<![CDATA[Pressat Main Newswire]]> https://pressat.co.uk/rss/ <![CDATA[Pressat Main Newswire]]> https://pressat.co.uk/media/site/logo.png https://pressat.co.uk/rss/ en-gb Copyright: (C) Pressat Pressat <![CDATA[ Dr Alastair Leake Receives National Agricultural Award for Leading The Allerton Project ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/dr-alastair-leake-receives-national-agricultural-award-for-leading-the-allerton-project-5f5a0faa67a0b13109bc5e41160efd5b/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/dr-alastair-leake-receives-national-agricultural-award-for-leading-the-allerton-project-5f5a0faa67a0b13109bc5e41160efd5b/ Friday 8 September, 2023

The Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) has awarded its 2023 National Agricultural Award to Dr Alastair Leake, the director of policy at the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT). The award recognises his outstanding contribution to British agriculture through his work leading The Allerton Project, a research and demonstration farm in Leicestershire that showcases how commercial farming and high levels of biodiversity can co-exist.



Dr Leake received the award from Andrew Wraith, Head of Food & Farming at Savills, at a ceremony held at the Royal Windsor Estate, courtesy of His Majesty the King. The award is given annually to an individual who has made a significant impact on the advancement of agriculture in the UK.



Dr Leake has been at the helm of The Allerton Project for 22 years, overseeing and leading ground-breaking research on the effects of different farming methods on biodiversity. The Allerton farm is one of the DEFRA Sustainable Intensification Demonstration Platforms and has attracted thousands of visitors, including farmers, policymakers, researchers, and students, who have learned from its innovative practices.



The award judges praised Dr. Leake for his tireless efforts to discover and communicate how agricultural production systems can allow for high levels of food production and biodiversity to occur simultaneously. David Grint, CEO of the Royal Agricultural Society, said “We were delighted to present Alastair with the RASE National Agricultural Award. He has made an extraordinary contribution to British agriculture through his work leading The Allerton Project, which has done so much to pioneer and popularise ways of farming with nature.”



At a when intensive agriculture has too often been associated with environmental degradation, Dr Leake has shown how farming with nature can benefit both farmers and wildlife.



Dr Leake said he was “humbled, honoured and thrilled” to receive the award. “I have been fortunate to have worked alongside some outstanding colleagues through my 30 years of involvement with agricultural and environmental trials”, he commented, “the incredibly generous gift of the Loddington Estate by the Late Lord and Lady Allerton and their vision for the Allerton Project has inspired all of us. Never before has it been so important for us to find ways to grow our food and protect nature and the environment simultaneously.”




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 08 Sep 2023 15:39:54 GMT Environment & Nature Farming & Animals
<![CDATA[ Capercaillie faces extinction despite conservation efforts to reverse decline ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/capercaillie-faces-extinction-despite-conservation-efforts-to-reverse-decline-6217b77350faa274caeed71ceb2c3dcc/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/capercaillie-faces-extinction-despite-conservation-efforts-to-reverse-decline-6217b77350faa274caeed71ceb2c3dcc/ Thursday 7 September, 2023

New research by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) has shown that capercaillie numbers in Scotland have nearly halved in 10 years, with as few as 304 birds remaining in 2020, compared to 580 in 2010. The figures show capercaillie heading towards extinction unless further measures are put in place to save this iconic bird.


The largest grouse in the world, capercaillie was once widespread across Scotland before going extinct in the 1780s. Following reintroduction efforts in the 1830s it is now only found in old pine forests in the Scottish Highlands, primarily in the Cairngorms National Park.


Capercaillie are now red-listed and protected in the UK. In the 1970s there were around 20,000 left in Scotland but since then numbers have been declining despite efforts to help them.


When transect-based national surveys were first carried out between 1992 and 1994, they indicated there were around 2,200 birds left in Scotland. By 1999 only 1,073 were thought to remain.


During the 10-year-long GWCT study, numbers declined by 48%, with the biggest decline in the last five years of the study.


Dr David Baines, Head of Uplands Research at GWCT, said: “Declines are associated with a reduction in breeding success, which varies annually in relation to poor weather in June when chicks are growing and increased signs of predators such as pine marten in recent decades.


“This has happened despite efforts by land managers to improve habitat, and legally control foxes and crows.


“To reverse the trend and save the capercaillie from once again dying out in Scotland, we need to take urgent action and conservation measures must be stepped up, including legal predator control, reducing predation risk by pine marten and further reducing the risk of bird collisions with deer fences.”


Brood monitoring essential


GWCT scientists wanted to establish more accurate population estimates and longer-term trends by investigating whether annual counts of males at spring leks, and counts of adults and their young in August, could be combined with published survival rates.


Counts of adults and their broods in August showed that between 2010 and 2020 breeding success fell from 1.24 chicks per female to 0.05 across five forests in Badenoch & Strathspey. This was linked to a progressive decline in the number of males at leks of 2.9% per year.


This approach provided more up to date information than that from national transect-based surveys, which only took place every six years and produced relatively imprecise population estimates.


Dr Baines continued: "Given the importance of low breeding success in the current decline and the variety of changing factors that influence annual success, the Trust firmly recommends that the previously comprehensive programme of brood monitoring should be restored to provide more robust estimates of productivity."


Conservation must be focussed on the Cairngorms


­Researchers visited leks - when males put on displays to attract the females - in four areas across Scotland in late April or early May when bird activity was highest. Declines were seen across the capercaillie’s Scottish range.


In Deeside & Donside and Morayshire & Ross-shire, the number of males halved between 2010 and 2019, and in Perthshire & Trossachs only one male remained by 2019. In Badenoch & Strathspey, the number of males initially increased, then decreased from 2015.


It also showed that Badenoch & Strathspey, in the Cairngorms, is now where 83% of the remaining males reside, highlighting the urgent need for conservation action in this area to prevent extinction of the species in the UK.


Deer fences cause deaths


The devasting impact that collisions with deer fences can have on capercaillie and the related black grouse is now well established. These fences, designed to keep deer out of regenerating woodlands, can both injure and kill capercaillie when they fly into them.


Trust research proved that by marking fences, bird collisions can be reduced but not prevented. Despite this knowledge, many fences dangerous to capercaillie and black grouse remain and of these many are unmarked. This new study suggests those fences are still impacting capercaillie by killing full-grown birds.


Dr Baines explained: “By 2020, the risk of capercaillie extinction in Scotland was 23% after 25 years, 95% after 50 years and 100% after 100 years.


“When we removed deaths caused by fences from our analyses, the likelihood of extinction went right down to 0% after 25 years, 3% after 50 and 40% after 100 years, highlighting that fence removal must be an immediate and high priority to help save the capercaillie.”


Ends


Note to editors:


This research was funded by the G & K Boyes Charitable Trust, which supports charitable organisations with a focus on education, training, advancement of health or saving lives, arts, culture, heritage, science, environment and conservation.


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 07 Sep 2023 14:47:44 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals
<![CDATA[ New study shows grouse moor management is helping to slow curlew decline ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/new-study-shows-grouse-moor-management-is-helping-to-slow-curlew-decline-08bbd560a10bbabab889858687c304d9/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/new-study-shows-grouse-moor-management-is-helping-to-slow-curlew-decline-08bbd560a10bbabab889858687c304d9/ Tuesday 8 August, 2023

Breeding curlews are raising four times as many chicks on the UK’s grouse moors, compared to similar unmanaged moorland sites, a new peer-reviewed scientific study by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) has found.



The research shows that in addition to maintaining healthy numbers of curlew, grouse moor management can provide a surplus of fledglings potentially aiding species recovery.



Curlew reared 1.05 fledglings per pair on grouse moors, almost double the rate of 0.5 – 0.6 needed to keep numbers stable. In contrast, on nearby non-grouse moors they only fledged 0.27 chicks per pair, well below that break-even point.



This is against a backdrop of the UK curlew population’s steady decline since the 1990s. Around a quarter of the world’s curlew breed here. However, since 1990 that population has halved, significantly impacting global numbers. The species has IUCN Near Threatened status and is red-listed in the UK.



Researchers also found that other wading birds, such as lapwings, golden plovers, oystercatchers and redshanks, benefited and raised more chicks on sites where predator control was in place as part of grouse management.



Director of Upland Research Dr Dave Baines who led the project said: “This study shows that the provision of suitable habitat alone is insufficient to prevent the decline of the curlew, which is threatened with extinction in many parts of the UK.



"By providing adequate control of generalist avian and mammalian predators alongside suitable habitat, grouse moor management not only maintains stable numbers of curlew and other waders, but also increases their productivity to the point of generating a surplus.



"In contrast, the control sites used in the comparative study, which had similar habitat but lacked predation management, saw continued declines.”



Findings



The team of scientists found that twice as many waders, on average four species, were recorded on grouse moors, compared to non-grouse moors, where on average three species were seen. Redshank and golden plover were found on half of the grouse moors studied, but only on 20% of non-grouse moors.



On grouse moors, it was estimated that two thirds of curlew pairs successfully hatched chicks, compared to just 17% of pairs on non-grouse moors.



They also found that, whilst habitat measures varied between sites in different regions, they showed no significant differences between grouse moors and non-grouse moors in the same block.



The study suggests that without predator control on UK grouse moors, and specifically the control of foxes and corvids, national curlew declines would have been more severe. In addition to loss of habitat and changes in farming methods, reduced breeding success due to egg and chick predation is a limiting factor on curlew recovery.



Using satellite images



Scientists surveyed 18 pairs of sites on moorland and moor-edge farmland across North Wales, northern England, the Scottish Borders and the Scottish Highlands over the breeding season.



The team recorded the number, location, and behaviour of all breeding waders on five separate visits during different stages of the breeding season: pre-nesting, incubation and chick-rearing.



They also used satellite imagery to estimate the proportion of different habitat types within each site, and measured vegetation height and composition, together with the level of grazing by cows and sheep.



The numbers of corvid, gull, and raptor species seen on each site visit were also recorded, and fox scats were counted along tracks and paths to estimate fox activity.



Almost 900 pairs of waders were recorded, of which almost half were curlew, a quarter were lapwing, and the remaining quarter comprised of snipe, oystercatcher, golden plover, and redshank.



The study was published in the European Journal of Wildlife Research.



Ends

Notes for editors:


A grouse moor: A moorland managed for grouse shooting where generalist predators such as foxes, stoats, rats, weasels and corvids are legally controlled all year round by full-time gamekeepers.A non-grouse moor: Another site with similar habitat, but without gamekeepers and where predators are not controlled.

This research was funded by the G & K Boyes Charitable Trust, which supports charitable organisations with a focus on education, training, advancement of health or saving lives, arts, culture, heritage, science, environment and conservation.



The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 08 Aug 2023 14:46:55 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals
<![CDATA[ The Allerton Project Event: Five years of arable rotation research ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/the-allerton-project-event-five-years-of-arable-rotation-research-1c6febf9a0a52ede2d85435183ffa788/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/the-allerton-project-event-five-years-of-arable-rotation-research-1c6febf9a0a52ede2d85435183ffa788/ Tuesday 4 July, 2023

The Allerton Project in Leicestershire is holding an information event to present the results from 5 years of collaborative research to evaluate the effects of ley type (herbal versus grass-clover), ley management (grazing versus mowing), ley duration (2 years versus 3 years) and post-ley tillage (direct drilling versus ploughing) on soil, weeds and crops.


It will be hosted at the Visitors Centre at Loddington between 10.00 and 15.00 on 7th July 2023. Tickets are £24 and include lunch. BOOK YOUR SPACE HERE



For more than 30 years the Allerton Project, established by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), has been at the cutting edge of research into sustainable farming methods, biodiversity, habitat creation and rural landscape management.



Combining a modern, productive farm with a full-time research team, the Allerton Project has advised farmers and influenced policy since its inception.



Ends




Notes to editors


The GWCT Allerton Project allertontrust.org.uk/



The GWCT Allerton Project is a combination of commercial farming, research, demonstration and community engagement, based on a 320-hectare estate in Leicestershire, United Kingdom. The Project researches the effects of different farming methods on wildlife and the environment, sharing results of our research through advisory and educational activities. Visitors to the project include businesses, policy makers, non-government organisations, regulators, farmers, advisors, students and schools.


We identify management that delivers multiple benefits for our rural landscape. Our work covers natural capital accounting, agri-environment schemes and regenerative farming systems. From soil and water, to woodland and environmental habitat that increases biodiversity, our aim is to build farmland resilience. Our own research team collaborate with other research organisations and help co-supervise numerous PhD and MSc projects.



The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust gwct.org.uk – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 04 Jul 2023 11:41:45 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals
<![CDATA[ Farmland projects showcase ways to halt the biodiversity crisis ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/farmland-projects-showcase-ways-to-halt-the-biodiversity-crisis-25bac0d0fd9a994504860ea9073b401c/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/farmland-projects-showcase-ways-to-halt-the-biodiversity-crisis-25bac0d0fd9a994504860ea9073b401c/ Friday 30 June, 2023

The success of two farmland projects run across the North Sea region have shown that there are potential ways to halt the biodiversity crisis.


BEESPOKE and PARTRIDGE, both led by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, presented their results at a conference in Brussels.



Farmers, scientists, conservationists, farm advisors, hunters, and policymakers gathered to share their solutions and recommendations to reverse biodiversity loss across the region and increase wild bee numbers to aid crop pollination.



The two projects used the grey partridge and bees as their respective indicator species to show the impact of good advice, collaboration and innovation as tools to deliver more nature in the farmed environment.



Despite support and policy from the European Commission, the farmland bird index has fallen by 34% since 1990, with the grey partridge one of the worst affected, and a third of bee species are in decline.



What these two projects offer is hope and clear solutions for success by facilitating stakeholders to work together. Farmers are brought together in clusters, supported by advisors, hunters, agronomists, local and national authorities and the wider public.



Under the PARTRIDGE Project, ten 500-hectare demonstration sites have increased wildlife-friendly habitats by an average of 4.5% to an overall 11% since 2017, which is far more than the average 4% on Europe’s farmland.



Seventy farmers, supported by 615 researchers, students, volunteers, and hunters undertook habitat management and wildlife monitoring to improve the landscape and boost biodiversity.



To get an accurate picture of their progress, participants undertook farmland bird monitoring by walking a combined 5,000km, the equivalent of walking from Brussels to Baghdad.



Specific seed mix



Their hard work has led to significantly higher diversity and abundance of farmland birds as well as flower-rich pollinator habitats, compared to what is typically found on conventional arable farmland.



Key to the project’s success was the creation of a specific PARTRIDGE seed mix, which contains almost 30 species of plants, 19 of which are native to Britain.



This supports considerably larger insect numbers than a standard wild bird seed mix and has now been adopted by more than 2,000 farmers after the project saw it introduced as an agri-environment scheme option in the Netherlands, Flanders, England and Lower Saxony.



The project concluded that if all arable farmland looked like its ten project sites, the farmland biodiversity crisis would not exist, and hence offers a blueprint for policymakers and practitioners to halt and reverse the decline of biodiversity on Britain’s and Europe’s farmland.



Biodiversity umbrella species



Why did PARTRIDGE choose the grey partridge as their flagship species? In the words of Dr Francis Buner, project lead for PARTRIDGE and a head scientist for the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust in the UK: “If we do what is right for the grey partridge, we do what is right for farmland biodiversity.”



Recognised as a farmland biodiversity umbrella species, the partridge’s need for good nesting cover, a rich availability of insect life, and protection from predators year-round means that if they are thriving, so too should, in Dr Francis’ words, “bees, birds, mammals and anything that’s crawling on the ground".



The BEESPOKE project, which began in 2019, showcases a similar level of innovation, with different seed mix prescriptions for different crops, including soft fruits, top fruit and grassland. This link between supporting pollinators and increasing yields is hoped to encourage farmers to establish new wildflower areas.



Professor John Holland, who led BEESPOKE in the UK, and Dr Michelle Fountain, spoke about the predictive tools they have produced, demonstrating the added value flower strips can provide for farmers and how much habitat is needed to boost pollinators on a local level.



Different bees also have different needs, as beekeeper Lotta Fabricus was keen to highlight. Honeybees forage up to 3km, whereas solitary bees are only foraging over 100m.



“Key threat for humanity”



Speakers at the conference, held on 30 May, were keen to showcase that our biodiversity crisis is not just bad news for the birds and the bees, but for mankind as well.



“Biodiversity loss is a key threat for humanity,” said Anne-Sophie Mulier, Policy & Project Officer of the European Landowners’ Organisation (ELO) during her introductory keynote speech.



The facts she laid out were striking – half of global GDP is linked to nature, with insect pollination worth €15 billion to the EU every single year.



These projects have each shown that there is potential for us to turn around this crisis, but we need much more engagement and ambition.



“What we have seen in PARTRIDGE is that we need to increase the scale from the farm to the landscape level," said Andrea Kuiper of Birdlife Netherlands.



It is essential that farmers are engaged and economically incentivised and are also able to see the impact of their hard work.



“Farmers must be rewarded for their efforts and rules must be kept simple and clear, otherwise farmers won’t take part," emphasised Laurent Govaert, a young farmer from Flanders who took part in both projects.



“We see the effect - a lot of insects, butterflies we’ve never seen before. The effect is real. If you can bring this to the people and the industries using our products, that’s good,” he said.



Ends




Note to editors:


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust gwct.org.uk – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 30 Jun 2023 12:30:03 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals
<![CDATA[ World famous chalk streams will benefit from expanded Environmental Farmers Group ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/world-famous-chalk-streams-will-benefit-from-expanded-environmental-farmers-group-fd5f67dbbc9770dd61b63753b70b57ac/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/world-famous-chalk-streams-will-benefit-from-expanded-environmental-farmers-group-fd5f67dbbc9770dd61b63753b70b57ac/ Wednesday 28 June, 2023

Thirty-one farmers of the Test and Itchen catchments in Hampshire are set to join the 147 neighbouring farmers already supporting the Environmental Farmers Group (EFG) making 178 farms, covering 81,344 hectares, the largest initiative of its kind.


The EFG was set up to help its members navigate the carbon, phosphate and biodiversity offset market, giving them an opportunity to replace the loss of subsidy by implementing conservation measures on their land to mitigate developments elsewhere.


Simon Packer, director of regional planning consultancy Turley, welcomed the news: “The EFG is a very interesting and encouraging initiative and I’m pleased to hear that the Test and Itchen Group is joining the cooperative.


"There was an increase in nutrient mitigation schemes in the area a couple of years ago, but the credits available are rapidly being consumed and I’m not convinced there is sufficient alternative capacity coming through. I can also see strong evidence of increased demand for off-site biodiversity offset solutions.”


Environmental track record and clear goals


The group’s expansion will make restoration of rare chalk stream habitats a key component of the EFG’s three principle aims of biodiversity and species recovery, clean water and net carbon zero farming by 2040.


The farmers involved already have a proven track record of delivering measurable improvements on the ground. Joe Edwards, manages the Middleton Estate, which has dramatically improved the water quality along its three-mile stretch of the Test.


He said: “We set out to recover the river combining a wide range of measures including bringing back ranunculus and other habitats that the insects will naturally thrive in and encouraging wild brown trout reproduction.


"The result was when we tested the water for 300 chemicals, it showed that the water’s cleaner when it leaves Middleton than when it entered.


"There are other private land managers on the Test who are starting to think about implementing similar management and I believe the EFG’s conservation plan, led by GWCT Chief Exec Teresa Dent, will succeed in protecting the river.”


Improving water quality will be a central aim, but the two catchments have many other spectacular natural habitats and species, which need protecting and enhancing, including rare chalk downland wildflowers.


James Hewetson-Brown runs Ashe Warren Farm near the source of the Test. Alongside his arable operation he and his wife Claire set up Wildflower Turf Ltd.


Watch and listen to James explaining the benefits of being part of the EFG.


James said: “Recently research showed that half our native plants have declined over the past 20 years. Hampshire chalk downland is famous for its wildflowers and we have encouraged their return through managing margins round the edges of our fields.


"The EFG has great potential to unlock funding to create new and better networks of these type of measures and restore wildflowers to the countryside.


"Farmers are in so many ways best placed to deliver really good biodiversity because they have the equipment and practical understanding to make it work and by joining together, they can achieve it on a scale that will make a real difference.”


The EFG cooperative is a ground-breaking, farmer-led approach to landscape-scale conservation. As well as meeting the challenges of nature recovery and climate change on a huge scale, it will support farmers to deliver increased food security through a blend of public and private funding, which would otherwise be difficult for individual farm businesses to access.


While benefitting from being part of a larger cooperative, the Test and Itchen group’s local knowledge and cultural identity will be key to its success.


Many of the families involved have farmed the same land for generations representing centuries of continuous connection with the local countryside. They are experts at delivering practical land management and personally invested for the sake of future generations.


Supported by a scientific organisation


The EFG is convened by the GWCT, whose scientific research lies behind pioneering agri-environment schemes.


GWCT Chief Exec Teresa Dent said: “At the end of 2022 the Westminster government set out its legally-binding environmental targets. For instance, it wants to reverse declines in species abundance by 2030. At the same time there is an imperative to increase UK food security.


"We applaud these ambitions but note that government is going to need to harness the environmental delivery of the farmers and land managers, the Working Conservationists, who look after the 72% of land that is in private stewardship in England.


"The addition of the farmers of the Test and Itchen to the EFG is an important step on the way to achieving this. We just need every farmer to improve on their previous best and the combined effect of them working together could be significant.”


Accredited by a trusted body, brokering a blended finance model


The environmental auditing and monitoring of EFG projects will be carried out by Natural Capital Advisory (NCA). Funding will be a combination of public money in the form of Environmental Land Management Schemes and private finance from sponsorship, green investments and offset markets.


NCA chief exec Christopher Sparrow said: “In an often confusing and uncertain emerging market, which requires long-term commitments, landowners and investors can be reassured that NCA has the right professional experience to deliver the highest quality advice and ongoing monitoring service.


"Our partnership with EFG will appeal to investors who want to see tangible guaranteed environmental outcomes and contribute to the restoration of some of our most iconic landscapes, places they can visit to see the improvements for themselves.”


Ends


Notes for editors:


EFG was formed when lead farmers from several Farmer Clusters in Wiltshire and Hampshire catchments came together at GWCT’s suggestion (and with the endorsement of the NFU) to create a farmer-led, farmer-owned environmental cooperative. The aim is to deliver environmental enhancement over a larger scale and achieve fair financial reward for the farmers for delivering this change. EFG has recently completed its first trade worth c. £1m and has a further trading pipeline of £11m. The group is going from success to success and was recently used as a case study in both the UK Government’s Green Finance Strategy and the Food, Farming & Countryside Commission’s Natural Capital Markets report.


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust gwct.org.uk – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 28 Jun 2023 15:28:50 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals
<![CDATA[ How observing the wandering twilight flights of woodcock will help inform conservation policy for Red-listed bird ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/how-observing-the-wandering-twilight-flights-of-woodcock-will-help-inform-conservation-policy-for-red-listed-bird-c0117b0370efcac108c731cd158cebe1/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/how-observing-the-wandering-twilight-flights-of-woodcock-will-help-inform-conservation-policy-for-red-listed-bird-c0117b0370efcac108c731cd158cebe1/ Thursday 13 April, 2023

Lighter Spring evenings mean the start of the ‘roding’ season for the normally shy woodcock. And this Spring sees the start of the decennial Breeding Woodcock Survey, being run nationwide by the GWCT and British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). The Breeding Woodcock Survey was first held in 2003 and repeated in 2013.


Between 1st April and 1st July hundreds of volunteers will station themselves in woodland clearings at dusk across Britain and Northern Ireland to record the ‘roding’ display flights of male woodcock. The survey aims to gather up-to-date evidence on the size and distribution of the resident breeding population of this Red-Listed, woodland-dwelling wader, which will help to inform woodcock conservation.


“The 2023 count should help us to understand if the worrying decline shown by the 2013 survey has continued in the intervening decade or if, in fact, breeding woodcock are holding their own in some parts of the British Isles,” said Dr Chris Heward of the GWCT, which leads the way in woodcock research in the UK.


“With the help of hundreds of dedicated volunteers – BTO and GWCT members, seasoned ornithologists and casual wildlife-watchers – we hope to make this the largest and most accurate assessment of Britain’s breeding woodcock population to date,” continued Chris.


Watching the annual roding display offers a surprising view of this much-loved bird. Between March and July, male woodcock perform wandering twilight flights over the woodland canopy, squeaking and grunting as they go, searching for females who await in glades and rides below. These roding routes were once believed to be territorial patrols but are now known to be a lek-like display in which rival males compete for the right to mate. For the human observer, used to little more than a fleeting glance of a flushed bird, it is an opportunity to see woodcock in a very different light. Doing the survey also gives volunteers a chance to see other wildlife, such as nightjars, tawny owls and glow worms.


The Breeding Woodcock Survey uses a methodology specially developed by the GWCT that relies upon the woodcock’s conspicuous display behaviour during roding. Surveyors record sightings of displaying woodcock during a 75-minute period, starting at 15 minutes before sunset, and then submit their data to the national survey.


The data from across the UK allows GWCT scientists to produce density estimates for sites representing different regions and wood sizes. From this national sample, which organisers hope will exceed 1000 sites in 2023, they can extrapolate to regional and national estimates of population size. Running successive surveys over long periods also allows the team to assess population change over time; between 2003 and 2013, the British population estimate dropped by 29%.


“The 2023 survey may also show any potential benefits arising from the increasing woodland planting that we have seen over the life of the survey,” commented Chris. “We think woodcock like young woodland, so we are also asking survey volunteers to record some simple habitat measures, like the presence of newly-planted trees, that will help us understand any possible relationship with forestry management.”


Getting involved


The BTO and GWCT are delighted that volunteers have come forward in record numbers to help with the 2023 survey.


“If you have already registered to take part, please remember that it is important to complete all of your counts and submit your data by the end of July. All survey data are of value to the project, including zero counts, which enable us to record areas where woodcock are absent. We are hopeful that, with your help, this will be the largest and most complete assessment of resident breeding woodcock in the UK,” said Chris.


The majority of survey sites now have volunteers assigned to them, but there are still small numbers of vacant survey sites scattered across the UK. In some locations where there are fewer potential surveyors particularly in the North of England, mid-Wales and West of Scotland, we are particularly keen to encourage participation. There is still ample time to register and take part. For more details of how to get involved visit www.bto.org/woodcock


“By taking part in this survey, volunteers will provide an essential contribution to science and play a critical role in helping us determine the future conservation actions required to benefit this mysterious woodland bird,” commented David Norfolk of the BTO, who leads the organisation of the 2023 Woodcock Survey.


“No particular bird skills or experience is required other than the ability to identify Woodcock in roding flight, and familiarity with their unusual grunt and squeak flight calls. The survey also offers a unique opportunity to observe woodland wildlife just as day turns to night, providing a magical and memorable experience in the process,” said David.


Ends


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust gwct.org.uk – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.


BTO is the UK's leading bird research charity. A growing membership and up to 60,000 volunteer birdwatchers contribute to BTO's surveys, collecting information that underpins conservation action in the UK. BTO maintains a staff of 100 at its offices in Thetford, Stirling, Bangor (Wales) and Belfast (Northern Ireland), who analyse and publicise the results of surveys and projects. BTO's work is funded by BTO supporters, government, trusts, industry and conservation organisations. www.bto.org




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 13 Apr 2023 16:36:55 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Government Leisure & Hobbies
<![CDATA[ Poole Harbour oil spill could have serious consequences for threatened migratory fish, say GWCT experts ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/poole-harbour-oil-spill-could-have-serious-consequences-for-threatened-migratory-fish-say-gwct-experts-67eb873147ebbc8ef515bc8796231a68/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/poole-harbour-oil-spill-could-have-serious-consequences-for-threatened-migratory-fish-say-gwct-experts-67eb873147ebbc8ef515bc8796231a68/ Thursday 30 March, 2023

UK wide conservation organisation the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), has today highlighted it’s serious concerns over the impact of the 200-barrel fluid leak into Poole Harbour on protected migratory fish. The GWCT operates the Salmon & Trout Research Centre on the River Frome at East Stoke, Dorset which has been monitoring the salmon population in depth for 50 years.


A major incident was declared on Sunday 26 March 2023, when a leak occurred at a pipeline operated by gas company Perenco.


The leak coincides with the start of the sea-bound migration of vulnerable young Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and sea trout (Salmo trutta), known as smolts, from the Rivers Frome and Piddle which flow directly through Poole Harbour. The young salmon and trout hatch from eggs laid by adults in the river, where they spend between 1 – 3 years before migrating to sea from March to mid-May. Here they will feed and grow for a further 1 – 3 years before returning to the river of their birth to reproduce.


Every Spring GWCT scientists trap smolts to quantify how many are leaving the river and to scan them for a PIT-tag (a microchip which enables them to identify individuals) and record biometric information, before releasing them.


“This is the worst possible time for migratory salmonids. We are currently catching them in numbers through our smolt trap so we know that they are passing through Poole harbour at the moment,” said GWCT Head of Fisheries Research, Dr Rasmus Lauridsen.


Dylan Roberts Head of Fisheries at GWCT, which is a member of the Missing Salmon Alliance, said “During their migration through estuaries, they are at a crucial and highly sensitive stage of their life cycle as their bodies adjust to transferring from living in rivers to sea water. We are extremely concerned that these increasingly rare young fish, may perish in the polluted waters.”


When exposed to oil, adult fish may experience reduced growth, enlarged livers, changes in heart and respiration rates, fin erosion, and reproduction impairment. Fish eggs and larvae can be especially sensitive to lethal and sublethal impacts. Even when lethal impacts are not observed, oil can make fish and shellfish unsafe for humans to eat.[1]


The River Frome is recognised for its environmental importance. It is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its ecology and geomorphology including salmon and sea trout, and a Special Protection Area (SPA) for Birds. Poole Harbour designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protected Area and a Ramsar site.


Some areas of the British Isles have seen over a 70% decline in wild Atlantic salmon in the past 25 years. Most wild salmon populations in England’s rivers are below sustainable levels and classified as ‘At Risk’ by the Environment Agency which is tasked with their protection.


Atlantic salmon are listed as vulnerable on the European IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is also a species of international concern and is listed under the Bern convention, and listed to be protected under the Water Framework Directive. The Rivers Frome and Piddle, which flow into Poole Harbour, are home to other migratory species which migrate from rivers to the marine environment for part of their life cycle. These include the European Eel (Anguilla Anguilla) which is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, and the Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), which are migrating through Poole Harbour at this time of year.


The River Frome is one of twelve Index Rivers for Atlantic salmon around the North Atlantic which are used to report the condition of wild salmon populations by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES), and are used to set international exploitation rates for salmon fisheries across the Atlantic.


Ends


PR Contacts:


Kate Williams, GWCT kwilliams@gwct.org.uk 07592 025476


Dylan Roberts, GWCT droberts@gwct.org.uk 07968 586538


Claire Zambuni, Missing Salmon Alliance claire@zambuni.com 07921299990  


Iona Mackay, Missing Salmon Alliance iona@zambuni.com 07504661424


Notes to Editors:


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. GWCT Hosts a dedicated Salmon and Trout Research Centre at East Stoke, on the lower River Frome in Dorset.


Missing Salmon Alliance: Founded in 2019, a group of Britain’s leading conservation-focused organisations formed the Missing Salmon Alliance. Their combined expertise has continued to drive action to save our wild Atlantic salmon from the brink of extinction. The member organisations are the Atlantic Salmon Trust, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, the Angling Trust with Fish Legal, Fisheries Management Scotland, and the Rivers Trust.




[1] https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/oilimpacts.html




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 30 Mar 2023 11:30:02 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Government Leisure & Hobbies Men's Interest Opinion Article
<![CDATA[ GWCT welcomes acknowledgement of the growing threat of wildfire in the UK Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) new progress report ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/gwct-welcomes-acknowledgement-of-the-growing-threat-of-wildfire-in-the-uk-climate-change-committees-ccc-new-progress-report-2c06a742eb600c0014d151c241a1ed40/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/gwct-welcomes-acknowledgement-of-the-growing-threat-of-wildfire-in-the-uk-climate-change-committees-ccc-new-progress-report-2c06a742eb600c0014d151c241a1ed40/ Thursday 30 March, 2023

The GWCT welcomes the UK Climate Change Committee's 2023 report and its acknowledgement that the risk of wildfire will increase significantly in future decades. The report states: “The events of the last year [2022 saw the highest annual number of wildfires (greater than 30 hectares) ever recorded in the UK] reinforce the urgency of making better preparations for climate change now. Action cannot be delayed further.”


The report expresses concern that there is no national coordinated strategy to identify and mitigate risks of wildfire in England to people, habitats, food production, property and infrastructure. Furthermore, it recommends a number of actions to build resilience including the “management of vegetation and fuels (but minimising adverse biodiversity impacts)” and the “mapping of future UK wildfire risks”.


GWCT CEO Teresa Dent said,


“GWCT is very pleased to see the references to the need to protect vulnerable habitats from wildfire and to map future wildfire risk as these were key outcomes from a GWCT-hosted wildfire workshop in January 2023, chaired by Lord Deben, chairman of the UK CCC.


“At the workshop expert contributions were made from the UK and around the world combining inputs from scientists, practical land managers, firefighters, government officials, policymakers, meteorologists, and CCC staff. Many types of knowledge were shared: scientific; observational; experiential; practical and behavioural.


“Our thanks to all attendees in particular Lord Deben and the keynote speakers, Professor Morgan Varner of Tall Timbers in the US, Marc Castellnou of the Catalan Fire & Rescue Service, Professor Claire Belcher of the wildFIRE lab at Exeter University and Paul Hedley the National Fire Chiefs Council wildfire lead.”


The workshop reached a consensus on the need to increase understanding among policymakers and the wider public of the environmental, economic and social impacts of wildfire, together with the need for active management to mitigate these impacts and reduce the increasing risk of wildfire. Additionally, the workshop concluded the current policy is ineffective in its reliance on the fire and rescue services to put out/suppress wildfires and that further preventative intervention was required to manage fuel loads.


Teresa Dent continued:


“GWCT is pleased to see that the strong conclusions from the workshop including a national coordinated wildfire strategy, local wildfire response plans and the management of vegetation and fuels are now recommended actions in the CCC report.”


The GWCT’s team of upland ecologists has been working on sustainable upland management issues since 1979. In 2020 it published a Peatland Report which reviewed the environmental impacts including carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions and wildfire on peatland in England associated with grouse moor management. This report initiated conversations with the CCC. In 2022, GWCT published a second report Sustaining Ecosystems looking at the ecosystem delivery of English grouse moors compared to other upland land uses. It showed that grouse moor management performed well compared to those other land uses in terms of wildfire risk mitigation and carbon storage and emissions.


Available for Interview: Teresa Dent, Chief Executive GWCT


To arrange, please contact Joe Dimbleby jdimbleby@gwct.org.uk, tel 07708 200856


Ends


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust gwct.org.uk – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 30 Mar 2023 11:00:01 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Government
<![CDATA[ 90 years and counting: historic citizen-science scheme calls on land managers to help red-listed grey partridge ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/90-years-and-counting-historic-citizen-science-scheme-calls-on-land-managers-to-help-red-listed-grey-partridge-3a4d3661edf89ca79d68ee59849edb49/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/90-years-and-counting-historic-citizen-science-scheme-calls-on-land-managers-to-help-red-listed-grey-partridge-3a4d3661edf89ca79d68ee59849edb49/ Wednesday 8 March, 2023

A countrywide bird survey is using its 90th birthday to call on farmers and land managers to join and commit to supporting wildlife. Since 1933, the Partridge Count Scheme (PCS) run by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), has asked volunteers to count grey partridges twice a year and submit their results to a national database.


“The future of the grey partridge rests in the hands of those who farm and manage our countryside, through the land management measures that they can implement,” says Neville Kingdon who runs the PCS. “Grey partridges face many of the same challenges as other farmland wildlife – food supply, nesting cover and the impacts of predation.”


The wild grey partridge, Perdix perdix, was once widespread but is now one of the UK’s fastest-declining bird species, with numbers having plummeted by 92% between 1967 and 2020 (according to the British Trust for Ornithology). This is bad news for wider farmland biodiversity, says Neville:


“The grey partridge is one of the best indicators of farmland ecosystem health; where they thrive, biodiversity is high but in areas where few or no partridges exist, the farm environment is typically much poorer for wildlife.


“Understanding how grey partridge are faring can give you a clearer picture of the health of your land. By joining the Partridge Count Scheme and carrying out some simple monitoring, you can better understand the causes of their decline and learn how to support this wonderful bird.”


The free scheme asks those taking part to spend a few hours counting the wild grey partridges on their land in the spring and autumn. Volunteers will receive instructions and after the count will be sent site-specific feedback on how their partridges are faring and what could be holding them back. What counts uncover can provide an early warning of a problem, enabling land managers to make small incremental changes to the way they manage the land which will also benefit many other species.


The Partridge Count Scheme also provides vital data to scientists and policymakers on long-term trends and the effect that positive game and habitat management can have on grey partridges, as well as providing practical guidance to farmers and game managers on supporting grey partridges.


Over 7,600 grey partridges, or 36%, of the partridges recorded by the PCS in 2022 were in Eastern England, while Northern England counted 6,000 birds (28%). The population continues to hold on in many parts of Scotland but appears to be falling in the English Midlands and the South, with the 2022 autumn counts showing a decline in bird density.


Despite the very hot, dry summer, the 2022 autumn counts recorded a slight rise in total chick productivity (the ratio of chicks to adults counted). However, a closer look reveals a north-south variation: Scotland and northern England saw the highest productivity while the southern half of the country saw fewer young in broods.


Why are grey partridges declining?


GWCT research since 1933 has shown that the grey partridge’s decline has much to do with the intensification of food production. Since the Second World War the widespread use of herbicides and insecticides has eliminated both the arable weeds that provide food for the insects that grey partridge chicks feed on, and the insects themselves. The push to maximise production and the removal of hedges caused the loss of nesting habitat. Fewer winter stubble fields meant the removal of a vital food supply at the harshest time of year and a reduction in predation control has resulted in more hen and nest losses. These factors combined have seen the grey partridge added to the red list of birds of conservation concern.


Bare fields in the winter months provide the best chance to see the ground-dwelling grey partridge on farmland, when they gather in ‘coveys’ or family groups, to feed on seeds and shoots. Being a medium-sized bird, the grey partridge is easier to observe by non-bird watchers than most other farmland birds. Sometimes rudely described as dumpy or portly, the grey partridge has a distinctive orange face and flies with a whirring sound, with occasional glides. This little bird’s tenacity, charm and remarkable parenting ability continues to make it a favourite sight for many farmers and gamekeepers.


“At this time of year,” says Neville, “they may be out in pairs prospecting for nesting sites, or you might hear the male’s distinctive kieerr-ik kieerr-ik – calling for a mate.”


There is much that land managers can do to support the greys they have and increase future numbers while still ensuring productive farmland, according to Neville: “Especially if you only have a few pairs, if you aim to double their numbers on your land and other land managers across the country do the same, then we can make a real difference to the future of this iconic species. Please consider joining the Partridge Count Scheme.”


Landowners, managers and gamekeepers can find more information and join the scheme at www.gwct.org.uk/partridge


Ends


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust gwct.org.uk – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 08 Mar 2023 17:30:02 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals
<![CDATA[ Let’s “shout about all the good work done on farms”, says GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count founder ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/lets-shout-about-all-the-good-work-done-on-farms-says-gwct-big-farmland-bird-count-founder-da4f3064df9d4fb0829d5310113add37/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/lets-shout-about-all-the-good-work-done-on-farms-says-gwct-big-farmland-bird-count-founder-da4f3064df9d4fb0829d5310113add37/ Tuesday 24 January, 2023


3 – 19 February 2023 bfbc.org.uk. Follow on Twitter #bfbc


Sponsored by the NFU.


2023 is the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count’s tenth birthday. Ahead of this year’s count, its founder Jim Egan, is encouraging land managers to take part. He said:


“Understand that what you do makes a difference and gives the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) a superb opportunity to shout about all the good work done on farms.”


The GWCT’s Dr Roger Draycott, who now runs the count, agreed:


“In the ten years since the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count began, the commitment shown by an ever-growing number of farmers and land managers to supporting and monitoring birds and other wildlife is inspiring and should be celebrated.”


The tenth GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count takes place between 3 and 19 February. People are being asked to take just 30 minutes to count the birds they see on their land, then submit their results to the GWCT. Counting allows land managers to measure the impact of the conservation work that so many of them carry out. And the nationwide voluntary effort enables the GWCT to build a picture of the status of the UK’s farmland bird species.


The GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count is, said Roger, an opportunity to “show our appreciation for all those farmers, gamekeepers and other land managers who work so hard to support our wildlife, mostly unrecognised by the wider public.”


Celebrating the good that many farmers do is something that the National Farmers Union fully supports, having sponsored the count for the last five year. NFU President Minette Batters said:


“Not only are farmers across the country producing sustainable climate-friendly food, they are also maintaining and protecting the great British countryside, creating habitats for biodiversity to flourish and additional feeding for farmland birds.


"I would encourage all farmers to get involved in the 2023 GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count.”


Why should land managers get involved?


More than one in four of the UK’s bird species is in serious trouble, according to the most recent assessment of the status of the UK’s birds, the Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) list (2021).


“We will not halt the alarming declines of species such as curlew and skylarks if we leave it to nature reserves and national parks alone,” commented Roger. “72% of the UK’s countryside is managed by farmers, game keepers and land managers, so it is vital that we are all engaged in the effort to reverse biodiversity decline.”


“A few small changes can make a big difference,” said GWCT Game & Wildlife Advisor Amber Lole.


With responsibility for so much of the UK’s land area, private land managers can make an enormous difference to the future of our wild birds.


“Modern farming methods mean that there is often not enough natural food for wildlife left in the countryside in late winter and early spring, causing what is known as the ‘hungry gap’,” continued Amber. “One of the best things you can do to support farmland birds is to provide extra winter seed food. Supplementary feeding is particularly beneficial for birds of conservation concern like grey partridge, yellowhammer and corn bunting.”


The use of ‘conservation headlands’ – wide field margins where little or no pesticides are used – is also very good for farmland birds. Allowing broad-leaved weeds to flourish boosts insect populations which are a key food-source for birds. Planting and managing hedgerows also provides crucial food, as well as nesting habitat and a safe haven from predators.


GWCT advisors encourage land managers to maintain small wet areas around the farm to help attract wading birds. Leaving an area of uncropped, cultivated land can also provide suitable nesting and foraging areas for birds which prefer to forage on open ground, such as the red-listed lapwing, skylark, stone curlew and turtle dove.


Find more advice on supporting wild birds, and on taking part in the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count at bfbc.org.uk


Ends


Note to editors:


View our online launch at 10am on 3 February, plus videos and updates, on Twitter at @gameandwildlife #bfbc, Facebook: gamewildlifeconservationtrust and Instagram gamewildlifeconservationtrust


Sponsors & supporters


The GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count is sponsored by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), and supported by:





FUW (Farmers Union of Wales)


NFU Cymru




Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU)


NFU Scotland






Kings




CFE: Championing the Farmed Environment






FWAG: Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group




NSA: National Sheep Association






Camgrain




LEAF: Linking Environment and Farming






CLA




Perdix





Jim Egan founded the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count while working for the GWCT’s demonstration farm, the Allerton Project. Jim now works as a technical advisor for Kings Crops.


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 24 Jan 2023 16:38:38 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Leisure & Hobbies
<![CDATA[ The latest research and practical moorland management advice at the Northern England Grouse Seminar ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/the-latest-research-and-practical-moorland-management-advice-at-the-northern-england-grouse-seminar-522eaaf56af7cbbf646180dbfef3e0db/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/the-latest-research-and-practical-moorland-management-advice-at-the-northern-england-grouse-seminar-522eaaf56af7cbbf646180dbfef3e0db/ Monday 16 January, 2023

Science-based conservation techniques for ground-nesting birds, hen harrier conflict resolution and the latest research into peatland management will be amongst the topics discussed at the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust’s Northern England Grouse Seminar on 28 February 2023 in Harrogate.


This essential event for moorland managers, gamekeepers and uplands ecologists is organised by the GWCT’s Upland Research Group. It will present the latest evidence on adaptive management, research into wildfire risks and mitigations, and heather management, as well as updates on the Trust’s Merlin Magic project which looks at the impacts of heather management practice on Merlin nesting habitats and prey abundance.


Speakers are the GWCT’s uplands specialists Dr David Baines, Dr Nicholas Aebischer, Dr Phil Warren and Dr Sian Whitehead, as well as Stephen Murphy from Natural England and Professor Nick Kettridge from the University of Birmingham.


The GWCT’s Dr David Baines, who is organising the event, said:


“This is a great opportunity for anyone involved in moorland management or interested in ground-nesting birds and other uplands fauna and flora to hear the latest research into some of the most topical issues as well as gain practical management tips and meet old friends.”


Events details:


Date: 28 February 2023, 9am to 4pmLocation: Cedar Court Hotel, Park Parade, off Knaresborough Road, Harrogate, HG1 5AHTickets: £50.00

To view the full programme and book tickets please visit: gwct.org.uk/negs


Ends


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust gwct.org.uk – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 16 Jan 2023 10:53:25 GMT Business & Finance Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Leisure & Hobbies
<![CDATA[ Farmers working to keep ‘globally rare’ chalk stream crystal clear ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/farmers-working-to-keep-globally-rare-chalk-stream-crystal-clear-42e6cbf5b7675d40a1eaa40348ada73c/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/farmers-working-to-keep-globally-rare-chalk-stream-crystal-clear-42e6cbf5b7675d40a1eaa40348ada73c/ Thursday 12 January, 2023

GWCT Video: Farmer-led conservation of the River Ebble www.gwct.org.uk/riverebblefilm


Described as a ‘globally rare’ habitat, the River Ebble flows for 12 miles through the farmland, villages and downland of the beautiful Chalke Valley before joining the River Avon near Salisbury. It is a precious habitat that the members of the Chalke Valley Farmer Cluster have put right at the heart of their conservation efforts. Now, a new short film from the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) celebrates their efforts to protect this vital artery.


Farmers Andrew Reis, Matthew Pickford and Ben Jeans talk to GWCT Biodiversity Advisor Jess Brooks. Matthew calls the Ebble “the life of this valley” and his passion for the crystal-clear chalk stream is clearly shared by fellow farmer cluster members Andrew and Ben.


“Apart from its own ecology, it supports a myriad of other wildlife species which we wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for the river,” says Andrew, who is Lead Farmer for the Chalke Valley Farmer Cluster. The farmer cluster is part of the pioneering Environmental Farmers Group (EFG) which, supported by the GWCT, facilitates access to environmental schemes and aims, through natural capital trading, to deliver better water quality and wildlife habitat across the Hampshire Avon catchment.


The Chalke Valley farmers’ conservation projects have included the installation of cross-drains to combat the sediment-rich run-off caused by farm tracks, and planting Italian Ryegrass after the maize crop to keep the soil in the fields. The farmers hope that their efforts will inspire others in the catchment and beyond.


“If we lead, by keeping it clean and looking after it,” said Matthew, “others who have use of the river will see what we’re doing and hopefully follow.”


The farmers are working with a range of partners including the Wessex Rivers Trust, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, FWAG SW and Cranborne Chase AONB on a project called the Crystal Clear Ebble. Alex Deacon, Catchment Partnerships Manager for the Wessex Rivers Trust, said:


“The farmers are in a fortunate position in that they can work together and deliver things at scale, which is a real benefit to biodiversity. We are working with the farmer cluster to plan and look at the opportunities to enhance things on a joined-up basis.”


Alex believes that the Chalke Valley Farmer Cluster’s actions are replicable along the course of the river, and that “the EFG has real potential to bring a lot of benefits for the health of our rivers in the Avon catchment”.


Watch Farmer-led conservation of the River Ebble here www.gwct.org.uk/riverebblefilm


Ends


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust gwct.org.uk – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.


Farmer Clusters: farmerclusters.com


chalkevalleyfarmercluster.org


The Chalke Valley Farmer Cluster is one of more than 200 farmer clusters across the UK. Farmers and land managers do a lot for Britain’s rural environment, but there is only so much that an individual, acting in isolation, can achieve on their own. By working together, helped by an advisor or ‘facilitator’, farmers and land managers can work together to collectively deliver greater benefits for soil, water and wildlife at a landscape scale.


The GWCT helped develop the concept and establish the ground-breaking farmer-led Marlborough Downs Nature Improvement Area project in 2012, and then the first pilots of ‘farmer clusters’ in partnership with Natural England in 2014.


Environmental Farmers Group (EFG) environmentalfarmersgroup.co.uk


The pioneering Environmental Farmers Group (EFG). The EFG is an exciting new farmer co-operative based in the South of England that facilitates access to environmental schemes and aims to deliver better water quality and wildlife habitat through natural capital trading. GWCT plays a key role in supporting and convening the EFG.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 12 Jan 2023 12:30:02 GMT Business & Finance Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Government Leisure & Hobbies
<![CDATA[ “Conservation must go beyond nature reserves and national parks” say GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count organisers ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/conservation-must-go-beyond-nature-reserves-and-national-parks-say-gwct-big-farmland-bird-count-organisers-701ea63f886095d5b9e40a712dfedd43/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/conservation-must-go-beyond-nature-reserves-and-national-parks-say-gwct-big-farmland-bird-count-organisers-701ea63f886095d5b9e40a712dfedd43/ Thursday 15 December, 2022

The 10th GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count – Friday 3 to Sunday 19 February, bfbc.org.uk


Sponsored by the NFU


“We will not achieve biodiversity recovery if conservation is confined to nature reserves and national parks,” said Dr Roger Draycott, from the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) ahead of the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count 2023. "72% of the UK’s total land area is used for agriculture, so farmers, land and woodland managers, and gamekeepers have a vital role to play in the future of wildlife.


“Now, more than ever, is the time for them to support the wildlife on their land and get involved in the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count,” continued Roger, who organises the nationwide focus on farmland birds.


2023 will be the tenth year of the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count – the first UK-wide citizen science project to involve farmers in monitoring the state of farmland birds. Since 2014, more than 11,000 counts have been carried out by people working on the land.


“There are multiple pressures on farmers, yet many of them do so much to support wildlife, often unnoticed by the public. The GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count is an opportunity for them to see just what impact their efforts are having and for us to celebrate their hard work.”


The GWCT is asking land managers to make the count’s tenth anniversary in 2023 the best ever by signing up to take part. By spending just half an hour between 3 and 19 February in one spot on their land, counting the birds they see then submitting their results to the GWCT, they will help the charity to build a national picture of which species are benefiting from conservation efforts and which are most in need of help.


And the latest assessment of the status of the UK’s birds, the Birds of Conservation Concern 5 list (2021), suggests that our farmland birds need all the help they can get. More than one in four UK bird species is in serious trouble, and many of the struggling species are farmland and upland birds.


Land managers can make a real and immediate difference by adopting effective conservation measures, such as providing supplementary winter feed or growing crops specifically to provide seed for birds. GWCT-science-based advice on boosting biodiversity and supporting farmland birds is available at bfbc.org.uk .


Signing up for the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count is free and no specialist knowledge or equipment are required. In many places, local bird and wildlife groups are working with farmers to help them do the count.


The GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count is widely supported by farming and countryside organisations and for the fifth year the NFU is sponsoring the count. NFU President Minette Batters said:


“The annual Big Farmland Bird Count, which the NFU is proud to sponsor, provides a fantastic snapshot of the huge amount of work being carried out on the nation’s farms to encourage wildlife.


“Not only are farmers across the country producing sustainable climate-friendly food, they are also maintaining and protecting the great British countryside, creating habitats for biodiversity to flourish and additional feeding for farmland birds.


"I would encourage all farmers to get involved in the 2023 GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count.”


Find out how to get involved in the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count, 3 – 19 February 2023, at www.bfbc.org.uk where downloadable bird guides are also available.


Ends


Note to editors:


The GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count is sponsored by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU)


It is also kindly supported by:CLAFWAG: Farming and Wildlife Advisory GroupNSA: National Sheep AssociationLEAF: Linking Environment and FarmingKingsNFU ScotlandNFU CymruPerdixCFE: Championing the Farmed EnvironmentUlster Farmers’ Union

How to take part in the Big Farmland Bird Count:


Species guides, including short videos, are available at www.bfbc.org.uk.


Download your count sheet from the BFBC website www.bfbc.org.uk
Count your birds! On a day between 3 and 19 February, spend about 30 minutes recording the species and number of birds seen on one particular area of the farm. Once you've completed your count, simply submit your results online at www.bfbc.org.uk

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 15 Dec 2022 13:12:48 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Leisure & Hobbies
<![CDATA[ A new place in the country for Ratty, and friends ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/a-new-place-in-the-country-for-ratty-and-friends-05ce0ec5544ed82012c978537f14bda6/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/a-new-place-in-the-country-for-ratty-and-friends-05ce0ec5544ed82012c978537f14bda6/ Monday 28 November, 2022

Water vole reintroduction on farmland boosting other wildlife


A recent reintroduction of a threatened native species to the Lower Avon Valley on the Hampshire – Dorset border has provided a welcome boost to other species too, say scientists from New Forest-based national conservation charity the GWCT.


Immortalised by Kenneth Grahame as poetic dreamer Ratty in The Wind in the Willows, the native water vole (Arvicola amphibius) is a rare sight in the British countryside today. Habitat loss and predation have diminished the population of Britain’s largest vole by over 90% and they are believed to be extinct in 97% of their former range.


This summer, 60 water voles were released into the water meadows of the River Avon on the Bisterne Estate south of Ringwood to try to re-establish a viable population. Ahead of the release, the estate’s gamekeeper Rupert Brewer and wetlands ecologist Lizzie Grayshon from the GWCT worked hard to create the perfect home for the new residents. Now, trail cameras are showing that the improved habitats are also attracting winter visitors who have not been seen there in numbers for many years.


“We are seeing far more waterfowl using the river meadows,” said Lizzie. “Our trail cameras are showing good numbers of less common species such as gadwall and widgeon. It is really encouraging to see them as it shows that our habitat work is paying off for a wide range of species.


“The water vole reintroduction, and the benefits for other threatened wildlife, shows that not all species reintroductions require re-wilding of the landscape or designation as nature reserves,” continued Lizzie. “Wildlife can thrive on farmland when there is active management of habitat and predation, driven by a landowner or manager committed to conservation.”


When a group of water voles was looking for a new home after being displaced as a result of the Salisbury River Park flood defence scheme, the GWCT’s head of predation research Dr Mike Short suggested the Bisterne Estate. Mike and Lizzie have worked extensively with the estate through the charity’s Waders for Real project, which successfully reversed the decline of red-listed breeding waders such as lapwing by working with farmers in the Avon Valley. Lizzie is also facilitator for the Avon Valley Farmer Cluster – a group of farmers working together to boost biodiversity on productive farmland.


Rupert Brewer’s remarkable conservation work and carefully targeted predation management has made Bisterne a haven for wildlife. Sadly though, water voles were all but extinct on this part of the Avon, largely as a result of predation by the introduced North American Mink (Neovison vison). The notorious release of thousands of American mink from a fur farm near Ringwood in the 1990s increased an existing population in the valley. In wetlands, mink predation alone can retard water vole populations by up to 60%.


To prepare for the water voles’ arrival, willow and debris was cleared from 3,440 metres of the herringbone system of drainage ditches, aiding waterflow and encouraging wetland plants such as reeds, rushes and sedges to thrive and provide the new water vole population with vital food and shelter. Carefully timed grazing by cattle will keep the vegetation low enough to suit the water voles and the waders.


“The really good news,” said Lizzie, “is that these improvements are already benefitting a whole range of other water meadow species in the Avon Valley, including invertebrates and threatened wading birds”.


“The ducks don’t like to use areas where vegetation hangs over the water, preventing them from seeing predators coming, so the areas we cleared for the benefit of the water voles and the waders are also suiting them.”


Under Rupert Brewer’s watchful eye, and as one of the ‘priority species’ chosen by the members of the Avon Valley Farmer Cluster, the future looks bright for the Avon Valley’s newest residents, and many of their friends.


Why the relocation?


Although the Salisbury River Park flood defence and regeneration scheme will bring habitat improvements in the longer term, as a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, the water vole population needed to be removed from harm’s way and relocated under a special licence. Funding from the scheme allowed Lizzie and Rupert to carry out habitat improvements at Bisterne before the water voles took up residence.


At just twelve individuals, the population was too small to be viable so a further 48 water voles were captive bred for release at Bisterne. The success of the reintroduction will be assessed when specialist conservationists from the Derek Gow Consultancy, who released the water voles, return to the meadows to release another 50 next year.


Watch the water vole release youtube.com/watch?v=kP_FxGYeTls


Or read more gwct.org.uk/blogs/news/2022/october/water-voles-a-new-place-in-the-country-for-ratty/


Ends


Note to editors


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) gwct.org.uk – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.


Farmer Clusters: farmerclusters.com - The Avon Valley Farmer Cluster is one of more than 200 farmer clusters across the UK. Farmers and land managers do a lot for Britain’s rural environment, but there is only so much that an individual, acting in isolation, can achieve on their own. By working together, helped by an advisor or ‘facilitator’, farmers and land managers can collectively deliver greater benefits for soil, water and wildlife at a landscape scale. The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) helped develop the concept.


Salisbury River Park www.salisburyriverparkphase1.com


The Salisbury River Park is a £27 million transformational scheme to reduce flood risk to over 350 homes and businesses in Salisbury. It will also create 2 hectares of enhanced riverside habitat for the benefit of wildlife, remove obstructions to allow fish migration to continue upstream and create 13 hectares of high quality public open space. Another benefit will be enhanced foot and cycle paths that benefit residents and visitors. Construction began in July 2022 and it is expected main construction works will be completed in spring 2024.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 28 Nov 2022 18:11:19 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Leisure & Hobbies
<![CDATA[ The Allerton Project: helping profitable farming make space for nature for thirty years ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/the-allerton-project-helping-profitable-farming-make-space-for-nature-for-thirty-years-47acef5951e86a22a96192c01d8ab29a/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/the-allerton-project-helping-profitable-farming-make-space-for-nature-for-thirty-years-47acef5951e86a22a96192c01d8ab29a/ Friday 18 November, 2022

Farming with the Environment - Thirty Years of Allerton Project Research


A new book by agro-ecologist Professor Chris Stoate tells the remarkable story of the Allerton Project in Leicestershire and its pioneering research into sustainable land management.


For more than 30 years the Allerton Project, established by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), has been at the cutting edge of research into sustainable farming methods, biodiversity and habitat creation, and rural landscape management. Combining a modern, productive farm with a full-time research team, the Allerton Project has advised farmers and influenced policy since its inception.


Farming with the Environment presents and discusses 30 years of research into the challenges of integrating profitable farming with often competing environmental and societal objectives. The book is especially relevant to the implementation of the government’s Environmental Land Management scheme.


“The book draws together peer-reviewed research and some as yet unpublished work to tell a coherent story about the effects of different farming methods on wildlife and the environment that is very relevant to the development of current policy,” said Chris Stoate.


Topics covered include soil health and management, farmland ecology, development of management practices to enhance biodiversity, natural flood management, water quality and aquatic ecology.


The book has been designed to provide accessible guidance and recommendations to farmers, conservationists and policymakers. It reveals complex topical debates about land and wildlife management, examining the historical context and pointing the way for future direction of travel.


“I hope I have demonstrated how the findings of the Allerton Project’s research relate to agricultural and conservation policy more broadly as well as how they are applicable to similar projects throughout Europe,” said Chris.


“The book is also a celebration of the collaboration between the Allerton Project’s small research team and the many PhD students, research organisations, universities and NGOs we have had the privilege of working with over thirty years.”


Farming with the Environment – Thirty Years of Allerton Project Research, is published by Routledge and available from the GWCT Shop www.gwctshop.org.uk for £29.99.


Ends


Notes to editors


About Professor Chris Stoate


Chris Stoate is an agro-ecologist specialising in identifying synergies between agricultural and environmental objectives within lowland farming systems at a range of scales. He is Head of Research at the Allerton Project research and demonstration farm and has worked for the project since it was established by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust in 1992. Chris is an Honorary Professor with the University of Nottingham; he has published more than a hundred research papers and has research experience in southern Europe and West Africa and was an author of the UK’s National Ecosystem Assessment. He is a farmer in his own right.


The GWCT Allerton Project allertontrust.org.uk/


The GWCT Allerton Project is a combination of commercial farming, research, demonstration and community engagement, based on a 320-hectare estate in Leicestershire, United Kingdom. The Project researches the effects of different farming methods on wildlife and the environment, sharing results of our research through advisory and educational activities. Visitors to the project include businesses, policy makers, non-government organisations, regulators, farmers, advisors, students and schools.


We identify management that delivers multiple benefits for our rural landscape. Our work covers natural capital accounting, agri-environment schemes and regenerative farming systems. From soil and water, to woodland and environmental habitat that increases biodiversity, our aim is to build farmland resilience. Our own research team collaborate with other research organisations and help co-supervise numerous PhD and MSc projects.


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust gwct.org.uk – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 18 Nov 2022 14:50:02 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Food & Drink Government
<![CDATA[ Martin Down farmers creating spaces for rare butterflies on Dorset-Hampshire border ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/martin-down-farmers-creating-spaces-for-rare-butterflies-on-dorset-hampshire-border-10be504ec8e51757f1300ae5336a439e/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/martin-down-farmers-creating-spaces-for-rare-butterflies-on-dorset-hampshire-border-10be504ec8e51757f1300ae5336a439e/ Thursday 17 November, 2022

Rare butterflies and bees will find refuge in the countryside on the Dorset – Hampshire border after two new butterfly banks were created on the Martin Down Farmer Cluster. The chalk banks, on farmland close to the Martin Down National Nature Reserve, have been planted with kidney vetch and seven species of native wildflowers. The rare Small Blue Butterfly lays its eggs, lives and feeds exclusively on kidney vetch.


The Martin Down Farmer Cluster is a group of 15 farmers who farm the area around the nationally important Martin Down National Nature Reserve. Since 2017 they have worked together to support the wildlife which make their home on the reserve and surrounding farmland by improving and developing wildlife-friendly habitat alongside productive agriculture.


The new butterfly banks were created on a farm within the Cranborne Estate which is part of the Martin Down Farmer Cluster. The project was funded by Natural England as part of a wider project of species enhancement through their ‘Creating Spaces for Species’ project and managed on their behalf by the Dorset-based Footprint Ecology. The chalk banks for small blue butterfly were part of a range of projects including scraping away the soil and sowing juniper seeds on Martin Down National Nature Reserve


Megan Lock, Farmland Biodiversity Advisor with the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), is the Farmer Cluster Facilitator. She provides conservation advice and support to the farmer cluster and helped facilitate the project. Megan said:


“After the banks were constructed, we planted nearly 400 kidney vetch plug plants, as well as seeding the banks with Horseshoe and Tufted Vetches, Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil, Self-heal, Lady’s Bedstraw, Devil’s-bit Scabious and Salad Burnet.


“These plants should thrive in the nutrient-poor soil but still leave lots of bare earth for mining bees and burrowing wasps. The Small Blue Butterfly has been chosen by the cluster farmers as one of their priority species. This new habitat should help them increase their range around the Martin Down NNR. The new butterfly banks will also be included in our monitoring programme so we will be able to measure the impact of this conservation work.”


The Small Blue Butterfly is known for being the smallest butterfly found in the UK, although it is not particularly blue in colour. The chalk downland of the Martin Down National Nature Reserve is a key stronghold for this threatened species.


The banks are approximately 30m long and 1-2m high but are situated on slopes so look much larger with a south-facing flank. They were constructed by digging a trench and burying the topsoil from the bank and adjacent scrape. The chalk sub-soil is then mounded on top covering the topsoil. This created bank and scrape features that are approximately 600-900 sq m in size.


The Martin Down Farmer Cluster is one of around 200 similar groups of farmers working together for wildlife in the UK. The Martin Down farmers have chosen turtle dove, hedgehogs, harvest mice, arable flora, bumblebees, small blue butterfly, dark-green fritillary, Duke of Burgundy and lapwing, soil organic matter and chalk downland as the priorities for their conservation work.


Since forming the farmer cluster in 2017, the Martin Down farmers achievements have included planting more than 10km of new hedgerows and increasing pollinator habitat by 50%, installing barn owl boxes, creating 21 turtle dove puddles and ponds and five new butterfly banks, creating habitat for grey partridge and monitoring hedgehogs. As facilitator Megan carries out wildlife monitoring to measure the impact of their work.


The new butterfly banks were created with the help of the staff of Cranborne Estate and Footprint Ecology.


Ends


Note to editors:


Farmer Clusters: farmerclusters.com


The Martin Down Farmer Cluster is one of more than 200 farmer clusters across the UK. Farmers and land managers do a lot for Britain’s rural environment, but there is only so much that an individual, acting in isolation, can achieve on their own. By working together, helped by an advisor or ‘facilitator’, farmers and land managers can work together to collectively deliver greater benefits for soil, water and wildlife at a landscape scale.


The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) helped develop the concept and establish the ground-breaking farmer-led Marlborough Downs Nature Improvement Area project in 2012, and then the first pilots of ‘farmer clusters’ in partnership with Natural England in 2014.


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust gwct.org.uk – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.


Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme (SRP) has operated since the early 1990’s and has been a key conservation delivery mechanism which supports targeted action for England’s threatened and declining species. Whilst traditional conservation measures such as landscape-scale habitat improvement have led to improved prospects for many common species, some highly threatened species require specialised interventions to ensure their survival. The Species Recovery Programme operates through a series of partnership projects with major conservation charities and scientific institutions including RSPB, Butterfly Conservation, Plantlife, as well as locally driven projects that provide this bespoke management for species on the brink of extinction.


Footprint Ecology https://www.footprint-ecology.co.uk/ – is an ecological consultancy based in Dorset focussing on the interface between people and nature. Our dynamic team is passionate about ecology, conservation and natural history. We work with those that share our values in the most ethical and sustainable way we can. We provide services in conservation management, planning policy, countryside access and ecological survey and analysis.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 17 Nov 2022 14:00:02 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals
<![CDATA[ Hedgelaying World Record Attempt creates wildlife haven ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/hedgelaying-world-record-attempt-creates-wildlife-haven-eb583940f9e869b3a0e9c6200763ebf3/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/hedgelaying-world-record-attempt-creates-wildlife-haven-eb583940f9e869b3a0e9c6200763ebf3/ Tuesday 11 October, 2022

National Hedgerow Week, Monday 10 October - Monday 17 October 2022*


Ahead of this year’s National Hedgerow Week, more than 60 hedgelayers from around the UK and Ireland converged on East Hampshire for a Guinness World Record attempt for the longest stretch of hedge laid in 12 hours. Dr Francis Buner, senior scientist at the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) was called upon for scientific advice and to act as ‘Specialist Witness’ for the world record attempt.


The event on 1 October at the Rotherfield Park Estate resulted in a remarkable 555.4 metres of hedges laid in approximately seven and a half hours - a speed of nearly 80 metres of hedge laying per hour. £6,550 has so far been raised by the event, being split between prostate and breast cancer charities and the Ukraine DEC appeal.


Dr Buner said: “Hedgelaying is a beautiful rural tradition and the people practising it are simply lovely. In times gone by hedgelaying was a necessity to keep livestock in fields, each region having its own typical style. Once the hedge has grown back, it will be beaming with wildlife once again.”


With a mix of amateurs and professionals from the National Hedgelaying Society and the National Hedgelaying Society of Ireland all working in 10m strips, the attempt saw over 60 hedgelayers getting involved. The local team was joined by teams from North Somerset, Lancashire and Westmoreland, Devon, the South of England, Midlands, Cheshire and Ireland. Many of the teams brought their own regional styles of hedgelaying, including the Midlands style and the Irish freestyle.


Conditions at Rotherfield Park Estate meant that this record attempt was difficult to compare to a previous hedgelaying record achieved, of just over 280 metres of hedge laid in 12 hours by two people, which it is assumed was undertaken by professional hedgelayers working on optimal hedges. Hedges should ideally be laid at eight or nine years old. In the Rotherfield attempt, the hedges had last been coppiced (cut down to one foot tall) around 18 years ago and were already 30 to 40 years old at that point. This, combined with the exceptionally dry spring and summer, meant that the stems and trunks were extremely thick and brittle, and the hedges included a mix of species with plenty of thorn bushes - proving a challenge for even the most seasoned of hedgelayers.


As well as being useful to farmers, GWCT wildlife monitoring has shown that proper management of hedgerows, including hedgelaying, is highly beneficial to wildlife. Francis commented:


“I have been doing bird surveys in the area where these hedges were laid since 2010. In that time farmland birds of conservation concern, such as skylark, linnet, yellowhammer, dunnock and song thrush have increased by more than 90%. That is testament to the efforts of Rotherfield team to improve habitat on their farm.


“During the same period, these birds have continued to decline nationally. The GWCT is proud to have been involved with the recovery of wildlife at the Rotherfield Park Estate.


“Whether this is a world record or not, we will find out once all the paperwork has been processed. Regardless, everyone, from the charities and the local community to the wildlife, is a winner.”


National Hedgerow Week began in 2021 to highlight the immense contribution these unsung heroes of the natural world make in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss and to raise awareness of the threats they face. Find out more hedgelink.org.uk/campaign/national-hedgerow-week/


For more information on the Hedgelaying Society
and how they are working to maintain the traditional skills of hedgelaying and encourage the management of hedgerows for the benefit of wildlife and landscape, visit hedgelaying.org.uk


Ends


Note to editors:


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust gwct.org.uk – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.


National Hedgerow Week, 10 – 17 October 2022. NB. This event was postponed from 17 – 25 September 2022, due to the sad passing of HM The Queen.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 11 Oct 2022 13:00:02 GMT Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Leisure & Hobbies
<![CDATA[ Unique designs make GWCT Christmas cards a ‘must-have’ ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/unique-designs-make-gwct-christmas-cards-a-must-have-4b4baefd36ed40bd598f3dfce625d79d/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/unique-designs-make-gwct-christmas-cards-a-must-have-4b4baefd36ed40bd598f3dfce625d79d/ Thursday 6 October, 2022

GWCT Christmas cards 2022 now available www.gwctshop.org.uk


A new range of Christmas card designs celebrating the British countryside with humour and affection is now available from the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Shop.


The collection features new designs from the ever-popular cartoonist Loon. In ‘No Rudolf’, Santa’s favourite reindeer is seen abandoning the sleigh and heading into the distance after a lady reindeer. A new mixed pack of Loon’s hilarious designs is also available.


Some of the country’s most renowned wildlife artists have also created exclusive new paintings to grace the 2022 GWCT Christmas card collection. In ‘Across a Christmas landscape’ by Owen Williams, a woodcock flies above a snowy hillside. Quarry species in striking winter landscapes also feature in ‘Red Grouse in Snow’ by Roger Mcphail and ‘Winter Pheasants’ by Jason Lowes, while bright plumage lends festive colour to ‘Waxwings’ by Ashley Boon.


GWCT Shop Manager Beverley Mansbridge said: “Demand for the cards seems to grow each year and people order early, meaning that we often sell out well before Christmas. Everyone loves that the card designs are unique.


“We are very lucky to have such talented artists willing to design cards for us and help to support our important research.”


Each pack includes 10 high quality cards with the greeting 'With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year'. Christmas card overprinting is available for corporate and private orders.


Packs of ten cost £5.95, excluding the slightly larger Loon designs which costs £6.95. All proceeds from the card sales go towards supporting the Trust’s work.


As well as cards, the GWCT Shop offers a range of goods ideal for Christmas gifts, including ties, cufflinks, Chilli’s water bottles and a range of books for all ages.


To order, visit www.gwctshop.org.uk

The deadline for postal orders on cards is Friday, November 18.


Ends

Note to editors:


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 06 Oct 2022 12:30:01 GMT Charities & non-profits Christmas Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Home & Garden Lifestyle & Relationships Retail & Fashion
<![CDATA[ Moorland managers say “it’s not if, but when” for catastrophic wildfires following reduction in controlled burning in English uplands ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/moorland-managers-say-its-not-if-but-when-for-catastrophic-wildfires-following-reduction-in-controlled-burning-in-english-uplands-6759f331d4063ca9f9eafbdf67f66cc5/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/moorland-managers-say-its-not-if-but-when-for-catastrophic-wildfires-following-reduction-in-controlled-burning-in-english-uplands-6759f331d4063ca9f9eafbdf67f66cc5/ Wednesday 5 October, 2022

For an accompanying video, visit youtube.com/watch?v=Dtc-3chFUc8


As the heather burning season begins in the English uplands, habitat managers are increasingly worried about the massive rise in combustible vegetation or ‘fuel load’ caused by a change in management practice making uncontrollable wildfires more likely.


From 1 October to 15 April, carefully controlled burning of the surface vegetation is permitted to rejuvenate heather and other moorland plants, which are naturally adapted to burning. But in May 2021 Natural England (NE) banned burning on deep peat in designated sites and on huge areas of other moorland burning over deep peat has been voluntarily discontinued in line with the trend for light-touch management. As a result, the firebreak effect of a patchwork of controlled burns has been dramatically reduced, heather has grown tall, bracken has encroached, and birch scrub is beginning to take hold, all contributing to a massive build-up of combustible material.


A new report, Peak District National Park – Wildfire Risk Assessment 2022, commissioned by the National Park Authority, reveals the chances of wildfire getting out of control are increasing. Its co-author Anthony Barber-Lomax, former resident agent at Fitzwilliam Wentworth Estate, which manages Bradfield Moor in the North Peak, said:


“The modelling revealed that without intervention to mitigate the risk, the fuel load is such that a blaze could become uncontrollable over a huge area. It’s not a case of if, but when.”


Unlike the controlled burns carried out by moorland managers, which burn the surface vegetation leaving the moss layer intact, wildfires can burn for long periods and destroy the underlying peat causing a huge release of carbon and risk of widespread damage to human health in surrounding areas. In 2018, the blaze on Saddleworth Moor in the Peak District affected 2,400 acres with a loss of some 40,000 tonnes of CO2 at an estimated cost of £8.76m. But these disastrous events could pale in comparison with future wildfires according to the report. A blaze beyond 3.4m flame length with a rate of spread of 800m/hour is impossible for the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) to control and yet the report indicates the potential for flame lengths up to 7.6m and rates of spread 2,393m/hour.


Habitat managers are acutely aware of the risk as they regularly volunteer to assist the fire service in fighting moorland wildfires. Headkeeper on the Fitzwilliam Wentworth estate Nick Gardner said:


“When there is a wildfire, gamekeepers often spot it first as we are out on the ground. The message goes out and everybody turns up – it’s like having a rapid response team. We also know how to access difficult areas of the moor, avoiding obstacles like gutters and hags. The fire departments are always grateful when we turn up with our ATVs with fogging units because they are restricted in terms of how late they can stay, whereas we’ll stay out until it’s out.”


Nick believes heather cutting and rewetting have limitations as ways of mitigating wildfire risk, and he would like to see managed burns on deep peat reinstated. He said:


“We need all the tools in the box. There is a problem with cutting, if the brash is left on the surface. Rewetting is definitely not enough on its own. Some of the boggier areas may be wet and wildfire won’t burn into the peat, but the surface vegetation will still burn, so the fire will travel through those areas.”


Anthony Barber-Lomax shares the view that cutting and rewetting have drawbacks and is concerned that land managers are ignoring the fuel loads building up on their land.


“Where there is a no burn policy, we are seeing accumulations of biomass almost everywhere across the Peak District,” said Anthony. “The term rewilding is sometimes used, which has some merits, but the peat needs to be protected otherwise everything will go up in one fell swoop.”


NE banned burning of vegetation on deep peat in May last year on the grounds that it is damaging to peatland formation and habitat condition and that managed burns release more carbon than alternatives such as rewetting, cutting or simply ending vegetation management. However, Andreas Heinemeyer, Associate Professor of Environmental Research at the University of York, contests the view that there is scientific consensus. He has undertaken a 10-year study comparing the carbon budgets of so-called ‘cool burns’, cutting, and simply leaving the heather to grow rank.


Speaking at an uplands management workshop organised by GWCT, the Moorland Association and Fitzwilliam Wentworth Estate, he said:


“Certainly, over 10 years, it looks like burning does not have the anticipated large carbon loss, particularly when you add charcoal production into the process, which is a long-term carbon store. The other alternative to cutting is just letting it grow, but you will get a build-up of fuel and large amounts of biomass transpire a lot of water, potentially drying out the peat beneath. We need to have an adaptive management approach because we don’t have the scientific evidence that burning is always bad, that cutting is always better, or that doing nothing will achieve what we want.”


It is important to note that the new heather burning regulations did leave room to apply for a licence to burn for conservation and wildfire mitigation reasons. This measure was welcomed by those moorland managers who are currently mapping the increased wildfire risk and habitat deterioration caused by not burning on their land with a view to applying for a licence.


For an accompanying video, visit youtube.com/watch?v=Dtc-3chFUc8


To read a case study on moorland management, including wildfire mitigation, on the Fitzwilliam Wentworth Estate, visit workingforwildlife.co.uk/case-studies/uplands/fighting-fire-with-fire-in-the-peak-district/


To download the Risk Assessment of the Peak District Moorland in full, visit www.peakdistrictwildfire.co.uk


Ends


Note to editors:


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 05 Oct 2022 21:18:08 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Government Leisure & Hobbies Opinion Article
<![CDATA[ GWCT Allerton Project leading the way on boosting the sustainability of food in Leicestershire’s schools and hospitals ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/gwct-allerton-project-leading-the-way-on-boosting-the-sustainability-of-food-in-leicestershires-schools-and-hospitals-cb71af64a57448bdc5fa03da8f85340e/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/gwct-allerton-project-leading-the-way-on-boosting-the-sustainability-of-food-in-leicestershires-schools-and-hospitals-cb71af64a57448bdc5fa03da8f85340e/ Friday 23 September, 2022

Leicestershire Good Food Event, 29 September at the Allerton Project


The GWCT’s demonstration farm the Allerton Project is hosting the Leicestershire Good Food Event, a sustainable food and procurement summit, with Good Food Leicestershire, on Thursday 29 September. Organisers are aiming to showcase the benefits for the environment, health and economy of increasing the amount of locally produced, sustainable and healthy food in the county’s schools, hospitals and other public services settings.


The recent government Food Strategy set out a goal of 50% locally produced or higher standard food in the public sector. The summit will bring together food producers with school and hospital caterers and supply chain managers, and Leicestershire County Council.


Joe Stanley, the Allerton Project’s Head of Training and Partnerships, and NFU County Chair for Leicestershire, Northants and Rutland, will kick off the event. He said:


“We are excited to be hosting the summit. It is a great example of our home county’s efforts to turn the government Food Strategy’s 50% target into reality.


“In conjunction with Leicestershire Country Council, we believe that incorporating local, high quality, high welfare and environmentally friendly food from Leicestershire businesses is more important now than ever to ensure the health and wellbeing of both our citizens and our planet.


“We will be talking about the health and business benefits of a more sustainable approach to public-sector food procurement. And we will look at how farmers can grasp more sustainable production methods and champion their existing high environmental and welfare standards to key public sector buyers.”


The event is free of charge and open to anyone with an interest in how farmers and the supply chain can work together with local authorities to improve the sustainability of public sector food procurement. The day’s programme includes a panel discussion and Q & A session, as well as the chance to sample some fine food from local producers in the lunchtime ‘Food Court’ and to network with potential suppliers and customers.


Event details:


Thu, 29 September 2022, from 10:30 – 15:30


At: The Allerton Project, Main Street, Loddington, Leicestershire, LE7 9XE


For more information and to book your place, please visit allertontrust.org.uk/events/ or call 01572 494541.


Ends


The event is part of the ongoing partnership between the Allerton Project and Leicestershire County Council.


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.


The Allerton Project www.allertontrust.org.uk/


The GWCT Allerton Project is a combination of commercial farming, research, demonstration and community engagement, based on a 320-hectare estate in Leicestershire, United Kingdom. The Project researches the effects of different farming methods on wildlife and the environment, sharing results of our research through advisory and educational activities.


We identify management that delivers multiple benefits for our rural landscape. Our work covers natural capital accounting, agri-environment schemes and regenerative farming systems. From soil and water, to woodland and environmental habitat that increases biodiversity, our aim is to build farmland resilience. Our own research team collaborate with other research organisations and help co-supervise numerous PhD and MSc projects.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 23 Sep 2022 12:00:01 GMT Business & Finance Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Food & Drink Government
<![CDATA[ Hedgerow Carbon Code: “good news for UK agriculture, climate change and British wildlife” ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/hedgerow-carbon-code-good-news-for-uk-agriculture-climate-change-and-british-wildlife-be7e0d49ab57cc59dcf1378e72088610/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/hedgerow-carbon-code-good-news-for-uk-agriculture-climate-change-and-british-wildlife-be7e0d49ab57cc59dcf1378e72088610/ Friday 16 September, 2022

National Hedgerow Week, 17 – 25 September 2022


Unlocking the environmental and income-generation potential of hedgerows in the British countryside is a step closer as the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) begins piloting the new Hedgerow Carbon Code. The Code will encourage hedgerow habitat improvements to increase the amount of carbon stored by hedges, contributing to British farming’s net-zero target and boosting biodiversity. It will allow land managers to calculate and verify the carbon capture potential of their hedgerows, enabling them to trade carbon credits – a market with a potential value of £60m.


“We now have a trial Hedgerow Carbon Code,” said Dr Alastair Leake, project lead and GWCT Director of Policy and the Allerton Project, a year on from receiving an £81.5k grant from the government’s Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund for the project.


“Pilots have begun with three arable farms in England, where we are evaluating the practicality of the Code and the carbon calculation tool and developing it with the input of farmers on the ground.


“We are also looking at ways in which land managers who are already generating carbon and biodiversity benefits through good hedgerow management can be recognised and rewarded.”


Hedgerows sequester carbon at twice the rate of woodland because of their 3-dimensional linear structure and England's hedges already store 9m tonnes of carbon. Similar to the Woodland Carbon Code, the new code will become the quality assurance standard for hedgerows and aims to generate hedgerow carbon credits, independently certified by Organic Farmers & Growers - who already do the same for the Woodland Carbon and Peatland Codes.


“Many arable farms have old hedgerows which are no longer needed for their primary function of containing livestock, so there is little incentive to maintain them,” said Alastair. “But, if we can attach a value to them, through recognising their carbon sequestration and biodiversity benefits and rewarding farmers for these, then we could incentivise further hedgerow restoration,” said Alastair.


The UK government has set out its ambition for British agriculture to be zero-carbon by 2050, while the National Farmers Union has a more ambitious target of 2040. Independent statutory body The Climate Change Committee has identified hedgerow planting as a way to help reach that target.


The Hedgerow Carbon Code includes a tool which will enable the carbon stored in a hedge to be calculated and verified, incentivising land managers to plant and manage hedgerows - an important part of the government’s new Sustainable Farming Incentive. The tool also has the potential to be developed further to monitor hedgerow biodiversity for calculating biodiversity credits.


“Going forward, planting and managing hedgerows well will enable land managers to access the Sustainable Farming Incentive and open opportunities to generate income from carbon and biodiversity credit trading,” said Alastair. “That can only be good news for UK agriculture, climate change and British wildlife.”


The development of the Hedgerow Carbon Code is being welcomed by the UK food industry. Kellogg’s, as part of their “Origins” programme, has been working with the GWCT’s Allerton Project demonstration farm, where the Code is being developed. Duncan Rawson, from EFFP who manages the Origins programme in the UK on behalf of Kellogg’s, said:


“The Origins Programme invests into sustainable farming practices, working with Kellogg’s farmers to help improve productivity and environmental performance, with a particular focus on climate change and biodiversity. Quantification of the on-farm sequestration of carbon is important to demonstrate the range of carbon benefits which agriculture can provide and to enable the food sector to meet carbon reduction ambitions.”


Ends


Note to editors:


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.


The GWCT Allerton Project www.allertontrust.org.uk/


The GWCT Allerton Project is a combination of commercial farming, research, demonstration and community engagement, based on a 320-hectare estate in Leicestershire, United Kingdom. The Project researches the effects of different farming methods on wildlife and the environment, sharing results of our research through advisory and educational activities.


We identify management that delivers multiple benefits for our rural landscape. Our work covers natural capital accounting, agri-environment schemes and regenerative farming systems. From soil and water, to woodland and environmental habitat that increases biodiversity, our aim is to build farmland resilience. Our own research team collaborate with other research organisations and help co-supervise numerous PhD and MSc projects.


Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund.


More information: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/innovative-nature-projects-awarded-funding-to-drive-private-investment




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 16 Sep 2022 16:15:02 GMT Business & Finance Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Manufacturing, Engineering & Energy
<![CDATA[ Up the ante on your shoot day and make a real difference to GWCT research ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/up-the-ante-on-your-shoot-day-and-make-a-real-difference-to-gwct-research-47deb3466a01d5f58f349330268df263/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/up-the-ante-on-your-shoot-day-and-make-a-real-difference-to-gwct-research-47deb3466a01d5f58f349330268df263/ Thursday 15 September, 2022

Shots are famously competitive and a sweepstake on a shoot day’s bag will always add to the fun. Over the years many shoots have generously run their sweepstakes for the benefit of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – supporting the Trust’s vital research.


Now, with the generous sponsorship of Holts auctioneers and the support of renowned wildlife artists Owen Williams, the GWCT’s sweepstake pack has been redesigned. The pack is free to shoots running a sweepstake for the Trust’s benefit and now features several beautiful gamebird images by Owen. The pack includes shoot cards, stand markers, shoot sweepstake record cards, cartridge refuse bags, a donations tube and a free copy of the Code of Good Shooting Practice.



GWCT Director of Fundraising Jeremy Payne said: “I would like to thank the many shoots that have supported us through their shoot sweepstakes over the years. These donations make a vital difference, particularly during the recent Covid pandemic, enabling us to continue our research into game management and conservation.”


The sweepstake can be run on the day’s bag, the number of species or the number of empty cases. Some shoots prefer a system of fines for shooting white pheasants, shooting before the whistle or for the dirtiest pair of boots.


At the end of the day, half the takings are given to the person nearest to the correct answer and the remainder to the GWCT to help fund their vital research. After submitting the monies raised during the season the Trust will reward the contributor with one bottle of sloe gin per £100 raised. The Trust also sends a letter of thanks acknowledging the donation and provide shoots with a certificate to display in the shoot room.


Shoots can request a GWCT sweepstake pack by emailing sweepstakes@gwct.org.uk or calling 07860 879377. More information on the GWCT Shoot Sweepstake scheme.


Ends


Note to editors:


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 15 Sep 2022 13:00:01 GMT Environment & Nature Leisure & Hobbies Men's Interest
<![CDATA[ Hear about making habitat improvements work on an arable farming enterprise, at the GWCT East Anglian Grey Partridge Walk 2022 ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/hear-about-making-habitat-improvements-work-on-an-arable-farming-enterprise-at-the-gwct-east-anglian-grey-partridge-walk-2022-065d8b837cd6978bef8fad10650bb97d/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/hear-about-making-habitat-improvements-work-on-an-arable-farming-enterprise-at-the-gwct-east-anglian-grey-partridge-walk-2022-065d8b837cd6978bef8fad10650bb97d/ Tuesday 16 August, 2022

Three years ago, Ed Nesling took the plunge into a mid-tier countryside stewardship scheme on his 191-hectare Suffolk arable farm Flea Barn. Now the farm, well-known through the writings of conservationist and writer Richard Negus, is seeing a steady rise in grey partridge numbers along with a host of other farmland bird species, invertebrates and mammals.

At the kind invitation of Ed Nesling and RR Countryside Services, the GWCT Grey Partridge Walk on 8 September 2022 offers an opportunity to visit Flea Barn and learn how Ed has made the habitat improvements work alongside the farming enterprise.

At the start of the project, Ed took more than 20% of the farm out of arable production and has created four hectares of new woodland, carried out thinning and management of existing woodland, widened floristic margins, created wetland, in-field game cover and beetle banks. Hedges have been laid and new hedges planted and there is now systematic provision of supplementary feeding and predation control.

The event will also include fascinating talks from the GWCT’s Director of Advisory and Education, Dr Roger Draycott, as well as Richard Negus on hedges and data recording, and Richard Gould on woodland management, the shoot and his take on grey partridges in Mid-Suffolk. Mark Nowers and Eliza Leat from Operation Turtle Dove will discuss Turtle Dove conservation efforts at Flea Barn and their recent farmland bird nesting survey.

Event details: GWCT East Anglian Grey Partridge Walk 2022

In support of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust gwct.org.uk

8 September at 5.30pm

Programme of talks, followed by hog roast and refreshments.

At Flea Barn, Bakers Lane, Winston Green, nr Debenham, IP14 6BE

Tickets: £15.00, available at gwct.org.uk/eagp22

The East Anglian Grey Partridge Walk 2022 is kindly sponsored by Castleacre Insurance: Period Homes, Fine Art, Jewellery, Trusts, castleacreinsurance.com




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 16 Aug 2022 14:45:02 GMT Environment & Nature Farming & Animals
<![CDATA[ Cotswold rural business recognised for GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count contribution ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/cotswold-rural-business-recognised-for-gwct-big-farmland-bird-count-contribution-f5b65e5964d0e1acbfbca8bc0c453472/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/cotswold-rural-business-recognised-for-gwct-big-farmland-bird-count-contribution-f5b65e5964d0e1acbfbca8bc0c453472/ Tuesday 9 August, 2022


PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Cotswold rural business recognised for GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count contribution


A rural business in the Cotswolds has received a special award for its contribution to the 2022 GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count. Overbury Enterprises was given the award in recognition of its long-term participation in the national bird survey run by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT).


“We chose Overbury Enterprises because of their commitment to the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count – they have taken part every year since it began in 2014,” commented GWCT Advisor Amber Lole who runs the count. “Each year the team at Overbury Enterprises submits more counts than the previous year, as well as spreading the word about the count to their social media followers.”


The award was kindly sponsored by Perdix Wildlife Supplies, and the winner received three PERDIX farmland bird feeders, a trail camera and two PERDIX bird nesting boxes. Penelope Bossom, Managing Partner at Overbury Enterprises, received the award at The Game Fair at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire on 29 July, from Dave Butler of Perdix Wildlife Supplies. She said:


“The beauty of taking part in the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count is that it gives us an opportunity to get everyone together, from local people who love birds, to our farming and gardening teams, and it’s a great winter teambuilding activity.”


The GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count asks land managers to spend half an hour each February counting and recording the birds they see on their land and submit their results to the GWCT. The aim is to encourage farmers and gamekeepers to support farmland birds, and to highlight the hard work already done by many of them to help reverse species’ declines. The count gives a vital national snapshot of the health of the UK’s birdlife.


Overbury Enterprises is a family partnership of rural businesses based in the Cotswolds near Tewkesbury, on the Worcestershire and Gloucestershire border. The business includes home and workspace property rental, farming services and contracting, early years nursery and out of hours school club, and a luxury farmhouse holiday rental.


Land managers look after 71% of the UK’s countryside – the largest songbird habitat in the country – so they can make a real and immediate difference to the fate of our much-loved bird species by adopting simple, effective conservation measures.


The 2022 GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count saw more than 1,900 farmers and land managers overcome challenging weather conditions to count over 420,000 individual birds in the survey which is now in its ninth year. They spotted 130 species across more than 1.5million acres (607,000 hectares).


The GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count is sponsored by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and has the support of farming unions and organisations across the UK.


For more information on the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count and how to take part, please visit www.bfbc.org.uk


Ends


Photos: Penelope Bossom of Overbury Enterprises receiving the BFBC Award from Dave Butler of Perdix Wildlife Supplies


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 09 Aug 2022 16:30:53 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Leisure & Hobbies
<![CDATA[ Lapwing’s welcome return to same Avon Valley farm for five years helps scientists learn more about threatened bird ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/lapwings-welcome-return-to-same-avon-valley-farm-for-five-years-helps-scientists-learn-more-about-threatened-bird-2aefd3a6226a6234238493e171f6c20b/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/lapwings-welcome-return-to-same-avon-valley-farm-for-five-years-helps-scientists-learn-more-about-threatened-bird-2aefd3a6226a6234238493e171f6c20b/ Friday 8 July, 2022

GWCT Wetlands team at the New Forest Show 2022


An Avon Valley farmer and Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) ecologist are celebrating the return, for the fifth year in a row, of a female lapwing to the farm where she originally hatched. The lapwing hatched in a field on Will Mitchell’s farm alongside the River Avon on the Hampshire-Dorset border in 2016. Since then, she has faithfully returned each spring from her winter feeding grounds.


Lapwings are iconic but rapidly declining farmland birds, whose numbers have fallen by 50% since 1983. The species is now ‘red-listed’ as a bird of conservation concern. There is little information on their movements outside of the breeding season but colour ringing and tagging studies are allowing us to better understand where they go. Lizzie Grayshon, wetlands ecologist with the New Forest-based GWCT, who monitors wading birds in the Avon Valley between Salisbury and Christchurch, said:


“We are excited and relieved to see this female return safely to the same corner of the farm near Christchurch for the fifth year. Lapwings are often ‘site faithful’ - coming back to the same places to nest and breed each spring - but it is highly unusual to be able to pinpoint the same bird for five consecutive years. Not only that, but she has now successfully raised several broods of chicks of her own on the farm.”


GWCT scientists have been monitoring waders in the Avon Valley since the mid-1990s. In 2015, after noticing alarming declines in numbers, they began working with 40 of the valley’s farmers, land managers and gamekeepers on the LIFE Waders for Real project, to carry out conservation work. The project succeeded in reversing the decline, seeing lapwing numbers rise from 61 pairs in 2015 to 105 pairs by the end of the project in 2019, and breeding success reaching sustainable levels.


Since then, Lizzie has continued to monitor wader populations and advise land managers, including Will, whose farm is home to this female lapwing.


“We are really pleased to hear that this lapwing keeps coming back to the farm and is successfully rearing chicks of her own,” said Will. “It’s great to hear that the work we are doing to keep the meadows right for breeding waders is working. We especially enjoyed joining Lizzie when she caught and tagged the bird. Seeing a lapwing up close was a fantastic experience. Nice to know we are doing our bit for the environment.”


GWCT ecologists were able to identify this female after fitting her with a colour ring as a chick in 2016. She was sighted in the same field on Will’s farm in 2017, 2018 and 2019. In 2017 her first breeding attempt failed when her nest was predated. Although she was spotted there again in 2018, 2019 was her first recorded successful breeding attempt. She nested just metres from where she was born and went on to fledge four chicks of her own.


Covid prevented fieldwork in 2020, but Lizzie returned to the farm in Spring 2021. The very first nest she came across belonged to the same lapwing female, who once again succeeded in raising and fledging chicks in the same field. Lizzie and her team were able to colour-ring the chicks, allowing them to also keep track of the growing dynasty. At the same time, they fitted the female with a tiny GSM tag weighing just 4g. When she returned to the Avon Valley this Spring, the scientists were able to download data from the tag using a remote base station, meaning the bird did not need to be recaught.


The lapwing’s tag showed she had spent the winter around Stanpit Marsh Local Nature Reserve near Christchurch, Milford-on-Sea, Keyhaven Marshes and Lymington, and the North Solent National Nature Reserve on the Beaulieu River estuary.


“Using tags allows us to learn more about the birds’ behaviour, habitat use and threats that they may face in the different locations,” explained Lizzie. “We carry out conservation in their breeding grounds, which has boosted the population and greatly improved breeding success in the Avon Valley, but they are only here in Spring. Learning more about where they go and what they get up to helps us to design conservation efforts to protect and support them throughout the year.”


This spring the lapwing chose to nest in a field adjacent to the one where she hatched and previously nested.


“The habitat had been improved by being grazed by ponies over the winter,” said Lizzie, “reducing vegetation height and creating divots, which lapwing like to build their nests in.”


Learn more about the waders of the Avon Valley, and the GWCT’s other conservation work, at the GWCT stand at the New Forest Show, between 26 – 28 July.


ENDS


Notes to Editors:


PHOTOS:


1. Map showing the movements of this female lapwing over the course of a year. After leaving its breeding ground in the Avon Valley in July 2021 (orange star) it travelled to Lymington then onto Milford-on-sea. It then spent several months over winter at North Solent NNR before moving to Stanpit Marsh early 2022 and finally back to its breeding ground in the Avon Valley in March 2022.


2. The GWCT’s Lizzie Grayshon with a lapwing


Colour ringing involves fitting a unique combination of coloured rings to a bird’s leg. This enables identification of an individual bird in the field, without the need to recapture the bird to read the metal ring number. Ringing of all kinds is only performed under strict license and colour-ringing projects must obtain approval from a central co-ordinator that considers both bird welfare and the viability of the study.


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust www.gwct.org.uk is an independent wildlife conservation charity which carries out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 23 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 08 Jul 2022 19:41:13 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Leisure & Hobbies
<![CDATA[ The Green Guide returns - gamekeepers’ “go-to” guide reimagined for the twenty-first century woodland manager ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/the-green-guide-returns-gamekeepers-go-to-guide-reimagined-for-the-twenty-first-century-woodland-manager-b4ba5d61a278c63b196238cd70c46d8f/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/the-green-guide-returns-gamekeepers-go-to-guide-reimagined-for-the-twenty-first-century-woodland-manager-b4ba5d61a278c63b196238cd70c46d8f/ Friday 8 July, 2022

New ‘green guide’ to ‘Woodland for Pheasants and Wildlife’
launches at The Game Fair


A classic guide to managing woodland for game has been updated and re-released by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) in time for The Game Fair 2022. Woodlands for Pheasants and Wildlife
will be launched by GWCT’s Head of Advisory and Education Dr Roger Draycott, at the event at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire on Friday 29 July.


For a generation of gamekeepers and land managers, the Game Conservancy ‘green guides’ were a revelation – giving them the guidance they needed to manage the countryside well. One of the most popular of these was Woodland for Pheasants, first published in 1961 and rewritten by GWCT advisor Ian McCall in 1988. Of the book’s new incarnation, Dr Roger Draycott said:


“The GWCT, or Game Conservancy as we were back then, has always been proud to offer the ‘green guides’ and we are delighted to launch this updated version of Woodland for Pheasants and Wildlife.


“The new edition reflects the modern gamekeeper’s role as custodian of the countryside and champion of biodiversity and offers a practical guide to maximising the benefits for other wildlife of land managed well for game.”


With tree planting high on the public agenda, the most recent addition to the GWCT Advisory team, Alex Keeble, has rewritten the guide with Joe Dimbleby, refreshing it to reflect changes in best practice and bring the guidelines up to date. The book also embraces the important role good game management can have for many other species and this is reflected in its new title.


Alex Keeble describes the green guides as forming “the backbone of my career”.


“As a gamekeeper,” he said, “the first edition of this book Woodlands for Pheasants was my ‘go-to’ guide on how to create and manage a woodland habitat to benefit both game and wildlife.”


Scientific knowledge and best practice game management continue to underpin the highly practical advice on offer in the new edition. Chapters cover the design and management of new woodland and renovation of existing woodland, as well as the financial considerations, plus advice on tree and shrub species, and sustainable gamebird releasing. Making it, said Alex, “relevant for anyone managing woodland for timber, wildlife, game or all three.”


Joe Dimbleby commented:


“The publication of this new edition is very timely. Shoot managers may well have fewer birds this season due to supply issues and will be looking at better ways to keep them in the covers and maximise their drives. Woodland for Pheasants and Wildlife holds many of the secrets of successful shoot management.”


Tim Weston of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation said of the new publication:


“The GWCT has always led the way with advice that is backed up by science and put together in a way that is easily put into practice by gamekeepers, shoot managers and other conservationists. With more emphasis on planting trees, it is ever more important to plant the right tree in the right place for the right reason. This guide will prove an invaluable resource to create woodland that you can practically use for game management which will benefit wildlife and the environment with outcomes that work for gamekeepers and shoot managers.”


Woodland for Pheasants and Wildlife is available from the GWCT shop gwctshop.org.uk/products/woodlands-for-pheasants-and-wildlife-gwct-green-guide


Notes to Editors:


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust www.gwct.org.uk is an independent wildlife conservation charity which carries out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 23 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 08 Jul 2022 11:36:05 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Leisure & Hobbies Men's Interest
<![CDATA[ GWCT ‘honoured and delighted’ as HRH The Prince of Wales takes on Patronage held by his father for 48 years ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/gwct-honoured-and-delighted-as-hrh-the-prince-of-wales-takes-on-patronage-held-by-his-father-for-48-years-6fbb0bb19c582ab5a0969f4f09e08e7e/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/gwct-honoured-and-delighted-as-hrh-the-prince-of-wales-takes-on-patronage-held-by-his-father-for-48-years-6fbb0bb19c582ab5a0969f4f09e08e7e/ Monday 4 July, 2022

HRH The Prince of Wales has become Patron of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT). The Prince of Wales follows in the footsteps of his father HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, who was involved with the Trust for 56 years, first as President (1965-1973), then as Patron (1973 until his death in 2021).


GWCT President Lord Salisbury KG KCVO PC DL said: “We are honoured and delighted that His Royal Highness has agreed to take on the role of Patron of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust.


“Like HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales has long taken an interest in the work of the Trust developing and promoting science-based game and wildlife management techniques for the benefit of biodiversity in the British countryside. (The Prince of Wales served as President of the Trust between 1981 and 1987.) We greatly look forward to working with him in the coming years.”


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is the UK’s leading charity conducting conservation science to enhance the British countryside for public benefit. In addition to research, the Trust provides practical advice and support to farmers and land managers to become ‘working conservationists’, balancing sustainable commercial food production with conservation.


The Prince of Wales’s interest in the countryside and farming is well-known, with a particular focus on areas of research in which GWCT scientists are playing a key role, such as carbon-capture and nature-based solutions to the climate crisis. His Royal Highness takes an active interest in several projects in which the GWCT is involved, including wild grey partridge and curlew conservation. The recently established Curlew Recovery Partnership England was born out of Curlew Recovery Summits hosted by His Royal Highness, and its partners include the RSPB, the British Trust for Ornithology, the Duchy of Cornwall and the GWCT.


Since the 1950s the GWCT has run a programme of research and monitoring of wild grey partridges, songbirds and invertebrates on the Sandringham Estate, originally under the auspices of The Duke of Edinburgh. The improvement of the farmed environment continues. In addition to wildlife monitoring and insect sampling, the Trust has been assessing the quality of wildlife habitats and evaluating the influence of organic farming on biodiversity.


GWCT Chairman Sir Jim Paice DL, said: “By agreeing to be our Patron, The Prince has acknowledged the importance of GWCT’s work. GWCT recognises that wildlife needs management and our research shows that plenty of diversity can be provided alongside commercial farming.”


ENDS


Notes to Editors:


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust www.gwct.org.uk is an independent wildlife conservation charity which carries out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 23 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.


Photograph: HRH The Prince of Wales planting the first of an avenue of Lime trees on the Sandringham Estate, donated by the Trustees of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) to commorate HRH The Duke of Edinburgh's long Patronage of the charity, November 2021. Left to right, Mrs Teresa Dent (GWCT Chief Executive), HRH The Prince of Wales, Mr Hugh Oliver-Bellasis, Mr James Keith, Mr James Bowdidge. Copyright Trevor Taylor.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 04 Jul 2022 11:45:32 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals
<![CDATA[ Significant drop in Atlantic salmon returning to English river confirms 2021 as a poor year for this iconic species – long-term monitoring project’s report shows ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/significant-drop-in-atlantic-salmon-returning-to-english-river-confirms-2021-as-a-poor-year-for-this-iconic-species-long-term-monitoring-projects-report-shows-c0c1a19e1ab1b893dea772044555284f/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/significant-drop-in-atlantic-salmon-returning-to-english-river-confirms-2021-as-a-poor-year-for-this-iconic-species-long-term-monitoring-projects-report-shows-c0c1a19e1ab1b893dea772044555284f/ Friday 24 June, 2022

The number of wild adult Atlantic salmon returning to the River Frome in southern England in 2021 was down almost 20% on its 10-year average. This drop echoes reports from Scotland and Norway where the 2021 annual salmon catches were the lowest on record - a clear message that 2021 was a very poor year for returning Atlantic salmon. The widespread reporting of declining adult salmon returns further highlights the growing need for targeted action to protect this iconic species.


Juvenile Atlantic salmon smolts migrating to sea from the River Frome in 2021 were also 30% below the 10-average, so expectations for adult returns from this smolt cohort, as grilse in 2022 and multi-sea-winter salmon in 2023, are low.


This week the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) published its 2021 Fisheries Research Review. Based at the Salmon & Trout Research Centre at East Stoke on the River Frome in Dorset, the GWCT Fisheries Team is responsible for one of the longest running salmon monitoring projects in the UK. The River Frome is a salmon index river and provides data on marine survival rates for Atlantic salmon to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). ICES uses River Frome data, along with other salmon data from the North Atlantic, to provide scientific advice on high seas exploitation.


There are, however, some more positive signs from recent monitoring, as Rasmus Lauridsen, head of GWCT Fisheries Research, explains:


“Although we had a disappointing adult salmon run in 2021, we encountered good numbers of salmon parr in our annual parr tagging campaign in September, indicating excellent recruitment from the salmon which reproduced in 2020. So we are expecting a strong run of out-migrating salmon smolts in 2022.”


As a founding member of the Missing Salmon Alliance (MSA) the GWCT Fisheries Research Review also reports on the evolution of the MSA’s Likely Suspects Framework. The framework is developing novel ways to predict future salmon marine survival using indicators of ecosystem health and life cycle knowledge to improve decision making tools for salmon management.


The review can be downloaded at:


https://www.gwct.org.uk/media/1324945/fisheries-research-report-2021.pdf


Ends


Notes to editors:


For more information contact Kate Williams, GWCT on kwilliams@gwct.org.uk, tel. 07592 025476
Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is a member of the Missing Salmon Alliance - a collaboration between passionate groups of conservationists including the Fisheries Management Scotland, the Angling Trust, Atlantic Salmon Trust, The Rivers Trust and Fisheries Management Scotland. By combining resources, coordinating activities, sharing research, and advocating effective, evidence-based solutions we can help wild Atlantic salmon survive and thrive in our waters for generations to come.
In June 2021 the Scottish Government reported that the rod catch of salmon (35,693) is the lowest since records began, and 75% of the previous five-year average. Catches have decreased from a high in 2010 and the 2021 records are consistent with a general pattern of decline in numbers of wild salmon returning to Scotland. https://www.gov.scot/news/salmon-and-sea-trout-fishery-statistics-updated-for-the-2021-season/
2021 catch statistics for England and Wales will not be reported until later this year.
Other topics covered in the review include: Salmonid Management Round the Channel 2017-2023 (SAMARCH); Identifying the natal region of migratory trout; Tags from migratory sea trout found around the English Channel and in the North Sea; Sea trout smolt productivity potential; Genetic divergence in metal-impacted trout populations; Impact of invasive pink salmon at sea and in rivers; Pre-smolt overwinter growth, smolt phenology and size related marine survival; The Likely Suspects Framework


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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 24 Jun 2022 15:05:21 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Leisure & Hobbies Men's Interest
<![CDATA[ Wildlife, biodiversity and soil health – a dairy farmer’s perspective ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/wildlife-biodiversity-and-soil-health-a-dairy-farmers-perspective-3af0f589990b28f93603aa2e9d96ee93/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/wildlife-biodiversity-and-soil-health-a-dairy-farmers-perspective-3af0f589990b28f93603aa2e9d96ee93/ Monday 20 June, 2022

Event: Farm walk by drone, keynote speakers and panel discussion


Saturday 25 June 2022, 12 – 5pm


Tickets £25


On 25 June GWCT’s Wales’s Ceredigion committee is offering farmers an opportunity to hear from industry experts, including Dr Catherine Nakielny, on wildlife, biodiversity and soil health, at leading Welsh dairy farm Dyffryn Arth.


Dr Nakielny (IBERS Prosoil+ Project), farmer Gwyn Evans (Dyffryn Arth Farm) and Paul Morgan (Germinal) will discuss soil health and mixes, including the Aber mixes developed by Aberystwyth University. Gareth Perry (Farmers Union of Wales), Lee Oliver and Bleddyn Thomas (GWCT Wales) will speak on wildlife and biodiversity. The event will include an interactive ‘farm walk’ by drone and a panel discussion and Q & A. The ticket price also includes tea and coffee on arrival, plus a game meat burger and chips, pudding and a pint at 5pm.


Sheep expert Dr Catherine Nakielny has an in-depth knowledge of sheep breeding, management and business, and is an excellent speaker. She is involved in research with the IBERS Soil X Project (Aberystwyth University) and her technical research in the sheep sector has included ram and ewe fertility, disease resistance, worm control and nutrition.


Gwyn Evans, whose Jersey herd at Dyffryn Arth produces milk for the cheese sector using a New Zealand style regenerative approach, will discuss how their farm management has changed to focus on soil health.


Gareth Parry from FUW will discuss wildlife in Welsh Government policy, with focus on farmland birds. GWCT Wales’s Bleddyn Thomas will look at over-winter feeding of farmland birds, and Lee Oliver (GWCT Wales) will run an interactive drone session, comparing the thermal imaging of wildlife observed by night in different parts of the farm connected to habitat, compared to what can be seen live by drone during the event.


For more information, please contact Jon Lougee on jon.lougee@gmail.com or 07802 606348.


Book tickets online at Wildlife, Biodiversity & Soil Health: a Dairy Farmer’s Perspective - Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (gwct.org.uk)


Location: Dyffryn Arth, Cross Inn, Llanon, SY23 5NE (what3words: momentous.toasted.wiser)


Ends


The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust gwct.org.uk – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.




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https://www.gwct.org.uk/ 20 Jun 2022 16:26:34 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals