From the hedge-lined lanes of Devon to the peat-clad hill of the North, we’ve been giving nature a home across England.
As we head towards the last few days of 2016 its time to look back at some of the success we’ve achieved with our partners and the support of our members. This review contains lots of links which will provide more information about the projects I describe and the partners we work with.
Twenty five years ago a few fields in Devon were home to a rapidly dwindling number of cirl buntings. Their plight, highlighted by local bird watchers, led to a research programme that identified the problems they faced. Fast forward to 2016 and our latest survey shows that the population has gone up ten-fold. With our help and support, Devon’s farmers have stepped up to the challenge and changed the fortunes for cirl buntings – there are now over 1000 pairs. And we’ve established a second population in Cornwall too.
Autumn is always a time when we take stock of the progress made on saving our most threatened wildlife – we do this by paying close attention to the numbers. Are our priority species responding to the conservation measures we’re putting in place? Only through this relentless focus on how we are doing can we be confident that we are being as effective as we can be in making the most of the generous support of our members, funders and partners.
Another bird that was heading for the exit in the UK was the bittern – 2016 has been another record-breaking year for this elusive heron and for the first time in 150 years they nested in Oxfordshire at our Otmoor nature reserve.
Cranes have had a great year too both in their East Anglian strongholds and as a result of the Great Crane Project’s progress in Somerset.
Ouse Fen - the RSPB-Hanson wetland project. Photo credit Andy Hay rspb-images.com
A huge amount of our work goes towards safeguarding the homes nature needs. We’re well on our way to establishing the biggest wetland reedbed in Britain at Ouse Fen in Cambridgeshire. In the Peak District our work to restore the peatlands blanketing the hills of Dove Stone has resulted in a significant boost to the numbers of wading birds nesting there. On the heathlands of southern England nightjars and smooth snakes are responding to the efforts we are making to help them.
Smooth snake. Photo credit Ben Andrews rspb-images.com
In Norfolk we’re relieved at the outcome of a public inquiry protecting the fragile wetlands of Catfield Fen from plans to take water from under the site. Together with our neighbouring Sutton Fen nature reserve there is now a positive future for the rare fen orchid and the abundant wildlife that depends on this watery world.
Our successes give us confidence. Our partnerships are a huge strength and a big part of why we can achieve so much. But there’s so much more to do. England’s hen harriers remain in crisis and threats to the special places nature needs to survive on land and at sea continue to cause real concern. We are awaiting the Westminster Government’s 25 year plan for nature in England which will be a clear indication of the direction the Westminster Government intends to take to safeguard England’s precious wildlife in these uncertain times.
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