Waterlife January - March 2014

waterlife The magazine of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust | 187 Jan/Mar 2014 | £4.25 | wwt.org.uk

Waterlife 187 JANUARY/MARCH 2014

Coming home to roost A new site for the Madagascar pochard

‘Close to genius’

Joanna Lumley on London Wetland Centre

Inside Complete centre round-up News and views WWT online Letters and competitions

The beauty of Bewick’s wwt.org.uk

Celebrating 50 years of WWT’s iconic swans

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ists The Binocular and Telescope Special

contents

The magnificent

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On the cover: Bewick’s swan, Biosphoto/SuperStock

October, and the constant advice to stay inside while it raged? We humans were able to take heed, but what about the swans that were making their way across the country to spend winter at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre?

Humbugs was one of the vanguard of the Bewick’s swans making their way across Europe from Russia, and she timed her flight to perfection. Along with six other swans, she landed at Slimbridge just before the 80mph winds started to rip through the south of England.

‘Flying in storms is dangerous for swans, particularly if the wind is against them,’ says WWT Wildlife Health Research Officer Julia Newth. ‘The swans are known to stall their migration if the weather is unfavourable.’

Despite the delay, no fewer than 120 Bewick’s swans were back at Slimbridge by early December, where the swan team were ready for them, and prepared to help them recover from their exhausting journey. They’re still there – do come and see them before they make their long flight back. And for more, turn to page 16.

Graham Hann

Remember that storm back in

Humbugs, a Bewick’s front-runner

This issue 4 Front lines Martin Spray on WWT around the world 7 Waterways News and views from the world of WWT 14 Wigeon post Your letters, plus our crossword and competition 16 The big issue Bewick’s bonanza: 50 years of this iconic swan 26 Flight path Finding a new home for the Madagascar pochard 33 The gallery A microscopic view of wetland life 36 Home from home Explore Arundel, and become a part of its future 41 Private life Discovering the secrets of the common scoter 45 Netlands Our overview of WWT’s online world 46 Kids’ zone Games and fascinating facts with Steve Backshall 49 Down your way All the news and events at your local centre 66 Back chat Joanna Lumley delights in London Wetland Centre

WWT is a leading global conservation organisation committed to the protection of wetlands and all that live in and around them. WWT is the only UK charity with a national network of specialist wetland centres that people can visit. It was founded in 1946 by the late Sir Peter Scott, the renowned naturalist and artist.

Headquarters Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT 01453 891900 membership@wwt.org.uk wwt.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1030884 and SC039410 Centres For full contact details, please see page 49 WWT Arundel 01903 883355 WWT Caerlaverock 01387 770200 WWT Castle Espie 028 9187 4146 WWT London 020 8409 4400 WWT Martin Mere 01704 895181 WWT Llanelli 01554 741087 WWT Slimbridge 01453 891900 WWT Washington 0191 416 5454 WWT Welney 01353 860711

waterlife The quarterly magazine of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Managing editor: Katy Baird waterlife@wwt.org.uk Executive editor: Emma Stephens Editorial board: Zoe Cameron, Ray Clark, Sacha Dench, Baz Hughes, David Salmon, Rob Shore, Mark Simpson Editor: Malcolm Tait malcolm.tait@thinkpublishing.co.uk Senior sub-editor: Marion Thompson Designer: Nikki Ackerman Group advertising manager: Sonal Mistry sonal.mistry@thinkpublishing.co.uk 020 8962 3020 Publisher: John Innes Think, The Pall Mall Deposit, 124-128 Barlby Road, London W10 6BL

Waterlife is published four times a year, and is printed

by Herons, on UPM Ultra Silk 70gsm, an FSC paper accredited as coming from well-managed forest. Views expressed in the magazine do not necessarily reflect those of WWT. ISSN: 1752-7392 Average net circulation for the period Jan-Dec 2012: 94,296

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front lines

WWT across the world Martin Spray CBE, WWT Chief Executive I am increasingly impressed, and indeed

Alamy

very proud, of the skills, experience and expertise that this wonderful organisation has within it. And that is not just about the staff team with whom I am privileged to work, but also about the dedicated volunteers and the support of you, the members.

From humble beginnings on the banks of the Severn, WWT is reaching across the world to bring solutions to the growing environmental problems we are generating for ourselves.

In September, I witnessed this once more when I went to China and South Korea at the invitation of both countries. My trip to China was to accompany two of my colleagues from WWT’s consultancy arm to Fujin, in the far north-east of the country. WWT Consulting had been commissioned to prepare a master plan for the national Fujin Wetland Centre in Heilongjiang Province. The consulting arm is able to draw on more than six decades of experience in creating valuable and engaging wetlands, and all profits from its projects go directly to WWT’s important work. Representatives from the province had visited the UK and seen WWT London Wetland Centre and WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre.

The Fujin area was once all wetlands but, as with other countries including the UK, they had been drained to provide rich agricultural land. But the commitment of some key individuals had resulted in the recreation of a large new wetland. Our role was to provide advice on the best way to manage it and to bring people and wildlife together in the most effective and productive ways.

The meeting to formally present the plan was attended by very senior people, including national government officials and the Mayor and Secretary General

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of neighbouring Fujin City. The plan had been very well received and much is already in place to implement it.

I then flew on to Suncheon City in South Korea where we had input into the design of adjacent wetland habitat to the new wetland centre. It was clear as soon as I arrived that WWT was seen as being international experts in wetland management. Suncheon Bay is a globally significant coastal wetland with extensive mudflats and reedbed.

In winter, it hosts hundreds of wintering hooded cranes, among numerous other species. The Mayor of the city, and many senior directors, gave up their national holiday weekend to show me around and discuss ways we could help. It was clear they wanted WWT’s advice and involvement in the future of the bay.

In winter, Suncheon Bay hosts hundreds of wintering hooded cranes, among numerous other species

The world has many environmental

problems. Wetland degradation and loss is just a part, but wetlands have many benefits for both people and wildlife.

The East Asian-Australasian Flyway is a key priority for WWT. Coastal developments have destroyed or damaged valuable tidal feeding grounds for millions of birds. We have the knowledge and expertise to develop and implement solutions and I am pleased to say that this is now, very definitely, increasingly being recognised. A great, but exciting, challenge for WWT.

Hooded cranes

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News and views from the world of wildfowl and wetlands

conservation

End of the barrage

Green, the colour of hope The fabulous picture (above) of a spoon-billed sandpiper records a special moment. It was one of 24 birds tagged with plastic leg flags last summer by Pavel Tomkovich (below), an ornithologist with Birds Russia, which is working with WWT on the conservation of the critically endangered wader, and in September it was spotted – and photographed – by birdwatchers Michelle and Peter Wong at Rudong mudflats north of Shanghai.

‘I wondered if anybody would see “Lime 1” on its travels,’ says Pavel.

‘Reports like this are thanks to the support of birdwatchers across Asia and are an invaluable part of the conservation of this tiny bird,’ adds Baz Hughes, WWT’s Head of Species Conservation.

We already knew that the bird fathered six fledglings last summer, three hand-reared by the team and three that he raised himself, which is 10 times the average for the species.

We now know he made it as far as Shanghai on his travels.

And then, in November, more good news came in. One of the hand-reared sandpipers themselves was spotted in Thailand, out on the coastline near Bangkok.

‘We now know that spoonbilled sandpipers, raised by our avicultural staff on the Russian tundra, can migrate with their wild counterparts to wintering areas a quarter of the way around the globe,’ says Baz. To support this valuable work, please visit wwt.org.uk/sbs.

Michelle and Peter Wong; Alamy

You’ve been tagged!

WWT and other conservation organisations have welcomed the government’s announcement to throw out plans for a 10-mile-long tidal energy-generating barrage across the Severn Estuary.

The Severn Estuary is home to more than 70,000 wintering birds, and many areas of the estuary are protected due to its national and international importance for wildlife. The barrage would have had far-reaching effects on the estuary environment.

‘We can now stop wasting public money on assessing outdated barrage designs and instead start looking at innovative, scalable technology that will maximise power while minimising impact,’ says WWT Chief Executive Martin Spray. ‘I would love to see the Severn Estuary community bringing together inventors and investors to develop and export new tidal power ideas that tackle climate change without destroying our natural heritage.’

The natural energy of the Severn

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Poetry corner ‘I wrote this poem after viewing a flock of curlews at Washington last winter,’ writes Alison Barnes. ‘I revisited Washington and heard the bubbling song of a curlew, which reminded me of my poem.’

Our thanks for sending it in, Alison. If others would like to submit their poetry, the address on page 14 will get it to us.

Curlew Look! Curlews by the Wader Lake probe the soft-soaked meadow.

Occasional cries of ‘curlooee’ rebound in plaintive echo.

Here, these graceful long-legged waders flock in wintry throng and lingering, I listen for their trilling liquid song.

In the shelter of the bird hide I revel in the sight as birds fly in, until it seems that no more can alight.

On this wintry day at Washington fond memories I recall when the grace and charm of curlews has had me in their thrall.

I have watched them in the winter along a low tide’s edge, In silhouette against the sea, each slender, stilted wedge with patience probing his long bill – he seeks his salty prey.

Unseen, I’ve often heard one on a long, fine summer’s day.

Whether whilpen, whaup or curlew, that is the voice that thrills.

His, the music of the mudflats, an aria in the hills.

His is a voice from heaven that enthrals the souls of men on heathy, haunted hillside, till it fades into the glen.

His tremulous, bubbling wild notes float gently over gorse – He’s the spirit of the wilderness, the maestro of the moors.

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The beauty of the barbastelle

Batting order Until this year, it was thought that there were seven species of bat that used WWT Welney Wetland Bat box Centre. Now, thanks to a community science project, ›B arbastelles are we know that there are eight. The barbastelle is the medium-sized bats latest to be added to the list and, as it’s one of the with a distinctive UK’s rarer species, it’s created quite a buzz. ‘This has pug-shaped nose and been a very exciting discovery for the team,’ says dark fur and wings.

Leigh Marshall, Welney Wetland Centre Manager. › T hey have a wingspan of 26-29cm and a ‘Wetlands provide homes and feeding grounds for body length of 4-5cm. a wide range of plants and creatures. Although the › B arbastelles feed on barbastelle is not a wetland specialist itself, it is able small moths, flies to feed on the wide abundance of insect species and beetles. found on the reserve.’

Bat monitoring stations were set up across Norfolk last year to provide people with the equipment to take part in a simple exercise to help map Norfolk’s bat species. To get involved with the project this year, visit batsurvey.org to get more information and book your square to survey.

Journal ease Did you know that Wildfowl, WWT’s annual scientific journal, is online?

The publication, renowned for its papers on wildfowl and other waterbirds, is an authoritative voice on scientific research needed to improve knowledge of species and habitats. You can download the current issue of the journal plus papers from the back catalogue at wwt.org.uk/wildfowl-journal.

This winter we’ve published the standard issue (Wildfowl 63) plus a special issue on brent geese (Wildfowl Special Issue 3), which gives the results of studies presented at the 2013 Conference of the Wetlands International/ IUCN-SSC Goose Specialist Group.

If you would prefer printed copies of the journals, members can subscribe at the special price of £17 (£27 to non-members) by calling 01453 891257.

Alien threat

Last year’s announcement of a Europe-wide crackdown on non-native invasive plants and animals could be very good news for UK wildlife, says WWT. ‘Britain’s much-loved plants and animals are under relentless attack from invaders,’ says WWT’s Head of Conservation Policy, Carrie Hume. ‘The government has already taken positive steps, like banning the sale of some damaging invasive plants. But this is not a problem the UK can tackle on its own, and Europe as a whole is a long way off the vision of a Europe-wide defence system… and that leaves the UK’s wildlife vulnerable.’

Water primrose, from South America, is just one of the invasive species that is causing problems for our wildlife. It forms dense mats that deprive native fish and plants of oxygen, nutrients and light. It’s estimated that the current cost of controlling it in this country is £73,000 per year, but this would rise to around £250 million if it became widespread.

Further details on non-native problematic species can be found at nonnativespecies.org.

Water primrose

Morven Brown; FLPA; Alamy

From wetlands to wedlands ‘We couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful venue,’ say Chris and Adela after their wedding at WWT London Wetland Centre last May. ‘The service in the Observatory, with swans swooping down and landing on the lake as we made our vows, was simply unforgettable.’ The couple also had a blessing in the Rain Garden, followed by a champagne reception outside, a three-course dinner in the Water’s Edge room and a party that lasted till midnight. ‘The day simply couldn’t have gone better,’ said Adela. ‘Lots of guests came up to us and commented on what a fabulous place it was to get married.’

London Wetland Centre is one of several WWT centres that are becoming increasingly popular as wedding venues, as more couples seek original and natural settings. ‘We wanted our wedding to help nature in some way, rather than just hand over our cash to a hotel chain,’ says Chris. ‘The cost of the whole day was very reasonable, and we knew that the money we paid to hire the venue would be used directly to help the centre’s conservation work.’ Chris and Adela also asked guests to donate to WWT’s Swan Appeal instead of giving presents, and raised more than £3,000.

‘We chose to raise money for swans because they mate for life, which we felt would be a good omen,’ says Adela.

For more information visit wwt.org.uk/london or email functions.london@wwt.org.uk.

‘One day, you’ll be this big!’

Raising expectations In 2012 WWT Washington Wetland Centre successfully hand-reared five Chilean flamingo chicks. It was an impressive feat, but nothing compared to this season’s challenge, as the team has undertaken the hatching and upbringing of no fewer than 24 of the fluffy youngsters.

That’s some serious parenting!

‘Hand-rearing flamingos is a delicate matter,’ says Owen Joiner, Washington Wetland Centre’s Aviculture & Captive Animal Manager.

‘With 24 chicks to look after, we trained up a team of dedicated volunteers to help with their care.’

So how do you raise a flamingo chick? ‘Flamingo parents feed their young with a type of rich saliva, full of all the goodness needed for the chicks to develop,’ Owen explains. ‘At Washington, we mimic that process by syringe-feeding them every two to three hours with a blended mixture of baby porridge, sardines in oil and egg yolks. The birds also need regular exercise, precise health checks and growth monitoring, to protect their delicate legs as they grow, in case they become too heavy for them. In the autumn, lack of sunlight can be an issue, too, because the chicks need vitamin D in order to grow and develop properly, but can’t be exposed to the cold for too long, so we supervised “sunbathing” sessions for them when the weather was warm enough.’

The hard work and perseverance paid off and all 24 are thriving.

Washington Wetland Centre’s flamingos have failed to produce eggs for six years in a row, so the youngsters are part of a strategy to increase flock size and enhance chances of future breeding success.

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Due south A barnacle goose who failed to turn up at his overwintering grounds at WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre has turned up safe and well – 900 miles further south, in Spain! It’s the furthest south that a barnacle goose has ever been recorded.

The goose had migrated safely for six years between Arctic Svalbard and Scotland before being absent from Scotland last winter. With no sign of him again this winter, WWT staff feared he hadn’t survived.

But amazingly, birdwatcher Emilio Martinez spotted the goose this week on the Rouxique marshes on north-west Spain’s Atlantic coast.

Fellow birdwatcher Antonio Guttierez reported the goose’s leg ring, orange CBZ, which identified it as an adult male ringed at Caerlaverock Wetland Centre in 2004.

‘We’re gobsmacked,’ says WWT Principle Species Research Officer at Caerlaverock Wetland Centre Dr Larry Griffin. ‘Barnacle geese have a tough life facing extreme weather and food scarcity so we had started to assume this one hadn’t made it. To find out he’s actually made a record journey south is amazing.

‘By ringing the wild birds under our protection, we can find out where they go and where they might need further protection. We’re hugely indebted to birdwatchers like Emilio and Antonio who record the leg rings they spot and let us know where the birds have got to.

‘It’s possible that Orange CBZ was disoriented by the recent bad weather. He’ll need to rest and feed himself up after such a long journey.’

Future collaboration

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management and conservation. WWT’s SuDS for schools project was presented

by Andy Graham, explaining the benefits gained by schools in terms of educational value as well as improving the quality of water in the local river catchment and providing habitat for biodiversity as well as alleviating flooding.

‘A lot of good work is already being done, so it’s crucial that we share the best of this knowledge for our mutual benefit, and Wetland Futures was the forum at which to do that,’ says WWT Chief Executive Martin Spray.

Wetland Futures was hosted by WWT in association with ALGE, BESS, Cranfield University, Environment Agency, National Trust, Natural England, RSPB and The Wildlife Trusts, and was sponsored by Severn Trent Water and BESS. For more information about the Wetland Futures conference, go to wwt.org.uk/conservation/ wetland-futures-conference.

Emilio Martinez Sabaris; Marie Banks

The restoration and conservation of wetlands could be used as a tool to deal with a number of issues including flooding and drought. Such issues could be addressed more effectively if businesses and charities shared resources. That was the message of the Wetland Futures conference held in York last October, run by WWT. The conference brought together a range of stakeholders, including industry, such as aggregates and water companies; landowners and managers; those in planning and development; environmental NGOs and others involved in wetland

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Scottish high land There’s something new at WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, and it brings you closer to the wildlife than ever before. It’s the Sir Peter Scott Observatory, and its design was influenced by the ethos of WWT founder Sir Peter Scott, who aimed to bring awe-inspiring nature up close for people.

‘People love nature, not because they’re told to, but because they experience it, in all its awe-inspiring beauty, up close,’ says Martin Spray CBE, WWT Chief Executive.

‘For over 65 years, WWT has been building wildlife hides with people in mind and the Sir Peter Scott Observatory

draws on that wealth of experience. We hope it thrills and wows visitors to Caerlaverock for years to come.’

The observatory and its tower are easily accessible for those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. Once inside the two-storey tower, you will be able to see wild whooper swans as they circle before landing on the pond for the daily feeds.

The Sir Peter Scott Observatory was part-financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community, Dumfries and Galloway LEADER 2007-2013 Programme, with additional funding from many other generous organisations and individuals.

Girls and boys come out to play WWT’s nine wetland centres are giving families a chance to get outside and experience the sights, sounds and smells of nature, with guaranteed wildlife experiences. It’s in response to national studies which show that: ›m ore than 70% of children don’t undertake the recommended daily hour of physical activity › f ewer than one in 10 kids regularly play in wild spaces, compared to about half a generation ago › t wo-thirds of parents believe their children have less freedom to roam than free-range chickens.

Public Health England says this leads to higher levels of emotional distress, anxiety and depression in young children. But computers are now a key part of young people’s

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everyday life, and parents are sometimes reticent for their children’s safety to be risked if they go unsupervised to local woods or rivers.

WWT has therefore joined with 370 organisations across the UK to promote Project Wild Thing – a campaign to invite kids to swap 10 minutes of ‘screen-time’ a day for 10 minutes of ‘wild-time’. To see a specially made film to promote the project, visit projectwildthing.com.

Puzzle answers Wigeon Post Crossword Across: 7. Canada 8. Bewick 9. Zeus 10. Fidelity 11. Swallow 13. Stork 15. Adopt 17. Whooper 20. Flamingo 21. Peng 23. Encamp 24. Greens Down: 1. Lake 2. Damsel 3. Saffron 4. Abide 5. Twilit 6. Scot-free 12. Waddling 14. Through 16. Pampas 18. Osprey 19. Snipe 22. Nene Kids’ Zone Swansearch: 1. Bewick’s 2. Black 3. Mute 4. Trumpeter 5. Whistling 6. Whooper Ho ho!: Add some hens to some other hens, and you get… moorhens!

Double Vision: WWT logo has gone from wheelbarrow; swan at back is missing; extra bar on front of wheelbarrow; different colour stripe on Mike’s top; paper missing from Mike’s back pocket.

Wigeon post

Send your letters on all things WWT or Waterlife to Wigeon Post, WWT, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT, or email waterlife@wwt.org.uk Dear Waterlife I’ve been a member for many years and have been watching your videos of the spoon-billed sandpiper on the web using my mobile. I’ve never seen anything so cute and entertaining to watch. I especially loved watching them have a bath and a little play about. I’m curious about one thing though. I would love to know what you feed them with.

I noticed what looked like ants. My next question is, do you ‘grow’ your own live foods for them or do you have to buy them, like we do with mealworms?

Please keep up the good work you do.

Richard Thew, Greater Manchester

MJ McGill; Nick Cottrell; James Lees; Alamy

Nicky Hiscock, Conservation Breeding Assistant, replies: The live food is actually cricket hatchlings, not ants.

These are a great starter for young chicks as they are small, so easily swallowed, and also move around a lot, providing plenty of enrichment for the birds. This is key in order to get them feeding well and on to an artificial diet.

They are still fed crickets as adult birds, just a larger size.

In addition, the birds also receive a pellet called Lundi 35, freshwater shrimp, bloodworms and occasionally mealworms. We don’t breed our own live food, but get it delivered weekly.

You can now sponsor a spoon-billed sandpiper; visit wwt.org.uk/adoption to find out more.

Dear Waterlife I have been a member of WWT for a number of years and love taking photographs of the wildlife at all the

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WWT centres around the UK. This year I entered the BBC Countryfile Photographic Competition with a photo I took at Welney and was lucky enough to be chosen as one of the 12 finalists of this year’s Countryfile Calendar 2014.

My photograph, Feeding Frenzy, was taken on a cold but beautiful February day when the late evening setting sun was making the colours of the birds shine out.

I was thrilled with the result and pleased that the photo was chosen out of 57,000 to help raise money for Children in Need.

Andy Colbourne, via email

Dear Waterlife Love the spotter sheets you mention on page 45 of the latest issue – already printed a few off for visits

with various groups of children. But, how come Welney is not on the list?

Any reason? There’s always been a good variety to see whenever I’ve called in on my way up to King’s Lynn.

Sidney and Brenda Swann, via email

Editor’s reply: Many thanks for spotting the spotter sheet omission. A glitch meant that the drop-down menu only revealed eight centre names, and Welney, last in alphabetical order, had slipped off the bottom. The error has

Andy Colbourne’s stunning photo, Feeding Frenzy

letters

been corrected, and readers can now download spotter sheets for each centre and season by visiting spotter.wwt.org.uk.

and, indeed, the rest of the country? Be a shame not to.

Sean McCarthy, via email

Dear Waterlife I rather like the idea of Adopt a Wetland that you’ve been introducing in recent months. The only thing is, I don’t live near Slimbridge and Martin Mere, the two reserves that have launched the scheme so far, and I don’t have any particular affinity for them. Do you have plans to roll out adoption packages for centres closer to southerners like me

Editor’s reply: I’m not sure exactly where in the south of England you live, Sean, but, as you’ll see this issue, Arundel is the next of our reserves to receive the Adopt a Wetland treatment, and we’ve got further plans for more centres down the line. To stay in touch with the latest developments, visit protect.wwt.org.uk.

Crossword For our special swan issue, WWT member Tim Bonsor has woven a number of swan-based clues into our crossword, along with many other wetland references. You’ll find the answers on page 12. Once again, for readers who prefer a tougher challenge, Tim has provided us with cryptic clues, too, which you’ll find at wwt.org.uk/crossword.

raight crossword for Waterlife 187 1

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Across 7. A common brink. (4) Valuable spice naturalised goose rived from the is named after this ocus. (7) country. (6) To dwell at, or to 8. Engraver and erate. (5) natural history writer Dimly illuminated, after whom our ch as at dusk. (6) smallest swan is Without named. (6) nsequences or nalties. (4,4) 9. He took the form of a swan to seduce Swans, ducks and Leda. (4) ese are ­­­­­­­­ birds.

10. Loyal quality of the mute swan. (8) Preposition, by y of. (7)

Grassy lowlands of America. (6)

Caerlaverock has a

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11. Aerobatic summer visitor. (7) 13. White variety of this bird can be seen on Alsace chimneys. (5) 15. Do this to a wetland to help. (5) 17. This swan migrates to the UK from Iceland. (7) 20. Slimbridge has a new observatory for this bird. (8) 21. This observatory at Slimbridge is heated. (4) 23. To build a temporary shelter. (6)

24. Political party with one MP. (6) Down 1. Watery environment for a ballet. (4) 2. Girl, typically in distress, and a sort of ‘fly’ seen around water. (6) 3. Valuable spice derived from the crocus. (7) 4. To dwell at, or to tolerate. (5) 5. Dimly illuminated, such as at dusk. (6) 6. Without consequences or penalties. (4-4) 12. Swans, ducks and geese are _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ birds. (8) 14. Preposition, by way of. (7) 16. Grassy lowlands of South America. (6) 18. Caerlaverock has a webcam to keep watch over this bird. (6) 19. Bird whose outer feathers make a drumming sound. (5) 22. Hawaiian goose brought back from the brink. (4)

Dear Waterlife I would like to say that September’s AGM was excellent. I enjoyed all three of the department talks, the day was extremely informative and the lunch was magnificent. My friend and I chose the otter talk after lunch, and that, too, was enjoyable. And it was good to just walk around the London Wetland Centre, which used to be my local centre until I retired three years ago.

Gill Dickenson, Merseyside

Spotting skills Another fine response to our ID quiz last issue, in which we published just part of a photo of a bird. Was it the pink feet that gave it away?

It probably was, and you all correctly identified the pink-footed goose (below). The first name out of the hat after the closing date was Mike Welch of Warwick. Congratulations.

And so on to this issue’s competition.

Here’s a photo of a male duck, but one of its most significant identifying features is out of sight under the water.

Can you tell what species it is? The first correct answer drawn out of the hat after the closing date of 28 February wins a copy of Watching Waterbirds.

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A c eleb r at i o n

g i b The

In February 1964, Sir Peter Scott first began to record the individual bill patterns of each and every Bewick’s swan that flew into WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre. Fifty years later, this work has built into one of the most comprehensive and long-running research programmes into any species on the planet.

To celebrate, here are 50 – a mere taster – of the fascinating facts, figures, friends and families that we’ve discovered along the way 16

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Call of the wild It all began in the winter of 1963/64. Aware that Bewick’s swans were wintering on the nearby River Severn, Sir Peter Scott put seven swans from the Slimbridge Wetland Centre collection on the Rushy Pen in the hope that their calls might attract the wild birds in. The ploy worked.

By the end of the winter, no fewer than 24 wild swans were regularly visiting the Slimbridge Wetland Centre lake, and the Scott family were able to study them.

Lighting the way In the early days, the swans would spend their days on the Rushy Pen, but roost at night on the Dumbles and River Severn.

One foggy night they were attacked by a fox, so the Scotts started feeding them under floodlight on the Rushy, encouraging them to spend the night there. The lights were initially kept on until about 10pm, until it was noticed that the swans were starting to migrate earlier than usual, due to the perceived longer ‘daylight’. The timing of the lights has therefore long been adjusted to match the birds’ migratory patterns.

3-4 years

Illustrations by Alice Potter; photos by Chris Beard Images; Richard Taylor-Jones; James Lees; Colin Butters

Usual age at which swans first find a mate

Follow the leader Pairs of Bewick’s swans tend to set off on migration together, but is it the male or the female who decides the exact moment when to go? It actually depends on the direction they’re going. In the autumn, when his family needs to reach the safety of the wintering grounds, it’s the male who takes the lead. In the spring, with the breeding season ahead of her back in Arctic Russia, it’s the female who leads the way.

Taking action Launching from WWT’s study, a Bewick’s swan Single Species Action Plan was adopted in May 2012 by the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement. This intergovernmental treaty, developed under the framework of the Convention on Migratory Species, has been drawn up to address the decline in the NW European Bewick’s swan population.

The Slimbridge Serengeti In the early days, as more and more Bewick’s swans arrived at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, there was a concern that they might compete for food with the white-fronted geese that had long been wintering there. Studies showed, however, that each species preferred a different sward length, so the sheep that grazed the meadows during the summer were taken off at different times.

The result was that the two species were able to graze alongside each other in differently managed sward, just as the herbivores of the African savannahs can coexist in subtly varying conditions.

These we have loved 1 The longest Bewick’s partnership ever recorded at Slimbridge Wetland Centre was between Limonia and Laburnum, who spent 22 years together (between 1985 and 2007), during which they brought a total of 13 cygnets back to the reserve.

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These we have loved 2 Crinkly first arrived as a cygnet with parents Lucius and Coletta in 2004. She had a deformed neck, probably as a result of a birth defect, but managed to complete the migration to Slimbridge Wetland Centre.

Despite being so un-aerodynamic, she continued to visit the reserve for the next few years, flying over 22,000 miles, until she was last seen in 2009.

98,000

Estimated global population of Bewick’s swans

The Tea Party Teapot (above) and Teabag (below) had been a pair for 11 years. In 2006/7, however, Teapot arrived at Slimbridge Wetland Centre with two cygnets, but without Teabag. It was assumed something had happened to Teabag, but 25 days later she flew in to be reunited with her family. The pair were probably separated on migration during a disturbance or poor weather.

Chai, a former cygnet of Teapot and Teabag, loosely associated with the family that winter and assisted them in defending ‘Tea Party’ territory on the Rushy Pen. At times, Chai closely guarded her younger siblings.

Second chances

The gambling dynasty Several family groups are given related names by the Slimbridge Wetland Centre team, and one of the longest-running is the gambling dynasty. The family theme began in 1971 when a young swan was ringed and named Casino. She turned out to be one of our longest-lived birds, reaching the grand old age of 27 when she was last seen in 1998.

Over the years she brought 32 cygnets back to Slimbridge and many had cygnets of their own. One offspring was called Croupier, who first visited in 1991 and has continued to visit ever since. Croupier brought a mate to the reserve in 1998, and she was named Dealer. Over the years they have brought a staggering 24 cygnets back with them, including Wager and Croupie, who brought partners and cygnets of their own last winter. It’s a good bet that this faithful dynasty will be visiting the reserve for many years to come.

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Most Bewick’s (91.2%) have only one mate during their lifetime, although some birds that survive to old age are likely to have several. One, named Offset, had seven mates during the 21 years he was recorded at Slimbridge Wetland Centre.

Generally, long-lived birds may have up to four. If a mate is lost, Bewick’s take on average 2.6 years to return to wintering grounds with a new partner.

91.2%

Early days Bewick’s swans generally lay between one and five eggs on breeding grounds in Arctic Russia, but usually only up to four (and more often one or two) cygnets per family survive to reach wintering sites in north-west Europe. The eggs are generally laid in late May to early June, and incubated for 29-30 days. During this vulnerable time, both parents closely guard the nest and protect their brood against predators such as Arctic foxes, wolverines, white-tailed eagles, gulls and skuas. When September arrives, the family escapes the Arctic winter by embarking on their long journey to reach us.

Largest number of cygnets recorded in one family at Slimbridge Wetland Centre.

The parents were Everton and Rovers 6

The full scoop It’s well known among swan feeders at Slimbridge Wetland Centre that anyone who hasn’t accidentally thrown the feeding scoop into the Rushy Pen can’t really consider themselves fully qualified in the job.

Codes of conduct During the early days of swan identification, although Slimbridge Wetland Centre staff and volunteers were rapidly becoming familiar with individual bill patterns, this information was rather difficult to pass along to swan-watchers in other countries along the flyway. WWT’s Malcolm Ogilvie therefore pioneered the use of coded coloured plastic leg rings to add a further point of recognition. Coloured rings have since become a standard tool in bird monitoring the world over. Communication with the then Soviet Union was, however, still very difficult in the 1960s and 1970s, so WWT also pioneered the use of a harmless yellow dye simply to draw Soviet researchers’ attention to the birds that needed monitoring at the breeding end of the migratory range.

These we have loved 3

Christmas wishes

Here’s a brief history of one swan. He first visited Slimbridge Wetland Centre as a cygnet in 2003 with his parents, Sauber and Manero, but, unluckily, he had a fishing net stuck in his beak. Luckily, by the time he was caught, the net had fallen off. Unluckily, days later, he flew into a fence on take-off. Luckily, he recovered and is still a regular visitor. Can it be coincidence that his name is Fortune?

When Dafila Scott, Peter and Philippa’s daughter, was a girl, a pair of swans called Leo and Stella were her favourites. One year, as December rolled by, they still hadn’t arrived. Would they make it? They did... on Christmas Day. Dafila still calls it the best Christmas present ever.

1,450

Estimated distance in kilometres that a swan can cover before refuelling

A major win After a number of WWT recorded swans were recovered from the Pechora Delta region of the Russian Arctic, WWT realised that this would be an excellent area in which to develop an Anglo-Russian study of the Bewick’s breeding biology. The first expedition took place in 1991, and just six years later the region was designated a state nature reserve by the Russian government. This was a major success for waterbirds, which came about as a result of WWT’s monitoring of the Bewick’s swan.

First in The earliest recorded arrivals at Slimbridge Wetland Centre were a pair called Tomato and Ketchup who, back in 1980, turned up on 12 October.

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Going the wrong way During the winter of 1977/78, the onset of spring migration was exceptionally early. All the Bewick’s had left Slimbridge by 6 February and 18 of these were identified in western Germany three days later. It turned out their departure was premature. Bad weather hit Germany that month, and rather than push on through, 14 of the swans turned around and flew back to the UK, one stopping at WWT Welney Wetland Centre while the rest returned to Slimbridge Wetland Centre. This is what first alerted us to the possibility that evening floodlights at the reserve were giving the swans a premature idea of the onset of spring. The floodlights are now dimmed at 6.30pm, and the swans leave in mid February to mid March, much the same time as others that winter in Britain and Ireland.

19,000 Approximate NW European population of Bewick’s swans

Eating times WWT’s analysis of swan droppings over the years has shown that although common rye grass makes up a large part of the birds’ diet, marsh foxtail, which occurs in damp depressions, is actually a preferred foodstuff. Using this, and more, dietary information, we have been able to advise landowners on land management processes that benefit swans and humans alike.

Where were you?

Kakara first visited Slimbridge Wetland Centre in 1989 and returned every winter until 1994. For the next 11 years he was not seen at all, and it was assumed he was long gone. Then, suddenly, in 2006 he reappeared once more out of the blue, making him the longest ever absentee. We do not know where he went during these ‘missing years’.

30%

Percentage decline in numbers of the NW European Bewick’s swan population since the mid 1990s These we have loved 4 Latch was one of our oldest known swans.

He first visited Slimbridge in 1981 as a yearling and faithfully returned for the next 24 years. During this time, he had two mates, but only brought his first family back to the reserve at the grand old age of 25!

Given that most Bewick’s swans breed around five to six years old, Latch was certainly a late starter. The event coincided with Latch finding a new partner, Wooton.

Further afield Not all Bewick’s swans spend their winter with us or other western European countries such as Germany and the Netherlands. Approximately 78,000 winter in East Asia, while a small group, about 1,000-strong, spends the cold months in the Caspian region.

These we have loved 5 Caper, being one of our oldest Bewick’s swans, has had several partners over his lifetime, one of which was a swan named Gambol. They had been together for just one year before Caper returned to Slimbridge Wetland Centre alone.

Caper remained single for the following two years as he continued to visit the reserve, but Gambol was not seen. We were very surprised, therefore, to see Gambol and Caper fly in together after two years of separation!

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One in 2,000

6-8 Average time, in weeks, for a swan to migrate from Arctic Russia to the UK These we have loved 6 It’s not just humans who enjoy visiting more than one WWT centre. One male swan, Nikolai, was first ringed at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre in 1993. Two years later, he turned up at Welney Wetland Centre, and then in 2000, 2001 and 2002 he was recorded at Slimbridge Wetland Centre. But his heart lay where it all began for him, as he spent 12 winters on the Martin Mere reserve.

Of more than 4,000 pairs of swans recorded at Slimbridge Wetland Centre over the 50 years, only two have paired up with other birds while their partners are still alive. One of these two ‘divorces’ was between Patch and Piotr, who were together from 2000 until 2003, when Patch returned with another bird, Peploe, while Piotr returned alone. The other was between Saruni and Sarindi, who had been together for two years, but returned in the 2010/11 winter, each with a new partner.

Failure to breed could be a possible reason for ‘divorces’ occurring. Only two other cases have ever been recorded: one at Welney Wetland Centre and one in Russia.

Team-ups Not all Bewick’s swans seek the company of their own kind. There have been occasional records of Bewick’s that have paired up with whistling swans and, on a handful of occasions, with bean geese!

Learning process The science of swan identification is of great value to the world of education.

To date, two MScs and three PhDs have been based upon these studies, in addition to untold numbers of theses, scientific papers and undergraduate projects.

Ageing well Bewick’s swans have been known to live for up to 36 years in captivity, although such longevity has never been recorded in the wild. The oldest bird to visit Slimbridge Wetland Centre was a female called Winterling, who was 28 when last seen in spring 2011. The oldest ever recorded Bewick’s was a ringed bird called Brimstone who, when found shot dead in Russia, was 29 years old.

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Let’s get together WWT’s research resulted in Slimbridge Wetland Centre being chosen to host the world’s first Swan Symposium, in 1971. There have been three more since then, with the fifth coming up in February this year in Maryland, USA.

These we have loved 7 A few years ago, a pair of Bewick’s, called Riddler and Raoulia, returned to Slimbridge with six cygnets in tow. One of the six was not their own, however, and appeared to have been adopted by the pair, possibly because it had become separated from its parents during migration. This form of surrogate parenting is not uncommon, particularly during severe winters.

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Stepping stones There are a number of countries (the main ones are shown here) that Bewick’s swans use to rest and refuel after they leave Russia for the UK, but the chosen routes vary.

Some stop just once in Estonia – where they refuel for a couple of weeks – before heading directly for Slimbridge Wetland Centre. Others could visit perhaps three or four countries during their journey. Weather conditions can play a large role in how swans choose their routes – and so can their marital status. WWT research has shown that single birds tend to stop in more countries than pairs and families, possibly because they’re trying to increase their chances of meeting up with other swans to travel with.

Why bother?

Maximum number of countries travelled on migration from Arctic Russia to Britain

Why do Bewick’s swans migrate so far? It’s thought that this behaviour developed in response to the emergence at high latitudes of protein-rich foods that promote rapid growth in young. Conditions in the winter are too harsh in the Arctic for the swans to endure, so they need to leave in the autumn. The migratory and reproductive cycles therefore need to be very closely synchronised. Birds have only four months in which to breed and put on weight before returning to the more temperate wintering range.

Not just Slimbridge It may be Slimbridge Wetland Centre that’s famous for Bewick’s research, but it is by no means the only reserve to receive the birds in winter. Welney Wetland Centre and the Ouse Washes can host up to 7,000, while small numbers are recorded in the Arun Valley near WWT Arundel Wetland Centre and the Ribble Estuary near Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

Unusual name for a swan?

Pecking order

Derek the swan first visited Slimbridge Wetland Centre in 1989, and has dipped in and out over the years, falling off the radar between 1995 and 1997, and 1998 and 2009.

He spent the 1990, 1991 and 1994 winters at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre. But why was he called Derek? He was named after Derek Cropton, long-term cleaner and volunteer at Slimbridge who loves the swans and spends many hours photographing them.

Humans can recognise individual Bewick’s by their bill patterns, and their behaviour suggests the swans do the same. It’s not unusual for a swan to peck at a bird that’s feeding irritatingly close with its head underwater, only to discover, when the bird looks up, that it’s pecking at its mate. The two birds then tend to bob their heads in greeting, before feeding side by side.

Shaken up In February 2008, an earthquake in the UK triggered the migration of more than 40 Bewick’s from Slimbridge Wetland Centre. Lady Philippa Scott reported ‘a lot of calling’ in the hours beforehand. Just after 1am, Steve Heaven, a swan research volunteer, saw a group flying over Gloucester, calling as they passed. They were almost certainly the Slimbridge swans as by 4am, there were no swans left on the lake.

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Approximate miles travelled by each Bewick’s swan on migration from Arctic Russia to Britain Where did you spend summer?

The breeding grounds on the Russian tundra cover a large area and the precise whereabouts of the Slimbridge Wetland Centre wintering birds during the summer are mostly unknown. But every now and then a spot of luck occurs. On 14 August 2007, a bird called Yulia was caught and ringed in Arctic Russia by a team of researchers from WWT and the Nenetskiy State Nature Reserve. Swan expert Julia Newth was among the team, and she soon heard news of Yulia on migration when enthusiasts spotted her at Meeuwenwag on the north coast of the Netherlands between 20-22 November. On 16 December, she was bobbing around on the lake at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, right outside Julia’s office window – 135 days and 2,500 miles since Julia last saw her!

Pioneering spirits According to Russian colleagues, when WWT’s Eileen Rees and Dafila Scott first visited Nar’Yan Mar (at the mouth of the Pechora River) in 1991, during the inaugural expedition to study Bewick’s in the Russian Arctic, they were the first British people to reach the area since Victorian explorer and ornithologist Henry Seebohm in the late 19th century.

1991

Is there a doctor in the house?

Dafila Scott remembers the year that a swan crash-landed through the window onto the Scott’s living room table. It was rather badly damaged but, fortunately, a surgeon was on site at the time; the swan was soon fixed up, and named Harold after the good doctor. Some time later, however, it was realised that the bird was actually a female... so she was renamed Lady Harold.

These we have loved 8 There have been many researchers and volunteers working with WWT over the years, and it’s thanks to their dedication and enthusiasm that we have discovered so much about these wonderful birds. Not least among them is WWT’s own Eileen Rees who, in 2006, wrote the definitive book on the Bewick’s swan for the highly respected publisher, Poyser, based upon her and WWT’s research into the bird.

Another milestone The number of Bewick’s swans that have been identified and studied at Slimbridge Wetland Centre since Peter Scott first began his research is rapidly closing in on 10,000. As this issue of Waterlife went to print, the total had passed 9,600, which means that the 10,000th bird is likely to be named next winter, as the next 50 years of research gets under way.

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F L IGHT P A TH

Sofia, so good It’s early days, but, as Peter Cranswick reveals, a new home for the Madagascar pochard just might have been found against all the odds. Welcome to Lake Sofia 26

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Consider this. The only way to reintroduce a species to

the wild is to find a new site suitable for it, but if a site doesn’t already house that species it’s because it isn’t suitable. It’s the conservationist’s catch-22 and, if looked at with the cold eye of logic, there would appear to be no way round it.

The world of conservation, however, is not entirely reliant upon the cold eye of logic. It is also fuelled by the warmth of optimism, the coolness of rational thought and the radiant heat of hard work. And in the case of the Madagascar pochard, those combined assets just may have found a way of unravelling the paradox.

It all began in the early 1990s when the Madagascar pochard was first thought to be extinct. As regular readers of Waterlife will know, the duck was discovered many years later, clinging on to existence in one last lake, near Bemanevika, where a mere 20 birds were eking out a living and where ducklings hatched, but no longer

seemed to survive. An emergency expedition, led by our own Nigel Jarrett, flew in and collected three clutches of the pochard’s eggs. Reared initially in the bathroom of a hotel in Antsohihy, an aviary was built in the grounds to enable the hatchlings to grow to adulthood. The conservation breeding of the Madagascar pochard, its last chance of survival, had begun.

That was four years ago, and those youngsters have grown and had offspring of their own. There are now more than 55 birds at our breeding centre in Antsohihy.

In just four years, we have almost quadrupled the world population of the Madagascar pochard. Stage one of the rescue plan, although ongoing, is proving a great success.

Which brings us to stage two. The day will come when it’s time to release birds back into the wild, and we have to work out where that will be. For several reasons they

Clockwise from left: Lake Sofia; one of the communities that lives alongside it; WWT’s Andy Bamford (right) conducting a survey; some of the region’s many rice fields; fishing is a way of life in the region

can’t be released back to Lake Matsaborimena – the last site at which they breed – so we need to find another Malagasy lake that will do the job. And here’s the nub of that apparent paradox. If a lake is capable of housing the ducks, why aren’t they already there?

Last year, we began the process of finding a new home for the Madagascar pochard. Using satellite information to give us an indication of the suitability of the surrounding habitat of each lake, we narrowed our shortlist to around 30 sites. After preliminary visits over several months in the summer, we whittled that list down to six. Then, in November, we went out to check each one of them in more detail.

Suitability requires more than just water, and the research team had many issues to consider. First there was the quality of the lake’s habitat. Data needed to be collected on aquatic vegetation – was it floating, or growing from the lake’s bed, forming marshy areas? Did january/March 2014

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F L IGHT P A TH the sediment at the bottom of each lake carry adequate quantities of invertebrates? Had the larger wildlife, such as birds and mammals, that used each lake increased or declined in recent years? And were the species that were present generalists, which are comfortable on most waterbodies, or specialists that required specific environmental conditions?

We then had to find out how people were using the site. What type of agriculture is practised around each lake, and are pesticides used? Is fishing an important part of a lake community’s life and, if so, have their yields improved or worsened in recent years? What are the water levels like, and how clear is it? Has there been any deforestation in the area and, if so, consequent erosion of the land that can cause lakes to silt up?

Some of these questions could be answered by survey, but many required detailed discussions with the villages and communities that live and rely upon the lakes. This also helped to answer the final, perhaps most important, question: would a lakeside community actually be willing to accommodate the Madagascar pochard into its daily life?

For almost a year, we had pored over maps, analysed

and made site visits, refining and honing our searches and investigations. The results were not encouraging and we began to doubt that any lake remained in Madagascar that was suitable. One we investigated was huge, boasting reasonable environmental conditions, yet it was fringed by about 50 different communities, each of which had its own views on how the lake should be used. It could take years to find accord among them all. Another lake supported a mere handful of communities, but land erosion had silted it up badly, and wildlife was already struggling upon it.

After some 10 days of the November visit, WWT’s Rob Shore and Andy Bamford, part of the research team, were beginning to think that the task was not so much ‘which is the best lake?’, as ‘which is the least bad?’ And then they reached Lake Sofia.

Data needed to be collected on vegetation.

Did the sediment at the bottom of each lake carry adequate quantities of invertebrates?

Above: WWT’s Rob Shore (left) and Andy Bamford (right) studying the invertebrates that live in Lake Sofia

At a little over 2km2 Lake Sofia is a large lake, but fairly shallow, and it’s surrounded by marsh. Beyond the marsh lie extensive areas of rice cultivation, which is the main source of income for the area, along with fishing. There’s very little forest left, and what remains is mainly introduced eucalyptus.

On the face of it, therefore, Lake Sofia does not sound ideal, yet its shallowness – mostly less than two metres deep – is just right for diving pochards to feed in. The marshy area provides a reasonable barrier between the lake and the rice fields, and the latter have not grown significantly in size for decades. There has been very

Like a duck to water Key facts about the Madagascar pochard’s potential new home: Name Lake Sofia Total area 2.3km2 Watershed size (catchment area) 96km2 Rice cultivation area 16% Key waterbird species Meller’s duck, white-faced whistling duck, red-billed teal, hottentot teal, fulvous whistling duck, Madagascar grebe, great white egret, malachite kingfisher

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F L IGHT P A TH by mutual consent. This federation was formed to prevent the overuse of resources, limit their use by others from outside the area, and to ensure that the natural resources are shared fairly between the villages: in short, it’s a type of conservation plan in its own right. Not only does this cooperative mean that lake welfare is already embedded in local thought, but in the months and years ahead in which discussions about improved water quality and management will take place before the release of the pochards, the communities will be able to speak as one voice.

There are two further So will Lake Sofia become the new home for the Madagascar benefits.

The first is that, pochard? Only time will tell. Hydrological work, further within a reasonable testing, ongoing negotiations with the local community distance of Lake Sofia are cooperative and much more lie ahead smaller lakes of similar shallowness. These can From top: act as supplementary habitats for birds, and could little erosion in recent times, and although the Whitehelp in the long-term building of a strong population underwater invertebrate count proved to be low, the throated rail, yellow-billed of pochards. lake does appear to be supporting several rare species, kite and including Meller’s duck and the diving Madagascar Madagascar wagtail are grebe, suggesting that disturbance and fishing The second upside of Lake Sofia is more political. The among the pressures are not too high. The team also found lake upon which the few remaining wild pochards live birdlife of Madagascar red-billed teal, white-faced and fulvous whistling is itself in Sofia Region, which means that we’ll be able ducks, malachite kingfisher and more using the lake. to continue working with the local government with But here was the clincher. There are only three which we have built up such a strong relationship. villages that live and work alongside Lake Sofia and, So will Lake Sofia become the new home for the although three can be more than enough to make Madagascar pochard? Only time will tell. Hydrological agreement difficult, the team discovered that work, further testing, ongoing negotiations with the something rather special was already going on. Unlike local community cooperative and much more lie ahead every other group of lakeside communities that the before we can be confident about the outcome. team visited, this trio had already formed its own But the signs are promising, and with hard work and cooperative, managing the resources of the lake and patience the paradox can be overcome. The fate of the its surrounding lands under their own rules agreed Madagascar pochard depends upon it.

Rob Shore

Peter Cranswick is WWT’s Head of Species Recovery. For further information, please visit wwt.org.uk/mp. This project is a partnership between WWT, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, The Peregrine Fund, Asity Madagascar and the Madagascar Government. It has been generously supported by the Darwin Initiative, Mitsubishi Corporation Fund for Europe and Africa, Fota Wildlife Park, BBC Wildlife Fund, a private donor, the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Synchronicity Earth, Aviornis UK, WWT and Durrell members.

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THE BEST WAY TO MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE ACT SMALL Open an account with us, deposit £100 or more and we’ll donate £40 to the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust*.

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What you do in your community. Start making a positive change. Apply for an account at Triodos Bank, and make your savings work harder. Financially, socially, culturally and environmentally.

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The donation can only be paid if applicants complete either an online application form and select 'Partner – WWT' in the 'How did you hear about Triodos Bank?' field, or a paper application form and write 'Partner – WWT' in the 'How did you hear about Triodos Bank' box. The donation will be paid after the balance of the account reaches £100. One donation made per customer (one donation made in the event of joint account opening). Triodos reserves the right to decline any application. This offer may be changed or withdrawn without notice at any time. General Terms and Conditions for personal savings accounts, and any specific conditions for the account also apply. Triodos Bank NV incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands with limited liability, registered in England and Wales BR3012. Authorised by the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority are available from us on request. Registered office: Triodos Bank, Deanery Road, Bristol BS1 5AS.

www.bwwc.co.uk

For Wildlife Breaks in the Highlands ©Richard Pegler

©Phil Smith

©Greg Morgan

©John Betts

©Howard Birley

There are wildlife watching opportunities in the Scottish Highlands throughout the winter and spring periods. Thousands of geese will be present at local lochs, numerous seaduck and waders can be found along the scenic Moray Firth coastline and Ptarmigan, Snow Bunting and Mountain Hare can be encountered on snow-capped mountains. Heather-clad hillsides, dramatic valleys and enchanting forests are home to Golden Eagle, Red Deer, Red Squirrel, Crested Tit and Capercaillie, with spring bringing the return of breeding Osprey, Slavonian Grebe, Black-throated and Red-throated Divers. A stay at the historic Grant Arms Hotel, home of the Bird Watching & Wildlife Club, in the country town of Grantown-on-Spey provides the perfect base.

• All rooms are en-suite with tea/coffee making facilities, TV, hairdryer and toiletries DOG FRIENDLY • Early birder breakfasts available for those catching the early birds • Complimentary Newspaper • Comfortable Bar and Public areas • Fine Scottish Dining using local produce • Free WiFi and use of Guest Computer • Boot wash/Drying and Laundry rooms • Access to the BWWC Club Room and Library • Participation in the BWWC Programme of Events TARIFF 2013/2014—PRICES PER PERSON DB&B DB&B 4 NIGHTS 7 NIGHTS

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Other lengths of stay are also available. • Single, Twin, Double, Family and Wheelchair Accessible Rooms available. • Room supplements £pppn: Club Room £10, Superior Room £20, Four Poster £30. • Special Rates for Clubs, Tours and Conferences. Terms and conditions apply.

TO BOOK: CALL 01479 872526 or E-MAIL bookings@bwwc.co.uk

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By Road: Grantown is situated just off the A9 Edinburgh– Inverness road. By Train: The nearest station is Aviemore (14 miles) on the First ScotRail Edinburgh–Inverness line.

By Plane: Inverness (30 miles)—flights from most major UK airports. Other destinations available from Aberdeen airport (75 miles). To make the most of the wildlife watching opportunities, we recommend you have a car.

The local knowledge of the BWWC Team ensures you make the most of your holiday whilst remaining free to create your own itinerary. BWWC Guests receive free maps and guides beforehand so they can plan their stay. When you get here the BWWC Team can provide information about local wildlife and where’s best to see it, as well as giving you suggestions for great days out.

If you want an escorted trip, the BWWC Team can recommend local guides.

All Guests have access to the Club Room (our wildlife information centre), our Natural History Library, the Osprey Suite (our lecture theatre) and can take advantage of the BWWC’s free programme of Guided Walks, Talks, Wildlife Briefings, Quizzes and Film screenings.

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THE G A L L ER Y

With my

little eye Last issue we published this

microscopic detail of a gold spot moth that had been found feeding on water mint at Slimbridge Wetland Centre. It amazed you, it amazed us, and so we thought we’d show you some more remarkable views of wetland life as never seen by the naked human eye.

All the photos over the page were taken by Emilien Leonhardt, who last year starred in the BBC’s Miniature Britain. Equipped with his Hirox Microscope, with zoom up to x7000, he was able to take these stunning shots of Lilliputian life beyond the lily pads.

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Kingfisher feather

On the day that Emilien visited Slimbridge Wetland Centre, two kingfishers were ringed. Here’s a detail from one of their feathers.

Water scorpion

The intimidating last thing that the prey of a water scorpion sees. Water scorpions are actually insects, not arachnids, and they prey on invertebrates and even small tadpoles and fish.

Jaws of emperor dragonfly larva The emperor may be our largest dragonfly, but its jaws are still pretty tiny items. These, however, aren’t even the jaws of an adult – they belong to an emperor dragonfly larva, or nymph, which spends many months underwater using those strong claw-like appendages to grip prey.

Flamingo egg

From a distance it looks smooth and even, but up close a flamingo’s egg reveals the chalky, porous shell that is so well suited to dry conditions. The fine scratches are probably caused by the mother’s bill as she turns the egg.

THE G A L L ER Y

Crane flight feather Here’s a photo that reveals one of the amazing details of flight. Feathers are very delicate objects – if you’ve ever found one and run your fingers along it, you’ll know that it loses its shape very easily. So each flight feather – such as this one from a crane – is equipped with barbs, which help to lock the filaments together into a strong waterproof layer, enabling it to be used over and over again.

The three eyes of a Triops It was through eyes such as these that dinosaurs were once watched. These are the tiny eyes of a Triops, or tadpole shrimp, one of the world’s oldest species. Triops – or Triops cancriformis, to give it its full name – is known from just a couple of sites in the UK, one of which is WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre.

Grasshopper’s leg (right) and short-tailed field vole tooth

Last summer, as you’ll have read in previous issues, some of the cranes that we released in Somerset returned to Slimbridge Wetland Centre.

We used the camera to analyse some of their droppings to discover what they’ve been eating – this grasshopper leg and field vole tooth showed they’ve discovered how to catch fast-moving insects and mammals, great sources of protein.

Get involved WWT centres run excellent pond-dipping sessions from spring onwards, during which you and your children can find out so much more about the fascinating detail of wetland life. For more information on what’s available at your local centre, see wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres. Meanwhile, there are more of these amazing microscopic photos at wwt.org.uk/microscopy.

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Cetti’s warbler

HOME F ROM HOME

Songs of the South

The latest in our series on WWT centres takes us to WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, where an exciting restoration plan has revolutionised the reserve. Now, you can be a part of it Kingfishers, terns, water voles – these

e l i F t ac F

and many more wonderful wetland animals have been brought closer to visitors to Arundel Wetland Centre than ever before, thanks to the Arun Riverlife project, officially opened in September by the Duchess of Norfolk.

The project has restored the main lagoon in front of the visitor centre to a natural wetland, in keeping with the River Arun floodplain and water meadows that once characterised the region. This huge undertaking involved removing trees to open up views, improve flight lines and Arundel entre C d reduce perching opportunities n a tl We for predators. The lake was 1976 drained, hundreds of fish and Opened: ctares e h 6 2 : Size eels were relocated, and tonnes ight Hides: E ns: Site of of silt were excavated. A new tio st Designa water-control structure was fic Intere ti n ie c S l Specia South installed and the area was d art of the (SSSI), p onal Park, include landscaped and replanted. ti a N Downs ature l Site of N nce e The result is a rich mosaic d n ru A in rta tion Impo of wetland habitats designed Conserva hlights: hig to increase biodiversity, orchids, Wildlife ats, bee b , s le o v , including wet grassland, ditches, rs Water e h s ts, kingfi newts, little egre lagoons and a reedbed, along th o o m s and t palmate nd a hos with an artificial kingfisher a rs le rb Cetti’s wa waterbirds nesting bank. You can enjoy nd of song a wetland spectacles throughout the seasons – while sitting in

comfort and enjoying a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. You can also learn wildlife observation and identification skills in the new Discovery Hide.

It all adds to the amazing scenario that greets visitors as they enter the site.

At the back of the reserve are steep woodlands topped by Arundel Castle, while the River Arun itself, plus a historic mill stream, forms part of its borders.

The proximity of the Downs means that the centre benefits from a water supply that is filtered naturally to crystal clarity and purity by the layers of chalk that are part of the landscape. This high-quality source means that Arundel’s lakes, reedbeds, channels and waterfalls can support a rich array of wildlife. Only about 16% of the total land area of Sussex is protected for its wildlife value, which makes Arundel Wetland Centre invaluable for the wildlife of the county.

You can play a role in safeguarding this gem for the future. By adopting an area of the reserve that’s close to your heart, you will be supporting wildlife that won’t survive without wetlands.

Turn the page to discover how.

Arun Riverlife was kindly supported by South Downs National Park Authority, Biffa Award and many other generous organisations and individuals.

January/march 2014

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37

A few of WWT Arundel Wetland Centre’s highlights Wetlands Discovery The channels in Wetlands Discovery were created in 2003 from wildfowl exhibit pools. These were transformed into a three-hectare complex of chalk spring-fed ponds and four- to five-metrewide channels, created and managed for wildlife. The magic of Wetlands Discovery comes from the silent, electric boats that transport visitors around the channels, allowing people to discover the world of the water voles that thrive here. In many areas of the UK, the water vole is already extinct, and although the population in Sussex is strong, it is still listed on the Sussex Rare Species Inventory. Water voles were reintroduced at Arundel Wetland Centre in August 2005.

A total of 82 males and 89 females were released, and now the population has expanded, and signs of water voles can be found throughout the centre.

By adopting an area within Wetlands Discovery, you will be helping water voles and other species continue to thrive.

The beauty of Discovery

Lapwings are flourishing

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January/march 2014

The wildfowl lagoons are the largest waterbodies on site. Overlooked by hides, the lagoons host a range of breeding waterfowl and waders, including nesting oystercatcher and lapwing, with six islands providing habitat for breeding common terns. The site also supports non-breeding groups of snipe. The lagoons are home to a range of fish, including bream and the critically endangered European eel, which has declined as much as 95% across the continent in the past 25 years. The exact cause of their decline is not known, but blocked migration routes, introduced Japanese eels and overfishing all threaten the European eel population.

The vulnerability of the European eel makes sites like Arundel Wetland Centre vital for its survival, and your support through adopting a wetland can help us continue to build upon our work.

Alamy; Heather Tait; Nick Cottrell; Dominic Heard; Paul Stevens

Wildfowl lagoons

HOME F ROM HOME

Adopt a wetland to help save these key species › T he dormouse has been declining in numbers

SSSI reedbed In 1998, there were only 64 hectares of reedbed in Sussex, an area that was slowly declining in size. At 3.1 hectares, the SSSI reedbed at Arundel Wetland Centre is one of the largest in the county.

Reedbeds are among the most important habitats for birds, and several vulnerable bird species are heavily reliant on them.

Reed warbler and sedge warbler, both locally notable populations, and Cetti’s warbler breed in the SSSI reedbed, as well as other locations throughout the site. Common whitethroat and willow warbler also breed within the reedbed, as well as the declining reed bunting, which is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species. You can help us protect these special birds and more by adopting within the reedbed complex.

for several decades, but is enjoying a reversal of fortune at Arundel Wetland Centre. It was first recorded at the site in 2004 and surveys carried out by WWT staff have confirmed the presence of dormice at various locations throughout the site on a regular basis, including one breeding record.

› T he swollen spire snail is found on site in the muddy upper

banks of the mill stream. Limited to just two areas in all of the UK, it occupies a very specific habitat, which is highly vulnerable to small salinity changes, physical disturbance due to pleasure boat traffic, land use and flood management changes. Its continued presence at Arundel is vitally important to its survival in this country.

› I n 2005, there was a population of only 33 individual black poplars present

in Sussex. In 2003, 20 black poplars were planted in a circle in Wetlands Discovery, forming a ‘living cathedral’. Britain’s rarest native tree, its main threats come from the draining of wetlands and over-management of rivers and floodplains, making Arundel Wetland Centre, where these threats are minimal, of critical importance.

›D espite the fact that it is fairly widespread, the common toad has been

allocated Biodiversity Action Plan priority species status, because 50% or more of toad populations in southern, central and eastern Britain have suffered declines in recent years. Arundel Wetland Centre is one of its important strongholds.

›A sand martin nesting bank at Arundel Wetland Centre was constructed and

From building the new Arun Riverlife area to maintaining reedbeds to provide the perfect habitat for water voles, our work continues round the clock

opened in 2010. The bank now attracts many hundreds of sand martins on their autumn migration, and since young birds are known to scout for future nest sites, there is good potential for the bank to be used as a nesting colony in subsequent years.

From top: Water voles, dormice and common toads are all dependent upon Arundel Wetland Centre

Adopt a Wetland (wwt.org.uk/wetland) Without your support we simply could not provide constant care to make sure WWT reserves are working as hard as possible for wildlife.

By adopting a wetland you’re helping to fund the essential year-round work of our wardens and conservation team. From building the new Arun Riverlife area to increase biodiversity, to maintaining reedbeds to provide the perfect habitat for water voles, our work continues round the clock. Your support means we can carry out world-leading research to save species on the brink of extinction, and show future generations the beauty of the natural world.

Get involved To find out more about WWT’s exciting Adopt a Wetland scheme, simply visit wwt.org.uk/wetland.

January/march 2014

Waterlife

39

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P r i va t e l i f e

Back black to

Spare a thought for the common scoter. One of the UK’s more overlooked birds, it’s recently suffered a breeding population free fall… and no one really knows why. Geoff Hilton reports on a project to put things right

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Alamy

The common scoter has undergone a frightening decline.

Once scattered widely across Scotland and Northern Ireland, there are no longer any breeding records in the latter country, while in the former the scoter population has more or less halved in just a dozen years

Female common scoter in flight

Ask someone to name their 10 favourite British birds, and there’s little chance that the common scoter will make the list.

To be honest, it probably wouldn’t even feature in most people’s top 10 ducks! Dark, elusive, almost featureless and rarely seen up close, the scoter is one of those ‘behind the scenes’ birds: part of the British landscape, but barely on the radar of the British public. For the only species of wildfowl to be Red Listed as a breeding bird in the UK, this is a perilous state of affairs.

It’s always been so. There’s no reference to the word ‘scoter’ prior to the 17th century, and no real consensus as to what it actually means (although a pleasing new suggestion is that it is derived from ‘sea coot’). The first breeding records in Britain – in the Flow Country – didn’t occur until the mid-19th century: does that mean the birds weren’t there before, or that no one had noticed or bothered recording them? We just don’t know.

What we do know is that, in recent times, the common scoter has undergone a frightening decline. Once scattered widely across Scotland and Northern Ireland, there are no longer any breeding records in the latter country, while in the former the scoter population has more or less halved in just a dozen years.

In 1995 there were approximately 100 breeding pairs in Scotland: by 2007 only 52 were found.

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JANUARY/MARCH 2014

Outside of the British breeding season, it’s a different story.

Up to 100,000 scoters can be seen bobbing far from shore along much of the UK’s coastline each winter. In fact, one population of at least 50,000 off the north-western coast of England was discovered by WWT only 10 years ago! The birds breed at many sites across Europe and Asia and, internationally, the bird is classed as of Least Concern. In short, on a worldwide scale, it’s not doing badly. With so many pressing conservation issues to deal with, do we really need to worry about a few dozen pairs of a bird that’s low on most people’s radar anyway?

You’re a member of WWT, so you’ll know that’s a rhetorical question. In the world of conservation, we’re never hampered by what we know, only by what we don’t know. The decline of the scoter must be due to changing circumstances, and those changes could have even wider consequences. We need to know more and so, in partnership with the RSPB and Scottish Natural Heritage, our work has begun.

There are a number of theories about why the decline might be taking place [see box]. To find out more, we needed to discover much more about the birds’ breeding season. A search for nests last year, however, revealed nothing: either we were

P r i va t e l i f e

looking in the wrong places or the birds weren’t nesting at all. This year a change of tack and luck led to us discovering two nests. This is quite a breakthrough: hardly any scoter nests have been studied in Britain before. Importantly, we think we’ve worked out how to read the birds’ behaviour, and get them to ‘show’ us where the nesting areas are, which is pretty vital because they can nest hundreds of metres from the loch shore.

Keeping an eye on scoter nests can be a time-

consuming business, but this is where technology comes in: we carefully placed temperature-loggers in the two nests so that we could monitor the females’ behaviour.

Temperature-loggers can provide a wealth of information. The eggs themselves normally average a temperature of around 36°C during incubation, although we don’t place the loggers directly next to the eggs, but within the nesting material so that they’re hidden. This means that they record lower temperatures, but as long as those temperatures remain fairly constant, then we know the female is still on the nest. Once the chicks fledged, we collected the loggers and used the data to get a day-by-day picture of the life of a scoter nest.

We cannot watch a scoter nest continually to see if it successfully hatches, and we wouldn’t want to keep repeatedly visiting it to check. A temperature logger can do the job for us without disturbing the birds. When the female stops sitting, the temperature trace will return to normal ambient temperature.

If this happens well before the due date for hatching, we know that the nest failed for some reason. If this happens around the due date, we can be more confident that the nest was successful.

Then we come to the surroundings themselves. If the lochs once supported more scoters, then there’s a possibility that the food supply in those lochs may have changed. Scoters feed mostly on invertebrates gathered from the bottom of the loch – things like midge larvae and caddisflies.

If only there was some way of looking back through time at the types of animals that those waterbodies once supported, in comparison with today.

Fortunately, there is. PhD student Hannah Robson is a paleoecologist, which means she’s able to use information archived in lake sediments to reconstruct ecosystems of the

past. She’s working with WWT, University College London, the Natural History Museum and Scottish Natural Heritage, on a study of the long-buried sediments of the lochs where scoters live – and used to live. By dropping a coring device to the deepest part of the lochs and bringing up a long core of sediment she can delve into their past. Each year, a small layer of sediment settles on the loch bed. By thinly slicing the core, Hannah can extract mud laid down over hundreds of years.

Types of algae, fish scales, invertebrates and the chemistry in each slice can all give a snapshot of past life, enabling us to see how the lochs’ have changed. This work might help us understand more about the ups and downs of scoter populations in recent decades.

Studies such as these take time. This year we’re planning to build on last year’s successful work. We’re not alone in this.

The RSPB is conducting research into the links between fish, scoters and food supply at scoter sites in the blanket bogs of the Flow Country in north Scotland. We are focusing efforts on the large lochs further south in Inverness-shire. Here, the Ness and Beauly Fisheries Trust is working on plans to restore loch catchments and help pearl mussels, lampreys and others by removing non-native plants that clog rivers. Other organisations are harvesting clean energy and sustainable natural resources, supporting local jobs.

Maybe the scoter can become a catalyst for an exceptional coalition of organisations collectively caring for the environment in and around these lochs, so that they can support wildlife, nourish the human spirit and provide resources into the future.

And that, finally, would put this hitherto overlooked bird very firmly on the radar.

Geoff Hilton is WWT’s Head of Species Research.

Scoter quotas Theories for the fall in breeding scoter numbers include the following: ›P redator numbers – especially of the introduced American mink – could be too high for breeding scoters to cope with. The spread of mink is a big concern, and the widespread planting of commercial conifer forests in the Highlands might also be allowing predator numbers to build up. ›C limate change could be affecting the aquatic invertebrate food supply available to scoters.

They probably time their breeding so that the peak food availability is when the ducklings are on the water.

Warmer springs lead to earlier insect emergence and might mean that the birds get the timing wrong, miss the peak food, and the ducklings starve. ›A n earlier project by RSPB, WWT, The Conservation Volunteers and Scottish Natural Heritage suggested that scoters might be having to compete with trout for food. We think that where there are many small trout, they might outcompete the scoters, whereas a few large trout are not a problem.

JANUARY/MARCH 2014

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43

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Netlands

ww t o n l i n e

Visit wwt.org.uk for much more

A round-up of WWT’s growing presence on the WWW

Slimbridge secrets

Richard Taylor-Jones; Alamy

WWT has been working on a new project with the BBC to produce a short behind-the-scenes video. What’s it all about? Well, as Waterlife went to print details were strictly hush-hush – but all will shortly be revealed. To find out for yourself, simply visit Slimbridge Wetland Centre between 16 January and 22 February, on any day from Wednesday to Sunday.

24-hour wildlife Wildlife Weekly Have you discovered WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre’s new Wildlife Weekly video, yet? In this special new series, wildlife experts bring you a taste of what’s happening in the natural world, and how to see it for yourself. From identification of Bewick’s swans to an overview of wetland seasonal changes, from wildlife rarities such as glossy ibis to flying carpets (you’ll have to watch the video to see what that’s about!), it’s a fascinating exploration of the natural world… every week! Get in on the action by visiting wwt.org.uk/wildlifeweekly.

Volunteers wanted!

Would you like to gain valuable filming and online experience, while working at one of the world’s best wildlife sites? WWT is looking for volunteers. For more information, simply email waterlife@wwt.org.uk.

It would be wonderful to be able to pop in to your favourite WWT centre every day but, let’s face it, that’s rarely possible. So if you’re missing your wildlife fix, there is a solution. Three of our centres run webcams so that you can watch wildlife live from your own screen at home or at work. WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, for example, is running a camera on the Whooper Pond between 10am and 5pm through the winter, with the swan feeds at 11am and 2pm being particularly good times to tune in. After 5pm, the camera switches to the badger feeding station. The webcam at Slimbridge Wetland Centre overlooks the famous Rushy Pen, where Bewick’s swans gather among a wide variety of other waterbirds, while WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre’s webcams keep an eye on the mere and the beaver enclosure.

For round-the-clock wildlife viewing, visit wwt.org.uk/webcams.

Bird tweets

‘SWANFALL! 50 more Bewick’s swans arrived overnight. 4pm swan feed will be magical!’

Keep up with the latest developments at WWT by following @WWTworldwide on Twitter.

january/march 2014

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with

Steve Backshall

Alamy; James Lees

Hello again As you’ll have seen through the rest of this issue, February is the 50th anniversary of one of the most exciting – and longrunning – bird projects in the world. It was back in 1964 that Sir Peter Scott first started to identify Bewick’s swans by their beak patterns, and he and the teams at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre have been building up information about these beautiful swans ever since.

Have you ever wondered how the swans get their names, though? Many swan names – black-necked, whooper, black and trumpeter, for example – are fairly self-explanatory, but what on earth is a ‘Bewick’?

Well, it’s not a ‘what’, but a ‘who’. Thomas Bewick, who was born over 250 years ago, was passionate about wildlife, and he wrote about and illustrated it for much of his life. He’s particularly well known for a certain type of illustration: it’s called engraving, and it involves cutting a pattern into a block of wood. When you ink whatever’s left of the surface, and press the wood against paper, you get a print of your picture. His work was so popular that the swan was named after him.

Until next time…

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january/march 2014

Snow coincidence If you’d asked me back in October whether it would snow at Christmas, my answer would have been ‘probably not’. I’d have been basing that on an old saying that, if the Bewick’s swans arrive early in October, then it’ll snow on Christmas Day. Last year, they didn’t arrive early, which is why my guess would have been for no snow. Either way… you’ll know by now if it did!

Swans, of course, can’t really predict weather patterns two months away, so is the whole thing a myth? Basically, yes, but there is actually a little bit of science behind it.

Bewick’s swans leave their breeding grounds in Russia when it starts to get cold and food runs out. They keep flying until they reach warmer areas in Europe, where they settle until the cold catches them up again. If they get to Britain earlier than usual, it’s because they’ve been ‘pushed’ along by the cold weather, which means in turn that the cold weather reaches Britain a little earlier than usual. And that makes snow more likely to happen.

All in all, it’s a nice example of how, by watching nature, you can understand more about the world around you.

kids’ zone

3

1

Picture perfect

2

B S M N R O S R O

L K O N E K S T W

A C S E T S K T R

N A T R E D C T E

T L I P P F I O P

U B K U M W W R O

I A S M U T E S O

M E D W R I B K H

G N I L T S I H W

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Are you a budding photographer?

Winter is a great time of year to test your skills, and your local WWT centre is the ideal place. It’s full of waterbirds right now, giving you plenty of opportunities to practise the art of nature photography, in the beautiful light you often see at this time. Why not give it a go, and send me the results? If they’re really good, I’ll publish them right here!

5

6

This picture is a clue to certain waterbirds. Can you tell what they are? Answer on page 12

Ho ho!

Swansearch

There are three types of swan that live in this country during the winter, but there are some other swans that can be seen at WWT centres all year round. Six swans – Bewick’s, Black, Mute, Trumpeter, Whistling and Whooper – can be found in this grid.

Try to find them, then match the names to the pictures. The answers are on page 12.

+ = ?

Double vision Here’s a photo of my TV colleague Mike Dilger feeding swans and other birds at Slimbridge Wetland Centre. And here it is again. But there are actually five differences between the two photos – can you tell what they are? Answers on page 12.

Get in touch!

Send your letters to Explore, Waterlife, WWT, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT, or waterlife@wwt.org.uk.

I’d love to hear from you.

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Your forever gift People leave many memories to future generations thanks to a gift in their will.

Whether big or small, such a gift ensures that what you felt most passionately about during your lifetime continues into the future.

Over the years, gifts left to WWT by kind people in their wills have helped save species from extinction, create new

reserves and develop learning programmes that have inspired generations of nature lovers. This is valuable work we will continue for many generations to come.

WWT invites you to receive your free My forever gift booklet, which features stunning photographs of wetland wildlife and landscapes, and inspiring stories about what has been achieved through

your support and those who kindly remembered WWT in their wills.

For your free copy of My forever gift, please complete the request form below and send it to the freepost address.

Alternatively, contact our Legacy Manager, David Salmon, on 01453 891150 or by email at david.salmon@wwt.org.uk.

You can also visit wwt.org.uk/legacies.

Please send me WWT’s FREE My forever gift booklet Your name Address Postcode Email Tel number

Return to: David Salmon, WWT, Freepost GR1228, Slimbridge, Gloucester GL2 7BR (no stamp needed) Registered charity in England & Wales, no. 1030884 and Scotland, no. SC039410

WWT centres are alive with activity over the winter, including huge gatherings of ducks, geese and swans. Turn the page to find out the latest news, and your seasonal list of upcoming events For the full list of centre events, information and news, find your local centre at wwt.org.uk.

1. Dunlin, 2. Teal, 3. Otter, 4. Pink-footed goose, 5. Pectoral sandpiper, 6. Merlin, 7. Black-tailed godwit, 8. Great skua, 9. Bearded tit

Arundel

Mill Road, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9PB 01903 881530 info.arundel@wwt.org.uk

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre News The success of the new Arun Riverlife project can be measured in many ways, not least by the record number of dormice that were recorded at the centre in October. A survey of nesting boxes found four live dormice and eight dormice nests inside the 61 boxes across the reserve. Two were nesting in boxes on the edges of the recently completed project area. The boxes are checked every month from April to October, and are left for the rest of the year to allow the dormice to enjoy undisturbed hibernation.

The reserve has treated visitors to several other highlights in recent months, too. In early September, the first kingfisher was seen perching in front of the new kingfisher bank, just two weeks after the finishing touches to the structure were completed. The warm weather around that time was good news for butterfly watchers, with clouded yellows, small heaths and even an Adonis blue putting in appearances. Later that month, bearded tits started to be seen flitting across the tops of the reedbeds, and in October a spotted crake was seen from the Scrape Hide – the first at the reserve for 21 years.

November brought with it a great white egret, only the second ever to be recorded at Arundel Wetland Centre, while a bittern started to be seen regularly in the reedbed. On one occasion, it was being chased by a heron! Around the same time, a migrant hawker dragonfly was still on the wing.

With the daily diving duck feeds and boat safaris, a winter wildfowl photography course at the end of January, plus stargazing evenings and more, there’s so much to see and do at Arundel Wetland Centre.

Dormouse (above); spotted crake (right)

Behind the scenes

‘It’s great news that wildlife like dormice are moving back into the revitalised habitats of the Arun Riverlife project so quickly.’

Dave Fairlamb, Centre Manager

Arundel Events (Key below. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/arundel) Every Day Wetland Discovery Boat Safari Guided boat trip through different wetland habitats. First boat 11am, last boat 3.30pm. Suggested donation of £1. WA Hand-feed Wildfowl Hand-feed exotic wildfowl in our World Wetlands area. Feeding grain costs £1.20 a bag, three bags for £3. WA Diving Duck Feed See some of the rarest waterfowl in the world show off their fishing

key

50

skills in the clear chalkfed waters! 2pm. WA Guide in the Hide A guide will help you identify wildlife. Sat and Sun 11am-1pm, 1.30-3.30pm. WA

Canis teaches you how to capture colours and textures of wildfowl.

10am-4pm. £89PP. BE IA

Mon 6 to Fri 31 January Craneberry Fest Create a cranberry pinecone bird feeder and enjoy treats in the café. 10am-4pm. WA

Thursdays 16 and 23 January and 13 February Stargazing Evening The team from Astronomia will lead an indoor star session before going out with telescopes. £5 with soup.

6-8.30pm. RI BE IA (eve)

Mon 13 and Fri 31 January, Mon 10 March Winter Wildfowl Photography Workshop Photographer Robert

Sat 18 to Sun 19 January Migrate Weekend Play the Migration Adventure game and

discover the birds that visit the Arun Valley in winter. 10am-4pm. WA Mon 20 January ‘Africa, 100 not out’ with Mike Mockler A talk in the WWT Arundel Supporters Group (ASG) programme. 7.30pm. £3PP. IA (eve) Sun 2 February World Wetlands Day Celebrate World Wetlands Day with crafts and activities.

10am-4pm.

WA

Sat 15 to Sun 23 February Weather Week Half-term Our crafts and activities help families track wind and rain and explore the effects of sunshine.

10am-4pm. WA Mon 17 February ‘How, When and Why of Bird Photography’ with Paul Stevens A talk in the WWT (ASG) programme. £3PP. 7.30pm. IA (eve) Fri 14 March Tranquil Time We open until 6.30pm

so visitors can spend some quiet time on the reserve at dusk. WA Mon 17 March ‘Great Bear Rainforest’ with Paul Stanbury A talk in the WWT (ASG) programme. £3PP. 7.30pm. IA (eve) Sat 22 to Sun 23 March Discover Birds Weekend Join us for bird walks, talks, tips and equipment advice with activities for all ages.

10am-4.30pm. IA

BE Booking Essential RI Refreshments Included M/F Member/Friend IA price Includes Admission cost WA included With Admission cost UAA Usual Admission rates Apply WP Weather Permitting OAA Overnight Accommodation Available PC/PP Per Child/Person

Centre events are subject to change. Please phone for further information or visit the WWT website wwt.org.uk/visit/arundel /caerlaverock /castleespie /llanelli /london /martinmere /slimbridge /washington /welney

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january/march 2014

d o w n y o u r way Caerlaverock

Eastpark Farm, Caerlaverock, Dumfriesshire DG1 4RS 01387 770200 info.caerlaverock@wwt.org.uk

WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre News It’s not just human visitors who are flocking to Caerlaverock Wetland Centre’s brand-new Sir Peter Scott Observatory: on 30 September, four glossy ibises appeared right in front of it just days after it opened, which was the first time the species had been recorded on site. The birds stayed for three days before flying off, and were the reserve’s 246th record.

The observatory itself is fully equipped with a whooper swan database and touch screen so that visitors can find out all about the birds they’re looking at, plus commentaries during the swan feeds. Don’t miss the swan feeds – they’re great to watch, and take place at 11am and 2pm every day until the end of March. With great panoramic views, a permanently installed telescope and a lift for full access, the observatory is already proving extremely popular. And so is the unique whooper swan wallpaper that’s decorating it!

Teal reached a healthy 3,000 by November, and a greenwinged teal turned up in late autumn. If it follows the pattern of the teal that arrived the previous year, then it’s likely to stay throughout the winter. Meanwhile, the unusually mild weather of October and November kept insect activity high: red admirals were late spots around the reserve as were common darter and two emperor dragonflies. Barnacle geese showed well late in the year, but there was one notable absentee. A ringed male who had been back for the past six years was missing, and it was assumed he had died. Not so. It turned out he had overshot Caerlaverock, ending up... in Spain (see p10)!

Glossy ibis

Behind the scenes

‘I’ll never forget that September day; there I was, feeding the swans, when I glimpsed something from the corner of my eye. It was the first of the glossy ibises flying in!’

Whooper wallpaper in the Observatory

Mike Youdale, Reserve Warden

Caerlaverock Events (See page 50 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/caerlaverock) Every Day Wild Swan Feeds See whooper swans closer than anywhere in the country, from the comfort of our Sir Peter Scott Observatory.

11am and 2pm. WA UAA Guide in the Hide Our friendly, knowledgeable guides will be out and about in the hides to point out the best wildlife of the

day. See the ‘What’s on’ board in the visitor centre for information.

11am-3pm. WA UAA

Tom Langlands and Bob Fitzsimmons. £170 includes refreshments and lunch. BE IA OAA

Sat 1 to Sun 2 February, and Sat 15 to Sun 16 March Wildlife Photography Weekend Courses For beginners and experienced photographers alike, featuring geese and whooper swans with

Sun 2 February Dawn Flight Join the wardens as we open early to experience the wild geese flying in against the dawn sky. The Coffee Shop will also be open early to provide hot drinks and bacon

rolls. Bring warm, waterproof clothing.

7am. WA UAA Wed 19 February Family Birding Morning A warden will be on hand to point out the birds and give tips to get the best out of your birdwatching.

10am-12.30pm.

BE WA UAA

Sun 2 March In Focus Try before you buy the latest binoculars and telescopes. In Focus experts on hand to give advice. Caerlaverock benefits from every sale. 10am-4pm. Free.

Mon 31 March to Sun 13 April Stars and Stripes Badger Watching Watch wild badgers

feeding just outside our observatory. Fair-trade tea, coffee and biscuits available. 8pm. Adults £7.50, concessions £5, children £2.50. Pay in advance. BE RI OAA Sun 6 April Birding for Beginners Hints and tips from the experts. Bring binoculars if you have them, plus notebook and pencil.

1-4pm. BE WA UAA

january/march 2014

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d o w n y o u r way Castle Espie

Ballydrain Road, Comber, Co Down BT23 6EA 028 9187 4146 info.castleespie@wwt.org.uk

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre News After 2012’s early arrival of the arctic brent geese, when the first birds turned up in August, migration patterns were back to normal last year. The geese began to appear in mid September, peaking in early October when 20,000 were counted. Several thousand birds continued to arrive through that month, replacing those that peeled off to fly further south, but it was clear that the birds had had a poor breeding year up in arctic Canada, with a success rate of only 0.5%. Perhaps there had been too much snow during the key part of the season?

There was good news on the wigeon front: the birds have been declining in Ireland in recent years, but by mid November 1,000 were seen at Castle Espie Wetland Centre, nearly twice the previous year’s number. Several hundred knot and up to 400 dunlin were out on the reserve, and the whooper swans were arriving slightly later than usual, around the same time.

The mild weather of late autumn meant that red admiral butterflies were still being recorded in November.

Perhaps the biggest highlight, however, was the appearance of a spoonbill on the reserve on 14 November; it was only the second record for the reserve, and it stayed on for quite a while, happily roosting with the oystercatchers.

Meanwhile, the centre’s new play area, Wildwood Play, has been opened, giving children the chance to enjoy a tubular badger sett system, a super-fast slide and more. The Halloween entertainment attracted an amazing 3,000 visitors, and more events are being lined up for February’s World Wetlands Day. No wonder the centre has been elevated from three to four stars in the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s quality grading scheme for visitor attractions!

Wigeon (above); spoonbill (right)

Behind the scenes

‘The new play facilities are an impressive addition to what was already a fantastic family-oriented setting. They allow children to enjoy adventure-style play in a safe environment.’

Mayor of Ards, opening the new Wildwood Play area

Castle Espie Events (See page 50 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/castleespie) Every Weekend Meet the Quackers Why and how do ducks dive, when others dabble? Why do others turn upside down in the water? And why do geese feed differently from ducks and swans?

If you would like to know the answers then join us for our tours.

12 noon and 2pm. WA First three Sundays of January, February and March Guide in the Hide Castle Espie Bird Watching Club will be in the Brent Hide to share its knowledge with visitors, helping them identify wildfowl and waders. 2-4pm. WA

Thursdays 30 January, 27 February and 27 March Birdwatch Morning Join Dot Blakely, our birdwatching expert, and find out about the birds around the centre. 10.30am. WA Sat 4 to Mon 27 January ‘En Vacances’ Patchwork Exhibition Patchwork exhibition

by Northern Ireland Loose Thread Quilters.

In the art gallery.

10am-4.30pm. Free.

Sat 1 and Sun 2 February Wetland Wildlife Weekend Join us to celebrate

World Wetlands Day. Meet amphibians and insects, and take part in wetland-themed fun and activities.

11am-4pm. WA Sat 1 Feb to Sun 9 March Nature Through Art Exhibition The theme of the exhibition captures the surrounding nature using various mediums.

In the art gallery.

11am-4pm. Free.

Sat 15 and Sun 16 February Bird Box-Building Workshop This is the time when most garden birds are on the lookout for

nesting sites, so let’s lend a hand and make them a nest box. Come along to our annual drop-in workshop.

Suitable for all ages.

Extra charge £5 per box. 12.30-4.30pm. WA Mon 17 to Fri 21 February Endangered!

Spend half-term with us and discover the world of endangered animals through games, crafts, trails and stories.

11am-4pm. WA Mon 17 March St Patrick’s Day Celebrations Take part in our shamrock trail, meet St Patrick’s snakes and

sample home-made traditional Irish cuisine in the Loughshore Café.

11am-4pm. WA Thurs 27 March Garden Birdwatch Training Day Joining the British Trust for Ornithology for its garden birdwatch morning. Experienced and amateur birdwatchers welcome.

9.30am-1pm. Free. BE Sat 29 March Wellie Boot Mother’s Day Craft Bring in an old pair of wellies and recycle them to create potted plants especially for mum. Drop-in session.

11am-4pm. WE

Sunday 6 April Dawn Chorus Join our resident expert to explore the reserve. Learn how to identify birds by their calls and songs.

Followed by breakfast in the Loughshore Café. Adults £12.50, children under 10 £5.

6am. BE Sundays 6, 13 and 20 April Wee Birdie Birdwatch Birdwatching sessions with Dot Blakely and her team. Look and listen to the wee birds of the woods. Young birdwatchers welcome.

Walks start at 2pm and every half hour until 4pm. WE

january/march 2014

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d o w n y o u r way Llanelli

Llwynhendy, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA14 9SH 01554 741087 info.llanelli@wwt.org.uk

WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre News The migration season was top-notch at Llanelli Wetland Centre last year, with huge numbers of birds flying down from their northern breeding grounds to spend the winter at the reserve. By November, there had been sightings of hundreds of migratory wading birds on the estuary, including 250 black-tailed godwit, 1,200 dunlin, 200 knot and 3,000 oystercatcher. The ducks soon followed, with 1,200 pintail, 163 shoveler and good numbers of wigeon and teal.

The best place to see these birds as winter progresses is from the centre’s heated viewing tower, where, every day, you can enjoy the ID help and advice of our expert guide between 2pm and 3pm.

That wasn’t all. The lesser yellowlegs that first appeared in July came back in October, when there were frequent sightings of a spoonbill. In addition, up to five glossy ibises stayed on the reserve for several weeks.

By early November, in addition to the buzzards, kestrels and sparrowhawks that are expected in the area, a merlin made several visits. Autumn was still clinging on at this point, with butterflies, dragonflies and bumblebees still on the wing, and several leaves yet to drop from the trees.

There are some great events lined up for the early part of 2014, including a packed February half-term holiday and specially tailored weekend activities – all in all, it’s no wonder that Llanelli Wetland Centre won a medal for Visitor Experience of the Year in the Carmarthenshire Tourism awards in November!

Pintail

Behind the scenes

‘Really enjoy our visits here. The peace and relaxation is advantageous to our hectic lifestyle, which everybody seems to sustain in everyday life.’

Ronica Williams, Llanelli Wetland Centre visitor

Llanelli Events (See page 50 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/llanelli) Sundays until 23 March Follow the Feed Join one of our wardens on the afternoon bird feed. This is a fantastic opportunity to see all our collection birds close up and at their liveliest. Ask our warden any questions about the birds we have here and how we look after them. Suitable for all the family.

3.30-4.30pm. UAA WA January Weekends All-day Family Fun 11am-12 noon: telescope in the tower; 1pm: snow goose talk; 2-4.30pm: winterthemed craft activities, including cranberry bird feeders.

‘Craneberry Festival’ special foods in café

and ‘craneberry trails’ in grounds. UAA Weekdays in January Guide in the Viewing Tower Join us in our heated viewing tower to warm up and watch the birds on the estuary and marsh scrapes through our telescope. 2-3pm.

UAA

Sundays 12 January, 2 February, 9 March and 6 April Nordic Walking Taster Come and try Nordic walking – a great fun and social activity suitable for adults of any age who can walk, and children of minimum height 4’ 10”.

Poles provided. 11am and 1.30pm. WA

February Weekends All-day Family Fun 11am-12 noon: minibeast hunt; 2-3pm: family birdwatching (observatory); craft workshops – times vary. UAA Weekdays in February Guide in the Hide Borrow our binoculars and telescope, and improve your bird ID skills with the help of our guide. Hides vary.

2-3pm. UAA WA Sat 8 February Art Course

by Janet Bligh Designed for all adult artists and aimed to develop individual style. A little basic knowledge is preferred. Acrylic and

watercolour.

10am-4.30pm. £30. BE February Half-term All-day Family Fun 11am-12 noon: minibeast hunt; 2-3pm: family birdwatching (observatory); craft workshops – times vary. UAA Fri 28 February and Sun 2 March Bird Nest Box-making Workshop 11am-12 noon and 1-4pm. Drop in anytime. £5 per box.

UAA

March and April Weekends until Easter All-day Family Fun 11am-12 noon minibeast hunt;

2-3pm: family birdwatching (observatory); craft workshops – times vary. UAA Weekdays in March Guide in the Hide Borrow our binoculars and telescope and improve your bird ID skills with the help of our guide. Hides vary.

2-3pm. UAA WA Sat 1 March St David’s Day Celebrate St David’s Day with home-made cawl and Welshcakes.

UAA

Sat 15 March Art Course by Janet Bligh Designed for all adult artists and aimed to develop individual

style. A little basic knowledge is preferred.

Acrylic. 10am-4.30pm. £30. BE Fri 21 March Evening Bat Walk An after-dark exploration of the reserve using bat detectors. Bat crafts available for children from 6pm. 6.30pm start. £4PC/PP. Includes a hot drink, plus a biscuit. BE IA Weekdays in April Guide in the Boardwalk Hide Borrow our binoculars and telescope to watch our growing colony of black-headed gulls as they begin to nest and lay their eggs. 2-3pm.

UAA WA

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d o w n y o u r way London

Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, London SW13 9WT 020 8409 4400 info.london@wwt.org.uk

WWT London Wetland Centre News Sometimes you need to look up as well as down. The migratory passage last autumn hugely rewarded visitors who checked the skies, when not one, not two, but 10 spoonbills flew over! The two great skuas spotted in November, meanwhile, were the first seen from the reserve for a decade.

Among the birds that settled in London Wetland Centre were a lapland bunting in November, while the bitterns returned the previous month. Bearded tits were soon back on site, too, and male members of staff grew matching moustaches for Movember.

A water vole survey in the autumn revealed that the animals were in good condition, and ranging across much of the reserve, a sign of a healthy population. Meanwhile, the mild late autumn kept several creatures out and about: the second week of November saw red admirals and even a slow-worm. On Halloween, the first record on site of a species of fungus, a rather eerie-looking earth tongue, was made. November saw the arrival of the first woodcock and it was a good year for mealy redpoll and water pipit.

A new partnership has been launched with LC Energy, specialist in biomass wood fuel solutions. This year, staff and volunteers coppiced 10 tonnes of wood across the reserve.

This would normally cost money to deal with as green waste, but it’s now turned into woodchips and used as part of the fuel supply to Heathrow’s biomass boilers.

There are plenty of great events lined up for the new year, including a stargazing evening on 27 February. During half-term the centre is running a special event for children, exploring why certain animals migrate while others hibernate.

Rescue hedgehogs will be on hand to help tell the tale.

From left: Lapland bunting, earth tongue and water vole

Behind the scenes

‘I’m really looking forward to meeting members at our exciting new behindthe-scenes members walks.’

Richard Bullock, Chief Ecologist

London Events (See page 50 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/london) Daily Activities Meet the Otters Watch the otters playing, foraging, swimming and grooming. 11am and 2pm. Free. WA Bird Feed with a Warden Join our warden as he feeds the beautiful birds in World Wetlands.

3pm. Free. WA Guided Tour Learn about the history

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and wildlife of the reserve. 11.30am and 2.30pm. Free. WA Call to Arrange Personal Birding Tours These 1-2-1 sessions are a wonderful experience if you want to enhance your bird knowledge.

They make great gifts.

Two hours. £70PP (£65PP M). BE IA January Weekends Craneberry Fest Make bird feeders from

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cranberries and pine cones (extra charge), follow the craneberry trail and enjoy treats in our café. UAA Sat 11 January, Sun 2 February and Sat 8 March Winter Birdwatching Walk Our warden will guide you around the wildlife reserve to see what’s about and give you tips on field-craft and bird ID. 9.30-11am. £20

includes breakfast.

BE RI UAA

Fri 24 January, Sat 22 February and Sat 12 April Introduction to Wildlife Photography Confused or frustrated by the buttons and settings on your camera and want to really take control of your photographic creativity? This is the course for you.

Photographer and

author Iain Green will guide you through your camera’s various automatic settings – and then show you how to turn off the ‘automatic’ mode, but still get fantastic photos. 10am-4pm. £55PP. BE UAA Weekends in February and March Weekend Family Activities Discover the wonders of migration during our

weekend activities.

Create your own flying bird and learn more about the sounds that different birds make.

Take up birdwatching as a fascinating new hobby by making your own binoculars from recycled materials and then join our team in a hide to spot which winter birds are about.

Free.

UAA

Bearded tit

Sat 1 February Members’ Walk On this walk around the reserve, our warden will point out the birds that are about and explain about our habitat management work. 1pm. £2. BE Sat 15 and Sun 16 February Migration vs Hibernation Meet hedgehogs and discover why they choose to go to sleep all

winter. And then learn why some birds leave the country during winter to survive. NB: the hedgehogs will only be at London Wetland Centre on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February, but the other activities will continue throughout half-term.

Free. WA Thurs 27 February Stargazing Astronomy Evening Expand your horizons

by discovering more about the universe during National Astronomy Week. The evening starts with a ‘Tour of the Universe’ in our theatre before heading outdoors to observe the skies with experts from Astronomia.

Specialised nightvision equipment will be provided. Even if it’s chilly, the ticket price includes soup with a bread roll and a hot

drink to keep you warm. The evening starts at 7pm and will last approximately two hours. £10PP. BE WP Sat 1 March Members’ Walk Join our warden on a 30-minute walk into our reedbeds – normally out of bounds to visitors – to explain about their management, the wildlife that they support and how

humans have relied on them for thousands of years. 1pm at Headley Hide. £2. BE UAA Sat 5 April Members’ Walk On this walk around the reserve, our warden will point out the birds that are about and explain more about our habitat management work. 1pm. £2.

BE UAA

Sat 5 to Mon 21 April Easter School Holidays Meet our family of farmyard ducklings.

Join in our duckling games to learn more about these cute characters and come on a walk to see wild ducklings waddling around the reserve. And in our Easter art sessions you can create your own duckling-themed craft.

All day. Free. WA

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d o w n y o u r way Martin Mere

Burscough, Ormskirk, Lancashire L40 0TA 01704 895181 info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre News It’s always good to see an old favourite return, and this winter brought the oldest of them all back to Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Virginia is the longest-lived whooper swan known to the site, having been ringed there in 1993. She’s at least 22 years old, and has brought a total of 44 cygnets back with her over the years. This winter, she was one of 1,500 whoopers who had made it back by mid November, which is a good number for the time of year.

Pink-footed geese were present in strength a few weeks previously, peaking at around 30,000, while raptors featured prominently in October, too. On one occasion, no fewer than five marsh harriers were seen flushing teal, which flew straight into an ambush by three peregrines: an extraordinary pincer movement! A green-winged teal was seen from a number of hides, including the Ron Barker Hide, and a greenshank was present, as were some 40 ruff. In November, a single barnacle goose was seen mingling with the pink-footed geese.

TV’s Mike Dilger showed up in November to record a swan catch for The One Show, broadcast in December, and the NW Birdwatching Festival proved a real hit once again. Floodlit swan feeds continue every Tuesday through January. And we also have coach trips to explore other WWT centres and the special Indoor Model Trains Show (25 and 26 January) as highlights on our way to spring.

There’s an exciting project soon to get under way at the centre, too. ‘Welly Walk’ is your chance to take a ‘wade on the wildside’; a true journey into the heart of a wetland. It will give you the chance to explore wetland meadow, woodland and reedbeds, with adventurous pathways that bring you closer to wild nature than ever before. Look out for more details in future issues.

Mike Dilger (left); woodcock (above)

Behind the scenes

‘The Janet Kear Hide is one of the best spots in the North West to catch up with woodcock during the winter.’

Andy Bunting, In Focus

Martin Mere Events (See page 50 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/martinmere) Weekends in January Craneberry Fest Create a cranberry bird feeder to take home for your feathered friends (extra charge), follow the ‘Craneberry Trail’ and sample winter’s favourite berry in our café overlooking swan lake. WA

Tues 7 January Floodlit Swan Evenings Enjoy an evening with a warden as you watch the swans by floodlight in the comfort of a heated observatory.

6.30pm. Adults £9.50, concessions £7, children £4.60. BE

Until Sun 23 February British Wildlife Exhibition An exhibition of wildlife by the Association of Animal Artists. WA

Fri 10 January Bird Identification Workshop Develop bird ID skills with this one-day workshop. Starts at 8.30am. £20PP. BE

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Fri 10 January Friends Talk by Tony Parker – British Bats Find out more about the species of bat that roost and forage in Britain. 8-9pm. £3PP (£2 Friend of MM).

Sat 11 January Stargazing Astronomy Evening Discover the wonders of the solar system and enjoy a series of specialist talks. 7-9pm. £5pp. BE

Sat 11 January Wildlife Photography Workshop This popular one-day workshop is designed to help you take the first steps away from automatic to more advanced techniques.

10am. £60pp. BE

Sun 12 January Drawing and Painting Birds A one-day class exploring the process from drawing through to finished painting.

9.30am. £45PP. BE

Tuesdays 14, 21 and 28 January Floodlit Swan Evenings Enjoy an evening with a warden as you watch the swans by floodlight in the comfort of a heated observatory.

6.30pm. Adults £9.50, concessions £7, children £4.60. BE Sat 25 and Sun 26 January Indoor Model Train Show Fun for all the family with more than 60

trains on display, including a giant Lego train set and a Thomas the Tank Engine layout where children can drive the trains.

10am-4pm. WA Sun 26 January Trip to WWT Caerlaverock Join us on a day trip to WWT Caerlaverock to see its spectacle of whooper swans and barnacle geese.

Caerlaverock is a beautiful reserve that is fantastic in winter.

Marsh harrier

Leaves Martin Mere at 8am. £25PP. BE UAA Fri 14 February Friends Talk by Stuart Meredith – The Ribble Estuary Find out about where the River Ribble meets the Irish Sea on the north-west coast.

8-9pm. £3PP (£2 Friend of Martin Mere).

Sat 15 to Sun 23 February Feathered Fun Nest Box Building This February

half-term, create a nest box for you to take home for your feathered friends (extra charge). UAA Sun 23 February Trip to WWT Slimbridge Join us on a day trip to WWT Slimbridge to see its winter spectacle of whooper swans as well as cranes, flamingos, otters and much more.

Leaves Martin Mere at 8am. £25PP. BE UAA

Tues 25 February to Sun 30 March Ink and Pixels: British Feathers An exhibition from graphic designer and illustrator Kathryn Speake bringing the vibrant colours of birds to life in a very abstract way. 9.30am-4.30pm.

UAA WA

Fri 14 March Bird Identification Workshop Develop bird identification skills with this ‘in the field’

workshop. 8.30am. £20PP. BE Fri 14 March Friends Talk by Gordon Yates – Islay, Queen of the Hebrides Find out about the wonderful wildlife on this Scottish isle.

8-9pm. £3PP (£2 Friend of Martin Mere).

Sat 15 March Wildlife Photography Workshop This popular one-day workshop is designed

to help you take the first steps away from automatic to more advanced techniques.

10am. £60pp. BE Sun 16 March Drawing and Painting Birds A one-day class exploring the process from drawing through to finished painting.

9.30am. £45PP. BE Sat 22 March

of the solar system and enjoy a series of specialist talks. 7-9pm. £5PP. BE Sun 30 March Coach Trip to WWT Washington Spend a day at Washington Wetland Centre and see the sights it has to offer.

8am. £25PP. BE UAA

Stargazing Astronomy Evening Discover the wonders

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d o w n y o u r way Slimbridge

Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT 01453 891900 events.slimbridge@wwt.org.uk Prebook all paid events on 01453 891223

WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre News Glossy ibises were quite a theme across WWT centres last autumn (see the entries for Caerlaverock and Welney Wetland Centres, too) and Slimbridge was not to be outdone.

Two young birds arrived in November and actually roosted on site. There was such a buzz about the arrivals that wardens opened the reserve early to let visitors get a glimpse.

Other highlights in October and November included a purple sandpiper, only the fourth record for the reserve, which spent time on the edge of the Rushy Pen, plus Baird’s and buff-breasted sandpipers, a green-winged teal, up to three little stints and a common scoter. Black-tailed godwits peaked at 240, while golden plover reached 600. Spotted redshank was a daily sighting, and a short-eared owl was frequently seen around the reserve. Up to 50 yellow wagtails were out on the grazed meadows, and three blue-headed wagtails were among them. A ferruginous duck/pochard hybrid was also seen alongside the Rushy Pen. Up to five cranes were still often seen flying around the site as winter began, and may well spend the entire season there.

Early November drew in 4,000 teal, a good number for that time of year, with a garganey among them. By early December, there were 120 Bewick’s back so far, including Zara, named after Britain’s royal Olympic hero. She brought back a mate with her, who was promptly named Tindall.

Continuing the royal theme, the artist Jeremy Houghton, who has painted the Queen, is displaying his

wonderful flamingo paintings (left) at the Kim Loke Gallery from 19 January.

The February half-term holiday will have a special Bewick’s theme to celebrate the anniversary of half a century of study of the swans at Slimbridge (see page 16), and work will begin on the foyer refurbishment shortly afterwards.

Behind the scenes

‘They could not think of a better way to celebrate four decades as man and wife than revisiting Slimbridge as they have such fond memories of their first day as a married couple with you.’

Emily, daughter of John and Gwyneth James (above), who celebrated their ruby wedding anniversary at Slimbridge Wetland Centre in September

Slimbridge Events (See page 50 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/slimbridge) Weekends in January from Sat 4 January Craneberry Fest What do cranes – the elegant wetland bird – and cranberries have in common? Find out at Craneberry Fest this winter. Follow the craneberry trail and enjoy treats in our restaurants. Make a bird feeder (extra charges for these activities). 11.30am3.30pm. Drop in anytime. WA Weekends in January and February Floodlit Swan Feed Enjoy the magical winter spectacle of thousands of wild birds and Bewick’s swans

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wintering on Swan Lake in floodlight.

Listen to the warden’s commentary from the heated comfort of the observatory and discover how we identify each Bewick’s swan individually. 6pm.

Adults £6, children £4.

Pay at event.

Saturdays in January and February Decoy Demonstrations How do you catch a duck with a dog? Watch our very own furry canine assisting with conservation work as birds are caught and ringed in the decoy nets. Book your place at the admission desk on

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your arrival. A demonstration may run on a Sunday depending on staffing and dog availability. 2pm. WA Daily until Fri 28 February Wild Bird Feed Don’t miss this fantastic winter spectacle. From the comfort of the heated observatory, hear our warden’s commentary as he feeds the thousands of wintering wild birds and hundreds of Bewick’s swans that have flown all the way from Arctic Russia to be here.

Times vary through the season so please check on the day. 4pm. WA

Daily until Mon 31 March Mute Swan Feed Don’t miss this fantastic winter spectacle. Watch the mute swans being fed and hear a commentary highlighting many of their characteristics, adaptations and history. Times do vary through the season so please check on the day.

12.30pm. WA Daily Guided Walk Join one of our volunteers as they take you on a walk through the grounds telling you about the history of the centre, the birds that you can see and the

other things you might like to see or do. 11am.

Times do sometimes vary so check on the noticeboard on the day.

WA

Daily Otter Talk Meet our friendly family of otters, Flo, Minnie and Ha Ha, and hear a talk as they tuck into a fish supper. Talks are at 11.30am and 3pm every day. Times do sometimes vary so check the noticeboard on the day. WA Wed 1, Sat 18 and Sun 19 January Birdwatch Morning Join our warden as he opens our hides around

the grounds to learn about the different birds visible from each hide and how to identify them in their seasonal plumages.

8am. £15. RI BE Fri 31 January Under the Stars – Astronomy Evening Discover the secrets of the night sky and have a go at stargazing at a new evening event at the reserve. The event starts with a ‘Tour of the Universe’ talk in the cinema before everyone heads outdoors to do some observing (weather permitting) with the experts from Astronomia. 7-9.30pm. £10. RI BE

Purple sandpiper (left); short-eared owl (above)

Sat 1 and Sun 2 February Slimbridge Festival of Birds Come and celebrate birdwatching at this special festival. Visit our hides to see the wild reserve at its busiest time of year.

Hear fascinating talks and take part in special activities. There will also be extra shopping opportunities with a range of stands. UAA Sat 1, Sun 2 and Sat 15 February Birdwatch Morning Winter is a magical time on the reserve, with tens of thousands of birds spending winter here. With the

guidance of our wardens, come along and enjoy this magical sight along with spotting some of the extra-special ones.

Warm clothing, boots or wellies needed. 8am. £15. RI BE Sat 8 February Wildlife Photography for Beginners, with Iain Green Starting with an illustrated introductory session looking at composition, technique and equipment, you will then head outside for a practical session of nature photography.

This course is suitable for users of all types of cameras and the

content will be tailored accordingly and to the needs of course attendees. 10am-4pm. £60. RI AI Sat 15 to Sun 23 February Bewick’s Swans A range of half-term family activities will celebrate this special and much-loved visitor to Slimbridge Wetland Centre. Try to be a researcher when you head to the Peng Observatory to see if you can identify an individual swan with our help. In the visitor centre there will be craft activities and puzzles. WA

Fri 14 February Become an Advanced Birder Learn to assess fine details such as plumage, weather conditions and habitats to take your skills to a new level. 8am-12 noon. £27.

RI BE

Fri 4 April Become an Advanced Birder Learn to assess fine details such as plumage, weather conditions and habitats to take your skills to a new level. 8am-12 noon. £27.

RI BE

Sun 6 April Making Needlefelt Animals Make beautiful felt animals. Choose a small mammal, such as a fox, otter or badger, and learn the technique to recreate it in 3D using felt. As part of the course you can go out to observe the otters for inspiration ahead of starting.

Sophie Buckley, an experienced craft teacher, will be running the workshop.

All materials and equipment provided. £36PP. 10am-3.30pm (half-hour break for lunch).

RI AI BE

Fri 25 April How to Paint Butterflies with Cath Hodsman This watercolour painting day is unique and absorbing, aimed at both lovers of painting and entomology, especially butterflies.

Each student will have the use of highpowered microscopes to study the anatomical beauty of these delicate creatures. Participants will then use either a microscope or macro photographic material to produce a detailed and unique painting.

Students will need to bring some of their own equipment. 9.30am -4.30pm. £60. BE AI RI

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Washington

Pattinson, Washington, Tyne and Wear NE38 8LE 0191 416 5454 info.washington@wwt.org.uk

WWT Washington Wetland Centre News Avocets were among the avian heroes last year; some of the 22 hung around for several weeks longer than usual, and were still there into September. Black-tailed godwits also had a record year. The previous highest total was 30 back in the 1980s, but 2013 saw a staggering 52 of them. A dozen of them even spent time on the channel in front of the visitor centre.

It all goes to show how well the new saline lagoon is settling in. Otter tracks are regularly seen around the lagoon, with a female otter often seen in the river, as are common seals. The reserve wardens are hoping that eels will soon make their way into the lagoon, while roe deer have been photographed by our camera traps nearby. Washington Wetland Centre is currently fundraising for a new hide alongside the lagoon, complete with wheelchair-accessible route and green roof. No wonder the reserve has been highly commended in the Small Visitor Attraction category at the North East Tourism Awards!

The late mild weather of October was a bonus for insect life. The dragonfly ponds were heaving, but it was the bees that truly benefited. Even by late October the lavender plants on site were still playing host to several bumblebee species, including carder, red-tailed, white-tailed and buff-tailed. Red admiral butterflies were still on the wing into November.

The Halloween nights, in which families explored the reserve after dark with bat detectors were among the many events, and warden walks and stargazing evenings are among the many further highlights to enjoy this year. Make sure you don’t miss a thing – sign up for our e-newsletter at wwt.org.uk/ signup or by filling in the forms in the foyer.

Roe deer (left); avocet (above)

Behind the scenes

‘We never expected to find such an oasis of wildlife in a busy area. You have everything – we absolutely loved it and you should be so proud of the wonderful habitats you have created.’

Letter from Barbara of Shropshire

Washington Events (See page 50 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/washington) Daily Otter Feed Meet our playful Asian short-clawed otters at commentated feeds.

11.30am and 3pm. WA Saturdays 4 January, 1 February, 1 March and 5 April Guide in a Hide Learn more about birds.

Play birdwatching games. 10am-12 noon and 2-4pm. Check on arrival for details. WA Sundays 5 January, 2 February, 2 March and 6 April Sunday Gang Create and maintain

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habitats, such as ponds, lakes, reedbeds and woodlands, on the reserve. Ages 16+. Dress for working outdoors.

(New volunteers, please call 0191 416 5454 or email info.washington @wwt.org.uk before attending ). 10am-4pm.

Saturdays 11 January (stargazing), 15 March and 12 April Junior Members Club Discover the natural world in a fun and creative way. For young WWT members aged eight to 12. 10am-12 noon. Call Joanne Newbury on 0191 419

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5933 or email joanne. newbury@wwt.org.uk.

Saturdays 18 January, 15 February, 15 March, and 19 April Walk with a Warden Join our wildlife reserve manager as he leads a themed guided tour around our site.

Meet in the picture window at reception.

No need to book. 2pm.

chat to the In Focus experts. All day. Contact In Focus on 01484 864 729 or at-infocus.co.uk.

WA

Fri 10 and Sat 11 January Stargazing Join Sunderland Astronomical Society in the Observatory. For details about SAS, visit sunderlandastro.com.

6-9pm. Free, but costs apply to refreshments.

Sundays 26 January, 23 February and 23 March In Focus Visit Check out the latest in optical equipment and

Sat 15 February Day trip to WWT Caerlaverock Come with us as we travel to WWT’s Scottish centre. Please

dress suitably for the weather and a change of shoes will be needed for the coach. The coach leaves Washington Wetland Centre’s car park at 9am and returns at 5pm. £16PP and £8PC. (Admission not included). BE Sat 15 to Sun 23 February Half-term Holidays Build a bug hotel or bird box, design a wind chime and make a mini garden or discover the life that lurks in dead trees on a minibeast hunt (11am-12 noon and

1-2pm, daily, free with admission). Crafts 1-3.30pm daily; minibeast hunts 11am-12 noon and 1-2pm. UAA (minibeast hunts WA; charge for crafts).

Sun 30 March Mother’s Day Lunches Treat your loved one to a meal in the tranquil surroundings of Waterside Café. Lunch served 12 noon-2pm. £15.95PP and £6.95PC. IA BE (Call 0191 416 5454 ext 235 for menu and booking).

d o w n y o u r way Welney

WWT Welney Wetland Centre News Thanks to more settled water levels, now is a wonderful time to see the delights of Welney Wetland Centre… and there’s added equipment to enjoy it with, too. A new interactive screen in the main observatory will enable you to find out about your favourite swans, while watching them through a new telescope. This season the first single whooper swans arrived on 13 September, while the first family came in a month later, around the same time as the Bewick’s. Aurelie, Old Bedford and Skyfall were among old friends to return, as was Wimble, for her 12th successive winter. Dafila Scott, Sir Peter’s daughter, opened this year’s first floodlit feed, and November’s Festival of Swans was a great event, complete with sugar beet throwing, face-painting and more.

Away from the swans, an osprey spent a few days around the reserve in September, while Wader Watch Week recorded 11 species of wader, including curlew sandpiper and little stint. A few days later, a pectoral sandpiper was the icing on that cake.

A glossy ibis was a hit in October, and there were sightings of great white egret, hen harrier, short-eared owl, peregrine and wheatear that month, plus a goosander in November. One highlight was a northern harrier, an American subspecies of the hen harrier, which is rarely seen on these shores, but which did a fly past the hides in mid November.

Finally, too late for the last issue, but well worth noting, Welney Wetland Centre recorded a first in August. A bumblebee identification programme recorded the first record in the Fens of the large garden bumblebee, only the fourth record ever for the county.

Map illustration by Fred Van Deelen; photos by Alamy; Mike Youldale

Hundred Foot Bank, Welney, Nr Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE14 9TN 01353 860711 info.welney@wwt.org.uk

Little stint (left); peregrine

Behind the scenes

‘My favourite natural drama of the year takes place in the winter: it’s the sight of peregrines on the hunt swooping through flocks of wigeon. It never fails to thrill.’

Steve Wiltshire, Reserve Warden

Welney Events (See page 50 for key. Events are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please visit wwt.org.uk/welney) Daily Activities Until Sun 9 March Winter Wild Swan Feeds Find out about our amazing winter visitors with a live commentary, feeding of the birds and the chance to get handson with swan artefacts.

12 noon daily. WA

Until Fri 28 February Floodlit Wild Swan Feeds Listen to a live commentary and watch swans and ducks being fed on the illuminated lagoon as they settle down to roost. 6.30pm.

Thursdays to Sundays only. WA

Until Sun 9 March Winter Wild Swan Feeds Find out about swans and their migrations with a live commentary before the birds are fed against the backdrop of a Fenland sunset.

3.30pm daily. WA

Until end of March Hare Walks Get a closer look at the brown hares found out on Lady Fen with this wildlife walk. 1-2pm Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. WA BE

Sat 25 January Willow Weaving Workshop This workshop will give you the skills to weave willow and other natural fibres into small pieces and large garden structures, with expert Jane Frost.

10am-4pm. £45PP. IA BE

Sat 8 February Digital Photography Workshop This one-day workshop will take advantage of the wintering wildfowl spectacle at the reserve.

Learn from expert David Featherbe with

access to our photography basement.

10am-4pm. £60PP, optional lunch available to book at extra cost.

IA WP BE

Sat 8 February Willow Weaving Workshop This workshop will give you the skills to weave willow and other fibres into small pieces and large garden structures, with expert Jane Frost.

10am-4pm. £45PP.

IA BE

Sat 15 February Swans Awake Enjoy the amazing

sight of swans taking to the skies just after dawn as they fly out to the fields to feed for the day. 6.15-9am. £12PP, optional breakfast £6.50. IA WP BE Sat 15 to Sun 23 February Half-term Holiday Family Activities Explore the reserve and take part in activities to learn about the migrations our swans are about to undertake as they return to their breeding grounds.

From 10am daily.

UAA

Sat 8 March Willow Weaving Workshop This workshop will give you the skills to weave willow and other natural fibres into small pieces and large garden structures, with expert Jane Frost. 10am4pm. £45PP. IA BE Sat 5 to Tues 22 April Easter Holiday Family Activities Explore the reserve and take part in activities to celebrate new life emerging from our wetlands. Pond dipping opens for summer.

9.30am-5pm daily. UAA

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Classified directory

To advertise please contact Daniel Haynes on 0208 962 1257 or daniel.haynes@thinkpublishing.co.uk

ACCOMMODATION

PRIDING ON RIVER SEVERN

The Old Cider House 3* Cottage sleeps 2 one double bedroom Paradise for walkers and birdwatchers, tranquil location on the Severn Way, watch the Severn Bore, picnic or BBQ beside the river. In the evening listen to the Owls and see the stars, walk along the river-bank to the Pub. www.pridingfarm.com 01452 741613

SLIMBRIDGE TUDOR ARMS Real Ale, Real Food Pub with 12 well appointed ensuite bedrooms ETB4* and 2 apartments.

Adjacent to WWT CAMRA Awards from 2007-2013 Tel 01453 890306 Email enquiries@thetudorarms. co.uk www.thetudorarms.co.uk

PEMBROKESHIRE

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Lots of indoor attractions to visit.

Tel (Vicky Jennings) 01453 549996 Email: foresters@freeuk.com www.forestersbandb.co.uk

Tel: 01453 890820 www.smoothhound.co.uk/ hotels/maycottage1.html

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In a lovely valley in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Victorian-built Rosemoor offers characterful accommodation in spacious grounds. Unpolluted beaches, Skomer and tidal wetlands nearby (2 miles). Our own 30-acre Nature Reserve is home to badgers, otters and a great variety of birds and plants.

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Ceinws/Esgairgeiliog village, near Centre for Alternative Technology, south of Cader Idris. £175-£260 per week.

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Twin bedded annexe, ensuite, idyllic setting, adjacent to canal, walking distance from the WWT centre.

Sue and Peter Gibson.

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Holiday Cottages Properties throughout Scotland Discover your Scotland in 2014 Bird Watching, Wildlife, Outdoor Pursuits, Sandy Beaches, Scottish Culture and Heritage or to simply relax & get away from it all!

There really is something for everyone www.discoverscotland.net Tel: 01556 504030

Caerlaverock, Blossom Cottage

31/05/2013 11:32 Discover Scotland_WWT_JanMar_14.indd 15/11/2013 1 11:34

Set in 0.25 acres of secluded private gardens with views out over the solway firth, 4 star accommodation for 7 + 1. Situated 1 mile from Caerlaverock Castle. Wildfowl and Wetlands trust (WWT), National Nature Reserves and Caerlaverock Estate all within 1/4 mile.

The Barnacle Geese can be seen from the comfort of the sun room in the field at front along with an abundance of wildlife including bats, badgers and deer.

E-mail: jamiecowan2000@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 07711583320 Web Site: www.blossomholidaycottage.co.uk WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS Blossom_WWT_JanMar14.indd PROUD TO SPONSOR

1

26/11/2013 10:35

MARTIN MERE BEAVERS We’re beavering away right now building quality new homes in Burscough, Chorley and Walton-le-Dale.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.PERSIMMONHOMES.COM

Imagery is for illustration purposes only. External elevations including treatments, materials, window positions and sizes are subject to change at any time. Details correct at time of going to press.

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classified directory

WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS

BIRDING IN ANDALUCIA

Fantastic birding, wildlife, peace and beauty, in hidden Spain.

Our Andalucian farmhouse provides the ideal setting for the bird-watching holiday you deserve.

To see our 2014 offers and book your next holiday, visit our web-site at:

GALAPAGOS BESPOKE TRAVEL LATIN AMERICA & ANTARCTICA 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE 0207 407 1478

Web: www.birdhols.com Email: george@birdhols.com Tel:+44 1253733568 Mob:+447856819291

Bird Hols_WWT_JanMar_14.indd 1 All inclusive tours exploring a wide range of stunning habitats from S. French Alps, Crau & Camargue wetlands for Eagles, Wallcreeper, Vultures, Beeeaters, Eagle Owls, Flamingos, Beaver, Orchids & Butterflies.

All ages & abilities welcome!

16 yrs. experience of year round tours, superb Provençale cuisine, comfortable accommodation.

Local & scientific knowledge

www.selectlatinamerica.co.uk info@selectlatinamerica.co.uk ATOL PROTECTED 3760

CRUISE THE HEBRIDES

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Puffins, porpoises, deer & dolphins & seals, seabirds, whales & wild flowers,

05/06/2013 16:45

spectacular scenery,

Wales, puffins, red kites and thousands of starlings, seals, otters, dolphins sights and sounds to remember forever

Brochure: Wildlife Provencale Tel: 01706 225407 www.wildlifeprovencale.com

From single days out to week-long holidays throughout the year, contact: 0845 052 3533 info@welshwildlifebreaks.co.uk www.welshwildlifebreaks.co.uk

EQUIPMENT

FOR SALE

good company, great meals. “light carbon footprint” sailing holiday on the famous 65ft yacht

CORRYVRECKAN 0845 260 2677 www.corryvreckan.co.uk

Quote NTW1 for your special offer when booking.

SOME BOOKS ON WATERFOWL

FOR1 SALE Wildlife Provencale_WWT_JanMar_14.indd13/11/2013 1WWB_WWT_JulAug13.indd 12:11

06/06/2013 17:11 Yacht Corryvreckan_WWT_JulySept_13.indd 1

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BRITISH DIVING DUCKS J.G.MILLAIS VOLS. 1 and 2 1913 Nos. 306 of 450 copies.

Corryvreckan_WWT_175.indd 1

23/11/2010 15:32

THE NATURAL HISTORY of BRITISH SURFACE FEEDING DUCKS J.G. MILLAIS 1902 Number 87 of 600 copies.

WATERFOWL of the WORLD JEAN DELACOUR Illustrated by PETER SCOTT 1st Edition 1954 4 Volumes in Dust Wrappers.

Email: richardson.j@btinternet.com Tel: 01403 752 477

Full board, en-suite rooms from £65ppn Spring and Autumn Discounts available.

John Richardson_WWT_JanMar_13.indd 104/11/2013 16:28

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JANUARY/MARCH 2014

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Living the dream Actor Joanna Lumley extols the virtues of wildness ‘I’ve known about WWT London Wetland

Centre since before it even began, when there was a terror that the area was going to be built over. Then Sir Peter Scott managed to secure it for London, for the nation, for wildlife and wetlands and everything that I was brought up to believe is beautiful.

‘Visionaries, such as Peter, are terribly important. It’s not just about dreaming, it’s about making dreams happen. This was not a mad, vain, greedy dream – this was realising that without plants in profusion, without birds, butterflies and bees, without the water and everything that lives in it… without all this, we as human beings can’t exist. And he wanted to bring all this into the centre of London where, if you listen very carefully, you can just hear in the distance the sound of traffic. Well, dreaming, when it’s on this scale, is close to genius.

Joanna Lumley with Martin Spra

‘My mother was passionate about

y

everything wild, and she instilled that in us. We were always encouraged to sit quietly and take note of what was going on around us… and to bring identification books, too, so that we could know and understand what we were looking at.

I gained from her a true love of wildness.

Mike Caiden

‘For me, the message to everybody is: get out.

Walk out. Stop looking at screens. We’ve got used to the idea that you can take in nature by looking at programmes about it… but it isn’t the same thing’ ‘So, for me, the message to everybody is: get out. Walk out. Stop looking at screens. We’ve got used to the idea that you can take in nature by looking at programmes about it. Many of them are completely wonderful, and they introduce us to nature, but it isn’t the same thing. Even if you can’t see killer whales leaping in the massive oceans in the wild, what you can do is see a frog jumping from a lily pad to the side of a bank. If you sit and watch, you’ll see nature come to you.

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‘We’re part of this world. We don’t own it, but we can kill it, and we’re on a bit of a tightrope at the moment, in danger of losing the balance of nature and killing it for ever, complaining as we go down that we don’t see birds and butterflies any more. You and I and places like London Wetland Centre can change this.

‘London itself, of course, is only here because of water, because of the River Thames running through it. Throughout the years, people have always understood the need for water; it’s built into the

human gene. Whether it’s being by the sea or owning a garden pond, people love living alongside water. Water is us.

‘So if you’re a human being and you love life, London Wetland Centre is the place to be.’

Joanna Lumley was talking to WWT’s Sacha Dench, while visiting London Wetland Centre to promote Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count.

Binoculars & Telescopes Explorer WA

Countryman BGA HD

Smaller, lighter, brighter and sharper, the Explorer WA offers the opportunity to own and use a binocular with an unbeatable combination of performance, specification, ergonomics and build quality. With impressive wide-angle 7.5° (8x42) and 6.5° (10x42) fields of view and high quality optical system (PC, MC), images are clear and crisp with good colour contrast.

With exceptional performance in a lightweight body, Countryman BGA HD are perfect for the wildlife enthusiast wanting high resolution, light transmission and colour contrast in a superbly finished compact instrument. 30 year guarantee.

Housed in a lightweight magnesium body and protected in a soft-touch tactile rubber covering, Explorer WA binoculars are supplied with a comprehensive 10 year guarantee.

8x42 £209, 10x42 £219

8x32 £349, 8x42 £359, 10x42 £369

GS 52 GA ED

IS 60 WP Fieldscopes The IS 60 WP is the perfect choice for the space and weight conscious birdwatcher looking for an affordable, flexible and upgradeable waterproof spottingscope to compliment their binoculars.

Setting the standard for light transmission, resolution and colour contrast, the GS 52 offers a practical alternative to larger heavier ’scopes across a wide range of applications.

Bodies (Str or 45˚) £299 Recommended Eyepieces: HDF T 18xWW £159 HDF T 12-36x zoom £199

Available in standard glass or ED versions with a wide choice of eyepieces and accessories. 10 year warranty.

Special Offer. Save 10% on IS WP Kits* IS 60 WP + IS 18-54x + WP Case £249 IS 60 ED WP + HR2 16-48x + WP Case £409 IS 60 WP + IS 18-54x + WP Case + Velbon Sherpa 200R Tripod £349 IS 60 ED WP + HR2 16-48x + WP Case + Velbon Sherpa 200R Tripod £499 Kits are available in straight through or 45˚ angled versions from stockists nationwide. Phone for details. *Saving compared to buying items separately.

Opticron equipment can be tried, tested and purchased at the following WWT centres; Martin Mere, Slimbridge and the London Wetland Centre as well as good optical retailers nationwide. For product information, your nearest stockist and to order a Product Guide please phone us on 01582 726522 or visit us online at www.opticron.co.uk Opticron. Unit 21, Titan Court, Laporte Way, Luton, Beds, LU4 8EF UK Fax: 01582 723559 Email: sales@opticron.co.uk