RSPB launches its ever-popular Avocet Cruise season

Autumn and winter cruises on the Exe Estuary to see spectacle of nature

Wildlife enthusiasts can once again get up close to the Exe Estuary’s stunning birdlife as the RSPB launches its 32st season of Avocet Cruises.

Hopping aboard, visitors can expect to see some of the 40,000 birds that call the estuary home during the autumn and winter months.  Among the most anticipated sights are black-tailed godwits, brent geese and red-breasted mergansers, species coming from as far away as Siberia and Scandinavia.  There is also a chance of seeing other wildlife including grey seals.

Speaking for the RSPB in the West Country Tony Whitehead said; “These cruises have long been an excellent way for people to experience just how amazing the Exe is. I’ve long felt it is simply one of the best places for wildlife watching anywhere in the UK in the winter months.

“What could be better than watching huge flocks of Brent geese alight on the silvery silt banks of the river, or of course the remarkable spectacle of avocets flying low over the water’s edge, their white feathers gleaming in the cold winter light.”

The RSPB offers two sorts of cruises. One lasting three to four hours takes people from Starcross to the mouth of the estuary, up to Topsham then back to Starcross. The second lasts one to one and a half hours, starting and finishing in Topsham.

The first cruise will be held on Tuesday 3 September at 12:30pm departing from Starcross. Then after the winter cruises start on 3 November.

All profits from the Avocet Cruises go towards RSPB conservation projects. Early booking is advised, as the trips are extremely popular. To book tickets call the RSPB south west regional office on 01392 432691. For details, including times and departure points visit

http://www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature/146928-avocet-cruises    

RSPB: Discover the night-time nature near you

Welcome to our new-look e-newsletter! Hello Jonathan When the sun shines the world can generally seem a happier and healthier place. But don't be fooled - our natural world is still very much under threat and we continue apace with our work protecting it and challenging Government to tackle the loss of nature. This month, we're also excited about our new event - Big Wild Sleepout. Read on to find out more about this, plus much, much more.

Sleep outside and fundraise for nature Take part in Big Wild Sleepout - supported by Rightmove and Blacks - between 9-11 August. Put up a tent, build a makeshift shelter or, if you're brave enough, simply sleep out under the stars. You can do it in your own garden, or join us at an organised RSPB sleepout event where we're hosting a range of sleepouts and other night-themed events. You'll not only discover the night-time nature near you, but by getting friends and family to make a donation towards your adventure, you'll also be raising money for conservation projects that protect birds, wildlife and the places they live. > Find out more

Meeting the big challenge Mike Clarke, RSPB Chief Executive, shares his thoughts on growing public support for nature as the most powerful way to meet the challenges our natural world faces. > Find out more

July's tip for your garden To make your lawn a real home for nature, give your mower a rest and leave your grass to grow a bit taller. The flowering plants that bugs love will benefit and longer grass won't dry out so quickly. Take part in Giving Nature a Home for other simple tips like this to give nature a home on your doorstep. > Get your tailored tips

Share and win! Share how you're giving nature a home and encourage others to do the same. Simply upload your photos to Facebook or Instagram or tweet us. And by sharing it with us, you'll be in with a chance of winning some amazing prizes to help make your garden or outdoor space even more wildlife friendly! > Find out how to enter

Relaxed walking and cycling holidays tailored to you We've teamed up with Headwater Holidays - experts in walking and cycling holidays - to bring you a brilliant offer on a range of wildlife focused, self-guided holidays that you can enjoy at your own pace. Book a Headwater break and receive five per cent off the price of your holiday. And for every holiday booked we'll get a seven per cent donation towards our conservation work. It's a win-win situation! > Where will you go?

What's on in your area This month we're focusing on Big Wild Sleepout events. From sleeping out at Ynys-Hir nature reserve, home to this year's BBC Springwatch, or enjoying a night of moth-trapping and bat detecting at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, to camping out at the magical reserve of Coombes Valley, or joining a guided walk along the shores of Loch Lomond, these are just some of the events running across the UK. > Find a Sleepout event near you Support us > Become a member Get a free Handbook of garden wildlife or a minibug box when you join today. > RSPB online shop Shop to give nature a home where you live. > Fundraise while you shop Raise money for nature every time you shop online. > Other ways to support us Discover other ways to help save nature.

RSPB: Wetland news

Here are just some examples of our wetland conservation work. Restoration Restoration work on our reed beds over the last 15 years has enabled the Bittern population to recover from a low point of 11 'booming males' in the late 1990s to a high of 104 in 2011, with 46 of these on RSPB reserves. However, continual management is required to maintain reedbeds in good condition. Thriving fish population We need to ensure fish population are thriving on our reserves. We undertake a regular survey programme to assess fish stocks with recommendations to improve their underwater habitat. Wet grasslands Over 1,000 pairs of Redshank nest on RSPB wet grassland reserves and require ideal conditions. Sluices have to be maintained and replaced to hold up water levels in the spring but then let water off in late summer to enable grassland management such as rush-cutting to be carried out. Over £8million raised for wetland conservation so far! Our friends at The Co-operative Bank are helping to make all this possible - and so can you. With an RSPB credit card provided by The Co-operative Bank, you'll be helping our wetland conservation whenever you make a purchase. Use it when booking your holiday, making large purchases or even using the card for the everyday items such as the weekly shop and filling up the car. During the last 23 years of working together with The Co-operative Bank and with the help of our Credit card holders we have raised in excess of £8million for our Wetland Conservation. If you apply between now and the end of January 2013, the RSPB will receive a £36 donation from The Co-operative Bank, the usual initial donation is £18. We'll also receive a further £2.50 if you use your card within the first 6 months and a further 25 pence for every £100 spent on the card. All of which goes towards our Wetland Conservation. What's in it for you? • You'll be protecting Wetlands with twice the usual initial donation (this will only apply to your first donation) • There's no annual fee • You'll pay no interest on purchases and balance transfers* for the first 6 months after the account is opened, which reverts to a rate of 18.9% APR representative/variable for the standard card. A balance transfer fee of 3% of transfer value is applicable during the interest free period (minimum of £5) • Up to 56 days interest free credit on purchases if balance is paid in full by the end date Applicants must be UK residents aged 18 years or over and have an annual income of £10,000 or more. Every year RSPB credit card holders raise over £300k for Wetland Conservation so please join them now by visiting The Co-operative Bank website or call 0800 551 199. They are available to take your call from Monday - Friday, 8am to 9pm, and 9am to 6pm weekends. With your help, we can make sure our wetlands are the wonderful, wildlife rich places they deserve to be.

The RSPB only offer financial services provided by The Co-operative Bank on an intermediary basis for which we receive a commission. Credit facilities are provided by The Co-operative Bank p.l.c (Registered Number 990937), Head Office, PO Box 101, 1 Balloon Street, Manchester M60 4EP and are subject to status. *Excludes balance transfers from other cards provided by The Co-operative Bank. The bank reserves the right to decline any application or offer a card product that differs from those advertised. Calls may be monitored or recorded for security and training purposes. Interest rates correct at 01/13. Calls from UK landlines are free however mobile providers may charge. The Co-operative Bank is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (No. 121885), subscribers to the Lending Code, the Financial Ombudsman Service and is licensed by the Office of Fair Trading (No. 006110). Image credits: Coot - Ernie Janes (rspb-images.com), Bluethroat - Edwin Kats (rspb-images.com), Loch Insh at sunrise - Peter Cairns (rspb-images.com) If you no longer wish to receive emails please visit our unsubscribe page. To subscribe: If you would like to receive our e-newsletter and e-mails from the RSPB about our conservation, campaigning and fundraising work, please use our online sign-up form. If you have a question or comment please e-mail supportus@rspb.org.uk The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Headquarters, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL. Registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654

RSPB petition calls on David Cameron to vote for nature

Every seven years the European Union decides what to spend our money on.

A big chunk of that budget is for agriculture. And a tiny amount of that pays for nature-friendly farming schemes that help keep our countryside full of wildlife. It is also one of the only sources of funding that protects our precious nature conservation sites.

In the current economic climate, we understand that budget cuts will need to be made. We're fighting to save those funds that support farmers who make space for nature alongside food production. In a nutshell, we're calling for value for money.

Add your voice to ours and sign our petition to tell David Cameron to vote for nature.

Read on...

RSPB HEN HARRIER APPEAL

We urgently need your help

We have a proven track record of helping birds of prey all over the UK. One success story is the red kite, which now soars above many parts of the UK where once it was extinct.

Whilst this is a brilliant achievement, birds of prey are still in trouble and we urgently need your help again. Illegal persecution has left the hen harrier on the verge of extinction as a breeding bird in England, and we can only save them with your help.

Alarming news

Shockingly, there was just one breeding pair of hen harriers in England this year – despite there being suitable habitat for over 300 pairs.

Scandalously, its numbers have been slashed by deliberate human persecution. And it isn’t just hen harriers, my team of investigators have uncovered evidence of other birds of prey being illegally shot, poisoned and trapped this year.

How you can help

To stop the killing, we must raise £600,000 by 20 December, so that we can put our plans into action. That’s just two and half weeks away! Any donation you give is gratefully received.

The money is urgently needed to fund our investigations into wildlife crime, safeguarding hen harriers from persecution and supporting our efforts to ensure that birds of prey are adequately protected.

We all have a part to play in saving the hen harrier and other vulnerable birds of prey and we need government and its agencies, the police, landowners and managers and other conservation organisations to do their bit too.

Having brought the red kite back from the brink, I believe it will be a tragedy if we do not act now, by tackling illegal killing, and help save the hen harrier, so future generations can enjoy this remarkable bird.

Please give £20 today and play your part in saving the hen harrier. If you have already donated to this appeal thank you.

Thanks,
Bob Elliot
Head of Investigations

Donate today

WATCHER OF THE SKIES: black grouse, woodcock, tawny owl

As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time
Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men
and a regular segmenton On The Track... about
out-of-place birds, rare vagrants, and basically all
things feathery and Fortean.

Because we live in strange times, there are more and
more bird stories that come her way, so she has now moved
onto the main CFZ bloggo with a new column with
the same name as her aforementioned ones...

Leks have a look at black grouse numbers rise inWales

Welsh black grouse (Tetrao tetrix) numbers are on therise. However, this increase is only tobe found on those areas managed by the RSBP. The black grouse is one of the UK’s most endangered birds, once a commonsight on grass and moorland all over the country. Their numbers fell dramatically, there being25,000 breeding pairs in 1970 and just 5,000 by 2005, presumably due to theencroachment of housing into the countryside and more intensive farmingmethods. But in Wales the bird’spopulation may have trebled over the last 15 years.

Picture: RSPB

RSPB Cymru's head of biodiversity Stephen Bladwell said: "Thebreeding season is between mid-March and mid-May.

"During those times the male birds put on elaborate courting ritualscalled leks, where they puff out their throats and tails, make distinctivecalls and dance to attract females."

"That obviously makes them much easier to count. Whilst the hensusually remain camouflaged, we can count the cocks, and estimate the overallpopulation from that."

"We've been successful in working with farmers and other agenciesto help create the sort of environments where they thrive - moorland wildernessareas with supplies of their favourite foods, fresh heather shoots and varioussmall berries."

"We've also had a couple of dry Junes, which is essential inhelping to reduce chick mortality and introduce new blood into the followingyear's breeding pool."

But he warned that the black grouse is still far from safe.

In Scotland the black grouse population has also rallied, with someexperts now calling for Welsh and Scottish birds to be cross-bred in order tobroaden the gene pool and prevent localised diseases and conditions

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-17494491

‘Satnav’ system to track the dwindling woodcockpopulations

The woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) isScotland’s most secretive bird and its numbers fell by around 86% between 1970and 2007. The wader migrates to northern Europe and Russia to breed each yearand this year The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is going to usesatellite technology to follow 12 woodcocks on their migration.

However, it doeshave to be noted that the woodcock can be hunted in Scotland, apart from Sundaysand Christmas Day that is. The samerules apply for England and Wales too apparently.

“Perhaps the most immediate result of thisproject would be a dialogue in Europe about bag limits and sustainability inshooting,” said Dr Andrew Hoodless of the Game & Wildlife ConservationTrust. “We’re not advocating voluntary bans or some sort of restriction onhunting at this stage but it’s something we may look at in the future.”

There is currentlyno limit on the number of woodcocks that can be hunted in the UK, although somelimits exist in other European countries including France, Italy and Portugal.Between three and four million woodcocks are hunted each year across Europe.

Photo: Wikipedia

Woodcocks aresecretive birds that are rarely spotted in the wild. Hoodless said: “I amconvinced that by following our 12 satellite tagged birds we will soon havesome revealing insights into the migration strategies of woodcocks acrossEurope.

“This informationis essential for sound conservation management of the species as well as beingof fascination to us all.”

He added that theproject is hoping to expand the number of birds it monitors over the next year.

“We are looking totag a further 20 woodcocks over the next two winters to ensure a scientificallyvalid analysis,” Hoodless said. “Woodcocks generally live for three to fouryears so we’re hoping that with some of the birds we will be able to followthem for several seasons and watch their repeated migratory patterns.”

To follow the birdson their journeys log on to www.woodcockwatch.com

http://www.scotsman.com/news/dwindling-woodcock-populations-to-be-tracked-by-new-online-satnav-system-1-2194854

Tawnyowls

According to the South Nottinghamshire Ringing Groupblogspot, a tawny owl was found sitting on four eggs on 10^th January this year in thecounty! And it is very unusual to find these birds breeding that early in theyear. You can read more about thisdiscovery at: http://southnottsringinggroup.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/very-early-tawny-owl.html

RSPB: Chancellor, a healthy economy needs a healthy environment

Wildlife charities with a combined membership of over a quarter of a million people in the south west have today called on the Chancellor, George Osborne MP, to put the region’s rich and iconic nature at the heart of economic development in the run up to what could be one of the most important budgets for the environment in decades.

In his Autumn Statement 2011, the Chancellor announced a review of the way that two important pieces of European wildlife law are put into practice in England. A weakening of these laws could see such iconic landscapes as Salisbury Plain, the Lizard, Dartmoor, the Severn Estuary and Poole Harbour, and the rich wildlife they support, at risk from inappropriate development.

The Habitats and Birds Directives have provided valuable protection for Europe's most threatened habitats and species for over 30 years; they are arguably the two most important mechanisms for embedding the value of nature in decision-making.

The coalition of wildlife groups is calling upon people and organisations to support their call by emailing or writing to the Chancellor and contacting their own MPs before the Budget on 21 March.

Tony Richardson, RSPB South West Regional Director, said: “The effective implementation of these directives provides a key test for sustainable development, of how we balance economic, social and environmental needs. They are fundamental to meeting our national and international biodiversity commitments.”

In the South West the Habitats and Birds Directives are responsible for the protection of much of the region’s precious wildlife through the designation of Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas.

Tony continued: “The Government in ordering the review is keen to establish if the Directives are a barrier to economic growth and if the UK is doing more than is required in their implementation – the oft repeated criticism is that they are “gold-plated”.

“First of all the vast majority of planning applications are unaffected by the Directives, and very few of those that are result in objections relating to them. For example, the RSPB has commented nationally on less than 0.04 per cent of all planning applications in England between 2001-2010 (c.217 per year), with very few of these resulting in us objecting.”

“Secondly the RSPB has found no evidence of gold-plating in English law, the same finding as that by the independent Davidson Review in 2006. Indeed, the lack of a coherent network of marine Special Protection Areas is evidence that in places the adoption of the Directives in the UK is actually incomplete.”

The region’s wildlife charities do however see areas where the Directives could be improved.

In a small proportion of cases there are flaws in putting the law into practice. Often this is associated with lack of scientific information on key habitats and species. In these cases the authorities responsible for ensuring the legality of decisions have to act using the “precautionary principle”. Wildlife charities would much rather decisions were based on evidence.

To ensure this happens, and to ensure developers get clear advice, society needs to invest in and support agencies such as Natural England and the Marine Management Organisation to ensure that they have the skills, resources and freedom to give impartial scientific advice to the government.

The charities are also keen to stress that it is vital that they continue to work with planners and industry. Where they have been doing this for many years the charities say there is a much improved understanding of the process and conflict is rare.

The wildlife charities are also concerned about potential “over-simplification” of guidance.

Tony Richardson; “Providing good guidance is vital. Sometimes it is complex but the danger of oversimplification is that it can lead to ambiguity. And this can lead to developments being bogged down in endless legal debate which is costly to both wildlife oragnisations and business and serves no-one.”

Quotes from County Wildlife Trust Chief Officers:

Steve Grainger, Chief Executive Officer of Avon Wildlife Trust: "The Directives protect some of England's most important conservation sites, locally including the Severn Estuary, Chew Valley, Avon Gorge, and a large area around Bath and Bradford on Avon which is a Special Area of Conservation for bats. Such sites across England are enjoyed by millions of people each year and are vital to the recovery of England's natural environment, as set out in last year's Natural Environment White Paper. Implementation of the Directives can no doubt be improved but any restriction on them will water down the protection of such sites and put them at increased risk."

Dr Gordon McGlone OBE, Chief Executive of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust said: "Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust are concerned that the former Northern United Colliery - a major regeneration site in Gloucestershire which is home to three important species in the county - has not received the attention is it due in the Habitats Directive. Any further weakening of the planning regulation in respect of the Habitats Directive could lead to serious and irrecoverable loss of Gloucestershire's wildlife."

Harry Barton, Chief Executive of Devon Wildlife Trust said: “The Habitats Regulations safeguard the very best sites we have for our rarest wildlife, the cathedrals of our natural world. There is no convincing evidence that the regulations are hindering economic growth. The government should stick to its principles, and make sure our priceless, irreplaceable natural heritage is properly protected.”

Victoria Whitehouse, Head of Nature Conservation for Cornwall Wildlife Trust said: “Cornwall Wildlife Trust supports development done in the right way in the right place that doesn’t have negative consequences for wildlife. As a Wildlife Trust we cannot support policies that create short term profit at the expense of our countryside and wildlife. If our environmental laws are weakened, it would leave vital habitats open to development such as our nationally significant heathlands on The Lizard, the stunning north coast at St Agnes and the wet woodlands at Goss Moor. All are Special Areas of Conservation and are protected, for now. Nature is vital to our quality of life and at a time of economic recession, we must work together to get the best results for nature and the economy.”

Simon Cripps, Chief Executive of Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “This legislation has been instrumental in protecting Dorset’s heaths from increasing urban pressures, for example in the recent decision by the Secretary of State to turn down development at Talbot Heath in Bournemouth. Far from putting a stop to all new homes, a planning framework has been put in place in Dorset to enable development, provided it takes steps to avoid harming heathland. Our heaths are still under huge pressure from disturbance and damage near surrounding houses, and any reduction in legal protection could cause irreparable harm to an invaluable green space that contributes to Dorset’s economy and to the wellbeing and health of its communities.”

Lisa Schneidau, Director of Conservation at Somerset Wildlife Trust, said: “Somerset Wildlife Trust believes that a healthy, flourishing natural environment is essential to the health of Somerset's economy and of its people. A progressive and intelligent system of regulation and planning for England must have environmental principles at its heart, together with the building blocks for economic and social investment. Somerset Wildlife Trust is very concerned at the short-sighted and irresponsible signals that have been coming from the Treasury about the environment, including threats to the current insufficient levels of environmental protection for Somerset's precious wildlife habitats and species. We call on the Government to show consistent leadership across all its departments, to demonstrate what we already know to be true: that a healthy economy and a healthy environment must go hand in hand.”

Dr Gary Mantle, Director of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust said: “Wiltshire is famous for its chalk rivers, chalk grasslands and meadows. The best of these in Wiltshire are of European importance and are designated as such under the Habitats Directive. These include sites like the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s wildflower meadows at Clattinger Farm. Salisbury Plain and the River Avon are other examples. The Habitats and Birds Directives have not inhibited the use of Salisbury Plain as the largest Military Training Area in the UK. The Directive has ensured a very constructive and positive dialogue between the MOD and conservation bodies enabling both military training objectives and conservation objectives to be met.”

RSPB: Let's make 2012 the year of the rainforest

Let's make 2012 the year of the rainforest

Tropical rainforests buzz with life. They're home to a whopping six million species, including some of the world's most enigmatic and endangered wildlife, with new species found continually. They provide food, water and medicines, and act as carbon stores to help in the fight against climate change.

We've spent more than 20 years working with partners in countries such as Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Montserrat, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Thailand to protect these unique places, and we've had some great successes. Check out our brilliant new rainforest pages to see what we're talking about.

But tropical rainforests are in trouble. Every four seconds, an area the size of a football pitch is still being chopped down for commercial gain. This is driven by the demand for paper and wood, for land to grow crops like palm oil and to provide pasture for livestock. In some cases it's illegal.

We can't solve the enormous problem of deforestation alone. To save tropical rainforests, we need people like you to join in the fight. We're working together with organisations, businesses and governments to protect those areas that are left.

We're making 2012 the year we push even harder to save tropical forests forever.

We'll be increasing our efforts and will continue to call on governments and businesses around the world to step up.

You can step up too - we'll be providing lots of ideas to help you do something small that can make a big difference.

Together we can step up and save tropical rainforests!

Happy New Year

Tim Stowe
RSPB Director of International Operations

Find out more

RSPB: Greenest government ever?

West Country wildlife charities’ dismay at attack on vital wildlife legislation

Wildlife charities in the south west have today joined forces to condemn Treasury plans to weaken wildlife legislation.

In a strongly worded letter to regional newspapers, the Chief Officers of all the West Country's Wildlife Trusts, Friends of the Earth and the RSPB express their deep dismay at the plans revealed in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.

In the statement George Osborne sent a clear signal that the Treasury viewed the environment as a “ridiculous” barrier to economic growth and would be reviewing the UK's implementation of the EU Habitats Directive which he claimed was "gold plated".

The Habitats Directive [Note 1] was established in 1994 under the previous Tory administration. In the West Country it provide safeguards from uncontrolled development to iconic landscapes as diverse as The Lizard in Cornwall, Dartmoor, the Somerset Levels and Moors, the Severn Estuary, Chesil Beach and the Dorset Heathlands. [Note 2]

Tony Richardson, South West Regional Director for the RSPB said; "The Prime Minister has stated clearly that he wants the coalition to be the "greenest government ever". Clearly his next door neighbour is yet to receive the message.

"Feeling is running particularly high here in the West Country. The region is rightly proud of its rich natural environment. We are also keenly aware that more than any other region we trade on the quality of this environment. Far from being a barrier, it is difficult to see how economic recovery can be achieved here without safeguarding the very thing that makes the region attractive to visitors and a good place to do business. "

“And let’s be clear, we are not “anti-development”. But we have to proceed with wisdom. With careful planning, under the requirements of the regulations, development can work for both wildlife and the economy.”

Simon Nash, Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Chief Executive said: “Somerset Wildlife Trust is deeply dismayed at the Government’s intention to weaken wildlife legislation. Somerset still enjoys a good quality environment, not only in areas like the Somerset Levels, the Mendip Hills, the Blackdown Hills and Exmoor, but throughout our countryside which is rich in protected species such as otter, water vole, dormouse and scarce butterflies. However, our wildlife is constantly under threat from development and unsympathetic land management.

“Somerset Wildlife Trust believes that protection of our most important wildlife is essential to any planning framework for Somerset that encourages intelligent, long-sighted decision-making about development. The Government’s lack of environmental leadership is already having an impact in Somerset, where developers and local authorities are showing our environment less respect than it deserves. If the Government follow through on George Osborne’s stated intentions, Somerset’s wildlife and its people will all be poorer as a result.”

Steve Grainger, Chief Executive Officer of Avon Wildlife Trust said, “We have been reviewing the Chancellor’s statement and it seems that he is not content with the massive shake-up of the planning system that is already under way, which could still reduce the protection given to over 800 Local Wildlife Sites in our area. Now sites of European importance in and around Bristol face an uncertain future too.”

“This shake up seems to fly in the face of the coalition government’s rhetoric of being the greenest government ever.

“The Government’s own National Ecosystem Assessment [Note 3] and Natural Environment White Paper [Note 4], both published in June this year, promised us much more than this. They were to herald a step change in nature’s fortunes. Protected areas are a key part of the foundation upon which nature’s recovery will depend. Yet taking our much depleted wildlife into a more positive future is clearly far from the Chancellor’s agenda.”

Dr Gordon McGlone OBE FSB, Chief Executive, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust said; "In Gloucestershire we believe that nature is not valued. We are seeing a lack of commitment to one of the county's greatest assets - its natural heritage. The environment is not a barrier, it's the basis on which our prosperity depends."

Simon Cripps, Chief Executive of Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “Dorset has shown how to work together to meet the requirements of EU wildlife legislation for heathlands in a way which is simple and clear for developers and avoids the lengthy delays that the government fears. Downgrading the protection of our most precious habitats would be a short-sighted measure that would end up costing us far more in the end. Many studies have shown that the quality of the environment is vital to economic strength and to quality of life; the value to Dorset’s communities and to tourism and leisure industries is huge.

Dorset has one of the highest concentrations of European protected habitats in the UK, yet even here the area protected amounts to only 6% of the county. Surely this government would not want to be remembered for the destruction of a natural heritage that belongs to all.”

Dr Gary Mantle MBE, the director of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust says: “We are deeply concerned about how the Treasury announcement will impact on the natural environment in Wiltshire.

Wiltshire contains priceless wildlife meadows, sweeping chalk grassland and ancient woodland and we are working hard to sew this patchwork back together on a large scale. Without a robust well protected natural environment unsympathetic development in the name of economic recovery could tear apart these delicate beginnings, imprisoning wildlife once more in scattered pockets of habitats where it faces a slow and inevitable decline.

The natural environment needs to be protected if we are to achieve the sustainable communities that we all know are needed. Studies show that reconnecting people to their natural surroundings improves their wellbeing. Surely this is particularly important during these times of austerity? The natural world should not be seen as a constraint to economic development but an asset to be cherished and nurtured.”

Harry Barton, Chief Executive of Devon Wildlife Trust said: "Devon is blessed with some of finest natural heritage anywhere in Britain, and it brings immense benefits to the communities who live here. If the Chancellor believes the people of Devon will turn a blind eye while he unpicks the vital protection afforded to it, he should think again.

"What we are witnessing is nothing short of an assault by Government on the environment. It shows a total lack of understanding and disregard for the benefits that a healthy environment brings to society".

In response to the Chancellors statement the region’s wildlife charities are urging the public to make their feelings known by contacting their MPs.

Tony Richardson, RSPB, added; “We know that people here in the south west value the natural environment - the strength of feeling showed by people at the threatened sale of forests powerfully demonstrated that. And, combined, the membership of our diverse organisations is more than that of all the political parties. We’re calling on people to again show that they care passionately about our wild places by contacting their MP, to make clear their own concerns for the future of the south west’s precious natural heritage.”

For more information:

Somerset Wildlife Trust: Beth Jerret, 01823 652413, beth.jerrett@somersetwildlife.org
Dorset Wildlife Trust: Nicky Hoar, 01305 264620, nhoar@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Devon Wildlife Trust: David Ireland, 01392 260864, direland@devonwildlifetrust.org
Avon Wildlife Trust: Pat Ellingham, 0117 9177278, patellingham@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust: Emma Bradshaw 01452 383333
emma.bradshaw@gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust: Sue Litherland, 01380 725670
Friends of the Earth: Henry Rummins henry.rummins@foe.co.uk
RSPB: Tony Whitehead tony.whitehead@rspb.org.uk 01392 453754, 07872 414365

The main aim of the Habitats Directive is to promote the maintenance of biodiversity by requiring Member States to take measures to maintain or restore natural habitats and wild species listed on the Annexes to the Directive at a favourable conservation status, introducing robust protection for those habitats and species of European importance. http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-1374

Under the directive member states are required to designate:

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). SACs are areas which have been given special protection under the European Union’s Habitats Directive. They provide increased protection to a variety of wild animals, plants and habitats and are a vital part of global efforts to conserve the world’s biodiversity. Find out more about them on http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/sac/default.aspx

Special Protection Areas (SPAs) SPAs are areas which have been identified as being of international importance for the breeding, feeding, wintering or the migration of rare and vulnerable species of birds found within European Union countries. They are European designated sites, classified under the ‘Birds Directive 1979’ which provides enhanced protection given by the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status all SPAs also hold. Find out more about them on http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/spa/default.aspx

The UK National Ecosystem Assessment states: “The natural world, its biodiversity and its constituent ecosystems are critically important to our well-being and economic prosperity, but are consistently undervalued in conventional economic analyses and decision-making.” http://uknea.unep-wcmc.org/

The Natural Environment White Paper (chapter three paragraph 3.6) states “The Government is committed to putting the value of natural capital at the heart of our economic thinking.” http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/natural/whitepaper/

The Wildlife Trusts (TWT) wildlifetrusts.org. There are 47 individual Wildlife Trusts covering the whole of the UK. All are working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone. We have more than 800,000 members including 150,000 members of our junior branch Wildlife Watch. Our vision is to create A Living Landscape and secure Living Seas. We manage around 2,300 nature reserves and every year we advise thousands of landowners and organisations on how to manage their land for wildlife. We also run marine conservation projects around the UK, collecting vital data on the state of our seas and celebrating our amazing marine wildlife. Every year we work with thousands of schools and our nature reserves and visitor centres receive millions of visitors. Each Wildlife Trust is working within its local communities to inspire people about the future of their area: their own Living Landscapes and Living Seas.

RSPB: Wild winter walks on the Taw Estuary

This winter during December the RSPB is inviting people to enjoy the peace and quiet of a Devon beauty spot in the company of birds and wildlife.

Working together, the RSPB and The Fremington Quay cafe will show people the fantastic wildlife that can be found along the tranquil banks of the river Taw.

Fremington Quay, a site of historical importance lies on the river Taw between Barnstaple and Bideford. Working with the RSPB, the cafe's owners are hoping to bring people closer to wildlife by running an RSPB guided walk each Monday morning, during the first three weeks of December.

Paul Duffy, the owner of The Fremington Café said, "We're pleased to be able to offer people a way of exploring this beautiful part of Devon. We often hear tales from walkers who are astounded by the variety of wildlife they see every day, and we hope these walks will give people new ways to discover the wildlife on their doorstep.

John Wrigglesworth from the RSPB said; "The Taw estuary is one of my favourite places to watch birds, and other wildlife during the winter months. These walks are designed to introduce new people to the pleasures of bird watching. Everyone will be made very welcome. "

The walks are on Monday the 12th and 19th December. We plan to meet inside The Fremington Cafe from 10.30 am. There will be a fee of £5 per person, but that includes a nice warming tea, or coffee, before we set off. The circular walks begin at 11 a.m. and lasts approximately one and a half hours, covering a distance of no more than two miles, over relatively flat ground. Please wear sensible footwear, and have wet weather gear. A decision will be made the day before should the weather looks particularly bad. If in any doubt, please phone The Fremington Café on 01271 268720 for confirmation that the walk will take place as planned. Sorry no dogs. Don't forget your binoculars, if you have them!

RSPB: Chancellor attacks nature – step up to save it today!

Dear Supporter

Its official, the environment is a barrier to economic growth and jobs. Well it is if you listen to George Osborne who presented possibly the most environmentally hostile economic statement for a generation on Tuesday. His opinion contradicts that of his colleague Caroline Spelman, the Environment Secretary, who has said the natural environment underpins global economic performance.

The Chancellor seems to have little regard for sustainable development or the ‘green economy’, and even less for climate change. He wants to dismantle the environmental protections that have served our most precious wildlife sites well for nearly two decades.

The RSPB accepts the need for the UK Government to prioritise job creation. But we fear the current pursuit of short-term gains at the expense of the natural world, which ultimately sustains us, will result in a far greater cost both to wildlife and the economy.

Please step up for nature and write to your MP today.

Find out more on our website.

Thanks for your support

Martin Harper
Conservation Director

RSPB: Nature walks in Devon

Tranquil half hours with the RSPB
Busy life? Too much to do, and not enough time? This winter, the RSPB is inviting people to step back for a moment and enjoy the peace and quiet of a Devon beauty spot in the company of birds and wildlife.

Working together, the RSPB and Otterton Mill will show people the fantastic wildlife that can be found along the tranquil banks of the river Otter – all in half an hour!

Otterton Mill, a site of historical importance that is mentioned in the Doomsday Book, lies on the river Otter between Newton Poppleford and Budleigh Salterton. Working with the RSPB, the mill’s owners are hoping to bring people closer to wildlife, in as short a time as possible!

Shirley Hill, events manager at Otterton Mill said “We’re pleased to be able to offer people a new and innovative way of exploring this beautiful part of Devon. We often hear tales from walkers who are astounded by the variety of wildlife they see every day and we’re confident these walks will give people new ways to discover the wildlife on their doorstep.

“The great thing is, with the walks being just half an hour long, they can fit round even the busiest of schedules.”

Steven Henry from the RSPB said “The River Otter is one of my favourite places to watch wildlife. Kingfishers, birds of prey and even water voles can be seen throughout the year.”

“This is a great time to go looking for wildlife. The leaves are drifting off the trees in their autumnal moult and this makes the birds easier to see and even without the wildlife, the changing colours make for a beautiful spectacle.”

The first date is Sunday 20th November. The walks begin at 10 am with the final walk departing the Mill at 4 pm and include a walk over level ground. For more details, contact Otterton Mill on 01395 568 521.

RSPB: Wildlife charity celebrates 30 years of Avocet Cruises on the Exe

The RSPB is celebrating 30 years of its boat trips showing people birds on the Exe Estuary in Devon.

The charity started their ‘Avocet Cruises’ in 1981 and was one the first to offer regular wildlife cruises. They are now part of the RSPB’s hugely popular Date with Nature projects that aim to get people outdoors and watching wildlife across the UK.

Peter Exley, Regional Public Affairs Manager for the RSPB said: ‘When the cruises first started it wasn’t clear if there would be any demand as it was such a novel idea. The first boat we used was the Devon Princess and the very first cruise sold out almost immediately. We were so please we put on a further three.

Since then we’ve carried between 35-40,000 passengers on the Exe”

Reflecting on other changes over the past 30 years Peter added: “Since we started the Avocet Cruises the number of wintering avocets in the UK has risen from less than a thousand to just short of 3400. This gives an impression of how successfully these birds have recovered over the past thirty years.

“And in 1981 the RSPB had a membership of 300,000, and managed 78 nature reserves - today our membership is nearly 1.1 million and we manage 207 nature reserves. This success is we feel in no small part due to the growing popularity of wildlife encouraged through events such as the cruises.”

RSPB Avocet Cruises depart from two locations on the estuary: Topsham and Starcross and passengers are able to enjoy unrivalled views of up to 40 species of bird including avocets, black-tailed godwits, brent geese, little egrets, curlews, lapwings and oystercatchers.

As well as offering people the chance to enjoy an amazing wildlife spectacle, the cruises have also provided a boost to the local economy.

Three separate boat operators, two of which offer RSPB avocet cruises, now take people out on the river to see birds. The cruises also raise valuable funds to support the charity’s work in the South West.

Sarah Webb, who has organised this year’s cruises for the RSPB said: ‘Over the last 30 years we have worked to make these events accessible for as wide a range of people as possible - you don’t have to know your curlew from your dark-bellied brent goose to come have a good time and to enjoy the fantastic scenery and wildlife.’

The cruises start on 10 November 2011 and run regularly to 25 February 2012. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the cruises the RSPB has also organised three special cruises in addition to its normal programme. On Sunday 20 November, the RSPB is inviting people to join a dawn cruise and watch the estuary wake up. Depart Topsham 6.45am and finish with a breakfast at the Route 2 Café in Topsham. On Sunday 27 November there is a family cruise to discover the special wildlife on the Exe with commentary from RSPB Wildlife Explorers club president and TV wildlife expert, Nick Baker. And on Sunday 22 January 2012 there will be a special photography cruise where you can join experts for a lesson in how to get the most from your compact camera whilst getting some great close up views of avocets and other waders and wildfowl.

On all the cruises there will be a specially produced limited edition Avocet Cruise pin badge available on board.

Avocet Cruises are one of the RSPB’s Date with Nature projects that aim to enable people to get closer to some of the most exciting wildlife in Britain. To book a place on a cruise contact the RSPB on 01392 432 691 and for details visit https://www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature/146928-avocet-cruises

RSPB: West Country bird of prey death toll rises

Peregrine death near Buckfastleigh brings poisoning incidents in Devon and Cornwall this year to eight

Devon and Cornwall Police and the RSPB are appealing for information following confirmation this week that a young peregrine falcon found dead at a quarry near Buckfastleigh had residues of both carbofuran and aldicarb. These banned pesticides are suspected to have contributed to the bird’s death.

This brings to eight the number of birds of prey killed in poisonings this year in the West Country. In March four goshawks and a buzzard were found dead to the west of Exeter and in July two peregrines were found near St Just in Cornwall.

The bird, a young female peregrine, was found by environmental consultants from URS Scott Wilson at Whitecleaves Quarry near Buckfastleigh on 21 July. Peregrines at this site have been targeted previously, with dead birds found in 2005, 2004 and 1992. On each occasion the birds had been poisoned.

Following the discovery, Natural England‘s Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) was notified and began an investigation. The body was sent for analysis and it was confirmed last week that both had residues of the banned substances aldicarb and carbofuran. The latter was also identified in the previous cases this year.

Wildlife conservationists have mounting concern over the presence of these chemicals in the wider countryside.

Ivan Lakin, Natural England’s Wildlife Adviser in Devon said: “Peregrine falcons have suffered from illegal poisoning in Devon for 20 years – often tricked into consuming poisoned ‘live bait.’ The poison which we have seen used in many of these cases was banned more than a decade ago and it can be potentially as dangerous to the public, children and pets as it is to birds of prey.

“We treat such incidents seriously and will continue our work with other agencies under the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme, with the main objective of stopping illegal persecution and prosecuting people responsible for these senseless crimes.”

Tony Whitehead, spokesperson for the RSPB in the South West said; “I was truly shocked to see the images of the dead bird. Peregrines at this site have a long history of persecution. In 2005 a bird was found dead on the body of a pigeon. The pigeon had its wings purposely clipped and it had been doused with poison. In 2004 a peregrine was found dead near to a pigeon spiked with the poison malathion. And in July 1992 a peregrine was found dead alongside another pigeon similarly treated with malathion.

”This has been a truly awful year for birds of prey in the West Country. Whatever the motives of the people that carry out these deliberate acts, we must not forget that they are nothing more than common criminals. They show no regard for these magnificent and much loved birds of prey and also show little regard for the safety of people and their pets walking in the countryside. This needs to be stopped.”

PC Josh Marshall, Wildlife Crime Officer in Devon said: “This strikes a chord with me as I visited the site this year and watched the birds at the site while the female was incubating.

Nationally, bird of prey persecution is continuing to be a major problem, particularly this year in the south west and in Devon. In terms of wildlife crime, we welcome the fact that bird of prey persecution has been identified as a key priority for wildlife crime enforcement. Investigations can be complex and are often initially out of the public eye until analysis results are obtained, then as in the case, we frequently appeal for anyone with information to come forward to assist with our enquiries.”

Anyone found guilty of an offence against birds of prey can be liable to a fine of up to £5000 (per offence) or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.

If anyone has information regarding this they can call 101 quoting crime number JA/11/423. Alternatively if members of the public wish to remain anonymous they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The public can also contact the RSPB on 0845 466 3636. All information is handled in the strictest confidence. The RSPB is offering a reward of £1000 for information leading to a conviction.