Get Up-Close-And-Personal with Devon’s Wildlife

RSPB Press Release: Get Up-Close-And-Personal with Devon's Wildlife ** 

Media release 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The RSPB in Devon are offering a special opportunity to join their outdoors Volunteer Work Party, which takes place every Thursday. This practical work is carried out across the RSPB’s Devon nature reserves and enables people to develop their skills, gain training, socialise and get to know their local wildlife. 

Tom Pace, Assistant Warden for the Devon reserves said: “Our volunteer work party is a great opportunity to get outdoors on a landscape that’s teeming with wildlife and make a real difference to Devon’s nature. 

“Work party activities can include hedge laying, grassland management, fence repairs, small building projects and so much more – there’s never a dull moment and volunteers will definitely be able to develop a wide range of practical skills. There’s a great feeling of teamwork amongst the team and it’s brilliant to socialise with like-minded people who are passionate about Devon’s great outdoors. 

“Our work parties also offer a very unique opportunity to explore parts of our nature reserves that are not open for public access, so our volunteers gain a special backstage pass to some of Devon’s more secretive greenspaces.” 

The RSPB Devon Volunteer Work Parties take place every Thursday from 9.00 am-4.00 pm. The group meet at the RSPB Exminster office and then travel to the various sites in RSPB vehicles. Volunteers work on the RSPB’s Exminster, Exe Estuary, Labrador Bay and Chapel Wood nature reserves. 

Tom continues: “If you’re still unsure as to whether our Volunteer Work Parties are for you, here are a few thoughts from our current Volunteers - 

“For me, I think there's no better way to really get to know the local area, its wildlife and reserves and how they work, than by volunteering on them. It's great having a day away from everyday stresses just to be outdoors in nature, doing something hands-on that really makes a difference.” 

“A small effort on my part is my way of giving nature a home, and as the advert says "every little helps!" 

“Experiencing life on the edge - of the Exe Estuary” 

“The work of an RSPB volunteer is all about delivering the good intentions of others, because without the volunteers, all there is left is just good intentions - but nothing else!” 

No previous experience is required; the RSPB will provide all the training you need. If you’re interested in joining the Work Party and helping the RSPB deliver more for Devon’s wildlife, get in touch on: exe.estuary@rspb.org.uk or call: 01392 833311

Deer culled by RSPB 'suffered slow deaths'

Birds charity embroiled in row over switch from traditional lead to copper bullets

By Emily Gosden

12:01AM BST 08 Aug 2015

A former RSPB marksman has accused the charity of putting ramblers in danger and causing suffering to deer after switching to new 'environmentally-friendly' bullets.

Colonel Johnny O’Brien, a former armoured regiment commander who was hired by the RSPB as a deer stalker, said the animals suffered slow deaths after the charity instructed him to use copper bullets instead of traditional lead ones.

The charity made the switch in 2010 amid concerns that the traditional bullets fragmented within carcasses and could result in toxic lead entering the human food chain as venison, or poisoning birds.

But Mr O’Brien, who had been culling deer at the RSPB’s Arne reserve in Dorset since 2005, said the copper bullets he used instead failed to kill the deer quickly.

Whereas the lead bullets killed deer within four seconds, and often instantly, Mr O'Brien said that 26 out of 39 deer culled with the copper ammunition during the 2010-11 season survived for at least 10 seconds after being shot, with some running for 40 seconds or more before collapsing.

Continued ...

Changes to EU nature laws could be 'catastrophic' for Salisbury Plain

First published Friday 15 May 2015 in Newsby Alex Rennie, Reporter

THE RSPB have described the potential weakening of EU nature laws as the “biggest disaster for wildlife in our lifetime” which could have serious implications on the Salisbury Plain.

The directives that have protected the region's wildlife since the 1970s are under threat according to the society and they have backed a European wide campaign to save them.

They have listed Salisbury Plain as one of the places at risk and say unpicking these laws would be "catastrophic" for wildlife.

Tony Whitehead from the RSPB in the West Country said: "The nature directives are the bedrock of nature conservation in the West Country; providing the highest level of protection that any habitats or species currently have – and they work.

Continued ...

Leighton Moss nature reserve: RSPB locks horns with deer lovers over cull

Bird charity blames the animals for damage at Site of Special Scientific Interest

HELEN CARTER

Friday 06 February 2015

The two sides have squared up like a pair of rutting stags. In one corner is the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, which runs Leighton Moss nature reserve in Lancashire, where it wants to shoot some of the local red deer. In the other, local nature campaigners vehemently opposed to the idea of a “horrible” cull.

Leighton Moss is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area and home to between 60 and 90 deer, which also roam into the surrounding Silverdale area.

The reserve boasts the largest reed bed in the North-West of England, which attracts breeding bitterns, bearded tits, marsh harriers and otters, and has featured in the BBC’s flagship nature programme Autumnwatch.

Continued ...

RSPB records successes and declines of species on its reserves

Although best known for their work to conserve birds, the RSPB in fact monitors a broad range of species. They have recorded a staggering 16,006 species across their 212 reserves covering 150,000 hectares (370,000 acres) of wildlife habitats in the UK, and a very substantial 97 per cent of these species are not birds. 

Water Voles are one of the species found 

to be on the increase according to the RSPB. 

The Water Vole is recolonising RSPB’s 

Insh Marshes.

The organisation has reviewed how the diverse wildlife on its reserves has fared during 2014, and has reported instances of both successes and species declines. 

It has been a good year for the rare Ladybird Spider, which has benefitted from good numbers of its beetle prey. The spider, which gets its name from its bright red body and the black spots of the male spider, was thought to be extinct until a small number were rediscovered in 1980 at a site in Dorset. They have been reintroduced to several more sites in Dorset, including at RSPB Arne, where a higher number of the spiders’ distinctive webs were observed. 

There has also been success for the Water Vole in Scotland where they have recolonised RSPB’s Insh Marshes. Their numbers decreased by a concerning 90 per cent over the past four decades due to the introduction of the American Mink, who preys on the small mammal. Their increase in numbers at Insh Marshes is thought to be a result of work done by the Scottish Mink Initiative, who are working to remove the mink from northern Scotland and have put in place measures to control mink in Cairngorms National Park. 

Continued ...

Ladybird spider, water vole and marsh fritillary butterfly numbers increase in mild weather

Some of Britain’s most endangered animals and plants have seen their numbers increase because of the mild weather in Britain this year, a new report has shown.

A survey of RSPB nature reserves has discovered that some species have been boosted by the clement conditions and their numbers are steadily recovering.

The rare ladybird spider; the water vole; the rare orchid Irish lady’s tresses, and the marsh fritillary butterfly have all had good years.

Martin Harper, RSPB Conservation Director said: “Last year’s State of Nature report showed that 60 per cent of UK species are declining.

“This year some have done well, largely because of a combination of good weather and the right management of a network of protected areas, such as our nature reserves. These can help wildlife flourish even if the intervening countryside is inhospitable.

“Climate change is already having an impact on wildlife and this affects decisions on our reserves.

“It also intensifies the call for more, bigger and better connected protected areas. Our best sites must be protected and budgets to support wildlife-friendly farming must be bolstered.”

Continued ...

Rare Breed Pigs to Help Dorset's Endangered Species

24 October 2014

UK - A herd of rare breed pigs is helping to create the perfect habitat for endangered species in Dorset.

For the first time, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has recruited six Mangalitsa pigs to restore its Arne nature reserve to natural heathland through grazing.

It is hoped the site will then become an ideal home for species such as the Dartford warbler, nightjar, smooth snake, sand lizard and stonechats.

"It is an experimental project that we hope will produce fantastic results for nature at our Arne reserve," said Mark Singleton, RSPB Dorset reserves operations manager.

Last year, the RSPB's State of Nature report found that 60 per cent of UK species have declined over the past five decades. Mr Singleton said the rare breed pig project is "one of many that the RSPB is carrying out to tackle this problem and try to reverse these declines."

Read on ...

Pitch your tent and get close to nature - via Tony Whitehead

Media release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Enjoy our Big Wild Sleepout and do your bit to give nature a home

Thousands of people across the south west can carry on camping for wildlife this summer by taking part in the RSPB’s second Big Wild Sleepout.

Whether you would like to camp in your back garden or want to take part in an event on an RSPB reserve near you, the RSPB can help you organise your sponsored sleep out.

From 16-22 June, the RSPB is encouraging people to spend a night under the stars to find out which creatures they share their homes with, and raise money to help protect them.

The charity has produced a free fundraising pack full of everything you need to host a successful sleep out. It contains lots of fun ideas to make raising money really easy. [note 1]

UK wildlife will play host to all kinds of campers: adventurous ones who will be building and sleeping in dens and shelters; some sticking to the traditional tent; others planning to sleep on their garden trampoline and some who will just venture outdoors and sleep under the stars.

As well as getting their sleep outs sponsored to raise money and help save wildlife, everyone can take part in a range of activities, such as den building, torchlight safaris and bug hunting.

If you don’t have a garden, see if friends or relatives have something planned or see if you can book a pitch at one of the RSPB organised “sleepovers” at one of our reserves:

Devon

Big Wild Sleepout on RSPB Aylesbeare Nature Reserve

9am 21 June to 9am 22 June

Price: RSPB member £35, non-member £40. Children: Wildlife Explorers £22, non-Wildlife Explorers £25. Booking essential

Steven Henry, Visitor Officer for RSPB in Devon said: “We can't wait for the big wild Sleepout at Aylesbeare Common. How often do you get the chance to build an iron age roundhouse in such a beautiful place and surrounded by such amazing wildlife? I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone get stuck in to the building. It will be a real opportunity to get a different perspective on this wonderful reserve and learn more about the wildlife on your doorstep.

“As it's not your everyday challenge, we're also asking people to raise sponsorship for the event and the person who raises the most will win a £400 camping set donated by Blacks. After a full day and night, we hope everyone will be really inspired by what they've done and seen and continue to help the RSPB give nature a home.

Dorset

Big Wild Sleepout on RSPB Arne Nature Reserve

‘Gimme Shelter’ Saturday 21 June. 3pm on Saturday, overnight and depart by 10am on Sunday

Price: £35 non members, £30 RSPB members, £15 non member (under 16), £10 RSPB member (under 16). Booking essential

‘In Tents’ Friday 8 August. 5pm on Friday, overnight and depart by 10am on Saturday

Price: £25 non members, £20 RSPB members, £15 non member (under 16), £10 RSPB member (under 16). Booking essential

Rob Farrington, Visitor Officer for RSPB in Dorset said; “This year at Arne we are giving the public two opportunities to stay all night on one of the RSPB’s most wonderful nature reserves. Jutting out into Poole harbour, Arne is jam packed full of wildlife and the scenery is breath taking. In June join us to build your own shelter on the reserve, enjoy locally sourced food and head out onto the reserve in the dark. In August bring your tent and spend the night on a private area of the reserve overlooking the harbour. All profits go straight back into our conservation work, so what could be better?”

All money raised helps to give nature a home. £20 could buy a nestbox for starlings, £30 could pay for a GPS tag to monitor where a seabird flies to find food and £60 helps install predator protection fencing to safeguard water voles.

The Big Wild Sleepout is part of the RSPB’s ‘Giving Nature a Home’ campaign, aimed at inspiring everyone to do their bit for nature, wherever they live and however big their outside space. [note 2]

Tony Whitehead, speaking for the RSPB in the south west said: “Most people who take part will probably help give nature a home throughout the year by providing food, water and shelter. The Big Wild Sleepout is a chance to take part in the RSPB’s biggest fundraising event to help give nature a home. Join family or friends for a sponsored sleepout in your back garden or at an organised event.  Put up a tent, make a shelter or sleep under the stars and discover a whole world of wildlife you can help to save.”

Some of our best loved garden favourites are among the creatures shown to be in serious trouble including starlings, hedgehogs, some butterflies and ladybirds. All are in danger of further declines unless more is done to provide better habitats. [note 3]

The Big Wild Sleepout is being supported by Blacks, the leading outdoor equipment specialist [note 4]. Ken Reeve, CEO of Blacks, says: “Encouraging people – young and old – to get outdoors and experience nature first-hand is something we’re really passionate about at Blacks. That’s why we’re supporting the Big Wild Sleepout for the second year running. I can’t wait to join in!”

For more information, ideas on how to make the most of your Big Wild Sleepout or to get hold of your free Sleepout fundraising pack, visit: www.rspb.org.uk/sleepout.

Ends

For further information and to arrange an interview, please contact:

Tony Whitehead, RSPB Press Officer, 01392 453754, 07872 414365

Photos

There are a number of images available to download free of charge in support of this story. Click the link below and then enter the username and password when prompted.https://www.rspb-images.com/respages/storysetsignon.aspx?key=53558041-d464-4292-b5ae-c51a86b40198

User Name:        wild
Password:           sleepout

Editor’s notes:

1. Get sponsored to spend a night with nature. Set up a fundraising page on Just Giving and encourage your friends and family to sponsor you. An online sponsorship page is easy to set up and just as easy for people to donate to you. Why not give it a go and start fundraising today? Just visit the RSPB Big Wild Sleepout website for all the details. www.rspb.org.uk/sleepout. Fundraising packs will be sent out from mid-April.

2. Giving Nature a Home is the RSPB’s latest campaign, aimed at tackling the housing crisis facing the UK’s threatened wildlife. The charity is asking people to provide a place for wildlife in their own gardens and outside spaces – whether it by planting pollen-rich plants to attract bees and butterflies, putting up a nestbox for a house sparrow, or creating a pond that will support a number of different species. The RSPB hopes to inspire people across the UK to create a million new homes for nature. rspb.org.uk/homes

3. The State of Nature report: For the first time ever, the UK’s wildlife organisations have joined forces to undertake a health check of nature in the UK and its Overseas Territories. Working side-by-side, 25 wildlife organisations have compiled stock take of all our native wildlife. The report reveals that 60 per cent of the species studied have declined over recent decades. More than one in ten of all the species assessed are under threat of disappearing from our shores altogether. However, the report illustrates that targeted conservation has produced inspiring success stories and, with sufficient determination, resources and public support, we can turn the fortunes of our wildlife around. To see the full report visit rspb.org.uk/stateofnature

4. Blacks is one of the leading outdoor retailers in the UK with a long established history. In over 70 stores nationwide, passionate staff with expert knowledge help make Blacks synonymous with enthusiasm for the great outdoors. Flagship brands such as The North Face, Berghaus, Jack Wolfskin and Merrell sit alongside exclusive brand 66° North, to offer an unrivalled selection of premium outdoor gear. In store services such as expert boot and rucksack fitting allow customers to get the advice and equipment to suit their needs, whatever their adventure. And stocking a comprehensive range of outdoor clothing, travel accessories, camping equipment and footwear, Blacks offer an extensive choice in all categories. www.blacks.co.uk

Pottery Celebrates Wildlife in New Range - via Tony Whitehead

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Morwenna Griffiths, speaking for the RSPB in the South West said, “To mark the RSPB’s 125^th anniversary, the world famous Moorcroft studio have launched a limited edition collection inspired by the wildlife that we strive to protect.

“Designed by Moorcroft’s Kerry Goodwin, the collection contains six intricately beautiful pieces, which depict species from the charity’s All Nature Conservation Concern list. Each carefully crafted piece is stamped on the base with the words ‘made for the RSPB’ – so these really are special works of art. The animals depicted include bittern, little egret, brown hare, harvest mouse, lynx and water vole.

“We’re thrilled that Moorcroft will be donating a percentage of the profits made from sales to the RSPB – this is such a powerful gesture form Moorcroft and it gives customers that added satisfaction that not only are they investing in a very unique piece of ceramic ware, but they are also helping the RSPB to give nature a home.

“Like the RSPB, Moorcroft has over 100-years of longevity – a testament to the impeccable quality, creativity and prestige of this historical ceramics company.  Designer Kerry Goodwin has a 14 year career with Moorcroft and her designs often reflect her vibrant and warm character.

“This unique RSPB collection will be launched at Goviers of Sidmouth, Devon on Friday 25 April, 6.00-7.30pm. As well as having the opportunity to purchase items from this exclusive RSPB collection, visitors will be able to enjoy an introduction from Steven Henry of the RSPB and a complimentary drink with canapés”.

Alan Morgenroth , Manager of Goviers says : “Goviers are thrilled to be part of this exciting partnership between the RSPB and Moorcroft, the most famous name in British Art Pottery. We have come together to promote the RSPB’s campaign to protect and conserve all British wildlife.” 

Ends

For further information and to arrange an interview, please contact:

Tony Whitehead, RSPB Press Officer, 01392 453754, 07872 414365

Photographs available on request

West Country garden wildlife revealed - via Tony Whitehead

Media release

World’s biggest wildlife survey reports a chorus of frogs hopping around in our gardens

Almost half of people in the south west see frogs in their gardens regularly, according to the second round of results from the world’s biggest wildlife survey, run by the RSPB.

This year, for the first-time in the 36 year history of the survey, Big Garden Birdwatch participants were also asked to tell the RSPB about some of the other wildlife that visits their gardens throughout the year, including common frogs, grey squirrels, badgers and hedgehogs. This follows the release of the bird results by the charity at the end of last month.

Almost half a million people took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch and most of them supplied extra information on the other garden wildlife they see. The RSPB hopes to use it to build an overall picture of how important our gardens are for all types of wildlife and tailor its advice so people can help their wild visitors find a home, feed and breed successfully.

The RSPB’s partners, including Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC), People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), and The Mammal Society, have been highly enthusiastic about including these data in their national datasets.

According to the results, grey squirrels came out on top overall, with two thirds of people seeing them in their West Country gardens at least once a month.  Hedgehogs were only seen regularly in a quarter of gardens and their populations have seriously declined by around 30% since the millennium. The West Country was also a garden hotspot for badgers, with over a quarter of respondents recording them regularly.

When not hibernating, the common frog takes the lead as the most abundant garden amphibian, according to the results. In the West Country eight out of ten people had seen frogs in their garden at least once, and half of people had seen them monthly.

When it comes to toads, a third of people in the south west see them monthly. The warty amphibians, which have declined especially in central and southern England, are more likely to visit gardens in rural areas, with 41% of householders in these areas seeing them on a monthly basis.
Last year, 25 wildlife organisations, including the RSPB, released the groundbreaking State of Nature report revealing 60 per cent of the wildlife species studied have declined over recent decades.

Many garden favourites were among the creatures shown to be in serious trouble including starlings and hedgehogs, as well as some butterflies and ladybirds. All are in danger of further declines unless more is done to provide better habitats. 

Daniel Hayhow, RSPB conservation scientist, commented: “This massive survey shows how important our gardens are for the amazing variety of wildlife living there. 

“The State of Nature report showed that we need more information across many species groups, so widening the Big Garden Birdwatch’s scope to include other animals made perfect sense.

“This is the start of something big and something very, very important. In a few years’ time we’ll be able to compare how the distribution of garden wildlife may have changed. Hopefully, the fact that more people are helping to give nature a home in their gardens and outside spaces will mean we see improvements rather than declines.”

Dr John Wilkinson, ARC Science Programme Manager, said: “It’s great to know that frogs and toads are still widespread in UK gardens, which are a crucial habitat for both of them, but worrying that toads are relatively so much less common than frogs, especially in England. Future results from Big Garden Birdwatch will be critical in helping to understand all the factors affecting all our wildlife, including amphibians.”

David Wembridge, mammal surveys coordinator for the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, said: “Gardens can be ideal habitats for mammals but from the Big Garden Birdwatch and People’s Trust for Endangered Species’ (PTES) mammal surveys, we know that only a minority of gardens are regularly used by hedgehogs – one species we’re particularly concerned about. With numbers falling in the wider countryside, doing more to encourage hedgehogs into the green spaces around our homes and places of work could make a big difference.”

Marina Pacheco, the Mammal Society's Chief Executive, said: "Those taking part in this year's Big Garden Birdwatch have captured one of the largest snapshots ever recorded for some of our most endearing and threatened mammals. It's fantastic to know that gardens can be a vital refuge for rapidly-declining species like the red squirrel and hedgehog. As well as taking part in an enjoyable survey, participants have greatly increased our understanding of the distribution and relative abundance of UK mammals."

Giving Nature a Home is the RSPB’s latest campaign, aimed at tackling the housing crisis facing the UK’s threatened wildlife. The charity is asking people to provide a place for wildlife in their own gardens and outside spaces – whether it by planting pollen-rich plants to attract bees and butterflies, putting up a nestbox for a house sparrow, or creating a pond that will support a number of different species.

The RSPB hopes to inspire people across the UK to create a million new homes for nature.

To find out how you can give nature a home where you live visit rspb.org.uk/homes

Ends

For further information and to arrange an interview, please contact:

Tony Whitehead, RSPB Press Officer, 01392 453754, 07872 414365

Gemma Hogg 01767 693582 /07738881359 / gemma.hogg@rspb.org.uk

Broadcast-quality radio interviews:

To arrange an ISDN broadcast-quality radio interview please contact Tony or Gemma.

Photographs:

Images to support this story are available from RSPB Images.

To access an image, please click on the hyperlink below and then enter the user name and password when prompted:
https://www.rspb-images.com/respages/storysetsignon.aspx?key=c8d24154-f70f-4404-826e-7a4dd8e98676

User Name:                        RSPB
Password:                           BGBW 2014

Editor’s notes:

1.       273,351 Big Garden Birdwatch participants across the UK provided information about other wildlife that visits their garden.  The overall West Country results are given in the table here. The numbers represent the percentage of respondents in the south west:

	Badger	Grey Squirrel	Muntjac Deer	Roe Deer	Hedgehog	Common Frog	Common Toad
Seen at least monthly	26.6	66.3	4.1	12.3	26.7	48.9	34.5
Seen ever	10.1	19.3	1.7	5.2	8.7	82.0	71.0
Never seen	45.7	8.1	84.0	68.7	25.1	9.4	15.9

2.       This year Big Garden Birdwatch participants were asked to record the wildlife they see in their gardens throughout the year from a list of eight non-bird species (badger, hedgehog, grey squirrel, red squirrel, muntjac deer, roe deer, frog, toad). The survey asked: You may not see these creatures in your hour watching (especially frogs, toads and hedgehogs, which are hibernating right now), but we’d like to know if any of them visit your garden or park, and if so, roughly how often (daily, weekly, monthly, less than monthly, never, don’t know). The survey also recorded whether their gardens were urban, suburban or rural.

3.       The State of Nature report: For the first time ever, the UK’s wildlife organisations have joined forces to undertake a health check of nature in the UK and its Overseas Territories. Working side-by-side, 25 wildlife organisations have compiled stock take of all our native wildlife. The report reveals that 60 per cent of the species studied have declined over recent decades. More than one in ten of all the species assessed are under threat of disappearing from our shores altogether. However, the report illustrates that targeted conservation has produced inspiring success stories and, with sufficient determination, resources and public support, we can turn the fortunes of our wildlife around. For a summary of the State of Nature report click here or for the full report click here.

4.       The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s biggest wildlife survey with around half a million people taking part every year. Now in its fourth decade, the survey has made a major contribution to tracking garden bird numbers over the winter rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

5.       The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home. Together with our partners, we protect threatened birds and wildlife so our towns, coast and countryside will teem with life once again. We play a leading role in BirdLife International, a worldwide partnership of nature conservation organisations. rspb.org.uk

6.       Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC) is a national wildlife charity committed to conserving amphibians and reptiles and saving the disappearing habitats on which they depend. arc-trust.org

7.       Established in 1954, The Mammal Society is a charity advocating science-led mammal conservation, leading efforts to collect and share information on mammals, encourage research to learn more about their ecology and distribution, and contribute meaningfully to efforts to conserve them. mammal.org.uk

8.       In a constantly changing world where wildlife is under threat, many species are declining at an alarming rate. Since 1977 People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) has been helping to ensure a future for many endangered species throughout the world. ptes.org

9.       The RSPB offers everything to easily create a haven for wildlife in your garden. All our expertise has been used to develop the very best food and homes, using sustainable materials whenever possible. All the profits from our shop go towards helping birds and wildlife. Browse below, or view our online shop for our full range of products. rspb.org.uk/shop

Help a hungry hedgehog this spring with numbers in rapid decline

Thursday, 10th Apr 2014

Reporter: Ellis Barker Newbury News Reporter

Email: ellis.barker@newburynews.co.uk 

Contact: 01635 886639

HELP a hungry hedgehog this spring as they begin to emerge from hibernation.

Thatcham-based sanctuary Hedgehog Bottom has joined the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in its campaign to encourage residents to provide food for the spiky critters, with low quantities of insects to sustain them ahead of the breeding season.

Founder and manager of Hedgehogs Bottom, Gill Lucraft, said: “In 1955 there were 35 million hedgehogs in the country; we are now down to under one million.

“If it carries on at this rate we could lose them altogether in the next 15 to 20 years.

“Feeding them is important because they rely pretty much on back gardens – there’s nothing for them out in the country anymore.”

She has advised people to put bowls of cat biscuits under bushes to keep them dry, and shallow dishes of water around the garden.

Continued

RSPB launches a new nutritious treat to feed your garden hedgehogs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hungry, Hungry Hedgehogs!

RSPB launches a new nutritious treat to feed your garden hedgehogs

Morwenna Griffiths, speaking for the RSPB in the South West said, "As temperatures gradually rise, and nature begins to unfurl, our garden friends – the hedgehogs – also stir from their spiky-ball hibernation.  Sadly, it’s estimated that UK hedgehogs have declined by a third in the last ten years so it's vital that we do our little bit to give them a home in our own gardens this year.

 

“To help supplement the hedgehogs’ natural diet the RSPB has launched a new food specifically designed to meet their nutritional needs.  Cranberry Crunch is made from top quality ingredients, including: premium suet pellets; sunflower hearts; peanut nibs; dried mealworms; and dried cranberries.

“Cranberry Crunch is available at RSPB retail outlets such as the RSPB Shop at Darts Farm, Devon and our shop in Bath (it's available online too).  This food provides a healthier alternative to the old wives’ tale of bread and milk - which must always be avoided as it causes the hedgehogs stomach upset.  Small amounts of cake, biscuits and pastry as well as fresh and dried fruits and cooked vegetables can also be used as a tempting hedgehog treat.

 

“Many modern gardens have less “wild” space than they used to due to decking and paving, so Mr and Mrs Tiggywinkle now struggle to find natural shelter in hedges and leaf piles.  Planting a garden hedge helps enormously – the clue is in the hogs’ name – hedges are not only homes for ‘hedge’ hogs, but also provide habitat for nesting birds and a host of insects and small mammals.

“You can also help these prickly critters by setting up a permanent hedgehog shelter in your garden which are available from a range of outlets including the RSPB.

“Don’t forget having a hedgehog move-in can be a great advantage to any keen gardener, as they just love to munch their way through all of your pesky slugs and snails.”

The RSPB warns against using chemicals in the garden as slug pellets can be particularly detrimental.  Use non-toxic brands when putting preservative on garden sheds, fences and other wood furniture around the garden as hedgehogs often lick new smells and surfaces.

For more information visit: http://homes.rspb.org.uk/

Ends

For further information and to arrange an interview, please contact:

Tony Whitehead, RSPB Press Officer, 01392 453754, 07872 414365

Photographs:

Images to support this story are available from RSPB Images.

To access an image, please click on the hyperlink below and then enter the user name and password when prompted.

https://www.rspb-images.com/respages/storysetsignon.aspx?key=819158de-787f-497b-95e9-f54f1a941433

User Name: hedgehogsw

Password: hedgehog1

NOTES FOR EDITORS -

Tips to Help Protect Hedgehogs

·         Hedgehogs habitually hide themselves in piles of leaves, grass cuttings, pampas grass, compost heaps and bags of rubbish.  Always check these before burning, cutting, strimming, mowing, putting a fork into or disposing of them.

·         Many plastic items can trap, ensnare or cut a hedgehog.  These include netting, plastic can holders, large necked bottles, plastic pots and barbed wire.

·         Hedgehogs can also easily fall down holes, into water troughs, ponds, swimming pools and other types of water vessel.  If you cannot prevent them from falling in, then make sure there is always a way for them to get out.

·         Dogs can injure hedgehogs, so make sure you know what your dog is doing when in the garden late at night.

·         If you accidentally disturb an active hedgehog nest, carefully replace the material.  The hedgehog will soon repair or move the nest elsewhere.  If there are young in the nest, avoid touching them.  Similarly, if it is a hibernating adult, avoid waking it.  Should it wake, you may want to leave it some food nearby.

Minsmere: RSPB explains culling of its red deer

Andrew Hirst andrew.hirst@archant.co.uk 

Tuesday, January 14, 2014 

12:52 PM

A wildlife conservation charity has explained the culling of 250 red deer at a nature reserve as a “necessary way of maintaining the wonderful landscape” of the Suffolk coast.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) said the herd at Minsmere had increased greatly in recent years and was having an adverse impact on the habitats of other wildlife.

“In order to protect these iconic habitats such as the heath and reed beds at Minsmere, the RSPB needs to take action to reduce the current populations of deer,” said a spokesman for the charity.

“The decision to control deer was not taken lightly.”

A visitor to the site, however, has criticised the move, which he feels is at odds with the objectives of the UK’s largest nature conservation charity.

Wildlife enthusiast Duncan Wright, a frequent visitor to Minsmere, said that he could acknowledge the need to cull but felt it had been “poorly handled” by the RSPB.

Continued

RSPB says water should be 'shared' across levels

Last updated Thu 9 Jan 2014

Flood warnings for parts of the South West have been removed but the Environment Agency says rivers including the Parrett in Somerset may continue to rise as water is still draining into them.

Calls are now growing for a mass dredging of the Somerset levels. But the charity, the RSPB, says there is an alternative to clearing out the water channels. It says water should actually be made part of the landscape:

Watch video:

Loch Lomond goat cull: Sanctuary offers to re-house animals and update

An animal sanctuary has offered to re-home feral goats from the eastern shore of Loch Lomond to prevent them being culled.

Hillside Animal Sanctuary urged RSPB Scotland to halt the cull, which is being carried out to protect Pollochro Woods.

The area is viewed as a site of special scientific importance.

RSPB Scotland said it would consider alternatives solutions in March, but that the cull will continue until then.

Continued

SCOTTISH NATURE NOTES

Challenges of habitat management update

29 Nov 2013 12:47 PM 

Recently there has been some coverage about goats at our Inversnaid Reserve. Our previous blog explained the specialness of the reserve and the reasons that we need to control the goats at the site.

In the past 2 days we have been alerted to the suggestion that we have rejected an offer from an animal sanctuary in Norfolk to provide a home for the goats of Inversnaid. This is not the case. In the past 24 hours we have been in contact with Scotland for Animals, who have identified themselves as the organisation that set up the offer from the Norfolk animal sanctuary and we will be meeting with them shortly to discuss options.

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