Nature Watch - Dog Roses & Yellow Rattle

What's Happening In Nature Now?

Despite all the wind, rain and cool temperatures, nature is soldiering on with summer regardless!  There are lots of things in flower right now including the very pretty dog roses:

On a recent visit to a Wildflower Meadow carefully planned and planted by Severn Trent Water at Staunton Harold Reservoir, Derbyshire Wild & Green took this picture of the now quite rare Yellow Rattle wildflower.

Wildlife Watching In Norway

Elizabeth G Charterswww.elizabethgcharters.co.uk
Elizabeth G - Scenic & Wildlife Cruises Norway 2012.

Norway is easily one of the most beautiful countries on earth. Its fjords are a stunning natural phenomenon and you will be inspired by the contrast of snow-capped mountains, steep green hillsides and powerful waterfalls plunging into the calm, clear waters of the fjords. You can discover these classic landscapes by joining a scenic, wildlife or diving charter on board the Elizabeth G - there are dates throughout 2012 and these include a Sea Eagle Spectacular in August/September.

Elizabeth G has comfortable and modern accommodation for up to 12 guests, great food, an experienced skipper, and a friendly and knowledgeable crew. You can relax in a friendly and informal atmosphere and unwind while we look after you.


Find wildlife watching trips in the UK on Wild & Green Escapes

Rare Fungus In Norfolk

Internationally rare fungus discovered on restored Norfolk heathland  

One of Europe’s rarest fungi, the nail fungus Poronia punctata, has been discovered on pony dung in the Forestry Commission’s Thetford Forest in Norfolk.  It has not been recorded in the county for nearly 70 years, the last record being in 1944.                                                                          
Where is has come from is baffling but it is clear that heathland restoration and management in Thetford has successfully created the particular conditions this very rare fungus needs - rough heathland and grassland grazed by ‘organic’ ponies.
The discovery surprised and delighted Forestry Commission ecologists making a routine inspection of the restored heathland. Jonathan Spencer, Forestry Commission Head of Environment and Planning, local Forestry Commission expert Neal Armour-Chelu and Andy Palles-Clark, the site manager with the Norfolk Wildlife Trust when they spotted the rarity.
Jonathan said:
“We really were delighted and are very excited by the discovery. Until recently this fungus was only known in the UK from the New Forest, but it has started to appear in a tiny number of other places where ponies have been used to restore heathland.
“As well thrilling conservationists, the fungus is drawing serious attention from the world of medicinal research too. The peculiar way it competes with other bacteria and fungi in the dung using antibiotics is new to science and only just beginning to be explored, so its use and value could be huge. Fungi have so much to offer in this way; they are key parts of our biodiversity that could hold huge potential for services yet to be realised.”
“We are delighted that the restoration work we have done and our ongoing management on this heathland have created the special conditions needed for this very rare fungus to thrive. And not just fungi. The heathland sites are also home to woodlarks and lapwings, and all a s a result of the restoration pony grazing in place. We might have some superstar ponies on our hands that will be in great demand too.”
The ponies are owned and managed by the Norfolk wildlife Trust who work with us as partners in our ambitious habitat programme at Thetford.
The fungus, named after its distinctive appearance (like an old-fashioned flat headed nail), grows only on dry dung from ponies that have fed on heathy grassland that has not been agriculturally improved. The ponies it passes through have to be organic and treated only by benign veterinary products.
The site, near Hockwold in Norfolk, has been restored to heathland as part of a major plan to link up and expand existing Breckland heaths. The Breckland is one of the most important areas for biodiversity in England and the Forestry Commission is a major player in its management and conservation.

Wildlife Watching In UK - Sparrowhawk Webcams

Fancy a spot of at-home wildlife watching?  The Logan Botanic Gardens in Scotland's Dumfries & Galloway has live images from the sparrowhawk nest in the gardens.

View the nest via this link:
http://www.rbge.org.uk/the-gardens/sparrowhawk-nestcam

Wildlife & Nature Events -July @Sherwood

Tree huggers unite!  

Magic, folklore and wood combine in Sherwood Pines Forest Park on Saturday 14 July to create an unmissable event for people who keep barking up the wrong tree.

The Forestry Commission's 1,200 hectare beauty spot, near Clipstone, Notts, is home to over 1.5 million trees and will be the venue for an event to shed light on trees great and small, from their identification to their weird and wonderful uses.

A few centuries ago it was common knowledge that waving a stick of Rowan wood saw off troublesome witches, while miscreants were flogged with birch because the tree was thought to drive off evil spirits - i.e. birched.  These days we may have forgotten the magic, but often still use the words emptied of their original meaning.

“Trees are totally fascinating in their own right, but their place in myth, literature and daily life will all be explored,” said event leader Patrick Harding. “Alder is a lovely tree, but few know that when it is turned into charcoal it provides a key ingredient for explosives. And how many types of wood were used in old fashioned wagon wheels?  The answer is three, oak, ash and elm, all employed for their specific qualities. And if you know your trees, you'll be able to track down fungi much better as the two are very often closely linked. There’s a lot more to trees than meets the eye.” 

The event runs between 11am and 3.30pm and costs £25.  Booking is required on 01623 821459  or by emailing karina.thornton@forestry.gov.uk  Suitable for adults and youngsters over 12 years old.
For further information go to www.forestry.gov.uk/EastMidlands

Eco Friendly Log Cabins In Derbyshire

Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington, Matlock, Derbyshire

www.hoegrangeholidays.co.uk
Hoe Grange offers four eco friendly award winning cosy self catering log cabins set on a working farm on the edge of the Peak District, Derbyshire. Hoe Grange Holidays offers a real "home from home", with superb views, fully equipped kitchen/open plan lounge, luxurious whirlpool bath and spacious bedrooms for up to 18 guests.

Hoe Grange are proud holders of the Green Tourism Business Scheme Gold Award and the Peak District Environmental Quality Mark, awarded for use of local produce, energy-efficiency and nature conservation.

The log cabins are located on the Pennine Bridleway, with stabling & grazing available for guests to bring their own horse on holiday. Excellent walks, cycle and riding routes from the door.

Relax in the outdoor log-fired Swedish hot tub, or enjoy delicious local foods delivered to your door. Open all year, families and large groups welcome.

Find eco friendly log cabins on the Wild & Green Escapes website

Top Five Wildlife Ponds In UK

The Countryfile magazine has recently listed its top five wildlife ponds in the UK, find out more on the magazine's webiste:


http://www.countryfile.com/countryside/top-five-wildlife-ponds?utm_source=Responsys&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=NLT_CFIL_01-06-2012_BGW-MalvernShow