The gift of birdsong

Excluding those closest to me, not many people will know that for seven years now I have been living with a severe hearing impairment. Partial deafness caused as a result of numerous ear infections as a child. Infections which lead, first, to several attempts to install grommets during my younger years and later, at 17, a rather serious operation designed to remove infected scar tissue from my left ear. This operation, a mastoidectomy (removal of the mastoid bones), eventually leaving me with only 14% capability in one ear, with the other languishing at a measly 50%. Essentially, my hearing is not all that good and though I cope rather well, I do tend to struggle with situations boasting excessive background noise (wind, traffic, tv, radio, additional conversations), and find it difficult to track noises back to their original source due to my inability to triangulate sounds correctly.

Over the years since my operation, despite struggling, I have never made an effort to get hearing aids: perhaps due to vanity, perhaps due to the perceived stigma associated with the nifty little devices. A grievous error on my part; my decision meaning that for some time now, I have struggled to enjoy the natural world in all its glory. The song of thrushes and finches, while audible, muted and dull and the shrill calls of smaller birds – particularly Goldcrests – almost inaudible and extremely difficult to pinpoint. Indeed, such is the nature of the problem, that even louder birdsong leaves me struggling to find exactly where it is coming from – a bird calling behind me often finds me staring in the opposite direction to no avail. Such is the nature of my knackered ears and, truth be told, it isn’t all that great for someone who spends so much time outdoors.

Well, fast forward to this morning and a surprise intervention from my Mum found me kitted out with a new hearing device. Just a cheap one to trial, for now, but a hearing aid all the same. A brief pre-lunch spell in the garden proving more than sufficient to drastically brighten up my day. The sound of a Robin belting out a familiar, seasonal tune from the Hawthorn at the bottom of our yard; the sound of Starlings cackling as they scrounged leftovers from next doors lawn and even the sharp notes of a Goldcrest audible as I sat, enraptured. These sounds, these humble, everyday sounds coming as a breath of fresh air and, quite literally, music to my weary ears.

I fear it was rather silly of me to avoid joining the hearing aid club until now; though now it makes not a shred of difference. From now on my woodland walks and forays elsewhere look set to take on a whole new level of clarity and, more than anything, I am very grateful for the gift of birdsong this Christmas.

Bonus, they don’t look half as bad as anticipated…

Pondering those godawful ‘pigeon spikes’

Modern society is growing increasingly disconnected from the natural world. That, unfortunately, is a fact. And it will come as no surprise to learn that many, particularly (but not limited to) those living in urban areas, have come to view wildlife as a hindrance in daily life or, worse still, a mere obstacle to be killed, removed or deterred at leisure. The use of terms such as pest and vermin growing in use throughout modern times as we begrudge everything from gulls and foxes to rats, rabbits and, in more exceptional cases, raptors, deer and otters for getting in the way of our cushty daily lives, our hobbies and our livelihoods.

Now, coming from an urban background and recently studying an MSc in Wildlife Management, I know wildlife can sometimes cause problems. In some cases, rather substantial ones. Pigeons and rabbits can have a significant impact on food production, certain bird species can pose a threat to human life near airports, rodents spread disease in our homes and foxes, in some locations, menace livestock farmers. This, the ever-present conflict between man and beast, is a sorry side-effect of modern life: an unavoidable symptom of our continued alteration of the landscape. And, like it or not, a measured response is sometimes required. I do not dispute this.

While I believe that, within reason, people should be allowed to take action to protect what is there’s, I also believe that such a response should be proportionate (and reasonable). And wholeheartedly believe that, wherever possible, we, as the dominant species on this green (yet greying) earth, should exercise a live and let live mentality wherever possible.  Something which is clearly not the case with the recent placement of pigeon spikes around an affluent district of Bristol.

For those that have not yet heard, the spikes to which I refer have been erected around Bartlett Court flats in Clifton, Bristol in an effort to deter pigeons from the trees outside some, particularly lavish homes. The management company responsible for their placement citing the damage caused by pigeon droppings to cars as the catalyst for action. Yes, you read that correctly, whereas most people would simply wash away the faeces, these people have opted instead to prevent birds from occupying the area in the first place. Citing a lack of washing facilities as justification for their actions.

A pilfered image of the offending spikes…

Now, pigeon droppings (or those of any other bird) on cars are something I am sure most people reading this blog will have had to deal with. They are an inconvenience, nothing more; an ever so slight nuisance that, except looking a tad untidy, does little to disrupt daily life. They do not threaten life or livelihood and, by all accounts, represent a problem easily solved with a little soap and water. Thus the addition of spikes to the trees around Clifton appears to be nothing short of overkill. The decision to degrade yet another piece of urban habitat taken based not on any tangible threat, but on the unsightly nature bird shit. Plain and simple.

If birds are not allowed in the trees, where else can they go? We already do our best to deter them from man-made contraptions, rightfully in some cases, not so much in others. Shouldn’t urban wildlife be allowed to occupy the select few areas of our towns and cities we have not yet altered beyond recognition? The trees and valuable green spaces spared the developers blades. Some, evidently, would say no, whereas reasonable individuals would say yes. It really is only fair – allowing birds to persist where they still can seems only moral.

Perhaps the uproar over these particular spikes has overdone it somewhat. Pigeons, after all, are not at immediate threat of extinction (far from it, in fact) and the addition of the ugly metal prongs to trees in Bristol is unlikely to have any significant impact upon our wildlife. Still, to me, it serves only as a startling indicator of societies growing disconnect from the world around us. A brazen reminder of the uphill battle faced by conservationists as we try to win the hearts and minds of the wider public. A battle growing more difficult by the day based on this kind of blind, unthinking ignorance.

I think Jennifer Garret highlighted the issue perfectly…

Birding in Northumberland 2017: the highlights

Now, this is a post for the avian-inclined individuals out there…

For those of you who didn’t know, I set myself a challenge at the start of 2017. One which would see me attempt to glimpse as many bird species as possible in my home county over the course of a single year. No easy feat given the fact I do not yet drive, and instead rely predominately on public transport and the goodwill of others. (Thanks for the lifts this year Jack, Sacha and others).

As we approach year’s end, I can reveal that I will be finishing said challenge on a total of 222 species. Now, this falls below my initial target of 230 and well below the dizzy heights reached by other regional birders, but despite this, I am happy with it. While my own tally may yet increase (doubtful), what I have had the pleasure to enjoy so far has worked wonders when it comes to confirming my view of Northumberland as an incredibly diverse, beautiful and wholly interesting county. Truly, I’ve had a blast dashing around like a lunatic during 2017 and despite my mediocre score, have enjoyed some truly wonderful spectacles.

Below is a short summary of the highlights of this birding year omitting, of course, a few of the more abundant odds and ends in the interest of efficiency.

Bean Goose – 2/3 Tundra race seen at Hemscott Hill, Druridge on the 7th January.

Mandarin – Lone drake on an urban pond at Hexham on the 24th of February.

Garganey – Drake at Arcot Pond, 17th March.

Green-winged Teal – Drake at Hauxley Nature Reserve on the 18th of April.

Ferruginous Duck (County Tick) – Superb drake at Gosforth Park on the 19th of March.

Ring-necked Duck (County tick) – Drake on Hauxley Nature Reserve on the 26th March.

Black Scoter (Lifer) – Drake at Cheswich Sands on the 16th of January.

Velvet Scoter – Immature drake in Blyth Estuary on February 20th

Ruddy Duck (County Tick) – Drake at Bothal Pond on the 8th of June.

 

Mandarin

Ruddy Duck and Mandarin

Black Grouse – 1 male and 2 female birds at Swinhope on the 25th of February.

Quail (County tick) – One seen and another two heard at Stobswood on June 19th.

Pacific Diver (Lifer) – the long-staying individual at East Chevington on January 20th; seen again and enjoyed on multiple occasions thereafter.

Great Northern Diver – two at Bamburgh on the 7th of January.

Red-necked Grebe – a single individual at Bamburgh on the 3rd of March.

Slavonian Grebe – four at Bamburgh on the 7th of January. Another confiding individual in Blyth Harbour thereafter.

Black-necked Grebe – two.

Spoonbill – One at Druridge Pools on the 10th of April, three thereafter.

Great White Egret – One at Druridge Pools on the 26th March.

Common Crane (County Tick) – One at Druridge Pools on the 9th of April.

Curlew Sandpiper – two at Cresswell Pond on the 2nd of August.

Little Stint – one at Cresswell Pond on the 9th of October.

White-rumped Sandpiper (Lifer) – the Showy individual at St. Mary’s Island on the 7th of August.

Pectoral Sandpiper – One on the 3rd of July at Druridge Pools.

Red-necked Phalarope (Lifer) – Single bird on the 3rd of October at Druridge Pools.

Glaucous Gull – Flyover individual at Warkworth on the 7th of January.

Iceland Gull – Immature on rocks at North Blyth on the 6th of January.

Iceland Gull

Caspian Gull – Returning bird at Amble on the 6th of August. Ring no: PKCS.

Black Tern – Cracking adult at East Chevington on the 21st of April.

Long-tailed Skua (Lifer) – Birding experience of the year; single bird showed down to a matter of feet on Goswick Golf Course. 27th September.

Short-eared Owl – fantastic year for this species; ten individuals seen by December including six together at one site + two on breeding territory.

Long-Eared Owl – seen regularly at two reliable sites.

Cuckoo – singing birds at Beacon Hill and Catton, first 2nd May. One seen on Holy Island.

Nightjar – three individuals observed (and more heard) at an inland site. Incredible views.

Bee-Eater (Lifer) – Long-staying bird at Druridge Pools on the 21st of October.

Great Grey Shrike – Prestwick Carr, 12th January.

Waxwing – 180 seen in total; first flock of c60 at Bedlington on 26th January.

Waxwing – Bedlington

Shore Lark – four at East Chevington on the 1st of January.

Short-toed Lark (Lifer) – single bird at Catton Moss on the 10th of May.

Red-rumped Swallow (British tick) – lucky encounter; single bird at Druridge Pools on April 10th.

Cetti’s Warbler (County Tick) – Seen briefly and heard for a good hour at East Chevington, 14th October.

Yellow-browed Warbler – Seven in total; first Hauxley NR on the 16th September

Barred Warbler (Lifer) – Showing very well at Druridge Pools on the 7th of October.

Citrine Wagtail (Lifer) – Fantastic views on two occasions at Lynemouth Flash, first seen on the 13th of May.

Citrine Wagtail – Lynemouth flash

Hawfinch (County tick) – Two individuals at Abbey Mill on the 6th of November.

Honourable mentions to Wood Warbler, Willow Tit, Pied Flycatcher, Black Redstart, Hen Harrier, Osprey, Goshawk, Snow Bunting, Water Pipit, Roseate Tern and Little Auk.

Greatest ommissions? Well, missing Night Heron, White-winged Black Tern, Spotted Crake, White-billed Diver and Black-throated Thursh hurt somewhat; though failing to catch up with Bittern and Sooty Shearwater is pretty inexcusable. And let’s not talk about Temmick’s Stint.

The health benefits of a life in nature, a guest post by Holly Genevieve

Being outside in nature is something that everybody should make time for, especially as we are becoming such a digitally driven society.

It’s interesting because it’s not until you spend time outdoors (whether it’s a walk by a river, a day in the countryside or a woodland hike), that you feel the incredible effects of the great outdoors. It can be very easy to become accustomed to the indoor world; you spend your days in the city, time in the office and then hurry home to collapse in the comfort of your home. But, if you’re someone like me who needs time outside to remain sane, then you’ll already be sat here thinking ‘That’s right girl, preach IT!’. For those who are sceptical, then read on…

Whilst I am a personal advocate for being in nature, this is not just my opinion. Researchers and scientists have already produced a mass of evidence that indicates that nature is good for us, and has both long and short-term mental and physical health benefits.

Nature puts things into perspective. There is no social influence when outdoors. It is just you and nature, so you are free to wander life in its purest form. It has wonderful calming effects and reminds you that chaos and harmony are mutually exclusive to living life. The natural world shows us that storms can wreak havoc, but simultaneously hundreds of animals and plants live together in one small habitat. This is the way the ecosystem works – each species contributes to a greater balance as they coexist. When I think about it like this, I can’t help but think humans could do with taking note.

The benefits of nature have fascinated scientists for many years, and hundreds of studies have been done which prove its healing properties. One study found that just looking at natural scenery activates parts of the brain associated with balance and happiness. In a study at South Korea’s Chonnam National University, FMRI scans showed that when subjects saw images of mountains, forests, and other landscapes, they experienced heightened activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus (which is linked to positive outlook and emotional stability) and the basal ganglia (an area that’s been tied to the recollection of happy memories).

A study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that a small group of subjects who strolled through nature for just an hour and a half reported a reduction in negative thoughts. How amazing is that?! Just finding an hour and a half in your day or week to be outdoors can have a remarkable and positive effect on your mindset, meaning unhealthy habits such as drinking and shopping to make yourself feel better can be a think of the past.

Most significantly, nature is a HUGE stress buster. During my degree, I was always finding ways to get out of the city and library. I went on so many day adventures and walks in Leigh Woods, because it was literally the only way for me to de-stress (as well as the gym!). So, feeling stressed and tense? Head for the trees! Researchers have spent many years looking into the effects forests have on humans. One study found a decrease in both heart rate and levels of cortisol in subjects in the forest when compared to those in the city. ‘Stressful states can be relieved by forest therapy’ they concluded.

This makes me particularly happy because forests are my favourite places in the entire world. They are the one place where I feel relaxed and calm. The sound and smells of the forest are the most wonderful thing, and wherever I live, I will always make sure woods are nearby!

So, how do we find the time to bask in nature’s glory when our lives are already so busy? Well, if you live in the city, it can be as simple as taking a walk in the sun on your lunch break (or if it’s autumnal like now, find an area with some beautiful orange and red trees), going for a jog around the park before work, or taking a mini trip to the woods on the weekend.

If you’re looking for a proper escape, I would recommend camping. It’s the best way to really get yourself away from technology and emerge yourself into the outdoors.  Although it’s not your comfy hotel experience, you will feel really good after doing it. Camping is such a fun thing to do, and it’s rarely uneventful. In the last few years, I have camped on top of a waterfall, with nothing but a sleeping bag and a camp fire; I have wild camped in the Spanish countryside, sleeping in a hammock under the stars;  and I have camped in Ireland in the Wicklow Mountains, during a massive storm that made it quite an eventful night. I didn’t get much sleep, but I did return to England with lower stress levels, feeling good afer a weekend of hiking in the mountains and feeling more positive about myself.

Canoeing is also another really fun outdoorsy activity and not too expensive. Bring along a picnic and some music and I promise that you will have the best day ever.

To finish off, I want to highlight how beneficial the outdoors is for mental health problems, especially in wake of the mental health awareness that has been taking place on social media. As someone who has experienced both depression and anxiety, I found that not only did being in nature improve my stress levels and made me feel really good, it also helped relieve my anxiety and depression. This was especially the case when combined with exercise, so often I would go for a run through the woods behind my house, or round some of the big parks in Bristol. Scientists have found that walks in the forest specifically are associated with decreased levels of anxiety and heavy feelings, and a study found that outdoor walks could be ‘useful clinically as a supplement to existing treatments’ for the major depressive disorder.

‘Every green environment improved both self-esteem and mood’, found an analysis of 10 earlier studies about so-called ‘green exercise’.  The presence of water made the positive effects even stronger, so if you have a river nearby, then head down!

Remember, it is important to take care of both your mind and your body, and you can do both by stepping outside your door!

Holly Genevieve is a blogger and writer. She maintains a lifestyle blog, Genevieve Rose, which can be found here: https://genevieverosesite.wordpress.com/contact/genevieve-rose-about/

New Nature Issue 12!

It’s December, the blushed tones of Autumn now but a fading memory and vibrant greens of Spring and Summer a soothing promise of things to come. Outside, the air resonates with the nasally honking call of migrant geese and our fields and hedgerows have been overtaken by thrushes from afar: by redwings, fieldfares and immigrant blackbirds. It is a time of cold, dulcet tones and unfavourable weather yes, but also a time of wonder. A time of splendid wildlife, thrilling vistas and unforgettable wild experiences.

This December marks a milestone for the team at New Nature Magazine; an event myself and the other editors have been looking forward to for some time. Yes, this month marks the end of one full year of New Nature. The end result? Twelve issues published, hundreds of topics covered, two major events attended and a reach that now extends far beyond what I, personally, had even dared hope for. Better still, however, is the
fact that during our first year we have brought the views of almost one-hundred incredibly passionate young naturalists to an audience of thousands. Allowing them to have their say and discuss the topics which, as young environmentalists, interest them the most.

This issue, the final edition of 2017, continues along a similar, exciting vain. Here you will find talk of eco-friendly snorkelling with globally endangered species, right here in the UK; as well as evocative writing centred on the Hebrides, robins and wildfowl. Conservation is well represented too, in the form of a wonderful piece on otters by Helina Hickey; while youth nature, as ever, can be found in abundance. Brought to you on this occasion by New Nature stalwart Zach Haynes and newcomer Georgie Lamb.

We hope that you enjoy this issue as much as we have enjoyed producing it and very much hope that you will stick with New Nature through to the New Year and beyond. Big plans are afoot behind the scenes and with our team now back to full strength and raring to go, 2018 looks set to be another fantastic year for us as both a free, enjoyable magazine and a fledgeling community of cracking young writers.

The latest edition of New Nature can be downloaded here: https://t.co/fcjoNyMznt

Butterflies: Poetry in Nature – Guest post by Jonathan Bradley

There is poetry everywhere in the natural world, but for me nowhere more so than in butterflies. What is poetic about butterflies? Poetry is a heightened form of writing that plays on our emotions and imagination. Poems use imagery, beautiful or expressive words, rhythms, rhymes and sounds that encourage us to see the world a little differently, as if through a lens. At their best, poems inspire an intensity of perception that changes the way we think and feel.

Butterflies can have similar effects on people, and have done so for thousands of years. In the foreword to my new book Papiliones, published on 2nd December 2017 by Choir Press, the author and naturalist Matthew Oates writes about this:

“Butterflies have long been in the poet’s eye. This fascination flows back to the ancient Greeks, who believed that the human soul departs from the body on the wings of a butterfly.They created Psyche, the goddess of the soul, from their word for a butterfly – psyche. There is also the symbolism of metamorphosis, which from a poetic angle is deeply profound, offering myriad possibilities and analogies with the human condition.”

He goes on to remind us that the poets Wordsworth and Coleridge wrote about butterflies and that a few years ago some modern poets published a collection entitled Shropshire Butterflies: A Poetic & Artistic Guide to the Butterflies of Shropshire, published by Fair Acre Press in 2011. T.S.Eliot, Edward Thomas the war poet, Vladimir Nabokov and many other poets and novelists have written about butterflies and their symbolism.

In my own case, I was originally drawn to butterflies by my children when they were young. On our country walks together I found that trying to stalk and spot birds with noisy toddlers was very frustrating because the birds would just fly away, and butterflies were less scared of us. Besides, they did not fly as fast. So we searched for them instead. They are so colourful, and occur in such beautiful places, that we were all captivated. My daughter and son now have children of their own and I am sure they will enjoy butterflies just as much.

Butterflies soon became a passion; then I realised that without friendly habitats they could not flourish, and that they represent a highly sensitive barometer of the natural world. Pollution, pesticides, reckless building development, loss of green spaces, and reduction of plant diversity, all result in the death or even extinction of butterflies.

Since the age of about fourteen I had always also loved poetry, and had written some of my own from time to time. My two passions for butterflies and poetry started to converge and the idea formed in my mind of writing a poem about every one of the sixty or so butterflies regularly seen in this country. As far as I could tell from my researches no-one had, or for that matter has now, ever done such a thing. When I had finished thirty-three of the poems I decided to publish those, with the intention of writing the rest in due course. I am trying to live a healthy life so that I have a chance of living long enough to finish the task!

My book Papiliones contains my thirty-three poems and one written by a poet friend, Mick Escott. Each of the butterflies featured in the book has a passage telling the story of its names in English and Latin. Some of these are poetic in themselves. The Small Blue butterfly for instance, which is scarcely bigger than a thumbnail bears the scientific Latin name “Cupido Minimus”, which roughly translates as “Tiny Cupid”. There is also a photograph of each butterfly in a natural setting. Here is the Small Blue story, quoted from my book:

“Known as Eros by the ancient Greeks, Cupido carried off the beautiful maiden Psyche, who then became his wife and a goddess. Psyche is also the Greek word for soul and, by happy coincidence, for butterfly. Cupido is traditionally depicted in art as a winged cherub carrying a bow and arrow to fire love-darts. In this case he is minimus because the Small Blue butterfly is tiny…”

My poem imagines a Small Blue butterfly needing only a tiny meal – a drop of nectar – to satisfy its “cupidity”, that is desire, appetite or even lust, and refers to the ancient concept of angels dancing on pinheads. Here is the poem, with a picture:

SMALL BLUE

Cupido minimus in the book

is small enough to overlook

and in the field

is well concealed

it’s a shy

little fly

a dullish hue

of muddy blue

a twinkle in its eye

and winking antennae

it indulges in

minimal cupidity:

a monstrous meal –

a tiny nectar drop

would perch atop

a pinhead

large enough

for minute angels

to light on

take flight from

like a new Small Blue.

In some ways butterflies lead ambivalent lives. On the one hand, they suffer the melancholy fate of decline or even extinction because of an implicit trust in human beings, who should be their guardians but have betrayed them. On the other hand they have a way of fighting back and surviving against the odds: they colonise railway embankments and vegetable gardens.

I feel that butterflies are part of the poetry of nature, and a world without butterflies would, in the end, be a world without people. The poems are about butterflies and about people; we depend on each other. Though they may not be aware of it, butterflies give us enormous pleasure, and in my case the inspiration to write about them. I very much hope that my book will help readers to enjoy the beauty and poetry of butterflies.

Jonathan Bradley, December 2017

papiliones1@gmail.com 

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An Ode to the City

I’ve dedicated much of my time to urban wildlife watching of late, specifically in and around the city of Newcastle – my home patch for the foreseeable future due to a recent change of circumstances. While previously I possessed only a modicum of interest for the nature here, amid the hustle and bustle, perpetual light and clamorous noise of the city, I have been pleasantly surprised by what she has offered me thus far. Specifically, by the wild intrigue unearthed down each alley and sidestreet, around each corner, on rooftops and wasteland alike.

Newcastle is a wild city: a wilderness, not in the traditional sense applied to the rugged coastline of the Hebrides, the windswept heathlands of Exmoor, or even the open expanses of Northumberland closer to home, but a wilderness nonetheless. An urban jungle whose heart beats to the same seasonal rhythm that natural history puritans hold dear in the wider countryside – the tune altered somewhat by the actions of successive generations dating way back to the time of Hadrian, obstructed but never once extinguished. Here, in Newcastle, the players may have changed, as old residents are extirpated, and new ones arrive to fill the void, but ultimately, the game remains the same.

As with most cities up and down the country, the wildlife of Newcastle is not restricted to the rats, pigeons, gulls and geese so many of us have come to associate with urban life. We have all four in abundance, of course, but here too foxes and hedgehogs roam in the shadows, starlings mimic car alarms atop the lofty pinnacles of radio antennae and red admirals sap goodness from windfall apples in carefully manicured gardens.

At the peak of Summer, roadsides and rooftops alike are painted lilac and white by the blooms of buddleia and house martins feed ravenous young in the eaves of the decrepit student houses. In Autumn, the leaves of oak and beech redden and fall; while by Winter, as flurries of snow tumble down in quick succession and ice forms, wildfowl gather on diminishing lakes – ready and willing to exploit the bread fed to them by local children.

The species mentioned above are, more or less, those one would associate with a typical city – adaptive natives and tenacious colonists. In Newcastle, however, surprises lie around every corner. Here, in Winter, Snipe feed on abandoned land too boggy to build on; while common terns haunt the air over parkland ponds, gliding over the heads of fishermen and unwitting walkers alike. Here too Stock Doves share the air with their feral kin, otters move by evening under the glaring light of quayside restaurants and the world’s most inland colony of kittiwakes thrives in the face of adversity and occasional human ill-will.  Hidden gems each and all who, alongside their more conspicuous counterparts, form the foundations of the urban ecosystem.

Life for urban wildlife is fraught with difficulties: development, disturbance, degradation; the loss of traditional feeding sites and breeding abodes. There are new predators to evade, invasive competitors vying for scant resources, roads, pollution and, occasionally human ignorance to contend with. Yet, despite all this, opportunity also exists. New food sources, habitats and homes to exploit, generous humans ready and willing to offer a helping hand and, in certain areas, forgotten zones, abandoned by man, providing a home away from home for species of a more rural inclination. The clingers on – relics from a far greener and more pleasant time.

Wildlife watching is the city is not what it seems: confounding and about as far from boring as you can get, contrary to popular belief. Walks here, much like anywhere else in the countryside, accompanied by a sense of quiet anticipation, wonder and hope for things to come. Simply put, it is intriguing, in the finest sense of the word, and truly, you never know what you will find in the gardens, green spaces and grey areas of this Northern municipality.

Scrutinising the wildlife of the city over the past few weeks has taught me a few things: the virtues of patience and an adventurous nature foremost, but also to not accept the norm in life or nature. Not to form my opinions and plan my outings based on the experiences of others, those who extoll the praises of the wilderness and wildland in their traditional sense. As such, and with a certain degree of trepidation – it could all go horribly wrong – I have made myself a promise ahead of the New Year.

In 2018, I will largely abandon the countryside. Forsaking the fields, woodlands and coastal dunes of my regular haunts in favour of a new kind of wilderness – the urban one. In doing so I hope to uncover the secrets of Newcastle, a place I have visited often since birth but fear I have never truly understood, through which natures pulse flows unchallenged throughout the seasons, much as it does anywhere else on our small, crowded island.

Stay tuned…

Waxwing. A city treasure photographed earlier this year. What will 2018 hold I wonder?

Initial steps taken to combat Puffin declines

The RSPB’s Project Puffin has taken the first steps towards solving the mystery of why some puffin colonies in the UK are in dramatic decline. To do this, RSPB scientists analysed more than 1400 photos sent in by the public, helping them to build a better picture of what these iconic seabirds are feeding their chicks.

Each Spring, the UK coastline comes alive with the sight, sound and smell of puffins nesting and raising their young, known as pufflings. With their bright orange bills and distinctive eye markings people from around the world visit puffin hotspots in the UK and Ireland to photograph the bustling colonies. However, in recent years puffin numbers have plummeted at some colonies, and experts estimate that without help more than half the global puffin population will disappear within the next forty years.

 In the summer, RSPB scientists set out to understand more about the differing fortunes of puffins around our coasts. The project aimed to capture a snapshot of what puffins are feeding their young at as many colonies as possible, as it is thought their food supply has been negatively impacted by warming seas and shifting ocean currents. By enlisting the help of the public, also known as the ‘Puffarazzi’, 1402 photos of puffins bringing food to their chicks were sent to the team.

 The photos have helped scientists identify areas where puffins are struggling to find the large, nutritious fish needed to support their chicks. Early results suggest that the diet of puffins vary significantly around the UK – in the northern isles of Orkney and Shetland, where serious puffin declines have been seen, puffins appear to be consistently finding smaller prey compared to most other colonies.

 Traditionally puffins feed on a mixture of fish, but with nutritious sandeels making up a high proportion of their diet. The photos from puffin colonies in northwest Scotland show that sandeels are making up about half of their diet compared to the two-thirds at colonies in southern Scotland, northern England and Wales.

 Ellie Owen, RSPB Conservation Scientist leading the Project Puffin team, said: “Puffins colourful bills and unique eye markings make them a favourite bird to photograph. The huge response to our appeal for photos has been incredible, with more than a thousand submitted. It’s taken the team of staff and volunteers more than three months to go through them all.

 “For a young puffin waiting in its burrow, its life hangs on whether its parents return with enough food. An abundant supply of large, nutritious fish such as sandeels, sprats and herrings is key to healthy colonies. The public response means we’re getting data on a scale that we’ve never been able to collect before; showing what puffins are managing to find to feed their chicks around our coastline. The next stage of the project is to look more closely at the diet of puffins compared to their breeding success to pin down what part diet plays in the decline of some puffins.”

 From May to August, 602 people joined the Puffarazzi, gathering 1402 photos of puffins taking food to their chicks. Pictures came from almost 40 colonies around the UK, including those on the Farne Islands, Skomer and the Isle of May. The project is supported by Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. To see more of the pictures and to learn about the RSPB’s Project Puffin, visit www.rspb.org.uk/projectpuffin

Puffin, Farne Islands –  Geoff Cooper

Urban birding in Benidorm (and Calpe)

Another week, another adventure, this time to the tourist hotspot and renowned centre of debauchery that is Benidorm. A location I first visited on a family getaway two years ago that, much to my surprise, I found to be a rather fantastic spot for some urban wildlife watching. Well, fast forward a couple of years and this past week, once again, I found myself pacing the cities sunny outskirts, hectic streets and forgotten areas in search of some of the party destinations less conspicuous inhabitants. Between festival activities, that is – this was not a birding holiday per say.

Staying in the Belroy Hotel, my first encounter came on our first day when, at dusk, the characteristic call of wagtails was heard from our balcony. Scanning the adjacent rooftops, it soon became apparent that the opposing hotel was favoured by the local White Wagtails as a roost site; with upwards of 100 birds arriving in loose flocks during the proceeding hour. A spectacle which, much to my delight, repeated each and every night during our stay.

Early morning watches from the comfort of the balcony saw the wagtails long gone – the monochrome ones rising far earlier that I – though that same rooftop later yielded Spotless Staring, Black Redstart and my first Blue Rock Thrush of the trip – a rather pristine male. Not to mention the many Crag Martins elegantly traversing the skies at eye-level with my makeshift viewpoint, accompanied on occasion by the odd Pallid Swift.

Venturing out into the streets before the inevitable rise of my fellow Britons proved worthwhile; the roadside palms and plain trees chiming with the merry twittering of Serin and Goldfinch and, of course, the familiar chirrup of the cities many House Sparrows. It was the larger gardens and scant parks that yielded the greatest reward, however, with one particular visit to a nearby skatepark producing 13 Sardinian Warbler (the first of many seen throughout the trip), Long-tailed Tit, Firecrest and, best of all, Crested Tit. The experience here amplified by a hovering Kestrel and a handful of Little Egrets passing overhead at first light.

Perhaps the best birding of the trip was had amid the more luxurious villas located along the cities boundary with Serra Gelada National Park to the west. Here, the cherry on top of an outing on the second day came in the form of a stunning, and very confiding, male Black Wheatear; though a surprise Short-eared Owl came a close second. Indeed, I had no idea this species could be seen here, and seeing one quartering above Mediterranean coastal shrubbery was a far cry from the windswept moors of Northern England or the Scottish Highlands. Similarly, a covey of five Red-legged Partridge here was also nice to see – a familiar species in the UK, yes, but one I had not yet seen in their natural environment.

Red-Legged Partridge – Benidorm

The fringes of Serra Gelada were the focus of much of my birding exploits during the week: with two more Black Wheatear seen during my last visit, alongside a trip-tick Dartford Warbler, two Raven and a further four Blue Rock Thrush. Not to mention countless more Black Redstart, Sardinian Warbler, Crag Marten and Firecrest and a few more familiar additions to the weeks tally: Meadow Pipit, Greenfinch, Chiffchaff, Linnet and Robin. A flyover large raptor here, far too distant to properly scrutinise, providing a tantalising hint of things to come upon a brief outing on the bus to nearby Calpe.

Having heard much of Calpe before our trip, it was only fitting that myself and Matt set some time aside for a proper outing before we were forced to head home. We did this on the third day; arriving at the inner-city Salt Lake early in the morning and immediately finding ourselves greeted by 47 Greater Flamingos feeding contently by the roadside. A first for me, having never before seen this species in the wild, and a queer sight to behold, in truth. Flamingos with a backdrop of high-rise accommodation and passing traffic, not something I had thought to see anytime soon. Also here, a number of Shelduck, Cattle Egret and Moorhen provided new additions to the growing trip list and a passing birder was kind enough to draw our attention to an overhead Booted Eagle – another lifer. What a bird!

Greater Flamingo – Calpe

The real highlight of our stay at Calpe, however, came in the form of a lone gull sitting alone towards the Northern shore – far removed from the squabbling hoards of Yellow-legged and Black-headed Gulls amassed in the interior of the lake. Drawing closer, the identity of the pristine-looking bird soon became clear: Auduoin’s Gull – perhaps my most hoped for target of the trip and, by all accounts, a splendid bird to behold. The gull was enjoyed until our busy schedule forced us to depart for a whistle-stop tour of the Pobla de Ifac, where another male Blue Rock Thrush was the highlight of a decent cast of more familiar species. Including the ONLY Great Tit seen throughout the entire trip.

Audouin’s Gull – Calpe

Back in Benidorm, our final ventures of the week saw us add Iberian Green Woodpecker to the trip-list; while a single Crested Lark was unearthed on a local building site. Taking a much more touristy trip to Benidorm Island, it was similarly great to immerse ourselves in the resident Yellow-legged Gull colony; while the short boat voyage to our destination provided sightings of Shag, Greater Cormorant and Sandwich Tern.

A brief mention should be given to Benidorms non-avian inhabitants that also amused throughout the week. With butterfly sightings including Swallowtail, Clouded Yellow, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Wall, Long-tailed Blue and Lang’s Short-tailed Blue, there was plenty to look at on this front. A notable bonus coming in the form of my first ever Silver-striped Hawkmoth (pictured below) found hiding in the shade cast by a local supermarket.

Silver-striped Hawkmoth – Benidorm

Lang’s Short-tailed Blue – Benidorm

Greater Flamingos against an urban skyline

Want to inspire more young naturalists? Then its time to celebrate those we already have

There is an awful lot of negativity in the environmental field. Little wonder really, given the sorry state of the wider countryside, the downward trends displayed by many wildlife populations, climate change and the continued prominence of issues such as land mismanagement and plastic pollution. Indeed, everywhere we look another ecosystem faces ruin, and both species, habitats and treasured wild spaces slip [or tumble] ever closer to oblivion. The news these days dominated by extinction, degradation and grave warnings of coming catastrophe.

It should come as no surprise then, that life for an environmentalist can be a dreary affair: disheartening, as we fight on myriad fronts and do what we can, where we can, to combat the seemingly inevitable depletion of the natural world. Blinkered by our struggle and sometimes unable to take note of positivity when it is staring us in the face.

For me, as both an optimist and a conservationist, one of the few glimmers of light in the perpetual darkness of environmentalism comes from the rise of younger naturalists and the ascent of youthful, energetic advocates for the natural world. This is something that, as the founder of New Nature magazine, I wish to promote and celebrate, and something from which I, as a conservationist now straddling the divide between “young” and formerly so, derive great joy and hope. Although, too often do I see others, purveyors of a glass half empty mentality, promoting the opposite.

Nature deficit disorder, we have all heard of it, we all know it and we all we see it to varying degrees in our daily life. A trend in a modern society defined by our growing disconnect from the natural world – manifested in individuals of all ages but, it would seem, particularly prominent in the younger generation. As children, teens and young adults forgo the outdoors in favour of TV screens and games consoles. A worrying trend if ever there was one, and something which we must combat in order to raise awareness of, and inspire action on behalf of nature. It is, however, not the end of the world, and in my opinion, dwelling on the issue – worrying though it is – and in doing so consolidates a mostly negative view of generation z (and millennials, for that matter) and does little to encourage greater involvement in environmentalism.

As it stands, many young people are actively taking a stand for the natural world: individuals breaking the mould, defying stereotypes and consistently surpassing the expectations of a pessimistic older generation. It only takes one look at social media: at the ranks of blogging platforms and the swelling membership of community groups to see that now, more than ever, young people are really making a difference. Indeed, off the top of my head right now I can list many of these pioneering individuals: Dara McAnulty, Mya Craig, Georgia Locock, Findlay Wilde, James Miller to name but a few. Young conservationists poking their heads above the proverbial parapet and making a real difference for wildlife and the public perception of today’s youth. Though, of course, these names merely represent those lucky enough to have the spotlight cast upon them. There are many, many more out there quietly pushing, in their own unique way, for the betterment of the world around us.

It is easy to bemoan the lack of young people involved in nature conservation – more people working to the benefit of nature would be preferable, of course. Though giving further thought to the issue, it is clear to me that nature has always been a minority sport. A career in conservation has always (and doubtless always will) play second fiddle to those in other fields, and that is okay because crucially, there are still people who aspire to help nature. There are still young people inspired and motivated to such an extent that they wish to pursue environmentalism on a professional basis. As well as many more who dedicate their free time, usually while juggling a plethora of other commitments, to making a real, positive difference for the natural world.

Nature conservation has always been a fight against social norms and individuals, groups and organisations with very different priorities, it always will be. While we can and should work to change this, I believe we should do so in a positive manner and not lose touch with what we already have: a flourishing movement of motivated young people ready and willing to enact change.

Negativity does not encourage. You can berate the younger generation for being disinterested, selfish and idle until you are blue in the face but this will not encourage them to roll up there sleeves and get stuck in. Support and embolden those already waiting in the wings, however, and you ensure a future for nature and conservation. More importantly, you ensure a future generation of conservationists ready and willing to do the same and encourage others to get involved just as they, themselves were nurtured and guided. Instead of focussing on the negative aspects of modern life, how about celebrating what we have presently: thousands of incredible young people ready and willing to make a difference who, with our support, will surely soar to great heights in the future. Contrary to the popular image, things are not as bleak as they seem.

During my younger years, there were few about who encouraged my interest in nature and fewer still to guide me towards a career in the environmental field. In fact, if it were not for my Grandmother, I doubt I would be where I am now, and I fear that without her support, I would have walked a far different path. It is this guidance and support that shaped who I am today and, without a doubt, it is this support of young naturalists that will be our greatest asset going forward. It is up to all of us, old, young and middling alike to focus on the positives and to support young environmentalists in any way possible. Something which, in turn, will ensure the wildlife we watch and the ecosystems we cherish are placed in safe hands in the future.

While it is important to extend our message to as many people as possible and to encourage new individuals to join the fold, I cannot help but feel it is more important to facilitate the development of the promising young people we have already. And to consolidate their interest in environmental pursuits by creating a sense of community, by rewarding diligence and, most important of all, by acknowledging the great deeds they commit. Who knows, if we, as environmentalists, reward commitment, others may feel inclined to commit themselves. Positive reinforcement has a habit of working as, after all, no one wants to hop aboard what they view as a sinking, negative and self-deprecating ship.

We, as nature lovers, seldom have cause to smile in current times; though the rise of the Youth Nature Movement and its members provides a rare glimmer of hope.

 

Enjoying this Autumn’s must see spectacle

Unless you have been living under a rock, or are simply disinterested in this sort of thing, you will surely have heard by now that this Autumn has seen an unprecedented number of Hawfinch arriving in the UK. Indeed, at present, Britain appears full to bursting with these usually scarce, cherry-stone splitting finches – the invasion marked by uncharacteristically high counts of migrating birds at coastal watchpoints and the presence of Hawfinches at numerous locations well outside of their traditional range.

After nearly a fortnight of enviously glancing over celebratory tweets and jubilant Facebook posts and following years of missed opportunities, yesterday I found myself presented with an opportunity to finally get to grips with my first Hawfinch on British soil. An opportunity that I quickly seized, enjoying a sensational Autumn day in the wilds of Northumberland.

Making the one-mile walk from Morpeth to Mitford, all the ingredients for a perfect Autumnal day were seen in abundance. Crisped leaves of a hundred hues tumbling elegantly downwards from the denuded canopy, fieldfares passing overhead in rowdy, cackling flocks and the occasional seep of a passing Redwing making for a most enjoyable morning. Indeed, during the short walk to the intended site – a tranquil area of mixed woodland near Mitford – the local wildlife performed admirably. Minutes into the journey a Marsh tit sneezed from the cover of a roadside thicket while, by the river, a Kingfisher fished for ten minutes or so in plain view, before darting upstream and out of sight of its enthralled admirers. A sight which, coupled with sightings of Siskin, Grey Wagtail, Jay and Dipper, left me feeling altogether optimistic.

Arriving on site and after issuing the usual pleasantries to the assembled bird folk, I soon set about scanning the tops of the golden Hornbeams the finches had apparently been favouring. Nothing, no sign at all – my attention soon turning to the other species going about their business nearby. Behind me, in the wood, a Jay wailed from the upper echelons of a naked Oak and the machine-gun rattle of a Mistle Thrush was enjoyed briefly. With other points of interest including a number of showy Goldcrest, a few Bullfinch and a second flock of Fieldfare heading West with haste. Lovely, each and all, but still, no Hawfinches in sight; thus I decided to break off from the crowd and wander – I have always disliked the standing in one place approach to birding.

Rounding a corner into a nearby paddock, my attention was immediately drawn to a dumpy bird hopping about in the shade of a Hawthorn. The fearsome, preposterously large bill of the individual leading to an inevitable conclusion: Hawfinch. Opting to alert the other birders on site to its presence and pulling my focus begrudgingly from the bird itself, it was soon lost to sight. At least until emerging a few minutes later in the branches of one of the aforementioned Hornbeams – enormous bill and piercing stare accentuated in the jaded Autumn sun. From here, the bird showed wonderfully: sitting stone-still on its chosen branch as the amassed crowd scoped, photographed and admired to their heart’s content. Only moving from its favoured spot when a Grey Heron, of all things, passed overhead – enveloping the finch in shade and surely causing a slight bit of alarm.

This encounter, the first of its kind for me, personally, was an altogether marvellous one. An encounter which brought back memories of admiring the species on TV – watching the outlandish finches as they cracked beech masts and wondering whether I would one day, be lucky enough to see one. To date, that possibility had seemed a long-shot, given the species virtual extinction as a breeding species in my native Northumberland and the difficulty associated with getting to the sites at which they still thrive further afield. Clearly, patience does pay off; though it would be difficult not to see one this Autumn given their prominence in the countryside. I hope that readers of this blog are equally lucky in their endeavours.

The photograph in the header was borrowed from Pixabay to highlight the theme of this post. I fear my phone-scoped efforts (shown below) would not have had the same effect…

Hawfinch – Mitford

When did you last see a hedgehog?

The once familiar hedgehog has declined dramatically over the past few decades, and surprisingly for such a well-loved creature, very little is known about why the hedgehog is in crisis.  This makes it difficult to target conservation efforts to where they will be most effective.  It is presumed that road accidents, and the loss of suitable, well-connected habitat might be important, yet in some areas, the hedgehog still seems to be thriving.  It is not known whether this is because they are being given supplementary food in people’s gardens.

Given the above information, the Mammal Society are appealing for members of the public to help with our Big Hedgehog Watch Project.  They want to know how long it is since people last saw a hedgehog; whether any were spotted in their garden or neighbourhood last year; and whether people feed their prickly visitors.  Last year, almost 4,000 people responded in just 4 weeks.  The survey revealed that:

  • 87% of people that reported sightings saw them in their garden;
  • Almost 70% of the people that saw hedgehogs in their gardens fed them
  • Almost 70% of the people that fed them saw the hedgehogs more than five times
It is hoped that even more people will help this year to help track the changes in hedgehog populations.

The survey will be open until 1st December 2017.

Fiona Mathews, Chair of the Mammal Society and Professor of Environmental Biology at the University of Sussex says “Hedgehogs sadly, are experiencing an unprecedented decline throughout the UK and we are still not sure of the cause. We are therefore appealing for people to fill in this survey and let us know of their last hedgehog sighting, dead or alive.  Even if it more than a year since you saw one, please tell us because it helps us to identify where hedgehogs are disappearing”.

The online survey is available on the Mammal Society website and takes just a few minutes to complete. All completed surveys will go towards the conservation of one of our most loved species. The public can also help hedgehogs by contributing to the Mammal Society’s hedgehog appeal. To donate or to fill in the survey, visit www.mammal.org.uk/science-research/surveys

For further information and imagery please contact:
Rina Quinlan
Information Officer
Mammal Society
info@themammalsociety.org
02380 010981

New Nature Issue 11!

November is a month of rain and frost, of falling leaves and howling gales, the steady drip of birds coming to winter in Britain now becomes a torrent of ducks, waders, owls and finches. As there are changes in the natural world, there are changes in the world of conservation, and one of the most significant of these is the ever-growing concept of ‘rewilding’. At New Nature, we are keen to explore what this term means to younger generations of naturalists, so in this rewilding-themed issue, we hear from contributors new and old on this complex topic. We hear why farmers are crucial to rewilding in Ben Eagle’s article (Page 32) , Jack Hicks gives us his thoughts on beavers in south-west England (Page 38) and regular Zach Haynes gives us his view on the rewilding debate (Page 12). Also, new contributor Alexandros Adamoulas gives us the facts on a potential reintroduction of white-tailed eagles to England (Page 24), but Peter Cooper reminds us that successful reintroductions need good community engagement (Page 34). On top of all that, our own Alex Pearce interviews the inimitable Nick Baker about his exciting new book on rewilding (Page 30).

As always, our regular articles include what autumnal wildlife you need to watch out for this month (Page 8), Alice Johnson suggests some really wild places to visit around the UK (Page 10) and in the underrated species column I argue that roe deer are just as noteworthy as their larger cousins (Page 14). Recent decades have seen paradigm shifts in nature conservation and thoughts are turned towards what the future holds and how we can prepare for it. It is the young generations of today that will be living in that future and for whom rewilding could be a vital tool in the protection of nature. So, let’s keep up the discussion; please read, recommend and share New Nature and let us know what you think on social media. Thank you for your support!

To view and download the latest issue of New Nature, click here: 

Words by Elliot Dowding, Content Editor

Top 10 Facts: Surprising UK Non-Natives

American Bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus. Around twice the length of our native Common Frog, American Bullfrogs are most often identified by their loud, deep calls. Deemed a risk to British wildlife due to their tendency to prey on everything from small mammals and ducklings to other amphibians, Bullfrogs may also spread Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis – a form of Chytrid fungus – to native amphibians. Due to their negative impact on the native ecosystems, bullfrogs have been subject to an eradication scheme, costing up to £100,000 to date. Despite conservationist’s best efforts, this species remains present in a select few areas across England. Did you know that bullfrog tadpoles can grow up to 15cm?

Topmouth Gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva. Widespread but scattered across England, Topmouth Gudgeon inhabit well-vegetated ponds, channels and lakes. This nondescript fish species compete with native fish and farmed stock for food, and has been found to severely deplete or even eradicate native fish and invertebrate populations in areas of particularly high density – gudgeon have been recorded at densities of up to 60 fish per square meter – and has been directly linked to the eutrophication of British waterbodies due to it’s feeding tendencies which limit zooplankton abundance. Thus, in turn, increasing phytoplankton prevalence.

Coati Nasua nasua. A close relative of the North American Raccoon, up to ten animals were known to be living wild in South Cumbria until at least 2008. Given the small-scale of the reported population there are no known environmental impacts at present; though it is thought that, should this population expand or future escapes occur, that the Coati could become a significant predator of native wildlife. South Lakes Wild Animal Park was initially implicated in the spread of Coati’s in Cumbria, although the spread of sightings – ranging from Kendal and Kentmere to Langdale and Penrith – suggest other possible escapes.

American Skunk-cabbage Lysichiton americanus. A rather conspicuous plant boasting yellow flowers aesthetically similar to native Lords and Ladies, the stronghold of Skunk-cabbage appears to be Southeast England, most notably Hampshire. Although populations now exist at various intervals between Cornwall and Inverness. Like many invasive botanicals, this species is thought to decrease floral diversity within occupied areas and it is thought – based on Germans studies – that it can have a significant impact upon marshland plant communities. The economic impact of American Skunk-cabbage remains unknown; though with the species seemingly consolidating its hold in the UK, it is likely that further study will be needed to properly assess its impact.

American Skunk-cabbage

Quagga Mussel Dreissena bugensis. In October 2014 Quagga Mussel was found in Wraysbury Reservoir and the Wraysbury River, near Egham, Surrey –  the first UK record of this decorative yet damaging species. Originally from the Ponto-Caspian region, the mussel can significantly alter whole ecosystems by filtering out large quantities of nutrients and is also a thought to pose a serious biofouling risk by blocking pipes and smothering boat hulls. It is thought that there are no effective eradication techniques for Quagga Mussel once it becomes established, thus all records of this species should be reported immediately.

Carolina Wood Duck Aix sponsa. The wood duck is the only congener of mandarin duck and females and young birds are hard to distinguish from that species – meaning that this species may go unrecorded in many instances. First reported in the wild during the 1830’s Wood Ducks have been recorded breeding at many locations across the UK including in Wiltshire, Berkshire, Devon and Kent. Despite this, the species has not yet formed a self-sustaining population anywhere in the UK. While there is potential for Wood Ducks to compete for nest-sites with other hole-nesting bird species, this is one non-native species that does not appear to have an overwhelmingly negative impact on the British ecosystem. With escapes from captivity still relatively common, it is likely that individuals will continue to be found wild long into the future.

Carolina Wood Duck

Pitcher Plant. There are currently twelve known populations of this carnivorous plant species known from the UK, with the largest being found on Wedholme Flow where there are ongoing efforts to control numbers. The species has been eradicated from a further ten sites across the UK; where the vector for introduction was thought to be transplanting from private collections. Large Pitcher Plant populations have been shown to restrict the growth of native botanicals and, based on studies in Ireland, it is thought that the species may impact upon peat regeneration due to its tendency to restrict the growth of Sphagnum Moss. There are no known economic effects of this species, with the cost of removal covered, to date, by conservation bodies in charge of the reserves on which it grows.

Wels Catfish Silurus glanis. Growing up to 3m in length across its native range in Europe and Asia, this catfish is a voracious predator of birds, mammals, amphibians and invertebrates and. as such, there is concern that the presence of this species within UK waters may have an adverse effect on biodiversity. Indeed, studies from Spain suggest that the Wels may have a detrimental impact on waterbird populations. Widespread but scarce in the UK, the majority of Wels sightings come from Southern England where, despite expert advise, it is continuously stocked for sporting purposes. The first official record of this species living wild in the UK was at Morton Hall, Norfolk during 1864.

Wels Catfish

Tree-Of-Heaven Ailanthus altissima. With elongated, pinnate leaves, this species appears not dissimilar to Walnut or Ash and is planted heavily in urban areas. This has led to its escape in Southern England – occurring to such an extent that it has now become invasive in the London area. The impact of Tree-Of-Heaven remains relatively small due to its presence in areas of low conservation value; though it is thought that as temperatures warm, the species will acclimatise more readily to the natural ecosystem. In areas of Southern Europe – where the species has already established – Tree-Of-Heaven has been shown to actively exclude native flora. The plant also poses a slight risk to humans with the mild toxins found within the leaves often causing dermatitis upon contact.

Killer Algae Caulerpa taxifolia. A bright green seaweed with upright leafy fronds, dense growths of this marine plant can significantly alter habitat structure by displacing both floral and faunal species. It is also inedible to most native species, has been shown to smother sea-grass meadows – an important habitat type for many native marine species – and causes myriad problems for humans by reducing fish stocks and impacting upon the performance of fishing gear. Very popular in the marine aquarium trade in the UK, this species is not known to exist in the wild just yet; though based on it’s severe impact upon the Mediterranian ecosystem, it deserves a spot on this list nonetheless. Indeed, conservationists and anglers alike are predicting its spread into the wild in the very near future. Perhaps this addition to the list can be seen as a forewarning of things to come?