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www.cornard.info |
The Great Cornard Information Website |
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Helping Wildlife (2010) |
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Page updated - 04 June 2010 |
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For further information - Suffolk Wildlife Trust on 01473 890089 or Suffolk Wildlife Trust Website |
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Cornard News - This advice was previously published in Cornard News |
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2010 Spring |
Issue 41 |
At this gloomy, damp time in the year with so few daylight hours, most of us will hurry to the warmth and comfort of home - just pause for a moment, and spare a thought for all the wild creatures out there. As wild creatures they are certainly a lot tougher than our species and our chosen pets however, they not only need, but deserve some help and consideration from the species that has selfishly rendered most of their habitat inhospitable and incapable of sustaining much of our native wildlife through the coming months.
Amphibians, reptiles and the small hibernating mammals such as bats and hedgehogs are very vulnerable indeed, and will probably die if carelessly disturbed while in hibernation - it is worth mentioning again that as a result of declining numbers the hedgehog is now a 'Biodiversity Action Plan Species' (B.A.P. Species). So, as mentioned in previous articles, please be very watchful if you have a need to disturb compost heaps/bins, any hibernating amphibians or reptiles present will mostly be at the base close to the ground where the temperature is constantly low but normally frost-free. Piles of branches and hedge cuttings will attract amphibians and hedgehogs; the latter may also occupy spaces under sheds and other outbuildings. Piles of rubble, slabs and even individual bricks and flat pieces of wood often provide a refuge for amphibians but they are likely to seek a better hibernaculum after the first frosts.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so if seen wandering during daylight hours it is probably a sick or wounded animal and will need care. Vets will usually treat wild creatures for free and most will have contacts experienced in the art of nursing hedgehogs back to health. Under weight hedgehogs will not survive hibernation and such animals may be seen at this time, any hedgehog found at this point in the year should be taken to a vet to be checked and weighed - it may well save their life. These animals have a rather fitful hibernation, so it is possible to find a healthy animal wandering after dark in mild conditions.
The following extracts illustrate the UK's failure to take adequate steps to reverse the decline in Great Crested Newt populations and habitats, which automatically indicates big problems for ALL our native amphibians - indeed wildlife in general. In 2005 European courts ruled against the UK for not adequately carrying out surveillance and monitoring of European Protected Species such as Great Crested Newt (GCN), this being a crucial aspect of GCN conservation activity (Langton T. 2009). Up to an estimated third of UK GCN sites have disappeared since 1979. The 2010 UK GCN target to make replacement ponds has an estimated 95%+ shortfall. Less than 1% of UK breeding sites have designated protection (Langton T. 2009).
So, UK governments have an abysmal conservation record, pampering to the need and greed of the selfish, insensitive masses - how can the more caring among us help? In a practical way you can create wildlife habitats, even in small gardens - if two or three adjacent gardens allow a little space for wildlife it becomes a significant habitat. It is also very important politically to subscribe to a major conservation organisation such as the County Wildlife Trust, Froglife (now renamed), British Trust for Ornithology or R.S.P.B. - contact details available on line or by request. The greater the membership of these organisations, the greater their political clout.
By the time you receive your Cornard News the emergence from hibernation of amphibians and reptiles will be imminent. On emergence adult amphibians will make their way to their breeding pond, this may mean crossing a road which results in large numbers being killed. If you find numbers of amphibians crushed on the road please inform 'Amphibian and Reptile Conservation' formerly 'Froglife' on 01733 558844 or email enquiries@arc-trust.org If reasonable numbers are present, that section of road will be identified as an official crossing, and volunteers will be sought to help the amphibians across the road to their breeding pond. This initiative is very important and has doubtless saved many amphibian colonies from extinction.
I hope you remembered to clean out your bird boxes by the beginning of Feb. as some birds will show an interest in a potential nest site well before egg laying. If this has not been done there is probably still time, providing there is no apparent interest in the nest box.
If you wish to contact me, you can do so by phone on (01787) 374874 or Mobile 07534 263629. George Millins – Local Conservationist
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2010 Summer |
Issue 42 |
As we approach the end of Spring, after the coldest winter for three decades, please do not assume the birds are no longer in need of help with food and water. In fact, consumption from my garden feeders and the birdbath has at least doubled; as it always does when young birds are in the nest.
It seems that Goldfinches - one of our smallest finches - have suffered losses over the long, cold winter, it is important to provide for them to reduce losses from the new generation and help to rebuild their population numbers. The intensely arable nature of our countryside and the constant mowing of most grassland creates a state of famine for this specialist seedeater especially at this time in the year. I find sunflower hearts (de-husked sunflower seed) the best all round food, add a peanut feeder and, if you have NOT got a cat problem in your garden, mixed seed and cereal feed on the ground will attract a wide variety of species.
I cannot stress enough the importance of hygiene on bird baths, feeders and tables, birds can contract salmonella etc. from dirty feeding stations and ground feeding locations should be changed - if space allows - and swept clean from time to time. Feeders need washing, in dry weather about once a month, in damp weather fortnightly or even weekly. Keep a watchful eye on your feeders, if the contents at the bottom of the feeder changes colour, or mould is apparent remove it immediately, discard remaining contents and replace with a clean feeder and fresh contents. For these reasons choose plastic or metal feeders rather than wood, as the latter is so difficult to keep clean.
An ornamental wood bird table is an attractive feature in the garden but, for the sake of the birds you are trying to help, use the table for water placed in a washable bowl and hang feeders from the bird table. You may have noticed the absence of greenfinches over the winter period, this species has also suffered considerable losses resulting from a contagious disease affecting their throat and preventing them from swallowing I'm told. I am as yet unaware of the cause or origin of this disease but it seems to be confined to greenfinches thus far.
Now that many species have more or less emerged from hibernation many will once again be battling with other aspects of nature as well as cutting and slashing with power tools. Please be aware of nesting birds and amphibians sheltering under ground covering foliage that may also be a refuge for the poor hedgehog, now so sadly depleted in numbers, and a B.A.P. (Biodiversity Action Plan) species. Also remember robins will sometimes nest on or very close to the ground, so a careful search before cutting, PLEASE.
If you would like to help wildlife I have a range of fact sheets and can arrange an advisory visit on a voluntary basis. If you wish to contact me, you can do so by phone on (01787) 374874 or Mobile 07534 263629.
George Millins – Local Conservationist
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2010 Autumn |
Issue 43 |
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2010 Winter |
Issue 44 |
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