Blog: By Taghttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/Blog listing, filtered by tag.enWild Isles: Avon’s wildflowershttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/abbie-hall/wild-isles-avons-wildflowersOur Communications Officer, Abbie Hall, shares a bit more about the amazing places that made a cameo in yesterday’s Wild Isles.Mon, 13 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000Abbie Hallhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/abbie-hall/wild-isles-avons-wildflowersWhat a wonderfully wild year we’ve had!https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/abbie-hall/what-wonderfully-wild-year-weve-hadFor my last blog of 2022, it only felt fitting that I take a look back at the past year and reflect on everything we’ve achieved together for wildlife.Wed, 28 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000Abbie Hallhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/abbie-hall/what-wonderfully-wild-year-weve-hadDo you want to make a difference for our environment? Meet Sophie, our Youth Leadhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/sophie-keats/do-you-want-make-difference-our-environment-meet-sophie-our-youth-leadHi there! I’m Sophie and I coordinate Avon Wildlife Trust’s Young Volunteers. We’ve already had some brilliant adventures since restarting our sessions this summer and I can’t wait to get stuck into our upcoming sessions over autumn.Wed, 07 Sep 2022 12:00:00 +0000Sophie Keatshttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/sophie-keats/do-you-want-make-difference-our-environment-meet-sophie-our-youth-leadAvian flu – the latest symptom of our ailing ecosystemshttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/thewildlifetrusts/avian-flu-latest-symptom-our-ailing-ecosystemsThis deadly disease is having a devastating effect on our already struggling wild bird populations.Fri, 05 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +0000The Wildlife Trustshttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/thewildlifetrusts/avian-flu-latest-symptom-our-ailing-ecosystemsA sea full of superheroeshttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/thewildlifetrusts/sea-full-superheroesForget Aquaman! Read on for the real superheroes in our seas…Sat, 23 Jul 2022 12:00:00 +0000The Wildlife Trustshttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/thewildlifetrusts/sea-full-superheroesMake a difference for nature this summer by taking part in the Big Butterfly Counthttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/abbie-hall/make-difference-nature-summer-taking-part-big-butterfly-countDid you know that there are 59 species of butterfly in the UK and over 2,500 species of moth? Not only are they a stunning sight, but they’re also vital indicators of environmental health, an integral part of the food chain and powerful plant pollinators!Wed, 13 Jul 2022 12:00:00 +0000Abbie Hallhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/abbie-hall/make-difference-nature-summer-taking-part-big-butterfly-countAppreciating nature’s amazing aerial acrobat – the swift!https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/george-cook/appreciating-natures-amazing-aerial-acrobat-swiftThere are some bird calls that I believe most people would recognise. The twit-too of calling tawny owls, the iconic calling cuckoo (of clock fame) and perhaps the drumming of a woodpecker. But I would like to highlight another you might recognise, even if you don’t know the bird.Sat, 02 Jul 2022 12:00:00 +0000George Cookhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/george-cook/appreciating-natures-amazing-aerial-acrobat-swiftWe're buzzing about World Bee Day!https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/sophie-bancroft/were-buzzing-about-world-bee-dayDid you know that bees provide us with every third mouthful of food we eat? Without bees, we would be unable to grow lots of our favourite foods, including tomatoes, blueberries, green beans and grain to feed animals. As well as being fascinating insects, these creatures are a vital part of our world and need our help!Fri, 20 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000Sophie Bancrofthttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/sophie-bancroft/were-buzzing-about-world-bee-dayThe wild delights of our local rivershttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/julie-doherty/wild-delights-our-local-riversRivers are perhaps the most dynamic of all our habitats in the UK – they shape landscapes, connect communities and provide homes for otters, kingfishers and a whole host of other wildlife.Wed, 13 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +0000Julie Dohertyhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/julie-doherty/wild-delights-our-local-riversMeet the tompot blenny - ‘The small fish with a big personality’https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/thewildlifetrusts/meet-tompot-blenny-small-fish-big-personality-1Marine wildlife expert Paul Naylor dives into the world of one of his favourite fish.Thu, 29 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +0000The Wildlife Trustshttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/thewildlifetrusts/meet-tompot-blenny-small-fish-big-personality-1Mad about Moths; Batty about Butterflieshttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/george-cook/mad-about-moths-batty-about-butterfliesA delicate fold of colour gently skips its way across the garden. Your eyes try to follow it, but it has caught a breeze and is quickly carried away above the tree tops, never to be seen again. This is the hard reality of trying to follow a butterfly. Or perhaps it could be a moth? <br /><br />
However, if you are still, quiet, and lucky, a butterfly may choose to rest nearby, allowing you to see its beauty.Thu, 22 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +0000George Cookhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/george-cook/mad-about-moths-batty-about-butterfliesThe Water Volehttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/wild-blog/water-voleKelly Hollings, Restoring Ratty Project Officer for Northumberland Wildlife Trust, explores the habits of these much-loved mammals.Thu, 06 May 2021 12:00:00 +0000Wild Bloghttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/wild-blog/water-voleAn update from our four-legged conservation assistants at Folly Farmhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/louise-treneman/update-our-four-legged-conservation-assistants-folly-farmJust before Christmas last year we introduced four Exmoor ponies to our Folly Farm nature reserve in the Chew Valley. The ponies came from the Moorland Mousie Trust, a charity based down on Exmoor who provide a home and future for the excess foals removed from the moor each year during the annual pony herd round up. As part of their work, they provide ponies for conservation grazing on sites across the UK. These ponies are semi-wild, only having been handled a few times to move them off the moor to the Moorland Mouse Trust’s base where they live until they are old enough to go out to grazing sites.Thu, 20 Aug 2020 12:00:00 +0000Louise Trenemanhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/louise-treneman/update-our-four-legged-conservation-assistants-folly-farmSwifts – our aerial summertime visitorshttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/kathryn-shatford/swifts-our-aerial-summertime-visitorsIt’s around this time of year you may be lucky enough to spot a common swift; they’re in the UK from April to August for their breeding season.Fri, 29 May 2020 12:00:00 +0000Kathryn Shatfordhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/kathryn-shatford/swifts-our-aerial-summertime-visitorsMy Wild Life - Ainsley Dwyerhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/kathryn-shatford/my-wild-life-ainsley-dwyerAinsley is doing a Wild Paths placement with Avon Wildlife Trust – a nine-month training programme which gives people from diverse backgrounds a chance to gain skills and access a career in conservation and natural heritage.Thu, 21 May 2020 12:00:00 +0000Kathryn Shatfordhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/kathryn-shatford/my-wild-life-ainsley-dwyerWhat is an ecological emergency, and what can I do about it?https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/ian-barrett/what-ecological-emergency-and-what-can-i-do-about-itBack in early February, which was incredibly just three months ago, we made an important announcement about nature in Bristol alongside Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees. In the announcement, an ‘ecological emergency’ was declared in the city, to help local people recognise how much wildlife Bristol has lost in recent decades, what has caused it, and – most importantly – what can be done about it.Tue, 05 May 2020 12:00:00 +0000Ian Barretthttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/ian-barrett/what-ecological-emergency-and-what-can-i-do-about-itIncredible Insectshttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/tom-hibbert/incredible-insectsInsects are everywhere, often overlooked, but playing vital roles in almost every ecosystem. Meet some of the miniature miracle-workers that help keep our world running.Thu, 09 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0000Tom Hibberthttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/tom-hibbert/incredible-insectsSpring Butterflieshttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/joe-mcsorley/spring-butterfliesCommon indicators of spring include the first tender green spikes of bluebells, the drooping lime green hazel catkins and the melodious morning melee of the dawn chorus.<br /><br />
In amongst this burst for growth there are some signs of spring that we might not expect but will certainly notice. Summer is often seen as the key season for butterflies but in mid to late spring is often as good a time as any to see the some of our special six city dwelling butterflies.Fri, 20 Mar 2020 12:00:00 +0000Joe McSorleyhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/joe-mcsorley/spring-butterfliesSpring is here so wake up and smell the garlic!https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/kathryn-shatford/spring-here-so-wake-and-smell-garlicThe longer, warming days are telling early bloomers it’s time to wake up. The woodland canopy is still relatively bare and won’t close until the end of spring when the trees’ leaves have grabbed any space available where direct sunlight can get to. Several species of plant are jumping in before this happens, making the most of the tentative sunlight filtering through the trees’ branches. One of these plants is wild garlic.Thu, 12 Mar 2020 12:00:00 +0000Kathryn Shatfordhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/kathryn-shatford/spring-here-so-wake-and-smell-garlicThe Wisdom of Owlshttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/joe-mcsorley/wisdom-owlsOwls are perhaps some of the most mysterious with their silent flight and nocturnal habits. Britain is home to five species of native owl and all of them can be seen around our region if you know what to look for, when to look for them and have some patience.Wed, 26 Feb 2020 12:00:00 +0000Joe McSorleyhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/joe-mcsorley/wisdom-owlsWildly romantic: the weird and wonderful courtship rituals of wildlifehttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/kathryn-shatford/wildly-romantic-weird-and-wonderful-courtship-rituals-wildlifeIt’s Valentine’s Day and it’s not just us who might be looking to get a date. As the winter months will soon be ending, much of the animal kingdom will be wanting to attract a mate. Here’s what to look out for this spring.Thu, 13 Feb 2020 12:00:00 +0000Kathryn Shatfordhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/kathryn-shatford/wildly-romantic-weird-and-wonderful-courtship-rituals-wildlifeAn emergency we can’t ignorehttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/naomi-fuller/emergency-we-cant-ignoreDense, swooping flights of starlings, dipping and turning overhead against a dusk winter sky were a common sight in Bristol 30 years ago. So common was the spectacle, that starlings – alongside many other wildlife sights and sounds – were often taken for granted. Part of the backdrop alongside iconic city buildings. But now on winter’s evenings, Bristol’s skyline is mostly empty of starlings. You may see a few flitting between trees where they can, their iridescent feathers catching the fading light. But there’s no longer a mass aerial spectacle to watch on the way home.Thu, 06 Feb 2020 12:00:00 +0000Naomi Fullerhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/naomi-fuller/emergency-we-cant-ignoreCracking Pond Gromit!https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/aardman-pondDuring the October half term, the Avon Wildlife Trust Our Bright Future team and a group of young voluntary conservationists visited Aardman studios for a grand day out! These budding environmentalists stepped away from their creature comforts to do some work on an overgrown pond in the studio garden which needed a clear out to Morph it into a better habitat for wildlife.Thu, 23 Jan 2020 12:00:00 +0000George Cookhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/aardman-pondGrowth in more ways than one: my experience of Avon Wildlife Trust’s Grow Leader placementhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/kathryn-shatford/growth-more-ways-one-my-experience-avon-wildlife-trusts-grow-leader-placementIf you visited Avon Wildlife Trust’s six-acre site, Feed Bristol, and stayed for just an hour, you may interpret it as a huge urban food growing site. You wouldn’t be completely wrong. I did the six-month Grow Leader placement which runs there and food growing is a central aspect of it. I learned so much on how to grow food whilst enhancing soils and creating space for wildlife, and gained first-hand experience in the planning stage up to harvest. But the food growing is just one part of it.Wed, 15 Jan 2020 12:00:00 +0000Kathryn Shatfordhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/kathryn-shatford/growth-more-ways-one-my-experience-avon-wildlife-trusts-grow-leader-placementComing back to my roots to say a big thank youhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/carla-reeve/coming-back-my-roots-say-big-thank-youI have a lot of respect for people who strive to turn their interests into a career. This left me with a paradoxical feeling that whilst my own interests were in ecology and the environment, my actual job was not. The saying “practice what you preach” pricked uncomfortably in the back of my subconscious.Thu, 09 Jan 2020 12:00:00 +0000Carla Reevehttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/carla-reeve/coming-back-my-roots-say-big-thank-youMeet our new four-legged conservation officers!https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/exmoor-poniesThis week we’ve welcomed four Exmoor Ponies to our Folly Farm nature reserve in the Chew Valley to start work as our conservation assistants! This sturdy native breed is excellent for conservation grazing, because they thrive in tough terrain including steep slopes, boggy areas and places with cold and wet weather. Conservation grazing is when we use semi-wild or domesticated animals like cattle, horses, goats or sheep to help wildlife flourish in grasslands, heathlands, wooded pasture or wetlands.Wed, 11 Dec 2019 12:00:00 +0000Louise Trenemanhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/exmoor-poniesFabulous Fungi finds this yearhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/sarah-mitchell/fabulous-fungi-finds-yearDappled sunlight, autumn rains, carpets of fallen leaves and fluctuating temperatures create the perfect conditions for fruiting fungi to appear across our landscapes.Thu, 21 Nov 2019 12:00:00 +0000Sarah Mitchellhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/sarah-mitchell/fabulous-fungi-finds-yearThey don’t just bite, sting and buzz! Insects and why we need themhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/naomi-fuller/they-dont-just-bite-sting-and-buzz-insects-and-why-we-need-themThe droning hum of a mosquito disturbing you on a summer’s evening as you try to sleep; the angry buzzing of a wasp as it lands on your jam; the line of ants steadily marching over your sugary kitchen worktop. Our relationship with insects is not always a happy one and for many of us, insects mean bites, stings, allergies and nuisance. And it’s common to want to get rid of them by swatting, spraying or squashing them. As a child, I remember my grandmother handing me her fly swat one summer and she’d watch on with an amused smile as I lunged and darted around her house in pursuit of houseflies and wasps. At the time it felt a justified swatting exercise and I remember looking with fascination at a wasp trap in a café garden that same summer – a graveyard of wasps floating several deep in warm beer, their striped bodies and wings showing clearly through the glass of the trap.Fri, 15 Nov 2019 12:00:00 +0000Naomi Fullerhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/naomi-fuller/they-dont-just-bite-sting-and-buzz-insects-and-why-we-need-themWhat to watch in wildlife in autumn and winterhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/what-watch-wildlife-autumn-and-winterBy Charlotte Targett and Louise Treneman, Avon Wildlife Trust Living Landscapes Assistants<br /><br />
We often break the habit of regular time outdoors once the seasons change. But tune your senses into the hues of autumn and the stark beauty of winter as you get out in nature and you’ll see hidden beauty and interest. Here are a few wildlife highlights to look out for now the nights have drawn in.Fri, 08 Nov 2019 12:00:00 +0000https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/what-watch-wildlife-autumn-and-winterMy Wild City – transforming hidden spaces for wildlife and peoplehttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/naomi-fuller/my-wild-city-transforming-hidden-spaces-wildlife-and-peopleEight local wildlife sites, eight distinct neighbourhoods across Bristol, eight communities of children, families, professionals and older people, eight hidden havens for wildlife and people. Over the next three years, we’re bringing people closer to wonderful urban spaces through an exciting programme of family days, creative experiences, school visits and practical conservation days in our My Wild City project. Here’s how we’re getting started…Thu, 31 Oct 2019 12:00:00 +0000Naomi Fullerhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/naomi-fuller/my-wild-city-transforming-hidden-spaces-wildlife-and-peopleOur wonderful wildlife is plummeting – but there’s hope for nature’s recoveryhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/naomi-fuller/our-wonderful-wildlife-plummeting-theres-hope-natures-recoverySnuffling, crinkly-eyed hedgehogs; long-eared, darting hares; softly cooing turtle doves and endearing water voles are just some of the wonderful wild animals now at serious risk of disappearing from the UK, according to a startling report – the State of Nature – which was published last week. The report finds that populations of our most important wildlife have plummeted by an average of 60% since 1970 and there are no signs of let-up in the loss of nature.Thu, 10 Oct 2019 12:00:00 +0000Naomi Fullerhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/naomi-fuller/our-wonderful-wildlife-plummeting-theres-hope-natures-recoveryStoats and Weasels – can you get a fleeting glimpse?https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/joe-mcsorley/stoats-and-weasels-can-you-get-fleeting-glimpseThere’s always something mysterious about a creature that lurks in the shadows, showing itself in fleeting glimpses and leaving occasional clues. Two of our most elusive small creatures are stoats and weasels - that share our environment but whose paths we rarely cross.Thu, 26 Sep 2019 12:00:00 +0000Joe McSorleyhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/joe-mcsorley/stoats-and-weasels-can-you-get-fleeting-glimpseMy Wild Classroomhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/sarah-mitchell/my-wild-classroomWhen Zoe was young she went for walks in the countryside every weekend. She thinks that a love of nature and being outside should be encouraged and when it starts young, it stays with you.Tue, 30 Jul 2019 12:00:00 +0000Sarah Mitchellhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/sarah-mitchell/my-wild-classroomMy Wild Inspirationhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/sarah-mitchell/my-wild-inspirationElla volunteers at Avon Wildlife Trust’s My Wild Child where she helps children learn about the nature around them.Tue, 30 Jul 2019 12:00:00 +0000Sarah Mitchellhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/sarah-mitchell/my-wild-inspirationSaving Avon’s Badgershttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/naomi-fuller/saving-avons-badgersIf you’re out for a summer’s evening walk or drive, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a black and white creature scurrying across a lane or skirting the edge of a woodland, its stocky form and short legs moving quickly. It will be a badger of course – a shy, nocturnal mammal and a wonderful animal to spot.Fri, 26 Jul 2019 12:00:00 +0000Naomi Fullerhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/naomi-fuller/saving-avons-badgersCharfield Meadow – a Wildlife Havenhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/elisabeth-winkler/charfield-meadow-wildlife-havenQuiet and secluded, Charfield Meadow sits beside a railway line in South Gloucestershire. British Rail sold the hectare-and-half of land to Avon Wildlife Trust in 1988, making it one of the Trust’s oldest reserves. It was used to mine materials such as sand, gravel and crushed stone during the construction of the railway. Later it housed a signal box, the remains of which can still be seen.Fri, 14 Jun 2019 12:00:00 +0000Elisabeth Winklerhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/elisabeth-winkler/charfield-meadow-wildlife-havenCaring for the Cotswolds – to the very core!https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/charlotte-targett/caring-cotswolds-very-coreFor a number of years Avon Wildlife Trust has been working in St Catherine’s Valley on the eastern fringe of Bath, helping landowners manage their land sympathetically for wildlife.Thu, 09 May 2019 12:00:00 +0000Charlotte Targetthttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/charlotte-targett/caring-cotswolds-very-core
