Cumbria Wildlife Trust

A Wildlife Balcony by Dyane Silvester

2011-04-21T10:56:00.000+01:00

Have you ever heard someone say “I live in the city and don't have a garden; there's nothing I can really do for wildlife”? I wonder whether these people have ever stopped to think about what can actually be done in the smallest space to attract wildlife? Indeed, have you?

If you are lucky enough to have a balcony, there are numerous plants which thrive in pots and will attract insects, hoverflies, bees and butterflies. Lavender is easy to keep in pots, or even window boxes, and just needs cutting back at the end of the summer. Bumble bees love it and although you're unlikely to attract goldfinches to a balcony there's always a chance you'll be lucky since the seed heads are one of their favourite foods.

Teasel loves wasteland so is easy to grow too. You could plant it in the same pots as the lavender, though it is too tall for those window boxes! Sedum's pink or white blooms arrive later in the summer, and red admiral butterflies love it. Thyme, rosemary and marjoram (oregano) will give you not only flowers covered with bees and other insects, but also a beautiful scent, and organically grown herbs to add to your cooking. You can cut them and hang them to dry to be used through the winter. If you grow chives, be sure to let some of them flower too, as the bees also love them.

If you have a small yard, or a larger balcony, you have the option of small shrubs such as dwarf buddleia or lilac, which will attract butterflies. And with a little DIY skill you could fix some brackets to the wall for hanging baskets. Try marigolds for the butterflies alongside hanging varieties of tomato for yourself, or bird feeders. Remember not to wash the balcony railings too often either, as a little moss growth will provide shelter for insects and spiders, and you'll soon find blue tits visiting to take advantage of this easy food.

Even with all this wildlife, there's no need for you to vacate your balcony. Keep a couple of chairs out there, sit out regularly and quietly enjoy the sunshine and you will be surprised by the extent to which the delightful buzzing activity is comfortable with your presence.

It’s a jungle out there! By Abi Hemmant

2011-03-09T10:13:00.000Z

When thinking about carnivorous plants, it is hard to imagine them existing in the wild outside of tropical jungles. Actually, there are species found right here in Cumbria, although generally much smaller and often overlooked.
Drosera is a carnivorous plant that inhabits boggy, wet ground. It is more commonly called sundew, a name that came about due to the glistening properties of a dewy substance that covers the leaves. This dewy substance is called mucilage, and is vital in catching insects, the main food source for this plant.

Insects are attracted to the glistening, sweet-smelling mucilage, which is secreted from glands on the plant, but upon landing become trapped in the sticky substance. The struggling insect triggers thigmonasty, a process in which the outer tentacles of the plant bend in towards the centre, bringing a greater volume of enzyme-secreting glands towards the insect. Some species of Drosera have also evolved in such a way that they are able to fold their leaves around the unfortunate creature, ensuring the insect is completely smothered in mucilage.

Glands then exude a number of digestive enzymes, which break down the fleshy sections of the insect’s body, and free up nutrients which can be absorbed through the leaf surface. The leaves then unfold, exposing the remaining exoskeleton to be removed through wind or rain, and once again prepare to ensnare their next victim. Sundews most commonly consume small insects as they lack the muscle power to escape, however, sundews have also been known to consume craneflies, damselflies and butterflies. These fleshy meals supplement the poor nutrient levels found in the boggy grounds in which they grow, enabling the plant to complete its life cycle.

Sundews are found on many Cumbria Wildlife Trust nature reserves around the county, including Drumburgh Moss and Butterburn Flow. To find out more, visit http://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/discover-cumbrias-nature-reserves.html.

Round-leaved sundew

Plants need the cold by Sarah J. Dodd

2011-01-20T16:08:00.000Z

This winter has been exceptionally cold in Cumbria, with long stretches of time where even the daytime temperature has not climbed above freezing and the night temperatures have plummeted well below. Any gardener or nature watcher can see the effects of cold weather on plants – when the temperature hovers around freezing, leaves droop. This is partly due to the effect of ice crystals forming within the cells and damaging them. In addition, the tiny pores on the leaves - which allow water vapour to pass in and out - lock open in cold weather. This means that the plant loses too much water and the leaves wilt, as if there was a summer drought.

On the other hand, many plants benefit from cold weather. Native bulbs such as wild snowdrops and daffodils need a lengthy period of low temperatures in order to flourish.

Most plants are highly sensitive to ‘thermal time’, which means that in order to flower, a bulb needs to experience a fixed amount of low temperatures. When this chill requirement (the vernalisation period) is achieved, the plant then produces a hormone to trigger flower production. From then on, the plant needs warmer spring temperatures for shoots to grow and blossoms to flourish.

The longer the cold period, the better the resulting display of flowers is likely to be. The plant has had a lengthy period of dormancy (resting), so its growth is more vigorous. Severe frosts and snow also kill off harmful fungi and bacteria, so the plant remains healthier.

So while we shiver through the next month, we can look forward to a spectacular display of native flowers carpeting our woodlands when the weather warms up.

Bugs Winter Survival Handbook by Kirsty Jackson

2010-12-10T14:03:00.000Z

It is definitely on the chilly side at the moment and I am fighting the urge to stay safely snuggled up by the fire with a generous supply of chocolate. Birds are migrating to areas with a good food source, such as the influx of winter thrushes and waxwings to our shores. Many other animals are hibernating or doing their best to survive. But what happens to our insects when the temperatures plummet?

Insects form part of the arthropods, animals with exoskeletons, which make up around 80% of the world’s biodiversity. They exist in enormous numbers but are rather small in size when compared to us. And if you think we struggle to survive in sub zero temperatures, much smaller insects must have developed efficient coping strategies.

The main problems for terrestrial insects are to protect themselves from the cold and to find enough food to keep going throughout the winter. Some strategies are seemingly harsh. Only fertilised female bumble bees survive the winter by hibernating, whilst the remaining bees die. Other insects migrate. This year summer numbers of painted lady butterflies migrated from the continent over to the UK. Another of our favourite summer migrants is the red admiral butterfly, which breeds here then heads over to milder southern Europe or positively balmy North Africa for winter. Interestingly though, the numbers of red admirals over-wintering is on the increase.

Some insects in the UK have evolved so their breeding cycle is during the winter months. The winter moth is seen from late Autumn until January and February. They have evolved to breed in the winter so that the eggs hatch when the spring buds begin to burst and the larvae can feed on the fresh young buds of trees, shrubs and moorland species.

If you want to help our insects survive over the winter you can build a range of habitats in your garden by leaving out piles of dead wood, placing sections of bamboo canes in a frame or by putting a section of plastic pipe on the ground. Loose chipped bark and piles of leaves can provide shelter for beetles, centipedes and woodlice. There are plenty of ready-made insect hibernacula but it’s great fun to construct your own minibeast homes.

Tracking the Otter by Abi Hemmant

2010-12-02T14:56:00.000Z

With the icy fingers of winter stretching into Cumbria, much of the native wildlife has either migrated to warmer climates, or has bedded down to hibernate through the chilly months to come. Yet not all is still and quiet: there is one elusive creature that can still be seen prowling the waterways, and winter can be one of the best times to see them.

The European otter suffered severe declines in numbers from the 1950s to 1970s due to habitat degradation, insufficient prey, and water pollution. However, populations have recovered, with numbers now at their highest recorded levels in 50 years. But where could you see them, and what should you be looking for.

Otters are notoriously shy, nocturnal creatures, and to find one either takes time and patience, or a great deal of luck, but the changing scenery of winter months can make this much easier. Otters are often found adjacent to still waters such as reservoirs and lakes, and also along rivers and streams. They make their holts under the roots of trees such as ash and sycamore, and tend to favour riverine stretches where there is sufficient cover to hide and rest. All of this vegetation can make looking for otters rather difficult, but there are a few tricks that can be used to make this search a real adventure.

Otters use spraints to mark their territories, and spotting these can be an easy way to discover if otters are present in an area. These droppings are greenish black in colour, and often leave oily stains once washed away by rain. They also have a distinctive smell of jasmine tea! Spraints are often deposited on prominent features, and good places to look include under bridges, on large rocks or tree stumps, or on gravel or sand banks. Such droppings usually contain small bones or fish scales. Scales can also be found in piles where the otter has just devoured its catch.

Another sign to look for are tracks and this is where the winter weather really helps. Tracks can be left on muddy river banks and often in snow as well, and appear as webbed, five-toed prints roughly three inches in width. The short days of winter also really help you to spot an otter as activity centres around dusk and dawn; much more viable times of the day to be out and about in winter.

Armed with these tracking skills, a secret life can unfold, showing feeding, playing and resting spots, and may even result in the prize sighting of one of these elusive and fascinating creatures.

Photo by Andy Graham

At a bend in the River Petteril by Morag Angus

2010-11-26T15:44:00.000Z

Wreay Woods is a 20-hectare nature reserve that, historically, has been heavily influenced by man, although records do not reveal precisely how far back in time management of the site began. The land surrounding the nature reserve is littered with the remains of Roman roads and a Roman fort, so it is possible that the coppicing of wood began then.
Wreay (a Norse word meaning ‘bend in the river’ - which is exactly what the river Petteril does as it curves through the valley) is a peaceful and beautiful nature reserve. A walk by the river, enclosed by steep, red sandstone slopes, can reveal the likes of dippers and grey wagtails, maybe a kingfisher, and a lucky few may even see otters. The force of the river, especially when it floods, causes the sandy riverbanks to change constantly. As the water washes in and erodes away the soil behind tree roots, whole banks and trees can be seen strewn in the river once the water has abated. The debris remains until the next flood when it can then be washed a few more metres down stream. Thus, continual erosion, creation of holes behind root plates, and build up of debris and fallen trees is an ideal riparian habitat, forming excellent hide-aways for otters.
Along the trail you find your eyes are constantly being drawn to the flowing river. But if you happen to look up the slopes of the clough, you may catch a glimpse of fleeing roe deer. In the spring the slopes come alive with bluebells and, although no longer grazed by cattle, the flat open areas that were once traditional hay meadows burst with marsh marigolds, flag iris and willows.
For those wanting a longer walk it is well worth parking at the Golden Fleece picnic spot (Grid ref: NY435 513) or near Scalesceugh Hall (Grid ref: NY448 496) and turning the visit to the nature reserve into a circular walk. Following the public footpaths allows you to take in the village of Wreay itself, where the Church of St Maryand its amazing architecture is a ‘must see’. The extra height gained by walking up out of the gorge affords views down over the nature reserve and gives the walker a much more complete experience of the nature reserve and its beautiful surroundings.

All washed out by Kirsty Jackson

2010-11-22T09:28:00.000Z

The recent wet weather has reminded us of how severe weather events are making a huge impact on the environment. The fields around are sporting new water features and the rivers are running high with roiling chocolate brown water.

But there are impacts on the wildlife of the county and not all of them affect the wildlife in adverse ways.

The extreme flooding events that have been experienced in the UK over the past few years have happened at differing times of the year, creating a multitude of problems. Extreme spring and summer events are arguably the most devastating for our wildlife, destroying nests, flooding dens and stripping areas of important food sources particularly invertebrates that our birdlife depends upon. Wet weather means that the softly feathered barn owl cannot hunt and the young animals can be left exposed to both the environment and predation. Winter flooding can destroy habitats and aquatic wildlife such as fish can find themselves literally high and dry as floods recede.

But to some extent flooding is not a new phenomenon and occur naturally. We have increased the frequency and effect of flooding by changing the climate and by building upon and altering the natural coping mechanisms that nature has cleverly designed. Even us humans have exploited these natural seasonal events, water meadows were used to make the most of increased water levels to enrich the soil and create lush meadows. The floodwaters also help redistribute certain plant species transported to new areas on the flood water.

Ironically, at the moment there is much concern over the numbers of wintering and breeding waders and many fields are being flooded in a controlled way to increase habitats for lapwings, curlew, snipe, redshank and other waders. Water levels are raised to create splashy conditions over the winter and spring; these levels are reduced in the summer. Shallow pools of water are created which increases the numbers of invertebrates. This not only benefits the wader population but also species such as the increasingly threatened tree sparrow, which has a stronghold in Cumbria.

Why not visit one of Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s wetlands, Drumburgh Moss Nature Reserve? Find out more about what you can see at the nature reserve and how to get there at http://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/drumburgh-moss.html

Squirrels by Sarah J. Dodd

2010-11-12T14:41:00.000Z

This is the time of year when human behaviour begins to resemble that of a squirrel – we stay indoors more, find it difficult to get out of bed, and begin to store up supplies for the festive season!

During November it is a common sight to see squirrels running about in the fallen leaves, searching for nuts. They will then bury the nuts in the ground, or sometimes in a suitable hollow, ready to eat at a later date. This store of food may be essential during the winter, as squirrels do not hibernate – although their thick walled nests, called dreys, are warm and snug, and they may snooze away a few days during a spell of particularly cold weather. The scattered stores of nuts not only provide nourishment for the squirrels, but those that are forgotten will remain in the ground and grow into new trees, helping to maintain the forest ecosystem.

But why is it that most of the squirrels we see are grey ones, rather than the more striking red ones? The red squirrel is one of the best loved native animals in Britain, and with its rich, russet colouring, tufted ears and inquisitive nature, it is easy to see why many people find it so appealing. But Cumbria is one of the few remaining places in Britain where it may be seen in the wild.

Until the late 1800s, red squirrels were the only type of squirrel living in Europe. But in 1870, a small number of grey squirrels were brought over from America and released in Cheshire. This decision marked the beginning of a decline in red squirrels, particularly since the 1940s.

Research has shown that grey squirrels are more robust than their red relatives, able to put on more body fat and win the competition for food and space. Grey squirrels will live in gardens and parks as well as large woods and forests. I have even witnessed a grey squirrel living inside a stone wall on a bleak, windswept Lakeland summit, with not a tree in sight.

It is this ability to live in many different habitats that may hold the key to the success of the grey squirrel. They also carry the squirrel pox virus, to which they are immune, but which is fatal to red squirrels. Truly a case of visiting relatives overstaying their welcome!
To find out more about red squirrels and how you can help to conserve them visit saveoursquirrels.org.

Hibernation

2010-01-29T14:58:00.000Z

While the snow continues to fall here in the Lake District, some of our wildlife, such as bats, dormice and squirrels, are tucked away and hibernating. During the hibernation period these winter animals will slow down their breathing, lower their temperature and their metabolic rates. Hibernation can last several days or weeks depending on the time of year, temperatures and species.

One species in particular, the hedgehog will hibernate at this time of year, if it is fit and fat enough to do so. A hedgehog has to weight 500 to 600 grammes to hibernate successfully; this will ensure they have enough fat reserves to see them through. The older the hedgehog, the heavier they need to weigh. During this snowy period, it is likely they will hibernate for longer as their natural foods such as slugs, beetles, caterpillars and snails disappear or become very difficult to find. The general period of hibernation is from November to March, although some larger hedgehogs have been known to start as early as September.

Many of us here in Cumbria may have garden hedgehogs that may wake up several times during hibernation. Therefore, it is a good idea to offer food and water if and when you see one. If you see hedgehogs out and about during this cold period on a regular basis or for long periods of time, make sure they are showing no signs of obvious problems If you are unsure contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society who may be able to help. Ill Hedgehogs often show signs of lethargy or staggering.
Hedgehogs often hibernate under hedges, tree roots, brushwood piles, inside compost heaps, old rabbit burrows and underneath sheds. While it is relatively easy to view from a distance, be careful not to disturb hibernating hedgehogs. A hedgehog nest itself can look rather messy and tangled, but it is well constructed from dry leaves, grass and other vegetation. The nest can be up to 20 inches thick! During hibernation, they are immobile and therefore vulnerable to climate and disturbance and so their nests are important to their survival and must not be damaged or disturbed in any way.

Hibernation for hedgehogs isn’t always necessary, as those living in warmer climates have been observed to manage well without it. But here in snowy Cumbria our hedgehog friends will be tucked away until the snow disappears and the temperatures rise.

Wild daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) – by Lucy Histed

2010-01-29T14:57:00.000Z

It may still feel like the depths of winter but February is the time to start looking for emerging wild daffodils but if you don’t see any yet – keep looking, they flower right through to April.

A wild daffodil is one that exists in natural habitats and hasn’t been influenced by man. It has its own characteristics that separate it from the cultivated daffodils that we plant in our gardens. It is also known as the Lent lily because it blooms during the period of Lent before Easter. The bulb of the daffodil has narcotic properties. It was recommended by the 17th century herbalist, Thomas Culpepper, as a purgative and emetic, but the Botanical Society of the British Isles warn that the plant is poisonous.

Wild daffodils are much more delicate that those we find in our gardens. These graceful plants have a golden-yellow trumpet surrounded by pale yellow outer petals and upright pale grey-green leaves. They are also slightly shorter than cultivated daffodils, rising to just 30cm in height.

The native British wild daffodil was once common in the wild throughout British woodlands. However, the clearance of woodland and improvement of pasture, radically reduced the numbers of wild daffodils. It hasn’t been aided either by the collection of bulbs by gardeners and by the drainage of much of its original habitat.

Wild daffodils like moist banks in open oak or ash woods. You may be able to spot them on the shores of Ullswater, as William Wordsworth did when he penned his infamous line ‘a host, of golden daffodils’. But wild daffodils are actually much more common in south Cumbria and can be seen in the open woodlands of Willington Woods, near Ulverston, and Sea Wood at Bardsea. River edges often have a smattering of trees that provide dappled light and can be seen on the lower Duddon. You can see also them at Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s Howe Ridding Wood Nature Reserve at Whitbarrow. Visit www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/whitbarrow-howe-ridding-wood.html.

Volunteering – by Kirsty Jackson

2010-01-29T14:55:00.000Z

A new year – and a time for new resolutions and new challenges. So what about resolving to volunteer with Cumbria Wildlife Trust? This is a great way to support the charity but also to meet people that share similar interests. You can volunteer in many ways from surveying to administration, or taking part in one of the conservation work-parties. Volunteers enable the Trust to protect and restore existing important areas of ecological importance and understand the current environmental conditions of particular areas or species such as the red squirrel. This support is vital in the current climatic and economical situation.
There is such a variety of different roles within the Trust. In north Cumbria you can help practically by going along to conservation work parties at Wreay Woods Nature Reserve, near Carlisle, or Drumburgh Moss National Nature Reserve. A great opportunity if you would like to learn traditional countryside management skills like coppicing. There are also local support groups where you can attend one of the many talks and walks, or help with refreshments or organising the events.

Many volunteers help with specific projects such as Wildlife in Sacred Places and The Hay-Day project. The Trust provides training in surveying and identifying skills so volunteers are able to go out and survey sites across Cumbria. You could even set up a local Wildlife Watch Club at your local school or in your village. This would be a regular club for children aged 7 to 12 years and could feature activities such as pond dipping and willow weaving.

All you need to do is contact Cumbria Wildlife Trust and they will send you out a volunteering pack, this details all the current volunteering opportunities and contains a copy of the volunteering newsletter Involve. You can also find current volunteering opportunities at www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/volunteering-opportunities.html. You will be helping the Trust but will also learn new skills and get closer to understanding the natural world around us. Cumbria Wildlife Trust recognises the value of all volunteers and aims to encourage and support them meet their personal aims. So go on! Volunteer your time – it’s great fun – I know because I am a volunteer writer.

For more information about Volunteering contact Cumbria Wildlife Trust by calling 01539 816300 or emailing mail@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk.

Favourite Wildlife Moments – Kirsty Jackson

2010-01-29T14:54:00.001Z

It’s been a bit of a hard time for our wildlife over the last few weeks and my garden has been turned into giant bird feeding station. The upside of feeding the birds is that we get to sit back and admire them. My favourite wildlife moments are repeated every day throughout winter, alongside the birds, we are woken as the light begins to return to the countryside with the raucous chorus of rooks and starlings calling and freewheeling in the skies above.
To cheer ourselves up in these post-Christmas doldrums here are some of the favourite wildlife moments of 2009 from the fantastic staff, trustees, volunteers and members of Cumbria Wildlife Trust:
‘My favourite moment was when a red squirrel came tapped on the Trust’s office window’. Charlotte Widgery, Save our Squirrels People and Wildlife Officer. (That squirrel definitely knew which side his peanut was buttered!)
‘Seeing two brown bears in the wilds of Canada and more locally watching the red deer one evening at Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve during the rutting season. Absolutely fabulous’. Izzy Thorne, Senior Education and Volunteer Officer.
‘At a staff visit to Barkbooth Lot Nature Reserve we saw beautiful demoiselle dragonfly which are lovely to see as they have opaque wings, unlike most dragonflies’. Charlotte Rowley, Senior Marketing Officer.

‘Two otters, an adult and a little 'un playing in the Lune not 50m from us’, Claire Cornish, Hay-Day Ecologist.

Flowers also feature in our favorite wildlife moments. Conservation Manager, David Harpley’s favorite moment was seeing the profusion of primroses at Smardale Gill National Nature Reserve in the spring and Trustee, Susan Garnett’s most memorable visit was to Watermillock churchyard in June. ‘What a fantastic display of wild flowers!’
But for most of us including Trustee, John Farmer, our favourite moment is seeing the birds in our gardens. He creates a wonderful image, ‘three cock peasants, a pair of grouse, a blackbird and a robin were all in a line under my three bird feeders after the snow. They were in the sunshine waiting for the tits to disturb and drop seeds and nuts onto the ground for them to scoop up’.
For some memorable moments for 2010 visit one of Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves or join one of the regular fascinating talks and guided walks. For more information visit www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk.

Birds

2010-01-29T14:52:00.002Z

The best thing you can do for wildlife right now in this freezing weather is to make sure there is water available. Water is quick to freeze and depending on where you live can be frozen for some time during the winter. Many people put food out for birds, and consequently also end up feeding mice and voles because of the fallen grains, but not many of us think about putting out water for birds and mammals.

Once this task is done you can think about giving your garden birds a special treat for Christmas. All you need is Christmas leftovers – which I am sure everyone has plenty of once guests have gone home. You can use all sorts of food: animal fats (not margarine or vegetable oils), nuts (not salted), dried fruit, left over Christmas pudding or cake and odd bits of cheese. Melt the fat and add the rest – scoop into empty plastic containers, such as yogurt pots, let it set and then tie it to the bird table with a piece of string.

This caters for birds that like to eat from feeders and tables like blue tits but there are also lots that like to feed from the ground like blackbirds and robins. The robin’s natural food is worms, which they pluck out of the ground so you could buy special mealworms to scatter on the ground to help them out while the ground is frozen.

We all love to see robins in the winter because their red breasts bring a bit of colour to the bleakness of the garden. But there are other colourful birds you can try to attract that will brighten up the bird table. Goldfinches, siskins, and bullfinches all have wonderful hues of gold, red, yellow and rose pink and will be attracted by feeders filled with sunflower and nyjer seeds; perfect energy-filled food for these adult birds. You can make your own seed feeder by removing the core of an apple and threading a piece of string through and knotting at the bottom. Press your seeds into the skin of the apple then hang on the bird table. This will work with any soft-skinned fruit you have left over from the Christmas table.

All you need to now is sit back on the sofa in the warmth of the house and watch from your window.

Flittermice by John Mounsey

2010-01-29T14:47:00.000Z

Is ‘flittermouse’ a northern English name for a bat, or is it more widespread? I had always thought that the word derived from the German ‘fledermaus’, but it seems that it is much more likely to be from ‘flytjamứs’, the old Norse name, which like so many other Norse words has hung on in this part of England.
Worldwide there are about 900 species of bats, ranging from fruit-eaters weighing over a kilogram with a wingspan of about 2 metres to tiny 2gm insect eaters. Perhaps because they are nearly all nocturnal they have often been associated with magic and the black arts (how else could they navigate in pitch darkness?); and their reputation was not enhanced by the discovery of the South American blood-sucking vampires. However, we now know that in this country they all find their way and locate their insect prey by echo-location, a very high pitched sound equivalent of radar, and none are blood-suckers! In fact they are all entirely harmless to man.

We have about 17 species of bat in Britain, thinning out as you go northwards, and as with birds they tend to specialise. Noctules are very like swifts with long wings and rapid, high flight, from which they may dive spectacularly to catch a beetle or moth. They usually fly over open country such as our riverside fields when hunting and have loud ‘voices’ to detect their prey at a distance. It is interesting that at least some moths can hear the echo-location system at work and drop out of the sky to avoid capture. By contrast, brown long-eared bats only seem to whisper as they hover among leafy branches on their relatively short broad wings, and this enables them to pick unsuspecting insects from tree flowers or leaves, perhaps along the edge of Akay Wood. Daubenton’s bat specialises in aquatic insects like caddis flies, usually cruising back and forth just above calm water like the Clews and often skimming pond skaters off the surface.
Like so many other wild animals and plants, most species of bats in Britain have declined in numbers over recent decades, partly because their insect prey have also declined, but often because their homes have been destroyed: old hollow trees and holes in the stonework of bridges. But at least one species has thrived; pipistrelles seem to have taken to modern domestic buildings enthusiastically, being small enough to squeeze through gaps only 10mm wide, perhaps between roof soffit and the house wall into the boxed-in eaves. They may also use the space between roof slates and roofing felt, but they will often move around to find a place where the temperature suits them if the weather changes. There are commonly between 50 and 150 pipistrelles in a summer roost, but usually the house owner is quite unaware of them. Marked bats have been weighed as they were caught leaving home for a night’s feed and again on their return, and have been found to have eaten up to a quarter of their own body weight of insects in one night. For a colony of 150 bats that adds up to an awful lot of insects!

Wet and Wild Woods by Kirsty Jackson

2009-12-08T12:49:00.000Z

What better place for Autumnwatch to visit than a Cumbrian oak woodland in the midst of its autumnal splendour. As Chris and Kate informed us - Great Wood in Borrowdale is an Atlantic oak wood, although you may find it under various different names such as upland oak wood, or old oak sessile wood but it is typical of wet and windy western Britain from the south-west to north-west. Internationally important both as a habitat and in the face of climate change, this wood has a wonderful mix of trees, oak, ash, holly, rowan and hazel alongside a rich understory of grasses and ground cover plants

Cumbria is lucky enough to have pockets of this woodland remaining despite the intense pressure of human occupation over the last few thousand years. These remnants may have been developing since the end of last Ice Age and the older an ecosystem is, the more diverse the species are, from rich organic soils and all the vital decomposers to the bryophytes and lichens. The abundance of lower plants, the mosses and liverworts, are one of the most important features of Atlantic oak woodland. As we all know it does rain on occasions and bryophytes, having no root system to gather water, rely on moisture from the air and soak up and store large amounts of water, creating a humid and productive ecosystem. The oak woods are also full of lichens, some very rare, such as species of the epiphytic Lobaria’s. Lobaria amplissima is found in only seven places in Cumbria and is increasingly threatened because of its sensitivity to nitrogen in the atmosphere.

Much work is being done to protect Atlantic oak woodland and its ecosystem, some smaller remnant woods in the fells are being fenced off and regeneration is beginning, Conifers are being phased out slowly and other species not normally present such as beech and the invasive rhododendron are being removed. The isolation of remnant woodland can affect the vitality and diversity of the woodland and increasingly areas such as the Borrowdale oakwoods are being extended to create movement both for fauna and flora between them.

Don’t let the encroaching winter put you off visiting your local wood, it is a great time to see the faunal life, such as the winter thrushes at Dubbs Moss Nature Reserve, near Cockermouth, or you may catch a glimpse of a red squirrel or otter at Wreay Wood Nature Reserve near Carlisle.

Robins by Hetti Sansom

2009-12-07T11:58:00.000Z

The robin, with its distinctive bright red breast is most commonly associated with winter; however, it can be spotted throughout the year throughout the UK.

There are an estimated 5,895,000 annual breeding pairs in the UK, who make their homes in woodland areas, hedgerows, parks or gardens. You can encourage robins into your own garden relatively easily, simply by introducing bird tables and putting out fat balls, cake, mealwork and sunflower hearts regularly; this will also encourage a large number of other small common garden birds, such as blue tits, sparrows and chaffinches. Along with these other garden bird species, a robin's natural diet includes worms, insects, seeds and fruits.
Despite their friendly and good-natured appearance, robins are well known to be aggressive and extremely territorial all year round; they are quick to drive away intruders and will fight to the death. Fighting displays are rare to see, but if you do witness one, try and view it without disturbing the birds at a distance, using a pair of binoculars.

During winter, their song can be heard throughout the day and night. Some believe robins sing at night positioned next to street lamps because the street lamps fool the robins into thinking it is still daytime, whilst others suggest that this is because they prefer to sing when it is quieter and their song can be heard. However, robins are rarely heard singing during mid-summer as this is the moulting period when they also tend to hide away.
The robin is small, with a wingspan of around 20 to 22cm, weighing anywhere between 16 and 22gm. Male and female robins are very similar, if not identical in appearance, although some believe that the male’s brown head crest is 'U' shaped and the female’s is 'V' shaped. Juveniles, however, have no red feathers and are speckled brown.

During winter, our resident robin is joined by large numbers of migrants from Europe, particularly from Scandanavia. See if you can tell the difference: the migrants are said to be paler and have duller breasts. These migrant robins are more often seen in woodland areas.

Where did all our hedgehogs go? By Kirsty Jackson

2009-10-28T14:02:00.001Z

Our native hedgehog is much loved by our nation. It was once one of the most easily spotted mammals and here in Cumbria the literary association with Beatrix Potter’s Mrs Tiggywinkle has deepened our affections for this spiny rotund little animal. But hedgehog numbers have severely declined. Recent studies have indicated numbers may have declined by up to 50 per cent over the last 15 years. Hedgehogs have now been placed on the list of priority species within the UK and Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plans.

Lots of possible reasons have been put forward for these losses, some suggest predation by foxes and badgers but as these species have co-existed for thousands of years other reasons such as loss and fragmentation of habitat, increased use of pesticides and our increasingly tidy green spaces, are more likely to be the culprits.

Not unexpectedly hedgehogs are a hedge species and the removal of hedges and the poor management of existing hedgerows affect their dispersal and foraging capabilities. Nationally, farmers are being encouraged to plant new hedges and to maintain them with wildlife in mind. Surprisingly though hedgehogs are as much at home in urban spaces as they are in rural areas. All wildlife can benefit from local planning which allows wildlife corridors linking green spaces

However hedgehogs are not always the nice guys. Over the last few years hundreds of hedgehogs have been removed from North Uist and Benbecula in Scotland and re-homed on the mainland after they were misguidedly introduced to the island. Having no natural predators themselves to limit their numbers, the hedgehogs had been decimating the nests of breeding wading birds.

You can help encourage hedgehogs into your own garden by building simple hedgehog feeders out of plastic cartons such as mushroom boxes, with a 13cm by 13cm hole for the hedgehog to get to the food. Weigh the box down and place a small obstacle to prevent cats getting into the feeder. Hedgehogs will eat tinned cat food, dried meat flavour cat food and there is even special hedgehog food available. You can build a hedgehog home from anything from a cardboard box to a purpose build des res wooden home. Just make an entrance hole, 15cm by 15 cm and give them a soft floor to lie on. Get outside and get creating!

To find out more about Cumbria Wildlife Trust and the Biodiversity Action Plan, go to our website at www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk.

Spooky Spiders in your bath this Halloween? by Hetti Sansom

2009-10-28T13:59:00.000Z

Have you found a spider in the bath lately? It is most likely be a male house spider (Tegenaria domestica) looking for a mate, he'll have found his way in through an open window or door but found himself accidentally falling in the bath and unable to climb back out!

As the weather and nights get colder and winter draws near spiders are joining us indoors in search of warmth and mates. During the warmer months they can be found almost anywhere in your garden, including under log piles and the shed. They can also be brought in accidentally on firewood, or anything we bring in from outside. We might consider ourselves lucky in Cumbria, as most of the UK’s house spiders are more abundant in the South.

Once a male has found the female’s web, he will stay there with her for weeks, during which time he'll mate with her several times before eventually dying. Despite common belief, the female house spider does not kill the male, but she eats him once he is dead. This may sound horrible, but this way the male can contribute to the health of his offspring even after his death.

Image by Hetti Sansom

You can tell the difference between the two genders fairly easily, the females are bigger than the males but with shorter legs in relation to the size of the body. They are usually dark in colour sometimes in varying shades of brown.

Another species of house spider is the Tegenaria duellica which is also found throughout the UK and all year round. But expect to see more of them during this time of year! They will help out whilst staying in your house by eating flies, mites and other small insects. Even if your house is insect free, spiders can survive for several months without food or water!

There is one particular species of house spider which is known to bite humans with little provocation. It is often referred to as the 'aggressive house spider' for this reason. But don't panic yet, as this species prefers your garden shed to your bathroom.

The best way to remove spiders from your house is the glass and paper method, simply place a glass over the spider and gently slide a piece of paper underneath, once caught you can place them back in the garden. Or alternatively, you can leave them to share your bathroom this autumn and winter while it's cold outside!

To find out more about Cumbria Wildlife Trust visit our website at www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk

Autumn Colours by Barbara Thompson

2009-10-22T12:02:00.000+01:00

Have you been out to see the leaves this year? Every autumn the countryside is cloaked with this fluttering coat of many colours - red, yellow, green, black, purple, orange, violet, gold - every hue and tint you can think of is represented in the blaze of glory that trumpets out the dying year.

It seems like it’s a show put on for our benefit alone – what does it matter to the tree whether it drops a cascade of molton gold or a sad sack of brown withered peelings? But these cast offs are important for the tree as they decay down to leaf mould and merge into the black earth again ready to be used by the tree once more.

For trees, growing leaves and then losing them is a complex process, part of the annual cycle of growth. In summer they are food-producing factories. They are green because of the chemical chlorophyll, which in a fiendishly complicated chemical process, uses sunlight to turn water from the roots and carbon dioxide from the air into oxygen and sugars.

As the days become shorter and the sunlight decreases deciduous trees react by starting to grow a corky layer of cells between the twig and the leaf, cutting off the flow of supplies in both directions. With fewer sunny hours the chlorophyll also breaks down quite quickly and reveals that it has been masking other vibrant chemical pigments in the leaves. If the pigment carotenoid (as in carrots) is present the leaves will turn red and orange, with xanthophyll yellow predominates, tannins give browns and anthocyanins can produce red, blue or purple, depending on the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. These last are responsible for the stunning scarlet of the North American maples when a last surge of sugar from the tree stimulates a firework burst of anthocyanins. Just like us the tired leaf appreciates a spoonful of maple syrup!

Here in Britain the colours are more subtle with butter-yellow ash and birch, ochre beech, cream and purple elder and toast-brown oak. But if the autumn continues without too much wind or torrential rain some may last well into November. Autumn leaves on the trees or the ground, they’re worth a weekend walk to find. Try Ivy Crag Woods or Wreay Woods Nature Reserves. Go to our website at www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk or telephone 01539 816300 for more information.

Planning to protect – by Kirsty Jackson

2009-10-22T11:57:00.000+01:00

Cumbria is lucky enough to have a wealth of natural wonders with a mosaic of differing habitats and individual species. Sadly many of these are endangered or in decline. This decline is caused by such things as habitat fragmentation, intensive farming and pollution.

Fortunately our understanding and knowledge of our biodiversity has allowed the UK to develop species and habitat action plans for the most threatened element of our wildlife. The Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) was developed in response to The Convention on Biological Diversity. This identifies the most fragile species and habitats, currently 1150 species and 65 habitats are priorities for conservation in the UK.

Cumbria has 68 species and 40 habitats that are currently identified on this list. At a county level the Cumbria Biodiversity Partnership are responsible for creating plans to protect and develop these species and habitats. Partners include conservation charities such as the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, BTCV, government bodies such as Natural England and businesses such as Glaxo Smith Kline. These partners work together not only to ensure that nationally endangered wildlife is protected but also to identify local priorities.

The red squirrel is a BAP priority species

The Cumbria Biodiversity Partnership’s work is evident county wide. Although in decline, juniper has a stronghold in areas of Cumbria and as many of the stands are of a similar age, much work has been undertaken to understand how it reproduces, areas have been replanted and areas identified to extend its range. BAP designated habitats such as lowland raised bogs, which have seen a decrease of up to 94% over the last few centuries, due to afforestation and drainage have benefited from the restoration work carried out by Cumbria Wildife Trust at Foulshaw Moss and Drumbrugh Moss Nature Reserves.

We have also been running a long term project to protect our rare native water vole and red squirrels. The Wildlife in Sacred Places project is helping to survey and raise awareness of meadow grassland, an identified at risk habitat. This has brought in new partners such as students from the University of Cumbria and the John Muir Trust who have been working with Cumbria Wildlife Trust to survey and carry out conservation work at St Michael’s church in Skelton.

As a lead partner in implementing the biodiversity plan much of the work the Trust carries out is tied into the plan. To see how the planning is put into action and read about all our conservation projects visit our website www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk , call 01539 816300 or email mail@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk

Robin Red Breast - by Hetti Sansom

2009-10-21T10:38:00.001+01:00

It is probably our favourite British bird, commonly associated with winter, found all over the UK and spotted all year round - the robin with its bright red breast.

Image by Hetti Sansom

There are an estimated 5,895,000 annual breeding pairs found in the UK making their homes in woodland areas, hedgerows, parks and gardens. Despite their friendly and good-natured appearance, robins are well known to be aggressive and territorial, they are quick to drive away intruders and will fight to the death. Fighting displays are rare to see, but viewing from a distance with a pair of binoculars is the best way to view this type of behaviour. They are most territorial during the breeding season in spring and summer, but this can also carry on into other seasons in order to protect feeding ranges.

They have also been recorded singing during the night next to street lamps! Some say this is because the street lamps fool the robins into thinking it is still daytime, whilst others suggest they prefer to sing when it is quieter and their song can be heard. However, robins are rarely heard singing during midsummer as this is the malting period and they become a little shyer. During winter their song can be heard throughout the day and night and is particularly strong during December.

Both male and female robins are almost identical in appearance, although it is said that the brown head crest is U shaped in males and V shaped in the females, which could be an effective way of identifying the gender of the robins in your garden. Juveniles have no red feathers and are speckled brown, this prevents adults attacking them in territorial disputes.

During winter, our resident robins are joined by large numbers of migrants from Scandanavia and the rest of Europe. See if you can tell the difference, the immigrants are paler and have duller breasts. These migrant robins are more wary of humans and are mostly seen in woodland areas. It is only our own British garden robin that is seen companionably digging for worms alongside us in our gardens.

You can easily encourage robins into your garden. Robins do not feed from cage birdfeeders but they will polish up the fallen debris left by other birds, they will also eat mealworms and seed left on a bird table.

To find out more about the work of Cumbria Wildlife Trust visit our website at http://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/ or call us on 01539 816300.

Badgers: Friend or Foe? - By Hetti Sansom

2009-10-13T14:12:00.003+01:00

Badgers, love them or hate them, are symbolic of the British countryside. But there is a huge amount of controversy surrounding these nocturnal creatures.

The main controversy is in the debate around the badger’s role in the spreading of Bovine TB by passing the disease to cattle. Some suggest that culling badgers is the best method of reducing the spread of the disease.

However, in order for culling to be effective, the cull would need to be thorough and cover an area the size the Isle of Wight. The management of this would be almost impossible. Sporadic culls of badgers would not be effective and could even increase the problem. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee suggest other methods to prevent the spread of Bovine TB, such as frequent cattle testing, increased communication with farmers, the development of badger and cattle vaccines and continued work on the epidemiology on the disease itself. In Northern Ireland, these methods, without the use of culling, have been shown to reduce bovine TB by almost 50%.

Badgers are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 causing it to be the only British mammal with legislation specifically covering its protection. It is illegal to capture, kill or injure badgers or to interfere or damage a badger sett.

However, it is not illegal to do a little bit of badger spotting. Woods, copses and hedgerows are good places to spot them. Look out for setts, hair, footprints, paths, feeding areas and latrines. Some badgers will appear around dusk, making them easier to spot. However, due to their extremely well equipped sense of smell and hearing, if they detect humans near their sett, they will avoid emerging until they feel it is safe to do so, so keep a good distance upwind.

Badgers are fierce animals, this is usually to protect themselves, their setts and their young at all costs. They are capable of fighting off much larger animals than themselves and can run up to 25-30 kilometres per hour for short periods of time.

Their diet mainly consists of insects, grubs and earthworms, sometimes small mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, as well as plant matter including roots, fruits and cereals.

For more information about badgers and bovine TB go to www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk, contact us on 01539816300, or come along to our illustrated talk ‘Badgers – scapegoats or villains?’ which takes place on Thursday, November 12 at 7.30pm, at the United Reformed Church, Main Street, Cockermouth.

Moths

2009-10-08T15:59:00.000+01:00

Open you window and turn your light on in these darkening evenings and in no time you will find a moth fluttering around the hot bulb. If you take a close look at the moth you might find it hard to identify as there are over 2,500 species of them in the UK. But sadly, despite their diversity, moth numbers are decreasing, with a drop of 33 percent since the late 60s.

Habitat loss, use of pesticides and climate change are just some of the reasons given for this massive loss. Implications for decreasing numbers of moth could be much more wide reaching than imagined, as birds, bats and many mammals rely on moths and moth larvae for a tasty and essential meal. A loss in the moth population could be one of reasons for the dramatic loss of garden bird species that we are now experiencing.

But don’t give up hope just yet! There are many organisations working hard to help conserve our moths. For example conservation work is being carried out with the netted carpet moth, whose green wings are intricately painted with a cobweb of white lines and is one of Britain’s most endangered moth species. The main problem for the netted carpet moth is that its larvae feed only on touch-me-not balsam, which is a rare species itself. The seeds of the plant need particular conditions to germinate which include recently disturbed, damp, fertile soil often in woodlands. Here in Cumbria a breakthrough came when at large area of touch-me-not balsam was discovered in woodland near Coniston where grazing cattle had recently turned up the earth. The site is now being managed with cattle to encourage the growth of the plant and the netted carpet moth has been reintroduced. The numbers of the moth have swelled from just 45 recorded to over 500 in four years.

There are many other species of moths that are endangered in Cumbria. You could introduce some plants into your garden to help encourage these species, try planting buddleia, red valerian, heather, sallow or ivy. As you encourage the moths, you will also attract larger predators such as garden birds.

Do you want to find out more about moths? Then why not come along to one of our moth surveying events on our nature reserves. You can find all the details in the ‘Things you can do’ section of our website at http://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/

Marine Litter - What a load of rubbish! - By Kirsty Jackson

2009-10-08T15:55:00.000+01:00

Marine litter kills. Every year 1000s of marine animals are choked, trapped, and poisoned by plastic bags, wet wipes, cotton buds, bottles, cans and discarded fishing gear. This problem is getting worse as there is now 80% more litter than 10 years ago. As part of my conservation degree we undertook a marine litter survey at Allonby beach. In one hour and over just 20 metres we collected five large black bin liners full of rubbish. More recently I was wild camping on the Isle of Skye at Camasunary Bay, a beautiful remote beach at the foot of Bla Bheinn mountain. I was shocked and angry to see plastic rubbish strewn everywhere, even blown up to the lower reaches of the mountain.

If so much rubbish is washed up on these two small beaches, imagine how much there is affecting marine environments across the planet. Plastic is the main culprit. Floating around the sea these plastic items are mistaken for food by marine animals and ingested, this can create a blockage and the animal slowly starves to death.

Wildlife can also get entangled in the plastic litter. 30,000 northern fur seals are killed annually by becoming entangled in our rubbish. Plastic rubbish also increases in toxicity by attracting other pollutants such as heavy metals. The fish we eat can also be effected by these toxins as they travel through the food chain to arrive on our plate.

The scale of the problem is enormous but so is the effort being put into trying to deal with it. There are over 5,000 volunteers in the UK helping to keep our beaches clean and gather data. The Marine Conservation Society, The Solway Firth Partnership and The Morecambe Bay Partnership all hold regular beach cleaning events where people come together to tackle litter on our local beaches, their websites have details of up and coming events.

There is also swelling support for plastic bag free initiatives. Everyone can help by using re-usable bags. You only have to visit the local supermarkets to see how many people are already helping. Balloons are also a big problem so think twice about balloon releasing events and make sure to hold on tight to your own balloons so they don’t end up in our oceans.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust is recruiting marine and coastal volunteers to not only act with existing groups to remove litter but also to begin to catalogue the wealth of Cumbrian marine beasties and plants. For more information check out our Facebook page ‘Wildlife Trust Irish Sea Volunteers’, email mail@cumbriawildlifetrust.org or call 01539 816300.