Today’s announcement that a banned neonicotinoid will not be used on sugar beet is good news – but does not halt the risk to wildlife in future years Bees and other wildlife may have won a temporary reprieve and could now avoid being poisoned by a toxic pesticide due to the recent snap of...
Two-year delay to England peat strategy as damage continues to vital carbon stores This year, as the UK hosts the global climate conference, COP26, all eyes will be on the UK’s own action to tackle climate change. The Wildlife Trusts believe that the Government’s failure to address a key issue – how to end the damage to carbon-storing peatlands and restore a significant proportion of those that are already harmed – will be a major embarrassment. Peatlands are the UK’s largest on-land store of...
We may be a ‘wet’ nation, but wetlands – wildlife-rich, carbon-capturing oases – are in shorter supply than you might think. Wetlands have largely been removed from our landscape, and this loss is a problem not just for nature, but for people too. Wetland habitats take many forms, from upland peat bogs through to...
Emergency authorisation was refused in 2018 – what’s changed? Today The Wildlife Trusts’ lawyers have contacted the Environment Secretary, George Eustice to question his decision to allow the emergency use of the banned neonicotinoid Thiamethoxam for sugar beet. The Wildlife Trusts believe the action may have been unlawful and The Wildlife Trusts are planning...
Dan van den Toorn, Reserves Manager, tells us about a project to create three mini meadows at the Batts, Dalton Piercy (near Hartlepool)....
Sue Antrobus has compiled a community toolbox for volunteer groups. It’s a guide to running volunteer activities for conservation....
What are diving ducks? Ducks can be split into two broad groups: dabblers and divers. Diving duck is a loose term that covers a wide range of ducks who feed mainly by diving under the water, whether it’s to chase fish, scoop up insects or graze on tasty aquatic plants. Some diving ducks prefer...
Vic Fairbrother and Ken Hutchinson draw together their experiences in the field and studies of the ring ouzel, which occupies red-list conservation concern. ...
Kate Bartram, East Cleveland Heritage Officer, took this opportunity to explore her gardens' marvellous moths. There are more than you think!...
Feeding garden birds is a great way for people, especially those who are unable to get outdoors, to get a daily dose of nature. This is why we are piloting a Bird Buddies scheme in Brotton. This winter is especially challenging for our wellbeing, and feeding the birds is a small achievable caring action...
Everyone can become a meadow maker – from a window box to a spare acre, no plot is too big or too small. Check out our helpful guide on where to start! Soil and sunlight The first question is what kind of soil you are working with? If it’s rich and fertile (or straight...
Elizabeth Raine, student of Marine Biology at Newcastle University, tells us about Marsden Bay and her experience of Life in Lockdown. ...