryvreckan.co.uk

Quote NTW1 for your special offer when booking.

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31/05/2013 14:37 Corryvreckan_WWT_175.indd 1

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CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY

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EQUIPMENT

WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS

DAYS OUT

24/02/2016 14:51

All inclusive tours exploring a wide range of stunning habitats from S. French Alps, Crau & Camargue wetlands for Eagles, Wallcreeper, Vultures, Beeeaters, Eagle Owls, Flamingos, Beaver, Orchids & Butterflies.

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B AC K C H AT

Two outdoors men: Ronnie Williams and Peter Scott

very well run I have always loved the outdoors,

particularly wildernesses and mountains, but in my early years, to be honest, I didn’t really pay that much attention to wildlife. Soon after my wife, Angela, and I were married, however, we took a trip to Ireland and a friend gave us a bird book. Suddenly, it opened up a new interest and, for the first time, I began to think about birds.

They became part of my life, alongside my passion for running.

I have always run. Back when I was at Cambridge, running the mile for the university, Roger Bannister, who was famously to break the four-minutemile barrier, was doing the same for Oxford. He became a lifelong friend, and we’re still in touch with each other regularly.

Chris Brasher was another great friend, and he and I did a lot of running together. He founded the London Marathon, in which, to my shame, I have taken part only four times.

Why do I run? It’s very simple: I enjoy it. I have loved cross-country 66

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running, too. There’s a purity about running, although you get slower as you age, of course. Nowadays, I content myself with a brisk walk.

After I retired as a GP, we moved to Barnes and a friend told me that there was a call for volunteers to help create a new wetland centre. This was the late

Volunteering at WWT London Wetland Centre is a privilege, and what strikes me the most is the sheer breadth of the staff’s interest and knowledge.

I can’t stress highly enough how impressed I am with their expertise 1990s, and Peter Scott’s vision was steadily taking shape. There was plenty to do, and I enjoyed getting stuck in.

There were trees to plant and reedbeds to establish, and I also helped to build various specialist habitats, including

Chris Cavalier/W WT

Ninety-year-old WWT volunteer Ronnie Williams has always had a passion for running. Waterlife caught up with him to find out more

the bird-nesting islands. It was my introduction to WWT, and I loved it.

These days, I help out on Tuesday mornings with membership work.

Volunteering at WWT London Wetland Centre is a privilege, and what strikes me the most is the sheer breadth of the staff’s interest and knowledge. During those early days, Kevin Peberdy [WWT’s Director of Wetland Experience & Creation] was superb and, across the board, I can’t stress highly enough how impressed I am with the staff’s expertise. I have visited other WWT wetland centres, too, and I’m always struck by how different they all are, each with their own special atmosphere.

Peter Scott himself was a sportsman and a naturalist and I can see the connection. I think if he were to see how well WWT has continued to build upon his vision, he would be very pleased indeed.

If you would like to know more about volunteering opportunities with WWT, simply visit wwt.org.uk/volunteer.

APRIL/JUNE 2016

19/02/2016 13:05

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22/02/2016 16:42

Binoculars & Telescopes Explorer WA Oasis-C

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The all-new Opticron Savanna R shares many of the features of it’s sister porro prism packaged into a single axis roof prism body. Like their sister models, the Savanna R close in to just 52mm making them suitable for children age 7 and over.

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Measuring 205mm (50) / 252mm (60), an MM3 weighs about the same as pair of 42mm binoculars and can be used without a support for crystal clear flat-field observation at low magnification. Unlike binoculars, they continue to deliver stunning clarity and definition up to 36x (50mm) and 45x (60mm).

Bodies (Str or 45˚): MM3 50 GA ED £299, MM3 60 GA ED £399 Recommended eyepieces: HDF T 12-36x/15-45x £199 SDLv2 12-36x/15-45x £289

IS 60 R IS 60 R spottingscopes offer high levels of performance and versatility in a compact, lightweight body. Designed for the first-time user, frequent traveller and those on a budget they are available in 60mm standard and 60mm ED with the option of straight-through or 45° angled viewing.

Save 10% on selected IS 60 R kits(1) IS 60 R + IS 18-54x + WP Case £299 IS 60 R/45 + IS 18-54x + WP Case £299 IS 60 R ED + HR2 16-48 + WP Case £449 IS 60 R ED/45 + HR2 16-48 + WP Case £449 Available from stockists nationwide. Please call us for details.

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Opticron equipment can be tried, tested and purchased at WWT centres and good optical retailers nationwide. For product information, your nearest stockist and to order a Product Guide, phone us on 01582 726522 or visit us online at www.opticron.co.uk Opticron. Unit 21, Titan Court, Laporte Way, Luton, Beds, LU4 8EF UK Fax: 01582 723559 Email: sales@opticron.co.uk

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