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Wildlife events, guided walks and talks

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Bioblitz 2010 at Rushcliffe Country Park

Bioblitz logo

Later this month Bioblitz comes back to Nottinghamshire to create an even bigger wildlife spectacular at Rushcliffe Country Park. The event starts on the evening of Saturday 17th July and runs through until 5pm on Sunday 18th July.

The aim of BioBlitz is to count as many species of plants, animals, fungi and other organisms as possible at one site over a 24 hour period, and as with previous years, local scientists, naturalists and volunteers will be counting everything from bugs to bats.

On Monday 19th July (BIOBLITZ SCHOOLS DAY) there is a further day of wildlife focused activities aimed specifically at local Nottinghamshire schools (follow this link for the schools flier and contact details). ALL THE SPACES ON THE BIOBLITZ SCHOOLS DAY ARE NOW TAKEN.

At this years event the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group partnership will be trying to count even more species than we have done previously at events at Colwick Country Park (2006) and at Rufford Country Park (2008). The record number of species for a Bioblitz event in Nottinghamshire is set at 471 species so let’s hope that the weather is good and the wildlife is out in numbers.

The event will include a range of activities to get the public involved ranging from coming along to learn more about small mammal trapping to guided walks looking at butterflies, pond dipping to a range of talks on natural history.

For a list of activities going on throughout the 24 hour period please see below.

Saturday 17th July (Bioblitz evening events)

Bat Talk and Walk - FULLY BOOKED

Small Mammal Trapping - FULLY BOOKED

Moth trapping - (booking required - call for more details)

Sunday 18th July (Bioblitz Talks)

10:30am Barn Owls in Rushcliffe

11.30am Nott's Dragonflies & Damselflies

12:30pm The Nottinghamshire Bird Atlas

1:30pm How to Trap & Record Moths

2.30pm Butterflies of Nottinghamshire

Pond Dipping

3:30pm The Harvest Mouse

4:30pm Recording Invertebrates

Sunday 18th July (Bioblitz Walks & Activities)

10:30am Rushcliffe Wildlife Walk

11:00am Bird Walk 1

11:30am Bug Hunt 1

12:00noon Pond Dipping 1

12:30pm Butterflies Walk

1:00pm Investigating Plant Galls

1:30pm Wildflower Walk

2:00pm Bug Hunt 2

Bird watching

2:30pm Dragonflies and Damselflies

3:00pm Pond Dipping 2

3:30pm Bird Walk 2

4:00pm Lady Bird Spotting

For those events requiring a booking please e-mail biodiversity@nottscc.gov.uk or call 0115 977 4213 for more information.

Rushcliffe Country Park near Ruddington provides an excellent venue for this fun day out. The site consists of 85 hectares of wildflower meadows, a lake and other ponds and a range of recently (1993) planted woodlands. The former MOD site was reclaimed and landscaped in the early 1990’s and has been a country park ever since. The site is a great place to bring your family and picnic, enjoy the extensive network of paths and enjoy the children’s play area.

This year’s event will be on of the ways that the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group will be celebrating the UN’s International Year of Biodiversity.

Speaking on behalf of the Partnership Chris Jackson commented:

The starting point for all wildlife conservation is accurate records - without information about which species are present at a location it is very difficult to plan effective site management or to ensure species survival. Through BioBlitz we hope to remove some of the myth and mystery about wildlife recording and hope to enthuse a whole new generation of Attenboroughs and Bellamys into the bargain.”

Mr Jackson continued: “Bioblitz is also a great way to remind people of the tremendous variety of life - biodiversity – that exists here in the UK. Wildlife can be found all around us, whether in our towns and cities, parks and gardens or in nature reserves and the wider countryside, and we hope to get this message across through the Bioblitz event in July.”

Himalyan Balsam Survey 2010

Himalayan Balsam is a non-native invasive species of plant which was introduced into the UK as an ornamental garden plant in 1839, since when it has spread across the UK. It is commonly found on river banks and enjoys growing in locations with damp ground.

Within their natural ranges, plants are usually controlled by a variety of natural pests and diseases. When these plants are introduced into areas free of these natural controls they can become larger and more vigorous, and may invade natural habitats and out-compete the native plants that live there. In the case of Himalayan Balsam, large infestations occur especially along rivers, streams and ditches, effectively blocking these important wildlife corridors by preventing the movement of animals, and taking up space where our native plants would otherwise grow.

During 2010 the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group partnership (Notts BAG) will be undertaking a survey to identify the distribution of this troublesome non-native invasive species. Anyone is welcome to get involved in this survey and records will be accepted that cover anywhere both in the county of Nottinghamshire and the City of Nottingham.

Himalayan Balsam is a relatively easy species to identify. To find out more about the identification features of this plant follow this link that will take you to a guidance document (pages 14 and 15) produced by the Environment Agency. To download an electronic version of the survey form please click on the following link Notts BAG Himalayan Balsam Survey Form. When undertaking surveys please try to get the permission of the landowner before visiting sites and do not trespass. Completed forms can be sent in their electronic form to biodiversity@nottscc.gov.uk or paper copies can be sent to the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group, c/o Conservation Group, NCC, Trent Bridge House, Fox Road, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, NG2 6BJ.

Review of the BAG Annual Forum Event (Big BAG)

Over 50 people attended this year’s annual forum event (fondly referred to as the Big BAG) hosted by the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group (BAG) partnership at the Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre (just to the north west of Retford). The event took place on Thursday 28th January and was themed around the ‘Nottinghamshire LBAP: past, present and future’.

The day involved a series of presentations during the morning sessions and a site visit around the Idle Valley Nature Reserve during the afternoon. The event was opened by Bryn Jones, Mayor of Retford.

To view the event programme follow this link.

To view presentations from the event follow the links below.

Ten years of the Nottinghamshire LBAP - Chris Jackson (1,660 kb)

Action on Heathlands in Nottinghamshire - Norma Saunders (2,442 kb)

Barn Owls: A local success story - Howard Broughton (12,794 kb)

Langford and Beckingham: Futurescapes in the Trent Valley - Michael Copleston (18,119 kb)

Landscape Scale Conservation: the way forward for biodiversity - Janice Bradley (awaiting presentation)

Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group Update - Chris Jackson (582 kb)

Site Visit from the afternoon of Thursday 28th January

For more information on the Idle Valley Nature Reserve please follow this link

Japanese Knotweed Survey 2009 Results

Japanese Knotweed is a non-native invasive species of plant. Since it was introduced into the UK as an ornamental garden plant in the mid nineteenth century it has spread across the UK. It is commonly found on previously developed land, post-industrial sites and railways. It is also commonly seen on roadsides and along watercourses such as canals, rivers, streams and ditches.

Plants within their native range are usually controlled by a variety of predators, natural pests and diseases. When these plants are introduced into areas free of these natural controls they can become larger and more vigorous. They invade natural habitats and out compete the native plants that live there. Rivers, hedges, roadsides and railways form important corridors for native plants and animals to migrate and large infestations of non-native weeds can block these routes for wildlife, and take up important niches in which our native flora could otherwise exist.

During 2009 the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group (BAG) partnership undertook a countywide survey of Japanese Knotweed, Fallopia japonica. The aim of the survey has been to try to build up a better picture of the distribution of Japanese Knotweed within Nottinghamshire. By understanding the distribution and extent of Japanese Knotweed within the county it will enable the BAG partnership to target its resources to tackle patches of Japanese Knotweed that are the biggest threat to the counties biodiversity.

As a result of the survey 397 completed survey forms were returned and from these 377 different locations for Japanese knotweed were identified. Of these locations eight patches of Japanese Knotweed were identified on four Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s). SSSI’s are some of the best sites in the country for their biodiversity and so it is important that plants such as Japanese Knotweed are controlled, and ultimately removed from these sites. All the site managers of these SSSI’s have been made aware of the presence of Japanese Knotweed and the plant will be managed to prevent its spread and to try to eradicate it from the sites. In addition 57 patches of Japanese Knotweed were identified on 37 Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation, (SINC’s). The partnership is currently looking at ways of ensuring that these patches are also brought under control.

The majority of the locations reported came from the west of the county where the major urban areas are found, this was not unexpected as Japanese Knotweed is commonly found on derelict land commonly associated with cities and towns.

The main concentrations of Japanese Knotweed were found in the urban catchments of both the River Leen in Nottingham and the River Maun in Mansfield. The reason for this may be twofold. Firstly and as indicated above, urban areas tend to be strongholds for Japanese Knotweed as it can be easily spread by fly tipping and poor site management. In addition it may be that Japanese Knotweed was much more readily reported from these urban areas where there is a larger population and more chance of people coming into contact with the plant.

Many thanks to everyone who has sent in records as part of the Japanese Knotweed survey. The information will be passed on to the Nottinghamshire Biological and Geological Records Centre and will also be made available to the public through the National Biodiversity Network website (www.nbn.org.uk).

It is still not too late to report any sightings of Japanese Knotweed that you have made in Nottingham or Nottinghamshire so if you do see a patch that you would like to report please send your information to us.

To find out more about the identification features of Japanese Knotweed please have a look at the Japanese Knotweed code of practice pages 10-11 produced by the Environment Agency. To download an electronic version of the survey form please click on the following link Notts BAG Japanese Knotweed Survey Form. When undertaking surveys please try to get the permission of the landowner before visiting sites and do not trespass. Completed forms can be sent in their electronic form to biodiversity@nottscc.gov.uk or paper copies can be sent to the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group, c/o Conservation Group, NCC, Trent Bridge House, Fox Road, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, NG2 6BJ.

UK List of Priority Species and Habitats

After two years of work involving in excess of 500 people, the proposed UK List of Priority Species and Habitats was presented in a UK BAP website report in June 2007. The Priorities Species and Habitats Review Working Group and the Priorities Review Group recommended that this list was formally adopted. The Governments of all four UK administrations have now adopted the recommendations of experts and published the UK list of priority species and habitats. The new UK BAP list is an important reference source, bringing all the scientific information on UK BAP species and habitats together in one place.

This list, a result of the most comprehensive analysis ever undertaken in the UK, contains 1149 species and 65 habitats that have been listed as priorities for conservation action under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP).

To find out more visit the UKBAP website - www.ukbap.org.uk

The Biodiversity Duty

Guidance on the biodiversity duty under Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC), was published on 22nd May 2007 by Defra.

The aim of the biodiversity duty is to raise the profile of biodiversity in England and Wales, eventually to a point where biodiversity issues become second nature to everyone making decisions in the public sector.

All public authorities are affected, including over 900 public bodies local authorities, fire, police and health bodies, museums and transport authorities.

Defra has worked with a wide range of partners, including Natural England, Countryside Council for Wales, the Local Government Association, Wildlife and Countryside Link and others on developing guidance to support public authorities in implementing this duty.

In recognition of the key role local authorities play with regard to conserving and enhancing biodiversity, there are two sets of guidance:

specific guidance aimed at the needs and requirements of local authorities; and
more generic guidance aimed at all public authorities affected.

Workshops with local authorities, regional bodies and other public bodies were held in November 2006 to engage those affected and to inform the development of the guidance.

The guidance is intended to assist public authorities to implement the biodiversity duty. It provides advice on different activities and functions of public sector organisations and includes a number of case studies which illustrate what can be done to have regard to biodiversity.

The guidance is available on the Defra website at: www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/biodiversity/

Wildlife Events, Guided Walks and Talks.

Saturday 24th July - Health Walk

Join us for a longer healthy walk from Attenborough Nature Centre. The full circuit will be 5 miles in length and will take at least 2 hours. Suitable for all. No dogs please. Please come dressed for the weather with good footwear. 10.30am start. Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777.

Saturday 24th July - Woodland Bug Hunt

Find out more about our invertebrate neighbours with Chris Terrel-Nield and the South Notts Local Group in Bunny Wood Nature Reserve. Meet 2pm at Bunny Wood car park - on the left driving up out of Bunny village on the A60 from West Bridgford. Contact:Chris Terrel-Nield 0115 937 4906

Saturday 24th July and Sunday 25th July - Wildlife Weekend

Two days of wildlife displays, walks and activities at the Conservation Centre, to celebrate the diverse wildlife of Clumber Park. 10.30am - 4.30pm. For more information call 01909 476592.

Sunday 25th July - Cotgrave Forest (Nottinghamshire)

Meet at the entrance at 11.00am. From Nottingham take the A606 towards Melton Mowbray , just before entering Stanton on the Wolds take the left turning into a single track road called Laming Gap Lane. Park with care on the on the roadside at SK 646322. (Due to the road works there is no longer access available from the A46). Target species are Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus & possibly White Letter Hairstreak. Mainly easy walking on gravel track although some parts can be remain wet after rain so stout footwear is recommended. In the early 1980s this was the last site for Pearl Boarded Fritillary in the East Midlands. A poignant reminder during "Save Our Butterflies Week" of how vulnerable many species have become. Contact: Eliot Taylor 01162 871677

Tuesday 27th July - Family Orienteering at Idle Valley

We provide the map, route and clues and you disappear onto the reserve to see what you can find! The course will take budding explorers on a fun walking trail around this beautiful site lasting around 2 - 3 hours. Feel free to bring a picnic and take your time. Children must be accompanied. Begin your adventure at any time between 10am and12 noon. Booking essential. Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945

Wesnesday 28th July - Pushabout Clumber

Part of an initiative promoting walking for health and supported by Bassetlaw Primary Care Trust and Bassetlaw District Council. About 2 miles in length over terrain suitable for buggies. Normal admission charges apply for your first Pushabout, a free vehicle entry pass will then be provided to allow access for participation on further walks. 10am -11am. For more information call 01909 476592.

Wednesday 28th July - Things that Creep & Crawl

A chance for all the family to explore Treswell Wood and discover which tiny creatures make their home in this ancient woodland. Children can take part in a special mini-beast quiz. 1pm – 3pm. £1.50 per child - children under 3 years old go free. Booking essential. Contact: Ann-Marie Edwards 01777 713 940

Thursday 29th July - Butterflies and Bees at Idle Valley

A chance to find out more about the wonderful world of butterflies and bees and help us record some of the species that make their home on the reserve. 10.30am - 12 noon. Booking essential. Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945

Thursday 29th July - Helping Hedgehogs in the Idle Valley

An event for all the family as we find out more about hedgehogs, where they live, and how to encourage them into your garden. Try your hand at making a hedgehog box to take home (limited to one box per family). 1pm - 2.30pm. Spaces are limited - booking essential. Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945

Saturday 31st July - Summer Bird Walk

Listen to the sounds of summer! Come along to Idle Valley Nature Reserve for a summer stroll around this beautiful site guided by the Reserve warden, with the chance to listen for and spot some of the birds to be found here during the warmer season. 9.30am – 11am. Bring binoculars if you have them. Booking essential. Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945.

Practical Volunteering

Friday 23rd July - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Join these regular work parties (every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and every other Sunday) held at Attenborough Nature Reserve. This group is very popular so to avoid disappointment contact Karen Bennett for more information at the Attenborough Nature Centre on 0115 972 1777.

Sunday 25th July - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Sunday 25th July - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Join the Nottinghamshire group of the BTCV on one of their regular work parties (every Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday and the second Saturday of the month). The work parties are run out of the BTCVs county office at Burton Joyce and there is a pick up location in Nottingham. For more information contact 0115 931 3316.

Sunday 25th July - Idle Valley Volunteers

Join these regular work parties (every Thursday and Sunday) to help with volunteer tasks on this the largest Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust reserves in the county. Contact James Simpson on 0115 713 944.

Monday 26th July - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Monday 26th July - Bestwood Volunteers

We need your enthusiasm to help us protect this fascinating remnant of Sherwood Forest. Volunteering is a great chance to learn new skills, help the environment and make friends. Everyone is welcome (no previous experience necessary) with tools, training and tea all provided! Please bring a packed lunch and all-weather clothing. For further information please call 0115 927 3674. Every Monday except Bank Holidays and every first Sunday of the month. Meet: Alexandra Lodge.

Tuesday 27th July - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Tuesday 27th July - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Tuesday 27th July - Moor Pond Wood Volunteers

Practical conservation tasks in and around Moor Pond Wood, held every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday each week. Contact Lee Scudder on 07753 850758 or by email at leescudder@hotmail.com.

Tuesday 27th July - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Southern Reserves)

Join these regular work parties (every Tuesday and Thursday) organised on Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust reserves in the south of the county. Unless otherwise stated contact Julie Reed on 0115 958 8242.

Wednesday 28th July - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Wednesday 28th July - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Northern Reserves)

Join these regular work parties (every Wednesday and the first and second Sunday in the month) organised on Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust reserves in the north of the county. For more information contact Rob Atkinson on 01777 713940.

Wednesday 28th July - Treswell Wood Volunteers (Notts Wildlife Trust)

A weekly work party at Treswell Wood near Retford. For more information contact Tony Kennedy on 01427 880436.

Thursday 29th July - Dob Park Volunteers

Practical conservation tasks in and around Dob Park held on Thursday each week and one Sunday a month. Contact Phil Kimbrey on 07753 850756 or at phil.kimbrey@nottscc.gov.uk.

Thursday 29th July - Idle Valley Volunteers

Thursday 29th July - Moor Pond Wood Volunteers

Practical conservation tasks in and around Moor Pond Wood, held every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday each week. Contact Lee Scudder on 07753 850758 or by email at leescudder@hotmail.com.

Thursday 29th July - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Southern Reserves)

Friday 30th July - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Times Vary - Skylarks Nature ReserveVolunteers

This group meets monthly to help with various volunteer tasks at this wonderful Nottinghamshire Wildlfie Trust Reserve in the south of the county. For more information contact Keith Wakerley 0115 933 3280

Wildlife Watch Groups

Young nature lovers between 8 and 13 can find out more about wildlife by getting involved in a range of fun activities organised by Wildlife Watch. There are Wildlife Watch Groups across the county providing young people with opportunities to explore their surroundings and find out more about the natural world. Some Groups can take under 8s, if accompanied by an adult - please check beforehand.

Portland Park Watch Group

(CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE)

Portland Park Visitor Centre, Kirkby-in-Ashfield. 10am - 12noon. Contact: Lynn Victor, 0115 958 8242.

Sunday 1st August - Sherwood Forest Area Watch Group

This Watch Group is a roving ‘Wildlife Watch’ group for children - please contact the Ranger’s Office for more details of venues. 10am - 12noon. Contact: Ranger’s Office 01623 822 447 (booking is essential so please phone before attending).

Saturday 7th August - Brackenhurst Watch Group

Schools Unit, Brackenhurst Campus, off A612 nr Southwell. Contact: Lynn Victor, 0115 958 8242. (Please phone before attending). 9.30am - 11.30am.

Saturday 7th August - Bulwell Watch Group

Bulwell Hall Park, meet at the toy library at the entrance to the park off Sandhurst Road. Contact: Simon Jenkins 0115 915 2733, Marie Wilkinson 07890 629 350 or Lynn Victor 0115 958 8242. 10.30am to 12.30pm

Saturday 7th August - Nottingham City Watch Group

Courtyard Studio, Wollaton Hall and Park. Contact: Jane Carruthers 0115 841 8154 or Lynn Victor, 0115 841 8154. 10.15am - 12.15pm.

Sunday 8th August - Duke’s Wood Watch Group

At Duke’s Wood Nature Reserve, Eakring, or Jordan Castle Farm, Wellow. Contact: Ann Marie Edwards on 01777 713940. 10am - 12noon.

Sunday 8th August - Idle Valley Watch Group

Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre, Great North Road, Retford. Contact: Ann Marie Edwards 01777 713 940 or Sara Smith 01777 713 945. 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Saturday 14th August - Farndon Watch Group

Group based at Farndon Village Hall and Willow Holt. Contact: Sue Leach on 01636 681154. 9.30am - 11.30am.

Saturday 14th August - Rushcliffe Watch Group

Rushcliffe Country Park, Mere Way, Ruddington: meet in the Education Room. Contact: Ranger's Office 0115 921 5865, or Laura Mayhew 07545 131 792. 11am - 1.00pm

Sunday 15th August - Attenborough Watch Group

At the Attenborough Nature Centre. 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Contact: Victoria McMillan 0115 913 0072 or the Nature Centre on 0115 972 1777

Training

Saturday 24th July - Basket-making

Come along and learn this traditional country craft in one of Nottinghamshire’s finest ancient woodlands under the guidance of local woodsman Ray Lister. Participants will get the chance to make their own egg or berry basket from locally sourced organic willow. 10am - 3pm. £40 per person. Meet at the craftsmen sheds in Treswell Wood. Please bring packed lunch; tea and coffee provided. Booking essential. Contact: Samantha Lister on 07791 544 061

Friday 30th July - Digital Photography Workshops

A series of workshops, using the landscape, gardens, wildlife and buildings of Clumber Park. These days are designed to build photographic skills and knowledge of digital photography, providing a great opportunity to make the most of your digital camera. For further information please visit www.goingdigital.co.uk. 10am - 4pm.

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