Gannet
One of our largest seabirds, Gannets nest in large colonies at a handful of places, mostly on Scottish islands, but also at sites in Wales, North East England and the Channel Islands. Gannets feed on fish, which they catch by diving head-first into the sea, their wings folded back. Diving from heights of 25 metres, they can hit the water at speeds of up to 100km per hour. They have an extensive network of air-sacs between their muscles and skin to help cushion this impact.
The survival of our seabirds is threatened by the pollution and degradation of our marine and coastal habitats. 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.
Manx Shearwater
Shearwaters are members of a group of birds known as 'tubenoses' or 'petrels' which also includes giant Albatrosses, Fulmars and tiny Storm Petrels. Manx Shearwaters can be seen gliding low over the waves, their wings beating in shallow and rapid movements. During the spring, they nest in burrows on a small number of islands off the west coast of Britain, leaving in July to migrate to South America for the winter.
The survival of our seabirds is threatened by the pollution and degradation of our marine and coastal habitats. 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.
Fulmar
Fulmars are members of a group of birds known as 'tubenoses' or 'petrels' which also includes giant Albatrosses and tiny Storm Petrels. In the 1800s, Fulmars only nested in one or two places on islands in the far north of Scotland. Since then, they have expanded their range and can be found around the British coast, nesting in colonies on cliffs or flocking to feed out at sea.
The survival of our seabirds is threatened by the pollution and degradation of our marine and coastal habitats. 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.
Little Grebe
Grebes are diving waterbirds, feeding on small fish and aquatic invertebrates. The Little Grebe or 'Dabchick', as it is sometimes known, is our smallest grebe, about half the size of a Moorhen. Grebes nest on floating platforms made up of waterweed.
The survival of our waterbirds is threatened by the loss and degradation of many of our wetland habitats. The Wildlife Trusts manage many wetland nature reserves for the benefit of the wildlife they support. You can help by supporting your local Trust and becoming a member; you'll find out about exciting wildlife happenings, events on your doorstep and volunteering opportunities, and be helping local wildlife along the way.
Great Crested Grebe
Grebes are diving waterbirds, feeding on small fish and aquatic invertebrates. A little bit larger than a Coot, Great Crested Grebes nest on floating platforms made up of waterweed.
The Great Crested Grebe was nearly hunted to extinction in the UK for its elegant feathers. They have made a comeback and are now regularly seen on waterbodies, including man-made lakes, flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. The Wildlife Trusts work with planners, water companies and landowners to help make our man-made waterways and waterbodies as good for wildlife as they are for people. By working together, we can create a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats stretching across town and country, allowing wildlife to move about freely and people to enjoy the benefits of nature. Support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.
Black-necked Grebe
Grebes are diving waterbirds, feeding on small fish and aquatic invertebrates. The Black-necked Grebe is a small grebe, about the same size as a Moorhen. A rare breeding bird, it is also uncommon in winter.
The Black-necked Grebe is a very rare nesting bird in Britain. The survival of this and other waterbirds is threatened by the loss and degradation of many of our wetland habitats. The Wildlife Trusts manage many wetland nature reserves for the benefit of the wildlife they support. You can help by supporting your local Trust and becoming a member; you'll find out about exciting wildlife happenings, events on your doorstep and volunteering opportunities, and be helping local wildlife along the way.
Slavonian Grebe
Grebes are diving waterbirds, feeding on small fish and aquatic invertebrates. The Slavonian Grebe is one of Britain's rarest nesting birds. It is about the same size as a Moorhen.
The Slavonian Grebe is a very rare nesting bird in Britain. The survival of this and other waterbirds is threatened by the loss and degradation of many of our wetland habitats. The Wildlife Trusts manage many wetland nature reserves for the benefit of the wildlife they support. You can help by supporting your local Trust and becoming a member; you'll find out about exciting wildlife happenings, events on your doorstep and volunteering opportunities, and be helping local wildlife along the way.
Black-throated Diver
The Black-throated Diver is a large waterbird: larger than the Great Crested Grebe but smaller than the Cormorant in size. Divers nest on small pools and lochs, moving to the coast for the winter where they feed on fish.
The Black-throated Diver is vulnerable to marine pollution. 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.
Red-throated Diver
The Red-throated Diver is a large waterbird: larger than the Great Crested Grebe but smaller than the Cormorant in size. Divers nest on small pools and lochs, moving to the coast for the winter where they feed on fish.
The survival of our waterbirds is threatened by the loss and degradation of many of our wetland habitats. The Wildlife Trusts manage many wetland nature reserves for the benefit of the wildlife they support. You can help by supporting your local Trust and becoming a member; you'll find out about exciting wildlife happenings, events on your doorstep and volunteering opportunities, and be helping local wildlife along the way.
Ripon Loop Nature Reserve
On summer days the Ure loops tranquilly around the grassland and wet woods of Ripon Loop, whilst in times of flood the river changes course and cuts directly across the site creating an oxbow lake as it recedes.
This water, held in pools and ditches, provides natural flood protection for areas downstream. Ripon Loop is a 41 hectare nature reserve forming part of the Ripon Parks Site of Special Scientific Interest.
