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.

 

 

Author interview with Ursula Clare Franklin: Mission Penguin

Mission Penguin book cover showing a King penguin and Gentoo Penguin on a beach.Following the loss of her husband, Ursula Franklin embarked on a mission to see and photograph every species of penguin in their natural habitat. In this breathtaking book, join Ursula on expeditions to some of the most remote places on earth, from the Falklands to Tristan da Cunha and Antipodes Islands, in search of these much-loved birds. Interspersed with stories from Ursula’s adventures, each chapter explores a different species of penguin, detailing their identifying features, the ever-increasing threats they’re facing, and the conservation efforts needed to ensure future generations can experience the wonder of these animals.

Ursula Franklin is a keen wildlife photographer who grew up in Yorkshire, and is now based in Somerset. She developed a keen interest in photography when she was a child and her wonderful husband supported her passion until his sudden death in 2012. As a way to process her grief and heal, alongside her husband’s constant encouragement for her to ‘do something with her photography’, Mission Penguin was born.

We recently had the opportunity to talk to Ursula about her expedition, how she thinks we can we work to protect these vital species in the future, her favourite memories throughout this journey and more.

Plus, enter our prize draw to be in with the chance of winning one of four exclusive Mission Penguin prints here.


Having travelled around the world and seen every species of penguin in every habitat, which species surprised you the most and why? 

Like many people, I had always associated penguins with snow, so it was amazing to discover that some species breed in forests, others in the desert and one species even at the equator.  The species that really surprised me, however, and for a totally different reason, was the Royal Penguin. This species breeds on Macquarie Island, and in the north of the island are the rusted remains of huge digestors which were once used to extract oil firstly from seals and then when they ran out, penguins. Millions of King and Royal Penguins were slaughtered leaving just a few thousand birds when the barbaric practice was finally stopped. Having suffered years of persecution by man, I marvelled at how trusting the birds were. As I sat on the beach, groups of Royal Penguins waddled up to me, inquisitively studying my boot laces, camera bag and equipment. They were so curious and seemed utterly fearless. It was hard to imagine humankind betraying such trust. Luckily, over the last 100 years, their numbers have steadily increased and in 2022 they were finally taken off the list of near-threatened species (IUCN red list). Hopefully they will continue to increase despite the human-induced climate change crisis.   

Royal penguins waddling across Sandy Bay, Macquarie Island.
Royal penguins waddling across Sandy Bay, Macquarie Island.

You were lucky enough to witness the full, daily lifecycle of a number of penguin colonies by watching them from dawn until dusk, and I particularly loved the photographs of the Gentoo penguins on Saunders Beach at sunset. What does the typical day in the life of a penguin look like?

A day in the life of a penguin varies hugely depending on the time of year, especially during the breeding season, or when moulting. At other times of year, the birds spend their time foraging in the open ocean. During their annual moult, which usually lasts around 3 weeks, they are no longer waterproof so cannot go into the ocean to feed instead they must stay on land living solely off their fat reserves. The breeding season is when they spend time on both land and sea. For most species, males and females share incubation of the egg/s and often take it in turns to go foraging to feed the hungry chick/s whilst the other parent stays to protect it/them.  With some species, as the chicks get older, they are left in a crèche, or some stay in a burrow, allowing both parents to go to the ocean to collect food for their increasing appetites. The birds often leave at dawn when foraging, and the length of time they are away depends on how far they must swim to find food. For some species, warming ocean temperatures have shifted prey populations further from the colony leading to chick starvation and mass breeding failure. When the parents do return with food, some species engage their older chicks in long food chases before finally stopping to feed them. This is done to build up the strength of the chicks prior to fledging and is hilarious to watch. The adults then stay with their chicks at the colony overnight before the whole process starts again early the next morning. 

A Gentoo penguin colony at sunset, Saunders Island, the Falklands.
A Gentoo penguin colony at sunset, Saunders Island, the Falklands.

You travelled around the world and have seen so many different places as a result of this project – what was your favourite memory and why?

This is such a hard question. I could say the very beginning of the mission on the Antarctic Peninsula with the sighting of my first penguin – this was a Chinstrap Penguin and has since become my favourite species, probably because the black strap under their chin makes it look as if they are smiling. Or I could go to the very end of the mission at Snow Hill Island with the Emperor Penguin colony, which was like being on the film set of the movie Happy feet and a very fitting and emotional accomplishment of Mission Penguin 

My favourite travel destination, however, is the Falkland Islands. With fewer than 4000 people, beautiful coastlines and over one million penguins of five species I’m sure you can understand why. My favourite island is Saunders Island and my favourite location there is ‘the neck’. The accommodation is very basic and although small can technically sleep 8 in 4 sets of narrow bunk beds. Incredibly, on my last visit, my friend Hazel and I were the only occupants – apart from the penguins of course! What a joy and privilege to be the only humans sharing their world and a memory that will stay with me forever.

The Neck, Saunders Island, The Falklands.
The Neck, Saunders Island, The Falklands.

Having witnessed first-hand the negative effects of both climate change and human activity on penguin colonies, and their respective habitats, how can we work to protect these vital species in the future? 

Penguins are key indicator species for the health of our oceans and the effects of global warming. Although there are no penguins naturally occurring in the Northern Hemisphere, our everyday actions here will ultimately filter down to the Southern Hemisphere and affect these animals. 

One of the most threatened penguins is the African Penguin, and research suggests that this species could become extinct in the wild by 2035 unless we act now. Whilst we have little influence on African governments regarding marine ‘no-take’ zones, limiting coastal development, (oil refineries etc) can still help. For example, all of us can reduce our use of plastics (especially single use), and switch to renewable energy sources. 

For more direct and immediate help we can also sponsor penguin nest boxes. African Penguins naturally lay their eggs in burrows which are dug out of layers of guano (bird poo!) laid down over hundreds of years. In the 1800’s most of this guano was collected and shipped to the UK to be used as fertiliser. As a result, there has been a 99% decline in the population over the last 100 years. As land temperatures continue to rise, penguins now nesting out in the open air are either dying from hyperthermia or abandoning their nests to save themselves, leading to mass breeding failure. Carefully researched and crafted nest-boxes that replicate the conditions of a guano burrow are proving effective – to help visit the Saving Penguins website. 

A shortage of suitable nesting sites mean breeding African penguins are exposed to the full heat of the sun often with disastrous consequences.
A shortage of suitable nesting sites mean breeding African penguins are exposed to the full heat of the sun often with disastrous consequences.

Photographing every species of penguin is no small feat, especially alongside a full-time job! What were some of the biggest challenges you faced and what did you learn along the way? 

When I announced to a friend that I was going to photograph every species of penguin in their natural habitat, I had no idea how many species there were or where they could be found. My research took me to places that I had never even heard of and to say many of them were ‘off the main tourist route’ would be an understatement! Simply getting to the required and often incredibly remote locations was definitely the first challenge. Many of these are also found in the roughest oceans in the world, and I suffer dreadfully from sea sickness. Needless to say, I was often very unwell but even that could not detract from the awe and wonder of these amazing expeditions. Once at the location, sometimes I only managed fleeting glimpses of just a few penguins of that species so not many photographs, but I appreciate how very lucky I was to actually see and photograph every penguin species on the first attempt. 

The weather also presented significant challenges (especially the wind), and trying to photograph from a Zodiac (Rigid Inflatable Boat) while being tossed around in large swells was at times nigh on impossible. I also needed to keep my equipment warm in Antarctica and dry in the humidity of the Galápagos. Sunshine, although lovely in itself, also made photographing black and white birds more difficult than normal in terms of achieving correct exposure. I certainly learned to tolerate imperfections but also became a better photographer along the way. I also witnessed firsthand how tenacious and resilient penguins are – characteristics that we can all learn from. 

The strong wind blowing the crests of these Moseley’s rockhopper penguins also made photographing them more challenging.
The strong wind blowing the crests of these Moseley’s rockhopper penguins also made photographing them more challenging.

Mission Penguin came to fruition as a result of loss and grief, and throughout the book I found it heartwarming to read about the healing effects of your expeditions. How important do you think nature is in healing from grief, and what are the benefits of spending time exploring the natural world? 

Nature is indeed an incredible healer. I have lovely memories of my mother taking us out on nature walks when we were young as we didn’t have much money, and nature was all around us and free! I think from that age I learned to appreciate the wonder of nature and delight in simple things, so when grief struck, getting out in nature and reconnecting with life and beauty was essential to my healing. Nature stimulates all of our senses which certainly helped me to feel fully alive even in the context of death. What inescapable joy to hear the birds singing, see the dappled light in a woodland glade, smell the flowers, taste the salty sea air, and hug a tree! Being immersed in the natural world really helps to put things into perspective and to feel part of something much greater than ourselves. In nature I feel fully grounded which gives me an inner peace and the strength to keep going, one step at a time. 

Southern rockhopper penguins, Pebble Island, the Falklands.
Southern rockhopper penguins, Pebble Island, the Falklands.

What’s taking up your time at the moment? Are you working on any other projects or planning any upcoming expeditions that we can hear about? 

Following the completion of Mission Penguin I have spent more time delighting in the natural world on my doorstep. In the last couple of years, I have finally taken up gardening, which my husband would have found hysterical having tried to persuade me all our married life! My focus however is gardening with wildlife in mind, and I think we would have had very different definitions of a ‘weed’! I am also rewilding one large area and quickly learned the hard way that rewilding is not the same as letting things go wild! I am still taking lots of nature photographs and readers can see more of my images here.  

As well as writing the book, I started giving talks on Mission Penguin to local groups and this quickly expanded to other topics as they keep inviting me back for more. I now have about 6 talks in my repertoire so that is keeping me busy as well as continuing with my singing – another fabulous activity for wellbeing.   

King penguins returning from a fishing trip.
King penguins returning from a fishing trip.

I am a firm believer in making the most of every moment. We only have one life, so live it well. Fill it with friends, joy, laughter – and of course, penguins.


Enter our competition to be in with the chance of winning one of four exclusive Mission Penguin prints signed by author Ursula Franklin here – good luck!

Mission Penguin book cover showing a King penguin and Gentoo Penguin on a beach.

Mission Penguin is available from our online bookstore here.

Material Guide: Woodcrete

Whether you have upcoming new developments or are looking to enhance existing construction projects with wildlife habitat, you may have come across the term ‘woodcrete’, ‘woodstone’, or a variation of the name. This hardy material is commonly used in bird and bat boxes and is often favoured for its longevity and cost-effectiveness. Here we take a closer look at woodcrete, its properties and manufacturing to help you make informed decisions when beginning new construction projects.  


What is woodcrete? 

Originally patented by Durisol and developed for the construction industry, woodcrete is a building material composed of cement, wood fibres and water. The material is referred to by a number of names, though they are almost identical in composition – woodstone is a trademark registered by Vivara Pro and woodconcrete is the term used by Schwegler, Faunus and Unitura, all suppliers of woodcrete bird and bat habitats. 

A swift entering a built-in bird box
A built-in swift box that has been rendered over, leaving just the access point visible.

Woodcrete Properties 

A long-lasting, durable material, woodcrete can last for decades. It is weather resistant, does not support fungal growth and unlike wood products, does not rot. It does not leak, warp or crack, making it the ideal long-lasting, secure material for wildlife habitats. 

  • The breathability of the material reduces the risk of issues with condensation, helping to maintain a healthy environment for roosting inhabitants.  
  • It has good insulative properties and creates a stable environment inside the box to shelter inhabitants from extreme temperatures – especially important for maternity boxes where young are resting. 

More lightweight than concrete, with great durability and strength, this material is suitable for both built-in and mounted nest boxes. The rough inner surfaces provide texture for bats to cling to, and create a safer, more natural environment for nesting animals. Built-in boxes can also be incorporated into brickwork and can be rendered over to blend into the structure whilst providing habitat benefits for local wildlife. 

Shows a series of bat boxes in different stages of installation. the left shows a bat box placed on top of new brickwork, the middle image shows an installed bat box that is flush with the brick and the third shows a bat box that has been rendered over with just the entrance hole visible
Woodcrete bat boxes during installation (left), built-in (middle) and rendered over (right)

Woodcrete Applications  

Woodcrete is used as a construction material, as well as a variety of building and garden products, including artificial habitat products to support wildlife. These can include bat boxes, bird boxes, insect hides, bee bricks and hedgehog domes. Most commonly, woodcrete bat and bird boxes are available in built-in forms that are installed directly into the walls during the construction of new developments. These boxes are designed to cater to species subjected to habitat loss resulting from the development project itself, or urbanisation in the general area.  

 

A built-in bat box before installation on the left, and installed on the right with only the entrance point visible.
A rendered built-in bat box

Manufacturing process 

The material is made by chipping specially graded recycled waste wood and mineralising the chips to neutralise sugars. The chip is mixed with cement and water to create the woodcrete mixture, before being poured into moulds like regular concrete. These moulds are cured at high temperatures to ensure strength and weather-resistance and can take a considerable amount of time for the full curing process to take place. 

The manufacturing of woodcrete products is a lengthy process which can cause longer lead times.  We recommended ordering any woodcrete product as far in advance as possible to avoid delays. 

 


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.

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 box


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 Buildin Swift Box (256322) 

vivara-pro-rendered-build-in-swift-box-uk-brick-size

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

 

 

Schwegler 1A (208155) 

schwegler-lightweight-swift-box-type-1a

  • 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) 

manthorpe-swift-brick

  • 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-build-in-swift-nest-box

  • 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) 

dual-chamber-sparrow-terrace

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

 

 

Sparrow Box Smooth Brick (197663) 

sparrow-box-smooth-brick

  • 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) 

vivara-pro-woodstone-house-sparrow-nest-box

  • 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) 

1sp-schwegler-sparrow-terrace

  • 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-build-in-open-nest-box

  • 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) 

type 24 schwegler brick nest boxe

  • 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) 

vivara-pro-build-in-half-open-nest-box

  • 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) 

terraced-sparrow-box-custom-brick-facing

  • 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) 

starling-box-custom-brick-facing

  • 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 front cover of storm petrels, shows a small brown and white bird swimming above water

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.

NHBS In the Field – Song Meter Mini Bat 2

Song Meter Mini Bat 2 recorder in situ in a field.

The second-generation Song Meter Mini Bat 2 is one of Wildlife Acoustics’ latest additions to the Song Meter range. This recorder offers improved battery life and weatherproofing, thanks to the new hinged enclosure. Learn more about the improvements and differences in this newer model here. Wildlife Acoustics have now gone one step further offering both AA and Lithium-Ion battery models of the Mini Bat 2. The Lithium-ion model holds 6 rechargeable 18650 lithium-ion batteries giving it 2.5 times more battery life compared to the AA model.  

I took the Mini Bat 2 recorder and set it up for a week in June. As I was only recording for a week, the AA model was more than fit for purpose. I had two aims in mind; firstly, I wanted to see for myself how to deploy and use this newer model, and possibly more importantly, I wanted to discover which bats were living just outside the NHBS office.

Deployment

I set up the device using a 64 GB SDXC card and eight lithium AA batteries (other AA batteries are compatible but may offer shorter battery life).  I chose to set up the recorder outside of our office on a nearby tree situated alongside the River Dart. I hoped that the presence of insects along the river would encourage bats to fly close to the recorder. However, I did experience some issues with this location which I will discuss later. 

SM2 mini bat open on a bench.
Recorder set up with batteries and SD card.

Like its predecessor, the Mini Bat 2 is configured using the free Song Meter app. Here you can select your preferred recording schedule and check the recorder’s status. Whilst in Bluetooth range, you can determine the current status of the recorder, including SD card capacity, battery life, recording mode and number of recordings taken. I used a pre-set recording schedule to record bats from sunset to sunrise (subject to triggering).

SM2 mini bat app open on a phone screen pre-set up.
Recorder status before deployment.

This model now helpfully features cable lock holes so that the unit can be secured – using a Python Lock I fixed the device to the tree and left it for a week to collect recordings. 

What I found

By the end of the week, I had collected over 700 recordings. Despite this, very little battery life had drained and only 3 GB of storage had been used. 

SM2 app screen after set up.
Recorder status after deployment.

I then removed the SD card and loaded the recordings into Kaleidoscope Pro. Unfortunately, I noticed a consistent disturbance present in all the recordings at around 20 – 30kHz. It was then I learned that the office has a ventilation fan, which unbeknownst to me, runs constantly (even at 3 am!). Not a bad reminder that when choosing your recording location to be aware of any possible noise disturbances.

Thankfully, this disturbance did not hamper my ability to analyse the recordings. Helpfully, Kaleidoscope Pro has an auto ID feature which allowed me to categorise the recordings by species. This feature compares each call pulse with reference libraries and generates a confidence interval from 0-1 called a “Match Ratio”. The more commonality a pulse shares with the reference data the higher the match ratio. I was delighted to discover that Kaleidoscope identified five different species just outside our office! My personal favourite being the Greater Horseshoe Bat, as we share a love of caves. Unfortunately, these species are now largely confined to south-west England and south Wales in the UK, so I feel very fortunate that I was able to record them. 

Examples of the recordings can be viewed as sonograms below.

Two greater horseshoe bat calls shown on a sonogram.
Two Greater Horseshoe calls (Match Ratio: 1.000000).
Common pipistrelle calls shown on a sonogram as a bat flies away from the recorder.
Common Pipistrelle (Match Ratio: 0.875000) gradually flying away.

Product Opinion

The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 is an excellent ultrasonic passive recorder. The unit is compact and lightweight, making it easy to store and carry in the field. The set-up was easy thanks to the simple user interface on the Song Meter App, which you can easily navigate to configure and check on your device. The Bluetooth beacon came in useful throughout the week as it allowed me to see the battery life and SD storage without taking the device down.

The Mini Bat 2 has a highly sensitive ultrasonic microphone capable of capturing high-quality recordings up to 250kHz, covering a truly impressive ultrasonic range. The sonograms above show the clear and distinct waveforms created; characteristic of the different species recorded. The excellent recording quality also helps to simplify the sound analysis when using the auto ID function of Kaleidoscope Pro.

The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 is a great addition to the Wildlife Acoustics range and features many improvements over its predecessor. It’s easy set up and deployment, making it simple and engaging to use. With its improved weatherproofing and in-built Bluetooth beacon, the Mini Bat 2 is a brilliant choice for remote recording. Furthermore, the increased battery life means the unit can be used for short- and long-term surveys.

In summary, the Mini Bat 2 is a fantastic all-rounder with a wide array of configurations and capabilities making it an ideal recorder for both enthusiasts and researchers.

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. 

A grey long eared bat


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) 

Bat Access Brick

  • 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) 

Schwegler Bat Access Panel

  • 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) 

Access bat tile

  • 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) 

Integrated Eco Bat Box

  • 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) 

Vivara Pro Woodstone Bat Box

  • 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) 

Schwegler Summer and Winter Bat Box

  • 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) 

1FR Schwegler Bat Tube

  • 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) 

Habibat Custom Brick Bat Box

  • 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) 

Habibat Bat Box - Custom Brick Facing

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

 

 

 

 

Ibstock Enclosed Bat Box ‘B’ (214595) 

Ibstock Custom Brick Bat Box

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

 

 

 

 

Habibat 3S Bat Box (249968) 

Habibat 3S Custom Brick Bat Box

  • 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) 

2F Schwegler Bat Box

  • Woodcrete
  • Summer roosting space
  • Removable front panel
  • Long lasting

 

 

 

 

 

Large Multi Chamber WoodStone Bat Box (246918) 

Large Multi Chamber Woodstone Bat Box

  • 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) 

Elisa Bat Box

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

 

 

 

 

Vivara Pro WoodStone Bat Box (210820) 

Vivara Pro Woodstone Bat Box

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

 

 

 

 

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

2FE Schwegler wall mounted bat shelter

  • 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.

Book Review: Eight Bears

Eight Bears book cover showing a lino print of a bear on grass and the book title in bright red capital letters.***** A mighty fine environmental reportage

Though bears loom large in our collective imagination, their flesh-and-blood counterparts are increasingly losing ground. Eight Bears, the debut of environmental journalist Gloria Dickie, draws on visits to key hotspots where Earth’s remaining bear species come into conflict with humans. By interviewing scores of people, both conservationists and those suffering at the paws of these large predators, this nuanced and thought-provoking reportage asks whether humans and bears can coexist.

The roots of this book go back to 2013 when Dickie started a master’s in environmental journalism and midway settled on bear-human conflicts in the Rocky Mountains. Since then, she has travelled to Asia and the Americas to see first-hand all eight extant bear species. The only obvious regions missing from her story are Alaska, Russia, and Europe, all of which have large populations of bears. Even so, she has visited a formidable list of destinations. As an aside here, kudos to both the stylish bear portraits by Arjun Parikh opening each chapter, and Dickie’s meticulous list of notes. The latter mentions the many people she has interviewed or corresponded with over the years and, for some sources, provides additional notes that are too detailed for the main narrative.

The first half of the book’s subtitle promises a look at the bear’s mythic past. Though there is mention here of the predominance of bears in northern hemisphere cultures, the so-called circumpolar bear cult tradition, and the rarely discussed role of the bear in Peruvian culture and history, this is a minor motif in the book. Much more can be and has been said about the cultural history of bears.

Three wild bears, one brown adult and two white cubs, sat by a streams edge,
Wild animals by bm.iphone via flickr.

Instead, as seems unavoidable when writing about megafauna nowadays, the focus of Eight Bears is on the second half of the subtitle, their imperilled future. The outlook is grim and Dickie early on mentions that “almost everywhere I went, bears seemed to be a shadow of what they once were” (p. 8). Probably the biggest threat is habitat loss, followed closely by hunting and poaching. A historic combination of these two decimated North American bear populations under European settlement. Polar bears have become the poster children of climate change, though the disappearance of sea ice is yet another form of habitat loss. I would be remiss if I did not mention that several whistleblowers have argued that hunting poses a continued but underappreciated threat to polar bears. Asia is additionally home to some particularly grisly practices: sloth bears are beaten into submission to become dancing bears, and moon and sun bears are experiencing years of, what is effectively, surgical torture on bile farms. The former has been outlawed with a reasonable degree of success, the latter less so. From her descriptions, Dickie visits the same bile farmer and speaks to some of the same people that Nuwer interviewed for her 2018 book Poached. Little seems to have improved in the intervening years, unfortunately.

Though bears are usually at the losing end of human-wildlife conflict, Dickie does not avoid exploring the flipside. Many readers outside of Asia might be surprised to learn that the inappropriately named sloth bear is easily the world’s most dangerous bear. In India, more than 100 attacks every year kill or gruesomely injure predominantly poor, rural people, with Dickie seeking out some of the victims. In the USA, where grizzly populations are recovering, she speaks to ranchers and farmers who lose livestock to bears and frequently object that “liberal urbanites are the ones who want predators back on the landscape, but they aren’t the ones suffering the consequences” (p. 177). In Canada, she visits the remarkable tourist town of Churchill at the edge of Hudson Bay which is home to equal numbers of humans and polar bears. To keep people safe while avoiding lethal control methods as much as possible, it relies on an unprecedented amount of technology. Even so, human lives are at risk, and Dickie speaks to a woman who survived a mauling.

Close up of a wet, muddy Grizzly bear in Denali National Park, Alaska, USA.
Full Grizz by Thomas, via flickr.

The chapters focusing on bears in the USA offer some of the most remarkable case studies of people attempting to live alongside bears. The century-long history of black bear management around Yosemite National Park offers “a full-scale experiment of all the ways people and bears can clash” (p. 153). After decades of park management doing things wrong (making a tourist attraction out of bears scavenging on garbage dumps, thus inadvertently training a generation of them how not to forage in the wild), they spent decades trying to do things right. A combination of bear-resistant food storage containers on campgrounds and strict enforcement of rules has trained tourists to be more mindful.

Eight Bears becomes more thought-provoking as it progresses. Here is how it provoked mine. Dickie puts down several relevant dots on paper at different points in the book (mentioning human population growth, climate change, and the resource-hungry global supply chain) but she does not explicitly connect them to draw the contours of the larger challenge ahead. So, here be a tangent, and my attempt to connect those dots, triggered by her repeated interviewing of grizzly bear recovery coordinator Chris Servheen. Upon retirement in 2015, with grizzlies sufficiently recovered, he supported their delisting. However, by 2021, seeing how states were failing to manage grizzly populations “with maturity and grace” (p. 180), he changed his mind. This raises fundamental questions. What is the point of all our conservation efforts if we do not address the root causes that got threatened species in trouble in the first place? For me, books such as Abundant Earth and Alfie & Me have really driven home the point that, unless we change our relationship with the natural world and stop treating it as a bottomless larder, conservation is little more than a palliative solution, a stay of execution. If we restore animals to an increasingly degraded environment, to a human population that does not want to share the world with them, they will have to remain on permanent life support. To be clear, I do not think conservation is futile; it is vital. So long as it is not an end unto itself. We cannot lose sight of the bigger picture: a world hospitable to non-human animals. Servheen’s call for “maturity and grace” in the context of grizzly bear management can just as well be applied to our tenancy of this planet.

Wild Black Bear at Anan Bear Observatory.
Wild Black Bear at Anan Bear Observatory by Andrew Russell, via flickr.

Even if you were to come away from this book without having your thoughts similarly provoked, Eight Bears is a mighty fine environmental reportage that is nuanced and well-researched. Given the often regional nature of books on bears and people, Dickie’s globetrotting overview of the challenges faced by all extant bears is very welcome.

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.  

Image by Caroline Legg via Flickr

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:

 

Field Studies Council Guide to Foraging

An essential fold-out guide to the most common and tasty plants to forage in Britain and Ireland.

 

 

 

The Foragers Cookbook

A unique cookbook containing 65 wild food recipes with detailed identification guides to 15 common edible plants.

 

 

 

Concise Foraging Guide

A waterproof practical pocket guide to 194 edible fruits, nuts, flowers, vegetables and more that can be foraged in the UK and Europe.

 

 

 

Field Studies Council Guide to Autumn Fruits and Seeds

A concise guide to 33 different fruits produced by common trees and shrubs in Britain.