SNIPPETS
AUTUMN 2007

        Mole Survey ~ The People’s Trust for Endangered Species is currently sponsoring a census of moles or, more to the point, molehills. Details are available on www.molewatch.org.uk

        Crow Country ~ Mark Cocker’s new book, Crow Country, is receiving high praise from reviewers and could be a popular item this year in the Christmas stocking of
many a birder.

      Red Squirrel Death ~ The grey squirrel’s displacement of red squirrels marches steadily northwards. The first confirmed red squirrel death in Scotland from squirrel pox virus was reported this summer.

        Extinctions ~ The World Conservation Union says that one in four mammal species are likely to be extinct within 50 years. Extinction rates are now estimated at 103 to 104 higher than natural due to human actions, mainly habitat destruction. In Britain Defra has listed hedgehogs in a Biodiversity Action Plan ‘at risk’ category.

        Wildflower Winners ~ The 2007 East Anglian Daily Times wildflower competition was won by a churchyard project at Great Waldingfield led by Dr David Taylor. The judges said the project was the strongest entry in terms of protecting and enhancing populations of wildflowers.

        IPA ? ~ Plantlife International has published a list of Britain’s 150 most important areas for wild plants (‘Important Plant Areas’ or IPAs). East Anglian entries include Wicken Fen and the Norfolk Broads. See www.plantlife.org.uk

        Avian Hotspot ~ Mistley Walls on the outskirts of Manningtree in Essex has become a birdwatching hotspot. Large numbers of waders such as black-tailed godwits, golden plover, curlews and avocets can be easily seen on the mudflats of the river Stour.

        Tractor Driver Reminders ~ The Game Conservancy Trust has introduced a field-recording scheme for farmers. Individualised summary cards to keep in the tractor cab give information needed to work the field in compliance with Environmental Stewardship Rules. Go to www.cabcards.co.uk for details.

        Crane Chicks ~ Nesting attempts by the common cranes at RSPB Lakenheath failed this year but six chicks hatched at Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust and will be released at protected sites in 2009 as part of a breeding programme to boost numbers.

        The End of Set Aside? ~ At the recent SNS conference (“Is Arable Farming Incompatible with Wildlife?”) John Cousins who chaired the event, and who is a member of Suffolk FWAG, made it clear that all farmers except those extremely committed to wildlife conservation are certain to abandon the set aside scheme and will cultivate every piece of land, even those that previously were too uneconomic to consider.

        Fertilizer Use Increases ~ British farmers have placed orders for 200,000 extra tonnes of fertilizer this winter - bad news for all ecosystems, especially aquatic ones.