Red squirrel and hedgehog under threat, study says

Red squirrel and hedgehog populations in the UK have continued to fall over the last decade, a report suggests.

The 2011 State of Britain's Mammals study says the species are still under threat despite efforts to protect them.

But it says conservation schemes have benefited otters, polecats and water voles and half of the monitored species have stable or rising populations.

Animal charity the People's Trust for Endangered Species commissioned the report from Oxford University.

It provides an overview of research by wildlife and conservation experts across the UK.

Researchers from the university's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) found the hedgehog population had dropped from some 30 million in the 1950s to 1.5 million.

Report author Professor David Macdonald said the impact of agricultural management and environmental schemes on hedgehogs would be monitored over the next few years and used to influence agri-environment schemes.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

The report found that red squirrels were almost extinct in England.

"We expect the future of red squirrels to be confined to a few islands, such as Anglesey and the Isle of Wight, or in the Highlands of Scotland," Prof Macdonald said.

He expressed the benefits of land being taken out of agricultural use and allowed to grow wild and called for the reintroduction of extinct species such as the beaver. Beavers have been brought back in a trial scheme in Scotland.


Republished with acknowledgements to BBC News.

"Dormice in Briddlesford Woods" - walk this weekend

The People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) will be hosting a walk this Saturday, 19th September near Wootton Bridge.

Briddlesford Woods is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is owned by the charity. It is home to a number of rare species including dormice, red squirrels and bats.

This weekend visitors will have the opportunity to check some of the 400 nest boxes in the woods.

The event will take place in the morning and will be repeated again in the afternoon. Please click here to book a place.

Shanklin Chine - historic gorge with subtle illuminations

Shanklin Chine is a historic gorge of natural beauty and a splendid haven of woodland, wildlife, unusual plants and a strangely enchanting waterfall.

One of two famous chines on the Island (along with Blackgang which boasts a popular theme park), as well as many that are lesser known, the deep ravine at Shanklin is believed to have formed over 10,000 years and plays host to a glorious collection of flora and fauna. In spite of the tranquility which is itself an attraction to thousands of visitors there is much to see and do. Shops, nature trails, a Children's Nature Hide (red squirrels are frequently to be seen), a fisherman's cottage, gift shop and heritage centre make this a must for nature lovers everywhere.

Located at the heart of the thatched village of Shanklin, visitors will often combine a stroll around the Chine with a tour of the historic attractions and teashops of the old town.

Opening time is 10am. From July 3rd the Chine stages open evenings until 10pm with subtle illuminations. From April until July, and again from September until November, the venue closes at 5pm. Entrance prices are inexpensive, with concessions, families and school groups catered for.

There is no parking on site, however visitors may use the Vernon Meadow car park (Sat Nav PO37 6QT) or Shanklin Esplanade.