Suffolk Wildlife May 2016

SuffolkWildlife News from Suffolk Wildlife Trust

May 2016

Living Landscapes Living Gardens Living Seas

GOOGle iMa GeS

P18 SuffolkWildlife May 2016

News from Suffolk Wildlife

Trust

On the cover Hazel dormouse carrying young Juniors Blidarchiv GmtH/Alamy Living Landscapes

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Seas Living Gardens Living

daMiaN WaTerS

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blickWiNkel/alaMy

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iN david chaMberla

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e TruSTS The Wildlif

MAY 2016

The Lynx UK Trust has short-listed Thetford Forest as a potential reintroduction site for the lynx

YOUR MAGAZINE

SUFFOLK WILDLIFE TRUST

Suffolk Wildlife is published by Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Brooke House, Ashbocking IP6 9JY 01473 890089 info@suffolkwildlifetrust.org www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org SWT cENTRES Bradfield Woods 01449 737996 carlton Marshes 01502 564250 Foxburrow Farm 01394 380113 Knettishall Heath 07717 156601 Lackford Lakes 01284 728706 Redgrave & Lopham Fen 01379 688333 EDITOR Matt Gaw DESIGN & ARTWORK clare Sheehan ADVERTISING Today Magazines, framlingham 01728 622030 PRINTING five castles Press, ipswich

PATRON lord Tollemache PRESIDENT lord blakenham VIcE PRESIDENTS david barker Mbe, Sir kenneth carlisle, lord deben, bernard Tickner, Peter Wilson TRUSTEES ian brown (chairman), Nigel farthing (vice chairman), robin drayton (Treasurer), James robinson (hon Secretary), david alborough, John cousins, denise Goldsmith, Pip Goodwin, Peter holborn, Simon roberts Suffolk Wildlife Trust is one of a national network of Wildlife Trusts dedicated to safeguarding the future of wildlife for the benefit of all Suffolk Wildlife Trust is a registered charity no 262777 and a company limited by guarantee no 695346

Welcome

archaNT SuffOlk

Returning a lost species to Suffolk

Eurasion lynx

YOUR MEMBERSHIP The Trust benefits from the most incredible support, with many members’ commitment stretching over decades. Please keep in touch so we can ensure you get the most out of your membership.

Samantha Grange Our Membership Manager would love to hear from you.

Please call on 01473 890089

We can tailor your membership to suit your family. if your children are aged betwen 6-14 they’d enjoy our Wildlife Watch magazine. likewise do let us know if your children have grown too old for the magazine.

The return of a lost species is evidence of nature’s ability to recover and so offers hope for the future. in Suffolk our priority is to safeguard species still present but it should not blind us to the fact that our fauna remains impoverished after centuries of habitat loss and persecution.

Our victorian ancestors would be amazed to witness the abundance of deer in Suffolk today. red and roe deer were wiped out in the wild by medieval times so the prospect of deer being Julian Roughton common once again would have seemed chief executive impossible. deer have been given a helping hand by man – red and roe were reintroduced while escapes from exotic collections enabled muntjac and chinese water deer to become established. along with fallow deer they have all proved surprisingly adaptable and successful in modern farmed landscapes.

The otter recovery was initiated in the 1980s with reintroductions but another ‘lost’ species, the polecat, is quietly returning on its own accord after an absence of over 100 years. The chance of seeing these nocturnal hunters remains remote but it is thrilling to hear of polecats near our nature reserves at arger fen, lackford lakes and redgrave & lopham fen. and given the abundance of their preferred prey – rabbits and rats – these early colonisers should thrive and spread. beyond Suffolk, species are returning that would have been unimaginable when i was a child. after a 700 year absence, wild boar now rummage in ancient woods in Sussex, kent and beyond. beavers breed in the wild in devon and Scotland, albeit under controlled conditions at present.

Wild boar and beaver have not been universally welcomed by landowners but that is as nothing to the controversy over large predators. at present it seems unlikely that wolves will ever have sufficient space in our crowded island but the return of the lynx is a realistic possibility. as a solitary and forest dwelling animal lynx are much less likely to come into conflict with farmers and grazing livestock whilst their preferred prey, deer and rabbit, is abundant.

The lynx uk Trust has short-listed five potential reintroduction sites for england including, surprisingly, Thetford forest. Thetford forest might seem large but lynx require huge areas as male territories range from 200 to 2,800 square km. at 190 sq km Thetford forest offers space for one male and, at best, two females. and beyond Thetford the farmed landscape of east anglia is surely amongst the most unsuitable for lynx in europe. reintroductions are a crucial tool for conservation but they should return species to landscapes where they can thrive not create a living zoo with a handful of animals hanging on in genetic isolation. There is a better candidate for reintroduction to Thetford forest – the pine marten. Trapped out of Suffolk in the 19th century less than a hundred animals are thought to survive in england. Perhaps it is time to consider whether they need a helping hand?

SUFFOLK WILDLIFE 3

CONSERVATION NEWS

Hedgehog

friendly town

TOM MarShall

A

fter two years of running our on-line survey to log all your hedgehog sightings, we now have a much better understanding about the situation in Suffolk. While hedgehogs have been recorded across the whole county, by far the greatest numbers of records are associated with our towns. Ipswich in particular is remarkable for its numbers of sightings, spread throughout all areas where there are houses and gardens. We can

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still hope that despite the dramatic decline recorded nationally, Ipswich still has reasonable numbers of hedgehogs.

The Ipswich Wildlife Audit, commissioned by Ipswich Borough Council in 2012 and 2013, engaged the Trust to undertake surveys of all the greenspaces across the town.

As a result, there is already useful information about the habitat quality of these areas and the Rangers and Greenways Project have been working to improve many of these sites for wildlife, as

Ipswich is remarkable for its numbers of sightings

well as strengthening the ecological network.

So what is needed now is for lots more gardens to become more hedgehog friendly, by allowing access to hedgehogs through fences or under gates and providing small wild corners for them to shelter in all year round. This is not a new concept

aNdy hay rSPb iMaGeS

Did you grow up wild?

To see how you can get involved see suffolkwildlifetrust.org

– the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) and the People’s Trust for Endangered Species have been promoting this through their ‘Hedgehog Street’ initiative.

Now, thanks to a generous donation by BHPS, we will be delivering the message of Hedgehog Street in key locations across Ipswich.

We are also delighted to be working with BBC Radio Suffolk’s ‘Going the Whole Hog’ initiative, which is helping to highlight the plight of our hedgehogs and how we can all contribute to securing their future.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust has launched a new campaign called Growing Up Wild to create an inspiring memory bank of people’s childhood experiences of nature in Suffolk. by collecting and collating at least 100 people’s stories, whether they are about catching tiddlers in streams, climbing trees or roaming free in fields and woods, we aim to create a unique historical archive to share with future generations for many years to come.

We believe these tales and images of wild times in wild places will clearly demonstrate how children in our county have always grown up with a largely outdoor life. They will also paint a vivid picture of the lost Suffolk that the Trust is striving to restore; a living landscape of flower-rich meadows, furzy commons and expansive wetlands.

The timing of this project, which is

supported by the heritage lottery fund, has perhaps never been so important. according to a national youGov poll carried out in 2015, children have become increasingly separated from nature over the last 40 years. We know contact with nature is good for children; it makes them happier, healthier and more creative and we believe Growing Up Wild will help us present a wild childhood in a new way to increase young people's contact with the natural world.

What’s your memory? have you got a memory of growing up in Suffolk’s countryside? Whether it’s a story or a photograph, we’d love to hear from you. email info@suffolkwildlifetrust.org or phone 01473 890089 See cover sheet in your magazine envelope

On the trail of a hedge-pig We’re taking part in Suffolk’s biggest mass participation art event this summer, so look out for our sculpted pig around Ipswich.

Pigs Gone Wild is an interactive sculpture trail featuring more than 40 pigs across the county town and beyond.

The pigs, which will be decorated by artists and sponsored by local businesses, will then be auctioned after 10 weeks to raise funds for St Elizabeth Hospice.

The Trust’s pig has been donated by a member and will be decorated in the coming weeks.

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CONSERVATION NEWS

rOberT hardiNG alaMy

A new mammal for Suffolk

Edible or fat dormouse

in december 2015, an edible dormouse (Glis glis) was trapped in a house near Saxmundham. This nonnative species is renowned for being a favoured food of the romans, although they were not living in the wild in britain until 1902, when lord rothschild released an unknown number of animals into Tring Park in the chiltern hills. This introduced population has been slowly expanding and a series of satellite populations have also be found further afield,

although none of these are close to Suffolk. it is unknown how this animal came to be found in Suffolk but they can be transported when large pieces of felled timber are moved from areas where they are present. unfortunately, they can be a pest for forestry and orchards as well as readily entering houses. any possible sightings in Suffolk should be reported to us, so we can assess whether there are any other locations where they may now exist.

Edible dormouse was a favoured food of the Romans

STeve aylWard

Recovery at a snail’s pace It is two and a half years since the December 2013 surge tide blew a 200m hole in the river wall at Hen Reedbeds and inundated more than a third of the reserve with salt water.

While the repairs to the walls were undertaken within two months the damage to the freshwater life has taken much longer to recover.

An aquatic invertebrate survey carried out by county recorder Adrian Chalkley in 2014 revealed a dramatic reduction in the populations of molluscs and water bugs since a

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previous survey in 2012.

This was mirrored by the much lower numbers of breeding birds in this section. In 2015, following funding from Viridor, a new sluice was installed to allow the site to be more effectively flushed and monitoring is showing the salinity levels are now returning to pre surge levels. A grant from Touching the Tide also enabled Adrian to return for a follow up survey, which revealed some 80% of the species including water snails, originally found have returned.

The recovery is now definitely underway.

Studded with wildflowers and humming with insects, Suffolk’s meadows are a perfect snapshot of summer

Saving our magnificent meadows

S

Wildlife Trust is working as a partner with Plantlife to halt the decline of wildlife rich grassland.

This summer the Trust’s education teams will be offering free sessions for the county’s primary schools at sites including Martins’ Meadows, Mellis Common, and Darsham Marshes, to help children learn about their folk lore and history and why they are so important for wildlife and people.

Plan a visit If you are interested in visiting any of our meadows please go to our website suffolkwildlifetrust.org where you will find information on the meadows and their flora.

If you are a teacher please contact: judy.powell@suffolkwildlifetrust.org

SUFFOLK WILDLIFE 7

david TiPliNG

tudded with wildflowers and humming with insects, Suffolk’s meadows are a perfect snapshot of summer. But with 97% of lowland meadows disappearing over the last 50 years they are also a visual reminder of a lost landscape.

Now, as part of a national campaign called Save our Magnificent Meadows and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Suffolk

CONSERVATION NEWS

Are you 2016 winner?

Swifts Save our Suffolk Swifts (SOSswifts) is a partnership initiative between Suffolk Wildlife Trust and Suffolk Ornithologists’ Group – its aim is to raise awareness of the threats faced by swifts during their time on our shores.

Their aerial displays and screaming calls are a highlight of the summer months, but for several years now their numbers have been in an alarming decline. a key reason for this is loss of suitable nesting habitat – due in part to holes in roofs being filled and new building methods. Much can be done, relatively easily, to encourage swifts to nest in new locations. Given suitable conditions swifts respond well to nest boxes; particularly when placed alongside their calls played over a loudspeaker.

This has been the case with great success seen at all Saints church in Worlington, which now has 40 nest boxes installed.

COMPETiTiON

Hopes for nightjar The knettishall heath restoration project took a significant step forward in March when four cattle grids were installed on the two roads that bisect the heath. These paved the way for the removal of several kilometres of roadside fencing, which has significantly enhanced the heathland landscape.

The Trust’s exmoor ponies can now roam across 250 acres of heath as can visitors who will no longer have to negotiate multiple gates and fences. for dog walkers there are now new routes through the woodland areas surrounding the heath and it is hoped that by reducing pressure on the heath during the bird nesting season, nightjar might nest this year for the first time in over 20 years.

While there is still more heathland restoration

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I spy 2 Shortlisted entry from the 2015 people & wildlife category by Savannah Moorhen-Young

How to enter details on how to enter, categories, judges, prizes and terms & conditions can be found on the competitions dedicated website suffolkphotography.org

erNie JaNeS NaTurePl.cOM

Photography

entry is free and you can submit up to three of your favourites in to one of nine categories online: l Young photographer British wildlife under 12 yrs l Young photographer British wildlife 12-18 yrs l Pin up l Simply Suffolk l Strictly come wildlife l On the doorstep l Out-of-sight Suffolk l Unearthed l Eastern angles

One of four new cattle grids at Knettishall Heath

If you’d like to find out more about this fascinating bird and discover what is being done in Suffolk, and further afield, to halt their decline please join us at one of several swift events taking place over the summer, visit our website for details

STeve aylWard

Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s annual photography competition is under-way and accepting entries.

Whether you are a photographic opportunist, a keen amateur or consummate professional, we’d love your help to make our competition grow into the biggest and best celebration of wildlife in Suffolk and beyond.

to complete, the project is now moving into the final phase. The contribution made by the volunteers over the last four years has been extraordinary and one of the main reasons the project has been such a great success.

Thank you We are grateful to the families of the following friends of the Trust who have recently remembered us in their Will or through an In Memoriam donation Frank Bacon Betty crook Rose Holt Mary Howard Derek Mortimer

Myrna Newson Roger Perry Helen Rae Janet Surridge

The battle for a

REDGRAVE & LOPHAM FEN

valley fen In 2002 multi-million pound work to restore the hydrology and habitats of Redgrave & Lopham Fen National Nature Reserve was completed. Fourteen years on Steve Aylward looks at just what has been achieved

n the late 1980s it was increasingly apparent that the once pristine valley fen complex at redgrave was in desperate trouble. The list of species disappearing from the fen was growing year on year and springs that used to feed the fen with a continuous supply of pure water had completely dried up. Trees and scrub were rapidly spreading and the highly distinctive valley fen landscape had all but vanished. urgent action was needed or there was a very real likelihood the fen would be lost forever.

The Wildlife TruSTS

I

The rare insectivorous round-leaved sundew has reappeared at Redgrave & Lopham Fen

A boring problem it wasn’t difficult to make the link between the water abstraction borehole adjacent to the fen and its rapid decline.

Water level monitoring showed a strong association between abstraction from the borehole and falling water levels in the fen, even making it possible to track periods of high and low abstraction. understanding the cause of the problem however was the easy bit, doing something about it would prove to be far more challenging. The restoration of a delicate fen habitat on this scale had

never previously been attempted and turning off a public water supply was simply not an option. finding a solution required a partnership approach, which would involve the environment agency who are responsible for water resource management, essex & Suffolk Water who owned the borehole and Natural england who were ultimately responsible for overseeing internationally important protected habitats. What was also needed was money, and a lot of money at that.

SUFFOLK WILDLIFE 9

REDGRAVE & LOPHAM FEN The breakthrough

Exceeding expectations valley fens are enormously complex and diverse habitats that support very rich communities of plants and animals and therefore any assessment of the success of the restoration project must be considered in that context, not least, have any of the species that were lost returned? it is now clear that in most respects, what has happened in the years following the main phase of restoration has in fact exceeded everyone’s expectations. Water levels were expected to recover but no one predicted the abundant re-appearance of rare stoneworts in the scrapes. These strange aquatic algae are so named because of their calcium carbonate exoskeletons, which give them a gritty feel and they only thrive in very pure calcium rich water.

The spores can remain dormant for decades in waterlogged peat waiting for the right conditions to develop, which is exactly what has happened at the fen.

One of the more unusual characteristics of redgrave & lopham fen is the 10 SUFFOLK WILDLIFE

Restoring the hydrology of the fen required moving the borehole and controlling the rate at which water was lost from the fen down the river

Konik ponies grazing the Fen

particularly complex water chemistry of the springs. While the springs that emerged from the chalk were calcium rich, those that emerged from the river terrace sands and gravels were much more acidic creating conditions for a very different group of plants more akin to a wet heathland bog.

Flora and fauna

SuffOlk Wildlife TruST

restoring the hydrology of the fen would require two key measures, moving the borehole and controlling the rate at which water was lost from the fen down the river. restoring the fen itself however would prove to be far more complex. The breakthrough came in 1993 when the Trust secured a £3.4million funding package with 50% coming from europe.

This money drove the project forward, funding the work required to find a new location for a public water supply that would not damage protected habitats and paying for complex hydrological and ecological studies that would inform and fund the fen restoration plan. between 1993 and 2002 a vast amount of work was done to start to put right the damage done to the fen. The redgrave borehole was shut down and a replacement borehole was drilled several miles away from any sensitive wetland habitats. a sluice was installed on the river Waveney to hold back water on the fen and a huge programme of habitat restoration was undertaken. across the entire fen, trees and scrub were removed revealing wonderful panoramic views of the valley once again. Meanwhile, degraded peat was stripped from the fen surface creating expanses of open water to re-start the process of peat formation which is key to any fen system. fourteen years on, we can now reflect on what was achieved and whether it was really worth all the effort and expense.

David Bellamy did his PHD research at Redgrave & Lopham Fen

across the fen, plant species have been making a remarkable comeback. among the most important and distinctive fen species have been marsh fragrant orchid, which returned and saw sedge, which has spread considerably. rare insectivorous species like sundew and butterwort have reappeared while cross-leaved heath is recovering in the wet mire areas of little fen at the western end of the reserve.

These are the species that define a valley fen and give it an identity, beautiful rare species that are often only found in this type of unique environment. it is not just plants that have made a

BELOW:

Marsh fragrant orchid

JaMeS rOdGerSON Sheila TilMOuTh

Bearded tit now occur in much greater numbers due to more extensive reedbeds

Looking to the future So, has it been worth all this effort and investment? While what we have today is not quite the same as that which existed in the 1950s, it is of both national and

international importance and it will continue to improve. Over the coming years there is every likelihood that more species will return such as marsh helleborine, Grass-of Parnassus and the rare sub-species of early marsh orchid. it is quite possible that staff and machinery moving between the various valley fens will inadvertently help this process by transferring the seed of different fen species on clothing and wheels in the same way that wild animals have spread plant seed over thousands of years.

When the abstraction borehole started pumping in 1959, nobody understood the scale of the damage it would do and how close we would come to losing one of the most significant valley fen sites in england. bringing the fen back from such a precarious state has been a huge challenge driven by the passion of all those involved who were determined not to lose this very special place and its unique wildlife.

That we still have redgrave & lopham fen today is a testament to those people; the professionals and specialists in their fields whose expertise shaped the restoration; through to the dedicated volunteers who continue to be pivotal to the long term future of the fen. n

STeve aylWard

The rare insectivorous butterwort has reappeared

alaMy

welcome appearance. Scarce emerald damselfly have colonised the reserve now that conditions are favourable and marsh harriers have attempted to breed on the fen. even the more common wetland species such as water vole, snipe, bearded tit and water shrew now occur in much greater numbers, simply because there is so much more high quality fen habitat.

The most notable resident, the fen raft spider is the one species that has not responded in quite the same way as many others. The distribution and abundance of spiders has only increased a little in contrast to the spiders that have been introduced to grazing marsh ditches at the Trust’s castle Marshes and carlton Marshes reserves, which continue to go from strength to strength. amongst other factors, this most likely reflects the fact that the fen is a sub-optimal habitat for the spiders and is only capable of supporting a lower density population than that found in marsh ditches.

What has happened in the years following the initial restoration exceeded everyone’s expectations

Marsh harriers are attempting to breed on the reserve

MalcOlM farrOW

flPa/alaMy

The most notable resident at Redgrave is the fen raft spider

Scarce emerald dragonfly has colonised Redgrave & Lopham Redgrave & Lopham Fen

Finding a solution required a partnership approach which involved the Environment Agency, Essex & Suffolk Water and Natural England

SUFFOLK WILDLIFE 11

SUFFOLK’S DORMICE

The secret of JuNiOrS blidarchiv/alaMy

Suffolk’s dormice Work by Suffolk Wildlife Trust and Manchester Metropolitan University has led to fascinating insights into the ancestry of hazel dormice. Simone Bullion and Fraser combe explain how genetic tools can aid the long-term conservation of this endangered species

azel dormice are described as a flagship species. This means that where they thrive, many other species are likely to be present too, with nightingale and white admiral butterfly often recorded in these biodiverse habitats. in other words, what is good for the tiny dormouse is often good for many other things as well.

H

An isolated species The Trust has been investigating the distribution of hazel dormice in the woodlands, scrub and hedgerows of Suffolk for more than fifteen years. This arboreal small mammal has never been common in the county and the existing records occur as a series of clusters,

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relatively isolated from each other. dormice are extremely vulnerable to the effects of fragmentation because they are a poor coloniser and avoid moving across open ground. They also naturally live at very low densities, so habitat loss or breaks in connectivity may send a population towards the path of extinction.

There are also other factors to take into consideration.

The removal of hedgerows or creation of new road schemes, as far back as the 1970s, has resulted in the isolation of many of our dormouse populations. at a molecular level, this could cause reduced genetic mixing and potentially a reduction in genetic diversity in each separate population, depending on how small and isolated it has become.

Understanding gene flow

Dormice distribution in Suffolk

species. Species are more likely to be able to adapt to these changing environments where they occur in populations that have a diverse genetic make-up.

Getting the DNA

SBIS

as conservationists, we’re particularly interested in using genetic tools to measure how genes are spread across a landscape – sometimes called gene flow.

Studies of gene flow can help identify the physical landscape barriers, such as roads or built up areas, which are most likely to cause reproductive isolation. This knowledge can help us target conservation activities, such as restoring hedges or creating animal bridges across roads, in those areas where they will be most effective in reconnecting vulnerable populations. understanding genetic diversity is also important because it allows us to recognise how a particular species or population can be affected by

environmental change and avoid problems associated with inbreeding.

This is especially relevant in the context of climate change, now considered to be one of the greatest threats to modern day

To help understand a dormouse population’s genetic make-up, dNa can be obtained from just a small amount of tissue. This is a non-invasive process, carried out by plucking a small sample of hair from a dormouse’s rump during our routine nest box monitoring activities. as dormice are a highly protected species, this is undertaken under a special ‘Project licence’ over and above our normal survey licences. The samples are then sent to fraser at Manchester Metropolitan university for detailed laboratory analysis.

SUFFOLK WILDLIFE 13

SUFFOLK’S DORMICE fraser’s Phd research, funded by the Peoples Trust for endangered Species, aims to use genetic tools to aid the longterm conservation of the dormice in the uk in two ways. firstly, he is comparing the genetic variability of dormouse populations across the uk with that of populations in continental europe. This is critical in recognising potentially unique regional genetic variants so that they can be incorporated into a conservation plan. he is also interested in finding out whether dormice in the uk are distinct from their continental cousins and, if so, by how much. This sort of information might help generate specific conservation priorities for uk dormice within the eu. To achieve all this, he has collected dormouse dNa samples from across the species’ uk range, from cornwall to Suffolk and from the isle of Wight to cumbria.

fraser uses dNa sequencing to measure genetic differences, making statistical comparisons with the diversity we find in samples between the different areas. The findings are very exciting as not only are uk dormice genetically distinct from dormice found in continental europe, it appears there are also six distinct genetic variants of dormice within the uk itself. using this data, fraser has estimated that dormice first reached the uk between 8,000 and 10,000 years ago, sometime after the last ice age. This was a period when a land bridge was present between the Netherlands and mainland uk, including a now-flooded area in the North Sea referred to as doggerland. interestingly, of the six uk genetic variants, Suffolk dormice are recognised as being their own separate variant, apparently distinct from anywhere else in

FRASER COMBE

Distribution of genetic variants

l Re-intro Priestley/Bradfield l Re-intro Wych l Cornwall & Devon l Gloucestershire & Shropshire 14 SUFFOLK WILDLIFE

l Central l IOW l Suffolk l Wales

the uk. it appears that our dormice may have been genetically isolated for a long period of time by landscape-scale features, such as large river systems or the fens in the west.

Such findings mean that the relevance of conserving dormice in Suffolk as a separate group should be considered. however, in previous years there have been two captive-bred reintroductions into the county, before the techniques to extract this genetic information were available. despite this, it is unlikely that this new influx of genetic diversity is having a negative effect and given the success of the re-introduced populations, it may have reversed the effects of inbreeding and created greater resistance to environmental change. it is recommended, however, that genetic diversity should

aliSON lOOSer

Exciting discovery

Planting gaps in hedgerows has enabled connectivity and movement of dormice

Dormouse are a flagship species which means that where they thrive, many other species are likely to be present too

PeTer laWreNce

SiMONe bulliON

Inspecting nest boxes requires a licence from Natural England

blickWiNkel alaMy

DNA can be obtained from a hair sample plucked from the rump

now be an important consideration where further reintroductions of captive-bred dormice are to be undertaken where they would reinforce existing populations.

Further investigations This partnership project between the Trust and Manchester Metropolitan university is also seeking to investigate at a much finer scale whether there has been further subdivision in genetic diversity of Suffolk’s dormice after they colonised the uk. This will be very useful because it will allow us to evaluate how dormice move through their habitat and between populations.

Specifically, it will test how particular landscape features help or inhibit these movements. for example, it seems likely that roads prevent gene flow, but we don’t really know how much. Similarly, it is

daNNy NOrrey

SiMONe bulliON

Fraser mapping hedgerows with a differential GPS

Fraser uses DNA sequencing to estimate genetic differences

Suffolk dormice are recognised as being their own separate variant, distinct from anywhere else in the UK

to be expected that established habitat corridors such as along hedgerows should demonstrate genetic mixing.

Since 2008, the Trust has been working towards improving connectivity for dormice at a landscape scale, thanks to funding from Natural england, The Sita Trust and the dedham vale aONb and Stour valley Project. dNa samples from populations now linked by newlyestablished hedgerows should ultimately help us directly observe the effectiveness of these features to aid dormouse dispersal. for example, through genetic analysis we have already established that there has been movement of dormice between two woodlands that were reconnected about ten years ago by planting up several gaps in the hedgerow running between them – including a

section that was 30m in length. Of course, we can only prove that this was as a direct result of the planting if we can take genetic samples ‘before and after’, so this is what we are aiming towards next.

Such work will also help us identify vulnerable populations which may already be exhibiting small population sizes and/or genetic inbreeding. using this genetic information alongside our regular monitoring of populations may provide a powerful tool to assist with the protection and conservation of dormice long into the future. n Dr Simone Bullion is senior conservation manager at Suffolk Wildlife Trust and Fraser Combe is a PhD student at Manchester Metropolitan University

SUFFOLK WILDLIFE 15

dragonflies on the map DRAGONFLIES

Putting

MARTIN FOWLER ALAMY

After six years of intensive fieldwork, a new Atlas of Suffolk’s dragonflies will provide unparalleled information about this iridescent insect.

Adrian Parr explains how the book he helped compile also provides a picture of dramatic change Red-eyed damselfly

16 SUFFOLK WILDLIFE

S

1

2

3

Several species were recorded in Suffolk for the very first time A labour of love

4

INSET PHOTOS: STEVE AYLWARD

5

1. Willow emerald damselfly 2. Norfolk hawker 3. Hairy dragonfly 4. Four-spotted chaser 5. Migrant hawker

The atlas, provisionally titled at the time of writing Suffolk Dragonflies, was put together after six years of intensive fieldwork between 2008 and 2014. in all, some 20,000 records were received, perhaps reflecting the current high levels of interest in dragonflies amongst the county’s wildlife community. Put together by a small group of Suffolk’s dragonfly enthusiasts and led by Nick Mason and myself, the book includes sections on the county’s dragonfly habitats, a comprehensive Suffolk dragonfly list and details about past and future trends. The main bulk of the atlas, however, is made up of individual species accounts, which contain a brief background, current flight periods and distributions mapped in 2km squares before being analysed in depth. The atlas is also extensively illustrated, using photos from some of Suffolk’s top photographers.

The highs

although some change is to be expected since the time of Mendel’s book, some of the population shifts highlighted in the new atlas are relatively dramatic. Several species, including migrants such as the vagrant and lesser emperors and the southern migrant Suffolk hawker were recorded in Suffolk for es fli on ag Dr the very first time. Perhaps more significantly, several new species

Edited by

Nicholas Mason and Adrian Parr

anyone interested in reserving a copy can contact copy can contact the Suffolk the Suffolk dragonfly recorder dragonflyadrian recorder Parradrian on Parr on adrian.parr@btinternet.com

were also found to be breeding in the county, including scarce emerald damselfly, willow emerald damselfly and small red-eyed damselfly. The last two were found to be widespread in Suffolk, despite not having even been recorded in britain when howard Mendel wrote his book in 1992. a number of species that were quite rare or local at the time of Mendel have also gone on to become significantly more widespread in the county. These include species such as redeyed damselfly, white-legged damselfly, Norfolk hawker, hairy dragonfly, scarce chaser and four-spotted chaser.

The lows Not all developments have, however, been positive. Some sites for the local variable damselfly have been lost over the last 25 years, though gains have been made in the lakenheath area as a result of the rSPb’s habitat creation work there. The emerald damselfly has declined significantly in the last few decades, probably due to drainage and the loss of many ‘damp corners’ where the species likes to breed. even the common bluetailed damselfly, while still widespread, is showing signs of a population downturn. it is hoped the new atlas, which is published by the Suffolk Naturalists’ Society and should be available by the time this magazine is landing on doormats (or just a few weeks later), will appeal to those with a passion for dragonflies and those with an interest in finding out just how britain’s wildlife is responding to current environmental shifts and pressures. n

Dragonflies and damselflies

What’s the ce? differen

Dragonflies and damselflies belong to the insect order known as Odonata, (meaning "toothed jaw"). Although they are often collectively called "dragonflies", there are two different sub-orders.

l Damselflies are insects in the sub-order

Zygoptera, (meaning "yoke-winged"). All four wings are near enough equal in size and shape. They are usually smaller and stay close to the water margins and surface. Most species hold their wings along the length of their abdomen while at rest. The eyes are always separated, never touching.

l Dragonflies are insects in the sub-order

Anisoptera (meaning"unequal-winged") and their hind wings are usually shorter and broader than fore wings. Usually they are larger insects that can often be found flying well away from water. When at rest they hold their wings out from the body, often at right angles to it. The eyes are very large and usually touch.

SUFFOLK WILDLIFE 17

iNSeT PhOTOS: STeve aylWard

ome two and a half decades ago, howard Mendel published the book Suffolk Dragonflies. One of the first county dragonfly atlases to be published, it provided a summary of the state of Suffolk’s dragonflies along with valuable historical background. furthermore, it also proved to be a publication that helped cement the county’s burgeoning reputation in the dragonfly world. however, since that book was written in 1992 a great deal has happened to britain’s dragonflies. Pressures on the environment have grown, while at the same time conservationists have come to have a better understanding of how to manage particular species. This, combined with the growing impact of climate change, the effects of which have become more dramatic and more obvious in recent years, meant the time was right for a new assessment of the county’s dragonflies to be made.

rebeN SMiTh alaMy

SHIMPLING PARK FARM

Wild farm about the

Farming for food and farming for wildlife need not be mutually exclusive.

Matt Gaw meets a pioneering organic farmer who is delivering biodiversity while also turning a profit

18 SUFFOLK WILDLIFE

ohn Pawsey can clearly remember the moment he realised something had to change on his Shimpling farm. after spraying a field with a cocktail of chemicals, whose long-term impacts on the soil and wildlife he knew little about, he watched as a hare broke cover and bolted through the herbicide mist. “it ran through the sprayed part of the crop, sat on a headland and started licking itself,” John said. “i was already thinking about what to change to make money and i felt really uneasy about spraying. “but seeing this relatively large mammal being affected made me realise that there were loads of other animals i couldn’t see that were also being impacted; lots of beneficial insects i was just killing.”

J

he pauses and looks out the window of the victorian farm house. “i just thought the balance was wrong and i felt out of control. rather than being a creative farmer making my own decisions, all the decisions were being made for me.”

A new direction if the hare was an epiphany, it’s timing also proved to be critical. With conventionally grown wheat prices at rock bottom, many farmers were searching for ways to diversify in an attempt to at least cover their costs. for John things were certainly no different. but having previously invited Suffolk Wildlife Trust to carry out a full farm conservation plan for the site’s wildlife, the way forward seemed relatively clear.

“We were obviously looking at ways to add value to what we were doing on

Male hares chasing each other

I just thought the balance was wrong and I felt out of control “if you present her with a monoculture, she will find something to completely swamp that.” but the lingering idea that organic farming is somehow “not modern” clearly still rankles John. “Some would say it’s a backward step. i definitely looked at my grandfather’s books to see how it used to be done (John is the fourth generation of his family to have farmed in east anglia), but we farm in a way that makes the most of modern technology. We are far from luddites, i think we are actually pioneers in some respects.”

First changes in 2006 the first organic rotation on a 300 acre site at Shimpling Park farm was completed and its financial performance compared to those areas still being managed using conventional methods.

The organic system came out on top. “it seemed obvious to me that i wanted to go down this route,” John explains. “i was enjoying it more, i was in control, i was learning more, so i thought we would put it across the whole 1,500 acres of the farm.”

Other sites being contract farmed by John followed suit and soon he was managing around 3,500 acres SUFFOLK WILDLIFE 19

yellOWhaMMer: TOM MarShall

the farm and organic farming, because of its wildlife benefits or perceived benefits at that time, seemed to be an obvious route for me.”

John drew inspiration from a friend whose father had begun the process of converting a farm during the 1970s. but neighbouring farmers and even seminars on organic methods were less encouraging, suggesting an organic approach was not compatible with modern farming. he grins. “They were saying it couldn’t be done as they thought it meant farming in the same way but without chemicals and artificial fertilisers. but what they didn’t understand is that this is a holistic approach. it’s a rotational approach to deal with all these problems and bring in as much diversity as possible to get around what Mother Nature does best.

SHIMPLING PARK FARM according to organic principles. but after that first rotation it wasn’t just the finances that were beginning to look healthier. “i think the first thing we noticed was that our soil just came alive. i had two people working on the farm at that stage – tractor drivers who didn’t know, or really care, about organic farming. after that first rotation they said to me on separate occasions ‘That soil is working differently to the rest of the soil on the farm’.

“They were right. it was easier to work, it held water better and it had much more of a friable nature to it.”

Grey partridge has responded well to rotation

Benefits for wildlife Shimpling Park farm also seemed to be bucking the trend when it came to bird life. Just a few years before the State of Nature report – an unprecedented stocktake of uk wildlife – would point the finger at intensive agriculture for a 50% drop in farmland birds since 1970, John was beginning to see populations in his fields slowly increase.

“We definitely started noticing bird numbers coming up. People were saying to us that there are no skylarks around and we were just building up these huge populations of skylarks. and yellowhammers! People were saying there’s none of them around and we were having them in massive flocks like budgies in the hedgerows.”

John admits even he didn’t believe farming methods could have such a big impact. “i was thinking, perhaps we’re getting these birds because of our location. Then we started noticing that grey partridge numbers were building up and i thought, no this isn’t because of where we are it’s because of our rotation.” he adds: “We have loads of over winter stubble, which farmers used to have years ago because they couldn’t plough everything up before christmas with horses and small tractors. There are ears of wheat lying on the floor and seed coming out from behind the combine, which is all winter food for the birds. Then in the spring all this clover gets going again and there will be bees and a completely different set of invertebrates for birds to feed on. it’s just humming with life.”

1

2

3

4

I looked at my grandfather’s books to see how it used to be done but we farm in a way that makes the most of modern technology i am here, before the next person takes it on, is record the changes that have happened. To say ‘look these are the changes we have made and these are the changes we have seen in flora and fauna on the farm’.” alongside the removal of chemicals and the introduction of clover and “green manures” into the rotation cycle, John has also worked with the Trust to dig out old farm ponds and has set aside land for turtle doves, a species whose population is halving every six years.

although it has been three years since turtle dove have been spotted on the farm, barn owl are already benefitting from the growing numbers of shrew and voles making their homes in the tussockfilled clearings. later, walking towards this patch of rewildling farmland, John can barely contain his excitement.

“Just this morning i saw a barn owl hunting. you can see a barn owl out here almost every day, something i wouldn’t have dreamt of as a boy.”

Good news for Suffolk Priority Species Wildlife vision for the future recently John has invited the Trust back on to his farm to carry out a series of bird counts to try and quantify the changes that have taken place. further surveys are planned on invertebrates, possibly concentrating on bees and butterflies and then arable plants.

“What i want to do over the time while 20 SUFFOLK WILDLIFE

Shimpling Park Farm supports a number of Suffolk Priority Species including grey partridge, barn owl, skylark, song thrush, linnet and yellowhammer.

A breeding bird survey carried out by the Trust in 2015 recorded at least 47

skylark breeding territories.

When adjusted for farm size and survey time, this figure is at least three times higher than skylark numbers found on other farms assessed at around the same time. There is also a significant overwintering population on

the farm. A winter birds survey at the end of December 2015 recorded around 200 skylark along the same transect route, suggesting that the farmland offers good foraging opportunities throughout the year.

TONy flaShMaN

John Pawsey on his Shimpling Park Farm

The system at work “We realised if we sprayed anything we would wipe out the force that we needed to deal with the problem. Within the week all the black fly had gone. There was this balancing effect that if you have an outbreak of something it will trigger the population of something that will want to eat it. For me there has never been a clearer explanation of how an organic system works.”

JOhN PaWSey

Last year Shimpling Park Farm faced an outbreak of black fly that threatened to destroy an entire crop of spring beans.

With reluctance and in desperation John ordered in a non-selective herbicide that could be used on organic farms.

But just days before the contractor was due to begin spraying he noticed that the crop was now crawling with something else – ladybirds.

1. Sheep graze the farm 2. Ponds have been restored 3. ‘Green manure’ in action 4. The farm house and set aside field

The first thing we noticed was that our soil just came alive

Skylark

agriculture apart from food production.

We have to be profitable to keep in business, but it’s also being able to provide outcomes that are also important but which we may have forgotten are part of our remit as being managers of the countryside.”

Perhaps though, the last word should go to the hare, the animal that acted as the catalyst for the sweeping changes on Shimpling Park farm. a recent study on John’s farm revealed the animal is in rude health with his diverse and organic fields containing more hare than any other farm site in east anglia. n

JOhN PaWSey. iNSeT alaMy

as well as recording the changes John, a member of the Nfu’s Organic issues Group, is keen to persuade more conventional farmers that there is no tension between producing food and protecting wildlife.

“My point to them is that we're not these open-sandaled eco warriors, we’re all farmers and we’re trying to do something different. We want them just to hear the conversation. What’s the harm in hearing it and hear what we are achieving?” in particular John wants to promote the organic system’s “whole farm approach”, rather than the targeting of field margins and disused corners.

John explains: “What i want to get across is that this is a commercial operation that hopefully can provide the kind of outcomes we want out of uk

Rotation At the heart of Shimpling Park Farm’s approach is a system of rotation. The six year cycle includes two years of herb and nectar rich grass and clover, followed by winter cereal, spring cereal, spring legume and spring cereal under-sown with grass clover.

The diversity is designed to encourage as many different invertebrates as possible. John explains that even the wheat varieties in any field are blended to bring as much diversity into the system as possible. “As farmers we are harvesters of sunshine and builders of carbon and if we are thinking about

carbon sequestration then the best way to do that is by always keeping something green in the field – nature never leaves bare earth. So as soon as one crop is senescing we are putting another crop in to capture and sequester carbon.”

The farm has a specialist seed drill to under-sow clover, which remains in the field two years after the initial crop is harvested. “Green manures” containing mustard, phacelia and buckwheat are put in halfway through the rotation to capture carbon before being ploughed back into the soil ahead of a spring crop.

A seed drill undersowing clover

JOhN PaWSey

JOhN PaWSey

david kJaer

Managers of the countryside

SUFFOLK WILDLIFE 21

UK NEWS

23 new Marine Conservation Zones 2016 gets off to a good start with new protected areas at sea Following years of campaigning to protect marine wildlife we are delighted to report that 23 new Marine Conservation Zones have been created – mostly in English waters.

These latest zones add to the 27 that were created in 2013. Westminster

has also committed to setting up a third round of Marine Conservation Zones by 2018. This must be ambitious if we are to achieve the full network of protected areas so absolutely vital to ensuring the recovery of our seas. We’ll be asking for your help to ensure this happens.

A huge thank you to everybody w ho responded to the Governm e consultationnt on MCZs

Edible crab on a species-rich chalk reef off Cromer, Norfolk.

This is what it has all been about: protecting the diversity of seabed life around the UK

Learn more and get involved at wildlifetrusts.org/MCZ

Did you know?

PAUL NAYLOR

Marine Conservation Zones help safeguard wildlife such as seahorses, cuttlefish and cold water corals.

PAUL NAYLOR

A greater pipefish using the new Swale MCZ, off Kent

The newlypublished Spring is a must for fans of nature writing

22 SUFFOLK WILDLIFE

Spring is here A new four-part anthology, published in conjunction with The Wildlife Trusts, celebrates the changing seasons. The editor is Melissa Harrison, an award-winning journalist, novelist and nature writer.

In the four books she brings together the classic works of great naturalists and pieces by

new writers. They describe moments of transition, from changes in urban settings to the shifting patterns of country life. All are threaded together to mirror the unfolding of the season. The full set of four will be published during 2016. You can buy the first, Spring, at wtru.st/seasons-spring

Tony Juniper is our new President The well-known campaigner, writer and environmentalist has been appointed President of The Wildlife Trusts. Tony has been involved with the movement “This for over 30 years, and was the first organisation recipient of The Wildlife Trusts’ is the very prestigious Charles Rothschild and backbone of Miriam Rothschild Medal in 2009.

In his new role he will help drive conservation our mission to support nature’s in the UK” recovery on land and at sea, and to put nature at the heart of society. “It is a huge honour,” he said. “This organisation is the very backbone of conservation in the UK and the work it does is vital in bringing huge benefits for people, nature and our economy. I am very much looking forward to adding what I can to the already huge impact of this amazing network.”

Tony at Cherry Hinton, an urban nature reserve owned by the Beds, Cambs and Northants Wildlife Trust

Prophet and Loss

LYNDSEY YOUNG

A Forest School with a difference: Nick Baker and friend

A new ebook Prophet and Loss by award-winning author Simon Barnes explores the legacy of The Wildlife Trusts’ founder, Charles Rothschild. 100 years ago Rothschild recommended protection of 284 wild places in Britain and Ireland: areas of mountain, woods, bog and coastline ‘worthy of preservation’.

Prophet and Loss revisits some of those places and uncovers their stories. Available digitally for £1 from wildlifetrusts.org/prophet

Bass Rock – one of the places revisited in Prophet and Loss

Forest Schools grow – yet again As a learning experience you can’t beat it: seeing, smelling, hearing and touching the plants, animals and habitats that make up our world. So we’re delighted that our Forest Schools will grow again in 2016 to include Nottinghamshire,

Wilfred Toadflax: trouble on a string

London and the Bristol area. It’s all thanks to funding from many sources, but most of all from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Our schools boost children’s confidence and increase their knowledge and love of wildlife.

Be inspired by Brambly Hedge Brambly Hedge and The Wildlife Trusts have joined forces to help families explore and feel inspired by the animals that live close to them. Go to wtru.st/Brambly-Hedge for a wild recipe, colouring sheets, puzzles and much more. Plus a detailed look at the characters which are celebrating their 35th anniversary this year.

SUFFOLK WILDLIFE 23

ELEANOR CHURCH

Late news st UK-wide wildlif and issue s: etrus newsts.org/

JOHN FERGUSON

WILDLIFE FOR PEOPLE

Go wild this June T he UK’s leading nature challenge is back for 2016, and we are inviting you to take part.

Last year The Wildlife Trusts launched 30 Days Wild, when we asked people to do something wild every day throughout June.

24 SUFFOLK WILDLIFE

Thousands of you did, from the centre of London to the Outer Hebrides. We were inspired by the amazing ideas people came up with for their Random Acts of Wildness. Grown-ups danced in the rain and made cheeky nature cocktails out of natural ingredients, like elderflowers.

Children and families made wild works of

Forest Schools at Rendlesham Forest, Suffolk

art, went star-gazing and created homes for wildlife in their gardens. Even people at work managed to find some time for wildlife, such as holding meetings outside in the sun. And in the busiest city centres people were finding their own little bit of wild and encouraging it to thrive.

But don’t take our word for it…

NORTON PRIMARY SCHOOL, SUFFOLK It’s not just families and individuals who can pledge to commit 30 Random Acts of Wildness throughout June – we want your school to get involved too!

If you would like to speak to one of our team, email judy.powell @suffolkwildlifetrust.org

ARCHANT SUFFOLK

We wore wellies all day!

Over the coming weeks we will be working with schools across Suffolk to spread the 30 Days Wild message and pass on some fun ideas on how pupils and whole classes can get in the habit of going wild.

Many studies show that spending time regularly in wild green environments improves your health and happiness. So, working with the University of Derby last year, we evaluated the impact of the first 30 Days Wild on our participants.

They took a quiz before June, straight after June and again two months later. The results were startling. People reported feeling significantly healthier and happier not just at the time, but months after the challenge had finished.

Taking part also led to a sustained increase in connection to nature, and pro-nature behaviours. Great news for wildlife and people.

Tell us if you’re going wild in June

KATHERINE DIXSON, 59, STAFFORDSHIRE

ALEX WHITE, 12, OXFORDSHIRE

“I’ve always loved getting out into nature, but 30 Days Wild focused my love of wildlife and gave me an opportunity to improve skills like birdwatching. I had a much keener awareness of being part of nature.

At the time I worked in Wolverhampton. Even there I made the most of wild places – having breakfast outside before I left for work, or visiting the park near my office. I don’t think I would have ever visited it, or done a spot of birdwatching on my way back from doing the shopping, if it wasn’t for the challenge. It was so fulfilling and made me realise the richness of wildlife, and how important it is to me.” waybeyondwords.co.uk/blog

“At first it was a bit of a struggle having to think of something new to do every day. But then it got really exciting and we started to think of loads of ideas. As it got easier I found that I wanted to spend more time outdoors. When it came to the end of June I didn’t want to stop.

Some of our activities were around the house and garden. Other times my mum, dad and sister, Amelia and I went for a day at the beach, or wild swimming. I took my camera with me, and blogged on appletonwildlifediary.wordpress. com. This year I want to get people from school involved: I found it really fun and inspiring, and I want to share that with people in my class.”

I had a much keener awareness of being part of nature

Join in and find inspiration on the 30DaysWild Facebook group and share your own random acts of wildness on our Facebook page, Twitter feed – or find us on Instagram, we’re @suffolkwildlife

When it came to the end of June I didn’t want to stop

Record your progress If you would like a free 30 Days Wild activity pack, please visit wildlifetrusts.

Saltmarsh creeks flow from org/30DaysWild SUFFOLK WILDLIFE 25

PURPLELANDSCAPES LIVING EMPEROR LANDSCAPES

ANNA GOWTHORPE/PRESS ASSOCIATION

December 27th: Emergency services rescue a family in York

Something has 26 SUFFOLK WILDLIFE

H

ebden Bridge, York, Leeds, Tadcaster, Cockermouth, Pooley Bridge, Bradford, Glenridding, Aberdeen. Just some of the villages, towns and cities affected by the December floods. More than 16,000 houses flooded, and many businesses too.

Tens of thousands of people have suffered the trauma and disruption of having their lives turned upside down. Recovery takes months or years.

Prime Minister David Cameron recently called for an ‘attitudinal change’ on flood protection. Whilst we agree on that point, he wants to shift the focus away from protecting nature and towards protecting property. In fact, we must do both. We need to take a new, collective approach to finding long-term, effective solutions to these predictable and recurring floods.

More than 16,000 houses have been flooded, and many businesses

Stephen Trotter The Wildlife Trusts’ Director, England is passionate about wildlife and wild places, and what they can do for people

to change

They are the result of a combination of factors: n Our natural defences (habitats, water catchments and river ecosystems) have been dismantled and damaged by intensive land management – often driven by Government subsidies intended to increase food production. n We lack an integrated approach to flood and drought alleviation, water quality issues and wildlife decline. The solutions to these challenges need to be woven together, not sat in separate silos. n We have spent decades ignoring Environment Agency advice by building in the wrong places. Floodplains are not suitable for housing and other developments. n Urban areas lack the vegetated wild spaces needed to absorb water safely and release it slowly. Poor planning, too much hard landscaping and pavedover front gardens don’t help.

SUFFOLK WILDLIFE 27

LIVING LANDSCAPES The most fundamental factor in any catchment is how the land is managed. For example, research by Devon Wildlife Trust and Plymouth University shows that wilder ‘culm’ grassland absorbs 4.5 times more water than sown and fertilised pasture.

Trees are better still. So well-wooded catchments and those with wetlands and wildflower-rich grasslands are much better at coping with extreme rainfall events.

Ploughing-up of densely-vegetated wild habitats, over-grazing, digging drains and straightening rivers have all had disastrous consequences for our landscapes, which now have a severely reduced capacity to absorb and store water. Once a catchment is saturated, the speed of run off determines whether a flood becomes an extreme incident.

Often the land manager’s objective is to get the water away as quickly as

Carefully designing more absorbent habitats can protect towns and cities

and designing more absorbent habitats like woodlands, wetlands and floodplains, we can increase the water-holding capacity of landscapes near towns and cities. This can be good for people and good for wildlife – and often far cheaper than the hard concrete solutions we hear so much about.

Natural approaches help avoid the extreme peaks that can be so damaging.

possible. But this simply passes it on downstream – where it can become someone else’s bigger problem.

Then it hits the floodplains which we Before have developed and constrained – the spaces into which they could naturally expand during intense flood events. Far too often, society has failed to respect or value the functioning of this natural process.

There has to be a better way and there is: to work with natural processes rather Welsh peatland dried out by ‘improvements’ than against them. By carefully locating

MONTGOMERYSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST

After

The same peatland after ditch blocking was completed

How nature reserves protect homes

AMY LEWIS

Thacka Beck has been rerouted through a purpose-built reserve, allowing wet grassland to act as a floodplain when water levels rise – protecting the nearby town.

Penrith’s flood reduction syst em

28 SUFFOLK WILDLIFE

Lunt, North Merseyside

Lunt Meadows nature reserve sits next to the River Alt and acts as an overflow when water levels rise. In heavy rain, water enters the wetland area, protecting communities downstream.

s Overflow slip at Lunt Meadow

Rotherham, Yorkshire

The Centenary Riverside urban nature reserve is also a flood storage area. Last winter it kept floodwaters from the River Don away from surrounding streets and buildings.

Centenary Riverside fills up

Short-eared owl – often seen in wetlands that can help to fight floods Designing more places like these three into local plans can help us deal with future flooding – and provide much-needed space for wildlife. A real win-win.

PAUL HOBSON

Penrith, Cumbria

4.5

68%

less flow

1

Plan land use at a catchment scale Use ecological network maps to create large, new multi-functional areas at strategic locations around vulnerable villages, towns and cities.

times more

Blocking drainage ditches on the Exmoor Mires reduced storm flows to 32% of the pre-restoration level

2

Stop building on floodplains Planning policy must rigorously prevail against urban floodplain development. Too often, concerns are dismissed with disastrous effect.

Culm v cropped Devon’s culm grasslands hold 4.5 times more water than intensively-managed grasslands

3

The magic of trees

155 million litres

Renaturalise rivers Introduce more meanders, dead wood and rocks to slow the water. Recognise that the floodplain is part of the system, even if it is dry most of the time.

Water soaked into tree plantations in Wales at the rate of 100cm/h. On grazed pasture the rate was negligible

6FT HUMAN

Leave that dead tree

Six large woody debris piles in a Northumberland stream doubled the travel time for the flood peak 1km downstream

4

Ditch-blocking 250 ha of peatland in Pumlumon, Wales raised the water table by 5cm.

That’s an extra 155 m l held back

If all of the tributaries in a catchment spill their water into main rivers at slightly different times, it has been shown the most severe flooding can be avoided – making a huge difference to the number of homes and businesses affected.

There is a role for hard defences and dredging in some places but they won’t work everywhere. We need an approach that looks at underlying causes – from the headwaters to the coast. Everyone needs to work together to find local solutions that work for people and wildlife across whole catchments.

One branch at a time might not look like much. But over time beavers are nature’s wetland engineers

Protect soils Encourage farming practices that restore soil and its ability to intercept run-off – especially near streams and rivers.

Wildlife Trusts are doing this across the UK, for example in the ‘Slow the Flow’ projects we’re implementing. We just need more of them in more places. This is why we are calling on the Government to invest in smarter natural solutions for flood control (see right). Evidence shows that in most places working with the grain of nature is more effective, and more affordable.  Read more at wildlifetrusts.org/flooding

SHEFFIELD WILDLIFE TRUST

DAN HILLIARD. SOURCE: ENVIRONMENT AGENCY, PUTTOCK & BRAZIER 2014

10 ways to help nature help people

5

Rebuild absorbent uplands Keep more water in the hills for longer by restoring wet peatlands, and letting broadleaf trees regenerate naturally in critical places.

6

Rip up city paving Permeable surfaces, green roofs and wild areas in communal outdoor spaces should be part of all new development.

7

Create buffer strips Strips of grasses and flowers along watercourses in towns or countryside slow the flow of water and reduce levels of pollutants.

8

Design and protect buildings better Help vulnerable householders to adapt their houses so that a flood is less of an issue and life can return to normal more quickly.

9

Ensure farm payments reward helpful practices Public payments should be for public benefits such as flood alleviation and the restoration of wild habitats.

LAURIE CAMPBELL

10

Commit fully to tackling climate change Properly commit to the Paris Climate Change Agreement. Set up a National Natural Infrastructure Commission to lead and coordinate activity.

SUFFOLK WILDLIFE 29

JACK PERKS

SOME EVIDENCE FOR A RETHINK

GREAT DAYS OUT

10 places to see

Urban wildlife 1

CS Lewis reserve, Risinghurst Berks, Bucks and Oxon WT

Thought to be the inspiration behind the Narnia books, this tranquil woodland belonged to the celebrated Oxford author. Toads spawn in spring and there are dragonflies and damselflies in summer, as well as songbirds.

Where is it? Risinghurst, Oxford OX3 8JD. Park end of Lewis Close. Grid SP560067.

2

Ystradfawr, Ystradgynlais Brecknock Wildlife Trust

Once an industrial landscape with three collieries, the reserve has been left to nature for 60 years. With wet

woodland and marshy grassland it’s one of the best areas in Wales for the rare marsh fritillary. The wild flowers are magnificent, and there are butterflies, grass snakes and common lizards.

Where is it? Off Weavers Road, Ystradgynlais SA9 1SE. Grid SN796 108.

3

Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh Scottish Wildlife Trust

The Trust’s smallest reserve demonstrates how a small, neglected urban area can be converted into an invaluable wildlife refuge. Access is through a locked gate by prior arrangement with the Trust’s head office.

Urban ’s wildlife – it u! o y good for

ood rove our m ces can imp f self-worth1 la p ild W n our sense o and increase can wild places learning in d l fu an ng ng ni yi la p mea n P n to develo s2 nd ie fr d help childre an s with family relationship more nature are sy access to l situations2 ea h it w n fu n Childre e with stress able to cop d king risks an ren about ta ild ch h 2 ac te ces n Wild pla aking rational decisions m ore lthier and m appier, hea h e e th ar to n d re te nnec n Child en they’re co creative wh atural world2 n

JAMIE HALL

00; Wells . 2: Wells, 20 2014. ; Bird, 2007 ., al 10 et 20 , g, SF ag C 1: D 2003, in Br , 2013 and Evans, appiness.org m ., al et on MacKerr

30 SUFFOLK WILDLIFE

Where is it? Off Johnston Terrace, SE of Edinburgh castle. Grid NT254735.

4

Cricklepit Mill, Exeter Devon Wildlife Trust

Once overgrown and disused, it’s now the Trust’s HQ, a working mill and an inspirational wildlife garden. A stream encourages grey wagtails, dippers, kingfishers and otters. There are also more than 150 plant species.

Where is it? Commercial Road, Exeter EX2 4AB. 10min on foot from Exeter centre.

5

Winnall Moors, Winchester Hants & IOW WT

A collection of former water meadows and reedbeds surrounding the River Itchen,

Winnal Moors has orchids, dragonflies, kingfishers and water voles. Children’s discovery packs are at the tourist information centre.

Where is it? Durngate Place, Winchester SO23 8DX. Grid SU486297.

6

Gunnersbury Triangle, Chiswick London Wildlife Trust

Saved by local people from development 30 years ago, the reserve has birch and willow woodlands, a pond, and marsh and meadows. There are butterflies, amphibians, woodpeckers and sparrowhawks.

Where is it? Bollo Lane, Gunnersbury, W4 5LW. Grid TQ 201 786.

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Seller’s Wood, Nottingham Nottinghamshire WT

An ancient coppiced woodland managed by the Trust and the City Council. It straddles two bedrock types so there are oak, birch, ash and wych elm, with early purple orchid and wood anemone in spring.

Where is it? On the NW edge of the city off Seller’s Wood Drive West, NG6 7FW.

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St Nicholas Park, Newcastle Northumberland WT

A woodland, pond, grassland and wildlife garden. There’s a play area, and the pond has frogs, palmate newts and many damselfly species.

Summer brings butterflies and a developing mix of grassland flowers including yellow rattle, cowslip and tufted vetch.

Where is it? St Nicholas Hospital, Gosforth, Newcastle NE3 3XT. Grid NZ 235 683.

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Holywells Park, Ipswich, Ipswich Borough Council

Holywells is a beautiful open space, with trees and ponds and is a green hub for the community.

The site is on the English Heritage Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest and has been designated a Regionally Important Geodiversity Site (RIGS).

Where is it? The park has four main entrances: Cliff Lane (IP3 0PG), Nacton Road (IP3 0NG), Bishops Hill (IP3 8EL) and Myrtle Road (IP3 0AL).

Where to find these places

For our full listing of places to see urban wildlife see wildlifetrusts.org/ urban-wildlife

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Bog Meadows, Belfast Ulster Wildlife A mosaic of reedbeds, meadows, ponds, woodland, streams and hedgerows with nearly two miles of smooth paths. The abundant bird life has helped win it the UNESCO award for Urban Wildlife Excellence.

Where is it? Off the A501 Falls Road near St. Louise’s School.

Grid J312726.

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All kinds of wildlife, including foxes, can be found in urban locations across the country

SUFFOLK WILDLIFE 31

STEVE AYLWARD

Black Bourn Valley I

nature reserve

n the dark days of late December, uniting Grove Farm with the river to create Black Bourn Valley nature reserve, was a promise of spring walks to come.

Buying the 70 acres of river valley was made possible by the collective commitment of hundreds of members and local people who contributed to the purchase.

Desmond Winney and his parents, Claude and Violet

Always a Suffolk boy at heart, Desmond Winney relished his countryside ramblings, never more so than when he made it home during his RAF days. So we were delighted to be able to dedicate a generous gift in memory of Des and his family, Claude, Violet and Ivan Winney to help buy such a lovely piece of very

Suffolk countryside.

Like so many of us, Des enjoyed the time to ponder that walking among nature gives. The sweeping views down the valley, framed by the magnificent crack willows that meander with the river, are an invitation to pause. Desmond’s bench, alongside the trail is the perfect place.

A place to linger To find out more about how a gift in your Will could help Suffolk’s wildlife, please contact Christine Luxton on 01473 890089

Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Brooke House Ashbocking, Ipswich IP6 9JY 01473 890089 info@suffolkwildlifetrust.org suffolkwildlifetrust.org Registered charity no 262777

suffolkwildlifetrust.org