The Wildlife Trust Magazine for Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland

Dusting the DunesClean for the Queen at Druridge Bay

Our Wildlife 2016Save the date for our celebrations

Great North RunOn your marks andrunning for wildlife?

Walking on the wild sideTrust Patron raising funds on Nordic trek

HauxleyGetting closer to the dream

Vote for natureIt’s time to make your views countplus news from around the UK

RoebuckIssue 138 March - July 2016

Patrons: Conrad Dickinson, Bill Oddie, Chris Packham & James Joicey

President: Chris MullinVice Presidents: Charles Baker-Cresswell, Angus LunnVice President & Founder: Tony TynanChairman: Sandra KingVice Chairman: Ian ArmstrongHonorary Secretary: Nigel PorterHonorary Treasurer: Sue Loney

Chief Executive: Mike PrattHead of Marketing & Fundraising: Sheila SharpHead of Conservation: Steve LoweHead of Land Management: Duncan HuttHead of Business Management: Jane SpeakEcoNorth: Vicki Mordue, Managing DirectorRed Squirrels Northern England: Nick Mason, Project Manager

Find us on:

northumberlandwt

@NorthWildlife

5A walk on the wild side

15Our Wildlife 2016

17Gems of the meadows

2423 new national MCZs

Local News

Conservation

UK News

Contents

iCE, iCE BaBy natural phenomenon

RouNd-uP from around the region

WaTER, WaTER EVERyWHERE flood report

CiTizEN SCiENCE a new initiative

LoCaL MCzs great news for the region

1616-1718-19

2021

VoTE FoR NaTuRE let your voice be heard

NEW PRESidENT Tony Juniper joins us

30 dayS WiLd are you up for it?

HoPE FoR ouR SEaS at last

FLoodiNg natural defences needed

uRBaN WiLdLiFE best of the nation

22-2325

26-2728-2930-3334-35

CorporatesRiVERSidE LEiSuRE PaRk’S cash boost

ouR WiLdLiFE 2016 tickets now on sale

1415

Reserves & VolunteersWoNdERFuL NEWTS in Northumberland

oSPREy WaTCH your chance to join in

1213

FundingHauxLEy FiT ouT the dream progresses

500 SPaNiSH MiLES cycled for wildlife

1011

12Reserves under water

CHaRTER FoR TREES a new campaign

NEW EVENTS there’s something for everyone

WiLd WEST nature in Newcastle’s West End

REd SquiRRELS need to be fuelled

WiLd FLoWERS an interesting read

44678

CONRAAD & HILARy DICKINSO

N

D uNCAN H uTT

NAOM

I WAITE

Northumberland Wildlife Trust LtdGarden HouseSt Nicholas ParkGosforthNewcastle upon TyneNE3 3XTTel: (0191) 284 6884Fax: (0191) 284 6794Web: www.nwt.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 221819Registered Company No. 717813Registered in England & WalesVAT No. 556 103264Roebuck Editor: Fiona DrydenRoebuck designer: Richard ClarkThank you to all contributors.oNLiNE VERSioN aVaiLaBLE

Northumberland Wildlife Trust is a member of the largest voluntary organisiation in the uK concerned with all aspects of wildlife protection - The Wildlife Trusts. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Trust or the Editor. Whilst every effort is taken to check accuracy of the information contained herein, no responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions. The contents are Copyright.

Front cover photo: Hauxley © Richard Clark

All other photos © NWT unless otherwise stated

Find us on:

northumberlandwt

@NorthWildlife

Celebrating and supporting charities Towards the end of January I attended the annual People’s Postcode Lottery charity gala in Edinburgh, which every year brings together all the beneficiaries of the funding generated by players of the charity lottery. It is a truly uplifting and inspiring event! People’s Postcode Lottery is part of Novamedia and have generated over $5 billion in charitable funding over the last twenty or so years. They are in the top three charitable givers in the world alongside the Bill Gates Foundation.

What it underlined for me is just how, collectively in the environmental and social sectors, charities are making a real difference to the environment, biodiversity and people’s lives. Even in the hardest and most challenging circumstances such as African national parks, where aggressive poaching is endangering people and wildlife, great things are being achieved.

The Wildlife Trusts, including ourselves, are very much part of this global picture. We were the first to work in partnership with, and benefit from, People’s Postcode Lottery support and helped open the door to the whole movement.

Charities are under the microscope at the moment in the press and media and by politicians, since the collapse of Kids Company. Despite its good work, a crisis of governance and financial management made it collapse; but this is not transferable to all charities, including ourselves.

We are always striving to make our governance sound and strong and our new Chair, Sandra King, is challenging us to be a model of best practice in charitable governance. We are already financially well managed and make sure we try and save for the future as well as deliver our commitments today - we need to be secure to be effective into the future; this wildlife conservation is a long game!

None of this should get in the way of our mission, but it makes us stronger in trying to realise bigger, better, more joined up outcomes for wildlife across our area. The simple fact is that if we were not here, the state of nature would be even worse, and there is no other organisation that

delivers for wildlife and people locally, as we do.To continue to be successful, we need your

support both financially and via volunteering. One of the most impressive contributions of recent years has been the volunteer support for our Wildlife Discovery Centre at Hauxley. The commitment, in time and effort, from our volunteers to build this unique facility has been totally unbelievable. It demonstrates the strength of feeling and support people really feel for the Trust which I find truly humbling. Perhaps the otter swimming by every tea break and red squirrels greeting them at the gate most mornings helps in the motivation!

So here’s a double plea, firstly, if you don’t already, then please play the People’s Postcode Lottery. Even if you don’t win you are supporting us and other great work. Secondly, whenever you are reading or hearing stories about the hard selling techniques and/or mismanagement of one charity or another and how we all need to be better regulated, please remember that we as an organisation are trying to be a great charity, run well for its purposes by passionate, committed, but also professional and accountable people.

Mike PrattChief ExecutiveNorthumberland Wildlife Trust

15Our Wildlife 2016

10Closer to the dream

Chief Executive’s Comments

Roebuck is printed on

PAuL NAyLORCAIN SCRIM

GEOuR

RICHARD CLARK

The recent People’s Postcode Lottery charity gala (Circled: Mike Pratt)

PEOPLE’S POSTCODE LOTTERy

It’s time to stick up for trees!Northumberland Wildlife Trust, together with its fellow 46 wildlife trusts, has joined forces with over 40 conservation organisations in a campaign to celebrate the value of our trees and woods and secure their future by creating a new Charter for Trees, Woods and People.

The new charter will be launched in November 2017, which marks 800 years since Henry lll signed the original Charter of the Forest, which protected and restored the rights of people to access, and use, the Royal Forests.

Today, our nation’s woods and trees are facing unprecedented pressures from development, pests, diseases and climate change, so now is the time to create a new, broader charter that recognises the importance of trees in our society, celebrates their enormous contribution to our lives, and acts now so that future generations can benefit from them too.

The coalition’s ambition is that the principles set out in the 2017 charter will articulate the relationship between people and trees in the UK in the 21st century and will provide guidance and inspiration for policy, practice, innovation and enjoyment.

The Trust is encouraging local groups, clubs, councils and committees to take action by bringing people together to celebrate the woods and trees at the heart of their communities and help feed ideas and stories into the building of the Charter.

The Charter for Trees, Woods and People website will be providing guidance and information throughout the campaign and will be inspiring and supporting local activities and helping people create a lasting legacy in communities across the UK. Specific funding will be available for local events, activities and projects that reconnect people and trees.

For more information visit: www.treecharter.uk.

Trust events programme going from strength to strengthThe latest YouGov poll, commissioned by The Wildlife Trusts, reveals concern over children’s lack of wildlife experiences.

The new poll shows that 91% of parents of children aged 18 and under think that having access to nature and wildlife is important for children, yet 78% of parents are concerned that children don’t spend enough time interacting with nature and wildlife.

The poll also reveals that 57% of parents said their children spend a little less or a lot less time outdoors than they did, more than half (53%) of children have never seen a flock of starlings and more than a third (37%) have never seen a hedgehog.

Offset against this disheartening news, the Trust is delighted to report that its community events programme, launched in January 2015 is proving to be a great success with over 100 events running during the first year and 2016 promises to be even better with at least 150 events.

But don’t just take our word for it, come and experience nature for yourself with us at one of our wonderful events. Go to www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on and discover all we have to offer.

North East Wildlife Photography Competition 2016EnTEr your PhoTos for a ChanCE To Win £250!

six categories, including young person’s, with prizes for each category.

Closing date: sunday 15th May 2016

Awards ceremony: Thursday 14th July 2016

To enter and for more information visit: www.northeastwildlifephoto.co.uk

northeastwildlifephoto @nEWildlifePhoto

PeARl sAddiNGTON

PATRiCK BiBBY

Getting crafty at old Low Light, north shields

dUNC

AN H

UTT

Local News

4 ROEBUCK 138 March - July 2016

A walk on the wild sideNorway End to End: 2700km, 120 Days Conrad dickinson, Trust Patron, Managing director of Karpet Mills (a Trust Corporate Member) and record breaking polar adventurer is currently on another icy adventure.

You may recall that Conrad was the leader of the British team of injured servicemen, women and HRH Prince Harry, taking part in the 2013 Walking with the Wounded race to the south Pole across the frozen wastes of Antarctica to the bottom of the World.

Towards the end of last year, Conrad took the decision to travel through Norway with his wife Hilary, whilst at the same time celebrating a 35 year love affair with the country and raising money for the Trust. Hilary is the first British woman to ski to the south Pole and back unsupported.

For the Tynedale couple, Norway has provided them with some of their fondest memories, so when they were thinking of ways to raise funds for the Trust, the idea of somehow uniting their love of nature and Norway became paramount.

But, unlike most couples, they chose to ski on Norge på langs, a route that spans the entire length of Norway, from lindesnes in the south to Nordkapp in the north - a mere 2700km, and their Norway ‘end to end’ campaign is very much a pilgrimage through this stunning country.

The Norge på langs has only been completed approximately 64 times in winter in its 64 year

history, and, should they be successful, they will be the first British couple (and possibly the oldest) to complete this epic route.

Their aims were simple: to enjoy, engage and explore the delights of Norway, whilst raising funds for us.

Their epic journey began on Tuesday 5 January 2016. All was going well, despite an emergency tooth extraction, storm Gertrude and a damaged GPs system, until the end of February when unfortunatly Hilary damaged her back. On Wednesday 2 March the couple took the decision to fly back home, having skied over 1000km in the Norwegian wilderness.

Upon arrival back in the UK, ian Jackson, one of our trustees and a friend of Conrad and Hilary for over 30 years, volunteered to fly back out to Norway with him to keep the trip going. This is a massive gesture as ian hasn’t had the necessary preparation time for such a trip, but they have headed back. it’s going to be tough going, but shows the true dedication of Conrad and ian to raise funds for us.

You can follow the epic pilgrimage on their website www.norwayendtoend.com which features a tracking page, regular blog and regular picture updates.

They have also set up a page on the Virgin Money Giving site, so, if you wish, you can make a donation at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Conrad_and_hilary_Dickinson.

Flying the flag to say thank you for supportWhen Conrad travelled through the ice to the south Pole in 2013, he tucked the flag of People’s Postcode Lottery into the bottom of his sledge for him to fly when he reached his destination. This was an enormous gesture as weight is crucial in those conditions and every ounce counts when pulling your own equipment on a sledge.

Now, the flag is heading off to the Arctic Circle at the bottom of Hilary’s sledge, ready to be raised by Conrad, Hilary and Trustee Nigel Porter who will be joining Conrad for the last leg of his epic ski.

The flag will eventually be displayed in our new Hauxley Visitor Centre when it opens later this year.

WAlKiNG W

iTH THe WOUNded

CONR

Ad &

Hil

ARY

diC

KiNs

ON

Conrad Dickinson flying

the PPL flag at the South Pole

Conrad and hilary Dickinson

The broken GPs

March - July 2016 ROEBUCK 138 5

Contact Michael today for any help or advice Telephone: 01661 852 684

Email: michael@tynevalleyexpress.co.ukwww.tynevalleyexpress.co.uk

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IN THIS NEW YEAR

EDITION:Kevin O’hara – Helping out the Vole

Andrew Davenport - A new bed

Roger Clegg – Places to visit

Hexham Ramblers – Make a change this year

Hextol Tans – Reopening soon + help needed!

Hearing Loss – Support in our area

Stacey Smith - Staying injury free

North East’s largest FREE publication

Why not try some of our delicious shearling lamb? They will be available from April, 2016.

For more information contact stephen Comber at flexigraze@northwt.org.ukor call 07590 426 243. Keep in touch: www.flexigraze.org.uk

F lexigraze High Quality shearling lamb from Conservation Grazing

Each half lamb has:2 leg joints, 2 shoulder joints3 chump chops, 12 loin chops

and 1lb of mince

Lamb joints available soon

‘Wild West’ heroesThe Trust has received £12,800 from the Community Foundation (Tyne & Wear and Northumberland) Out and About Fund and private donors, for a new health and wellbeing project in the West end of Newcastle.

Working with the Change4life in West Newcastle Partnership, coordinated by HealthWORKs Newcastle, the ‘Wild West’ Project will deliver activities linking into edible elswick, Greening Wingrove and Grainger Park - scotswood.

The People & Wildlife Team is supporting a number of outdoor events in the west end of Newcastle throughout 2016, which will enable people to have new experiences such as listening to night time sounds in elswick Park, hearing the dawn chorus in Nunsmoor Park or finding out more about what lives in, on, or underneath the trees in their neighbourhood.

it is envisaged that throughout this year, the project will connect in excess of 1000 people of all ages with nature. All the events are free and there is no need to book - just turn up! To find out more visit,www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on.

new online nature guide launchedAn exciting new seasonal online guide has been launched offering individuals the perfect opportunity to plan a ‘wild’ year ahead.

For those who have ever wondered when and where to spot a wildlife species, but don’t know how to go about it, the new seasonal guide to Top UK Wildlife Experiences offers answers to these and many more questions.

it’s a must have for nature lovers, and better still it’s free, so go to: www.wildlifetrusts.org/top-uk-wildlife-experiences and marvel at the wildlife gems it offers.

RiCHARd ClARK

Edible Elswick

Local News

6 ROEBUCK 138 March - July 2016

Keep the reds fuelledit’s that time of year again when red squirrels really could do with a helping hand.

Many people like to feed red squirrels in their garden or local woodland which can have enormously beneficial effects if the feeder is well looked after. supplemental feeding helps red squirrels gain body mass to get into breeding condition and can help populations survive lean times; our RsNe rangers use a network of feeders as one method of assessing squirrel populations and controlling greys.

However, a poorly maintained feeder can pose risks to squirrels. if you do use a feeder, here are some top tips:

• Don’t overfeed: use only high quality squirrel food, available at many garden centres and pet shops. If you find that your feeder is too large, add a block of wood or stone inside to reduce the volume of food that the holder contains.

• allow the feeder to be empty for a few days at a time: this stops the squirrels becoming dependent on supplementary food and encourages foraging.

• The feeder should be disinfected every time you visit: to reduce the risk of squirrelpox and other diseases, we recommend using Virkon s tablets which can be made into small 500ml batches of disinfectant solution. it’s also important to remember that once

made up, the solution begins to weaken after 7 days and is 20% less effective after two weeks.

• never allow food to go mouldy: if you find that the feeder is not emptying quickly enough, put less food in it. Always clear out mouldy food and disinfect the whole feeder.

• depending on your feeder design, you may want to drill some holes in the bottom for drainage.

• if you’re not sure which species is visiting, use sticky pads under the lid to capture hair samples. We are happy to help you analyse any hair samples you’re not sure about.

Katy CookEngaging Communities Officerred squirrel northern England

Red squirrels will currently be performing mating chases which can be exhilarating to watch! so keep your eyes open for young squirrels, or ‘kits’, in April as they become old enough to venture out into the world and don’t forget to record your sightings at: www.rsne.org.uk/sightings.

if you aren’t lucky enough to have red squirrels to feed, there a number of sites in Northumberland where you have a good chance of seeing them, so if you have a day free why not visit:

• Leaplish Waterside Park, which has a dedicated squirrel hide.

• hareshaw Linn, Bellingham, where red squirrels are seen regularly.

• howick hall, where red squirrel feeders provide good opportunities to see them.

• Woodhorn Museum, where red squirrels can be seen in many locations around the site.

• national Trust’s Wallington hall, where red squirrels can be spotted at the squirrel hide and throughout the site.

KATY COOK

young squirrel on feeder

red squirrel at Woodhorn

RsNe

© Copyright Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts 2015

Which, if laid end to end is the equivalent to 1/5 of the earth’s circumference.

Or to put itanother way,

IN THAT TIMEVINE HOUSE FARM

HAS SOLD:

Which would fill 26m bird feeders:

Which would feed:

Since our relationship started with Vine Houses Farm they have shipped:

28,400Kg

13,000,000Kg

467,500Kg

MEALWORMS

SUET FAT BALLS

SEEDS

26MBIRD FEEDERS

4M ROBINSfor their entire lives

1.7bn SMALL BIRDSfor a day

697bn SEEDS out of their doors

x1,000,000

Great Tit

OF THE EARTH’S CIRCUMFERENCE

1/5

x80,000FOOTBALL PITCHES

Which, if laid in a line would stretch 3.484M km

1 DAY 13 MONTHSROBIN’S LIFESPAN

Or the length of 80,000 football pitches.

200M LIVE MEALWORMS13,000 TONNES OF SEED 5.5M SUET FAT BALLS28,400Kg13,000,000Kg 467,500Kg

That’s 1/3 of the UK population

That’s to the moonand back 5 times

THANKS A MILLION!Thanks to one family’s passion for the

natural world, across The Wildlife Trusts

we are celebrating our partnership with

Vine House Farm as their donation to

support work to protect and restore areas

for wildlife across the UK tops the

£1,000,000 mark!

Long Tailed Tit

Vine House Farm have produced 1.2M kg bags of sunflower seeds since 2007.

Created 8000 new nesting sites created in the form of nest boxes.

6,455,648,000INDIVIDUAL BLACK SUNFLOWER SEEDS

on feeders in gardens across the UK.

12,670NEW FEEDING PLACES

8,000NEST BOXES

16,707WILDLIFE TRUSTCUSTOMERS

Sold to

House Sparrow

Robin

Blue Tit

Reed Warbler

GreatSpotted

Woodpecker

Our commitment to The Wildlife Trusts is long term and, when you buy from us, you’re also supporting their vital work.

We give £5 to The Wildlife Trusts when an order is first placed and 5% of our sales on a ongoing basis.

www.wildlifetrusts.org

Infographic & illustrations:Clara Prieto

www.vinehousefarm.co.ukwww.wildlifetrusts.org www.vinehousefarm.co.uk

Wild Flowers: Mystery, Myth, Medicine and ImagesThe author is a retired Newcastle surgeon, who brings to bear his medical knowledge on this compendium of the names (and their meanings), mythology, uses and folk-lore attached to many of our more familiar plants; he accepts that the traditional properties of some herbs are genuine, that those of many more may yet prove to be, but is firmly supportive of evidence-based medicine.

However it is not always clear whether he is simply quoting from a traditional herbal, or is supporting its claims. He issues plenty of warnings against his readers trying “remedies” without professional advice - for scurvy grass, his advice is not to abandon our breakfast fruit juice or fruit, and wood anemone is a particularly toxic species, “a pretty nasty plant” which should not be tampered with.

Proud does not claim to be a botanist or ecologist, rather a lover of plants; the sequence of species appears to be more or less random. All the featured species are illustrated by his photographs, the majority of which were taken in the North east and several on Northumberland Wildlife Trust reserves.

He has gathered his information from assorted herbals, from classical times onwards, and from the internet, making particular use of Geoffrey Grigson’s classic The englishman’s Flora for local plant names. His medical background is evident in the identification of the specific organic substances absorbed by some of the more potent plants (rather as Professor swan, a chemist, did in his Flora of Northumberland).

Particularly useful is Proud’s interpretation, in a glossary, of what medical complaint was actually meant in ancient herbals: terms (sic), bloody flux, choler, French disease (syphilis), hot rheums, King’s evil, scrofula, etc. A vulnerary herb was one associated with wound healing hence kidney vetch, Anthyllis vulneraria.

each species is roughly described in layman’s terms, but the text would have benefited from proof reading to correct Latin and english spelling of plant names, and use of capitals.

Many things were new to me including:• ramsons (wild garlic) is Allium ursinum

because the bulbs are eaten by brown

bear, which begs the question, were there therefore fewer ramsons in the post-glacial wildwood?

• the roots of tormentil are the main ingredient of a Bavarian and Black Forest liqueur - Pennington Blutwurz

• periwinkle (Vinca), powdered and mixed with earthworm, is a potent aphrodisiac

• melilot was the original source of warfarin, the anti-coagulant

• woodruff is used in a Berlin pale-ale Berliner Weisse.

Wood avens, a menace in my garden, have been ascribed so many properties, it would as Proud says, replace a large proportion of all modern drugs.

The style is easy and conversational; i found the book entertaining for its folk-lore and herbal stories, and it is reassuring to know that dock leaves really do alleviate nettle stings.

angus LunnVice Presidentnorthumberland Wildlife Trust

Wild flowers: mystery, myth, medicine & images by George ProudCartref Publications 2015, 388 ppisBn 978-0-9931589-0-2

Local News

8 ROEBUCK 138 March - July 2016

Dusting the DunesAs part of the national Clean for the Queen celebrations, launched by Country life magazine in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy, to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday, we called on volunteers to join us in a very special conservation effort - a massive clean-up along druridge Bay aptly nicknamed ‘dusting the dunes.’

Teams of staff and volunteers from the Trust, Quorum Business Park, Northumbrian Water, members of the

public and Northumberland inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NiFCA) collected 135 bags (455.75kg) of rubbish and 20 lobster pots from five of our reserves along the Bay: Cresswell, Cresswell Pond, druridge Pools, east Chevington and Hauxley.

The Trust and its supporters are committed to keeping druridge Bay looking its best, regularly collecting hundreds of kilograms of rubbish along the coastline.

litter that is dropped at the beach can trap or hurt wild animals, as well as injuring your dog when it is running along the dunes, so it is vital that the shores are kept clean.

Thank you to NiFCA for collecting all our bags of rubbish. Also many thanks to The drift Café, Cresswell, for providing participants at the event with free tea and coffee, and for donating 20% of its food profits on the day to us.

When the Queen came to the throne, litter was not the problem

that it is today. food packaging, plastic bottles and takeaway meal trays have all contributed to a growing menace that affects our wildlife, streets, countryside and coastline.

Aurelie Bohan, Living Seas Officer, northumberland Wildlife Trust

Dune dusters ready to dust the dunes

some of the 135 bags of rubbish

Wildlife walkers fund Hauxley window Clients from The Pottergate Centre in Alnwick, a Northumberland County Council day centre providing therapeutic activities for adults with learning and physical disabilities in North Northumberland, organised and participated in a 50 minute sponsored walk around Alnwick Gardens, and raised almost £500 along the way.

The money was donated to the Trust, with a specific request that it be spent on its Hauxley reserve.

As a permanent reminder of the walkers’ efforts, the money will fund a new window in our new Wildlife Discovery Centre, and will be unveiled by the wildlife walkers once the centre is completed, later this year. Who knows, the walkers may even head off on another sponsored walk around the reserve on our behalf.

If any other organisations, community groups or companies would like like to fundraise for their own window (or anything else), contact Alex Lister at: alex.lister@northwt.org.uk. We still need to raise a further £30,000 towards the fit out, so all offers are welcome.

Leaving a living legacy to wildlife The Trust is delighted to have been named as a beneficiary in two recent legacies totalling almost £200,000.

Stanley Hall from Newcastle, a Trust member for 33 years, has bequeathed a £157,520 legacy to us, whist Margaret Swan from Morpeth, a member for over 30 years left a legacy of £35,991.

This wonderfully selfless generosity is hugely appreciated and, it goes without saying, that the money will be used carefully to continue our valuable conservation work.

If you are inspired by the wildlife and landscapes in our region, please consider leaving us a legacy to safeguard them for future generations.

If you would like to find out more about legacies, visit our website www.nwt.org.uk/legacies or contact Jane Speak, Head of Business Management at the Trust on: (0191) 284 6884.

We recently received two grants totalling £12,500 towards the interior fit out of our new Hauxley Wildlife Discovery, to make it as sustainable as possible.

The Joicey Trust granted us £2,500 whilst The Sir James Knott Trust, which supports community projects in Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and Country Durham, has

granted us £10,000.Work on the fit out of the interior has started,

and you can follow its progress at www.facebook.com/HauxleyNatureReserve alternatively, you can attend one of the public open days and see how the build is progressing for yourself. Details can be found on our website at www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on.

Every bit helps to build the dream at Hauxley

rICHArD CLArK

THe PoTTerGATe CeNTre

10 ROEBUCK 138 March - July 2016

Funding

On their marks and getting set to raise money for wildlifeTeam NWT is currently limbering up to take part in this year’s Great North run on Sunday 11 September, 2016.

The Trust still has places available for runners who wish to take part and, as in previous years, asks that runners aim to raise at least £200 in sponsorship for us. We request a £50 deposit from each runner to secure their place which then forms part of their sponsorship.

If you would like a place, please contact Christine O’Neil, Trust Membership Officer, on: (0191) 284 6884 or via email at christine.o’neil@northwt.org.uk for further information.

Alternatively, if you don’t feel like running but would like to sponsor one of our runners, visit: www.nwt.org.uk/great-north-run.

Cash boost from Carillion The Trust has received £500 from Carillion’s employee Nomination Fund. Towards the end of last year, 80 charities were selected to receive a one-off donation of £500 by the company. We were nominated by Leanne August from our region.

Formed in 1999, Carillion is one of the UK’s leading integrated support services companies, employing over 40,000 people worldwide, with established businesses in the UK, Canada, the Middle east and North Africa.

For the past decade the company has worked with the UK Wildlife Trusts donating over £300,000 to theTrusts nationally through its Natural Habitats Fund.

Natural Habitats Fund

And I would cycle 500 miles…The Camino de Santiago: 500 miles, two weeks… no mean feat!As any keen cyclist knows, the further you go on a bike the further you want to go, and this is certainly the case for Christian Tucker, IT and Facilities Co-ordinator with the Trust.

Christian has taken part in the Coast-to-Coast three times and it is this experience which gave him an appetite for more cycling adventures.

So, imagine his surprise and pleasure when his partner, Carol Mahoney, suggested they rode across northern Spain together, following a route she always wanted to walk, but never had the time to do: The Camino de Santiago.

The Camino de Santiago is an old pilgrimage route that St Francis took in his efforts to bring Christianity to Spain. It takes most people approximately four weeks to walk it and two weeks to cycle it.

The journey began in St Jean Pied de Port on the French side of the Pyrenees and along

the way, our intrepid cyclists took in Burgos, Leon’s fabulous gothic cathedral and Gaudi’s Castle in Astorga, before finishing in Santiago, one day short of the scheduled two weeks.

As well as being a wonderful cycling experience, Christian and Carol took the opportunity to fundraise for the Trust and set up a donation page to raise sponsorship as they journeyed across Spain, finally raising in excess of £300.

Christian is hoping to do another charity ride for the Trust late this summer and will again be looking for your support and hopefully your sponsorship.

The Trust is considering the possibility of a yearly fun ride, taking in a small selection of the beautiful nature spots our local area has to offer, as well as venturing out on a nice sunny day for a ride. Keep an eye on our website www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on for more details.

CHrI

STIA

N T

UCKe

r

rICHArD CLArK

From left to right: Danny Morris, Katy Cook, Lauren Ogilvie and Tracy Evans

Christian Tucker and Carol Mahoney

CHrISTIAN TUCKer

March - July 2016 ROEBUCK 138 11

Reserves & Volunteers

The wonderful world of newtsIt’s one of a select group of creatures that has such a high level of protection that most people involved in building will be aware of some of the implications of its presence. Great crested newts are a European protected species and the adults, juveniles (efts), eggs, breeding ponds and ‘resting places’ are all protected. So at Hauxley when we embarked on our new visitor centre building, we had to take full account of these creatures. Of course, as a Wildlife Trust, we were only too happy to do everything in our power to ensure no great crested newts come to harm, although we are also keen to ensure that no other wildlife suffered either.

We have three native species of newts in the UK and all are present in Northumberland. Great crested newts, as the name suggests, are the largest; an adult can be up to 16cm long. They have a spotted or warty skin and are usually a dark brown or grey colour. They have a bright orange belly with individually unique patterns of black spots. Only the males have a large wattle-like crest and then only during the spring and summer breeding period when they also get a silver flash on the tail.

Smooth newts (sometimes known as common

newts) can sometimes be confused with the great crested newt as the breeding males also have a very distinct crest but they are much smaller (up to 10cm) and, while spotty, the skin is smooth and they are generally not as dark. The females are a greenish brown and very hard to distinguish from the females of our third species, the palmate newt.

More common in shallow ponds and acidic soils, palmate newts are often seen in our more upland ponds but can also be found alongside the other species in more lowland sites. All three occur at our Priestclose Wood reserve but you are only likely to spot palmate newts at Whitelee or on the Border Mires. The males don’t have

a crest but do have a pin-like end to the tail and webbed back feet in breeding season; they are a touch smaller than smooth newts at about 9cm.

The easiest time to spot any amphibian is during breeding season and at night. Looking into a pond at night with a high powered torch is likely to reveal a new world of activity that goes largely unnoticed.

Duncan HuttHead of Land ManagementNorthumberland Wildlife Trust

Reserves under waterFlooding hit a few of our reserves this winter, causing more inconvenience than damage. However the boardwalk at Big Waters has needed some repair and the flooded access road at Hauxley delayed work on the new visitor building for a couple of weeks. The water has largely subsided and things will soon get back to normal.

Access to reserves such as Briarwood

Banks does remain tricky however due to major footpath damage in the adjacent Allen Banks reserve; some of our riverside reserves received a considerable amount of silt and detritus as the River Tyne rose to exceptional levels.

Repairs to many of the reserves have begun and are being made possible thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

ReseRVes ROUND-UPANNsTeAD DuNes:Steps at two entrances to the reserve have been replaced following general wear and tear.

Work has been undertaken to repair erosion of the fore dune caused by high levels of visitor access. The closing mechanisms on a number of stiles have been replaced several times as

they have been repeatedly damaged by vandals. A new closing mechanism is being trialled.

BeLTiNgHAM:Several trees have had to be cut down for health and safety reasons following recent storm damage.

Big WATers:Severe flooding at the start of January saw even the boardwalk under 2-3 feet of water in places. Steady progress is being made with the scheduled upgrade of the boardwalk.

CLose House:The January floods deposited a thick layer of sand and lots of litter

on the reserve. Erosion of the riverbank has also occurred and unfortunately, a lovely mature oak was one of the victims.

eAsT CHeviNgToN:The boardwalk has been repaired and a stile replaced in the education area.

eAsT CrAMLiNgToN PoND:Steps and fencing have been repaired at the entrance.

FLoDDeN QuArry:Scrub and grass have been cut and cleared from the quarry floors and lower faces.

HAuxLey:The willow coppice continues to be brought back into good condition with two blocks cut this winter.

HoLyWeLL PoND:Several willow trees were felled for health and safety reasons following storm damage in January.

We are running an amphibian safari at our Hauxley Nature reserve on saturday 9 April, starting at 7:30pm. At this event we hope to come across great crested newts as well as smooth newts and, of course, our other two amphibian species native to Northumberland, common frog and toad. Surveying for great crested newts requires a licence and trained staff will be on hand to attempt to spot these largely elusive animals. Booking is essential - visit www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on to secure your place.

KEvIN cASTER

dUNcAN HUTT

great crested newt

12 ROEBUCK 138 March - July 2016

Cheeky vandal strikes at Hauxley

A vandal struck at our Hauxley reserve much to the amusement of Trust staff and volunteers.

Whilst cleaning out the bird boxes, the Hauxley volunteers found a wonderful example of woodpecker vandalism on one of the boxes.

For, although the metal front, which was supposed to stop unlawful entry, was still in one piece, a clearly very determined, not to mention clever, woodpecker had used its initiative and drilled a hole in the side to gain entry. Now that’s initiative.

Our Hauxley reserve is currently closed to members of the public, whilst our new Heritage Lottery Fund funded Wildlife discovery centre is under construction, but we are holding a number of open days when the site can be accessed to view the project’s progress. Further details are available at www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on.

You can follow the build’s progress at www.facebook.com/HauxleyNaturereserve.

Volunteer for a wonderful osprey experience this summer The Trust is seeking volunteers to help with the Osprey Watch project at a number of prime locations in the Kielder area this summer.

LeAPLisH WATersiDe PArkBreeding pairs of ospreys have arrived in Kielder between March and September for the last 7 years, and activity on the nest tends to be mainly throughout July and August.

We are therefore hoping to recruit a large team of volunteers to spend weekends, including Bank Holidays and Wednesdays from June through to August, between 10:30am and 4:30pm, to staff an information area complete with information boards, live web camera footage and telescopes set up for visitors to view the birds at their leisure. It is a very busy day, but very rewarding, and a great opportunity to meet new people.

BAkeTHiNThe Trust is also seeking volunteers to help at the new nesting site at the Northumbrian Water Bakethin Reserve in central Northumberland. If a male claims this nest, or indeed, if a pair takes up residence, we will need to establish a rota of patrols from April onwards to protect the nest.

CALverT TrusTFinally, we will be teaming up with the calvert Trust to head out on to the Kielder reservoir for a series of two hour motor boat trips between the end of May and end of August. For more details go to: www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on.

volunteers are needed to assist knowledgeable staff from the calvert Trust, help share the story of the Kielder ospreys over the past 7 years and guide the boat to recent osprey sightings.

If any of the volunteer opportunities interest you, then visitwww.nwt.org.uk/volunteer for more information and to complete an online volunteer enquiry form which is the first step to a wonderful osprey experience this summer.

don’t be put off getting involved if you are not an expert as full training will be given.

JuLieT’s WooD:The first two coupes have been coppiced in the central section of the wood, the trees have grown fantastically well since being planted in the snow back in February 2009.

NeWsHAM PoND:A meeting held at the football pavilion in

November saw a fantastic turn out of locals, all of whom were passionate about the reserve. Most of those present signed up as volunteers to help us manage the reserve and hopefully reduce anti-social behaviour which has been a problem in recent years.

Estates staff and volunteers have since coppiced trees, removed the fishing platforms and

blocked access to some of the areas worst affected by anti-social behaviour

PriesTCLose WooD:A bridge and steps have been replaced. Estates staff and volunteers have begun to improve drainage on some of the footpaths. Rhododendron and cotoneaster, along

with invasive non-native tree saplings, have been dug up from the reserve. coppicing work has also started along the edge of the wood adjacent to residential properties.

sT NiCHoLAs PArk:A further two coppice blocks were cut this winter; trees damaged during

storms in February have been pruned.

ToNy’s PATCH:A conifer blown down during winter storms was cut into fence posts and rails and used to repair the boundary fences.

WHiTeLee:coir logs installed to block areas of erosion on the

blanket bog seem to be working very well.

AND FiNALLy…A grant from the Forestry commission (Fc) has enabled us to produce new management plans for most of our woodland sites. The plans follow the Fc’s template and are a requirement for future felling licences and access to grants.

EMYR EvANS

TIM M

ASON

March - July 2016 ROEBUCK 138 13

Corporates

Esh Groupwww.esh.uk.com

Lafarge Tarmacwww.lafargetarmac.co.uk

Mears Ltdwww.mearsgroup.co.uk

Nestlé Confectionery Ltdwww.nestle.co.uk

Northumbrian Water Ltdwww.nwl.co.uk

The Banks Groupwww.hjbanks.com

Thermofisher Scientificwww.thermofisher.com

Elanders Ltdwww.elanders.com

Harlow Printing Ltdwww.harlowprinting.co.uk

Karpet Millswww.karpetmills.co.uk

North East Chamber of Commerce

www.ne-cc.com

Potts Printers Ltdwww.potts.co.uk

Riverside Leisurewww.riverside-leisure.co.uk

A-one +www.aone.uk.com

Albion Outdoorswww.albionoutdoors.co.uk

Bell Ingramwww.bellingram.co.uk

Berwick Holiday Parkwww.haven.com/parks/northumberland/berwick

Blyth Harbour Commissionwww.portofblyth.co.uk

Colton Excavationswww.coltonplanthire.co.uk

Croft Veterinary Hospitalwww.croftvets.co.uk

Geoffrey Lurie Solicitorswww.geoffreylurie.com

Gusthartswww.gusthart.com

Hexham Steeplechase Co Ltdwww.hexham-racecourse.co.uk

Howick Hall Gardenswww.howickhallgardens.org

NCFEwww.ncfe.org.uk

Northern Experience Wildlife Tours

www.northernexperiencewildlifetours.co.uk

Northumberland County Councilwww.northumberland.gov.uk

Ord House Country Parkwww.ordhouse.co.uk

Percy Wood Leisure Ltdwww.percywood.co.uk

Poltross Enterpriseswww.poltross.com

Sykes Cottageswww.sykescottages.co.uk

Wardell Armstrongwww.wardell-armstrong.com

Whitley Bay Golf Clubwww.whitleybaygolfclub.co.uk

GOLDSILVER

Northumberland Wildlife Trust offers three levels of corporate membership which are designed to enhance your Corporate Social Responsibility commitments, provide year-round benefits to your business and support your staff development, PR and marketing strategies. You choose the level that you feel reflects your company’s commitment to the local environment.To find out more about becoming a corporate member contact our Marketing Office on 0191 284 6884 or via email to sheila.sharp@northwt.org.uk

BRONZE

Wonderful surprise from Riverside Leisure Park

Many thanks to corporate member Riverside Leisure Park for raising a very impressive £329.89 for the Trust at a recent charity open day.

For the past few years, Riverside Leisure

Park, a very valued supporter of the Trust, has asked their holiday hire customers at their park in Wooler to make a voluntary donation of £1 each time they book.

Silver anniversaryBlyth Harbour Commission, Harlow Printing Ltd, Northumbrian Water Ltd and The Banks Group have now been corporate members for over 25 years.

veRdanT LeisuRe

14 ROEBUCK 138 March - July 2016

Our Wildlife 2016Saturday 20th August • 10am - 4pm • Blagdon Hall

VenueBlagdon EstateSeaton BurnNewcastle upon TyneNE13 6DE

TickeTs• £8 per adult • £5 per child, under 5s free

enjoy hands on acTiViTies, demonsTraTions & Talks• Go on a tractor & trailer wildlife safari• See wild birds in the hand • Have a go at pond dipping• Cook up a feast on the campfire• Get photography tips from experts• Visit stalls selling local produce

Book online now! www.nwt.org.uk/whats-onor call us on (0191) 284 6884

cain scRiMgeOuR

TOM MaRshaLL

conservation roUnD-UPWoolsington Hall:The Woolsington Hall planning issue continues as the building was severely damaged by fire and, as such, there is now a planning application to demolish what is left of the burnt out building! The fire has fundamentally changed the nature of the

proposed development and we consider a review of the situation to see whether the actual hall is worth restoring to its former state, especially as the scheme includes the surrounding parkland and woods, including Woolsington Woods, which we and others are trying to protect.

sea Bass:From Friday 1 July 2016, recreational sea anglers can only land one seabass a day (above the minimum conservation reference of 42cm).

illegal netting:Following a call from a member of the Trust, a gill

net that had been illegally set up and attached to the road bridge across the Spine Road Bridge was recovered in a joint investigation between the Environment Agency (EA) and Northumberland Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority (NIFCA). Once recovered, 8 sea trout, one flounder

and numerous green crabs were removed.

Unfortunately, all of the sea trout were dead; the flounder and most of the green crabs were released back into the river alive and the EA took charge of the dead fish which had to be disposed of correctly.

This was an excellent example of joint working

between various organisations and we thank the caller, in particular, for ensuring more fish were not affected.

KittiWaKes:Social media proved invaluable in allowing the Trust to highlight a threat to the Tyne Bridge kittiwake

ice, ice babyThe strands, called “hair ice,” exist only when cold-tolerant fungi are present, and scientists now understand how the fungi can stimulate ice growth.

Alfred Wegener, famous for his continental drift theory, first identified and studied hair ice in 1918. At the time, he suspected the ice formation was linked to the presence of mycelium - the roots of a fungus that live on rotting wood and absorb nutrients, forming a pale, white, cobweblike coating. However, it wasn’t until about 90 years later that researchers found evidence that the fungal roots were vital precursors to hair ice. After treating mycelium-covered wood with a fungicide or dipping it in scalding water, they found that hair ice didn’t grow.

Researchers also analysed the melted hair ice and found fragments of organic compounds, lignin and tannin. Lignin, found in vascular plants including land plants like mosses and conifers,

makes up about 20 to 30 percent of dry wood and helps give wood its hardness and resistance to rotting. Tannin also occurs widely in vascular plants, and protects plants from herbivories, who dislike its very bitter taste.

However, certain fungi and bacteria can secrete the enzyme lignase, which breaks down lignin, causing rot with moist, soft and spongy bark that looks white or yellow. White rot can enhance the fungi’s effects - the brightness of hair ice on wood increases as the wood decomposes because the decomposed wood is brighter.

Fungus acted as a ‘hairspray’, shaping the fragile ice hairs and keeping the strands in place, while lignin prevents recrystallization (the conversion of small ice crystals to bigger ones).

The study also found that hair ice is also influenced by the structure of the wood from which it grows. Tufts grow outward from a branch, forming a centre parting, and can extend straight

or curl back toward the branch. A radial growth pattern is more common and seems to be an extension of the natural rays that radiate in wood. All the strands grow 10,000 times longer than they are thick.

The researchers also found that the root of the hair ice, called a crystallization nucleus, is likely composed of lignin and tannin. When the air temperature drops sufficiently, water freezes into crystallization nuclei on the wood. Then, the nuclei create a passage for water to seep out of the pores of the wood and extend into ice hairs.

How can anybody say nature isn’t amazing?

steve loweHead of Conservation northumberland Wildlife trust

Reference: Science Daily

this amazing image was captured in Dipton Woods

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16 ROEBUCK 138 March - July 2016

colony and resulted in a wave of opposition to proposals to net-off parts of the Tyne Bridge to prevent fouling of a glass roofed structure in the vicinity. Public support for this colony seems overwhelming yet we need to remain alert to potential threats in future.

Water Courses at DruriDge Bay:Recent flooding coincided with proposed work on the Chevington Burn, but served to demonstrate some of the issues that needed addressing. Working with Northumberland County Council and Northumbrian

Rivers Trust, work has since been undertaken at Hauxley and Red Row (with support from the Environment Agency).Plans to address channel works at East Chevington have been delayed due to the weather, which makes access with appropriate machinery difficult. At the same time,

investigations into mine water contamination in the area are underway.

HigHtHorn openCast:After thorough evaluation of the proposed opencast application, a joint statement was issued by RSPB, National Trust and Northumberland

Wildlife Trust outlining our objection to the submitted scheme. A copy of our objection to the proposed opencast scheme is available to view on our website.

plant finDers neeDeD?:The National Plant Monitoring Scheme

(NPMS) is looking for volunteers. Organised and funded by BSBI, CEH, JNCC and Plantlife, The aim is to collect data to provide an annual indication of changes in plant abundance and diversity. If interested more details are available at www.npms.org.uk.

Gems hiding in the meadowsThe Save our Magnificent Meadows Project (SOMM), the UK’s largest grasslands and meadows project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and managed by Plantlife, has been running since June 2014, and, throughout the project we have had the opportunity to survey both the flora and fauna of our wonderful calaminarian and whin grasslands

Indeed, some of you may have joined us on these lovely days out and perhaps some of the best parts of these surveys have been our new discoveries from new county records to internationally important ones.

As we have been lucky enough to revisit some of our SOMM sites repeatedly over the last two years, we have been able to study some of the sites in great detail, leading to new discoveries of much less recorded plant species such as tea-leaved willow, limestone bedstraw, and the largest county find of common cudweed Filago vulgaris (despite the name it’s not very common, with less than a handful of sites in the county!)

With only 16 sites in the whole of the United Kingdom, wild chive is one of our rarest plants, and now we’ve discovered there is another 17th site - Walltown Quarry, one of the SOMM sites, which is great news for conservationists and great news for our SOMM project.

And then we have the invertebrates; these little fellows have often been under recorded, as I found because identification is rather difficult! But with the help of experts we have been able to build up a better picture of the invertebrate flora of our sites, and along the way helped build a picture of how climate change is happening in front of our eyes.

We’ve been seeing a steady increase in more charismatic species traditionally found further south, such as the speckled wood butterfly, but from our surveys we’ve, not unsurprisingly, found other less conspicuous species mimicking this trend of southern species moving further north. Species including Deraeocoris flavilinea, a true bug that only arrived in the UK in London in 1996 has now been found for the first time in Northumberland and that was through our surveys. Another rather attractive creature is Northern silver stiletto-fly Spiriverpa lunulata, which again had not been recorded this far north until we started looking.

Perhaps some of the most striking things we’ve found have been the waxcap, earth tongue, fairy club and pink gill fungi. In 2014 Hadrian’s Wall was revealed as the best place in England for this variety of fungal species with 28 species and now, from our surveys, we were able to add to this number with ivory coral fungus, another uncommon species.

As we approach the final year of the project, who knows what other interesting gems we’ll discover?

naomi WaiteConservation Officer & SOMM Project Officernorthumberland Wildlife trust

Common cudweed

ivory Coral

dUNC

AN H

UTT

NAOMI W

AITE

NAOMI W

AITE

March - July 2016 ROEBUCK 138 17

afraid of the water?

Morpeth did not flood in December 2015 and January 2016, thank heavens. The town centre’s new flood gates held and, just as importantly, the Mitford flood overspill upstream, filled for the first time. A new version of old answers working well.

Meanwhile Corbridge, Leeds, Carlisle, Manchester, Aberdeen, Keswick and many other towns and hamlets were overwhelmed. The physical and financial costs are obvious in the overflowing and forlorn debris piled in the skips lining streets as the waters receded, heaped with furniture and kitchenware, toys and carpets. Even worse, are the lingering stress, anxiety and mental welfare threats which are easy to forget once the news reporters have moved on.

Over the last decade flooding has returned to haunt British towns and cities, rolling in with a malicious, scattergun indifference; the southwest one year, northwest the next. We had forgotten

flooding, much like the plague or famine, a medieval-seeming curse that the sophisticated UK had left behind. Even Newcastle is not immune as battered survivors of 2012’s ‘Thunder Thursday’ can bear witness, the city brought to a standstill in just twenty minutes of a broiling, furious summer storm.

For conservationists, the flooding and extreme weather that drives it are an ominous mix. Nature is suddenly made dangerous and our wholly natural response is to tame, control and manage, whilst conservationists such as the Trust can look awkwardly in favour of flooding, eulogising environmentally friendly river engineering and wetland creation. “Give Nature a Home” urges the RSPB; a harder sell when nature appears to be wrecking our homes and the culture wars around climate change are already tough enough.

As the flood waters of Storms Abigail, desmond and Frank ran riot through living rooms and kitchens, the newspapers whipped up into their own maelstrom and the politics of inundation was fascinating. “Swamped as we spend £1 BILLION in aid to the world’s most corrupt nations” (daily Mail), “Dam you Cam” (daily Mirror), “Where’s Welly? UK floods chief in Barbados as misery goes on” (The Sun). To summarise the tabloids targets: overseas aid, the Conservatives and the Nanny State Environment Agency. Never mind the flooding. Some coverage set up mutually antagonistic sides, in particular the Environment Agency as callous pro-wildlife, anti-dredging fanatics versus the flood victims or that hackneyed old town vs. countryside..... which should we let flood?

However the newspapers also revealed some surprisingly varied approaches, notably the daily

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18 ROEBUCK 138 March - July 2016

Mail having George Monbiot eulogising the virtues of releasing beavers more widely into the countryside to help create messy catchments that slow down the deluge of extreme rainfall and reduce the overwhelming flood surges, much like the good news from Belford catchment project run by Newcastle University. No beavers at Belford, but instead a catchment that slows and traps the water with ponds, planting and woody debris dams, as well as strong local involvement in the planning. Not a flood defence in sight, not if your idea of a flood defence is a local version of the Maginot Line

If flooding seems to have returned like an ancient curse it may be because of an understandable forgetfulness on our part. Extreme weather is hard to characterise. The common place shorthand of recent times such as a “one in a hundred” or “one in three hundred”

year event has been fatally devalued given that these storms seem to happen every year. “Since records began” is also tricky, because records often only begin a hundred years ago. Recent, neat research in the Lake district has instead used the characteristic debris left behind by massive floods over the last few centuries to spot how common these events may have been over centuries. It turns out that the sorts of floods that have hit in the last few years were routine before the 1960s but have become uncommon since then. Essentially the folk memory of the threat has faded in our lifetimes. Now the floods are back and we are surprised. It may not be the rain and flooding that is so unusual, but instead the five decade lull.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust might seem a small player faced by the return of ancient storms, piling in on the back of El Niño weather see-saws

and extreme weather ramped up by climate change. However, many of the small, local flood prevention schemes that work, such as Belford, combine the expertise of local people and wildlife friendly ideas. The government is not going to build flood defences to hold back the new normal of extremes, not least because no one knows where the next floods will strike. Instead the Trust should not be shy of getting involved with the sort of local, small scale projects we are so good at, getting nature to work for us to slow up and hold back the flood waters.

Dr Michael Jeffries,Department of geographynorthumbria university

dUNCAN HUTT

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capturing our coast: join a new initiative in marine citizen scienceWith the incredible proliferation of ‘Citizen Science’ projects around the world, this phrase is becoming entrenched in daily use.

Engaging the skills and motivation of volunteers allows scientists to get fantastic coverage, both geographically and over time that they couldn’t otherwise achieve. Such approaches to data collection also empower participants, increasing their understanding of threats to habitats and ecological processes, to act more sustainably and perhaps even more proactively on a political level. Finding the balance between getting robust data and ensuring an enjoyable and transformational experience for volunteers is a key aim of CoCoast.

Capturing Our Coast builds on the success of The Big Sea Survey which ran in the North-East from 2010-2013, and trained over 350 people. The data collected by the Survey contributed new population records of stalked jellyfish, and new invasive species records of the tunicate Corella eumyota. The data was also used as supporting evidence in the successful bid for the Marine Conservation Zone, Coquet to St Mary’s.

CoCoast goes further. The team wanted the data to contribute meaningfully to conservation strategies and policies, rather than focusing on species recording for its own sake. To this end, the team has spent considerable time consulting with the scientific community, statutory agencies and organisations with conservation remits to identify what the evidence gaps and scientific questions are to which volunteers could contribute.

Participants will collect quantitative data in intertidal areas (predominantly rocky shores), that shed light, for example, on distributional range shifts, responses to temperature change in terms of breeding success, and interactions between invasive and native species. A very powerful aspect of this experimental approach

is conducting studies simultaneously around the coast, across latitudes and environmental conditions. It is about putting the science into the ‘Citizen Science’.

On the surface, this might appear daunting to members of the public who may just want opportunities to engage with our rich marine life, and not to be burdened with overly complex tasks and this is very much at the forefront of how we have structured CoCoast.

There are many levels of participation, and there is something to suit everyone who signs up. All of our tasks are straightforward and manageable, but collectively they build up to an impressive dataset that can be analysed in complex ways; the data will ultimately be publically available via the NBN gateway, allowing others to extract information and draw further conclusions.

Following attendance at an introductory training session, volunteers select a package of species to survey, as rarely or frequently as they wish, at locations of their choosing - this is the activity we expect most volunteers to be involved in.

It is this concentration of effort on a small set of adopted species that quickly allows the volunteer to gain confidence and become specialised in identification; this adds to how robust the returned data will be, and we have strong evidence from the pilot study (Big Sea Survey) that this approach works beautifully. It facilitates the volunteer to survey independently, without any requirement to be accompanied by an ‘expert’, so putting the citizen into the ‘Citizen Science’, and ensuring your involvement truly matters. Once ‘hooked’, volunteers can decide which of the other studies they wish to engage in, independently, or in teams.

Flexibility and scope is paramount to retaining volunteers, and ensuring ongoing interest. Studies include the investigation of population

changes using digital photographic records of fixed areas surveyed repeatedly over time - volunteers can contribute to the processing of these images, and other datasets, online, adopting a crowd-sourcing approach pioneered by Oxford University’s ‘Galaxy Zooniverse’ programme. This has the additional benefit of opening up CoCoast to volunteers who do not live adjacent to a coast but would like to get involved.

The project is led by Newcastle University, and involves the universities of Hull, Portsmouth, Bangor and the Scottish Association for Marine Science, along with the Marine Biological Association, Marine Conservation Society, Earthwatch Institute, Natural History Museum, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Cefas, durham Heritage Coast, Thanet Coast and North West Coastal Forum.

This wonderful level of involvement of scientists, policy makers and managers is unique in marine citizen science, certainly in the UK, and is itself an exciting aspect of the project.

We furthermore want to share best practice, and work with other existing projects and organisations. An intended legacy of CoCoast will hopefully be UK-wide join of marine public engagement and science, and an exemplar model of citizen science that is founded on multiple-partnerships working together to support volunteers with the common goal of protecting our UK seas.

To find out more about the project, and to register at a hub nearest to you, visit: www.capturingourcoast.co.uk.

Dr Jacqui Pocklington, National Coordinator, Capturing Our Coast, Newcastle University

Dr Jane Delany, Project Lead, Capturing Our Coast, Newcastle University

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the essential guide to Beachcombing and the strandlineBook ReviewI have been waiting for years for a book like this!

Small enough to take out yet crammed full of information and illustrations of anything and everything you might find washed up on a beach walk, as well as the plants and animals that occupy or utilise the strandline.

The guide includes the usual finds such as seaweed or seashells, but adds the invaluable guide to the unexpected, such as octopus pots or whale bones. But by going beyond this into marine litter, it helps identify things we find on beach cleans, some of which are otherwise unrecognisable.

It’s rare to get a book that’s as good as its title but this really is essential for those of us who visit the beach regularly. It is very well laid out, informative, quirky and has had all my marine biology friends going “ooooooo!!!!!!” - that’s good enough for me.

It will transform an occasional beach-walker into a serious hobbyist and, in my opinion, is an essential addition to the library.

Steve Lowe, Head of Conservation northumberland Wildlife trust

order your copy today!www.nwt.org.uk/shop

Great news for what lies beneath2016 started off with great news for our marine environment - 23 new Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) have been announced, and we’ve extra cause to celebrate as three of these, Fulmar, Farnes East and Coquet to St Mary’s are off the Northumberland coast.

One of the furthest offshore, and most northerly MCZs is Fulmar, situated 224 km from the coast. This is a large site with some brilliant habitats, mixed sediment, sand and most importantly - mud. These habitats are ideal for bivalves like clams, cockles and oysters, and one of the oldest living bivalves, with one being recorded as 507 years old, the ocean quahog, as well as elegant sea pens and burrowing anemones.

As the name suggests this site helps to provide important feeding and wintering grounds for many sea birds such as black headed gull, northern fulmar, Arctic skua and black-legged kittiwake.

Much closer to shore at only 11km off is Farnes East MCZ, a site designated for its range of habitats from sand, mixed sediment and mud and similarly to Fulmar has sea pens and burrowing fauna and the long living ocean quahog.

A key feature of the site is the glacial channel, a site of nutrient up-welling, this feeds up the food chain from phytoplankton to fish to cetaceans, and as a result around this area there are sightings of porpoise, bottlenose and white-beaked dolphins and minke whales.

One of the most exciting new MCZs, one that we can visit and really learn more from, is Coquet to St Mary’s, stretching between the two iconic islands from the high water mark out to 3 miles.

This site has been designated for 16 different habitats, both intertidal and subtidal mud and sand to peat and clay exposures and intertidal underboulder communities. This site is a really great area, for its diversity as well as its accessibility - something the other two just aren’t!

Now we’re getting into spring I’d really urge you to pull on some wellies, get down to the shore and learn about why this area has been identified as being nationally important.

aurelie Bohan Living Seas Officernorthumberland Wildlife trust

the essential guide to Beachcombing and the strandline By Steve Trewhella & Julie HatcherWild Nature Press 2015, 304 ppisBn-10: 0957394675isBn-13: 978-0957394674

MARK THO

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Burrowing anemone

March - July 2016 ROEBUCK 138 21

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

Vote for nature on May 5thFed up with the politicians who don’t recognise nature’s importance? well on Thursday 5 May, if you live in wales, Scotland, northern Ireland or london, you can do something about it.

The elections decide the makeup for the next four years of the welsh and london assemblies, and for northern Ireland and the Scottish Parliament for five years. In London they also determine who will be Mayor. other cities, including Bristol, will also have mayoral elections.

Until now, few aspiring politicians have acknowledged nature as a driver of human wellbeing, and the backbone of a sustainable economy. These elections give parties a chance to commit to its restoration. a healthy environment gives us food, shelter, water storage, pollution reduction, flood mitigation, carbon capture, crop pollination and coastal protection. It is also where we walk, talk, think, listen, see and rejuvenate. It is the place that keeps us healthy, happy

Nature keeps us healthy, happy and alive. And

that’s what politicians need to understand

and alive. and that’s what politicians need to understand.

To help, The wildlife Trusts have developed five questions (see right) for the people who want your vote. and they’re worth asking. already in wales, the national assembly has passed The well-being of Future generations act which requires all public bodies to work towards sustainable development, and a biodiverse natural environment. next is the environment (Wales) Act, to bring in an ecosystem-based approach to land management in wales.

In edinburgh, the recent world Forum on natural capital, hosted by the Scottish wildlife Trust, brought together environmental economists from around the globe. Scotland’s First Minister nicola Sturgeon opened the conference by acknowledging the debt Scotland owes to its wonderful landscape and the economic benefits it brings.

In london, prospective Mayoral candidates are realising that the environment is a strong concern for many of the city’s voters.

■ More at wtru.st/devolved-elections

Healthy economy

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

Healthy people£2.1bn

£12m

£350,000

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

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

Sources: natural england 2009, environment agency and wildlife Trusts wales

Healthy nature

Devolved elections

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UK News

22 ROEBUCK 138 March - July 2016

UK News

Artist Jo Glover’s vision of Pumlumon Mountain in mid-Wales – one of Montgomeryshire Wildlife

Trust’s nature restoration areas

The strandings of sperm whales on the beaches of germany, Holland and england in january, although tragic, remind us just how phenomenal our sea life is. These ocean giants weigh up to 60 tonnes and have the largest brains on earth.

one theory is that a pod of young males strayed off course in pursuit of squid and hit the bottleneck of this shallow, narrow part of the north Sea. Disorientated, panicking and hungry, the whales could well have swum on to the beaches.

This time we could do nothing to save these wonderful creatures. But it reminded me that we are not as much of an island as we might think. we are joined to the rest of europe by shallow seas which are no barrier to our fish, to our porpoises, dolphins and smaller whales or indeed to our migratory birds. and we are joined emotionally to our european neighbours as well, sharing the heartbreak and helplessness of watching these beautiful animals die.

For wildlife, the european Union is therefore very important. and it is no accident that the eU has the most substantial body of environmental legislation in the world. without this, it is likely that our children would be swimming in raw sewage off our shores as we did, and that the Thames would still be devoid of salmon. It is true that EU policies on agriculture and fisheries have a less honourable track record in wildlife terms, but it is far from clear that nature would have fared any better if the UK had been left to its own devices: consider the agricultural deserts of the US and the collapse of canada’s cod stocks.

The eU builds up policy slowly and carefully and rarely loses that which it has built. This offers a solid insurance policy for wildlife against short-term thinking, and our unquenchable thirst for economic growth.

whilst we’ve lost those wonderful whales we do have something to celebrate: a recent massive expansion in the area of our seas afforded real protection (page 28). That progress was kicked off by the eU and taken forward by our governments.

Our shared earth

Together The Wildlife Trusts have more than 800,000 members. We are the largest voluntary organisation dedicated to conserving all the UK’s habitats and species. contact us on enquiry@wildlifetrusts.org or 01636 677 711. To join your wildlife Trust, visit wildlifetrusts.org/joinus.

Natural World, The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark, Notts NG24 1WT. Editor rupert Paul Communications officer emma websdaleLayout editor Dan Hilliard

twitter @wildlifetrustsfacebook.com/wildlifetrusts

1What is your plan for the restoration of wildlife?

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

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

goes on accessible natural green spaces?we want this sum spent creating and promoting the use of natural green spaces for all, as part of the nHS’ preventative and treatment-based healthcare.

3What is your plan for outdoor learning in

schools?we want to see outdoor learning and caring for nature a key

purpose for all schools. This is key to children’s development and their future.

4How will you better protect and promote nature in local

plans?local planning statements should map, protect and create areas for nature. we want wild places for people and nature in every neighbourhood.

5How will you ensure a strong voice for nature

within Government decision-making? government needs to be a strong leader when it comes to nature’s recovery. How will you ensure that all government departments, including housing, transport and health, take commitments to nature seriously?

Five big questions for candidates

Stephanie Hilborne OBEchief executive of The wildlife Trusts

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

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March - July 2016 ROEBUCK 138 23

a new four-part anthology, published in conjunction with The wildlife Trusts, celebrates the changing seasons. The editor is Melissa Harrison, an award-winning journalist, novelist and nature writer.

In the four books she brings together the classic works of great naturalists and pieces by new writers.

The newly-published Spring is a must for fans of nature writing

Spring is here

Following years of campaigning to protect marine wildlife we are delighted to report that 23 new Marine conservation Zones have been created – mostly in english waters.

These latest zones add to the 27 that were created in 2013. westminster has also committed to setting up a third round of Marine Conservation Zones by 2018. This must be

23 new Marine Conservation Zones2016 gets off to a good start with new protected areas at sea

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

ambitious if we are to achieve the full network of protected areas so absolutely vital to ensuring the recovery of our seas. we’ll be asking for your help to ensure this happens.

■ learn more and get involved at wildlifetrusts.org/MCZ

Edible crab on a species-rich chalk reef off Cromer, Norfolk.This

is what it has all been about: protecting the diversity of seabed

life around the UK

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

A huge thank you to

everybody who responded to the

Government consultation on

MCZs

A greater pipefish using the new Swale MCZ, off Kent

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

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

The well-known campaigner, writer and environmentalist has been appointed President of The wildlife Trusts. Tony has been involved with the movement for over 30 years, and was the first recipient of The Wildlife Trusts’ prestigious charles rothschild and Miriam rothschild Medal in 2009.

In his new role he will help drive our mission to support nature’s recovery on land and at sea, and to put nature at the heart of society. “It is a huge honour,” he said. “This organisation is the very backbone of conservation in the UK and the work it does is vital in bringing huge benefits for people, nature and our economy. I am very much looking forward to adding what I can to the already huge impact of this amazing network.”

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

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

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

Forest schools grow – yet again

Prophet and Loss

Tony Juniper is our new President

Be inspired by Brambly Hedge

“This organisation is the very

backbone of conservation

in the UK”

Wilfred Toadflax: trouble on a string

Tony at Cherry Hinton, an urban

nature reserve owned by the

Beds, Cambs and Northants

Wildlife Trust

A forest school with a difference: Nick Baker and friend

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March - July 2016 ROEBUCK 138 25

The UK’s leading nature challenge is back for 2016, and we are inviting you to take part.

Last year The Wildlife Trusts launched 30 Days Wild, when we asked people to do something wild every day throughout June. Thousands of you did, from the centre of London to the Outer Hebrides. We were

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

gardens. Even people at work managed to find some time for wildlife, such as holding meetings outside in the sun. And in the busiest city centres people were finding their own little bit of wild and encouraging it to thrive.

But don’t take our word for it…

Go wild this June

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

Do something wild every day from 1-30 JuneNi

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

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

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

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

“I already love nature, but this was an excuse to try different things”

“It got really exciting. When it came to the end of June I didn’t want to stop”

“I had a much keener awareness of being part of nature”

“It was a welcome break from revision… a great stress relief.”

Many studies show that spending time regularly in wild green environments improves your health, happiness, and pro-nature behaviours. So, working with the University of Derby last year, we evaluated the impact of the first 30 Days Wild on our participants.

They took a quiz before June, straight after June and again two months later. The results were startling. people reported feeling significantly healthier and happier not just at the time, but months after the challenge had finished. taking part also led to a sustained increase in connection to nature, and pro-nature behavious. Great news for wildlife and people.

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

Healthier and happier in 30 days

wildlifetrusts.org/30DaysWild

When you take the 30 Days Wild challenge

Free wall chart!

Sign up at:

TIFFAny FRAncIS, 24, HAmpSHIRe Alex WHITe, 12, OxFORDSHIRe

KATHeRIne DIxSOn, 59, STAFFORDSHIRe DAWOOD quReSHI, 16, bucKIngHAmSHIRe

March - July 2016 ROEBUCK 138 27

After 15 years of campaigning by The Wildlife Trusts, the first seabed habitats are being protected from damaging activities

Emily CunninghamScuba-diver and writer Emily is Living Seas Officer at The Wildlife Trusts.

Real hope for our seasI’m feeling optimistic about our seas. Thanks to recent designations (p4) there has been a huge increase in the area of our seabed that is protected by law. And new measures restrict damaging fishing activity, giving our seas time and space to recover.

There are now 50 Marine Conservation Zones in English and UK offshore waters. It’s a great step forward from just a few years ago, but it’s still work in progress. Ultimately, sites at sea protected under national and European laws should come together to create an ‘ecologically coherent’ network that works for wildlife.

In fact, EU laws have made a big difference

to our seas: from stopping us dumping raw sewage at sea and forcing us to clean up our beaches, to driving progress in setting up, and then managing, protected areas.

Designation of a protected area at sea should mean that potentially damaging activity, from fishing to offshore wind farms, is regulated to safeguard special wildlife and habitats. But until three years ago, those protected areas we did have were lines on a map – protection in theory more than practice. Then, in late 2012, after significant pressure from The Wildlife Trusts and others, including the threat of court action, the Government began to bring in proper protection,

beginning with sites designated under EU laws.Fishing activities were assessed, starting

with the most damaging types, such as scallop dredging. By the end of 2013 there were 17 new byelaws to protect seabed habitats in 25 areas (covering more than 5,680 square kilometres). Now the focus is moving to ‘medium-risk’ activities affecting the seabed and intertidal habitats.

To support this process Wildlife Trusts across the UK have been working with Defra and other stakeholders, getting out in all weathers to gather vital data on marine species and habitats.

For years we have taken our seas for

Until three years ago, protection happened more

in theory than in practice

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After 15 years of campaigning by The Wildlife Trusts, the first seabed habitats are being protected from damaging activities

All over the UK, local authorities are working out the nitty gritty of seabed protection. Here are two examplesReal hope for our seas

granted, relying on them for food, fuel and fun without thinking about the impact we are having, particularly on the seabed. Finally this is starting to change.

Further progress is coming: a third tranche of Marine Conservation Zones in England, and more protected areas in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. But we’ll need your help to make it happen.

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

Success stories

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

Now, 1,106 square km are protected from

bottom trawling. That equates to 92.5% of the area’s designated MpAs. Many vulnerable species are benefiting from this management, among them the slow-growing pink sea fans and soft corals of the rocky reefs off Start point to plymouth Sound and Eddystone SAC.

Scotland got its first 30 Nature Conservation MpAs in 2014 – but nevertheless they remained unprotected. Then, in December 2015, the Scottish Government announced new measures for managing the most damaging fishing activities in many of its inshore MpAs.

These measures have begun a new era in the management of Scottish seas. They will protect vulnerable seabed habitats such as cold water coral reefs and maerl beds (see main picture). Maerl is a slow-growing seaweed which calcifies and provides a habitat for other sea creatures.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust played an important role in campaigning for this strong decision, as well as in the collection of valuable data via video surveys on the seabed habitats of the Wester ross MpA.

Huge drop in bottom trawling off Devon

A new era for Scottish seas

District administered by Devon and Severn IFCA

Designated Marine protected Area

Area protected from bottom trawling

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Blennies and a sea hare stretch out on a bed of maerl algae, one

of the habitats which is finally being protected

Here’s what the video saw on the seabed

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

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

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

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With serious floods now a part of life in the UK, it’s time to flush the old ways of thinking down the drain. Stephen Trotter sets out The Wildlife Trusts’ alternative

Something has to change

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

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With serious floods now a part of life in the UK, it’s time to flush the old ways of thinking down the drain. Stephen Trotter sets out The Wildlife Trusts’ alternative

Something has to change

Hebden Bridge, York, Leeds, Tadcaster, cockermouth, pooley Bridge, Bradford, glenridding, Aberdeen. Just some of the villages, towns and cities affected by the december floods. More than 16,000 houses flooded, and many businesses too. Tens of thousands of people have suffered the trauma and disruption of having their lives turned upside down. recovery takes months or years.

Prime Minister David Cameron recently called for an ‘attitudinal change’ on flood protection. Whilst we agree on that point, he wants to shift the focus away from protecting nature and towards protecting property. in fact, we must do both. We need to take a new, collective approach to finding long-term, effective solutions to these predictable and recurring floods. They are the result of a combination of factors:

■ our natural defences (habitats, water catchments and river ecosystems) have been dismantled and damaged by intensive land management – often driven by government subsidies intended to increase food production.

■ We lack an integrated approach to flood and drought alleviation, water quality issues and wildlife decline. The solutions to these challenges need to be woven together, not sat in separate silos.

■ We have spent decades ignoring Environment Agency advice by building in the wrong places. Floodplains are not suitable for housing and other developments.

■ urban areas lack the vegetated wild spaces needed to absorb water safely and release it slowly. poor planning, too much hard landscaping and paved-over front gardens don’t help.

The most fundamental factor in any catchment is how the land is managed. For example, research by devon Wildlife Trust and plymouth university shows that wilder ‘culm’ grassland absorbs 4.5 times more water than sown and fertilised pasture. Trees are better still. So well-wooded catchments and those with wetlands

More than 16,000 houses

have been flooded, and many businesses

December 27th: Emergency services

rescue a family in York

March - July 2016 ROEBUCK 138 31

and wildflower-rich grasslands are much better at coping with extreme rainfall events.

Ploughing-up of densely-vegetated wild habitats, over-grazing, digging drains and straightening rivers have all had disastrous consequences for our landscapes, which now have a severely reduced capacity to absorb and store water. once a catchment is saturated, the speed of run off determines whether a flood becomes an extreme incident.

often the land manager’s objective is to get the water away as quickly as possible. But this simply passes it on downstream – where it can become someone else’s bigger problem.

Then it hits the floodplains which we have developed and constrained – the spaces into which they could naturally expand during intense

flood events. Far too often, society has failed to respect or value the functioning of this natural process.

There has to be a better way and there is: to work with natural processes rather than against them. By carefully locating and designing more absorbent habitats like woodlands, wetlands and

floodplains, we can increase the water-holding capacity of landscapes near towns and cities. This can be good for people and good for wildlife – and often far cheaper than the hard concrete solutions we hear so much about.

natural approaches help avoid the extreme

Carefully designing

more absorbent habitats can protect towns and cities

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

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

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

designing more places like these three into local plans can help us deal with future flooding – and provide much-needed space for wildlife. A real win-win.

Short-eared owl – often seen in wetlands that can help to fight floods

After

Before

Penrith’s flood reduction system Centenary Riverside fills upOverflow slip at Lunt Meadows

The same peatland after ditch blocking was completed

Welsh peatland dried out by ‘improvements’

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peaks that can be so damaging. if all of the tributaries in a catchment spill their water into main rivers at slightly different times, it has been shown the most severe flooding can be avoided – making a huge difference to the number of homes and businesses affected.

There is a role for hard defences and dredging in some places but they won’t work everywhere. We need an approach that looks at underlying causes – from the headwaters to the coast. Everyone needs to work together to find local solutions that work for people and wildlife across whole catchments.

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

■ Read more at wildlifetrusts.org/flooding

10 ways to help nature help people

SOME EvIDENCE fOR A RETHINK

1 Plan land use at a catchment scaleuse ecological network maps to create

large, new multi-functional areas at strategic locations around vulnerable villages, towns and cities.

2Stop building on floodplainsplanning policy must rigorously prevail

against urban floodplain development. Too often, concerns are dismissed with disastrous effect.

3Renaturalise riversintroduce more

meanders, dead wood and rocks to slow the water. recognise that the floodplain is part of the system, even if it is dry most of the time.

4 Protect soilsEncourage farming practices that

restore soil and its ability to intercept run-off – especially near streams and rivers.

5Rebuild absorbent uplandsKeep more water in the hills for longer by

restoring wet peatlands, and letting broadleaf trees regenerate naturally in critical places.

6Rip up city pavingpermeable surfaces, green

roofs and wild areas in communal outdoor spaces should be part of all new development.

7Create buffer strips Strips of grasses and flowers

along watercourses in towns or countryside slow the flow of water and reduce levels of pollutants.

8Design and protect buildings better Help vulnerable householders to adapt their

houses so that a flood is less of an issue and life can return to normal more quickly.

9Ensure farm payments reward helpful practices

Public payments should be for public benefits such as flood alleviation and the restoration of wild habitats.

10Commit fully to tackling climate change

properly commit to the paris climate change Agreement. set up a national natural infrastructure commission to lead and coordinate activity.

less flow

Leave that dead tree

The magic of trees

times more

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

devon’s culm grasslands hold 4.5 times more water than intensively-managed grasslands.

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

six large woody debris piles in a northumberland stream doubled the travel time for the flood peak 1km downstream.

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

68% 4.5

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SOURCE: environMenT AgenCy, PuTToCk & brAzier 2014

155 millionlitres

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10 places to see

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1 cs Lewis reserve, risinghurstBerks, Bucks and Oxon WT

Thought to be the inspiration behind the Narnia books, this tranquil woodland belonged to the celebrated Oxford author. Toads spawn in spring and there are dragonflies and damselflies in summer, as well as songbirds. Where is it? Risinghurst, Oxford OX3 8JD. Park end of Lewis Close. Grid SP560067.

2 Ystradfawr, Ystradgynlais Brecknock Wildlife Trust

Once an industrial landscape with three collieries, the reserve has been left to nature for 60 years. With wet woodland and marshy grassland it’s one of the best areas

in Wales for the rare marsh fritillary. The wild flowers are magnificent, and there are butterflies, grass snakes and common lizards.Where is it? Off Weavers Road, Ystradgynlais SA9 1SE.Grid SN796 108.

3 johnston Terrace, edinburghscottish Wildlife Trust

The Trust’s smallest reserve demonstrates how a small, neglected urban area can be converted into an invaluable wildlife refuge. Access is through a locked gate by prior arrangement with the Trust’s head office.Where is it? Off Johnston Terrace, SE of Edinburgh castle. Grid NT254735.

4 cricklepit Mill, exeterDevon Wildlife Trust

Once overgrown and disused, it’s now the Trust’s HQ, a working mill and an inspirational wildlife garden. A stream encourages grey wagtails, dippers, kingfishers and otters. There are also more than 150 plant species.Where is it? Commercial Road, Exeter EX2 4AB. 10min on foot from Exeter centre.

5Winnall Moors, WinchesterHants & IOW Wildlife Trust

A collection of former water meadows and reedbeds surrounding the River Itchen, Winnal Moors has orchids, dragonflies, kingfishers and water voles.

Children’s discovery packs are at the tourist information centre. Where is it? Durngate Place, Winchester SO23 8DX. Grid SU486297.

6 Gunnersbury Triangle, chiswick

London Wildlife TrustSaved by local people from development 30 years ago, the reserve has birch and willow woodlands, a pond, and marsh and meadows. There are butterflies, amphibians, woodpeckers and sparrowhawks.Where is it? Bollo Lane, Gunnersbury, W4 5LW. Grid TQ 201 786.

Urban wildlife

Urban wildlife – it’s good for you!

■ Wild places can improve our mood, and

increase our sense of self-worth1

■ Playing and learning in wild places can help

children to develop meaningful relationships with

family and friends2

■ Children with easy access to nature are more able to cope with stressful

situations2

■ Wild places teach children about taking risks and making

rational decisions2

■ Children are happier, healthier and more creative

when they’re connected to the natural world2

1: DCSF, 2010; Bird, 2007. 2: Wells, 2000; Wells and

Evans, 2003, in Bragg, et al., 2014. MacKerron et al.,

mappiness.org, 2013

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Garden tiger moth

UK News

34 ROEBUCK 138 March - July 2016

7 seller’s Wood, nottinghamnottinghamshire WT

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

8 st nicholas park, newcastle northumberland WT

A woodland, pond, grassland and wildlife garden. There’s a play area, and the pond has frogs, palmate newts and many damselfly species. Summer brings butterflies and a developing mix of grassland flowers including yellow rattle, cowslip and tufted vetch.Where is it? St Nicholas Hospital, Gosforth, Newcastle NE3 3XT. Grid NZ 235 683.

9Hutchinsons Meadow, Woodbridge

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

10 Bog Meadows, Belfast Ulster Wildlife Trust

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

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Where to find these places

Who can resist a grin like that? according to wildaboutgardens.org,

there may now be more common frogs in urban

areas than in the countryside

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for our full listing of places to see

urban wildlife see wildlifetrusts.org/

urban-wildlife

March - July 2016 ROEBUCK 138 35

People’s Postcode Lottery unleashing the inner ‘wild’ in people across the Region.

People’s Postcode Lottery manages multiple society lotteries promoted by different charities including Postcode Green Trust, a charity registered in Scotland (SC042544) and regulated by the Gambling Commission under licences 000-030268-R-311787-007 and 000-030268-N-311788-006. For details on each week’s society lottery visit: www.postcodelottery.co.uk/society. Players must be 16 years or over. Only available to play with postcodes in England, Scotland and Wales. Not available in NI. Conditions apply. See: www.postcodelottery.co.uk £10 for 10 draws paid monthly in advance, a minimum of 27.5% goes directly to charities. For a full list of

prizes visit www.postcodelottery.co.uk/prizes Maximum ticket prize is 10% of draw proceeds up to £400,000. Postcode Lottery Ltd is regulated by the Gambling Commission under licences 000-000829-N-102511-010 and 000-000829-R-102513-009. Registered office: Postcode Lottery Ltd, Titchfield House, 69/85 Tabernacle Street, London, EC2A 4RR. Company reg. no. 04862732. VAT reg. no 848 3165 07.

Throughout 2016, players of People’s Postcode Lottery will be supporting a huge range of community outreach events with something for everybody, whatever their age – from willow weaving and foraging to camp fire cooking and bat spotting after dark.

Over the past eight years, thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, £919,940 has been raised for Northumberland Wildlife Trust. By playing you support hundreds of good causes.

Find out more at www.postcodelottery.co.uk

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Photo: NWT