Wildlife
Wiltshire Wildlife Magazine
December 2024 Number 135
Design Studio56
Print Printed on paper produced from responsibly managed forests. Recycled paper. Printed in Wiltshire by Mail and Print mailandprint.co.uk
Editor Rebecca Clay
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Registered charity No. 266202
Patron Robert Floyd
Chair Phil Heads
Council Members
Charles Fattorini, Dagmar Junghanns, Fiona Goff, Julian Barlow, Julian Crawford, Melanie Henry, Piers Maynard, Richard Gantlett, Sylvia Wyatt, Tim Gilson
Chief Executive
Joanna Lewis
Front Cover photo
Toad in Pot
Justine Hadfield 2024 winner of Wiltshire Wildsnaps Photography Competition
Email info@wiltshirewildlife.org or visit our website wiltshirewildlife.org
Phone us on 01380 725670 facebook.com/WiltsWild
instagram.com/ wiltswildlife
wiltshire-wildlifetrust-limited
4 Wildlife in Winter: wildlife survive the coldest months
6 A New Species for Wiltshire: Bladderwort
8 Ash die back: where are we now?
10 Seasonal Secrets: Exploring Wiltshire’s Winter Landscapes
12 Wildlife through a Lens: Wiltshire Wildsnaps
14 Join the Recording Revolution
15 Species Focus: Wild Service Trees
16 Connecting with nature at our Care Farms
18 Transforming Great Chalfield
20 A Closer Look at Nature: Langford Lakes’ New Sand Martin Bank and Hide 21 Habitat for Bats Appeal 22 Green Finance: Getting Wiltshire Investment Ready 23 Winter Wellbeing 16 18
Welcome
As I write this, the winter sun is streaming in, and I can’t wait to get outside to look for fieldfares and redwing in the frosted fields. It can be a beautiful time of year, but it’s a harsh one for our wildlife. Trust ornithologist Jonny Cooper looks at how Wiltshire’s wildlife survives the winter on p4.
For bats of course, the answer is hibernation. Come November, they are on the lookout for a nook in which to hibernate, with most – like our rare Bechstein’s bats at Green Lane Wood reserve – liking to roost in veteran trees that are hollow from natural decay. A shortage of such trees is one of many challenges that our bats face, and we are coming to their rescue with ‘veteranisation’ of younger trees. A huge thank you to the many members who have already donated to our Habitat for Bats appeal (more on p21), which is supporting the ambitious expansion of our bat conservation work on six of our nature reserves, building on the great work of the Wiltshire Bat Group. With your help, by the time our bats wake up next Spring we will have hit our £60,000 appeal target.
This edition is full of discoveries and treasures, from the exciting new botanical record for Wiltshire found at Great Wood (p6) to the moving poem written by one of our Care Farm students as he said goodbye to The Willows
(p16). It was a privilege to see so many stunning entries to our WildSnaps competition – my congratulations to the worthy winners! (p12).
In our last edition, I paid tribute to our outgoing Chair, Mark Street. I am now delighted to be able to announce our new Chair: Dr Phil Heads. Phil’s strategic vision and deep commitment to working through partnerships will be invaluable as we navigate the complex challenges facing Wiltshire’s wildlife. I am excited at the opportunity to work with him as the Trust raises its ambitions to restore nature’s abundance and connect people with nature in our special county.
As ever, a huge thank you to all our members and supporters who make our work possible. I hope you enjoy some special wildlife moments on our reserves or out on Wiltshire’s many nature-friendly farms this winter.
Jo Lewis Chief Executive
5 ways to get involved with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Become a Member
Your support helps our crucial work in protecting wildlife and wildlife, nature and people. Join today at wiltshirewildlife.org/join
We are always looking for people who are passionate and enthusiastic about nature to lead our Wildlife Watch Groups and inspire the next generation to continue to care for nature. Want to find out more contact wildlifewatch@ wiltshirewildlife.org 4 1 5 2 3
Join #TeamWilder
Help us achieve our shared vision of a wilder future by taking action for nature. Visit our Team Wilder page for resources to help you on your wilder journey: wiltshirewildlife.org/ team-wilder
Volunteer for us
From practical conservation tasks in our woodlands, meadows and rivers, to supporting education activities for children, you can find the latest opportunities at: volunteering.wiltshirewildlife.org
Leave a gift in your Will Ensure the wildlife you care about is protected beyond your lifetime. Find out ways you can make a lasting difference at: wiltshirewildlife.org/will
Become a Wildlife Watch leader
Wildlife in Winter
How does Wiltshire’s wildlife survive the coldest months?
Jonny Cooper, Project Officer - Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre
Winter is a season of undeniable beauty; the cold frosty mornings and vivid sunsets make it a great time for us to get out and enjoy Wiltshire’s countryside. As beautiful as it is, winter is the hardest time of year for our wildlife. The warm days of summer are a distant memory leaving short cold days for animals to cram in all the calories they need. Not an easy task when the bounty of autumn starts to run dry. So, just how does our wildlife survive the winter?
One strategy that many species have developed is to simply migrate away from colder weather. These regular, seasonal movements ensure that species avoid times of year when food supplies may be low or the conditions too harsh for them. Migration is not without its risks. Long journeys over open water and deserts can result in high mortality for the species that undertake them.
One famous long-distance migrant is the swallow, one of the British summertime’s quintessential birds. Swallows can be found breeding in buildings across Wiltshire. However, in September and October they leave our shores travelling as far as South Africa to spend their winter in the austral summer.
Photo: Redwing, Jon Hawkins
Photo: Redwing, Graham Coules, NWWTC
It is not just birds that migrate to warmer climates in the winter. Most species of bat will hibernate. However the noctule and Nathusius’ pipistrelle will migrate to the continent to spend the winter months.
Wiltshire isn’t just a place animals leave for the winter. It’s also a winter haven for many species that breed further north. One such species is the redwing. Breeding as far north as arctic Norway, Finland and Russia this delightful thrush arrives around October and will form flocks to feast on berries along hedgerows.
For some more sedentary species migration is not an option. In these cases, many species turn to hibernation. Whilst hibernating, the animal’s heart rate will drop and their metabolism will slow; conserving precious energy. This is the strategy employed by the humble hedgehog to survive the winter. Hunkering down in a specially made nest of leaves, this spiny garden resident will slumber through the coldest months.
Whilst hedgehogs hibernate in the garden, peacock butterflies will also be tucked away in a shed, outbuilding or cooler part of the house. These bright butterflies are often some of the first to be seen in spring and last to be spotted in autumn. Peacock butterflies can live for up to 11 months and their habit of spending the winter months dormant is unusual amongst butterflies.
Most butterflies avoid winter through the structure of their life cycle, spending the season either as eggs or in a cocoon. This strategy leads to short lifespans for many adult species, who die in late summer or early autumn. However, they leave behind the next generation by mating and laying eggs hidden under leaves or on twigs. These eggs are then ready to hatch as the weather warms the following spring.
While some species deal with winter by relying on their physical biology, other species instead rely on their instinct and intelligence to survive. Autumn is a time of plenty with many trees and plants dropping hundreds if not thousands of seeds.
Some species can store up food in these times of plenty and then remember where they hid it in the lean times of winter. This behaviour is known as caching. The jay is famous for its ability to hide and retrieve acorns. A single jay can cache up to 5,000 acorns each autumn and can remember where it stored at least three quarters of these to keep it going throughout the cold weather. Similarly, the coal tit will hide seeds in crevices in bark and in soil. Coal tits will cleverly use lots of different caching sites so if one larder gets raided, they do not lose all their hard-earned food. Grey squirrels will also cache seeds and nuts by burying them. They will keep a close eye on where their neighbours are storing food and will raid each other’s stores as food gets scare.
Winter is a lean time for all wildlife, but species have found incredible and varied solutions to enable them to survive to the following spring.
Photo: Jay Ellie Dodson 2022
Photo: Swallows, Ralph Harvey, WWT
Photo: Peacock, EllieDodson
A Botanical Surprise at Great Wood: A New Bladderwort for Wiltshire
A rare and fascinating carnivorous plant has made a welcome appearance at Great Wood nature reserve.
By Nick Self, Conservation Lead for North Wiltshire
With thanks to Richard Aisbitt and Sharon Pilkington.
The world of plants is full of surprises, and for botanists in Wiltshire, a recent discovery has caused quite a stir. During a county recorders’ field meeting at Great Wood near Grittenham in July 2024, a population of a species of bladderwort new to Wiltshire was found, adding another fascinating chapter to this ancient woodland’s ecological story.
Photo:
Credit Richard Aisbitt
Bladderworts: Masters of Miniature
Traps
For those unfamiliar with these intriguing plants, bladderworts (genus Utricularia) are aquatic carnivores belonging to the Lentibulariaceae family, which also includes the more common butterworts (Pinguicula). Their name derives from the tiny, bladder-like traps they use to capture and digest tiny insects and other microscopic prey. These intricate traps, often hidden beneath the water’s surface, are a wonder of natural engineering, capable of sucking in unsuspecting organisms with lightning speed.
Sadly, bladderworts are declining across the UK. As indicators of clean, nutrientpoor water, they are particularly vulnerable to pollution and habitat degradation. Historical records confirm that greater bladderwort (U. vulgaris) was once widespread in Wiltshire, but there have been no recent sightings.
A Discovery at Great Wood
The discovery of a population of bladderwort (U. australis) at Great Wood is a testament to our commitment to habitat restoration and biodiversity monitoring. Great Wood was acquired in June 2023, and it boasts extensive tracts of ancient woodland on heavy clay soil, providing a haven for a diverse range of species. Due to the fragile nature of its rare habitats, Great Wood ris not open to the public on a daily basis. However we provide access through open days, volunteering and pre-booked sessions for societies and groups.
The story of this botanical find begins with the restoration of an old pond within the reserve. Believed to have once belonged to a long-lost cottage garden, the pond had
Restoration work undertaken in Jan 2023 on the historic pond feature in Great Wood.
become overgrown and shaded in recent years. With funding from BIFFA Award, the Trust undertook a careful restoration project in January 2024, clearing vegetation, re-profiling the pond and creating more open water. This sensitive task also had to work around the presence of Great Crested Newts, ensuring minimal disturbance to this protected species.
Unveiling the Hidden Gem
During the county recorder’s field meeting, a group of expert recorders were cataloguing the reserve’s flora and fauna. Led by the Conservation Lead for North Wiltshire, they made their way to the restored pond, where an unfamiliar aquatic plant caught their attention.
Closer inspection revealed the tell-tale bladders of a bladderwort. After a return to the pond in August when flowers were present and careful examination by county recorders, it was confirmed to be bladderwort (U. australis), a species previously unrecorded in Wiltshire.
A Positive Sign for the Future
This exciting discovery underscores the importance of protecting the woodland,
continued habitat restoration and ongoing biological recording. The restoration of the pond at Great Wood has not only benefited the resident newt population but has also created the conditions for this rare and fascinating plant to thrive.
The presence of bladderwort is a positive indicator of improving water quality and habitat diversity within the reserve. It also highlights the vital role that Wiltshire Wildlife Trust plays in protecting and enhancing the county’s natural heritage.
Looking Ahead
WWT will continue to monitor the bladderwort population at Great Wood, ensuring its longterm survival. This discovery serves as an inspiration for further conservation efforts, demonstrating that with careful management and a commitment to understanding our natural world, we can create a landscape where where wildlife can recover and flourish. To find out more about Great Wood visit our website here wiltshirewildlife.org/greatwood
Ash Die Back:
Where are we now?
By Samantha Stock, Director of Conservation and Land Management
It has been over two years since I introduced the Trust’s proposed approach to tackling ash dieback in our woodlands, a disease that has been predicted to kill around 80% of ash trees across the UK. Since then, we have stuck to the principles promised in that article; our approach would be site-specific, considering the wildlife objectives for each nature reserve and how the site is used by the public and groups.
Only Vincients Wood, The Firs and Ham Hill have seen the majority of ash trees felled throughout each site. Trees that remain have potential bat roosts and will only be removed if they become imminently hazardous. The works were disruptive, particularly for Chippenham residents living close to Vincients Wood, and we are so grateful for the patience and generosity of spirit shown by many local people.
Nature reserve management is about having one eye on the future and we have tried very hard to do this throughout the felling works. Surveys have shown how resilient nature truly is. The sunlight now reaching the floor in Vincients Wood has kickstarted the natural regeneration of ground vegetation and young trees. We are even seeing young ash saplings springing up, although time will tell how these cope with the ever present disease.
All ground flora species such as Bluebell and Wood Anemone that existed before the work have returned. Excitingly we have new sightings of species such as Perforate St, John’sWort and Thyme-Leaved Speedwell that have never been recorded there before.
At Ham Hill the felling was always about seizing an opportunity to improve the site
for nature. As a relatively recent plantation, this ash copse was comparatively wildlife poor and it is the only site where felled trees will not be replaced. With support from Natural England and the Forestry Commission we will be restoring this area to chalk downland habitat over the next few years.
At The Firs bird ringing has restarted with astounding results. In August, 99 birds of 17 species were caught, including 3 Willow Warblers and 2 Marsh Tits. This is the second largest catch ever in the Braydon Forest. It was only beaten by the November 2013 session which recorded 103 birds of 11 species. Felling this year has concentrated on Clouts Wood and The Devenish, where we have only removed diseased ash along footpaths and roads. Other ash trees will remain. Clouts Wood is an interesting case because it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and ash trees are part of the reason for its SSSI designation. We have worked very closely with Natural England to agree on the extent of the work. Diseased ash trees can be hazardous to fell and we need to use forestry machinery. Thanks to the generosity of the Science and Innovation Park in facilitating access, our contractors were able to work efficiently and safely.
Learning from challenges faced in Vincients Wood, we decided to start felling work in Clouts Wood and The Devenish earlier in the year, to take advantage of dry ground conditions. Proving the British weather will always defy us, the unseasonably wet summer meant that we had to suspend work in Clouts Wood for the year and contractors will need to return in summer 2025. Clouts Wood is partially open to the public until this work re-commences. The paths that
remain closed have not yet had any hazardous trees removed, so we ask that visitors respect path closure signs for your own safety.
The Devenish work has been completed and staff and volunteers are carrying out final site safety checks. We will open the site as soon as these have been completed, please check the website before you visit: wiltshirewildlife.org/devenish
Given the nature of the work using forestry machinery, paths have been churned up and there is only so much reinstatement that we can achieve without causing additional disruption. If you plan to visit Clouts or The Devenish this winter it is important that you understand that the paths are much more
slippery and uneven than they have been in the past. Wellington boots or sturdy walking boots are highly recommended. We also ask visitors to be aware that whilst we have removed the majority of the diseased ash trees, some still remain along all paths and within the woodlands. The majority of these trees have been retained because they have extremely high wildlife value or were showing exceptional resilience to the disease.
When you visit, the change may seem drastic and the sites will look very different. However, as other woodlands have now shown, allow them a summer of sunshine next year and they will look glorious.
For more information about Ash Dieback and the Trust’s approach visit wiltshirewildlife.org/ashdieback
Photo: Bat roosts and other wildlife features have been retained where possible
Seasonal Secrets
Exploring Wiltshire’s Winter Landscapes
By Rebecca Clay, Marketing and Communications Manager
As we approach the shortest day of the year and a chill fills the air, Wiltshire’s landscapes transform into scenes of stark beauty. Gone are the vibrant hues – the scenes of summer - replaced by a palette of frosty whites, icy light blues, muted browns. While many may retreat indoors like our hibernating friends, winter offers the opportunity to experience a different kind of beauty in Wiltshire. With close attention our nature reserves reveal a different kind of magic.
A Hush Falls Over the Land Winter brings a sense of quiet relaxation to our reserves. The popular summer hotspots for wildlife and people become quiet - Langford Lakes, normally bustling with summer visitors, takes on a serene atmosphere. The resident birds, joined by their overwintering cousins like wigeon and teal, can be heard singing out their calls across the still water. At Lower Moor Farm, frost-covered reeds poke out from lakes and ponds shimmering in the low winter sun, providing shelter for water voles and overwintering insects.
Venture to Coombe Bissett Down’s rolling chalk grassland; here, hardy plants and mushrooms like the waxcap can be found growing among the frosted grasses. In the north of the county the trees of Ravensroost are transformed,
gone are their autumn leaves and left are spindly branches standing tall against the winter sky. If you are still these woodlands, quieter now, can offer glimpses of foraging deer and the flitting shapes of woodland birds. Wiltshire’s woodlands come alive in winter with a variety of hardy bird species. Here are a few examples you might be able to hear or even spot while exploring the woodlands:
• Great Spotted Woodpecker: Listen for their drumming on tree trunks as they search for insects. Look for the distinctive red patch on the back of their heads.
• Robin: A familiar garden friend, robins are also found in woodlands, their red breast a splash of colour against the muted winter backdrop.
Langford Bog
Photo: Langford Bog Winter Snow Steve Day, WWT
• Nuthatch: These acrobatic birds can often be seen climbing down tree trunks headfirst, searching for food in the bark.
• Treecreeper: Similar to nuthatches, but smaller and with a more subtle brown plumage, treecreepers spiral up tree trunks, probing for insects.
Embrace the Elements Winter walks require a bit more preparation, but the rewards are plentiful. Wrap up warm in layers, don waterproof boots, and be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out and leave enough time to complete your walk before the early dusk. A number of our reserves offer fabulous Christmas, Boxing Day or New Years Day walks, or just whenever you fancy some fresh air.
Top spots for Winter Walks:
6 Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves for a Perfect Winter Walk:
1 Ravensroost: This woodland reserve near Minety offers a peaceful woodland walk. Wander through ancient oak and beech trees, keeping an eye out for treecreepers and nuthatches.
2 Lower Moor Farm: Explore the network of paths and boardwalks through reedbeds, wet meadows, and alongside the lakes. Look for wintering wildfowl like wigeon and teal. Warm up afterwards with a hot drink and a homemade cake or a warming soup in the welcoming Dragonfly Cafe.
3 Coombe Bissett Down: Experience the rugged undulating hills of this chalk grassland in winter. Enjoy panoramic views and scan the
skies for flocks of Redwings and Fieldfares. This reserve is perfect for a brisk walk with wide open spaces, views for miles and invigorating fresh air.
4 Morgans Hill: Climb to the top of this Iron Age hillfort and enjoy breathtaking views across Wiltshire. The chalk grassland habitat supports a variety of winter birdlife, and you might even spot a hare or a deer.
5 Langford Lakes: Wrap up warm and enjoy a winter wander around the lakes. Look for winter visitors like shoveler ducks and goldeneye. The bird hides, including the new sand martin hide, offer excellent vantage points for observation. Afterwards, treat yourself to a warming lunch in the lakeside cafe.
6 Smallbrook Meadows:
Combine a visit to Smallbrook Meadows with a walk along the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath. This peaceful reserve offers a chance to spot wintering birds like snipe and kingfishers.
Capturing the Beauty:
Winter Photography Tips
Winter landscapes offer stunning photographic opportunities. The low sun casts long shadows, and frost creates intricate details that long to be captured. Here are some tips to help you capture the beauty of Wiltshire’s winter wonderlands:
• Embrace the light: The soft, diffused light of winter can create magical effects. Shoot early or late in the day to capture the golden hour.
• Look for contrast: The stark contrast between frost, blue skies and bare branches, and evergreens can create striking images.
• Focus on details: Frost patterns on leaves, ice crystals on spiderwebs, and animal tracks in frosty paths offer intriguing close-up shots.
• Experiment with composition: Use leading lines, like fences or paths, to draw the viewer’s eye into the image. Try out different angles shoot tree canopies from below or get in amongst the fallen leaves to provide an interesting foreground.
Beyond our Reserves
Beyond the boundaries of Wiltshire nature reserves, winter’s beauty extends across the county. Ancient monuments like Stonehenge and Avebury take on a mystical air, their silhouettes stark against the winter sky. Canals and rivers, often fringed with frosted reeds, reflect the muted colours of the season. Even a simple walk through a local park can reveal the subtle beauty of winter, from the delicate tracery of frost on a blade of grass to the vibrant red berries that provide a feast for birds. If you are lucky you may even see overwintering waxwings with their distinctive crest.
This winter, embrace the opportunity to experience the beauty of Wiltshire winter. Wrap up warm, venture out, and discover what nature this season has to offer. Whether you’re exploring a nature reserve, strolling through a frosty woodland, or simply admiring the view from your window, take a moment to appreciate the difference of the winter landscape. Discover a walk through our reserves on our website www.wiltshirewildlife. org/reserves
And the Winners Are...
The judges have spoken. After much deliberation and “oohing” and “aahing” over the incredible entries, we’re thrilled to announce the winners of our annual Wild Snaps photography competitions.
Adult Category
Wiltshire Wild Snaps 2024
This year’s contest saw some fantastic submissions, showcasing the diversity of Wiltshire’s wildlife and the talent photographers of all ages.
From breathtaking landscapes to intimate portraits of creatures great and small, the images captured the essence of our county’s natural beauty.
Congratulations to our winners! Their photographs will be featured on our website.
Wildlife
Second Place: Heron by Paul Jackson
What the judges said:
“I loved the unconventional, graphic composition and the laser-focused heron in flight. This image stood out by a mile for me among many other impactful entries.”
Winner: Toad in Pot by
Justine Hadfield
What the judges said:
“I love the atmosphere that the lighting gives this image, it really stood out from the other entries. It’s wonderful to see what species take advantage of what we leave out in our gardens, often without us even knowing.
This toad looks mischievous and almost caught in the act while lurking in the shadows of the plant pot. A moody image to build a story around.”
Wiltshire Members’ Magazine Winter 2024
Junior Wild Snaps
In July we ran our Junior Wild Snaps Competition. Drumroll please! We’re delighted to announce the winners of this year’s competition, all entries wowed the judges with their brilliant photos. It’s such a privilege to see nature through the eyes of our young nature enthusiasts.
Munnery
Winner: Adder by Kit
What the judges said:
“Kit’s captivating image of an adder coiled in the grass really showed how well their camouflage works.”
Highly Commended
Second Place: Shield Bug by Ivy Cox
What the judges said:
“Another where you have to look carefully among the fruit leaves to spot this beautiful shield bug having a rest. We love the use of focus here to draw the eye to the bug in centre.
Third Place: Tiny Bug by Sophie Best
What the judges said:
“We love the use of scale and focus in this picture. It is a great reminder that nature in all different shapes and sizes surrounds us.”
Field Mouse by Marcus Saunders
What the judges said:
“The vegetation in the foreground of this image gives you a real sense of the world that the field mouse inhabits. I found this image really immersive, and the sharpness of the subject is impressive given their skittish nature.”
Hares
by Joe Dagger
What the judges said:
“I thought it was lovely to see the two hares interacting with one another and I enjoyed the contrast of them against the striking green field. It provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the detail of the hares’ coat colour and markings.”
Butterfly and Beetle by Teresa Farr
What the judges said:
“This image of a buttlerfly and a beetle co-habiting in the flowerhead with flashes of orange, yellow and bottle green I found to be very captivating.”
A huge thank you to everyone who entered this year’s competition.
Join the Recording Revolution
By Jon Isherwood, Head of Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre
When you see something exciting and wonderful you want to tell someone about it. Its only natural! Tell us ! You’ve already started on the Recording Revolution. An interest in watching nature and recording what we have seen is in our DNA, from cave paintings, to Victorian collections, to today’s open source datasets. With a little extra effort you can turn that natural curiosity into a really valuable sighting, a record thats adds to our local and national knowledge. At the Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre (WSBRC) we put that information to good use.
WSBRC hosted by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is part of a nationwide network of Local Environmental Record Centre’s. We are hubs for gathering all types of environmental data, including information about species, locations, and habitats. We collate, manage, process and share the sightings and records that people like you collect. There are very few government sponsored large-scale recording programmes so this vital work is undertaken by charities like us with the help of volunteers like you. We are lucky in Wiltshire to have many dedicated and enthusiastic local nature groups and much of the data we receive comes to us from them.
At a local level, this information can contribute to your Parish and Local Council Neighbourhood Plan. It is used daily by Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council to minimise the effects of development through the planning system. It also feeds into site management plans and conservation efforts like Wiltshire’s Living Churchyards Project and the Protected Road
Verge Project. At a national level, data is used by the Environment Agency, Network Rail and others in their day to day work, helping to safeguard nature. We have also supplied data to the ongoing Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) and Ancient Woodland Inventory, both of which will form part of a larger national information resource in the future.
This information is vital; better information leads to better decision-making and a better environment for wildlife and us all. The nearly 4 million records we have collated is a crucial evidence base for Wiltshire’s nature and we strive to provide the best information we can. LERC data is also validated by the County Recorders, peer appointed local experts in their respective fields, its this quality control and the high standards we work to that makes LERC information unique and so valuable.
The next step on your revolutionary journey is pretty simple. While you are out and about enjoying autumn and watching all those critters, all we need to know are the 4 W’s - What you saw, When, Where (grid reference) and Who you
are. To log your recordings you can download a spreadsheet from www.wsbrc.org and send it in every few months. If you prefer an App, we would recommend iRecord or if you feel you might want some support or want to meet some like minded people, why not join the Wiltshire Mammal Group, Wiltshire Botanical Society or Butterfly Conservation.
We have also just started a regular Wiltshire Recorders Forum where you can come along and learn more about nature recording, who’s doing what in Wiltshire and meet some of the local experts. Keep an eye on our website for forthcoming dates.
You’ll be part of a community of thousands across the country all doing their little bit to help protect nature and giving us the evidence we need to hold people to account, influence policy, lobby for a better environment and crucially helping to provide the best information available for day to day decisions affecting the environment.
Join the recording revolution today and record your wildlife sightings at irecord.org.uk
Species Focus: Wild Service Tree
By Rebecca Clay, Marketing and Communications Manager
Next time you see a pub called ‘The Chequers’, it might have got its name from a tree native to our ancient woodlands. The wild service tree is also known as the ‘Chequers tree’ and its brown spotted fruits were once regularly used to flavour beer before the introduction of hops. The name ‘chequers’ can be linked to pubs of the same name. Its more common name ‘service-tree’ derives from the Latin for beer ‘cervisia’. In the past, physicians also used infusions made from the fruits to treat colic and dysentery. The tree’s Latin name, torminalis means ‘good for colic’.
Wild service-tree is a mediumsized native broadleaved species and can be an indicator of ancient woodland sites. It is a very attractive tree. A very attractive tree that blossoms bright white in spring with leaves resembling the maple that turn coppery red in the autumn. Sometimes growing as high as 25 metres it has brown bark patterned with cracked, square plates, and slender, shiny, grey-brown, straight twigs. Its leaf buds are rounded and green, like small peas, and are found on short leaf stalks. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into green-brown oval fruits that are 10–15 mm in diameter and
patterned with small pale spots as they reach maturity in mid to late autumn. The russet brown fruit once used to flavour beer, as mentioned above, taste a bit like dates.
Once widespread in the forests of England and Wales it has, as these were cleared, became rarer and is now confined to ancient woodlands and hedges. It favours deep fertile heavy clay soils although it can tolerate a wide range of different soil conditions, from chalky, superficial, dry soils to temporarily waterlogged soils. It can adapt to a variety of climatic conditions, but occurs most often in lowlands. The Wild Service Tree is a lightdemanding species and may be well suited to a warming climate.
Although sometimes found together the Wild Service Tree, or sorbus torminalis, should not be confused with sorbus domestica – the true Service Tree, with its different pinnate leaf structure resembling those found on the Rowan tree. The Wild Service Tree is an hermaphrodite, meaning that both male and female reproductive parts are contained within each flower. They form in clusters in late spring to early summer and are pollinated by insects.
Although rare, it can be found in oak and ash woods and pockets of ancient woodland in the midlands, south and west of England. It is usually found individually although it can sometimes be found in groups due to suckering. In Britain, summer temperatures are often too low for the seeds to ripen, so its principal method of propagation is by suckers. It is a useful and highly valued hardwood species in Europe. The wood is fine-grained, very dense and has good bending strength. It was used in the past to make screws for wine presses, billiard cues, musical instruments and for wood turning. Today, it is usually only used for decorative veneers.
It is often used when planting hedges of native trees and is being re-introduced to many woodlands. The Heart of England Forest in Worcestershire and Warwickshire recently planted over 300 Wild Service Trees. We are particularly fortunate in our county however as Great Wood near Grittenham, an area of 71 acres of ancient woodland, probably holds the largest collection of Wild Service Trees in the country. As part of the restoration programme for Great Wood, the Trust will also create more space for the remaining examples of this rare species to flourish and grow. The Trust will create glades, widen paths, coppice trees and remove invasive plants to improve the health and biodiversity of the woodland by encouraging fresh growth.
You can learn more about Great Wood and our restoration work on our website here wiltshirewildlife.org/greatwood
Transforming Lives at the Care Farms
Our Care Farms are more than just places to learn about nature; they’re sanctuaries where children can be themselves, connect with nature, and build brighter futures.
By Dean Sherwin, Care Farms Manager
For children and young people facing challenges, these farms offer a place to escape the pressures of their life and simply be. Here, they’re surrounded by the calm of nature, the warmth of our incredibly caring staff, and the companionship of animals.
Through hands-on activities like planting, harvesting, and caring for animals, children develop new skills, gain confidence, and experience the joy of contributing to something meaningful. They learn about responsibility, relationships, and the power of resilience. Most importantly, though, our Care Farms offer a sense of belonging. Children who may have felt isolated or misunderstood find acceptance and support within our community.
They forge friendships, develop a deeper connection to the natural world, and discover their own unique potential. Here we witness the amazing growth that happens when children are given the space, encouragement, and opportunity to thrive. It’s a privilege to be part of their journeys.
We wanted to share with you a beautiful poem a student has written about their time at the Care Farm and how much it meant to them.
I once felt alone
And always sat at home And feeling cold to the bone
But my mood changed here
What’s new at our Care Farms
Pig Pen Makeover:
After a grant we have been able to make our pig pen more accessible for children and young people. The pigs are enjoying their new home, which features two separate pens for rotation and a hard-standing area to keep everyone mudfree. A student has upcycled a broken bench to create a seat to watch the pigs from.
Buzzing with Activity:
Our bee apiaries are thriving with healthy honeybee colonies. Many students have enjoyed their first beekeeping experience and are eager to learn more. Our Our Lakeside honey is so good its even winning prizes at Kennet Bee Keepers’ honey show.
Sensory Garden in Progress:
A new shelter has been erected at The Willows Care Farm, funded by Wiltshire Council SEND Small Grants Scheme. The shelter will house new sensory equipment which will provide more opportunities for our students to play outdoors and freely and to create without fear of making mistakes, contributing to their sense of self and helping them to build confidence.
But there always comes a time When you have to say goodbye And it always makes me cry Because I left the fun things behind
I felt the pain wash away And happiness wants to stay
The farm brought adventures And not a lot of people have that pleasure
So I don’t want to leave Everyone means too much to me And I don’t want to be unhappy The Willows was the only thing that changed me
So please never forget me
Great Chalfield: Pioneering a New Era of Regenerative Farming
By Chelsie Fuge, Head of Nature Recovery
In summer 2024, we signed a 49-year lease at Great Chalfield Manor to manage over 200 acres of land. This exciting partnership will enable us to go beyond land management for nature’s recovery by creating a hub where farmers can join us in learning how to prioritise nature in every farming decision.
This exciting proposition was made possible through a new partnership between the National Trust and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (WWT), supported by the Great Western Community Forest through the Trees for Climate fund. In a county where 80% of the land is farmed, it is vital we work alongside the farming community to support nature’s recovery at scale.
The farm is currently managed as mixed use for commercial arable and sheep farming alongside nature conservation. WWT will spend the first year completing a series of baseline surveys to better understand the land and its habitats. We will create a practical learning space for farmers and landholders.
Here, they can discover how to develop nature-based solutions and tap into new markets for environmental services like Biodiversity Net Gain. It’s hoped that by providing transparent and honest case studies and we will support farmers looking to integrate nature-based projects alongside agriculture and into their farm business model. It will actively demonstrate the role of regenerative farming in achieving the vision of ‘30% of land well-managed for nature by 2030’, showcasing how this approach contributes to both nature’s recovery and net zero. We will also be planting 11,000 trees under the Trees for Climate programme, including examples of agroforestry, wood pasture and deciduous woodland.
Great Chalfield is situated in a priority area for nature’s recovery, both for Wiltshire and the Bristol Avon Catchment. With the Lenton and Chalfield brooks both flowing through the farm, opportunities
exist to deliver natural flood management with the potential to attract wading birds. We will look to increase abundance of existing critical species onsite including communities of rare arable plants and over 9 bat species. The land has numerous veteran trees, significant woodland corridors, and diverse meadows. We plan to enhance these valuable features using a blended finance model, combining various funding sources for their long-term protection and improvement.
Monitoring of key indicator species will be crucial in assessing our impacts and successes with the farm. We will undertake surveying for farmland bird species such as Yellowhammer, Whitethroat and Lapwing, various pollinator groups, botanical diversity and overall habitat health and condition.
Great Chalfield Manor, gardens and Mill Cottages were gifted to the National Trust in 1943 by Major R F Fuller, the grandfather of the current occupants Robert and Patsy Floyd. Robert is a long-term supporter of WWT and has previously served as our Chair of Trustees. The Manor has been home to the family for generations, with Robert’s father, Charles Floyd being one of WWT’s founding Chairs. We look forward to telling the story of the evolving farmed landscape both here at Great Chalfield, but also in relation to Wiltshire as a county, balancing a need for food security, agriculture and nature’s recovery.
Joanna Lewis – Chief Executive of Wiltshire Wildlife: “Great Chalfield has always been a special place, where space is made for nature in the farmed landscape. This exciting collaboration aims to create a learning hub for nature-friendly farmers, showcasing how nature and trees can be an integral part of a regenerative farming system, and how green finance can help make that profitable too.”
Robert Floyd – Great Chalfield: My late father Charles Floyd often said, ‘it all starts with the plants’. This is a wonderful opportunity now to create positive interaction between Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and our farming communities with National Trust support. The purpose is to demonstrate how cost effective arable and livestock farming can flourish beside and amongst resilient habitats and biodiversity in the future. This is building on work that we’ve been doing for 50 years now, in creating and maintaining wildlife corridors on the farm.
Right now, 10% of the farm is in woodland, compared with only 1/3 of one acre in 1834 according to the Tithe Map of the parish of Great Chalfield, so we’re stepping towards a better balance of woodland and habitats. This all fits perfectly with my family’s hopes for both food security and our future.
Great Chalfield Manor and Garden will continue to open as a National Trust visitor attraction under the stewardship of Robert and Patsy Floyd.
Photo: Great Chalfield Manor and Gardens in the Summer National Trust, James Beck
Sand Martin Sanctuary: The new Sand Martin Bank and Hide at Langford Lakes.
By Andy Dunn, South Estates Officer
Sand martins are members of the hirundine family (swallows and martins) and are a migratory species, over wintering in West Africa before flying to Britain and Europe to nest in the summer. They are a small grey-brown bird, with a white underside and a brown band along the neck. They can be mistaken for house martins if you can’t see their colours easily in certain lights.
Sand martins are often seen feeding on flying insects over water sources, with Langford Lakes nature reserve being a good spot to see them (along with house martins, swallows and swifts). These sociable birds prefer to nest in colonies, digging burrows into the vertical faces of sandy banks, typically found beside rivers or in abandoned gravel pits. Despite the abundance of nearby rivers, none of the local chalk streams offer much in the way of sandy banks, and there are no natural sandy cliff faces at Langford Lakes or nearby. This means that local nesting options for sand martins are scarce, so the birds that we see at Langford Lakes often move on in search
of more suitable locations. The sand martin bank and hide was constructed to provide a space for the birds to stay and nest at Langford Lakes as well as providing more wildlife spectacles for our visitors.
Completed in May this year, the sand martin bank is the newest hide on site. Designed and built by regional artists Wild Murals, the hide offers fantastic views of the manmade nesting banks. On either side of the viewing hide, these banks provide 80 nest holes each, carefully crafted from materials designed to look as natural as possible for the birds. There is a tunnel leading from the face of the bank to each nest, and a lip was installed below each bank to deter predators from getting into the nest holes. To make the nesting space as enticing as possible, the hide is positioned close to the water, allowing the sand martins to follow their instinct of skimming low over the water before swooping upwards into their nest holes.
Behind the nestboxes, there is an access hatch to each nest, so that at the end of the season, the Estates Team can clean the nests out of debris and pests, improving the chances of continued nesting and greatly reducing disease risk. Hatches also allow us access to young chicks to ring them in the summer months, and help better the national understanding of these birds’ movements and migration patterns throughout the year.
Eagerly awaited as one of the first summer migrants to return to the UK, sand martins could be spotted at Langford Lakes as early as March, seeking out suitable nesting sites. It’s not certain how long it will take for the birds to start using the banks, similar banks in the UK have taken anywhere between 1-7 years before they become established and we see birds nesting there. However, if we’re lucky we could see our first residents this breeding season!
Photo:
Sand Martin, Unsplash
Will you help us save the bats?
By Zoe Steadman-Milne, Fundraising and Supporter Relations Manager
Bats play a crucial role in the ecosystem, and the Trust has records of bats species on over half of our nature reserves, including the rare Bechstein’s bat at Green Lane Wood. These fascinating creatures urgently need our protection as their populations face increasing pressure from habitat loss, climate change, and disease.
We must create and restore the diverse habitats bats need and are asking for your help to kick-start this critical work. By donating to our Habitat for Bats appeal, you will be supporting the ambitious expansion of our bat conservation work on six of our nature reserves.
We will manage the woodlands to ensure a variety of tree species, ages, and sizes, which provide essential roosting sites for bats throughout their life cycle.
This vital work involves innovative techniques like ‘veteranisation,’ where the team carefully creates roosting features in smaller trees that will become useful to bats as they grow older. This mimics natural roosting spots and provides safe havens for bats without harming the long-term health of the trees. Some of these features are ready for bats to use immediately, while others will become suitable as the tree grows and heals, creating a lasting legacy for bat populations.
We will improve the water sources for bats and insects by creating and restoring ponds.
A multi-year monitoring programme will allow us to track our bat populations, understand their movements, and identify key areas for conservation action to ensure the long-term health of bat populations in Wiltshire.
This ambitious project requires significant investment, and the Trust is seeking to raise £60,000 through its Habitat for Bats appeal.
We believe everyone deserves the chance to experience the wonder of bats in their natural environment, and with your support, we can ensure these magnificent creatures have a thriving future in Wiltshire.
Donate to the Habitat for Bats appeal by either filling out the included donation form or you can donate online at wiltshirewildlife. org/appeals
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Leading the Way in
Green Finance for Farmers
Exciting new opportunities for Wiltshire farmers to boost biodiversity and their profit.
We were really pleased to have been generously awarded a fantastic grant of £99,081 from Natural England’s Investment Readiness Fund (NEIRF) in August 2024, to support farmers across the county in becoming ‘investment ready’ for green finance. Working in partnership with Smart Land Management and Ecology, the teams have been pulling together guidance notes for farmers on private finance and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). We will also be joining farm cluster events and meetings over the winter period to introduce the project.
The survey season will begin in May 2025 and so the team are taking Expressions of Interest from farmers who may wish to take part and have their land scoped for BNG. For landowners, having their land “scoped for BNG”
means assessing its potential to contribute to Biodiversity Net Gain. This involves a detailed ecological survey to identify:
• Existing Habitats: What types of habitats are present on the land (e.g., woodland, grassland, wetland)? What is their condition and how biodiverse are they?
• Opportunities for Enhancement: Are there areas where habitats could be improved? Could new habitats be created?
• Calculating Biodiversity Units: The biodiversity value of the land is measured in “biodiversity units” using a government-approved metric. This helps quantify the potential for BNG.
The offer will be limited to only 15 farmers so please get in touch with us early on to book your place.
If you’re part of a farmer group or cluster in Wiltshire and would like us to host a talk or workshop on BNG and what we can offer, please contact Chelsie at ChelsieF@wiltshirewildlife.org or Simon at Simon@slme.co.uk
Beyond BNG: The Bristol Avon Catchment Market
WWT also supports delivery of the Bristol Avon Catchment Market, providing an opportunity for landholders to earn money by creating and maintaining nature based projects on their land. Our nature recovery team have been working with landholders across the catchment to survey for and design nature-based projects which could support nature’s recovery. Excitingly, the market has opened for registration of both Buyers and Suppliers for the next round, which will take place this winter. This will be the first of these market rounds to be delivered following the introduction of the BNG mandate back in February 2024 so we are expecting an increase in the number of interested landholders compared to earlier rounds. Find out more at entrade.co.uk/ourmarkets/
The BNG Mandate is a groundbreaking piece of environmental legislation designed to ensure that development projects leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than before. The Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirement mandates that the biodiversity value postdevelopment must exceed the pre-development value by at least 10%, and this gain must be sustained for at least 30 years. It is expected that Nationally Significant Infrastructure projects will also be included under this new legislation from late November 2025, potentially driving more habitat creation and restoration for nature across England.
If you’d like to know more about the Bristol Avon Catchment Market, head to the website or email contact@ bristolavoncatchmentmarket.uk
Photo:
Winter Wellbeing
As the days grow shorter and darker, many of us feel a shift in mood and energy levels. For some, this can trigger a type of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) with symptoms like losing interest in everyday activities, fatigue, feeling anxious, irritable and difficulty staying connected to family and friends. It is essential that if you need extra support, you seek this out from professionals, but there are ways that nature can help as well.
Spending time outdoors, even in winter, can significantly improve mental wellbeing. Studies show that just 20 minutes in nature can lower stress hormone levels by up to 20%. Exposure to sunlight helps by boosting serotonin, which can improve your mood.
• Walk in the Woods: Crisp winter walks through nature reserves or local woodlands can clear your mind and lift your spirits. Fresh air, exercise, and the beauty of frosty landscapes can all promote wellbeing.
• Mindful Moments: Try a sitting spot. Wrap up warm, find a quiet place and simply observe nature; even in the stillness of winter, there is so much life around - birds, rustling leaves and tiny buds forming on trees ready to burst into life in spring.
• Get Active: Engaging in wildlifefriendly activities volunteering on one of our nature reserves helps you connect with nature and others, giving a real of sense of purpose and community.
• Eat Well: Nourishing your body with warming, seasonal foods during the winter months can boost your mood, energy levels, and overall health. Think hearty soups, root vegetables, and warming spices. You could try our delicious recipe for spicy parsnip soup!
Spicy Parsnip Soup
A lightly spiced soup to lift the spirits and warm you up after a day outdoors. Ingredients for 4 people:
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 parsnips, peeled and diced
• 1 large potato, diced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 litre vegetable stock
• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft.
Add parsnips, potato, cumin, coriander, and paprika, cooking for a few minutes. Pour in vegetable stock and simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Stir in nutritional yeast flakes, salt and pepper, and blend until smooth.
Check out our webpage for wellbeing programmes near you, including Swindon Wellbeing, Men’s Wellbeing in Nature and Wild Workplaces for small businesses in Wiltshire. wiltshirewildlife.org/health
Photo: Blackmoor
Copse, Steve Day
