I'm luck where I live I'm surrounded by a lot of different areas that offer all kinds of approaches to conserving the environment and making use of and protecting the landscape, here to start with what I thought I'd do is look at whats going on in my local area and maybe further a field if I come across anything I think might be of interest.
Government must commit to nature in the Public Forest Estate
As the Independent Panel on Forestry’s report is released, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust welcomes Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman’s pledge that ‘our forests will stay in public hands’ and broadly welcome the Panel’s recommendations.
But vitally, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust urges the Government to adopt the Panel’s recommendations for achanged remit for the Forestry Commission to ensure it gives nature; people’s enjoyment of woodlands; and the sustainable woodland management a higher priority.
There is much more to do to build on the potential of the Public Forest Estate and is calling on the Government to invest in England’s woods and forests to secure nature’s recovery.
Sue Lawley, head of conservation for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: “The Public Forest Estate is a tremendous national asset and has the potential to deliver even more benefits for wildlife and people. We currently invest £20 million a year which provides an estimated return of £400million. At 20:1 this is a phenomenal return on this national investment, providing huge benefits to the nation.
“The Public Forest Estate has the potential to help achieve the objectives of last year’s Natural Environment White Paper through the integration, better protection, reconnection and restoration of woodlands. That’s why we had hoped to see stronger recommendations from the Panel, specifically the reconnection of woodlands at a landscape- scale.
“We want to see stronger protection for existing woodlands, especially ancient woodlands, and more urgency in the restoration of open habitats. We believe areas of lowland heathland, meadow and other internationally important open habitats planted with conifers should be restored with urgency. It is critical that the Government takes this opportunity to release this potential within the Public Forest Estate.”
SWT is currently involved in a number of campaigns and innovative management techniques including: river rehabilitation, river "braiding", river island creation trials, natural flood management, engineered log jam trials and spate management.
Shallows created at Croxall lakes to benefit waders (left) and a Sand Digger Wasp also seen at Croxall Lakes on a sand bar created as part of "river braiding"(right).
River management is entering a new phase: one where watercourses are given the space to choose their own pathways and channel shapes. By learning lessons from the past -and minimising human impacts on watersheds- future generations will enjoy healthier, cleaner and more interesting rivers that support a wider range of wildlife.
Barn owls and other creatures of the night at Coombes Valley
Thursday 12 July to Sunday 12 August
10 am-4 pm
Price: Free
Let us introduce you to our very own barn owl family and some of our other night loving creatures at Coombes Valley.
The barn owl family have set up home in one of our nesting boxes for the very first time. We've installed live viewing screens and you will be able to watch both live footage and recorded highlights from the comfort of the Visitor Centre.
We'l be on hand to answer your questions and you will be able to take part in fun and fascinating activities such as owl pellet dissection and moth trapping.
On Saturdays 21/07, 28/07 and 04/08 there will be a guided walk in the evening.
Directions
Coombes Valley Nature Reserve, Six Oaks Farm, Bradnop, Leek, Staffordshire
Full list of dates
- Thursday 12 July 2012
- Saturday 14 July 2012
- Sunday 15 July 2012
- Thursday 19 July 2012
- Saturday 21 July 2012
- Sunday 22 July 2012
- Thursday 26 July 2012
- Saturday 28 July 2012
- Sunday 29 July 2012
- Thursday 2 August 2012
- Saturday 4 August 2012
- Sunday 5 August 2012
- Thursday 9 August 2012
- Saturday 11 August 2012
- Sunday 12 August 2012
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