Nottinghamshire Wild Life Winter 2023/24

The member magazine for your Wildlife Trust

Winter 2023

Nottinghamshire Wild Life WINTER ON THE FARM

Cheep what you sow Jordans farmers give birds a helping hand

BRINGING WATER VOLES BACK FROM THE BRINK OUR TH ANNIVERSARY Looking to the future as we reflect on our shared success

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust

CONTENTS

Notes from the Chief Executive Value of membership - thriving together As we continue to mark our 60th anniversary, reflect on our many shared successes and consider how best to achieve our aspiration of a wilder Nottinghamshire, it is clear that people are central to everything we do.

Whilst our focus has always, and will continue to be, protecting species and creating and enhancing habitats, the key to our work is people. Without members, donors and volunteers there would be no Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. To bring about change we must influence politicians through our lobbying or support individuals and communities to take action where they live.

The strapline to our Creating a Wilder Nottinghamshire by 2030 strategy is Achieving a people-powered nature recovery – and in effect that is what we’ve been working to secure for six decades. From the people driven to stand up in the face of the threat to what is now Attenborough Nature Reserve back in the early 1960s, to the young members of our Keeping it Wild group today – encouraging action for nature and climate is what we are all about.

A key focus of our strategy is to inspire more people than ever before to act. In planning for our anniversary year, we were determined to look forward as well as back and a key focus for the year has been the establishment of our Wilder Nottinghamshire Network (see page 6). We recognise that we cannot secure a wilder Nottinghamshire on our own and one of our strengths is our reach into local communities.

Through the network we aim to help connect and celebrate action for nature’s recovery right across Nottinghamshire.

By demonstrating strength in our collective action, we hope to inspire even more people to act locally. If you are making efforts to help wildlife in your area, individually or as part of

a group we want to hear about the action you are taking.

If you know groups locally that might want to be part of the network, please encourage them to get in touch.

As we strive to create more space for nature, influencing agricultural policy and supporting farmers to make their land more welcoming to wildlife is vital. As highlighted on pages 10 and 11, it is possible to produce food commercially whilst supporting wildlife. Our Nature Recovery Team is supporting farmers across the county who are keen to welcome wildlife on to their land and embrace new approaches such as regenerative farming - focussed on soil health. Healthy soil produces good yields, increases biodiversity and stores more carbon and it is exciting to see so many farmers keen to work with nature – but we must keep up the pressure on Government to ensure that farming policy and funding supports them to make the right decisions.

On page 12 you’ll see some of the reflections and feedback we’ve been gathering as part of our anniversary year.

People really are at the heart of what we do and that includes you. As another year draws to a close, I’d like to thank you for your continued support and to remind you that as we continue to celebrate 60 years of shared success, we want to hear from you. We want to know why wildlife inspires you. We want to hear about your aspirations for the future and what makes you proud to be part of this amazing charity - so please do get in touch.

Paul Wilkinson Chief Executive

@originalwilko

How you can get involved Volunteer

Dedication leaves

See what role could suit you on our website. nottinghamshirewildlife.org/ volunteering-opportunities

Commemorate a celebration with a dedication leaf. nottinghamshirewildlife.org/dedications

£

Donate We can’t do it without your support!

Donate via our website donation form. nottinghamshirewildlife.org/donate

Include a gift in your will

£

Play your part in raising awareness for a Wilder Future, Wilder Nottinghamshire. nottinghamshirewildlife.org/campaigns

Join in our events Keep an eye on our website for updates about our events. nottinghamshirewildlife.org/events

Visit a reserve

Social media

Explore a new site or revisit a favourite one! nottinghamshirewildlife.org/nature-reserves

Keep informed and join in with the daily wildlife updates online via Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram

Get your bird food delivered straight to your door, as well as other wildlife products and homeware. nottinghamshirewildlife.org/shop

Nottinghamshire Wild Life | Winter 2023

3 Your wild winter

Showcasing the local winter wildfowl to spot this season

5 Wild thoughts

James Brittain-McVey inspires us to get outside for our own wellbeing

6 Wild news

Team Watervole has arrived and are determined to bring these little mammals back from the brink

7 UK news

New fund for nature's recovery!

8 Wild reserves

It's a vital partnership between staff and volunteers to manage our reserves

10 Sowing survival

Getting the right habitat in the right place on Jordan's Farm

12 60th anniversary Looking to the future as we reflect on our shared success

14 Wildlife gardening Saving water for wildlife

15 Six places to see terrific trees

Contributions Editorial enquiries and contributions to: Rachel Rutherford Copy deadline: Monday 22nd January 2024 Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, The Old Ragged School, Brook Street, Nottingham NG1 1EA Tel: 0115 958 8242 Email: info@nottswt.co.uk Web: nottinghamshirewildlife.org Front Cover: Goldfinches © Mark Hamblin/2020VISION Consultant Editor: Tom Hibbert

This will help future generations to enjoy nature in Nottinghamshire as you have done. nottinghamshirewildlife.org/leave-legacy

Online shopping

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Campaign

Contents

E-newsletter For more regular updates about Nottinghamshire wildlife make sure the Membership team has your email consent.

Email membership@nottswt.co.uk

Consultant Designer: Ben Cook The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Wildlife Trust or its Council Published by: Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Editor in Chief: Erin McDaid Editor: Rachel Rutherford A Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England No. 748865 Reg. Charity No. 224168 President: Sir Andrew Buchanan Designed & Produced by Optima Graphic Design Consultants Limited optimadesign.co.uk

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YOUR WILD WINTER

YOUR WILD WINTER:

Winter wildfowl In many respects, winter is the best time of year to watch ducks, geese and swans.

With winter delivering the spectacle of large flocks and males, or drakes, in the pomp of their brightest plumage – it really can be a spectacular time to visit our wetland reserves, including our largest sites from Idle Valley and Attenborough to Besthorpe and Skylarks.

These wonderful wetlands really can be great places to visit in winter and it is often the time when major work will be carried out to keep them in tip top condition for wildlife – including coppicing and scrub removal to maintain and expand open areas to provide feeding opportunities for wading birds such as shanks and breeding habitat for ground nesting species such as lapwing.

LAPWING © MARK HAMBLIN 2020VISION NottinghamshireWildlifeTrust

@Nottswildlife

@nottinghamshirewildlife

Nottinghamshire Wild Life | Winter 2023

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WILD NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

YOUR WILD WINTER

When visiting our wetlands, look out for flocks of migratory geese or flocks of less common ducks such as goldeneye, goosander and pintail.

Once the first snowfall of winter arrives, even if it’s just a light dusting, it can bring a whole new element to wildlife watching thanks to the opportunity to look out for the tracks of mammals such as fox, deer, otter and badger. Even after the snow has thawed, muddy tracks tend to have less vegetation on them at this time of year meaning footprints can often be made out.

Otters have long been back in our county and all our main wetland sites present the opportunity to see them, but these usually elusive creatures have been spotted more and more regularly at Attenborough Nature Reserve, with one particular individual putting on regular shows in full view of two of the popular wildlife watching hides (pictured).

GOLDENEYE DRAKE © MIKE VICKERS, GOOSANDER DRAKES IDLE VALLEY NR © MIKE VICKERS

Goldeneye

PINTAIL © JOHN SMITH, DOG OTTER CRAYFISH CLIFTON POND ANR © GARY BARBER

As well as work undertaken by our staff and volunteers, our large wetland reserves benefit from the positive impact of our nature-based grazing programme and you’ll often see both sheep or cattle busily munching away. At our largest site, Idle Valley Nature Reserve, we have the benefit of the expanding group of beavers following their release in November 2021.

Since their release they have helped transform parts of the enclosure and their 24/7 presence has enabled us to focus management on other areas of the reserve.

Pintail, with [inset] a dog otter eating a crayfish seen this year at Attenborough Nature Reserve

When visiting our wetlands, look out for flocks of migratory geese or flocks of less common ducks such as goldeneye, goosander and pintail.

Winter Tree ID Whilst most of us might be confident enough to tell trees apart when covered in their distinct leaves, telling one tree species from another during winter can be a whole other challenge.

When you’ve exhausted the opportunities presented by looking down at the ground, winter is a great time to look up to the treetops as there will be many birds forming winter roosts. Large gatherings high in the trees provide a couple of distinct benefits for birds, providing both safety in numbers and additional, much needed, warmth. Birds to look out for include corvids such as rooks, crows and jackdaws. The sight and sound of a large corvid roost massing is a real spectacle.

Whilst very different to the almost balletic displays that starling flocks put on before descending into reedbeds, it is still a wonderful wildlife experience not to be missed.

The best time to track down bird roosts is about an hour before sunset - look out for small flocks of birds all heading in the same direction towards safe roost spots. A good place to head is our Besthorpe Nature Reserve west of Newark, between the villages of Collingham and Besthorpe – where the island in the main lake – Mons Pool, is home to a sizable corvid roost.

If visiting our Skylarks Nature Reserve near Holme Pierrepont, south of Nottingham, look out for flocks of gadwall on the open water and flocks of winter thrushes such as redwing and fieldfare.

Redwing and fieldfare are often encountered together in mixed, sometimes noisy flocks as they roam the countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows on berries, worms and invertebrates. When the ground is frozen or snow covered they will venture into towns and gardens to feed on berries that often abound. They can quickly strip a bush of berries, and their presence is often heard as they compete for the food with blackbirds and mistle thrushes.

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Nottinghamshire Wild Life | Winter 2023

Whilst an oak tree might still be relatively easy to spot given the presence of acorns on the leafless branches or piled deep below the canopy, other trees can be more tricky to identify.

Goosander Drakes

Winter thrushes move inland from the east coast as winter progresses. The characteristic “tseep" call of redwings can often be heard on a winter’s night as flocks move across the countryside.

The redwing is a small thrush that can be recognised by its creamy strip above the eye and orange-red patches on their flanks. Fieldfares are large birds that stand upright and are similar in size to our native mistle thrush with a slate-grey head, nape and rump, dark brown back, blackish tail and boldly speckled breast.

A walk around one of our wetland reserves such as Attenborough, Besthorpe, Skylarks or Idle Valley during winter will often result in a sighting of our Scandinavian visitors. Look up into the bare trees as they can often be seen perched in trees silhouetted against a cold grey winter sky as they stop off from the foraging flights.

Whilst fallen leaves can still provide useful clues, the main tell-tale signs that help differentiate between species in winter come from the buds, twigs and bark – presenting a fascinating challenge for the winter wildlife watcher. Whilst the prospect of telling your birch from your beech without leaves, flowers or fruits might seem a daunting prospect, it is far from an impossible task. You might even surprise yourself with just how much knowledge you’ve built up.

Each species has unique features, whether the colour and texture of bark, the structure of twigs and branches or the form and colour of buds as they emerge. The black buds of ash are a sure fire characteristic whilst hazel buds could be described as pea green. Given that many trees carry green buds, the presence of hazel nut shells on the floor below might help you piece together the puzzle. Once you’re familiar with a few key features, separating ash from oak can be surprisingly easy. There are many great guides online making it possible to build and test your skills whilst out and about – and there are of course plenty of great books available if you’d rather build your knowledge in a comfy armchair by the fire.

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WILD THOUGHTS FERAL PIGEON © JUAN MANUEL BORRERO, NATUREPL.COM

James Brittain-McVey @TheVampsJames

@jamesmcvey

Keep a wild heart in winter I love spending time in nature. There’s just something special about getting outside, seeing wildlife, feeling like you’re part of something bigger. But we live busy lives, finding time isn’t always easy. When I’m in the studio, or on tour, it’s so easy to forget just how important time in nature is, and how it’s always just beyond the door.

That’s why I’m a huge fan of The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild challenge. It’s all about everyday actions.

That’s the amazing thing about experiencing nature – it doesn’t have to be something big. Taking a few minutes outside, watching a bird or standing under a tree, can be just as powerful as spending a whole day exploring a forest or walking along a beach.

It just gives you a rush of happiness that’s hard to find anywhere else.

In winter, we need that feeling more than ever. But it can sometimes seem harder to find. Days are shorter and darker. The leaves and flowers are mostly gone.

Those sunny June memories of 30 Days Wild with bees, birdsong and butterflies seem like a lifetime ago. But remember the message: do one wild thing a day. It’s not always easy, but try to find the time and I promise you that you won’t regret it.

I live in a city, but even there I can head outside and find some mood-boosting wildlife. I can head to the park and see birds flying around the bare trees, or take a walk along the river. Watching the water flow by can give you an incredible sense of peace, even on the gloomiest winter day. If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, you don’t even have to go that far. We have so much wildlife on our doorstep, just waiting for us to enjoy it.

NottinghamshireWildlifeTrust

@Nottswildlife

@nottinghamshirewildlife

Earlier this year, I had surgery on my vocal cords.

I couldn’t sing, couldn’t even talk for months.

Spending time in nature really helped with my recovery. I even came up with the melody for my new single whilst walking around a park. The power that nature has to heal and inspire us is incredible.

A WINTER CHALLENGE

There are definitely days when it feels harder. When it’s cold outside and the couch feels too comfy to leave. But make that effort, even if it’s just to step outside for a moment. See if you can hear a robin singing, or even just spot a pigeon. Feel the breeze on your skin, or touch a tree and trace the texture of the bark. Find that little something that reminds you that nature is all around us, that we’re connected to it. Take it in, let it fill your soul, ground you to our amazing world. It’s therapeutic and good for us on so many levels.

If, like James, you’re missing the fun of 30 Days Wild, why not take on our festive version – 12 Days Wild! Can you do one wild thing a day from the 25th December to the 5th January?

Find out more and get inspired at wildlifetrusts.org/ 12dayswild

Just one little moment a day is all it takes to keep your heart wild, and a wild heart will make winter so much more wonderful.

Find out more about how nature can help our health and wellbeing at wildlifetrusts.org/wellbeing

James Brittain-McVey is a nature lover and musician, best known as the guitarist for The Vamps. He has been an ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts since 2021, inspiring his fans to think about their impact on the natural world.

James’s new solo single, Dancing on the Head of a Needle, is out now.

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE NEWS

WILD NEWS

Building on six decades of grass roots action, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is determined to inspire and support more people than ever before to take positive action for our shared environment.

As part of our response to the nature and climate crisis we’ve launched the Wilder Nottinghamshire Network to help connect and celebrate action for nature’s recovery across Nottinghamshire. By demonstrating strength in our collective action, we hope to inspire even more people to act.

We’re keen to hear from anyone already taking action for nature, so we can: Share learning and best practice, enabling us to support others at the start of their journey k Scarborough, Team Watervole L-R Jac dley and Bra ice Lydia Rackham, Jan gg Cra y Gar

Celebrate positive action for nature – from individual and community-led micro habitat creation to landscape-scale projects, all action is valued Connect individuals, groups and organisations to share knowledge, expertise and, where possible, resources

Trust determined to bring water voles back from the brink Having disappeared from many of its strongholds due to pressures such as loss of habitat, these delightful creatures have also suffered more than most from the impact of predation by non-native mink. The once ubiquitous water vole is now considered amongst our most threatened native mammals.

In September, Natural England announced £13.5 million of investment across 63 projects including the Nottinghamshire Water Vole Recovery Project – which the Trust will deliver in conjunction with a range of partners across the county.

Competition for the funding was fierce and having secured the support the Trust has quickly recruited a team to deliver the project led by Gary Cragg, who most recently worked on our badger vaccination programme.

As we mark our 60th anniversary year it is exciting to embark on such a significant programme. Over the next two years, almost £500,000 will be invested in habitat creation and enhancements, targeted mink control and the establishment of a water vole breeding and release programme. The project will benefit flagship wetland sites such as Idle Valley and Attenborough Nature Reserves as well as a range of sites in at least three river catchments across the county.

A more detailed update on the project will appear in the April issue of Nottinghamshire Wild Life – but do keep an eye on our website, e-newsletters and social media channels for progress on this major new initiative.

Identify Wilder Champions across Nottinghamshire – people and organsiations who are actively encouraging and supporting others to take action for nature, from grassroots projects to county-wide initiatives

Get involved

Who can be part of the network?

Individuals and community groups can show their support for the network by adding their actions for nature to our web based map.

Community groups can also help to shape the fledgling network by completing a short survey by visiting our website or scanning the QR code below.

We are keen to hear what you would find most useful from the network, and for you to tell us how you’d like to be involved. If you’re part of a group and want to make space for nature in your local area but don’t know where to start, please let us know your ideas by completing our online form, and one of our Wilder Nottinghamshire officers will be in touch.

nottinghamshirewildlife.org/ wilder-nottinghamshire-network

We would like to thank Capital One for their kind support in hosting the hybrid meeting as we marked our 60th Anniversary AGM in November.

The Trust and Capital One have been working together for over 20 years, beginning in 2003 when Capital One sponsored an initiative designed in getting young people in Clifton closer to the wildlife on their local Nature Reserve, Fairham Brook Nature Reserve. Over the intervening years Capital One has continued to work with the Trust through their corporate

support and fund-raising activities such as celebrating Earth Day and engaging and educating their staff and families about the importance of nature in a sustainable society and the benefits for their physical and mental well-being. In 2022 Capital One also funded a new dipping platform at Attenborough Nature Reserve.

L-R From Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Paul Wilkinson Chief Exec, Colin Gibson Trustee Treasurer, Nick Parsons Trustee Chair, Emily Patrick Partnerships and Trusts Manager, with Capital One represented by Tanya Brown Visual Designer and Green Champions Lead and Dave Richards Head of Corporate Responsibility

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Nottinghamshire Wild Life | Winter 2023

nottinghamshirewildlife.org

WATER VOLE © TERRY WHITTAKER 2020VISION

Could you be part of the Wilder Nottinghamshire Network?

UK NEWS

UK NEWS KINGFISHER © JOSHUA COPPING

UK HIGHLIGHTS UK UPDATE

Discover how The Wildlife Trusts are helping wildlife across the UK

Nature for the people

A model approach River restoration should be high on the agenda, with pollution threatening wildlife like kingfishers GREY PARTRIDGE © DAVID TIPLING/2020VISION, WATER BUFFALO © ROBERT PHILLIPS

New fund for nature’s recovery The Wildlife Trusts are ramping up plans to combat the nature crisis thanks to a £6 million investment from the Ecological Restoration Fund. The money will support rewilding projects, the reintroduction of keystone species and better protections for marine and coastal habitats.

The programme will work towards creating bigger and more connected wild areas for nature’s recovery, which are essential to protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030.

Projects that will benefit include a coast-to-coast nature recovery programme along Hadrian’s Wall, peatland restoration in Northern Ireland, and wetland restoration across the River Severn catchment.

Find out more at wildlifetrusts.org/6-million-ERF

he coming year will bring with it a general election, with the people of the UK given the opportunity to choose their representatives in government. One thing is clear: whichever party forms the UK Government, they must make it a priority to tackle the nature and climate crisis.

The Wildlife Trusts have created a set of asks detailing what we want to see – and what nature needs – from the UK Government. Our asks are broken down into five key sections, each with three simple steps outlining how it can be achieved. The Wildlife Trusts are calling for whomever makes the next UK Government to:

Bring back our lost wildlife Nature is declining at a speed never previously seen and shows no signs of slowing. We need the Government to reverse this trend and put nature into recovery. They must ensure that at least 30% of land and sea is protected for it by 2030. They must also stop the damage to our seas through sewage discharges and river pollution, as well as safeguarding Marine Protected Areas from development and destructive fishing methods. Finally, we want to see wild beavers in every major river catchment in England, Scotland and Wales – restoring wetlands and making space for nature.

End river pollution Many of the UK’s rivers are polluted beyond legal limits, and less than half are in good condition ecologically – but the Government can take action. Firstly, they must ensure that environmental watchdogs have the powers and resources to enforce the law, with regular monitoring and commensurate penalties for parties who knowingly break it. They must halve nutrient pollution from

Grey partridges are just one of the threatened species that will benefit

In hot water

UK UPDATE

Summer saw global sea surface temperatures reach an all time high, with worrying implications for the world’s wildlife. In August, the Copernicus climate modelling service reported that the global average daily sea surface temperatures hit 20.96°C, breaking the record of 20.95°C set in 2016.

The changes to sea temperature we are already seeing as the climate warms are particularly dangerous to unique and threatened ecosystems, such as warm water coral reefs. This risk was demonstrated this summer in Florida, where corals

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sewage, wastewater and agriculture by 2030.

Finally, we need stronger protection for chalk streams, one of the world’s rarest habitats.

Fund wildlifefriendly farming Farming is one of the main causes of wildlife declines, but it doesn’t have to be.

Government can support farmers to grow in harmony with nature and help bring wildlife back. They need to double the budget for wildlife-friendly farming, halve the use of pesticides and protect farming against climate change. The extreme heat and droughts in 2017 and 2022 provided a taste of the reality to come; farmers need more support to adapt to climate change.

4 Green our communities Too many of us live in polluted, naturedeprived neighbourhoods. These poor quality living conditions are damaging people’s health and cutting lives short.

We need a Natural Health Fund to reduce the strain on the NHS and public services.

We need a legally mandated right to a clean and healthy environment, protecting nature and the health and wellbeing of us all. And we need all children to be given the opportunity to learn outdoors.

5 Tackle the

Climate change is driving nature’s decline, whilst the loss of wildlife and wild places leaves us ill-equipped to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to change. It’s a vicious cycle that demands immediate action. We need the UK Government to help nature and people adapt to climate change, protect the blue carbon in our marine environments, and make our homes more energy efficient.

Alongside the record sea surface and land surface temperatures, the last year has also seen unprecedented changes in the extent of Antarctic sea ice and wildfires.

Other extreme weather was also widespread, with many catastrophic heatwaves and flooding incidents around the world.

@nottinghamshirewildlife

The buffalo-down Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust has introduced a herd of water buffalo to improve rare fen habitat at Thorley Wash Nature Reserve. These hardy animals will graze the ditches and marshy areas that cows prefer to avoid, preventing the need for heavy machinery to clear scrub and improve the site for wildlife such as water voles. wtru.st/herts-buffalo

Seeing reddish

climate emergency

were not only bleaching at alarming rates, but dying very quickly. The UK’s seas will not be immune to the changes we are seeing now. June saw an extreme marine heatwave develop off our coasts. Sustained high temperatures can lead to the death and changes in behaviour of fish and other marine wildlife, with significant impacts on food webs.

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is growing a sustainable alternative to goose-feather down. BioPuff®, which can replace feathers in padded jackets, is made from the fluffy seadheads of bulrushes. The Trust plans to re-wet agricultural peatland to grow the bulrushes, protecting the carbon in the peat and reducing emissions. wtru.st/bulrush-clothing

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has rediscovered one of the UK’s rarest moths. The reddish buff is only found on one site in the country, a Wildlife Trust nature reserve on the Isle of Wight, but had not been recorded since 2019. This year, the Trust’s annual survey revealed two adult moths. wtru.st/seeing-reddish

As the impacts of a warming planet become more obvious, the Wildlife Trusts are urging this UK Government to accelerate action on climate change. It’s vital that we reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible, but also that we do more to adapt to the changes we are already seeing.

The impacts of climate change will keep getting worse until the world hits net zero greenhouse gas emissions. Global emissions are still increasing, and haven’t started to drop yet.

Find out more about combatting the climate and nature emergency at wildlifetrusts.org/emergency

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

WILD RESERVES DORMOUSE 2023 © SOPHIE BELL

Around the reserves

Featured reserves 1 Besthorpe Nature Reserve 2 Treswell Wood 3 Skylarks Nature Reserve 4 Attenborough Nature Reserve

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1

This year the Notts Dormouse Group have recorded record numbers of dormice and have been busy training new volunteers in all aspects of dormice surveying

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Our Head of Communications Erin McDaid underlines the vital partnership between staff and volunteers that keeps our nature reserves in tip-top order for both wildlife and people.

The creation, protection and management of nature reserves has long been central to our work. Down the years we’ve benefitted from a succession of inspirational, energetic, and knowledgeable staff who have shaped our reserves whilst working cheek by jowl alongside passionate and dedicated volunteers. This vital dynamic continues today as our Nature Recovery (NR) Team work alongside hundreds of volunteers to keep our nature reserves in good order for wildlife and people.

Three of our ancient woodlands near Retford – Eaton, Gamston and 2 Treswell Woods, continue to benefit from the input of the Nottinghamshire Dormouse Group which leads on monitoring the re-introduced dormouse populations and work alongside Nature Recovery staff to plan and deliver vital habitat management to benefit dormice (pictured).

In the south of the county, Skylarks Nature Reserve benefits from the efforts of several volunteer groups. Our dedicated Young Rangers help during regular workdays – sometimes working alongside the regular volunteers and wardens who make such a difference on site. This special wetland site also benefits from the input of the Skylarks Experimental Archaeology Group.

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Warden Andrew Hindmarsh & volunteer John Hitchcock in the wheelchair friendly hide at Besthorpe © Sophie Bell

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Nottinghamshire Wild Life | Winter 2023

SKYLARKS NEW HIDE © HARRISON BAKER

Back in the summer I had the pleasure, along with my team, to meet up with long-term volunteers Andrew Hindmarsh and John Hitchcock at 1 Besthorpe Nature Reserve in the Trent Vale where they work alongside a merry band of volunteers carrying out habitat management and vital repairs to footpaths and other facilities to ensure visitors can visit safely.

Over the past twelve months the volunteers have supported Nature Recovery staff by completing repairs to hundreds of metres of stock fencing. With dozens of reserves to care for, the support of volunteers at sites such as 1 Besthorpe is a tremendous help to the team – and saves the Trust money.

The Hereborg at Skylarks Nature Reserve

Get out and explore Don’t forget, in addition to more than 40 Wildlife Trust nature reserves to visit here in Nottinghamshire there are over 2,000 Wildlife Trust reserves to explore across the UK. Many Trust’s offer free entry for members of other Wildlife Trust’s – so next time you’re on holiday or visiting friends and family around the UK, be sure to check out at least one local Trust reserve.

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

WILD RESERVES

Situated at the end of a new accessible path and overlooking the wetland of Blott’s Pit, the new hide - known as the Hereborg - started life long before the pandemic hit and takes design cues from an early structure found as part of archaeological discoveries on the opposite side of the lake where an AngloSaxon settlement and graveyard were found prior to sand and gravel extraction.

21st century wildlife watchers with large openings for viewing the wetland, a level gravel floor and a kickout for wheelchair users. The Hereborg is a great example of what can be achieved when staff and volunteers collaborate and more about this unique and fascinating project can be found on our website in a thoroughly enjoyable blog by our Ranger Miriam Lawley who led the project.

Reflecting the design of a Gruben-haus, a style of house used by inhabitants of northern Europe over a thousand years ago, the hide has been updated for

Maria Romanov Skylarks Hide opening ©

ATTENBOROUGH NATURE RESERVE ST. MARY'S CHURCH © BEN GORDON, ATTENBOROUGH NATURE RESERVE © HEATHER KEETLEY

Over the summer, a significant focus for everyone connected with the reserve has been the creation of a unique wildlife watching hide – inspired by the past use of the site and made possible thanks to the skills developed by the Experimental Archaeology group over the past decade.

Attenborough Nature Reserve St. Mary's Church

Have your say to ensure that Attenborough is a haven for everyone Since people so generously backed our efforts to purchase 4 Attenborough Nature Reserve back in 2019, we have been developing our vision for this much-loved site. Now, thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we want to ensure that the vision reflects a wide range of views.

Our ambitions are to: • Define and understand our audience, how visitors feel about the reserve and how we can inspire them to act for nature and climate.

LONGHORNS IN FRONT OF SKYLARKS HIDE © SOPHIE BELL

• Assess how to ensure a meaningful, accessible, inspiring and inclusive visit.

• Establish who isn’t visiting or benefiting from the reserve and how to engage them – ensuring we remove physical, cultural or perceptual barriers to access and enjoyment of the reserve.

• Help 4 Attenborough Nature Reserve become a beacon of wildlife connection, health and wellbeing.

Insights gathered in the months ahead will provide the foundations for future bids to aid the delivery of our ambitious vision for 4 Attenborough Nature Reserve, ensuring it remains a protected, muchneeded space for wildlife and people and one which inspires action for nature and climate.

For further details check out our website or email the project coordinator Helen Griffiths via

hgriffiths@nottswt.co.uk

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UK

WILD PARTNERSHIPS LINNET ON A SUNFLOWER HEAD © ANDYWORKS, ISTOCK.COM

Sowing Surivival

You can learn more about the Jordans Farm Partnership, and how the growers are helping wildlife thrive on their farms, at wildlifetrusts.org/jordans-farm-partnership

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Nottinghamshire Wild Life | Winter 2023

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UK

WILD PARTNERSHIPS LAPWING © DAVID TIPLING/2020VISION, FARMER AND ADVISOR © MATTHEW ROBERTS

An Evening with

Matt Baker MBE NEW SPRING DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED See website for further details

PHOTO: SIMON DEWHURST, GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW

Winter on a Jordans Farm In many cases, the work that Jordans farmers do throughout the year continues to pay off in winter. The hedges, rough field margins, woodlands, ditches, and ponds they create and protect provide shelter and a natural food source. At Hatchepen Farm in Hertfordshire, 2.5 kilometres of hedgerow have recently been created, a welcome sight to the grey partridges, corn buntings, finches and thrushes that spend the winter on the farm.

Farmland covers a vast area of the UK, around 70% of our land, so the way farms are managed has huge implications for our wildlife. As farmland developed, many animals adapted to take advantage of the habitats it provided. There were hedgerows to hide in, ponds to drink from, and a wide variety of plants to provide food. But as farming has intensified over the years, many of these features have been lost, with a big impact on the wildlife that has grown to rely on them. Nature was pushed to the margins, and in some places even those margins were lost.

But some farms are bucking the trend. Through the pioneering and industry-leading Jordans Farm Partnership, The Wildlife Trusts and Jordans work together to support the farmers that grow oats for Jordans cereals, helping them to farm in harmony with nature. Every farmer in the partnership is committed to managing at least 10% of their farmed land for wildlife, though many go well beyond that – the average is 27%!

These farms are full of conservation success stories, from rare nesting stone curlews to buzzing insect populations.

In winter they provide vital food supplies, particularly for birds. There are finches and buntings mingling in mixed flocks in the fields, with yellowhammers adding a splash of colour.

Charms of goldfinches live up to their collective name, taking to the air with a chorus of soft, jingling calls. Larger birds like lapwings and golden plovers scour the soil for invertebrates, whilst redwings and fieldfares gorge themselves in berryladen hedges.

But birds have a big appetite in winter, so many of the farmers take extra measures to feed their feathered friends.

They plant their very own bird buffet, known as a wild bird cover crop. This is an area of crops grown just for the birds, left unharvested to provide seeds that birds can feast on throughout the winter. The exact mix of plants varies from farm to farm. On Ragley Hall farm in Warwickshire, farmer Andrew Keyte sows a mix including linseed, millets, and sunflowers. Over winter this feeds finches, yellowhammers, sparrows and other birds. Many other Jordans farmers enjoy a similar selection of birds on their dedicated plots.

To provide even more of a helping hand, the farmers may also offer supplementary feeding, scattering seeds across their land to tide birds over until spring. A winter bird survey of Woodhall Farm in Hertfordshire recorded hundreds of bramblings and linnets taking advantage of the bird crops and extra seeds. Some of these bramblings may have flown over 2,000 kilometres from Fennoscandia to find enough food for the winter.

You don’t need to do a lot on the farm to make a big difference – it’s all about getting the right habitat in the right place Robert Law, Jordans Farmer

NottinghamshireWildlifeTrust

@Nottswildlife

@nottinghamshirewildlife

Supporting local farmers to act for nature & climate Here in Nottinghamshire, we work with dozens of farmers and with so many keen to welcome wildlife on to their land, we sometimes struggling to keep up with demand for advice.

Through our Nature Recovery Network in Farmed Landscapes project – a partnership with Severn Trent – we’re creating new and improving existing habitats on farmland whilst recognising that farms must operate commercially to survive. By April 2024, we will have delivered habitat improvements across more than 260 hectares including twelve new farm ponds, over four kilometres of hedgerow enhancement and new habitat for waders such as lapwing. In addition to welcoming wildlife on to their land, our farmer partners act as advocates for new approaches such as regenerative farming - helping us steer clear of ‘culture wars’ by highlighting that conservationists and farmers are working together.

The more we can do to bring the worlds of nature conservation and farm production closer the better.

You can read more online at nottinghamshirewildlife.org/working-farmers

NWT SENIOR NATURE RECOVERY OFFICER MARK SPECK, ALONGSIDE BRYONY HARRISON (SEVERN TRENT) AND FARMER ANDY HOWARD AT THEIR NEWLY INSTALLED SCRAPE FOR WILDLIFE © SOPHIE BELL

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INSPIRING ACTION

60TH ANNIVERSARY

as we reflect on our shared success

Nigel Slater, Beeston Wildlife Group and others from the group with Paul Wilkinson Chief Executive at Attenborough Nature Centre garden after the recent improvements

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nottinghamshirewildlife.org

PAUL WILKINSON AND BEESTON WILDLIFE GROUP © SOPHIE BELL

Looking to the future

INSPIRING ACTION

60TH ANNIVERSARY BWG WITH PAUL W CHRIS K © SOPHIE BELL

Some responses serve to remind ourselves of the impact we’re having. Mia Coss, a long-term member of our Keeping it Wild young volunteers, explained that involvement with the Trust had changed their life – convincing them that they could pursue a career in the environmental sector. Nigel Slater, a key member of the Beeston Wildlife Group, explained that he was proud of what was being achieved at Attenborough Nature Reserve and that it felt good to be part of that success.

In planning for our 60th Anniversary year we were clear that in addition to celebrating our shared successes we wanted to look to the future and get a better understanding of supporters’ aspirations for wildlife in our county. To help us capture information about why nature is important to our supporters, understand what makes them proud to be part of the Trust and their aspirations, we’ve developed a series of 60th Anniversary questions.

Mia Coss handing in the Environment Act campaign signatures to no 10

Ahead of our AGM we put these questions to a selection of staff, supporters and community groups and the responses so far have been uplifting and humbling in equal measure. Many highlighted that nature was important to them as it helped support their mental health and wellbeing – increasingly valuable in our fast paced and frenetic world.

In terms of hopes for the future, Clive Mycroft, a regular volunteer at Idle Valley Nature Reserve believes that a successful future for nature lies in people recognising the value of doing the ‘little things’ such as feeding the birds or creating places for insects to hibernate. Alfie Atherden, also a member of Keeping it Wild, wants to see nature fully integrated with plans for redeveloping Nottingham, in line with the Trust’s vision for what is now known as the ‘Green Heart’ where the Broadmarsh Shopping centre once stood. Alfie also hopes that this project will inspire people who’ve never taken action for nature to act.

Whan asked why they were proud to be part of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, answers ranged from the fact that the Trust was making a difference right here in our county – to a collective sense of achievement following the successful return of beavers to Nottinghamshire.

Get involved You can hear a selection of people’s views by watching the videos on our special 60th Anniversary web page. We hope that hearing from others will inspire you to have your say. Between now and the end of our anniversary year we want as many members, supporters and volunteers to answer the following questions: 1

Why is nature important to you?

2

What is your biggest hope for the future of wildlife in the county?

3

What does Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust mean to you?

4

Why are you proud to work for/volunteer with/support Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust?

We also want people to share their special memories connected to the Trust – whether the people that inspired your involvement or the places that brought the Trust to your attention. We’d love to hear from you!

nottinghamshirewildlife.org /60th-anniversary

Raise a glass to 60 years of success To mark our 60th anniversary we have teamed up with local business Weavers Wines to offer a new range of sustainable wines for sale at Attenborough Nature Centre - with special edition labels by artist Paul Dyson – a familiar face at the reserve.

range and are delighted to have teamed up with Weavers Wines, a business with 170 years trading in Nottingham, to source the wines which have a fascinating story, and each is sustainably bottled in the UK, using renewable energy.

Lots of exciting changes have been taking place in the Nature Centre this year, not least in terms of new products in the shop.

With an increase in conferences and events we felt that locally sourced wines would provide a great finishing touch to the

We’ve added special limited-edition labels featuring artwork by longstanding supporter and artist Paul Dyson – who has been exhibiting paintings at the Nature Centre since its opening in 2005 to raise funds to support our work. So, next time you visit, be sure to pop in and check them out.

PAUL DYSON WITH 60TH WINE RANGE © SOPHIE BELL

RIPPLES PUMP © SOPHIE BELL

Cheers If you visit a Castle Rock Brewery pub in the next few weeks, look out for one of 10,000 special beer mats printed by the brewery – one of our longest standing corporate supporters - to mark our 60th anniversary to highlight our work and our long-term partnership. This extra promotional push comes hot on the heels of the company’s support for our successful wetlands appeal which saw the brewery team up with local supplier to the brewing industry, Murphy & Son, to produce ‘Ripples’ a special edition beer and host a fundraising event – boosting our appeal fund by just shy of £1000 - a great effort!

NottinghamshireWildlifeTrust

@Nottswildlife

@nottinghamshirewildlife

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WILDLIFE GARDENING

Saving water for wildlife

We’ve all noticed the recent changes in weather patterns. More of us are experiencing drought more often, and can expect to more frequently in future. Winter is the perfect time to start preparing your garden for a parched spring and summer.

Wildlife suffers in drought. Birds like robins and blackbirds struggle to find worms and grubs to feed their chicks when the soil dries up. What’s more, leaves shrivel, putting caterpillars and other grubs that eat them at risk, while flowers produce less nectar, which has a knock-on effect on pollinators. As gardeners, we should adapt to drier conditions by growing more drought-resilient plants, but we mustn’t neglect the wildlife that also uses our gardens. By topping up bird baths and ponds, using grey water to hydrate our plants and providing supplementary food when natural sources have (literally) dried up, we can make life easier for wildlife struggling to adjust to climate change.

Our reliance on mains water should be at the heart of dealing with drought. Aim to use less tap water, which means saving more rainwater. Collecting water in winter to use in spring and summer will not only keep your garden growing and your wildlife thriving, but will also reduce pressure on reservoirs and rivers when it’s dry, and sewerage systems when it’s wet.

When reservoirs dry up our rivers are drained as back-up but, conversely, heavy showers can result in sewage discharges into rivers and the sea. Everything is connected – simply by saving rainwater and using less mains water we can save local species, save entire river ecosystems, and still have attractive, species-rich gardens.

Get more tips for growing in harmony with nature at mycoronationgarden.org

Kate Bradbury is passionate about wildlifefriendly gardening and the author of Wildlife Gardening for Everyone and Everything.

Recently, she has provided advice for the Coronation Gardens for Food and Nature website.

Save water Invest in water butts now to store up winter rain. Buy as many as you can afford and connect them to the downpipe of your house for maximum flow. (Councils may offer cheaper versions or you might find a bargain at your local tip.)

Make a rain garden If budget allows, transform your space so that all rainwater soaks into the soil slowly, rather than going down the drain.

Use grey water Keep a bucket in your shower, a washing up bowl in your kitchen sink, and syphon water from your bath to hydrate your garden. Use eco detergents to reduce the impact on soil health and use the water immediately so it doesn’t go bad.

Mulch the soil Cover bare areas of earth with bark chippings, home-made compost, gravel or even plant material to lock in moisture, which will help plants grow.

Create shade Grow tall plants or trees, or let your hedge grow taller rather than cutting it back this winter. Plants in shade are less likely to scorch and the soil remains wetter.

Add a pond Now’s a good time to dig a pond, which should fill naturally before spring. Ensure it has shallow margins and sloping sides, and consider running a pipe from your shed roof so it fills automatically when it rains.

Grow drought-tolerant plants Replace thirsty plants like Astrantia, astilbe and persicaria with drought-resilient plants like lavender and salvia, but don’t stop growing natives as many species rely on them.

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nottinghamshirewildlife.org

ILLUSTRATIONS BY HANNAH BAILEY, PHOTO © SARAH CUTTLE

Grow more plants Cover every inch of space with plants, including climbers up walls and fences. The more plants you grow, the more humid your environment, the less dry the local atmosphere.

6 PLACES TO SEE TERRIFIC TREES

6 places to see terrific trees

See the spectacle for yourself 1

Glenarm, Ulster Wildlife

One of Europe’s best examples of wooded river valley and parkland, with large numbers of ancient and veteran oak trees.

Keep an eye out for signs of mammals including red squirrels, pine martens and badgers.

Where: Glenarm, BT44 0BD

rees are impressive at any time of year. They can live for centuries, the shape of their trunks and branches telling the story of their long lives. Some grow tall, others wide and sprawling, creating natural, living statues.

2

The Hollies, Shropshire Wildlife Trust

A spellbinding grove of ancient hollies, perched on the edge of the Stiperstones. Each windswept tree is a unique character. Some are three or four centuries old, wizened and creaking with age.

Winter is a wonderful time to discover the UK’s old and unusual trees, as many have shed their leaves, revealing the unique shapes beneath. Here are six Wildlife Trust nature reserves where the trees have a story to tell.

Where: Snailbeach, SY5 0NS

You can discover even more at wildlifetrusts.org/ancient-trees

3

Moseley Bog, Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust

Moseley Bog is a gateway to Middle Earth. The gnarled old trees were a favourite of author JRR Tolkien, who lived nearby.

They provided the inspiration for the old forests in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

Where: Birmingham, B13 9JX

4

Hethel Old Thorn, Norfolk Wildlife Trust

The Wildlife Trusts’ smallest nature reserve is just large enough to protect a single, very special tree. Hethel Old Thorn is thought to be one of the oldest hawthorns in England. Legend has it that the tree grew from the staff of Joseph of Arimathea.

Where: Wymondham, NR14 8HE

5

Cwm Byddog, Radnorshire Wildlife Trust

One of the top 20 ancient tree sites in Wales, with some trees thought to be up to 800 years old. One mighty oak has a girth of 6.3m, whilst there’s an alder with a 5m girth. With so many old trees, it’s also a great place to see lichens.

Where: Powys, HR3 5SL

6

lderney Community Woodland, A Alderney Wildlife Trust

This may not be the oldest woodland on our list, but these trees tell a story. Many of Alderney’s trees were felled by the Nazi’s during WWII, so the Trust has planted over 12,000 trees to bring the woodland back. This history is evident in the Community Woodland, with several bunkers on the reserve.

Where: Les Rochers, Alderney

Did you spot any tree-mendous trees?

FROSTY OAK TREE © GUY EDWARDES/2020VISION

We’d love to know how your search went.

Please share your best photos! @wildlifetrusts

NottinghamshireWildlifeTrust

@Nottswildlife

@nottinghamshirewildlife

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BLUE TIT © MARK HAMBLIN/2020VISION