A call for countryside walkers to spot jewel-like fungi in the grasslands of Northumberland National Park Northumberland National Park is conducting a survey of waxcap toadstools this autumn, and is requesting anyone intending to visit the National Park to look out for them and record any sightings. Mossy grasslands where there has been no ploughing or artificial … [Read more...] about National Waxcap Survey
wildlife
Red squirrel survey
The Forestry Commission has carried out the first ever full survey of the Red Squirrels at reserves in Cumbria. A total of 416 red squirrels were recorded during a 12-week period between May and August 2010, although individual squirrels could have been caught more than once. 75 traps were located within the reserves at Whinlatter Forest, Dodd Wood, Wythop and … [Read more...] about Red squirrel survey
Bittern numbers increase
Bittern numbers are on the increase, according to the latest research. This threatened heron has enjoyed its most successful year since it recolonised the UK in 1911, following 25 years of British extinction. Conservationists add that this year’s success is even more remarkable, following the long spell of cold weather earlier in the year, which was known to have … [Read more...] about Bittern numbers increase
Sparrows get drive-through food
Sparrows in an East Cumbrian town have found a unique way of finding food. Cars arriving at the Co-Operative store in Kirkby Stephen are given a close inspection by the resident sparrows on the search for bugs. In a sort of drive through food outlet for birds, flies and other insects are removed by the birds whilst the car driver goes for the shopping. Around a … [Read more...] about Sparrows get drive-through food
Record breeding year for World Owl Trust
2010 is proving to be a record breaking breeding year for the World Owl Trust at Muncaster Castle near Ravenglass in the Western Lake District, with 21 owl species raising more than 50 chicks. MacKinder’s eagle owls, spectacled owls, white-faced owls, western screech owls, long-eared owls and European scops owls have all bred for the first time, and there have also been five … [Read more...] about Record breeding year for World Owl Trust