Hoopoe – A blog by nhbs – Page 4 – The NHBS Conservation Hub

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.

Author Interview with Guy Shrubsole: The Lie of the Land

Brought to you by the Sunday Times bestselling author Guy Shrubsole, The Lie of the Land discusses how a handful of wide-scale landowners are responsible for the destruction and degradation of our vital landscapes, painting a humbling picture of some of the most notable failures of land stewardship in Britain’s recent history. However, Guy also presents a glimmer of hope as he relays the stories of those trying to help nature recover, from small-scale farmers to community groups and individuals. In doing so he gives the public hope that we can all become custodians of the countryside once more.

Author portrait of Guy Shrubsole in a forest. — Photograph by Nick White

Guy Shrubsole is a researcher, writer and environmental campaigner who previously worked as an investigator for Friends of the Earth, and is co-founder of the Right to Roam movement. He was Policy and Campaigns Coordinator at Rewilding Britain for a number of years and has published a number of books including Who Owns England? and The Lost Rainforests of Britain.

We recently had the opportunity to interview Guy about The Lie of the Land, where we discussed what inspired him to write this book, how the privatisation of land has affected its conservation and preservation, what he hopes the reader can learn from his work and more.

Firstly, can you tell us a little bit about what inspired you to write The Lie of the Land?

I’ve been thinking – and campaigning – about the issues in The Lie of the Land for some years. Witnessing moorland being deliberately set ablaze for the purposes of driven grouse shooting was an early spark; as was reading about the landowners who drained the Fens, and the vast wet commons that once dominated Cambridgeshire which teemed with fish, wildfowl and eels. In some ways The Lie of the Land is a natural sequel to my first book, Who Owns England? – taking its analysis that half of England belongs to just 1% of the population and looking at the ecological consequences of this.

Have there been any instances where private land ownership has benefitted the environment and increased its accessibility for the public, and if so, what can be taken from this?

Absolutely, I discuss in the book how there are some brilliant nature-friendly farmers and landowners doing great work – heroes like Isabella Tree and Charlie Burrell with their rewilding work at Knepp, or Jake Fiennes at Holkham, or James Rebanks in the Lake District. But I argue that we can’t simply rely on these few ‘good stewards’ to turn the nature crisis around on their own. We need to call out bad practice (as Fiennes does in his book Land Healer) and make all landowners more accountable to the public for how they’re treating the land. Look at how England’s peat bogs – a vast natural store of carbon and a crucial national asset in the fight against the climate crisis – have been mistreated by the 150 or so estates that own them and set fire to them each October. Look at the institutional investors who own great swathes of the Fens – organisations like the Church Commissioners – and how they continue to profit from what is essentially a ‘carbon bomb’, the wasted peat soils of the fenland losing fertility and carbon with each passing year.

The trouble is, a lot of estates and lobby groups for landowners hide behind the assertion that they are the ‘custodians of the countryside’, who can be trusted to look after it without the need for public oversight or pesky environmental regulations. But as James Rebanks says, “I’m a very proud defender of good farming, but the ‘custodians of the countryside’ argument only washes if we are genuinely doing that – otherwise it’s self-serving nonsense.”

Those Blue Hills by Jim Roberts Gallery. — Those Blue Hills by Jim Roberts Gallery, via flickr.

What do you think needs to be implemented to increase the perceived viability of community land ownership and management, compared to privately owned spaces? And how do you think we can increase the quantity of community land ownership going forward?

We need to give communities the power to take ownership of more land, for starters. That means introducing a Community Right to Buy in England, like the one they’ve had in Scotland for the past twenty years – a set of powers that has led to communities buying up half a million acres of Scotland. I visit one such community buyout in the book, Langholm Moor – a former grouse moor that was bought by the people of Langholm a couple of years ago: they’re now turning it into a nature reserve. No more moorland burning, no more predator persecution: they’re going to re-wet the peat bogs and are allowing birch and rowan to naturally regenerate up the hillsides.

We need to have that opportunity in England, too. And the good news is, the new Labour government announced in its first King’s Speech that it will introduce a Community Right to Buy in England. But we’ll have to campaign hard to make sure it happens, and that landed interests don’t water it down. And we need to unlock our own imaginations, to start to dream bigger about how communities could take control of land and manage it for nature. As the Scottish land reform campaigner Alastair McIntosh has written, community ownership of land “creates a new constellation of possibility.” Let’s reach for the stars.

Les coquelicots by Dmitry Djouce, via flickr.

I particularly enjoyed your last book, The Lost Rainforests of Britain, and it really opened my eyes to the remarkable habitats around us that many people, like myself, never knew existed. Do you think landowners are aware of the importance, in some cases rarity, of the land they own? And how has the privatisation of the UK’s rainforests affected their conservation and preservation?

Thanks! I think an increasing number of landowners and farmers are now aware of temperate rainforests – after writing Lost Rainforests, one of the loveliest messages I got was from a Devon sheep farmer who had discovered the very rare Hazel Gloves fungus growing in an old hazel grove on her farm. And it’s been really encouraging to see such snowballing momentum to bring back Britain’s rainforests since the book was published – like the Wildlife Trusts announcing rainforest restoration projects from Skiddaw in Cumbria to West Muchlarnick in Cornwall, and the Cornish landowner Merlin Hanbury-Tenison doing great work on his farm at Cabilla.

Unfortunately, not all landowners recognise the importance of the habitats they own – even sometimes when they’ve been officially ‘notified’ of their existence through the land being designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). In the book I tell the story of the landowner who destroyed part of the River Lugg SSSI – and how his example is sadly only one of many instances since the first SSSIs were designated in the 1950s. Ultimately, if we’re to protect our remaining habitats, I think we cannot only rely on voluntary initiatives by enlightened owners, but have to give precious habitats strong legal protections – and make sure our environmental watchdogs, like Natural England, have real teeth.

What do you hope the reader can learn from your book?

I hope that readers get angry about the problems, take inspiration from the suggested solutions, and get out there and campaign for them to become reality!

Mar Lodge Estate by John Knight, via flickr.

The final chapter of your book details your 10-step proposal. At which point during the writing process did you develop these, and how did these recommendations adapt and evolve throughout the researching and writing process of The Lie of the Land?

In all of my books, I aim to set out clear political recommendations – for me the point of writing is not just to interpret the world, but to change it! From the outset I had quite a clear sense that all my recommendations in The Lie of the Land would be about how we can democratise decision-making over land, make landowners more accountable and give all of us a greater say over how land is used. That, to me, seems to be our last, best hope of turning the nature crisis around.

My own feelings of optimism about fixing this mess we’re in were definitely boosted by the conversations I had, and site visits I made in the process of researching the book. There are loads of communities yearning to look after land, loads of river guardian groups blowing the whistle on river pollution, and plenty of examples from other countries – and from our own nation’s history – of how we can protect and restore nature and do a better job than we are currently. But we need some policy changes at a national level to unlock these energies and scale them up. As William Gibson (allegedly) once said, ‘the future is already here – it’s just not very evenly distributed.’

Are you working on any other books or projects that we can hear about?

Steady on – I’ve just written this one! Currently I’m enjoying meeting with lots of people across the country to get the ideas out there – and I am campaigning hard for these policy changes. I also work with the Right to Roam campaign (you can join our mailing list at www.righttoroam.org.uk). But I definitely would like to write more books in the future!

The Lie of the Land is available from our bookstore.

Bat Box Basics: A Guide

Whether you are planning a construction project, are in the middle of a new–build or are looking to update an existing structure, you may be exploring options for providing bat habitats. We have an extensive range of bat boxes available on our website, in a variety of formats and materials. Here we explore the different types, how they may be used and where they can be installed.

Bat Box Material Properties

Bat boxes are constructed with a variety of materials, each with differing properties.

Most commonly used for external boxes, wood is lightweight with good thermal properties for inhabitants. However, it does rot without treatment and therefore does not last as long as other materials.
Woodcrete (also named woodstone or woodconcrete) is a very durable material with exceptional thermal properties and is often the material of choice for built-in boxes. It can also be used externally and can last several decades once installed.
Eco-plastics are used to create lightweight boxes, typically designed for external use. They have good weather resistance and longevity, although less durability.
Concrete is exceptionally durable and is used for built-in boxes. It has good thermal properties but due to its weight, is unsuitable for external mounting.

Maternity Boxes

Typically larger in size with multiple internal chambers, maternity boxes are designed to support breeding colonies by providing a well-insulated roosting space for raising young.

These boxes are mostly made for external installation but are also available in a built-in format which is installed into the brickwork and can be rendered over.

Since these boxes are mostly available in an external form, they can be installed once construction has taken place. Built-in boxes should be fixed during the construction process and installed directly into the brickwork.

Example:

Improved Roost-Maternity Bat Box

#187787

An FSC certified crevice box, suitable for roosts or maternity groups.

Bat Tubes

Bat tubes are longer internal cavities with multiple sections or crevices. These are often made of woodcrete and are available in modular versions which can be connected in the facade allowing for side-by-side or a longer tower format.

These boxes come built-in and are incorporated into the building’s brickwork during exterior wall construction where they can be rendered over.

Example:

1FR Schwegler Bat Tube

#178018

A modular option available in multiple depths and styles for crevice and cavity species.

Bat Bricks

Constructed to industry standard size, bat bricks have a dome-shaped access hole to allow bats into a suitable cavity.

These products are designed to be incorporated into the brickwork of a building, whether this be a new build or an existing structure under renovation, and are available in standard colours enabling them to seamlessly blend into existing walls. When installing bat bricks, it is important to ensure that a chamber free from insulating material is available behind the access brick to allow bats to safely roost.

Example: 197697

Bat Access Brick

#197697

A standard-sized brick available in red, golden and brown colours.

Access Tiles and Panels

Similar to bat bricks, these tiles provide an access point to open roof space or the underfelt of the roof, allowing bats to roost in confined spaces beneath the tiles. They can be installed within the roof or ridge tiles during construction, or they may be used to replace tiles on existing structures, and are available in multiple colours to blend seamlessly into existing tiles.

Bat access panels are also available to provide bats access to a roosting site, and are particularly advantageous for renovation projects with existing roosting colonies. These panels can also be rendered over, and can be installed at any point during construction.

Access tiles and panels require an insulation-free cavity behind the product to provide roosting space.

Examples:

Bat Access Tile Set

#187127

This set includes three tiles available in five traditional roof tile colours.

1FE Schwegler Bat Access Panel

#180333

A woodconcrete access panel with an overall depth of just 8cm for easy integration.

Bat Box

These boxes are available as external or built-in designs and consist of a simple box with an entrance hole and varying interiors. Bat boxes can come in a range of forms, and can have one large, single cavity or a multi-chamber interior and can cater to both crevice and cavity-dwelling bats. There are also hybrid options, where a box is designed with cavities for multiple species, for example a box may cater to bats and Swifts.

Built-in boxes are designed to be installed among the brickwork and can be rendered over. External boxes can be mounted to trees, fences and buildings with the appropriate fixings. It is important to consider the weight of an external box before mounting, more lightweight boxes (made from wood or plastic for example) can be fixed to trees, but heavier woodcrete boxes should be fixed to a solid structure.

Examples:

Large Multi Chamber Woodstone Bat Box

#246918

A large multi-chamber box that is also suitable as a hibernation, maternity or summer roosting space.

Kiki Bat and Swift Hybrid Box

#261420

A hybrid box designed to support multiple species, including cavity and crevice dwelling species.

PRO UK Build-in WoodStone Bat Box

#256321

A maintenance-free woodstone box designed to work with UK brick dimensions.

Elisa Bat Box

#259840

Features a single internal cavity that is suitable as a summer roost.

Rocket box

Rocket boxes are large, pole-mounted habitats that provide a large roosting area over multiple chambers. Typically made with a plastic shell, these boxes allow for 360 movement and are available with both crevice and cavity designs.

Rocket boxes are external and do not attach to any part of the building. They are particularly useful when there are no suitable trees for external boxes, and a wall mounted box is undesirable. They have also been used to provide an alternative roosting site near building works.

Example:

Eco Rocket Bat Box

#242611

A pole-mounted bat box available in a cavity or crevice design.

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.

Author interview with Stephen Moss: The Starling

Marking the sixth volume in Stephen Moss’ Bird Biography series, The Starling delves into the fascinating life of one of our most talented and surprising birds. Starlings are renowned for their iridescent plumage, impressive vocal abilities and stunning murmurations, and this captivating tale explores how they’ve shaped our world, inspired art and music through the decades, influenced the agricultural industry and more.

Stephen is a naturalist, author and broadcaster well known for his work with the BBC Natural History Unit working on landmark programmes such as Springwatch and The Nature of Britain. He currently holds the position of senior lecturer in creative writing at Bath Spa University and is also president of the Somerset Wildlife Trust.

Stephen recently took time out of his busy schedule to answer some of our questions about his latest book The Starling, including what inspired him to write about this species, how his opinions of this bird has changed throughout the writing process and more.

The Starling marks the sixth volume in your bestselling Bird Biographies series. What inspired you to turn your attention to Starlings for this latest volume?

I always look for three things when it comes to choosing a subject for a bird biography.

First, does the species show some unusual or specific behaviour or habit which mark it out from other species? For example, the Robin’s habit of singing and holding territory in winter, the Wren’s bizarre breeding behaviour where the male builds several ‘cock’s nests’ for the female to inspect, or the Swallows’ epic migrations.

Second, does it have a strong cultural presence – in music, literature, mythology, popular culture and day-to-day society? Examples include the Robin’s association with Christmas, the Swallow’s position as a herald of spring, the Swan’s royal connections, and the owl’s reputation as a mysterious bird of the night.

And third, does the species relate to both me and the reader? Basically, is it one of Britain’s favourite birds, and if so, why? It also helps if I like the bird and have had a lifelong connection with it – which is true of all the species I have featured in the series so far – as then I can add personal anecdotes from my life as a birder.

Just like the previous subjects in the series – the Robin, Wren, Swallow, Swan, and owl(s), the Starling fits the bill in all three of these categories. It is a very sociable bird – more so than almost any other species during both the breeding season and in autumn and winter, when they gather in those famous murmurations. There are also plenty of historical and cultural references, including the fact that Mozart kept a pet starling which used to whistle his new compositions, and which he mourned in a solemn burial ceremony after it died. Most of all, we have a love-hate relationship with this bird, giving it a real ambivalence in our eyes – which makes it a fascinating subject for a book. And as you mention later on, like most of us, I grew up with Starlings. I now live on the Somerset Levels, just a stone’s throw from the famous winter gatherings, which I have now enjoyed for almost twenty years.

This book explores how starlings have influenced both farming and the arts throughout the years – were there any discoveries that surprised you on this line of inquiry?

The biggest surprise was that the widely known and oft-repeated story that Starlings were introduced into North America by a German emigrant who wanted to bring every bird mentioned in Shakespeare to the New World turns out to be mostly a myth! He wasn’t German (though he did come from a high-ranking New York family of German descent); he had no interest in Shakespeare, and most importantly he wasn’t the first person to release Starlings into the wild in the USA – that happened over 20 years earlier. Check out the chapter on ‘The Global Starling ‘to find out more details!

You mentioned having been around starlings for most of your life in the first chapter. Has your research and writing of this book altered your opinion of these birds?

Definitely! I do have a real soft spot for Starlings – though I also agree with the expert scientist Chris Feare that they look like second-hand car salesmen when they walk! I love the fact that they live alongside us but don’t really care about us – just going along with their day-to-day lives.

I also discovered a lot more about the science of their murmurations, and also about our human response to them, which ranges from loathing to love.

Finally, their ability to adapt to locations around the world where they have been introduced – including South Africa, Australia and New Zealand as well as North America – is also very interesting, and again tells us a lot about our ambivalent attitudes towards these fascinating and often overlooked birds.

Starlings are often regarded with distaste and annoyance by many. Are there any common misconceptions impacting people’s perceptions of this overlooked species? And how can we move towards acceptance, and ideally, appreciation of these birds?

As my old friend and colleague Bill Oddie famously said, people think of Starlings as ‘bird table bullies’! And yet those same people who don’t like them in their garden love watching their spectacular murmurations! They are also often overlooked – like all common, familiar and widespread species, we tend to take them for granted.

Yet paradoxically, as we saw when another common and familiar bird, the House Sparrow, started to go missing from our towns and cities, when we begin to lose a species, we do begin to appreciate them more!

Starlings are in decline, and almost all urban roosts like the ones in the middle of London, including the famous one in Leicester Square that I used to see when I was growing up, are no more. Fortunately roosts in the wider countryside do appear to be making a bit of a comeback.

If anyone still doesn’t like Starlings, I would urge them to come down to Somerset on evenings between November and February, where we still get a quarter of a million or more Starlings murmurating together before going to roost on the Avalon marshes – it really is truly incredible!

How do you think the historical representation of ‘pest species’, such as Starlings, has affected our attitudes towards them, and how do you think we should approach the somewhat controversial topic of conservation vs agriculture vs pest control in the future?

I don’t like the word ‘pest’, though it is at least a bit less loaded than ‘vermin’! As I discuss in the book, Starlings have always been unpopular with farmers, even though they predate on many so-called insect pests in the soil, such as leatherjackets. They do eat fruit and can also cause problems with their droppings, but overall, I think they are less harmful than many people think.

I also believe that we tend to dislike species, especially those that live alongside us, that remind us of ourselves. This includes gulls, crows and of course starlings, which often seem to behave rather like us, and we don’t like that!

Starling Murmuration - Eastbridge. — Starling Murmuration – Eastbridge by Airwolfhound, via flickr.

I, along with many of your readers, will be excited to see where this series will go next. Have you begun working on the next book? And can you give us any clues as to what comes next?

I have, although I am taking a bit of a break from writing as I am trying to get a better work-life balance and travel to see birds around the world – including Starlings (exotic species in Africa and Asia as well as our own familiar species!). I have long wanted to do the House Sparrow, as it has such a fascinating historical relationship with human beings, and lives closer alongside us than any other species of bird. As a result – just like the Starling – we are very ambivalent towards it.

When we chose the Starling, we had a shortlist of three, the others being Skylark and Kingfisher; yet bizarrely, when I did an X/Twitter poll amongst 2,000 people, the vote split almost exactly to one third for each!

I can’t do some species that readers of the series have suggested, either because, like the Blackbird and Blue Tit, they don’t have very unusual or distinctive behaviour or cultural importance; or because others have already written similar (and excellent) books – such as Sam Lee on the Nightingale and Charles Foster and Sarah Gibson on the Swift.

Currently I am keen on either the Peregrine Falcon or the Puffin, both of which have really strong biological and cultural aspects to their lives – I’d be fascinated to hear which of these species NHBS customers – and your excellent staff – think I should choose!

STEPHEN MOSS is a lifelong birder, broadcaster and bestselling author, whose books have appeared in almost twenty different countries. The Starling is the sixth volume in his celebrated ‘Bird Biographies’ series, following the Robin, Wren, Swallow, Swan, and Owl – and of course The Twelve Birds of Christmas, which featured the dozen species in the famous festive carol. In total these have sold over 100,000 copies, and been translated into Dutch, German and Chinese.

The Starling is available to pre-order from our bookstore here.

Garden Wildlife Watching: Sabine’s Trail Cameras

Although widely used by ecologists, trail cameras are popular with naturalists, wildlife watchers and those who are simply curious as to what creatures can be found in their gardens. They allow us to monitor the wildlife around us without impacting their natural behaviours and can capture both images and video during the day and night, with the help of infrared imaging technology. Trail cameras are constructed to endure harsh outdoor conditions, including wind, rain and temperature fluctuations, making them robust and long-wearing.

With this technology we can observe wildlife that we may not otherwise be able to see. They allow us to watch easily startled species, like deer, or those that are nocturnal, like foxes. We can also record and observe a much broader, and more natural, range of behaviours without disturbance from humans.

Our colleague, Sabine, recently captured some excellent footage on two trail cameras around her home using the Num’axes PIE1060 Solar Wi-Fi Trail Camera and the Browning Strike Force Pro1080. The cameras were placed in her orchard, which has a small stream, and were left to record for around four months and one year respectively, capturing some exciting finds.

Here’s what Sabine found:

A pair of Magpies (Pica Pica) drinking and bathing in a stream, a natural behaviour which can easily be disturbed by human presence.

The Browning detected Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) during both the daytime and night time around the orchard. Deer are easily startled by human presence and trail cameras allow us to observe their natural, relaxed behaviours.

Another day and night comparison of Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). Videos recorded by the trail camera gave us a great insight into their breeding behaviours, not commonly seen in the flesh.

A possible Bank Vole (Myodes glareolus) emerging from its burrow. Usually sticking to their underground burrows, or dense surrounding vegetation, a carefully placed trail camera can even be used to capture the more unusual species found across the British countryside.

A Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) perched on a fence post to have its morning meal of a large nut. Another example of natural, undisturbed behaviour of a typically wary species.

For more information on how to choose a trail camera, see our buyers guide and our trail camera blogs on the Conservation Hub.

This Week in Biodiversity News – 30th September

Environment

Planet Earth may have surpassed seven of its ‘planetary boundaries’. These boundaries are described as physical or biological systems and processes that contribute to the stability of life on Earth and its supporting functions. There are nine boundaries in total, which are considered breached when the process can no longer function – these thresholds have been reached with six boundaries, and number seven, ocean acidification, is close to its threshold. Breaching this seventh boundary would reduce the efficiency of the ocean as a carbon sink, threatening marine ecosystems and global survival.

The first assessment of marine protection has shown that EU marine protected areas (MPAs) only provide minor security against harmful marine activities. This study revealed that over 86% of European MPAs have worryingly low levels of protection, with mining, dredging and bottom trawling present in most protected areas in the region. The study concludes that radical changes will be required to meet EU conservation targets, including the goal of protecting 30% of its oceans by 2030.

A brown otter laying on rocks on the river bed — Image by Alison Day via Flickr

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has launched a ten-year restoration plan to clean up London’s rivers. Inspired by New York’s Oyster project, the Mayor hopes that by encouraging Eurasian Otters, Water Voles, eels and mayflies throughout the capital, water quality will subsequently improve. Khan is also investigating the reintroduction of oysters, which were historically present in the Thames, as a means of cleaning the degraded environment.

Climate Crisis

Seabirds are having to fly further to find food sources due to the melting of sea ice in Antarctica. Researchers analysed the foraging data from over 2,400 trips made by seven South Georgian seabird species from 1992 to 2023. They found that receding sea ice in the region is impacting species like Albatross and petrels as they now have to travel greater distances in search of breeding grounds and food. The data suggests that altered patterns of food availability could impact the presence of these birds in certain ecosystems however, with sea ice at a record lows, further research is needed to better evaluate the long-term impacts on seabirds.

an albatross with a pink beak, white body and brown wings. it is sitting on the surface of the water — Image by Bernard Spragg via Flickr

Young coral colonies bred using IVF technology have survived a record marine heatwave. These cultivated colonies were planted onto multiple reefs in the US and the Caribbean to restore degraded habitats in the region. Last year, the Caribbean experienced a mass bleaching event which resulted in significant losses of the reef– only 25% of older corals survived, however over 90% of cultivated corals remained healthy after the event, and researchers are hopeful that this technique may provide coral species with a greater chance of adapting to heat stresses over time.

Wildlife

The EU has made the first move toward legalising wolf culls. The proposal was put forward by the European Commission late last year, and this month member governments, including Germany and France, have voted in favour to downgrade the ‘strictly protected’ status of the Eurasian Wolf to ‘protected’ under the Bern Convention 1979. This amendment would allow the EU to revise the Habitats Directive to further ease the protection of the species, which currently permits culls only with specific authorisation in extenuating circumstances.

a brown and cream speckled butterfly on a blade of grass, it has some spots and is covered in dark brown hair — Image by Nikk via Flickr

Butterfly Conservation have announced a ‘butterfly emergency’. This year’s Big Butterfly Count recorded the lowest ever numbers since the initiative began 14 years ago, with an average of seven butterflies per count, compared to last year’s twelve. Partially due to a wetter-than-average spring, late summer and a long-term downward trend, the results indicate a significant decline in British butterflies and day-flying moths. Butterfly Conservation has responded by urging the government to ban neonicotinoid pesticides harming these indicator species for good.

Author interview with Richard A. Fortey: Close Encounters of the Fungal Kind

For years, Richard Fortey has found the uniqueness of fungi fascinating, from their strange forms, colours, reputation, rapid appearance and disappearance, to their often unseen role within the natural world. Close Encounters of the Fungal Kind takes the reader on an enthralling journey through Fortey’s forays searching for the strangest, most extraordinary and most delicious species. Focusing on a selection of the larger fungi and a handful of microfungi, this charming book celebrates their profusion, diversity and importance.

Richard Fortey is a palaeontologist, nature historian, writer and presenter who worked as the Natural History Museum’s senior palaeontologist until 2006. Richard has served on the councils of the Systematics Association, Palaeontographical Society, British Mycological Society and more. He was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1997 and was awarded an OBE in the 2023 New Years Honours for services to palaeontology and geology.

We recently spoke to Richard about his book, his first introduction to fungi, his hopes for the future of mycological research and more.

The fungal kingdom is enigmatic, and in recent years it has gripped the attention of naturalists and the wider public alike, thanks to books such as this one. Do you remember your first introduction to fungi that sent you on this path of discovery?

As a child in Ealing on the fringes of London, we were lucky enough to have a large garden. I remember wondering at a great clump of glistening ink caps that appeared around a rotting stump – apparently overnight. In a day or two they had turned into a black soup. About the only book available then (I must have been about ten years old) was The Observer’s Book of Mushrooms and Toadstools, but I managed to identify our stump fungus as Coprinus micaceus. Finding others in the book became a challenge.

Fungi are everywhere, spores floating through the air, mycelial networks underneath our feet, and even in the deep ocean. Can you describe one of your most unexpected encounters with the fungal kind whilst compiling this book?

At my sister-in-law’s house in the rainforest of New South Wales, there were a host of fungi on the ground and on fallen trees. One of them growing on a trunk seemed to be an old and edible friend – the Oyster Mushroom. But when I went out in the dark, I was amazed to see it glowing with a ghostly greenish light. It was an Aussie double of our oyster, and a decidedly poisonous one. I used a photo of it taken by its own light in the book, and it still looks quite unearthly even now I know its identity.

You open the book describing an enchanting trip to the hills of northern Italy for a celebration of the foragers’ favourite, the Bolete. If you were to organise a mycologically focused celebration in the UK, which location would you choose?

When it is in top form it is hard to beat the New Forest for variety and number of species. Boletes used to abound there, and every kind of milkcap and brittlegill still does, and it is about the only place to see the extraordinary Nail Fungus emerging from pony dung.

In your book, you allude to the challenges of understanding taxonomy as a novice or intermediate mushroom fan through the lens of species names. However, you also highlight the importance of both binomial nomenclature and common vernacular names. Do you have a favourite species name, both scientific and common? And to take this further do you have any personal/pet names that you find yourself using for species?

The common small bracket that grows in tiers on dead logs is known as the Turkey Tail – and it really does look like a fanned-out tail of this big bird, with a neat white rim and a neatly zoned dark upper surface. The best scientific name really doesn’t beat around the nomenclatural bush, and it must be Phallus impudicus. The Stinkhorn indeed resembles an upright human reproductive organ and even retains a distinctively scrotal sac at its base. And it smells like rotting meat – the species name refers to that. As for pet names, my young nephew always referred to the beautiful but poisonous scarlet Fly Agaric as “Killer Diller” – and that name seems to have stuck.

As someone with a long career in the sciences, a lifelong mycologist, and an inspiring naturalist, which direction would you like to see mycology take in the next few years as it expands as both a field of research and a subject of interest?

There’s no question that DNA studies are taking mycology into a new direction – not least enabling us to ‘see’ fungi even without having their fruitbodies, for example, by sampling soils in different habitats. I believe that fungi are even better indicators of environmental health than our plants, and I really hope that conservation bodies – and farmers – realize that they need to fully recognize the contribution of fungi to total biodiversity. There are so many different species that identification often poses a challenge, and I personally welcome the development of apps to help, but there is no substitute for getting down on hands and knees on the forest floor. If a fraction of those who make birds their hobby took up mycology it would do no end of good to public awareness.

Finally, what’s occupying your time at the moment? Are you working on any other projects that you can tell us about?

I have had an ongoing project raising fungus gnats – which are also very diverse. One large fungus can feed a hundred tiny flies, and these in turn feed insectivores. Their importance in the food chain has been underestimated. Which species of fungi feed which gnats is still incompletely known, however this is the kind of project I can do in a small woodland like my own.

Close Encounters of the Fungal Kind is available from our online bookstore.

Beyond the Cap: Is Mycology only about Mushrooms?

For many people, the mention of mushrooms conjures up images of stroganoff, druids, or damp housing. However, for those of us who are mycologically inclined, a vast kingdom of species, ecological interactions, and secondary metabolites awaits to boggle the mind. Fungi are everywhere, circulating through the air as spores, forming networks below our feet, and even influencing popular culture. But what is mycology?

three mushrooms on a bed of leaf litter. one is much larger than the others. they all have clean white stems and spotted red caps — Image by Bernard Spragg via Flickr

The History of Mycology

Originating from the Greek language, mycology translates to the study of fungus. The term was first coined in the early 19th century, but the study of fungi goes much further back. The Greeks pioneered written fungal observations, initially through records of poisonings. They were also the first to attempt to classify mushrooms (fungi), albeit as plants with missing parts, a narrative that persisted until the late 1960s when the fungal kingdom was first described.

Since the Greeks, theories about fungi origins ebbed and flowed throughout written history. From a modern taxonomic standpoint, Linnaeus (the father of modern taxonomy who formalised binomial nomenclature) and his contemporaries were integral to mycology, describing groups (genera) that still exist today, such as Boletus and Agaricus – though these have been heavily adapted from the original classifications. However, at this time, mushrooms were still classified as plants within the subcategory of ‘Cryptogamia’, due to the lack of apparent sexual organs, a similar grouping to that of the Greeks. But is mycology solely concerned with mushrooms, colloquially known as toadstools, the enigmatic, ephemeral fruits of fungal species?

The short answer is no. Once thought to be asexual plants, mushrooms are actually the reproductive structures of fungal species that form networks of organic strands called hyphae, collectively known as mycelium. When two sexually compatible hyphal strands from the same species meet, they twist and writhe, forming a knot. It is from this mycelial joint enterprise that the mushroom fruits, hence the term ‘fruiting bodies’.

a group of brown mushrooms growing on a fallen tree. they have dark brown stems and light brown caps with a yellow underside — Image by Lukas Large via Flickr

Fungal Groups

Boletus and Agaricus are prime examples of iconic toadstool-forming fungal genera. Once fully developed, the toadstool drops spores, either from pores (in the case of Boletus) or gills (as with Agaricus). These genera are members of Basidiomycota (the spore-droppers) that release spores to fall to the ground. The other major fungal group, Ascomycota, the spore-shooters, fire spores from specially adapted tissue into the wind. Fungi classified as Basidiomycetes do not exclusively form toadstools, there is a large variety of fruitbody formations, each with unique identifying features and characteristics. Examples include brackets, puffballs, earthstars, stinkhorns, corals, toothed fungi, jellies, rusts, and smuts.

Ascomycetes, the spore-shooters, exhibit a similarly large variety of fruit body forms. Many ascomycete fruit bodies are considered cup fungi, such as the morel – a forager’s favourite. Cup fungi belong to the Pezizomycetes. This subgroup also contains truffles, which are prized by chefs, foodies, and mammals of various sizes. Other intriguing forms include saddle-shaped fungi, earth tongues, and club- and finger-shaped fungi.

Ascomycete fungi are known for their propensity for parasitism and pathogenicity, such as the ever-fascinating Cordyceps (zombie ant fungus), made famous by The Last of Us, or Ergot (Claviceps Purpurea), a plant pathogen. Ergot is hallucinogenic when consumed by mammals and most famously caused a ‘dancing plague’ among villagers in the early 20th century. Some fungi do not produce hyphae and therefore do not form mycelial networks or fruit bodies. A famous example of an Ascomycete fungus that doesn’t produce spores, mushrooms, or mycelium is yeast (Saccharomyces). Yeast is unicellular and present in the air and has had a dramatic impact on human societies via bread and beer, a winning combination.

A group of small, white mushrooms with pleated caps — Image by Bernard Spragg via Flickr

Lichens

Lichens represent a fascinating intersection of biology, ecology, and mycology. These composite organisms are the result of a symbiotic partnership between a primary photo-biont, typically algae or cyanobacteria, and a fungal host. The photo-biont contributes photosynthetic sugars, while the fungus creates a stable environment for the photo-biont to thrive. This mutualistic relationship is an ingenious ecological strategy that allows both partners to survive in diverse and often extreme environments. Interestingly, as mycologists delve deeper into lichen biology, more complex partnerships are being discovered. Notably, 98% of the fungi associated with lichens belong to the ascomycetes, the group of spore-shooting fungi, and almost half of all ascomycetes participate in lichen formation.

a yellow lichen on stone. It has a flaky, seaweed like appearance — Image by Simon Lee via Flickr

Slime Moulds

Let’s touch on slime moulds, another group commonly mistaken for fungi. These soil-dwelling amoeba, originally described as ‘fast-growing fungus’, were integrated into fungal evolutionary history until the 1970s. Slime moulds share similarities with fungi in their lifecycles and ecological niches, but despite their name and popular belief, they belong to a different kingdom altogether – the protozoan kingdom. It’s easy to see why they were once considered members of the fungal kingdom, as they ‘fruit’ under similar conditions and are often found on rotten substrates in damp forests.

A yellow slime mould on a tree trunk. the top is a large blob of bright yellow shiny slime, trailing down through bright yellow veins — Image by Bernard Spragg via Flickr

The often-overlooked fungal kingdom has been a key component to the development of life on earth and is often cited as one of the drivers for terrestrial evolution. Alongside its significance in evolutionary history, this unique kingdom has also benefitted humans for millennia and is expected to play a vital role in future healthcare, farming and food security. In addition to these significant contributions to civilisation, fungi are a delight to stumble across in the wild and are an object of beauty and wonder for many. Whether you are a seasoned mycologist, budding enthusiast or a complete beginner, fungi are bound to captivate you with their peculiarities – so why not head out this autumn, explore the forest floor, and see what you can find?

Below we have listed some recommendations for popular field guides and recent titles suitable for mycologists, as well as the NHBS Beginners Field Mycology Kit:

Entangled Life (The Illustrated Edition)

This astonishing bestseller is now available in a beautifully illustrated gift edition and features over 100 spectacular full colour images

Collins Fungi Guide

This extensive guide covers the fungi of the British Isles in astonishing detail and is written, and illustrated, by leading mycologists and horticultural scientists

Close Encounters of the Fungal Kind

Acclaimed scientist and author Richard Fortey acknowledges the otherworldliness of fungi and marvels at their charm in this enthusiastic and passionate book

The Hidden Kingdom of Fungi

An illuminating account of the invisible fungi that share our world, this book explores the evolution and adaptation of these organisms, the latest research surrounding the fungal kingdom and more

The Little Book of Fungi

A beautifully designed pocketbook on the world’s fungi, this expertly written work contains an astonishing amount of information and covers a range of topics, including myths, folklore and modern culture

Bloomsbury Concise Mushroom Guide

An illustrated mini field guide packed with information on over 200 species found in Britain. A concise written account covers size, description, habitat and the season in which each fungus may be found.

NHBS Beginners Field Mycology Kit

This comprehensive kit equips you with the essentials to observe and document fungi in any weather. The kit contains a Singlet Loupe 21mm 10x Hand Lens, a Rite in the Rain Spiral Bound Notebook and four Field Studies Council Guides (The Fungi Name-trail, Distinctive Gilled Fungi, Distinctive Non-gilled Fungi and Distinctive Grassland Fungi).

Wild and Wonderful: A Spotlight on Endangered Mammals in Britain and Ireland

This blog focusses on forgotten species; those that are extinct, endangered or just urban, small and under-recorded. With climate change, habitat loss and invasive species threatening our native mammals, highlighting their importance is vital in driving their conservation, so we have chosen to spotlight three of the UK’s endangered mammals, discussing their biology and characteristics, current conservation initiatives and what the future might look like for these animals.

Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber)

A beaver is swimming through a body of water leaving a wake behind it. Only the nose, top of the head and back are visible. It is covered in brown fur, with small brown ears, small dark eyes and a large button nose. — Image by Gertjan van Noord via Flickr

Habitat: Freshwater, particularly streams and rivers near woodland.

Diet: Aquatic plants and grasses during warmer months, tree bark and shoots during winter. Preference for willow, Aspen, Alder and fruit trees.

Conservation Status: Critically endangered in England, endangered in Scotland.

Distribution: Free-range populations in the River Tay, River Otter and Knapdale, Scotland. Enclosed populations in Kent, Essex and the Forest of Dean. As of 2023, Scottish beavers have established 424 territories, housing up to 1,500 individuals.

Breeding: Between December and April. Birth in early summer of up to six kits, sexually mature at two years old.

Description: With distinctive orange, chisel-like teeth and a flat, scaled tail, beavers are instantly recognisable. Similar in size to a medium dog with shorter legs and a rounder body, the fur of a beaver ranges from brown to black. Once widespread in the UK, the Eurasian Beaver was historically persecuted for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. The species was hunted for fur, meat and the oil from its scent glands, resulting in extinction by the 1600’s.

Did you know? High iron content in the enamel of their teeth gives them their distinctive orange colour. This addition provides the teeth the extra strength that is required for felling trees and eating.

Conservation of Eurasian Beavers

Beavers are talented ‘engineers’, able to transform wetland and freshwater environments. Through the alteration and modification of these habitats, beavers can create complex wetlands, ponds and nurture more resilient ecosystems. Their dams provide a natural filtration system for freshwater landscapes and water quality is shown to increase as it passes through dam complexes, helping to reduce diffuse pollution in the area. Through improved water storage, beaver activities can also maintain water flow to drought-ridden landscapes, increasing the habitat’s resilience to climate change related conditions.

A mound of sticks and twigs laid by beavers across a river to create a dam. The trees in the background are yellow and autumnal — Image by Tom Kelly via Flickr

Environments altered by beaver presence host significantly higher diversity compared to those without. Tree felling can shed more light onto aquatic areas, encouraging growth of wetland vegetation. Feeding on larger, fleshy plants can favour smaller, slow-growing species in the surrounding habitat, leading to more abundant, diverse plant communities in the long-term. Species richness and overall abundance of small mammals, amphibians and bird species are also found to be higher in areas close to beaver dams.

After 400–500 years of local extinction, beaver reintroduction has been gathering traction in the UK. There are a number of reintroduction projects trialling their release, including the 2009 Scottish Beaver Trial in Knapdale Forest (which introduced around a dozen beavers to over four hectares of land) and the Devon Beaver Project which introduced one family group to an enclosed area in West Devon. England’s first wild project, The River Otter Beaver Trial, was founded due to the discovery of wild beavers in the region. This 5-year project observed eight family units over 28,700ha and is seeking to demonstrate the effect of beavers on other wildlife, local landscapes, water flow, water quality and local communities. Further reintroductions across the country have established both wild and enclosed populations of this keystone species.

Looking Forward

Reintroduction projects across the UK have been successful. Populations are breeding successfully and have been expanding their territories. However, there is cause for concern with the potential of conflicts to arise over land management. It is likely that, with expansion, there will be human-wildlife conflict with landowners and other stakeholders in the future. The impact of beaver activities on the environment can cause flooding of pasture, risk to crops and the felling of trees can cause harm to livestock and structures. Natural England has advised a paced approach to beaver reintroduction, minimising impacts to land use, infrastructure, livelihoods or environmental features while maximising benefits for the environment.

Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius)

A small brown water vole with a long tail is standing on the edge of a shallow body of water. It is looking to one side, and is surrounded by small plants and foliage. — Image by Peter Trimming via Flickr

Habitat: Grassy banks along slow-moving rivers, canals and streams. Marshes, reedbeds, wet moorland, wetland.

Diet: Grass and waterside vegetation. Wetland plants in spring and summer. Roots, rhizomes, bulbs and bark in autumn and winter. Occasional invertebrates.

Conservation Status: Endangered in England and critically endangered in Wales.

Distribution: Found throughout mainland UK. Absent from Northern Ireland and most offshore islands. Estimated population of 132,000, range and numbers have declined by 94% from historical populations.

Breeding: March–October. Breed in spring, producing up to four litters a year.

Description: A small rat-sized rodent, the Water Vole has chestnut brown hair covering their entire body and tail, with a round nose and nearly hidden ears. This semi-aquatic rodent was historically widespread until the population saw a decline, resulting in nearly 90% reductions by 1998.

Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation are key drivers of Water Vole declines in the UK. General infrastructure development, along with urbanisation of flood plains, have resulted in extensive loss of habitat for this species. Partnered with loss of vegetation and trampling around freshwater banks from grazing livestock, large areas of freshwater habitat are now unsuitable for voles. The unintended introduction of American Mink (Neovison vison) has also been pivotal in the collapse of Water Vole populations across the UK. Initially brought to England for fur farming, escaped mink have predated heavily on this species.

Conservation of Water Voles

Through grazing activities on grasses and rushes at the water’s edge, Water Voles manipulate their habitats, much like beavers but on a smaller scale. This manipulation can make space for a new community of wildflowers and grasses, attracting a host of invertebrate species to an area. As a valuable prey species, elevating Water Vole populations can support predators in the surrounding environment. Barn Owls (Tyto alba), Otters (Lutra lutra) and Pine Martens (Martes martes) are examples of native predators that would benefit from the repopulation of Water Voles.

A chocolate-brown mink with a patchy white chin and chest is standing behind a small patch of grass staring at the camera. — Image by Ryzhkov Sergey via Wikipedia Commons

A number of regional wildlife trusts have undertaken Water Vole recovery projects to support their repopulation in UK waterways. These typically involve recording and monitoring existing Water Vole activity, habitat enhancement, coordination of mink control, and in some cases, reintroduction of the species: 300 voles in the Yorkshire dales, over 600 in Essex, 200 in Gwent and over 1,000 individuals in Kielder Forest. The Forestry Commission has also pledged to make changes in Kielder Forest; improving the landscape by refraining from planting trees on river edges, providing much-needed habitat. In order to protect Water Vole settlement, the species is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), the UK Biodiversity Framework, and is listed as a priority species on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

Looking Forward

Reintroduction efforts across the UK have had mixed results. A period of growth was observed following initial releases in Nottinghamshire, which has now slowed. Overall occupancy from 2006–2018 has declined by 23%. It is thought that the continued pressure of habitat loss and mink predation is preventing populations from settling successfully. Responding to the poor establishment of Water Vole populations, recovery projects are enhancing existing freshwater habitat and building new areas to establish populations. Breeding and release sites will also be created to facilitate the successful reproduction of Water Voles in a safe environment, away from predation. In addition to habitat enhancement, more widespread mink control is also expected.

Pine Marten (Martes martes)

A pine marten is standing on a fallen tree in a green field. It has a long, fluffy tail and its fur is chocolate brown. Under the chin and chest is a creamy yellow colour and it has large pointy ears. — Image by Caroline Legg via Flickr

Habitat: Native woodland, conifer plantations.

Diet: Small mammals, carrion, birds, eggs, fruit and invertebrates.

Conservation Status: Critically endangered in England and Wales, least concern in Scotland.

Distribution: Widespread and relatively common in Ireland. Populations recovering in the Scottish Highlands, some isolated populations in southern Scotland. Populations in northern England and Wales are fragmented and small. Populations estimated at 1,600–8,900 in Britain and Ireland.

Breeding: Mating season is during the summer months. One litter per year, born in March or April. Kits are fully grown at six months and sexually mature by three years old.

Description: Often confused with mink, Weasels or Stoats, the Pine Marten is a fellow member of the Mustelid family. Characterised by its chocolate brown fur and a distinctive, uniquely shaped light-yellow bib around the throat and chest, this elusive species has a long, bushy tail and large, rounded ears. Around the size of a domestic cat, Pine Marten are larger than both Weasels and Stoats and can be distinguished from mink by their chocolate coat.

Pine Marten populations underwent a major decline in the 19th century due to persecution by Victorian gamekeepers on sporting estates. Extensive habitat loss and fragmentation is another factor which contributed to the decline of these species in the UK.

Conservation of Pine Martens

The reintroduction of Pine Martens is favoured by many across the UK. The species is valued for their natural control of the invasive, non-native Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), which can account for up to 14% of a Pine Martens diet. This predation allows the native, endangered Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) to take hold. Eradicating competition from Grey Squirrels, and reducing the risk of the squirrel pox virus, has allowed the Red Squirrel to successfully repopulate areas around Pine Marten territory.

A red squirrel is perched on tree roots looking at the camera. It has bright orange fur. an upright fluffy tail and very fluffy ears. — Pine Marten reintroductions positively impact Red Squirrel populations. Image by Joachim Dobler via Flickr

The Two Moors Pine Marten Project, the South East Pine Marten Restoration Project, Back From the Brink and Martens on the Move are programmes founded to support the expansion of Pine Martens in England. A total of 35 individuals have been relocated from Scotland to the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley, and further reintroductions are expected to take place on Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks later this year. Other projects aim to facilitate reintroductions through the enhancement of key habitats (Martens on the Move) or to undertake surveys and monitoring to inform on species distribution (Back from the Brink).

By 2017, around 50 Pine Martens had been relocated to woodland in mid-Wales from their original home in Scotland. The population was radio tracked throughout the first year, which monitored their movement and behaviour. The group have established a viable population, breeding every year since reintroduction.

Looking Forward

The future of Pine Martens in the UK is promising. Monitoring of existing projects shows successful breeding and expansion from Scotland into Northern England. It is expected that more Pine Martens will be released in the Forest of Dean, in addition to an estimated 40 individuals to be released with the Two Moors Restoration Project in autumn 2024. It is hoped that, with further expansion, populations may link with Welsh Pine Martens, boosting connectivity and genetic diversity.

However, as populations continue to expand, there is an increasing risk of conflict. With greater human populations, greater infrastructure, and greater exposure to protected species, concerns may arise among the public. The species are known to find their way into chicken coops and pheasant pens, damaging livestock and causing conflict with local farmers. The Vincent Wildlife Trust, Natural England and NatureScot recommend sufficient Pine Marten monitoring, active engagement and open communication with stakeholders to mitigate potential conflicts before they arise.

For more information on British mammals and their conservation, visit The Mammal Society website.

The Big Butterfly Count: NHBS Staff Results 2024

Each year, Butterfly Conservation urges the public to venture outdoors and record their local lepidoptera populations with the Big Butterfly Count – a UK-wide survey aiming to assess the health of butterflies and day-flying moths. The count involves recording the number and species of butterflies in a chosen area for fifteen minutes and uploading results to their official website.

There are around 130 day-flying macro moths and 59 species of butterfly in the UK. These highly sensitive animals are key indicators of environmental health and play a crucial role in pollination across the country. The latest State of the UK Butterflies report, an assessment on British butterflies, found that the group has declined by 80% since the 1970s. The Big Butterfly Count allows the health and trends of these species to be assessed, improving our understanding of their conservation and threats.

This year’s count took place between Friday 12th July and Sunday 4th August, and the results from nationwide counts can be found on Butterfly Conservation’s interactive map. Over 140,000 counts were taken during this time, recording nearly 1,000,000 butterflies. Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus), Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina), Large White (Pieris brassicae), Small White (Pieris rapae) and Peacock (Aglais io) butterflies were the most recorded species across all data points, accounting for over 670,000 sightings.

This years count revealed the lowest numbers on record, and has led to the announcement of a nationwide ‘butterfly emergency’. On average, seven butterflies and day-flying moths were seen per count, half of last years average. This years count observed significant downward trends in the group, with around 81% of species showing declines, and 600,000 less butterflies recorded than last year (which equates to around a third of 2023’s total observations). 9,000 counts did not record any butterflies, which is the highest number recorded in the history of the count.

We participated in the Big Butterfly Count this year, and are excited to share our results below.

Staff results

Sabine

a brown and orange butterfly sun bathing in a bush — Gatekeeper by Sabine

3 Small White (Pieris rapae)
2 Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
1 Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus)
1 Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus)

Guy

1 Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris)
2 Green-veined White (Pieris napi)
1 Large White (Pieris brassicae)
7 Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus)
8 Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina)
2 Peacock (Aglais io)
1 Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

Laura

a small butterfly with red patches sits on top of a cluster of small flowers — Red Admiral by Laura

5 x Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
4 x Peacock (Aglais io)
2 x Large White (Pieris brassicae)
1 x Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)
1 x Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria)
1 x Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
1 x Comma (Polygonia c-album)

Elle

A creamy white butterfly feeding on a thistle — Image by Steve Byrne via Flickr

3 x Small White (Pieris rapae)

To find out how you can support UK butterfly conservation and to find your local branch, visit the Butterfly Conservation website.