Page 7 - Wildlife News Dec 2017

See for yourself or get stuck in!

n Beautiful and remote Chimney Meadows is a great
place to take time out to reconnect with nature. Head to
bbowt.org.uk/reserves/chimney-meadows to plan
your visit.

n Fancy volunteering at Chimney Meadows? Work parties
are held on the first and third Thursday of every month
and are a great way to get fit and meet new people.
Contact Louise King for details: 01367 870904 or
louiseking@bbowt.org.uk

The tranquil Thames flows by Duxford Old River.
(andrew marshall/go wild landscAPES)

We will continue our work with farmers, local communities Down by the river (JON HAWKINS)
and businesses to improve natural habitats, introduce children
to the wonders of river wildlife, and spread the message about The Upper Thames floodplain is home to a myriad of wetland (AMY LEWIS)
the value of the Upper Thames to both people and nature. wildlife. Why not look out for these riverside residents on
But we will also initiate a programme of new and exciting your next visit? (LOUISE PRINT-LYONS)
projects.
Little owl
We are taking a light touch approach to how we manage This small owl is active
Duxford Old River by letting nature lead the way. We will work
with the Environment Agency to reconnect the river ecosystem by during the day. It is
developing new channels around the weir and ford that currently often seen on telegraph
block fish migration. We will introduce innovative projects that poles, old trees or along
promote appreciation of the landscape in its many guises and
how the nature, history and culture of the Upper Thames are so hedgerows where it
closely intertwined. scans for prey.
Otter
In the coming years we will build on the strong foundations
we have laid at Chimney Meadows to secure a healthy, wildlife- Otters have dense
rich landscape along the Upper Thames that can be enjoyed and fur and webbed feet,
valued for generations to come. making them perfectly
adapted to their watery
Spot the curlew! environment. They live
Duxford Old River will become a haven for wildfowl and aquatic wildlife.
in holts, often holes
beneath trees on the

riverbank.
Grass snake
Grass snakes prefer
wetland habitat, laying
their eggs among
rotting vegetation. In
summer you may be
lucky enough to catch
one swimming.

Want more? Turn nature detective on the search for our top
10 Thames wildlife species: bbowt.org.uk/Thames-wildlife

Wildlife news / December 2017 7