waterlife The magazine of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust | 189 July/Sept 2014 | £4.25 | wwt.org.uk
Waterlife 189 JULY/SEPTEMBER 2014
WHAT MAKES A SUMMER?
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GREAT WAYS TO ENJOY THE SEASON WITH WWT
NEW!
WILDLIFE PHOTO COMPETITION
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
PAGE 35
wwt.org.uk
CRANE TALES
NEW WORLD
LIVING STANDARDS
THE WWT SLIMBRIDGE SAGA UNFOLDS
SPOON-BILLED SANDPIPERS ENTER THEIR NEW AVIARY
WWT ENRICHES LIVES AROUND THE WORLD
o in f cus ocular and Telescope Specialists e-mail: enquiries@infocusoptics.co.uk
The Binoc
l HERTFORDSHIRE London Colney, AL2 1BB (Satnav use AL4 0PF) - 01727 827799 Closed on Sunday
l NORFOLK Titchwell, Nr King’s Lynn, PE31 8BB - 01485 210101 Open seven days l WEST YORKSHIRE Denby Dale, HD8 8QL - 01484 864729 Closed on Sunday l RUTLAND Egleton Reserve, LE15 8BT - 01572 770656 Open seven days l GLOUCESTERSHIRE WWT Slimbridge, GL2 7BT - 01453 890978 Open seven days l LANCASHIRE WWT Martin Mere, L40 0TA - 01704 897020 Open seven days l LONDON London Wetland Centre, SW13 9WT - 0208 409 4433 Open seven days
in focus SALES EVENTS ‘Test under field conditions’ NORTH AND MIDLANDS Hauxley NR, Northumberland (Northumberland Wildlife Trust) Sun 13 July Sun 10 Aug / Sun 14 Sept / Sun 12 Oct Low Barns NR, County Durham (Durham Wildlife Trust) Sun 20 July / Sun 21 Sept North Cave Wetlands, East Yorkshire Sun 3 Aug Potteric Carr, South Yorkshire Sun 31 Aug Tophill Low NR, East Yorkshire Sun 5 Oct Washington WWT, Tyne and Wear Sun 27 July Sun 24 Aug / Sun 28 Sept / Sun 26 Oct Whisby Nature Park, Lincoln (Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust) Sun 19 Oct Wolseley Centre, Rugeley, Staffs (Staffordshire Wildlife Trust) Sat 2 Aug SOUTH AND EAST Arundel WWT, West Sussex Sun 6 July / Tue 22 July / Sun 10 Aug / Tue 19 Aug Sun 7 Sept / Tues 23 Sept / Sun 12 Oct Tue 21 Oct Farmoor Reservoir, Oxfordshire Sun 14 Sept Grove Ferry, Stodmarsh NNR, Canterbury, Kent Sat 19 July Lackford Lakes, near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk Sun 13 July / Sat 20 Sept Rye Harbour NR, East Sussex Sat 12 July / Sat 9 Aug / Sun 21 Sept / Sat 11 Oct Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory, Kent Sun 24 & Bank Holiday Monday 25 Aug Wildlife and Countryside Fair / Sun 26 Oct SOUTH AND WEST Blashford Lakes, Ringwood, Hampshire (Hampshire Wildlife Trust) Tue 8 July / Tue 5 Aug Tue 9 Sept / Tues 7 Oct Portland Bird Observatory, Dorset Sat 26 July / Sat 30 Aug / Sat 13 Sept / Sat 18 Oct Seaton, Black Hole Marsh, E Devon Sun 5 Oct WALES and SCOTLAND Llanelli WWT, Carmarthenshire Tue 15 July / Sun 27 July / Tue 2 Sept Sun 28 Sept / Sun 19 Oct Caerlaverock WWT Sun 6 July / Sun 7 Sept A good range of optics available seven days a week at the WWT shop Caerlaverock
The NEW Opticron MM3 50 ED Travel Scope kit complete with an HDF zoom Eyepiece, Stay-on case and a Sherpa 200R Tripod.
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£1415.00 Swarovski EL 8x32 Binoculars combine state-of-the-art optics with Swarovision technology and ultimate functionality.
£63.00 PhoneSkope lets you take pictures and video with your telescope using your Smartphone and share them immediately! BIRDFAIR 2014 This year’s Birdfair at Rutland Water is on Friday, Saturday and Sunday the 15,16 & 17 of August. We will be in our usual lakeside marquee offering the perfect opportunity to test, compare and purchase optical equipment under actual field conditions. In Focus are proud to have been a main sponsor of the world’s biggest and best Birdfair for the last 26 years.
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On the cover: Barn swallow, Mark Hamblin/2020VISION/Nature PL
Second chances Last year, Monty and Chris (short for Christine) hit the headlines. Two of the Eurasian cranes raised at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre and released onto the Somerset Levels, they returned to their Slimbridge haunts and laid a precious egg. No crane pair had successfully raised a chick in western Britain for 400 years! Sadly, although the egg hatched, the chick died without leaving the nest, and Monty and Chris returned to Somerset still childless. Then, this year, they came back. Two eggs were laid, and both hatched. One of the chicks disappeared a few days later, which is normal in the wild as sickness, predation and sibling rivalry are all risks. Sadly, just as we went to press, it was announced the second chick had been predated. Despite this, Chris and Monty are still together and we are confident they will raise many chicks on our wetlands in the years to come. Another crane pair, Bart and Ruby, also nested at Slimbridge this year and there were two nesting attempts in Somerset. Although, unfortunately, they were all unsuccessful, this gives us high hopes for the future. For up-to-date information, please see wwt.org.uk/news.
Graham Hann
CONTENTS
Slimbridge crane chick with mum Chris
In this issue...
4 Front lines Martin Spray on why wetlands are for people, too 7 Waterways News and views from the world of WWT 14 Wigeon post Your letters, plus our crossword and competition 16 Private life Exciting times for Slimbridge’s spoon-billed sandpipers 22 World of WWT 30 great ways to enjoy and explore the summer 28 The big issue How WWT is providing centre access for all 35 Photo competition Will your wildlife pics win our summer contest? 39 Fresh looks Some of the exciting new developments at WWT 40 Flight path Mark Carwardine looks to Madagascar’s future 43 Netlands Our regular overview of WWT’s online world 44 Wonderful world Amazing tales from behind the scenes at WWT 46 Kids’ zone Games and fascinating facts with Steve Backshall 49 Down your way All the news and events at your local centre 66 Back chat How WWT Slimbridge’s cranes became global stars
WWT is a 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 49 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: Zoe Willetts waterlife@wwt.org.uk Executive editor: Emma Stephens Editorial board: Zoe Cameron, Ray Clark, Baz Hughes, David Salmon, Rob Shore, Mark Simpson Editor: Malcolm Tait malcolm.tait@thinkpublishing.co.uk Senior sub-editor: Marion Thompson Designer: Nikki Ackerman Group advertising manager: Sonal Mistry sonal.mistry@thinkpublishing.co.uk 020 8962 3020 Publisher: John Innes Think, The Pall Mall Deposit, 124-128 Barlby Road, London W10 6BL www.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 2013: 94,153
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FRONT LINES
Wetlands for people Martin Spray CBE, WWT Chief Executive Since the 1970s, I have watched, with
encouragement and optimism, the growth in environmental awareness, concern and caring in our country and across many parts of the world. In the UK, millions have joined environmental conservation organisations, and in opinion polls the environment is consistently given importance by the public. However, when it comes to elections the environment seems seldom to get a mention. There is no doubt that the increasing activity and influence of conservation organisations have achieved great things. In the UK, I am sure that we would not have the many wonderful nature reserves, landscapes and wildlife without them. This is also true across the world. But, at the same time, we are seeing increasing losses of natural habitats through development and the demands of an increasing global population. In my view, we have won some notable battles for the environment, but we are not winning the war.
Heather Tait
In this issue of Waterlife we talk
about our work in Madagascar. Our experience in conservation breeding has resulted in saving the rarest duck in the world – the Madagascar pochard. But, to ensure its future, we need to release the birds into a safe and viable habitat. Our experts have found such a site in Lake Sofia. This is where the real work begins, but it is about people. If we can work with local communities living around the lake to improve their livelihoods, then it is more likely that the environment will be more valued and the future of the pochard sustained.
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This focus on working with and benefiting people is, I believe, fundamental to achieving successful stewardship of our environment into the future. Another example is our work in training and increasing the capacity of people to carry out their own conservation. We have worked with people in the Yangtze basin in China to train them in bird monitoring techniques. We have established natural systems to improve water quality in Laos. Here in the UK we have constructed sustainable drainage systems in 10 schools in London to help alleviate some of the flooding problems they have and, at the same time, to provide an enhanced environment for the students and a new learning resource for the teachers. These are just a few examples.
We have won some notable battles for the environment, but we are not winning the war
WWT is a wetland conservation
organisation, but we will only achieve our goals if we work with people and demonstrate the benefits of wetlands to them. WWT’s history and considerable experience of connecting people and nature makes it very well placed to make a huge difference in these challenging times.
Children birdwatching at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre
WWT NEWS
waterways NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE WORLD OF WILDFOWL AND WETLANDS CONSERVATION
Weeded out
FLPA; NHPA
Early April saw a significant step forward in the battle against invasive and damaging non-native plants, when a ban on five water species came into force. The ban means that plant stockists risk a fine of up to £5,000, and even a prison spell, if they sell these particular plants, which form dense mats, choking native wetland plants and depriving fish of light, oxygen and nutrients. ‘This is a great step forward in protecting our much-loved British wildlife from the threat that is posed by invasive plants,’ says WWT Head of Conservation Policy Carrie Hume. ‘By removing some of the most damaging plants from sale, you can be more confident that the plants you are buying for your garden will enhance rather than damage your local environment.’ The banned species include the South American water primrose (Ludwigia spp). According to a government-sponsored report, this plant currently costs more than £24,000 a year to control, but that would multiply to nearly £¼bn if it becomes widespread in Britain’s wetlands.
hawaii five!
The Hawaiian goose, or nene (above), has long been one of the world’s great conservation stories. Saved by WWT founder Sir Peter Scott from extinction in the 1950s, it has been reintroduced to Hawaii, and numbers there have steadily risen from just 30 to around 2,500 on four of the Hawaiian islands (Hawaii, Maui, Molokai and Kauai). In March, the geese returned to a fifth island… for the first time since the 1700s! A pair was spotted on the island
of Oahu, having made their own way there. It’s a wonderful example of wildlife reclaiming its territory, after a little help from its human friends. ‘Hawaiian geese have a special place in our conservation history,’ says WWT Animal Manager Graham Clarkson. ‘Without our breeding expertise they would be extinct.’ As a member, you play a valuable role in helping bring wildlife, like the nene, back from the brink.
no longer in a shop near you
› South American water primrose (Ludwigia spp) › New Zealand pygmy weed (Crassula helmsii) › Water fern (Azolla filiculoides) › Parrot’s feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) › Floating pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides)
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WWT NEWS
POETRY CORNER A splendid offering from Tony Cullingford this issue. You don’t need to know that the title is Flamingo to realise what it’s about, so apt are the descriptions. If you’d like to see your poetry in this slot, please send it to the address on page 14.
Flamingo Finger-thin legs, a forest of matchsticks; Gaunt knobbly knees looking swollen, diseased; Long swan-like neck, so gracefully bending; Gimlet-small eyes, then the strangest of beaks, Broken, then mended, set at the wrong angle, A really botched job, so sadly deformed. Feathers a cascade of wellordered beauty, Bright, vivid orange or softly toned pink, Lighting our wetlands with bright, cheerful beauty, These oddly shaped strangers adorning our days.
swan leader WWT has taken on a lead role in global International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Species swan conservation, in the same year it Survival Commission. Through celebrates the 50th anniversary of its Bewick’s swan study, one of the longest- Eileen’s long-term involvement with the group, WWT has helped running wildlife studies in the world. prepare the Bewick’s Swan Action WWT’s Head of UK Waterbird Plan, which aims to halt and Conservation, Eileen Rees reverse the decline in (above), is once again the the exchange numbers of the northchair of a global network west European Bewick’s of information of swan specialists working on monitoring, globally is crucial swan population. ‘I’ve dedicated research, conservation for enhancing much of my life to and management of the survival understanding the swan populations. of bewick’s conditions encountered Eileen previously chaired swans by these beautiful the Swan Specialist Group creatures, and to promoting from 1995 to 2001. Eileen’s their conservation,’ she says. knowledge spans four decades ‘Information exchange is crucial of swan research. for enhancing their survival, The Swan Specialist Group is so I’m proud to be taking on this affiliated to two international role in bringing the experts of the environmental organisations: world together.’ Wetlands International and the
Great day for the osprey Nick Cottrell; Barry Batchelor; Liz Gough
Sunday 25 May was a special day at Caerlaverock, as it witnessed the hatching of the first of the three eggs laid by the pair of ospreys that had returned to the centre once more. It was the ninth egg to be hatched from the nest over the years, and the event was captured on the special Osprey Cam, available on WWT’s website.
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Then, two days later, the second egg hatched – bringing the nest’s total to 10. By early June, however, the third egg still remained, which suggested that it might not be viable. Why not come along to the centre to watch the family on the big screen in our coffee shop, which becomes the ‘osprey café’ at this time of year?
Winning ways Congratulations to Dr Debbie Pain, Director of Conservation at WWT, for winning the prestigious Marsh Award for Conservation Biology this year. The highly respected award, which recognises contributions of fundamental science and its application to the conservation of animal species and habitats, was launched in 1991 and is given annually by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).
new patron
in the pink
The first flamingo chick of the year, born in late May at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, which has the UK’s largest flock of greater flamingos. Photograph by Barry Batchelor.
Capgemini, one of the world’s foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, is the latest company to show its support for WWT’s global conservation and education work by joining our Corporate Patrons scheme. The company places significant emphasis on its approach to corporate responsibility and sustainability, which it believes is not just something to which companies have a moral obligation, but from which they can derive substantial business value when properly considered and supported. James Robey, Group Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Director, commented: ‘Collaboration with organisations such as WWT enables Capgemini’s people to influence the planet’s sustainability through conservationbased volunteering initiatives and to carry the environmental message to their families, friends, colleagues and clients.’ As well as funding our work, the company is encouraging its staff to volunteer at our wetland centres. Its staff have already enjoyed team volunteering days at Slimbridge, Arundel, London and Martin Mere Wetland Centres, providing valuable help towards the development of these sites.
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WWT NEWS
Adults and children alike enjoy Welly Boot Land at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre… and we’re not just talking about human families! This year, a pair of blue tits nested in one of the boots at the entrance to the popular play area, raising their young in the toe. It was Grounds Manager Nathan Dixon who first spotted the goings-on.
‘I watched them for a while on a busy day and they seemed oblivious to the fun and laughter from the play area,’ he says. ‘It seems an odd place, but they are high up and their nest is obviously waterproof, so on reflection it is a fairly good nesting spot. It’s a nice reminder of how wildlife will adapt and use different types of environment.’
pool of information One of the best ways of improving the wetlands of the world is to share ideas, and that’s just what a new handbook, published with input from WWT, does. It’s got a long title – Handbook on Best Practices for the Planning, Design and Operation of Wetland Education Centres – but its aim is simple. ‘We believe wetland centres are the best way to give people an unforgettable experience,’ says Marie Banks of WWT Consulting. ‘Around the world, the resources and support available to wetland centres varies hugely, so it’s fantastic to make this reservoir of experience available to all.’ ‘The handbook has been designed by wetland managers themselves,’ adds Chris Rostron, Head of Wetland Link International (WLI). ‘There’s something for everyone in it.’ The content was gathered at a global meeting of wetland centre managers, organised by Ramsar and ERF (South Korea) and supported by WWT Consulting and WLI, who then helped edit it. A downloadable version is available at ramsar.org/wetlandcentres-handbook.
See you at the Birdfair
DON’T MISS OUT!
This year, Rutland Birdfair runs from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 August. Our team will be on hand to update you on our global conservation projects, including the spoonbilled sandpipers. As a special thank you to members for all your support, we’d like you to join us for a private drinks reception from 4pm on either 15 or 16 August. Bring your membership card to collect your ticket from the WWT stand 26/27 in Marquee 3.
Wigeon Post Crossword (page 15) Across: 7. Canada 8. Osprey 9. Sore 10. Delicate 11. Knotted 13. Flush 15. Oddie 17. Premise 20. Flamingo 21. Holt 22. Wash up 23. Andean. Down: 1. Lagoon 2. Game 3. Waddles 4. Moult 5. Speculum 6. Cettis 12. Triumphs 14. Ortolan 16. Deltas 18. Solway 19. Snipe 21. Hide Kids’ Zone (pages 46-47) Wingsearch: 1. Wall 2. Brimstone 3. Comma, 4. Grayling 5. Ringlet 6. Peacock. Ho ho!: Red admiral
Puzzle answers
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Superstock
getting the boot
WWT NEWS
WWT Annual General Meeting 2014 On Thursday 2 October, we look forward to welcoming members to WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre for our AGM. Home to more than 100 types of rare and endangered species, Martin Mere is a paradise for the nature enthusiast. Its attractions include a beaver lodge, otter enclosure, canoe safari and an ecogarden. But what makes Martin Mere truly world class are the thousands of migrant wild ducks, geese, waders and swans that overwinter at this Ramsarrated marshland and the spectacular displays of feather and flight provided by huge migrant flocks of pink-footed geese, wigeon and whooper swans. The AGM is a great opportunity for new members and long-term supporters to see some of the new developments at the centre, get behind the scenes and hear about the latest from our worldleading conservation projects. The day will start with the AGM at 10.30am, followed by a buffet for those who have booked in advance (tickets £12 per head)*. This is the ideal chance to
socialise with other members and WWT staff before attending an exciting afternoon of walks and talks, including: › Guided tours of Martin Mere › Choice of afternoon activities and specialist talks › WWT Guest Speakers Members can review the business agenda, papers and the 2013/14 Report of Trustees and Annual Accounts in
Annual General Meeting RSVP Please state in the boxes below how many people would like to attend: WWT Annual General Meeting on Thursday 2 October 2014 at Martin Mere Wetland Centre
advance of the AGM (available by the end of August) online at wwt.org.uk/accounts or by calling the Finance Department on 01453 891148, for a hard copy. If you would like to attend the AGM, please complete the form below and return to the address provided, by Friday 22 August 2014 – hope to see you there! *Tickets will only be sent to those who have booked onto the lunch.
Members wishing to ask a question at the AGM are encouraged to submit them in advance. Please either use the space provided below or email agm@wwt.org.uk. Your question:
Hot buffet lunch (£12 per head) Special dietary requirements:
I enclose my cheque for
payable to the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust.
Your name: Guest name/s (if applicable): Your membership number:
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!
Please return this completed form by no later than Friday 22 August 2014 to: AGM Responses, Membership Department, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. Telephone: 01453 891113.
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See Páramo at Birdfair, Marquee 4
wigeon post
tell us what you think!
Send your letters on all things WWT or Waterlife to Wigeon Post, WWT, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT, or email waterlife@wwt.org.uk Dear Waterlife I enjoy regular visits to your reserve at Slimbridge and brought a friend for her first visit on 31 May 2014. To our amazement, we had incredible views of an oystercatcher family just outside the visitor centre by Swan Lake! What a treat! I thought I would send in one of my photos. Many thanks for all that you do and all that goes on behind the scenes – very much appreciated. Deborah Eaton, Somerset
Dear Waterlife Is WWT Washington Wetland Centre secretly training forces to resist a potential invasion from an independent Scotland? Visiting family and friends in the North East, I recently went to WWT Washington and was amazed to find eider ducks patrolling the grounds (above), obviously looking for interlopers and intent on handing out a good quacking! Congratulations on a very smart turn-out and also on teaching ducks to goose-step. Dick Lyall, via email Dear Waterlife Following Paul Seligman’s sightings of 62 birds at a WWT reserve, you asked if anyone had done better. My husband and I saw 72 at WWT Slimbridge on 20 September 2013; the only time we bettered this was on an advanced birdwatching morning with James Lees. We’ve been keeping records for years and we’ve got much better without losing the joy of it. Val and Merv Broughton, via email Editor replies: So 62 leaps to 72 wild species in a day at a WWT centre. It’s a new high… or have you bettered that total yourself ? Do let us know.
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Emma Stephens, Waterlife Executive Editor, replies: Thank you for sending through your picture – what a cute family photo! In the past few weeks we’ve had a few oystercatchers making quite a racket, which they do in the breeding season, flying right outside our office window at WWT Slimbridge! Oystercatcher family
Dear Waterlife Thank you for the article in issue 188 about my daughter, Annabel, winning the Craneberry drawing competition. We’re very proud of her. Would it be possible to place a small correction? In the article you have her name as Annabelli, which is incorrect. Her name is Annabel Li-Mead (the Li is from her mum, Mead from me!). Steven Mead, via email Editor replies: Our apologies to Annabel for spelling her name incorrectly. Let’s take a look at her winning image again below.
LETTERS Dear Waterlife I am a volunteer at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, and I recently took a friend of mine flying and asked him to take an aerial photo of the site. His name is Dave Cook, and I thought your readers might like to see this special view of the centre. John Hudson, via email Editor replies: Many thanks for this, John and Dave. It’s always fascinating to see our wetlands as birds see them, as views such as this are the first that migrants see as they search for the ideal habitat to settle into. You can find out more about WWT’s own aerial photography on page 43.
Arundel: a bird’s-eye view
crossword WWT member Tim Bonsor has included waterlife-related clues in our crossword; the answers are on page 10. Tim has also provided cryptic clues at wwt.org.uk/crossword. 1
2
3
4
7
5
6
8
9
10
11
12
13 14
15
16
17
18
19 20
22
Across 7 This common goose was introduced to this country. (6) 8 Caerlaverock has a webcam watching over this bird. (6) 9 Collective noun for ducks. (4) 10 Adjective often applied to damselflies. (8) 11 This sort of handkerchief will
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protect you on a sunny day. (7) 13 Collective noun for mallard. (5) 15 Surname of famous Goodie. (5) 17 An assumption made as basis of an argument. (7) 20 The only wader to use its beak upside-down. (8) 21 The natural home of Slimbridge’s Flo, Minnie and Ha Ha. (4)
22 Last thing to do after a dinner party. (4,2) 23 One genus of 20 across. (6) Down 1 At Barnes it is ‘sheltered’. (6) 2 Collective noun for swans. (4) 3 It’s what a duck does. (7) 4 To shed, and then replace, plumage. (5) 5 Most dabbling ducks have such brightly coloured feathers on the wings. (8) 6 A species of warbler, named after an Italian zoologist. (6) 12 Victories. (8) 14 This bunting is a delicacy in France. (7) 16 Stretches of major rivers which form an important habitat for waders. (6) 18 River mouth overlooked by Caerlaverock. (6) 19 This bird is responsible for drumming. (5) 21 Eg Ramsar, reedbed and scrape at Arundel. (4)
spotting skills In case you were wondering, the ‘dubious’ clue to last issue’s ID challenge referred to our bird’s scientific name, Charadrius dubius. Whether you needed the clue or not, you entered in great numbers, with excellent accuracy: yes, it’s a little ringed plover. The first name drawn after the closing date was Bill Wonderley. Congratulations.
This issue, we’re testing you on one of those ‘little brown jobs’ that visits us during the summer, and which enjoys a good ‘reed’. The first correct identification drawn out of the hat after the closing date of 31 August wins a copy of Watching Waterbirds.
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P R I VAT E L I F E
A wintering spoon-billed sandpiper in Thailand 16
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Spoonies on the move Migration is an essential part of a spoon-billed sandpiper’s life, and that goes for the birds that are at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, too If you were asked to guess the distance between Thailand and eastern Russia, what would you say? 2,000km? 5,000? More? One estimate you certainly wouldn’t make would be ‘a few yards’. Yet for the precious spoon-billed sandpipers that live at WWT Slimbridge, that would be the correct answer. For these birds, their migratory journey this spring was actually a move next door. WWT’s ‘spoonies’ are among the most important birds of any species in the world, as there are probably fewer than 100 pairs of spoon-billed sandpipers left. The flock at Slimbridge, therefore, is a vital safety net in case the charismatic little bird becomes extinct in the wild. They were collected as eggs in the birds’ breeding grounds in the Russian tundra, and hatched under the close supervision
of WWT’s expert aviculturists, before being brought to Gloucestershire where they’ve been living and approaching adulthood in our purpose-built aviary. Once the flock becomes large enough, and once the causes of the bird’s decline have been tackled, the aim is to release sandpipers into the wild. In order to be able to do that, the Slimbridge sandpipers need to breed and expand their own numbers, and for that to happen, the conditions have to be just right. Wild young spoon-billed sandpipers migrate from their breeding grounds in Russia through China to Thailand, Myanmar and Bangladesh in their first winter, and they remain there throughout the following year, only returning to Russia as they approach two years old, to breed themselves.
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P R I VAT E L I F E This year, then, as the young spoonies at Slimbridge began to reach maturity, the next stage of the conservation breeding plan kicked in. Their aviary’s climate could be adjusted to mimic the environment of tropical Asian estuarine mudflats, with heat and light artificially set throughout winter; just what their little bodies would have expected for those early stages of life. To encourage their emerging breeding instincts, WWT’s sandpiper team then needed to create a ‘Chinese’ environment, to represent the habitat the birds would pass through on their way home to ‘Russia’. ‘The day of the move, back in March, was a big one for the birds and a tense one for us,’ says WWT Head of Conservation Breeding, Nigel Jarrett. ‘We essentially “migrated” the birds north, albeit about a foot through a newly created gap in the side of their aviary. This was the first stage of their journey, to “China”. For them, it was a much bigger space with far more direct sunlight. It was the big outdoors and we had no idea how jumpy that would make them. ‘But it went really well. We left the gap open, which piqued their curiosity, and pretty soon they were all in there. Within minutes they were bathing in the new pool, which was a sure sign they were comfortable, and tucking into some bloodworms.’ The ‘migration’ was a success, and during their time in ‘China’ the 25 sandpipers – 16 males and nine females – explored their new home, and started to exhibit the type of behaviour that they’d be displaying in the wild. At first, they bunched together as they got used to their new home, but as time went by they began to split into smaller groups, some even showing signs of pairing up. They began to moult, too, shedding their winter feathers in preparation for the distinctive darker colours of their first ever breeding plumage. After a few weeks, they were ready for the final stage of their journey: Russia. Great effort had gone into preparing this new breeding aviary. It was planted with low-growing grasses and sedums, giving the look and feel of the Russian
tundra, while the low-maintenance vegetation helped ensure minimum interference. When you’re concentrating on your first breeding season, you don’t want humans wandering around trimming the surroundings! To add to their privacy, the aviary was partitioned off into a number of exclusive areas of varying sizes, to give pairs the opportunity to establish their own sense of territory. The scene was set, and the spoon-billed sandpipers were ready for their next adventure. And there, for the moment, we shall leave them. While events were unfolding at Slimbridge, in the wider world stunning news was coming in.
Wild ways
Out in Russia – the real Russia – another wing of the spoon-billed sandpiper conservation programme has been running for a couple of years. In addition to the birds brought back to Slimbridge, other birds have been given the
advantage of what is known as ‘headstarting’. This again involves taking eggs from the nest and incubating and hatching them under close supervision, but this time the birds are released back into the wild once they’ve got through the first weeks of their lives when they’re most vulnerable. Sandpiper chick mortality is high, thanks to predation and other natural causes, so headstarting helps more of them to survive the delicate fledging stages and beyond. There is an additional benefit, too: if the eggs are collected early enough in the season, the parent sandpipers normally lay a second clutch to replace the first, and carry on as usual. The headstarted birds are, therefore, effectively bonuses. Back in summer 2012, WWT aviculturist Roland Digby and our Birds Russia colleagues released nine young spoonies, which he’d raised under the headstarting programme, back to the Russian tundra. That winter, they were expected to take their usual migratory
As the young spoonies at Slimbridge began to reach maturity, the next stage of the conservation breeding plan kicked in One of the ‘spoonies’ (this picture) enjoying its new ‘Russian’ aviary (inset)
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Help us save this endangered little bird from just £3 a month. Be part of a historic conservation project today
Sponsor a spoon-billed sandpiper - don’t let it become extinct This little bird is hurtling towards extinction. There are fewer than 100 breeding pairs remaining in the wild. Right now, we are doing everything we can to save the beautiful spoonbilled sandpiper from extinction. But we desperately need your help. The odds are against this tiny bird. For every 20 eggs laid in the wild, only three survive to adulthood. Our headstarting programme increases this likelihood by five times. So please give £3 a month, and be part of our groundbreaking rescue mission.
As a sponsor, you will receive: Exclusive behind-the-scenes video updates from the team A special spoony ringtone A beautiful desktop wallpaper A downloadable certificate
Save a species for £3 a month!
Sponsor a spoon-billed sandpiper today by calling 01453 891195 or visit wwt.org.uk/adoption
P R I VAT E L I F E
TEAMWORK Leica Camera AG is WWT’s exclusive optic partner for this key conservation project. The company is generously providing a range of camera and optic equipment for use by WWT staff in the field. This high-quality equipment will be of immense value to the team as it works in Russia’s Far East, continuing its efforts to find and protect the few remaining spoon-billed sandpipers in the wild. To find out more about Leica, visit leica-camera.com or blog.leica-camera.com.
Are these spoonies out on the Russian tundra? No, they’re in Slimbridge’s carefully constructed breeding aviary
In addition to the birds brought back to Slimbridge, other birds in Russia have been given the advantage of what is known as ‘headstarting’ path through China to the wintering grounds – unlike the birds at Slimbridge, the migratory journey out and back is an astonishing 16,000km! ‘Theoretically,’ says Roland, ‘they were due to return for the first time this spring – nearly two years after their release – but the odds were stacked against them. In addition to the vast distance that these tiny birds travel, illegal bird-trapping and the destruction of wetlands mean that very few birds survive to maturity.’ Then the news came through. One of those nine spoonies had been spotted in Taiwan, its green leg ring photographed by local bird enthusiasts. It had survived, and was making its way home! For Roland and the rest of the team, this was wonderful, and emotional, news. ‘It tells us that hand-rearing works and these birds behave and migrate normally,’ he says. ‘What’s more, reports of birds like this one, who we know, give us an indication of the proportion that are reaching breeding age.’
This has not been the only sighting. Two birds – known as Light Green 01 and Light Green 02, due to their rings – were seen last year in China and Thailand respectively. We know that they’re a pair, as they were caught and ringed at the same nest in July 2013. Light Green 01’s first clutch of eggs was taken for headstarting, and we know that three of the young migrated that winter. He and his mate went on to lay a replacement clutch from which three chicks fledged – as wild sandpipers only rear, on average, 0.6 chicks per nesting attempt, this bird has therefore produced 10 times that number, thanks to headstarting. Not only do we know that three of those headstarted birds migrated, but one has been seen in Thailand, while one of the young from the replacement clutch has been spotted in Myanmar. Just to add a little more to this extraordinary family tree, two of Light Green 01’s earlier offspring are, in fact, among the birds living at Slimbridge.
NHPA; Ken Tucker
The headstarting project is funded by SOS – Save Our Species. Save Our Species is a joint initiative of IUCN, the Global Environment Facility and the World Bank. Its objective is to ensure the long-term survival of threatened species and their habitats. The spoon-billed sandpiper conservation breeding programme is a collaboration between WWT, Birds Russia, Moscow Zoo and the RSPB working with colleagues from the BTO, ArcCona and the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Task Force.
No wonder Light Green 01 is described as the ‘Monument Male’. And what of the potential dynasties at Slimbridge? A few days before Waterlife went to print, the sandpipers had not just settled in at their new aviary, they were positively loving it. They were pairing off, displaying, and showing all the signs that mating was around the corner. Then, as if needing a break from all the excitement, they settled down for a bit. As WWT’s Nigel Jarrett memorably said, ‘it was like a group of young couples deciding they’d all get together for a nice summer picnic.’ Wherever they are in the world, from Russia to Thailand to Slimbridge, the spoon-billed sandpipers never cease to amaze. By the time you’re reading this, more news may well have come through, so don’t forget to follow the saga at saving-spoon-billed-sandpiper.com. This project is only possible with the support of members and adopters. We still need vital funding if we are to protect this little bird for years to come. You can sponsor a ‘spoonie’ by visiting wwt.org.uk/ adopt. We are also very grateful to the Olive Herbert Charitable Trust, which has funded the new breeding aviaries. JULY/SEPTEMBER 2014
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summertime …& being a nature explorer is easy
This summer, set sail on a voyage of discovery through our wetlands. Investigate British wildlife and habitats with fun activities that will bring your family closer to nature than ever before: here are 30 great experiences to start you on your journey
1 Spread your wings
This summer, why not visit a WWT wetland centre you’ve not been to before? From Arundel to Welney, each has its own character and wildlifewatching opportunities. Whether it be orchids at London, otters at Washington or the thousands of other highlights to be explored, make 2014 the year you discover something new.
2 Flutter by
The Big Butterfly Count is back from 19 July to 10 August. With nearly 60 species of butterfly regularly seen in the UK, how many will you spot at WWT Centres? Download a great butterfly ID chart, which includes 19 target species to look out for, at bigbutterflycount.org.
3 Take note
As you and your family walk round a wetland centre, watching the world around you, you’ll find yourselves chatting about all sorts of things that you notice… and it’s a shame to waste them. Why not carry a pad and pen, so that you and your children can draw sketches or jot down what you see, to add to your special memories when you get home? 22
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4 Spot a hummingbird
Is it a bird? Is it a butterfly? No, it’s a hummingbird hawk-moth, although at first glance you wouldn’t put it in the moth family at all. This daytime flier, a summer visitor from southern Europe, is expert at hovering at flower heads, using its long tongue to sip the nectar within. Bright, sunny days are the best time to see them: if you see something larger than a bee flitting from flower to flower take a second glance, and you may well be rewarded.
5 Just join in
It’s great to spend time exploring your local WWT wetland centre, but there are many ways you can enhance your experience. Each centre runs a host of events, from walks to painting classes. They’re a great way to get even more out of nature, and make new friends in the process. To find out what’s going on near you, turn to page 49 or visit wwt.org.uk/visit.
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thirty great things to do and one of them’s a birding challenge: 30 bird species in one day. go for it!
6 return of the waders
Having spent the breeding season in the Arctic, many wader species are making their way back around now. Some ruff may still be in their magnificent breeding plumage, while numbers of dunlin, little stint, ringed plover and more are on the rise. The green sandpiper population reaches its peak around this time – see if you can spot one. Instead of standing still, it often bobs up and down, and with its white rump it looks remarkably like a large house martin in flight.
LOOK OUT FOR
8 Go batty
You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy a bat walk. All you need is a guide and a good bat detector – and at WWT we provide both! Many of our centres offer evening tours in search of these amazing flying mammals, during which you’ll be able to interpret their calls and gain ID tips. To find walks near you, turn to the events pages or go to wwt.org.uk/visit.
9 Know your martins
Two martin species visit us during summer, but do you know one from the other? House martins are glossy blue-black while sand martins are browner, but that can be hard to spot at a distance. Here’s an easier way: the house martin (left) has an all-white underside and white rump, while the sand martin has a brown collar and no white rump.
10 Come to your senses Many of us walk around a reserve relying mainly upon our vision to take in what’s around us. But if you close your eyes and stand still, it’s amazing how much else you can absorb. The summer months are rich in smells as flowers reach full bloom, and you can really start to separate bird calls if you’re able to rely on your ears. How many different ones can you hear? JULY/SEPTEMBER 2014
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WORLD OF WWT
11 Feed the birds
If your local centre has a bird collection, then your kids will love to feed them. Hand-feeding birds allows children to observe and interact with different species up close, building their bond with wildlife. Next time you visit with your family, grab a bag of grain from the desk.
12 Just ask
If there’s a plant you don’t recognise, some unusual animal behaviour you’ve never seen before or a bird call you can’t pinpoint, don’t go home wondering. WWT staff are happy to help out whenever they can – and even if their specialist knowledge doesn’t cover your question, they’ll still know where to find the answer. Never worry about asking – it’s always good to learn something new.
13 Canoe do this?
One of the best ways to explore the waters is by canoe, and our Llanelli, Martin Mere and Slimbridge wetland centres now offer canoe safaris with unparalleled views of wetland life. Boat tours are also available at Arundel and Martin Mere.
15 Dragonfly or damselfly?
Dragonflies and damselflies are members of the dragonfly order, but damselflies sit in a subgroup of their own. They’re generally smaller than dragonflies, and their weak flight rarely takes them far above ground level. The best way to tell them apart is that dragonflies rest with their wings spread, while damselflies fold theirs behind them. Can you spot at least one of each this summer?
16 Picture this 14
many birds will only recently have hatched their broods, so see if you can spot 30 ducklings, goslings and cygnets in one day.
Whether taken using fancy equipment or a mobile phone, photographs of wildlife will always remind you of a great day out. Even if you’re just taking snapshots, a few moments’ thought about background, angle, light and composition can improve any photo. Many centres offer photography courses (see the events section or wwt.org.uk/visit), and on page 35 you’ll also find out about Waterlife’s photography competition. This summer, make it your mission to take your best ever wildlife photo.
17 Sniff a shield bug
There are several species of shield bug in the UK, and most of them share the characteristic of looking like shields, thanks to a hardened thorax that stretches across the abdomen. If you spot one, give it a gentle nudge, and it will probably release a smelly liquid. Rather like the smell of coriander, some like it and some don’t – which is not surprising, as coriander is just what it smells like.
LOOK OUT FOR 24
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18 reed all about it
Reedbeds make a lovely backdrop to the action taking place in the foreground of a wetland scene, but they’re much more than just scenery. As you walk around, give yourself 10 minutes to stop and watch a reedbed. There’s a very good chance that something will happen: bearded tits might flit across the top; warblers may call from within; a water vole might emerge; and, if you’re really lucky, you might even spot a stealthily moving bittern.
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each time your family sees a ladybird, count its spots and add them to your total. go for 30 spots in one day!
WORLD OF WWT
20 Ten of the best
Spotting 10 species of mammal, reptile and amphibian this summer sounds like an easy target, but it will require some patience. Bat walks, mentioned elsewhere, as well as other events that focus on particular species, will help, as will keeping an eye out for frogs and toads around water edges. Basking lizards, slow-worms and grass snakes during hot days will add to the list, while, depending upon where you are, badgers, otters, water voles and hares are all possible. Achieve this target and you’ll get a great sense of satisfaction.
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summer is the time to get to know wild flowers. our shops sell guidebooks on them, so it shouldn’t take you long to spot 30 species.
23 Enjoy your hobby
One of the most agile of our birds of prey is a falcon that arrives from Africa for summer. Looking like a large swift, the hobby is marvellous to watch, particularly when twisting and turning on the hunt for dragonflies, which it grabs from mid-air and feeds upon on the wing. It’s a true sight of summer. (Incidentally, the hobby’s scientific name is Falco subbuteo, which is where the creator of the famous table football game got the name from.)
21 Play the game
At several WWT centres we’ve set up play zones for your kids to enjoy, while discovering the world around them. From the Explore area of London Wetland Centre, in which kids mimic wildlife, to the water play areas at Slimbridge, Martin Mere and Washington where they can stay cool while having fun, our play areas represent true summer fun for your family.
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24 Watering hole
As you explore your local centre, you’ll discover just how important wetlands and water are to the world around us. Water’s important to you, too. On a hot day, it’s easy to become dehydrated, so try to make sure you always have a bottle of water to hand to keep you going. Refillable bottles are available in our shops.
25 Take a dip
28 Be a heron
It’s not just children who enjoy pond dipping – the underwater world is just as fascinating for adults to explore, too. Our centres offer many pond-dipping opportunities, and provide equipment and expert identification help to enable you to make the most of your exploration. If you’ve never tried it before, you’ll be amazed at what you discover. For details, check the events pages or visit wwt.org.uk/visit.
26 vole in the hole
If ever there was a time of year to see a water vole, this is it. Although the voles are struggling in the wild, WWT wetland centres provide them with excellent havens, and these charismatic creatures are really active by now, swimming and foraging near their burrows. The first clues are often sound-based – a plop as a vole enters the water or the quiet chewing as one gnaws on its food. You normally first see one swimming along out of the corner of your eye, so keep alert!
Have you ever pointed out a heron to a youngster, only to hear: ‘But it’s not doing anything!’? Herons display astonishing levels of patience, standing completely still at the water’s edge, waiting for a fish or frog to lose interest in it, before jabbing down with its powerful bill. Try it yourself: stand completely still for just two minutes, staring at a single point. It’s surprisingly difficult not to get distracted. Get your children to try it, too – they’ll be mesmerised the next time they see a stationary, poised, patient heron.
LOOK OUT FOR
Alamy; Heather Tait; NHPA; RJ Brookes Bat Conservation Trust; FLPA; Ben Langdon; Corbis
29 Explore your wetland Is there any part of your local WWT Centre you and your family haven’t checked out yet? This summer, make sure you discover every corner... you never know what you’ll find.
30 And… relax!
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when in a hide, don’t just glance around and then leave. give it half an hour – you never know what might turn up.
Once you’ve attempted as many as you can of those first 29 wetland experiences, there’s one last highlight to finish with. It involves slipping into one of WWT’s great cafés, ordering a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake, and settling down to reminisce on the great memories you now have of a summer well spent. Well done!
TALK TO US! What are your favourite summertime wildlife experiences? Let us know at waterlife@wwt.org.uk, and we’ll publish the best.
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THE BIG ISSUE
DOWN THE RIGHT PATH
Wildlife enthusiast and WWT member Elizabeth Guntrip was still a student when she was struck by chronic fatigue syndrome, which left her wheelchair-bound. She’s already some way towards recovery… partly helped, as she explains here, by visits to WWT Skipping down the paths at
WWT London Wetland Centre when I was younger, I never really appreciated the sheer accessibility of WWT reserves – until I needed it most of all. It is estimated that there are between 750,000 and 1.2 million wheelchair users in Britain; 72% of these users are over the age of 60. So as a young, dynamic student working towards my higher education qualifications, an illness that would leave me wheelchairbound seemed about as likely as a waxwing in a UK summer. But it happened anyway. It was quickly and completely that illness struck, like a peregrine to a plover – and though I didn’t actually get shoved down the throat of a hungry raptor chick, I did have to endure some horrible tests and very painful experiences on the way to a diagnosis. By the time they had finished, I was joining the 800,000 young people in the UK with a form of disability. My specific condition left me unable to walk and, with too many stairs required to reach the science labs, my education was on
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hold. With no cure currently available, I had no idea what to do next. Green spaces are incredibly important for the wellbeing of all people. Studies have found that being out with nature actually lowers the human heart rate and systolic blood pressure, as well as decreasing the levels of the stress hormone cortisol; all physiological changes that decrease the strain on our body, helping us to feel calmer and more energised. But for those suffering from illness, being with nature is perhaps especially vital. Further research shows that spending time outdoors enhances the immune system and ‘improves recovery from physical trauma’, contributing to a faster rate of healing. However, a recent study of the green spaces within one UK city – conducted by the University of Salford – revealed that only one-third of sites had wide, even paths, while just 38% of entrances were accessible by wheelchair. On a Above: Elizabeth Guntrip. Right: Wide, accessible walkways at WWT Slimbridge
Every WWT reserve has resources to help cater for individuals’ special requirements, from step-free hides to accessible parking spaces
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THE BIG ISSUE
access for all WWT’s founder, Sir Peter Scott, believed that the thrill of being near to wildlife, and witnessing the many spectacles of the natural world, while feeling the ebb and flow of the seasons, are things that everyone should have the chance to experience. Every centre has accessible car-parking bays for blue badge holders, and while there’s plenty to see and do at our reserves, you can choose to explore as much or as little as you like, via our easy paths. Those with mobility impairments may wish to use one of our manual wheelchairs. We also have electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters at some centres. Our pathways are a mixture of tarmac, compact gravel, boardwalks and hard compound surfaces, so we recommend you call ahead if there’s been recent heavy and prolonged rainfall, as some paths may be affected. Easy access through the reeds at Arundel
It is estimated that up to 14% of the general population have a form of mobility impairment, but there is – of course – an array of other disabilities personal level, our family has always lived in the city and, while my parents used to take me to many beautiful places outside, the extent to which my illness limited these options was overwhelming. Thankfully, at WWT it is different. When I arrived at London Wetland Centre, and anxiously mentioned my accessibility needs, I was met with kindness and professionalism as the staff reassured and helped me. I was shown a range of suitable mobility aids – quicker than you can say ‘invisible bittern’ – and though I was quite taken with the electric scooter, I figured my fellow visitors were probably safer if I wasn’t put in charge of one. A simple wheelchair would do nicely. Around the centre, I was amazed at how wide and flat the paths are (made from tarmac, compact gravel, boardwalks and hard compound
surfaces), with gates large enough for the chair to go through. I was even able to go to the top of the three-storey Peacock Tower, via a lift, to observe the sand martins – and subsequent deluge of rain – from just as many angles as everyone else! London Wetland Centre isn’t alone in this respect: every WWT reserve has resources to help cater for individuals’ special requirements, from step-free hides to accessible parking spaces. No wonder, then, that WWT centres appear in many publications as being accessible and open to the disabled community; and that, in summer 2013, independent disability filmmakers Gilbey Films created a short video showcasing all nine WWT centres’ inclusive facilities (you can watch it at wwt.org.uk/accessibility). It is estimated that up to 14% of the
general population have a form of mobility impairment, but there is – of
We have at least one step-free, ground-floor hide with low windows for wheelchair users at each location, but most centres boast step-free accessible hides throughout. There are quite a few gates around our centres, so if you need help, our staff are more than happy to assist. Each centre has a restaurant offering a range of hot and cold meals, snacks, drinks and stunning views. All have level access with movable chairs and tables, so there’s plenty of space for wheelchairs. We have a counter service, but staff are happy to bring trays to the table. There’s no piped music in any of our restaurants. We have at least one accessible toilet at every location, with grabrails to assist transfers. The sizes of the rooms vary – please contact your centre for the dimensions. Visitors with visual impairments can enjoy the evocative tapestry created by the sound of birds, insects and water, and the scent of wild flowers. Centres offer the opportunity to get close to wildlife, with bird feeding, pond dipping, amphibian-handling and sensory gardens. We have a no-dog policy, but assistance dogs are very welcome. If you’d like a large-print map or guide, please call ahead of your visit, and we’ll provide one.
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THE BIG ISSUE course – an array of other disabilities. The film showcases resources available for people with different needs. But, if you have any questions, I’ve found that by calling ahead to the centre you plan to visit, you’ll get the answers. Meanwhile, I’m sure that being at the tranquil oasis that is London Wetland Centre helped me to recover over time, and I eventually regained my muscle strength enough to perform a happy dance at the sight of my first water rail. In the wider world we still have some way to go (with 40% of disabled people still struggling to access goods and services in 2010), but an increased awareness of this problem will help to change the situation. For the moment, however, for me personally, I will continue to visit London Wetland Centre, simply looking forward to the day when I can skip down those fabulously smooth paths once more.
In the wider world we still have some way to go to address these issues, but an increased awareness of them will help to change the situation
All visitors to Slimbridge have the opportunity to feed the birds
centres of attraction – accessibility guide to our centres For full details on accessibility, simply go to wwt.org.uk, select the centre you wish to visit and check out the ‘Accessibility’ page under ‘Plan your visit’. Here are just a few of the highlights. ARUNDEL
Take a trip on our wheelchairaccessible boat safari. It’s easy, allowing you to explore the wet meadows, home of little grebes and water voles. 32
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CAERLAVEROCK
The wheelchairaccessible Sir Peter Scott Observatory, complete with lift, gives wonderful views of this great, untouched reserve on the bank of the Solway Firth. The centre also runs a camera overseeing the osprey nest.
There are great opportunities to get up close to the centre’s collection of exotic birds, too. LLANELLI
CASTLE ESPIE
A wonderful centre with great views to explore thanks to our step-free hides and level paths for wheelchair users. You can enjoy our sensory garden, too.
The accessible observatory provides stunning views of tidal lagoons and saltmarshes.
Right in the heart of the capital, our accessible two-storey heated
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LONDON
observatory, with heightadjustable telescopes, and the three-storey Peacock Tower, complete with lift, provide stunning views across the site. Our state-ofthe-art Headley Hide, with its large turning circle, is a great place to birdwatch. MARTIN MERE
This stunning wilderness can be experienced on an accessible boat, while you enjoy spotting dragonflies and
water voles. With boardwalks and play trays at different heights, the water play in the adventure play area is an accessible summertime treat for children.
WASHINGTON
SLIMBRIDGE
Check out the dipping ponds, which include a raised one specially designed with wheelchairs in mind. You can also get close to the many fascinating birds in our collection.
During the summer, you can experience the thrill of our Land Rover safari, adapted to accommodate wheelchairs, and explore the reserve in the company of our expert wardens.
This wondrous wilderness can be explored from step-free hides or our heated observatory, with large windows and induction hearing loop for commentaries.
WELNEY
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James Lees
Help us protect our reserves for everyone to enjoy People leave many memories to future generations thanks to a gift in their will. Whether big or small, such a gift ensures that what you felt most passionately about during your lifetime continues into the future. Over the years, gifts left to WWT by kind people in their wills have helped create and protect reserves, save species from
extinction, and develop learning programmes that have inspired generations of nature lovers. This is valuable work that we will continue for many generations to come. We invite you to receive your free My forever gift booklet, which features stunning photographs of wetland wildlife and landscapes, and inspiring stories about what has been achieved through
your support and those who kindly remembered WWT in their wills. For your free copy of My forever gift, please complete the request form below and send it to the freepost address. Alternatively, contact our Legacy Manager, David Salmon, on 01453 891150 or by email at david.salmon@wwt.org.uk. You can also visit wwt.org.uk/legacies.
PLEASE SEND ME WWT’S FREE MY FOREVER GIFT BOOKLET Your name Address Postcode Email Tel number
Return to: David Salmon, WWT, Freepost GR1228, Slimbridge, Gloucester GL2 7BR (no stamp needed) Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust is a registered charity in England & Wales, no. 1030884 and Scotland, no. SC039410
Photo competition
picture perfect
Welcome to Waterlife’s Summer Digital Photo Competition. It’s open to everyone, it’s simple to enter and we’ve got a great prize for the winner Most of you take photos of the wildlife you see at your local WWT wetland centre and, this summer, we want to see them. You’ll find the full rules online, but the basics are simple: if it’s digital, if it’s of wildlife and was taken at a WWT wetland centre this summer, it’s eligible. We’ll be publishing the best in the January issue of Waterlife, and on the website, and we’ve got a great prize for the winner, too: a Leica X2, worth £1,750!
To find out how to send your entries, simply visit wwt.org.uk/waterlifephoto. The closing date is 1 November 2014, after which the editorial board will start the process of judging. So what makes a great wildlife photo? Over the page are a few pointers to help you get the very best from your models. With a bit of patience and thought, you can get from your photography the same pleasure you get from watching the wildlife itself.
be at the ready
1
Wildlife doesn’t always do what 1 you want, when you want. Just because you’re taking a lunch break, it doesn’t mean that nothing’s going to happen. Keep your camera primed and ready at all times, so that you don’t miss that special shot.
look them in the eye When we look at the photo of a person, the first thing we glance at is the eye. The same can be said of wildlife photography. Try to capture your subject making strong eye contact with the camera, and keep the eye in focus and sharp. 2
plan your shot If you take a quick snap of a swimming duck, chances are hundreds of others will, too. A picture of a duck skidding in to land on the water, however, or surfacing and spraying droplets of water into the sunlight, takes time and thought to prepare, but will stand out from the crowd. 3
get in the mood You don’t need detail to make a great photo. A flock of birds silhouetted against a burnished sky can capture the essence of birdlife just as effectively as a close-up of a single bird. 4
3
position yourself The composition of your photo can be just as important as the subject matter. One’s first impulse is to position the main subject in the centre of the frame, but try shifting it to the left or right, to get in more of the animal’s surroundings – you might find you get a more interesting photo as a result. 5
plant life Don’t forget – plants are wildlife, too, so don’t feel obliged just to take photos of animals. Colourful arrays of blooms, characterful tree shapes, intricate flower details… These are all part of the glory of nature during the summer months. 6
1 Kingfisher; 2 Hare; 3 Mallard; 4 Starlings; 5 Black-tailed godwit; 6 Bee orchid 36
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JULY/SEPTEMBER 2014
4
Wildlife can be unpredictable, so be ready at all times. Keep your camera primed for action to ensure you don’t miss that special shot when the opportunity arises 5
Woodfall Wild Images/Photoshot; Getty; Alamy; Dominic Heard; James Lees; Corbis
Photo competition
6
2
WIN!
a leica x2 worth ÂŁ1,750! To enter, and for the full rules, simply visit wwt.org.uk/waterlifephoto
Leica cameras are meticulously manufactured from only the finest materials to ensure absolute reliability and enduring value. In addition to their compact form, elegant design and intuitive handling, their optical and mechanical quality is without compromise. This makes the Leica X2 the perfect tool for everyone who appreciates the fascination of nature observation. Leica Camera AG is the exclusive optic partner of the spoon-billed sandpiper project.
JULY/SEPTEMBER 2014
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They helped me get a quick cancer diagnosis Kevin – benenden health member View Kevin’s story at benenden.co.uk/waterlife
No long waits, no medical exclusions Whenever you need health advice, quick diagnosis or treatment, you shouldn’t have to wait or pay a high premium – whatever your age or medical history. No contract, no excess to pay Simply join around 900,000 individuals who pay £8.19 a month into the benenden health membership pot to help you when you need it most... and others when you don’t. It’s all together a better way.
Join the UK’s most trusted healthcare provider for a wide range of discretionary health services: 24/7 GP advice line Quick diagnosis and treatment Health advice, counselling and physiotherapy No upper age limits – everyone pays the same Add family and friends for just £8.19 a month each
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†Offer ends 22nd August 2014 (M&S vouchers). Terms and conditions apply, for details please visit www.benenden.co.uk/waterlife or telephone us on 0800 414 8265. *Calls to 0800 numbers are free from BT landlines however charges may apply from other providers and mobile phones. Calls may be recorded for our mutual security and training purposes. Lines are open 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). The Benenden Healthcare Society Limited is an incorporated friendly society, registered under the Friendly Societies Act 1992, registered number 480F. The Society’s contractual business (the provision of tuberculosis benefit) is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. The remainder of the Society’s business is undertaken on a discretionary basis. The Society is subject to Prudential Regulation Authority requirements for prudential management. AD/WATERLIFE/BEN007/7.14
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
fresh looks There are several exciting new things to see and explore at WWT’s wetland centres this summer. Here are just a couple to whet your appetite
Walk in the wild at Martin Mere This summer, WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre invites you to take a walk on the wild side. The centre’s brand new ‘Wild Walk’ is a fantastic family experience, taking you off the tarmac path and into some of the wonderful habitats that the site enjoys. It’s like a microcosm of the reserve itself, and its winding boardwalks and twisting grass tracks provide plenty for you and your children to explore, giving you the opportunity for a quick 10-minute walk-round or a steady, long ramble. You’ll feel as if you’re on a true safari as you wander through, discovering the delights of the Muddy Meadow, Reedy Ramble and Wet Woods. There are even some Leafy Lookouts where you can gaze out at the nature around you, and a lodge right in the middle where you can catch up with information on what you’ve seen. For more information, visit wwt.org.uk/martinmere.
WWT/Hannah Sawtell
‘wild walk’ is open for the summer: you and your family will love it!
Garden sense at Castle Espie How often do we use just one or two senses as we explore nature? In WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre’s new Sensory Garden, all five come into play. Inspired by a legacy from a supporter who wanted to help those with a visual impairment, and with support from many organisations and individuals, the garden offers opportunities to experience nature in a new way. From moss garden to orchard, herb garden to butterfly bank, there’s plenty to tingle the senses. It’s sustainably built, too: just like a rain garden, it includes ponds, filtering reedbeds and methods of harvesting roof water. Not only will you love exploring the garden, you’ll come away with great ideas to put into place in your own at home. The Sensory Garden is open for the summer: come along and get a real feel for nature.
FIND OUT MORE There’s plenty more going on at your local centre this summer. Just turn to page 49 to find out.
JULY/SEPTEMBER 2014
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F L I G H T PAT H
mission madagascar Mark Carwardine explains why WWT’s new programme for people and wildlife could not be more timely
Many travellers have commented that Madagascar is unlike anywhere else in the world. And they’re right. You can’t say ‘Madagascar is like somewhere-orother’ because, quite simply, it isn’t. Part African and part South East Asian, it’s the kind of place that grabs you by the scruff of the neck and shakes you about until you fall head over heels in love with its unique and consummate charm. It’s happened to me and it’s happened to everyone else I know who’s been there. Not least, from a wildlife point of view, it’s mind-bogglingly remarkable and thrilling – and important. Virtually everything that lives there doesn’t live anywhere else, so visiting this wildlife wonderland is like landing on another planet. The plants and animals are vaguely familiar – they resemble monkeys, hedgehogs and civets, for example – yet they are actually lemurs, tenrecs and fanalokas. Madagascar is still stuffed full of such wildlife goodies. But the forest that once clothed the island like a protective coat is disappearing astonishingly fast. Ninety per cent of it has gone already – and the little that’s left is still being 40
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JULY/SEPTEMBER 2014
Mark Carwardine
Virtually everything that lives in Madagascar doesn’t live anywhere else, so visiting this wildlife wonderland is like landing on another planet
slashed and burned to make more elbow room for agriculture, plundered for timber, and cut for fuelwood and charcoal. The result: soil erosion has ruined Madagascar’s wetlands, and the ostrich-like elephant birds, giant lemurs, false aardvarks, dwarf hippos and many other weird and wonderful Malagasy specialities have become extinct, and many others are rapidly heading the same way. Perhaps not surprisingly, of all the countries in the world, Madagascar is top of my ‘worry list’. But thank goodness I’m not alone in my fears. Quite rightly, WWT is one of the conservation groups that sees Madagascar as one of the highest conservation priorities on Earth. Its involvement began with a straightforward project to save one particular species from extinction and has grown to become a truly holistic, far-reaching, innovative conservation programme involving both wildlife and people. My late friend, the forward-thinking
Peter Scott, would have been proud of WWT’s work in Madagascar, because it
Mission Madagascar’s aim is to establish communitybased management for the Madagascar pochard and create a model of local protection that can then be replicated across the country
A potential wetland, Lake Sofia, has been already identified. But it’s no good releasing a precious endangered species anywhere, unless you can be sure it’s going to be safe. This is precisely why WWT’s approach is to go far beyond saving just one bird. It’s about ensuring the long-term survival of its habitat for the benefit of the Madagascar pochard, for all the other wildlife in the same area and, crucially, for the people who depend upon that particular corner of Madagascar for their own survival. This is Mission Madagascar. Its aim is to empower local communities to
Rob Shore; Garth Cripps
builds upon the skills he developed no less than 60 years ago to save the nene, or Hawaiian goose, from extinction. This time, the aim is to give the Madagascar pochard – one of the rarest birds in the world – one last chance. It’s so close to the edge that it’s been declared extinct not once, but twice. But, thankfully, it’s been rediscovered, so there is still hope. As regular readers of Waterlife will know, an emergency mission, led by WWT’s Nigel Jarrett, flew to Madagascar and collected what were virtually the last of the pochard’s eggs. They were hatched, in safety, and the ducklings have since grown under the watchful eye of WWT experts. They’ve even had offspring of their own. It’s a phenomenal achievement. However, the biggest challenge is yet to come – releasing the birds back into the wild.
The Madagascar pochards are now having young of their own (below); empowering local communities (inset)
manage Lake Sofia and its catchment sustainably, creating a model of local protection that can then be replicated across the country (and in other countries, too). Mission Madagascar will use training programmes to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. It will help farmers develop new ways of earning a living, especially during quieter periods, and provide better nutrition for their families. It will also help to make fishing practices more sustainable, by developing agreed regulations with registered fishermen (such as mesh-size, net-length and no-fishing zones) and establishing fish-landing facilities. These will not only provide access to the water’s edge without destroying the surrounding habitat, but will save local fishermen time and effort, as well as helping the women who process the fish to inspect and clean the catch more easily (freeing them all up to
spend more time tending their crops and on other parts of their lives). Above all, it will inspire and enable people to protect their natural resources. This is good news for them and good news for all the local wildlife – which one day, hopefully, will include the Madagascar pochard. I think it’s a fantastic project. Admittedly, it’s ambitious. But it is feasible and, above all, it’s critically important. It does, however, need a lot of support if it is going to succeed. So turn the page, or take a look at the carrier sheet that accompanies this issue of Waterlife, and see how you can get involved. Please do. It’s really, really, really important.
find out more! To find out more about Mission Madagascar, please turn the page, or take a look at the carrier sheet that accompanies this issue.
JULY/SEPTEMBER 2014
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Did you spot the Mission Madagascar story on the previous two pages? Even the smallest act can make a big difference to the future of the world’s rarest duck (and much much more besides).
Succeed, and Mission Madagascar will not only transform the outlook for the Madagascar pochard but it will create a habitat at Lake Sofia in which other endangered species, wildlife and people can thrive. What’s more, its success will establish a blueprint that can be adopted by communities and governments, for habitats in peril across Madagascar. It can be done. You can help us make it happen. And there are two ways to do it.
Make a donation Call 01453 891157 By post Just fill out the donation form included in the Mission Madagascar carrier sheet on the cover of this edition of Waterlife.
Text MADP33 £5 to 70070 to donate £5 £5 would buy 100 seedlings for reforestation work along the shores of Lake Sofia. Online wwt.org.uk/missionmadagascar
Show your support for Mission Madagascar by signing up for Mission Mail to get updates in your inbox from the team in Madagascar. Visit wwt.org.uk/missionmadagascar to subscribe. You can also download special Mission Madagascar screen wallpapers – and Facebook and Twitter headers.
Photo: Garth Cripps
Be part of the Mission
WWT ONLINE
netlands
A ROUND-UP OF WWT’S GROWING PRESENCE ON THE WEB
Bird tweets ‘Probably the best day ever at @WWTMartinMere. Enjoyed a self-guided canoe safari with my 8yr-old daughter.’ Let us know how your day went by visiting @WWTworldwide on Twitter.
flying high How do we get those great aerial views of WWT reserves and other wetlands? We’ve used microlights, with flights kindly supplied by members, and other flying machines, but more recently, a quadcopter. It’s a small, unmanned helicopter, with four rotors – relatively quiet, able to hover, economical and very manoeuvrable. By fitting our quadcopter with a camera and gyrostabiliser, we can take photos and film of wetlands from above, showing the precise work needed to protect and enhance them. Sign up to our enewsletter at wwt.org.uk/ signup or YouTube channel to see samples in our videos.
Dear diary It’s very easy to keep up with WWT’s conservation teams around the world, as many of them are writing blogs as they go. From Russia to Madagascar to various corners of Britain itself, WWT people, such as swan expert Julia Newth (above), keep you updated on progress. They’re taking film, too, adding to the experience for you to enjoy. Keep track by signing up to our enewsletter at wwt.org.uk/signup.
Berkeley Homes London; Ken Tucker
coming soon! There are two exciting online developments to look out for later this year. The first is WWT’s own website, which is being completely restructured to provide you with more information and easier access than ever before. We’re also planning to launch a new discussion forum on film and photography, in which you can share your tips and experiences with the rest of WWT’s online community. More on both these developments next issue.
All-round view There’s an exciting new way to watch WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre’s spoonbilled sandpipers online. We’ve filmed them with a 360-degree camera, which involves digitally stitching together a number of pieces of film. By visiting wwt.org.uk/360 you can now pan around the little birds’ aviary. Don’t forget that you can adopt ‘spoonies’, too, at wwt.org.uk/adopt. JULY/SEPTEMBER 2014
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wonderful world TOP TEN
1
Posh bird
A male greylag goose with a leg ring has been living at WWT Arundel for the past two years. Guide in the hide Russ Tofts finally deciphered his leg ring in February. We discovered he was ringed at London’s Kensington Gardens when he was about two years old on 21 January 2009. This posh bird made his way 75 miles south to Arundel a few years later. This year he is a proud papa with a brood of seven, spotted by visitors during the boat safaris.
2
Roost boost
At just under two hectares, WWT Washington Wetland Centre’s Wader Lake is a decent size, but it’s by no means Britain’s largest inland waterbody. All the more exciting, then, is the discovery that it holds the largest inland still-water curlew roost. A peak of 1,220 curlews has been recorded at the roost, which would be extraordinary for a lake twice Washington’s size. The record acknowledges the hard work put in by Washington staff in managing the lake.
3
Land of the giants
When the Zoological Society of London needed help carrying out a survey of the Chinese giant salamander, it knew exactly who to call on: Jay Redbond, amphibian keeper at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre. The giant salamander is the largest amphibian in the world, and Jay has been in China supporting a partnership project to train local students in the skills needed to survey the animal. Chinese giant salamanders are huge, averaging 115cm in length. They’re viewed as a delicacy in China, and are Critically Endangered. Keep up with the latest news by signing up to our enewsletter at wwt.org.uk/signup. 44
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ten things you (probably) didn’t know about life at wwt
4
W hat a picture!
No one can say that the Asian short-clawed otters of Washington aren’t up with the latest trends. This spring, an official photographer was allowed into the otters’ enclosure to take some promotional images. At one point, he put his camera down, and Musa grabbed it and took a ‘selfie’. Later, while the photographer was focusing on Musa, Mimi leapt into the frame and ‘photobombed’. For stories like this and more, follow WWT on Facebook and Twitter!
5
Story time
Looking for an extra idea or two to entertain the children this summer? WWT’s range of children’s books provides the answer. From sticker books to ID guides to storybooks, there’s something for all ages. Visit one of our shops or wwt.org.uk/childrens-books and you’ll find plenty to choose from.
9
H atching the plan
All eyes may have been on the cranes in the reserve at Slimbridge (see page 66), but there was some important indoor activity going on, too. This little fellow (below) arrived in Britain as an egg on 23 April, and woke up the next day as the Great Crane Project’s first chick of 2014. One of several eggs from Germany, this chick and his peers are now at Crane School, and will be released onto the Somerset Levels this autumn.
6
Swan Lake?
Slimbridge revealed the power of dance in April, when choreographer Alex Howard launched rehearsals of Without Measure. The project involved dancers presenting their findings about birds via open rehearsals in the visitor centre and the grounds. The dances, to be performed in public in October, will represent many avian themes.
7
I did it my way
H ome sweet home
Two charming nesting tales came in from WWT Welney Wetland Centre this spring. The first took place in the centre workshop, where one member of staff left his motorcycle helmet lying around for a few days. He came back to find a robin had nested in it. The second tale concerned a pair of mallards that nested on a low roof alongside the main observatory. The ducklings hatched, and promptly fell into a wall cavity, from where visitors could hear them peeping. There they would have remained had Welney’s wardens not made a hole in the wall and helped all 12 out to safety.
find out more!
Many of the Bewick’s swans that have been satellite-tracked For further information, on their way back to their breeding grounds in Arctic Russia have simply visit wwt.org.uk/ swandiary taken the expected route, through Denmark, the southern tip of Sweden, then on up through the Baltic Sea and Estonia. One, however, named Lech, has very much gone his own way. He’s taken the land route through Germany, Poland and Belarus, many hundreds of miles further south than his peers, yet still arriving at the same point as them. It shows how much we’re still discovering about Bewick’s swan migration patterns.
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Patron age
Did you know that you can get even closer to WWT? The WWT Patrons scheme is a great way to support our work, and receive a range of benefits, too. In return for an annual donation of £500 or more, our Patrons receive invitations to special events, regular updates, a listing on the WWT website and, of course, the knowledge that they are making a real contribution to saving wetlands. If you’d like to know more, simply contact James Byron on 01453 891145.
Waterlife
Owen Humphries; Nature PL; NHPA; Alamy; Peter Nicolas Sanderson
8
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with
Steve Backshall
hello again What type of wildlife comes to your mind when you think of summer? Ask around, and you’ll probably find that butterflies come pretty high on most people’s list. Those colourful, dancing insects are so closely associated with sunny days, and there are many species to look out for as you walk around your local WWT centre. Many of them are out and about at this time of year, in their adult form, which is the final stage of their lives. They start out as eggs, which hatch into caterpillars. The caterpillars form chrysalises, out of which the adult butterflies emerge. You can see all these stages in the life of the swallowtail butterfly on the right. From the top, you can see the egg, followed by the caterpillar and the chrysalis. The next picture is of a female emerging from the cocoon of the chrysalis, and finally you can see a male feeding on a plant. Interestingly, although all species enjoy being on the wing during at least one stage of spring and summer, they spend the winter in various forms – some as eggs, some as adults, tucked away to await the sun. Once on the wing they don’t live long, generally just a few weeks, but they’ll have laid eggs so that the cycle can begin again. Why not get out and about to see as many as you can? Summer wouldn’t be summer without them.
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Ho ho! Can you find the name of this well-known butterfly from the picture clue? Answer on page 10.
Colour confusion Meet the Browns, the Whites and the Blues. No, they’re not neighbours from a few doors down the street, but three of the largest butterfly families. Some of them are very familiar indeed. You probably know the cabbage white butterfly, although there’s not actually a species with that name. It’s mainly used to describe two types of butterfly – large white and small white – that, when caterpillars, love nothing more than to tuck into a juicy cabbage. Not all members of the white family are called ‘white’, however. The orange-tip and the clouded yellow are a couple of examples. In fact, the whole thing can get a little confusing. The marbled white is, in fact, a member of the brown family, while the brown argus is actually one of the blues. The brown hairstreak is from yet another family, as is the green hairstreak. And then there’s the red admiral and the purple emperor… Ah, never mind! Just get out there and enjoy that wonderful rainbow of butterfly colour while summer lasts.
KIDS’ ZONE
G et paint ing
There’s a picture of a painted lady here, but its colour seems to have been washed out. Why not colour it in yourself and send it to me? You can use the address below, and I’ll publish the best in a future issue.
The painted lady is an amazing butterfly. It’s one of only a few that actually fly to the UK from the Continent in the summer. Imagine fluttering all the way across the Channel on those delicate wings! Some years, when competition for food is high in Europe, they come here in huge numbers – will this summer be a ‘painted lady year’?
Wingsearch
Need a handy guide to the butterflies you’re most likely to see? You can download one at bigbutterflycount.org.
1
There are about 60 species of butterfly found in the UK – and six of them are in this grid: brimstone, comma, grayling, peacock, ringlet and wall. See if you can find them all and match the names to the pictures – then try to spot them at your local centre. The answers are on page 10.
P K C O C A E P L
A O T E L G N I R
E C R L K T O Q D
K M S M O L T U C
W M T W J K S S B
A A Y A C O M M A
L N L L S I I R L
G N I L Y A R G O
J K S B T A B H L
2 3
6 5
4
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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Showrooms Open Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm
Leading specialist in high quality Binoculars & Telescopes
We carry one of the largest displays of optical instruments in the UK, available for you to test in our very own nature reserve, this includes a large pool in front of the optical showroom with feeding stations to attract a wide variety of birds.
Also visit our Clothing & Accessory Showroom
CL Pocket
8 x 25 £485 10 x 25 £525
EL Swarovision
Ultravid
8 x 32 £1370 8 x 42 £1530 10 x 42 £1599
8.5 x 42 £1710 10 x 42 £1775
Spypoint Trail Cameras BF8 £199 BF10-HD £249 HD12 £399
Victory HD
8 x 42 £1525 10 x 42 £1550
• Leading brands: Brasher, Bridgedale, Country Innovation, Healthy Back Bag, Paramo, Stealth Gear, Ridgeline and Tilley • Brasher Boots and Shoes • Books, CD’s, DVD’s • Nikwax Waterproofing Products • Bird Tables, Nest Boxes • Bird Feeders: All sizes and types • Top quality Bird Food: Nuts, Seed, Sunflower Hearts, Fat Balls and Cake
For more information and special offers please visit our website www.focusoptics.eu Phone or email now for our latest price list or visit our showrooms e-mail: enquiries@focusoptics.eu Church Lane, Corley, Coventry CV7 8BA Tel: 01676 540501/542476 Unlimited on site parking.
Export Facilities Personal and postal orders welcomed Package Deals Attractive discounts. Phone for quotation
www.focusoptics.eu
Prices correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change.
Focus Optics_WWT_JulSept_14.indd 1
27/05/2014 11:50
WWT wetland centres are full of sound and colour this summer, with so much going on. Turn the page to find out the latest news, and your seasonal list of upcoming events For the full list of centre events, information and news, find your local centre at wwt.org.uk.
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Av oc et
Water
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wi ng
Cu
Or a
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san dpiper
Kingfisher
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-tip
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Arundel
Mill Road, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9PB 01903 881530 info.arundel@wwt.org.uk
WWT Arundel Wetland Centre News The butterfly population bounced back this year after a cool spring 2013 with brimstones appearing in early April. A highlight for May was a grizzled skipper seen on the wet meadow. By mid-May many species such as peacock, comma and orange-tip were all seen. Blue-tailed and azure damselflies are about in good numbers and the populations of broadbodied chasers and hairy dragonflies indicate that summer 2014 looks good for dragonflies. Staff put up a barn owl nest box last year, and there are signs that the birds have been using it as a roost during the winter. Young tawny owlets have been seen moving around in the trees behind the main reedbed. Meanwhile, a water butt placed high in a tree to provide owl-nesting opportunities has rather unexpectedly been used by a pair of mandarin ducks instead! Mandarins are tree-nesters, and their ducklings, once fledged, leave the nest by jumping to the ground below. Why not come along to find out how these exotic-looking birds are doing? Arundel’s Guides in the Hides are proving extremely popular. Hide guide Russ Tofts spotted a turtle dove while walking in the reedbed in early May. The guides are all WWT volunteers available to help you find and identify species every weekend this summer. A pair of oystercatchers hatched two chicks in Arun Riverlife, which is now home to families of wild pochards, tufted ducks and shelducks. This new area is greening up nicely and can be enjoyed from the comfort of the café during your next visit. Water voles have been doing well across the waterways – take one of the daily guided boat safaris and you may well spot one.
Grizzled skipper
Behind the scenes
‘I thought Arundel was simply stunning and I now have 20 ideas for our new wildlife pond this spring.’ Visitor David Roberts, from Chichester
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 Guided boat trip through different types of wetland habitat. First boat 11am, last boat 4.30pm. Suggested donation of £1. WA
show off their fishing skills. 2pm. WA
Hand-feed Wildfowl Hand-feed exotic wildfowl in our World Wetlands area. Until closing. Feeding grain costs £1.20 a bag; three bags for £3.
WA WP
Diving Duck Feed See some of the rarest waterfowl in the world
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Saturdays and Sundays Guide in the Hide A guide is available to help you spot and identify wildlife. 11am-1pm, 1.30-3.30pm. Thurs 10 July Weave Willow Trellis Workshop Learn to weave willow supports for your garden plants to add structure and texture. 10.30am-2pm. £18.
BE RI UAA
Sat 12 July Woodcraft Spoon and String Carve a spoon and create string from nettle fibres with bushcraft tutor Jonathon Huet. 10am-12 noon or 1-3pm. £12PP. BE UAA Sun 13 July, Sat 16 August and Sun 21 September Early Boat and Butty A unique chance to visit the reserve in the quiet morning for a tranquil guided boat trip and a peaceful start to your day. Bacon or egg butty with tea or a filter coffee
afterwards. 8am. £15PP. BE RI UAA
Thurs 24 July to Wed 3 September Seven Wonders of Wetlands Each week, our trail, activities and crafts explore nature in different types of habitat from urban birds to meadow minibeasts. WA Thursdays 7 and 21 August Wonderful Wild Flower Walk Take a gentle stroll with our wild flower expert,
and enjoy the summer flowers. Learn about the uses of plants and facts and folklore surrounding them. WA Thursdays 21 August and 18 September Evening Bat Walk Join this guided walk to watch pipistrelle bats emerge at dusk. Track bats with our detectors and watch Daubenton’s feeding. August – 7.30pm, September – 6.30pm. £12PP. BE Thurs 4 September Seeds and Berries Plant Walk
Our wild flower expert introduces you to the fruits and seeds of the autumn and shares their benefits to our wildlife. WA Sat 13 to Sun 14 September Core Skills in Wildlife Photography An intensive two-day workshop, covering the key skills required to master wildlife photography, with David Plummer. Open for all users of digital SLR cameras at all levels. 10am-4pm. £165. BE IA
BE Booking Essential RI Refreshments Included M/F Member/Friend IA price Includes Admission cost WA included With Admission cost UAA Usual Admission rates Apply WP Weather Permitting OAA Overnight Accommodation Available 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 Wetland Centre News Those looking to the skies at the end of March were treated to the sight of the return of the ospreys a few days earlier than usual. Both birds came back to the nest on the same day, the female for her eighth season, and the male for his third. Three eggs were laid, and the male was attentive to his mate, bringing her fish and sitting on the eggs while she fed. Up and down the country, people were able to watch the events unfold via the osprey cam, a joint project with the Forestry Commission Scotland. If you come to the centre, you may well see these magnificent birds flying over. Down on the ground, meanwhile, the natterjack toads have been calling. This year they’ve had an excellent breeding season, with many tadpoles seen. On one special natterjack night, one little girl brought along a frog-shaped ocarina – no sooner had she played it, than the natterjacks answered… a magical moment. A herd of 10 Hebridean sheep has been helping in the natterjack conservation, too, being brought onto the reserve to nibble the grass around the edges of the ponds to help create the ideal habitat. Elsewhere, reed and sedge warblers are singing their hearts out, in greater numbers than for some years. If you’re not quite sure which is which, or there are any other wildlife questions you’d like answering, the centre is running its popular Guide in the Hide service from 11am to 3pm every day. Knowledgeable guides are on hand to point out the best wildlife, and help you with identification. In fact, the summer is filled with great family events, which you can read about below or by visiting wwt.org.uk/visit.
Natterjack toad
Behind the scenes
‘It’s been many years since the natterjacks called like this, which is extremely exciting and brings hope for the future.’ Brian Morrell, Centre Manager
Caerlaverock Events (See page 50 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/caerlaverock) Daily Activities Osprey Update A short talk about ospreys in general and an update on those at Caerlaverock. 12 noon. Free. Guide in the Hide Our knowledgeable guides will be in the hides to point out the best wildlife of the day. See the ‘What’s on’ board in the visitor centre for details. 11am-3pm. WA UAA Mondays until 25 August Moth Mondays Discover the variety of beautiful moths we have here and learn more about them through fun activities. Family event. 10am-12 noon. WA UAA
Tuesdays until 26 August Tracks and Signs Tuesdays Discover the tracks and signs of birds and mammals. Family event. 10am-12 noon. WA UAA
Fridays 11 July to 29 August Film Fridays Watch a short film about the work of WWT and the importance of wetlands. 3pm.
Wednesdays until 27 August Pond Dip Wednesdays Spend a morning with the warden, pond dipping on the reserve. 11am-1pm. WA UAA
Thursday 17 July Frogs and Newts Learn about frogs and newts through games and activities. Take a walk around the reserve to look for them. Family event. 10am-2pm. BE
Thurs 10 July Flowers and Folklore Join us on a walk looking at the reserve’s wild flowers and learning some folklore about them. Take part in games and activities. Family event. 10am2pm. BE WA UAA
Sat 19 to Sun 20 July Dads and Kids Camp Spend a night camping. Take part in activities such as a night-time wildlife safari and fire lighting. Children aged 8-14. Saturday – 6pm, Sunday – 10am. Adults
WA UAA
£10, children £5. If staying for Saturday evening only, adults £7.50, children £2.50. BE RI IA
Caerlaverock. Learn about them through games and activities. Family event. 10am2pm. BE WA UAA
Thurs 24 July Butterflies and Bees Discover the butterflies and bees on the reserve. Learn more about them through games and activities. Family event. 10am-2pm. BE WA UAA
Thurs 14 August Animal Homes Find the homes of birds and mammals on the reserve. Take part in art activities and games. Family event. 10am2pm. BE WA UAA
Thurs 31 July Bugs and Beasties Learn about the reserve’s insects through games and activities. Family event. 10am-2pm. BE WA UAA
Fri 15 August Brilliant Bats A joint event with Dumfries & Galloway Bat Group. Includes a bat walk and talk. 7.30pm. Adults £7.50, concessions £5, children £2.50. Tickets must be paid for in advance.
Thurs 7 August Dragons and Damsels Discover the dragonflies and damselflies of
BE RI OAA
Thurs 21 August Birds of Prey Learn about birds of prey through games and activities. Family event. 10am-2pm. BE WA UAA Thurs 28 August Natural Art Use natural items found on the reserve to create your own artwork. Family event. 10am2pm. BE WA UAA Mon 1 to Sun 7 September Stars and Stripes Badger Watching Watch wild badgers feeding. Tea, coffee and biscuits available. 8pm. Adults £7.50, concessions £5, children £2.50. Tickets must be paid for in advance. BE RI OAA
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GETTING THERE By Road: Grantown is situated just off the A9 Edinburgh– Inverness road. By Train: The nearest station is Aviemore (14 miles) on the FirstScot Rail Edinburgh–Inverness line. By Plane: Inverness (30 miles)— flights from most major UK airports. Other destinations available from Aberdeen airport (75 miles).
Wildlife Breaks in the Highlands
What’s special about THE CAIRNGORMS & SPEYSIDE? Speyside, the Cairngorms and the Moray Coast provide arguably the best wildlife watching in the UK. Nowhere else can offer the same year-round diversity. See Golden Eagles, Mountain Hares, Ptarmigan, Dotterel and Red Deer on the hills; Capercaillie, Crested Tits, Pine Marten, Red Squirrels and Crossbills in the forests; Slavonian Grebes, Osprey, divers and duck on the lochs and rivers and dolphins, breeding seabird colonies, Red Kites and huge numbers of wintering sea-ducks, geese and waders on the coast.
The Bird Watching & Wildlife Club runs the beautifully refurbished 55 bedroom Grant Arms Hotel in Speyside. With the Cairngorms on one side and the Moray Firth on the other, it couldn’t be better sited for bird and wildlife watching. The BWWC is there for anyone interested in wildlife, from beginners to experts. BWWC doesn’t operate as a tour company. We are there to provide advice on where to go and what to see. The local knowledge of the BWWC Team ensures you make the most of your holiday whilst remaining free to create your own itinerary. BWWC Guests receive free maps and guides beforehand so they can plan their stay. When you get here the BWWC Team can provide information about local wildlife and where’s best to see it, as well as giving suggestions for great days out. If you want an escorted trip, the BWWC Team can recommend local guides. All Guests have access to our Club Room, Natural History Library and Lecture theatre as well as taking advantage of the BWWC’s free programme of Guided Walks, Field Trips, Talks by well known visiting Speakers, Wildlife Briefings, Quizzes and Films.
TARI F F 2 0 1 4 / 2 0 1 5 May–Oct 2014
Nov 2014– Mar 2015
W HAT ’ S I N CLUDED
Apr–Oct 2015
•All rooms are en-suite with tea/coffee making facilities, Wi-fi, TV, hairdryer and toiletries. •Three Course Dinner and Full Scottish Breakfast 4 NIGHTS £320 £260 £320 •Fine Scottish Dining using local produce. 7 NIGHTS £560 £450 £560 •Early birder breakfasts Price per person. Excludes Christmas, New Year and other •Complimentary Newspaper Special Breaks. Other lengths of stay are also available. •Free use of Guest Computer • Dogs welcome £20 per room per stay • Single, Twin, •Extensive Bar and Public areas Double, Family and Wheelchair Accessible Rooms available • Room supplements £pppn: Club Room £10, Superior Room •Afternoon Tea and After Dinner £20, Four Poster £30 • Special Rates for Clubs, Tours and Coffee Conferences. Terms and conditions apply. •Boot wash, Drying and Laundry rooms TO BOOK: CALL 01479 872526 •Free use of the BWWC’s private or E-MAIL bookings@bwwc.co.uk Slavonian Grebe Hide. Grant Arms Hotel, 25 The Square, Grantown-on-Spey, PH26 3HF Walks, Talks and Field Trips subject to availability
DB&B
Did you know you can fly EASYJET to INVERNESS from GATWICK, LUTON AND BRISTOL For around £50 RETURN
2014 / 2015 SPECIAL BREAKS RED DEER RUT BREAK (26th Sep to 3rd Oct 2014) A break for anyone who loves Deer. Enjoy a full BWWC Programme of Deer related events. 7 nights DBB from £540 CHRISTMAS IN WONDERLAND (23rd to 27th Dec 2014) Come and celebrate Christmas in this most beautiful of locations with a BWWC programme of Christmas and wildlife events. 4 nights FB from £399pp HOGMANAY IN THE HIGHLANDS (30th Dec 2014 to 2nd Jan 2015) Come and celebrate Hogmanay the highland way with a BWWC Programme of Hogmanay and wildlife events. 3 nights FB from £399pp
ALSO COMING UP DOG FRIENDLY
www.bwwc.co.uk
Not to be missed • Dolphins on the Moray Firth. As many as 20 at one time. All year. • Over 30,000 nesting sea birds at Troup Head. April–July. • Sea Duck and Divers on the Moray Firth. Winter. • Up to 80,000 Geese at Loch of Strathbeg. Autumn and Winter. • Capercaillies lekking in Speyside. Spring. • Ospreys on Speyside. May– August. • Over-wintering waders on the Cromarty Firth. Autumn and Winter. • Eagle, Deer, Ptarmigan, Mountain Hare. All year, but best in Winter. • Breeding Black-throated Divers and Slavonian Grebe. Summer. • Crested Tits, Crossbills, Pine Marten. All Year • Black Grouse on the Moors. • Major RSPB Reserves— Loch Garten & Abernethy Forest, Insh Marshes, Loch Ruthven, Udale Bay, Culbin Sands, Troup Head, Loch of Strathbeg.
Burns Winter Break (22nd to 26th Jan 2015) 4 nights DBB from £230pp Valentines Break (11th to 15th Feb 2015) 4 nights DBB from £230pp Special Easter Break (3rd to 7th April 2015) 4 nights DBB £255pp
D O W N YO U R WAY Castle Espie
Ballydrain Road, Comber, Co Down BT23 6EA 028 9187 4146 info.castleespie@wwt.org.uk
WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre News Out on the reserve, oystercatchers are still a regular sight and they’ve now started to frequent the Crannog Lagoon as well as the Brickworks area. The Wader Marsh has been busier than normal as redshank find more to eat now that another year of salt marsh development is under our belts. The centre’s overwintering spoonbills didn’t disappoint, with good views on the reserve until the first week in May. The 700strong black-headed gull colony attracted a Mediterranean gull on 23 March, last seen with another second-year bird on 12 May. The passage of black-tailed godwits on the estuary spilled over onto the reserve, with up to 70 feeding on the Brickworks grasslands on 26 April in front of the Limestone Pavilion. Black-headed gulls began nesting from 15 April and the first young hatched on 19 May. Spring migrants arrived in April, and an American greenwinged teal dropped in on 5 May, staying for three days. Two pairs of ringed plover have been nesting on the Peninsula salt marsh just above the tideline left from last winter. They’re small, but they’ve been getting annoyed with the occasional whimbrel and 200-plus oystercatchers using the marsh as a roost! It’s not just the wildlife that you’ll be able to explore this summer; Castle Espie’s history is a rich and fascinating one, and every summer weekend there’s the opportunity to join our Roving Rambler, who’ll show you around the reserve and explain its heritage. Details are below. Don’t miss Castle Espie’s wonderful new Sensory Garden, too, with its mix of colours, smells, sights, sounds and textures. Find out more about this new experience on page 39.
Ringed plover (above); waders gathering (right)
Behind the scenes
‘The new Sensory Garden, which is now open to the public, is a real treat, giving visitors plenty to see, smell, touch, hear and even taste.’ Kerry Mackie, Grounds and Reserve Manager
Castle Espie Events (See page 50 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/castleespie) Daily until Sun 20 July Ulster Society of Women Artists Exhibition Includes 2D and 3D work, based on the theme of ‘Nature’. 10am-5pm. UAA Every Weekend in July, August and September Roving Ramblers Discover the history of the reserve with our Roving Rambler. Meet at the Crannog from 11am-1pm and 1.30-4pm. WA Until Fri 11 July, and Mon 4 to Fri 8 August Minibeast Hunters Capture the minibeasts living in our woodland. Meet at the viewpoint
near Wildwood at 11am, 12 noon, 2pm or 3pm. Sat 12 and Sun 13 July Downy Duckling Tour Get up close to cute goslings and ducklings in our duckery for a special experience. 12 noon, 2pm and 3pm. WA Mon 14 to Fri 18 July and Mon 11 to Fri 15 August Pond Dippers Pick your favourite creature to get your ‘pond dipper’ stamp. Meet at the Pond Zone at 11am, 12 noon, 2pm or 3pm. Mon 21 to Fri 25 July and Mon 25 to Fri 29 August Birding Adventurer Acquire your ‘birding
adventurer’ stamp. Meet at the viewpoint near Wildwood at 11am, 12 noon, 2pm or 3pm. Fri 25 July Bat Night Experience a night of wonder as we track down these masters of the night sky. 8.30pm. Adults £12.50, children £7.50. BE Mon 28 July to Fri 1 August Tree Detectives Discover native trees at Castle Espie and receive your ‘tree detective’ stamp. Meet at the viewpoint near Wildwood at 11am, 12 noon, 2pm or 3pm. Thursdays 31 July, 28 August and
25 September Birdwatch Morning Join Dot Blakely, our birdwatching expert, and find out about the birds around the centre. 10.30am-12 noon. IA
Mon 18 to Fri 22 August Flower Expert Receive your ‘flower expert’ stamp. Meet at Woodhenge at 11am, 12 noon, 2pm or 3pm.
Sat 2 and Sun 3 August Robin Hood in the Wood A weekend of medieval merriment. 11am-4pm. WA
Sat 6 and Sun 7 September Research Rangers Join our wardens outdoors and learn more about what is involved in the running of a busy wetland reserve. Hands-on practical sessions. 2-3.30pm. WA
Sun 17 August Sun-day Sunday The sun will reveal some of its secrets through special telescopes and filters provided by the Irish Astronomical Association. Exhibition, talks and star shows in a portable planetarium. 2-4pm. UAA
Sundays 7, 14 and 21 September Guide in the Hide Castle Espie Bird Watching Club will be in the Brent Hide to share its knowledge, helping
you identify different birds that come to our shore in the winter months. 2-4pm. WA Sat 20 and Sun 21 September Get Outdoors Weekend – Birdwatching for Beginners Learn more about birds with a fun and informative stroll around the reserve, accompanied by our resident birder. WA Sat 27 and Sun 28 September Bird Ringing Demonstrations With experts on hand, discover the techniques used to ring and record the birds in our collection. 2-4pm. WA
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D O W N YO U R WAY Llanelli
Llwynhendy, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA14 9SH 01554 741087 info.llanelli@wwt.org.uk
WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre News Yet another first was recorded at WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre at the end of April when a Franklin’s gull arrived. Plenty of birders turned up to see it, and they would have been well advised to stay on, as further great birds continued to drop in. First was a glossy ibis, which was joined by a second in May. A little gull and nine Mediterranean gulls added to the excitement, as did a spoonbill in mid May, and a curlew sandpiper. With further great sightings highly possible throughout the summer months, WWT Llanelli is clearly the place to be. Hairy dragonflies were among the first of their family to appear, and during the warm spell in early April plenty of butterflies emerged, including brimstone, small tortoiseshell and orange-tip. By now, the reserve should be heaving with wonderful insects, and throughout the summer the popular Minibeast hunt is a great way of finding out more about them. For details, check the website or see below. Llanelli is proving increasingly popular among children, with school trips being booked more frequently than ever before. The Monday Munchkins club, for preschoolers, has proved to be in demand, too. Check the website and below for details. As summer progresses, you’ll notice some building work going on near the pond-dipping area. It’s Llanelli’s new Water Lab, generously funded by HSBC, an exciting new area in which visitors can explore a host of water-related topics. The Lab is due to open in the autumn, and we’ll have more on it next issue. For now, though, it’s time to enjoy the summer, and Llanelli’s Summer Fun season offers a host of events and features, including the ever-popular canoes and bikes, which are available from 22 July right through until 1 September, and are a great way to explore the site, discovering exciting wildlife as you go. Check the details below, or see wwt.org.uk/visit for up-to-the-minute information.
Enjoy Llanelli by bike
Behind the scenes
‘Really impressed with the Munchkins activities - well-organised, structured and a fantastic experience for the toddlers. Will definitely be coming again!’ Entry in visitors book
Llanelli Events (See page 50 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/llanelli) Every Monday During Term Time Monday Munchkins Come along with your toddlers to take part in activities, with a different theme each week. Activities include pond dipping, minibeast hunting, arts and crafts, stories, games and feeding the birds. 11am-12 noon. UAA WA Weekends in July (up to school holidays) All-day Family Fun Minibeast hunt: 11am-12 noon; flamingo talk and watch with telescope: 1-2pm; pond
dipping: 2.30pm; craft workshops: times vary. UAA WA
Weekdays in July Flamingo Talk and Watch with Telescope Meet us at the flamingo house to find out more about these birds. Our talk at 2pm will be followed by a drop-in flamingo watch until 3pm – join our guide for a close-up look at our Caribbean flamingos, using our binoculars and telescope. See the flamingos sitting on their eggs and, if you’re lucky, the first chicks
might appear! 2-3pm. UAA WA
Tues 22 July to Mon 1 September (school summer holidays) All-day Family Fun Minibeast hunt: 11am-12 noon; canoe safari and bike trails: 12 noon-4.30pm; flamingo talk and watch with telescope: 1-2pm; pond dipping: 2.30pm; craft workshops: times vary. UAA WA Sat 9 and Sun 10 August Flamingo Fun Days Join us on a flamingo
watch with telescopes. Hold flamingo food and see a real flamingo egg! Also flamingo facepainting, drawing and crafts. A small charge applies to cover the cost of materials. Flamingo trail and flam-bingo game! Various times during the day. UAA WA Weekdays in September Guide in the Hide (hides vary) Autumn is a great time to come birdwatching, with plenty of migratory birds to see. Our guide will point out species
and provide binoculars and a telescope for you to get a closer look. For adults and children. 2-3pm. UAA WA Weekends in September All-day Family Fun Minibeast hunt: 11am12 noon; guide in the hide (Observatory): 1-2pm; pond dipping: 2.30pm; craft workshops: times vary. UAA WA
Mon 8 September High Tide Watch and Buffet Discover the sights and
sounds as the advancing tide pushes the birds closer to the hides. Our guides will help you hone your bird ID skills. Families welcome. 5.30pm. Buffet at 7pm. £15PP/£10PC. BE RI IA Fri 26 September Bat Walk Join us for a bat walk around the Millennium Wetlands and the grounds with bat detectors, and look for bats in areas normally off limits. Bat crafts available for children from 6.30pm. Bat walk 7-8pm. £4PP. BE RI IA
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Black-necked grebe
London Events (See page 50 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/london) Sun 20 July Drawing Workshop Artist Judith Gordon will begin the day with an introduction to drawing materials and basic techniques. She’ll provide wildfowl and landscape photographs taken at London Wetland Centre for sketching, enabling you to focus on details such as birds’ feet,
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feathers and bills. You’ll also be able to learn a bit about drawing foliage, water and clouds. Suitable for adults aged 16 and over. 10am-4pm. £40PP, includes all materials. BE Sat 2 August Members’ Talk – Pond Dipping Grab a net and join
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our team to find out what lives in the water here at London Wetland Centre. You’ll be amazed at just how much you’ll find. Some of the creatures may be small, but they can be surprisingly fearsome. This session is tailored to adults. Limited spaces. 1pm. £2. BE
Thursdays 7, 14, 21 and 28 August, and 4, 11, 18 and 25 September Bat Walks (plus additional Family Bat Walks on 29 August and 5 September) London Wetland Centre is one of the best places to watch bats in London, as we have about seven species that hunt on
site. See these amazing flying mammals and their astonishing aerial acrobatics, and learn more about them with a talk by one of our bat experts before heading out to the reserve. We supply bat detectors to help you identify the species that are swooping around and to listen to them ‘chattering’ as
they hunt for food. Times vary – check website. £10. BE
Thursdays 14 and 28 August Evening Wildlife Photography This workshop gives keen photographers a rare opportunity to enjoy the centre in a relaxed, secluded
D O W N YO U R WAY London
Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, London SW13 9WT 020 8409 4400 info.london@wwt.org.uk
WWT London Wetland Centre News Sometimes you have to remind yourself that WWT London Wetland Centre is right in the heart of one the world’s busiest cities. When two black-necked grebes arrived in full and glorious breeding plumage on 13 May, the hustle and bustle of the capital seemed a very long way away to the visitors who saw them. They weren’t the only great birds to drop into this haven in May – whimbrel, Arctic tern and wood sandpiper were additional highlights, as were goshawk and bar-tailed godwit. The centre really is an oasis, and this summer, there are some great ways of exploring it, from pond-dipping to members’ walks. Details are below. Throughout April and May, the signs of spring were everywhere you looked. Hairy dragonflies emerged early in the season, and the sighting of a female stag beetle suggested that these impressive insects are still doing very well on site. The marsh frogs started their chorus earlier than usual. There’s plenty to do and explore this summer, including a host of opportunities to create your own wildlife habitats. The centre is running a number of events at which you can build your own bat box, birdbox, bug hotel and more, which will then be used around the centre, or you can take them home. It’s all part of this summer’s Be a Nature Explorer theme. Thursday bat walks will be kicking off once more in August and September, and this year some of them will include opportunities for family bat walks – 29 August and 5 September. If your children are aged eight or over, why not bring them along to discover these fascinating flying mammals for themselves? Finally, if you know a bit about birdwatching, and would like to pass your knowledge on to others, London would like to hear from you. You don’t need to be an expert, or even a teacher, but we’re looking for volunteers to train up to help novices get even more from their visit, and to help raise much-needed funds for WWT. If you’d like to know more, please email catherine.beazley@wwt.org.uk.
atmosphere. The evening starts with an introductory session looking at composition and technique, and you will then head out onto the reserve to spend the majority of the session outside under the guidance of wildlife photography tutor Iain Green. 4-8.30pm. £39. BE
Sat 6 September Members’ Walk Join our warden to take a look at some of the oldest creatures on the planet. Dragonfly species have been about since the time of the dinosaurs, giving them plenty of time to evolve their astonishing flying skills. Learn more about them – and their cousins,
damselflies – on this 30-minute walk to see which species are around. Limited spaces. 1pm. £2. BE Fri 12 September Intro to Wildlife Photography Confused or frustrated by the buttons and settings on your camera and want to really take control of your
Marsh frog (left); goshawk (above)
Behind the scenes
‘London Wetland Centre is a brilliant experience and I tell all my friends to come here to discover London’s fantastic wildlife.’ Chris Cavalier, Volunteering Development Officer
photographic creativity? This is the course for you. 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. £55PP. BE
Sat 27 September 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. You will practise various advanced techniques and subjects, such as
lighting and exposure, advanced camera settings and field craft for wildlife photography. The content will be tailored to the needs of course attendees and, with limited numbers, there will be plenty of time for one-to-one tuition. Suitable for users of SLR cameras only. 10am-4pm. £55PP. BE
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D O W N YO U R WAY Martin Mere
Burscough, Ormskirk, Lancashire L40 0TA 01704 895181 info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre News It was a very busy Easter at the Lancashire centre, with duck hunts and duck races (plastic ones, that is) proving extremely popular with adults and children alike. It’s been busy for the wildlife, too. Owl boxes put up around the site have been taken up by barn owls, and they were hatching young by mid May. If you arrive early in the morning, there’s a chance you might see one from the harrier hide and reedbed walk, flying past on its ghostly white wings. Martin Mere’s natural ‘lawnmowers’ – the herd of English longhorn cattle – started calving in May, with around 30 youngsters expected. Meanwhile, the lifeguard’s chair mentioned last issue has been of great value in helping wardens survey lapwing nests. Next time you visit, see how many of these characterful birds you can count. The centre’s exciting new Wild Walk development, complete with Muddy Meadow, Wet Woods and Reedy Ramble (see page 39) will be opening in July, and it will provide an excellent way of exploring wildlife this summer, taking you and your family off the beaten track and into a range of fascinating habitats. Don’t forget the canoe safari, too – there have already been several sightings of water vole this year, so keep your eyes peeled. Another summer highlight is the Viking Village at Mere Tun. You’ll be able to find out what lifestyles were like in those Saxon times so many centuries ago in this very part of the world, and you’ll even have the opportunity for a spot of weapon practice – all in good humour, of course! And finally, this summer Martin Mere is running a number of Moth Morning discovery sessions – find out what’s been flitting through the reserve during the night. You’ll be amazed at the variety.
Barn owl
Behind the scenes
‘Excellent day, very enjoyable and interactive, good variety of wildlife.’ Entry on visitor’s comment card
Martin Mere Events (See page 50 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. WA Flamingo Talk Come and learn all about the greater flamingos at 12.45pm. Find out why they are pink, what they eat and why they stand on one leg. WA Beaver Talk (drop-in) Visit the beaver lodge between 2pm and
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2.30pm to learn about them, see a beaver skull and touch a beaver pelt to feel how soft their fur is. WA 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 species, ranging from water voles to reed buntings. 12 noon-4pm weekdays and 10.30am-4pm weekends/holidays. £6 per canoe (seats up to three). UAA
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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. £3PP. UAA Weekend and Summer Holiday Pond Dipping Come and explore our pond zone to discover diving beetles and their larvae, water boatmen, ram’s-horn snails and pond-snail leeches.
11am-1pm and 2-3.30pm. WA 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. During the school holidays, there’s a story at 10.30am. WA Until Thurs 31 July Wildlife Art Exhibition Browse the stunning work of artists Ron Peterson and Lisa Holmes, finalist in the
BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2011 and 2012. All day. WA Fri 11 July 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. 7am12 noon. £22PP. BE Sat 12 July Wildlife Photography Workshop A fascinating 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. 10am-4pm. £65PP. BE Sun 13 July Drawing and Painting Birds Join award-winning local artist and illustrator Tony Disley to explore the process from drawing through to a finished painting of a bird subject. 10am-4pm. £50PP. BE
Cuckoo
Thurs 24 July to Thurs 4 September Summer Holiday Crafts Paint a duck or get creative with our explorer theme craft activity every day. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays you can make shields to use at our Viking Village weapons training sessions. 11am-4pm. Small charge. UAA Thurs 24 July to Thurs 4 September Be a Nature Explorer This summer holiday pick up a passport and have fun exploring
wildlife and habitats with bug hunts, canoe safaris and pond dipping. WA Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the Summer Holidays Mere Tun Viking Village Discover the original Saxon settlement. Learn to defend the villages of the Lancashire Levels at our weapons training sessions. 12-4pm. WA Wednesdays 30 July, and 6 and 13 August Moth Mornings for Explorers
Inspect the moth traps with our team and help record the species inside – a rare chance to examine our nocturnal residents up close. 10am. WA Fridays in August Bat and Barn Owl Barbecue Enjoy barbecue food before going on a three-mile walk around the reserve searching for barn owls and bats. 7.30pm. £17PP. BE RI Sun 17 August Meet Reptiles Come along and meet reptiles from the North
West Reptile Club in our lecture theatre. 12 noon-3pm. WA Fri 5 September 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. 7am12 noon. £22PP. BE Sat 6 September Wildlife Photography Workshop A fascinating 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. 10am-4pm. £65PP. BE Sun 7 September Drawing and Painting Birds Join award-winning local artist and illustrator Tony Disley to explore the process from drawing through to a finished painting of a bird subject. 10am-4pm. £50PP. BE
Sat 20 and Sun 21 September Animal Magic Meet reptiles, a giant tortoise, meerkats, alpacas, otters and more. Explore our pond zones and the mobile rock pool from Sea Life. Have your face painted and get creative with crafts. 10am-4pm. WA Tues 23 September to Sun 26 October Textiles Exhibition Browse the creative work of West Lancashire’s group of textile artists One Step On in our exhibition hall. All day. WA
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D O W N YO U R WAY Slimbridge
Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT 01453 891900 events.slimbridge@wwt.org.uk Prebook all paid events on 01453 891223
WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre News Early May brought not one, but two exceptional treats for birdwatchers. The first was a great reed warbler, not only a first record for the centre, but only the third record ever for Gloucestershire. The warbler stayed for two days, and during the same week, a Bonaparte’s gull dropped in, again only the third ever recorded in Gloucestershire and, in this case, a second record for Slimbridge. Up to three spoonbills were often seen during the same time, accompanied by a cattle egret. Two years ago, Slimbridge enjoyed its first ever breeding pair of avocets, and the numbers tripled in 2013. This year, there were an amazing seven breeding pairs. The birds, which always defend their nesting sites aggressively, were even seen ticking off the cranes from time to time. Talking of the cranes (and for more on their nesting, please turn to page 66), no fewer than 18 individuals from the Somerset Levels dropped in to Slimbridge at some point during the spring. Roe deer are becoming a common sight on the reserve, with a herd of at least four moving around. By May, one of the females appeared to be pregnant, suggesting that the herd may well continue to grow, adding to the great summer sights at the reserve. We know that the wild otters have also been breeding, as one of the centre’s camera traps has captured film of three young pups. The canoe safaris are ready for the summer once more, and they’re a great way to explore nature in close-up. And don’t forget the Land Rover Safaris, which are running every weekend until the end of September. In the company of an experienced warden, you’ll be able to discover more about the array of wild birds that live on the banks of the River Severn.
Great reed warbler
Behind the scenes
‘I’m really enjoying planning our summer holiday activities for this year. I love helping families discover the amazing wildlife at Slimbridge.’ Marissa Ryland, Seasonal Education Assistant
Slimbridge Events (See page 50 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/slimbridge) Daily Activities Amphibians Meet frogs, toads and newts and handle or touch them if you want a closer look. Times vary so please check on the day. 2.15pm daily, plus 12.30pm at weekends and during school holidays. WA Otters This talk on our otters is good for all ages. See our family of otters as they play in and out of the water. 11.30am and 3.30pm. WA Crane Talk See the giants of the bird world and learn
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about our project to reintroduce them into the wild. Talks take place at the Mesolithic hut. 12 noon. WA Canoe Safari Look out for water voles and dragonflies as you sail along our 1km trail. The canoes can take three people. 11am-3pm. Adults £5, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Until Sun 28 September, Saturdays and Sundays and School Holidays Only Land Rover Safaris Go out onto the reserve
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in the company of an expert warden and enjoy views of the wild birds that live on the banks of the River Severn – all from the comfort of a seat in the covered trailer. Book tours on arrival at the Admissions area. Please note that the safaris are weather dependent. Please wear sturdy footwear and warm protective clothing, especially during cold and/or wet days. 11am and 2pm. Adults £5, children £3 (price in addition to admission costs).
Fri 11 July How to Paint Dragonflies with Cath Hodsman Dragonflies and damselflies are the biggest British insects. On this watercolour painting course, participants will have the chance to study and paint these beautiful creatures in much greater detail. Cath and the course participants will discuss how they fly, hunt, reproduce and why they are so colourful. As with Cath’s other courses, each student will have access to their own high-powered
microscopes and specimens to study the anatomical beauty of these impressive insects. Participants will then produce a detailed and unique painting. 9.30am4.30pm. £60, includes tea/coffee and biscuits. IA BE
Sat 19 July to Sun 31 August Nature Explorers – Summer Holidays Activity This summer, get closer to wildlife with our fun set of activities and challenges for the whole family. Pick up your passport and
collect stamps as you investigate different wildlife and habitats. Each week new themes will be on offer as well as daily activities such as pond dipping. 9.30am-5.30pm. IA Sat 26 July Birdwatch Morning Join the warden as he walks out on to the reserve to watch the high tide bring hundreds of birds closer to the shore. Also look out for many of the waders who are in the process of making their migrational journey using Slimbridge as a resting place along the
Roe deer
way. 8am. £15, includes tea/coffee and a bacon roll. BE Sat 26 and Sun 27 July, and Mon 11 August Evening on the Estuary Reserve wardens are real enthusiasts for gulls, believing that they are nature’s survivors. They will lead a small group to the sea wall at the centre, where one of the biggest gull roosts in the South West is situated, and help you to identify up to seven species of gull with differing plumage. 7pm.
£15, includes tea/coffee and a bacon roll. BE Wed 13 August 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, includes tea/coffee and a bacon roll. BE Sat 30 August Wild Flower Walk Join our reserve manager for a magical behind-the-scenes walk looking for the wetland’s finest wild flowers. 10.30am12.30pm. £12.
Fri 12 September 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, includes tea/coffee and a bacon roll. BE Sat 13 September Wildlife Photography for Beginners with Iain Green Starting with an illustrated introductory session looking at composition, technique 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 one-to-one tuition. This course is suitable for users of all types of camera and the content will be tailored accordingly and to the needs of course attendees. 10am-4pm. £60, includes tea/ coffee and biscuits.
hundreds of birds closer to the shore. Also look out for many of the waders who are in the process of making their migrational journey using Slimbridge as a resting place along the way. 9.30am and 10am respectively. £15, includes tea/ coffee and a bacon roll. BE
Sat 13 and Sun 14 September Birdwatch Morning Join the warden as he walks out on to the reserve to watch the high tide bring
Sat 20 September Needle-felted Bird Workshop Learn how to make beautiful bird decorations in this fascinating needlefelting workshop.
BE AI
You can choose to make a robin or indeed any other of your favourite species to take home with you. After the course, you should be able to make the birds at home, for your own pleasure, or to give as presents to your friends and family. Sophie Buckley, an experienced craft teacher, will be running the workshop. All materials and equipment will be provided. 10am – lasts for 4.5 hours. The price is £30, which includes tea/coffee and biscuits. AI BE
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Washington
Pattinson, Washington, Tyne and Wear NE38 8LE 0191 416 5454 info.washington@wwt.org.uk
WWT Washington Wetland Centre News There were some rather unusual nest sites at Washington Wetland Centre this spring. First were the swallows that chose a standpipe that runs alongside the veranda door of the main centre. Wrens, meanwhile, managed to nest in all four of the Wader Lake hides. Finally, a pair of grey wagtails brought up five young… inside the flamingo house. Talking of flamingos, the 24 youngsters have now been introduced to the main flock to give a total of 66. They’d been kept apart for nearly three months, but they’ve mingled with the flock very well, and the adults are particularly pink this year. Their new home means they’re even closer to the viewing areas, so do come along and meet Bella and the gang, particularly during the flamingo talks at 11.15am and 2.45pm every day. The herons on the reserve have had a good year, raising more than 50 young, while seven pairs of avocets have also been nesting. By mid May, five chicks had already appeared. The terns were back once more, and their aggressive nature towards gulls and crows provided additional protection for the young avocets. This year, Washington is conducting a great crested newt survey, having obtained licences to work with these endangered amphibians. Otter surveys have already taken place on the reserve, and the mammals are increasingly being seen during the daytime. At the centre itself, mason bees have returned and are harmlessly nesting in cracks in the wood. Finally, there are great opportunities for corporate volunteer days – PwC was the most recent company to get involved, helping out with work in the centre’s wet woodland and orchard. If you would like to know more about these opportunities, please email leanne.mccormella@wwt.org.uk.
Grey wagtail
Behind the scenes
‘The children’s play area has now been refurbished, with new equipment and great opportunities for water play for children of all ages.’ Gill Pipes, Centre Manager
Washington Events (See page 50 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/washington) Daily Activities Otter Feed Meet our playful Asian short-clawed otters, Musa and Mimi, at commentated feeds. 11.30am and 3pm. WA Saturdays 12 July and 13 September Junior Members Club Join Junior Members for monthly sessions to discover the natural world in a fun and creative way. For young WWT members aged eight to 12, from 10am-12 noon. Please get in touch before attending if you’re new to the group. WA UAA
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Sat 19 July to Sun 31 August Summer Holiday Fun Get back to nature with family fun! Join us from 11am-12 noon and 1-2pm for free minibeast safaris every Monday and Friday; free pond dipping every Tuesday and Thursday, and den-building every Wednesday (£3 per den). Plus daily otter feeds (11.30am and 3pm) and crafts (1-3.30pm, small costs apply). No need to book, but children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. WA UAA
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Saturdays 19 July, 16 August and 20 September Walk With a Warden Join our wildlife reserve manager as he leads a themed tour, taking in the sights, sounds and seasonal wildlife. Meet in the picture window at reception at 2pm. No need to book. WA UAA Sundays 27 July, 24 August and 28 September In Focus Check out the latest in optical equipment and chat to the friendly In Focus experts. A
percentage of every sale is donated to WWT. WA UAA
Saturdays 2 and 9 August Campfire Cooking Cook outdoors with help from our education staff. Build a den out in the woods and decorate a bark canvas, before making hot toffee apples, popcorn, roasted bananas and a savoury surprise over the fire! 11am-12 noon and 1-2pm. £2PP (not including admission). No need to book. UAA
Saturdays 2 August and 6 September Guide in a Hide Learn more about our wild bird species with help from our guide. Fledgling visitors can play birdwatching games. 10am-12 noon and 2-4pm. Check on arrival for details. WA UAA
Sundays 3 August and 7 September Sunday Gang (volunteering) Create and maintain habitats such as ponds and woodlands. Come dressed for working outdoors. Ages 16+.
10am-4pm. If you’re a new volunteer, call 0191 416 5454 or email info. washington@wwt.org. uk before attending. Sun 10 August Solar Observation Day Let Sunderland Astronomical Society (SAS) take you on a journey of solar discovery, looking at flares and sunspots through special telescopes. Meet at the Cygnus Observatory. Free drop-in sessions between 1pm and 4pm. For more on SAS, visit sunderlandastro. com. WA UAA
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
News Little egrets have become a common sight across much of the country in recent years, but great white egrets are still to become British regulars, so the appearance of not one, but three on the reserve this spring was very exciting. One of the birds stayed for at least two months. Lady Fen continued to attract waders, and this year there were 66 lapwing nests. That wasn’t all – the reclaimed land also attracted 86 Tundra ringed plover and a white-winged black tern on migration. Back on the reserve little ringed plovers returned to nest for another year and the 19 avocet nests have been hatching, so there are plenty of chicks to see. Staff ran another small mammal survey during the spring, and the highlight was a water shrew. It was extremely encouraging to see that these elusive insectivores were using the reserve so soon after the winter flooding. By the end of April, the first herds of cattle were out grazing the reserve, and during the August bank holiday you’ll be able to enjoy cattle truck tours, laid on so that visitors can find out more about the role that the cattle play, while exploring parts of the reserve not normally seen close-up. Following the success of the bat-monitoring programme last year, members of the public will be able to use equipment from Welney once again to monitor bats. You don’t need any experience to take part, and you might even play a role in the discovery of new bat populations, such as the barbastelles at Welney that were revealed in last year’s survey. For more information, visit batsurvey.org. There’s plenty of fun to be had, with activities galore for families through the summer. Find out about water voles, wild flowers and dragonflies on guided walks or meet your first newt at the pond-dipping stations. See below for details.
Map illustration by Fred Van Deelen; photos by Alamy; FLPA; Corbis; Nature PL
WWT Welney Wetland Centre
Great white egret
Behind the scenes
‘We visited the Centre and have had a really lovely day. Friendly helpful staff on hand to answer our novice questions and very interesting guided walks.’ Mel Saunders, via Facebook
Welney Events (See page 50 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/welney) Mondays and Sundays Beginner’s Birding Walk A guided walk to introduce you to birdwatching, starting with how to use binoculars and taking you onto the reserve to begin watching these fantastic creatures. Suitable for all ages. Mondays – 11am-12 noon, Sundays – 1-2pm. Booking advisable. WA Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays in July Water Voles and Wild Flowers A guided walk to learn
how to look for the signs of water voles and get closer to the ones at Welney. Also, find out about our wetland plants, some of which have unusual histories! 1-2pm. Booking advisable. WA Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays in August and September Dragonflies and Ducks A guided walk to help you spot and identify the different dragonflies and damselflies at Welney. Also, learn to identify
the different species of duck while they are in eclipse plumage, which will stand you in good stead for the rest of the year! 1-2pm. Booking advisable. WA Thurs 24 July to Wed 3 September Summer Family Activities Explore the reserve and enjoy summer activities as a family. Guided activities on Wednesdays include birdwatching, pond dipping, owl pellet dissection and meeting moths. Every day enjoy self-guided activities,
with all the equipment provided for pond dipping and exploring. 9.30am-5pm. UAA Sat 26 July and Fri 22 August Bats and Barn Owls Explore the reserve as dusk turns to night to find out about the nocturnal wildlife that our wetlands are so important for. With the guide, you will use bat detectors, visit moth traps and dissect owl pellets to learn about these fascinating creatures. 8.3010.30pm. £12PP. BE WP
Mon 25 August Wetland Safari Find out why our wetlands are so important with activities getting you closer to the wildlife. A day packed with guided activities for all to enjoy, including walks, cattle truck tours, owl pellet dissection and pond dipping. 10am-4pm. UAA
Sat 6 September Willow-weaving Workshop Join expert willow weaver Jane Frost for a day teaching you how
to create garden structures and basket forms from natural materials. 10am-4pm. £45PP. BE Mon 8 to Sun 14 September Wader Watch Join us this week to witness the annual migration of wading birds as they pass through the UK. Guides will be on hand to help you identify these birds and guided walks will be available to take you to the best sites to view them. 9.30am-5pm. UAA
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Classified directory
To advertise please contact Daniel Haynes on 0208 962 1257 or daniel.haynes@thinkpublishing.co.uk
ACCOMMODATION
SLIMBRIDGE TUDOR ARMS
Shepherds Patch, Slimbridge, Gloucester GL2 7BP 01453 890275
Real Ale, Real Food Pub with 12 well appointed ensuite bedrooms ETB4* and 2 apartments. Adjacent to WWT, CAMRA Awards from 2007-2013
info@wildgooselodge.co.uk
W
T: 01453 890306 E: enquiries@thetudorarms.co.uk W: www.thetudorarms.co.uk
SLIMBRIDGE MAY COTTAGE B&B
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Twin bedded annexe, ensuite, idyllic setting, adjacent to canal, walking distance from the WWT centre. Sue and Peter Gibson. Tel: 01453 890820 www.smoothhound.co.uk/ hotels/maycottage1.html
Holiday Cottages Properties throughout Scotland Discover your Scotland Bird Watching, Wildlife, Outdoor Pursuits, Sandy Beaches, Scottish Culture and Heritage or to simply relax & get away from it all! There really is something for everyone www.discoverscotland.net Tel: 01556 504030
MARTIN MERE,
LANCASHIRE CAERLAVEROCK 27/06/2013 11:34
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ns m i t h e t re 5 m Cen f ro d s lan et
Comfortable, affordable accomodation in quiet, picturesque surroundings
• Twin, double and family rooms
• Open year-round • Group accomodation
• Licensed bar • Range of catering options • Groups & individuals welcome
Rural setting on the banks of the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal
01453 890275 • info@wildgooselodge.co.uk
OREGON COAST, USA CASTAWAY’S COTTAGE
CAERLAVEROCK
In forested dunes; 5 minute walk to 7 mile sandy beach. Hear the surf! Birds & wildlife abound here, plus marshes, rivers, & lakes.
Self-catering ground floor accommodation in Glencaple close to WWT. Sleeps 2 - double bedroom and multi-fuel stove. Recently renovated to high standard. In winter Barnacles are ever-present. A nature-lover’s paradise.
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Hoddom Castle “Glamorous Camping in Pods” OR stay in a secluded
Estate Cottage that sleeps 6 in luxury
01576 300251 www.HoddomCastle.co.uk
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
01704 822389
01993 878 201 – Joode and Rich Email: gr8trips@yahoo.com Web: www.whaleswatch.com/ castawayscottage.html
POWYS, WALES MACHYNLLETH
CAERLAVEROCK Hollins Cottage
D f ro i n n e m r £4 , B& 0p B pp n
30/05/2014 10:20
www.glencapleholiday.co.uk Tel: 01387 770348 Email: sue_greig@yahoo.co.uk
BURPHAM COUNTRY HOUSE Guesthouse and RestauRant
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A newly converted 4 star cottage, finished to a high standard. Solar panels, air source heat pump, underfloor heating throughout, 2 bedroom, 1 twin, 1 double - sleeps 4. Large private garden and patio, off road parking. Barnacle Geese can be seen all day in Winter from the house. 1/4m WWT Caerlaverock, 1m Caerlaverock Castle, pub, village shop and 3 tearooms nearby. Lots of wildlife walks, stunning scenery, fishing, 7stanes cycling, beaches and hill climbing all near the historic town of Dumfries. T: 07711 583320 E: jamiecowan2000@yahoo.co.uk W: www.hollinscottage.co.uk
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Self-catering slate cottage, 1 bedroom, woodburning stove, fully modernised. Ceinws/Esgairgeiliog village, near Centre for Alternative Technology, south of Cader Idris. £175-£260 per week.
Tel 020 8572 5571 Mob 0774 051 9080 www.dulascottages.co.uk
Ideally placed, in the heart of the Arun Valley, close to Arundel WWT, Pulborough Brooks, and Pagham. 9 en-suite rooms from £80 per room. ETB 4* Gold Award Great short break deals. Tel 01903 882160 www.burphamcountryhouse. com
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CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY
ACCOMMODATION
PRIDING ON RIVER SEVERN
EQUIPMENT
ABBOTSLEY CAMBRIDGESHIRE
SLIMBRIDGE FORESTERS B&B OFFERS!
The Old Cider House 3* Cottage sleeps 2 one double bedroom Paradise for walkers and birdwatchers, tranquil location on the Severn Way, watch the Severn Bore, picnic or BBQ beside the river. In the evening listen to the Owls and see the stars, walk along the river-bank to the Pub. www.pridingfarm.com 01452 741613
18th-century former village Inn five minutes from Slimbridge. ETC 3 star. Laura Ashley beamed spacious ensuite bedrooms (1 four poster). Stay Sun - Fri any three nights for £29 per person per night. Stay 4 nights get 5th for £20. Excellent discounted meals locally! Many attractions including NT in easy travelling distance. Vicky Jennings T: 01453 549996 E: foresters@freeuk.com W: www.forestersbandb.co.uk
AA 3star Hotel The 250 acre site is a bird spotters’ haven Dogs welcome 2 golf courses ....but.... we love non-golfers ! www.abbotsley.com 01480 474000 WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS
PEMBROKESHIRE ROSEMOOR COUNTRY COTTAGES
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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. John M. and Jacqui Janssen Rosemoor Country Cottages & Nature Reserve Walwyn’s Castle Haverfordwest SA62 3ED
Wales, puffins, red kites and thousands of starlings, seals, otters, dolphins sights and sounds to remember forever
Tel: 01437-781326 Fax: 01437-781080 E-mail: rosemoor@walwynscastle.com www.rosemoor.com
From single days out to week-long holidays throughout the year, contact: 0845 052 3533 info@welshwildlifebreaks.co.uk www.welshwildlifebreaks.co.uk
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BIRDING IN ANDALUCIA
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JULY/SEPTEMBER 2014
Waterlife 65 05/06/2013
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B AC K C H AT
The eyes of the world
The power of technology brought the tale of Slimbridge’s crane chicks to millions, as Sacha Dench, WWT’s Head of Media Production, explains The hatching of the two young cranes at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre this May would have been an extraordinary event under any circumstances. It has, after all, been some four centuries since cranes last raised chicks in western Britain. But taking place as it has in 2014, it hasn’t just been an ornithological tale – it’s been a technological one, too. Last year, when Monty and Chris nested behind the Rushy Pen, we positioned a camera on them more for security reasons than anything else. This year, as the birds nested close to the Martin Smith Hide, we were able to set the camera on a fence alongside the hide and stream the live feed onto our website. The ‘Crane Cam’ proved a great success, as people up and down the country would digitally ‘pop in’ and watch the goings-on. Once the eggs hatched, everything ratcheted up not one, but several gears. It was via the camera that the first of the chicks was
‘Crane mum and dad’ Amy King and Harry Nevard (second and fourth from left) see a crane chick for the first time
Seeing really is believing, and thanks to technology, more people can believe in the power of wildlife conservation and protection initially noticed. WWT’s Head of Conservation Breeding Unit Nigel Jarrett was the first to spot one, which was appropriate as he was one of the instigators of the project and the original ‘crane dad’.
James Lees
A few years ago, we’d have seen the story
in the papers, but with social media it could snowball, and thanks to the live video feed the news is always current and the world is seeing crane lives like never before. It wasn’t long before Stephen Fry, famously one of the most followed celebrities on Twitter, had retweeted the message to millions upon
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millions of people. Within minutes, the Crane Cam was bombarded by watchers from around the world! Remotely, we were able to zoom and pan the camera around, enabling watchers to continue following the cranes and their young wherever they went. Thanks to technology, events in Gloucestershire had almost instantly become a global phenomenon, and we were able to provide wildlife-lovers everywhere with great images and information. Seeing these young birds in this way adds to the power of wildlife communication, and stimulates the emotions, too. Amy King, is ‘crane mum’ at Slimbridge’s Crane
School, raising Monty, Chris and many more in preparation for their release in Somerset. When she saw her first film of the wild chick, she burst into tears. Seeing really is believing, and thanks to
technology, more people can believe in the power of wildlife conservation and protection than ever before.
You can be the first to have a free copy of WWT’s latest film, The First Dance of the Crane, to watch, share or host a premiere at home to raise funds for our conservation work. Order by emailing eleanor.wise@ wwt.org.uk or calling 01453 891157.
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Binoculars & Telescopes Verano BGA HD
Explorer WA
100% made in Japan and featuring an HD optical system for sensational images and superb colour contrast, the Verano BGA HD guarantees you the highest levels of comfort and performance whenever and wherever you use them.
Smaller, lighter, brighter and sharper, the Explorer WA offers the opportunity to own and use a binocular with an unbeatable combination of performance, specification, ergonomics and build quality. 10 year guarantee.
Features include class leading fields of view with or without glasses, close focus to 2m and a comprehensive 30 year guarantee for peace of mind. 8x32 £429, 8x42 £439, 10x42 £449
8x42 £209, 10x42 £219
IS 60 WP
MM3 50 ED A new level of performance for less than you might think, the all new MM3 50 ED are the latest evolution of the travelscope concept pioneered by us nearly 20 years ago.
Special Offer. Save on IS WP Kits* IS 60 WP + IS 18-54x + WP Case £249 IS 60 ED WP + HR2 16-48x + WP Case £409 IS 60 WP + IS 18-54x + WP Case + Velbon Sherpa 200R Tripod £349 IS 60 ED WP + HR2 16-48x + WP Case + Velbon Sherpa 200R Tripod £499 Kits are available in straight through or 45˚ angled versions from stockists nationwide. Phone for details. *Saving compared to buying items separately.
205mm/8” long and weighing about the same as a pair of lightweight binoculars these high performance 50mm ED scopes deliver stunning clarity and magnifications 4x or 5x greater than a binocular. Available in straight or 45˚ angled bodies with a choice of interchangeable eyepieces including HDF and SDL. Prices start from just £299. Recommended eyepieces: HDF T 12-36x £199, SDLv2 12-36x £289 The MM3 50 ED is supplied with a 30 year guarantee.
Opticron equipment can be tried, tested and purchased at the following WWT centres; Martin Mere, Slimbridge and the London Wetland Centre as well as good optical retailers nationwide. For product information, your nearest stockist and to order a Product Guide please 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