London Wildlife Trust News http://www.wildlondon.org.uk60<![CDATA[ Stag Beetle Survey 2012 ]]>Calling all stag beetle spotters! Let us know if you see a stag beetle in the capital this summer. We urgently need you to record your sightings in our London-wide survey, funded by BBC Wildlife Fund, to help us improve conservation measures for the future.

London is a 'hotspot' for the stag beetle and is nationally significant for the population it supports. But the capital's magnificent stag beetles are vulnerable and need your help.

]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 00:31:58 GMT<![CDATA[ Concerns over Gunnersbury Triangle ignored by LB Ealing ]]>The views of thousands of local people, London Wildlife Trust and Natural England are likely to be ignored by Ealing Council on 16th May as an imposing new development on Colonial Drive, W4 - overlooking Gunnersbury Triangle Nature Reserve - is recommended for approval by the Council. London Wildlife Trust is calling on the Planning Committee to overturn the recommendation and safeguard the character of the Triangle for wildlife and people.

Gunnersbury Triangle is a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation, a statutory Local Nature Reserve (designated by LB Ealing for the part of the site within its jurisdiction in 1991) and has been managed by London Wildlife Trust on behalf of LB Hounslow since 1985. It is free for anyone to visit and has a unique history as a test case for urban nature ... ]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 08:11:25 GMT<![CDATA[ Make your vote count for London's nature ]]>The race to become London’s Mayor is nearing the finish line.  The Mayoral and London Assembly elections will influence the future of London for the next four years. 

In an election where the natural environment has not ranked highly in the campaign trail, we would urge people to consider the green credentials of the candidates when casting your votes on Thursday. 

We quizzed the four main Mayoral candidates for their views on our manifesto so you can find out what they want to do for London's natural environment.

For more information on all of the candidates in the elections, visit the London Elects website.

Whoever wins, we will continue to campaign for a greener London which is better for wildlife and people.

 

]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 12:20:35 GMT<![CDATA[ Foxes in focus ]]>Channel 4 is launching Foxes Live: Wild in the City, a brand new interactive natural history event carrying out the biggest ever nationwide study into urban foxes in the UK. London Wildlife Trust urges Londoners to participate in this survey to help us ascertain the issues that affect London’s fox populations and people’s attitudes towards them.

The red fox is the most widespread and abundant wild carnivore in the world. Found throughout ... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 22:45:25 GMT<![CDATA[ Petition signatures needed against new development proposal at iconic Chiswick reserve ]]>London Wildlife Trust is calling on the public to sign a petition to help save Gunnersbury Triange Nature Reserve from potential impacts from the proposed Colonial Drive development.

Sign the petition

London Wildlife Trust has significant concerns over the proposed development of Colonial Drive. The development would have significant impacts on the ecology and the charac... ]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 06:33:09 GMT<![CDATA[ Our Woodland Wildlife ]]>This weekend Wildilfe Trusts across the country are celebrating Our Woodland Wildlife in honour of The Wildlife Trusts centenary year. Why not take a walk of discovery in one of London Wildlife Trust's fabulous ancient woodlands this weekend. ]]>Sun, 13 May 2012 23:44:54 GMT<![CDATA[ Blue alert! Bluebells on their way... ]]>London Wildlife Trust is calling for Londoners to find their nearest wood and record the first appearance of native bluebells, as part of the VisitWoods initiative, to track the arrival of flowers across the country this spring.

The Visit Woods campaign is assessing whether the mild winter and short, sharp cold spell in early February is affecting flowering dates. Just over 50 sightings have been reported nationally to date, almost twice as many as this time last year - with sightings much further north too.

The average flowering date for bluebells in 2011 was the 12th April, which coincided with the earliest spring recorded this century. However, with the freezing weather experienced in early February this year experts are interested to discover the effects on the flowering of spring species.

The new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which has immediate effect, could change the planning landscape. Whilst many of the weaknesses of the consultation draft have been addressed, London Wildlife Trust still has concerns as to how effective – in times of austerity, the new slimmed down framework will be to protect the green spaces and wildlife habitats of London and other towns and cities.

Local plans are meant to be the key in ensuring the protection and restoration of the natural environment in the new planning system. London Wildlife Trust's CEO, Carlo Laurenzi OBE, says: “Whilst we are pleased to see that government has recognised the importance of planning positively for the natural envir... ]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 22:17:01 GMT<![CDATA[ River Crane Update ]]>Volunteers from the London Wildlife Trust and BTCV have continued to make habitat enhancements on the River Crane at Crane Park over the last few weeks. Faggot bundles, gravel deflectors and aquatic plants have been added to the river to improve the flow and the bankside habitat for the local wildlife. Volunteers will continue to make improvements to the River Crane over the next year through continuing the bankside planting and th... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 09:29:09 GMT<![CDATA[ Budget bad for nature? ]]>Read The Wildlife Trusts' analysis of how planning reform could affect wildlife. ]]>Sat, 12 May 2012 08:06:52 GMT<![CDATA[ Volunteer Yusuf shortlisted for Mayor of London award for community work ]]>Yusuf Atesogullari from the Sycamore Gardens estate in Tottenham has received a special commemorative certificate from Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, in recognition of his voluntary work for the community. He has been very involved in London Wildlife Trust's Natural Estates Project.

The 62-year-old is a driving force for the project on which Circle 33 residents work to improve their local envi... ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 20:38:13 GMT<![CDATA[ Cleaning up the Crane ]]>Thames Water have this week been working along stretches of the River Crane which are still contaminated with sewage following last year's pollution incident. It has been a large scale operation as contaminated silt has been sucked out of the river bed and margins and taken away to be disposed of at Mogden Lane Sewage Works in Isleworth.

The operation will help increase river flow and as a result improve biodiversity, especially in areas where the flow is particularly sluggish such as the stretch of river above the old sluice gate at Crane Park Island Nature Reserve.

]]>Sat, 12 May 2012 21:44:39 GMT<![CDATA[ River Crane update ]]>London Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers at Crane Park Island Nature Reserve undertook some kick sampling in the River Crane in the vicinity of the reserve this week. Kick sampling is a harmless technique used to sample invertebrates and other species that live on the bottom of a stream or lake, where a net is held underwater and the surrounding area is disturbed by kicking to disturb the species.

Early indications are more promising than expected so soon after pollution impacts, with life making a slow return to the river however there is still a lot of work to do to get back to the levels of biodiversity from before the sewage incident.


Some of the species identified are fish fry, midge larvae and two species of mayfly larvae, the latter being particularly of in... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 17:34:58 GMT<![CDATA[ Important bird habitats discovered in London ]]>Redshank Beckton (c) david MorrisonVolunteer birdwatchers reveal the significance of our Thames-side jetties for endangered lapwing and black-tailed godwit.

Over the past two winters, a team of 10 volunteer birdwatchers have been synchronising their watches, donning their winter clothing, and heading out to their designated jetty to count all the roosting wading birds from east London down to Thurrock in Essex.

Redshank & lapwing Erith Yacht Club Roost (c) David MorrisonLondon Wildlife Tr... ]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 00:16:35 GMT<![CDATA[ Pear Wood Nature Reserve under threat ]]>London Wildlife Trust has been alerted to the proposed sale of the Pear Wood Cottages enclave and lease of Brockley Hill Field (as set out in the notice in the Harrow Observer 16th February 2012). This sale site includes part of Pear Wood. 

Pear Wood is an ancient woodland,... ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 13:29:42 GMT<![CDATA[ East Reservoir receive donation from Whole Foods ]]>London Wildlife Trust have just received a cheque for £575 from Whole Foods to go towards the environmental education work currently taking place at East Reservoir Community Garden. Lorna Fox, Senior Education and Young People’s Officer for East London, and Naomi Clarke, Education Volunteer, visited Whole Foods on Stoke Newington Church Street on Tuesday the 21st of February to receive the donation and help publicise the work of the Trust. 

London Wildlife Trust has received a £14,780 funding boost from SITA Trust and £19,200 from Viridor Credits for their project to improve access at Wilderness Island Nature Reserve.

Wilderness Island is a Local Nature Reserve located in Carshalton between two arms of the River Wandle. The site is managed by London Wildlife Trust with the support of a dedicated group of local volunteers. A variety o... ]]>Sun, 13 May 2012 22:37:42 GMT<![CDATA[ Volunteers get stuck in at Crane Park ]]>Helping to restore the River Crane

On February 15th and 16th, over 30 volunteers from London Wildlife Trust, BTCV and the Prince’s Trust came together to carry out conservation work on the River Crane. After the pollution event in October 2011, volunteers are keener than ever to do there bit to improve the river habitat.

Two days’ of hard work were spent installing faggot bundles and removing some of the boards from the river bank. This work will benefit a variety of species, particularly water voles and fish. The newly installed faggot... ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 11:53:14 GMT<![CDATA[ Invest in a love nest ]]>Care for wild creatures this Valentine's Day

Tree heart (c) Zsuzsanna BirdLondoners are urged to give love a helping hand this Valentine's Day, by The Wildlife Trusts and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

By providing shelter, food, and wildlife corridors, you can offer space for wild species to come together, and play a vital role for the next generation of the country's garden wildlife.

Morag Shuaib, The Wildlife Trusts' Your chance to win a prestigious photography award and cash prize of £5,000. With an overall prize fund up to £20,000, winners and commended entrants will have their work showcased in a national touring exhibition and stunning book.

The British Wildlife Photography Awards were established to recognise the talents of wildlife photographers of all nationalities practising in Britain, whilst at the same time highlighting the great wealth and diversity of Britain’s natural history. The driving motivation to set up the Awards evolved through the nation’s growing awareness of the local environment and the need for its protection.

Now in its fourth year, this highly acclaimed and unique wildlife photograph... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 16:12:03 GMT<![CDATA[ London 2012 Changing Places event success ]]>London Wildlife Trust held our first London 2012 Changing Places event of the year on the Greenway and Channelsea Path in Newham. Volunteers gathered last Saturday (28 February) to celebrate six months to go to the Olympic Games by helping to cut back invasive species, restore grassland, build habitat walls and clear 12 bags-worth of litter.

The event was marked by a special visit from volunteers from the Friends of the Rodwell Trail down in Dorset along with Tom Clarke from Dorset Wildlife Trust. London Wildlife Trust is... ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 07:34:06 GMT<![CDATA[ Appalled ocean rower backs 'supersewer' ]]>Roz Savage, the ocean rower, is appealing for opponents of a super sewer for London to take the long-term view, saying: "We need to accept some short-term pain for the long-term gain."

The 44-year-old told a House of Commons reception, hosted by environmentalist and conservative MP Zac Goldsmith, that London's antiquated sewer network is a "disgusting embarrassment" that urgently needs tackling.

Zac said: "The existing sewer system is remarkable, given that it is 160 years old. But it needs an overhaul. We put enough raw sewage into the river to fill the Albert Hall 450 times, and that has to stop." He added; "In addition to the environmental imperative, this project will create thousands of local jobs, and high quality apprenticeships, and contribute to getting us back on track economic... ]]>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:02:20 GMT<![CDATA[ New Neighbourhood For Stylish Urban Vole ]]>Water vole (c) M FrithA gentle rustling, a mysterious 'plop' and perhaps a glimpse of a rather pitiful sausage-shaped furry animal hurriedly paddling through the water is all many of us ever get to see of the humble water vole. Here in Hillingdon there are few places known as home to these aquatic little voles, but one such hotspot has recently been expanding, redeveloping and creating lavish new accommodation for the up and coming London water vole.

A stone's throw away from the rumble of the A40 and a short hop across the Grand Union Canal from Denham Country Park, Frays Farm Meadows Nature ReserveFri, 11 May 2012 19:54:31 GMT<![CDATA[ Assembly publishes important report on railway linesides ]]>London Wildlife Trust welcomes the London Assembly report on the management of railway linesides published today.  On the right lines? highlights the importance of London’s railways for wildlife; over 1000 hectares are identified as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation, and they support important populations of species such as lizard, slow-worm (both protected), woodpeckers, kestrel and wren. 

 Critically the report recommends that Network Rail and Transport for London should:

  • communicate more specific detail about maintenance work to local residents
  • work more closely with the London Biodiversity Partnership.

 Network Rail and Transport for London both have Biodiversity Action Plans in place, but we have been concerned that these are not always being... ]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 21:01:42 GMT<![CDATA[ Latest from River Crane ]]>Alex Robb our Richmond Area Manager reports from the River Crane following the devastating pollution incident last year:

 ‘The River froze over this week for the first time this winter, but soon thawed. Ring necked parakeets have been seen in abundance, even on the ice, slipping and sliding about. Flows in the river are seasonally very low and we are still waiting for Thames Water to look at the issue of sewage contamination in the ditches around reed beds on Crane Park Island. The reeds became badly contaminated following the incident and the silt needs to be tested with a view to the overall de-silting of the ditch system, which would have the added benefit of greatly improving water vole habitat on the reserve.’

]]>Sat, 12 May 2012 12:30:49 GMT<![CDATA[ Airport Estuary Plans Threaten Wildlife ]]>London Wildlife Trust and Kent Wildlife Trust are dismayed at the proposals for an airport covering the eastern end of the Hoo peninsula.

The Thames and Medway estuaries carry substantial international designations for wildlife. It is difficult to see how the development of an airport, whether coastal or offshore, will not have a massive impact on this internationally important wildlife and on communities along the Thames.

Carlo Laurenzi OBE, Chief Executive of London Wildlife Trust, commented: “We are horrified by this proposal – especially from a government that claims to aspire to be the greenest ever. The area proposed for the airport lies within areas designated of international importance to birds protected under the Habitat Regulations.  These consist of highly valuab... ]]>Wed, 02 May 2012 13:22:57 GMT<![CDATA[ River Crane starts slow recovery ]]>Heavy rains over Christmas and the New Year have helped flush out some contaminated silt deposit, but appearances indicate that some are still remaining.

The Environment Agency has undertaken a survey of the Duke of Northumberland’s River between Mereway weir and Silverhall Park on January 6th. Fortunately, they did not report any findings of residual sewage on that stretch of the river system.

Thames Water will be continuing their own further investigation into remaining sewage deposits on the river, and London Wildlife Trust will immediately begin working closely alongside them to establish a methodology as to how to deal with the issue.

Meanwhile, the oxygen levels in ... ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 19:31:10 GMT<![CDATA[ Making space for flowers in Croydon ]]>In a quiet corner of New Addington, Croydon, wildlife is flourishing thanks to a project funded by The Veolia Environmental Trust and London Wildlife Trust’s members. Over the next few weeks, local nature lovers are being encouraged to get stuck into some practical conservation work to complete the final stage of the project.

 Over the autumn, London Wildlife Trust has been delivering work to protect the important chalk grassland habitat of Slimmings’ Down in Hutchinson’s Bank Nature Reserve. Hutchinson’s Bank is home to many diverse and rare species of insects, birds and plants, but has suffered significant scrub encroachment over recent years. The reserve's management objectives are now set on targeting prioritised clusters of scrub in order to increase the area of the Bank under grassland management regimes. The project has focused particularly on increasing the habitat available for a number of key species including the small blue and marbled... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 10:54:42 GMT<![CDATA[ High speed rail must not destroy wildlife ]]>The Wildlife Trusts are concerned the Government’s proposed route for high speed rail phase one from London to Birmingham will pose a serious threat to wildlife should it get the go ahead.

A decision from the Transport Secretary is expected on Tuesday 10th January.

“The Wildlife Trusts are seriously disappointed with the approach that has been taken in making the decision on the London to Birmingham route. Sticking to the current proposals would be a one way ticket to unacceptable destruction of our natural environment. Said Paul Wilkinson, Head of Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts.“50 ancient woodlands sit along this route. They are irreplaceable habitats which we stand to lose under the current plans. Our research shows a total of around 160 wildlife sites are potentially at risk, along with rare and protected species like the Bechstein’s bat.”

In London over 18 wildlife sites could be advers... ]]>Wed, 09 May 2012 20:22:01 GMT<![CDATA[ Season's Greetings! ]]>As the 2011 comes to a close, London Wildlife Trust would like to thank you all for your continued support throughout the year.

The office will be shut from December 23rd (2pm) until January 3rd. If you have any queries we will respond upon our return.

Happy Holidays and have a wonderful New Year! ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 01:34:49 GMT<![CDATA[ Charity supports MPs critical of planning changes ]]>London Wildlife Trust welcomes the report of the Communities & Local Government Select Committee into their inquiry into the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).  The report echoes our concerns at the inconsistent definitions of sustainable development, and the emphasis on economic growth potentially undermining protection of wildlife and our natural environment.  

 

Mathew Frith, Deputy Chief Executive of London Wildlife Trust said: “This is the crucial moment to get planning right for nature, as well as society. Government must ensure the planning system recognises the inherent value of our wildlife, as well as the social and... ]]>Wed, 09 May 2012 18:02:00 GMT<![CDATA[ Badger cull causes outcry ]]>The Wildlife Trusts – including London Wildlife Trust – speak out after Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman MP announced yesterday that badger culling would be introduced in parts of England to combat the spread of Bovine TB among cattle.

The Wildlife Trusts and many other conservationists are concerned that a badger cull could actually lead to an increase in Bovine TB, an argument that is explained by a greater understanding of badger behaviour. Badgers tend to live in groups of four to seven animals with defined territorial boundaries. A decimation of badger numbers would disrupt the social group, subsequently causing any survivors to range more widely than usual in search of other badgers.

Carlo Laurenzi OBE, Chief Executive of London Wildlife Trust says,
Sat, 12 May 2012 00:39:36 GMT<![CDATA[ South-East conservation charities speak out against Autumn Statement ]]>To whom it may concern, 

The environmental movement has spoken out repeatedly against policies that put short term profit ahead of our countryside and wildlife, eroding our natural capital and quality of life. But rarely have we been as incredulous as we were last week upon hearing the Coalition’s Autumn Budget Statement.

The stunning disregard shown for the value of our natural environment not only flies in the face of popular opinion but goes against everything the Government said in June when it launched two major pieces of environmental policy – the Natural Environment White Paper and the England Biodiversity Strategy. 

It is increasingly clear that society needs a new economic model that accounts properly for our natural capital.

Yet with the Chancellor’s Statement and his attack on the habitats regulations which ensure major developments don’t dTue, 15 May 2012 14:00:48 GMT<![CDATA[ River Crane Latest ]]>Today London Wildlife Trust met with Thames Water, the Environment Agency, FORCE, Crane Valley Partnership, The Wandle Trust and Thames Angling Conservancy to investigate how best to carry out reparations to the River Crane  following the catastrophic sewage pollution incident at the end of October.A full Thames Water ecological report on the presence of river invertebrates, just after the sewage spill, has now been published.   As expected, the report’s findings are bleak.  The only thing left alive in the river was a species of snail which had the ability to seal its shell when oxygen levels plunged.  The absence of chironomid midge larvae – which can survive in exceptionally low levels of oxygen -  is indicative of an extremely severe pollution incident.

The report suggests that it could take up to a year before invertebrate communities were replenished.  Without these, there are few opportunities for fish and many birds to c... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 23:08:42 GMT<![CDATA[ Thames Tunnel Now group criticises Selborne report ]]>

Environmental, wildlife and amenity groups reacted with dismay to Lord Selborne's Thames Tunnel Commission report suggesting alternatives to the planned Thames Tunnel. Thames21 Chief Executive Debbie Leach said: "This report's suggestions will not solve the problem. Should its views be accepted, the River Thames will be devastated by worsening sewage pollution."

The Thames Tunnel Now group (TTN) said that there was no logic to the Selborne Commission's suggestion to build a much shorter Tunnel, which does nothing to address 19 of the 34 sewage overflows in London - and is also expected to discharge into the already over-stretched, existing system.

TTN also rejected strongly Lord Selborne's suggestion that the public should tolerate levels of sewage in the Thames which fail to meet acceptable limits established by the Environment Agency and by experts throughout the world. TTN has issued a stark warning on the dangers to wildlife from lack of oxygen in th... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 10:16:52 GMT<![CDATA[ Launch of 'Thames Tunnel Now' ]]>European eelToday, 15 major environmental charities and amenity groups representing over 5 million people have come together in a unique coalition in support of proposals to construct the Thames Tunnel to end the scandal of 39 million tonnes of untreated sewage which enters the capital’s river every year. Please see below the joint statement agreed by the Thames Tunnel Now partners, including RSPB, WWF-UK, Thames21, Angling Trust and London Wildlife Trust.

Support the Thames Tunnel Now!

A coalition of national and local organisations has called for MPs and local councils to support the construction of a new tunnel under the Thames which will stop tens of millions of tonnes of sewage overflowing into London’s river each year. The tunnel proposal, whi... ]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 08:17:45 GMT<![CDATA[ Will the new planning framework put London's natural greenspaces at risk? ]]>The proposed National Planning Policy Framework is a cause for concern for the security of London’s wildlife and natural spaces.

Natural green spaces and wildlife habitats could be at greater risk under the new planning system, as set out in the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which closed for public consultation on 17th October.

The NPPF represents an overhaul of an admittedly complex planning system, and sets out ‘national priorities and rules’ within a ... ]]>Wed, 09 May 2012 19:35:49 GMT<![CDATA[ Be part of the 'Big Wildlife Garden' ]]>Caroline Spelman and Carlo Laurenzi (c) www.ChrisTaylorPhotographer.comEveryone has the opportunity to help create the UK's largest nature reserve – with the launch of the 'Big Wildlife Garden' (BWG) competition.

The competition - a commitment in the Government's recently published Natural Environment White Paper - is being run by Thames Water’s four month consultation on the proposed Thames Tunnel ends today. London Wildlife Trust supports the need for the Tunnel but warns the design and construction process must leave a legacy of ecological gain not only in water quality but also on the Thames foreshore and in any disturbed green space.

Carlo Laurenzi, Chief Executive of London Wildlife Trust, says ‘The Thames Tunnel is an important project for the long term health of the River Thames. At the moment untreated sewage overflows into the Thames regularly, as the Victorian sewerage system cannot cope with London’s current population. A less polluted river would ... ]]>Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:35:40 GMT