An Autumn Of Two Halves

A curious season for autumn colour is being observed by the Forestry Commission at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum in Gloucestershire.

Experts at the arboretum are witnessing a two-phased appearance of colour, brought on by the unusual weather experienced this year.

Whilst the dry spring brought on an early change in some trees thought to be ‘stressed’ through drought, the warm start to October has meant many other specimens have stayed green for longer.

The warm weather has delayed the cold snap which spurs on the chemical change required to produce autumnal reds, oranges and yellows. Colder nights are thought to be more conducive to bringing on good autumn colour.

Simon Toomer, Westonbirt Arboretum Director commented: “What began as an early show of autumn colour at the end of August, slowed during September and the start of October when the warmer weather re-appeared.

“This has meant that many of Westonbirt’s famous Japanese maples stayed green for longer than in previous years. However, the recent colder nights have speeded things up and we’re now seeing an autumn colour display we are much more used to.”

Autumn hotspots for colour include the National Japanese Maple Collection and Rotary Glade in Silk Wood, and Acer Glade in the Old Arboretum. Visitors can follow the appearance of autumn colour on Westonbirt Arboretum’s colour watch blog. Find out more at www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-autumn.

Rare Butterfly Numbers Double

Recent monitoring results of Chequered Skipper butterfly numbers at Lochaber’s Allt Mhuic butterfly reserve on the north shore of Loch Arkaig show that numbers have increased for the second year running.

The butterfly, which can only be found in the UK at a handful of Scottish sites, in and around Lochaber and north Argyll, is staging a remarkable come-back after several years of decline.

After reaching a low point of only 3 counted on the reserve’s butterfly transect (a standard way of monitoring butterfly populations) in 2009, new management practices were introduced at the reserve, run by Forestry Commission Scotland, in 2010 and the recorded population has now increased five fold.

The reversal of fortunes is down to the commission using 15 Highland Cattle from its 100 strong Lochaber herd to graze specific areas during the year, benefiting the habitat and the food plants that Chequered Skippers prefer. 
Independent eco-consultant, Tony Millard, who has been monitoring the project since it began in 2002, said:
“These latest results are a terrific achievement for the commission’s local team, who all show a real passion for what they are doing. That is a brilliant result - especially as the poor summer has generally meant fewer butterflies across the UK.  The cows have done an excellent job and must take much of the credit!”

The Allt Mhuic reserve remains one of the primary sites for the development and refinement of grazing regimes for the conservation cattle herd based in Glen Garry. Approximately 100 cattle, in smaller groups are grazing areas at the Sound of Mull (Savary), Poloch, Loch Shiel (Scamadale), Glen Loy, Cow Hill above Fort William and the original site at Loch Arkaig – and during 2011, Chequered Skipper were confirmed on all of these sites.

National Parks Promote Local Food

If you're looking to be as 'green' as possible on your holidays, short breaks or day trips then you'll be aware that buying and eating local food and produce plays a key part in being a responsible, green tourist.

To help people source local food the National Parks website has put together a an online guide to where you can buy and eat local foods and drinks throughout the UK's 15 national parks.

Find out more on the Local Food website

Autumn Colours @ Exmoor

Exmoor National Park is running a guided walk called Autumn Colours on Wednesday 26th October, starting at 2pm.

This family-friendly walk, led by a ranger, will not only take in the autumn colours but also look at hedgerow bounty including berries, nuts and, of course, the wildlife.

For details of walk start point, prices etc visit the events page on the Exmoor National Park website

Lakes Goes Fairtrade

Grasmere

Food producers, retailers, tourist attractions, and organisations throughout Cumbria have pledged their support towards making the Lake District National Park a Fairtrade Zone.

Around 60 people attended this month's launch event which showcased the variety of local and fairtrade produce on offer.


Individuals and organisations are backing the campaign being led by the Lake District National Park Authority and the Cumbria Fairtrade Network for the area to become the world’s first national park Fairtrade Zone. The initiative will also encourage people and businesses to buy local produce that will benefit the local economy and the environment.

Chief Executive of the National Park, Richard Leafe, explained: “Food and drink is a huge contributor to the national park’s carbon footprint. This initiative aims to promote sustainability both home and abroad by increasing the uptake of Fairtrade products and promoting what we produce locally."

Wildlife In Northumberland



During the season you could spot
ospreys at Kielder in Northumbria

 Northumbria is a stunning county to explore - one of the least populated areas of England, and billed as the most tranquil palce in England, it offers everything from the forests of Kielder in the north west, to the moors and Cheviot Hills in the centre and open expanses of unspoilt, windswept beaches on the eastern edge.




The Northumberland National Park website is packed with information for the visitor and one particular feature that Wild & Green liked was its Wildlife Calender - here you can select the month during which you are visiting and then find out what wildlife to be on the look out for, plus there's even details on the best places in Northumberland to spot this wildlife.








http://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/understanding/springwatch/springwatchcalendar.htm

Wild Seasons Event

Scotland's stunning Dumfries & Galloway region is currently running Wild Seasons - an autumn collection of varied wildlife events.

Wild Seasons end on October 30th and there's lots going on including:

• Goosey Gander
• Wild Swan Feeds
• Hedgerow Safari
• Feeding Red Kites Open Day
• Autumn Colours Photography

Find out more on the Wild Seasons website

Wild Autumn @ Galloway

The Red Deer Range in the Galloway Forest, SW Scotland is hosting special talks in the red deer hide on Thursday 27th and Friday 28th October, 10am start.

Learn more about these spectacular animals and their equally spectacular autumn rut.

Special price (for these talks only) of £1 per person (Bargain!!)

For more details or to book your places call 01671 402420 or
e-mail: galloway@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

 

 

 

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/recreation.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/ScotlandDumfriesandGallowayNoForestGallowayForestParkRedDeerRange

Woodland Photo Comp

From the Forestry Commission:

Photographers urged to capture beauty of woodlands  

Children and young people throughout Wales are being urged to reach for their cameras to snap the beauty of our woodlands and celebrate the International Year of the Forest.

Forestry Commission Wales wants our future generation to capture a moment in time of one of our most beautiful and constantly changing habitats to help the United Nations raise awareness of the key role of forests and sustainable forest management in building a greener future.

Children up to the age of 18 are being invited to enter a photography competition, with the best entries winning an education visit for all their classmates to a Welsh Government woodland of their school’s choice.

The best entries for each of the two age groups – under 11s and 12 to 18-year-olds – will also receive high street gift vouchers to the value of £100, £75 and £50, and could see their images used in Forestry Commission Wales publications.

The competition is being run by the Woodlands for Learning (WfL) team, which engages with thousands of children every year as part of its ongoing programme of educational, community and recreational events using woodlands as a learning environment.

Entries should be sent to Ffion Hughes by no later than 18 November at ffion.hughes@forestry.gsi.gov.uk with the following details: name, age, address (and email address), school name and location, and where the photograph was taken. A maximum of three entries per person is allowed and the photographs must be taken in Wales.

Wildlife Watching In Scotland

Time and time again Scotland is rated as a top destination for spotting the wildlife - from deer ruts to leaping dolphins, from the elusive capercaille to the wild cat and the osprey.

In the 'Inspirational Ideas' section of the Wild & Green website we have put together our wildlife guide to Scotland, from reserves, woodlands and mountains to coast. Plus, links to some informative wildlife watching websites specific to Scotland.

You can also find details on our website about Glen Loy Wildlife who run wildlife holidays in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.

Before The Leaves All Fall...

With some stormy weather forecast this week in the UK you might want to try to catch some of the glorious autumn colours before the wind whips away all those leaves!

Don't forget Forestry Commission England's top ten spots for autumn colour spotting:

1. Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire 
2. Friston Forest in East Sussex
3. Bedgebury Pinetum in Kent
4. The Wye Valley in the Forest of Dean
5. Salcey Forest, near Northampton
6. Maulden Woods in Bedfordshire
7. Grizedale Forest, Cumbria, North West England
8. Castle Neroche near Taunton, Somerset
9. Bolderwood, New Forest
10. Mendip sites, Somerset 

Why don't you add your autumn photos to the Forestry Commission's facebook page or send a gorgeous autumn e-card to your friends and family?  Check our the new autumn website pages at www.forestry.gov.uk/autumn

Have Your Say On Tree Planting

The Forestry Commission in Scotland are inviting land managers, local authorities, the voluntary sector and community groups across Scotland to voice their opinions on how best to take forward woodland expansion in Scotland.

The call to gather views comes from Dr Andrew Barbour, the chairman of the Woodland Expansion Advisory Group. This 18-strong group of farmers, foresters, conservation, community and land experts, has been tasked with the job of providing Scottish Ministers with advice on identifying which types of land are best for tree planting.

Dr Barbour said: “One clear message from the Group is a desire to gather as many views as possible from a wide range organisations and individuals.We want to find out what others think are the opportunities for woodland expansion and what might be stopping it. We need to identify key areas of conflict over land use and importantly why the current regulations and consultation mechanisms do not prevent problems arising. We also need to hear as many practical and constructive ideas as possible on how we might overcome them."

A letter has been sent to interested bodies and individuals for their feedback by the 6th January 2012. Others may access the letter on the Commission’s Woodland Expansion Advisory Group website pages www.forestry.gov.uk/weag.

Anyone interested in giving their views can do so in writing to:
Woodland Expansion Advisory Group Secretariat
c/o Forestry Commission Scotland
Silvan House,
231 Corstorphine Road,
Edinburgh EH12 7AT

Or by emailing weag@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.

Autumn Forest Harvest Events

Enjoy the autumn colours

Autumn is a bountiful time in nature with fruits, berries and seeds abundant. It's also a great time of year to get out in the woodlands and forest and enjoy those gorgeous autumn colours (Wild & Green is a fan of autumn, as you can probably tell!) whilst learning all about nature's harvest.

Rosehips in Autumn

The Forestry Commission run lots of seasonal events and, if you're in the New Forest this month, you might be interested in the following events taking place there:

Wild Foods of the Forest
Tues 18th October
A short walk with the chance to discover all about wild foods - from their history & folklore to how to identify and prepare them.

Tickets cost £10 adults, £5 children and places must be booked in advance by calling 023 8028 6840.

Other Forestry Commission events in the New Forest this month include:

• Family Fungi Forays - from 24-28 october
• Seed Gathering - 26 October

For more details on these New Forest events head to the events page on the Forestry Commission website

To find an event near to you go to the Forestry Commission's What's On page

The Enchanted Forest

The Enchanted Forest is an amazing annual event in Highland Perthshire, running, this year, from October 7th to 29th.

The Explorers Garden in Pitlochry is this year's new home for this light and sound show which is decribed as 'a feast for the senses'.

The Enchanted Forest gives you the chance to expore the outdoors at night - by light and sound!

There's a 3 minute video giving a taste of the event plus a photo gallery on the event's website so you can have a look what everyone is raving about, even if you're not planning on visiting Perthshire this month in person!

The website also has details of how to get tickets for The Enchanted Forest.

Nature In Autumn

If you'd like to find out more about the seasons and what is happening in nature each week then The Woodland Trust website is packed with user-friendly information encouraging us to get involved.

Visit the Woodland Trust's 'This Week In Nature' pages on their website and you can:

• Find a wood near you
• Find out how to apply for free trees
• View live tracking maps on what is happening in nature and where
• Send in details of your own wildlife sightings
• Download free wildlife fact packs
• Sign up for the free, weekly Nature Alerts

Find out more on the Woodland Trust website

Enjoy The Autumn Leaves

Visitors are being encouraged to get out and about and enjoy the glorious autumn colours that are appearing all over the country. 

If you've been watching Autumnwatch on BBC2 then you'll have seen some of those gorgeous leaf colours already as last Friday's progreamme was based at stunning Westonbirt Arboretum in Glouctershire.

The arboretum takes the number spot on the list recently produced by Forestry Commission England to celebrate this special season, their top ten spots to enjoy autumn colour in England are:

1. Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire 
2. Friston Forest in East Sussex
3. Bedgebury Pinetum in Kent
4. The Wye Valley in the Forest of Dean
5. Salcey Forest, near Northampton
6. Maulden Woods in Bedfordshire
7. Grizedale Forest, Cumbria, North West England
8. Castle Neroche near Taunton, Somerset
9. Bolderwood, New Forest
10. Mendip sites, Somerset 

Find out more on these locations via the Forestry Commision website: www.forestry.gov.uk/autumn

British Tree Week

British Tree Week, billed as 'a celebration of our native trees' run from 3rd to the 9th October 2011.

Visit the website to find information on:

• How to identify our national trees
• How to care for trees
• Find walks on the 'Week of Walks' section - themed walks with the Ramblers
• Take part in the Tree Quiz.

Find out more on the British Tree Week website

Eco Friendly Holidays In Argyll

Airdeny Chalets, Glen Lonan, Taynuilt, Argyll

Green Tourism Business Scheme Silver Award winner Airdeny Chalets is situated in 3.5 acres of peaceful natural habitat, which has its own bluebell wood and a myriad of wildlife. The chalets are set in a quiet glen and have spectacular views of Ben Cruachan and Glen Etive.

Airdeny Chalets offer an eco friendly holiday in Argyll.

Airdeny Chalets is committed to providing good quality service to its guests while also minimising the environmental impact of its activities and believe in encouraging sustainable practises to ensure the continued enjoyment of the environment for future generations.

Perfect venue for walking, cycling, fishing, bird watching, touring the Western Highlands & Islands or just relaxing.

Children and dogs welcome.

Find out more on the Wild & Green Escapes website.

A-Z of a Wildlife Garden

How To Garden For Wildlife

The RSPB website is packed full with great information and advice including a guide to making your garden more wildlife friendly, which includes:

• plants to attract wildlife
• species of the month
• animals & garden habitat
• featured month page with topical advice & ideas for each month, from garden jobs to do through to what's happening with wildlife that month

Well worth a look in our opinion

For more details visit the website RSPB A-Z of a Wildlife Garden

New Woodland Planned to Celebrate In 2012

Flagship Wood for The Queen's Jubilee

The Woodland Trist is encouring people in the UK to come together and plant trees to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

It is hoped around 6 million trees will be planted creating hundreds of new woods across the country, with a 'flagship wood' of some 460 acres to be located in Leicestershire at the heart of the National Forest.

Located at the heart of England, The National Forest is within easy access of 10 million people, making the new woodland perfect for the Woodland Trust’s ambition to create a natural historic monument for the nation, give people access to the wonders of woodland and enable wildlife to thrive.

The flagship Diamond Jubilee Wood will be the largest continuous block of woodland owned by a single organisation in The National Forest. The National Forest Company has made a substantial contribution of land towards the new woodland and a number of landowners have worked together with the Woodland Trust to enable this to happen.

Want to get involved?

• Communities are being encouraged to come together and plant thousands of free trees
• Landowners, schools and businesses can also play a part in the creation of these new woodlands
• Individuals can make a donation towards the creation of these celebratory woodlands.

Find out more on the Jubilee Woods website

Wild Connections 2011

Wildlife Watching In Glorious Perthshire
Wildlife Festival - 8-16 October 2011

Wild Connections is an annual wildlife festival set in the heart of Perthshire's 'Big Tree Country' - so you can enjoy the stunning autumn leaf colours as well as celebrating nature, the environment and the flora & fauna.

There are various events taking place including:
Oct 11 - Beavers on the Tay
Oct 12 - Sea Eagle Tracking
Oct 15 - Raptors & Upland Birds

Head to the Wild Connections website for more details, you can also join the Wildlife festivals Twitter & Facebook pages to keep up to date with all that is happening throughout the festival.

Conservation Project News

From the Forestry Commission:

Welsh Blacks in forest conservation project

A small herd of Welsh Black cattle has been recruited to perform a delicate conservation task in the hills high above Llanidloes in mid-Wales.

Forestry Commission Wales enlisted the help of the Welsh Blacks, who are renowned for their hardiness, as part of a countryside management project in Dolgau Forest, near Staylittle.

Four cows will graze open land where trees were recently felled for timber to help maintain different heights of grass sward, which will allow a variety of growing plants to survive and not be choked by bigger plants or trees.
By managing the scrub and keeping some areas of the forest open, the cattle will create favourable terrain for the rare nightjar, which breeds in upland conifer forests, as well as ideal hunting habitat for owls and other rare wildlife.

The imaginative move by FC Wales local area manager Jim Ralph to use cattle to maintain biodiversity flies in the face of forest management convention, which advocates keeping farm animals out of forests to prevent them eating and trampling young trees. However, by containing the cattle within a 40 hectare area surrounded by a stock-proof fence, it’s hoped the animals will fulfil a vital function within a controlled environment.

The cows will graze part of the 300 ha forest, which is managed by FC Wales on behalf of the Welsh Government, until November as part of a joint project with Montgomery Wildlife Trust and Environment Agency Wales, which has been supporting a wetland management plan for the forest.

The cattle grazing is the last stage of a progressive approach to managing the forest, which contains a mix of wetlands, open space, small rivers and shallow waters offering diverse habitats for wildlife, birds and fauna.
Other work to improve the landscape includes the planting of native broadleaved trees, such as birch and rowan.
A similar experiment using cattle provided by Andrew to manage heather sites in Clocaenog Forest, near Bron Bannog, succeeded in creating a favourable environment for Black Grouse.