Extracts from the latest Wildlife News are below.
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Wildlife Groups Across Bristol
We are trying to do three main things
1. Raise public awareness about wildlife in the city including both the good things (‘a family of hedgehogs is visiting my garden, aren’t they sweet?’) and the bad things (‘chaffinches are in decline, what can we do about it?’). Facebook and other social media is good for this with pictures and ideas circulating without much effort.
2. Undertake monitoring of wildlife in different parts of the city. That would include the neighbourhood auditing that we have already started and also the monitoring of particular species. There are now several ‘Hedgehog Groups’; a ‘Bat Group’ covers BS3 and BS4; some people are noting down butterflies, moths and dragonflies and who knows what. Of course, some people have been doing that for years. The new features are that we want more people to do it and we also want people to share the information. It’s not just fun to do, it’s also vital if we are to reverse the decline in Bristol’s wildlife.
3. Take action to improve habitats. Again lots of people are already doing that, but we need more. A single wildlife garden is a Good Thing, but a neighbourhood full of wildlife gardens is an Even Better Thing. A productive park is another Good Thing, but its impact is limited if there aren’t other friendly habitats nearby. Many animals need to move around in search of food, shelter and breeding opportunities. A great, but isolated green space isn’t good enough: an isolated island in an urban sea. Lots of people are doing their bit, but, so far, our impact is limited. Only local organisation can raise the game in support of wildlife. Perhaps, most people lack the time, skills and inclination to do much more, but it only takes a few people to galvanise local action. Are YOU up for being a Community Activist? If so, please get in touch with: MyWildBedminster@virginmedia.com
How Many Species of Butterfly Live in the UK?
The usual answer is ‘around 60’. Some people set out to see them all. Such a one was Patrick Barkham who wrote about it in his book The Butterfly Isles. This was published in 2010. Patrick completed his quest at 59. The very useful Guide to the Butterflies of Britain and Ireland (published by the Field Studies Council) illustrates 60 species. Stephen Moss, writing in The Observer, has claimed 61. His additional two are the Large Tortoiseshell and the Long-tailed Blue. Both, he says, have a toe-hold on the English south coast. With global warming its now worth while for them to extend their range. It’s likely that they will edge their way further north over the next decades.
But, there’s also a down side. The last butterfly on Stephen’s list was the Mountain Ringlet. It may be doomed as a UK species. It’s been in the British Isles since the end of the last Ice Age, say, 10,000 years. As temperatures rose, so too did the Mountain Ringlet. In search of cooler temperatures it moved north and climbed mountains and is now to be found only in Cumbria and the Scottish Highlands. But, as temperatures rise further, it may run out of mountain. Of course, most butterfly species are unlikely to be seen in an urban area such as Bristol. Some, however, will be seen regularly year after year. If we add in the occasional visitor, perhaps the number edges up to 23 species or so..
What’s your favourite ‘Wildlife Moment’?
If you have a favourite, memorable wildlife moment, why not jot it down and send it to Wildlife News?
River Pollution
Manor Woods Valley LNR recently had a pollution incident in the Malago. This can happen in any river, so its worth noting the Environment Agency pollution hotline. It’s 0800 807060. You will need to give as close a description of the location as you can.
Bristol Walking Alliance (BWA)
BWA are circulating a document called ’50 Ways to Better Walking’. Several of the suggestions emphasise the importance of adding greenery, trees etc to the walking environment. Greening would, of course, be supportive also for wildlife in the city. Cleaner air would also be helpful for any creature with lungs, ie most of us. One issue that the document highlights is access to key neighbourhood features such as parks. It calls for ‘a network of ‘green’ pedestrian routes’, ie green in themselves, but also enabling everyone to easily reach green spaces in the city. For too many Bristolians, walking in their neighbourhood is an unpleasant experience.
It would be really helpful if park support groups, allotment committees etc undertook an audit of the routes to their green space, say, from 5 or 6 minutes out. Are there obstructions that would make it difficult for someone in a wheelchair to visit your park? What about someone pushing a buggy or with sight loss? Is there a major road with inadequate crossing facilities? Send your comments to Wildlife News and we will forward them to BWA and BCC. Email: MyWildBedminster@virginmedia.com
Has It Got a Spike?
There have been a couple of pictures on facebook and elsewhere lately of caterpillars. With somewhere between 2.5 and 3K butterflies and moths, identification can be difficult and that’s not counting the other insects that have laval forms that look like caterpillars. One noticeable group, partly because of their size, are the hawk moth caterpillars. If it has a single spike sticking up from its rear end, it’s a hawk moth. Of course, that only reduces the options to around 18, but it’s a start and you might be able to google it.
Where Have All the Holly Blues Gone?
Only one person responded to the request for sightings of the allegedly common Holly Blue. This either means that the Holly Blue is having a very bad year or only a few people have been looking.
Please pass this newsletter on to your friends and neighbours and invite them to join the circulation list. Email: MyWildBedminster@virginmedia.com