Wiltshire Wildlife, Spring-Summer 2024

Thriving with nature’s help

Wiltshire Wildlife Magazine

June 2024 Number 134

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

Design Studio56 07824 468387

Printed on paper produced from pulp from responsibly managed forests. Printed in Wiltshire by www.MailandPrint.co.uk

Editor Kirstine Bowen

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

Registered charity No. 266202

Patron Robert Floyd

Chair Mark Street

Council Members

Julian Barlow, Julian Crawford, Charlie Fattorini, Richard Gantlett, Tim Gilson, Fiona Goff, Phil Heads, Matt Jolley, Dagmar Junghanns, Piers Maynard, Sylvia Wyatt

Chief Executive

Joanna Lewis

Welcome

The coming General Election will be the most important ever for nature and the climate. The next government’s 5-year term will take us through to 2030. By then, vital targets must be met for reversing biodiversity loss and averting climate tipping points by getting back on track for Net Zero.

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust will be making sure young people’s voices are heard and nature and climate issues are top priorities for our Wiltshire and Swindon MPs and Prospective Parliamentary Candidates (see our manifesto for nature on p.4). We’ll be securing pledges to save our precious chalk streams here in Wiltshire at a time when river pollution will rightly be in the foreground of political debate.

As we step up to deliver our new ‘Wilder Wiltshire’ Strategy to 2030, we welcome two new Directors to the Trust: Andrew Moore, Director of Nature Recovery and Becki McKinlay, Director of Engagement and Fundraising. They both bring huge experience and will help the Trust grow our impact and income to achieve our ambitious goals.

Our Chair, Mark Street, has sadly reached the end of his term, and will stand down in October. Mark has made an outstanding contribution as Chair.

His expertise as a land agent and forester has been invaluable in helping the Trust secure important new reserves at Bay Meadows and Great Wood, as seen on BBC Countryfile in March (see p.23). Mark has been a great source of advice and support to me in my first nine months as CEO and I shall miss his wise counsel greatly.

The process to find Mark’s successor has begun, and we look forward to announcing our next Chair in the December edition of the magazine.

I cannot sign off without a tribute to Robin Clark, who sadly died in January. Robin is, without doubt, the most supportive and generous major donor that Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has ever had, contributing magnificently over the years through the Underwood Trust. His advice and passion for our work was hugely valued. Our Care Farms, at Lakeside and The Willows, would not exist without Robin’s vision and support, and we have planted oak trees there in his memory. Thanks to Robin, hundreds of young lives continue to be transformed through the healing powers of nature.

Joanna Lewis, CEO

6 ways to get involved with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

Tell us what you think!

Complete our member survey to give your feedback at: www.wiltshirewildlife.org/ member-survey

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: www.wiltshirewildlife.org/will

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

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: www.wiltshirewildlife.org/team-

Give

the gift of

nature

Give someone special the gift of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust membership this summer. Order at: www.wiltshirewildlife.org/join

Be a Wildlife Watch leader

We’re looking to set up a new Wildlife Watch group for children aged 4-13 in Swindon. Contact Ali Nott at alin@wiltshirewildlife.org for more information.

Our manifesto for nature

Whilst we can all take action that makes a difference for nature, realising our vision of a sustainable future for wildlife and people can only be achieved with the help of supportive government policies. Bring back Wiltshire’s wildlife

TThe stakes have never been higher; with the urgent need to tackle the biodiversity and climate crises, we are at a pivotal time in history for nature and humanity. Much rests on the actions we all take in the next few years.

Policies, support, legislation and effective enforcement by the next government will be crucial in delivering on national and international targets for nature and tackling climate change by 2030.

We set out here our manifesto for nature. We would like to see the next government provide effective support to bring about these key changes. In our view, these are key issues that require effective government support for nature and people in Swindon and Wiltshire. What do you think?

1

One in six species is at risk of extinction in the UK. Wiltshire is no exception.

• Increase native species abundance and diversity by increasing resources to protect and restore native habitats such as chalk downland at landscape-scale

• Increase funding to protect threatened species like the water vole and tackle invasive species such as Himalayan balsam

• Make enough space for nature to reverse its decline

• Provide more opportunities and grants for green jobs and traineeships

We ask that you consider the parties’ and the candidates’ stances on these issues when you are thinking about casting your vote.

Read our full manifesto at: www.wiltshirewildlife.org/manifesto

2

Fund wildlife-friendly farming

80% of Wiltshire is farmland. Nature-friendly farmers hold the key to restoring nature’s abundance and they need support.

• Increase national funding for wildlife-friendly farming to at least £4.4 billion per year, ensuring a fair transition for farmers whilst providing healthier, affordable food and improving food security

• Halve pesticide use and maintain complete bans on neonicotinoids that kill bees

• Ensure farmers have access to advisors who can help them find resilient and profitable routes to nature-friendly farming

Protect Wiltshire’s chalk streams

Our globally important chalk streams – lifelines for species such as otters and brown trout – are particularly vulnerable to pollution.

• Introduce new protection for all chalk streams from the threats of over-abstraction and pollution

• Invest in nature-based solutions, such as wetland restoration alongside soil-friendly regenerative farming, backed by effective monitoring technology

• Increase support for community initiatives that strengthen monitoring and cleanup of rivers

3 45

Enable healthy, thriving communities in Wiltshire & Swindon

We are living through a mental health crisis. The NHS is not resourced to meet the burgeoning demand for mental health care. Nature experiences are proven to improve health and wellbeing.

• Increase provision of local wellbeing services, such as ecotherapy and green prescribing

• Improve access to nature for all by connecting landscapes with people and increasing green and blue spaces in urban areas

• Give every child the best start in life by supporting outdoor and alternative environmental education

Giving young people a voice

We feel it is important to take into account the generation who will be most impacted by the decisions taken on the environment and nature over the next few years, yet are too young to vote. We want to say a big thank you to the hundreds of young people who filled in our youth survey and encouraged others to complete it. Highlights from the survey results:

Tackle the climate emergency

Climate change is affecting all wildlife and people. Nature, livelihoods, food and water sources are all at risk from flooding, drought and extremes of climate right here in Wiltshire.

• Invest in nature-based solutions to adapt to and mitigate climate change, such as reconnecting rivers with floodplains to reduce flood risk

• Double the Community Energy Fund to help communities develop their own renewable energy solutions

• Increase support for homeowners and businesses to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions

• Nature is important to the overwhelming majority

• 83% regularly engage with nature

• Most are worried about extinction and climate change

• Many think government isn’t doing enough to tackle climate change

• Under half think they can make a difference without more support

Photos: Houses of Parliament, Hugo Sousa; Water vole, Steve Deeley; Cattle in wildflower meadow, Louise Hartgill; River Wylye chalk stream, WWT; Family in nature, Jon Hawkins, Surrey Hills Photography; West Chisenbury river restoration, HQ SPTA

Old trees to

Restoring Great Wood

By James Ravine, Head of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications

Saving an ancient woodland

Healthy ancient woodlands are one of the scarcest habitats and support a huge range of wildlife. The Trust bought Great Wood, 72 ha. of ancient woodland near Grittenham, in early 2023 thanks to a very generous grant from Biffa Award. Great Wood is one of the largest ancient woodlands in Wiltshire.

We are very grateful that more funding from Biffa Award, plus tremendous support from the Underwood Trust and you, our members, have enabled us to complete a major, ambitious project to restore Great Wood to its former glory.

What we’ve achieved

The first wildlife surveys for decades last year resulted in exciting discoveries such as goshawk and brown hairstreak eggs - a first for the area - as well as flora such as midland hawthorn, an ancient woodland indicator species. These helped us decide what habitat changes are most needed to help Great Wood’s wildlife to thrive.

A third of Great Wood had been planted with conifers for forestry. We have replaced large swathes of conifers, which support little wildlife, with native, broadleaf species such as oak. However, a diverse mix of habitat is always important and conifers still support some species such as goldcrest, so we will not be removing all of them.

Great Wood contains probably the largest stand of rare wild service trees in the county. By opening up glades and the edges of the tracks, we have allowed much more dappled light to reach the woodland floor; this will allow more wild service saplings to grow and many woodland marginal plants such as cow-wheat to flourish. Places to bask in the sun may attract back reptiles such as adders.

Wildflowers will recolonise, attracting more insects such as the purple emperor butterfly. Increased insect numbers will also support birds up the food chain; crossbill have recently been spotted for the first time, and there is every chance of attracting back species such as the rare nightingale. Restoring the wood’s large pond has provided an ideal home for species such as Great Crested Newts.

There is much more we could do at Great Wood. Please donate at www.wiltshirewildlife.org/ great-wood-appeal to enable us to continue this work.

Great Wood is also a lynchpin for our Braydon Forest landscape nature recovery work; we have been working closely with local landowners to manage more land for nature, including restoring hedgerows and putting up owl boxes.

Nature-based learning and wellbeing sessions at Great Wood for local children and adults are now an established part of our work. We are grateful to the many enthusiastic volunteers who have worked hard to help with restoration work such as coppicing and continue to do so.

Do keep an eye out for our guided activities and open days at Great Wood by visiting www.wiltshirewildlife.org/events.

Photo: Purple emperor, Steve Covey

Photo: Wild Service Tree Emma Kirkup

new trees…

Planting thousands of trees across Swindon

By Anthony Atkinson, Community Engagement and Volunteer Officer

A tree-mendous effort

This winter has seen hundreds of volunteers plant more than 12,000 trees in just over two months as part of the Swindon Forest Meadows project.

Volunteers came together to plant native trees in green spaces across Swindon, including Diamond Jubilee Park, Mouldon Hill, Moredon Meadows, Shaw Forest Park and Raybrook Meadow.

Species planted ranged from fruit trees such as apple, pear, plum and wild cherry, to other trees and shrubs such as alder, blackthorn, hazel, hawthorn, holly, oak and silver birch.

A caring community

What has been achieved thus far is quite remarkable and has only been possible due to people coming together with a shared belief that they can make a difference to their environment. Volunteers, families, friends, corporations, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust staff, Swindon Borough Council members and officers and parish councillors all joined in.

We must also thank our partners in this project at Swindon Borough Council, and particularly the team at the Great Western Community Forest. This achievement has been made possible thanks to the government funded Trees for Climate grant administered by the Great Western Community Forest.

Future plans

We will be planting several thousand more trees next winter, but until then, there are many opportunities to volunteer for the Swindon Forest Meadows project on activities such as species recording, habitat management and creation. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people and get out in the fresh air.

I’ve been volunteering twice a week for 4 years and my wife recently remarked that I have always come home in a good mood.”

Volunteer Pete Field

Photos: Families volunteering at Diamond Jubilee, WWT

Thriving with nature’s help

By Imogen Jackson, Wellbeing Programmes Leader

Amidst life's challenges, finding solace and connection can feel like an elusive dream. For some, a deeprooted bond with nature is a cherished part of their upbringing, where childhood memories intertwine with the whispers of the wind and the rustle of leaves, and this connection can be turned to in times of need. But for many, this connection remains unexplored or forgotten and inaccessible.

Enter Green Social Prescribing— an alternative form of treatment ‘prescribed’ by GPs and link workers enabling people to engage in supported naturebased activities to improve their mental health. Wiltshire Wildlife Trust wholeheartedly believes in the transformative power of nature and has been leading the way with free wellbeing programmes across the county.

Swindon Wellbeing Programme

In this programme, we visit various nature reserves around Swindon. There we offer a range of activities such as mindfulness, wildlife walks, practical conservation like coppicing, and nature inspired crafts. Individuals can participate for up to six months and many have found the programme to be transformative. It has awakened them not only to the beauty of nature, but also to the potential they have within. This sense of meaning and purpose is vital for mental health recovery and a thread throughout our programmes.

“I’ve wanted many times to shout from mountain tops, but those times have passed now. Now I want to sing loud—sing loud from mountain tops!”

Men’s Wellbeing Programme

This Wiltshire Council Public Health funded 12-week programme aims to address the crisis in men’s mental health with activities that encourage connection and purpose. Through physical and creative activities, such as scrub clearance and spoon carving, participants are rediscovering the joy of camaraderie and the fulfilment of shared experiences. Courses are available in Salisbury, Chippenham and Trowbridge.

“I love being in this group; I have all my friends, and I don’t feel lonely.”

Wild Transitions

For armed forces veterans, Wild Transitions is set in one venue, thus providing a much needed sense of security. Here, in a peaceful garden on the edge of Green Lane Wood in Trowbridge, participants learn and share skills

For more information, or to refer onto any of these programmes, please visit: www.wiltshirewildlife.org/wellbeing

Photo: Pear tree planting, Wild Transitions, Imogen Jackson

Photo: Building wellbeing area, WWT

as they design and plant a forest garden. This 10-week programme focuses on the importance of interconnectedness and support for growing resilient plants and how that relates to us all. Wild Transitions is run in partnership with the Defence Gardens Scheme and we are grateful for funding by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

“I have been self-isolating for a long time, and this has helped me reconnect with people. I have learnt to laugh more, not take life so seriously and to relax more.”

Wild Figures

Wild Figures not only supports wellbeing and connecting to nature, but empowers individuals with confidence in numeracy. Here, discussions on budgeting and finances intertwine with the crafting of birdboxes and cooking over open fires, creating a relaxed and enjoyable experience to counter stress relating to numeracy. Wild Figures is a 6week course in various venues across Wiltshire run in partnership with Wiltshire Council thanks to funding by Multiply.

Wild Art

In partnership with Well City Salisbury, Wild Art is an 8-week exploration of nature and art. Participants embark on minijourneys through the natural landscape, guided by curiosity and creativity, leading to natureinspired artworks.

These programmes, and the emerging stories from participants, demonstrate that nature isn't just a backdrop; it's an essential partner in healing, growth, and renewal. Using green social prescribing to support connection, exploration and rediscovery is an evidence-based effective pathway guided by the whispers of the wind and the tapestry of life.

Photo: Exploring Lower Moor Farm; nature walk Swindon Wellbeing Programme, Sue Deedigan

Photo: Whittling, Men's Wellbeing Programme, WWT

Photo: Visiting Blakehill, Swindon Wellbeing Programme, Sue Deedigan

Photo: Making bird boxes, WWT

Reserve fcus

Green Lane Woods

By Matt Callaway, Green Lane Wood Warden

Discover Green Lane Woods, a fantastic woodland nature reserve located on the edge of Trowbridge

Green Lane Wood is an ancient woodland in Trowbridge that was given to us in 1991. It is home to many rare and beautiful plants and animals. The wood forms part of a complex of reserves and includes our Biss Wood nature reserve and the Green Lane Nature Park – why not enjoy a walk through them all?

Green Lane Wood

In Green Lane Wood, you’ll find lots of areas cleared during the autumn and winter and this is part of the traditional coppice management, encouraging woodland flowers to grow by letting more light onto the woodland floor. Certain species of butterfly follow this coppice regime as well as lots of other insects, which are a great source of food for birds such as spotted flycatcher.

In January and February, listen for the hammering of the great spotted woodpecker, and in the summer months, look for butterflies such as grizzled and dingy skipper. The rare Bechstein’s bat also makes the wood its home. It roosts in old woodpecker holes or ’voids’ in trees, as well as bat boxes.

Biss Wood

Biss Wood was clear felled and replanted in the late 1940s and early 1950s. It was generously given to us in 2012 by Gilbert Green and some of the volunteers who used to work with Gilbert still work there today.

The woods are a mix of deciduous trees, mostly oak, two glades (small sunny meadows) and a pond.

In summer, look out for purple hairstreak butterflies as they seek nectar high in the canopy. Birdwatchers may also spot the red flash of a male bullfinch at any time of year. Biss Wood has over 435 species of fungi, which can be found in the autumn, from the vibrant turquoise green elf cup to the yellow-coloured dog vomit slime mould – otherwise known as flowers of tan.

Green Lane Nature Park

This area was donated to us as part of the new housing development at Castlemead and turned into a nature park for the local community to enjoy. Native parkland trees, scrub and hedgerows were planted to create a wildlife corridor between the two woods.

The meadows in the nature park provide shelter for small mammals and a rich hunting ground for kestrels and barn owls. There is also a reptile hibernaculum refuge and a couple of ponds.

A community orchard called Sloegrove Orchard was planted in 2023, thanks to funding from Shaw Trust, with local varieties of apple and other fruit trees such as plum and quince. It will not only provide habitat and a great food source for wildlife once matured, but will also improve community wellbeing by providing free fruit.

Green Lane Woods Wildlife Watch Group

April 2024 saw the Green Lane Woods Wildlife Watch Group celebrating their one-year anniversary. During the last year, they have seen their attendance numbers grow from seven children to 20 and accompanying adults from five to 19. Wildlife Watch is as much fun for the adults as the children! The monthly activities have been amazingly varied, from den building, festive crafts and pond dipping to an evening bat walk, bird ringing and fungi hunting.

The sessions are on the third Saturday of every month. Contact glwwildlifewatch@ wiltshirewildlife.org for more information.

Photos (clockwise): Biss Wood, Stephen Davis; Great spotted woodpecker and comma butterfly, Luke Hepples; Wildlife Watch den building, WWT; Noctules in ash tree, Keith Cohen

The wonder of summer migrant birds

By Charlie Murphy, Wiltshire Ornithological Society & Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Young Ambassador

Birds on the move are a spectacle to behold. Some two billion birds migrate along the African-Eurasian flyway and many of these are eagerly awaited as the seasons turn warmer and summer comes our way. The first singing chiffchaff, the first dashing swallow, the first cuck-oo of the cuckoo, we have always looked for birds as signals for the turning of brighter days.

These birds travel thousands of miles to be in our countryside and in the process of doing so, they undertake some of the most amazing feats of endurance in the animal kingdom.

Some change their whole organ system just to migrate, twice a year, each year and therefore we ought to appreciate and treasure each migrant bird. They come in anticipation of the bounty that summer provides to raise the next generation.

There have been stark declines in some species, but Wiltshire still boasts some valuable populations. So many different factors play a role in the declines of these species, from land use changes to targeted hunting. Supporting vital conservation efforts will help ensure we can enjoy our amazing birdlife for generations to come.

Quail

Wiltshire is a true stronghold for this species breeding in the UK. They love the tall grasses and wide-open vistas we offer to sing their unique call on still evenings, that sounds like someone saying ‘wet my lips’ very quickly! They’ll be tucked away when singing, so seeing one is almost impossible. Nevertheless, they are a brilliant bird to spend relaxed summer evenings listening for in places such as Morgan’s Hill.

Whinchat

Again, a true Wiltshire speciality. This bird of grasslands usually breeds in the north and west of Britain, but Wiltshire is now home to the only lowland breeding population. Its striking white eyebrow and noticeable white tail markings make it great to see once pinned down, as it flits between fence posts and long grass during our long summer days. You stand a good chance at seeing them at Morgan’s Hill, particularly when the northern populations are migrating through.

Swift

One of our most recognisable and brilliant species that fills the sky upon a summer’s day. They are scythe shaped and cut through the air with ease, being our fastest level flying bird, clocking 69mph! Such a spectacular species also lives just under our noses. They will use holes and gaps in our homes to nest and raise their young, the only time they touch the ground in their lives! You may also spot them soaring above Blakehill Farm.

Sand martin

Zipping and darting across the water, the sand martin is one of our first arriving migrants back in the spring. They’re also one of our longest travelling migrants that are a great marker for the changing of season. They are sociable nesters, digging burrows in the banks of lakes, rivers or gravel pits, like that of the brilliant Langford Lakes, in which they lay their eggs and raise their young. Do check out the new sand martin bank at Langford Lakes soon!

Spotted flycatcher

One of our most understated migrants but also one of our fastest declining. They unobtrusively go about their lives after being one of latest arriving migrants back to leafy parks and gardens. A true symbol of the state of our nature, they have declined by 92% since 1967 due to the collapse of their insect prey. Their antics of perching high and darting out to grab an insect before returning to the same perch are great to watch in open wooded areas like that of Devizes Roundway Orchard.

Photo: Charlie Murphy

Photo: Unsplash

Photo: David Kjaer

Photo: Getty Images

Photo: Getty Images

Photo: Vincent-van-zalinge, Unsplash

WSBRC: Nurturing Nature

By Jon Isherwood, Head of Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre (WSBRC)

Nurturing Nature

We are delighted to share that our Nurturing Nature project won Conservation Project of the Year at the Wiltshire Life Awards. The project was recognised for its achievements over the past year in providing volunteers with training in biodiversity monitoring.

Experts in their fields trained people on a staggering range of topics, from bird and bee identification to moth trapping, dormouse surveys, ferns, fungi and mammal skull identification. Volunteers were then supported to take their new knowledge out into the field to conduct real surveys in their chosen subject area across 29 different sites.

We want to say a huge thank you to the hundreds of volunteers from across the Cranborne Chase who got involved. Thanks to your efforts, we have been able to collect valuable survey data to help us conserve and protect the Cranborne Chase National Landscape in the future.

Find out more about getting involved at: cranbornechase.org.uk/ nurturing-nature

Project Peewit

WSBRC launched Project Peewit this spring, thanks to funding through the Government’s Farming in Protected Landscapes programme. Project Peewit will survey across the North Wessex Downs, Salisbury Plain and Cranborne Chase with the aim of locating, monitoring and conserving the remaining breeding lapwing across Wiltshire’s chalk landscapes.

Across the UK, six out of every ten lapwing have vanished since 1967, so part of this vital work will be to help identify the issues affecting chick survival and look for solutions to mitigate them by working with landowners and farmers to improve the landscape. If you would like to help, please submit your sightings of lapwing in Wiltshire at: www.wsbrc.org/projects/ project-peewit

The Hedgehog Monitoring Programme

We have also launched an exciting national pilot project, working with The Peoples Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) - the National Hedgehog Monitoring Programme. We will place 30 camera traps around five strategic areas of the county over the next three years, principally aimed at gathering data on hedgehogs. AI will help clean the captured images and help with estimating population size and distribution, while volunteers can also lend a hand by identifying species recorded in the images. Volunteers can get involved at: ptes.org/campaigns/ hedgehogs/nhmp

Other projects

Other projects we are involved in include the County’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), Wiltshire Pine Marten Project, and the Ancient Woodland Inventory. You can find out more about all our projects at: www.wsbrc.org/projects

If you are a member of a local nature group, then don’t forget we offer small grants to help you with recording wildlife.

Find out more at: www.wsbrc.org/wildliferecording/small-grantsscheme

Photo: Nurturing nature volunteers

Photo: Hedgehog, Geoff Culliford

Photo: Lapwing, Darin Smith

Wiggle into Nature

By Melanie Evans, Education and Wellbeing Officer

Our Youth Education and Wellbeing team (‘YEW’ for short) recently partnered with local Spurgeon’s Children’s Centres across Wiltshire to deliver a programme of nature-themed activities for under 5s and their families.

The ‘Wiggle into Nature’ programme provided opportunities for young children and their grown-ups to explore their local green spaces, such as nature reserves and parks, and to engage in a range of activities which encouraged connection with nature and others.

During the sessions, families were invited to explore themes such as birds, minibeasts, and plants. An activity station filled with eggs, sticks, and images of various birds’ nests invited families to play, build nests and share their knowledge of familiar bird species with each other. One child exclaimed: ‘This nest is for the daddy blackbird, he has two eggs!’

The multi-generational format of the programme paired with open-ended activities, which encouraged exploration and play, resulted in shared experiences and learning opportunities which spanned across ages and generations.

Another success of the project was the networking and relationship building between the adults with caring responsibilities. The layout of the space encouraged connections; there was a communal picnic blanket resourced with soft toys and snacks, surrounded by activity stations that parents, grandparents and children could congregate around. There was even interest from passers-by, which caused project staff and participants to reflect on how important it is for everyone to have access to public green spaces, and the importance of nature and community for wellbeing.

Photo: Bird nests activity, Sophie Start

Photo: Dough imprints activity, Sophie Start

Country Comes to Town comes to Swindon

By Kirstine Bowen, Marketing and Communications Manager

On 18 May, Lydiard Park was a hive of activity as we brought our familyfriendly event, all about making wild connections, to Swindon for the very first time.

People of all ages enjoyed a host of interactive and sustainable wildlife experiences and activities, including seeing the birds of prey display, meeting some of our sheep, and taking part in craft activities such as flower crowns, animal face painting and more. Our conservation, education and wellbeing teams were also on hand to share advice on sustainable living and showcase the vital work that Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is doing for nature and communities in Swindon and across Wiltshire.

We thank all our supporters and the organisations who joined us on the day, including Butterfly Conservation, Wiltshire Ornithological Society and Lydiard Turkeys to name just a few. We’d also like to thank Swindon Borough Council and our sponsors, Ewe Move and Ecolibrium for helping to make this wonderful event possible.

Photos:

Country Comes to Town Lydiard Park, WWT

Volunteer Awards - The Winners

By Kirstine Bowen, Marketing and Communications Manager

Congratulations to all the winners celebrated for their achievements in conservation, land management and education at our Volunteer Awards.

Since June 2022, a remarkable 21,759 volunteering hours have been recorded by more than 1,740 volunteers. Habitat work has ranged from wildlife surveying, litter picking, scrub clearance and coppicing, to river pollution monitoring and invasive plants removal from river banks. Volunteers have also been assisting with key administrative tasks and supporting the Trust’s education and wellbeing teams.

A big thank you to all our volunteers, and

congratulations to this year’s winners:

Volunteer Group of the Year: Biss Wood Volunteer Group; Volunteer Leader of the Year: Simon Wicks & Trudy Lewis; Young Volunteer of the Year: Tyron Holmes; Volunteers of the Year: Nathan Jenkyn, Phil Clarke and Kat Bennett.

The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Debbie and Andrew Carter, who have “shown exceptional dedication” volunteering at Oysters Coppice nature reserve for more than 35 years.

Fun family days

By Sarah Tribe, Youth Education and Wellbeing Team Leader

If you would like to volunteer with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, you can find a range of opportunities at: volunteering.wiltshirewildlife.org

Natural Art Days

• Langford Lakes, 28 and 29 August, 10am-12pm

We have some exciting family events lined up this summer and autumn which you won’t want to miss! Come along to meet some like-minded families, join in with wildlife activities and have fun outdoors.

To sign up for these family events, visit www.wiltshirewildlife.org/events.

• Lower Moor Farm, 29 August, 10am-12pm

• Green Lane Wood, 30 August, 10am-12pm

Cost: £5 per child, adults free

Get creative with inspiration from the natural world: make a purple blackberry flag; create a wall hanging using willow; and use chalk and charcoal to make paint.

Spooky Autumn Fun Days

• Langford Lakes, 30 and 31 October, 10am-12pm

• Lower Moor Farm, 31 October, 10am-12pm

• Green Lane Wood, 29 October, 10am-12pm

Cost: £5 per child, adults free

Enjoy a morning of autumn themed activities with some spooky Halloween bat and pumpkin fun thrown in too.

Photo: Debbie and Andrew Carter with CEO

Joanna Lewis

New collaboration to restore the River Wylye

By Alice Eley, Head of Freshwater

Planning is now underway for the enhancement of the River Wylye through an exciting new partnership with the Wylye Valley Farmers group and Wessex Rivers Trust, thanks to the Government’s Landscape Recovery scheme, which awards funding for farmers and land managers to develop large scale projects that support protected sites and habitat creation.

World-famous, globally rare and extraordinarily biodiverse, Wiltshire’s chalk streams are an irreplaceable part of England’s natural landscape. However, like many, the River Wylye has been dredged, straightened and polluted over the last few centuries, putting its unique flora and fauna at risk of irreversible decline.

To find out more about this project, contact our Water Team on water@wiltshirewildlife.org.

The Wylye Chalk Stream Project will be the first landscape-scale collaboration of its kind focused on enhancing a 20km stretch of chalk stream and its floodplain for the benefit of wildlife in Wiltshire. The work will include chalk stream restoration, floodplain reconnection, regenerative farming, and the creation of natural river valley habitats such as water meadows, ponds and streams.

Photo: River Wylye at Stockton, Robin Leech

The new era of Biodiversity Net Gain

By Chelsie Fuge, Head of Nature Recovery

In England, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) became mandatory for large developments on 12 February 2024 and it applies to small sites since 2nd April 2024. BNG requires developments to achieve a 10% increase in biodiversity from what was there before development. It can be achieved through the creation or enhancement of habitats, either onsite or offsite and has resulted in the creation of a new ‘nature market’.

The opportunity now exists for landholders to restore or create new valuable habitat to provide offsite gains. BNG has the potential to significantly contribute towards nature’s

Langford Lakes has expanded!

By Kirstine Bowen, Marketing and Communications Manager

We’re delighted that we’ve taken over ownership of Dixon Meadows, a stretch of land along the River Wylye and Millstream next to our Langford Lakes nature reserve in Steeple Langford. This newly expanded space for nature aligns with our wider strategy to create bigger, buffered and better-connected landscapes across Wiltshire.

We’re very grateful to CH Dixon Charitable Trust (DCT) for taking good care of the land for wildlife and people up until now; we are committed to managing the land in keeping with DCT’s original objectives: to enhance wildlife conservation, education in conservation and the quality of the river for fishing.

recovery in England but its success will now rely upon successful implementation, effective collaboration and the standardisation of process across the country.

You can find out how we are delivering a high-integrity nature market in Wiltshire – visit: bristolavoncatchmentmarket.uk

To find out more about BNG, visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-biodiversitynet-gain or get in touch with our BNG specialist Chelsie Fuge at chelsief@wiltshirewildlife.org.

The access and permissive path will remain the same and we won’t be rushing into any significant changes. This year, we’ll be surveying and researching the history of the site before we decide how best to improve its management for nature into the future.

Plan your visit to Langford Lakes and Dixon Meadows at: www.wiltshirewildlife.org/ langford-lakes

Photo: BACM

Photo: Dixon Meadows, WWT

Children’s binoculars donated after theft

By Gail Grimes, Youth Education and Wellbeing Manager

The Youth Education and Wellbeing (YEW) Team send a huge thank you to all those who kindly donated binoculars after our appeal.

Sadly, a few months ago we had a break in at Langford Lakes nature reserve and a box of binoculars was stolen, as well as some stunning fallow deer and red deer antlers. We use binoculars in our education work at Langford Lakes and

they are a key bit of kit for helping children discover the wonderful nature on this special nature reserve, so we were devastated.

However, thanks to the amazing generosity of Wiltshire businesses, residents and Trust supporters, we have now replaced most of the stolen binoculars, so once again children and families can benefit from our education and forest school sessions.

We are grateful to have received donations of some spectacular antlers from a Wiltshire farmer, but we are always on the hunt for owl pellets to use in our education sessions. If you find any that you would like to donate, please contact gailg@wiltshirewildlife.org

Conservation Trainees join the Trust

By Debbie Chambers, Farm and Estates Coordinator

In March, Ellie Povey and Nick Elliott became very welcome additions to the Farm and Estates Team when they took up their Practical Conservation Traineeships with the Trust.

Following in the footsteps of previous Trainees, many of whom have gone on to forge very successful careers within the conservation sector, Ellie and Nick will follow a 12-month training programme designed to provide an insight into all aspects of working within this sector whilst at the same time gaining skills and qualifications that are so vital for gaining employment in conservation land management.

We are extremely grateful to the Swire Charitable Trust for funding these Traineeships.

“I feel grateful that the training opportunities provided will equip me with the skills I need to boost employability in this sector.”

Ellie Povey, Conservation Trainee

Find traineeship opportunities at: www.wiltshirewildlife.org/jobs

Photo: Family Event at Langford Lakes, Rhian Edwards

1,000 solar panels for Silverwood School

By Julian Barlow, WWCE

Over 1,000 solar panels are being installed on two roofs at Silverwood School’s Rowde Campus near Devizes. The panels are to be funded by a new share offer launched by Wiltshire Wildlife Community Energy later this summer.

The solar panels will generate green electricity for the school and export surplus power to the local grid. As well as paying returns to community investors, the panels are expected to generate £5,000 per year to support biodiversity and environmental education initiatives to be delivered in partnership with the school.

Wiltshire Wildlife Community Energy was set up in 2013 and raised nearly £6million from both community shares and ethical bank loans to build two community solar farms and install solar panels on the roofs of three of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s buildings.

New community garden at Bemerton Heath

By Zosia Durniat, Community Empowerment Officer

Earlier this year, a team of local volunteers from Bemerton Heath and project workers from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Wiltshire Council, idverde and the F3 Project, came together to install a new community garden in Pinewood Way, for Bemerton Heath residents to grow fresh vegetables for their families.

The group built raised beds with sleepers kindly donated by Travis Perkins, and they filled them with cardboard, manure, and compost generously gifted from The Hills Group. They will follow a no-dig

style of growing food to allow for optimal soil heath and abundant harvests. The beds are accessible for wheelchair-users, and will be filled with fruits, vegetables and herbs that the community chooses.

The development of the community garden was generously supported by the Nextdoor Nature programme. Through Nextdoor Nature, we are providing advice and support to anyone who wants to help nature flourish in their local environments.

Read more about this project at: www.wiltshirewildlife.org/blog/tag/nextdoor-nature

To find out more about Wiltshire Wildlife Community Energy and the Solar for Silverwood School share offer, keep an eye on: www.wwce.org

Photo: Solar panels, Silverwood School

Photos: Bemerton Heath volunteers

My wild job

In this regular feature, we take you behind the scenes to meet some of the wonderful staff that work at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, each doing their part to help the Trust achieve its vision of a sustainable future for wildlife and people.

Josh Kearse, Blue Mentor

How long have you worked for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust?

I have been working for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust since April 2023. I joined the Trust in the Youth, Education and Wellbeing team as a support worker, supporting the forest school leaders on 2:1 sessions and the Work Experience group.

I thoroughly enjoy working with young people. I am able to share my love of the natural world and the environment with a gentle, holistic approach.

When I saw the job advert for the Blue Influencer Scheme, I felt this was a natural progression for me and was honoured when I was offered the position as Blue Mentor. The role coincides perfectly with my support work.

Can you tell us a bit about the new Blue Influencers scheme?

The Blue Influencers Scheme is funding Blue Mentor roles across England to facilitate groups of empowered young people to work on environmental social action for blue spaces such as rivers and lakes. These young people aged 10 to 14, with the support of their Blue Mentor, will create and run social action schemes to improve the environment of their schools, neighbourhoods and communities. The Blue Influencers Scheme is a match-funded project through the #iwill Fund. Thanks to The Ernest Cook Trust for acting as a match funder and awarding grants on behalf of the #iwill Fund.

Here at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, our target areas over the next three years are Salisbury, Trowbridge and Swindon. I will be running the scheme in Salisbury and Trowbridge for 18 months. Another Blue Mentor will then be appointed to run the project in Swindon for the further 18 months.

What does an average day as a Blue Mentor look like?

My Blue Mentor role is three days per week. Since the scheme is still very new, I am currently laying the foundations of the project. I have been establishing connections with local schools, youth groups,

DofE students and recruiting young people already involved with the Trust.

Alongside this, I am also networking with other organisations with specialities in river management and wildlife conservation to join in with the projects they are involved with, which will be very beneficial to our young Blue Influencers. I am very excited that the next few months will see us making a positive impact with many young people.

What do you like best about your job?

As an outdoor, wildlife and environment enthusiast, this really is the perfect role for me. The fact I get to share this passion with our future generations is just a bonus. In a fast paced, pressured society, especially for young people, it is very easy to become isolated and not to feel part of a community. I have noticed this impact through my support worker role.

I feel that this job will enable me to remove those barriers, to help them feel more connected to their communities and the natural world around them. Also, to have a bit of laugh in the process; there is nothing more rewarding to see a group of young people enjoying what they are doing.

Look out for the latest job opportunities at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust at: www.wiltshirewildlife.org/jobs

Photo:Young volunteers, WWT

We love hearing about your sightings and experiences with nature!

Our social media community is a great place to shout about Wiltshire’s wildlife. Here are some of our recent highlights.

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/WiltsWild

Follow @WiltsWildlife on X

Tag us in your photographs on social mediafor the chance to be featured in our next magazine!

Follow @wiltswildlife on Instagram

Did you catch us on Countryfile? Complete our latest member survey!

We’re giving you the chance to give feedback about your Wiltshire Wildlife Trust membership. Simply complete the form online at: www.wiltshirewildlife.org/ member-survey

You can catch up on the episode from March that features our newest nature reserves Bay Meadows and Great Wood at: www.bbc.co.uk/ipla yer/episode/ m001xgrh/countryfile -wessex-downs Countryfile filming

Fox in Swindon by Marcus Saunders on Instagram

False Oxlip at Ravensroost by Peter Sketch on Twitter

Otter at Langford Lakes by Julie Lawrence on Facebook

Grey wagtail at Langford Lakes by Timothy Woolf

Raft by River Warriors Calne on Facebook

Daffodils at Tadpole Village by Pooja on Instagram

Re pow a gechar f na o er t Platinu the etur um

s M cu r

nsi

Ch wit ge ahead har ful f e o e choic v ommitm with a c satisfac ustomer Gro otor h an tricelec ly to ten ction. up.

e Wi ar oud membe pr e T Wildlif eiltshir the f s o r t.rus

www.platinummotorgrou o.ukup.c