Advocate for wolves and beavers

We are incredibly disappointed in the decision of No 10 to overrule the scientific decision to release beavers into our waters as reported by The Guardian

We would like to ask you to read and share with your local MP this letter written by 49 UK organisations regarding wild beaver release and National Strategy.

We would also like to ask our UK followers to write to your MP to back the Climate and Nature Bill which has its second reading on 24th January. This Bill is a Labour Bill and sits in the face of the No. 10 decision, to stall wild beaver reintroduction, it states the aim that the UK:

"halts and reverses its overall contribution to the degradation and loss of nature in the United Kingdom and overseas by—

(i) increasing the health, abundance, diversity and resilience of 20 species, populations, habitats and ecosystems so that by 2030, and measured against a baseline of 2020, nature is visibly and measurably on the path of recovery"

The full Bill is listed here:

https://publications.parliament.uk/.../58-04/0192/230192.pdf

We are also disturbed to hear of further moves to relax protection of European wolves which have slowly been recovering their historic range thanks to their protected status.

#EuropeanWolves suffered a major blow just before Christmas when their protected status was downgraded. European nations with wolf populations are further damaging their wolf populations by allowing hunting and shooting of wolf populations. You can join hundreds of thousands of Europeans and sign this petition.

And you can learn more about coexistence with wolves by visiting the Waterbear page which has some wonderful films you can watch for free and additional information about these incredible creatures.

Feisty Foxes

 

Many of us wildlife lovers learnt about wildlife in far flung places, living the experience of jungle, desert or mountains in Africa, Asia or south America with the unforgettable sound of David Attenborough’s voice narrating the exotic sights of prides of lions, mountain gorillas, tigers, elephants and panthers. So, what can our drab mostly grey cities and towns offer us?

I grew up in the Derbyshire countryside, wandering the farmland near my home alone, walking to school listening to hedgerows filled with sparrows chattering, climbing trees and picking blackberries in the summer holidays. But it was only when I moved to London that I saw a fox, then another and another. Now I take it for granted that at this time of year, the noise of foxes will wake me regularly.

It's really quite a bustling busy natural world out there, getting louder over the commuter traffic noise is the morning chorus, the disruption of a cat walking by gets all the wrens busy scoulding him, I think I counted 10 (well done mum and dad wrens!) effortlessly ‘sitting’ on the brick walls calling out their anger as this predator slinks around their territory, warning all potential prey and lowering the chance of this well fed pet gaining a victim.

Foxes moved to our towns and cities very recently, and like most of our city and town wildlife they are adaptable, omnivorous and opportunistic. They live, fight, make dens and take cat naps in the sun literally in our back gardens, parks and car parks. And they keep our rodent populations down, just as opportunistic caracals in Cape Town and wily coyotes in Chicago do.

How lucky we are to have them amongst us!

Beautiful Butterflies

The annual #BigButterflyCount has begun, and this is a reminder of how you can get involved in this summer citizen science project.

This year's count is lasting between Friday 12th July and Sunday 4th August, all you need to do is choose a place to spot butterflies and moths, watch out for just 15 minutes and record what you find. You can download an ID chart to help you identify what you see. Share your findings with your neighbours and social media friends!

You can download an ID chart and find out more on this link https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/

Hibernating Hedgehogs and Travelling Toads

Wildlife has to negotiate our urban obstructions, they are following pathways they have taken for millenia, whether that is a hungry hedgehog emerging from hibernation or a toad travelling to spawning grounds. Hedgehogs may find fences blocking their path and toads seeking to reach ponds to breed in may find they have to cope with speeding cars crossing their path are making their travels hazardous.

Fortunately there are already some fantastic organisations that you can join forces with to help make their lives easier.

If hedgehogs are your thing, take a look at Hedgehog Street to see if you can join forces with likeminds locally to make life a little easier for hedgehogs.

And if you want to help toads cross the road safely you can join a local Toad Patrol.

So what are you waiting for?