This season, the Nottinghamshire Dormouse Group will be attempting to undertake a county-wide dormouse survey to attempt to determine if there are any ‘natural’ dormouse populations in Nottinghamshire. As far as we are aware, there have never been any surveys undertaken in the county to determine the presence / likely absence of dormice. Our understanding of their status in Nottinghamshire is based on an assumption made from information gleaned in 1885 by Naturalist George T Rope.

 In other counties, there is a requirement for to undertaken presence / absence surveys to inform any planning application that has the potential to impact on any habitats that have the potential to impact dormouse habitat (hedgerows, scrub, woodlands etc). However, this is not the case in Nottinghamshire and consequently, we do not have any ‘modern day’ data on their status. We have already identified 20 priority woodlands. These are all ancient woodlands and appear to still have some level of landscape connectivity, which is crucial.  

The following google sheet also list all of the woodlands, in addition to some spare woodlands (in case our preferable woodlands are not available).  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qJm6F_ohq6JBaEj9F5TeOk9UuB0fI5tmfYRbe8SsKGg/edit?usp=sharing  Specifically in Rushcliffe they are interested in finding who owns Gotham Wood (SK522292) which is on Wood Lane (nr Gotham) on the other side of the shallow valley opposite Stonepit Plantation, Cottagers and Gotham Hill Wood.

If anyone knows the landowner, please let Lorna know LGriffiths@nottswt.co.uk. Also, if there are other woodlands that partners think may have potential to support hazel dormice, please do add them to the list. Ideally, we are wanting ancient woodlands with an element of landscape connectivity, be that hedgerows or nearby pockets of woodland.

 Thank you – Lorna Griffiths MRes BSc (Hons) ACIEEM  (City Nature Recovery Officer)
 Tel: 0115 958 8242

Road verges form a significant wildlife resource in Rushcliffe, as well as providing interconnectivity for a variety of species – whether it is the wide tall grass and Cow Parsley verges in the south of Rushcliffe or pretty daisy/dandelion flower dotted verges. All have a value for a variety invertebrates, small mammals and birds etc, as well as looking grand.

The Highways Agency are responsible for mowing trunk roads (A453, A52, A46) and have a complex mowing policy involving six different categories !.

But the all other  A rand rural B roads and minor rural roads are the responsibility of Notts County Council, apart from verges in villages (Parish Councils). The standard NCC regime is a 1.2  meter wide cut along the road edge twice per year, with a full width verge cut once every three years, but visibility areas at junctions etc are cut more frequently. In addition NCC manage some small verges designated as Notified Road Verges with a single annual cut (not a cheap otion). There are three NRV`s in Rushcliffe that are part of this programme and they are signed.

With all the talk of No Mow May it is worth remembering that, yes some verges will get mown in May, BUT they shouldn`t then get mown again for at least a couple of months. During that time low growing flowers such as Dandelion, Speedwell, Self Heal etc etc will get a chance to flower in areas where they are not having to compete so much with the more vigorous plants such as Cow Parsley , Red Campion and the taller grasses. But these more denser growth areas can support a different range of insects and provide cover for small mammals. These variations in habitat are important, providing opportunities for different species. So overall this is not a bad regime and reasonably inline with Plantlife guidance on a compromise mowing regime.

But it is fair to say that not everybody see it that way, some see it as untidy or as cost cutting. The point is people do write in and complain, getting councillors attention. So it is incumbent on fans of flowery, abundant roadsides to also write into councillors praising verges that are looking good, grumbling about verges cut in their prime, making the case for restraining the mowers or to julp up and down if you think  a verge is being over mown.

But whilst it is County Councillors who can most influence mowing policy, Rushcliffe councillors will also get adverse comments about verges and will discus them with their county counterparts, so we would advocate contacting both your Borough Councillors and County Councilor

Whether you are pleased with how verges look, or feel they could do better stand up and be counted for wildlife friendly road verges.

Gordon Dyne (RNCSIG)

County Council Verge Management (all other A Roads + B and minor roads)

Rural verges have a 1.2 meter cut along the road edge twice per year, with a full            width cut once every three years. Visibility areas at junctions etc are cut more  frequently.

Selected Notified Road Verges are managed with a single annual cut in late summer/autumn with arisings removed.

But Parish councils often take responsibility for verges in villages.

On occasions house owners/landowners choose to mow verges in front of their property

Highways Agency Verge Management on Trunk Roads (A453, A52, A46)

Generally speaking grass is divided into visibility, amenity and swathe, along with wildflower and open grassland management.

• Visibility = 3 times pa
• Amenity = 8 times pa
• Swathe = annually
• Signs, lamp columns etc.
• Wildflower =  annually
• Open grassland – full cut every 5 years

The UK Government had been forging forward with a ‘sunset clause’ on the Retained EU Law Bill that would bulldoze hundreds of important laws that protect nature and people at the end of the year. But this week they have announced it will scrap the ‘sunset clause’ and keep many of these vital environmental laws. This in part is a result of passionate postcards, emails and tweets by committed supporters to MPs raising the alarm organized by various NGO`s such as The Wildlife Trusts, National Trust and RSPB (and promoted locally).
The Wildlife Trusts are not congratulating the Government for its decision to stop doing something it should never have even thought about in the first place. Given the urgent need to address the nature and climate crisis, they should be strengthening protections, not ripping them apart.
This is a huge shift from the Government, but we are concerned that some laws are still to be binned, whilst the Bill will continue to allow future Ministers, not Parliament, to revoke important laws at whim, whenever they want to.

A Bulldozer in it`s native habitat

30 Days Wild is The Wildlife Trusts’ annual national nature challenge where we ask the nation to do one ‘wild’ thing a day every day throughout June. Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is running it locally.

Your daily wild activities can be anything you like – you might be having breakfast with the birds on Monday, feeling the grass between your toes on Tuesday, and watching wildlife webcams on Wednesday. There’s no set structure, so you can take part in a way that suits you. Alongside benefiting your local wildlife, taking part in 30 Days Wild is scientifically proven to make you feel happier, healthier, and more connected to nature.

Anyone can take part in 30 Days Wild, we even have resources for schools, care homes and businesses. Follow this link https://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/30-days-wild-0 to sign up today and receive a FREE pack in the post, including lots of inspiration for activities.

The Wildlife Trusts have produced a free guide ‘The Greener Gardening guide – Perfecting peat-free’ to support peoples transition to peat-free, offering up tips and tricks for getting the most out of your compost as well as shopping for peat-free compost. It is also relevant to those who are already peat-free. Follow this link https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/download-our-guide-going-peat-free

Rushcliffe Nature Conservation Strategy Implementation Group (RNCSIG) Annual Report for 2022/23. RNCSIG was originally set up in 2003 to help promote the Rushcliffe Nature Conservation Strategy. See the link for the Annual Rpt http://www.southnottswildlife.org.uk/content/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RNCSIG-Annual-Rpt-2022-23.doc and for make up of the Steering Group for the current year.
http://www.southnottswildlife.org.uk/content/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RNCSIG-Members.doc

30 Days Wild is The Wildlife Trusts’ annual national nature challenge where we ask the nation to do one ‘wild’ thing a day every day throughout June. Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is running it locally.

Your daily wild activities can be anything you like – you might be having breakfast with the birds on Monday, feeling the grass between your toes on Tuesday, and watching wildlife webcams on Wednesday. There’s no set structure, so you can take part in a way that suits you. Alongside benefiting your local wildlife, taking part in 30 Days Wild is scientifically proven to make you feel happier, healthier, and more connected to nature.

Anyone can take part in 30 Days Wild, we even have resources for schools, care homes and businesses. Follow this link https://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/30-days-wild-0 to sign up today and receive a FREE pack in the post, including lots of inspiration for activities.

Over the next few years Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust are running a major project across the county promoting wider engagement with wildlife. This is part of a long term ideal to achieve a significant growth in action for wildlife across the community. The belief is that if the nature conservation movement can develop a sufficient groundswell of activity and opinion in favour of wildlife local and national governments will also pay far more heed to the issue. It is a major ask, but NWT are committing three staff members across the county to get out into the community supporting and advising existing groups, but also helping new groups and individuals to find their feet with direct advice, signposting etc.

To be clear what the Trust has is dedicated staff time, not bags of cash. Nor is it tied in anyway to membership of Notts Wildlife Trust or any direct association with the Trust, the charity is offering a helping hand no more, no less in helping groups work towards the following sort of things

• making your outdoor space wildlife friendly
• fundraising for an environmental cause
• encouraging nature connectedness in your community
• volunteering for a green cause
• speaking up for nature

Our community team can signpost you towards support advice, who to contact about specific issues, contact with similar groups whatever is appropriate to the challenge. It is about empowering you (sorry difficult to avoid buzz words).

None of this is rocket science, nor is it new. Over the last twenty years in Rushcliffe NWT have assisted Friends of Bingham Linear Park, Sharphill Wood, Gotham Sandbanks, The Hook at Ladybay and the Green Line West Bridgford and more besides. The difference is there is now a team dedicated to that sort of activity.

But please remember it can be all sorts of activities, not just Friends Groups ,like for example a community wildlife group such as Wild Things Keyworth, (actually an impressive self starter) or creating a U3A wildlife group or community gardens or something you as an individual want to try and do. It is about helping YOU achieve your (wildlife friendly aim)aim.

So if you are an existing group and want some help and advice OR there is something of a wildlify nature in your patch that YOU want to make a difference with contact wilder@nottswt.co.uk and see how they can help.

For me the mantra is that “every little helps” and lots of small differences build up. The groups I just quoted have all appeared in the last 20 years.

See the attached leaflet What is Wilder Nottinghamshire (2) about Wilder Nottinghamshire.

Wilder Nottinghamshire is about community action, alongside this NWT is also looking to grow it`s capacity to reach out to the farming community, but that is a whole other kettle of fish.

The South Notts Ringing Group have been operating for some 52 year. Attached are the detailed results of the bird ringing during 2022. Whilst the primary site is Attenborough Nature Reserve the group also carry out ringing activities locally at Skylarks and Sutton Bonnington. For the full report follow this link SNRG Report 2022