Wild Snaps Some of the best photos from our Photography Competition 8 - Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust
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Winter 2020
NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL WILDLIFE TRUST AND FROM AROUND THE UK
Wild Snaps
Some of the best photos from our Photography Competition 8
>> Living on a prey-er
Meet our ravishing raptors 18
> Be merry and wild
How to get closer to nature this Christmas 24
PROTECTING WILDLIFE FOR THE FUTURE
1 wildlifematters Winter 2020
contents
Winter 2020
NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL WILDLIFE TRUST AND FROM AROUND THE UK
Welcome to the winter
edition of Wildlife Matters.
It’s certainly been a few months of change. CONSERVATION
A new nature reserve for the Trust, Beane 5 Have you Beane ?
Marsh in Hertford, has been a highlight and is Hertford residents have helped fund
© JON HAWKINS SURREY HILLS PHOTOGRAPHY
a wonderful example of the local community a new nature reserve
coming together to protect an important
habitat on their doorstep.
At the same time, we saw entries to our Wild Snaps HERTFORDSHIRE HIGH SHERIFF HENRY HOLLAND-HIBBERT,
LESLEY DAVIES, MIKE MASTER
Photography Competition flooding in – I hope you’ll 6 30 by 30
enjoy seeing some of the best in this edition of Wildlife The Wildlife Trusts kickstart
Matters – and we were able to hold the second Chess While it’s clear that the current system could work nature’s recovery
Valley Challenge in September. Sadly, we weren’t able better for wildlife, I’ve written to all our MPs to raise our
to meet many of you as usual at our annual Members concerns that the proposed reforms could make it far
Day in September, but we did manage to hold our worse, making the case that the new planning system
first online AGM. Thank you to everyone that was must have nature’s recovery at its heart and planning
CONSERVATION
able to join us! decisions must be based on robust, accurate, detailed 22 Happy Birthday!
and thorough ecological data. I know that many of you Lemsford Springs celebrates
I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to continue
will have taken your own action on this, contacting its 50th anniversary
our vital work advising farmers and other landowners,
local Councillors and politicians to make the case
raising awareness of the need to increase the amount
for wildlife. 26 Caught on camera
of land being actively managed for wildlife. Our nature Gordon Buchanan reveals the
reserves continue to play a crucial role; our Chairman It’s been a time of change in the staff team too. I’d secret life of hidden wildlife
Living on
Mike Master and I were very pleased to show Henry like to say many thanks to Laura Baker who stepped
Holland-Hibbert, the Hertfordshire High Sheriff, around down from her position as Nature Reserves Manager. a prey-er
Hertford Heath and Balls Wood. As well as being able to I’m delighted that Ian Carle, formerly HERC Manager, The predators that
spend a couple of hours in such beautiful surroundings, has taken over from Laura, and Alex Waechter has rule the skies
visits like this are a real delight – a chance to talk with moved from Data Officer to take over from Ian as HERC 8 Wild Snaps
pride about the work that our fabulous reserves team Manager. Frieda Rummenhohl reflects on More on page 18 BUZZARD
and volunteers are doing to make these habitats the Trust’s photography competition
None of us really know what the coming months hold
so biodiverse.
in store for us all, but the Trust will be doing all we can 12 Your Community
There’s been a lot going on nationally which could to continue our volunteering and to encourage people Read how your local community DAYS OUT
make a big difference for wildlife. At the end of to care about their local wildlife. What we can be sure has been supporting the Trust
September, the Prime Minister gave his backing to of is that our winter birds will soon be returning to 28 ature’s Calendar
N 30 Nature of Beane Marsh
a target to see 30% of land managed for wildlife by our nature reserves and gardens and there’ll always 24 Be merry and wild Tim Hill shares his Discover the Trust’s newest
2030, an ambition that the Wildlife Trusts have been be something new to look out for. I know that I’ll be How to have a wild Christmas winter wildlife highlights nature reserve
campaigning for nationally. It is a welcome step making time to get outdoors to see the changes and I
forward, but we’ll be keeping a keen eye on this to hope you’re able to do the same.
ensure that the commitment is meaningful and does
I’d like to finish by reiterating my thanks for all your
make the change for wildlife that is so urgently needed.
support for the Trust. The response to our appeal has
If we get this right, it could not only help nature’s
been hugely encouraging and the generosity of our HERTS & MIDDLESEX WILDLIFE TRUST
recovery but also address the effects of climate change.
members really heart-warming. You are all making Grebe House, St Michael’s Street,
However, the intention to create more land for wildlife such a difference to what we are able to do for wildlife. St Albans, Herts AL3 4SN More info
Registered Charity No: 239863
Registered in England: 816710
online
could be jeopardised if the reforms to the current 01727 858 901 info@hmwt.org
All rights reserved. No part may be
planning system go ahead unchanged. hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Discover reproduced without written permission
wildlife
Editorial Team Josh Kubale from the editor. The publishers do not
and Frieda Rummenhohl necessarily identify with or hold
Donate themselves responsible for the views
Josh.Kubale@hmwt.org
Frieda.Rummenhohl@hmwt.org expressed by contributors,
Join an correspondents or
Membership Alan Cotterell event advertisers.
and Pip Barattini
07919 575 380 Do
Spring 2021 issue Damselfly
membership@hmwt.org copy deadline: © Barry Lockwood
©
30 January 2021
Design TGDH www.tgdh.co.uk Printed on FSC Certified Stock
2 wildlifematters Winter 2020 Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Winter 2020 wildlifematters 3
Hertford residents fund the Trust’s newest
Chess Valley Challenge raises thousands nature reserve
for wildlife We are delighted to introduce our newest nature reserve, Beane Marsh, thanks to a community group
The second Chess Valley Challenge in Hertford who raised more than £100,000.
saw 80 attendees walk the ten
miles from Rickmansworth to
Chesham along the Chess Valley
Walk on Sunday 27 September,
raising more than £3,000 to
protect local wildlife.
We had worked hard to make the event
COVID-secure, with agreement of local police
and Three Rivers District Council. Departure
times were staggered, only groups of up to
six people were permitted to register and
the walk was entirely self-guided.
The Chess Valley Challenge was initially
scheduled to take place in June but had to
be postponed due to Coronavirus restrictions,
so we were delighted to be able to make this happen after having had to cancel so may events this year.
A big thanks to all our walkers and to our sponsor Affinity Water, who all raised crucial funds to help the wildlife we love!
DR TOM DAY, JOHN HOWSON, VIV JONES, JILL DIGBY, JENNY RAWSON
Find out more at hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/chessvalleychallenge.
Beane Marsh, an area of floodplain grassland just a short walk raise the money for the purchase of this amazing piece of land, a
from Hertford North Station, was put up for sale in 2019. The task that seemed nearly impossible when we started. It is one of
Save Beane Marshes community fundraising drive that followed Hertford’s most visible and iconic pieces of countryside lying as it
raised more than £100,000 to protect the site for wildlife. This does a short walk from Hertford North railway station. We must
money, coupled with additional funding from Hertford Town pay tribute to those people whose amazing generosity has made
40 years’ dedication Privacy Policy Council and a significant donation from one of our long-
standing members, enabled us to purchase the land and protect
this happen. We are so delighted to have been able to see this
through to completion.”
Recently, our volunteers at
Purwell Ninesprings and
update it for future generations.
Learn more about the habitat at Beane Marsh on page 30
We are committed to keeping your The five-acre site lies next to the River Beane, one of and join our online event on 24 November (see also page 16).
volunteer warden Martin personal information safe and secure Hertfordshire’s rare chalk streams, and is home to a variety of
Ketcher celebrated their and to protecting your privacy. How wildlife including rare marshy plants and a variety of insects Find more about our newest reserve at
hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/beanemarsh.
40th anniversary work we do this and why is explained in such as dragonflies. Beane Marsh sits within the Beane Valley
our Privacy Policy, along with your and provides a rare and valuable floodplain grassland habitat as
party – the first task at
rights regarding to your personal well as a crucial connection by river to other nature reserves such
the reserve took place on information and how we might use as Waterford Heath to the north and King’s Meads to the south.
Sunday 5 October 1980. it to keep you updated about the work
We can now start to prepare a management plan for the site. We
Over that time our volunteers you are helping to make possible.
will be carrying out a programme of habitat and species surveys
will have undertaken in excess over the coming year and working with the local community to
We have recently carried out a
of 300 volunteer tasks – on this develop a plan for how best to share the story of the site and its
review of our Privacy Policy and you
one reserve! wildlife. As a wetland site, public access will be limited.
can see the updated version on our
This just goes to show that website or request a paper copy. We
The Trust’s Head of Living Landscapes, Dr Tom Day, says: “I am
we couldn’t do the work we’re promise to continue to respect your
delighted, not only that we managed to help save this fantastic
doing without your fantastic wishes about how you want us to
place, but also about the level of engagement shown by the
support. Many of you have been stay in touch and you can change
local community. The people of Hertford are clearly passionate
dedicated to helping wildlife your contact preferences at any
about wildlife and we are honoured to be chosen to look after
by supporting the Trust as a time by emailing info@hmwt.org
this amazing new nature reserve. Beane Marsh needs specialist
member or volunteer – or both or calling 01727 858 901.
management and we’re looking forward to getting started to
– for many years. Find the updated policy at tap the full potential of this site for wildlife.”
MARTIN KETCHER AT PURWELL NINESPRINGS Thank you! hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/
policies#privacy John Howson of the Save Beane Marshes community group
says: “A wonderful community effort made it possible for us to
4 wildlifematters Winter 2020 Winter 2020 wildlifematters 5
NATIONAL NEWS
UK UPDATE UK HIGHLIGHTS
Stag beetles are one of many
Discover how The
species in danger. New ambassadors for nature Wildlife Trusts are 1
Award-winning actor Alison Steadman, recovery, and encourage more people to
helping wildlife 2
Bradford-based GP and TV presenter Dr take action.
Amir Khan, presenter and filmmaker Speaking about her new role, Alison across the UK
Hannah Stitfall, science communicator Steadman said, “I’m extremely proud of all 3
Sophie Pavelle and Iceland managing the work the Wildlife Trusts do with the
director Richard Walker local communities in which they work, but 1 Hip hip hoor-hay!
are taking up the new have come to see that collectively, they’re
role of Ambassadors a force to be reckoned with. Their work Cumbria Wildlife Trust have recently
for The Wildlife is important, from big picture landscape taken ownership of Bowberhead Farm,
UK UPDATE Trusts. The nature restoration, to encouraging and supporting home to internationally important
flower-rich northern hay meadows —
Wildlife Trusts launch biggest
enthusiasts will use people like you and I to do our bit for
their voices, influence wildlife, whether it’s in our garden, or a rare habitat with only 900 hectares
and audiences to campaigning on issues close to our heart.” left in existence. In time these meadows
ever appeal to kickstart help us raise
awareness of
You can learn more about our new
could help create a joined-up network
of restored, wildflower-rich grasslands
nature’s recovery by 2030
ambassadors and hear their views on
the urgent across Cumbria and northern England.
The Wildlife Trusts’ website:
need for cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/
nature’s wildlifetrusts.org/ambassadors bowberhead
A
s we struggled through the worst Wildlife Trusts, said: “We’ve set ourselves 2 Crane comeback
pandemic in living memory, an ambitious goal — to raise £30 million THE CHANGES WE NEED A pair of common cranes has bred
ALISON STEADMAN © CLEARWATER PHOTOGRAPHY, SPINY STARFISH © LINDA PITKIN/2020VISION, CRANES © NIKKI WILLIAMS
the importance of nature in our and kickstart the process of securing Some examples of projects gearing up at Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust’s Willow
lives became clearer than ever. at least 30% of land and sea in nature’s to help bring back 30%: Tree Fen. This is the first pair to breed in
Science shows that humanity’s basic needs recovery by 2030. We will buy land to Lincolnshire in over 400 years. Crane’s
— from food to happiness — can all be n Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is hoping
expand and join up our nature reserves; were driven to extinction in the UK
met with a healthy natural environment, to restore natural processes and
we’ll work with others to show how to in the sixteenth century, but a small
where wildlife surrounds us. healthy ecosystems on a huge scale
bring wildlife back to their land, and we’re in their Wild Peak project, bringing
number returned in 1978 and eventually
But sadly, nature is not all around us, at started breeding. The population has
calling for nature’s recovery through a back more wildlife and wild places.
least not in the abundance it should be. slowly grown and spread, with 56 pairs
new package of policy measures including
Many of our most treasured species like attempting to nest in the UK in 2019.
big new ideas like Wildbelt.” n Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife
hedgehogs, bats and basking sharks are all
Wildlife Trusts are fundraising to tackle, Trust is planning a number of lincstrust.org.uk/willow-tree-fen
at risk, as well as many of the insects that
on a scale not seen before in the UK, the reintroduction to bring back
pollinate our food crops.
Loss of wild places and the breaking up joint climate and ecological emergency. missing species including beavers,
Restored habitats will capture carbon, cirl buntings and choughs as part
of those that remain into small fragments
helping to tackle climate change, and bring of its Wilder Wight project.
has had a disastrous effect. Only 10% of
land is protected in the UK and much people the health benefits associated with
contact with the natural world. There are n Lancashire Wildlife Trust is helping
of this is in poor condition. While some
amazing projects right on your doorstep to combat climate change at the
areas of the seabed are officially protected,
first ever UK carbon farm, which is
harmful activities such as bottom trawling that need support to take flight.
locking up carbon and bringing back WILLOW TREE FEN
are only banned in a handful of locations. Craig added: “The next ten years must
wildlife habitat as the peatlands are
All is not lost, as we know how to turn be a time of renewal, of rewilding our
restored at Winmarleigh.
things round: we need to see nature’s lives, of green recovery. We all need
recovery happening across at least 30% Safer areas at sea 3 Duke’s reprieve
STAG BEETLE © TERRY WHITTAKER/2020VISION
nature more than ever and when we n Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is
of our land and seas by 2030. This would succeed in reaching 30 by 30 we’ll have planning to restore reed beds, fen
enable our wild places to connect and In 2019 an independent panel was tasked protections for the marine environment, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
wilder landscapes that store carbon and swamps and meres, increasing
allow wildlife to move around and thrive. by the Government to review whether giving nature the best chance of purchased Deacon Hill, Winchester’s only
provide on-your-doorstep nature for water resilience on Bourne
The Wildlife Trusts are fighting to make Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) recovery. By removing all pressure, from remaining stronghold for the endangered
people too. Everyone can support and North Fen, supporting improved
this a reality through our new 30 by 30 could be introduced to English waters. fishing to construction, our shallow seas, Duke of Burgundy butterfly. This is a
help us to succeed.” agriculture and water quality —
campaign, and we recently called for a Over 3,000 Wildlife Trust supporters shores and diverse seabeds can become crucial piece of land in a network of sites
which is good for wildlife —
new landscape designation for England responded to the panel’s consultation, healthier, more productive and full of around Winchester that are managed by
Support our campaign today to whilst reducing flood risk.
called “Wildbelt” that would put land in to backing our call for HPMA introduction. life once more. the Trust with wildlife in mind.
bring our wildlife back:
recovery for nature and help us reach 30%. HPMAs would offer the strictest possible wtru.st/help-our-seas hiwwt.org.uk/deaconhill
Craig Bennett, chief executive of The wildlifetrusts.org/30-30-30
6 wildlifematters Winter 2020 Winter 2020 wildlifematters 7
© BOB COYLE
Wild
© LIAM EDWARDS
their lovely images featured in this article. Prizes included
vouchers for wildlife watching equipment, kindly sponsored by
Opticron (£300 winner; £100 each for runners up). Furthermore,
our friend Jeanette from Jet Black Squares offered an exclusive
Smartphone Photography Masterclass to John Roy, chosen at
random out of all voters by the Trust’s team.
Snaps When I called Barry to break the news about his win, he
was “gobsmacked”. He told me that a cancer diagnosis made
him pick up photography only last year to “leave my wife,
children and grandchildren some nice photos to remind them
of me”. Practising photography and learning about editing have
helped Barry on this journey and the winning shot was taken
at Amwell Nature Reserve on his first time out with a camera
after eight weeks of radiotherapy. I’m sure you’ll join me in
congratulating Barry for this amazing shot and wishing him all
the best for the future – and many more fantastic wild snaps!
To celebrate the high number of great submissions, our usual
Your Photos section on page 31 is a Wild Snaps Special.
FOX CUB
Wildlife Photography – 5 Top Tips
Wildlife Photography can seem daunting but practice makes perfect. We have asked Russell Savory, professional wildlife
photographer and friend of the Trust, for his top tips on how to get started.
Don’t splurge on expensive equipment Plan ahead
You don’t need an expensive DSLR or the best-on-the-market If you’re after a particular animal, consider the best time
lens to take great photos. If you’re just starting out, your and place when it is active. You would expect to waste a
smartphone will do nicely. You can build up your equipment lot of time waiting for a barn owl to show up at noon...
over time and as you get more practice, but remember: the Visit locations beforehand for a recce. Find out where the
Communications Officer Frieda Rummenhohl is a keen hobby photographer. She looks back at photographer takes the photos, not the camera! animal usually is at different times and plan the best spots
this summer’s Photography Competition and shares photographer Russell Savory’s top tips on and angles.
Be patient
photographing wildlife and how to get started. If there’s one skill you can learn from wildlife photography, Change perspective
it is patience. Unlike people, wildlife doesn’t do what you Level up – or down. It’s not always best to shoot at eye level.
For amateurs as well as professionals, photography is a way can admire his winning image on the cover of this magazine. what them to and it never turns up on time. If you go out to Be prepared to get down on your knees (or even tummy!) to
to see the world – wildlife photography even more so. Despite Liam Edwards and Matt Livesey were worthy runners up with photograph wildlife, make sure you take your time and be take that shot to the next level – quite literally. An image of a
being one of the more difficult subjects – after all, most wildlife patient. I have spent hours on end sitting in a ditch waiting duck on a lake will look better when taken from water level.
won’t stay still, look in the right direction or move over to better for water voles to come out – they ended up swimming Celebrate achievements
© MATT LIVESEY
lighting when you ask it to – wildlife photography has become through my legs! Maybe choose easier-to-photograph
increasingly popular. If you’re starting out with wildlife photography, it’s easy to
species for your first outings … get discouraged (cue: wildlife doesn’t do what you want!).
It is, in fact, incredibly rewarding and a wonderful way to get Don’t give up, keep at it and practice, practice, practice. Go
closer to nature – imagine sitting on the edge of a river for hours easy on yourself and celebrate your achievements - that
waiting for the kingfisher to perch on that exact stick – and then close-up bee in your garden or that lovely duck at the
it does! lake. Remember that wildlife photography takes time and
professionals like me often spend hours and hours waiting
This is why we launched a new Photography Competition this
for the perfect shot and rack up thousands of shots to get it.
summer. Through Wild Snaps we wanted to celebrate our wildlife
Have fun and keep going!
and at the same time find out how you discover and experience
it through the lens of a camera. We launched the competition on
Pack your phone or your camera, get outside and
19 August, World Photography Day, and invited entries of up to
get snapping! Find some inspiration on the next
two wildlife photos. From cheeky foxes and majestic kingfishers
pages and share your images with us via email
to buzzy bees, we received an incredible 250 wildlife shots.
or on social media!
The best 30 were put to a public vote and, after more than 820
votes, we were able to announce the results: Barry Lockwood
LITTLE OWL
is our Wild Snaps 2020 Photography Competition winner! You
8 wildlifematters Winter 2020 RUS
SELL SAVORY Winter 2020 wildlifematters 9
M1 Stevenage
Luton
Bishop’s
Stortford
DAYS OUT
Welwyn
© CLARE GRAY
Garden Ware
City Hertford
© STEVE KENNY BIRDS EYE STUDIOS
Berkhamsted Hemel Hoddesdon
St Albans
Hempstead
M25
Watford Barnet
Harrow
Uxbridge M1
M25
3. Balls Wood
Why now?
2. Cassiobury Park
A tranquil woodland with open rides to soak in the winter
sun, abounding with wildlife throughout the year.
Why now? Know before you go
Location: SG13 7PW, near Hertford Heath
Bare trees reveal flashes of orange and blue, as kingfishers
whizz along the River Gade in this urban wildlife haven. Open: Open and free at all times
Know before you go Wildlife to spot:
Location: WD18 7LG, in Watford Hares, foxes and woodland birds.
B IT Open: Open and free at all times The lowdown
TE R N ALL
© JAMI E H
1. Amwell Wildlife to spot: From beautiful woodland flowers such as wood anemone
Grey heron, little egret, kingfisher, long-tailed tit and jay. in spring and butterflies fluttering through the wide,
open rides in summer to fungi in autumn and mammals
Once a working gravel pit, today a haven bustling with wildlife and lesser black-backed gulls with the occasional, more unusual, The lowdown in winter, this beautiful varied woodland is worth a visit
all year round: Amwell Nature Reserve near Ware is one of the Caspian and yellow-legged gulls being spotted by visitors. Many A wildlife haven nestled in a corner of Watford’s every season of the year.
most important places for wildlife in the county and is well- come to Amwell in winter to see wildfowl such as gadwall and Cassiobury Park, this Local Nature Reserve provides some
used and enjoyed by the local community. It hosts a mosaic of In winter, many tit species form so-called roving flocks.
shovelers and also smew. Read more about this rare visitor on peace close to the hustle and bustle of suburbia. What
habitats including reedbeds, grassland and woodland as well With a bit of luck, you might spot them bundled together
page 29. were once shallow watercress beds have developed into
as a fantastic, panoramic view over Great Hardmead Lake with on a crisp winter’s day. Woodland birds are easier to
marshes and open pools, surrounded by wet woodland
Follow the path from the main viewpoint to the Bittern Pool spot in winter when no foliage obscures the view, so
Easneye Woods behind. The reserve lies in the Lee Valley, which of alder and willow, providing cover and nesting sites for
Viewpoint. With some patience and a bit of luck, you’ll find one don’t forget your binoculars! Can you spot the country’s
connects the site with other nature reserves and habitats along birds throughout the seasons.
of our most elusive winter birds skulking in their favourite wet smallest bird, the goldcrest? They are often seen feeding
the River Lee, providing a wildlife corridor stretching from Grey herons and little egrets can be spotted silently
reedbed home: the bittern. It is a bird from the heron family, amongst the conifer trees and can sometimes be heard
Hertford to the Thames, creating a Living Landscape. skulking in the undergrowth, waiting for the perfect
with a black and brown plumage providing perfect camouflage by their high-pitched call.
In summer, it is best known for its dragons – the reserve is home between the reeds. moment to strike.
As an added bonus, you can extend your visit, as Balls
to over 20 species of dragonfly and damselfly and has its very Once you step into the calm of the nature reserve and Wood lies adjacent to two more nature reserves:
Know before you go
own Dragonfly Trail – but it really shines in the winter months follow the trails along and across the River Gade, it’s easy Hertford Heath is one of the last remaining heathlands
when a large number of wintering birds call it home. Location: SG12 9SS, near Hoddesdon to forget that Watford Junction train station is less than a in Hertfordshire and Hobbyhorse Wood is one of the
Visit the viewpoint overlooking Great Hardmead Lake and see Open: Open and free at all times mile away. Trust’s smallest reserves.
what you can spot for yourself. The viewpoint is seldom short
Please note: bird hides may be closed due to ongoing COVID-19 Find out more at hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/ Find out more at hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/
of birdwatchers, most of whom will be happy to share their
restrictions cassioburypark ballswood
observations. Wintering gulls provide quite a spectacle as they
come to roost on the lake in large numbers every evening,
screeching, crying and cawing. These are mostly black-headed Find out more at hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/amwell
10 wildlifematters Winter 2020 Winter 2020 wildlifematters 11
Local businesses protecting wildlife
In remembrance New England Reserve, the team at NEB UK wanted
to support local wildlife this year by
Biolabs (NEB)
We are extremely grateful to long-standing member, Moira Petty for kindly leaving a gift to the Trust in her will. We are raising funds for the Trust. By making
thankful for her support in this special way, which will make a lasting contribution to our work. a donation for every Monarch Nucleic
Acid Purification Kit sold between
Our thanks and sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Diane Skirkett, Pat and Peter Lomer and long-standing With environmental stewardship
January and March, they raised an
member Charles Lansdown, who kindly gave donations to the Trust in their memory. These donations help us ensure the at the heart of their business, New
incredible £8,910 to protect our
wildlife their loved ones cherished is protected for years to come. England Biolabs (NEB) is always
precious fens and local wildlife. Our
looking at innovative ways to promote
sincerest thanks to everyone at NEB
sustainability, from reducing the
UK for their incredible support.
amount of plastic in their products
to offering free butterfly-friendly Find out more about
Wildlife Champions wildflower seeds with purchases.
Inspired by their local fen habitat
New England Biolabs’
environmental stewardship
Originally planning to run the St Albans Half marathon at our Purwell Ninesprings Nature at neb.com/sustainability.
in June, Robert was not disheartened when it was
unfortunately cancelled. Determined to still raise funds for
the Trust, Robert organised his own 10km run, from Shenley
to Well End, raising over £150 to help protect wildlife. Well
done to Robert for his amazing achievement! Home Farm Glamping
Sophia, age 7, has been on a mission to save our bees this
A local glamp-site on the edge of London, has brought glampers back to nature
summer. Wanting to do something positive during these
while raising funds to help wildlife. Home Farm Glamping near Borehamwood
challenging months, Sophia brightened up her street by
have donated £3 of every booking in 2020 to the Trust. Glampers could discover
creating a beautiful educational ‘bee board’ to sell her
the wildlife that calls the site its home with Trust-led wildlife and bat walks
wonderful artwork, hand-painted cork coasters and bee-
throughout summer. Home Farm Glamping have raised a total of £1,896 for
friendly flowers, all of which raised an incredible £115 for the
wildlife. A big thanks to Jess and the team their ongoing support.
Trust. Sophia and her family also took on the Chess Valley
Challenge, a 10-mile walk, raising over a further £100. An Book your 2021 glamping trip at homefarmglamping.com
inspiration to us all – thank you, Sophia!
HOME FARM GLAMPING
ROBERT WYE
Little Otter Books
Membership perks Our friend Charlotte at Little Otter Books, a local children’s book seller, helped protect wildlife this
summer by donating 10% of book sales to the Trust throughout August. Passionate about nature,
Don’t forget that you receive a 15% discount at Charlotte also helps to promote the benefits of reading and getting outdoors to our wild places
Cotswold Outdoors, Snow+Rock, Cycle Surgery through her fantastic blog. Thank you!
and Runnersneed. If you have taken up exercise in
lockdown, you can stock up on gear with the code Find out more at littleotterbooks.co.uk/blog
AF-WILDLIFE-M5 in-store or online (T&C apply). BOOKS
LITTLE OTTER
LARGER THAN LIFE LARGER
TommyTHAN
& LIFE and Abigail’s Flower Truck
Lottie
Action for biodiversity ADVENTURES ADVENTURES
at Gobions Wood pop-up flower truck that allows you made to the Trust - all to help raise
to create your own bouquet across funds for wildlife and our wonderful
Hertfordshire. Passionate about our bees. We're enjoying working with
Thanks to funding from Biffa Award, we have created
natural world, the two businesses Tommy & Lottie and Abigail's Flower
two fantastic woodland glades that have completely
wanted to do more to help protect Truck and we are very grateful for
revitalised this wonderful woodland. New sheep fencing
local wildlife, so they designed the Bee their support.
was installed to enable us to graze the acid grassland
The Trust is delighted to announce a Collection to support the work of the
meadows to increase biodiversity and secure the future To find out more about
new partnership with Tommy & Lottie, Trust. For each item sold within the
of this beautiful habitat. Information boards will now the partnership and shop
an ethical and sustainable, nature- bespoke range of bee-inspired items,
inform visitors about the site's rich wildlife and history. the Bee Collection visit
inspired clothing brand for kids and from bee-tees to the newly launched
Thank you Biffa Award and Landfill Communities Fund! adults and Abigail's Flower Truck, a bee sweatshirt, a donation is being tommyandlottie.com
12 wildlifematters Winter 2020 Winter 2020 wildlifematters 13
We asked, you helped.
Thank you!
© SHUTTERSTOCK
Melissa
Harrison
The home patch
When you look back at the spring I’ve written before, in these pages and A LITTLE BIT WILD
and summer of 2020, what will you elsewhere, of the importance of having a
remember? The challenge of home- ‘home patch’ that we care for and connect It may have seemed as
schooling? The frustrations of domestic to, physically, mentally and emotionally. though the birds
confinement? Fear of illness, or perhaps illness itself? Knowing where the swifts nest on your were singing more
Our shared period of lockdown was a long, strange street, which oak in the park is always the loudly during
KINGFISHER time, yet for many of us it came with an unexpected last into leaf, why the mason bees nest lockdown, but in
silver lining: the opportunity to rediscover (or on one side of a nearby building and not fact, it’s likely they
discover for the first time) the overlooked green the other – these things root us in place were able to lower
Thank you from all of us at Small groups of volunteers are back working on our nature
spaces around our homes. and time, in ways that often prove deeply their volume
reserves and helping to carry out careful management of these
Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. vital homes for wildlife. We have continued to connect people
Especially in the early weeks, when restrictions beneficial both to the world around us, as they had far
were at their strictest, all many of us saw of the and to ourselves. less noise pollution
We sent a out letter in June, asking for your help in response with wildlife by running small activities on our sites and creating
outside world was during a brief walk each day. As If, during lockdown, you found yourself to compete with. This
to the drastic impact on our income that COVID-19 had left us new events and activities online. We were even able to go ahead
with the delayed Chess Valley Challenge, which was inspiring one of the sunniest springs on record unfolded, we seeing your local area with new eyes, will have saved them
facing. It was a worrying time for everyone, and we weren’t sure
for everyone involved (find out more on page four), and we have sought out parks, nature reserves and urban green don’t turn away from it now. Consider precious energy, and
what would happen. But, having had to cancel so many events
introduced new campaigns to educate and inspire local action spaces, hungry for contact with the natural world. becoming a Friend of your nearest park, may also have boosted
and activities which we would usually rely on to fund our work,
for wildlife. All of this has only been made possible, thanks For some time now we’ve been reading about the or supporting The Wildlife Trusts; look their chances of
we took the decision to ask you - our wonderful members - for
help. And goodness, did you help! to you. benefits of contact with nature to our mental and online for Forest Schools who want help reproductive success.
physical health, but this year it was really brought connecting kids in your area to nature, or
Thanks to you, so far, over £62,000 has been raised to help reduce What happens next is crucial and we’re certainly not out of the home to us, as our deepest instincts drove us to listen other charities that have been doing unsung work to
the impact of these challenging times and ensure our essential woods yet. We still do not know the full impact of the COVID-19
out for birdsong, plant windowboxes, cherish humble protect and preserve green spaces where you are. Melissa
work to protect local wildlife continues. As you can imagine, this crisis, with essential funds still needed to ensure we can take
pavement weeds and take daily note of spring’s At the very least, please don’t stop visiting the Harrison is
generous response has brought us into a much better position forward our conservation work and continue to adapt to the
progress, drawing deep comfort, amid frightening places you discovered in lockdown, no matter how a nature writer
challenges this crisis brings. What we do know is that none of
ILLUSTRATION: ROBIN MACKENZIE
than we thought possible a few months ago. changes, from one of the eternal verities. tempting it is to forget them in favour of and novelist,
All because of you. our work so far this year in protecting precious local wildlife, for
So what happens now that many of us are back somewhere further afield. We need them, and editor of
today and in the future, would have been possible without your
Along with your generosity, we have worked hard to secure dedicated support. at work each day, and car trips for leisure are once just as wildlife needs them: not just grand the anthologies
funding from grants and other supporters who share our again allowed? Do we consign the local discoveries National Parks, but nearby nature, too. Spring, Summer,
commitment and passion to protect our natural world, especially So, from everyone at the Trust, thank you for everything you do we made to the dustbin of memory, filing our Autumn and
during a time of crisis such as this. Because of you, our amazing to protect local wildlife. wonder-filled walks under ‘strange things we did in There could still be a new local gem to discover. Find Winter, produced
members, with this additional support we have been able to lockdown’? Or can we take something crucial from out if there’s a Wildlife Trust reserve near you: in support of The
provide the care our beautiful wild spaces need, and to adapt to the weeks we spent close to home, using what we Wildlife Trusts.
change in these uncertain times. wildlifetrusts.org/nature-reserves
learned to transform the post-Covid world?
14 wildlifematters Winter 2020 Winter 2020 wildlifematters 15
© PETER CAIRNS2020VISION
DAYS OUT
Go Wild
Events GOLDENEYE AT DAWN
Our online talks programme continues to be hugely popular and we have an exciting
Thursday 3 December | 7pm – 8.30pm Thursday 14 January | 2pm – 3.30pm Thursday 28 January | 7pm – 8pm
line-up of speakers and topics coming up. Our winter walks programme includes
ONLINE ONLINE
winter wildfowl identification, wildlife spotting for families, winter tree identification and Winter Tree Identification Learn to Sketch Birds
other winter walks on our nature reserves. Join us for a 90-minute talk about how Settle down with your sketch pad and
© AN DREW PARKINSO
to use the various keys and guides to pencils and accompany us on an online
After the cancellation of so many planned events this year, we are aid you in identifying trees in their tutorial about how to observe and sketch
Learn from the comfort of your own home
delighted to be carefully reintroducing guided walks through the winter state. Learn about how bud and birds quickly while in the field. Local
Our online programme covers a wide range of nature-related
winter months. These may look a little different to what you may twig characteristics, along with other artist, Martin Gibbons, will show you
topics. You can watch the talk your PC, Mac, laptop, mobile phone
identifying marks, can be used to help how to begin field sketching birds by
be used to, but we are determined to continue to bring you closer or tablet; no software download is required. If you can’t make the
you to correctly identify the trees most going through the basics of shape, form,
to nature, either in person or remotely. Due to the greatly reduced time of the live event, you can still register in advance to receive a commonly found in Hertfordshire. depth and adding detail.
N2020VISION
capacity, the walks are likely to book up quickly and are therefore recording afterwards to watch in your own time.
not included in this events guide. More events will be added on a Suitable for adults but all welcome. Aimed at adults, but suitable for older
regular basis. Presenter: Andy Holtham, Volunteer, children and teenagers.
Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust Presenter: Martin Gibbons, Volunteer,
BADGER
Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust
Booking is essential for all our events and places will be snapped up quickly! Don’t delay and book your place today. Thursday 10 December |
Visit hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/events for full listings and booking. 7pm – 8.30pm
ONLINE
ONLINE Learn About Badgers
Introduction to Spiders This interactive, family event will focus
Tuesday 24 November | 7pm – 8pm for wildlife, future plans to protect goldeneye from gadwall. There will be Join us for a 60-minute talk and Q&A on teaching children about badgers,
and enhance it for wildlife by the plenty of time at the end for questions. session introducing spider biology, what they look like, where they live
ONLINE
local community and how you can Suitable for adults or very keen behaviour, ecology and conservation. and how to care for them. There will
Introducing Beane get involved in helping to restore this There will be plenty of opportunities be lots of opportunity to ask questions,
under 12’s!
Marsh Nature Reserve beautiful reserve. to ask questions! participate in quizzes and watch
Discover the Trust’s most recent nature Presenter: Josh Kalms, People and
Suitable for adults. Suitable for all ages. videos filmed at our badger hide in
reserve acquisition. Join a panel of Wildlife Officer, Herts and Middlesex
Tewin Orchard.
experts for an interesting overview of Presenters: Dr Tom Day, Head of Living Wildlife Trust Presenter: Dave Willis, People and
Landscapes and Jenny Rawson, Senior Wildlife Officer, Herts and Middlesex Thursday 21 January | Aimed at families but all welcome.
the site, the story of how it was saved
Reserve Officer, Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust Presenter: Chris Wood, Chair,
© ANDREW PARKI NSON
2020VISION
7pm – 8.30pm
Wildlife Trust; plus special guests Herts and Middlesex Badger Group
ONLINE
Geology of Hertfordshire
© NICOLA TAGGART
Wednesday 25 November | 7pm – 8.30pm
Join us for a 60-minute talk and Q&A “Absolutely brilliant initiative taking
ONLINE session, giving a brief introduction to the full advantage of the technology now
Winter Wildfowl Identification geology of Hertfordshire and Middlesex available. There were lots of new things
Join us for a 60-minute talk and Q&A and then reviewing how this affects the to learn and enough time for questions.”
session. This event is for those wishing siting and nature of the Trust’s reserves. “The talk was very good and the polling
to get to grips with wetland wildfowl
Suitable for adults but all welcome. and interactions with the audience
(including ducks, geese, rails, herons and
Presenter: John Myres, Volunteer, Herts were well placed. Thank you for
grebes). By the end of the session, you’ll
and Middlesex Wildlife Trust organising this.”
know your divers from dabblers and MALLARDS
BEANE MARSH NATURE RESERVE
CROSS ORBWEAVER
16 wildlifematters Winter 2020 Winter 2020 wildlifematters 17
© RUSSELL SAVORY
Living on a
Prey-er
Seemingly supernatural senses, large and
powerful talons, a hooked bill and a ruthless
hunting instinct, every body feature is designed
for the perfect kill. Their piercingly sharp vision is
many times stronger than our human eyesight,
the slightest rustling noise cannot escape their
excellent hearing and it is thought that they
can identify urine trails of small mammals from
far overhead.
Raptors are magnificent and hugely impressive predators.
Their strong, broad wings and shaped tails allow them to sail
on thermals, effortlessly soaring high in the skies on the lookout
for prey.
Sadly, this ability has made them the target of persecution
throughout Europe. As early as the 16th century, bounties have
been put on most larger raptors to protect domestic stock,
but persecution really took off with the rise in game shooting.
Thankfully, raptor killing is illegal in the UK today and, although
many birds have been hunted to the brink, some raptor species
are recovering and are doing well.
In the UK, we have 15 raptor species, split into three basic groups:
eagles, hawks and falcons. All of these are diurnal – active during
the day – in contrast with the mostly nocturnal owls. Of the 15
species, six are currently breeding in our area, while others are
occasional visitors. All of our raptors are carnivores, although
some have more particular tastes, such as the osprey which
specialises in fish. Many of the larger birds are also scavengers.
Others rely solely on live prey like voles, other rodents or
small birds. KESTREL
18 wildlifematters Winter 2020 Winter 2020 wildlifematters 19
Winter2020Who’s who? Kestrel
(Falco tinnunculus)
Seasonal visitors
Hobby
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Visit a large body of freshwater –
A fairly familiar sight in the (Falco subbuteo) such as Panshanger Park or Amwell
countryside and sometimes – in spring or autumn and you
The hobby is a small falcon that might be in for an impressive sight.
in our urban areas,
Buzzard numbers of kestrels have
prefers a warmer climate – it’s a Ospreys don’t currently breed
(Buteo buteo) summer visitor and spends our here – there are only a few hundred
been declining since the
colder months in sub-Saharan breeding pairs in the UK and their
The most widespread 1970s. This is mainly due to
Africa. Superficially similar to the stronghold is currently Scotland
bird of prey in the habitat loss and changes in
peregrine with a dark hood and a and the North of England. However,
country, buzzards agricultural practices leading KESTREL © TIM HILL
moustache, a slate grey upper and they spend the winter in Africa and
can often be seen to a loss of their favourite
striped underside, the hobby also H can stopover in our area, resting here
soaring high above prey – voles. OB
wears rusty orange “trousers” and has BY
for a few days or weeks before continuing
our heads, looking out Compared to larger raptors, kestrels are quite small. Their an orange-red undertail. Its wings are ©D
AVE their journey.
for their next meal. Its HI CURTIS
LL
plumage is beautiful with a grey head, dark-banded tail, narrow and pointed, allowing for incredible
broad wings – perfect for T IM
B UZ ZA R D © gingery-brown back and a creamy speckled underside. Their agility in flight – sometimes likened to a swift. The osprey is a large bird of prey with dark brown
wheeling on thermals – can most distinctive feature is their unmistakable hovering – a upperparts and contrasting white underparts that can
make it appear larger than it The hobby was the favourite bird of Peter Adolph, a keen appear mottled in females. Their pescatarian diet is aided by a
technique more commonly used by insects and smaller birds
is; a formidable sight nevertheless. ornithologist and game designer. In fact, he liked the bird so specialist hunting technique; having spotted its prey, the osprey
like hummingbirds. In fact, kestrels are wind-hoverers, using the
Buzzards can vary in their colouring – from dark brown to much he wanted to name a new invention after it. When he was dives down into the water legs-first, using its strong talons to
breeze to stay practically motionless in the air.
much paler plumage - with a mottled underside and a short, not granted the trademark he applied for he chose the bird’s grab and hold on to a fish before it carries it off to a tree.
rounded tail. Wingspan: 71-80cm Latin name instead – and Subbuteo was born!
Wingspan: 145-170cm
After being almost persecuted to extinction in the last century, Where to see them: Grassland, heathland and sometimes Wingspan: 70-92cm
their numbers have quadrupled in the last 50 years thanks to urban areas Where to see them: Some large wetlands in spring and autumn
Where to see them: Heathlands and wetlands in summer
legal protection. They have adapted well and can now be found
in a variety of habitats across the country. You might hear one
before you see it so listen out for the plaintive ‘keee-yaaa’ call Peregrine
Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
© PETER CAI RNS 2020VISIO
that could be mistaken for the meowing of a cat. falcon (Falco
Wingspan: 110-130cm peregrinus)
© JON HAWKINS - SURREY
PHOTOGRAPHY
The peregrine is a
Where to see them: Grassland, farmland and woodland
large and powerful
falcon and a master
predator. Its flight is
PHOTOGRAPHY
© JON HAWKINS SURRE
swift and agile and
can reach speeds of up
N
to 390 km/h, making
this falcon the world’s OSPREY
PE
ON
RE
HILLS
RI I fastest animal. Peregrines
NE
G
SI
V
FA 020 usually go after feral
LCO 2
Red kite RY
Did you know?
N©
BERTI E GREGO pigeons and doves, snatching
(Milvus their prey mid-air.
Y HILLS
milvus) ost female raptors are larger than their
M
It is dark slate-grey above and white SPARROWHAWK
Their presence male counterpart
below, with black bars across its chest and belly. It has a white
often announced throat and cheeks and a strong, black distinctive moustache Raptor broods hatch in intervals to make sure at least
by a shrill call, and mask. The peregrine’s call is said to sound very much like a With its small size – the male being somewhere between a one chick, the eldest, survives
red kites are now villain’s laughter. blackbird and a collared dove – rounded wings and a long tail,
a common sight the sparrowhawk is perfectly adapted to narrow habitats such Just like owls, raptors often swallow their prey in one
RED KITE across most of After a long history of persecution – to keep them from as dense woodland where it usually nests. It can often be seen in gulp and regurgitate fur and bone as pellets
Hertfordshire and predating on game birds and racing pigeons – peregrines are our urban parks and gardens – a well-visited bird feeding station The word ‘raptor’ comes from the Latin raptare which
Middlesex. They have made a fantastic comeback since being slowly making a comeback. Until recently, the peregrine falcon offers a lush buffet of prey, which it can surprise-attack from means ‘to seize and carry off’, as raptors capture their
reintroduced in the Chilterns in the 1990s, making them one of was only found in the north and west of the UK. Over the last cover. prey with their feet unlike other birds which use
the great conservation successes in the country. couple of decades, it has been spreading south, moving into
Males have a blue-grey back and white underparts showing their beaks
urban areas including Watford and St Albans. Tall buildings
Red kites are easily identified by their forked tail. Their reddish- can replicate the precipitous cliff edges that peregrines would reddish-orange barring. Females are generally about 25% larger Predators like our raptors are an important part of our
brown and white-grey mottled plumage and long, black-tipped naturally nest on. Just this year, a pair has been found breeding – with browner plumage above and grey bars below. They both ecosystem, helping to keep populations under control
wings with white patches are a magnificent sight as they wheel in Welwyn Garden City for the first time, on old Shredded Wheat have reddish cheeks. and in balance
in the skies looking for carrion. silos in the Wheat Quarter. Wingspan: 55-70cm From woodland, grassland, farmland and even cities,
Wingspan: 175-195cm Wingspan: 95-115 cm raptors inhabit a variety of habitats
Where to see them: Variety of habitats, including gardens
Where to see them: Woodland and farmland, urban areas and Where to see them: Mostly urban areas where they nest on
along A-Roads tall buildings
20 wildlifematters Winter 2020 Winter 2020 wildlifematters 21TH E MAI N LAGO
© BRIAN SAWFORD
© LUKE MASSEY
Happy Birthday,
ON IN WINTER
Lemsford Springs!
1991
GREEN SANDPIPER
DAVID ATTENBOROUGH PLA
NTING A TREE IN 1985
DAV
ID
AT
T
EN
RO
BO
UG I
AV
S
H R
RA YT © JOSH KUBALE
KI N RR
GW BA
ATERCRESS I N 1985 ©
The King of Rock’n’Roll is blasting out of the radio and we are wearing flares and platform shoes blue tits, great tits and tawny owls. Just last year, we were able groups and schools have visited the reserve to enjoy the wildlife
– well, some of us anyway. 1,500 people journey to a small farm in Somerset to attend the first of to follow a pair of kestrels putting up residence and starting a and peace and quiet, photograph a bobbing sandpiper and
family in one of the boxes. Apart from birds, the nature reserve learn more about the natural world. Numerous summers have
many Glastonbury Festivals. Paul McCartney leaves The Beatles, effectively dissolving the band. is great for water shrews which feast on freshwater shrimp. been spent exploring tiny aquatic wildlife in pond dipping
It’s 1970 and amidst the hustle and bustle in the world, a new nature reserve has just come to life. The largest of the shrew family, water shrews have venomous sessions and guided walks have revealed hidden gems. Sir David
saliva to stun their prey. They’re incredibly agile – blink and you’ll Attenborough visited twice in the late 80s, raking watercress
After more than 100 years of watercress farming, supplying Volunteers have helped deliver crucial structural works including miss them!
the metropolitan Victorians who liked the spicy, peppery taste, the installation of bird hides and bridges, supported by National with local school children and planting a tree. Other well-known
production had ceased in 1966 by the River Lea in Lemsford, Lottery funding, and all this work has helped and this has turned Over the last five decades, countless wildlife enthusiasts, visitors have included David Bellamy, Mike Dilger, Julia Bradbury,
leaving the site to lie idle. the former watercress farm into a peaceful refuge for animal as photographers, naturalists, environmental and community Nick Baker and others.
well as human visitors.
The ecological importance was quickly realised and, with the
help of local naturalists, the Trust purchased the site for £2,500 Records show 127 different bird species at the site, from
– equivalent to almost £40,000 in 2020. Small in size but huge rarities such as night heron, dipper, bittern and osprey to more
Looking ahead
in potential, today Lemsford Springs Nature Reserve is home to commonly seen snipe, water rail and kingfishers. During the
a range of habitats – from the main feature of the spring-fed winter months, the reserve is famous for its population of In the face of the joint climate and ecological crisis, wetland nature reserves like Lemsford Springs continue to be much-needed
lagoons, to wooded areas, meadows and reedbeds, making it overwintering green sandpipers – it boasts the highest density wildlife havens. The best way to protect our wild spaces from detrimental effects from development, droughts and other issues
a perfect place for birdwatching all year round. of this bird in the whole country! The birds, thriving on the is to expand and connect them to create a Living Landscape.
abundance of fresh-water shrimp in the lagoons, have been the The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 by 30 campaign is looking to do just that – we want and need 30 per cent of land and seas protected for
The reserve’s volunteer warden is Barry Trevis who has been
subject of study for almost 40 years. Barry and his team of expert wildlife by 2030. Learn more about this ambitious goal on page six.
involved with Lemsford Springs almost as long as the site has
ornithologists have led the longest-running wader colour-ringing
been in Trust ownership. For his dedication to the reserve, its
study in Europe, monitoring movements, feeding behaviour, site
management and bird studies, Barry was recognised as ‘Herts
fidelity and territoriality of green sandpipers. Modern technology
Outstanding Naturalist’ by the Herts Natural History Society
has enabled the team to fit the birds with tiny GPS devices to
in 2019. Sadly, due to ongoing access restrictions, Lemsford Springs remains closed for now. We hope to be able to reopen
help track migration patterns.
it safely for you as soon as we can. You can find all updates at hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/LemsfordSprings.
Over the years there have been more than 500 volunteer
Over 60 nest boxes installed around the site provide a home for
work parties, some with up to 30 volunteers helping at once.
22 wildlifematters Winter 2020 Winter 2020 wildlifematters 23DAYS OUT
Wild Christmas
Flocks of thrushes chatter in hedgerows, feasting on glistening red berries; frost forges delicate
Mini adventures
While it may feel as if most of the natural world has gone into
hibernation, there’s lots to experience in the cold months if you
know where to look.
Winter visitors
Half of the UK’s bird
population are migrants.
Many breed in our area
tiny sculptures on every surface; ducks dabble and dive on lakes and reservoirs. Although many and fly to much warmer
Go on a mini adventure and discover just how much climates in autumn, others
of us yearn to hunker down and hibernate until nature has to offer.
spring, winter has plenty of gifts to offer. Have
©C
ATALI N APOSTO
L find our shores temperate
yourself a merry wild Christmas! enough to spend the winter
Sunsets and night skies here. The cold season is the REDWING © MARGARET HOLLAN
Before getting cosy on the sofa, get outside and marvel at perfect time to see wildlife
D
the day’s last light – you won’t be disappointed! Sunsets in that you normally wouldn’t
Bring nature inside
winter are often more intense and colourful than in summer. during the rest of the year.
Meteorologists think it’s connected with conditions that
influence how light travels through the atmosphere. Redwings can be found feeding in fields and
‘Tis the season to be merry, preferably indoors and
hedgerows, venturing into gardens only when it is
wrapped in a cosy blanket. If you really don’t want Another benefit of early dusk is plenty of time to go stargazing very cold, while the sociable fieldfare can be seen
to leave the house, then why not bring nature to – for a magical experience for the young ones before bedtime. flocking in groups of a dozen to several hundred. Both can be
you? Ditch the plastic decorations and use natural An easy constellation to spot is Orion’s Belt – an hourglass- heard on clear, starry nights.
materials from your garden or nearby wild patch. shaped group with three parallel stars as the belt in its centre.
Look out for twigs, pine cones, leaves and ivy or At the top of the hourglass are Rigel and Betelgeuse, two of the The Trust’s reserves Stocker’s Lake and Amwell are
holly sprigs – when out foraging, please take only brightest stars in the sky. a one-stop shop for wintering wildfowl, including
as much as you need and make sure you leave goldeneye from northern Europe, wigeon from
plenty for wildlife. Watch HERC Manager Alex Waechter’s top tips for Iceland and Russia and, if it’s cold enough, the rarer smew
stargazing at youtu.be/aEYJhFJSeVA. from Scandinavia (read more about smew on page 29).
Use the small twigs to design star patterns
for decoration. You can attach pine cones
together in a garland or paint them Animal tracking
green to look like a Christmas tree. Dried If we’re lucky enough to get snow this winter, channel your inner
Help wildlife
© TIM HILL
oranges make for a fragrant eyecatcher hanging Sherlock and investigate tracks and clues. Which animals might
over the mantlepiece – simply slice them and bake have passed through? The festive period can make us feel
at around 65 degrees in the oven for a few hours exceptionally charitable, so why
(turning occasionally). Fox prints are similar to those of small dogs, deer tracks are not make a tasty Christmas wreath
easily identified by their cloven for your garden birds?
Discover more ideas for a sustainable hooves. Telling the exact
species from bird tracks All you need are pine cones, long BLUE TIT
Christmas at hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/ twigs, garden wire, soft lard and
ecochristmas can be difficult. Duck
prints have three bird seed, grated cheese, dried fruits
claws with visible or unsalted nuts. Twist together the twigs into a ring and fasten
webbing in with the wire. Mix the lard with the bird seed and the rest of the
between them, ingredients and smear it over the pinecones. Attach the cones
while bird prints to the wreath, decorate with festive greenery such as holly or ivy
show a long middle and hang it up in the garden. Your garden birds will be delighted
toe, two shorter about this little Christmas present.
and splayed outer
ON
toes, and a long Buy your bird food from our friends at Vinehouse Farm
ISI
AD who donate £10 for each new customer and 4% of
V
backward-pointing
W
20
ER 0
TR S2 every sale to the Trust. vinehousefarm.co.uk
toe. Elementary, my ACK A I RN
S © P E TE R C
dear Watson!
Give the gift of wildlife
Treat the wildlife lover in your life with a wild Christmas Gift membership
present and make a real difference for wildlife in A gift membership for Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust is
Hertfordshire and Middlesex. the gift that keeps on giving. Give a whole year of wildness
to someone special. From £42, different membership options
Wildlife sponsorships
available.
By sponsoring a local species such as hedgehog, barn owl or
water vole you can help us create suitable habitats to protect
Visit our Online Gift Shop at
our precious wildlife. Six options at £15 each.
hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/shop
ROBIN IN SNOW © MARK HAMBLIN 2020VISION
24 wildlifematters Winter 2020 Winter 2020 wildlifematters 25You can also read
