Reserves and species

Posted by admin
2014-07-14 15:41

Cushion star

Scientific Name: 
Asterina gibbosa

A small, flattened starfish found on all western and southern coasts of the British Isles but not on the North Sea. A characteristic component of the intertidal fauna, commonly found under boulders or in crevices on rocky shores. Like many other starfish, the species is an omnivore, inverting its stomach in order to ingest its food ranging from molluscs, worms and ophiuroids. They are found munching on decaying seaweeds and dead invertebrates. 
 

How to identify: 
A small starfish that grows up to 5cm, with 5 (or sometimes even 4 or 6) very short, broad arms. The dorsal surface is rough with projecting spines. The ventral surface is flat, with the mouth at the centre. Each of the mouth's plates bear two spines. It's colour varies but is most commonly brown, green or orange. Some mottled individuals also exist within some populations.
Where to find it: 
Common on all British coasts but sparse in the north-east and not recorded from Lincolnshire around to Hampshire. Commonly found under boulders and stones or in rockpools or in crevices on rocky shores. Sometimes found in shallow water in sheltered localities.
How people can help: 

Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust. You can also help by reporting your sightings to Devon Wildlife Trust or to the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre.

Statistics: 
Diameter: 5cm Lifepsan: 7 years
Conservation status: 
Common.
Did you know?: 
The cushion star is a protandrous hermaphrodite, meaning that when small or young individuals are males but when they increase in size, they develop into females as adults. The gonads on the cushion star are located in each arm.
Seasons: 
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
When to see
Start date: 
January
End date: 
December
Image: 
Posted by Anonymous
2014-07-14 15:26

Autumn Discovery Pack Walk

Date / Time
Start date: 
Mon, 2014-10-27 10:00 - 12:00
Summary: 
Look for falling leaves, ripening nuts and berries and learn how to spot water voles at Winnall Moors

Join Susan Simmonds as she launches the autumn contents of the Winnall Moors Discovery Packs. Look for falling leaves, ripening nuts and berries and learn how to spot water voles. Meet at Winnall Moors Nature Reserve SO23 8DX. Contact Susan Simmonds on 01962 828629 or e-mail susan.simmonds@hiwwt.org.uk. Booking essential. Suggested donation £5 per family. Sorry, no dogs. 

Booking details
Booking required?: 
Yes
Admission charge: 
Yes
Admission details: 
Suggested donation £5 per family.
Contact name: 
Susan Simmonds
Contact number: 
01962 828629
Contact email: 
susan.simmonds@hiwwt.org.uk
Fully booked: 
No
Cancelled: 
No
BBC
Include in BBC: 
No
Category: 
4
Project ID: 
Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter watch
Suitable for
Suitable for: Any age: 
Yes
Suitable for: 0-4: 
No
Suitable for: 5-6: 
No
Suitable for: 7-10: 
No
Suitable for: 11-13: 
No
Suitable for: 14-15: 
No
Suitable for: 16-17: 
No
Suitable for: 18+: 
No
Other details
Mobility: 
People with limited mobility please contact organiser in advance
Wheelchair: 
Wheelchair users please contact organiser in advance
Dogs: 
No – No dogs please
Location
Trust: 
Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust
Address
Location: 
Winnall Moors Nature Reserve
Postcode: 
SO23 8DX
Posted by admin
2014-07-14 15:16

Spiny starfish

Scientific Name: 
Marthasterias glacialis

Our largest starfish, reaching an impressive diameter 70cm.  It is a predator, feeding on shellfish including cockles, mussels and barnacles. 

How to identify: 
It is covered in three rows of spines on each of their five arms. Their whitish grey-green colour stands out even more because of the purple tip on each arm. They can grow up to a huge 80cm across but most are smaller. Average size is 30cm across.
Where to find it: 
Most commonly recorded on the southwest and west coast of Britain and Ireland. Found in a variety of habitats including sheltered muddy sediments and exposed rock faces. It thrives from the subtidal zone and down to 200 meters.
How people can help: 

Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust. You can also help by reporting your sightings to Devon Wildlife Trust or to the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre.

Statistics: 
Diameter: 30cm
Did you know?: 
When disturbed or stressed, this species will often shed one or more of its legs. Don't worry they will grow back!
Seasons: 
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
When to see
Start date: 
January
End date: 
December
Image: 
Posted by Anonymous
2014-07-14 15:11

EcoPark Volunteer Day

Date / Time
Start date: 
Tue, 2014-07-22 10:30 - 15:30
Time details: 
Meet from 10:30, we work until 15:30 with a break for lunch.
Summary: 
Come and help maintain a variety of habitats at EcoPark and help propagate woodland plants with the Growing Local Project
Booking details
Booking required?: 
No
Admission charge: 
No
Contact name: 
Paul Stephenson
Contact number: 
0121 454 1199
Contact email: 
paul.s@bbcwildlife.org.uk
Registration details: 
If volunteering for the first time, please contact Paul to register youir interest.
Fully booked: 
No
Cancelled: 
No
BBC
Include in BBC: 
No
Category: 
4
Project ID: 
Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter watch
Suitable for
Suitable for: Any age: 
Yes
Suitable for: 0-4: 
No
Suitable for: 5-6: 
No
Suitable for: 7-10: 
No
Suitable for: 11-13: 
No
Suitable for: 14-15: 
No
Suitable for: 16-17: 
No
Suitable for: 18+: 
No
Other details
Mobility: 
People with limited mobility please contact organiser in advance
Wheelchair: 
Wheelchair users please contact organiser in advance
What to bring?: 
Bring old clothes and boots and something for lunch. Tea and coffee are provided.
Location
Location reference: 
EcoPark
Trust: 
The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country
Meeting place: 
Access is down the side of Starbank School, Hobmoor Road, Small Heath. Go through gates turn right down drive and down through gates to site.
Posted by Anonymous
2014-07-14 15:10

Dormouse Training Day

Date / Time
Start date: 
Sat, 2014-08-23 10:00 - 16:00
Summary: 
A one day training course that includes survey techniques, nut recognition, habitat requirements and dormouse ecology.

• Learn the skills needed to become a dormouse worker including: survey techniques, nut recognition, habitat requirements, dormouse ecology.

• Morning session in classroom. Practical afternoon session of nest box checking in a woodland site in Merrow.

• This is the first step to obtaining a dormouse licence.

• One day course from 10.00am to approximately 4.00pm.

• Suitable for all levels. Beginners with no wildlife experience welcome.

Booking details
Booking required?: 
Yes
Admission charge: 
Yes
Admission details: 
£42.00 (inc vat) per person, £65 (inc vat) organisations and consultants
Contact name: 
Dave Williams
Contact number: 
01483 795454
Contact email: 
dave.williams@surreywt.org.uk
Registration details: 
BOOKING ESSENTIAL, Places are limited
Fully booked: 
No
Cancelled: 
No
BBC
Include in BBC: 
No
Category: 
4
Project ID: 
Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter watch
Suitable for
Suitable for: Any age: 
Yes
Suitable for: 0-4: 
No
Suitable for: 5-6: 
No
Suitable for: 7-10: 
No
Suitable for: 11-13: 
No
Suitable for: 14-15: 
No
Suitable for: 16-17: 
No
Suitable for: 18+: 
No
Other details
Mobility: 
People with limited mobility please contact organiser in advance
Wheelchair: 
Wheelchair users please contact organiser in advance
Location
Trust: 
Surrey Wildlife Trust
Address
Location: 
St Johns Centre, Merrow
County: 
Surrey
Postcode: 
GU4 7AA
Town: 
Guildford
Posted by Anonymous
2014-07-14 13:57

SWT Cannock Group: Shoal Hill Common Workparty

Date / Time
Start date: 
Sun, 2014-11-09 10:00 - 13:00
Time details: 
End time is approximate

Join SWT Cannock workparty with their work at Shoal Hill Common.

Booking details
Booking required?: 
No
Admission charge: 
No
Contact name: 
Cannock Group
Contact number: 
01543 570972
Contact email: 
info@staffs-wildlife.org.uk
Fully booked: 
No
Cancelled: 
No
BBC
Include in BBC: 
No
Category: 
4
Project ID: 
Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter watch
Suitable for
Suitable for: Any age: 
Yes
Suitable for: 0-4: 
No
Suitable for: 5-6: 
No
Suitable for: 7-10: 
No
Suitable for: 11-13: 
No
Suitable for: 14-15: 
No
Suitable for: 16-17: 
No
Suitable for: 18+: 
No
Other details
Mobility: 
People with limited mobility please contact organiser in advance
Wheelchair: 
Wheelchair users please contact organiser in advance
Dogs: 
Yes – Dogs on lead welcome
Location
Location reference: 
Shoal Hill Common, Cannock
Trust: 
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust
Meeting place: 
Cocksparrow Lane car park
Address
Location: 
Shoal Hill Common
County: 
Staffordshire
Postcode: 
WS12 4PB
Grid ref: 
SK079143
Posted by Anonymous
2014-07-14 13:16

Bats Out of the Belfry

Date / Time
Start date: 
Wed, 2014-08-27 19:30 - 21:30
Summary: 
An evening discovering bats, with bat themed games and learn how to use a bat detector!

Join ecologist Sarah Jackson and Susan Simmonds from the Winchester Education Team for an evening discovering bats. Fun with bat themed games and learn to use a bat detector to hear pipistrelle and Daubenton’s bats. Meet at St Cross Meadows, SO23 9SD. Contact Susan Simmonds on 01962 828629 or e-mail susan.simmonds@hiwwt.org.uk.

Booking essential. Suggested donation £5. Dogs on leads welcome.

Booking details
Booking required?: 
Yes
Admission charge: 
Yes
Admission details: 
Suggested donation £5 per person
Contact name: 
Susan Simmonds
Contact number: 
01962 828629
Contact email: 
susan.simmonds@hiwwt.org.uk
Fully booked: 
No
Cancelled: 
No
BBC
Include in BBC: 
No
Category: 
4
Project ID: 
Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter watch
Suitable for
Suitable for: Any age: 
Yes
Suitable for: 0-4: 
No
Suitable for: 5-6: 
No
Suitable for: 7-10: 
No
Suitable for: 11-13: 
No
Suitable for: 14-15: 
No
Suitable for: 16-17: 
No
Suitable for: 18+: 
No
Other details
Mobility: 
People with limited mobility please contact organiser in advance
Wheelchair: 
Wheelchair users please contact organiser in advance
Dogs: 
Yes – Dogs on lead welcome
Location
Location reference: 
154809
Trust: 
Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust
Address
Location: 
St Cross Meadows
Postcode: 
SO23 9SD
Posted by Anonymous
2014-07-14 12:45

Summer holiday events, Shrewsbury

Date / Time
Start date: 
Thu, 2014-07-24 10:30 - Thu, 2014-08-28 12:00
Summary: 
A series of fun family events. Book and pay for five in advance and get the sixth free.

Thursday 24 July
The Great British bug off - explorers
Find out more about bugs and their habits and habitats, dance at the ugly bug ball and help to create a ‘bug banquet’ for a street party with a difference!
10.30am – 12pm.

Thursday 24 July
The Great British bug off - craft
Make your own insect disguise, so you can enter the magical world of British bugs.
1pm - 3pm

Booking details
Booking required?: 
Yes
Admission charge: 
Yes
Admission details: 
£3 donation requested
Audience: 
Families
Children
Contact number: 
01743 284280
Contact email: 
katep@shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
Fully booked: 
No
Cancelled: 
No
BBC
Include in BBC: 
No
Category: 
4
Project ID: 
Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter watch
Suitable for
Suitable for: Any age: 
No
Suitable for: 0-4: 
Yes
Suitable for: 5-6: 
Yes
Suitable for: 7-10: 
Yes
Suitable for: 11-13: 
No
Suitable for: 14-15: 
No
Suitable for: 16-17: 
No
Suitable for: 18+: 
No
Other details
Mobility: 
People with limited mobility please contact organiser in advance
Wheelchair: 
Wheelchair users please contact organiser in advance
Location
Trust: 
Shropshire Wildlife Trust
Meeting place: 
Shropshire Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6AH
Posted by Anonymous
2014-07-14 12:44

SWT Leek Local Group "Flying Carpets and other Moths" by David Emley

Date / Time
Start date: 
Tue, 2014-09-09 19:30 - 21:00
Time details: 
Approximate finishing time
Summary: 
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Leek Local Group are hosting an interactive evening "Flying Carpets and other Moths" by David Emley from Staffordshire Moth Group
Booking details
Booking required?: 
No
Admission charge: 
Yes
Admission details: 
£2.50 admission including refreshments
Audience: 
All
Contact number: 
Leek Group
Contact email: 
01538 300264
Fully booked: 
No
Cancelled: 
No
BBC
Include in BBC: 
No
Category: 
4
Project ID: 
Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter watch
Suitable for
Suitable for: Any age: 
Yes
Suitable for: 0-4: 
No
Suitable for: 5-6: 
No
Suitable for: 7-10: 
No
Suitable for: 11-13: 
No
Suitable for: 14-15: 
No
Suitable for: 16-17: 
No
Suitable for: 18+: 
No
Other details
Mobility: 
People with limited mobility please contact organiser in advance
Wheelchair: 
Wheelchair users please contact organiser in advance
Location
Trust: 
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust
Address
Location: 
St Paul's Church Centre
County: 
Staffordshire
Postcode: 
ST13 6NR
Posted by Anonymous
2014-07-14 12:42

Wild Child Forum - Project Wild Thing

Date / Time
Start date: 
Fri, 2014-09-12 13:00 - 17:00
Summary: 
We are proud to be part of a partnership project bringing you the chance to see the much talked about Project Wild Thing film and get involved in discussions on how we can move it forward for outdoor play!

Working alongside many partners and in conjuction with the Heritage Weekend at Western Park Museum, Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust are hosting a Wild Child forum event.

Booking details
Booking required?: 
Yes
Admission charge: 
No
Admission details: 
Booking essential. Suitable for anyone working with or supporting families and children throughout Sheffield & Derbyshire
Audience: 
All
Contact name: 
Sarah Duly
Contact number: 
0114 263 4335
Contact email: 
mail@wildsheffield.com
Fully booked: 
No
Cancelled: 
No
BBC
Include in BBC: 
No
Category: 
Outdoors & Adventure
Event type: 
Event
Suitable for
Suitable for: Any age: 
No
Suitable for: 0-4: 
No
Suitable for: 5-6: 
No
Suitable for: 7-10: 
Yes
Suitable for: 11-13: 
Yes
Suitable for: 14-15: 
Yes
Suitable for: 16-17: 
Yes
Suitable for: 18+: 
Yes
Other details
Mobility: 
People with limited mobility please contact organiser in advance
Wheelchair: 
Not suitable for wheelchair users
Location
Location reference: 
Weston Park Museum
Trust: 
Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust
Meeting place: 
Weston Park Museum
Address
Location: 
Weston Park Museum
County: 
South Yorkshire
Postcode: 
S10 2TP
Town: 
Sheffield
Admin only fields
Organiser: 
Sarah Sidgwick
Alt contact email : 
mail@wildsheffield.com