Reserves and species

Posted by worcestershire
2011-08-19 13:20

Pearl-bordered Fritillary

Scientific Name: 
Boloria euphrosyne

The Pearl-bordered Fritillary is a striking orange and black butterfly, often seen flying close to the ground along sunny woodland rides or feeding on spring flowers such as Common Dog-violet.  Pearl-bordered Fritillaries lay their eggs singly in bracken or leaf litter close to violets, the foodplant of the caterpillars which emerge in late June. 

How to identify: 
The Pearl-bordered Fritillary is an orange butterfly with black marks on the upperside of the wings. The underside have black and silver markings along with a row of white "pearls" along the outer edge of the wing which give the species its name. Easily confused with the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, which despite its name, is very similar in both size and appearance. They are most easily distinguished by their undersides - both species have the 7 white "pearls" running along the edge of the hindwing but the rest is quite different. The Pearl-bordered Fritillary exhibits 2 very distinct additional "pearls", whereas the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary has a mozaic of white, oranges and browns and, as such, has the more colourful underside.
Where to find it: 
Found in Southern England and Wales
How people can help: 

The Wildlife Trusts manage many grassland and woodland habitats sympathetically for the benefit of all kinds of butterflies, including the Pearl-bordered Fritillary. Managing rides so they are open and sunny with coppice and flower rich grassy margins helps provide the ideal habitat for many invertebrates which, in turn, support larger animals. By volunteering for your local Trust, you can help too and you'll make new friends and learn new skills along the way.

Statistics: 
Wingspan: 3.8-4.7cm
Conservation status: 
Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority species
Did you know?: 
Caterpillars overwinter wrapped in a leaf at the base of a foodplant and when they emerge they are half the size they were the previous summer.
Seasons: 
Spring
When to see
Start date: 
April
End date: 
June
When to see continued: 
Adults are typically flying between mid April and early June
Image: 
Pearl-bordered Fritillary © MWT/Tammy Stretton
Posted by worcestershire
2011-08-19 13:04

Brown Hairstreak

Scientific Name: 
Thecla betulae

The largest of the UK hairstreak family, the brown hairstreak is an elusive butterfly, spending most of the time either high in the tops of ash "master" trees, where they feed on honeydew from aphids and bask in the sun, or amongst thick hedges.  Adults fly from late July, peaking in August, and can remain on the wing until November.  They are found on woodland edges and hedgerows in Southern England, laying their eggs on blackthorn. 

How to identify: 
The brown hairstreak is the largest hairstreak found in the UK. The top side of the wings are brown but females have an orange mark in the top corner of each. The underwings are a distinctive bright orange with two white lines streaked across and small tails protruding from the lower wing.
Where to find it: 
Found in England and Wales. A local species centred around distinct colonies.
How people can help: 

The Wildlife Trusts manage many grassland and woodland edge habitats sympathetically for the benefit of all kinds of butterflies, including the brown hairstreak. Careful hedge-cutting at the right time of year and allowing blackthorn suckers to grow without being cut or grazed every year are just some of the ways that their habitat is kept in good condition - supporting many other invertebrates and, in turn, the larger animals that prey on them. By volunteering for your local Trust you can help too and you'll make new friends and learn new skills along the way.

Statistics: 
Wingspan: 3.6-4.5cm
Conservation status: 
Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority species as they have suffered a sharp decline due to inappropriate hedgerow management
Did you know?: 
The larvae are extremely well camouflaged and feed only at night.
Seasons: 
Summer
When to see
Start date: 
July
End date: 
September
When to see continued: 
Adults are on the wing from late July
Image: 
Brown hairstreak - Pete Smith
Posted by bcnp
2011-08-01 15:33

Wicksteed Park

The reserve is owned by the Wicksteed Trust and may be unique in Northamptonshire.
Water meadows are grasslands which are flooded and drained at human will and have played an important role in agriculture for 300 years. This differs from flood meadows, which are flooded naturally when the river levels are high.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire
Trust Website: 
http://www.wildlifebcn.org
Size: 
14.20
Short Description: 
Wicksteed Water Meadows became a Nature Reserve in 2011. The reserve is owned by the Wicksteed Trust and may be unique in Northamptonshire. Water meadows are grasslands which are flooded and drained at human will and have played an important role in agriculture for 300 years.
Smartphone Description: 
This reserve is one of several which make up the Wicksteed Park Nature Reserve, which also includes the Castle Field on the south side of the Barton Road. A permissive path runs along the River Ise linking the Ise Valley Park in the north to Wicksteed Park in the south and providing an enjoyable stroll along the valley. This reserve is part of the Revital-ISE project and the Wildlife Trust’s vision for the Nene Valley. The Wildlife Trust’s vision is to create a valley with naturally functioning, interlinked wetlands, rich in wildlife for the enjoyment of everybody.
Location
Address: 
Wicksteed Park
Town: 
Barton Seagrave
County: 
Northamptonshire
Grid ref: 
SP 884 771
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
No
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
The site is split into two. The Water Meadow itself which is 7.6ha and the scheduled ancient monument at Castle Field which is 6.6ha
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
The reserve is just off Barton Road, opposite Wicksteed Park in Kettering Visit the reserve when at Wicksteed Park or park in the Ise Pavilion car park
Walking information: 
A permissive path runs along the River Ise linking the Ise Valley Park in the north to Wicksteed Park in the south and providing an enjoyable stroll along the valley. The reserve is just off Barton Road, opposite Wicksteed Park in Kettering. Visit the reserve when at Wicksteed Park or park in the Ise Pavilion car park and cross the bridge over the Ise, and walk along the riverside path to the reserve. Public access is along the riverside path only but a range of events and activities take place within the reserve each year.
Grazing animals: 
The reserve is grazed by cattle through the summer.
Contact details
Reserve phone number: 
01604 405285
Reserve email address: 
northamptonshire@wildlifebcn.org
Photos
Photo: 
Wicksteed Park
Species: 
Marsh-marigold
Great Burnet
Meadowsweet
Reed Bunting
Sedge Warbler
Grass Snake
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by bcnp
2011-08-01 14:59

Abington Meadows

This is an urban reserve just off the A45, and its marshy grassland is home to such a tremendous diversity of wildlife that it falls within the Nene Valley Special Protection Area. We manage the reserve on behalf of Northants County Council. 

Reserve details
Trust: 
Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire
Trust Website: 
http://www.wildlifebcn.org
Size: 
9.70
Short Description: 
A mixture of wet grasslands and ponds beside a back channel of the River Nene
Smartphone Description: 
This site is managed by the Trust on behalf of Northants County Council and will make a key contribution to the Trust’s vision for the Nene Valley Living Landscape.
Location
Address: 
Weston Mill Lane
Town: 
Northampton
County: 
Northamptonshire
Postcode: 
NN3 3HJ
Grid ref: 
SP 791 608
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Parking info: 
Park on verge of Weston Mill Lane
Walking information: 
Gravel and dirt paths, often wet and sometimes flooded.
Grazing animals?: 
0
Grazing animals: 
Grazed with cattle
Contact details
Reserve phone number: 
01604 405285
Reserve email address: 
northamptonshire@wildlifebcn.org
Photos
Photo: 
Abington Meadows
Species: 
Great Burnet
Purple-loosestrife
Snipe
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by bcnp
2011-08-01 14:28

Great Fen

The Great Fen is a 50-year project to create a huge wetland area. One of the largest restoration projects of its type in Europe, the landscape of the fens between Peterborough and Huntingdon is being transformed for the benefit both of wildlife and of people.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire
Trust Website: 
http://www.wildlifebcn.org
Size: 
1184.00
Smartphone Description: 
The Great Fen is a developing fenland haven of 3,700 hectares (9,000 acres) in between Huntingdon and Peterborough. Major habitat restoration will re-connect two existing National Nature Reserves - at Holme Fen and Woodwalton Fen - to re-create a huge haven for wildlife, and create a massive green space for people.
Location
Address: 
Great Fen
Town: 
Near Huntingdon, Peterborough and Ramsey
County: 
Cambridgeshire
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Access: 
Yes
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Woodwalton Fen - parking along drainage bank. Holme Fen - parking in laybys. Ramsey Heights - car park. New Decoy Farm - bog oak car park.
Walking information: 
Ramsey Heights Nature Reserve, Woodwalton Fen NNR, Holme Fen NNR and New Decoy Farm have way-marked trails consisting of grassy paths mostly level with some undulating sections.
Grazing animals: 
Grazing animals at Woodwalton Fen and New Decoy Farm
Contact details
Reserve phone number: 
01487 710420
Reserve email address: 
info@greatfen.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Woodwalton Fen
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by aplummer
2011-07-28 11:21

Red Gurnard

Scientific Name: 
Aspitrigla cuculus

Red gurnards are bottom-dwelling fish to be found on gravelly, sandy, or rocky seabeds around the UK. They feed on smaller fish and crustaceans.

How to identify: 
Red gurnards have long bodies and a steep forehead with large eyes. Their colouring is a distinctive bright red mottled with pink. They have one fin along the spine, which is used for swimming. A key characteristic is their individual spiny fin rays on each side of the body, which act as 'fingers' in searching for food on the seafloor.
Where to find it: 
Red gurnards are benthic fishes, which means they live on the seabed. They are widely distributed in UK waters.
How people can help: 

Support The Wildlife Trusts' vision for Living Seas www.wildlifetrusts.org/livingseas.

Statistics: 
Length: up to 50cm
Did you know?: 
Red gurnards are good vocalists, and are known for making a croaking sound, like a frog.
Seasons: 
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Image: 
Red Gurnard - Derek Haslam
Posted by Anonymous
2011-07-21 14:59

In Focus

Date / Time
Start date: 
Sun, 2013-06-09 10:00 - 16:00
Summary: 
An opportunity to try out a range of binoculars, telescopes and other optical equipment.
Booking details
Booking required?: 
No
Admission charge: 
No
Audience: 
All
Contact number: 
0191 284 6884
Contact email: 
mail@northwt.org.uk
Fully booked: 
No
Cancelled: 
No
BBC
Include in BBC: 
No
Suitable for
Suitable for: Any age: 
No
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: 
Suitable for people with limited mobility
Wheelchair: 
Suitable for wheelchair users
Dogs: 
Yes – Dogs on lead welcome
Location
Trust: 
Northumberland Wildlife Trust
Address
Location: 
Hauxley Nature Reserve
Posted by bbc
2011-07-15 14:41

Portway Hill, part of the Rowley Hills

Portway Hill is part of the Rowley Hills, a few acres of grassland high on the Hills looking out over Sandwell, Birmingham and parts of Dudley, but home to an astounding wealth of grassland wildflowers and butterflies.
 

Reserve details
Trust: 
The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country
Trust Website: 
http://www.bbcwildlife.org.uk
Size: 
0.73
Short Description: 
Rowley Hills is just a few acres of grassland high on the Hills looking out over Sandwell, Birmingham and parts of Dudley, but home to an astounding wealth of grassland wildflowers and butterflies. The reserve boasts scarce plants, like the exotic Bee Orchid and the unusual hare's foot clover, and many important butterfly species, including one of the few colonies of Marbled White Butterflies in Birmingham and the Black Country.
Smartphone Description: 
Rowley Hills is just a few acres of grassland high on the Hills looking out over Sandwell, Birmingham and parts of Dudley, but home to an astounding wealth of grassland wildflowers and butterflies.
Location
Address: 
Portway Hill Nature Reserve
Town: 
Rowley Regis
County: 
Birmingham & Black Country
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at any time
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Yes
Access: 
Yes
Parking info: 
There is no formal Wildlife Trust car park, but there is parking available at various points around the site.
Walking information: 
Portway Hill nature reserve is part of a larger area of open land between Portway and Rounds Green, on the south-eastern slopes of the Rowley Hills. You can access it from two footpaths; one which leaves the New Birmingham Road near the KFC, and goes up the hill to the reserve, which is the area between the paths at the base of the rock exposures. Alternatively access is available from an open area off St. Brades Close to the northwest and via a path which skirts the western end of Bury Hill Park and then around to the south to the former quarry face.
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham & the Black Country
Reserve phone number: 
0121 454 1199
Reserve email address: 
info@bbcwildlife.org.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by Anonymous
2011-06-29 14:58

Dive into Conservation Wild Workshop

Date / Time
Start date: 
Sat, 2011-08-13 14:00 - 19:00
Summary: 
York area

Ever wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater? This workshop combines the PADI Discover Scuba Diving course with marine ID and survey skills. You must be aged over 14 and in good health

Booking details
Booking required?: 
Yes
Admission charge: 
Yes
Admission details: 
£20 per person
Contact name: 
Trust Office
Contact number: 
01094 659570
Fully booked: 
No
Cancelled: 
No
Suitable for
Suitable for: Any age: 
No
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: 
Not suitable for people with limited mobility
Wheelchair: 
Not suitable for wheelchair users
Location
Trust: 
Alderney Wildlife Trust
Meeting place: 
Yorkshire Wildlife Trsut Office
Address
Location: 
1 St Georges Place
County: 
North Yorkshire
Postcode: 
YO24 1GN
Town: 
York
Posted by wiltshire
2011-06-22 11:44

Conigre Mead

A wide range of birds, insects and mammals thrive amid ponds, wildflower-rich grassland, shrubs and a magnificent ancient willow tree. With trails around the meadow, a pond-dipping platform and seat overlooking the river, this is a lovely place in which to spend an hour or two in spring and summer.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Size: 
1.21
Short Description: 
Conigre Mead is a grassy meadow on the banks of the Bristol Avon in the heart of Melksham
Smartphone Description: 
A wide range of birds, insects and mammals thrive amid ponds, wildflower-rich grassland, shrubs and a magnificent ancient willow tree. With trails around the meadow, a pond-dipping platform and seat overlooking the river, this is a lovely place in which to spend an hour or two in spring and summer.
Location
Address: 
Conigre Mead, near Sainsbury's, Melksham
Town: 
Melksham
County: 
Wiltshire
Postcode: 
SN12 6UL
Grid ref: 
ST900637
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Public footpaths, suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Please keep dogs on a lead.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Park in Melksham and follow riverside walk to the reserve. Path from Sainsbury's car park leads directly to reserve.
Walking information: 
There are trails through the reserve
Grazing animals: 
No
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Sarah Wood
Reserve phone number: 
01380 725670
Reserve email address: 
information@wiltshirewildlife.org
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/Reserves/conigremead.htm
Photos
Photo: 
Conigre Mead
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve