Poppy Dean – Hoopoe – A blog by nhbs

Author interview with Richard Broughton: The Marsh Tit and the Willow Tit

Marking the first monograph for either species, Richard Broughton’s The Marsh Tit and the Willow Tit reveals the remarkable lives of these wonderful little birds. Compiling decades of personal research, as well as a detailed review of external studies from across both Europe and Asia, it explores each species’ taxonomy, food and foraging patterns, social organisation, challenges and conservation, alongside more than 150 illustrations, maps, charts and photographs.

Dr Richard Broughton is a research ecologist with a wealth of experience across birds, mammals, forests and farmland in Great Britain and Europe. He has studied Marsh Tits, Willow Tits and their habitats for over 25 years, and prior to this he completed a Master’s degree in GIS as well as a PhD in Marsh Tit ecology, before joining the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology in Cambridgeshire.

We recently chatted to Richard about his inspiration for the book, which challenges he faced when developing such a detailed study of these two species and more.

You have studied Willow Tits and Marsh Tits for much of your career. What initially captivated you about these charismatic birds, and what inspired you to write a book about them?

I had Willow Tits on my local patch in Hull when I was a youngster at school, and I had Marsh Tits and Willow Tits around my first office near Huntingdon when I started my science career. Both species were always a bit special and enigmatic – not so common that you saw them every day, but when you did it was like seeing parallel lives going on around you. They’re a lot like us, mostly preferring to live as couples in stable relationships, with busy social lives and a close attachment to their neighbourhood.

From a research perspective, Marsh Tits and Willow Tits are fantastic species to study. They are widespread from Britain to Japan, they’re territorial and they don’t migrate, so the same birds are present all year round and you can really get to know them – how they communicate, organise themselves within their communities and solve the problems of living in different types of woodland, it’s all really fascinating. And there’s so much that we still don’t know, with lots of discoveries to be made, but also some urgency. We don’t fully understand exactly why they’re declining in many areas, so the inspiration for writing the book was partly to bring together all that we know about their ecology and what pressures they’re facing. If Marsh Tits and Willow Tits are struggling, then we need to listen to what this is telling us about our woodlands and forests.

Both species have suffered severe range declines – how can the general public work to better support these birds amid habitat loss and climate change?

The main thing is to know where Marsh Tits and Willow Tits are still hanging on, and where they are declining – taking part in surveys and reporting sightings to the county recorders and BirdTrack are great ways of helping to monitor both species. Protecting and expanding their habitat is essential, but for that we need to know where they are, and in what numbers.

It’s also important to realise how we can unintentionally make things harder for Marsh Tits and Willow Tits when we do favours for their competitors. There is growing evidence that increasing numbers of Blue Tits and Great Tits could be harming Marsh Tits and Willow Tits by taking over their nests and dominating their foraging space. The vast scale of bird-feeding in gardens, woodlands and nature reserves is changing our woodland bird communities, and it really boosts the dominant species, which can then put extra pressure on Marsh Tits and Willow Tits. For this reason, it’s important to consider the unintended negative impacts of well-meaning interventions, such as bird-feeding and nestboxes, on more vulnerable species like these.

I was surprised to learn about the ineffectiveness of nest boxes in supporting Marsh and Willow Tit populations in relation to competition. Do you think this is also the case for other species across the UK, and what alternatives could we use to mitigate this issue?

The problem with nestboxes for Marsh Tits and Willow Tits is that they’re far more likely to increase the densities of their dominant competitors, especially Blue Tits. If you add more nestboxes to a woodland then you will get more Blue Tits, but Marsh Tits and Willow Tits don’t work that way.

This is because they have much larger territories, and you could fit 15 pairs of Blue Tits into a typical Marsh Tit or Willow Tit territory. These large areas contain enough natural nest sites for Marsh Tits and Willow Tits, and so these species are limited by the area of woodland habitat and not by tree cavities or deadwood for building their nests. As such, adding nestboxes cannot increase the numbers of Marsh Tits or Willow Tits like it does for Blue Tits.

This shows how it is important to fully understand a species’ ecology for any conservation actions to work. A better solution is to promote diverse, wilder woodlands that have plenty of opportunities for Marsh Tits, Willow Tits and other woodland species at more natural densities. If not over-managed, woodland can quite quickly develop enough nesting sites on its own.

Within the book you mention the woodland restoration projects being undertaken in Scotland, which are striving to establish woodlands to support native species, including Marsh Tits and Willow Tits. Can re-establishing these complex habitats truly help to encourage population growth? And what would be your main recommendations for large-scale restoration projects with these species in mind?

Expanding woodland habitat is a good way to help buffer Marsh Tits and Willow Tits from population declines, as the losses in Britain are greatest in areas of more fragmented habitat. In Finland, too, logging and habitat loss is driving population declines. Increasing the amount of woodland reduces habitat fragmentation, which in turn helps birds to disperse across the landscape and provides space for more breeding pairs, so it can only help. The natural range of Willow Tits, and probably of Marsh Tits, once covered much of Scotland, and so restoring forest cover in that country could help to re-establish their populations.

Looking ahead, Scotland could eventually provide an important refuge for Marsh Tits and Willow Tits, being further from the intensive agriculture, urbanisation and more intense warming of southern Britain. We can look to other natural and regenerating forests in Europe to see what this restoration could look like in Scotland and elsewhere in Britain – varied tree density and structural diversity, lots of standing and fallen deadwood, and plenty of water in streams, pools and soils. Where we still have such places in Europe, like in Poland’s Bia?owie?a Forest, then Marsh Tits and Willow Tits both find places to live in different parts of the same woodland.

The Marsh Tit and the Willow Tit is very thoroughly researched and includes an extensive breadth of information. Did you encounter any challenges when developing such a detailed study of these two species?

I was lucky that there have been major studies of Marsh Tits and Willow Tits in Europe over the past century, and I have been involved with several of them in recent decades, so I was familiar with their findings. For other studies, it has never been easier to find and access published papers and reports online, and even to translate them automatically.

Nevertheless, it was still quite challenging to find many studies from Asia, which is where more than half of the world’s Marsh Tits and Willow Tits are thought to live, along with their closest relatives, the Black-bibbed Tit, Caspian Tit and Sichuan Tit. This is slowly changing, as more research is being done in China, Japan and South Korea, but there are still large gaps. In Europe, too, we still know relatively little about Marsh Tits or Willow Tits in some regions. Even in Britain, the recent discovery of a previously unknown population of Marsh Tits in the Scottish Borders shows that we still have things to learn!

What have been some of your favourite moments while researching this book? And did any of your discoveries surprise you?

It’s been a great pleasure to look back through all of the previous studies of Marsh Tits and Willow Tits and pay tribute to the dedicated researchers who spent so many years in the woods and forests, peering into the lives of these little birds. What shone through for me is just how connected the forest ecosystem really is. Marsh Tits and Willow Tits are part of a complex web of life, with some really surprising relationships. For example, Bison and Red Deer stripping bark from trees helps to create the cavities that are the Marsh Tit’s favourite nest sites. Meanwhile, Willow Tits forage on carrion from Wolf kills, which helps them to survive northern winters. At the other end of the spectrum, Marsh Tits and Willow Tits both drink nectar from blossom and might be significant pollinators of woodland shrubs, and they might also be seed dispersers for some woodland plants.

We’re just starting to understand these relationships, but in many parts of Europe they have been broken by the loss of forest species, such as large mammals. It’s exciting to think that nature restoration and rewilding could rebuild some of these ecological networks in our woodlands. Again, there’s still so much to learn about Marsh Tits and Willow Tits, but getting to know them opens a window into the wider forest ecosystem, and the more you look, the more you find.

Finally, what is occupying your time now? Are there new books on the horizon that you can tell us about?

I’m still monitoring my Marsh Tit population at Monks Wood in Cambridgeshire, coming up to 24 years of study, and I’m busy with interesting research at UKCEH on hedgerows, woodland regeneration, sustainable farming and nature restoration. In the past year I’ve been busy as the new Editor in Chief of the BTO’s scientific journal Bird Study, helping other researchers to publish their studies. I’m also still involved with research at the Biaowiea Forest in Poland, which always has exciting opportunities, and last spring I was there finding the nests of Marsh Tits, Willow Tits and Wood Warblers. The Wood Warbler is another declining woodland bird that has lots of really fascinating and surprising behaviour, and that’s another species that I think could be worth writing about.

The Marsh Tit and the Willow Tit is available to order from our online bookstore here.

This Week in Biodiversity News – 18th November

Extinction

A paper published over the weekend revealed that the Slender-billed Curlew is likely to be extinct, with the last sighting recorded in Morocco in 1995. Marking the first known global bird extinction from the Western Palearctic, this species was previously common across mainland Europe, north Africa and west Asia, with populations found nowhere else in the world. The confirmation of the loss of this species of curlew comes just a month after COP16 took place in Cali, Columbia, which focused on increasing efforts to halt the loss of flora and fauna.

Wildlife and environment

Deforestation in the Amazon has fallen by 31%, marking a nine-year low. Despite this, deforestation is still a concern for Brazil, and an area the size of Delaware was cleared within the last year. The Amazon is facing a different set of pressures as climate change progresses – severe drought has contributed to a significant 18-fold surge in wildfires, which is impacting much of South America, including the biologically rich Pantanal in Brazil.

a small mouse resting on a bush branch — Image by Frank Vassen via Flickr

One of Britain’s rare mammals has been found in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. As an element of the park’s Cysylltu Natur project, which aims to protect 25% of the park’s northern section by 2025, dormouse nesting tubes were placed along areas of woodland on site. Licensed volunteers have discovered that dormice have inhabited the boxes, resulting in an exciting milestone in boosting nature recovery for the park.

Conservation

Two sites on the rivers Wear and Tyne are under consideration for saltmarsh restoration. Groundwork North East & Cumbria have applied for permission to undertake work in these areas to compensate for construction along the riverbank and heavy industrialisation in the area. The work will expand and restore existing habitat without removing waterside infrastructure – this restoration will slow the river flow and allowing sediment to build, in turn providing habitat for fish, invertebrates and other aquatic life.

The first of fourty-eight Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) has been developed for the West of England. The strategies are conceived by local authorities, communities, NGO’s and government agencies to identify focus areas for nature. These locally led, evidence-based plans were conceived to prioritise nature investment and target efforts for environmental restoration where it is needed most. LNRS’s will eventually be rolled out to cover all of England, helping to coordinate target action to meet biodiversity commitments.

the tops of aspen trees against the sky, the leaves are orange and yellow — Image by Oyvind Holmstad via Flickr

Cairngorms National Park has launched an initiative to save one of Scotland’s most threatened tree species – Aspen. Partnered with Trees for Life, the Cairngorms National Park Authority will be mapping the health and location of existing Aspen populations, and the data will be used to guide the planting of new trees within the forest. Deemed one of Scotland’s most vital native trees, this once-common species has undergone extreme declines due to deforestation and overgrazing. It is hoped that the project can be used as a blueprint to roll out Aspen conservation across Scotland, securing biodiversity benefits for the environment.

Policy

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has revealed new climate targets for the UK. Announced at COP29 in Azerbaijan, the UK will now aim for 81% reductions in emissions by 2035. This new target updates a previous pledge of 78% made by the Conservative government, and comes after recommendations from the UK’s Climate Change Committee. This new pledge will help to support the UK’s move to net zero by 2050, and although the UK is currently running behind on delivering cuts, this new target will provide local economic growth and investment.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during a session at COP29 — Image by Number 10 via Flickr

The Environmental Audit Committee will be examining the environmental impact of Labour’s planning reforms. This inquiry comes after an early pledge to build 1.5 million homes over a five year period. To do this, there are proposed changes to the national planning policy framework, which would enable the government to release land for housing development. The inquiry will question whether these reforms can maintain current levels of environmental protection, and is seeking views on the implications of these reforms on nature and the climate.

Author interview with Dr. Tim Reed: Protected Species and Biodiversity – A Guide for Planners and Ecologists

Protected Species and Biodiversity: A Guide for Planners and Ecologists is a comprehensive, accessible book that collates every key element required to gather and interpret survey data for protected species.

Progressing through individual species and group tables, and providing information on planning systems, biodiversity, government guidance and its interpretation, how to secure better quality data, biodiversity net gain and more, this guide also codifies what a planner can expect from an ecologist to ensure the effective safeguarding of protected species. As such, it is an essential reference guide for planners and ecological consultants alike.

Dr. Tim Reed has had a lifelong interest in the use of data quality and survey methods as a basis for credible decision-making by those whose actions influence landscapes and protected areas. This has included developing survey methods for waders on moorland, standardising nature reserve management plan formats, chairing development groups for national-level databases, and collaborating with the EU on data standards for directives. Over the past 20 years, Tim has helped major worldwide corporate companies establish biodiversity as part of their risk-management processes, while also working on public inquiries across the UK.

We recently had the opportunity to chat to Tim about what inspired him to write a book aimed at planners and ecologists, how Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) could potentially affect protected species across the UK, the importance of technological advancements in accurate data collection and more.

Firstly, as someone who has spent most of their career working in planning and sustainable development, what inspired you to write this book?

Years ago, when working on immigration and extinctions in island bird communities, one of the things that impressed, but also worried me, was the extreme variability in the quality of data from year to year. Were the gaps in species records (apparent extinctions) real, or were they due to issues with data collection or recording? Moving onto protected areas and the related planning policy framework, the same problems with data quality surfaced there.

Later, when I began working on planning disputes it was clear that local planning authorities (LPAs) were staffed by good, but often overwhelmed, planners. A series of Association of Local Government Ecologists (ALGE) reports have confirmed this. ALGE reckoned there were issues of capacity (people/time) and competence (often limited specialist knowledge) that stopped LPAs doing what they wanted to do. These remain today.

Looking at the often frankly poor material dumped onto them by would-be developers, it was and is hard for planners to know how to address it, how to find out what’s needed, and where the gaps were and are. Suitable methods had been scattered across journals, books, and specialist documents, and were often hard to fathom. The absence of a recent one-stop synthesis of most of the material needed was the main driver for Protected Species and Biodiversity; trying to fill an acknowledged hole. The fact that Natural England and DEFRA’s guidance for Protected Species left much to be desired was a further problem. The idea of the guide was to try and provide an accessible way of seeing what needed doing. Something that would be suitable for planners, householders and developers’ ecologists alike – and for LPA planners to use and see if what had been claimed by applicants had been done properly, or not.

If the guide works, then the hope is that a better, more informed level of debate can take place. If so, better data will be provided and protected species and biodiversity will be the winners. The core methods section (Chapter 5) is suitable for protected species in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Common Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) on a gloved hand. — Common Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) by J P, via flickr.

Biodiversity Net Gain is a recent development in planning and land management. How do you think the introduction of this policy will affect protected species across the UK?

As I try to show in the last bit of the guide, BNG isn’t focused at all on protected species; delivery is still expected through protected species legislation. Yet, there is clearly a hope that BNG will sneak in more of all sorts of species, some of which may be rare or protected. Duffus et al (2024) have neatly shown that the score in the area-condition metric used by BNG isn’t related to either species richness or abundance. Instead, more information is needed, along with species surveys. If so, then they need doing well – and there is a debate to be had on that in the guide too.

This book emphasises the importance of collecting high-quality data for use in planning. As data quality improves, could there be a shift in our understanding of the UK’s condition? And could the true state of the UK’s biodiversity be worse than we initially thought?

Better knowledge, better use of standardised methods, and a better understanding of what the resultant data does or doesn’t mean, along with less use of unverified mitigation techniques: all will help us understand potential impacts of planning proposals on biodiversity a little bit better than we do now.

Better data might well show problems, but could also help in some circumstances by showing that some things are better than we thought, or by waving a flag before it is too late to act. Getting consistently reliable data will allow more meaningful actions at a local and wider scale.

Great Crested Newt by Leonora (Ellie) Enking. — Great Crested Newt by Leonora (Ellie) Enking, via flickr.

Chapter 5 offers an extensive insight into the data local authorities should collate when conducting an in-depth evaluation of protected species. Did you face any challenges in keeping this section accurate?

Of course things do, and will continue to, change. Even when the first draft of the text was completed there were basic changes in NE/DEFRA guidance that required reappraisals and revisions. The species guidance was equally dynamic. So, yes, it was tricky keeping up to date. The role of the guide is to bring together what we knew at the time of writing in an accessible way. If things change dramatically, there may be a case for a revised version in 5-10 years’ time. But in the meantime, it is there and might as well help people trying to understand what needs doing, or where claims need contesting, and why.

How important do you think technological advancements, such as bioacoustic methods, will play in collecting more accurate data?

Technology is critical in helping us better interpret the environment. For example, I use a range of bat recorders, and recorders have got better, and more efficient with time.

Technological improvements are fine, but they still come with error terms. Knowing and stating the limitations of methods and data are critical to help us understand what we can and can’t do with a set of data. In Public Inquiries, I regularly saw untenable claims relating to bat data that rarely matched the reality of the technology used. Query this, and the case often began to fragment. eDNA has its own issues too. So, yes in principle to advances in technology, but yes also to clear health warnings and stated limitations in any planning submissions that use them.

Hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) by Frank Vassen. — Hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) by Frank Vassen, via flickr.

What do you hope readers and practitioners will take away from your book?

The main message is that good data is key to an informed discussion between developers, opponents and planners. Being able to see what is needed, how it might be done, and why the precepts of BS 42020 (Biodiversity Standard) are core to the process. Openness, transparency and knowing what is needed will help us all – and biodiversity in particular. Poor data, bad methods and doubtful claims won’t help. If this guide helps LPAs pick some of those up, then it was worth writing.

Finally, what is occupying your time at the moment? Are you working on any other projects we can hear about?

Although now largely retired, I continue to write a blog on matters that interest me: serious and whimsical. I’m standing down now from Chairing a Friend’s Group for an island nature reserve. Having written the management plan for the site, the dim and distant origins of the island intrigue me, and there are plans in the pipework for a small book on the history and ecology of the island.

Protected Species and Biodiversity: A Guide for Planners and Ecologists is available from our online bookstore.

This Week in Biodiversity News – 4th November

Climate Crisis

Concern is mounting over the lack of progress made at COP16. After the historic agreement in Montreal which established targets to reform subsidies and to protect 30% of the planet by 2030, COP16 has revealed that participating nations are not on track to meet these targets outlined in the agreement. In order to reach 30×30, we must designate protected land equivalent to Brazil and Australia combined, and an area of the sea larger than the Indian Ocean. The second week of negotiations has shown little concrete progress on any of these targets, and a slow implementation of these international agreements risks another decade of biodiversity loss.

The UK’s largest supplier of farmed salmon has reported the biggest mass die-off in a decade. Mowi Scotland, a supplier to large supermarkets in the UK, has reported the loss of over one million fish in one production cycle. The supplier has attributed the loss to a rise in sea temperatures, exacerbated by the climate crisis, which give rise to jellyfish blooms – these harmful blooms can cause injury to farmed salmon, risking health issues and fatalities.

Salmon Farms by antonalfred, via flickr.

Conservation

The final phase of a £4.5 million rodent eradication project is underway on Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland. The island hosts one of the UK’s largest seabird colonies, including Puffins, Manx Shearwaters and Kittiwakes. Seabird species are suffering heavily from rodent predation, and Puffins alone have declined by 74% over a twenty year period. In October, the last of over 6,700 rodent traps were deployed across the 3,400 acre island and over the next seven months, conservationists and volunteers will continue to work on the eradication programme, which will come to an end in 2026.

West European Hedgehogs have been classified as ‘near threatened’ under the IUCN red list. Their populations have suffered significant declines over recent decades and are believed to have halved in more than 50% of its native countries, including the UK. A 2022 study found that British hedgehogs declined up to 75% in rural areas due to growing environmental pressures, including agricultural intensification and urban expansion. Further population declines could see this species under risk of extinction.

Stoat, Taken at the British Wildlife Centre. — Stoat by Andy Morffew, via flickr.

A project to remove invasive Stoats from Orkney has seen positive results in the islands biodiversity. The Orkney Native Wildlife Project began in 2019 to remove non-native Stoats which pose significant threats to ground-nesting birds and an endemic vole species. The project is the largest Stoat removal attempted anywhere in the world, with over 6,500 animals removed to date, and has helped to boost wildlife across the island – compared to 2019, curlew and Oystercatcher nest success is three times higher, Hen Harrier nesting success is at its highest, and Orkney Vole activity has increased by 200%.

Environment

More than one third of tree species are facing extinction. Over 38% of the planet’s trees are threatened in 192 countries, outweighing the cumulative number of threatened birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Compiled by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the work of over 1,000 scientists contributed to the assessment of the conservation status of trees. It found that logging, land clearing, pests and diseases were the greatest threats to the group, which could have a cascading effect on other animal and plant species that rely on trees for survival.

Foliage at Whitebrook by Charlie Llewellin, via flickr.

Two Bison calves have been born in Blean Woods. As part of the Wilder Blean Bison Project, managed by the Kent Wildlife Trust and the Wildwood Trust, a small herd of European Bison were introduced to woodland in Canterbury, Kent. Three females and one bull were released in 2022 to boost biodiversity and improve the resilience of the environment in the face of climate change. The birth of these calves now brings the herd to eight members, and conservationists hope that the group will continue to expand and benefit the biodiversity of their environment.

Top 5: Acoustic Recorders

Many animal groups use sound to communicate, whether this be for mating and courtship, navigation or general intraspecific communication. These sounds can come in the form of croaks, songs and calls, and are produced by a wide range of animal groups including amphibians, birds, mammals and insects.

Acoustic recorders allow us to listen to these sounds, whether this be for surveying and monitoring, or just for enjoyment. This non-invasive monitoring method allows us to gather data from an environment without disturbing wildlife, and some recorders are designed to be extremely sensitive, enabling users to capture sound from great distances. From these recordings we can identify species, analyse distribution, abundance, ecological community composition and even behaviour and can use the data to inform landscape management.

Acoustic recorders are a valuable piece of kit for ecologists, naturalists or those eager to learn more about the animals in their garden, and we have a fantastic range of recorders to meet these needs. Here we have selected our top five acoustic recorders, highlighting key features of each device.

#262796 Song Meter Micro 2

A popular, cost-effective option, the Song Meter Micro 2 is the smallest recorder in Wildlife Acoustic’s Song Meter range. The simple yet innovative design of this recorder allows for a lightweight and fully weatherproof device with an impressive 240-hour battery life. This recorder also features a built-in microphone, ideal for the detection of frogs, birds and other vocal species.

Recording Format: 16-bit WAV
Recording Bandwidth: 20Hz – 48,000Hz
Recording Channels: One built-in
Maximum sample rate: 96,000 Hz
Memory Storage: 1 microSD card
Battery Type: 4 AA batteries
Weight: 195g with batteries

#255421 Titley Chorus

This all-in-one recorder is designed to suit all acoustic surveying needs. The acoustic microphone is suitable for recording birds, frogs and mammals, and can also be equipped with a second ultrasonic microphone for the detection of bats. It is robust and waterproof (IP67 rating) and can record in mono acoustic, stereo acoustic, dual acoustic or ultrasonic for up to 300 hours.

Frequency Range: 20Hz up to 140kHz
Sampling Rates: 500, 320, 192, 96, 48, 44.1, 32, 22.05 ksps
Audio Output: Frequency division (ultrasonic) and stereo reproduction (acoustic) through headphones
Memory: 1 x SDHC/SDXC memory card (up to 1TB)
Battery Type: 4 AA batteries
Battery Life: Up to 40 nights ultrasonic / 300 hours acoustic
Weight: 435g without batteries

#262798 Song Meter Mini 2 Acoustic Recorder (AA Battery)

A compact and lightweight option, this acoustic recorder provides excellent recording quality while maintaining affordability. Building on the design of the original Song Meter Mini, this recorder features an improved battery life and weatherproof case design. It is suitable for the detection of birds, frogs and other vocal species, and a second microphone can be added for stereo recordings.

Recording Format: 16-bit WAV
Maximum sample rate: 96,000 Hz
Recording Channels: One
Memory Storage: 1 x SDHC/SDXC card
Battery Type: 4x AA or 6x NiMH
Weight: 290g with batteries

#223481 Tascam DR-05X Portable Handheld Recorder

With an easily accessible design, this recorder is straightforward and simple to use. A two second prerecord function and an auto record function ensure that a bird or bat call will never be missed, and the built-in omnidirectional microphones ensure high-quality and high resolution on this handheld recorder.

Recording media: MicroSD card / microSDHC card / microSDXC card
Number of channels: 2 (stereo)
MP3 sampling frequency: 44.1kHz / 48kHz
WAV sampling frequency: 44.1kHz / 48kHz / 96kHz
Power: 2 x AA batteries
Battery operation time: Alkaline: Approx 17.5 hours, Ni-Mh: Approx 15 hours
Weight:165g (with batteries)

#233684 Telinga PRO-X Parabolic Microphone System

This economical package includes a Telinga MK3 microphone, handle and 22” folding dish, ensuring high-quality, focused audio. It is the ideal choice for recording wildlife, even over long distances, and its foldable design makes it easy to transport in field.

Microphone frequency response: 60 – 20,000Hz
Equivalent noise level: 12dB

Recommended Reading:

Sound Identification of Terrestrial Mammals of Britain and Ireland

A groundbreaking volume that analyses sound recordings of all 42 species of Britain’s terrestrial mammals.

The Handbook of Acoustic Bat Detection

An improved update of the German book, this is the go-to practical handbook on how to gather and analyse bat calls.

Nest Boxes for New Build Projects

Nest boxes can be an excellent way to support biodiversity and incorporate additional habitat into new builds or redevelopments. Some nest boxes are specifically designed to cater to certain species, while others are more generalist and are suitable for multiple species. Generally, bird nest boxes consist of a large internal cavity and an access hole in various shapes or locations depending on the target species. They can be made from a variety of materials, however, woodcrete (or woodstone, woodconcrete) is generally preferred due to its robustness, longevity and advantageous thermal properties.

As low impact, wildlife-friendly construction gains momentum, more choice is added to the market each day, and the range is extensive. We are pleased to offer the largest range of integrated nest boxes in the UK. Here we provide an overview of some of our bestselling models and their benefits.

Integrated Swift Boxes

Swift populations have declined over recent decades due to changes in roof design and the choice of materials used to construct our homes and public buildings. This species typically uses existing holes, cracks and crevices to build their nests, especially those in old buildings, so built-in swift boxes are recommended to provide areas for these birds to roost. These boxes provide large internal cavities within the brickwork that can be accessed by horizontally elongated, often downward facing entrance holes. As colony breeders, it is recommended to site multiple swift boxes together, situated with a clear flight path. The boxes should be installed at a minimum height of 5m on a non-south facing wall and should have no less than 40cm between entrance holes.

Pro UK Rendered Build–in Swift Box (256322)

Can be rendered over
Woodstone material
Long lasting and durable
Built to match standard UK brick dimensions

Schwegler 1A (208155)

Installed flush to the wall or can be rendered over
Only the discrete entrance hole is visible after rendering
Long lasting and durable
Woodconcrete

Manthorpe Swift Brick (242167)

Long lasting PVC
Blends into brickwork
Available in six colours
Visible area is the size of a standard brick
Simple to install

WoodStone Build-in Swift Nest Box Deep (248390)

Woodstone material
Installed flush to the wall or can be rendered over
Long lasting and durable

Integrated Sparrow Boxes

House Sparrow populations have undergone significant declines in previous decades and remain in a vulnerable state in the UK. As colony nesters, this species would benefit from boxes that are installed close together, or a larger, terraced box with multiple connected chambers. These built-in sparrow boxes consist of a durable woodcrete housing with a discrete entrance hole and a large cavity chamber (or alternatively multiple chambers) for nesting.

Mario Dual Chamber Sparrow Terrace (260169)

Twin nesting chambers
Durable and robust woodstone design
Good insulative properties
Removable front plate for cleaning

Sparrow Box Smooth Brick (197663)

Made to order
Unobtrusive design
Can be supplied unfaced or with custom bricks
Durable and robust materials

Vivara Pro WoodStone House Sparrow Next Box (210670)

Durable and robust materials
Can be integrated into the build or fixed to external walls
Multiple chambers
Removable front plate

1SP Schwegler Sparrow Terrace (185100)

Durable and robust material
Can be integrated into the build or fixed to external walls
Removable front panel
Multiple chambers

General Purpose Integrated Bird Nest Boxes

Built-in bird boxes have inclusive designs to cater for a number of bird species, and usually consist of a woodcrete nest box with a cavity space and a discrete entrance hole. These self-contained concrete nests are unobtrusive and are typically installed flush to the wall or can be rendered over for more pleasing aesthetics.

Woodstone Build-in Open Nest Box (217194)

Woodstone
Can be rendered over or installed flush to the outside wall
Suitable for multiple species
Durable and long-lasting
Good insulative properties

Type 24 Schwegler Brick Nest Box (183018)

Woodconcrete
Can be rendered over or installed flush to the outside wall
Suitable for multiple species, including tits, sparrows and redstarts
Durable and long lasting

Vivara Pro Build-in Half Open Nest Box (257046)

Manufactured to match UK brick standards
Can be integrated into walls and rendered over, or can be mounted onto external walls
Suitable for multiple species

Custom Integrated Bird Boxes

Bird boxes typically consist of a solid box made from insulating materials with an internal nesting space. They can be custom faced with a chosen brick type (or existing brick, wood, stonework or rendered finish) to allow for discrete installation and a better blend into the existing facade.

Terraced Sparrow Box Custom Brick Facing (218686)

Made to order
Suitable for three breeding pairs
Unobtrusive design
Can be faced to match your building
Robust and long-lasting material

Starling Box Custom Brick Facing (197683)

Made to order
Large solid box made of insulating concrete
Unobtrusive design
Can be faced to match your building

For more information on bird boxes and how to choose them, read our Bird Boxes Buyers Guide.

Our full range of bird boxes can be found here.

If you have any questions about our range 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.

Birds of Conservation Concern Red List: Species Spotlight

In September, five species of seabird were added to the UK Birds of Conservation Concern Red List. Arctic Tern, Great Skua, Leach’s Storm Petrel, Common Gull and Great Black-backed Gull have joined the list of species most in need of conservation. Each of these species has experienced population declines due to pressures including climate change, avian influenza and habitat loss. Over 30% of all British birds are now on the Red List; the most recent additions joining Kittiwakes, Puffins and Arctic Skuas, among others. An alarming ten out of 26 UK seabirds now feature on the list.

In this blog we shine a spotlight on these seabirds and explore the threats that have resulted in their addition to the Red List.

Leach’s Petrel (Hydrobates leucorhous)

A dark grey bird with a black, hooked beak and black legs. It is standing on the sand with its wings spread — Image by Alexis Lours via Flickr

Identification: Leach’s Petrel is a Starling-sized bird with a wingspan of up to 48cm. This burrow-nesting seabird is mostly black in colour, except for a white rump with a black line running through it. The wings are angled, with darker wingtips and a lighter coloured ‘V’ over the wingspan and the tail is dark and forked.

Distribution: Most sightings of this species are recorded around coastal headlands and sea-watching hotspots during autumn. The UK has an estimated 48,000 breeding pairs which can mostly be found on remote offshore islands (particularly in Ireland and Scotland) before migrating to the tropics over winter.

Threats: Leach’s Petrel was added to the Red List due to population declines and localised breeding concerns. It is thought that more than half of the UK’s population resides at fewer than ten sites, areas which carry the risk of predation by introduced mammalian predators as well as avian predators.

Fun fact: Leach’s Petrels spend most of their time offshore, close to deeper waters beyond the continental shelf, before returning to underground nests at night.

Common Gull (Larus canus)

A seagull standing on a rock. It has a yellow beak and legs, a white body and grey wings. The wings are tipped with black. — Image by Ekaterina Chernetsova via Flickr

Identification: A medium-sized gull with a wingspan of up to 130cm. This species is similar in appearance to the Herring Gull but is smaller in size. It is mostly grey from above, with a grey back and upper wings. The underside, head, tail and body are white. The small bill and legs of the Common Gull are yellow-green in colour and, up close, a red orbital ring can be observed around the iris. Their call is a high-pitched ‘kee’ or ‘kee-ya’ sound.

Distribution: There are approximately 49,000 breeding pairs of Common Gull in the UK, which breed in the north and west of Britain and Ireland. They are generally widely distributed throughout the country but are found with the highest densities on the eastern side of Scotland. Predominantly a coastal bird, this species has a preference for upland areas and can be seen in towns along the coast throughout the year.

Threats: Severe declines have been observed over the last 25 years, with over half of the breeding population lost during this time. These losses are due to a number of factors, including predation, habitat loss and degradation.

Fun fact: Despite its name, this bird is scarcer than other gull species and is found in lower numbers.

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)

A large gull flying over the sea. It has a yellow beak with a red patch. Its body is white but the backs of the wings are a dark slate grey — Image by Gertjan van Noord via Flickr

Identification: A thick-set, very large gull with a powerful beak. Great Black-backed Gulls are easily recognised by their black upper wings and an impressive wingspan of up to 167cm. The head, neck, tail and underside are white and there are visible white edges to the upper wings in flight. This species has pale pink legs, and a distinctive large yellow beak with a red spot on the underside towards the tip.

Distribution: There are around 17,000 breeding pairs of Great Black-backed Gull in the UK which can be seen throughout the year in coastal locations. This species is found across the UK but has high densities around the northern Isles and south-west Ireland.

Threats: Populations of Great Black-backed Gull have declined by an estimated 50% since 1985, brought on by suspected declines in food availability in their natural habitat, habitat loss and threats from entanglement and development.

Fun fact: The Great Black-backed Gull is the largest gull species in the world.

Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)

A small white bird with a black head. Its legs and beak are a vibrant red and the wing tops are a light grey — Image by Alaska Region U.S Fish and Wildlife Service via Flickr

Identification: A small, slender seabird with a wingspan measuring up to 85cm. The Arctic Tern is a white bird with a black cap and grey wings. It is streamlined in shape and has a deeply forked tail with long streamers. The legs and pointed beak are red in colour and their calls are hard and repetitive, with a ‘kee-arr’ sound.

Distribution: There are approximately 54,000 breeding pairs in the UK that can be seen in good numbers around Shetland and Orkney. Arctic Tern can be seen from April to September in Britain, breeding coastally in the north.

Threats: Arctic Tern populations have undergone long-term declines for several reasons: habitat loss, human disturbance in breeding and feeding habitats, impacted chick survival by avian influenza, and declines in Sand Eels, a critical food source.

Fun fact: The Arctic Tern has the longest migration of any tern – this species breeds in the Arctic and travels south to summer in the Antarctic.

Great Skua (Stercorarius skua)

A mottled brown bird standing on long grass. It has a dark grey beak and legs. It is a brown bird with mottled white, yellow, gold and black — Image by Kjetil Rimolsronning via Flickr

Identification: A large, dark brown bird with a wingspan up to 140cm. Great Skua are heavy in build and almost black in colour when viewed at a distance, with white flashes on the wing visible in flight. Up close, their plumage is streaked with black, brown, white and yellow and their bills and legs are black. They have a distinctive gull call – a harsh ‘hah-hah-hah-hah’ sound.

Distribution: Great Skua can be seen around British coastlines throughout the year, with most sightings documented between April and November. This species is known to breed on northern islands, including Shetland and Orkney during the summer months.

Threats: Great Skua populations have been severely impacted by avian influenza, resulting in at least 2,500 deaths of Scottish birds since 2022.

Fun fact: Considered ‘pirates of the sea’, Great Skuas are predatory birds and will hunt small birds, rabbits and rodents.

Recommended Reading:

Seabirds: The New Identification Guide

Lavishly illustrated, this comprehensive guide covers all known seabirds and features more than 3,800 full-colour figures.

The Storm-petrels

The definitive work on the European Storm-petrel and its relatives, by one of the world’s leading experts on the species.

The Seabird’s Cry

In ten chapters, each dedicated to a different bird, this book travels the ocean paths along with them, looking at the way their bodies work and the strategies needed to survive in the most demanding environment on earth.

Bat Boxes for New Build Projects

The range of integrated or built-in boxes designed for bats can be overwhelming. For new developments, or renovation projects, you may be searching for bat boxes to incorporate additional habitats into your build, and support species while providing new infrastructure. With an upturn in low impact, wildlife friendly construction, integrated bat boxes are becoming increasingly relevant in the construction sector. Bat boxes are designed to provide an appropriately sized, predator-free space for bats to roost or hibernate. They are often designed to be built-in to the building itself, whether this be roofing or brickwork and are unobtrusive, often hard to spot, and help to provide various species with a permanent roost.

There are 18 bat species in the UK, all of which use the same areas of buildings to roost in the absence of natural habitats – most commonly cellars, roofs and loose brickwork, among many more. In general, bat boxes should be placed between 3-6 metres high, in a sunny location with around 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. It is also best to avoid placing these in areas around artificial light. For built-in products, woodcrete (or woodstone, woodconcrete) is preferred due to its durability, longevity and good insulative properties.

Here we discuss integrated bat boxes, providing an overview of our selection of bat boxes and their benefits.

Types of Integrated Bat Boxes

Bat Tiles, Bricks and Panels

Tiles, bricks and panels provide bats with an access point to a suitable roosting space, whether this be within the roof, ridge tiles or a cavity area behind bricks and panels. They are designed to be incorporated into the build itself during construction or renovation and should be provided with suitable roosting cavities behind the access point, usually in the form of bat boxes or insulation-free cavity space.

Bat Access Brick (197697)

Made to standard brick size
Suitable for new builds or renovation
Available in multiple colours to cater to existing structures
Requires a cavity chamber

1FE Schwegler Bat Access Panel (183033)

Can be used to conserve existing roosts or create new sites
Made with woodcrete to ensure durability and breathability
Rot-proof
Can be painted or rendered over

Bat Access Tile Set (187127)

Made to order
Provides bats with an entrance to underfelt or open loft
Protection from heat extremes
Available in five traditional tile colours

Integrated Bat Boxes

Bat boxes are designed to cater for either crevice and cavity dwelling species through varying complexity or can occasionally be a hybrid design to encourage uptake from both groups. These self-contained roosts are unobtrusive and are typically installed flush to the wall or can be rendered over. Bat boxes can also be designed for hibernation and breeding, providing a well-insulated, larger space to accommodate breeding colonies and larger groups.

Integrated Eco Bat Box (232521)

Suitable for crevice or cavity species
Weatherproof
Long lasting and lightweight
Replaces 6 standard bricks
Made with recycled plastic

Vivara Pro Build-in WoodStone Bat Box (252139)

Can be rendered over
Discreet entrance hole
Modular design which can be connected in the facade
Long lasting, insulative woodstone material

1WI Schwegler Summer and Winter Bat Box (187994)

Suitable for year-round occupation
Suitable for maternity and roosting
Woodcrete has good longevity and insulative properties
Can be rendered over

1FR Schwegler Tube (178018)

Woodcrete
Suitable for rendering
Long lasting and durable
Discrete entrance hole
Suitable as a summer roost

Custom Bat Boxes

Bat boxes typically consist of a solid box made from insulating materials with an internal roosting space. They can be custom faced with a chosen brick type (or existing brick, wood, stonework or rendered finish) to allow for discrete installation and a better blend into the existing facade.

Habibat Bat Box 003 Custom Brick Blended Facing (205039)

Made to order
Blended facing
Insulative properties
Customisable brick facing and plinth to blend with existing brickwork

Habibat Bat Box 001 – Custom Brick Facing (193477)

Made to order
Insulative properties
Blended facing in brick to match building
Unobtrusive design

Ibstock Enclosed Bat Box ‘B’ (214595)

Made to order
Intended as a summer roosting space
Available in two sizes and three colours

Habibat 3S Bat Box (249968)

Made to order
Available in a variety of facings to suit any existing brick, wood, stonework or aa rendered finish
Insulative properties

External Bat Boxes

An alternative to integrated habitat boxes, externally mounted bat boxes can be attached to trees, fences, or buildings and are typically made of woodstone or woodcrete. These versatile boxes can be designed for summer roosting, hibernation, or maternity roosting, varying in size to accommodate different species.

2F Schwegler Bat Box (General Purpose) (174814)

Woodcrete
Summer roosting space
Removable front panel
Long lasting

Large Multi Chamber WoodStone Bat Box (246918)

Woodstone
Suitable for maternity and summer roosting
Also suitable as a hibernation box in mild winters
Long lasting
Removable front panel

Elisa Bat Box (259840)

Wood concrete
Long lasting
Suitable as a summer roost
Curved for a closer fit to trees

Vivara Pro WoodStone Bat Box (210820)

WoodStone
Suitable as a summer roosting space
Long lasting
Removable front panel

2FE Schwegler Wall-mounted Bat Shelter (Pack of 2) (190558)

Suitable for summer roosts or for winter hibernation quarters
Fixed to external walls
Long lasting

For more information on bat boxes and how to choose them, read our Bat Boxes Buyers Guide.

Our full range of bat boxes can be found here.

If you have any questions about our range 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.

This Week in Biodiversity News – 14th October

Policy

‘Effectively protected’ land in England has declined to just 2.93%. With the government’s commitment to protecting 30% of Britain’s land and sea by 2030 fast approaching, campaigners warn that swift, direct action is needed to overturn these declines. Ocean protection has increased to 9.92% from last year’s 8%, however land protection has fallen to under 3%, less than last year’s estimate. Declines in land protection result from the diminishing condition of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to climate change, pollution and overgrazing and conservation authorities agree that the UK government will need to take big steps over the next few years to meet 30×30 targets.

Keir Starmer and others looking at machinery in a carbon capture factory — Image by Number 10 via Flickr

The UK Government has pledged £22b to support the development of two carbon capture and storage projects. Based in Merseyside and Teesside, these carbon capture projects will store carbon emissions from industry and energy production to help the UK meet its climate goals. This new industry is regarded as a key element in meeting targets around greenhouse gas emissions and is hoped to attract significant private investment as well as provide 4,000 jobs for local people. The captured carbon will be stored in deep geological storage in the North Sea and Liverpool Bay, with the hopes of removing up to 8.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

Environment

Rivers across the globe are drying at the fastest rate for thirty years, the World Meteorological Organization’s State of Global Water Resources Report has shown. The report has labelled the world’s water resources a ‘canary in a coal mine’ and calls for urgent action to tackle the risk to global water supplies. Over 50% of global river catchments exhibited abnormal conditions in 2023, the same year that we reached the hottest temperatures on record. These conditions have accelerated the hydrological cycle and have resulted in significant unpredictability, facilitating floods and drought.

A group of large trees in Madagascar in front of sunset — Image by Rod Waddington via Flickr

Botanists from Kew’s Royal Botanic Gardens believe there are around 100,000 plant species yet to be discovered across the globe. A study revealed 33 areas that are likely to contain great numbers of undiscovered species and highlights regions in which botanists should be concentrating their search for new plants. By increasing the rate of discoveries, scientists hope to better target conservation and preservation, and discover these species before they are lost to extinction. Of the 33 areas identified, most are in Asia and include Vietnam and the eastern Himalayas. Africa, South America, Madagascar, Colombia and Peru have also been identified as key areas of interest.

Satellite data analysis from the University of Exeter has reported greening across the Antarctic continent. Due to the acceleration of the climate crisis, plant cover in the region has increased more than tenfold over recent decades, expanding from just 1km2 in 1986 to nearly 12km2 in 2021. Comprised mainly of mosses and green algae, this greening leaves the continent open to invasive species colonisation from foreign visitors. Although still dominated by ice, the growth of vegetation in the region is cause for concern and could facilitate further soil formation due to an increased presence of vegetative organic matter.

Conservation

Pine Martens have been successfully reintroduced to south-west England. In September, fifteen Pine Martens – eight females and seven males – were released in undisclosed locations on Dartmoor National Park for the first time in 150 years. After being driven to extinction by habitat loss and persecution, this translocation will reinstate natural predator-prey interactions and processes. Next year, the project will turn its attention to Exmoor National Park to translocate another group of these elusive mustelids.

Salmon numbers in England and Wales took a sharp decline in 2023. In a report by CEFAS and the Environment Agency, data showed that last year’s salmon stocks were at the lowest since records began in 1997 – declared catch in 2023 totalled 5,399, nearly 1,500 less than the year before. There are 64 principal salmon rivers in the UK (rivers which contain significant numbers), and only one of these is classified as not at risk. It is believed that climate change and polluted waterways are directly endangering these fish, as salmon are an indicator species for polluted waters.

The Welsh Government has announced its support for the reintroduction of Eurasian Beavers in Wales. With flood warnings becoming more regular across the country, the reintroduction of these animals could provide Wales with a nature-based solution to tackle water pollution and flooding through the creation of wetland habitats. The project is supported by over 90% of the Welsh population, revealed by a survey that was conducted by the Welsh Beaver Project who have been investigating the feasibility of reintroduction since 2005.

The NHBS Guide to Autumn and Winter Foraging

Foraging for food is an easy way to connect people of all ages with nature. Some of us may forage unknowingly while picking juicy blackberries in the summer months, and some of us may be unaware of the vast array of edibles around us throughout the year. Here we have selected a handful of items to forage through autumn and winter, highlighting where you can find them and their culinary uses.

It is important to be certain of your identification, so if you are unsure, check all foraged foods with a professional as some plants have toxic look-alikes. Remember to forage responsibly by leaving plenty behind for wildlife and allow plants to set seed or spore for regeneration.

Mushrooms and Fungi

Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)

A cluster of oyster mushrooms on a tree stump, it is light cream underneath and a light brown on the top — Image by Sarah Ward via Flickr

Identification: With its distinctive appearance, this bracket fungus is instantly recognisable. It has an oyster-shaped cap, that can be white, cream, grey or tan in colour and measures up to 25cm across. The gills underneath can vary in thickness with age, but are generally white or cream in colour.

Distribution: Oyster mushrooms can be found throughout the year in large numbers, but they are most commonly seen in the winter months growing on deciduous hardwoods, such as beech.

Culinary Uses: Oyster mushrooms have a meaty texture and a mild, nutty flavour. They have a diversity of culinary applications and are often used to substitute meat due to their fleshy texture. They can be sauteed, stir fried, grilled and roasted, or used as an ingredient in soups, stews, risottos and pasta.

Did you know? Oyster Mushrooms are carnivorous and can digest nematodes (microscopic, unsegmented worms).

Velvet Shank Mushroom (Flammulina velutipes)

A group of orange bracket fungi growing on the bark of a tree, they are bright orange on top and lighter in colour on the bottom — Image by Peter O’Connor via Flickr

Identification: Growing in overlapping tiers, Velvet Shank Mushroom caps can measure up to 7cm in diameter and 10cm in height. The caps are bright orange, with a pale edge and a darker area towards the middle, which interestingly becomes slimy to the touch in wet weather. The gills are broad and white, turning yellow with maturity and the stalk is fibrous and soft.

Distribution: The dense clusters of this fungus can be found on dead and decaying broadleaved trees from late autumn to early spring. It is fairly common throughout the UK and can be found on the stumps and trunks of hardwood trees. The fungus shows a preference for elm, but can also be found on beech, oak and Hawthorn.

Culinary Uses: Velvet Shank has a sweet, nutty flavour and a chewy texture. They are only edible once cooked, and can be used in soups, casseroles and stews, or can be preserved using oil or vinegar for use throughout the season. For improved texture, the skin and stalks should be removed during preparation.

Did you know? Velvet Shank Mushrooms are one of few species that can be found in December because they can survive frost and being frozen solid.

Beefsteak Fungus (Fistulina hepatica)

a flat fungus growing from the bark of a tree. it ids bright red and slimy on top and is white underneath — Image by Ancient Woods and Trees Project via Flickr

Identification: Also known as Ox-tongue Fungus due to its resemblance as a young fungus, this bracket fungus grows up to 25cm in diameter and 6cm in thickness. The upper surface is a deep red and it has a cream-coloured underside that is covered with small pores.

Where/when: Beefsteak Fungus can be found from late summer to autumn and is common in broadleaved woodland. It can be spotted close to the ground on tree trunks and stumps, particularly Sweet Chestnut and oaks.

Culinary Uses: This fungus has a marbled, rubbery texture and a slightly sour, acidic flavour. It can be eaten raw when sliced thinly but is more commonly cooked in larger chunks. During preparation, Beefsteak Fungus should be simmered for a little while to soften the flesh.

Did you know? Beefsteak fungus will ooze a watery blood-like substance when cut.

Nuts and Seeds

Chestnuts, Sweet Chestnut Tree (Castanea sativa)

a green spiky shell encasing multiple brown nuts — Image by Garry Knight via Flickr

Identification: Chestnuts grow on Sweet Chestnut trees; a large deciduous species which can grow up to 35m in height. It has long, toothed leaves that can grow up to 28cm in length and its flowers are long, yellow catkins. Sweet Chestnuts produce fruit cases that are covered in soft green spikes, and inside these cases are up to three shiny brown chestnuts.

Distribution: Sweet Chestnut trees are mostly found in south-east England in woodlands, towns and gardens. The chestnuts begin to drop from October and can be found until early winter.

Culinary Uses: Chestnuts can be baked, boiled, roasted, candied or stored in syrup. Before cooking, a cross should be scored on the bottom to prevent them from exploding. Once cooked and peeled, chestnuts can be used in cakes and stuffing and are often enjoyed as a festive treat.

Did you know? In the UK, it is believed that Sweet Chestnut trees were introduced by the Romans as a source of flour.

Walnuts, Walnut Tree (Juglans regia)

A group of walnuts on a wooden table, with the shell they have a veiny texture and without a shell they have pits and waves — Image by Taco Witte via Flickr

Identification: These seeds are foraged from the Walnut tree, a large, broadleaved deciduous species that can grow up to 35m in height. The bark of the Walnut is smooth and olive-brown in colour, which fades to grey as the tree matures. The pinnate leaves have up to nine pairs of leaflets, with one terminal leaflet at the end and the tree has long, yellow green coloured catkins. The brown, wrinkled walnuts can be found inside a green husk which splits as it ripens and can be picked from late autumn.

Distribution: A common and widespread species throughout the UK, Walnut trees can be found on farmland, towns, parks and gardens.

Culinary Uses: Walnuts are a popular snack and can be incorporated into several dishes, sweet or savoury. They can be eaten raw, roasted, fried or pickled.

Did you know? Walnut leaves are said to smell of furniture polish when crushed.

Hazelnuts, Hazel Tree (Corylus avellana)

Two unripe hazelnuts hang from a branch, they are pink in colour and have small white hairs covering the fruit — Image by hedera.baltica via Flickr

Identification: Mature Hazel trees grow to around 12m tall and are easily identified by their leaves. They are soft to the touch, with a round shape, pointed tip and serrated edges. The flowers consist of yellow cylindrical catkins that hang in clusters from mid-February, giving way to the oval fruits which hang in groups of around four and are surrounded by leafy bracts.

Distribution: Common and widespread across the UK, Hazel trees can be found in woods, hedgerows, parks and gardens. Hazelnuts are present from late August and are ready to harvest up to October when the husks are golden brown and begin to split.

Culinary Uses: Once ripened in a dark, dry place, hazelnuts can be roasted or baked, and used to create stuffing, nut butters, pastry fillings and traditional festive confectionary.

Plants and Trees

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

a bird-eye view of a patch of stinging nettles, who have strongly serrated leaves — Image by svklimkin via Flickr

Identification: Stinging Nettles can be easily identified by their dull, serrated leaves that, along with the rest of the plant, are covered in small, stinging hairs that deliver an itchy sting when brushed. The stem is square, and the flowers are small and green, resembling catkins with no petals.

Distribution: Stinging Nettles are common and widespread throughout the UK and can be found in woodland, grassland, hedges, roadsides and wasteland from Spring to Autumn.

Culinary Uses: The shoots and leaves of Stinging Nettles are extremely versatile in the kitchen and can be used in soups, risotto, pesto and popular herbal teas.

Did you know? It is thought that roman soldiers rubbed their bodies with nettles to keep warm and promote good circulation.

Hairy Bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta)

A small bushy plant on a forest floor, it has a couple of long stems with flowers at the top — Image by Melissa McMaster via Flickr

Identification: A small, annual herb in the mustard family, Hairy Bittercress grows to around 30cm in height. The compound leaves consist of small, rounded leaflets that are arranged in opposite pairs, forming a compact rosette close to the ground. The small, white flowers have four petals forming a cross shape and are around 1cm in diameter. The entire plant is covered in small, pale hairs.

Distribution: Common and widespread year-round, Hairy Bittercress can readily be found in the cracks in pavements, patios, walls and gardens. It prefers damp, shady areas but may also be found in heathland, coastal areas and moorland.

Culinary Uses: Although considered a weed, Hairy Bittercress has a wide range of culinary uses. It has a tangy, peppery flavour and can be used in salads, soups, salsa, or pesto, and can even be used to substitute cress and rocket. Picking leaves from the middle of the rosette is advised for the best flavour.

Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

A close up shot of the scots pine needles and cone — Image by Sage Ross via Flickr

Identification: Growing up to 35m in height, Scots Pine trees are easily recognised by their straight, unbranched trunk and conical crown. The needles are grey green in colour and are arranged in twisted, bunched pairs with orange scented flowers that mature into green cones.

Distribution: Scots Pine are common and widespread throughout the northern hemisphere. Wild trees can be found in abundance in the Caledonian Pine Forest of Scotland and are widely planted elsewhere in the UK.

Culinary Uses: Scots Pine needles can be harvested throughout the year to make pestos, soups and stews. Young pine needles can be used to make tea or can be infused with oils to harness their citrusy, lemony flavour.

Fruits and Berries

Rosehips, Wild Dog Rose (Rosa canine)

A branch with a bunch of orange and red berries — Image by Peter Stenzel via Flickr

Identification: Rosehips come from the wild Dog Rose; a thorny, scrambling shrub with pale pink flowers. The flowers have five petals and yellow stamens that give rise to oval shaped, green seed pods known as rosehips. These eventually ripen to a vibrant red and contain numerous small seeds covered in irritating hairs.

Distribution: Dog Rose is common and widespread across the UK where it can be found year-round in hedgerows and woodland fringes. Rosehips appear around September after the rose has flowered, and last throughout the winter – they are ready to be picked when they feel plump and soft

Culinary Uses: Rosehips can be used to make jams, jellies and syrup for cordials, tea and desserts. Rosehip tea is commonly brewed with citrus fruits, lemongrass, dried fruit and honey for a vitamin C rich drink. These berries have also been used to infuse vinegars for a fragrant salad dressing. Rosehips cannot be eaten raw and must be cooked before ingestion. The irritating hairs around the seeds should also be removed during preparation.

Sloes, Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)

A branch with many bunches of purple blue berries — Image by Lewis Bormann via Flickr

Identification: Sloes grow on the Blackthorn tree, a black-barked scrub that grows to around 7 metres. Blackthorn has spiny, black-purple twigs and oval-shaped, toothed leaves which have pointed tips and a tapered base. Blackthorn trees produce small, white blossom in early spring, before the leaves develop. The sloes, which are the smallest fruit in the plum family, are blue-black berries around 1cm across. They can be picked from September to December and are known for their acidic taste.

Distribution: Blackthorn can be found in abundance in woodland, field edges and hedges throughout the UK.

Culinary Uses: It is recommended to pick sloes after the first frost for the best flavour, however this can be replicated by freezing and thawing the sloes at home. The tart flavour of sloe berries is favoured for preserves, wine and sloe gin. Historically, sloes have also been used to make tonics and syrups as health remedies.

Elderberries, Elder Tree (Sambucus nigra)

Bunches of small black purple berries hanging from pink branches — Image by Geoff Henson via Flickr

Identification: The Elder tree is a deciduous species which can grow up to six metres in height and is identifiable by its toothed, oval leaves. Each compound leaf has up to seven leaflets, arranged in opposite pairs with a single leaflet at the top. The flowers of this tree, elderflowers, bloom between May and June. Clusters of white, five-petalled flowers appear with prominent yellow stamens, and umbels of dark elderberries form in late August.

Distribution: Elder trees can be found growing in a variety of conditions year-round, and are largely non-selective with their environment, which can include hedgerows, woodland, scrubland, grassland and urban green spaces.

Culinary Uses: Packed full of antioxidants and vitamins, elderberries have been used for centuries to support human health. These dark berries can be used to make wine, syrups, jams, cordials and can be incorporated into cakes and crumbles. Please note that elderberries should always be cooked before eating to neutralise cyanide compounds present within the fruit.

Recommended Reading: