A failing breeding avocet colony on the Humber has enjoyed a dramatic reversal in fortunes with its most successful season ever, thanks to a major restoration project. The RSPB estimates that at least 200 avocet chicks have fledged this year on its reserve Read’s Island. Not only is this around 25% higher than its previous best season, it is the first time any young have … [Read more...] about Humber Avocet colony expands
wildlife
Red Kites return to the Lake District
The Forestry Commission is spearheading a three-year project to reintroduce red kites into parts of the Lake District. This is the first operation of its kind in North West England and the last red kite reintroduction project in England. Last month, June 2010, Forestry Commission wildlife rangers from Grizedale brought 30 birds, soon after hatching, from Rockingham … [Read more...] about Red Kites return to the Lake District
Ten years of saving skylarks
The RSPB’s ten year long project at Hope Farm in the Cambridgeshire countryside has been a "bigger success than expected", says the charity. The organisation embarked on the project in 2000 in an attempt to show that a modern commercially-run farm could make a profit and provide habitats for wildlife at the same time. In that time the number of farmland birds at Hope Farm … [Read more...] about Ten years of saving skylarks
Cash boost for Otter project
Durham Biodiversity Partnership has received a £141.323 funding boost from SITA Trust to carry out a three year project to consolidate the existing populations of Otter by improving habitat along watercourses in Gateshead, Darlington, South Tyneside and Sunderland. SITA Trust provides funding through the Landfill Communities Fund. Funding is available for community and … [Read more...] about Cash boost for Otter project
Mammals on roads survey
July sees the start of a nationwide survey of mammal sightings along single-carriageway roads. The survey is organised by the People's Trust for Endangered Species. The first survey was in 2001. The survey takes place during July, August and September. To date, over half a million kilometres of road have been surveyed, and changes in counts of species such as … [Read more...] about Mammals on roads survey