Tag: Chris Packham

Chris Packham’s UK Bioblitz comes to Newcastle

Have you heard of Chris Packham’s UK Bioblitz?  If not, it’s essentially a ten-day tour of 50 wildlife sites scattered across Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales, conducted in an effort to highlight the extent to which our nation’s wildlife is under threat. With all data collected on the whirlwind tour being used to create a benchmark that will help measure the rise and fall in numbers of different species in the future.

On Wednesday I had the pleasure of attending one such bioblitz as a representative of the Natural History Society of Northumbria and, after a most enjoyable day in the field, can safely say that I had a blast. Sure, it was lovely to meet Chris himself – he may well be one of the most courteous and knowledgeable media personalities I have ever met – but the real joy was watching myriad people, young and old, wholly engrossed in the natural world.

 

The event itself took place at Havannah and Three Hills Nature Reserve: a remarkable swath of woodland, lowland heath, meadow and wetland located on the fringe of Newcastle. An urban site boasting a spectacular array of wildlife, Havana is both accessible and incredibly diverse and it was delightful to delve a little further into its ecological makeup. With personal highlights including rare Stags-Horn Clubmoss, Willow Tit, Red Squirrel, a glut of Small Heath butterflies and my first Mottled Grasshopper – a common species yet one I have previously overlooked.

Elsewhere at Havana, diligent recorders of all ages sported smiles as they foraged for fungi, ogled Nursery-Web spiders and netted a host of invertebrates ranging from opulent looking froghoppers to familiar Six-spot Burnets. Roe Deer were seen,  buzzards mewed overhead throughout our stay and both clegs and ticks made much less welcome appearances throughout. Including one of the latter found lodged on my knee upon my return home.

Bioblitzes are always good fun; though, beyond that, they serve two incredibly vital purposes: they facilitate the submission of vital ecological records to Environmental Records Committees – used to track natures pulse and advise on decisions likely to impact upon the natural world – and they engage and enthuse the public. This event did both, and while I do not yet know the total species count for the day, I do know that many people had a whale of a time. Learning from experts in a plethora of fields in a wonderful outdoor setting, it doesn’t get much better than that, does it?

 

New Nature: thank you all!

A few months ago, toying with the idea of starting up an online magazine written and produced entirely by young people, I had hoped a few people may rally to the notion. I had hoped that some may be interested in reading such a document and others, particularly a few notable figures in the environmental field may like the idea enough to support it. Well, as we countdown to the “official” launch of ‘New Nature’ on January 2nd, I can safely say that all expectations have been exceeded. Tenfold. And that I am incredibly grateful to the support we have received thus far.

The logic behind ‘New Nature’ centers on showcasing the natural world through the eyes of the next generation, and, perhaps more importantly, providing said young people with a supportive, open-to-all, outlet for their views. With this in mind, I was delighted when so many people expressed an interest in getting involved and bringing the magazine to life. And as such, must offer resounding thanks to Alex Pearce, Alice Johnson and Alysia Schuetzle for flinging themselves in at the deep end and dedicating an awful lot of time to creating our first issue. It really is appreciated.

The next round of thanks goes to our contributors: to the exceptional young people who, thus far, have contributed no end of passionate writing, excellent photography and other interesting titbits for inclusion in the magazine. Among these, many exceptionally dedicated young nature lovers I am familiar with through membership of A Focus on Nature, but also many more! Reading your work has proven nothing short of inspirational and has filled many usually dull Winter nights of late. I hope that all involved so far will enjoy the magazine and continue to submit articles long into the future!

Finally, I must also offer a huge thank you to all those who have supported ‘New Nature’ thus far. To each and every person who has drawn attention to our efforts on social media, reblogged articles and helped by alternate means. This includes Chris Packham, who has very kindly offered to provide signed copies of his fantastic new book ‘Fingers in the Sparkle Jar” as prizes to our contributors. But also to BSBI, The Wildlife Trusts, AFON and the BTO for helping promote our cause. I hope that, someday, we can repay the favour…

Really, I cannot stress enough how grateful I am for everything that has transpired so far. And I know I speak for the rest of the team when I say that I hope we live up to expectations. Of course, it is going to be hit and miss for a while until as iron out the kinks associated with a venture of this kind but, with your support, we are confident that in the long run, we can create something that is not only enjoyable but supportive and beneficial to our contributors.

Thank you and happy new year to all!

Autumnwatch: why I never miss a beat

The three watches’ have become somewhat of a national institution over the years, loved by many for bringing the best of Britain’s wildlife into our homes, whatever the season. Something which they do, reliably, through an enthralling mix of both education and entertainment – seldom falling short in terms of breathtaking imagery, intriguing facts and loveable gags courtesy of the show’s presenters. They stand as a show for everyone, regardless of viewers prior knowledge and I, for one, adore them. And have rarely missed an episode since first tuning in as a lad – even finding a way to watch in monochrome while working in the depths of the Scottish highlands.

As with any TV show, however, for every thousand positive comments I see on social media, there are also negative ones. Usually centered on the show’s depiction of the countryside and its unwillingness to tackle controversial issues. Both opinions I disagree with, though points that have caused me contemplate just why I tune into the shows with such dedication. Thoughts which have given rise to a number of explanations, some of which I thought I would set out here.

Education value. Sure, the show does not bamboozle viewers with a torrent of incomprehensible scientific facts and data –  that would surely alienate a large portion of viewers who, like myself, do not boast roots in the scientific world. It does, however, manage to educate regardless. Making science palatable, when it is tackled – usually by Chris and his graphs – but also through other equally important means. The show helps with the identification of British wildlife, it provides an insight into their daily lives seldom seen by the general public and highlights the very real threats faced by said species. Whether it is discussing the plight of our Hen Harriers – as seen last night – or stressing the negative implications of Edible Dormice. All of which come in addition to a wealth of interesting facts, regarding everything from the migratory habits of our favourite bird species to the number of compounds in a droplet of mouse wee (Fascinating surely?). Having watched these programs since childhood I can say, without a doubt, that I have learned an awful lot from them. And I am sure many others have too.

Inspiration. I am unashamed to admit that last night, following the segment showing Martin eavesdropping on migrant birds, I set out and attempted to do the same – I failed, though I did hear a Tawny Owl on route home. Hooray! Whatever your thoughts on the shows, the watches’ are, without a doubt, highly inspirational. Encouraging viewers to get out and about and try new things – whether this involves developing a new means by which to enjoy wildlife, or visiting a new and previously unfamiliar setting – Who fancies a visit to Arne? I certainly hold the show responsible for my current infatuation with camera trapping and, over the years, have been inspired to visit innumerable far-flung reserves showcased by the shows.

More important than this, however, is the shows potential to inspire on a much more fundamental level. By bringing wildlife into our homes, Autumnwatch and its kin have the power to instill action on our behalf. Action that may, on occasion, directly benefit the nature at the heart programme. Whether this involves the promotion of citizen science projects or the great work of conservation charities. But also, through the direct inspiration of the next generation. The watches’, by making nature accessible and increasing our understanding of it, almost certainly contributing to our desire to protect it. Igniting the spark of curiosity in people young and old, and providing the basis from which many may the plunge into a life in conservation, ecology or education. Viewing in the early days of Springwatch certainly helped set me on my current course of action.

Awareness. Now this one links in with both of the former points but, ultimately, deserves a spot of its own. While the BBC and thus, the watches’ must remain impartial, they do have a knack for drawing our attention to important issues. Providing the basis for future reading and research and thus, the formation of opinions associated with topical issues. Take the segment on harriers shown last night – the show mentioned, absent bias, that the species is suffering greatly from human persecution. While not pointing fingers, this will undoubtedly encourage others captivated by the footage of the birds, to look further into the issue. People who, once satisfied, may then choose to act on behalf of said species. Education and inspiration often lead to environmental awareness, and this in turn, in many cases, may lead to action. Action which is sorely needed in our current, rather turbulent times.

Entertainment. Above all else, the watches’ are some of the most entertaining shows on TV, and I, for one, know that I would rather spent my week nights watching the dramatic hunting display of a Peregrine, than someone baking a cake. Autumnwatch provides all the elements essential in must-see TV – drama, intrigue, feel good moments and, occasionally, surprises. All of which is not merely conjured up for our amusement, but comes from a natural source. The natural world. You cannot get more entertaining than that, and the enthusiasm of the shows presenters goes a long way to amplifying the experience. Furthermore, who does not appreciate a good game of innuendo bingo? There have been some crackers already this season.

In keeping with the Autumnal theme of this post – Waxwing!

The New Forest is degrading, and Bambi is not to blame.

It may surprise you to learn that the New Forest, one of our few remaining relics of a more holistic Britain, is crumbling. From the inside out. The forest, like so many others in our day and age, plagued by overgrazing. The only difference being that, in this case, unlike other wooded areas continuously degraded through grazing pressure – the Caledonian Pine woods of Scotland, for example – that Bambi is not to blame. And the real culprit is one you may not immediately suspect.

The New Forest is unique among British woodlands. Comprising an intriguing mix of ancient woodland and open heath which, together, provide the ideal conditions for biodiversity to flourish.  Indeed, the forest itself is home to some 92% of Britain’s reptile species, with Slow Worms, Adders and, increasingly threatened Sand Lizards still, mercifully, abundant. It also boasts an incredibly diverse floral community: of ancient Beech trees and towering Oaks, which cast their imposing shadows over an understory rich Holly and Hazel. The botanical elements that make up this great wood, irresistible to woodland birds. Including red-listed species of conservation concern. And, on a good day, one may bear witness to Honey Buzzards pirouetting above the canopy, Lesser-Spotted Woodpeckers foraging amid the daintiest of fronds, or, at dusk, Nightjars hawking the heathland clearings. The New Forest is, by all accounts, the jewel in the crown of our modern woodland realm. Albeit one that is being gradually tarnished.

As well as the creatures listed above, and more amphibians, fungi and endearing invertebrates than you can shake a stick at, the New Forest is also, and quite famously, home to ponies. Ponies that have roamed in the shade of the forest for centuries. And, through the practice of “commoning”, have greatly contributed to the forests current visage. Their persistent grazing helping maintain a favourable condition for much of the wildlife that persists there today. At least until now.

In the present day, the ponies that have for centuries, shaped this special place, are a major factor in its continued demise. Their population soaring from c2000 individuals during the 1960’s, to an estimated 5000 today. An increase aided, in no small part, by subsidies which – under the Under the Verderers’ Grazing Scheme (VGS) – can pay each farmer up to £68.00 per pony, annually. The problem only bolstered by yet more financial incentives for commoners to increase their stock, with a new system of payments, which offers £269 per pony, coming into force just last year. Under the EU-funded Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).

These payments – which effectively reward farmers for increasing the size of their herds – are doubtless a leading factor in the forests current battle with overgrazing. And have, for the large part, gone relatively unscrutinized for many years, until now. With multiple sources now voicing their concerns over the current system, and the impact it is having on the forest ecosystem. And many veteran trees now feeling the effects of an unsustainable number of ponies.

Among those critical of the current schemes is prominent naturalist Chris Packham, who recently expressed his concerns to The Guardian. Warning that if action is not taken to combat overgrazing now, that “there will be no New Forest tomorrow“. While Sam Manning, the founder of the up and coming conservation campaign group ‘Wilder’, has also expressed his concerns on the matter. Echoing worries about the forest and the damage being brought about by its wayward ponies:

“We know that ponies have a grazing intake three times higher than deer. Deer numbers are at a historic low of 2000, while ponies are over 5000. The stripping of bark on beech trees photographed in the guardian article is not the result of ponies as some have suggested. The forestry commission has evidence that it is certain individual ponies. A meeting has been had on this issue by the verderers (minutes available on their website ) and still, nothing has been done about the issue.

There is a lack of political will amongst the managing organisations in the forest, about solving the issue of overgrazing. If this problem is not solved, the long-term condition of the New Forest’s rare and treasured habitats will decline further.“

Sam, who I have spoken to at length about the matter, has also stressed that neither Wilder, nor himself, condone a cull of ponies. Instead drawing attention to the other means by which grazing impact may be reduced:

“Numbers could be reduced by restricting breeding (which is controllable) and overseeing a generational phase out of the current levels. Allowing ponies to live out their natural lives, alternatively, individuals could be sold. Grazing is essential to the new forest ecosystem, too little and habitats scrub over, but too much – and we see the damage to biodiversity that is occurring now, there needs to be a scientifically advised cap on pony numbers, and commoners should be financially incentivised to maintain an optimum grazing level.“

Opinion

Like any issue that clashes with agricultural, and indeed, cultural interests, this is not an argument that is going to vanish anytime soon. Though, to me, the course of action is clear. Pony numbers must be kept in check: both for the sake of the unique ecosystem at the heart of the New Forest, and the many scarce species that call it home. While subsidies have, and continue to, bring about positive change for the environment, they should not be issued absent thought. And their impacts should be properly thought out. Something which, in this case, was clearly not the case. The New Forest is a bastion of life amid our increasingly degraded countryside, and it cannot be allowed to fall into ruin. Commoners must manage their stock appropriately, to mitigate the negative repercussions of overgrazing, and I cannot help but feel that a reevaluation of payment criteria may well be necessary. Both for the New Forest, and other areas similarly plague by overgrazing elsewhere in the UK.

This is an issue that, unlike many others, may be resolved with a few similar changes. Alterations that, I hope, would help reach a beneficial solution for both the embattled forest and those who have worked and managed it for generations. Though only time will tell, I guess.

If you would like to get involved with Wilder, you can check them out on Twitter (@Wilder_UK) or join the movement on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wilderUK