People enjoying the North Pennines countryside are being asked to take special care during spring, the critical time when both wildlife and farm livestock will be rearing their young. The North Pennines AONB Partnership is appealing to drivers to slow down for sheep with young lambs which wander the moors and roads freely, and for the breeding wading birds such as … [Read more...] about Take care during lambing and nest building season
Grassland
Waxcap postcard survey gets underway
A survey of waxcap toadstools is getting underway and you can help record any sightings. All you need to do is mention of the colour and location of the fungi you spot and fill in the postcard. Ramblers, dog walkers, visitors, farmers and shepherds can pick up a Waxcap survey postcard from Northumberland National Park information centres or download the postcard from: … [Read more...] about Waxcap postcard survey gets underway
Highest orchid numbers for 25 years
A recent butterfly-orchid survey in Wales has revealed double the number of rare plants compared to last year and the highest number for 25 years. The annual count of butterfly-orchids took place at the Caeau Tan y Bwlch reserve near Caernarfon, Wales. In total 3495 orchids were counted, up from 1439 in 2010. Plantlife Cymru’s conservation manager Dr Trevor Dines … [Read more...] about Highest orchid numbers for 25 years
Barn Owl may become extinct
The Barn Owl could become extinct, according to founder of The World Owl Trust. Tony Warburton MBE, the Founder and Honorary President of the World Owl Trust, warns that in his opinion, Britain’s population of Barn Owls is actually on the brink of collapse. Although there have been some claims that this charismatic species is recovering from a disastrous 150-year … [Read more...] about Barn Owl may become extinct
National Waxcap Survey
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