waterlife 194 OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
waterlife The magazine of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust | 194 Oct/Dec 2015 | £4.25 | wwt.org.uk
KEEPING WATCH CHRIS PACKHAM AND THE AUTUMNWATCH TEAM COME TO WWT
PLUS wwt.org.uk
THE CRANE CHICKS HAVE MADE IT! PAGE 24
Book 1.indb 1
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
HEALTHY STEART
PHOTO COMP
QUALITY OF LIFE
WWT’S TENTH RESERVE IS NOW OPEN
YOUR LAST CHANCE TO ENTER FOR 2015
IMPROVING CONDITIONS IN CAMBODIA
07/09/2015 11:03
email: enquiries@infocusoptics.co.uk
The Binocular and Telescope Specialists • HERTFORDSHIRE London Colney, AL2 1BB (Satnav use AL4 0PF) 01727 827799 Closed on Sunday • NORFOLK Titchwell, Nr King’s Lynn, PE31 8BB 01485 210101 Open seven days • WEST YORKSHIRE Denby Dale, HD8 8QL 01484 864729 Closed on Sunday • RUTLAND Egleton Reserve, LE15 8BT 01572 770656 Open seven days • GLOUCESTERSHIRE WWT Slimbridge, GL2 7BT 01453 890978 Open seven days • LANCASHIRE WWT Martin Mere, L40 0TA 01704 897020 Open seven days • LONDON London Wetland Centre, SW13 9WT 0208 4094433 Open seven days in focus SALES EVENTS
‘Test under field conditions’ NORTH AND MIDLANDS Hauxley NR, Northumberland Sun 11th Oct / Sun 8th Nov / Sun 13th Dec Sun 10th Jan Low Barns NR, County Durham Sun 15th Nov / Sun 17th Jan North Cave Wetlands, East Yorkshire Sun 4th Oct / Sun 6th Dec Potteric Carr, South Yorkshire Sun 29th Nov Washington WWT, Tyne and Wear Sun 25th Oct / Sun 27th Dec / Sun 24th Jan Whisby Nature Park, Lincoln Sun 18th Oct / Sun 20th Dec Wolseley Centre, Rugeley, Staffs Sat 3rd Oct
The NEW Opticron MM3 50 ED Travel Scope kit complete with an HDF zoom Eyepiece, Stay-on case and a Sherpa 200R Tripod. Now also available with a 60mm objective lens as the MM3 60 ED. Both kits offer really compact and lightweight travel solutions.
£549.00 Swarovski EL 8x32 Binoculars combine state-of-the-art optics with Swarovision technology and ultimate functionality.
SOUTH AND EAST Arundel WWT, West Sussex Tues 20th Oct / Sat 8th Nov / Tues 17th Nov Sun 13th Dec / Tues 22nd Dec Sun 10th Jan / Tues 19th Jan Elmley Marsh, Nr Sheerness, Kent Sat 7th Nov / Sat 12th Dec / Sat 9th Jan Rye Harbour NR, East Sussex Sun 15th Nov / Sun 17th Jan Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory, Kent Sun 25th Oct / Sun 20th Dec / Sat 30th Jan
SOUTH AND WEST Blashford Lakes, Ringwood, Hampshire Tues 3rd Nov / Tues 8th Dec / Sun 3rd Jan Portland Bird Observatory, Dorset Sat 17th Oct / Tues 24th Nov / Sat 2nd Jan WWT Steart, Somerset Sun 1st Nov / Sat 5th Dec / Sun 3rd Jan
WALES AND SCOTLAND Llanelli WWT, Carmarthenshire Sun 18th Oct / Sun 29th Nov / Sun 27th Dec Sun 24th Jan Caerlaverock WWT Sun 1st Nov / Sun 3rd Jan
£649.00 Hawke Endurance ED 8x32 Light weight high performance featuring ED glass at only
£1476.00 Opticron Savanna R 8x33 New ‘slimline compact’ suitable for children as well as adults.
£119.00
£159.00 PART EXCHANGE ALWAYS CONSIDERED ON BINOCULARS AND TELESCOPES
NORTH WEST BIRDWATCHING FESTIVAL at Martin Mere Sat 21 & Sun 22 Nov 2015 A great day out for all the family with guest speakers, guided reedbed walks and workshops. Compare and purchase optical equipment with expert advice, test under field conditions. The reserve opens at 8.00am
Follow
A good range of optics available seven days a week at the WWT shop Caerlaverock
All events from 10.00am - 4.00pm for latest information ring any of our shops
Joint Main Sponsor of
APPROVED OPTICS PARTNER
Check our website at www.infocusoptics.co.uk for latest prices • Part exchange always considered, top prices paid • Monthly special offers • Second-hand list (updated twice weekly)
CONTENTS
THE SCOTTISH HIGHLIGHTS It’s official! This year, the BBC’s ever-popular
David Crump/REX
Autumnwatch will be coming straight to you from WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, our favourite part of Scotland! You’ll be able to watch Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Martin Hughes-Games report on the wonderful wintering wildlife of the reserve… and if you’re in the area, why not come down for a chance to meet them, too? ‘We’re so excited to welcome Autumnwatch, especially at such a special time of year,’ says Centre Manager Brian Morrell. ‘We’ll have thousands of barnacle geese from Arctic Svalbard and hundreds of whooper swans from Iceland to fill our wetlands with noise and colour. ‘We’re really looking forward to welcoming all the presenters and production staff. We’re as curious as they are about what they might find – you’ll just have to tune in to find out!’ The adventure begins on BBC2 in the week beginning 2 November, and to get a flavour of what lies ahead in advance, as well as the marvels of migration, simply turn to page 16 of this issue.
Whooper swans are one of the season’s treats
In this issue... 4 7 14 16 24 30 35 36 41 43 44 46 49 66
Front lines Martin Spray on putting people at the heart of conservation Waterways News and views from the world of WWT Wigeon post Your letters, plus our crossword and competition Home from home Chris Packham reveals the wonders of migration Private life Meet the historical young cranes of 2015 The interview WWT’s Tim McGrath, the man behind Steart Photo competition It’s your last chance to enter and win a great prize Flight path How WWT is bringing wetlands to life in Cambodia Fresh looks An exciting new development at WWT Martin Mere Netlands Our regular overview of WWT’s online world Wonderful world Amazing tales from behind the scenes at WWT Kids’ zone Steve Backshall on the habits of hibernation Down your way All the news and events at your local centre Back chat How Brian Briggs of Stornoway combines wildlife and music
On the cover: Chris Packham by Jo Charlesworth/BBC Pictures
WWT is the leading global conservation organisation committed to the protection of wetlands and all that live in and around them. WWT is the only UK charity with a national network of specialist wetland centres that people can visit. It was founded in 1946 by the late Sir Peter Scott, the renowned naturalist and artist. HEADQUARTERS Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT 01453 891900 wwt.org.uk membership@wwt.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1030884 and SC039410 CENTRES For full contact details, please see page 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: Katy Baird waterlife@wwt.org.uk Executive editor: Emma Fauré Editorial board: Ray Clark, Baz Hughes, David Salmon, Rob Shore, Mark Simpson Editor: Malcolm Tait malcolm.tait@thinkpublishing.co.uk Senior sub-editor: Marion Thompson Designer: Mark Davies Senior sales executive: Daniel Haynes daniel.haynes@thinkpublishing.co.uk 020 3771 7214 Publisher: John Innes Think, Capital House, 25 Chapel Street, London NW1 5DH thinkpublishing.co.uk
Waterlife is published four times a year, and is printed by Herons, on UPM Ultra Silk 70gsm, an FSC paper accredited as coming from well-managed forest. Views expressed in the magazine do not necessarily reflect those of WWT. ISSN: 1752-7392 Average net circulation for the period Jan-Dec 2014: 92,949
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 3
Waterlife
3
07/09/2015 11:03
FRONT LINES
BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE
WWT
Martin Spray CBE, WWT Chief Executive
4
Sir Peter Scott, back in the 1940s, understood that, for conservation to be successful, the natural world had to be relevant to people’s lives. He was right, and we are making it central to our work; with our UK working wetlands programme, our education and engagement work in our wetland centres, and with our international projects. The project in Madagascar is a perfect example. It started in 2009 as emergency action to save the world’s rarest bird from extinction: in fact, the Madagascar pochard had previously been considered to be extinct until discovered again by accident.
Waterlife
Book 1.indb 4
The experience and pioneering spirit of WWT came into play. A small team of daring and driven individuals set up a rather basic breeding facility in the country. They went about rearing ducklings from the few available eggs collected from the one lake holding the very small residual population. It is clear that our action was in the nick of time for the bird. Expertise, developed over the years since Peter Scott saved the nene in this way, proved successful, and the risk of extinction of pochards was greatly decreased by establishing a captive population, destined for future reintroduction.
But what to do next? Where could the birds be released? Madagascar’s wetlands are in a very degraded state, but we found one lake – fortunately in the same region
Our Cambodia and Steart Marshes projects are successful because they have been developed in collaboration with local people. For me, this is the future for conservation
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
07/09/2015 11:03
Lake Sofia, Madagascar
as the small persisting wild population – that appeared potentially suitable for reintroduction. Lake Sofia has local communities dependent on the lake for their livelihoods, and the key to improving it lies in working with local people to achieve more sustainable management of the lake and surrounding area, and better lives for those who live there. Our whole Madagascar programme has involved a wide range of constructive collaborations with government, donors, and local and international conservation and development organisations. However, our partnership with the local people, who will be the
long-term custodians of the site and the pochards, will be critical. We are doing similar work in Cambodia on two sites important for wintering sarus cranes. Closer to home, our new Steart Marshes reserve is helping to solve flooding issues in the South West as well as providing fantastic habitat for wildlife and for people to enjoy.
Both projects are successful because they have been developed in collaboration with local people, and you can read about them in this issue. For me, this is, without any doubt, the future for conservation. It is my hope that one day this will influence our politicians’ understanding enough to bring about the sensible policy decisions needed for a sustainable future for our environment and all life dependent upon it.
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 5
Waterlife
5
07/09/2015 11:03
Days 1-2 Journey to Cadenabbia You depart from St Pancras International on the Eurostar to Paris, where you continue to Chambery and spend the night at the Mercure Chambery Hotel. On Day 2, depart Chambery and continue by rail for Milan and then join the onward service to Cadenabbia on Lake Como. Here you stay for seven nights at the Hotel Britannia Excelsior, enjoying all inclusive hospitality right on the lakeshore. Days 3-4 Bellagio & Villa Carlotta You travel by boat to picturesque Bellagio, perched on the promontory that divides Como and Lecco. You have some free time here to explore. This afternoon, sail back across the lake to Villa Carlotta, an 18th century villa famed for its pretty manicured gardens. After time to explore the villa and grounds, you enjoy a leisurely walk along the lake back to the hotel. Day 4 is free for you to explore some of the delightful lakeside towns by local ferry. Day 5 Milan Travel to vibrant Milan by coach for a guided tour. The city is dominated by the magnificent Duomo, the “Teatro alla Scala� Opera house and the glass-roofed Vittorio Emanuele. Then you are at leisure to explore at your own pace. Days 6-7 At leisure & the Bernina Express Today is free to continue your exploration of Lake Como. On Day 7 take a scenic journey by coach across the Swiss border to St Moritz. Enjoy some time to discover this popular lakeside resort before boarding the narrowgauge Bernina Express, a highlight of the holiday. The journey climbs the Bernina Pass to an altitude of more than 7,000ft past towering mountain peaks, shimmering glaciers and
across countless viaducts to the pretty town of Tirano in Italy. From here, you return by coach to Cadenabbia. Day 8 Lake Como Today is free, so why not venture into Como itself? Located at the far south of the lake, you could spend some time at its morning market. A farewell dinner is included this evening. Days 9-10 Mulhouse & home Leaving Lake Como by rail you depart Cadenabbia for Mulhouse, staying overnight at the Mercure Mulhouse Hotel. On Day 10, take the train to Paris and transfer for the Eurostar to London.
WWT NEWS
WATERWAYS NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE WORLD OF WILDFOWL AND WETLANDS CONSERVATION
BRINGING UP BABY The latest addition to WWT Washington Wetland Centre proves that small really is beautiful. This gorgeous bundle of fur is Little Squeak, a baby Asian short-clawed otter, who was born in May to Musa and Mimi, the centre’s popular otter pair. Named for her high-pitched cries, Little Squeak (shown here getting an early health check) can now be seen with her family out and about in their enclosure. ‘This is a brilliant conservationin-action success story,’ says centre manager Gill Pipes. ‘Asian shortclawed otters are vulnerable in the wild, and WWT has been working alongside international otter groups to maintain a healthy population at our centres, should the species decline further and need help.’ turn to Pag e 28 to see Little Squeak is not just how you can help ot important, she’s incredibly ters such a s... entertaining, too. ‘These otters are very sociable, and often play group games,’ says Gill. ‘Visitors can watch the incredible family dynamic for themselves, now that they’re all out in the enclosure, and
ADOPT AN OT�ER
Chris Henry, WWT volunteer
LITTLE SQUEAK!
enjoy viewing the playful behaviour from our new accessible platform.’ Little Squeak has been trending on Twitter (#littlesqueak), too. You can meet the otters and enjoy otter talks at WWT Washington every day at 11.30am and 3pm.
DOUBLING UP Here’s another great story about a new arrival... or, in this case, two. WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre is known for its overwintering light-bellied brent geese, but this summer it welcomed two brand new goslings – the first light-bellied brent geese to be hatched at the centre for more than 20 years.
The geese will arrive this winter in their tens of thousands from their Canadian breeding grounds, but the birds in Castle Espie’s collection are important for many aspects of conservation, from helping aviculturists to study the birds’ breeding behaviour to designing tracking equipment for birds in the wild.
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 7
Waterlife
7
07/09/2015 11:03
Sacha Dench/WWT
WWT NEWS
the far-flung scoter If a bird is named ‘common’, you’d imagine that we’d know a lot about it. However, the common scoter has, in this country at least, a rather inappropriate name, as there are only about 40 British breeding pairs left, and we didn’t know where they spent their winters – until now. The scoter, which is Britain’s most threatened breeding duck, nests at just a handful of sites in the Scottish Highlands. Several of them stick quite close together, so when WWT researchers tagged four birds with trackers last year, they expected the ducks to keep similarly close ties during their autumn migration. When
the birds were recaught this year, however, and the tags retrieved, the results were truly surprising. One went as far south as the Moroccan coast, two took off to two separate sites in the Irish Sea, while the fourth only got as far as the Scottish coast. ‘It feels like this mysterious species wants to keep flummoxing any human interest in them,’ says WWT Research Officer Ed Burrell, ‘but, in fact, their winter wandering gives us some clues to help solve their problems. The fact they stay apart in winter is a bit like the Royal family never flying together: they can’t all be affected by a single
The first-ever tagging of a British common scoter
issue such as, in the ducks’ case, a storm or oil spill.’ This fascinating new information suggests that the bird’s decline – the breeding population has fallen by 50% in the past 20 years – is therefore more likely to be due to causes at their breeding grounds, where they can be affected en masse, rather than during the winter, when they’re scattered. The focus, therefore, is now fully concentrated on their nesting sites, where WWT researchers are working in partnership with other organisations to monitor the birds’ nests. Look out for more on the common scoter in a future issue.
sir richard gaskell It is with sadness that Waterlife reports the passing of Sir Richard Gaskell, who died on 17 July, aged 78. Sir Richard was the chairman of WWT from 1980 to 1992, when he became 8
Waterlife
Book 1.indb 8
vice-president; this meant that he was the last to hold the chairmanship during Sir Peter Scott’s lifetime. A solicitor, Sir Richard led a rich and varied life, which also included the presidency
of the Law Society of England and Wales, vice-presidency of the SS Great Britain Project Ltd, and membership of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal. He was Knight
Principal of the Imperial Society of Knights Bachelor from 2000 to 2006. WWT wishes to extend heartfelt condolences to his widow, Lady Judith, and family.
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
07/09/2015 11:03
The cup runneth over The new Water Lab at WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre opened at the beginning of summer and, as these photos show, it’s been a real hit. Funded by HSBC as part of WWT’s Inspiring Generations programme, it’s designed to help teachers show children the important role that wetlands play in the environment. ‘I thought the Water Lab was great,’ says Paige Richards, a Year 4 pupil at the local Lakefield School. ‘The cups were
Trying out the water pump (above), and the fun mug cascade in action (right)
really fun to watch as all the water trickles down, and it was good to learn about the water cycle and to find out how water runs off different surfaces.’ ‘Connecting our young people to nature is so important in this ever more urbanised landscape,’ adds Sue Alexander of HSBC. ‘Ideas such as the Water Lab are a catalyst to learning about the natural world in which we live, in a fun and interactive way.’
let’s go with lego bricks ®
10
The number of LEGO brick figures on the grand WWT tour – look out for a surprise 11th figure due to join the group soon!
SHARE YOUR al im #LEGOBrickAn e photos onlin
91,700 The number of LEGO bricks used in total
120
The number of hours it took to build Lottie the otter (left)
955
Black-necked swan and cygnet
summer of swans It was a ‘swan’-derful summer at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, with both the black swans and the blacknecked swans successfully hatching chicks in July. The two black swan cygnets rapidly became a popular feature in the centre’s ‘Weird or Wonderful’ (WOW) attraction. ‘This pair of black swans were only paired up in 2013 when WOW was opened and they have been successful in rearing almost 10 cygnets since then,’ says Grounds Manager Steve Nasir. The two black-necked swan cygnets, meanwhile, were lighter in colour than their cousins, but just as cute. Black swan cygnets
The number of hours it took to build all 10 characters
Bruce Falcon
BRICKWORKS: LEGO BRICK ANIMALS BY NUMBERS
The animals include Flavia the Andean flamingo, shown here. Another model, Lottie the otter, was named through a social media competition, to celebrate the birth of Princess Charlotte. Construction was by Bright Bricks, the UK’s only certified LEGO brick professionals, and by LEGO brick ‘birdman’ Tom Poulsom. It’s appropriate, then, that bricks are part of WWT’s programme of building connections between people and nature, inspiring future generations.
Vince Ellis
If you missed the menagerie that settled at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre this summer, fear not: the flamingo, otter, Bewick’s swan, mallard and six other amazing LEGO brick constructs are now on display in the grounds of WWT London. They’ll be there until 8 November, and then they’ll be prepared for their trip to WWT Martin Mere, where you’ll be able to see them from 28 November to 31 January. WWT Castle Espie, in February, will be the next centre on the tour, which continues to other centres throughout 2016 – see wwt.org.uk/LEGObrickanimals for further details.
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 9
Waterlife
9
07/09/2015 11:04
WIN A DEL U HAMP XE ER
WWT NEWS
Have your say
What are your views on Waterlife? Tell us what you think and you could win a fabulous deluxe hamper that has kindly been donated. All you have to do is visit wwt.org.uk/yourviews to take part in the Waterlife reader survey.
It was in 1986 that news of the terrible nuclear disaster at Chernobyl first stunned the world and, nearly 30 years on, the next generation of youngsters from the region are still suffering from the effects of the tragedy. To help them recover from various illnesses caused by the background levels of radiation in the area, which are still high, the Chernobyl Children’s Project (UK) arranges international trips away from their home environment, and one of their favourite venues is WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Their trip to the centre was part of a month-long respite holiday in the UK, and the Martin Mere team, led by Chris Whitehead, laid on educational games and fascinating insights into the work of WWT. These experiences not only broaden the children’s horizons, but introduce them to the concepts of environmental protection and wildlife preservation. As the children themselves said to Martin Mere: Большое спасибо (Thank you very much).
Season of good will November is WWT Will Month, when you have the chance to get your will written or updated for free. This is due to the kindness of participating solicitors, who will merely suggest a donation to WWT. For details, see the enclosed Will Month leaflet, visit wwt.org.uk/willmonth or contact david.salmon@wwt.org.uk (01453 891150).
10
Waterlife
Untitled-2 10
Paul McKenzie
Children of Chernobyl
Having fun at WWT’s Martin Mere Wetland Centre
christmas is a-coming The festive season is fast approaching, so why not let WWT help you to prepare? To keep the little ones entertained, we’ve got a great range of activities taking place at our centres – check the website and our events section starting on page 49 for details, including where and when Santa is dropping in! Don’t forget, too, that our centre gift shops are equipped with wonderful ideas for Christmas presents. You can buy many of these online, as well as our great range of Christmas cards, which start at just £2.99. Our wildlife-inspired Check out what’s available by visiting greetings cards for the festive season wwt.org.uk/shop.
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
11/09/2015 11:45
YOU CAN FIND OUR PRODUCTS AT EXCLUSIVE SPECIALIST RETAILERS AND ONLINE AT WWW.SWAROVSKIOPTIK.COM
BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II SWAROVSKI OPTIK SUPPLIER OF BINOCULARS
CL COMPANION
ALWAYS AT YOUR FINGER TIPS Every moment counts when observing nature, as there are many species that only make a rare appearance, like the shy kingfisher. Thanks to their compact size, you can always have the CL Companion binoculars from SWAROVSKI OPTIK at your fingertips. Their unique design ensures maximum ease of use, while their excellent optics produces outstanding, high-luminosity images. Equipped for every eventuality, you’ll always have the robust, extremely watertight CL Companion binoculars by your side, which are the ideal companion for making nature observation an amazing experience. Enjoy moments even more – with SWAROVSKI OPTIK.
SEE THE UNSEEN WWW.SWAROVSKIOPTIK.COM
WWT NEWS
Spread the word Have you ever been asked by friends or family to lend them your membership card? If so, please think twice. WWT is a charity and your membership card can only be used by you. We value your membership and the difference it makes, so we think it’s fair that only those who have paid for membership are able to visit for free. We do from time to time check
membership cards, so please bear with our staff if they ask for identification as this protects the value of your membership both for you and for us, too. So why not encourage friends to take out their own membership? And don’t forget: a year’s gift membership is the ideal Christmas present! For more information, visit wwt.org.uk/join.
change at the helm After four years serving as chairman of the Council of WWT, Sir George Russell has decided to retire from the position to resume his role as a vice-president. Sir George has had an active voluntary role within the organisation for more than 11 years, as a trustee for six years and then as a vice-president. He returned to the Council in 2011 to serve as its chairman. He has presided over a period of considerable achievements for WWT, including completion of the major coastal realignment project in Bridgwater Bay, the groundbreaking programmes to save the Madagascar pochard and spoon-billed
Sir George Russell
sandpiper from extinction, and an expansion of our renowned education work at our wetland centres. Sir George has brought considerable business experience to the organisation and we are extremely pleased that he will continue to do so as a vice-president. Peter Day, who has taken over as chairman, has been a trustee for seven years and involved with WWT as an active volunteer since 1998. Like Sir George, Peter brings substantial business experience to the trustee and executive boards, which is so necessary for charities today, and is equally passionate about the natural world and WWT’s conservation and education work. WWT is very fortunate to have the support and involvement of such dedicated and experienced people.
Two horns good, four horns better
Horning in This unusual, four-horned sheep is a Manx Loaghtan named Vladimir, and he’s one of a flock of 87 that joined the cattle on the reserve at WWT Welney Wetland Centre this summer to help with the conservation grazing. Manx Loaghtan (pronounced ‘Lochtan’) are rather out of the ordinary in that the rams grow two pairs of horns: the ewes also have horns, but these are smaller and more delicate in appearance. The Manx sheep are a primitive breed that came close to extinction in the 1950s. They are still on the rare breed watch list, but numbers are increasing and now they are helping many rare species of wetland wildlife.
Crossword solution
Here are the answers to last issue’s crossword. Across: 1. Dahl 3. Atypical 9. Martini 10. Spoor 11. Ringed Plover 13. Egging 15. Canada 18. Caerlaverock 22. Wring 23. Despair 24. Nugatory 25. Teal Down: 1. Dumfries 2. Heron 4. Triops 5. Pesto 6. Cholera 7. Lark 8. Wigeon 12. Mackerel 14. Grazing 16. Averse 17. Gander 19. Right 20. Orate 12
Waterlife
Book 1.indb 12
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
07/09/2015 11:04
WIGEON POST
Send your letters on all things WWT or Waterlife to Wigeon Post, WWT, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT, or email waterlife@wwt.org.uk
tell us what you think!
Dear Waterlife When I retired, a few years ago, I took up woodcarving as a hobby. I thought you might like to see a couple of my recent efforts. Both the heron and the dragonfly were photographed originally at Arundel. All the different woods I use are naturally coloured, not stained. Andy Ritchie, via email Editor replies: Many thanks for sending in these images, Andy. If other readers would like to send us photos of their wetland artwork, we’ll be delighted to publish the best. Dear Waterlife Ray Beal can rest assured – there are indeed others out here who use bikes as a means of getting around. My wife and I would have missed out had we been in a car on the Northumberland coast road; as it was, we were cycling and took a brief rest before climbing yet another hill… and while we rested we saw a cloud of gannets in a feeding frenzy – fabulous! Andy Bebington, Surrey Dear Waterlife I thought that I must be the only person to enjoy wildlife while out on my bicycle, but apparently not from your recent postbag. Cycling is a wonderful way to immerse yourself with nature. Our country has an extensive amount of quiet roads and there is a network of greenways being developed by Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity. On these roads, I enjoy listening to the birds while on my bike. One of my favourites is to hear the cuckoo in spring and, when lucky, I have heard up to six in a day. My most amazing moment was five years ago, when I was on a tour with
14
Waterlife
Book 1.indb 14
Andy Ritchie’s delightful carvings of a heron and a dragonfly
my bike. A bird was flying so close to my handlebars that I could almost reach out and touch it. It seemed as if it was there for an age, but it was probably only a few seconds. The bird flew ahead and landed. It was an avocet. Graham Wilson, Devon Editor replies: It’s great to read these tales of wildlife-spotting from the saddle. Did you know that at WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre you can enjoy a similar experience? The centre has a bike trail that runs through its Millennium Wetlands, so that you can watch wildlife while on the move. The trail will reopen next summer, and bikes are free to hire. Dear Waterlife I had a good chuckle when I read the highlights section about Martin Mere in ‘Down your Way’. The last sentence reads: ‘The Animal Magic
events enable visitors to get close to skunks, meerkats, reptiles, birds of prey, donkeys, retired police dogs and all kinds of other weird and wonderful creatures.’ Since when have donkeys and retired police dogs become weird? Of course, though, they certainly are wonderful. Tina Sleight, via email Dear Waterlife Many years ago, I bought a rather tatty copy of Peter Scott’s book, A Coloured Key to the Wildfowl of the World, in a car boot sale. It was only when I got it home and opened the front page that I saw the painting and dedication. I know nothing of the people mentioned, other than that Tom Harrisson was a well-known birdwatcher at the time. This may be of interest to your readers. Adrian Davies, via email Editor replies: Congratulations, Adrian. It’s not very often that one finds a Peter Scott original in a car boot sale!
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
07/09/2015 11:04
Azure damselfly
LETTERS
Shutterstock
Dear Waterlife Much as I enjoy reading your publication, I really feel that your picture editor needs to brush up on their dragonfly identification skills. On page 47 of the July/September issue, the ‘azure damselfly’ is actually a male banded demoiselle. The main image on page 54 is of a male small red damselfly, not a small red-eyed damselfly. Visitors to the WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre will struggle
Small red-eyed damselfly
crossword We’ve got this great prize for the winner of our crossword, set by WWT member Tim Bonsor. It’s a lovely selection of exclusive Bewick’s swan bill pattern stationery, worth around £23. Send your crossword (photocopied if you wish) to the address opposite by 30 November and the first correct entry drawn after that date wins. Meanwhile, the solution to last issue’s puzzle is on WWT August 2015 page 12; congratulations to the winner Heather Nicholson. Across 1. Profundity. (5) 4. It is composed of the upper and lower mandible. (4) 7. It’s not as good. (8) 8. A small body of still water. (4) 9. A sudden short pain. (6) 11. Neither vegetable nor mineral. (6) 12. When fishing, to dip the bait in and out of the water. (6) 14. It is sheltered at the London Wetland Centre, but saline at Washington. (6) 15. This peninsula is home to many ducks in the winter. (6) 16. Look at that male goose! (6) 18. Such child’s play, modelling a flamingo at Slimbridge this summer. (4) 19. This duck has a beak like a big spoon. (8) 21. The fruit of the blackthorn. (4) 22. One special occasion, out of many at WWT sites throughout the year. (5)
1
2
3
4
5
to find small red-eyed damselflies, which look totally different to the pictured damselfly, when they visit next summer! Martin Johnson, via email Editor replies: Many thanks, Martin, and to the other readers who spotted these mistakes, and apologies to all. Here’s what the azure damselfly and small red-eyed damselfly should look like.
spotting skills Well, our photo last issue was a tricky one, and it turned out that it stumped you all. Several readers thought it might be a bittern, but those vertical ‘tear drops’ did in fact belong to a young goshawk. A tough one!
6 7
9
8
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
18
19
21
Down 1. A maternity --- is where many mammals give birth to and nurture their young. (3) 2. Most birds have a special gland which they use to do this. (5) 3. He was revered by the Rastafari movement. (5,8) 4. Branta leucopsis, named from the belief it developed under water. (8,5)
17
20
22
5. The only wader crested in any plumage. (7) 6. Very lethargic. (8) 10. It’s easily confused with the curlew. (8) 13. Tyto alba, nocturnal bird noted for its silent flight. (4,3) 17. Your brother’s daughter. (5) 20. A newt at the terrestrial juvenile stage. (3)
This issue, we’ve focused in on the detail of one of our winter visitors. Can you tell what it is? Send your answer to the address opposite. The first correct identification drawn out of the hat after the closing date of 30 November wins a copy of Watching Waterbirds.
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 15
Waterlife
15
07/09/2015 11:04
HOME FROM HOME
Barnacle geese are a Caerlaverock highlight
16
Waterlife
Book 1.indb 16
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
07/09/2015 11:04
The migration season is now under way, as our winter visitors begin to collect on our reserves up and down the country. In November, BBC’s Autumnwatch will be showcasing the wonders of the season at WWT’s own Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, so here, presenter Chris Packham gets you in the mood for this sensational spectacle
Moving It was a crisp, beautiful day at WWT
Caerlaverock, and one I will never forget. I was filming for a programme called Nature’s Calendar, and we were looking to get footage of barnacle geese as they gathered, feeding in their masses. I love black-and-white birds, and gaggles of ‘barnies’ certainly fit that bill. I crept across the fields towards them, as we hoped to get a good shot. I don’t know what it was that spooked them. I’m sure it wasn’t us. But, all of a sudden, the entire field of geese abandoned their feeding and took to the air almost as one. The sight was spectacular. I stood and watched, open-mouthed, as this vast kaleidoscope wheeled above me in the sky. I can honestly say that it’s one of the best sights I’ve ever seen in the UK. That was a few years ago, and this November I’ll be back. Michaela
Strachan, Martin Hughes-Games and I will be presenting the BBC’s Autumnwatch from Caerlaverock, and the geese will be our focus – the canvas upon which we’ll paint our pictures. I’m really looking forward to it. The Autumnwatch format has changed in recent years, and for the better. The show used to go out once a week, but we’ve now concentrated the episodes into a single week, which makes the whole thing more of an event. It gives us the
This year, Michaela, Martin and I will be presenting the BBC’s Autumnwatch from Caerlaverock, and the geese will be our focus – the canvas upon which we’ll paint our pictures OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 17
Waterlife
17
07/09/2015 11:04
HOME FROM HOME
opportunity to roll stories together and keep momentum going. This is particularly important during the migratory season as, if something unusual happens on one day, it’s stronger storytelling to be able to pick up on it again the following day, rather than a week later. The thing about autumn is that something unusual does indeed tend to happen. There’s a real dynamism about the season, as it’s the time when a huge amount of life is moving about the planet. Who knows what we might find? Perhaps there’ll be a red-breasted goose among the barnacle geese; maybe one of the American ducks will put in an appearance. It’s unpredictable, and I like that sort of thing. Visually, it’s a time of extraordinary change, too, as trees reveal themselves in a range of wonderful colours. Of course, there’s more than migration to cover. The badgers of Caerlaverock will still be out and about, and I’m sure we’ll feature them. Caerlaverock is also home to the tadpole shrimp, or Triops cancriformis, an
There’s a real dynamism about the season, as it’s the time when a huge amount of life is moving about the planet. Who knows what we might find?
amazing crustacean that’s been around for well over 200 million years, making it one of the oldest life forms on the planet. I’m very fond of this creature, as the only other place that you can find it in the UK is just up the road from my home in the New Forest. If you’re familiar with the Autumnwatch format, you’ll know that we also pick up on stories that we Badgers are launched earlier in the likely to feature year in Springwatch, on this year’s Autumnwatch and we’ve already been filming segments for November that will give viewers the chance to catch up on the Great Crane Project. As you’ll be able to read on page 24, the project has had a truly successful outcome to the breeding season this year, and you’ll be able to find out more in November. I’m a big fan of crane reintroduction, for two reasons. By strengthening wetland environments so that the birds are more likely to succeed, you’re also creating and protecting habitat that benefits a host of other species. Second, the cranes themselves are one of the great pleasures of wildlife-watching. They’re full of grace and elegance, and they have a real sense
Barnacle geese in flight are one of Chris Packham’s favourite sights
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 19
Waterlife
19
07/09/2015 11:04
Have your will written or updated FRE� this November. See enclosed leaflet for more details
What will your gift be? 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
James Lees
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
Book 1.indb 20
07/09/2015 11:04
HOME FROM HOME
studio time This is an old cattle shed in the grounds of Caerlaverock. It hasn’t housed cattle now for about 20 years, during which time it has chiefly been used for storage. This photo was taken in August, but, by filming time in November, that shed will have been redecorated and furnished, and, in the process, been transformed into the studio from which Autumnwatch will be broadcast. During the week of filming, visitors to Caerlaverock will be as welcome as always and, of course, there’s always the chance of rubbing shoulders with Chris, Michaela and Martin while you’re there. Bookings for overnight stays at the Caerlaverock farmhouse (inset), however, are on hold, as the building is being used as the BBC’s on-site editing suite. The farmhouse’s sun lounge is also in use, as it will be hosting coverage available on the red button.
By November, this lowly cattle shed will have been transformed into a TV studio Left: the Caerlaverock farmhouse
of wildness about them. They’re shy There’s always the potential for engagement, birds, so you have to watch from a whether it’s hearing the plop of a water vole, or distance, adding to the enigma. getting your palms tickled by a nene. WWT’s centres All of which is why it’s a real pleasure to be filming from one of WWT’s are so inspiring, but they provide a family thrill, too centres. WWT is very good at what it does, and I’ve always felt that there’s to what would have been one of his last by a nene. WWT’s centres are so a real quality to its centres and its birthday parties. That’s more than a inspiring, but they provide a family work. When you think of the London quarter of a century ago, now, and it’s thrill, too. Wetland Centre, for example, its refreshing to know that WWT carries I remember my own very first visit creation in the heart of the capital on those principles today. as a child to Slimbridge: there was really was one of the great success For many years, the Scott family a sign which read: ‘No one stories of the 20th century, wearing furs will be admitted.’ has spent time over winter at the and it has continued to be for some fascinatin Caerlaverock farmhouse, surrounded I’ve never forgotten that, as a beacon into the 21st. facts abou g by the geese and swans that call through it struck a real chord with All the centres are great, t upcoming s the the day and night. It will be a great me. This, I remember because there’s something easo simply tur n, pleasure to present Autumnwatch from thinking, is what we need for everyone, and you’re n there, and to continue the tradition, to be like – unashamedly assured of a great day out. the page. championed by Peter, of bringing people passionate about wildlife, In fact, if you’ve got kids, it’s and wildlife closer together. and unafraid to live up to the a crime to go without them, as principles of protecting it. I’m certain kids really get engaged in what’s that that notice would have been put up around them. There’s always the Autumnwatch from WWT Caerlaverock will by Sir Peter Scott himself. Peter was a potential for that engagement, whether air on BBC2 during the week commencing great, great man, and his beliefs were it’s spotting or hearing the plop of a 2 November, as well as online and on strong. I met him many times, and went water vole, or getting your palms tickled the red button. Follow #Autumnwatch, too. OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 21
Waterlife
21
07/09/2015 11:04
HOME FROM HOME
TheIncredible Sacha Dench/WWT
Journeys Join us as we welcome the birds back, and celebrate the astonishing feats of migration that brought them to our shores for the winter
Strangford the winter Lough, ho to thousand me brent gees s of e
4,600km
Distance travelled by the light-bellied brent geese from the Canadian High Arctic to WWT Castle Espie.
45,800
/WWT James Lees
Record number of pink-footed geese recorded at WWT Martin Mere.
WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre
is the host of Autumnwatch this year, but you’ll be able to enjoy the wonderful sights and sounds of returning ducks, geese, swans and more at all our centres. Up and down the country, the wintering wildlife is arriving, and WWT can help you make the most of this extraordinary season. The new Discovery Hide at WWT Martin Mere is opening, to join the existing Discovery Hides at WWT Arundel, WWT London and WWT Slimbridge. As shown on page 41, these exciting new hides are a great way of getting to know the wonders of wildlife, no matter what your level of experience is. If you’re new to wildlife-watching, then why not spend time with our guides in the hides or take a walk with a warden? By spending time with
Sometimes it’s hard to believe the sheer magnitude of what these birds undertake each year, coming all the way from Canada, Russia, Scandinavia, Arctic Svalbard and more, to end up upon these tiny islands, where they’ll spend the winter months 22
Waterlife
Book 1.indb 22
these experts, you’ll see wildlife as you’ve never seen it before. Fancy an incredible journey of your own? Many of our centres are offering trails through the grounds that will help to bring your surroundings to life. And what amazing life it is. Sometimes it’s hard to believe the sheer magnitude of what these birds undertake each year, coming all the way from Canada, Russia, Scandinavia, Arctic Svalbard and more, to end up upon these tiny islands, where they’ll spend the winter months. A Bewick’s swan comes in to land
150
Combined weight, in tonnes, of the Bewick’s and whooper swans that migrate to the UK. That’s the equivalent of about 12 double-decker buses.
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
07/09/2015 11:04
36
Time, in flying hours, that barnacle geese can travel the 3,000km trip from Svalbard to WWT Caerlaverock.
centre sights & sounds A round-up of just a few of the winter highlights across the WWT wetland centres.
Caerlaverock is the place to go to see and hear thousands of barnacle geese that arrive from Svalbard. Slimbridge is famous for the Bewick’s swans that arrive from Arctic Russia. Welney is another good centre to look out for them. Visit Arundel to see huge gatherings of starlings, and great views of snipe. For the whooper swans that make their way from Iceland, visit Caerlaverock, Martin Mere and Welney.
‘Barnies’ on the wing
Grazing wigeon
Almost the entire world’s population of East Canadian High Arctic light-bellied brent geese winter at Castle Espie.
David Kjaer/Nature PL
We’re still in the process of finding out more about their precise routes, the hardships they endure and the threats they face on the way. Each year, we tag birds so that we can discover more about their incredible journeys and help to find ways to ease their passage – and the picture is steadily building. What we do know is that, once they reach our centres, we are able to provide a welcoming environment that looks after them and allows them to thrive before preparing for their long migratory journeys back to their breeding grounds in the spring. So when you come along and see them this autumn, do take a moment
29
Age of Brimstone, the oldest Bewick’s swan on record.
Your best chance to see European white-fronted geese in good numbers is at Slimbridge.
Martin Mere is a prime spot for pink-footed geese.
440,000
Total number of wigeon that spend their winter in the UK.
to consider their stories. Those thousands upon thousands of birds that are now gently grazing on the bank, or idly swimming on the surface of the water, or calling from the skies, have performed amazing feats just to get here, putting them among the great marvels of nature. And for these coming months, they’re right on your doorstep. Further details of what’s available at each of our centres can be found in our Down Your Way section on
Up to 50,000 wintering waterbirds fill the estuary at Llanelli each year, including pintail, shoveler, shelduck and teal. Wigeon and pintail are among the many species that use Washington as a vital refuelling station during their autumn migration. Wigeon are a true highlight of the new Lady Fen and Bank Farm expansions at Welney. Numbers of gadwall and shoveler overwintering at London are of national significance.
page 49. Plus, with new events being added all the time, check the ‘Visit’ page on our website for the latest ‘what’s on’ guides. And keep in touch with #IncredibleJourneys, too.
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 23
Waterlife
23
07/09/2015 11:04
P R I VAT E L I F E
When it first began, The Great Crane Project had high ambitions. This summer, those ambitions were realised, when three wild-bred cranes took flight. The skies will never be the same again
Reaching
sky
for the
24
Waterlife
Book 1.indb 24
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
07/09/2015 11:04
This has to be one of the best
photos ever taken in the UK. It’s certainly a photographic first. The inspiring image, taken by John Crispin, shows a young crane taking to the wing in the West Country, where he hatched. The last time this happened, cameras were still centuries short of being invented. There is no doubt about it: you are looking at a historic moment. Let’s take a look at the story behind the photo. Some four centuries ago, the common crane became common no more, losing its foothold in the UK to a combination
of disappearing wetlands and hunting. In recent years, a few wild birds have started to appear from the Continent, settling in East Anglia and raising a few chicks. But the west of the country had always been a flight too far for them… until now. The Great Crane Project, a partnership between WWT, the RSPB and Pensthorpe Conservation Trust, with major funding from Viridor Credits Environmental Company, was launched in 2009. The aim was to reintroduce the crane and encourage its breeding
success across the nation, so that people could once again enjoy watching these wonderful, graceful birds living their lives in a land that once hosted them in their thousands. As many of you will know, the preparation was long, intense and thorough. For five years, crane eggs were collected from populations in Germany and brought to the UK, where the young cranes attended Crane School at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre. Here, they were taught how to fend for themselves, before being carefully reintroduced
A youngster takes to the air
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 25
Waterlife
25
07/09/2015 11:05
P R I VAT E L I F E
who’s who The three young cranes – that’s the two on the Somerset Levels and the single bird at Slimbridge – have all been named Peter, in memory of the RSPB’s Peter Newbery, a driving force behind The Great Crane Project, who sadly passed away before it was completed. Rather unusually, the dad of the Slimbridge youngster is called Minnie, after The Beano’s famous Minnie the Minx. Given this name before it was
into the wild at the Somerset Levels. Numbers in the wild slowly built up and, as the birds steadily matured, fingers were crossed that they would eventually breed. A few of the birds, clearly missing their Slimbridge home, have returned to the reserve in recent years, where two years ago one pair – Monty and Chris – actually laid an egg. Sadly, although that egg probably hatched, any chick that may have emerged did not survive. Last year, Monty and Chris tried again, hatching two eggs this time, but neither youngster survived for more than 18 days. This May, when another pair that had returned to Slimbridge – Minnie and Wendy – hatched their eggs, the event was shrouded in secrecy. It was imperative to make sure that the new parents remained as undisturbed as possible, and the approach paid dividends. Raising their chick over the next three months, they were able to watch the youngster take to the wing in early August. Alone, this would be a stunning success story. But while the Slimbridge chick was spending his early days preparing for his life ahead, events were unfolding back on farmland in the Somerset Levels at the birds’ original release site. Another pair of birds, Alexander and Swampy, had had two eggs, both of which also hatched in May, and again the news was kept quiet. A few days ahead of the Slimbridge bird, in late July, these two chicks took to the air for the first time.
realised that he was a male, Minnie was one of the toughest graduates
By the first week of August, then, the West Country had not one, not even two, but three wild crane chicks raised by their parents to flight. This is very significant, because the birds are now less vulnerable to predators and likely to travel from their nests with their parents. ‘It has long been my dream that we have cranes back in the West Country,’ says Dave Paynter, WWT Slimbridge Reserve Manager. ‘That they’ve bred
of Crane School, who always showed an independent streak, and was fond of eating thistles. Swampy, the mother of the two Somerset-born birds, injured herself as a youngster and needed quite a bit of help from The Great Crane Project staff to recuperate. She therefore has a special place in the team’s affections, and everyone is delighted that she has gone on to become one of the first to breed successfully.
successfully is hugely significant. Cranes need wetlands to breed in safety, and part of the reason they became extinct is because people drained the wetlands they used. We’re starting to restore those wetland habitats and that will help these magnificent birds to spread out across the country again.’ Follow the story at @thecraneproject or www.thegreatcraneproject.org.uk.
By the first week of August, the West Country had not one, not even two, but three wild crane chicks raised by their parents to flight
The young cranes on the Somerset Levels
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 27
Waterlife
27
07/09/2015 11:05
Adopt an otter
An otterly unique Christmas gift for animal lovers of all ages!
Book 1.indb 42
07/09/2015 11:05
r this Christmas It’s an otterly unique gift!
Your otter adoption Your otter adoption
Thank you ...
The impor tance of came ra traps
European otters are solitary, nocturnal creatures and therefore difficult to monitor. to find out how why camera Read on traps are essential conservation tools for otters.
Hidden camera footage
... you’r e part of something amaz ing
In the 1970s, otters were almost extinct in the UK, forced from their wetland homes and poisoned by harmful chemicals and pesticides. Since then, otters have slowly started to claw their way back from the brink, but they are still listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. You can help us give otters a permanent home in the UK, by adopting an otter for yourself or someone you love. An otter adoption is an amazing gift for animal lovers, whether they are children, friends or family. They will love the adoption pack, especially their new cuddly otter, and we’ve found that
Camera traps aren’t actual traps - they don’t harm wild animals. Nor are they the intricate and elaborate devices you might imagine. They are no more fancy than a standard handheld camera equipped with infrared sensors to take pictures whenever they sense the movement of an animal or bird on WWT wetland reserves. However, as otters only really appear at night-time the camera traps are essential for monitoring this precious species, which is under threat in the UK
!
Welcome to your otter adoption update for Spring 2015. In this issue we welcome the hundreds of new otter adopters who pledged Christmas to give otters their support at a permanent home in the UK. The otters that be pursuing a mate and survived the winter will beginning a family. Pregnancy now is swift, and just nine weeks litter of two to three cubs after mating, a is born; blind and only ten centimetres long! Your to manage and create adoption is helping us wetland homes for otters to give families a fighting chance.
Your adoptio n is helping us to. . .
Build artificial holts which offer the shelter otters need to safely raise their pups Improve otter habitats by widening ditches to encourage fish and other food sources Create new wetlands, e.g. Steart Marshes, which give otters hundreds of hectares of new territory
Location, location!
Location is really important for camera traps. We look for the best spot on our reserves, such as small rivulets and sluices, using otter tracks, spraints (their poo!) and potential holts (homes) as an indicator of otter activity. Once we know roughly where we are going to put the camera we look for the best tree to attach the trap, which is a black box. The box is usually placed close to ground but can sometimes be a little higher so long as the infrared technology is pointing at the place where we think the otters will appear.
Your otter adoption
Visitors stumped as otter s climb tree at Slimb ridge
Two cheeky otters at WWT Slimbridge were recently spotted climbing the spindle tree in their enclosure! We investigate whether this is normal behaviour...
Thanks for your otter selfies!
Thanks for sending in your otter selfies! We had some really good entries, including this snap from Sam Austin.
Otter spotter!
The infrared sensor on the camera traps is the most important part. The camera is only activated when something warm, such as an otter, crosses the beam. At this point it takes a photo, or sometimes video. It has no sounds and doesn’t use flash as this would scare the otter away. The cameras are set up by WWT wardens and left for a couple of weeks. The exciting part is discovering what the camera trap has captured.
Success at Slimbridge
Last summer, a camera trap at WWT Slimbridge captured footage of a family of wild otters at night; a mother and two of her cubs inspecting a sluice and leaving scent markings. We have three camera traps out on the reserve but this was the first time we have captured a family of otters, and we have spotted them again since then. The footage from the camera trap allows us to monitor the family and create and manage wetland habitat near where they have built their home to give them the best chance of survival.
Branching out
Over the years, some visitors to WWT Slimbridge have been lucky enough to spot the asian short clawed otters Flo, Minnie and Ha Ha, sitting in the branches of the spindle tree! Otters are really good at climbing, but the asian short clawed otters are the best, because they have the advantage of small strong dextrous fingers. The tree is 15 foot
high, so its quite a climb! Otters can jump vertically quite high, and most otters begin their climb with a bounce upward. If the otter can get its paws most of the way round the trunk, it will hug its way up mainly using muscular power, but anchoring itself with its claws. It’s quite a sight to behold! Let us know if you’ve ever spotted an otter climbing a tree, or any other interesting behaviour - we’d love to hear from you!
adults love these adorable toys just as much as the kids… if not more! Your personalised certificate, fascinating factbook and free ticket to a WWT centre (to see real otters) make this a gift to remember. By adopting an otter for £36 a year or £3 a month, you’re giving an amazing gift and helping us to create new wetland homes for them.
JUST £3 A MONTH OR £36 A YEAR
Visit wwt.org.uk/otter or call 01453 891195 Get a soft toy, a certificate and an amazing adoption pack
Book 1.indb 43
07/09/2015 11:05
THE INTERVIEW
TIM AND TIDE As WWT Steart Marshes officially opens to the public, we meet Tim McGrath, the man who turned a dream into reality
As a young lad, growing up in Frimley
in Surrey, Tim McGrath used to lay on a bit of a treat at the family home. The McGraths had a decent-sized garden, and he’d offer to take visitors around it on nature trails, showing them the wonders of nature with great enthusiasm. Today, he’s scaled up. In fact, he’s scaled up considerably. As WWT’s project manager at Steart Marshes, he has overseen the transformation of hundreds of hectares of the Steart Peninsula in Somerset into a vast new landscape of saltmarsh and freshwater wetlands. In September this year, WWT Steart Marshes was officially opened and Tim can now reflect on an extraordinary project. ‘This was a truly ambitious and exciting scheme,’ says Tim. ‘The rise in sea levels has started to squeeze wetlands along our coast, causing problems for wildlife and coastal communities alike. The Severn Estuary is suffering more than most regions, with an estimated 660 hectares of coastline expected to be lost in the next decade. This represents a real threat to local communities – in particular the village of Steart, sitting on the Steart Peninsula, which juts out into the Bristol Channel, and is flanked by the River Parrett. The peninsula was already equipped with a coastal defence wall, but the threat was that, in the event of a high tide, it could fail, with disastrous consequences for those who lived within. Our plan, then, was to breach the defences before nature had a chance to, so that we could manage the outcome.’ That breach took place last September, and it’s a perfect example of wetland creation. By setting back the defence embankment, and allowing the
30
Waterlife
Book 1.indb 30
tide to wash over parts of the peninsula, you achieve two things. First, you create a brand new saltmarsh habitat, which has the potential to become rich in wildlife. Second, you create an environment which can now, quite naturally, absorb tidal surges, keeping the village protected from flooding. ‘Working with the local community was key to making this project happen,’ says Tim. ‘Essentially, you’re saying to people “the best way to avoid being flooded is to create an area of managed flooding”. Once they saw the argument, they went with the idea and, one year after the breach, they’re already beginning to see the benefits.’ Tim was the ideal man to spearhead
this project. Armed with a degree in biology and chemistry, he moved on to work with various wildlife trusts, covering a wide range of habitats from grasslands and ancient woodlands to wetlands themselves. By 2009, he had become Head of Nature Reserves with Avon Wildlife Trust, with his skills in habitat management, as well as liaison with local communities, well honed.
Right: Tim McGrath at Steart Marshes Below: Saltmarsh plants have already started to colonise
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
07/09/2015 11:05
Tim has overseen the transformation of hundreds of hectares of the Steart Peninsula into a vast new landscape of saltmarsh and freshwater wetlands
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 31
Waterlife
31
07/09/2015 11:05
Saga Health Insurance
✓ Fast ✓ Convenient ✓ Affordable...
JOIN BY 15/11/15 AND GET
3
...health insurance from Saga
MONTHS of cover
FREE*
*When you pay by monthly Direct Debit and hold your policy for 12 months. Offer ends 15/11/15.
Why choose Saga? ■ Quick access to specialist diagnosis and private treatment
at a hospital on our extensive list ■ Tailor your cover to suit your needs and budget ■ Some of the most competitive premiums available.
Plus! Join by 15 November 2015 and get 3 months of free cover* Over 50? It’s easy to take out cover for the first time or switch to Saga. Call
0800 857 857 CSA-HE1465
Use reference RP8511
Contact details Name
Preferred phone number
Address Date of birth
By providing the requested data, including sensitive data, you consent to Saga Group using it for administrative purposes and to the Saga group of companies and their partners using it in the preparation of quotes and to inform you of other products and services by letter, SMS, telephone and/or e-mail. For a complete copy of Saga’s privacy policy please refer to saga.co.uk.
RP8511
If you would like us to send you details and prices, return this form to: Saga Health Insurance, FREEPOST SEA13556, Middelburg Square, Folkestone, Kent CT50 1PD.
THE INTERVIEW
in partnership This work would not have been possible without the funding and support of the following:
Residents of Steart Left: Avocets have bred for the first time at the site
‘A friend of mine mentioned to me one day that there was a role going at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre,’ he recalls. ‘I applied and got the job. My first major role was to oversee the restructuring of the water channels in the grounds at Slimbridge. A few months later, the Environment Agency approached us about the Steart project, and it has dominated my working life ever since.’ Tim has been building a team around him, and he’s delighted that there’s so much support coming forward from the Steart community itself. ‘Alys Laver, the site manager, and I set up a volunteer warden scheme, and a remarkable number of local people have got themselves involved, helping out with valuable maintenance work and talking to visitors. The team is expanding, too: we now have an assistant warden, Chloe Date, on board, and two further roles have been established. Joe Cockran has been hired for six months to monitor the wildlife, and soon we will have another member of staff to help enhance public engagement, expanding our volunteer network and getting as many people involved as possible through learning about this fascinating new habitat.’
‘There have never been avocets on the reserve, but, last May, in the very first season after the breach, they not only turned up, but hatched four eggs’ So the engagement with the local community is working very well. How is the wildlife coming along? ‘Just one year on from the breach,’ says Tim, ‘we really couldn’t have hoped for a better start. The landscape has been changing rapidly, and we’ve got the first saltmarsh plants growing. English scurvygrass, sea spurry, sea lavender, sea plantain: these and more have already started to appear, which is wonderful.’ As the habitat transforms, so the
wildlife responds. ‘There have never been avocets, for example, on the reserve, but, last May, in the very first season after the breach, they not only turned up, but hatched four eggs. What an incredible start! Water voles are doing well, too, as are great crested newts and otters. We’ve had little ringed plovers, oystercatchers and lapwings, too, plus golden plover in the winter. There are now a number of hides, made from shipping containers, clad with timber and with sedum roofs, to watch them from. What’s also pleasing is that skylarks, more associated with the type of farmland that existed before the breach, have remained in the area, too.’
So, in just one year, the community
and the wildlife have already started to see the benefits. There’s one story that particularly pleases Tim, as it draws both aspects of this project together in one tale. ‘Late last year, a pallid harrier, a real British rarity, arrived at Steart and stayed for about three weeks,’ he says. ‘Unsurprisingly, such an exceptional bird proved quite an attraction, and drew in birders from up and down the country. Did the locals object? Not at all. If anything, it was reported that they were mildly amused at the interest generated by their home patch.’ All in all, WWT Steart Marshes has welcomed around 11,500 visitors in the past 12 months, and among them was another McGrath. Tim and his wife, Kate, live in Bristol with their children, Amy, Ben and Sam, all of whom are active youngsters, currently working towards their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, and Sam, the youngest, did some work experience at Steart. ‘I think my children are sometimes a bit surprised at what I do,’ says Tim, ‘but when Sam spent time working at the marshes, he absolutely loved it.’ It’s not surprising. Under the watchful eye of Tim McGrath, WWT Steart Marshes has already become a magical place. If you’ve not yet visited it, then you’ve got a treat in store.
find out more! To find out more about WWT Steart Marshes, turn to page 63 or visit steart.wwt.org.uk.
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 33
Waterlife
33
07/09/2015 11:05
The harder working shirt Rohan clothing works. Made from our super warm, lightweight ThermocoreTM fabric, the Sentinel Shirt has the look and feel of a soft, brushed-cotton shirt, but is much, much more.
• Warm as a fleece • Quick drying and non-iron • Lightweight • Extremely durable
Garnet Red Check
French Blue Check
Woad Blue Check
40% OFF for readers of Waterlife Magazin e. Men’s Sentinel Sh irt RRP £65 NOW £3 9 Code WL15
Cloud Grey Check
HOW TO BUY Online: Visit rohan.co.uk and enter WL15 at the Basket Page Shops: Simply take this ad Phone: Call 0800 840 1412 and quote WL15 This offer is valid on the Sentinel Shirt in Cloud Grey Check, French Blue Check, Garnet Red Check and Woad Blue Check colours only until 11 October 2015 and may not be used against a previous purchase or in conjunction with any other offer.
If you’re a nature lover, we understand how serious you are about your choice of clothing. Consequently our new Linnet range is not only highly waterproof, windproof and breathable, but also soft, lightweight and reassuringly quiet. You’ll also be supporting nature as for every Linnet garment sold, £10 will be donated to the Simon King Wildlife Project. www.simonkingwildlife.com
www.countryinnovation.co.uk 01934 877333
Country Innovation 1 Broad Street, Congresbury North Somerset, BS49 5DG
Photo competition
This fabulous photo of a wren in a hide, by Andrew Slack, was one of last year’s runners-up
picture perfect
There’s still time to enter Waterlife’s Summer Digital Photo Competition, and be in with a chance of winning a great prize Last issue we launched our 2015 summer photo competition, and we’ve been thrilled with the entries so far. If you haven’t sent in your own photographs yet, don’t worry, there’s still time: the closing date is 1 November 2015. We’re looking for digital photos of wildlife, taken at a WWT wetland centre between 1 June and 31 October 2015 (the full rules can be found at wwt.org.uk/waterlifephoto), and, as you can see, there’s a fabulous prize to be won.
035 photo comp.indd 34
WIN! Leica binoculars are meticulously manufactured from the best 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 Ultravid 10x32 HD binoculars perfect for those who appreciate the fascination of nature observation. Leica Sport Optics is WWT’s exclusive optic partner of the spoon-billed sandpiper project.
LEICA ULTRAVID 10X32 HD BINOCULARS, WORTH £1,330! To enter, and for the full rules, simply visit wwt.org.uk/waterlifephoto
11/09/2015 17:00
F L I G H T PAT H
LOCAL HEROES A project to save the sarus crane in Cambodia is putting people right at the heart of conservation, as WWT’s Andy Graham reveals
Sacha Dench
There was a time when conservation
was about building fences. Keep the animals in, and keep the people out. It’s an approach that has been tried for some decades around the world, but it is short-term thinking. Habitats aren’t just for wildlife, they’re for people, too, and the solution is not to segregate, but to find a way of sharing to mutual benefit. To find the long-term solution, rather than building fences, we should be building bridges. Cambodia, in the Lower Mekong, is a perfect example. The landscape was once a mosaic of wetland habitats, supporting people and wildlife alike, but years of conversion to rice paddies, 36
Waterlife
Book 1.indb 36
pollution, hydrological changes and more have whittled those natural wetlands down to just a handful of sites. Two of those wetlands, Boeung Prek Lapouv (BPL) and Anlung Pring (AP), are among the three final Cambodian wintering sites of the Eastern sarus crane, a globally threatened bird. Each November, several hundred cranes arrive to spend the next few months at these ever-dwindling habitats, because they have few other places to go. As BPL and AP themselves continue to degrade, so the cranes’ future becomes increasingly bleak. They’re not alone in their struggle. The two sites are surrounded by
villages, which are themselves dependent upon the diminishing wetlands for survival, but it’s not easy. If each villager lived on about £2 a day, that would be tough enough, but it’s not the case: £2 per day is actually the average income per household! The cranes and other wildlife need the wetlands, and the people need the wetlands. Is there a way in which both can thrive together? WWT believes there is, and over the past five years, we have been helping to build strong relationships with the Cambodian government, with local non-governmental organisations
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
07/09/2015 11:05
Local Cambodian staff using binoculars generously donated to the project by Zeiss Eastern sarus cranes are dependent upon these wetlands
(NGOs), such as Mlup Baitong and Chamroen Chiet Khmer, and with local communities to find solutions. There’s still plenty of work to do, but those solutions are taking shape – in one case, quite literally. At AP, there’s a wetland area that, some decades ago, had been created as an irrigation reservoir supplying water for local vegetable-growing, but which had been slowly degrading ever since. We have sensitively restored it to include wildlife zones as well as an area for water supply. In addition, we have been working with the communities on reducing pesticide use, demonstrating how to create natural composts and pesticides made from invasive pest species to encourage stronger crops. The resulting organic produce will not only feed the communities, but link to another initiative: ecotourism. Eastern sarus cranes are a draw for wildlife-watchers, and there’s a real opportunity to create a locally managed ecotourism business at AP. Along with local NGO Mlup Baitong and BirdLife Cambodia, we are working with local people to develop a
Each November, several hundred cranes arrive to spend the next few months at these ever-dwindling habitats, because they have few other places to go. As the wetlands continue to degrade, so the cranes’ future becomes increasingly bleak OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 37
Waterlife
37
07/09/2015 11:05
F L I G H T PAT H
We are supporting the development of community fisheries, which will be monitored by a local committee marketing and business development plan, create a management committee and train people in guiding, homestays and more. The first two seasons welcomed a couple of hundred visitors. The cranes are only on site between November and March, but this wetland area is home to many wildlife wonders, and could comfortably entertain all year round. Many wader species arrive outside of the crane season, marsh harriers are a great draw and there are invertebrates galore to discover. With boat trips, guided tours and a hide that will provide wonderful views over AP all in the offing, this wetland can provide a wealth of sustainable tourism opportunities, all run by the local communities, with every penny earned being distributed between community funding schemes, reserve management and local staff. It will become key to the financial wellbeing of the communities themselves, while providing yet another reason for good, long-term wetland management. There are other projects, too. We have been supporting the development 38
Waterlife
Book 1.indb 38
of community fisheries, designed so that a local committee monitors and manages the fishing process so that it’s more sustainable, and that, one day, the community can benefit from profits. A fish habitat restoration programme is planned for this year, and we’ll also be creating inundated forest areas, which will be great for fish-spawning and brilliant for birds. We’ve even launched a Buffalo Bank. This is an innovative idea, in which WWT has purchased seven water buffalo, and loaned them to villagers for a conservation grazing regime that will open up the habitats and create more areas that are suitable for cranes. There are further benefits for the villagers, too (see box, right). Next year, the projects will quite literally start to bear fruit as, for the first time in years, the restored wetland at AP will provide a vital water supply in the dry season. This will be a wonderful moment, and the work there has already led to initial discussions between WWT
the buffalo bank The community of Dei Leuk is a small one, and a poor one. The acid soil where they live makes crop-growing difficult, and means that the local grassland is getting too tall for the cranes. So we opened up a ‘Buffalo Bank’. We purchased seven water buffalo and loaned one to each of seven households for a grazing regime. The buffalo are still owned by WWT, but the villagers can breed from them, keeping the offspring for themselves, which will provide a source of livelihood in the years ahead, whether through sale, consumption or as beasts of burden: we’ll be advising them on the best choices. In addition, every second offspring born to the same family will be used to develop additional grazing projects.
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
07/09/2015 11:06
enthusiastically these ideas have been discussed and supported by them. There are two wetland apprentices working with the WWT team, learning and building upon the projects under way, and many other local people are involved in various ways. What’s important is that it continues. The early days of the creation of sustainable practices are the most difficult, and the people of these areas will need as much support as possible to build on what has been started. Their livelihoods depend upon it, as do those of the cranes and other wildlife.
Laos Thailand
Cambodia
Phnom Penh Gulf of Thailand
Boeung Prek Lapouv
Vietnam
Anlung Pring South China Sea
and the Cambodian government on the development of a national approach to wetland management.
Key to all of this, of course, is the involvement of the local communities, and it has been so exciting to see how
This project has been grant aided by the Darwin Initiative through UK government funding and by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, a joint initiative of l’Agence Française de Développement, Conservation International, the European Union, the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Japan, the MacArthur Foundation and the World Bank.
WITH VAN, WE CAN. Can WWT secure a future for the sarus crane of the Cambodian Lower Mekong? With your support – plus people like Van Tevy – we can. Because Van, along with other villagers from across the region, are kick-starting four pioneering projects to protect the wetlands that wildlife and people share. Together they will reverse the plight of the sarus crane and give communities – like Van’s – a future to look forward to.
To discover more, take a look at the leaflet that arrived with your edition of Waterlife. Or visit www.wwt.org.uk/cambodia
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 39
Waterlife
39
07/09/2015 11:06
, CANADA S WILDLIFE & GEOLOGICAL WONDERS 5%
Discount for Waterlife Magazine readers
RUGGED & RURAL CANADA Canada is renowned for its stunning natural scenery and charming traditional villages and this unforgettable cruise takes you on a voyage to some of the Commonwealth nation’s most breathtaking rugged & rural landscapes. In St. John’s – the capital of Newfoundland and a nature lover’s paradise – go in search of native wildlife such as puffins and whales, visit the charming fishing villages or climb to the top of Signal Hill – a Natural Historic Site – for the best views of the oldest English-founded city in North America and it’s beautiful surrounding landscape. From Sydney, Nova Scotia an abundance of natural wonders await your exploration. Head into the picture-perfect highlands of Cape
Breton and enjoy the gentle warmth of spring on the famous Cabot Walking Trail, stroll along the shores of the beautiful Bras D’Or Lake and visit Canada’s first lighthouse at the Fortress of Louisbourg. Experience the rural life in Red Bay, Labrador – home to a fascinating UNESCO-listed Basque whaling station. See the rustic hillside homes that have been inhabited for centuries, as well as huge galleons and collection of bones that give an idea of the sheer size of the whales that used to be hunted in this traditional seafaring town.
14th May 2016 or 6th Sept 2016 16 nights • Balmoral Newcastle • D1607 & D1617
From £1,699pp
♦
Liverpool, Killybegs, Ireland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, St Pierre et Miquelon, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Corner Brook, Canada, Red Bay, Labrador, Canada, Belfast, Liverpool
This discount applies to all* Fred. Olsen cruises, so if this doesn’t suit you visit www.fredolsencruises.com to see all our itineraries. Call us now on 0800 0355 148 or book online at www.fredolsencruises.com and Quote: WWT5 to redeem your discount *These terms and conditions are in addition to Fred. Olsen’s standard Terms and Conditions which are available on our website, www.fredolsencruises.com and on request. Both must be read before booking. All offers may be withdrawn or amended at any time without prior notice and are subject to availability. FOCL may, from time to time, run special offers which cannot be combined with this “member discount”. All prices quoted under this “member discount” offer as exclusively available to qualifying staff members and their travelling companions. This offer must not be extend to any unrelated third party. All guests booked under this scheme are requested to refrain from disclosing the fare they have paid to any other persons on board. You must quote your Discount Code at time of booking and discount will not be applied retrospectively. Bookings can only be made direct with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. Single supplement is 100%. Child supplement is 100%. Cruise price includes cruise, meals, entertainment, port charges & all taxes. Travel insurance, gratuities & personal expenses are not included. All bookings are bound by the full Terms & Conditions shown in the current Fred. Olsen Cruises Worldwide brochure and are subject to change and availability. ♦ price refers to cruise D1607 based on an inside cabin of two sharing. Lead price on D1617 is £1799 based on an inside cabin of two sharing. E&OE.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
FRESH LOOKS The new Discovery Hide at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre brings the joys of nature to a whole new audience
Discovering wildlife with WWT opened WWT London Wetland Centre’s Discovery Hide in 2013, he was deeply impressed. ‘A hide for the 21st century’ is what he called it, and with good reason. Designed to open up wildlife-watching to more people, WWT’s Discovery Hides offer great viewing opportunities for birdwatchers, while providing a comfortable, encouraging environment for those new to the experience. Since then, Discovery Hides have opened at Arundel and Slimbridge, and they’ve been a great success. Painted in warm tones with soft furnishings, they’re equipped with fixed viewing scopes, friendly graphics that offer birdwatching tips, identification guides and more. They also include vast viewing windows that open onto wonderful vistas across our wetlands. This autumn, another Discovery Hide is being added to the collection… and it goes further still. Replacing the old Swan Link Hide at WWT Martin Mere, this exciting new structure is so large that, rather like the great stately homes of the country, it even has its own wings! The hide, which will be ready for visitors in November, is constructed from sustainable Scandinavian timber, and designed in such a way that, as your
birdwatching improves, you can progress through its various areas. In the centre is the Discovery Lounge, ideal for families and school children who are taking their first steps in nature discovery. It’s equipped with soft seating, fixed scopes and Fixed scopes offer children a host of fun challenges their first for youngsters. close-up views of wildlife For those who want to know more, the Graduate Wings, on either side of the main structure, provide further information There’s plenty more about the wildlife, including going on at your local backgrounds to the swan families centre. Just turn to page 49 for the full details. that visit Martin Mere, how we identify individuals in the field, how nature lovers of all levels. It’s the we manage the reserve and protect latest step in WWT’s mission to bring wildlife, and more. The left-hand wing people and wildlife ever closer together, focuses mainly on swans, while the rightand it’s not to be missed. hand wing majors on geese. That’s not all. Next door to the Goose Graduate Wing stands the brand new The Martin Mere Discovery Hide has Birders Wing, catering for the more been kindly funded by Lancashire expert birdwatchers and photographers. Environmental Fund, Cargill, Lord This section can be entered Leverhulme’s Charitable Trust, a independently, too. All in all, then, the new generous legacy, and donations from hide contains four sections, catering for WWT members.
WWT
When TV personality Mike Dilger
find out more
Martin Mere’s Discovery Hide: the four main areas 20 8
2.7
10
4
8
A
D 6
B
C
(A) Swan Graduate Wing (C) Goose Graduate Wing (B) Discovery Lounge (D) Birders Wing
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 41
Waterlife
41
07/09/2015 11:06
The Grant Arms Hotel
Celebrity Guided Week with Nick Baker Saturday 7th to Friday 13th Nov 2015
Grantown-on-Spey
7 nights
THE WILDLIFE HOTEL
£1,195pp DB&B
Space in limited to a maximum of 12 people.
Wildlife Breaks
in the Highlands Four Poster Room
As soon as you walk into the Grant Arms Hotel you realise it isn’t just any ordinary Hotel. In short the refurbished Grant Arms is the hotel for bird and wildlife watchers.
BWWC Lecture Theatre
What’s included: O Breakfast Menu ranging from full Scottish to Kippers or Continental O Fine Scottish Dining O Special Diets accommodated O Afternoon Tea & Coffee O After Dinner Coffee & Tea O Programme of Talks, Walks and Wildlife Briefings, Films & Quizzes O WiFi O Complimentary Daily Newspaper O Free Parking O Free use of BWWC’s private Slavonian Grebe Hide O Boot wash, drying room and laundry O ‘Early Birder’ breakfast if required. HOW TO GET THERE By Road: Grantown is situated just off the A9 Edinburgh- Inverness road.
TARIFF 2015/16 DB&B
Apr - Oct
4 NIGHTS
7 NIGHTS
Standard Superior Four Poster Standard Superior Four Poster
£320 £380 £440 £560 £665 £770
Nov - Dec Jan - Mar Apr - Oct £260 £320 £380 £450 £555 £660
Standard Room
The refurbished GRANT ARMS HOTEL offers wonderful food, friendly staff and 50 high quality ensuite bedrooms. All bedrooms come with hairdryer, colour TV, toiletries and coffee making facilities.
Speyside and the Cairngorms are one of the best areas for wildlife watching in the UK. Perfect for beginner to expert, whether for a day or a fortnight. Depending on the season you could see: Golden Eagle, Capercaillie, Pine Marten, Red Squirrel, Mountain Hare, Osprey, Ptarmigan, Otter, Red and Black Grouse, Red and Roe Deer, Slavonian Grebe, Crested Tit and Crossbill, as well as Dolphins, Waders, Sea Ducks and Sea Birds along the Moray Firth coast. Guests have free use of the BWWC Information Centre, Club Room and Library. BWWC staff are available at Breakfast and in the Evening to help you make the best of your holiday whilst leaving you free to do what you want.
Superior Room
£270 £310 £350 £445 £515 £585
£325 £365 £405 £565 £635 £705
Price per person. Excludes Christmas, New Year and other Special Breaks. Other lengths of stay are also available. Dogs welcome £20 per room per stay. Single, Twin, Double, Family & Wheelchair Accessible Rooms available. Special Rates for Clubs, Tours & Conferences. Terms & Conditions apply.
TO BOOK CALL 01479 872526
By Train: The nearest station is Aviemore (14 miles) on the Edinburgh-Inverness line. Fly EASYJET to INVERNESS from GATWICK, LUTON & BRISTOL for less than £100 RETURN
By Plane: Inverness Airport (30 miles) Flights from most major UK airports. Other destinations available from Aberdeen Airport (75 miles). To get the most out of the area you need a car.
SPECIAL EVENTS CHRISTMAS IN WONDERLAND Wed 23 to Sun 27 Dec 15 4nights full board from
£440pp
www.bwwc.co.uk or email bookings@bwwc.co.uk
HOGMANAY IN THE HIGHLANDS
BWWC LTD, 25 THE SQUARE, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HF
Wed 30 Dec to Sat 2 Jan 16 3 nights full board from
All programmes, talks, walks and rooms subject to availability and liable to change without notice.
www. bwwc.co.uk
DOG FRIENDLY
£395pp
SPECIAL PACKAGE - Christmas and Hogmanay 10 night Break (7 nights full board and 3 nights DBB) from £1,030pp. Enjoy guest speakers, field trips, walks, films and fun.
WWT ONLINE
NETLANDS A ROUND-UP OF WWT’S GROWING PRESENCE ON THE WEB
vision on It took some time to put together, but Spoonievision went live in August, and it instantly became an online hit. For the best part of an hour, TV’s Kate Humble presented an exclusive behind-the-scenes reveal of extraordinary footage and interviews that told the remarkable tale of the efforts by WWT and partners to save the charismatic spoon-billed sandpiper. As Kate herself said: ‘It’s a story of daring, of tenacity, of heartrending emotion, and all for the sake of one tiny, funny-looking bird.’ If you missed the live broadcast, well, there’s good news. The entire Spoonievision output is available to watch online, and it’s unmissable viewing. From tales of bear attacks in the Russian tundra to invaluable insights into the conservation work, Spoonievision brings the entire tale to life. You can watch the footage at wwt.org.uk/spoonievision. Spoonievision was watched live by people in 19 countries and has now been viewed nearly 6,000 times. We raised £2,500 through
Bird tweet ‘Yesterday I saw my first water vole while volunteering at @WWTArundel, only an hour after saying I’d never seen one :-D’ We love hearing about your visits and seeing your photos on Twitter. Keep on sharing @WWTworldwide.
A DATE FOR THE DIARY
the broadcast itself, taking the total for the appeal to £58,000. A huge thank you to everyone who donated. We’re just £2,000 away from the £60,000 we need to raise for this year, and you can still support at wwt.org.uk/spoonievision. You can also sponsor a spoonie at adoption.wwt.org.uk. Every penny counts in the race to save this charismatic, important bird. 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, BirdLife International, ArcCona and the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Task Force. Special thanks are also due to Leica Camera AG, as WWT’s exclusive optic partner, and Telestream, for supporting our live streaming.
Are you keeping up with WWT’s blogs? There are three diaries online, and they’re fascinating to read. There’s Julia Newth’s Bewick’s Swan Diary, which has plenty to report upon at this time of year. Phoebe Young’s Duck Diary provides fabulous insights into the lives of the amazing birds in our collections. Finally, Paul Rose’s Flamingo Diary keeps you up to date with all things pink and perfect. To follow their fascinating tales, simply search for ‘diary’ on our website.
Tell us what you think How many people in your household read Waterlife? Which are your favourite sections of the magazine? Is there anything new you’d like to see? At WWT, we want to know all your thoughts about your quarterly membership magazine in our online survey… and there’s an added incentive. The first name drawn after the survey closes wins this fabulous hamper, crammed with great goodies. It couldn’t be easier to take part in the survey. You don’t have to cut up your magazine or put anything in the post – simply visit wwt.org.uk/yourviews, fill in your answers, and you’re done. The survey takes only a few minutes to complete, so do join in. This is, after all, your magazine.
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 43
Waterlife
43
07/09/2015 11:06
TOP TEN
wonder ful world 1
10
things you (probably) didn’t know about life at wwt
The odd couple
There was great excitement at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre when a female ruff, from Wader Shore, laid an egg for the first time at the centre. The egg was brought safely indoors to give the chick the best chance of survival, but, once it hatched, aviculturist Phoebe Young was concerned that it didn’t become too humanised. She therefore introduced it to a black-headed duckling, chosen for its calm temperament, and the two youngsters were reared together. They rapidly became the best of friends.
4
Make a date
It won’t be long before 2016 is upon us, and one item you won’t want to be without next year is WWT’s Eco Calendar. Printed in the UK on FSC-certified paper, using vegetable-based inks, and even coming in a compostable bag, it’s 100% recyclable for when the year is over. If, that is, you want to throw it away. It’s filled with fabulous photos, such as this one, all exclusive to WWT, that you’ll be loathe to part with. Available in our shops and at wwt.org.uk/shop.
Book 1.indb 42
Journey of hope
Hope, a Bewick’s swan, represents our work to protect this iconic species in our Hope for Swans appeal, and your support for this appeal has been marvellous, helping to fund a thorough analysis of the reasons for the Bewick’s decline (more information in an upcoming issue). And Hope herself? Good news. She returned safely to western Europe last winter, settling in the Netherlands, and made her way back to her breeding grounds in the spring, as you can see from the map below. Fingers crossed she returns to WWT Welney once again this year.
Shutterstock
3
2
I’ll bee back!
The ruderal bumblebee is one of several bumblebee species that has suffered a worrying decline in recent years, so it was exciting when they reappeared at WWT Welney Wetland Centre this summer, particularly as only three populations were found in Norfolk between 2001 and 2011. The wetlands at Welney are swathed in wild plants, such as yellow iris and comfrey, which, with their long flutes, are perfectly suited to this long-tongued species.
5
Storm at Arundel
Staff and visitors were sad when Lara the female black-necked swan at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre died last May. Saddest of all was Arnie, the male black-neck. His feisty habit of nipping and chasing wardens had earned him his name, after Arnold Schwarzenegger, but when he lost Lara he started calling forlornly. However, in August the team introduced a new female, and Arnie was immediately smitten! Summer storms hit Arundel the day she arrived, so she was named Storm, of X-Men fame, in keeping with the movie-hero theme.
07/09/2015 11:06
9
Madagascar update
Meet Eloise Rasomalala (left) and Paulette Rasoamihety, who grew up at Lake Sofia and worked for WWT’s Mission Madagascar team as research assistants last year, thanks to funds raised by our members appeal. They have now been taken on full-time, and are truly excited to have this opportunity to benefit their community. Meanwhile, another endangered species has been sighted at Lake Sofia: the Madagascar rail joins the Madagascar grebe and Meller’s duck at this important site. Can the Madagascar pochard be far behind? 6
Wait a linnet!
10
It’s not just waterbirds that bring a thrill. This year, at WWT Washington Wetland Centre, linnets raised two clutches of young – the first successful breeding at the centre by this little finch for more than 10 years. Remarkably, the clutches were raised in a small gorse bush right next to one of the paths on East Down, even though there are larger gorse bushes further away from the path, so the birds clearly weren’t disturbed by passing visitors.
8
7
Somerset avocets
Residents of the Steart Peninsula, and members of the WWT team at Steart Marshes, celebrated the hatching of four avocet chicks this summer. It’s only the second time that avocets have bred in Somerset in the past 170 years, and they hatched on one of the islands at the reserve. The gravel-topped islands were designed by WWT to encourage ground-nesting birds. For this and other reserve elements, WWT had major support from Viridor Credits Environmental Company, through the Landfill Communities Fund.
Wave goodbye
WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre has a new wave machine – but don’t break out the swimsuit! This is a piece of kit that will help tackle the invasive species Crassula helmsii. The plant is spreading through some of Llanelli’s waterbodies, shading out native wildlife. Funded by CWM Environmental Ltd and Environment Wales, the machine uses a highpressure jet of boiling water to destroy the plant, without using chemicals.
How quickly they grow up
This is one of the Caribbean flamingo chicks that hatched at WWT Llanelli in July. He (or she – it takes some time before their gender can be identified) looks tiny tucked between the legs of an adult, but it won’t be that way for long. The legs of flamingo chicks lengthen at a rate of 5mm every day and, after three months, the first adult feathers start to appear. They still stand out, though: it takes three years for their plumage to turn pink.
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 43
Waterlife
45
07/09/2015 11:06
with
Steve Backshall
Hello again
Autumn is an amazing time of year. There are all sorts of birds making their way to this country to spend the winter – such as swans, geese and ducks – while there are also many types of animal that disappear. Many of our birds spend only the summer months with us, breeding and rearing their young, before flying south to spend the winter in the warmer African countries. But they’re not the only ones to disappear. Have you ever noticed that, through autumn and winter, quite a few other types of animal disappear, too? Several mammals, our amphibians and reptiles – surely they don’t fly south? Well, amusing as it is to think of a hedgehog sprouting wings and flying across the channel, that’s not, of course, what they do. This is the time of year when many of our animals escape the cold not by leaving the country, but by hiding and going to sleep! The process is called hibernation – which actually means ‘winter sleep’ – and it’s a very good idea. Reptiles and amphibians hibernate because they’re cold-blooded animals, and without the summer sun they wouldn’t get the heat they need in order to get through their day. So, they sleep. Mammals are warm-blooded, so don’t need the summer sun to be able to function. However, during the winter, food sources such as insects aren’t around so much – so, again, why not take a nap? Here are a few fascinating facts about hibernation, yet another one of nature’s amazing ways of looking after itself. Until next time...
Home-hunting hedgehog
A prickly customer A great and simple way to help hedgehogs in your garden is to lean an old plank of wood against a wall where it won’t be disturbed. Cover it with soil and leaves, and put a few logs on top of it to make sure it doesn’t get blown around. If you’ve got a hedgehog in your area, it may well find your shelter, and tuck itself into the space under the plank to settle down for the winter. Here’s another important piece of advice. Bonfire night is only a
get in touch!
46
Waterlife
Book 1.indb 46
few weeks away, and you and your family will soon be raking together the fallen leaves in your garden to make a bonfire. You know that, on 5 November, you’ll be setting light to it, but hedgehogs don’t, and they might see the pile as an excellent home for the winter. If you do build a bonfire in your garden, do check the pile before it’s set alight to make sure Mrs Tiggy-winkle hasn’t slipped in underneath it!
Send your letters to Explore, Waterlife, WWT, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT, or waterlife@wwt.org.uk. I’d love to hear from you.
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
07/09/2015 11:06
KIDS’ ZONE
Sleeping beauty
Dozy dormice
Some of our hibernating animals, such as bats, tuck themselves in for just a few months during the winter, sometimes even waking up from time to time. Not the hazel dormouse! This tiny chap takes the prize for ‘longest lie-in’ in the UK, settling down for his hibernation in October and not stirring until April or sometimes even May. That’s not all. If, during the late spring and summer, we experience a cold snap in this country, the dormouse nods off again! Sleeping for more than half the year might sound extremely lazy, but dormice are actually very busy little rodents, spending most of their waking hours looking for food, such as berries and nuts. In fact, a good way to find out if there are dormice nearby is to check hazelnut shells on the ground. If there’s a neat hole in the shell, with tooth marks along the edge at a 45-degree angle, then it’s a dormouse that’s been nibbling at it.
Ho ho!
What do you call a hibernating fish?
A kipper!
Did you know?
post If there’s a cogm en, heap in your ahrdandy… it might comeakines. These for grass sn sometimes gentle reptiless in compost lay their egg warm! to keep them
Book 1.indb 47
e m o h a s e li f r e t t u b e iv G There are about 60 British species of butterfly, and some spend the winter as eggs, while others survive as caterpillars or in chrysalis form. A few, however, get through the cold months as adults, and they’ll often try to get inside Brimstone your garden shed, or the ivy on your garden wall, or even your house, to settle themselves down until the spring. The main species that you’re likely to find are the brimstone, red admiral, peacock and small Red admiral tortoiseshell. If you do find one inside during the winter, either asleep, or fluttering about because the central heating has woken it up, then don’t put it outside, as the next cold day will probably kill it. One good idea is to pop it into an old shoebox. Make some holes in the box for Small tortoiseshell Peacock ventilation, and cut a slot – about 1cm x 6cm – in the side. The butterfly should be able to sleep quite happily through the winter in its new ‘home’, and crawl out through the slot when it’s ready to leave.
07/09/2015 11:07
THE BIRDERS STORE
Blue tailed damselfly by Ross Hoddinott
The Midland’s premier optics specialist stocking an extensive range of leading brands for all budgets including Barr & Stroud, Celestron, Country Innovation, Cullmann, Eagle, Hawke, Kite, Kowa, Leica, Minox, Optech, Opticron, Skua, Steiner, Swarovski, Tilley Hats, Vanguard, Velbon, Viking, Vortex & Zeiss plus an extensive range of birding books & DVDs.
Men’s & Ladies’ Halcon Jacket An outstanding waterproof jacket with 9 well sited pockets.
Unit 7 King Charles Place, St John’s, Worcester, WR2 5AJ
Tel: 01905 312877 | Open: 9.30am to 4.30pm Tuesday to Saturday Website: www.birders-store.co.uk Email: sales@birders-store.co.uk
Birders Store_WWT_JulSept_15.indd 1
25/08/2015 14:40
Get closer to nature Award-winning Páramo uses Nikwax Analogy® fabric that mimics mammal fur to keep out the weather and shift perspiration. The result is a durable waterproof that keeps you warmer and drier than conventional waterproofs. Soft, supple and quiet, Páramo ensures rustle-free movement and day-long comfort – perfect to get closer to nature. Designed in partnership with nature professionals, Páramo offers genuine benefits to all outdoor enthusiasts. “Ask me what the most essential piece of kit I own – aside from my camera gear and tripod – and my Páramo Halcon Jacket would top the list. The jacket not only keeps me dry and comfortable, but its oversized pockets are perfect for keeping essential accessories, like filters, close to hand. To be honest, I’ve never owned a better item of outdoor clothing.”
Ross Hoddinott, www.rosshoddinott.co.uk
To view the Naturally Páramo range visit: www.naturallyparamo.co.uk
www.wildlifetrails.co.uk 0800 999 4334
With the migratory season now under way, there are plenty of great activities going on at WWT’s wetland centres and reserves. Turn the page to discover the highlights of what’s in store
rc a
t ch
er
For the full list of centre events, information and news, find your local centre at wwt.org.uk
s Oy
te
rnac
le goo
se
l
e
Ba
Blac Wat ni n ch m o r
g
Per eg r
it
ta
n
L
®
EG
O
brick trai l
ts
Sa dt he bir s with d
r C re e p y c
Book 1.indb 49
dw
e in
ird
Fe e
go
k-t
il
tra
k
ic
B
Map illustration by Fred Van Deelen; photos by Sacha Dench; James Stevens; Shutterstock; WWT
r LE G O® b
d
tu
ai
le
Noc
af
07/09/2015 11:07
D O W N YO U R WAY Arundel
Mill Road, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9PB 01903 881530 | info.arundel@wwt.org.uk WWT Arundel
WWT Arundel Wetland Centre Highlights The Wetland Witch is back with Potions Classes for the kids at the Wetland Secrets Plant House, just in time for Halloween. Book a Vampire Boat trip in the early evening of 30 October to learn about the bats of Arundel. Also new this year is our Bottle Monsters drop-in art workshop for children on 24-25 October. Autumn and winter are the best times to photograph wildfowl, with the birds in their best plumage. Young people aged 12-18 can sign up for a Photography Workshop on 30 October (see website for details). Snipe and water rail numbers are increasing now as these waders arrive to winter at Arundel. Take a walk with our wardens during the Discover Birds weekend on 21-22 November to spot these secretive waders. Look for snipe at the water’s edge where they blend into the reeds, camouflaged by pale beige streaks on their backs and black striped chests. We are offering workshops to help you get ready for the holiday season. In November, you can make a set of 10 Christmas cards using an ink-brush technique, while our popular natural wreath-making workshops are scheduled for 10 and 12 December. Then count down the days to Christmas with a special daily activity during the 12 Days Till Christmas – Wild Style, beginning on 12 December. Kingfishers are very visible now that there are fewer leaves and plenty of natural fishing perches near the hides. Bitterns in the reedbed are more of a challenge to spot, but both are rewarding to see. If you visit in the afternoon, check out the reedbed hide last and look for the huge flocks of pied wagtails coming in to roost.
Kingfisher
Season’s highlight
Our Discover Birds weekend is a great chance
to chat with WWT experts, who can answer questions on wild birds, the collection species, photography and gardening for wildlife. These popular weekends offer something for everyone. Discover Birds, 21-22 November
Arundel Events (Key below. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/arundel) Daily Activities Wetland Discovery Boat Safari Glide with a guide on quiet electric boats. First boat 11am, last boat 3.30pm. Suggested donation of £1. WA Sundays 11 October and 13 December Bentley Wildlife Carvers Watch talented carvers create wooden animals available for purchase. 10am-4pm. WA Sat 17 October Straw Finial Workshop Grace your garden with
key
50
BE IA
Sat 24 and Sun 25 October Bottle Monsters Make a crazy bottle monster with artist Anna Twinam-Cauchi. 10am-12 noon. £1.50 per monster made. UAA Sat 24 October to Sun 1 November Halloween Half-term Create creepy crafts, pond dip and get a spooky tattoo. 10am-4pm. WA
Fri 30 October Vampire Boat Take a boat ride with our vampire guide to learn about bats! 5pm or 5.30pm. £5PP. BE Fri 30 October Young Persons Photo Workshop A three-hour workshop for 12- to 18-year-olds on the technical aspects of photography and getting the most from your camera. £42. BE IA Sat 31 October and Sun 1 November Wetland Witch’s Potions Class
Kids can create creepy concoctions with the Wetland Witch! 10am-12 noon or 1-3pm. £3PC (children must be accompanied by an adult). BE UAA Sun 1, Sat 28 and Sun 29 November, and Sun 27 December Artist in Residence Meet Desiree Hart and browse around a display of her works on wildlife available for purchase. 10am-4pm. WA Sat 14 November Brush Pen Sketching: Christmas Cards
Create your own artworks and turn them into Christmas cards. 10am-12 noon or 1-3pm. £20. BE IA Sat 21 to Sun 22 November Discover Birds Discover migrants and native birds in this weekend of walks, talks and photography. 10am-4pm. WA Thurs 10 December and Sat 12 December Christmas Wreath Workshop Use willow and natural plants to make a
wreath. 10am-12.30pm. £10PP. BE UAA RI Sat 12 December to Wed 23 December 12 Days Till Christmas – Wild Style Family activities involving partridges, turtle doves and more. 10am-4pm. WA Mon 14 December Wildfowl Photography Workshop How to photograph wildfowl in winter, enhancing colour and texture. 10am-4pm. £89PP. IA BE
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
Waterlife
Book 1.indb 50
a straw animal made in the traditional Sussex manner. 2-4pm. £30.
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
07/09/2015 11:07
Caerlaverock
WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre
The BBC Autumnwatch team (from left: Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Martin Hughes-Games)
Peter Sandground
Highlights This is always such an exciting time of year, as the winter visitors start arriving in numbers. In addition to the whooper swans and massed flocks of barnacle geese, there’s always the possibility of a red-breasted goose, or a small Canada goose, or even a Ross’s goose. You never know what’s going to turn up… but this year, we’ve got something really special guaranteed. As you’ll already have read in this issue (see page 16), the BBC Autumnwatch team will be arriving at the beginning of November, and presenting the entire week’s worth of programmes from our centre. We’re even planning a special peek behind the scenes – check the website for further details on that one. The farmhouse won’t be available during this period, as it’s being used as the BBC’s editing suite, but why not book an overnight stay once they’ve left? It is a really exciting way to experience the wildlife of Caerlaverock from within. Check the website for booking details. We’re particularly looking forward to the return of the whooper swans this year, as many of them, such as Rinpoche (Tibetan for ‘adored one’), have been named by you! The opportunity to name a swan was a popular Christmas gift last year, and we’re offering that chance again: it’s a festive idea unique to Caerlaverock. Simply ask at the centre for details. There’s plenty more going on, too, from goose identification fun with our wardens on 22 November to our wildlife photography course on 28 November. The monthly Dawn Flights are a true treat, and don’t miss the Christmas Fayre, with all sorts of crafts and foods to buy, all locally produced.
Eastpark Farm, Caerlaverock, Dumfriesshire DG1 4RS 01387 770200 | info.caerlaverock@wwt.org.uk WWT Caerlaverock
Season’s highlight
Whatever you do, don’t miss the fabulous barnacle goose dusk flight. It’s like being inside a Peter Scott painting! Dusk Flight, 25 October
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 Wild Swan Feeds See wild whooper swans closer than anywhere in Britain from the Sir Peter Scott Observatory, with live commentary. 11am and 2pm. WA UAA Guide in the Hide Our friendly, knowledgeable guides will be out and about in the hides to point out the best wildlife of the day. 11am-3pm. WA UAA
Sun 11 October Dawn Flight Join the wardens as we open early to experience the wild geese flighting in against the dawn sky. The coffee shop will be
open early to provide hot drinks and bacon rolls. Bring warm, waterproof clothing, binoculars and a torch. 6.45am. WA UAA BE Thurs 22 October Ducking and Diving Learn to recognise some of the different types of duck that visit Caerlaverock in the winter and see how they vary. Play games and take part in a variety of activities. Family event. 10am-2pm. BE WA UAA
Sat 24 October Pumpkin Carving Use inspiration from the wildfowl at Caerlaverock to carve your own pumpkin. £2 per pumpkin. Children
must be aged six or over. 2-5pm. WA UAA BE
and a torch. 6.30am.
Sun 25 October Dusk Flight Watch the barnacle geese flight out to the Solway mudflats to their night-time roost. Bring warm, waterproof clothing, binoculars and a torch. 4.30-6pm.
Sun 22 November What’s that Goose? Join WWT experts to find and identify geese and other wildfowl. 1-4pm.
WA UAA BE
Sun 15 November Dawn Flight Join the wardens as we open early to experience the wild geese flighting in against the dawn sky. The coffee shop will be open early to provide hot drinks and bacon rolls. Bring warm, waterproof clothing, binoculars
WA UAA BE
parents and toddlers. Take part in outdoor and nature activities at the centre. 10-11am. BE UAA WA
Sat 28 November Wildlife Photography for Beginners Special beginners’ photography workshop with Tom Langlands and Bob Fitzsimmons. 10am-4pm. Please contact the centre for details. IA BE
Sun 6 December Dawn Flight Join the wardens as we open early to experience the wild geese flighting in against the dawn sky. The coffee shop will also be open early to provide hot drinks and bacon rolls. Bring warm, waterproof clothing, binoculars and a torch. 7am. WA UAA BE
Wednesdays 2 December and 6 January 2016 Caerlaverock Kids Join our group for
Sat 12 December Caerlaverock Christmas Fayre Visit a wide range of craft and food stalls at
WA UAA BE
our Christmas Fayre. 1-4pm. UAA WA Fri 1 January 2016 New Year’s Day Bird Race Start the year by challenging our warden to see how many bird species you can spot in a day. 10am-4pm. WA UAA
Sun 3 January Dawn Flight Join the wardens as we open early to experience the wild geese flighting in against the dawn sky. The coffee shop will be open early to provide hot drinks and bacon rolls. Bring warm, waterproof clothing, binoculars and a torch. 7.15am. WA UAA BE
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 51
Waterlife
51
07/09/2015 11:07
D O W N YO U R WAY Castle Espie
WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre
Meeting a barn owl
WWT
Highlights The wintering birds are making their way back to Castle Espie and Strangford Lough in their thousands, and the light-bellied brent geese are the highlight, with some 4,500 likely to be on the estuary, and around 25,000 on the lough. There are many more species, too, and our Birdwatch Mornings are a great way to find out about them. Whooper swans could well get up to about 100 individuals by November, while oystercatcher could number more than 1,000. Wigeon should be feeding on the soft verge with the brent geese by this time, with up to 500 teal and dozens of shovelers out on the water. By December, dunlin, knot, lapwing and golden plover will be peaking in numbers, and look out, too, for our spoonbill – if it arrives, that will make it the third year in a row. There’s so much going on in and around the centre, too, with Halloween providing plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Our Spellbound Festival is an absolute highlight at this time: we’ve a Halloween Hooley on the 25 October, the chance to meet amazing owls during the first weekend, plus face-painting, crafts, storytelling and a host of other activities during 30 and 31 October. For dates, check the website. Later in the year, you’ve got the chance to prepare for Christmas with our two craft weekends, learning how to make your own cards and decorations. Then, of course, Santa arrives during the December weekends: you can meet him and his elves, follow the Christmas trail, toast marshmallows and more. Outside of Halloween and Christmas, there’s still plenty to do, with each weekend offering something different, from a family Bird Feeder Workshop to Autumn Playtime and the entertaining Quackanory.
Ballydrain Road, Comber, Co Down BT23 6EA 028 9187 4146 | info.castleespie@wwt.org.uk WWT Castle Espie
Season’s highlight
From owls to creepy-crawlies, face-painting to dance parties, make this Halloween one to remember at Castle Espie. Spellbound Festival, 24-31 October
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 Activities Sat 10 October to Sun 22 November Kilmood Art Show An exhibition of works by Kilmood Art Club members who are professional artists and gifted amateurs. 10am-4.30pm. Free. Sat 17 and Sun 18 October Autumn Playtime Celebrate the season with fun and games galore in the Wild Wood and Secret Swamp. 12 noon-4pm. WA Sat 24 to Sat 31 October Spellbound Festival
52
Waterlife
Book 1.indb 52
A host of spellbinding Halloween activities for little monsters, with owl displays, creepycrawlies, face-painting, storytelling, dance parties, craft and more! 10am-5pm. WA Thurs 29 October Birdwatch Morning Birdwatching expert Dot Blakely is back on the lough on the lookout for returning brent and waders. 10.30am-12.30pm. WA Sun 1 November Bird Feeder Workshop Castle Espie Bird Watching Club will be
on hand to help make bird feeders to bring home and hang in your garden (50p charge to cover materials). 11am-4pm. WA Sat 7 and Sun 8 November Simply Science Fun experiments to learn more about the world around us. Morning shows at 11am, 11.30am, 12 noon and 12.30pm. Afternoon shows at 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm and 3.30pm. WA Sat 14 and Sun 15 November Quackanory Join our storyteller for
some children’s stories inspired by the natural world. Story sessions at 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm each day. WA Sat 21 and Sun 22 November Natural Christmas Crafts – Cards Get ready for the festive season and make a unique Christmas card using natural and recycled materials. 11am-4pm. WA Thurs 26 November Birdwatch Morning Birdwatching expert Dot Blakely is back on the lough on the lookout for brent
and waders. 10.30am12.30pm. WA Sat 28 and Sun 29 November Natural Christmas Crafts – Decorations Get ready for the festive season and make a unique Christmas decoration using natural and recycled materials. 11am-4pm. WA Saturdays and Sundays 5/6, 12/13 and 19/20, and Mon 21 December Santa’s Coming to Castle Espie! Make magical memories with a
day out to see Santa and his elves, enjoy refreshments, make festive crafts, follow the Christmas trail, toast marshmallows in the round house… 10am-4.30pm. Adults £7.50, members £5, children £14. BE RI IA
Wed 6 to Sun 31 January 2016 Loose Thread Quilters: Food Quilting exhibition by the Loose Thread Quilters to celebrate Northern Ireland’s Year of Food in 2016. 10am-4.30pm. Free.
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
07/09/2015 11:07
Llanelli
Llwynhendy, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA14 9SH 01554 741087 | info.llanelli@wwt.org.uk WWT Llanelli
WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre
Daubenton’s bat
Male stonechat
Paul van Hoof, Buiten-beeld/Minden Pictures/FLPA
Highlights It’s all happening at WWT Llanelli’s Spooky Nature Nights on 30 and 31 October. We’ve got owl pellets to dissect, animal skeletons to explore and bats to detect, so there’s plenty of fascinating, freaky fun to be had. This year, though, we’re introducing something completely new – it’s Magic School! Harry Potter would love it! Children will find out how to make a magic wand, learn a magic trick and win a graduation scroll. There’ll be hot chocolate and treats, and a free raffle, plus every child will be given a goody bag to take home. And in the finest Halloween tradition, there’ll be a prize for the spookiest costume. October, of course, is also the time of migration, and there are plenty of opportunities to find out more about the birds that you can see on the reserve. During half-term and weekends, in the observatory, there’ll be a Guide in the Hide who’ll help you to look out for black-tailed godwits and more, and then in November we’ll be introducing the Telescope in the Tower for longer-range views. You can find out more about migration during a special talk with a focus on snow geese. November brings plenty of opportunities to get up close to birds, with family birdwatching tours arranged each weekend, and the chance to Follow the Feed every Sunday. As Christmas approaches, we’ve got some great ideas for unique presents. Why not try out our series of nestbox-making workshops, or try your hand at creating Christmas wreaths? Santa himself will be turning up in December, and your children can have a magical time helping him to feed the birds. Over the Christmas period itself, we’re offering winter craft workshops, including making bird feeders, lanterns and more. It’s all adding up to be our most creative Christmas ever.
Season’s highlight
Magic School is new for 2015 and part of our Halloween fun, which also includes torchlit pond exploration and craft activities. Spooky Nature Nights, 30 and 31 Oct
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 especially for them, with a different theme every week. 11am-12 noon. UAA WA
Saturdays 10 October, 14 November and 12 December Painting Days with Janet Bligh For all adult artists. A little basic knowledge is preferable. Bring your own materials. 10am-4.30pm. £30PP. IA BE
Sat 24 October to Sun 1 November Half-term Holiday Fun Halloween-themed activities for all the family! Minibeast hunt: 11am-12 noon; guide in the Observatory: 1-2pm; pond dipping: 2.30pm; craft workshops – times vary (small charge to cover materials). UAA WA
Sundays from 25 October to 29 November, and 27 December onwards Follow the Feed Join one of our wardens on the afternoon bird feed. Suitable for all the family. 3.30pm. UAA WA
Weds 28 October Bat Box-making Workshop Make your very own professional bat box. Drop in any time between 11am and 12 noon or between 1pm and 4pm. £6.50 per box. Fri 30 and Sat 31 October Spooky Nature Nights After-dark exploration of the spooky side of wetland wildlife! Includes bat detecting, torchlit exploration, face-painting, craft activities, potion making and more! Plus – NEW FOR 2015 – Magic School! £10PC,
with everything included. Each child can bring one adult with them for free. This event is aimed at children aged five-plus, but younger children are welcome. Children aged two and under are free, but cannot bring an adult for free. Additional adults are £4PP. 5-7pm. BE RI IA Sat 5 and Sun 6 December Wreath-making Workshops Come along to our drop-in workshops to make your very own unique Christmas wreath. 11am-12 noon,
1-4pm. £5 per wreath.
and 12 noon, and 1pm and 4pm. UAA
Sundays from 6-20 December Feed the Birds with Santa Join Santa and help him to feed our birds! This is a magical experience for children – bring a camera! 2.45pm.
Sat 19 December to Sun 3 January 2016 Christmas Holiday Fun Telescope in the Tower: 11am; snow goose talk: 1pm; winter craft workshops: 2-5pm, including making pom-pom robins, bird feeders, bird nesting stockings and lanterns (small charge to cover materials). UAA WA
UAA
UAA IA
Sundays 13 and 20 December Robin Nest Box Workshops Make your very own professional-quality robin nest box! Each box costs £6.50. Drop in any time between 11am
Fri 1 January 2016 Tick and Twitch Get your birding list off to a flying start. 9.30am5pm. Guides in hides to help your ID skills. UAA
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 53
Waterlife
53
07/09/2015 11:07
D O W N YO U R WAY London
WWT London Wetland Centre
Natalie the nene
WWT
Highlights They’re here! Right the way through until 8 November, Lottie the otter, Flavia the flamingo, Natalie the nene and many more characters are waiting to meet you and your family on the GIANT LEGO® Brick Animal Trail. These brilliant brick creations are located in World Wetlands, often close to their real-life cousins, and this colourful menagerie is a great way of highlighting some of the many animals that WWT helps to protect. Enter our competition to win your own LEGO brick animal kit. Members can also pre-book LEGO brick workshops (£8.50 per person) for an hour of creative fun and games, and limited-edition models of some of the LEGO brick animals will be on sale. Keen birders will love the Birding Bonanza on 18 October. Between 9.30am and 4pm in the Headley Hide, our volunteers will be totting up as many bird species that they can see as possible. Feel free to pop in and help out, and see if you can add to the list. As autumn progresses, there should be plenty to see, and if you want some guidance, why not join our birdwatching walks with a warden? He will help you to identify our winter visitors, such as the fieldfares and redwings from Scandinavia, and the many species of duck. If you’re lucky, you might come across a wintering bittern emerging from a reedbed. To help you record what you see, check out our photography courses, too. Also on 18 October, we’re running a fungi foray, during which our warden will point out some of the fascinating mushrooms that are popping up during the autumnal season.
Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, London SW13 9WT 020 8409 4400 | info.london@wwt.org.uk WWT London
Season’s highlight
The fabulous LEGO brick characters dotted around the grounds are a great way of encouraging kids (and big kids!) to build a better future for nature. GIANT LEGO Brick Animal Trail, until 8 November
London Events (See page 50 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/london) Daily Activities Otter Feeds Meet the otters at feeding time, when our warden will tell you more about these amazing aquatic mammals. 11am and 2pm. WA Guided Tours Learn how the centre was created and gain an insight into the sort of wildlife that lives here (free on payment of entry to the centre). 11.30am and 2.30pm. WA Feed the Birds Join a warden as he or she feeds the beautiful and endangered birds in World Wetlands. 3pm. WA
54
Waterlife
Book 1.indb 54
Guide in the Hide In the Peacock Tower and Headley Discovery Hide. Join one of WWT’s experienced birdwatchers, who will be on hand to point out unusual species and answer any questions you may have. 11am-1pm. WA Until Sun 8 November GIANT LEGO Brick Animal Trail This autumn, the world’s most popular toy will bring families closer to nature at WWT London Wetland Centre. The GIANT LEGO Brick Animal Trail will be here for five weeks, with the models sitting among
some of their real-life cousins. A giant otter, nene, red-breasted goose and dragonfly are just a few visitors on this not-to-be-missed trail. WA Sat 10 October and Sun 13 December Birdwatching With a Warden This practical session will help you to identify different birds and understand more about them. An expert warden will guide you around the wildlife reserve. The course will focus on birds currently on site, their plumage, calls and behaviour. You’ll get tips on how to watch birds, including
fieldcraft, what to listen out for and the differences between key species. 9.30-11am. £10PP. BE Wed 14 October Stargazing Evening Come with us on this beginner’s guide to the galaxy. Expand your horizons by discovering more about the stars and planets in our solar system and the galaxies beyond! We’ll start with a short talk in our theatre and then show you some of the wonders of the universe, such as Jupiter and its moons, Venus and a galaxy about 10 million light years away. So wrap up
warm and come and enjoy an evening among the stars. And if it’s too cloudy to see much, we’ll whip out our bat detectors and show you a different type of aerial superstar! 6.30-8.30pm. £10PP. BE
and water rail. Our guides in the hide will be there all day from 9.30am keeping the ‘official’ list, so drop in with your bins to help us spot as many species as possible. 9.30am-4pm. WA
Sun 18 October Birding Bonanza Come and join us for a fun birdwatching bonanza in the Headley Discovery Hide. We’re counting how many birds we can spot from there in one day, so pop in for a while and give us a hand. In the spring, without even trying, we counted almost 50, including Cetti’s, kingfishers, peregrines
Sun 18 October Fungi Walk Join our fungi warden for an autumnal stroll around the reserve to spot and identify fascinating fungi. Catherine will introduce you to the marvellous world of mushrooms and show you how to identify a range of species. Around this time of year we would expect
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
07/09/2015 11:07
Bittern
As Christmas approaches, you won’t want to miss our sleigh ride, complete with huskies. It’s a great opportunity for children to visit Santa in his magical grotto, and enjoy a ride on a donkey; it makes a great photo with the donkeys dressed in their Christmas finery, so don’t forget to bring your camera.
Meanwhile, our series of Nature Play sessions each Monday in September were very well received, so we’re thinking of continuing them. They’re for pre-school children, who get the chance to play in our willow sculptures, listen to stories and generally explore the outside environment. Keep an eye on the website for future dates.
to see pleated inkcap, field mushroom, brown birch bolete and varieties of puffballs and waxcaps. This walk will be suitable for beginners: no previous knowledge required. Please note that we will not be picking fungi: we leave these to grow and reproduce as they’re a vital part of the ecosystem of our nature reserve. 2pm. £6PP. BE
Our coldest season is a wonderful time to visit WWT London Wetland Centre, with the colourful winter birds decked out in their finest plumage. Our warden will guide you around the wildlife reserve to see what’s about and give you tips on fieldcraft and bird ID. Rarities at the centre in previous years include bearded tits, waxwings, scaup and common scoter. We record more than 180 species of bird each year, so you’re almost bound to see something exciting. What’s more, the price includes breakfast in our café. 9.30-11am. £20PP. BE
Sat 24 October Wildlife Photography: Intermediate 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. 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. Wildlife photography equipment: this course is suitable for users of SLR cameras only. 10am-4pm. £60PP. BE Sat 7 November Members’ Talk: What’s for Lunch? We’re often asked what we feed our collection of beautiful birds in World Wetlands and our family of Asian short-clawed otters. Come behind the
scenes with our warden as he gives a brief explanation of the contents of the feed shed, explaining what we feed our feathered – and furry – friends. Our warden will also explain a bit more about the birds’ regular health checks – and how to weigh an otter! 1pm. £2PP. BE Sat 7 to Sun 29 November Family Weekend Activities Autumn nature activities and crafts for families. WA Sun 8 November Winter Birdwatching Walk
Sat 5 and Sun 6 December Meet Santa and take a husky sleigh ride! Get into the festive mood at WWT London Wetland Centre’s wonderful winter weekend. Children will be thrilled to hop aboard for a husky sleigh ride and visit Santa in his magical grotto, or take a stroll among the lakes, meadows and ponds of this wonderful winter oasis and then relax over Christmas lunch in our Water’s Edge Café. UAA. Visit to Santa is £6PP (cash only), including goody bag. Husky sleigh rides WA. In the event of rain, the
Father Christmas queue will be moved indoors. Sat 12 December Members’ Walk: Come into the Reedbed… Reedbeds are the ultimate wetland habitat; both fascinating and vital, but often overlooked. Join our reserve warden as he takes you on a 30-minute walk into our reedbeds – normally out of bounds to visitors – to explain about their management, the wildlife that they support and how humans have relied on them for thousands of years. 1pm. £2. BE
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 55
Waterlife
55
07/09/2015 11:07
D O W N YO U R WAY C E LE
B R ATI NG
40 YEAR S
Martin Mere
Highlights As you’ll have read on page 41, Martin Mere’s brand new Discovery Hide is opening, and it’s the perfect place to get close to nature, and watch the autumn migrants as they arrive in great numbers. To help you with identification tips, and other fascinating titbits of information, there’ll be a Guide in the Hide every single day. What will you be able to see? For a start, of course, the whooper swans will be returning, and there’s one in particular to look out for. Last winter, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Martin Mere, one of the females, Ruby, was ringed with the letters ‘XLM’ – that’s Roman numerals for 40, plus the centre’s initial. All being well, she’ll be in among the swans when you watch the daily 3pm commentated swan feed from the beginning of November onwards. There’s also a booklet at the main foyer featuring half a dozen or so of the centre’s swans to look out for. During this time, teal, shoveler, pintail, wigeon and shelduck numbers should be rising, too. The North West Bird Watching Festival, from 21 to 22 November, and sponsored by Panasonic, promises to be the biggest ever, with a galaxy of guest speakers, including Iolo Williams, photographer Andy Rouse, and writers Simon Barnes and Mark Avery, plus WWT’s own Martin Spray. There are plenty of activities on offer, including a bird race (how many species can you spot in a day?),
Benedict the Bewick’s swan
WWT
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Burscough, Ormskirk, Lancashire L40 0TA 01704 895181 | info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk WWT Martin Mere
Season’s highlight
From Lottie the otter to Benedict the Bewick’s swan, the LEGO brick animals will be arriving at Martin Mere, and there are great LEGO brick play opportunities, too. GIANT LEGO® Brick Animal Trail, 28 November to 31 January 2016
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
Until Fri 23 October Flamingo Talk Come and learn all about our greater flamingos. Why are they pink? Why do they stand on one leg? All will be revealed at 12.45pm every day. 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. WA Until Sat 31 October Exhibition: Hesketh Oil Painting Group
56
Waterlife
Book 1.indb 56
An exhibition by Hesketh Oil Painting Group. The exhibition will be located in the main foyer at the centre. All day. WA Until Sun 1 November 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 noon4pm weekdays and 10.30am-4pm weekends/holidays. £6 per canoe (seats up to three). UAA Until Sun 1 November 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 From Sun 1 November Swan Spectacular Come and see the spectacle for yourself as up to 2,000 swans feed every day at 3pm at the new Discovery Hide and 3.30pm in the Raines Observatory, which includes a warden’s talk. WA Every Wed and Sat until 31 October Late Opening: Goose Spectacular Witness the spectacle of thousands of pink-footed geese coming in to roost at Martin Mere up until 7pm. Open until 7pm. WA
Saturdays 3, 10 and 17 October Dawn Flight Experience the haunting sound and the thrill of an early-morning hide visit with a warden. In past years at this time, the whooper swans have started to arrive back from Iceland and there could be thousands of pink-footed geese on the reserve. 7am. £15.50PP. BE Sun 18 October Meet Reptiles Come along and meet reptiles from the North West Reptile Society in our lecture theatre. 12 noon-3pm. WA Sat 24 October to Sun 1 November Pumpkin Fest Join in our pumpkin hunt, carve a pumpkin (small additional cost)
and see otter and swan feeds. See if you can find the phantom around the grounds and take part in our raspberry-blowing competition. Every day at 2.30pm. Mon 2 November to Sun 6 December Exhibition: In the Company of Wildlife An exhibition by professional wildlife photographer Ron McCombe. The exhibition will be located in the main foyer at the centre. All day. WA Fri 6 November 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 7 November 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 8 November 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
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
07/09/2015 11:07
Shoveler
photography workshops and seminars, plus a bird feeder challenge, sponsored by Jacobi Jayne. For more on this great event, simply visit wwt.org.uk/nwbwf. The following week, LEGO bricks come to town! WWT’s fabulous LEGO brick menagerie of wildlife will be at Martin
WA
Sat 21 and Sun 22 November North West Bird Watching Festival Browse exhibitors, listen to guest speakers, including Iolo Williams, take part in free workshops and go on a selection of talks and walks. The event is sponsored by Panasonic and further information can be found at wwt. org.uk/nwbwf. From 8am. WA Sat 28 November to Sun 31 January 2016 GIANT LEGO Brick Animal Trail Come and meet our
giant LEGO brick animals this winter at Martin Mere. Find them on our trail, take part in LEGO brick workshops (fee applies) and delve into our GIANT LEGO brick play table. WA
Sat 28 and Sun 29 November, and 5-6, 12-13, and 19-22 December Sail to Santa Take a boat trip to meet Santa, get a free gift and a free craft within the cost per child (no charge per adult). The event also coincides with meeting our GIANT LEGO brick animals. 10am-4pm. £8PC. BE UAA Sat 26 December to Sun 3 January 2016 Christmas Holidays Watch the spectacle
of thousands of swans feed on the mere, enjoy otter feeds, hand-feeding the birds and family crafts, and explore our GIANT LEGO brick animal trail, take part in workshops (fee applies) and have fun on the LEGO brick table.
WWT
Sun 15 November Meet Reptiles Come along and meet reptiles from the North West Reptile Society in our lecture theatre. 12 noon-3pm.
Mere from 28 November until the end of January, and there’ll even be a new LEGO bird to see – it’s a kingfisher. Finally, Sail to Santa takes place every weekend from 28 November: last year’s was extremely popular, so book early, as your children won’t want to miss this one!
Fri 11 December 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
Sail to Santa
Sat 12 December 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 Sat 12 December to Thurs 28 January 2016 Exhibition: Deeply Beyond An exhibition by Mary Keenan using the lighting technique of Rheinberg Illumination to show botanical specimens and feathers in fine detail. The exhibition will be located in the main foyer at the centre. All day.
Sun 13 December 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
Sun 20 December Meet Reptiles Come along and meet reptiles from the North West Reptile Society in our lecture theatre. 12 noon-3pm. WA
WA
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 57
Waterlife
57
07/09/2015 11:07
D O W N YO U R WAY Slimbridge
WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre Highlights There’s so much going on at Slimbridge in late October, but the return of Bewick’s swans is perhaps the most exciting event of the year. Who will be the first to come back? How many new cygnets will arrive for the first time? Every day will bring something new, and once November begins, you’ll be able to enjoy wild bird feeds from the comfort of the heated observatory, while our warden fills you in on the thousands of wintering birds at Slimbridge, including, of course, the swans themselves. Late October is, of course, also the time of Halloween, and this half-term holiday there are more events to enjoy than ever before. From creepy crafts to pumpkin hunts, from magic potions to face-painting, we’re really bringing the season alive. Turn up in your spookiest clothing over the Halloween weekend itself and you might even win a prize. There’s more: each Saturday you can enjoy our decoy demonstrations, as we show how we round up the wildfowl to ring them and check them for health after their arduous journey. Into December, and on the 17th you’ll be able to enjoy a fabulous three-course dinner while enjoying the sights and sounds of our swans. Santa’s turning up, too, and across a number of December dates children can choose between breakfast or afternoon tea with the great man, complete with gifts and the chance to make great seasonal arts and crafts. Look out for the cheeky elves, too!
Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT 01453 891900 | events.slimbridge@wwt.org.uk Prebook all paid events on 01453 891223 WWT Slimbridge
It’s Halloween!
Season’s highlight
Slimbridge is the place to be this October half-term holiday, with a host of freaky fun events for adults and children alike.
Male stonechat
Slimbridge Spooktacular! 24 October to 1 November
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 Otter Talk: Back from the Brink Meet our friendly family of otters – Flo, Minnie and Ha-Ha – and hear a talk as they tuck into a tasty fish supper. 11.30am and 3pm. WA Toad Hall Talk Come to Toad Hall and hear Jay Redbond, our amphibian expert, give an insight into the world of amphibians and their habitats. If you are brave enough, you will have the opportunity to hold some of our collection of frogs, toads and newts, and ask all those questions you have always wondered about. 2.15pm, plus 12.30pm at weekends and school holidays. WA
58
Waterlife
Book 1.indb 58
Guided Walk Join one of our volunteers as they take you on a walk through the grounds telling you about the history of the centre and the birds and animals that you can see. 11am – times do sometimes vary so check on the noticeboard on the day. WA Saturdays until end of February 2016 Decoy Demonstrations How do you catch a duck with a dog? Watch our very own furry canine assisting with conservation work as birds are caught and ringed in the decoy nets. Book your place at the admission desk. A demonstration may run on a Sunday depending
on staffing and dog availability. 2pm. WA Saturdays 10 October and 14 November Birdwatch Morning Join our warden as he walks out onto 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 way. 8am. £15.95 includes tea/coffee and a bacon roll. BE RI Tues 13 October Slimbridge Cygnet Toddler Session This week’s activity is Pumpkin Crafts. 10.30am arrival for 11am activity. £1.50PC,
plus the adult admission fee if a non-member, free to adult members. BE Thurs 22 October to Sun 1 November Slimbridge Spooktacular! Fiendish fun is in store for little explorers this October half-term. Find the missing pumpkins, make a magic potion, see the otters enjoy some Halloween treats, enjoy some creepy crafts (sponsored by Mondi) and take a scarecrow selfie with your family. Face-painting and pumpkin carving will also be available for an extra charge. On Halloween weekend (31 & 1) come in your spookiest clothing and enter our fun costume
competition for free. For more details, look online. Free, but extra charge for face-painting and carving. WA Sun 1 November to Wed 13 January (except Christmas Eve and Day) Wild Bird Feed Don’t miss this fantastic winter spectacle. From the comfort of the heated observatory, hear our warden’s commentary as he feeds the thousands of wintering wild birds and hundreds of Bewick’s swans that have flown all the way from Arctic Russia to be here. 4pm. WA Tuesdays 10 and 24 November Slimbridge Cygnet Toddler Session
Meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month during term time. 10.30am arrival for 11am activity. The activities are: 10/11 Toad Hall Talk, and 24/11 Beautiful Bewick’s. £1.50PC, plus the adult admission fee if a non-member, free to adult members. BE Fri 13 November Advanced Birder Learn to assess fine details such as plumage, weather conditions and habitats to take your skills to a new level. 8am-12 noon. £27.95, includes tea/coffee and a bacon roll. BE Sat 21 November Intermediate Wildlife Photography with Iain Green
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
07/09/2015 11:07
Bewick’s swans
Out in the grounds, there’s been plenty of work going on, including levelling out the islands in South Lake to provide further opportunities for breeding avocets next year, plus desilting of the reedbeds so that their water purification process works even more smoothly. Meanwhile, the GIANT LEGO® Brick Animal Trail has now moved on to WWT
London, but it was a huge success at Slimbridge, with many children arriving specifically to see the charming characters. Lottie the otter was the most popular, and although she’s gone, you can still meet our wonderful otters – Flo, Minnie and Ha-Ha – every day, and find out all about them at 11.30am and 3pm during feeding time.
Understand how your camera works and the basics of photography, but want to fine-tune your photography of the natural world? Based in the classroom and outside you will explore and practise various advanced techniques and subjects. 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. 10am-4pm. £60, includes tea/coffee and biscuits. BE RI
whole family will love. 9.30am-5pm. Child £19.95, under-two £5, adult £8.50. See website for booking. BE RI
Thurs 17 December, Fri 8 January and Sat 9 January 2016 Floodlit Swan Supper Experience the beauty and sounds of hundreds of wild swans on a floodlit lake before enjoying a delicious three-course meal at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre. This is a truly unique event, perfect for wildlife lovers. Settle into the warm Peng Observatory and watch the wild swans, geese and ducks as they
are fed on a floodlit lake. The warden feeding the birds from a large barrow commentates the feed, describing the impressive journey each species makes to reach Slimbridge, its winter home. 6.15pm arrival for 6.30pm Swan Feed. £29.95, includes a three-course dinner. BE Sat 12, Sun 13, Sat 19, Sun 20, Mon 21, Tues 22 and Wed 23 December Breakfast with Santa Join the elves for breakfast, visit Santa in his magical grotto, ice gingerbread men, toast marshmallows, take part in lots of fun arts and crafts, and send a letter to the North Pole! This Christmas we are offering a full day of festive fun, which the
Sat 12, Sun 13, Sat 19, Sun 20, Mon 21, Tues 22 and Wed 23 December Afternoon Tea with Santa
Tell Santa your Christmas wishes and receive a special gift. Write and send a letter to the North Pole at the centre’s post office, decorate a yummy gingerbread man, toast marshmallows around the fire and make Christmas arts and crafts. Price includes
afternoon tea, a visit to the grotto (with gift) and a full day of other fabulous experiences brought to life by Santa’s helpers and elves. 9.30am-5pm. Child £19.95, under-two £5, adult £8.50. See website for booking and more information. BE RI
Afternoon tea with Santa
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 59
WWT
Sat and Sun evenings from Sat 5 December to end of February Floodlit Swan Feed Enjoy the magical winter spectacle of thousands of wild birds and Bewick’s swans
wintering on Swan Lake in floodlight. Listen to the warden’s commentary from the heated comfort of the observatory and discover how we identify each Bewick’s swan individually. 6.15pm. Adults £6, children £4.
Waterlife
59
07/09/2015 11:07
D O W N YO U R WAY C E LE
B R ATI NG
40 YEAR S
Washington
WWT Washington Wetland Centre Highlights With the migratory season upon us once more, you can celebrate the marvels of natural travel with our Incredible Journeys trail. As you take the trail through the grounds, you’ll find out about the remarkable nightly journeys taken by bats, the amazing feats of the bar-headed goose, which actually flies over the peak of Mount Everest, the winding path taken by the River Wear, and much more. Talking of bats, they feature among our special Halloween Nature Fright Night events, too. You’ll be able to create your own lantern, then take it with you on a guided night-time stroll of Washington’s wetlands, seeking out the sights and sounds of nature after dark. Great fun for kids and adults alike. Early to mid-October is the time to look out for the many waders that pass through the reserve. This year, with funding from Biffa Award, the wardens have extended the islands on Wader Lake, so we may see more of the dunlin, black-tailed godwits, ruff and more that take advantage of this important stop-off. Lapwing, redshank and curlew should arrive in good numbers and stay over winter. Another winter favourite is the shy bullfinch, which is particularly fond of Washington. Keep an eye out for various fungi, too, such as shaggy ink cap in the orchard, and orange peel fungus near the hides on Wader Lake. In the centre’s bird collection, last year was the first time that Washington had parent-reared Chilean flamingo chicks – five in all – and the signs are we’ll have more this year. With a host of great things to do at the Winterland Santa Special in December, these final months of 2015 are full of promise.
Pattinson, Washington, Tyne and Wear NE38 8LE 0191 416 5454 | info.washington@wwt.org.uk WWT Washington
Bullfinch
Season’s highlight
This year, Washington has no fewer than four monthly events in its Walks and Talks series. They’re great behind-the-scenes looks, providing you with fascinating information about wildlife and how WWT manages the site for conservation. Walks and Talks series, each monthly (dates below)
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 Feeds Meet the members of our playful Asian short-clawed otter family as they devour tasty fish at commentated feeds. 11.30am and 3pm. WA
Flamingo Talks Learn more about our fabulous pink Chilean flamingo flock. 11.45am and 3.15pm. WA
Weekends Only Craft Sessions Join us in the Discovery Centre every weekend come rain or shine and get crafty with our learning team. 1-3.30pm. Small costs apply.
60
Waterlife
Book 1.indb 60
First Saturday of Each Month Walks and Talks: Guide in a Hide Discover more about our diverse wild bird species with the help of our volunteer guide hide. 10am-12 noon and 2-4pm. Please check on arrival for details. WA First Saturday of Each Month Walks and Talks: Walking With Wildfowl Learn about our waterbird collection on a guided walk with our aviculture expert and hear about how WWT’s conservation breeding programmes are playing a vital role in their survival. Meet in the picture window at reception at 2pm. WA
Third Saturday, and Fourth Sunday of Each Month Walks and Talks: Walk With a Warden Join one of our wildlife reserve team on a guided tour, taking in the sights, sounds and seasonal wildlife. Meet in the picture window at reception at 2pm. WA Fourth Sunday of Each Month In Focus Don’t miss your chance to check out the latest in optical equipment and chat to the friendly experts. All day in the picture window. Saturdays 10 October, 7 November and 12 December Junior Members Club
Join junior members for monthly sessions to discover the natural world. For young WWT members aged eight to 12. 10am-12 noon. Call Joanne Newbury on 0191 419 5933 or email joanne.newbury@wwt. org.uk for details.
bring an empty jam jar to create your lantern. Unsuitable for toddlers. Outdoor clothing recommended. 5-7pm. £8PP. Please call 0191 416 5454 or email info. washington@wwt.org. uk to book.
Thurs 29, Fri 30 and Sat 31 October Nature Fright Nights Create your own lantern before taking a stroll around our wetlands, detecting bats in Hollowood and listening to exciting stories by lamplight. Mix your very own spell potion and enjoy a cookie and hot chocolate. All children must be accompanied by an adult and please
Mon 23 November to Fri 18 December Christmas Lunch Get into the spirit of the season and enjoy a superb festive feast in Waterside Café, overlooking our spectacular barnacle geese, wigeon, cranes and more. Two-course lunch served 12 noon2pm, Monday-Friday. Vegetarian option available. £16.95PP and £8.50PC. To book,
IA RI BE
please call 0191 416 5454 ext 235. IA BE Sat 12, Sun 13 and Sat 19 December Winterland Santa Special Join us on a guided winter walk, make a snack for Rudolph and create a wooden animal. Then head to Santa’s cabin for a gift. 10am12 noon and 1-3pm. £10PC and £5PP. Call 0191 416 5454 or email info.washington@wwt. org.uk. IA BE Sat 19 December to Sun 3 January 2016 (School Holidays) Winter Crafts A variety of fun crafts. 1-3.30pm in the Discovery Centre (small costs).
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
07/09/2015 11:07
Welney
WWT Welney Wetland Centre Highlights As autumn rolls on, there will be increasing numbers of whooper swans on the reserve, and you’ll have some excellent opportunities to get to know these migratory marvels. On 14 November, the centre will be running a ring-reading workshop, free of charge, thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, in which you’ll be able to get out into the field with the reserve team to help them record rings. During half-term, your whole family can get involved as swan researchers. Use your swan backpack to collect data on different species, learn where they migrate from and try and find some of our most special birds. There’s also a great buzz at Welney as the team waits to see whether last year’s GPS-tracked birds make it back. There’s one in particular that everyone will be keeping an eye out for – Daisy Clarke. She was named after the daughter of the farmer in whose field the swans were caught for tagging. Numbers of pintail and wigeon will be rising on the reserve again, as will black-tailed godwits. One of the godwits who wintered here last year was 24; if the bird comes back, at the age of 25, it will be the oldest of its species ever recorded. Earlier in the year, Lady Fen really came into its own, with higher numbers of breeding pairs of birds than ever before. Redshank, snipe and lapwing were all successful, as were the hares. With the land getting into such good condition, it is providing a home for a diverse range of wildlife which our visitors enjoy getting close to on our guided walks. And there’s no better way to watch all this wildlife than over Christmas lunch from 7-20 December, with great views over Lady Fen.
Hundred Foot Bank, Welney, Nr Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE14 9TN 01353 860711 | info.welney@wwt.org.uk WWT Welney
Whooper swans
Season’s highlight
Join a warden to watch the swans take to the skies as they fly out to feed in the fields for the day. It’s worth the early start! Swans Awake, 24, 25 and 31 October, and 1, 28 and 29 November
Welney Events (See page 50 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/welney) Daily Activities Swan Feeds Join us for our fantastic commentated swan feed at lunchtime or later in the afternoon. 3.30pm (daily from Thurs 22 October) and 12 noon (daily from Sat 26 December). WA Floodlit Swan Feed Experience the evocative sight of swans gliding on the floodlit lagoon after dark. The commentated floodlit feed is an event that can be enjoyed by the whole family. 6.30pm (Thurs to Sun each week from 1 November). WA Tues 1 December to February 2016 Hare Walks Join us for a guided walk
out on Lady Fen to get close to hares and other wildlife. 2-3pm Mon, Thurs & Sat. WA BE Sat 17 and Sun 18 October Painting Birds and Landscapes Join artist Ronald Swanwick on a two-day painting workshop as he helps you develop your skill. Lunch provided. 10am-4.30pm. £80PP. BE
Thurs 22 October to Sun 1 November Swan Researchers Become a swan researcher this October as we welcome back the wintering swans and ducks. Collect your swan backpack and find out what it takes
to monitor these incredible birds. See website for details. WA Sat 24, Sun 25 and Sat 31 October, and Sun 1, Sat 28 and Sun 29 November Swans Awake Join us before dawn breaks across the Washes to watch thousands of swans wake up from their roosting sites on the reserve. See website for individual event times. £10PP, £5PC. Optional breakfast extra. BE WP Wed 28 October and Sat 21 November Stars and Swans We welcome the King’s Lynn and District group, who will introduce you
to the wide open skies of the fens. Enjoy watching the night sky to the sound of swans settling down to roost. 6.30-8.30pm. £10PP £5PC. BE
and basket forms from natural materials. Contact Jane Frost to book at jane@frostart. co.uk or on 01353 861944. 10am-4pm. £55PP. BE
Fri 6 November Nepal Birds and Conservation A talk by Carol and Tim Inskipp on the fascinating birdlife of Nepal and the conservation efforts by the Nepalese people. 1-3pm. £6PP.
Sat 21 November Willow-weaving Workshop Join expert willow weaver Jane Frost for a half day, teaching you how to create Christmas decorations from natural materials. 10am-12.30pm or 1.30-4pm. £45PP. BE
Sat 7 November and Sat 5 December Willow Weaving Workshops Join expert willow weaver Jane Frost for a day, teaching you how to create garden structures
Sat 28 and Sun 29 November Wildlife-filming Workshop Join professional cameraman Mike Potts for a weekend of
learning how to get the best from your filming technique. 9.30am-4pm. £60PP. BE Tues 8 December Invasive Species An evening talk by Dr Gary Clewley, about invasive species. All welcome. Funds raised go towards WWT’s work at Welney. £3 (£2 Friends of Welney Members). Sat 19 December to Mon 4 January 2016 Christmas Family Fun Take part in 12 ducks of Christmas with lots of family activities to help you get an insight into the lives of our amazing swans and ducks! See website for details. WA
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 61
Waterlife
61
07/09/2015 11:07
NEW UPDATED VERSION
The 2015 Essential Guide NEW to Hearing Aids UPDATED VERSION
Discover which hearing aid best fits your hearing needs, by comparing 214 of the latest hearing aids. Written in plain straightforward English, this 24 page guide explains all you need to know about digital hearing aids. If you are concerned about your hearing, or that of a family member or friend, then you really should read the Essential Guide to Hearing Aids. The Essential Guide is written in plain straightforward English and explains completely all you need to know about hearing aids. Written by experts for consumers, it’s packed with advice so you learn about all types of hearing aids, including the latest digital models.
See why some are better than others even though they may look alike. With the Essential Guide you can consider 214 hearing aids and discuss them with your family and friends. Decide which manufacturer and model you like best. If you already wear a hearing aid, or are thinking about it, the Essential Guide is vital reading. It could save you from a costly mistake.
What’s inside the Essential Guide? 3 Signs of hearing loss
3 Premium digital hearing aids
3 Types of hearing loss
3 The hearing test - what’s involved
3 Choosing your hearing aids
3 Tips for avoiding hearing loss
3 Advanced digital hearing aids
3 When two hearing aids are better than one
FREEPHONE 0808 1660 787
FREEPHONE
0808 1660 787 quote ECGP5173
www.essentialguidetohearingaids.co.uk Post to: FREEPOST DIGITAL HEARING AID ADVICE CENTRE
Please post me free The 2015 Essential Guide to Hearing Aids.
q Tick if Pensioner q Tick if using a Hearing Aid Mr/Mrs/Miss
......................First
Name
!
For your FREE copy of the Essential Guide, call, go online or post the freepost coupon today
........................................................................
Surname
................................................................................................................................
Address
..................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
Postcode ................................................Tel No
..................................................................
(we cannot dispatch without it)
Phone or send coupon today (NO STAMP REQUIRED) to:
FREEPOST DIGITAL HEARING AID ADVICE CENTRE
The information we send you will be from our authorised associate for your area. If you do not wish to receive additional information by mail, phone or email please advise.
Digital Hearing Aid Advice Centre
ECGP5173
D O W N YO U R WAY Steart Marshes
WWT Steart Marshes
Great white egret
wetlands and bone up on your species identification. Look out, too, for In Focus, who will be on hand to help you make the most of your viewing equipment: they’ll be on the reserve on 1 November, 5 December and 3 January 2016. Meanwhile, if you want to find out more about the day-today life at Steart Marshes, then make sure you follow our Twitter feed. By going to @WWTSteart, you can catch up on all the latest sightings, surveys and volunteers’ updates, as well as new events that are in the pipeline. You can also download a map, check times of tides, and much more, by visiting steart.wwt.org.uk/visit. If you’ve never been to WWT Steart Marshes before, then now’s the time to check it out. Sacha Dench
Highlights The reserve was officially opened at the end of September, and the coming months will reveal Steart Marshes in all its glory. The autumnal and winter tides will be coming in, and by the end of October, if you arrive in the mornings, you’ll be treated to the spectacle of a landscape full of water. If it’s a clear, crisp day, too, you’ll be able to see for miles. The Quantocks, Mendips, Brecon Beacons and even Dartmoor all stretch out in front of you, and panoramic boards illustrate the huge landscape changes that have happened over the past year. By the afternoon, as the water ebbs away, the birds will start to gather on the saltmarshes. Up to 6,000 lapwing and golden plover use the reserve, keeping an eye out for the occasional peregrine that flies through, while teal numbers should be close to 1,000. The site is already proving a success story for wigeon. These ducks used to be recorded in their thousands back in the 1970s, but in the ensuing years they’ve declined to mere handfuls. Last year, they showed signs of recovery, and the expectations are that there could be 300 individuals or more this year as their numbers climb back towards the populations of the past. As the site continues to mature, there’s always the chance of something exciting turning up. Last year, a juvenile pallid harrier arrived at the marshes in October, staying for three weeks, and there’s a good chance that one or more of Somerset’s breeding great white egrets will return to the site for the winter. Keep an eye on the freshwater area of the reserve, too, where gadwall have been steadily gathering and little grebes are regularly seen. We’ve installed a number of facilities, too. There are two new hides and a number of viewing points, as well as more benches around the reserve, so that you can settle yourself down to admire the views. There’s also plenty of information so that you can find out more about the background to these working
Stert Drove, Bridgwater Somerset TA5 2PU 01278 651090 | steart.wwt.org.uk/visit WWT Steart Marshes
Aerial view of Steart Marshes
With two new hides, plenty of signage with fascinating information, and benches to perch upon to admire the views, you can now fully enjoy this exciting new reserve. OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
Book 1.indb 63
Waterlife
63
07/09/2015 11:07
Classified directory
To advertise please contact Daniel Haynes on 020 3771 7214 or daniel.haynes@thinkpublishing.co.uk
ACCOMMODATION
SLIMBRIDGE TUDOR ARMS
Caerlaverock, Blossom Cottage
Real Ale, Real Food Pub with 18 well appointed ensuite bedrooms ETB4* 10 Minute Stroll from WWT Slimbridge and situated adjacent to Gloucester-Sharpness Canal CAMRA awards 2007-2013
Set in 0.25 acres of secluded private gardens with views out over the solway firth, 4 star accommodation for 7 + 1. Situated 1 mile from Caerlaverock Castle. Wildfowl and Wetlands trust (WWT), National Nature Reserves and Caerlaverock Estate all within 1/4 mile. The Barnacle Geese can be seen from the comfort of the sun room in the field at front along with an abundance of wildlife including bats, badgers and deer.
T: 01453 890306 E: enquiries@thetudorarms.co.uk W: www.thetudorarms.co.uk
www.hollinscottage.co.uk (sleeps 4) also www.blossomcottage.co.uk (sleeps 8) E-mail: jamiecowan2000@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 07711583320 Web Site: www.blossomholidaycottage.co.uk
MARTIN MERE, LANCASHIRE CROOK HALL FARM COTTAGES
CAERLAVEROCK
TudorArms_WWT_JulSept_15.indd 1
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
BIRDING IN ANDALUCIA08/12/2014
09/06/2015 Blossom_WWT_JanMar15.indd 09:56 1
Self-catering ground floor flat for two in Glencaple village close to WWT. Recently renovated to high standard. Very comfortable with multi-fuel stove and small sunny garden. In winter barnacles fly past morning and evening. This is a nature lover’s paradise. www.glencapleholiday.co.uk Tel: 01387 770348 Email: sue_greig@yahoo.co.uk
PRIDING ON RIVER SEVERN
Fantastic birding, wildlife, peace and beauty, in hidden Spain. Our Andalucian farmhouse provides the ideal setting for the bird-watching holiday you deserve. To see our 2014 offers and book your next holiday, visit our web-site at:
Web: www.birdhols.com Email: george@birdhols.com Tel:+441253467107. Mob:+447856819291
PEMBROKESHIRE ROSEMOOR COUNTRY COTTAGES
Crook Hall Farms_WWT_JanMar_15.indd 20/11/2014 1 Sue 14:40 Greig_WWT_OctDec_15.indd 117/08/2015 Bird 09:54 Hols_WWT_JanMar_14.indd 1
The Old Cider House, one double bedroom. Tranquil riverside location, paradise for walkers, cyclists and bird watchers. Convenient for WWT Slimbridge. WWW.PRIDINGFARM.COM 01452 741613
01556 504030 discoverscotland.net
22/08/2014 15:28
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.
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’s something for everyone!
11:03
John M. and Jacqui Janssen Rosemoor Country Cottages & Nature Reserve Walwyn’s Castle Haverfordwest SA62 3ED
Tel: 01437-781326 Fax: 01437-781080 E-mail: rosemoor@walwynscastle.com www.rosemoor.com EQUIPMENT
FARAWAY Carmarthenshire
OldCiderHouse_WWT_OctDec_15.indd 11/08/2015 1 16:54 ABBOTSLEY 1 SLIMBRIDGE Rosemoor_WWT_JulSep13.indd
Modern, 1 double bed, self-catering apartment. Countryside views. 5mins from sea. 25mins from WWT Llanelli. Short Breaks. £60/night. For a brochure please call: 07967 365805 or Email us on: faraway41or2@gmail.com
FORESTERS B&B OFFERS!
18th-century former village Inn five minutes from Slimbridge. ETC 3 star. Laura Ashley beamed spacious ensuite bedrooms. Stay any three nights Sun - Fri £34 pppn (dbl occ). Stay 4 nts get 5th for £25 for two!! 1nt stay -£78 and single occ £48. Many attractions including NT in easy travelling distance. Lovely brand new ensuite single room Vicky Jennings T: 01453 549996 E: foresters@freeuk.com W: www.forestersbandb.co.uk
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
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
Marion Bussell_WWT_OctDec_15.indd 19/06/2015 1 Foresters_WWT_OctDec_15.indd 10:56 2015 111/08/2015 Abbotsley 11:45 Hotel_WWT_JulSept_14.indd 03/06/2014 1 11:12 64 Waterlife OCTOBER/DECEMBER
06/09/2013 10:30
CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY
EQUIPMENT
WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS
GALAPAGOS ADVENTURE TOURS LATIN AMERICA & ANTARCTICA 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE 0207 407 1478 www.selectlatinamerica.co.uk info@selectlatinamerica.co.uk ATOL PROTECTED 3760
CRUISE THE HEBRIDES
Select_Ad_WTT_OctDec13.indd 1
03/09/2014 11:04 Shoot Photogrpahy_WWT_OctDec.indd 1
Puffins, porpoises, deer & dolphins & seals, seabirds, whales & wild flowers,
All inclusive tours exploring a wide range of stunning habitats from S. French Alps, Crau & Camargue wetlands for Eagles, Wallcreeper, Vultures, Beeeaters, Eagle Owls, Flamingos, Beaver, Orchids & Butterflies. All ages & abilities welcome! 18 yrs. experience of year round tours, superb Provençale cuisine, comfortable accommodation. Local & scientific knowledge
Brochure: Wildlife Provencale Tel: 01706 225407 www.wildlifeprovencale.com
30/08/2013 10:57
spectacular scenery,
Wales, puffins, red kites and thousands of starlings, seals, otters, dolphins sights and sounds to remember forever From single days out to week-long holidays throughout the year, contact: 0845 052 3533 info@welshwildlifebreaks.co.uk www.welshwildlifebreaks.co.uk
Wildlife provencale_WWT_JanMar_15.indd 19/11/2014 1 10:54 WWB_WWT_JulAug13.indd 1
good company, great meals. “light carbon footprint” sailing holiday on the famous 65ft yacht
CORRYVRECKAN 0845 260 2677 www.corryvreckan.co.uk
Quote NTW1 for your special offer when booking.
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015 06/06/2013 Yacht Corryvreckan_WWT_JulySept_13.indd 17:11 1
Waterlife
65
31/05/2013 14:37
B AC K C H AT
A NATURAL MUSICIAN
Brian Briggs is the lyricist, guitarist and lead singer of indie folk band Stornoway. He’s also the new senior reserve warden at WWT Llanelli. Here, he explains the link
John Bullock/IPC Media/NME
Around 10 years ago, as I embarked on
my PhD at Oxford studying wildfowl on London waterbodies, I went birdringing with WWT Slimbridge’s Rich Hearn and discovered a shared love of ducks. At around the same time I met Jon Ouin, who was starting his Masters in Russian, and discovered a shared love of the band Teenage Fanclub. In fact, our musical tastes were so closely aligned that it wasn’t long (roughly a couple of hours) before we decided to form our own band. Oli Steadman was the only person to respond to our advert, but fortunately his younger brother, Rob, was a drummer and so, in 2006, Stornoway was born. We gigged everywhere that would have us and recorded our debut album on an eight-track recorder in our student rooms over the next few years. After completing my PhD, I went hiking alone in the Appalachian wilderness and returned to find a record deal on the table and an upcoming TV appearance alongside Jay Z and Sting, and we were stunned when our home-made album entered the charts at number 14. Since then, we’ve toured Europe and America multiple times, released two more albums and enjoyed numerous Glastonbury appearances. All the while, nature has been a constant companion. Our most recent album, Bonxie, shares its title with the Scottish name for the great skua, and opens with a recording of brent geese in flight. ‘Between the Saltmarsh and the Sea’ was written about the saltmarsh I can see from my house here on Gower, and which I now help to manage for wildlife at WWT Llanelli. ‘We are the Battery Human’ is about the 66
Waterlife
Book 1.indb 66
Brian (second left) performs with Stornoway and, below, records an interview at Llanelli with national radio. Inset: a bonxie, or great skua
You can hear blizzards, waves, streams and around 20 species of bird on the new album importance of getting outside and reconnecting with our natural environment. You can hear mountain streams, blizzards, breaking waves and around 20 different species of bird on the album, blended into the music on songs like ‘Lost Youth’, which features skylarks and snipe. So the great outdoors provides the inspiration and backdrop for our music and lyrics, as well as the antidote to windowless gig venues and tour vans – we have been known to stop off on tour to drag our crew up Scottish hills and we
played an unplugged tour outside in nature reserves earlier this year. A decade has passed since those early days and, as well as singing about wildlife, I’m excited to be returning to the important job of protecting it. WWT has a unique approach to getting people out into nature, inspired by Peter Scott, who was not just a conservationist, but an artist, too, so I am delighted to have the chance to join the team. I hope my work at Llanelli will help to fuel my creativity, while allowing me to delve deeper into the wonderful world of wetlands that so inspired me in the first place.
Stornoway’s Bonxie is out now, and their ‘Unplucked’ tour starts on 25 November. For details, visit stornoway.eu.
OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2015
07/09/2015 11:07
ADVANCED OPTICAL SYSTEMS DESIGNED TO BATTLE THE ELEMENTS.
ENDURANCE ED Green | Black from £159.99
Binoculars & Telescopes Savanna R The all-new Opticron Savanna R shares many of the features of it’s sister porro prism packaged into a single axis roof prism body. Images are bright and clear and the optical system delivers a favourable field of view 7.0° (8x33), 6.1° (10x33) so locating and tracking objects is achieved with the minimum of fuss. Like their sister models, the Savanna R close in to just 52mm making them suitable for children as young as 7. Models 8x33, 10x33. Prices from £119
Explorer WA Oasis-C The 2015 Explorer WA Oasis-C offers an unbeatable combination of specification, quality and ergonomics and are an ideal choice for anyone wanting a wide-angle 42mm in 8x or 10x.
NEW
MODE
L
Models 8x42, 10x42. Prices from £209
NEWL
MODE
IS 60 R Digiscoping Kits
Affordable and easy-to-use these digiscoping kits include an Olympus VG-180 camera plus all the mounts needed to fix it to compatible HR2, HDF T or SDL eyepieces. £189
Phonescoping Adapters
Opticron smartphone photoadapters are a convenient and inexpensive way of attaching your smartphone to your Opticron spottingscope eyepiece and shooting high magnification photos and video. Available for iPhone 4/4S, 5/5S & 6, Samsung Galaxy S3/S4/S5. Prices from £49.95
NEW IS R series spottingscopes MODE deliver excellent value for L money offering high levels of performance and versatility in a compact, lightweight body. Designed for the first-time user, frequent traveller and those on a budget they are available in 60mm standard, 60mm ED or 70mm standard formats with the option of straightthrough or 45° angled viewing. Save 10% on selected IS 60 R kits(1) IS 60 R + IS 18-54x + WP Case £299 IS 60 R ED + HR2 16-48 + WP Case £449 Kits are available in straight through or 45˚ angled from stockists nationwide. Please call us for details. (1) Saving compared to buying items separately.
Opticron equipment can be tried, tested and purchased at WWT centres and good optical retailers nationwide. For product information, your nearest stockist and to order a Product Guide, phone us on 01582 726522 or visit us online at www.opticron.co.uk Opticron. Unit 21, Titan Court, Laporte Way, Luton, Beds, LU4 8EF UK Fax: 01582 723559 Email: sales@opticron.co.uk