Blog: By Taghttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/Blog listing, filtered by tag.enMice to meet you!https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/george-cook/mice-meet-youWhen people think of rodents, the first things that spring to mind are often negative. For millennia, humans have lived alongside rodents but often viewed them as pests, due to their habit of raiding food and crop supplies. Yet some are loved and even kept as pets, recognised for their playful and intelligent character.Wed, 07 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000George Cookhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/george-cook/mice-meet-youHarbourside Wildlifehttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/stephanie-sharkey/harbourside-wildlifeThe iconic Bristol harbourside is known for its scenery, boats, restaurants, and quintessential laid back Bristol vibe, but did you know it’s also home to lots of wildlife? This summer, Avon Wildlife Trust hosted four wildlife walks in the hope of discovering more about the nature in this harsh habitat.Thu, 20 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000Stephanie Sharkeyhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/stephanie-sharkey/harbourside-wildlifeHow to help the humble hedgehog this Hedgehog Awareness Weekhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/abbie-hall/how-help-humble-hedgehog-hedgehog-awareness-weekIt’s Hedgehog Awareness Week from 30 April to 6 May! Considered a gardener’s best friend, this is a great time of year to make local hedgehogs feel at home in your green space.Wed, 03 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000Abbie Hallhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/abbie-hall/how-help-humble-hedgehog-hedgehog-awareness-weekMarvellous mustelidshttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/thewildlifetrusts/marvellous-mustelidsMammal expert Stuart Edmunds introduces this incredible collection of carnivores.Tue, 10 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000The Wildlife Trustshttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/thewildlifetrusts/marvellous-mustelidsTeam Wilder FAQ'shttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/sophie-bancroft/team-wilder-faqsTeam Wilder FAQs, Team Wilder Introduction TalkFri, 30 Sep 2022 12:00:00 +0000Sophie Bancrofthttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/sophie-bancroft/team-wilder-faqsLights, Camera, Action: Countryfile comes to Grow Wilderhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/rebecca-lockwood/lights-camera-action-countryfile-comes-grow-wilderWhen I started in my role as Communications Officer for Avon Wildlife Trust a little under a year ago, we were emerging from a wintry lockdown. There was a collective sense of weariness, and a need for regeneration. Rarely have the green shoots of spring been so eagerly awaited.Fri, 14 Jan 2022 12:00:00 +0000Rebecca Lockwoodhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/rebecca-lockwood/lights-camera-action-countryfile-comes-grow-wilderMammal Mysterieshttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/mammal-mysteriesHave you spotted any mysterious tracks or unexplained droppings? Wherever you live, be it in the heart of Bristol, in leafy suburbia or somewhere more rural, the Avon area is rich in opportunities to track the wildlife around us.<br /><br />
Perhaps the most charismatic of Avon’s mammals are our resident beavers. Their exact locations may be secret, but their tracks and signs are not. Look out for large piles of branches beside watercourses, as well as gnawed wood - especially where a branch has been chewed to a point. These can all be signs that a beaver is in residence. You may also be lucky enough to see a beaver footprint. A clear print will be large and long, and it will display the outline of the web of skin connecting the toes. <br /><br />
Inspired? Here are some other tips on how to be a mammal detective, from naturalist Darren Tansley. <br />Fri, 07 Jan 2022 12:00:00 +0000https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/mammal-mysteriesGiving Wildlife a Home in the Cityhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/alex-dommett/giving-wildlife-home-cityImagine a city where whole communities get together to transform gardens and open spaces. From planting for pollinators in our gardens to influencing the space around us, we can all help to make our cities better for people and wildlife.Thu, 09 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0000Alex Dommetthttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/alex-dommett/giving-wildlife-home-cityRebirth and renewal at Grow Wilderhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/ben-hanslip/rebirth-and-renewal-grow-wilderOur Bristol wildflower site, with its lush food-growing areas and sense of peace in an urban world, is full of special places. One of them is the Sunburst Garden. In the past, this fabulous space has been a jewel in Grow Wilder’s colourful crown. Sadly, during the pandemic, like so many things in our lives, it suffered. Thankfully, due to the efforts of our community food-grower and engagement officer, Ben Hanslip, the last six months have seen it flourish and bloom. Here is his story.Thu, 11 Nov 2021 12:00:00 +0000Ben Hansliphttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/ben-hanslip/rebirth-and-renewal-grow-wilderHow to help hedgehogs in autumnhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/alex-dommett/how-help-hedgehogs-autumnAutumn leaves strewn across our gardens, parks and towns are like a magical sprinkling of treasure for one of the UK’s most elusive creatures. Hedgehogs regularly come out top in surveys of favourite wildlife amongst the British public, and fallen leaves offer vital nest-making materials as they prepare to hibernate.Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:00:00 +0000Alex Dommetthttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/alex-dommett/how-help-hedgehogs-autumnWhen the old ways are the best wayshttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/rebecca-lockwood/when-old-ways-are-best-waysOf all the most traditional of countryside activities, scything has to be at the top of the list. This ancient method of cutting meadows is thought to date back to Roman times, and it involves the use of a scythe – a tool consisting of a long, curving blade attached at an angle to a handle, for cutting grass, by hand. The rhythmic movements, the regular swishing sounds and the sight of a single human working in the land without machinery are all very evocative. It seems like a folk memory of our countryside as it once was, before the roar of the motor splintered the silence.Thu, 23 Sep 2021 12:00:00 +0000Rebecca Lockwoodhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/rebecca-lockwood/when-old-ways-are-best-waysThe Great Big Green Weekhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/rebecca-lockwood/great-big-green-weekIn a world where every week seems to bring a media story clamouring for our attention, it’s sometimes hard to work out what really matters. But the next ten days aren’t just important – they’ll witness what some would describe as the most crucial community occasion of the year. The Great Big Green Week will take place 18 – 26 September 2021, and is forecast to be the largest celebration of climate action and nature ever seen in the UK.Thu, 16 Sep 2021 12:00:00 +0000Rebecca Lockwoodhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/rebecca-lockwood/great-big-green-weekRewilding North Somersethttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/jamie-kingscott/rewilding-north-somersetThe ongoing decline in biodiversity across the UK is without doubt one of the biggest challenges we face – both globally and here in the UK. Happily, some local authorities are responding to the ecological emergency, and North Somerset Council is one of them. A quarter of the parks and open spaces under their management are set to be transformed into wildlife havens, as the council commits to new ways of looking after them.Wed, 18 Aug 2021 12:00:00 +0000Jamie Kingscotthttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/jamie-kingscott/rewilding-north-somersetBirds of Prey - Call of the Wildhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/george-cook/birds-prey-call-wildA large grey bird flies over my neighbour’s house. “It’s just a pigeon” I think to myself and turn away before something clicks, and I snap my head back. It’s not a pigeon, but a pigeon killer. A sparrowhawk, in fact! I glimpse its reddish belly and long tail just as it disappears over the roof tops. Always double-check a pigeon!Thu, 05 Aug 2021 12:00:00 +0000George Cookhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/george-cook/birds-prey-call-wildGrow Wilder: Road-map to a sustainable future for Bristol?https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/rebecca-lockwood/grow-wilder-road-map-sustainable-future-bristolOne of the most intriguing stories behind the clean lines and urgent angles of Bristol’s modern skyline is its rich history of local food production. It takes a little ‘digging’ to find it because it is somewhat hidden, surrounded by the bustle of city life.Fri, 14 May 2021 12:00:00 +0000Rebecca Lockwoodhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/rebecca-lockwood/grow-wilder-road-map-sustainable-future-bristolGrow Wilder: urban beacon of hopehttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/rebecca-lockwood/grow-wilder-urban-beacon-hopeUrban wildlife is in trouble, but at Avon Wildlife Trust, we’ve got a solution. And the best news is that you can help.Fri, 07 May 2021 12:00:00 +0000Rebecca Lockwoodhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/rebecca-lockwood/grow-wilder-urban-beacon-hopeSpring Wildlifehttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/george-cook/spring-wildlifeSpring is a time of fresh starts and new beginnings, with life literally bursting up around us – and this year the arrival of the warmer weather feels more welcome than ever. As we rejoice in the slow release from lockdown, nature is also celebrating the survival of a difficult winter. <br /><br /><br /><br />Fri, 23 Apr 2021 12:00:00 +0000George Cookhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/george-cook/spring-wildlifeEaster brings wildlife renewalhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/rebecca-lockwood/easter-brings-wildlife-renewalFor the religious and secular alike, this season has traditionally been a time of renewal and hope.Fri, 02 Apr 2021 12:00:00 +0000Rebecca Lockwoodhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/rebecca-lockwood/easter-brings-wildlife-renewalGrenville Johnson, St George Wildlife Championhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/elisabeth-winkler/grenville-johnson-st-george-wildlife-championBristol is full of people transforming their neighbourhoods into nature-friendly spaces to benefit both wildlife and people.Mon, 01 Apr 2019 12:00:00 +0000Elisabeth Winklerhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/elisabeth-winkler/grenville-johnson-st-george-wildlife-championBedminster goes wildhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/elisabeth-winkler/bedminster-goes-wildDo you care about the loss of wildlife and green spaces? Some people are taking matters in their own hands, acting locally to make a difference, like Ben Barker of Bedminster who helped set up BS3 Wildlife Group.<br /><br />Thu, 07 Mar 2019 12:00:00 +0000Elisabeth Winklerhttps://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/elisabeth-winkler/bedminster-goes-wild
