Somerset Wildlife Spring/Summer 2024

Spring/Summer 2024

Dipping into the Decades

Celebrating Somerset’s flagship species and some of our favourite wildlife winners.

Anniversary issue

COLOUR OF MONEY:

Green Finance - what does it mean and how can it be used to pick up the pace of nature’s recovery.

TRAVEL AGENT’S PICK:

Somerset - holiday hot spot and climate package holiday for the more discerning wildlife wanderer.

Join us for our 60th anniversary celebration at our

2024 AGM & Members’ Day!

Saturday 9th November 2024

Cedars Hall, Wells Cathedral School, Wells, BA5 2ST

FORMAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 60th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the SOMERSET WILDLIFE TRUST will be held at Cedars Hall, Wells Cathedral School, Wells, BA5 2ST on Saturday 9th November 2024 at 11.00am.

The meeting will include approval of the minutes, reports from the Chair and Chief Executive Officer, adoption of the audited accounts and election of trustees.

Members have the right to appoint a Proxy under section 324 of the Companies Act 2006 and Article 14 of Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Articles of Association.

We look forward to welcoming you to our 60th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Members’ Day in Wells in November.

We hope many of you will join us in person but understand some members may prefer to join us virtually and because of this we will be live streaming our event again this year.

During the AGM from 11am until 1pm you will hear from our Trustees and our CEO, Georgia Dent, who will report on the work you have supported in 2023-24 and our plans for the coming year.

Our 2024 Members’ Day will be held in the afternoon and will be centred on our celebration of 60 years of Somerset Wildlife Trust. We’ll be talking about the work we’ve done over the last six decades, creating a Wilder Somerset and looking forward to the future of conservation in Somerset.

Please save the date and keep an eye on our website and the Autumn/Winter magazine for more details. We look forward to seeing you there!

A full agenda, list of trustee nominees and instructions for proxy voting will be included in the Autumn/Winter issue of Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Members’ magazine: Somerset Wildlife published in October 2024.

BY ORDER OF SWT COUNCIL

Georgia Dent, Chief Executive Officer, April 2024. A copy of the full Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024 will be available from October 2024 on our website.

Hello

Welcome to the Spring 2024 edition of Somerset Wildlife. I’m in a reflective mood as I write this, thinking about the celebrations we have planned for Somerset Wildlife Trust’s 60th anniversary and considering how far the Trust has come, thanks to the hard work and support of all our volunteers, staff, members, funders and partners. I’m also contemplating how different our relationship was with nature back in 1964 and how much our environment has changed. It’s easy to look back nostalgically and think we were better connected with nature and that there was more bioabundance and biodiversity, but it was also in 1964 that the IUCN Red List was established, and just a couple of years later that the UN launched a report warning “if current trends continue, life on Earth could be endangered.”

The current environmental crises have been building for decades, accruing with them an abundance of warnings, targets and policies - for the UK the most recent being the Environmental Improvement Plan committing to halting species decline and protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030. This year is also a general election year and the next government will take us right up to 2030. I’m left wondering, have we, as a society, made it clear enough that we expect nature and the environment to be a priority for them?

This is such an important milestone year. We must work together to make noise for nature to raise it on the political agenda. Did you know, The Wildlife Trusts have more members than any political party? So together, we can make sure our next government takes the action nature needs. You can find more in this issue about our priority asks to the next government.

The Somerset State of Nature report launched at the end of 2023 showed that there is much to do for nature to recover in our beautiful county. It also reminds us that we can bring about positive change and we should focus on and learn from successes to inspire ourselves, others and our politicians to action. In the last few decades species like bitterns, cranes and egrets have returned to the county and are thriving – we have some inspiring blueprints for success.

There are other signs of positive progress; we have the legal requirement for developments to leave nature in a better state than before - Biodiversity Net Gain (more on this and other green finance mechanisms on p.26), the new agri-environment scheme is encouraging land management that benefits nature, we have two Super National Nature Reserves in the county and a huge number of amazing sites for nature. Our communities are more connected to nature and each other, and getting involved in our Team Wilder approach to share learning and achieve more together. Projects like Honeygar are bringing landowners, scientists and communities together to learn how we can do things differently with positive outcomes for everyone.

So in this pivotal year for Somerset Wildlife Trust, for the UK and nature we have much to celebrate and even more to do. Enjoy the read!

Georgia

JON HAWKINS

Contents

This season

3 Welcome

A warm welcome from CEO, Georgia Dent.

6 The big picture

With the General Election looming, we ask what political commitments could make the biggest difference for the UK and outline The Wildlife Trusts’ top five asks.

8 Somerset’s Highlights

News on our work and highlights from around the county.

Networks of land-owners and community groups can help protect precious habitats like wildflower meadows. p. 12

In detail

14 60 years of Somerset Wildlife Trust

From small seeds grow mighty trees! Join us to look at our past, our present and our future, as we celebrate six decades of Somerset Wildlife Trust.

20 Wildlife winners

Dipping into the decades: We track Somerset’s flagship species and some of our favourite wildlife winners.

26 Green finance

A much coined phrase, but what does it mean and how can it be used to boost the pace of nature’s recovery.

30 Greetings from Somerset

Far flung getaway, holiday hot spot and climate package holiday for some of the world’ most charismatic globe-trotting international visitors.

WILDFLOWER MEADOW: JAMES ADLER GILLIAN DAY

Somerset Wildlife

Spring/Summer 2024

Somerset Wildlife is produced by Somerset Wildlife Trust

34 Wellington Road, Taunton, Somerset TA1 5AW

enquiries@somersetwildlife.org somersetwildlife.org

01823 652400

Editor Kirby Everett kirby.everett@somersetwildlife.org

For any queries about the magazine or advertising, please contact the editor.

Features writers

Discover more

37 Team Wilder

60 years of YOU, you you! And the incredible things you’ve done over the years for wildlife.

44 Go Wild

Put your feet up and tackle our wordsearch or hit the kitchen with our wild recipe.

46 Last Word

Longstanding member, former council member and Trustee, Ken Brown, reminisces.

Reasons to be cheerful: Somerset Wildlife Trust staff tell us why they’re hopeful for the future p. 39

Ed Drewitt and Kirby Everett Design

Tina Hobson tinahobson.com

Got a question about your membership?

For any query about your membership, donations or support, please email membership@somersetwildlife.org or call 01823 652429

Somerset Wildlife Trust

Our vision is for a Somerset wide Nature Recovery Network creating more space for wildlife benefitting everyone, and playing its part in helping reverse biodiversity loss and tackle the climate crisis. We are the county’s largest independent conservation organisation and a charity dependent upon 23,000 members.

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Trust Council.

SWT Honorary officers

Patron: Simon King OBE

President: Stephen Moss

Chair: Rupert Taylor

Hon Treasurer: Steve Rogers

Registered Charity No: 238372

Registered Company No: 818162

Printed by Stable Print on FSC® certified paper stableprint.net

BOB COYLE

THE BIG PICTURE General election

5 pledges needed for nature

2024 will be a defining year for nature recovery because of the General Election. If the 2030 targets of halting nature’s decline and protecting 30% of land and sea are to be met, the next government will have to do the bulk of the work.

The 2023 national State of Nature report revealed that one in six species is in danger of being lost from Great Britain. Whilst our own Somerset State of Nature report, launched at the end of last year indicated where there had been landscape-scale success, it also mirrored some of the negative national trends. Despite this, there were repeated attempts to weaken regulations that protect nature and the Government reneged on major environmental promises such as the ban on the sale of bagged peat compost which has yet to be implemented despite years of consultations and missed targets.

Nature is in desperate need of restoring – for wildlife, for our food security and for our climate –and Britain’s love for nature spans the political divide.

CEO, Georgia Dent says more,

“It is vital that all political party manifestos reflect the scale of the task, and policies must be targeted towards species recovery, addressing water pollution, funding wildlife-friendly farming, enabling healthy communities, and tackling climate change. It has never been more evident that people care more about the state of their natural environment than ever before. With a general election on the horizon, it’s time politicians heard that message.”

GET YOURSELF ELECTION-READY

 Visit our website and read more about our 5 asks!

 Read up on the issues related to those asks that are critical for Somerset e.g. peat extraction, nutrient pollution and water quality - there’s lots of information on our website.

 Talk to friends and family about the importance of putting nature on the government’s priority list. How do they feel? Sharing can turn into action.

 Make sure you know who your MP is and how to contact them - you can find this out by visiting democracy.somerset.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex

 Keep checking back to our General Election web page where we’ll be putting more information to help you get involved.

1

Bring back lost wildlife

The UK is home to species found nowhere else on Earth, but immense pressure from pollution and habitat loss has driven wildlife into decline at a speed never previously seen. We need the next Government to put nature into recovery by the end of the next Parliament.

1 in 6 species in the UK is now at risk of extinction

2

End river pollution

The UK is ranked as one of the worst countries in Europe for water quality, with a toxic cocktail of sewage and agricultural pollution. In 2022 alone, raw sewage was discharged into waterways over 300,000 times. Our rivers are no longer suitable for wildlife or swimming. We urgently want to see this resolved.

The state of our rivers is a national disgrace

3 Fund wildlife farming

If we support farmers to shift towards regenerative, nature-friendly methods, we can improve food security and resilience. Many farmers go to great lengths to support wildlife but without being adequately rewarded. The budget for environmental farming has fallen by a third since 2010. Farmers should be rewarded for restoring nature

4 Greener communities

Poor living conditions are damaging health and cutting lives short. Those living in the most deprived areas are ten times less likely to live in the greenest areas. Better access to wildlife-rich spaces will improve health, happiness and hope. More than one third of the population are unable to access green places near their home

5 Tackle climate change

Climate change is driving nature’s decline, and one crisis cannot be solved without the other. The UK has a target of Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Nature can help achieve this, or an even more ambitious target, but only if we restore our damaged ecosystems.

The climate and nature emergencies are inextricably linked

Somerset Highlights

Somerset Wildlife Trust launches first ever Somerset State of Nature report

Somerset Wildlife Trust was pleased to be able to launch the Somerset State of Nature Report 2023. The first of its kind for Somerset, and leading on from the national State of Nature Report released in 2023,the Somerset State of Nature Report is a comprehensive overview of the county’s landscapes and provides a benchmark for how nature and wildlife is faring across the county, identifying both positive and negative trends, contextualising how global and national declines in biodiversity are also being felt in Somerset.

The report also features positive case studies which demonstrate key successes, and outlines planned approaches to restore Somerset’s natural environments in the face of known and emerging challenges, and to help meet the county’s 2030 environmental targets.

Following national trends, it’s clear that Somerset’s ecosystems have been impacted by climate change, changes in land management, development and pollution; and invasive species and diseases are further threatening habitats.

Simon Clarke, Head of Nature Recovery says: “The report makes for sobering reading. But if you reach beyond despondency, what you can see and grasp are real seeds of real hope. What it highlights very clearly, is that where there has been focussed effort on a landscapescale, underpinned by a truly meaningful and committed partnership approach to nature restoration, the results can be simply outstanding.”

To download a full copy of the Somerset State of Nature 2023 report, visit somersetwildlife.org/stateofnature2023

The Somerset State of Nature report includes a comprehensive overview of the county’s landscapes.

CHRIS MAGUIRE

The bitterns were booming in Somerset

This spring saw us launching an exciting citizen science project - Project Bittern. We asked you to unleash your citizen scientist once again by keeping your eyes and particularly your ears peeled for the elusive bittern.

The project is another to add to the list of species counts that are part of the Great Somerset Wildlife Count - the

RESTORATION

Peatland progress

Trust’s annual programme of citizen science counts - and is helping us learning more about Somerset’s bitterns, their changing populations, and where in Somerset they might be found. We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has signed up to take part and is helping us learn more about one of our flagship species!

Back in August, peatland restoration work started on Westhay Moor with the removal of scrub and bracken which are damaging to peatland habitats. This was followed by groundworks to slow the flow of water both within, and on top of the peat.

There have been a few setbacks along the way, ironically the greatest has been flooding which has meant that ground conditions were just too wet for work to progress. However, in the areas that have been completed - the early signs show promise - they are holding water well. Hopefully, next autumn/winter conditions will be a little drier, but in time our peatland will be a better, wetter habitat allowing rare and specialist species to really thrive.

YOUTH

Wilder Youth

We were delighted to welcome Siân Bentley to the Trust as our ‘Wilder Youth Officer’ who brings eight years of experience.

Siân is passionate about standing up for nature and has been supporting young people to develop an interest in the natural environment.

Working with schools, youth groups and individuals, Siân helps young people to facilitate their ideas and supports them on environmental action projects in their communities.

Siân said “The traditional wildlife conservation movement is morphing into something different - young people bring dynamic energy and amazing creativity to the movement.” Connect with Wilder Youth on Instagram: @wilderyouthswt

BIG NUMBERS

Here are some of our most recent achievements.

1,413

hectares of ‘super’ National Nature Reserve (NNR) declared in Mendip Hills. Somerset’s second ‘super’ NNR will stretch from woodlands in England’s smallest city of Wells to across the southern Mendip slopes and Brean Down in the Severn Estuary.

6 years

of our Patrons’ Scheme! Thank you to our 55 Patrons who have, together, already donated over £200,000

towards our work! If you would like to join our closest group of supporters and help us reach 60 patrons in our 60th year, please visit somersetwildlife.org/ support-us/become-patron or contact Lucy Marsh at lucy.marsh@somersetwildlife.org or on 01823 652441.

In just 14 months, we’ve amassed

1.2 million

audio records of bird calls at Honeygar! This innovative monitoring technique is invaluable in providing evidence of nature recovery in Somerset. As habitats evolve due to climate change and our wilding approach, we’ll gain insights not possible with field surveys alone.

Project Bittern asked citizen scientists to look and listen for bitterns, GUY

BITTERN: DAVID TIPLING/2020VISION

Sundew is a carniverous plant that thrives in peatlands.

Nurturing nature connections

We have been reflecting on the key successes and learning from the Somerset Nature Connection Project which ended in March 2024. One of the key achievements has been the incredible ways people have gone on to share nature connection with others in their communities. For example, one participant’s involvement in the project, both as a course attendee and a volunteer, supported her to set up a neurodivergent nature connection group with charity, Diverse, using the 5 pathways to nature connection as a basic format.

“When I was diagnosed with autism I was offered and used other services, none have been as beneficial as attending the nature connections course.”

She explained. “As well as participants identifying similar benefits to those I gained from the Nature Connections project, I aimed to create a safe and boundaried space for people to connect over their neurodivergence.

“I hope it’s a model that will be developed and rolled out to a very underserved community and I am thankful to have this opportunity to lead and facilitate this. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of Mhairi, and the Somerset Nature Connections Project, where it all began.”

For more information about project successes and legacy visit somersetwildlife.org/somerset-nature-connections

WELCOME

Bringing people and nature together

At the end of last year we welcomed our new Human & Wildlife Coexistence Officer, Alicia Hallatt. Alicia will work with communities to increase understanding about species returning to Somerset and their possible impacts. Listening to people’s concerns, she will also play a pivotal role in helping establish systems so that people can benefit from the many advantages these species will bring for nature and communities, including flood and drought mitigation, climate adaptation, and restoring a resilient ecosystem, while simultaneously minimising challenges that might arise.

“It is so inspiring seeing the variety of species here getting richer as a result of the brilliant habitat restoration work being done by the people of Somerset” Alicia explains. “However, while these animals will bring huge benefits, some change the landscape and how we relate to it, which can be an uncomfortable process. The chance to co-design resources that fit with what local people say they want and need to improve their own wellbeing outcomes and that of the wildlife is a dream come true.”

Alicia’s role was made possible through our successful 2023 Green Match Fund appeal, which was championed by The Reed Foundation. A massive thank you to everyone who made it possible to secure this exciting new position!

For the past two years, our barn owl box in the Blackdown Hills has been inhabited by our barn owl couple - Finn and Trudeand the previous two years Finn and his other lady owl, Orla. They’re back! Watch the live web stream to see what they’re up to at somersetwildlife. org/swtbarnowls

COMMUNITY

The Somerset Nature Connection Project has been a success.

JON HAWKINS

Honeygar update

With a very wet start to winter, Honeygar’s internal ditches filled to the brim much earlier than last year.

We’ve started to see the benefits of wetter conditions across the site with the formation of seasonal ponds and the arrival of overwintering birds.

As the soils recharge with winter rainwater, we should start to be able to hold water for longer. By slowing the flow of water leaving the system we will create new habitats which, in turn, could reduce the impact of flooding downstream.

SURVEY

Join us in shaping Somerset’s future

A public survey has been launched to collect the public’s views regarding a Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Somerset, which will provide a single vision for nature recovery and set out local priorities and opportunities for nature.

LNRS are a new England-wide system of spatial strategies to help reverse the ongoing decline of nature in England by establishing priorities for nature recovery and identify locations to create or improve habitat most likely to provide the greatest benefit for nature and the wider environment.

There are to be 48 LNRS, and Somerset Council has been appointed and funded by Defra to be the Responsible Authority to lead on the development of the LNRS for Somerset. Somerset Wildlife Trust are leading, on behalf of the Local Nature Partnership, the delivery of the development phase, working closely with the Council.

You can take part in the survey here: somersetcouncil.citizenspace. com/climate-and-environment/ local-nature-recovery-strategyfor-somerset (closes 30th April).

REINTRODUCTIONS

Helping native species return

As a result of habitat improvement works across the county, we are being rewarded by seeing many species once lost to the county choosing to return:

 We are establishing multidisciplinary Beaver Advisory Groups and codesigning a management strategy.

 We are supporting the Two Moors Pine Marten Project, particularly ensuring communities on Exmoor have all the help and information they need prior to a potential release in autumn 2025. However, as pine marten disperse and existing wild populations connect, we will also

be engaging with communities more widely across the county.

 We are also speaking with project leads conducting feasibility studies for white-tailed eagle reintroductions to Wales and wildcat reintroductions to Devon to make sure Somerset is included in social engagement work prior to any licence applications being made.

Conservation is as much about people as about wildlife and we are working hard to make sure local communities are considered and can enjoy the many social and environmental benefits this richer, more diverse ecosystem can bring.

Somerset Wildlife

Honeygar saw wetter conditions in November 2023 (right) than in the previous year (left).

Feasibility studies are being conducted for white-tailed eagle reintroductions in Wales.

Wilder Churches

Wilder Churches began in 2021 as a partnership initiative between Somerset Wildlife Trust and the Diocese of Bath and Wells. Since then, over 100 communities have been discovering wildlife in their local churchyard or burial ground and working

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENTS

Take a digital stroll through the Avalon Marshes

PCNR

together to increase the value of these special places for nature. New communities can join in any time – you can find recordings of the training sessions, resources and, new for 2024, even apply for a Wilder Churches plaque at somersetwildlife.org/wilder-churches

You may remember, in our last Spring/ Summer edition, that we shared an exciting update on digital developments we’ve made at Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve and Catcott Nature Reserve, which now feature interpretation signs, complete with QR codes, allowing visitors to access digital stories about the area from their smartphones.

As part of our commitment to make our reserves even more inclusive, we’ve also invested in creating Street View tours of both Westhay Moor and Catcott. These new Street View tours stitch together panoramic images to provide a virtual representation of each reserve, so you can enjoy a virtual walk from the comfort of your own home.

As well as taking a virtual walk around the nature reserves, you can now explore the many birdwatching hides across the area before visiting.

These latest advancements support our ambition to allow more people to access nature easily and break down perceived barriers to visiting nature reserves.

Get exploring and escape into nature: avalonmarshes.org/explore/interactive

A network for nature

Somerset’s Private & Community Nature Reserves (PCNR) Network was set up in 1997 to support owners, land managers and community groups who manage their land primarily for nature.

This user-led network includes landowners, smallholders, and community groups managing a variety of habitats (many of which are designated as Local Wildlife Sites). The PCNR Network is aimed primarily at providing peer-to-peer support to prioritise wildlife conservation.

Due to the pandemic and retiring of key volunteers the PCNR Network has been inactive for some years, and we’d like to apologise for any contacts that

RESERVES

went astray! Thanks to funding from the National Landscapes FiPL fund we are pleased to be relaunching in 2024 - with a new welcome pack, quarterly newsletter and upcoming events.

All new and existing members will need to opt-in to receive communications. Existing members were contacted by post in September 2023 – thank you to everyone who has responded so far!

The PCNR Network is currently free to join. New and existing members are asked to complete a survey and comprehensive form detailing their site. Find out more at somersetwildlife.org/ get-involved/specialist-groups/pcnr

Biodiversity Net Gain Goes Live

It’s official. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)an approach to development that makes sure that habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably better state than they were before any development took place - is now mandatory. Developers must now deliver a minimum of 10% BNG - something that needs to be demonstrated using a metric produced by DEFRA which measures the site’s existing biodiversity value alongside

its forecast value after any development. The metric relies on good quality ecological assessment so experienced BNG practitioners from Somerset’s Wildlife Trust’s consulting arm, First Ecology have already been busy supporting developers and landowners across the county and are on hand to provide a range of BNG services. For advice contact their friendly team: 07761 039613 tilly.heasman@firstecology.co.uk

JAMES ADLER

NICK UPTON

Peer-to-peer support for those managing land primarily for nature is good news for safeguarding precious habitats like wildflower meadows

WILDLIFE SPECTACLES

A word from the Somerset Levels

Kevin Anderson, our Visitor Experience Officer, gives us an insight into what you can expect to see and hear on the Somerset Levels…

“When it comes to wildlife, the most exciting thing about the Somerset Levels, and the Avalon Marshes’ nature reserves in particular, is that you never know what you might see or hear – there is never a dull moment!

“Whether that be a booming male bittern, which have been active since late January this year, the breathtaking ‘skydancing’ mating

MONITORING

displays of marsh harriers, or an otter which swims past you when you are talking to visitors at Westhay Moor, there is always something amazing around the next corner.

“With the arrival of spring, we can look forward to the return of an array of warblers shouting their songs from just about everywhere, perhaps a calling cuckoo or two, and hobbies swooping above the reedbeds like vintage fighter planes picking off dragonflies and other flying insects.” Plan a trip - avalonmarshes.org

In brief

Shoutout to our amazing volunteers!

Great white egret ringing

In early 2023, we were delighted to facilitate qualified bird ringers Alison Morgan and Bob Medland in ringing some of the great white egret chicks on Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve.

Over the last 30 years or so, the great white egret has been travelling north and west, and in 2012 a pair nested for the first time in England, on the Avalon Marshes. Since then, the population has exploded, with yearon-year increases until, in 2023, we recorded 53 successful nests, with no fewer than 88 chicks fledged!

We are very grateful to both Alison and Bob for helping us create a short film explaining more about the process involved in ringing these chicks. If you haven’t already enjoyed it, watch it at youtube. com/watch?v=M7dBy6Tv0as

Thank you to all our volunteers for all you do and all the ways you support our mission. Your tireless efforts breathe life into our green and blue spaces and we want you all to know that we appreciate your time, hard work, thoughtfulness and, overall, YOU!

Planting the next generation

Last November, over 30 young oak trees were planted on Langford Heathfield by the enthusiastic students from Langford Budville Primary School. Thank you to the local community for getting involved with this project, and to all the staff and students at Langford Budville Primary School!

Could you be a Blue Influencer?

We‘re looking for 10-14 year olds across Somerset to champion our blue spaces. Set up by the educational charity Ernest Cook Trust and match-funded by the #iwill Fund, the Blue Influencers Scheme is a youth-led program which will support young people to take action on tackling environmental and climate issues in the sea, rivers and estuaries. For further information, please contact our Blue Mentor Thibaud on thibaud.sulzer@somersetwildife.org or 07756 876295.

years of working towards a wilder Somerset

Somerset Wildlife Trust is more than a name, a logo or a reserve. It’s an ever-growing demonstration of how like-minded individuals, from all walks of life, can take action to secure the future of wildlife and wild places in our beautiful and diverse county.

So, join us as we celebrate six decades of Somerset Wildlife Trust by looking at our past, our present and our future.

A movement for Somerset

FROM SMALL SEEDS GROW MIGHTY TREES

In May 1912, banker and expert naturalist Charles Rothschild held a meeting at the Natural History Museum in London to discuss his idea for a new organisation to save the best places for wildlife in the British Isles. This meeting led to the formation of the Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves (SPNR). Soon after the society’s formation, local conservation organisations (the forerunners to Wildlife Trusts) began to spring up across the country.

Fast-forward to 15th February 1964, when 15 people gathered at Taunton Castle for a ‘pre-formation’ meeting to discuss setting up a county trust for nature conservation. These founders each paid £1 as initial capital to establish the Somerset Trust for Nature Conservation (STNC), and the rest, as they say, is history.

STNC was officially registered as a charity on December 17th, and it was the original membership application form that set out what the Trust was to do: “The intention of this newly established Trust is to prevent the unnecessary destruction of Somerset’s wildlife. It will in addition help to preserve places of special natural history interest.”

Thirty years later, STNC would be renamed Somerset Wildlife Trust. Today, as we enter our 60th year, we’re working as hard as ever to put nature back into recovery, with vital support from over 23,000 members and the involvement of over 300 volunteers.

PROTECTING SPECIAL PLACES FOR WILDLIFE

Restoring habitats to support a wide range of wildlife and natural processes has always been central to our work – Trusts under the SPNR umbrella were expected to be landowners as well as lobbyists. Having acquired our first 17-acre part of Westhay Moor at the end of 1964, it was soon made clear that the more reserves and wild places we purchased or leased, the more these places should be properly managed.

By 1982 the Trust boasted 32 nature reserves, 10 of which it owned outright. Today we now manage nearly 2,000 hectares of land across 66 reserves, 58 of which are owned outright.

One thing we can’t say is that over sixty years the threats to nature have declined. But hope is important – our nature reserves are at the heart of our plans for a wilder future for Somerset. Without them, our remaining wildlife won’t be able to spread into new areas and create thriving populations.

FOREVER CHANGING COASTLINES

Somerset is home to one of the most diverse stretches of coastline in the UK, reaching from the long sandy beaches of Brean to the rocky kelp forests of Glenthorne. This vibrant piece of coastline includes sand dunes, rocky shores, cliffs, salt marsh, tidal estuaries, mud flats and coastal deciduous woodland, with 80% having environmental protection.

But, despite the amazing diversity of habitats and wildlife along Somerset’s 53 miles of coastline, none of our reserves are located along that stretch. This has historically meant that the Trust (and SERC) have far fewer records of marine and intertidal taxa. This need for more data was addressed by the Trust through an intertidal biotope mapping project, carried out between 2016-2018, followed by two big coastal engagement projects, Somerset’s Brilliant Coast and Somerset’s Wilder Coast. Our two ongoing coastal citizen science projects – ShoreSearch and SeaWatch – continue to attract new volunteers.

Restoring habitats to support a wide range of wildlife and natural processes has always been central to our work

Clockwise from top: rare in 1964, little egrets are increasingly common in Somerset; co-founder John Keylock at Great Breach Wood; Central Somerset Gazette article (1964); dormouse numbers have fallen since the 1960s; volunteers at Fyne Court and in the Mendips.

CAMPAIGNING FOR POSITIVE CHANGE FOR NATURE

MAKING WILDLIFE COUNT. LITERALLY.

In 1984 it was highlighted that Somerset was one of the few counties not to have a biological record centre. It was concluded that our Trust was the only body able to fulfil such a role, so work began on establishing a permanent centre.

The Somerset Environmental Record Centre (SERC) was born. Today, SERC collects, manages, analyses and supplies data on wildlife and the surrounding environment, as well as playing a significant role in helping to develop our first Somerset State of Nature report, which was released at the end of 2023.

Speaking of making wildlife count, Somerset wouldn’t be Somerset without its abundance of spectacular species. Find out more about some of the key species we’ve helped over the last 60 years on pages 20-25.

From the beginning, the role of the Trust was a persuasive and protective one – one of the greatest strengths of our Trust has always been our strong sense of local pride in the county and its biodiversity. There’s no better example of this than our history campaigning against peat extraction.

A prominent feature in our first meeting of the STNC in 1964, concerns about peat extraction has been at the heart of much that the Trust has done on the Levels and Moors ever since. It’s hard to imagine now, but the tranquil landscape used to be littered with large-scale machinery, digging up 250,000 tons of peat each year. Somerset

Restoring habitats to support a wide range of wildlife and natural processes has always been central to our work

is still sadly one of two counties where peat extraction is still taking place. The end of large-scale peat digging came in 1994, but the land was scarred and had little wildlife value. Today, the Avalon Marshes are an outstanding example of co-operation in the nature conservation movement and is a multi-layered story of creating rich habitat from the scars of peat extraction.

MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK

Volunteers play a key role in the conservation of Somerset. From practical work to surveying; reserves management to office and admin help, our volunteers are the lifeblood of our Trust. It’s impossible to explain how important our volunteers have been – their contributions have helped transform the organisation into the vital and influential charity it is today.

Organising volunteers and engaging with local communities across such a large county is no small feat. For almost as long as the Trust has been operating, we have had the support and enduring commitment from Local Area Groups. These voluntary groups – led and managed by separate chairs and committees – were

Somerset’s varied coastline includes mudflats and rocky kelp forests.

The SERC was formed to create a biological record centre, monitoring species like the large blue butterfly.

behind some amazing events and activities over the years that have helped promote the work of the Trust, raise funds and, with their wealth of local knowledge and expertise, have brought people closer to nature in their communities across the county. This included recruiting and co-ordinating Volunteer Reserves Wardens, who still act as our eyes and ears on the ground and are an essential part of our reserve management (some of our 40 serving wardens have been with us for over 40 years).

Today, the Local Area Groups have been integrated into our Team Wilder approach, sharing expertise and networks to support communities and individuals to take action for nature on their own terms. We’re also incredibly lucky to work with Practical Conservation Groups across our county, who carry out essential habitat management tasks for the benefit of

local wildlife. These Groups, alongside our hundreds of volunteers, come from all walks of life, with a range of skills and experience, to help create a Somerset rich in wildlife for everyone.

YOUR SUPPORT TRULY MAKES A DIFFERENCE

From the outset, it was clear that there was an appetite for a new charity to try to conserve the wildlife and wild places of Somerset. Ten months after the ‘pre-formation’ meeting, the Trust reported over 400 members. By our first AGM in October 1965 the Trust had grown to 1,000 members. We are incredibly fortunate to say that we still have many loyal and long-standing members, including five members who have been with us since 1964! We also have over 300 ‘Life Members’ who have made a lifetime commitment to supporting our work.

It’s amazing to think that we now have almost 23,000 members in 2024! From the original 15 founders to the huge support

we have today, our members continue to be the bedrock of our movement, without whom we simply could not do what we do for the wild places and wildlife of Somerset. We know that this will continue to be the case, and in another 60 years our members will be just as important as they are today.

FEELING INSPIRED?

In the current climate, we understand that many people may feel that there isn’t any hope, or that they can’t make a difference on their own, but Somerset Wildlife Trust is proof that one small act can birth a powerful movement that makes a valuable difference every day. No matter what it is about nature that inspires you, we’ve got something for you to get involved with. From taking part in an event, to volunteering, to helping wildlife on your doorstep, there is always plenty to discover. Find out more about how you can take action here: somersetwildlife.org/get-involved

Somerset’s wetlands are important habitat for wading birds like redshanks.

Top: Peatland restoration is good news for sundews.

Bottom: Somerset Wildlife Trust has increased monitoring of intertidal coasts.

Volunteers help with tasks like coppicing, pond restoration and recording.

Reflecting on our legacy

With six decades under our belt, now is as good a time as any to reflect on what we’ve achieved over those last 60 years. But rather than simply list all our successes (we’ve only got limited space) we asked our staff and volunteers, both past and present, what the most significant milestone for the Trust has been for them…

Ed Wells

Member since 1973 and Trust

Chairman from 1998 to 2003:

“The creation of Somerset Environmental Records Centre (SERC) was a key moment for me, but even more significant has been the gradual acceptance of the Trust by local and national government, planners, landowners, industry and the general public as a voice to be listened to and an advisor to be relied upon.”

Anne Halpin

Monitoring Ecologist since 2017:

“The creation of the Ecological Network Maps and work on the Nature Recovery Network, including all the associated policy work on the Environment Act and Agriculture Act. The Ecological Networks are dependent on work by SERC to develop the Integrated Habitat System (precursor to UKHab) and the full-coverage habitat map of Somerset.”

David Northcote-Wright

Senior Reserves Manager since 1989:

“I would probably single out the creation of the Somerset Wetlands National Nature Reserve. This is the culmination of decades of work which, in the 80’s and 90’s, was led by our Trust to create a wildlife rich landscape from the old peat workings in the Brue Valley. It’s easy to forget now that the then County Council’s original vision for the area after peat extraction was landfill in some of the old workings and fishing and recreational use (boating, jet skiing etc) in others. Wildlife didn’t really get a mention! Now, the whole area is wildlife rich habitat on a landscape-scale, with many partners working together.”

Students learn dry stone walling, and children pond dipping at Fyne Court.

The Somerset Wetlands National Nature Reserve is the culmination of decades of work which, in the 80’s and 90’s, was led by our Trust

Get involved

Share your stories

As part of our 60th anniversary celebrations, we are asking people to tell us what nature and Somerset Wildlife Trust means to them, and to share their memories of the Trust. Share your stories and photos on our website somersetwildlife. org/60-years, email us at comms@ somersetwildlife.org or write to us at 34 Wellington Road, Taunton. TA1 5AW.

Old peat workings in the Brue Valley have been transformed into Somerset Wetlands NNR.

2004

2001

Red kites are an increasingly common sight in Somerset.

LANDSCAPE: PAUL HARRIS/2020VISION RED KITE: HARRY HOGG

Our 60th anniversary competition celebrating the wild places and wildlife of Somerset is launching soon!

Running from 1st May to 1st September, the competition theme is 'capturing Somerset’ and we’re excited to be offering an amazing overall prize of a private guided tour at Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve, plus brilliant category prizes too. Free to enter and open to people of all ages, entrants will be able to submit image(s) under the following categories:

 Somerset’s Landscapes and Habitats Vast and unending, capture the richness of Somerset’s spectacular and internationally recognised wild places.

 Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Reserves From grassland to wetland, stunning open spaces to hidden gems, capture one of our best sites for nature.

 Somerset’s Wildlife Reveal the personality of an individual or group of iconic Somerset species in a thought-provoking or memorable way.

All terms and conditions, as well as information about how to enter, will be available on our website: somersetwildlife.org/ photography-competition

Each category will have two age groups: 17 years and under and 18 years and over. Six winners will be chosen (one from each age group for each category) and one overall winner will be chosen from those six. The winning images, plus 24 additional shortlisted images, will be exhibited at our AGM in November.

CHRISTIAN WIEDIGER

Wildlife in Somerset

From boom to bust? The roller coaster ride of Somerset's flagship species over 60 years of change.

During the past 60 years, Somerset's wildlife populations have seen dramatic changes. While some headlines are sobering, there have also been remarkable success stories. Conservation efforts have focussed on creating more wildlife habitats, developing nature corridors and increasing connectivity across the landscape. These efforts have led to the return of animals such as bittern, large blue butterflies and more recently, beavers. Reedbeds and watery habitats have also been created, providing havens for egrets, herons and other wetland specialists. Here, in our 60th bumper issue, we showcase some of these success stories and explore their future outlook.

Winners

Bittern

The bittern is a cryptic and secretive member of the heron family. But listen closely for the male’s "booming" call – a deep groan like blowing across a bottle!

Historical status: Between 1952 – 1980 bitterns were occasionally heard in Somerset, with successful breeding in late 1960s. However, by 1997 there were only 11 left in the UK.

Status today: The Avalon Marshes, including Westhay Moor, have become a bittern stronghold! Annual bittern surveys have been conducted in Somerset for over 10 years, and feed into the national figures. These have shown encouraging increases. The 2023 count saw 38 bitterns

recorded on the Avalon Marshes, and 39 in total in Somerset.

What are we doing? “We have developed large wetland areas packed full of reeds and water channels which are just the right depth for their favourite fish – rudd and eel,” explains Mark Blake. “However, Somerset's bittern potential is a puzzle in progress. Therefore, this spring we asked the public to listen for booming males and record them on iNaturalist so we can map the county’s bitterns; results are still coming in as we go to print.”

JAMIE HALL

Mark Blake Senior Reserves Manager

Great white egret

The great white egret is a large white heron-size egret. Moving north from increasing breeding populations in France, the great white egret has been quick to colonise Somerset and continue its spread across the country.

Historical status: “Over the last 30 years great white egrets have been travelling north and west”, explains Alison Morgan, Avalon Marshes New Colonists Coordinator. “1994 saw the first breeding record in France and in 2012 a pair nested for the first time in England – on the Avalon Marshes.”

Status today: Since then, the population has exploded, with year-on-year increases until in 2023 we recorded an amazing 53 successful nests, with no fewer than 88 chicks fledged.

What are we doing? The extensive reedbeds and adjacent willow stands on the Avalon Marshes

provide ideal nesting habitat for great white egrets. While they preferentially forage in shallow waters, even the deeper sections of Westhay offer suitable feeding opportunities along the margins. Great white egrets from the Avalon Marshes are also helping to populate other parts of the country. “As soon great white egret chicks can fly, they vanish. So where do they go?”, asks Alison. “In 2016 we started a colour ringing programme to find out and now aim to ring up to 15 chicks annually. Each chick gets a bright red ring with three white letters and within weeks people are sending in sightings from all over the country. Our birds have now been reported from 33 different counties in England as well as from Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and western Ireland.”

The Avalon Marshes

“Over 60 years, the Avalon Marshes has transformed from abandoned peat workings into a 1,500-hectare haven for wildlife – a diverse landscape of lush wetlands, many now national nature reserves - managed by different partner organisations including Somerset Wildlife Trust”, says, Mark Blake, Senior Reserves Manager. “This collaborative effort has created a rich, mosaic environment – with reedbeds at different successional stagesnurturing a range of specialist species. Most wildlife lives in the first 1.5 metre reed/water interface; therefore we open up channels to create as much edge habitat for plants (bladderwort, milk parsley), fish (roach, rudd, perch, tench, pike) and feeding/nesting opportunities for reedbed birds.”

In 2023 we recorded an amazing 88 chicks fledged

Alison Morgan Avalon Marshes New Colonists Coordinator

Marsh harrier

The marsh harrier is a buzzard-size raptor with a longer tail and wings held in a distinctive v-shape as they cruise over reedbeds and fields.

Historical status: Marsh harriers were once regular breeders in Somerset, but their numbers dwindled in the 19th century due to illegal persecution, egg collecting, disturbance and habitat loss. In the 1950s/60s they also suffered from the effects of organo-phosphate pesticides. Marsh harriers began increasing in the 1970s, with recruits from the Netherland population breeding in the UK. There was at least one active nest in Somerset between 1986 and 1999.

Status today: Marsh harriers nest and roost in reedbeds, although in the east of England they may also

use arable fields such as oilseed rape. Since 2009, these graceful raptors have nested on the Avalon Marshes and 2023 saw a record-breaking breeding season: 11 nests produced 26 fledglings. While many are increasingly choosing to stay year-round, others embark on southward journeys to Spain, Portugal and occasionally northern Africa.

What are we doing? “Though currently limited to the Avalon Marshes, the growing population and expanding reedbeds may lead to wider nesting opportunities across the county”, explains Mark Blake. “Westhay Moor's reedbeds provide the perfect nesting habitat for marsh harriers and there is plenty of food including waterbirds and small mammals that live here and on neighbouring farmland.”

2023 saw a recordbreaking breeding season: 11 nests produced 26 fledglings

Bearded reedling

The long-tailed tit-sized bearded reedling is Europe's lone member of Asia's parrotbill family. This wetland specialist relies on the phragmites reed found in marshes and around lakes.

Historical status: For centuries, drained wetlands, disappearing reedbeds and harsh winters kept the bearded reedling scarce in Somerset. Only recently has this wetland specialist begun to make a comeback.

Status today: Thanks to the creation of reedbeds and milder winters, the UK's bearded reedling population doubled between 1994 and 2019, expanding its range by 84% since the 1960s. In the Avalon Marshes alone, autumn counts revealed a peak of 510 individuals in 2022. On Westhay Moor we recorded a peak of 72 individuals on one morning in September 2023.

What are we doing? “Over the past 60 years, bearded reedlings have benefited from the succession of reedbeds – having stands of different ages – on the Avalon Marshes”, explains Rebecca Hardwick, Reserves Assistant. “We cut the reedbeds on rotation with an amphibious reed cutter (truck saw) to create the age structure necessary for these birds to nest and feed. Older uncut stands are good for nesting in and younger stands are better for finding insects for their young. In the autumn they switch their diet to seeds and swallow grit to help grind them up. It is very important to monitor bearded reedlings on our reserves to compare results to previous years and get a better understanding of their population size. We have a dedicated team of volunteers who survey these birds during September –when they are most visible.”

Rebecca Hardwick Reserves Assistant

Beavers

Somerset's largest rodent and a keystone species, the beaver is making a comeback!

Historical status: Once a very common sight across Somerset in the Medieval period, beavers were extinct in England by the 14th century, hunted to extinction for their fur, meat and scent-glands (used for making perfume).

Status today: In October 2022, beavers became a protected species in England. In the same year, a survey in the Avon and Somerset Frome catchment revealed an estimated population of 50 free-living individuals based on signs such as food caches, burrows, dams, canals, scent mounds, tracks and sightings. However, we also have anecdotal sightings of them in other river catchments across the county. We are trying to get a better understanding of where our free-living beaver populations are currently: if you spot a beaver or any signs of them, please report through somerc.com (remembering not to disturb the beavers which is illegal now they are a protected species!).

Eels

A survey in the Avon and Somerset Frome catchment revealed an estimated population of 50 freeliving individuals

What are we doing? “We welcome the return of beavers in our 60th year”, says Simon Clarke, Head of Nature Recovery. “Not just for nostalgia, but for their future potential as an established part of the ecology throughout Somerset’s wetland landscapes. These amazing animals can naturally reduce flood risks, keep streams and rivers running during droughts and create valuable wildlife habitats. They will help deliver nature recovery and climate adaptations.”

“Beavers are really industrious and so useful in responding to the interlinked climate and ecological crises”, explains Alicia Hallatt, Human-Wildlife CoExistence Officer, “However, they can be described as lazy and their impacts are quick and sudden. They challenge us to rethink what we have come to expect nature to look like in our very heavily managed landscapes, and how we relate to nature. To help us capitalise on the many positives beavers provide, while also supporting people through any challenges that may arise, the trust is co-developing a Beaver Management Strategy with partner organisations and the public, ensuring everyone benefits.”

Eels make remarkable journeys, swimming from Somerset to the Sargasso Sea to spawn. Their young then swim back here to grow into adults.

Historical status: Sixty years ago eels were teeming in Somerset’s waters. They were once so abundant that they were used as moorland currency during the time of the Domesday Book.

Status today: Since 1980, Somerset's eels have plunged 95%, with major threats such as barriers, water quality and habitat loss.

What are we doing? In Somerset, efforts are underway to save declining eels. “At Westhay Moor we have been reconnecting different areas with larger pipes and incorporating eel tiles and ladders so eels can move around the reserve more easily”, explains Mark Blake. “In 2014, we also worked with the Sustainable Eel Group to release one million glass eels onto Catcott Moor and another million onto Westhay Moor to bolster numbers.”

“We want to ensure Somerset remains an eel stronghold for another 60 years and beyond”, explains Jane Brookhouse, Coordinator for the Adapting the Levels Landscape Recovery Project. “Through the Somerset Eel Working Group we are researching eel recovery solutions to try and create more seamless journeys for them as they travel from the Severn Estuary into Somerset’s rivers.”

Simon Clarke Head of Nature Recovery

Alicia Hallatt Human-Wildlife Co-Existence Officer

Jane Brookhouse Coordinator for the Adapting the Levels Landscape Recovery Project

Bats

16 of the UK's 18 bats call Somerset home, from tiny pipistrelles to starling-sized noctules. From caves to woodlands, the county’s diverse habitats cater to their unique needs.

Historical status: While historical data is scant (national surveys only began in 1997), in Somerset, the distribution of lesser and greater horseshoe bats was 145km2 1990-2000. Over the following 20 years, this more than doubled to 329km2 "60 years ago, there were hardly any bat surveyors in the county and data on bat distribution was minimal," explains Edward Wells, Somerset Bat Group (SBG). "The SBG was formed in the 1980s as a training and recording group. The increase in bat records since then reflects a huge increase in human attention making it hard to identify population changes."

Status today: “Today, many bat species are prospering”, says Edward. “Serotines, rarely recorded in the West before 1980, are now abundant in Somerset. Both species of horseshoe bat are extending their range and there are new residents such as Leisler’s, Bechstein’s and Nathusius’ pipistrelle bats. While noctules are declining, the rare grey long-eared bat, is moving north into Somerset from southern Europe.”

Large blue

The large blue butterfly is one of the most iconic species to benefit from grassland restoration.

Historical status: Declared extinct in the UK in 1979, the butterfly was successfully re-introduced to Green Down in the 1990s and Collard Hill in the 2000s.

Status today: Up to 3,000 butterflies may be flying at one site in a good year. Careful management, including grazing, has helped the butterfly to spread along restored grasslands. One important stepping stone site, New Hill and Tannager, is positioned between the core populations. With continued care, this site has the potential to support another core population.

What are we doing? David Simcox, is the large blue butterfly Project Officer and has been working with us and our partners in the East Poldens for four decades.

“Back in the 1980s, I worked with Professor Jeremy Thomas, who first discovered the very specific needs of the large blue butterfly, including living in the nests of the sun-loving red ant Myrmica sabuleti. The caterpillar seduces its way in and feeds on the ant grubs for 10 months to complete its unusual lifecycle. These ants prefer short grassland, ideally 1cm long. By understanding how land use and grazing patterns affect the ants, the habitats can be managed to make them more favourable, including plenty of wild thyme and marjoram, also eaten by the caterpillars.”

Lila Morris Nature Recovery Officer

What are we doing? “On Mendip, two Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) protect endangered horseshoe bats,” explains Lila Morris, Nature Recovery Officer. “We are also talking to farmers here about the opportunities for positive habitat management for bats; many are keen to try to help these species. For example, greater horseshoe, serotine and noctule bats benefit from organic cattle-grazed grasslands. Cattle dung – without any anti-worming dugs – attracts dung beetles which are important food for these bats. Promoting uncut, "frothy" hedgerows provide aerial highways to feeding areas for bats such as the lesser horseshoe. In woodlands, careful ride and track-side management can create a buffet of insects for many bats. Towns help too, with events like Big Bat Count empowering people to monitor bat populations.”

“By working together with dedicated partners and the local community across the eastern escarpment of the Poldens, the grassland habitats are better joined up and providing a larger continuous corridor for wildlife compared to 60 years ago”, explains Mark Green, Reserves Manager (South Somerset). “Looking ahead, as we get hotter summers, large blues may benefit. Taller grasses may be warm enough for the ants that the caterpillars rely on for survival. However, if south-facing slopes get too hot for them, we may need to prepare cooler, shadier places.”

Up to 3,000 butterflies may be flying at one site in a good year

David Simcox

Large blue butterfly Project Officer

Mark Green Reserves Manager (South Somerset)

Green finance & the emergence of nature markets

Economic drivers contribute substantially to the nature and climate emergencies. Green finance is key in turning the planet’s fortunes around.

During the last decade there has been a growing understanding at an international level that nations need to work together to protect and enhance the natural world. Across the globe nearly 200 countries, including the UK, have now signed international agreements to conserve 30% of land and seas by 2030. There’s irrefutable evidence that global and national economic drivers have contributed significantly to the nature and climate emergencies, and with it, the recognition that for nature to recover and to achieve a transition to a low carbon, sustainable economy, much more investment and ‘green finance’ needs to be mobilised to meet those agreed global and national pledges.

The 2021 Green finance institute report The Finance Gap for UK Nature estimated that there is funding gap of between £44 billion and £97 billion required to meet all our goals for 2030. This is the gap between what is available publicly and what is estimated to be needed. As gaps go, that’s

The UK Government was the first to develop a Green Finance strategy in 2019 and the first G20 nation to mandate companies to report their climate impacts and are now working globally to develop similar reporting requirements for biodiversity and nature. Alongside the Government’s goal for Britain to become Net Zero by 2050, the publication of the influential review The Economics of Biodiversity: The Dasgupta Review outlined clearly the urgent need for action as well as the economic opportunities this action presents. The review states unequivocally that “The world cannot tackle climate change and build long term economic resilience without protecting and enhancing nature.”

a pretty large one, and the UK government has a stated goal in the Green Finance Strategy ‘to raise at least £500m per year of private finance into nature’s recovery by 2027 and more than £1bn by 2030’.

WHAT DOES THE TERM GREEN FINANCE MEAN?

At its simplest, green finance is any structured financial activity – a product or service – that’s been created to ensure a better environmental outcome. It includes an array of loans, debt mechanisms and environmentally positive investments that are used to encourage the development of green projects or minimize the impact on the climate of more regular projects. Or a combination of both.

Through changes in regulation and legislation as a result of the ambitious 2021 Environment Act, building on the 25 Year Environment Plan and the Environmental Improvement Plan, the government has introduced a range of publicly funded initiatives to kick start the green economy. However, the Green Finance Strategy makes it clear that the UK government cannot fill the funding

What are green finance projects?

Typical projects that fall under the green finance umbrella include:

 Renewable energy and energy efficiency

 Pollution prevention and control

 Biodiversity enhancement and restoration

 Climate change adaptation and mitigation

 Circular economy initiatives

 Sustainable use of natural resources and land

gap alone. If we want our nature to thrive and flourish and deliver massive benefits for society, we need to bring in private finance at a huge scale – so there has been a surge in what we prefer to refer to as Nature Markets in the UK and globally.

Within the private sector, there is a growing number of businesses who are recognising the critical role that the natural environment plays in their operations, particularly around production challenges in the UK relating to the volatility of overseas crops to unpredictable weather conditions and extreme conditions such as flooding and drought, and the growing customer expectation that sustainability is taken more seriously - it is now a key part of the decision or procurement process. Many organisations are looking to, not only improve how they deliver their own business activities, but also allocating significant resource to nature recovery projects as part of their commitment to a longerterm environmental strategy. As a result, a range of new mechanisms and funding streams are being developed, enabling large sums of investment, through both statutory and voluntary Nature Markets.

HOW DO NATURE MARKETS WORK?

As in all markets there is a buyer (a business that’s identified a need) and a seller (Project Developer), and a platform or mechanism to bring the two together – often with a framework, guidance or law that ensures the transaction is conducted to high standards. As with any market there are also investors who have an interest in seeing the market succeed. In the case of Nature Markets, there are Voluntary Markets where Buyers decided to purchase Nature Credits, and Statutory Markets where legislation makes it a requirement.

WHAT COULD GREEN FINANCE SUPPORT?

It’s really important that green finance is used strategically, with transparent standards, and at scale, if it is to contribute as needed and make a real difference. A key way of guiding investment in nature is through the Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRSs) - instruments of the 2021 Environment Act. Somerset Council is one of 48 responsible authorities appointed by DEFRA to develop a LNRS in their county in England. Somerset Wildlife Trust is working in partnership with Somerset Council on the creation of our LNRS, acting as a conduit to the sector-wide members of the Local Nature

Somerset Wildlife Trust have already been pioneering the trialling of green finance mechanisms

Partnership, and ensuring that the consultation process allows all residents of the County to contribute. The strategy will agree priorities for nature recovery and propose actions in the areas which will have the greatest impact county wide. For the strategies to be effective, they must have ambitious delivery plans, innovative investment mechanisms and be regularly reviewed and monitored.

Sophie Laurie, Head of Innovation and Evidence at Somerset Wildlife Trust comments, “Nature Markets offer huge scope to deliver Somerset’s LNRS, bringing in substantial amounts of long-term funding that can be used to allow nature to recover and to pay landowners to deliver vital services such as carbon removals and storage, improving water quality, flood control, protecting soils, and increasing biodiversity.”

WHAT PROJECTS ARE THE TRUST INVOLVED IN?

Somerset Wildlife Trust have already been pioneering green finance mechanisms. The restoration and rewetting of damaged peat soils at Honeygar – the Trust’s first wilding site on the Somerset Levels, is bringing Soil Association validated, high integrity carbon credit units to the market thorough the Wilder Carbon Standard. The Trust was also successful in securing funding for one of 22 pilot landscape recovery projects in the first round of DEFRA Environmental Land Management funding, working with 15 landowners to finance nature recovery through nature market approaches.

Simon Clarke, Head of Nature Recovery explains in more detail, “The ‘Adapting the Levels’ Landscape Recovery Project is working with 15 landowners in the Brue Valley and is centred on restoring a healthy peatland ecosystem that’s financed directly through a mix of private and public funding, but most importantly provides long-term benefits to the local communities, including economic sustainability and enhanced health and wellbeing.”

Alongside schemes like Wilder Carbon and ELMS Landscape Recovery there are a wide range of other mechanisms that exist. These include the established Peatland and Woodland Carbon Codes for voluntary carbon credits, and mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for development - an area the Trust’s consulting arm, First Ecology, is already supporting a range of landowners to develop projects for Somerset Wildlife Trust and other eNGOs, and are uniquely placed to provide support, advice and guidance for many of these new initiatives, which are often long term in nature and hence require certainty of oversight beyond individual generations.

Sophie Laurie Head of Innovation and Evidence

Simon Clarke Head of Nature Recovery

WHY DO PRIVATE COMPANIES INVEST?

 Regulatory Obligations (Statutory market) The UK Green Finance Strategy 2019, as well as setting out its aims for Mobilising Green Investment also outlined Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) for companies over a certain size. It provides a comprehensive, regulatory framework that mandates companies and financial institutions to disclose both their negative and positive impacts on the environment and society, for example carbon emissions.

Some businesses are required to set and report on progress to environmental targets under other legislation such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, and require the use of green finance initiatives to achieve the targets.

The Environment Act 2021 laid down the UK’s environmental policies and among other things set out the legal framework for new statutory duties for local authorities on nature recovery including Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Biodiversity Reporting.

BNG is now mandatory for major developments including Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). All new planning applications will have to provide a 10% gain in biodiversity value from the pre-development baseline to get planning approval. This gain can be demonstrated onsite or offsite. The number of units of Biodiversity Gain is calculated using a metric devised by DEFRA and these units can be sold to developers from offsite locations to allow them to meet their requirements. Proximity of the improvement to the development is rewarded, with the unit cost to developer increasing as the distance from the development increases.

In Somerset, water quality is of huge concern, and never more so than for the Somerset Levels and Moors – where excessive nutrient pollution has led to the condition status of all the Somerset Levels and Moors SSSI sites being ‘Unfavourable – declining’ - the worst status before ‘destroyed’. Nutrient Neutrality (NN) requires that new housing developments in certain river catchments like the Brue should not add more ‘nutrient pollution’ to the water system. As a result, new developments there must ensure there is no net increase in nutrients. Nutrient credits may have to be purchased to achieve that goal. These are interesting new ways of diversifying land use, and many landowners are considering how they can contribute to the whole farm economy.

 Voluntarily (Voluntary market). Many companies recognise that their business model depends on the natural world, or their biggest risks are related to the environment (ie insurance companies) so consider it essential business planning to invest in nature. Others know their stakeholders or customers expect them to take significant environmental actions.

The Voluntary Carbon Market is active globally. In the UK there are three Standards governing VC

transactions: Peatland Carbon Code, Woodland Carbon Code and Wilder Carbon. Businesses need to purchase carbon credits because they cannot reach their net zero goals without them, so purchase credits from projects such as woodland creation or peatland restoration where the carbon storage or removals from the atmosphere and monitored and independently verified.

In Somerset, the Somerset Catchment Market (SCM) offers sellers and buyers of Nutrient credits and BNG units the opportunity to trade these services. The market is already proven and provides all the necessary processes and legal agreements for farmers and landowners to sell their ecosystem services and for developers to purchase them. Market Round 2 recently settled for Phosphorus Mitigation in the Tone and Parrett catchment areas.

HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?

Project Developers are usually land owners who want to deliver more for nature and/or find new ways of generating income from their land. A Project Developer needs a baseline assessment and a forecast of potential for biodiversity or carbon or nutrients, then a financial forecast for the potential income and expenditure to deliver the project.

Once figures are agreed, the project needs a Management and Monitoring Plan and legal contracts to set out what happens if the land does not respond as expected, or if the land manager deviates from the Management Plan. All projects will have an independent verifier at set intervals to ensure the aims are being realized.

The projects must be managed for the agreed aims for a set long-term period: BNG is 30 years, carbon is 50 years and phosphates is 80 years. Legal agreements must be in place to ensure that if the land is sold the aims must still be delivered according to the management plan.

Wilder Carbon

Somerset Wildlife Trust has chosen to work with Wilder Carbon to sell carbon credits on our Honeygar site (rewetting the peat will reduce the amount of the greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere by 40,627 tonnes). Developed by Kent Wildlife Trust, it best aligns with our values:

 Buyers must be approved & shown to have a scientifically measurable carbon reduction

strategy they are actively delivering and publicly reporting on.

 Project Developers must be approved as Trusted Delivers with a track record of delivering high quality habitat creation and management projects.

 All projects must deliver a biodiversity uplift as well as reduce carbon emissions.

 All projects are independently verified by the Soil Association at regular intervals.

Corporates are both potential investors and potential buyers of ecosystem services as they seek to become carbon neutral or meet their other Environmental and Social goals. Aviva is a prime example, providing the Wetlands Wildlife Trust (WWT) with £20m for new saltmarsh creation and £37m to The Wildlife Trusts (TWT) for Temperate Rainforest Restoration and associated research. Large corporates in Somerset are indicating interest in investing in nature projects in the county so we are starting to have meaningful dialogue with them about the ways in which they can support our work.

HOW DOES SOMERSET WILDLIFE TRUST PLAN TO OPERATE IN THIS SECTOR?

Chief Executive Officer, Georgia Dent explains, “In our Wilder Somerset 2030 strategy we set out our vision and goals for nature’s recovery in Somerset, recognising that the UK is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world. We are committed to working with and supporting landowners and communities to take action for nature, to being bold and trialling new approaches, and being willing to share our learning with others. To achieve our goals we need more space for nature and new funding streams to significantly scale up our work, and the work of others.

“While these new nature markets are required to meet the funding gap for delivery of nature’s recovery in the UK, as with any new area of economic activity there are reasons to tread carefully. These include the uncertainty of mechanisms and markets themselves which are relatively untried and unproven, but more importantly, as an environmental charity we must be confident that the approach we take is improving nature and the environment in Somerset and globally.

“We are careful to engage in high integrity solutions only, such as Wilder Carbon, that requires buyers of nature credits to be on a journey to reduce any harms to nature and climate BEFORE they purchase any credits. We follow best practice guidance from DEFRA, The Wildlife Trusts and other eNGOs to make sure we are operating the highest possible standards, such as the Mitigation Hierarchy for biodiversity to make

There are also various Government grants such as the one funding the development phase of the Adapting the Levels Landscape Recovery project

Other green finance products

There are an increasing number of green finance products coming into the market place, including loans from environmental impact investors and philanthropic lenders which can be made to individuals, organisations or through aggregation models that bring together multiple smaller landowners in robust and secure legal frameworks.

Other green finance public funds include the Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund (NEIRF), which is providing £10m of grants up to £100k to enable nature

projects to be taken to a point where they could attract private investment. The Big Nature Impact Fund is another government initiative, seeded with £30M from DEFRA and aiming to attract private sector investment to nature friendly landscape regeneration.

The government has also issued rounds of green bonds from 2021, which are a type of investment that provides a fixed income and aims to raise capital for climate, sustainability and environmental projects.

sure that first principles of avoid harm, reduce then mitigate and compensate harm come before any purchasing of offsite credits. We carefully conduct due diligence on any buyers and investors, and have clear criteria for developing projects to make sure that our number one priority is enabling nature’s recovery. We are clear that we will refuse buyers if they don’t match our values and standards. Our approach is to test and trial the various mechanisms available to landowners and be transparent in our learning so that we can support, encourage and advise other landowners on the best fit for their land holdings.”

Simon Clarke, Head of Nature Recovery, adds a final comment, “It’s critical that we generate the level of finance required to fund our ambitions for nature in the county. Blending the 60 years of knowledge, skills and experience of our land management teams, the ecological skills of our consulting arm, First Ecology, and our new team of green finance experts, we have built an extremely effective team that can now help support landowners across the country to explore these new opportunities and diversify their income in a range of different ways. There’s no doubt that it’s new and unchartered territory , but one we must navigate and map for the benefit of nature’s recovery.” n

First Ecology offers a free, no obligation half hour consultation with landowners to help. Email tilly.heasman@firstecology.co.uk

 Need some help with the jargon?

We think the Green Finance Institute jargon buster might be able to help: www.greenfinanceinstitute.com/ gfihive/farming-toolkit/glossary-ofcommon-terms/?highlight=glossary#

Te ideal holidaydestinationfor GREETINGS FROM

migrantbirds and insects

Somerset’s tapestry of watery habitats – wet peat meadows, shallow pools, connecting rivers, rhynes and streams, and rich, estuarine mud – is not just a picturesque landscape; it is home to a dazzling array of waterbirds and a vital refuge for other wildlife such as fish. In particular, the county is an international staging point and hotspot for overwintering bird species, providing a smorgasbord of food – from aquatic invertebrates to succulent grasses – and a safe refuge from harsh winter weather elsewhere. Meanwhile, as the first leaves burst from the ancient oak woodlands of Exmoor and the Quantock Hills, robin-size birds - wood warblers, pied flycatchers and redstarts - arrive from West Africa to nest. Across the county, swallows, house martins and swifts also arrive in spring, eating emerging insects that help them pile on the calories before heading further north or remaining in the county to nest. For many animals, Somerset is more than just a summer or winter retreat; it is their lifeblood.

Somerset visitors

Somerset visitors

SPRING

Terns

Migrate up the Severn from the Atlantic

Teal

Migrate South to Somerset from Iceland

Stop-overs

SPRING

Hobbies

stop in Somerset on their way North from Africa

SPRING

Somerset is not just a winter or summer retreat; it is a crucial staging point for migratory birds coming up from the south, a place where they can stop for a rewarding feed before continuing their journey further north in the spring (and south in the autumn). Birds that have been wintering here will also be fattening up on the abundant food before embarking on their long trek back to their breeding grounds.

Wildlife spectacles

Each autumn, Somerset witnesses a remarkable spectacle. Tens of thousands of birds, many of which have flown thousands of miles from breeding grounds in Iceland, Greenland, and Scandinavia, descend upon its shores and further inland to the Somerset Levels. These areas pulsate with life, serving as a vital and haven for a dazzling array of birds. Wigeon gather in their thousands, grazing on short vegetation - their distinctive whistle echoes across the landscape. Others, such as tufted ducks and shovelers, mostly sleep by day and feed at night. Alongside ducks, Somerset’s mudflats and flooded meadows provide a wintering ground for thousands of waders, including lapwings, golden plovers, dunlin and curlew. Equally spectacular is the million-strong starling murmuration that performs a ballet over the Somerset Levels each evening – most of these birds have come from eastern Europe and Russia to seek food and shelter.

The waterways are also internationally important for fish. Eels travel to Somerset from the Sargasso Sea off Florida/Caribbean while salmon, which feed off the shores of Greenland and Iceland head back into the Severn Estuary to spawn up the rivers alongside the lesser known twaite shad. While all three species have sharply declined – the eel is now critically endangered – the estuary and rivers are still crucial to all three species’ long-term survival as well as other species that rely on their existence.

Fly from Africa to Somerset to breed in the spring.

Tufted ducks flock to Somerset in the autumn.

Salmon return from Greenland to spawn in Somerset rivers.

AUTUMN

Lapwings

Often breed on the continent and return to Somerset for the winter.

Why is Somerset so special?

COASTLINE AND LEVELS

“Somerset’s coast, the Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel provide nutrients and food across their many rich and varied habitats from mud flats to salt marshes which allows so many migratory species to call this area their winter home, explains Mark Ward, Wilder Coast Project Manager. “Raising awareness of the importance and diversity of the Somerset coast is an important goal for Somerset Wildlife Trust through our Wilder Coast project. As more people know about the international importance of our local rich marine and estuarine environment, the more – collectively – we can protect it.”

FROM TROPICAL FORESTS TO SOMERSET’S WOODLANDS

The Somerset Levels and Moors are home to 99,000 waterbirds during peak season.

A bar-tailed godwit

The magical lure of the mudflats of the Severn Estuary lies in their diversity; their thick, gooey mud is packed full of food like an all-you-can-eat buffet. The mud is glued together by diatoms, microscopic single-celled organisms, that sit on its surface and photosynthesis like plants. They are in turn grazed on by abundant populations of tiny invertebrates such as snails, no longer than a grain of wheat, which are then picked off by birds such as dunlin and shelducks. Meanwhile, down in the mud there is a multitude of worms, shellfish and other delicacies that are probed and tugged out by long-billed waders such as curlews, godwits and oystercatchers. The plant life here is an essential and increasingly fragile, rare habitat known as saltmarsh – it is the part of the shoreline that contains plants and animals highly-adapted to high and low tides, high salt levels, rainwater, gale force winds and blistering hot sunshine. In turn these are grazed by ducks such as wigeon or dabbled by teal and mallards, which commute from the Somerset Levels and Moors to the estuary each night. By day they can be seen resting and sleeping before deserting parts of the levels once it is dusk.

Somerset’s ancient sessile oak woodlands provide a similar food bonanza for migratory birds. As the buds burst and bright green leaves expand, they are quickly by hungry moth caterpillars, offering a spring feast for birds such as pied flycatchers, redstarts and wood warblers, who make the long journey from West Africa for the plentiful food and long daylight hours. Nightingales find scrubby woodland or hedgerow habitats while tree pipits do aerial display flights across woodland openings and commons. Cuckoos also join the throng, feasting on hairy caterpillars and laying their eggs in other birds’ nests. Nightjars follow a similar journey from the savannahs of Central Africa to ‘churr’ on heathland and common land. However, this cycle is threatened. Declining insect numbers and habitat loss in Somerset and along migration routes and wintering grounds are impacting long-distance migrants like spotted flycatchers and cuckoos. The reasons for some birds’ long-term decline, like the wood warbler, remain unclear. Meanwhile, blackcaps and chiffchaffs, with their shorter journeys from the Mediterranean, are faring much better and thriving in our woodlands, parks and hedgerows.

Somerset in spring offers plentiful food and long daylight hours for redstarts.

Mark Ward Wilder Coast Project Manager

Black-winged stilts are increasingly moving into Somerset as southern countries warm.

Our changing climate

As more southern countries in Europe become drier and hotter each spring, birds are heading north to Somerset such as black-winged stilts and night herons. Bats are also on the move – the rare grey long-eared bat is moving into Somerset as it escapes dry, hot conditions further south in Europe. “Butterflies and dragonflies are showing similar trends, and species that were once rare migrants such as the long-tailed blue butterfly and the lesser emperor dragonfly are being recorded more often in Somerset”, says Anne Halpin, Monitoring Ecologist. “Recent studies have shown that insects, such as hoverflies, moths, butterflies, and even aphids, can migrate over the Alps, so it should come as no surprise that they are also capable of migrating to the UK from mainland Europe and even North Africa. It is possible that, as the UK climate heats up, obligate migrants (species in which migration appears to be a ‘hard wired’), such as clouded yellow and painted lady butterflies, or moths such as the Silver Y, will become more common in Somerset. It is even possible that populations could become established in the southern counties of the UK, with the summer migrations pushing further north into counties where they have not previously been recorded”.

Bridgwater Bay and the wetlands across Somerset are linked – it is known as functionally linked land. Ducks sleep by day on the SomersetLevels and commute to the estuary to feed at night

BLACK-WINGED STILT: NIALLBELL.COM , WIGEON: CHRIS LAWRENCE, HOVERFLY: NICK UPTON/2020VISION, CLOUDED YELLOW: MARGARET HOLLAND

Migrant birds (and insects) are experts at finding the right habitat for them. They use senses that we can only imagine, detecting the Earth’s magnetism, ultraviolet light and even star maps. Arriving after epic journeys, they scan landscapes for clues such as shimmering reflections that indicates water or mud.

It’s possible butterflies and hoverflies will become more common in Somerset as the climate warms.

A mix of wetlands, woodlands and coasts invite a wide range of wild visitors to Somerset.

A bird’s eye view of Somerset A bird’s eye view of Somerset

High in the vast expanse of the sky, wetland birds can detect meandering rivers and shimmering stretches of water from a long way away. Wigeon migrating south from Iceland may fly at 1,000 metres above the ground, yet Bridgwater Bay and the Avalon Marshes are potentially visible as far away as Builth Wells and Cheltenham. Even at 500 metres, shoveler and lapwings arriving from north and eastern Europe are likely to see the Somerset Levels from Tetbury, the Forest of Dean and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

Summering migrant butterflies and moths also take to the skies, using the fast currents of high-altitude winds to assist them on their return migration from Somerset back to southern Europe and northern Africa. Painted ladies and silver Y moths may fly anywhere between 500-1,000 metres above the ground!

“Somerset’s Brilliant Coast is a critical landscape due to the function it plays for not just breeding but also migrating species, explains Simon Clarke, Head of Nature Recovery. It provides an important pit stop for rest, recovery and refuelling for a wide range of species and, as such, it is critical we all do our bit to support this myriad of species. It also emphasises the need to consider the importance of Somerset’s nature recovery at a national and international scale. Protecting Somerset’s wildlife requires a concerted effort from individuals, communities and policymakers to ensure that by 2030 30% of Somerset has healthy, connected habitats available for wildlife”.

HOW TO HELP

 Support conservation initiatives: Volunteering your time or donating directly will support our conservation of these important habitats.

 Spread the word: Raise awareness about the importance of Somerset’s wetlands and the populations of wildlife it supports, by talking to your friends and family, sharing compelling stories on social media.

 Visit and connect: Immerse yourself in the mindful magic of Somerset’s wetlands and woodlands in spring.

 Visit our website: Check out the citizen science section on our website to find out about coastal monitoring that YOU can get involved in like SeaWatch and ShoreSearch.

Simon Clarke Head of Nature Recovery

#30DaysWild LET’S GO

Are you up for the 30 Days Wild challenge?

TAKE ON THE UK’S BIGGEST MONTH-LONG NATURE CHALLENGE 10 YEARS

#30DaysWild

CRANE: STEFAN JOHANSSON

We’re using the science of people as well as the science

Hope in Nature

Our planet faces many threats, but as we reflect on the past 60 years and approach the mid-point of our 2030 strategy, there are still so many reasons to be hopeful about the future ahead.

It’s easy to get disheartened by the state of the planet, as the climate and ecological emergencies unfold.

But whilst we mustn’t become complacent, the last 60 years have shown us that we can achieve a lot for wildlife, when we pull together!

Somerset is home to some amazing species that were extinct or near to extinction in the UK, within living memory. The large blue butterfly declined dramatically during the 20th century and was declared extinct in 1979 but reintroduced in the 1980s. Thanks to ongoing efforts of several partner organisations and

targeted habitat restoration work, in 2022 this beautiful butterfly had an incredibly successful breeding year and the south-west England now supports the world’s greatest known concentration of large blues.

The common crane was extinct in Britain for 400 years, but after labour intensive efforts, cranes are now a distinctive sight and sound across the Somerset Levels and Moors. Many will also be familiar with the story of the bittern, whose numbers bounced back across the country with the restoration of extensive reedbed habitats such as those around the Avalon Marshes.

Public concern about the environment has reached an all time high, with young people often leading the call for change. A majority of people think that nature is under threat and needs urgent action to protect and restore it, as shown in a 2022 YouGov survey on behalf of National Trust, RSPB and WWF. The survey also showed that 48% of respondents were willing to take action themselves to reverse the damage – well above the 25% needed to tip societal change in nature’s favour!

If we work together, and speak up boldly for nature, just imagine what successes the next 60 years could bring.

WILDER 2023 SPOTLIGHT

Together for Nature!

At the end of last year we held our first in-person community forum - Wilder 2023, welcoming nearly 150 people from across Somerset. Nine locally-led groups gave quick-fire talks about their projects. We then moved into open-space discussions and lunch, followed by afternoon workshops covering youth action, wildlife recording and tour of the community-led Eco Meads project.

We heard about the dangers faced by swallows, toads and eels as they journey to complete their lifecycles – and were moved by the hard work that goes into helping them. We listened to stories of community cohesion and childinspired projects in Blagdon Hill, Easton and Buckland. And we learnt about nature trails, river restoration and the incredible achievements of the community in the Wellington, taking on management of their greenspaces.

about two of these inspiring projects. We specifically put this event on as a forum for sharing ideas and celebrating local community action, and we were heartened by the response. Thank you everyone for being our inspiration and taking action for nature!

“Gave me hope I could do similar projects in my own community.”

“Event was BRILLIANT. So many people turned up and the speakers were amazing!”

“The pacing kept everything energetic and I loved the short presentations that allowed me to learn about lots of things happening near me.”

“I do have reasons for hope: Our clever brains, the resilience of nature, the indomitable human spirit, and above all, the commitment of young people when they’re empowered to take action.”

Jane Goodall, biologist and conservationist

Wilder 2024 Must do event!

We are pleased to announce that Wilder 2024 – Together for Nature will take place at Edgar Hall, Somerton, Saturday 12th October 2024. Whether you are passionate about nature-based solutions, keen on wildlife recording or want to create more space for nature in your garden, park, or churchyard - come and join in! Tickets MUST be booked by Monday 30th

Toads face many dangers while returning to their spawning sites.

Reasons to be hopeful

Somerset Wildlife Trust staff working in education, community-based nature recovery and engagement tell us what has given them hope through the course of their careers...

Mark Ward Somerset’s Wilder Coast Project Manager

“I have been closely associated with Somerset Wildlife Trust for over 20 years and our increased campaigning for and raising awareness of the county’s varied and wildlife rich coastal and marine habitats gives me real hope as we move toward our target of 30% of sea (as well as land) positively managed for nature by 2030”

Hannah Volunteering and Community Support Officer

“As someone who has recently started their career in conservation, the passion and dedication of the volunteers and communities I work with gives me hope that we will continue to advocate for nature’s recovery over the next 60 years, as well as motivation to continue fighting to give nature a voice”

Patrick Price

Wilder Communities Officer

“The young people I work with instinctively care about life, they enjoy learning about nature and wild places. We need to help create an environment where they can carry that passion through into adulthood.”

Kevin Anderson

Visitor Experience Officer

“Meeting young people who have the passion to tackle the environmental challenges we face today gives me hope that our next 60 years are in safe hands.”

Bryony Slaymaker

Wilder Communities Manager

“The innovation, imagination and enthusiasm that communities apply to taking action for nature in the local spaces they care about gives me hope.”

Kate Wilson

Community Fundraising Manager

“Seeing all the wacky and wonderful things our Team Wilder fundraisers have done to raise vital funds for wildlife, shows how committed we all are to providing a safe future for nature.”

Joanna Hicks Somerset Nature Connections Project Officer

“Seeing the rise in awareness that spending time out in nature is good for our health and wellbeing gives me hope. And even more so, greater recognition that we too are nature and can develop a reciprocal relationship to help nature’s recovery in return.”

Pippa Rayner

Wilder Projects Coordinator

“Every day I hear about someone changing something in their life, community, work or on their land to benefit nature. These actions give me hope that we can collectively bring about the change needed for the planet and for us.”

Thank you!

Some ways supporters have raised funds for Somerset Wildlife Trust over the last five years...

6Wilder Recycling Projects

47 Celebrations pledged

68 Gardens opened to inspire others to make changes for wildlife £ £ £

266 fundraisers ran, walked, swam, rowed, cycled and abseiled

2,111 charity e-cards sent

£217,997 raised by our Wilder Fundraisers

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Arthur Blackwood, University of the West of England student, reporting on his ShoreSearch involvement

Bryony: So, Arthur, tell us a bit about yourself and your interest in wildlife?

Arthur: Well, I’m 23 and I grew up in the Dorset countryside, on the coast. I’ve just always been interested in wildlife. It grew from nature documentaries and the Wildlife Watch* kid’s magazines – I absolutely loved those! I genuinely don't think I'd be where I am today without seeing those wildlife posters on my walls every day as a kid.

Later, I spent some time travelling and camping remotely. I felt truly part of nature rather than separate to nature. That was the most peace I've ever felt, at any moment in my life. I remember coming to the end of my trip and realising that when life is stressful, there should always be the wild to return to.

Bryony: And the coast is a particular area of interest for you?

Arthur: The coast is amazing, not only because it's idyllic and beautiful, but everyone wants to be a beach bum at some point in their life!

We're incredibly lucky in Somerset to have the 3rd largest intertidal range in the world. It’s amazing to see that interaction between marine and land from one location.

Bryony: You were recently nominated for a volunteering award. What motivates you to volunteer for Somerset Wildlife Trust, and what does your role involve?

Arthur: I mainly volunteer with Shore Search. When I started volunteering I didn't realise how much was out there, but we’ve surveyed the intertidal zone and recorded well over 100 different species, from big species all the way down to tiny little worms. It's hard to make worms sound exciting, but they are! They’re living inside rocks, and you can see them crawling out. How does something live inside of rock? It blows my mind.

Bryony: And when you’re not rummaging through the intertidal mud, what are you up to?

Arthur: I study Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science at the University

of West of England. I'm in my 3rd year, writing about harbour porpoises - there is a population in the Bristol Channel. I'm looking at how they either do or don't interact with boat traffic, given the level of industry in the area with Hinkley and shipping lanes and fishing communities. I want to understand if there are any impacts and further our knowledge to help protect them.

Unfortunately, I've not actually seen any! But that’s probably because I’m not living near the coast at the moment, they do get recorded quite regularly by the SeaWatch team.

There is still stuff to conserve. People say as it has gone too far, and I think - absolutely not!

Bryony: Somerset Wildlife Trust celebrates 60 years this year. In decades to come, how do you think things will have changed? What do you hope to see?

Arthur: My dream career is working in the charity sector and promoting research by and for local people, for conservation. I really want to promote that approach in the UK, in rural settings and especially within Somerset.

I really want to see more young people get involved. It’s a cliché but they are the future. The image of nature charities can (for whatever reason) feel geared towards older generations. I wouldn't say I felt alienated, but I found it hard to connect to. When I was a kid, an interest in nature was seen as a bit nerdy. But I'd like to see young people experience the same feeling that I have in nature - the feeling that we belong.

Bryony: As a younger person with your career in conservation ahead of you, what gives you hope?

Arthur: It's hard sometimes, my course is often quite pessimistic. But I think that despite the crisis, there is still stuff

to conserve. People say as it has gone too far, and I think - absolutely not!

Boundaries shift and I think we need to work with the boundaries that we have now. We need to do our best to build community. Conservation science is still young, but it is moving quickly and we’re talking about including ecosystem services in the economy, recognising that we can’t have infinite growth on a finite planet.

At the moment, it seems like attitudes are shifting, people aren’t necessarily gaining greater knowledge, but a greater pride and a sense of stewardship for their local environment. And that's what gives me hope, that there is absolutely something worth saving. I want to be able to fight for that with my community, so that there is always something wild to return to, where we belong.

Bryony: You’ll be voting in your second general election this year. Any words of wisdom for first time voters?

Arthur: The biggest thing for me is to consider that when you're voting, you’re voting for nature. Human lives are so important, money is important, living comfortably is important - but nature will never return as quickly as an economy. And it’s our life support system.

Bryony: And finally, tell us your most exciting fact about wildlife!

Arthur: I think it's amazing that mother trees can donate and actively give nutrients to their “kids”, through microalgal and fugus networks, it’s fascinating!

*Wildlife Watch is the Wildlife Trusts junior membership for ages

WANT TO DO SOMETHING TO SUPPORT SOMERSET'S COAST THIS SUMMER?

Unleash your inner scientist and tell us what you see when you are on the beach or roving over rockpools. Load up the iNaturalist app on your phone and you can log your sightings, giving us vital data that we can use to ensure that our brilliant coast is protected. Find out more on somersetwildlife.org/inaturalist

Beadlet anemones and harbour porpoises can both be found in the Bristol channel.

Campaign highlight

Would you like to borrow our Nature Matters game and display?

Do you want to start a conversation about the importance of nature – borrow our kit! It’s free for community groups, schools, youth groups and environment groups.

The game is aimed at aged 7 to 107! Exploring the concept of the Nature Recovery Network, and how we can help wildlife thrive. It comes with a facilitation/teaching guide and interactive boards to help capture people thoughts and ideas. Part of our Wilder Communities 30 x 30 project, made possible thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Find out more: teamwilder@ somersetwildlife.org

Get involved!

SPEAK UP FOR NATURE

If you’re over 18 then please make sure you speak up for nature in the upcoming general election. And if you’re not yet old enough to vote why not get involved with our youth forum and make a difference for wildlife?

Find out more:

instagram.com/wilderyouthswt/

LEARN NEW SKILLS…

Our new Youth Volunteering days are for young people to experience different careers in the conservation sector, or just have fun: somersetwildlife.org/events

INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION

We’re recruiting for Wildlife Watch leaders and helpers to support our family clubs. Volunteers need to be aged 18+ and love sharing nature with children and their families! somersetwildlife.org/ volunteering-opportunities

AWARDS

Volunteering Award 2024

Somerset Wildlife Trust Volunteering Awards are made to individuals or groups working with the Trust, who have made an outstanding contribution to nature recovery in Somerset.

Nominations for next year’s award will open September 2024: somersetwildlife.org/get-involved/ volunteering/volunteer-awards

This year we were pleased to announce our award winners at the 2023 AGM:

Naomi Palk has done incredible things for nature in Somerset as a long-term volunteer. Very sadly, she passed away on Friday 11th August following a short illness. After participating on the Somerset Nature Connections Project, she went on to volunteer and co-facilitate sessions. Naomi supported multiple elements of the project. She was committed and totally reliable, never missing a single session. She was incredibly generous and caring towards everyone she came into contact with, offering participants and staff support, friendship and unending kindness. She was deeply connected to nature and fiercely passionate about

protecting Somerset's wildlife and wild places. She shared this love of nature enthusiastically, engaging and inspiring hundreds of people to learn about, love and take action for nature.

Dave Cottle has been a volunteer for Somerset Wildlife Trust for coming up to 50 years, most notably as the Volunteer Warden for Kings Castle Woods for 35 years since we purchased it in 1987. Dave retired from his warden post at the end of last year, and even then, inspired our new warden at Kings Castle Wood to take on the role!

Kiff Hancock puts in a huge amount of work monitoring the hay meadows at Chancellor's Farm every year and provides invaluable reports for keeping track of the progress of the restoration fields at Yoxter Ranges. He has also had a significant impact at our reserves on the Somerset Levels and Moors. With his comprehensive knowledge of so many of our reserves, his contributions over many years are essential to our ongoing work to maintain and strengthen our reserve’s crucial role within the nature recovery network.

ARTWORK: RACHEL ACKERMAN/RACHELAKERMAN.CO.UK

Read more about eel conservation in Somerset on page 24.

Somerset eel recovery project

The local Wedmore eel project had a busy 2023 and 6 months ago they decided to form SERP. Our plans for 2024 are ambitious and include:

 Further eDNA work - the testing of water samples looking for eel DNA.

 The launching of our comprehensive schools and education project which involves the roll out of 50

tanks into local Somerset Schools, the gathering of eel stories both written and on audio.

 Hosting an Eel Conference in July to share everything eel.

 Further barrier work including straw rope construction, installation, and assisted migration work – the moving of 1 million eel over sea side barriers.

INSPIRING INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES

We are the 1 in 4!

Hawkridge Reservoir Amphibian Patrol are always looking for new helpers of all ages.

Toads, and all other amphibians, cross to their breeding ponds from dusk when conditions are ideal, e.g., damp, and mild. Therefore, we patrol from dusk, for about 90 minutes, until most cars have passed and then allow the animals

to cross in their own time for the rest of the night. Patrols typically run from the first mild/wet evening of the year (usually start/mid of Feb) through to when the clocks change (end of March).

We have an active WhatsApp group, during migration season, for those who want to join us. We use it as a place to arrange each night's patrol and answer any questions patrollers may have.

You need minimal equipment for patrols, but we do recommend:

 Hi-Vis Jacket (mandatory)

 Bucket

 Torch (head torches keep hands free but hand torches have a better battery life, or you can use both)

 Warm clothes and be prepared for a few showers (that is what amphibians like) with waterproofs.

Join the Facebook group where we share photos and videos from our patrols here: facebook.com/groups/ hawkridgereservoiramphibianpatrol

So, we shall be busy! To follow us on our journey with this exciting community work targeted at this red data list species (that was once in mass abundance on the Somerset Levels) please find us and follow us on Facebook or join our mailing list by visiting our website and signing up.

somerseteelrecoveryproject.co.uk

5 Ways you can raise vital funds

For our 60th Anniversary year, we thought we’d share some of the ways our wonderful supporters have raised £60 (or more!) to help put nature on the path to recovery.

1Event marshalling

Joining our team of Event Marshall Volunteers will help us raise substantial funds from fete’s, fayres and carnivals across the county. It’s a fun, one off volunteering role, though many come back time and time again.

“It was really enjoyable, with friendly organisers, everyone was in a great mood –and it turns out I like directing cars!” Vicki  Add your name to our pool of volunteers today and we’ll be in touch!

2 Celebrations

Julia asked for donations to Somerset Wildlife Trust instead of receiving gifts and cards, and raised £59 for her birthday.

From anniversaries to retirements, pledge your celebration today at somersetwildlife.org/celebration

3Recycling

Two of our supporters together raised £61.10 by collecting old or broken jewellery, watches, mobile phones, cameras and other gadgets.

“A good tidy up for a good cause!” Jenny

 Request a Recycling Sack or download a freepost label and start your recycling fundraiser today – we’ll receive 75% of the value! Find out more at somersetwildlife.org/recycling

4 Online shopping Shopping online via Give as You Live and Easy Fundraising will raise free funds for wildlife at no cost to you. Between 66 supporters, we’ve already raised £629 from our weekly food shops and utility bills to booking holidays. Samantha P is top of the leaderboard raising a fantastic £108!

5Sponsored activities

You don’t have to run a marathon to get sponsored! Our supporters have done all sorts of things and asked for sponsorship, from a Shore Search and Litter picks, to Wildlife Counts. The 2nd Galmington Rainbows recently raised £139 from their sponsored litter pick!

 Turn your hobby into a fundraiser and set up your fundraising page today at justgiving.com/somersetwildlife

For more ideas, request your Wilder Fundraising pack today

Web: somersetwildlife.org/fundraise

Email: fundraising@somersetwildlife.org

Phone: 07549 031738

somersetwildlife.org/challenge-yourself

Mud Master

Sunday 21st April

A

Abseil for Wildlife!

Saturday 18th May

130ft vertical abseil overlooking the Bristol Channel.

The Somerset 100!

Sunday 19th May

A 35 mile, 100k or 100 miles friendly road cycle on the Somerset Levels.

Exmoor Perambulation

Saturday 22nd June

A 15 or 30 mile circular walk (or run!) through Exmoor National Park.

Man vs Moor

Sunday 23rd June

A 5k, 10k or 10 miles of natural obstacles on Exmoor – including a wild swim and natural tunnel!

Moonlit Meadow Run

Saturday 23rd November

A flat and friendly 5k or 10 night run in Taunton – perfect for new runners.

We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

Go wild!

Wild wordsearch

We’ve got a bumper-edition Wild Wordsearch for you to get stuck into to celebrate our 60th anniversary! See if you can find 20 words to do with Somerset Wildlife Trust — which include some of our top nature reserves and flagship species!

BITTERN

BAT

EEL

WETLAND

WOODLAND

LARGE BLUE

BEAVER

GREAT WHITE EGRET

MARSH HARRIER

BEARDED REEDLING

AVALON MARSHES

WESTHAY

CATCOTT

LANGFORD

DRAYCOTT

UBLEY WARREN

HARRIDGE

GREEN DOWN

SUPER NNR

GRASSLAND

WILD RECIPE:

Wild Garlic Pesto

INGREDIENTS

• 100g wild garlic leaves

• 50g parmesan cheese or alternative

• 50g toasted pine nuts

• 1-2 tbsp olive oil

• Lemon juice

• Salt and pepper

1 Forage your wild garlic leaves! Garlic plants have bright white flowers and often grow on damp soils and slopes, but you should be able to smell them before you see them!

2 Wash your garlic leaves thoroughly and place them into a food processor or a pestle and mortar with the parmesan, olive oil, and pine nuts.

3Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. That’s it! Spoon your wild garlic pesto into a container and enjoy!

Top wildlife spot!

Three beautiful glossy ibises were spotted around Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve this winter! These birds usually breed in southern and southeast Europe and only occasionally visit the UK. However, sightings have increased in recent decades,

Wild events

Visit somersetwildlife.org/events for other events and how to book.

 SHORESEARCH SURVEY: WORLD OCEANS DAY

Where: Minehead Bay

When: Saturday 8th June, 12:30pm –4:00pm

Join us for a special ShoreSearch survey on World Oceans Day 2024. Both complete beginners and seasoned volunteers are welcome to come along and help us collect data on Somerset’s coast.

 ABSEIL FOR WILDLIFE 2024

Where: Uphill Quarry, Weston-super-Mare

When: Saturday 18th May, from 9:30am

Join us for a 130ft sponsored abseil to raise vital funds for wildlife! This is your chance to do something amazing and have a positive impact on nature at the same time. This minimum age for this event is 9 and places are filling up quickly, so book your place soon!

Contacts

PCNR Network

We are pleased to be relaunching Somerset’s Private & Community Nature Reserves (PCNR) Network in 2024. This network was set up in 1997 to support land managers and community groups who manage their land primarily for nature. This year, we’re relaunching with a new welcome pack, quarterly newsletter, and new events. All new and existing members will need to opt-in. Please turn to page 12 for more information.

Specialist Groups

Badgers somersetbadgers.org.uk

Jenny Pike, Tel: 07850 604585 info@somersetbadgers.org.uk Bats somersetbat.group

Adel Avery somersetbatgroup@gmail.com

 YOUTH VOLUNTEERING: NATURE CONNECTIONS DAY

Moths somersetmoths.org

Rob Grimmond motcombe@btinternet.com

Ornithology somersetbirding.org.uk

Brian Gibbs hello@somersetbirding.org.uk

Botany

Val Graham and Chris Billinghurst Tel: 01761 221579 somersetbotanygroup@gmail.com

Rare Plants somersetrareplantsgroup.org.uk

Butterflies somersetbristolbutterflies.org.uk

Ross Harley, recorder@somerset-butterflies. org.uk

Geology somerc.com/specialist-groups/ somerset-geology-group/

Garry Dawson

Tel: 01823 282305 somersetgeology@gmail.com

Otters somersetottergroup.org.uk

Dr Rob Williams

Tel: 01823 461655 somersetotters@gmail.com

Gardening for Wildlife somersetwildlife.org/garden Penny Richards pennywildlifeways@gmail.com Reptiles & Amphibians somersetarg.org.uk

John Dickson, Tel: 01749 672928 jdickson61@aol.com

Steve Parker enquiries@ somersetrareplantsgroup.org.uk

Hedges somerset-hedgegroup.org.uk

Heather Harley, hjharley@exmoornationalpark.gov.uk

North Somerset Fungus Group northsomersetandbristol fungusgroup.co.uk

Phil Gascoigne nsbfg6@hotmail.com

Mosses

britishbryologicalsociety.org.uk/ event-category/wessex-group/ Sharon Pilkington

Sharon.pilkington1@btinternet.com

Andrew Branson andrew@3alpacas.co.uk

Other Contacts

Secret World Wildlife Rescue secretworld.org

Tel: 01278 783250

RSPCA rspca.org.uk

Tel: 0300 1234999

Where: TBC

When: Tuesday 30th July, 10am – 2pm

This year, we’re delighted to offer a brand new series of

youth volunteering days for young people in Somerset aged between 16 and 24. Our Nature Connections Day will focus on how connected we are with our local wildlife and will include both practical and creative activities.

Mammals somersetmammalgroup.org

Clare Fiennes somersetmammal@yahoo.com

Avon and Somerset Constabulary – Wildlife Crimes Unit avonandsomerset.police.uk/ advice/animals/wildlife-crime

First Ecology (The Trust’s ecological consultancy) firstecology.co.uk

Helen Ward, Tel: 01823 652425 enquiries@firstecology.co.uk

THE LAST WORD

What work were you doing before joining Somerset Wildlife Trust?

In my role within the County Planning Department, we worked closely with the Countryside Commission on the definition of the boundaries of what was going to be the new Blackdown Hills AONB. I remember driving around the entire perimeter and examining what had been the early thoughts from many years back and how, because of subsequent changes, the boundary needed to be adjusted.

How did you go from being a member in 1972 to becoming a Trustee?

Quite a many years later in the early 80s, at a guess, I was asked if I would become a Council Member. One of the things that Council Members in those days were expected to do was become Trustees of the Somerset Trust for Nature Conservation, as it was called then, and that was essentially the route into being a Trustee, by becoming a Council Member of the Trust.

So, when you were a Trustee, what was the Trust’s main priority?

Well, at that time, the Trust was a much smaller outfit, with less than 10,000 members. The biggest priority was to get the Trust established in such a way that it could function professionally. We didn’t even have a headquarters! We only had one full-time member of staff, a reserves officer, who was working out of a broom cupboard at Cannington Agricultural College.

Ken Brown has been a member of Somerset Wildlife Trust since he first moved to Somerset in 1972. Originally working in the Countryside Team at Somerset County Council, Ken became a Council Member and Trustee of Somerset Trust for Nature Conservation in the early 80s until his retirement in 2002.

When you compare it with the Trust as it is now, this really was a very small organisation with power and influence much beyond its diminished size, mainly because of having influential people on its Council who were bending ears and getting the right sort of information into the right hands.

“Members of the Trust who are sympathetic and committed to conserving nature in Somerset are very important”

Were climate change and species decline as high up the agenda as they are now?

No, absolutely not. In fact, you had to go through a whole process of education. I mean, a large part of my job was influencing and informing elected members of the County Council and other authorities about conserving the natural beauty and wildlife of the Somerset countryside. Doing that, particularly early on, was a thankless task, they just didn’t want to know.

When you look back, what would you say is your proudest achievement?

My great pride is in the Avalon Marshes –how that got to where it is today is one of the great untold stories of our time.

I have a friend who was a colleague through that period and occasionally we meet and absolutely hoot with laughter thinking back to some of the early ideas that we were trying to formulate, because when I arrived in Somerset, the Levels and Moors were something of a disaster area from a wildlife perspective.

There were several of us quietly working away trying to get things to change, and I regard where we’ve got to as a great success.

How important are members to the Trust?

My view is that the value and the power of organisations like the Trust ultimately depends on its members. It’s a testament to the membership, not just in numerical terms, but in their involvement and the role they play in whatever part of the community they occupy. Members of the Trust who are sympathetic and committed to conserving nature in Somerset are very important and should never be underestimated.

Lastly, what is your favourite species?

I would have to say the bittern. Screech Owl local nature reserve, just outside Bridgwater, which the County Council owned and managed, was believed to be the last site in Somerset where it had been observed, back in the 1950s or early 60s. So, when the first bitterns reappeared appeared in the Levels and Moors, and the first time I went out and heard a bittern booming there, was a very exciting moment.

Sixty years of creating a Wilder Somerset

Somerset Wildlife Trust has been taking action for wildlife for sixty years. Our Vision has always been more space for wildlife where people and nature can thrive.

But there’s still so much more we can do. We are committed to protecting wildlife under threat, increasing the number of green spaces across Somerset, and giving local people opportunities to experience nature in their daily lives.

We need your help to continue our vital work, now more than ever. By pledging a gift in your Will to the nature on your doorstep, you can secure a greener future for the wildlife near you and a legacy to your family and friends.

This year, to celebrate sixty years of creating a Wilder Somerset, our partnered solicitors are offering sixty free Wills to our supporters. To find out more, please visit somersetwildlife.org/legacy or call Lucy Marsh on 01823 652441

Please help us create a greener and Wilder future for the next generation.

Somerset Wildlife Trust’s

Celebrating 60 Years of Protecting Somerset’s Wildlife

Friday 30th August | 7pm to 00:30

Taunton School – the Densham Suite

Early bird offer

Ticket £60* £50*

Table of ten £600* £500*

Drink on arrival |

Raffle |

Auction |

Dress code Black tie/formal

Three course meal | Band/DJ

Table games | Mini exhibition

Early bird tickets available from Friday 5th April

General tickets available from Saturday 1st June

somersetwildlife.org/galadinner