 Alderney wildlife sightings The Alderney Wildlife Trust has reported sightings of bottlenose dolphins, grey seals and 2021's first butterfly, the Red Admiral while the island is also home to blonde hedgehogs, the lesser-spotted palmate newt and birds including the Dartford warbler and grey wagtail. The Bird Observatory on Longis bay provides accommodation for bird watchers and researchers, so allowing them to get even closer to the island’s winged inhabitants. Staff from the Alderney Wildlife Trust have teamed up with Visit Alderney to provide a series of virtual walks starting with Fort Albert and Bibette Head Trail, which can be watched on the Trust's YouTube channel here.  Wildflowers, insects and marine life in Guernsey Swathes of yellow gorse and bright pink common storksbill are emerging along the south coast with endemic ferns and orchid fields prolific at Les Vicheries on the west coast. Bee orchids were found for the first time last year in St Germain. For amateur entomologists, the rare black backed meadow ant, once found across the British Isles, now live only on the cliffs in Guernsey as well as some neighbouring Islands. Nests are marked with red flags. The rare glanville fritillary butterfly is a frequent sight in Guernsey despite falling numbers in the UK, where they’re now spotted in just a few coastal locations. In bays around the island and off neighbouring Herm, underwater meadows of seagrass are visible at low tide. These act as a nursery for schools of fish and absorb carbon from the atmosphere. Large pods of dolphins travel along the south coast cliffs with Havelet bay recorded as the most popular sighting spot. You might also see the shy brown Guernsey vole, considerably larger than its European counterpart, as it is occasionally visible in the fields. Read about one of my visits to Guernsey and Sark HERE During lockdown, La Société Guernesiaise, an organisation whose goal is to preserve Guernsey’s biodiversity, has launched the initiative ‘A Look at Lockdown’ to encourage locals to take photos of wildlife. There has been an increase due to fewer cars being on the road. Puffin watching in Herm & Sark From mid-March to July, puffins migrate to the islands to breed, especially on Herm and Sark. In normal times, visitors can take a boat trip around the islands, while the more adventurous may prefer a puffin-kayaking trip with Outdoor Guernsey. Sark’s Gouliot Headland, declared a ‘Wetland of International Importance’ under the Ramsar Convention, is carpeted with anemones, sponges and soft corals, seen during spring low tide. Herm is a Ramsar site designated for its intertidal area and breeding bird populations. Bird nesting in Lihou The tidal island of Lihou also a Ramsar site is home to over 150 species of birds including the striking black-backed gull. Lihou’s rocky outcrops and shingle banks offer the perfect nesting environment. The absence of visitors last year meant that breeding pairs of internationally important species including European shags and oystercatchers were seen nesting around the island. Over the past few years the species have been in decline due to human interference. However, Lihou's unique location and lockdown measures enabled the birds to breed successfully. more at www.visitguernsey.com images (c) Andy Marquis - Guernsey Wildlife and Nature Photography /The Bailiwick DolFin Project/ Rod Ferbrache  
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 A Born Free adoption is the gift that gives twice. From King the lion to the Brown Bear Orphans, there are 19 fabulous adoptions to choose from. All are real animals, either living in the wild and protected by Born Free's conservation projects or receiving expert lifetime care in the charity's sanctuaries. Besides adopting an animal, you can buy your Christmas gifts here too. A varying percentage of profits from sales, depending on product, go directly to Born Free, the international wildlife charity founded in 1984 by actors Bill Travers MBE and Virginia McKenna OBE. Adoption packs last one year. The recipient receives a gift pack, soft toy and a bi annual copy of Born Free’s Adopt magazine.
The Vegan Society adopts sanctuary animals on behalf of celebrity animal lovers including Sir David Attenborough, Ricky Gervais and Stella McCartney
As part of the Future Normal initiative, The Vegan Society has adopted residents at an animal sanctuary on behalf of celebrity animal lovers, urging them to reconsider their relationship with animals that are consumed and exploited. The high-profile animal lovers will receive animal adoption packages, paid for by the Future Normal campaign, from Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries in Kidderminster. 
Sir David has said that he is cutting meat products from his diet for the benefit of animals and the environment, comedian Ricky Gervais is a steadfast critic of hunting and animal testing, while Stella McCartney has been a lifelong vegetarian and advocate for animal rights. Holly Willoughby and Phil Schofield of This Morning had turkeys Susan and Colin adopted on their behalf. Like Holly and Phil, Susan and Colin are inseparable, spending their days exploring their surroundings and looking for mischief together.
Each recipient will receive a slate footprint coaster and framed photo of their new friend, alongside a note from the Future Normal campaign urging them to question why they treat some animals as more important than others in their daily lives. They will also receive updates on how their new companions are getting on at Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries. A survey commissioned by Future Normal and The Vegan Society has found that almost half of Brits who eat meat feel hypocritical for loving animals while eating others. These packages are aimed at creating true connections between adopter and adoptee, while spurring on the ‘lightbulb moment’ which many animal lovers have the potential to achieve: that being vegan simply means living in line with the ethics that so many of us already hold in our hearts. Matt Turner, spokesperson for Future Normal, said: “We hope that all new adoptees of these beautiful animals enjoy the packages they have been sent. While it may seem like a bit of fun, there is a serious and poignant message behind why we have done this. 'Why is one animal a friend but the other food?’ is a pertinent question that has been asked by vegans for decades. We are hoping for some positive responses and for dialogue to be opened with some influential people about how we can create a kinder future for all animals.” 
Future Normal is an initiative by The Vegan Society, the world’s oldest vegan organisation whose founders defined the word ‘vegan’ in 1944. The registered educational charity (No. 279228 - England & Wales and SC049495 Scotland) provides information and guidance on various aspects of veganism to existing and potential vegans, caterers, healthcare professionals, educators and media. Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries was founded to give rescued animals the best possible lives. Whether food, bedding or veterinary care, every resident is given all they need to lead safe, happy lives. See some of the animals who are waiting to be adopted HERE
Donkey Sanctuary Monopoly Game - Hot property! One of the most popular board games of all time given a Donkey Sanctuary makeover. (£29.95)
Donkey Design Socks - Everybody loves socks for Christmas and The Donkey Sanctuary has a pair to suit everyone! Show off your love for donkeys with these fun ankle-length socks available in various colours, sizes and styles. (from £4.75) Sails and Canvas shopper bag with donkey ears logo This shopping bag was once part of the sail on a boat. It now has a new job as your next bag for life. (£48) 
Stainless Steel Insulated Drinks Bottle with Donkey ears design. (£19.95)
Watercolour ceramic mug Brighten up your beverage with this marvellous mug. Features delightful donkeys and dragonflies design. (£6.75) Donkey and Bird pack of 10 Christmas cards by James Green. Gorgeous woodcut-style picture featuring a donkey and strikingly scarlet robin in a wintry wood. (£3.95) Donkey Hoof Print Coir Door Mat (£15.95)
Collapsible Dog Bowl in The Donkey Sanctuary’s colours of blue and brown (£12.95)
Dougal The Doorstop Dougal will prop things open nicely, while looking utterly a-door-able.(£14.95) Watercolour Recycled Packable Shopping Bag with donkey design. (£5.95) Delightful Donkey design hanging basket bracket. Strong and attractive basket bracket. Something to add a bit of metallic magic to your garden. (£22.95) Key Rack with Donkey Design. (£10.95)
Adopt a Donkey as a unique gift for £3 per month and your loved one will receive two portraits of their donkey, four beautiful postcards, adoption certificate, keepsake membership card and updates throughout the year. Most importantly, it helps The Donkey Sanctuary’s work in the UK and across the world.
See website for more details: https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/shop Specialist small-ship expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions offers ‘Siberia’s Forgotten Coast’ tour which explores Kamchatka’s remote coastline and supports the critically endangered spoon-billed sandpiper. The company is delighted with the latest news that 22 healthy chicks have been released into the wild. Heritage Expeditions Commercial Director & Expedition Leader Aaron Russ says, “Having supported conservation efforts for the spoon-billed sandpiper since 2011, we are thrilled to learn of this latest success, part of international efforts to help save this incredible wader from extinction.” Of the 30 eggs collected from Arctic breeding grounds, 22 chicks were successfully reared in captivity before being released recently into their natural habitat of Meinypil'gyno, Russia. The head of BirdsRussia, a Russian NGO committed to the Conservation and Study of Wild Birds, Dr Evgeny Syroechkovskiy, explains, “The birds are healthy. All 'wards' were provided with tags before release so they can be tracked along the migration routes, which began in early August. We followed them every day documenting who stayed, who has flown away and who is doing what. " The international ‘head-starting’ project which aims to preserve and increase the bird population was launched nine years ago with the participation of the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust, British Royal Society for the Conservation of Birds and the International Spoon-Billed Sandpiper Task Force of the EAAFP and is supported by the Chukotka Government.
These iconic wading birds only breed in Chukotka and northern Kamchatka in the Far East of Russia, a remote, largely inaccessible region, making it difficult for researchers attempting to identify potential new breeding sites for the birds. However Heritage Expeditions whose purpose-built expedition ships allow them to reach otherwise isolated and inaccessible locations, have been able to support SBS conservation efforts by providing transport for the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Task Force and BirdsRussia. This has enabled researchers to visit parts of the 4,500-kilometre coastline in search of breeding pairs and discover new breeding sites. The company has also delivered a new boat and quad bike to assist research and even transported spoon-billed sandpiper eggs and chicks bound for a conservation breeding facility. Spoon-billed Sandpiper Task Force Coordinator Dr Christoph Zöckler describes the partnership with Heritage Expeditions as a ground breaking example for future cooperation in modern conservation. "Nature conservation urgently needs more collaboration with tourists to enhance their efforts to save the ailing biodiversity on this planet. Our relationship with Heritage Expeditions is a win-win situation for both and an outstanding example of an effective relationship between a conservation group and the business sector." Passengers who join the 14-day Siberia’s Forgotten Coast expedition will not only be able to view spoon-billed sandpipers in Meinypil’gyno the main breeding area in Chukotka, they will also have the chance to play an active role in locating breeding areas in locations never before surveyed. Every day of the expedition reveals the richness and diversity of wildlife species. Highlights include the Commander Islands where sea otters, a variety of whale species and a plethora of sea birds from red-face cormorants to whiskered auklets may be seen, as well as the Govena Peninsula and the largely unknown Chukotka Coast, both of which are home to brown bears. Heritage Expeditions’ next Siberia’s Forgotten Coast voyage departs from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy on 22nd June 2021. Prices from US$7380 pp based on a triple share cabin and includes all meals during the voyage and expedition shore excursions. Further information on spoon-billed sandpipers, visit: https://trips.heritage-expeditions.com/spoon-billed-sandpiper-conservation/ For further information on Siberia’s Forgotten Coast voyage see : https://www.heritage-expeditions.com/destinations/russian-far-east-travel/siberia-kamchatka-cruise/ images © ACharles, ETan, CCollins, GBreton Flora, fauna and all kinds of wildlife are enjoying benefits of a huge decrease in global carbon emissions and footfall reduction in some of our treasured outdoor spaces. These include the Celtic Routes counties Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire in Wales and Wicklow, Waterford and Wexford in Ireland. Dolphin Spotting off New Quay, Ceredigion Cardigan Bay is famed for bottlenose dolphins and has a population of around 250 attracted by abundant feeding grounds, undisturbed habitat and clean waters. It’s possible to see dolphins year round, but prospects are best in summer when there’s plenty of mackerel in the sea. Improve the odds of seeing them and colonies of seabirds by taking a charter boat trip into Cardigan Bay. Bottlenose dolphins are highly intelligent and extremely sociable and often leap alongside boats riding the bow wave making them fun to observe up close. Pembrokeshire Islands The seven islands, Caldey, Grassholm, Middleholm, Ramsey, Skokholm, Skomer and St Margaret’s are uninhabited now except Caldey, although many are nature reserves with wardens. Skomer, Ramsey and Caldey are the most accessible with daily boat trips from the mainland between Easter and October while the others can be seen up close from a boat. Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm are grouped together as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of their puffins, Manx shearwaters, and gannets. Day visits are not currently permitted, but boat trips touring around the islands are operational. Kidwelly Quay and The Wetlands in Bynea, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire Carmarthenshire's south coast is a haven for migratory birds and sites of scientific interest include Kidwelly Quay and The Wetland in Bynea. Sandy muddy banks attract birds including waders and wildfowl. The 450-acre Llanelli Wetland Centre is Wales only Wildfowl and Wetland Trust centre. Visitors may see wetland and wildfowl birds including black-tailed godwit, migrant geese, warblers, lapwings, sandpipers and if you’re lucky, peregrine falcons and hen harriers. Seal Spotting at Cemaes Head, Pembrokeshire Autumn is the best time to spot one of Pembrokeshire’s best-loved mammals, the Atlantic grey seal. Not only is this when the females come ashore to give birth, but there’s a good chance you’ll get to see their adorable white pups too. Pups generally arrive between late August and November, starting life with silky-soft white fur. When this is replaced with a thicker, darker, waterproof adult coat the pup is ready to learn to catch fish for itself. Cemaes Head, North Pembrokeshire, is Wales highest sea-cliff and an important breeding site where many pups are born. The inaccessible pebbly beach below is the spot for the largest Atlantic grey ‘haul-out’ in Pembrokeshire, when up to 200 seals and pups can be ashore at any one time. Ystradffin, Carmarthenshire Persecuted to near extinction in the UK, the Red Kite could at one time only be found in Central Wales. Now there have been Red Kite reintroduction programmes across the UK with one recent sites being in Carmarthenshire. Narrow valleys and high mountains mean the Ystradffin area is one of the best habitats for this magnificent bird of prey. Cors Caron, Ceredigion This 2,000-acre National Nature Reserve is a 2,000-acre area which includes three raised bogs, areas of deep peat that have built up over 12,000 years. Untamed reed-beds, wet grasslands, woodland, rivers, streams and ponds sustain a variety of wildlife. Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, Wexford Wexford Wildfowl Reserve was originally founded as a winter sanctuary for Greenland white-fronted geese. Located on flat farmland reclaimed from the sea in the 1840s, 40% of the world’s population of Greenland white-fronted geese find food and shelter here along with thousands of wildfowl, waders and other birds. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded. *The reserve is not currently open, but check here for updates and information on opening. Whales Breaching at Hook Head, Wexford November marks the beginning of whale watching season off the Hook Peninsula. In 2010 there were reports of Fin whales and a Humpback spotted off the coast at Hook Head and they have made a welcome return every year since. The red balcony at the top of Hook Lighthouse makes an ideal viewing point with binoculars or whale watching boat trips are available. Humpback whales are amongst the largest animals on earth, growing up to 16 metres in length and weighing up to 40 tons. Experts have located a breeding ground for the ‘Irish’ Humpback whales in the Cape Verde islands meaning they travel nearly 5,000km every year through some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes to get to Wexford's rich feeding grounds. Hook Head is also a Special Protected Area for birds with an abundance of geodiversity, vegetated sea cliffs and fossils. Ardmore, Waterford
Ardmore is great for bird watchers who may spot nesting fulmars and kittiwakes at Ram Head; divers and waders, whimbrel, cliff-nesting house martins; migrant warblers and goldcrests. Rarer species include black-throated diver, eider, red-necked phalarope, black redstart, firecrest and crossbill. Avoca Valley, Wicklow An area associated with the copper mining industry, the valley was immortalised by Thomas Moore in the song ‘The Meeting of the Waters’. Renowned for its hand-weaving, Avoca was fictional village ‘Ballykissangel’ in the BBC series of the same name. The Red Kite walk winds through dense woodland and you can view the village from the forest walk following the red way marking signs. The Golden Eagle Trust re-introduced a set of red kite birds into Kilmagig Forest and now breeding pairs have made this their habitat. The Celtic Routes are comprised of 78 visitor experiences across the six counties, giving tourists the opportunity to explore these beautiful and spiritual parts of west Wales and eastern Ireland characterised by unspoilt beaches, rolling countryside and dramatic mountain ranges. Images thanks to © Daisy Gilardini Wildlife & Andrew-Halsall, Boomer Jerritt  After a rollercoaster few months keeping paws crossed, top doggy festival Dogstival sponsored by Purely Pets, is preparing to go ahead on 5 and 6 September. This promises to be the ultimate treat for all Very Important Pets, who have been working hard to provide companionship and exercise for their humans during these unprecedented times. Following the easing of Covid-19 guidelines, this two-day extravaganza of four-legged fun will again take place in the heart of doggy paradise, the New Forest, in Burley Park.  For everyone’s safety and reassurance, Dogstival’s organisers are working with New Forest District Council and Hampshire Police on plans, risk assessments and guidelines. Burley Park itself offer acres of space to explore, allowing easy social distancing and there will be plenty of extra hygiene measures in place including multiple hand sanitiser stations throughout and on-site cleaning teams across both days. Additionally, tickets are only being sold in-advance to comply with ‘track and trace’ and help manage capacity to ensure social distancing guidelines are met. Dogstival will once again host the canine activities, shows and demonstrations that made their inaugural event such a hit with thousands of dogs and their owners last year. Dogstival will give pets a much-deserved ‘play-rise’ over one pawsome weekend with features including:
Richard Nowell from Lighthouse Marketing, organisers of Dogstival says: “We are delighted to start planning for Dogstival in September to ensure a much-deserved day out for our beloved pets and their humans. Being outdoors with acres of space to socially distance, we are confident in the level of public safety and we will be investing in a range of hygiene measures to protect our guests.” Ross Hallifax, Director at Purely Pets, Dogstival’s headline sponsor adds: “Over the last few months, the positives to dog ownership have been highlighted more than ever. Our four-legged friends have provided support and comfort for many owners and have probably never been walked more in their life! That’s why it’s fantastic news that Dogstival can go ahead, in a controlled environment and we can continue to celebrate our canine friends. The show is not only a ‘paw-fect’ day out, but a great opportunity to find out more about our dogs and how to keep them happy and healthy. Whether a loyal companion or the centre of a family, we understand the important role they play in people’s lives and as specialists, our dedicated team can be trusted to offer the right insurance for owners and their pets alike.” Boutique Shopping offers around 150 quality stalls selling everything a dog could wish for, as well as Artisan Food & Drink from Hampshire and New Forest producers. Live Music and a Vintage Fairground complete the entertainment. Tickets are advance purchase only. They are £13.90 for adults & £8 children aged 6-16yrs. Free for under 6 year olds. Concessions available. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Dogstival.co.uk. Also keep up with the latest announcements @dogstival on social media. Click here for more ideas of things to do, places to stay and general information on the New Forest area.  Home Farm Glamping have announced a new partnership with Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, the leading voice for wildlife conservation in Hertfordshire and neighbouring areas. £3 of every booking made (including all existing 2020 bookings) will be donated to Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. The partnership will help fund the work that the Trust do to care for wildlife, whilst helping guests experience local wildlife and enjoy the surrounding area during their stay. Located on part of the green belt where Greater London meets Hertfordshire, Home Farm Glamping is situated north of London, between Elstree and the medieval village of Aldenham. Its aim is to celebrate the best that both town and country has to offer, being only 15 miles from Central London, the site is the first stop for many looking to recharge their batteries. Jess Allen-Back, owner of Home Farm Glamping said, “We’re delighted that the staycation boom has enabled us to give back to those working so hard to protect wildlife and help people connect with nature. Like us, Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust believe that wildlife should be able to thrive alongside our everyday lives. We believe our partnership will create a joint effort to protect the precious land our family have lived on for over 400 years and encourage our guests to get the best from their stay.” Josh Kubale, Communications Manager at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust said, “We are really pleased that Home Farm Glamping have chosen to support the Trust and are looking forward to some great wildlife events on site in the future. Guests will be able to explore the wonderful wildlife all around them and will also be helping the Trust care for wildlife and wild places throughout Hertfordshire and Middlesex.”
From 1st August 2020, those staying at Home Farm will be able to take advantage of the following activities provided by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust:
More on the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust here. images: Barn Owl © Russell Savory Peacock butterfly & Juvenile grasshopper (c) Josh Kubale See the National Trust website for lots more ideas and inspiration.
Click here to see how to make a plastic bottle bird feeder Garden birds benefit most from extra food during winter, but will visit garden feeders year round once they know they’re there. Feeders can be made from materials you probably have at home already - simply hang them up in a tree, from a post, bracket or even a washing line. The ideal spot is somewhere that doesn’t get disturbed too much, is sheltered and offers plenty of visibility so birds can see any danger coming (like neighbourhood cats). Put small amounts of food out at first, so you don’t get waste that might attract unwanted visitors. Some birds, including robins, prefer feeding from a flat surface, so you could put out a tray, table or dish of seeds to suit them.  What you will need
Method
See the National Trust website for lots more ideas and inspiration all images copyright National Trust Making a pine cone feeder. Click on images to enlarge.
YouTube Videos on how to make easy feeders from a mug and a toilet roll holder HERE |
