Poole Harbour’s osprey pair have hatched their fourth chick of the year. The only breeding pair of ospreys on the South Coast have laid a clutch of four eggs for the second year running, and the Birds of Poole Harbour charity has announced that the final chick successfully hatched in the past week. In 2022, female CJ7 and male 002 became the first nesting pair on the south coast in 180 years as part of a reintroduction scheme.
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) by Birds of Gilgit-Baltistan, via flickr.
Golden Eagles are spreading their range from southern Scotland into England. Around 50 Golden Eagles have been translocated across Scotland since 2018 in an attempt to save this species amidst major population decline. In the past 7 years, South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP) have successfully translocated 28 juveniles and 15 sub-adult golden eagles from the Scottish Highlands to the Scottish borders. Satellite tagging has revealed that a number of birds are beginning to venture into Northumberland, the North Pennines, the Lake District and even as far south as Lancashire and Yorkshire, offering hope for the future reintroduction of Golden Eagles into England.
Environment
Reservoir projects fast-tracked in an attempt to secure England’s water supplies. Two major new reservoirs in East Anglia and south Lincolnshire have been fast-tracked through the planning process as they are now declared as ‘nationally significant.’ As such, the final decisions for these projects will be taken by Environment Secretary Steve Reed, rather than at a local level, with the aim of securing water supplies for future generations. These stores would provide resilience to future droughts in particularly dry areas of the country where water demand is high, and may be completed by 2036 and 2040 respectively. The water industry has welcomed this announcement, but some communities are concerned about increased bills, as well as the potential clearing of homes and farmland to make way for the necessary infrastructure.
Areas of common ground in the Yorkshire Dales are being restored to their ancient glory. A groundbreaking tree-planting programme is uniting farmers and rewilders alike to bring species back to ‘ghost woodlands’. Howgill Fells had been heavily grazed for hundreds of years, but in just over a decade, an extensive rewilding project has planted 300,000 native trees across common land in 64 acres of sheep-free enclosures. Ecologist Mike Douglas recently conducted his first of four annual surveys monitoring birds in the enclosures. His results have revealed the presence of 11 new breeding bird species since his original survey in the early stages of the project in 2016, and numbers continue to increase year on year.
Policy
Labour have rejected a proposal to provide every new home with at least one swift brick to help endangered cavity-nesting birds. The proposed amendment to the governments Planning and Infrastructure bill requested that every developer provides a single £35 hollow brick for swifts, house martins, sparrows and starlings in every new build home. This was previously supported when it was tabled on Conversative government legislation in 2023, however the current Labour-dominated committee have now stated they are not convinced it is the right approach. A petition calling for these bricks to become mandatory has now reached 80,000, demonstrating the public’s concern on the matter.
Nature-friendly farming fund to be cut in UK spending review. Labour initially promised £5 billion over two years for the post-Brexit farming fund, which will be honoured until 2026, however in the years following it will be slashed in line with wide-scale budget cuts. This nature-friendly initiative replaced the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy and rewards farmers for stewarding nature, soil, and other public goods, rather than solely for land ownership and cultivation. While DEFRA have stated they are planning a new scheme aimed at smaller farms, many larger-scale ones will miss out on these incentives.
The NHBS Moth Trap is a highly portable option for moth trapping, tested and approved by Butterfly Conservation.
Its easy, flat-pack design features a collapsible frame made from lightweight panels covered in a light coloured nylon, which is easily assembled with Velcro. A single, stainless steel V frame holds the trap’s bulb carrier, secured with a single screw, and supports two top panels that prevent the moths escaping. The trap features a single 20W, shatter-resistant blacklight bulb (included) that is mains powered and is supplied with a 4.5m power lead connecting to a standard UK plug.
Fully assembled, the NHBS moth trap measures approximately 30cm wide x 30cm deep x 50cm tall and weighs around 2kg, making it significantly lighter and much more portable than many moth traps. For convenient transport and storage, it also comes with a carry bag housing all the components.
Learn how to quickly set up your Moth Trap with our video guide below!
Our Findings
NHBS colleagues Oli and Dan recently took our moth trap into their gardens and caught a beautiful range of species, including a Buff Tip, Peach Blossom and Scorched Carpet.
Additional Kits
Our moth trap is also available in two kits:
Moth Trap Starter Kit
The Starter Kit includes the trap and all its components, as well as three 60ml collecting pots, perfect for holding specimens, and a copy of the Concise Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland to aid successful species identification.
Moth Trap with Inverter Kit
The NHBS Moth Trap with Inverter Kit comes with an inverter and waterproof battery enclosure, giving you the flexibility to use the trap in any location without having to rely on mains electricity.
Find out more and order your trap today at nhbs.com
If you have any questions about our Moth Trap or would like some advice on the right product for you then please contact us via email at customer.services@nhbs.com or phone on 01803 865913.
A mosquito-borne disease has spread to the UK and is now affecting wild bird populations. The deadly Usutu virus was first detected in southern Africa over half a century ago and spread to the UK in 2020. Blackbirds are specifically susceptible to the virus, with mass die-offs occurring as a result of the disease across Europe, and it has recently spread across the UK as far as Dorset and Cambridgeshire. Scientists are now monitoring the spread of the Usutu virus amid concerns that climate change may turn Europe into a breeding ground for its host species, mosquitoes, therefore exacerbating the reach of the disease.
Male blackbird (Turdus merula) perched on a branch by hedera.baltica, via flickr.
Scientists warn about numerous new threats affecting bee populations. A study from the University of Reading has highlighted that war zones, microplastic and air pollution are posing some of the greatest threats to our pollinators. An increase in worldwide conflict has forced countries to grow a smaller variety of agricultural crops, leaving pollinators without a diverse range of food sources throughout the year, whilst investigations into air pollution has revealed that is affecting the survival, reproduction and growth of our key pollinator species. Researchers also tested 315 honey bee colonies and found traces of microplastic contamination within most hives. Professor Simon Potts, the lead author of this report, stated that identifying these news threats and finding ways to protect pollinators early is the key to preventing further population decline.
Extinction risk
‘Vulnerable’ cockatoo species facing further habitat loss due to bushfires. Conservationists have warned that the planned burning of 13,000 hectares of forest in East Gippsland, Australia, may jeopardise declining Glossy Black Cockatoos populations. 64% of this species habitat was burned in the 2019-2020 black summer bushfires, resulting in the population becoming wholly dependent on the 48,000 hectares of unburnt coastal forest around Lake Tyers. Glossy Black Cockatoos feed almost exclusively on the cones of black sheoak trees, which are often subject to planned burning programmes. Australia’s biodiversity, wildlife, and habitat are currently under threat from bushfires, prompting ecologists and nature campaigners to highlight the urgent need for careful management, especially with Victoria’s cockatoo population now estimated at a mere 250.
Welsh Celtic rainforests under threat. A 2024 survey investigating the ecology of Welsh rainforests has revealed that only 22% of the temperate rainforests found in this area are in ‘good’ condition, with many others under threat due non-native species, storms and inappropriate grazing of livestock. These rare habitats are only found in isolated areas across the world, including the Woodland Trust’s Coed Felenrhyd near Gwynedd, however it is vital that the remaining 33,024 hectares of rainforest left in Wales are protected. Natural Resources Wales manage seven Celtic rainforest reserves in the Meirionnydd area, and have now stated that these ‘exceptionally important sites’ need conservation and landscape scale management to ensure their preservation.
Climate change
The worlds coastlines are still in danger even if climate targets are met. Even if the world achieves the ambitious goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, researchers project that sea levels are still likely to rise by several meters. New investigations into how ice sheets respond to future climate changes suggest that even with stabilized global warming, this rise may not slow down. A major concern is that melting could accelerate past a viable ‘tipping point’ due to intensified warming from human activity, though scientists are yet to pinpoint this critical threshold. The consequences for coastal communities would be catastrophic, as approximately 230 million people currently live within one meter of high tide lines.
Placed on the IUCN Red List in 2021, Swifts are now recognised as one of Britain’s most endangered bird species, having suffered a staggering population decline of around 60% in just 25 years. These incredible birds return to the same nesting site each year after migrating from a summer in Africa, however due to urban development and land use changes, their natural nesting sites are rapidly disappearing, which is accelerating their already concerning population decline.
Suzanne and RSPB Community Engagement Officer Roshni Parmar-Hill on installation day.
In 2024, over 40 residents of two neighbouring streets in Swinton, Salford decided to take action and create their own ‘Swift Street.’ This community-led project saw the creation and installation of over 100 specialist nest boxes, providing essential nesting spaces for their local swift colony. The Swift Street initiative is part of a wider effort to transform Manchester into a Swift City and ensure the long-term survival of these endangered birds.
In this blog, resident Suzanne Pendleton and RSPB Community Engagement Officer Roshni Parmar-Hill tell us about their journey to create the largest Swift Street in the north-west of England.
My Swift Street Experience – Suzanne Pendleton
My name is Suzanne Pendleton, and I am a mum to two girls, Molly and Tess. I have lived in Houghton Lane in Swinton, Salford with them and my hubby for 30 years, and have been involved in the Greater Manchester Swift Street initiative since August 2024.
During lockdown, I started to value spending more and more time in our little garden as so many people did, and whilst I was outside, I spotted a number of birds zooming around, screaming and flying over our house. At first I wasn’t quite sure what they were, so I asked my friend Kathleen and she enlightened me that they were Swifts! Swifts are migratory birds, so when summer ended they left Swinton and headed back to Africa, but every year I eagerly anticipate their return.
Over time, my understanding of this species grew, and I learnt of their declining population numbers – whilst also developing a stiff neck constantly looking up to the sky to watch their incredible manoeuvres! I am privileged to live in a friendly community on Houghton Lane, so I messaged our community group and asked if anyone knew about our Swift population, or where they may be nesting. Initially we were unsuccessful in locating their nesting sites, however we struck gold in Spring 2024 with the help of the Swift Mapper appand discovered we had four nest sites on Houghton Lane and its surrounding roads.
In this time, I’d also discovered that there was another small colony located less that 1/4 mile away, and a resident of this local road got in touch to tell us that Roshni from the RSPB had been to visit their colony and help establish their Swift Street – she then asked if we would be interested in developing our own Swift Street on Houghton Lane. I think we are so privileged that these incredible urban birds choose to nest on our lane, and as their nesting sites are often threatened by redevelopment, having the means to install boxes provides us with a wonderful opportunity to support them.
Residents Suzanne Pendleton and Kathleen Sides holding up the Swift boxes made by The Skills Company, Trafford.
This project has been a whole-community effort, superbly guided by the wonderful Roshni. With her incredible support and guidance, we used our community group to share the news of the development and launch of our own Swift Street, and we were overwhelmed by the local response. So many families were keen to support our Swift population, and we received requests for over 80 boxes. In January, we were blessed with some bright days, which allowed us to visit each home that had requested a Swift box and advise the families in selecting a suitable aspect and position for their box. As we chatted to more residents about the project I grew in confidence talking about Swifts, and increased my own knowledge too.
Roshni also gathered support from a local college who built our Swift boxes, whilst a local resident, Haldis, made our nest cups. Roshni and several Swift Ambassadors (volunteers who work alongside communities to raise awareness of Swifts and encourage positive action to protect them) then visited our Girl Guiding group to lead some Swift-themed activities which captivated the girls’ interest. They loved learning about the species and contributing to the project by painting our boxes with bird-friendly materials recommended by the RSPB. Saturday 8th March was our first installation day, and local roofer Ryan put up 25 boxes. Since then, we have now installed over 80 along the street, and we are ready for the first wave of our Swift populations to return!
Ryan Cawdron installing boxes on Houghton Lane.
It’s been an absolute honour to be involved in this project, and I feel so lucky that our community can do something practical to support our local Swifts.
RSPB Community Engagement Officer – Roshni Parmar-Hill
I’ve been so privileged to work alongside individuals as passionate and energetic as Suzanne whilst bringing the Swinton Swift Street project to life. This truly is a community endeavour – proving that, to misquote a famous phrase ‘it takes a village to save a Swift’. From Suzanne’s tireless recruitment of her neighbours’ support along her street, and the hard work of her Girl Guide pack painting and waterproofing the nest boxes, to the students of independent skills provider The SkillCentre in Trafford who constructed the boxes, it’s been a joy to see so many people pull together to take positive action for nature.
Swift boxes being carefully stored at Haldis Corry’s house (a Swift Champion who lives nearby)
The screaming calls of migratory Swifts are what first drew Suzanne to this species and fostered her connection. If we want to keep welcoming them back screeching overhead every summer, then they need our help now more than ever to create and protect safe nesting habitats. This incredible species travels a whopping 3400 miles to reach the UK from East Africa every year – crossing 25 countries over the course of 4 weeks in their journey to reach us. Swifts spend most of their time in the air – feeding, sleeping and even mating all whilst in flight! – only landing to nest, which is where Suzanne and her neighbours come in.
Swifts return to the exact same nesting spot every year, but increasingly these nesting sites have been hit by property renovations and the removal of old buildings. This has contributed to a 62% decline in Swift numbers between 1995 and 2020, and the species have now been added to the UK’s Red List of Birds, meaning its amongst our most endangered. However, with the installation of over 80 nest boxes on Suzanne’s street, we intend to grow another new urban Swift colony and build on wider ongoing work to develop Manchester into a Swift City. This project is supported by the expansion of our network of brilliant ‘Swift Champions’ who are leading the development of nesting sites at scale, manufacturing swift boxes and raising people’s awareness and engagement of the project and species through walks, talks and workshops.
Roshni and Seamus making Swift Egg cups on a cold January day.
As Suzanne and her neighbours now prepare for a special Swift Homecoming Street Party to officially declare it a Swift Street and welcome their bird’s home, all eyes will be fixed on the skies for a glimpse of the street’s feathered residents moving into their new addresses…
Captive-bred axolotls have successfully adapted to the wild, offering hope for the future of this critically endangered species who have been on the verge of extinction for nearly two decades. In an attempt to trial their reintroduction, scientists have recently conducted a study involving the release and monitoring of 18 captive-bred axolotls into Lake Xochimilco and its neighbouring artificial wetland. Volunteers tracked their movements for roughly 40 days, and the results of this study have revealed that not only have all 18 individuals survived, but those that were recaptured for monitoring have gained weight, suggesting they have successfully adopted natural hunting behaviours. Whilst this study has revealed that species reintroduction is a viable option, ecologist Luis Zambrano has stated the team’s first priority is to improve habitat conditions for axolotl’s already living in the wild.
The only breeding pair of Ospey in southern England have laid four eggs for a second year running. The Osprey reintroduction programme began in Poole Harbour in 2017, and in 2022 female CJ7 and male 022 became the first nesting pair recorded on the south coast of England in 180 years. With the eggs expected to hatch at the end of the month, the Birds of Poole Harbour group have stated that a repeat of all four eggs successfully hatching would be a very promising outcome for their recolonisation, however every hatchling should be celebrated.
Science and Environment
A government grant from the Nature Restoration Fund is set to facilitate the eradication of American mink from the Outer Hebrides. Over 2,000 individuals have been captured since the Hebridean Mink Project began in 2001, and in 2018 it was thought that their population had been reduced to a level that was no longer functional. However, data has revealed that 20-30 mink are still trapped annually. The Scottish Government’s grant will enable the installation of more traps, ensuring the eradication of this invasive species from the islands and supporting the recovery of ground-nesting birds and other native wildlife.
American Mink Huron Wetland Management District South Dakota by USFWS Mountain-Prairie, via flickr.
Policy
Sandeel fishing ban remains in place in the North Sea. Sandeels are a vital source of food for a wide variety of the UK’s marine life and coastal sea birds, and in early 2024 English and Scottish authorities implemented trawling bans due to concerns about declining populations. The EU have now challenged this ban, arguing that the motion was ‘discriminatory,’ ‘disproportionate’ and could threaten commercial sandeel fishing in Denmark. Several key organisations including the RSPB and DEFRA have since advocated for the measure to remain in place, and judges have ruled that there is no legal obligation to reverse this order.
Sandeel in seabed by Crown Marine Scotland, via flickr.
Housing developers in England may be able to build on protected green spaces without needing to replace nature lost locally.The proposed Planning and Infrastructure bill could allow developers to pay into a fund for off-site habitat creation, potentially outside the local area, or even in a different county. While the Labour government aims to streamline development to meet housing targets, concerns are growing that this could harm poorer rural communities and lead to a “cash to trash nature” system, undermining local access to nature and potentially ignoring crucial environmental protection.
Pollution
UK is falling behind on its commitment to reduce microplastic pollution. Scientists have revealed that these pollutants continue to infiltrate our food sources, ecosystems and bodies. Researchers are now warning that the UK is falling behind both Europe and the US in the introduction of enforceable targets on microplastic in wastewater and drinking water. As a result of this, they are now encouraging ministers to develop a comprehensive approach to reduce plastic pollution, whilst also providing funding for vital research into safe microplastic exposure thresholds.
Invasive ferret populations are now under control on Rathlin Island. A five-year, £4.5 million project was launched in 2021 to remove the species from Rathlin after conservationists raised concerns about their impact on resident ground-nesting bird populations, including puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars. The impact of ferrets includes predation on eggs and chicks, as well as adult birds, with one ferret having killed 27 adults in only a few days. The team behind this project deployed traps to capture the predators and have successfully controlled their numbers, whilst attempts to reduce brown rat populations have been ongoing since September last year.
Diminishing sea-grass beds in Thailand are driving Dugong population decline. The alarming increase in emaciated dugong deaths along Thailand’s Andaman coast prompted scientists to investigate the reasons behind their decreasing populations. Last year’s losses were more than double the annual average recorded between 2019 and 2022, and research has revealed that at least 40% of these deaths were likely due to starvation as a result of seagrass die-off; the species primary food-source. As a result of this, Dugongs need to venture into deeper waters to find food, where they can be killed by boat strikes and fishing bycatch. Marine Ecologist Petch Manopawitr stated that if mortality rates continue, Dugong are likely to be extinct in just a few years.
Butterfly Conservation have renewed the lease on a vital nature reserve on the South Downs. Magdalen Hill Down, owned by The Church of England, has been managed by Butterfly Conservation for three decades, during which they have transformed it from scrub and farmland into one of Hampshire’s richest chalk grasslands. It is now one of the top ten sites in the country for butterflies and is home to over 30 different species, including the Adonis Blue, Green Hairstreak and crimson Cinnabar. Official figures released last week revealed that 2024 was one of the worst years on record for UK butterfly populations, so it is as vital as ever to provide these habitats. The renewed agreement with the Church Commissioners collates two previous leases and allows Butterfly Conservation to continue its conservation work across the 46-hectare site.
Environment
Northern Ireland’s richest nature sites require urgent action. The Office for Environmental Protection has revealed that thelaws put in place to identify and manage protected sites in Northern Ireland is falling short. As a result, the condition of these priority conservation sites is deteriorating, with the number of sites in ‘favourable condition’ having declined from 61.7% in 2008 to just 51.5% in 2024. The report concluded that improving the protection and preservation of nature requires better implementation of existing laws for priority conservation sites, as the legal framework itself is not the primary issue.
A recent report by the British Ecological Society has evaluated the impacts of regenerative agriculture. The study determined that while regenerative practices can enhance soil health and biodiversity, these practices alone are unlikely to be sufficient. Instead, the research indicates that they are most effective when integrated within a comprehensive system that prioritizes minimizing soil disturbance and bare soil, increasing farm diversity, incorporating livestock, and utilising nature-based methods in place of synthetic inputs. Although the report’s authors emphasise that a whole-system approach yields the most significant benefits, they also encourage farmers to adopt even a few of these practices.
Over 125,000 wildflowers have been sown across Cumbria in two years thanks to Cumbria Wildlife Trust. With the help of thousands of volunteers, they have also restored 159 acres of grasslands, eight acres of hay meadows, and planted 16,000 plants in a variety of sites around Kendal and Milnthorpe. It is hoped that the restoration of these rich habitats will support a wealth of pollinating insects and increase the areas biodiversity.
Conservationists raise concerns about the proposed budget cuts for the Darwin Plus fund. The UK’s Overseas Territories are home to over 32,216 native species, which represents 90% of all British biodiversity, including the rare Wilkins’ Bunting and endangered St Helena Plover. Many of the conservation projects undertaken across these sites have only been possible due to the government’s Darwin Plus scheme, which commits £10 million annually to support a host of critical conservation projects in these territories. The UK government is set to decide on the future of this vital funding as part of their summer Spending Review, and leading UK charities are urgently highlighting that any cuts to Darwin Plus would have catastrophic effects on the future of the flora and fauna found in these unique habitats.
This comprehensive guide to tree identification features over 3,000 photos and illustrations of more than 300 native and common non-native species. It includes detailed keys, distribution maps and seasonal charts, alongside ecological insights, habitat information and conservation advice on each species, making it an invaluable resource for those interested in British and Irish tree species.
Jon Stokes is one of Britain’s leading tree conservationists and has been studying the world of trees for over thirty years. He is the Director of Trees, Science and Research at a UK based charity The Tree Council, which aims to bring everyone together for the love of trees, and has authored or co-author ten books focusing on trees.
We recently spoke to Jon about Trees of Britain and Ireland, where he told us how he decided which species to include in this book, what his hopes are for the future conservation of our native trees and more.
How did you first become interested in tree biology and ecology, and why did you decide to write the latest WILDGuides identification book?
I have always been fascinated by trees. I love their huge size, their great age and their amazing ability to live for centuries in one spot, coping with everything the world throws at them. To truly understand trees, however, I believe it is vital to understand the other species that depend on them. Oaks, for example, support more than 2,000 other species.
When the opportunity arose to write the WILDGuides tree book, it felt like an amazing opportunity to produce something new – a book that not only allowed the identification of all our diverse and varied native trees and shrubs, but one which also described the ecology of the trees and some of the species which live within them.
Sitka Spruce by Jon Stokes.
What was the greatest challenge you faced when writing this guide, and did you have any specific issues in relation to seasonality?
One of the many challenges in producing this book was our desire to photograph flowers, leaves, fruit and winter twigs – to show how to identify trees all year round. This obviously meant returning to each species a number of times, in all seasons, in all weathers, across the length and breadth of the country. We also wanted to show trees in their natural environments – all of which just made the project a little more complex! Despite the challenges, it was a joyful journey of discovery which took me from the top of Ben Lawers in Scotland; to sea level in Cornwall and Ireland; from sand dunes to heathland; from dense woodland to ancient wood pasture, and occasionally to some very scary cliff edges, looking for Whitebeams.
Trees of Britain and Ireland provides a comprehensive overview of the interdependent relationships between trees and a variety of plant, animal, fungal, and lichen species. Why did you think it was so important to highlight these relationships, and how did you decide which additional species to include?
The web of life that surrounds our trees is truly astonishing, from tiny wasps to bats, from fungi to Ospreys – they all live in and on trees. Selecting the range of species to illustrate was difficult and, of course, there was also a bit of personal preference in the final choices! In some cases, the selection process was very difficult. To my surprise, the biodiversity of some species, like Wild Cherry, doesn’t appear to be well studied – something I hadn’t realised until working on this book.
Beech by Jon Stokes.
It was evident throughout the book that this is a clear, easily digestible guide suitable for readers of all abilities. How important do you think nature accessibility and education is for future generations?
I have had the pleasure of spending my working life engaging people with nature. From guided walks, to lectures and talks, I love showing people new aspects of the world around us. Life is fascinating and every day is a school day. For example: Why are leaves green? How do trees grow? Why is that tree, that shape? These are the questions that enthral me daily. I guess this is a long-winded way of saying that I believe learning about nature is vital to all of us, all the time, and at any age. I hope this book sparks an interest in learning more about my beloved trees. I hope it sparks a desire to go out and explore other aspects of our beautiful islands and the wealth of wildlife we have here.
What patterns did you notice whilst researching conservation status in the UK, and what are your hopes for the future conservation and protection of our native trees and plants?
This is a really interesting question. I now realise that, before researching this book, I hadn’t really thought about the conservation status of many of our trees and shrubs. Yet, Britain and Ireland actually have many rare and globally endangered species growing exclusively here, like many of the endemic Whitebeams and the Wild Cotoneaster. Our knowledge of our rare trees is sometimes scant. In the last twelve months, new information has emerged about our elm trees, suggesting there may be new and rare elm species hiding in plain sight.
So, what are my hopes for the future of these rare species? Well, if nothing else, the development of the book allowed me to clearly articulate the importance of these rare trees in my work. More importantly, I hope a better understanding of the importance of these rare trees will allow better protection to be developed for these globally rare species growing in these islands.
Blackthorn flowers by Jon Stokes.
What’s taking up your time at the moment? Are you working on any other books or projects that we can hear about?
In terms of projects, there is one current Tree Council project that is very important to me. This project draws on work undertaken twenty years ago when, with my fellow authors and photographers, we had the privilege of writing a number of books on our ‘Heritage Trees’ – trees that are as important to the nation as some of our great stately homes and castles. From 2000-year-old yews, to astonishing old broadleaved trees like the Bowthorpe Oak, we featured a range of these iconic trees to show the amazing living heritage we have in Britain and Ireland. Now 20 years on, we are revisiting the trees to see how they have fared over the last two decades and the results of this will be published later in the summer. It’s already clear that while some of the trees have thrived over this time, others have not done so well. Our aim is for this project to lead to the development of new guidance on how to better protect our most important trees, to ensure that we can marvel at these ‘Green Monuments’ and hear their stories for many decades to come.
Trees of Britain and Ireland is available from our online bookstore.
The third edition of the Hazel Dormouse Conservation Handbook is based on the most recent research and practical experience available on the ecology of Hazel Dormice. It provides information on best practices for conservation, whilst a separate publication, the Hazel Dormouse Mitigation Handbook, offers further information for those involved in development projects across the UK that may affect Hazel Dormouse populations.
We recently had the opportunity to speak to authors Simone Bullion, Rob Wolton and Ian White about the most recent volume, including the latest updates, how they became interested in Dormouse conservation and more.
Firstly, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you became interested in Dormouse conservation?
Simone Bullion:
It was 25 years ago, when I had newly started a job with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, that two events acted as a catalyst for my great interest in dormice. Firstly, I was approached by my friend, Pat Morris, to support the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme by helping to increase the number of people with dormouse licences. At the same time, there was a release of captive-bred dormice into a Suffolk woodland close to where I was living, giving me the opportunity to study them first hand. A series of funded projects followed, which helped increase our knowledge of their distribution across the county – this then initiated conservation action to restore vital linkages by planting kilometres of hedgerows. However, through time, the more I found out about dormice, the more it seemed they hadn’t read the book. Habitats that I felt quite certain would support dormice often resulted in several attempts to confirm their presence. Clearly, there were better places to nest than in the boxes and tubes I was offering them, so that led to my interest in footprint tunnels as an alternative detection method. There is still much to learn about dormice, but working with such an interesting and charismatic species has been a privilege.
Rob Wolton:
My fascination with dormice, and indeed with hedges themselves, really started when I noticed strange round nests in the hedges on our farm in Devon. As a keen birdwatcher, I could not place them. Until, one day about 30 years ago, a dormouse popped out! My first. That was the prompt that made me start to look seriously at hedges and at their wildlife, a passion that remains with me to this day. Each autumn I must admit to becoming more than a little fixated with trying to spot dormouse nests in our hedges as I walk around the farm, checking the stock or walking the dog. For several years my wife Paula took care of one, a three-legged female, no longer fit for captive breeding at Paignton Zoo. Dora, as we named her, was a huge draw, a natural lead in to talk about the farm’s wildlife and how we were encouraging it. There are few such endearing and engaging mammals.
Ian White:
I had always had an interest in conservation, but after university I worked in the retail sector. I then embarked on a new career path in my 40’s, thinking that I would become a wildlife ranger. During a training course I was asked to put together a presentation on a British mammal – I chose shrews, and so started an interest in small mammals. I was fascinated by the fact that many were considered common, but based on what? It appeared that very little was known about this group compared with larger mammals. My initial interest in dormice was somewhat biased in that, due to their conservation status, they were the only small mammal that anybody was likely to pay me for. Now after over twenty years working with dormice, I think that they are a fabulous ambassador for many other species, and they still fascinate me now as much as they did when I first saw one.
The Hazel Dormouse Conservation Handbook marks the third edition of this vital text; what can we expect from this updated volume?
Much research has been undertaken on various aspects of dormouse ecology since the release of the second Dormouse Conservation Handbook in 2006. As a result of several PhD theses and other studies, much more is known about their habitat requirements, hibernation ecology, population biology and genetics. New survey techniques are also included to aid with detection of this sometimes very elusive species.
Unlike previous editions which integrated conservation, mitigation and the effects of development within one title, the third edition presents this information into two distinct handbooks. Why was it necessary to separate this information into two guides?
Landowners, land managers and the voluntary sector continue to have a significant interest in dormouse ecology and habitat management. Separately, there is a professional interest in this protected species in the context of land use planning. Specialist knowledge has also increased, in terms of understanding best practice approaches to minimise the impacts on dormice from development. Consequently, it was decided to separate these areas of interest into two books. It is envisaged that the Hazel Dormouse Conservation Handbook will be useful to anyone with an interest in dormice, as it covers their ecology, survey techniques and habitat management. The Hazel Dormouse Mitigation Handbook will be essential as an additional and complementary reference to support the work of professional ecologists and others involved in planning.
Hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) by Frank Vassen, via flickr.
Since the 1996 publication of the first Dormouse Conservation Handbook, how have Dormouse populations and their conservation status changed?
Sadly, Hazel Dormice have continued to decline. The ‘State of Britain’s Dormice 2023’ reported a 70% decline of dormice in monitored populations since 2000. If the observed annual rate of decline of 5.7% were to continue unabated, then dormouse counts would be expected to have fallen by more than 90% by 2034. It is also believed that there has been a loss of the species from 20 English counties over the past 100 years. Consequently, they are currently considered a vulnerable species and in danger of further localised extinction in Britain.
Which factors pose the greatest threats to dormice in the present day, and what conservation strategies are being employed in an attempt to mitigate their effects?
Whilst dormice are can live in a wide range of woody habitats, they thrive in the mid-stages of successional regrowth of woodland after coppicing, in networks of sensitively managed hedges and in scrub. However, woodland management has declined during the last 100 years; only half of our hedgerows are in favourable condition and scrub is much maligned. Dormice are also particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation. To be effective, dormouse conservation therefore requires landscape-scale thinking to deliver the necessary increases and improvements in their habitat, and to restore connectivity. This will also help remaining dormouse populations become more resilient to localised changes, as well as the negative impacts of unfavourable weather and climate change.
However, there are parts of their former range where natural recolonisation of dormice is extremely unlikely. The dormouse reintroduction programme, administered by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, focuses on consolidating the current range of dormice, working to restore dormice at landscape level to create robust metapopulations.
Muscardinus avellanarius by xulescu_g, via flickr.
Dormouse research relies heavily on the work of volunteer dormouse monitors, demonstrating the essential role of volunteers in conservation. What does this volunteer role entail, how does it support conservation, and how can the public get involved?
The National Dormouse Monitoring Programme (NDMP) has been running for over 25 years and is a powerful tool in monitoring population trends. As it relies on volunteers, it also provides an opportunity for people to interact with wildlife and see a dormouse close up – something that rarely happens in the wild. As dormice are a highly protected species, checking boxes for their presence must be undertaken by a trained licence holder. This training can take several years to complete, and numbers of trainees are often limited by the sites available, so sometimes there can be a waiting list to start. However, non-licence holders can also assist with putting up boxes, helping record the data and undertaking winter repairs to the boxes when they are unoccupied.
Other ways people can also get involved is to volunteer with one of your local conservation charities to help manage habitats to benefit dormice.
What do you hope the reader can learn from the Hazel Dormouse Conservation Handbook?
Dormice act as umbrella species for our native wildlife. Their habitats are home to a broad range of other species and retention of their populations is a strong indicator of habitat integrity at a landscape scale. Put simply, if we get it right for dormice, we get it right for many other species as well. We therefore hope that this handbook will help to aid the recovery of this important species.
Hazel Dormouse Conservation Handbook is available from our bookstore here.
Over the last 6 months, NHBS has had the opportunity to work alongside Devon’s Living Churchyard Project by donating a number of bat and bird boxes to be installed in a range of churches across Devon to support local wildlife. This initiative aims to manage churchyards while also encouraging wildlife, biodiversity and promoting sustainable management practices.
We recently spoke with David Curry, former Voluntary Environmental Advisor at the Living Churchyard Project, about his role, the importance of preserving these habitats and more.
Firstly, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you first became interested in biodiversity, particularly within churchyards?
I began my career working as Keeper of Natural History at Plymouth Museum and Art Gallery, and later St. Albans museums in Hertfordshire. I am now retired, having worked mainly in local government for 50 years, where I first worked in heritage departments and planning.
My main role in planning was as an enabler – working with community groups in developing and managing wildlife sites – these ranged from changing derelict chalk stream cress beds into chalk wetlands, to planning and establishing community orchards ranging in size from 1ha to 72ha.
I’m an old-fashioned naturalist, today it’s called biodiversity.
In 1986 the Living Churchyard Project was set up by the Arthur Rank Centre to encourage the use of churchyards as a community environmental resource and to raise environmental awareness. I took an active interest in the project and began to visit and record churchyards in my area. I then lead the Devon Living Churchyards Project in a voluntary capacity for the Church of England’s Diocese of Exeter, while working in partnership with the national charity Caring for God’s Acre project.
18 leaves etc. Danson Park by Brian Toward, via flickr.
What does the role of a voluntary Environmental Advisor entail?
September 2023 saw the publication of the 4th State of Nature (SON) Report.
The report provides the most comprehensive overview ever of species trends across the UK, laying bare the stark fact that nature is still seriously declining across a country that is already one of the most nature-depleted in the world.
The data shows that since 1970, UK species have declined by about 19% on average, and nearly 1 in 6 species (16.1%) are now threatened with extinction. This is a timely reminder, if we needed it, that the nature crisis isn’t restricted to far-off places like the Amazon or Great Barrier Reef – it is right here, on our doorstep. We are losing familiar wildlife that we cherish including the Hazel Dormouse and Skylark.
SON goes beyond the bare statistics to assess the evidence behind these differences, it also identifies the actions that are needed to recover nature. To quote the report; “We have never had a better understanding of the State of Nature and what is needed to fix it.”
Exeter Diocese
The Diocese of Exeter is part of the Church of England and covers the whole of Devon. There are over 600 churches in the diocese, many of them rural, and there are over 2,000ha of glebelands (areas of land owned by the Church of England) which are used as a source of income through rents etc.
Opportunities
So, what are the issues that that needed to be addressed? And what are the opportunities to address them?
Evidence from the State of Nature report, and elsewhere, points to four big on-the-ground changes that we can take to accelerate nature recovery:
Improve the quality of our protected sites on land and at sea. These places have been chosen because they are special for nature, and wildlife should be thriving within them, yet too many are currently in poor condition.
Create more, bigger and messier places for wildlife. Our wildlife needs more space, and we know that many species can benefit from habitats that are quick to create such as ponds, scrubby habitats and un-trimmed hedgerows.
Reducing pollution on land (notably pesticides and excess fertilisers) and reducing the pressure on marine environments. This means more wildlife-friendly farming, forestry and fisheries.
Targeted species recovery action. This can be very effective when applied to a high proportion of a species’ population, and is also key to bringing back lost species.
Churchyards and their unique habitats provide a recipe for recovery in that they can be used to create more, bigger and messier places for wildlife. But also, the local communities must have the chance to be part of these changes. Establishing a Nature Recovery Network of ‘honeypot’ churches has been key. A pilot scheme working with the South Devon National Landscapes Life on the Edge project and Buglife has surveyed churches along the South Devon B Line from Wembury near Plymouth to Brixham (2023/2024). From the data collected, we will be able to provide churchyard management action plans to improve the biodiversity of each site, creating ‘honeypot’ churches.
In Conclusion
The picture of ongoing nature loss painted by the SON report is stark. This isn’t just sad – nature loss undermines our economy, food systems and health and wellbeing. So, we owe it to nature, and ourselves, to make sure that it is the last State of Nature report to chart continuing decline. Churchyards, in particular the Living Churchyards project, can make a positive contribution towards nature recovery in Devon and ensure that the next SON report can document the start of nature bouncing back.
“Nature’s recovery in Devon is not something we can achieve alone. It needs the support of individuals, communities, businesses and schools.” Devon Wildlife Trust
Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) by Peter O’Connor, via flickr.
Why do you think creating new habitats, and restoring old ones, is important for these spaces, and which species are you hoping to attract to the area with the installation of our habitat boxes?
Encouraging a diversity of species on a site is important. Installing the NHBS habitat boxes will provide both shelter and protection to various species such as bats, swifts, and bees.
Why do you think these vital areas of biodiversity are so often overlooked, and how do you think we can work to improve their future preservation?
Mention churchyards to anyone and they will usually shrug their shoulders.
A churchyard is many things to many people;
A pleasant, reflective place for the congregation and visitors
An environment in keeping with the function of burial and the scattering of cremated remains
A respected and cared for part of our environment
No one mentions its potential as a sanctuary for wildlife. That’s the problem. People will walk past a church cemetery without giving a thought to looking inside, after all it’s a cemetery containing graves and memorials for the dead.
Raising awareness about the wildlife in the churchyard or the peace and tranquillity takes priority. We need to make the entrance more welcoming with appropriate signage.
‘People protect what they love’ – Jacque Yves Cousteau. This quote encapsulates the basic human instinct that drives us to safeguard and preserve the things that hold a special place in our hearts. Whether it be our loved ones, our communities or nature. At its core, this quote highlights the importance of connectiveness. Our modern culture has disconnected us from nature, and as ambassadors for nature we need to reconnect people, encourage people to understand and love nature and to be motivated to protect it.
Nature can also trigger positive emotions, reduce stress, increase prosocial behaviour, and improve health and wellness.
Hart’s-tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) by Peter O’Connor, via flickr.
What are the most interesting species that you’ve found in some of the churchyards you’ve visit?
Gosh, how long is a piece of string? Because churchyards have been oases in space and time, largely immune from activities beyond their walls, they have become sanctuaries for a wide range of species. Churchyards provide a mosaic of habitats, from meadowland to woodland edge, dense hedges, short and long grass cover and a variety of ‘cliff’ and rock habitats in the form of the church wall and gravestones. They can harbour a startling number (often many hundreds) of species and no doubt conceal rare and interesting creatures and plants. The range of rock types on headstones are of special value to lichens and other lowly plants, some of which may be very rare.
Old cob boundary walls maybe especially interesting, offering hole nesting species including many species of solitary bees with places to lay eggs. These in turn attract the inevitable parasites, some of which are often over-looked but impressively sci-fi in appearance. Part of the peregrine falcon ‘come back’ after they dwindled to near extinction was fuelled by the nest site opportunities of church buildings – they are now a regular site perched on bell towers. Likewise, the shocking decline of swifts is now being reversed thanks to the installation of nest boxes in bell towers.
Love Your Burial Ground Week, celebrated every June, is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of churchyards and celebrate their natural diversity. How can the local community get involved?
Saturday 7th June to Sunday the 15th June 2025.
Love Your Burial Ground Week is a celebratory week which has been running for many years. Caring for God’s Acre has been encouraging all who help to look after churchyards, chapel yards and cemeteries to celebrate these fantastic places in the lovely month of June – in any way you choose.
We’ve seen history talks, picnics, bat walks, storytelling, volunteering work parties and even abseiling teddy bears!
Churches Count on Nature 2025 runs at the same time as Love Your Burial Ground Week, and focuses on the brilliant wildlife to be found in churchyards and chapel yards. It is a joint initiative promoted by Caring for God’s Acre, the Church of England, the Church in Wales and A Rocha UK.
In the months leading up to June we shall be working with Caring for God’s Acre to encourage church communities throughout Devon to take part in this exciting event. There is a wealth of information on how you can open your churchyard to visitors provided by Caring for Gods Acre.
In this radical, eye-opening book, environmentalist Tony Juniper CBE explores the interconnectedness of the environmental crisis and inequality, and argues that ecological progress cannot be achieved without addressing these disparities. Collating a range of interviews with global experts, and drawing upon 40 years of research and campaigning, he provides long-overdue answers as to how we can achieve real, lasting change.
Tony Juniper CBE is an environmental advocate who has been active in defending nature for nearly 40 years, through leading major organisations, managing global campaigns, and holding high-level government advisory roles. He is a celebrated author, known for numerous award-winning titles, and was awarded a CBE in 2017 as recognition for his contributions to conservation.
We recently had the opportunity to speak to Tony about his book, where he told us about the most challenging aspects of writing Just Earth, the importance of technology in creating a sustainable future and more.
Firstly, can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to write this book?
I am a long-serving environmental advocate. I have led and advised campaigns and campaigning organisations, worked as a professional ornithologist, worked with the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, written some books and I now lead Natural England – the UK government’s nature agency in England.
What message are you hoping to convey with Just Earth, and what do you hope the reader may learn from its message?
Just Earth set outs why and how various kinds of social inequalities are massive environmental issues. This is seen in how the poorest and voiceless get hit first and hardest by environmental damage, including exposure to toxic pollution, lack of access to good quality green spaces and the effects of climate change. Those most affected are the groups who are least responsible for causing such damage in the first place. The injustices linked with this limit the agreement of strong global accords and blocks action in countries around the world – new environmental laws and policies are held back because of the plight of the poor, who during cost of living crises are held up as the reason not to increase costs through moves to sustainable farming and clean energy, for example. Inequality also destroys the trust needed to foster the common endeavour that is so vital for fixing complex global issues. I set out something on what might be done, but it is a big set of challenges that we are facing, and the book seeks to inform the reader about the breadth and depth of what is at hand.
What was the most challenging aspect of writing Just Earth?
It is a complex story that the book seeks to tell. Getting the facts and data woven into a readable and balanced narrative was hard work – I am pleased with the result though, and hope readers will find it interesting and informative.?
Hills of Ingleton Waterfalls by Robin Mulligan, via flickr.
Green growth explores the possibility of decoupling the expansion of gross domestic product (GDP) with environmental damage. How important do you think technology will be in a green growth scenario, and do you think technological innovation can truly pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future?
Technology is a vital component of what is needed, but we’ve had a lot of that for decades and not used it at the scale needed. Just Earth sets out why it is important to look beyond solar panels, AI, batteries and all the rest, and looks into the social and political context in which these technologies are deployed. The idea of green growth has been around for years but there are too few examples of it working in practice. One challenging aspect that runs counter to our consumerist culture is the need to use less stuff. We are already causing massive environmental damage with a minority of the world population living like Europeans, and we simply don’t have enough planet to keep growing as we have during past decades – even if it is a bit greener here and there.
Chapter 11 sets out a ten-point agenda for a just transition to a secure future. If any, which of these do you believe should be the primary focus in beginning this transition, and how long do you think it will take to achieve?
I think the biggest single thing, which links to the idea of green growth, is to change what we are measuring as growth. At present, gross domestic product (GDP) dominates but fails to take account of the environmental damage and inequalities that go with it. Coming up with more comprehensive measures of growth, that also include metrics linked with social wellbeing, ecological footprint, happiness, health and social cohesion would lead to different outcomes. There are ways of doing this, and in the book, I touch on the idea of a Genuine Progress Indicator, which measures far more than simply how much economic activity is taking place.?
What gives you hope for the future of our planet??
We are in revolutionary times and at a moment when the old ideas of the 20th century are facing serious tests. Environmental goals are being diluted and weakened by some governments and companies and democracies showing signs of stresses and strains that have profound implications. My hope is that during the turbulent times that we are in new ideas will begin to take hold. I propose a new frame of reference to go beyond capitalism or socialism and to instead embrace the idea of Thrivalism, a world view that would aim to create the conditions for ten billion people to thrive and enjoy long and happy lives on a living planet. At this point we need to think big.
What’s next for you? Are you writing any other books we can hear about?
I have various projects in mind, and more will be shared on those in due course. For now, promoting the ideas in Just Earth will I expect take up quite a lot of time, alongside all the other things I do.
Just Earth is available to order from our bookstore here.
