Page 5 - Natural World Summer 2018
P. 5
A Nature Recovery Good enough to RUPERT PAUL, NIALL BENVIE
Network (p2) eat – if you’re a
worm
would give the
water vole a
chance
Water voles still declining, Root for worms! GINA GAVIGAN
says new research
The Wildlife Trusts have
TERRY WHITTAKER The water vole is still heading for It has now vanished from 94% of launched their wildlife
extinction. That’s the stark places where it once was. gardening campaign with the
conclusion of research led by The RHS. This year, we’re encouraging
Wildlife Trusts. Analysing data This would be even worse everyone to go wild for worms,
collected over ten years has without The Wildlife Trusts and nature’s engineers, by helping them
revealed that the water vole’s others carrying out river in your garden: try making a
distribution has declined by 30% restoration and reintroductions compost heap for starters!
since 2006 in England and Wales. across the UK. The causes are well More on wildaboutgardens.org.uk
known: habitat loss, water
It has now pollution, built development and Happy:
vanished predation by the North American Grace (and
from 94% of mink. Ellie Brodie, Senior Policy buttercups)
its former Manager for The Wildlife Trusts, at Teifi
haunts says: “We’re working hard to bring Marshes
them back, but much more is reserve
needed if we’re going to stop this
creature disappearing altogether. Nature: good for you
We need commitment to a Nature
Recovery Network.” Following 30 Days Wild this June,
researchers at the University of
Derby have proved that seeing
beauty in the natural world leads to
improved wellbeing and happiness.
The three-year study involved
thousands of participants, and
demonstrated the positive impact
of wildlife on our health.
Local Wildlife Sites Support from ...and Rebecca
Labour’s Pow of the
resource. Designated Local Conservatives
Wildlife Sites cover 3% of Wales Hilary Benn...
and Northern Ireland, 5% of
England and 1.7% of the Isle of NICKI DYAS
Man. They are recognised and
protected in planning policy – the
process is one of their only
protections – but nevertheless
some are still lost each year.
Because of your action, Housing
Minister Dominic Raab has agreed
to revisit the wording (in England).
Thank you! But these special
spaces are far from secure – we
may need your help again soon to
save our Local Wildlife Sites.
SUMMER 2018 NATURAL WORLD 5
