OUR PLATT IN CORNWALL

Arriving on our Platt after a slow journey from the Midlands we ate our evening meal in the glow of a camp fire. We know what birds can normally be seen here and that includes the three species of Woodpecker. I glanced up in a poor light to see a Lesser Spotted feeding in a Willow Tree. It’s size and shape indicated it to be that species. In a diurnal light a Barn Owl flew towards searching as it came. Effortlessly it changed direction and flew silently down the slope, through trees and dived down into the small platt below ours. What a sight. This is the third summer we have seen this species as there is a nesting site only a field away. We were particularly pleased as we knew one had been found dead this past winter. We are blessed with trees and in one of the hedgerows a ‘stunted’ oak is growing. The new leaf growth is showing reddy before turning to a new light green and then into the darker older leaf. It is low growing and all its colours can be seen including the forming acorns. Next to it are a line of larch trees all showing new growth. Another species of tree that provides another food source. The Lesser and Greater Spotted seem to like it. Our small Platt in North Cornwall is a small reserve that is surrounded by extensively farmed land but within the vicinity there are more intensively farmed fields. There are Cornish hedgerows on all sides with a mixture of Hawthorn, Beech, Blackthorn, Sycamore and Elder. We lucky enough to have mature Oak Trees already in situ. In 1923 we found acorns at Sturts, a Herefordshire Wildlife Trust Site located in the north of the county. They were nurtured and we now have four very young oaks growing vigorously . Needless to say our boundaries are full of growth and life. The area between are a wildlife ‘mess’ and I will take care to leave areas unmolested. We have planted three thriving apple trees and around the young oaks I will strim some areas to allow light in and ensure that the newly planted are not overcome by natural growth. By doing this I will retain some areas to grow naturally but with other spots of lower growth thus providing different habitats. In two dark corners are strong growing hazels. Self seeders Hypericum and Buddleia are there together with a plethora of naturally occurring growth. We have always given attention to fungi and because some tree growth had to be removed and logged we have dead wood for new life to live on. There is a photo included with a group of ‘button’ like growth together with lichens and other interesting growths that we have recorded in previous years.

Nest boxes and bat boxes I have provided and we feed the birds when we are here. Unfortunately the grey squirrels are a menace.

PROTECT THE WILD — ROB POWNAL IS RUNNING RINGS AROUND PARLIAMENT

I might regret this... But it’s for a good cause ROB POWNALL JUL 23 READ IN APP 24 Hours Around Parliament – A Protest Run for Wildlife I’m doing a 24-hour challenge in London. Running and walking laps around Parliament. Not for fun. Not for fitness. I’m doing it because I am furious. Furious at the state of British wildlife. Furious at the actions of this Government. Furious that the people in power are letting nature die and pretending everything is fine. And I’ve had enough. We are at a point where it doesn’t even matter what party is in charge anymore. The mission is always the same. Destroy nature. Kill wildlife. Focus everything on profit and growth. Whatever the cost. Labour promised to lead on animal welfare. They stood on a platform of action. A year later and we’re still waiting. Still waiting while animals are slaughtered. Still waiting while wild places are bulldozed. Still waiting while promises are broken and the farming lobby calls the shots. They are not leading. They are hiding. There is a Planning and Infrastructure Bill coming that will rip through what’s left of nature. It lets developers wipe out habitats and just chuck some money into a joke fund after the damage is done. The badger cull is still happening. Thousands of lives taken. Even after they admitted it was ineffective. Foxes, hares and deer are still being hunted. Hunts are laughing in the face of the law. And what is this Government doing? Moving at a snail’s pace. Too scared to upset the countryside elites. I’m sick of it. I’m sick of the lies. I’m sick of politics as usual. So this challenge is not just a run. It’s a protest. Donate to the challenge For 24 hours straight I will run and walk a 5 kilometre loop around Parliament. Again. And again. And again. Through the day and through the night. Because I want them to know that we are are not going anywhere.This movement is growing. We are angry. We are organised. We will not be silenced. Not by this Government. Not by the next. Not by anyone who thinks wildlife doesn’t matter. This is a statement. This is a message. We’re done waiting. I’m asking you to stand with me. Sponsor this challenge. Help me raise one thousand pounds for every hour I’m out there. That’s twenty four thousand pounds to fight back. To protect what’s left. To build a better future for wildlife. If we can raise this amount it will allow us to keep building Protect the Wild into a considerable force for good. One that doesn't bow down to big donors or pull any punches. I am so proud to lead an organisation that gets so much done and is doing everything legally possible to fight for British wildlife. Undercover investigations, viral animations, ground-breaking reports, journalism, supporting activists with equipment and mental health support, podcasting, pressure campaigning, protesting. Trust me when I say we are working tirelessly and throwing everything at it day in day out. On Monday 1st September, the very same day Parliament returns from recess, I’ll run as many 5km laps around Parliament as possible within 24 hours. Please donate. Please share. Please show this Government that we're fighting hard for British wildlife and we will forever hold them to account. I also just wanted to say thank you for your continued support. It is always difficult sending these sort of emails and asking for donations (yet again) but we're doing more than we ever have done and this vital work costs money. The Protect the Wild community is just incredible and it is thanks to people like yourself that we are able to build this powerful movement for British wildlife, one that does and says what others can't or won't. You're all heroes and it is your backing and amazing support that will push me through every mile for 24 hours straight :) Donate to the challenge

OVERGRAZING ON DARTMOOR — WILD JUSTICE ARE IN THE HIGH COURT

NOTE FROM ME. I SEE OVERGRAZING IN MOORLAND CORNWALL AND IN THE DALES. SHEEP ARE CONSTANT NIBBLERS AND WITH CONTROL THE FORESTS COULD RE-APPEAR. Today and tomorrow (15th and 16th July), Wild Justice will be at the High Court in London where our legal challenge about overgrazing on Dartmoor will be heard. Over the two-day hearing, our lawyers will present the argument that Dartmoor Commoners’ Council (DCC) has failed to meet its statutory responsibilities to manage livestock numbers, which we say has led to overgrazing issues.    Dartmoor is a special landscape of protected habitats and species, but it is being let down. Natural England assessments have repeatedly determined overgrazing to be a main factor impeding the recovery of damaged habitats. Central to our case is our view that those with the power to change this – the Dartmoor Commoners Council - is not taking appropriate action. Today Chris Packham will share his opinion on the situation in a piece for the Guardian - keep an eye out.    You can read also read a press release on this case – Legal challenge to overgrazing on Dartmoor commons to be heard in High Court - click here.    We will let you know how the challenge goes as soon as we hear a result.    Wish us luck!   Wild Justice (CEO: Bob Elliot. Directors: Chris Packham and Ruth Tingay).