Some reserves, especially some ancient woodlands, will need to remain closed much longer than anticipated due the wet conditions, says Caroline Fitton of the Wildlife Trust in Cambridgeshire.
Across the county the Wildlife Trust in Cambridgeshire’s reserves teams have never seen a winter quite like this last one with England having seen the highest level of rainfall over any 18-month period since Met Office data began back in 1836.
From an engulfed Godmanchester nature reserve, saturated Trumpington Meadows and still waterlogged ancient woodlands, the picture echoes the general saturation experienced widespread over the country in recent months.
As CEO Brian Eversham says: “With the wettest winter on record following a couple of years after the 40C heatwave, few people can doubt that the climate has changed, and is going to change even more. Wetter winters are certainly bad news for many of our woodland flowers unable to cope with waterlogged soils, and mild wet winters are not good for animals that hibernate.”
Even into April, some reserves, especially some ancient woodlands, will need to remain closed much longer than anticipated.
Cambs reserves manager Matt Hamilton says: “The woods are the wettest that we have ever seen at this time of year - they would be considered ‘extra wet’ even if it was still mid-winter. Sadly some of the woods will have to remain closed and, as yet, we don’t know when the sites that are currently closed will be reopened.”
Ancient woodlands present complex problems. Waterlogged soils, standing water and deep mud all cause long term damage with continued use of paths and tracks: repeated trampling due to widening of paths causes depletion of wildflowers plus habitat loss which can take years to recover.
This is the primary reason for the closure of woods for unprecedentedly longer periods of time - to prevent worse damage and give wildlife a proper chance to heal and recover, especially when vulnerable during winter and spring. This allows spring flowers and wildlife to have an undisturbed period. The frequent use of woods even by small numbers of local people can cause significant damage further exacerbated by larger numbers at peak bluebell times.
Ancient woodlands are a significant part of our national heritage and many are also designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest - the designated woods are excellent examples of particular habitat types with unique associations of species and are protected by law. It falls to the trust to ensure that these special places are protected for present and future generations to enjoy and to ensure that they are kept in good condition for wildlife to prosper.
See more at winterswildlifebcn.org/blog/brian-eversham/climate-crisis-some-winners-and-losers-wet-winters.
Get echolocating on a river Cam bat punt
Bookings are now open for the trust’s River Cam bat punt evening safaris - setting off just before dusk, hand-held bat detectors pick up on bat echolocation as the punt drifts down the river. A Wildlife Trust guide interprets bat species – pipistrelle, Daubentons, etc - from the echolocation clicks.
Run in conjunction with Scudamore’s punt company, the season starts on Friday, 10 May, running weekly with Saturdays also from 15 June, through until Friday 27 and Saturday 28 September. See more and book a place at wildlifebcn.org/bat-punts.
Sign up to 30 Days Wild
This year marks a milestone for the flagship national initiative as it celebrates its 10th anniversary in June. The annual nature challenge has grown from 12,000 participants in its first year to more than half a million last year alone. 30 Days Wild has helped people to get outside, enjoy and connect with nature as part of their every-day lives.
This June promises to be a bumper one – everyone can participate and the Wildlife Trusts are offering free herb seeds and an inspirational guide to everyone who signs up to do a small, wild thing every day during June.
Sign up to receive a free pack and embark on a journey for not just a month, but a lifetime, of wildness. Visit wildlifebcn.org/30DaysWild.
