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WildAvon
The member magazine for Avon Wildlife Trust Autumn 2020 Issue 115
A FUTURE FOR WILDLIFE
Help us be there for
nature in Avon
HIDDEN FORESTS
Explore the amazing
miniature world of lichens
AUTUMN WILDLIFE
Heroic hedges
Discover the wildlife that
thrives in our hedgerows
Welcome Welcome to your autumn Wild Avon magazine,
4
inspiring you with ways to enjoy the season
and updating you on what we have been doing
during these difficult months. As for many,
the vibrant activity in nature during spring
and summer has been a much-needed source
of wonder and inspiration during such an
unprecedented time.
I appreciate the return of autumn as a chance to pause
and reset our intentions as an organisation. Coronavirus has
had an extensive impact on the way we work – we have been
working from home with many of our colleagues furloughed
and had to cancel most of our events and many volunteering
opportunities from March until the end of the year. The
financial impact has been so extreme as to cause redundancies
within our teams, and is why we ask for your support to help
us be there for wildlife long into the future.
There have also been successes over the past six months
however, which we are very happy to include in this edition.
Your response to our ecological emergency appeal was
fantastic, helping us to raise nearly £12,000 to help bring
wildlife back and fight the ecological emergencies that have
been declared by Bristol and Bath & North East Somerset
Councils, thanks to our influence. Likewise, you have joined
us in fighting insect population decline from your homes as
nearly 700 people from our community have signed up to take
action for insects. You may have written to your MP or stopped
using pesticides in your garden, and many of you have ordered
wildflowers from our Grow Wilder site, formerly Feed Bristol.
At the start of lockdown, we launched our online wildflower
shop and delivery service and you reacted incredibly, helping
to plant pollinator-friendly wildflowers across the region and
support Avon’s wildlife through your purchases.
You may notice this edition is slightly shorter than previous
magazines. We wanted to make sure it was the best it could be
given our reduced staff capacity. Thank you for your continued
support during these challenging times and I hope you find
DAVID TIPLING/2020VISION
inspiration in your autumnal Wild Avon magazine.
Ian Barrett
Chief Executive of Avon Wildlife Trust
Follow me on twitter @IanBarrettSW
Avon Wildlife Trust Get in touch
Wild Avon is the membership Trust Office Follow us on social media for the The Wild Avon Team
32 Jacobs Wells Road, Bristol BS8 1DR
magazine for Avon Wildlife Trust, latest news and events. Please share Editors: Sarah Mitchell and Georgia Moore
Telephone 0117 917 7270
your local wildlife charity, working Email mail@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk your wildlife pictures and experiences! Sarah.Mitchell@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk
to secure a strong future for the Website avonwildlifetrust.org.uk You can also subscribe to our monthly Georgia.Moore@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk
natural environment and to inspire Folly Farm Centre newsletter online through our website
Stowey, Pensford, Bristol BS39 4DW
Designer: Kevin Lester
people to care for it. With the support to hear about our latest news and events.
Telephone 01275 331590 The Wildlife Trusts editor:
of over 17,000 members and 1,150 Email info@follyfarm.org Facebook @avonwt
Tom Hibbert
volunteers, the Trust cares for over Website follyfarm.org Twitter @avonwt
30 nature reserves, runs educational Grow Wilder (formerly Feed Bristol) Instagram @avonwt The Wildlife Trusts designer:
and community programmes, advises 181 Frenchay Park Road, Bristol BS16 1HB Ben Cook
Telephone 0117 965 7086
landowners, and campaigns on issues Email growwilder@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk Registered charity number 280422 Cover photo:
that threaten wildlife habitats. Website avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/growwilder Registered company number 1495108 Danny Green/naturepl.com
2 Wild Avon | Autumn 2020
Contents
4 Your wild autumn
The best of the season’s wildlife and
where to enjoy it on your local patch
10 Wild reserves
Discover Walborough and plan your
visit to other nearby Avon Wildlife
Trust reserves this autumn
13 Wild thoughts
Melissa Harrison shares her tips on
staying local
7 14 14 Six places to see hidden forests
RUSSELL SAVORY
JIM HIGHAM
of lichen
16 Wild News
21 Securing a future for wildlife
in Avon
Help us to continue to be there for
nature long into the future
22 Hedgerows and their importance
for wildlife through the year
24 Caught on camera
Revealing hidden wildlife on
Wildlife Trust reserves
26 What’s on
28 Gardening for small spaces
30 My Wild Life
Georgia Moore on becoming the
Supporter Care Manager with
Avon Wildlife Trust
PAUL MCCORMACK
10 31 Supporting your business
towards a greener future
6 ways to get involved with your local Wildlife Trust
Donate Help us to continue the fight Campaign We need your voice Volunteer
to bring wildlife back by donating today, to amplify campaigns, lobby and raise Sign up to receive our
so that we can all benefit from nature on awareness for urgent local issues such volunteer newsletter to learn
our doorstep. avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/ as fighting the ecological emergency, about opportunities to get involved.
coronavirus reversing insect decline, and creating a avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/volunteernews
connected network of habitats for wildlife.
Adopt a species Choose avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/campaign Include a gift in your will
between a badger or bumblebee adoption Celebrate your love for local wildlife by
to celebrate a special occasion, to give to a Fundraise Set yourself a challenge giving a gift that could last for generations.
loved one or simply to help protect these or organise an event to fundraise with A gift in your will, no matter how big
wonderful species. avonwildlifetrust.org. family and friends to help wildlife in our or small, can make a real difference.
uk/adoptaspecies region. justgiving.com/avonwildlifetrust avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/giftinwill
Wild Avon | Autumn 2020 3
Your wild autumn
The best of the season’s wildlife and where to enjoy it across Avon
Everything starts in autumn. Birds returning from their breeding
grounds in the freezing north make their way south to the warmer
and nutrient-rich waters of UK shores and wetlands.
4 Avon| |Autumn
WildAvon
Wild Autumn2020
2020
T h a n k y ou
Thanks to your m
embership, we
are managing lan
d to protect
habitats for wetla
nd birds so that
they can continue
to use our
sites as havens wi
th space
to rest, feed and ra
ise
their young
AUTUMN SPECTACLE
Migrating birds
The autumn bird migration is a spectacle not to be
missed! Over 70,000 wetland birds make their way to
the Severn Estuary every winter, with thousands more
passing through on their way further south. These
birds are drawn to the mild climate in the south west,
which prevents the invertebrate-rich muds of the
estuary from freezing, therefore providing a reliable
food source through the colder months. Further inland
you can see the skies fill with birds such as starling and
redwing, which come to join the resident flocks for
the winter.
Migration is a dangerous and tiring business,
particularly due to increasingly unpredictable weather
events and shifting seasons, as well as the impact
of humans. Those with the longer migrations have a
variety of fascinating adaptations to conserve energy,
such as absorbing non-essential internal organs and
re-growing them when they arrive!
SEE THEM THIS AUTUMN AND WINTER
Walborough has good numbers of wildfowl and
wetland birds, including redshank, dunlin and godwit,
due to the saltmarsh and estuary mud there.
Dolebury Warren is a great place to spot redwing
feeding on hawthorn berries, one of their favoured
foods.
Chew Valley Lake is an important site for
NICK UPTON2020VISION
wintering wildfowl, such as shoveler, gadwall, teal
and tufted ducks. It also hosts an impressive winter
gull roost of up to 50,000 black-headed, common and
Mediterranean gulls.
Wild
Wild Avon| Autumn
Avon | Autumn2020
2020 5
YOUR WILD AUTUMN
Visit an autumn
woodland
As the season starts to turn, the colours of an
autumn woodland are a sight to behold. As greens
turn to red and golden hues, small creatures
like dormice curl up for a winter of hibernation.
Fungi sprout up from the woodland floor, and the
smell of damp mossy earth rises from the ground.
Woodland birds dance between tree branches,
hunting for insects to keep their energy up through
the colder months. We work with our volunteers
and trainees through the winter to keep our
woodlands in the best possible shape for wildlife.
SEE IT THIS AUTUMN
Bennett’s Patch and White’s Paddock Looking
out from our reserve next to the Portway you can
catch a stunning view of the autumn colours of the
Avon Gorge.
Weston Big Wood A walk around this wooded
reserve will offer a backdrop of autumn colours and
an opportunity to spot a variety of birds, including
woodpecker, nuthatch and tawny owl.
BEN HALL/2020VISION
URBAN FIELDCRAFT
Brilliant bats How to SPOT A BAT
The air of mystery that surrounds Tune in Bats use echolocation to
bats has led to many Hollywood assist with flying and catching prey.
misconceptions which can be They send sound waves out from
swiftly dispelled. Bats aren’t blind, their nose or mouth which return
they won’t get tangled in your hair, as echoes when they hit an object,
and all UK species live on a diet of providing the bat with a sonic
TOM MARSHALL
insects rather than blood. Bats are map of its surroundings. As bats
A pair of common the only mammal capable of true echolocate at high frequencies, we
pipistrelle rest their wings flight. use bat detectors to transfer them
Due to the decline in numbers into audible sounds. Why not get
they are protected under UK law involved with your local bat group
and this protection is extended to learn more.
to the places where they live, Size it up Our smallest bat, the
known as roosts. Different roosting common pipistrelle (weighing
conditions are needed at different roughly the same as a 20p piece),
times of the year, but trees and can consume up to 3,000 insects in
TERRY WHITTAKER/2020VISION
woodlands are important for all one night, making it a wonderful
17 known species of breeding ally to farmers, gardeners and fruit
The differing peak frequency of bats. Woodlands provide roosting growers. We are also very fortunate
echolocations from different bats sites, food and commuting to have populations of the rare
helps with their identification. routes between foraging areas lesser and greater horseshoe bats in
and roosts. our region.
6 Wild Avon | Autumn 2020
SEE THIS DO THIS
2020VISION
CHRIS GOMERSALL
Look out for trees and bushes hanging with As leaves fall to the woodland floor, collect different species
fruit. Berries such as sloes and haws help and take them home to identify. You could even dry them out
overwintering birds survive the cold months and make yourself an autumn leaf collage!
when other food sources are scarce.
SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
Owls EYELIDS
Top tips
Three sets of lids
3 SPECIES TO SPOT
protect an owl’s eyes
Owls have long been Barn owl
Watch for this very pale owl
a source of intrigue gliding along field margins
and mystery, often in grassland and farmland
appearing at twilight. as the light starts to dim.
As the nights draw
in, our waking hours
increasingly overlap
with theirs, so autumn
is a great time for owl TOES/TALONS
RUSSELL SAVORY
An owl’s four toes
spotting.
ANDY ROUSE/2020VISION
and talons can be FACIAL DISC
arranged in different This ring of hair
shapes to allow them directs sounds
What to look for to perch or catch prey into the owl’s ears
In Britain we have five Tawny owl
species of owls: barn owl, Listen out for the
tawny owl, little owl, long-eared owl and frequently in trees, or nest boxes that characteristic ‘twit-twoo’
short-eared owl. All are native apart from the replicate these cavities. Barn owls typically of female and male tawny
little owl, which was introduced in the 1800s nest on barn rafters, while short-eared owls owls calling to each other
and is now deemed naturalised. Eagle owls simply scrape a bowl into the ground. through the darkness.
have also bred successfully following escape
from private collections and aviaries. There SEE THEM THIS AUTUMN
are two families of owls: those with heart- Clapton Moor The Clapton Circuit, with
shaped faces like the barn owl, and those its bird hide, is a wonderful place for bird
with round faces like the tawny, short-eared watching, and if you’re lucky you might even
or long-eared. spot an owl on the hunt.
STEVE DAVIS
Folly Farm This peaceful reserve, with
Amazing adaptations joined up woodlands and hedgerows, is great
Owls have an array of impressive features for seeing barn owls gliding through the sky
that make them incredibly stealthy night- at dusk. You might also see some tawny owls
time hunters. Fringed edges to flight feathers nesting in the roost on the farm. Short-eared owl
allow for near silent flight. Their fourteen Although breeding mainly
neck bones (double the number in humans) Reserve information and maps on upland moors, this owl
allow for 270 degrees of movement to keep avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves frequents coastal grazing
an eye out in all directions. Ears are often marsh across the country in
JON HAWKINS SURREY HILLS PHOTOGRAPHY
asymmetrical, allowing them to judge exactly the winter months.
where a sound is coming from, which helps Did you know
to pinpoint prey. that long-eared
owls’ ‘ears’
are nothing
Home sweet home to do with
ANDY ROUSE/2020VISION
Although highly-skilled hunters, owls do hearing? They
not put so much effort into building their are in fact tufts of
nests. Many, such as little owls because of feathers that help
their size, choose cavities which have either with camouflage!
formed naturally or been left by other birds,
Wild Avon | Autumn 2020 7
HEAR THIS FORAGE FOR THIS
Listen to the crunching and rustling of crispy Autumn is the season for fungi foraging but take care to
leaves underfoot as you get out and about this identify species correctly. Attending a fungi foray could
autumn. help build your skills and meet other fungi enthusiasts!
ROSS HODDINOTT/2020VISION
NOT JUST FOR KIDS
Six ways to enjoy nature this autumn
Why should kids have all the fun? Reignite your love of nature with these random acts of wildness
2 Sow wildflowers for a spring bloom
Autumn is an excellent time to
plant wildflowers. The summer heat
has passed and the ground is damper
so the conditions are perfect for plants
to settle in ready to get an early start in
spring. Whether planting in pots or in
the ground, make sure the soil and roots
of the plant are moist before planting. If
the roots are a bit congested, tease them
out at their ends so they grow more
quickly out into the soil, then water them
1 Start a nature journal well. When spring comes, they will start
PHILIP PRECEY
Autumn is full of treasures. From stunning gold and crimson leaves to shiny conkers to grow, giving you beautiful wildflowers
and red berries, the change of the seasons makes for some fascinating finds of all shapes, as well as life-saving food for the birds
colours and sizes. As we hunker down for the slower pace of autumn and winter, why and pollinators.
not take up the wonderful art of nature journalling to develop new wildlife ID skills and You can buy wildflower
become more connected with wildlife on your doorstep. Go on a nature treasure hunt plants and wildflower seed
from our Grow Wilder site
JULES WOOLFORD
to collect what you can and have a go at sketching what you find in your notebook.
Jules Woolford from Drawn Into Nature has some inspiring tips to get you started: and wildflower nursery:
drawnintonature.com growwilder.co.uk
4 Catch an autumn sunset
The autumn equinox, when the day and night are
of equal length, has passed and the days are getting
shorter. The sun is lower in the sky, which makes for
some spectacular autumn sunsets, with rich reds,
blazing oranges and golden yellows painted across the
sky. End your day with a walk in the woods, at a local
nature reserve or even around your neighbourhood.
AMY LEWIS
The crisp air, vibrant colours and glimmering light are
sure to be an uplifting sight.
3 ID some fungi at our reserves
It’s the best time to be on the
lookout for mushrooms and toadstools 5 Enjoy the season’s harvest
This is a time of nature’s plenty, when you’ll
popping up from below the ground be able to harvest blackberries, rose hips, crab
to show off their weird and wonderful apples, hazelnuts and seeds from bushes, trees
appearances that make them seem as if and hedgerows. Plus, there is often a bounty
they are from a fairy tale. There are over of vegetables in the ground in gardens and
ROSS HODDINOTT/2020VISION
15,000 species of fungi in the UK, making allotments. Why not try your hand at making some
up an entire kingdom of their own. Visit jam, a crumble or even some berry gin to give as a
our reserves to see how many you can gift over the festive period? If you forage, just be sure
ALAN PRICE
spot and ID. That is plenty of IDing to to do your research on what you take from nature’s
keep you busy for a while! larder and leave enough to allow wildlife to eat to keep
warm over the winter for migration or hibernation.
8 Wild Avon | Autumn 2020
YOUR WILD AUTUMN
Wildlife Competitions
TOM MARSHALL
Enter one of our wildlife competitions and you could be
N at u re featured in our next magazine! From showcasing your
cra ft photography to sharing your nature writing, we’d love to
see nature through your lens.
In this issue we’re celebrating our Wild Experience Competition winners
6 Make a hedgehog house from this year’s 30 Days Wild, who won some wildflowers from our
Help hedgehogs stay warm and cosy over wildflower nursery at Grow Wilder.
winter by making a hedgehog home in your Thank you to Natalie, Leaf Girl and Rainbow Flower Fairy for this
garden or at a friend’s house. You will need: wonderful entry, sharing their wild experiences with us during
lockdown.
■ Hammer and nails ■ 20mm untreated
Our family lives in Weston-super-Mare, so we consider
■ 2 metal hinges FSC plywood boards
ourselves very lucky that our list of walk-able outdoor
■ Soil (birch is ideal!) cut to
destinations includes seafront, beach and several glorious
■ Dry leaves the sizes shown
■ Straw or dry grass ■ A quiet, shady spot Victorian parks. My five-year-old and two-year-old
■ Newspapers ■ Access to your garden daughters, Nancy and Lois, love Grove Park, Weston’s central park. The
■ Polythene sheeting for hedgehogs reason they love it is not the play park, or the Victorian band stand,
but because of the areas of rewilding created by local voluntary group,
30cm 40cm
26
Friends of Grove Park. These spaces have been especially precious to
cm 30
17cm 30cm
cm my girls during the lockdown period.
m
40c
30cm
17cm
40c
m
In fact they have been so inspired by the outdoors that they have
30
cm 8
Feet cm
created new personas: “Leaf Girl”, an elf with the power to talk to
13cm 8
animals and manipulate trees and foliage, and her faithful sidekick
30cm
m
40c cm
“Rainbow Flower Fairy”, who can cover everything in flowers. Together
17
cm
13cm 26 17
cm 17cm cm
23cm they have had long and meaningful conversations with squirrels. They
have tried to help a male pigeon unsuccessfully impress a female.
Building your hedgehog home:
They have hidden behind a bush for 30 minutes watching a family
1 C
ut your timber to the dimensions in the of brown rats, speculating on their movements, family relationships
diagram above. and domestic habits. Elf and Fairy have had time to study the internal
2 A
ssemble the tunnel and main chamber patterns of an iris, the movement of dragonflies over
separately; attaching the feet and the hinge the pond, the whirls and swirls of tree trunks. We have
flap before putting the box together will make discovered a new beetle named the “runabout” beetle and
things a little easier. The tunnel will be slightly marvelled over “red ants”.
smaller than the height of the opening so that it Thank you, Grove Park, for the hours of diversion and for
can be slotted in at an angle, making a ramp. keeping Elf and Fairy connected to nature.
3 P
ick a shady, quiet spot to put your assembled
hedgehog house. Put the newspaper and straw
and dry grass inside, cover the house with Natalie, Leaf Girl and
polythene sheeting, then pack soil and dead Rainbow Flower Fairy
leaves around the outside. planting their wildflowers
from Grow Wilder
in Grove Park
Visit our website for more actions
to help wildlife this autumn:
avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/actions
CORRINE WELSH
Wild Avon | Autumn 2020 9
Discover Walborough
W
Walborough, just south alborough is a great site to that define the character of the landscape
visit through the changing are maintained. Livestock are grazed in
of Weston-super-Mare, seasons. This varied coastal low numbers from the spring through to
is a 22-hectare site landscape offers something
for both the keen-eyed naturalist and the
autumn across the site, allowing flowering
plants to bloom and flourish, creating
owned by Avon Wildlife visiting family out for a stroll. The Brean havens for insects.
Trust since 1995. This Down Way, which is also part of the
National Cycle Network, passes through
You can enjoy stunning panoramic views
of the estuary from the top of the main
fantastic coastal site the middle of the site and gives an option hill. The grassland at this spot contains
to visit by bike – and means you don’t many plant species commonly found in
is part of the Severn have to remember your wellies, even in limestone grasslands, including cowslips,
Estuary Site of Special the winter months. common rock-rose, black knapweed, small
scabious, kidney vetch, green-winged
Scientific Interest orchids and autumn lady’s tresses.
(SSSI), and is perfect for Enjoy the beautiful During the spring and early
spotting wading and open landscape summer, the flowering plants
create a blanket of colour and
migratory birds in provide important habitat
Bordered by the mouth of the River for a number of butterfly
the autumn. Axe, the beautiful open landscape of species, including
Walborough and Uphill are a mosaic the chalkhill blue,
of limestone grassland, grazing marsh, grizzled skipper,
saltmarsh and scrub. This mixture of small heath and
PETER CAIRNS/2020VISION
habitats provides the perfect home for dingy skipper.
wildlife such as butterflies, rare plants and In the warmer
JOHN BRIDGES
wading birds. summer months,
This site is managed with grazing cattle skylarks provide
to ensure nationally-rare plant species a continuous
10 Wild Avon | Autumn 2020OUR BEST AUTUMN RESERVES
T ha nks
to your support, we NOW YOU DO IT
can
look after Walbor
ough for
the butterflies, ra
re plants, 1 Visit Walborough
wading birds and
other
wildlife that depe
nd on it KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
and for everyone Location: Uphill Way, Uphill, Weston Super
to enjoy Mare, BS23
How to get there: If cycling use National
Cycle Route 33
The estuary and saltmarsh are home to Opening times: Free entry all year round,
large numbers of birds in winter, including dawn til dusk.
wading birds such as dunlin, redshank, Access: There are public footpaths that
little egret and the unmistakably colourful access the site. A surfaced path allows
shelduck. Snipe can also be seen in the access to parts of the site for those who
pools and lagoons in the saltmarsh are less mobile. There is open access to the
fields. During the winter months birds grassland areas but please keep off the salt
from northern Europe join our resident marsh to avoid disturbance to birds. Contact
population and, although numbers the Trust for disabled access information.
have declined nationally in recent years, Phone: 0117 917 7270
Walborough has managed to sustain a Email: mail@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk
good over-wintering population. Website: avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/
nature-reserves/walborough
TOP WILDLIFE TO SPOT
Small heath butterfly: Catch a glimpse
of this small, light-orange butterfly
PAUL MCCORMACK
collecting nectar from late-flowering
ANDY ROUSE/2020VISION
wildflowers on sunny days here throughout
the autumn
Autumn lady’s tresses: While enjoying
the views of the estuary from the top of
soundtrack from above as they breed the main hill, look out for the delicate white
on the saltmarsh. The mixed scrub that flowers of the autumn lady’s tresses, a plant
wraps around the base of the hill offers common to limestone grasslands.
nesting sites for visitors like white throats Another welcome winter visitor is Dunlin: Find large flocks of this small
and black caps. Overhead, buzzards can the short-eared owl. This medium-sized sandpiper seeking out insects, worms and
be seen circling and the familiar ‘croaking’ owl can be seen hunting for voles and molluscs at the estuary during autumn and
call of the raven can be heard. You can other small mammals during the day winter.
distinguish these large birds from the crow over the rough saltmarsh. They will Skylark: Look up to spot a skylark in
family by their size and diamond shaped often quarter an area of ground, gliding, song-flight, this streaky brown bird can be
tail in flight. hovering, looking and listening intently for see soaring through the open countryside
As we move into the autumn and unsuspecting prey. These stealthy birds at Walborough, singing from great heights
winter months there is still a lot to see. of prey are regular visitors to the site and all year round.
well worth looking for while you’re on a
winter walk. Smaller birds can also be seen THINGS TO DO
DID YOU KNOW In 2003, the Trust in good numbers, as pipits, finches and Scan the saltmarsh for wetland birds.
removed sections of the sea wall to create skylarks flock on the saltmarsh, feeding Look for the striking white little egret as
a new area of saltmarsh on the reserve. Six- on the seeds of plants such as sea lavender it looks for food in the shallow lagoons. Or
metre sections of the wall were removed and sea aster. n even glimpse a snipe as it takes to the wing
and replaced with container-like wire and darts for the cover of a new resting
baskets filled with large stones to allow place.
water to filter through as the tide rose and Climb nearby Uphill to the site of the
fell. Areas of the field were also reprofiled
Old Church of St Nicholas on the cliff top
to help this tidal water flood the ground.
VAUGHN MATTHEWS NR
overlooking Brean Down and the mouth of
You can see this in action if you stand on the River Axe. It really is a spectacular view!
the top of Walborough Hill and look back Try and find the Bronze Age bell barrow
towards the boat yard. The field below you on Walborough Hill. This secluded ancient
will be full of wet ditches and scrapes.
monument dates to 1,500 BC.
Remember to look out for wading birds.
Wild Avon | Autumn 2020 11OUR BEST AUTUMN RESERVES
More Avon Wildlife Trust nature
reserves for an autumn day out
3 Goblin Combe
Why now?
Thornbury Goblin Combe is a
rewarding site to
visit all year round,
Severn but the autumn
Beach
Chipping really accentuates
Sodbury
the mosaic of rich
habitats which
Portishead provides the perfect backdrop for this most
dramatic of seasons. On bright sunny autumn
Bristol days, it can be a real treat to see butterflies
2 like the small tortoiseshell and speckled wood
Clevedon
hunting for late flowering plants.
Nailsea
Keynsham Know before you go
3
Bath Location: 61 Cleeve Hill Rd, Bristol, UK
Open: Free entry all year, dawn to dusk
Weston-s-Mare Wildlife to spot: rare moonwort fern, hazel
dormouse and autumn lady’s tresses
1 Find out more:
avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/
nature-reserves/goblin-combe
Midsomer
Norton
The lowdown
2 Willsbridge Valley Just west of Bristol, Goblin Combe offers a
dramatic landscape to explore. The gorge-like
Why now? The reserve contains many habitats, including combe with its large areas of limestone rock
The autumn months are a fantastic time to secondary woodland, semi-improved grassland, contrasts with a high vantage of Cleeve Toot.
visit as the colours change in the canopy and scrub, ponds, a stream, and man-made quarries. Over time, much of this has become covered
the bubbling water in the brook draws the with hazel groves and yew woodland. These
eye to points of interest in the valley bottom. While you’re here, the buff orange underbelly dark wooded slopes support a diversity of
The circular path takes you through the site of the nuthatch may catch your eye as it travels ferns, mosses and fungi easy to spot on many
and is a great vantage point to spot some head-first down tree trunks, or listen for the of the paths at this time of year. The site is
winter birds. drumming of the striking greater spotted also home to a population of dormice who
woodpecker. Flocks of long-tailed tits can also are busy fattening up on fruit and hazel nuts
Know before you go be seen moving through the branches above, before hibernation.
Location: The Dramway, Willsbridge, while blackbird and thrushes mix and feed in the Your reward for climbing to the top of the
BS30 6EX hawthorn crowns. limestone ridge is a far-reaching view across
Open: Free entry all year, dawn to dusk to the Mendip ridge and Severn Estuary,
Wildlife to spot: kingfishers, foxes, badgers whilst the wooded slopes below will be a
and greater horseshoe bats patchwork of colour as the trees give up
Find out more: their leaves. The sunny, flower-rich grasslands
avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/ above are home to diverse wildlife and
nature-reserves/willsbridge-valley contrast strongly with the eerie combe below.
Autumn lady’s tresses can be spotted late in
The lowdown the year and fungi, including the lurid bolete,
Willsbridge Valley reserve is on the eastern can be seen emerging in the grassland.
edge of Bristol, in the valley of the Siston Brook,
a branch of the River Avon. It is used by the Plan your next great day
local community and other visitors to relax in out at our nature reserves:
the tranquil green space and enjoy the wildlife. avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves
12 Wild Avon | Autumn 2020WILD THOUGHTS
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 were
confinement? Fear of illness, or perhaps illness itself? Knowing where the swifts nest on your singing more loudly
Our shared period of lockdown was a long, strange street, which oak in the park is always the during lockdown,
time, yet for many of us it came with an unexpected last into leaf, why the mason bees nest but in fact, it’s likely
silver lining: the opportunity to rediscover (or on one side of a nearby building and not they were able to
discover for the first time) the overlooked green the other – these things root us in place lower their volume
spaces around our homes. and time, in ways that often prove deeply as they had
Especially in the early weeks, when restrictions beneficial both to the world around us, far less noise
were at their strictest, all many of us saw of the and to ourselves. pollution to compete
outside world was during a brief walk each day. As If, during lockdown, you found yourself with. This will have saved
one of the sunniest springs on record unfolded, we seeing your local area with new eyes, them precious energy,
sought out parks, nature reserves and urban green don’t turn away from it now. Consider and may also have
spaces, hungry for contact with the natural world. becoming a Friend of your nearest park, boosted their chances of
For some time now we’ve been reading about the or supporting The Wildlife Trusts; look reproductive success.
benefits of contact with nature to our mental and online for Forest Schools who want help
physical health, but this year it was really brought connecting kids in your area to nature, or other
home to us, as our deepest instincts drove us to charities that have been doing unsung work to
listen out for birdsong, plant windowboxes, cherish protect and preserve green spaces where you are.
humble pavement weeds and take daily note of At the very least, please don’t stop visiting the Melissa
spring’s progress, drawing deep comfort, amid places you discovered in lockdown, no matter how Harrison is
frightening changes, from one of the eternal verities. tempting it is to forget them in favour of a nature writer
ILLUSTRATION: ROBIN MACKENZIE
So what happens now that many of us are back somewhere further afield. We need them, and novelist,
at work each day, and car trips for leisure are once just as wildlife needs them: not just grand and editor of
again allowed? Do we consign the local discoveries National Parks, but nearby nature, too. the anthologies
we made to the dustbin of memory, filing our Spring, Summer,
wonder-filled walks under ‘strange things we did in There could still be a new local gem to discover. Find Autumn and
lockdown’? Or can we take something crucial from out if there’s a Wildlife Trust reserve near you: Winter, produced
the weeks we spent close to home, using what we in support of The
wildlifetrusts.org/nature-reserves
learned to transform the post-Covid world? Wildlife Trusts.
Wild Avon | Autumn 2020 136 places to see
Hidden forests
A
cross the UK, hidden forests of lichen are
waiting to be discovered. They thrive in
almost any environment with enough light,
from the rocky mosaics of dry stone walls
to the gnarled bark of ancient woodlands. Lichens are
fascinating things — not one organism, but a symbiotic
coupling of one or more fungus species and an alga
or cyanobacterium (or occasionally both). They live in
harmony, the fungus providing structure and the other
organism making food through photosynthesis. They’re
often overlooked, but closer inspection reveals a world in
miniature, with lichens growing in sprawling shapes like
the trunks, branches and leaves of the forests in which
many of them grow. It seems as if no two lichens are
alike, each patch a work of chaotic art, from moss-green
cups to rust-coloured mats. With a searching eye and an
open mind, lichens can brighten any walk in the wild.
WITCHES’ WHISKERS LICHEN © ADRIAN DAVIES/NATURE PL
Usnea florida, a beard-lichen also known as witches’
whiskers, is a declining species found mainly on trees
in Wales and south-west England
14 Wild Avon | Autumn 20201
2
3
4
See the spectacle
5
for yourself 6
1 Ballachuan Hazelwood, Scottish Wildlife Trust
One of Scotland’s most ancient woodlands, where the
hazels and rocks are dripping with lichens and mosses. It’s
home to over 372 different lichens, including Norwegian
specklebelly, octopus suckers and elf-ears lichens.
Where: Near Oban, PA34 4RJ
2 Glenarm Nature Reserve, Ulster Wildlife Trust
This beautiful river valley is home to lichens found
nowhere else in Ireland. Look for them decorating the
branches of ancient oaks or coating rocks along the
Glenarm River, where the rare river jelly lichen is found.
Where: Glenarm, BT44 0BD
3 Eycott Hill, Cumbria Wildlife Trust
Admire the collage of lichens along the dry stone walls, or scour
the rocky outcrops to find those orange, leafy lichens that grow
best on a bird’s favourite perch as they thrive on the extra
nitrates from droppings of meadow pipits and wheatears.
Where: Penrith, CA11 0XD
4 Roundton Hill, Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust
Once the site of an Iron Age hillfort, this impressive
landscape supports almost 200 species of lichen. Look for
them on the shady underhangs of volcanic rock outcrops.
Where: Church Stoke, SY15 6EL
5 Roydon Woods Nature Reserve,
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
This enchanting ancient woodland is known for its
wildflowers, but the lichens draping the ageing trees are
just as impressive.
Where: Brockenhurst, SO42 7UF
6 Isles of Scilly, Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust
One of the best places for lichens in the UK. The granite cairns
of Peninnis Head offer a good selection, with a backdrop
of spectacular sea views. The islands are also home to rare
species like gilt-edged lichen.
Did you discover any lichen?
We’d love to know how your search went.
Please tweet us your best photos of the lichens that take
your liking! @wildlifetrustsWILD NEWS
All the latest regional and national news from The Wildlife Trusts
A hug
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TOM MARSHALL
REGIONAL
What has changed since coronavirus?
A
t the start of lockdown, we Heritage Fund. We are grateful for this This increased engagement and
made the difficult but necessary vital funding, which will allow us to plan willingness to embrace nature makes
decision to furlough most of for re-starting many of our services and us hopeful for the future of Avon’s
our staff to protect our financial help to keep our nature reserves, such as wildlife as we emerge from this crisis.
stability during an uncertain time. We Folly Farm, open as natural havens for With Bristol City Council and Bath &
worked with reduced capacity for over both people and wildlife. North East Somerset Council declaring
four months but were encouraged by the Lockdown has brought some ecological emergencies in their areas, we
continuous support of our members. We unexpected positivity as well, as we have have a platform to work with more local
have had to postpone our 40th birthday noticed more visitors to our nature reserves authorities and decision-makers to put a
celebrations which were due to take place and more people than ever engaging plan of action together to bring wildlife
in March and have made the decision to and appreciating nature on social media. back across the region. We have a vision of
hold this year’s AGM virtually. After much Nature has been a source of solace and 30% of land and sea managed for wildlife
consideration, we have also had to reduce recuperation for so many of us and we by 2030 and we know our dedicated staff,
our staff team because of significant hope this admiration carries on into the volunteers and members, like you, will help
financial losses caused by coronavirus. new normal we now face. Our wildflower to make this a reality. Together, we have
Like many charities, this has meant losing nursery, Grow Wilder, has been inundated made it through this difficult time and
some much-loved, talented members of with orders and encouragement as we have are ready to fight for the future wildlife
staff who have contributed a lot to the been dispatching plants across the region deserves.
success of the charity. and beyond – contributing to a wider
Our team have been working hard to network of pollinator-friendly wild spaces.
secure extra financial support through the We have had the most participants ever Turn to page 26 to read more about
pandemic and we were one of 15 Wildlife in this year’s 30 Days Wild, with over 3,282 our virtual AGM or page 31 to read
Trusts to be awarded an emergency grant people locally committing to a Random Act about how we can support your business
in July, thanks to the National Lottery of Wildness for every day in June. towards a greener future.
16 Wild Avon | Autumn 2020NEWS
Thanks to support from The National Lottery Community Fund and players of
People’s Postcode Lottery for their understanding and flexibility as we redesign our
activities for children, young people and families to relaunch this autumn.
Together
we’re stronger
Here are some of the ways your
membership has been helping
to protect your local wildlife
Thanks to your
support, we protected
HELENA DOLBY
badgers on one
of our reserves,
2
including cubs, which we
vaccinated this summer against bovine
REGIONAL TB to help tackle this disease in a way
Stronger communities through
which allows our wild badgers to thrive.
You planted 17,246
nature-based learning wildflowers and herb
pots from Grow Wilder
between March and
When it was clear that this was going to nature and inspire them to take action October 2020, helping us
be a spring and summer like no other, to support nature’s recovery in a safe to take action for insects
our learning team found creative ways way. This includes self-led video sessions during the pandemic
to connect children, young people, for families, working with schools to and continue to face the
teachers, parents and carers with nature. improve their grounds and curriculums ecological emergency by
The coronavirus pandemic has revealed for wildlife and outdoor learning and providing pollen and nectar
nature’s value, as people discovered their integrating nature-based wellbeing for insects and birds.
local wildlife sites for solace, freedom and activities into our programmes. We are
entertainment. The inequalities in access also training others to do the same, while We introduced Exmoor 4
to green spaces and the impact on physical supporting young people to get started ponies to our Folly Farm reserve, who
and mental health were also revealed, with in conservation careers and to campaign have been doing some very important
many families without a garden or easy for change. We hope to come out of grazing work – munching dominant
access to local nature struggling. this as stronger communities, with an species like thistle and making space for
We are now taking a fresh look at appreciation of the value of local wildlife, more delicate wildflower species such
how we connect young people with and the will to protect it. as bird’s-foot-trefoil,
selfheal and
knapweed. Thank
Raising awareness of the with the Mayor
Pearl
bordered
More than
you!
ecological emergency
3,282
of Bristol and the fritillary
We continue to make great progress Natural History
in raising awareness of the ecological Consortium, we’ve people in Avon signed up for 30 Days
emergency. In July 2020, Bath and North developed an Wild this June, a 99% increase from last
East Somerset Council declared an Ecological Emergency Strategy year. Thanks to everyone who committed
RACHEL SCOPES
ecological emergency, following on from for the city this autumn. to a Random Act of Wildness everyday
Bristol’s declaration in February 2020. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve throughout June and shared them with
Alongside the climate emergency that raised nearly £12,000 for our ecological us on social media.
was declared in Bristol in 2018, this shows emergency appeal. With your support The University of Derby created a 5-year
decisive action rippling through Avon. we will accelerate the pace of change review of 30 Days Wild, and found
To ensure that large-scale action is by creating new wildlife habitats and that participants experienced a significant
taken to tackle these twin emergencies influencing behaviour change that will increase in nature connectedness,
we are calling for a collective approach to bring our much-loved wildlife back. rising by as much as 56%. It also made
nature’s recovery, and are working with It’s not too late to donate, help us participants happier and inspired more
councils, businesses and organisations, make a difference today: pro-nature behaviour.
communities and individuals. Together avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/ecoemergency
Wild Avon | Autumn 2020 17UK NEWS
Stag beetles are one of many
species in danger.
UK UPDATE
Wildlife Trusts launch biggest
ever appeal to kickstart
nature’s recovery by 2030
A
s we struggled through the worst Craig Bennett, chief executive of The
pandemic in living memory, the Wildlife Trusts, said: “We’ve set ourselves THE CHANGES WE NEED
importance of nature in our an ambitious goal — to raise £30 million Some examples of projects gearing up
lives became clearer than ever. and kickstart the process of securing to help bring back 30%:
Science shows that humanity’s basic needs at least 30% of land and sea in nature’s
— from food to happiness — can all be met recovery by 2030. We will buy land to n Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is hoping
with a healthy natural environment, where expand and join up our nature reserves; to restore natural processes and
wildlife surrounds us. we’ll work with others to show how to healthy ecosystems on a huge scale
But sadly, nature is not all around us, at bring wildlife back to their land, and we’re in their Wild Peak project, bringing
least not in the abundance it should be. calling for nature’s recovery through a back more wildlife and wild places.
Many of our most treasured species like new package of policy measures including
hedgehogs, bats and basking sharks are big new ideas like Wildbelt.” n Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife
all at risk, as well as many of the insects Wildlife Trusts are fundraising to tackle, Trust is planning a number of
that pollinate our food crops. on a scale not seen before in the UK, the reintroduction projects, from
Loss of wild places and the breaking up joint climate and ecological emergency. beavers to cirl buntings and choughs.
of those that remain into small fragments Restored habitats will capture carbon,
has had a disastrous effect. Only 10% of helping to tackle climate change, and bring n Lancashire Wildlife Trust is helping
land is protected in the UK and much people the health benefits associated with to combat climate change at the
of this is in poor condition. While some contact with the natural world. There are first ever UK carbon farm, which
areas of the seabed are officially protected, amazing projects right on your doorstep is locking up carbon and bringing
harmful activities such as bottom trawling that need support to take flight. back wildlife habitat as the
are only banned in a handful of locations. Craig added: “The next ten years must peatlands are restored
All is not lost, as we know how to turn be a time of renewal, of rewilding our at Winmarleigh.
things round: we need to see nature’s lives, of green recovery. We all need nature
recovery happening across at least 30% more than ever and when we succeed n Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is
STAG BEETLE © TERRY WHITTAKER/2020VISION
of our land and seas by 2030. This would in reaching 30 by 30 we’ll have wilder planning to restore reed beds, fen
enable our wild places to connect and landscapes that store carbon and provide swamps and meres, increasing
allow wildlife to move around and thrive. on-your-doorstep nature for people too. water resilience on Bourne
The Wildlife Trusts are fighting to make Everyone can support and help us to North Fen, supporting improved
this a reality through our new 30 by 30 succeed.” agriculture and water quality —
campaign, and we recently called for a which is good for wildlife —
new landscape designation for England Support our campaign today to whilst reducing flood risk.
called “Wildbelt” that would put land into bring our wildlife back:
recovery for nature and help us reach 30%. wildlifetrusts.org/30-30-30
18 Wild Avon | Autumn 2020NEWS
UK UPDATE UK HIGHLIGHTS
New ambassadors for nature Discover how The
Award-winning actor Alison Steadman, nature’s recovery, and encourage more Wildlife Trusts are 1
Bradford-based GP and TV presenter Dr people to take action. helping wildlife 2
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
are taking up the new have come to see that collectively, they’re 1 Hip hip hoor-hay!
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,
Trusts. The nature restoration, to encouraging and supporting home to internationally important
enthusiasts will people like you and I to do our bit for flower-rich northern hay meadows —
use their voices, wildlife, whether it’s in our garden, or a rare habitat with only 900 hectares
influence and campaigning on issues close to our heart.” left in existence. In time these meadows
audiences to could help create a joined-up network
help us raise You can learn more about our new of restored, wildflower-rich grasslands
awareness of ambassadors and hear their views on across Cumbria and northern England.
the urgent The Wildlife Trusts’ website: cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/
need for wildlifetrusts.org/ambassadors bowberhead
2 Crane comeback
A pair of common cranes has bred
at Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust’s Willow
Tree Fen. This is the first pair to breed in
Lincolnshire in over 400 years. Cranes
were driven to extinction in the UK
in the sixteenth century, but a small
number returned in 1978 and eventually
ALISON STEADMAN © CLEARWATER PHOTOGRAPHY, SPINY STARFISH © LINDA PITKIN/2020VISION, CRANES © NIKKI WILLIAMS
started breeding. The population has
slowly grown and spread, with 56 pairs
attempting to nest in the UK in 2019.
lincstrust.org.uk/willow-tree-fen
Safer areas at sea 3 Duke’s reprieve
In 2019 an independent panel was tasked protections for the marine environment, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
by the Government to review whether giving nature the best chance of purchased Deacon Hill, Winchester’s only
Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) recovery. By removing all pressure, from remaining stronghold for the endangered
could be introduced to English waters. fishing to construction, our shallow seas, Duke of Burgundy butterfly. This is a
Over 3,000 Wildlife Trust supporters shores and diverse seabeds can become crucial piece of land in a network of sites
responded to the panel’s consultation, healthier, more productive and full of around Winchester that are managed by
backing our call for HPMA introduction. life once more. the Trust with wildlife in mind.
HPMAs would offer the strictest possible wtru.st/help-our-seas hiwwt.org.uk/deaconhill
Wild Avon | Autumn 2020 19NEWS
We bet you didn’t know...
Alongside The Species Recovery Trust, we’ve been conducting miniature- UK HIGHLIGHTS
scale conservation work so rare rabbit moss can flourish on our Walton AAR
DM
Common reserve - discovering 50% more this year than two years ago! AN
Morph
ST
UD
IO
REGIONAL As we
S
went into
Taking action lockdown,
JON HAWKINS SURREY HILLS PHOTOGRAPHY
spring
for insects blossomed
all around
The Wildlife Trusts launched the us, giving
Reversing Insect Declines report this July. us hope for the
The new report, written by Professor future for nature.
Dave Goulson, focuses on the solutions Spring delights like
to the ‘unnoticed apocalypse’ happening bright yellow and purple flowers,
to insects. It calls for ambitious targets buzzing bees, birdsong and dappled
for pesticide reduction where people live, light through the fresh growth of
work and farm, and for all sectors to be to be rich in nature. Our homes and leaves on trees brightened our days
during a difficult time. Even though
supported to move away from avoidable gardens, parks and verges, towns and
we had to stay local, there was still
pesticide use. cities and the wider countryside all
so much we could enjoy on our
This is all part of the second phase of contribute towards nature’s recovery.
doorsteps. Local celebrity Morph,
the Action for Insects campaign, which We’re encouraging individuals and
from Aardman Studios, was out taking
began in 2019 with the launch of the communities to become insect
notice of nature too!
pioneering Insect Declines and Why They champions. With everyone taking action
Matter report. The 2019 report revealed for insects in their homes, gardens, cities,
that 41% of insect species face extinction communities, farms and businesses,
through loss of habitats and overuse change can happen. It’s not too late,
Photography
of pesticides across the UK. Thanks to and together we can put insects into competition
you, our members and supporters, we recovery. Thanks to everyone who entered
were delighted to find out that Avon has and voted in our wild photography
the second highest number of people Find out more about how to protect competition. Congratulations to Emily
signed up to take action for insects in the insects and how to create an insect- Maestri for winning the public vote
country. friendly garden teeming with wildlife with this photo of a slow worm!
Taking action for insects includes by claiming your free action for insects
creating havens for insects, by guide and start to make a difference today: WINNER
properly protecting wildlife habitats avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/
and connecting and managing them action-for-insects
REGIONAL weekends.
We are delighted
EMILY MAESTRI
Grow Wilder to see families
GEORGE COOK
and groups
Our urban wildlife site and wildflower of friends
nursery in Bristol, Grow Wilder, created back, enjoying And congratulations to Michael
an online shop and home delivery service the thriving Gane for winning the staff vote with
from scratch during lockdown. Originally nature on site his photo of a kingfisher. Keep an
facing site closure, we were determined and taking action in their homes and eye on our social media for our next
to tackle the ecological emergency during communities. We hugely appreciate the photography competition.
the uncertainty by inspiring everyone to support we’ve received from you and from
grow wildflowers and vegetables in their volunteers and visitors over this period. WINNER
MICHAEL GANE
gardens, allotments or balconies. In doing Thank you, and we look forward to taking
so, we continued supporting pollinators you on our journey onwards.
and provided an opportunity for people to
connect with nature from home. For more information and
We are excited to be open again, with our online shop visit
people on site for courses and events and avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/growwilder,
the launch of a new café and nature trail at or find us on Facebook and Instagram.
20 Wild Avon | Autumn 2020WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
FOCUS ON... “We’re in the grips of an unparalleled emergency
but nature needs our help now, more than ever.
Coronavirus Appeal Please donate today to help local wildlife survive
long into the future.” Ian Barrett, Chief Executive
We nee
your d
help...
Coronavirus
has had a drastic
impact on the
charity’s finances
Lockdown has been difficult talented and passionate colleagues North Somerset Levels and Moors
Lockdown has been a difficult time to ensure the safety of our front-line – This mass of waterways is part
for everyone. For Avon Wildlife Trust, conservation work. This work is essential of our Nature Recovery Network
the lockdown has meant cancelled in striving towards our ambition of in Avon and we’re working hard to
events and volunteering activities securing 30% of land and sea for wildlife restore the river systems that feed the
and furloughing many of our staff. by 2030. We will do this by focusing on wetlands to promote water quality
Understandably, this has had a huge nature’s recovery on our nature reserves, for overwintering birds and restore
impact on our finances as most of our acquiring new land and working with the peatland habitat to lock up more
operations were shut down between local people to take action for nature. carbon in the landscape.
April and July. We estimate a drop in
income of up to £1 million in this year We’ve got big plans Nature needs you now
alone, resulting in potential losses of We had big plans for 2020 which have Throughout lockdown, many of us
£280,000. been disrupted by coronavirus. By turned to nature on our doorsteps as a
donating today, you could help our vital source of comfort and hope. More and
We’ve made hard decisions conservation projects across Avon: more people are now understanding the
The way we work as an organisation true value of the natural world and its
has been challenged with increasing Ecological emergency – We’re working role in combating the twin climate and
financial pressures. We’ve already made with Bristol and Bath & North East ecological emergencies we face. We are
some hard decisions, including reducing Somerset Councils to fight back confident that with your support we will
our staff team by 20%, resulting in against the ecological emergency. We’ve be able to protect and restore wildlife,
redundancies and the loss of some developed an Ecological Emergency encourage more people to take action
Strategy to start taking essential action for nature and help bring wildlife back
to bring wildlife back in these areas. across 30% of land and sea by 2030.
Please help with an urgent donation of
B-Lines – We are working with whatever you can afford today.
local businesses, communities and
NICK UPTON/2020VISION
landowners across the region to
develop a network of inter-connected, o donate today, visit
T
healthy habitats for pollinating insects avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/
to move across the landscape and coronavirus
increase biodiversity.
Wild Avon | Autumn 2020 21You can also read
