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