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Drought ‘biggest threat’ to UK nature reserves, say Wildlife Trusts

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BirdGuides reports a new report published by The Wildlife Trusts, Embracing Nature, has identified drought as the current leading threat to their nature reserves.

The Wildlife Trusts, which are among the UK’s largest landowners with 2,600 nature reserves covering nearly 100,000 ha, also point to pollution, invasive species and habitat fragmentation as high risks. Drought is also considered to be the leading threat for the next 30 years, followed by other climate-driven dangers such as heatwaves and wildfires.

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London Resort: Wildlife charities unite against theme park

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The BBC reports three conservation charities have come together to object against plans for a theme park on a “nationally important” wildlife site in Kent. The London Resort is currently going through the planning application process and, if approved, work could start on Swanscombe’s marshes in 2022. Kent Wildlife Trust, Buglife and the RSPB want it to be declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Andy Martin, from London Resort, said it planned to “enhance” the habitat. If approved, the brownfield site would be transformed into the first major theme park to be built in Europe in nearly 30 years. The 535-acre site would have two theme parks, a water park, hotels, shopping centres and entertainment venues, and is ultimately expected to support 17,000 jobs. 

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‘An alarm bell we must not ignore’: Major report calls for huge pesticide reductions to halt collapse in vital insect populations

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The Independent reports almost 17,000 tonnes of pesticides are sprayed on UK countryside each year, warns The Wildlife Trusts. Insects are rapidly being annihilated, risking ecosystem collapse with dire repercussions for humanity, according to a report urging major new targets to preserve these vital creatures and the environments which support them.

The Wildlife Trusts’ Reversing the Decline of Insects report lays bare the huge toll human activity is having on insects and their habitats, and calls for action “at every level of society, from local to global”, to address the issue. 

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Coronavirus: Keeping your garden flourishing during lockdown

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Watch this video!

The BBC report that for many of us trapped in our homes during the coronavirus outbreak, our gardens offer sanctuary.

But what plants, insects and animals can we expect to see at this time of year? And how can we help everything flourish?

Nick Acheson, from Norfolk Wildlife Trust, filmed this report from his back garden explaining what to look out and what to do as spring comes into full swing.

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Brexit no deal planning has destroyed thousands of Britain’s rarest orchids

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The TELEGRAPH reports Brexit no-deal planning meant a council destroyed 17,000 of Britain’s rarest orchids in one day – and it will take up to eight years for them to grow back. Volunteers from Kent Wildlife Trust had been lovingly tending the purple carpet of rare bee and common orchids for over 15 years.
Not only did they attract and sustain a thriving population of bees, but 20 different butterfly species were sustained by the verge. Now, all that remains of the verge is a lump of mud after Kent County Council ordered it to be bulldozed to make way for a drainage ditch due to Operation Brock, intended to tackle queues coming to and from Dover in the case of a No Deal Brexit. 
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New ‘Wind in the Willows’ film trailer shows destruction of UK nature

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The Independent reports a  striking film “trailer” for The Wind In The Willows calling for action to help nature has been unveiled by environmental campaigners.
Sir David Attenborough and Stephen Fry are among the talents featured in the film, which shows the animal characters facing 21st century threats such as road building and plastic pollution.
‘This country of nature lovers needs to give its wildlife every chance to survive, thrive and expand its range,’ says Sir David Attenborough, who appears in new trailer.
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30% Decline in Water Vole Areas

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The areas in which water voles are living in England and Wales have declined by nearly 30% in a decade, according to a new study by the Wildlife Trusts.

Alex Learmont from Surrey Wildlife Trust gave a talk to the FNW group last April about the country’s fastest declining mammal.  Remember if you’d like to help search for “Ratty” in Surrey please email alex.learmont@surreywt.org.uk.

[photo © Nick Ford]