MARCH E-NOTES FROM BUGLIFE INTERNATIONAL ON BUGBYTES

Buglife Logo saving the small things that run the planet View this email in your browser Dear John Welcome to the March edition of Buglife's e-newsletter, BugBytes! March has seen the clocks “springing” forwards and us welcoming the start of British Summer Time here in the UK. And, do you know what that means? Lighter evenings and more daylight hours to spend marvelling at our awesome invertebrates! As we move into April we celebrate Citizen Science Month. That’s right, a whole month for you to do something great and contribute to science! So, let’s buzz on over and take a look, as spring begins to really get its feet under the table. Nature Connectedness at Night Did you remember that the clocks went forwards last weekend? While most will be looking forward to gaining an extra hour of evening light, here at Buglife we’re also looking at what happens when we step outside and connect with nature after the sun sets. This week we’ve relaunching our Nature Connectedness at Night project, in partnership with the University of Derby. Two citizen science surveys, Buglife Safari and Curious Craneflies, exploring how nighttime nature experiences affect our wellbeing, environmental awareness and our relationship with the natural world. We’re looking for participants to take part in the surveys this spring, summer and autumn. The surveys don’t require expertise or equipment. Just a local green space, and a curiosity about what’s out there in the dark. Every observation will contribute to the study! Make a simple bug trap and participate in Curious Craneflies or head out into your garden or local green space after dark with a torch for a Buglife Safari and notice what nocturnal invertebrates you can spot - or why not do both?! Curious Craneflies Buglife Safari Nature Connectedness at Night Discover more: Step outside after dark… Bugs Matter is Back! April not only sees the start of Citizen Science Month but also marks the start of our biggest ever survey season for Bugs Matter! That's right! You can now take part in Bugs Matter from Wednesday 1 April until Wednesday 30 September across the UK, the Republic of Ireland and now France, for the first time! 📲 If you have a Smartphone and are travelling for work or pleasure, why not take part? You can do so following these easy steps: 1️⃣ Download the app which is available free in both IOS and Android; 2️⃣ Create an account to sign up; 3️⃣ Start surveying on any journey you make in a vehicle between 1 April to 30 September. The more journeys you conduct the survey on, the better – and counts of zero bugs are just as important to submit. Let’s make every journey count in 2026! Kelpie at Splash © Safar Fiertze (CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr) Let’s make every journey count! Show Your Support ~ stricter regulations on veterinary medicines We're pleased to see an Early Day Motion calling on the Government to urgently implement stricter regulations on veterinary medicines to effectively reduce the concentrations of the harmful pesticides, such as fipronil and imidacloprid, pesticides banned for outdoor agricultural use, which are still being widely used in domestic veterinary treatments for ticks and fleas in cats and dogs. Thanks to Rachael Maskell MP for sponsoring the motion! We would like to ask you to please consider writing to your MP to ask them to support the motion - details of which can be found below Feel you need to know more about pet flea and tick treatments and the impacts they have on our invertebrates, and other wildlife, before writing? Check out our new web pages, linked below. Once done, we’ve also shared below a handy link to help you find details for your MP. Early Day Motion Find You MP Impacts of pet flea and tick treatments Volunteering for Nature As the Changing Chalk partnership project comes to an end, the team are celebrating some of the great things that have been achieved and the legacy the project leaves behind. We’re pleased to share the first in a short series of Changing Chalk films from the National Trust, exploring people’s connections with the South Downs. This film celebrates the volunteers who care for the South Downs’ unique chalk grassland, from practical conservation to learning new skills, and highlights the people at the heart of nature recovery ~ including some lovely conversations with Buglife’s Wart-biter Bush-cricket volunteers. We hope you enjoy watching! Browse our Bug Directory Did you know that we have almost 200 invertebrate species profiles on our website, and counting? Let’s meet one of the species and discover how you can get involved during Citizen Science Month! Short-necked Oil Beetle (Meloe brevicollis) © Peadar O'Connell This month we’re taking a look at the Short-necked Oil Beetle (Meloe brevicollis) Most commonly found in wildflower-rich coastal grassland (including machair grassland) and sand dune habitat, the Short-necked Oil Beetle is one of the rarer of the five oil beetle species, still found in the UK. It’s shiny black in colour, and males are typically smaller in size than females. Similar in appearance to Black or Violet Oil Beetle, but it has a rectangular-shaped thorax as opposed to a square-shaped thorax. ℹ️ Good to know: Oil beetles are rather strange-looking beetles, their large abdomens protruding from under short elytra (wing cases) – they have been described as looking like some one whose waistcoat won’t button up! For more information about this beautiful beetle, and the other oil beetle species, visit our Bug Directory. Here, you will also find details on how to join the oil beetle hunt and, who knows, you might help us discover new populations! (Please note: whilst our oil beetle hunt webpages specifically reference Scotland, the oil beetle recording scheme is open to all regions of the UK.) Join the hunt Which bug would you like to see added to the directory next, there's plenty to choose from! Vote for Buglife (again!)! No, you’re not seeing things, we are asking you to vote for us once again! We're delighted to share that "Coal Spoil Connections ~ the legacy" was selected as a finalist in its category at the Charity Film Awards. ❓What does that mean? A second round of voting is now open and the most voted for film (combined votes from both the first and second round) will win the People’s Choice Award! Wouldn't it be a fantastic end to the Buglife Cymru Coal Spoil Connections project to win at the Smiley Charity Film Awards? ✅ So, head on over. Check out the film and, even if you have voted previously, make sure you click that Vote button as every vote counts! Vote for Buglife Voting closes on Thursday 23 April 2026 so get clicking and share with family/friends! Upcoming events Wednesday 1 April ~ Bugs Matter Citizen Science Survey (UK, ROI, France) Wednesday 1 April ~ Earthworm Sampling Day with The Biological Recording Company (Welsh Harp Open Space, London) Thursday 2 April ~ iRecord 101 with The Biological Recording Company (online) Tuesday 7 April ~ Revealing Insect Pest Pathways with The Biological Recording Company (online) Wednesday 8 April ~ Canvey Critters: Easter holiday family fun! (Canvey Wick, Essex) Wednesday 8 April ~ Walk the Wick! Spring 2026 (Canvey Wick, Essex) Wednesday 8 April ~ Invertebrate Study Day with The Biological Recording Company (Natural History Museum, London) Thursday 9 April ~ Canvey Critters: Easter holiday family fun! (Canvey Wick, Essex) Tuesday 14 April ~ Mollusc Field Recorder Day with The Biological Recording Company (Ealing, London) Tuesday 14 April ~ Bookworms! preschool story time at Canvey Island Library (Canvey, Essex) Wednesday 15 April ~ The Bug Bunch! For Home Ed Families (Canvey Wick, Essex) Thursday 16 April ~ Soldierflies with The Biological Recording Company (online) Wednesday 22 April ~ Backyard Bees: Private Green Spaces and Pollinator Diversity in Cities with The Biological Recording Company (online) Wednesday 22 April ~ Walk the Wick! Spring 2026 (Canvey Wick, Essex) Thursday 23 April ~ Mollusc Field Recorder Day with The Biological Recording Company (Lesnes Abbey Lodge, London) a person holding up a cell phone displaying the words Bugs Matter Please do remember that our website Events Page is being updated all the time so, to keep up to date with both current and future Buglife events, as well as events from partners and supporters, be sure to visit regularly. What’s the buzz? Buglife Appoints Co-Leader and Director of Transformation to Lead Ambitious Growth Phase Conservation charity strengthens leadership team as strong financial position enables major expansion in response to critical invertebrate decline. Buglife, the invertebrate conservation charity, has appointed Christie Gregg as Co-leader and Director of Transformation, marking a pivotal moment as the organisation prepares for significant growth in its conservation delivery at a time of accelerating biodiversity crisis. Report front cover: The effects of veterinary tick and flea treatments on freshwater invertebrates and ecosystems Read the story… A step back for species-rich grasslands: why removing them from the Sustainable Farming Initiative matters for our endangered invertebrates Common Carder Bee in flight © Claire Pumfrey Read the story… Six-spot Burnet Moth (Zygaena filipendulae) © Claire Pumfrey When the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and the inclusion of the option GRH6: Manage priority habitat species-rich grassland in 2024, it was a huge win for nature restoration as it provided a realistic, accessible pathway for landowners to be rewarded for creating and maintaining these priority habitats. With the removal of GRH6 in SFI 2026, landowners seeking meaningful financial support for species-rich grassland management must now apply through Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier schemes administered by Natural England. For all our latest news please visit our website News Pages. Buglife shop The Buglife Shop is open for all your invertebrate needs, offering more ethical options and ways for you to support bugs. Whether you’re looking for clothing, insurance, home accessories or gifts for a loved one; there’s something for everyone! a packet of native wildflower seeds Nurture the Night Shift Jute Bag Visit the Buglife shop Shop News: 🎉 Our Bug E-Adoptions are available to purchase for yourself or as a gift to the bug enthusiast in your life, from just £15. The perfect, thoughtful last minute gift and great for those that can’t eat chocolate! 🖍️ Each virtual adoption pack includes a downloadable certificate, featuring original artwork by the amazing Alexandre Marrigues of Nera Studio, and a factsheet on your adopted species. Check out our zippy Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum)! 🕷️ Did you know? Dragonflies have three life stages: egg, nymph or larva and adult. Many are familiar with the adult form; fast, graceful and ferocious. But did you know that this is the shortest part of its lifespan, often living as an adult for just a matter of weeks. Want to know more? Head on over to our shop to adopt one today! Adopt a Bug Don't forget you can stay up to date with the work of the Buglife team via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube! Thank you for your continued interest in and support of our work; together we can save the small things that run the planet! The Buglife Team Join the Buglife Community Donate Facebook icon Instagram icon LinkedIn icon YouTube icon Website icon Buglife Logo Copyright © 2026 Buglife - The Invertebrate Conservation Trust. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in to receive Member communications electronically following becoming a Member. Thank you. Our mailing address is: Buglife - The Invertebrate Conservation Trust Allia Future Business Centre London Road Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE2 8AN United Kingdom Company No. 04132695 | Registered Charity No. 1092293 | Scottish Charity No.SC040004 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

FORESTRY ENGLAND SAY GET OUT AND ABOUT — EXPERIENCE THE FEELING OF BEING IN THE TREES

View online > A group of friends walks down into a green forest with a title of 'Where adventures are made' Are you ready for a new season of adventure? Spring has arrived and the nation’s forests are full of fresh energy and colour. It’s the perfect time to get out there and enjoy a new season of activity. ​ Whether you’re heading out for a scenic walk, picking up the pace on a woodland run, taking to the trails on your bike, or looking to try something different, like disc golf or Go Ape’s high‑ropes experiences, the forest is ready for you. ​ This spring, let the outdoors inspire you. Step into the trees, embrace the fresh air, and find your ideal forest adventure. Discover spring A mountain biker jumps on a forest trail 10 top mountain bike trails to try Looking for an off‑road adventure? Check out one (or more!) of these ten top locations to test your skills. With some of the most exciting and varied mountain bike trails in the country, the forests offer an unforgettable day out for every rider. Ride this way View of a Forest Live concert in the forest from above Live music, sunshine and woodland venues With under three months to go until we celebrate 25 years of Forest Live, it's the perfect time to start planning an evening out with your friends and family. Join Richard Ashcroft, Skunk Anansie, McFly, Becky Hill, Fatboy Slim, Rick Astley and more this June. Book your tickets Three people walk through a sunny forest We're celebrating our members From 18 to 26 April, our members can enjoy exclusive activities and special offers at Dalby Forest, High Lodge and Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest as each forest holds their own special Members’ Week as a thank you for their vital support. Become a member A woman sitting on a dedication bench in the forest Remember someone special in the forest Our new film shares the stories of two supporters who have dedicated benches in memory of loved ones. Discover how these special places offer space to pause, reflect and remember, and find out how you can create a lasting tribute in the forest. Watch now A man balances on a Go Ape challenge trail in the trees while others look up from a platform below Extraordinary Go Ape savings Reconnect with your tribe and level up your next adventure for less! Whether you’re conquering the canopy as a family or exploring with friends, improved offers for 2026 make it easier to escape the mundane with Go Ape. ​ Families with teens can now save 20% on Treetop Challenge, while groups of at least four can bag a 20% Sunday Funday discount. Want to double the thrill? Save £10 per person when you book a second activity like Axe Throwing or Forest Segways on the same day. Explore offers Pin icon Visit Heart icon Membership Donate icon Donate Fb Ig P Yt Mountain biking photo credit: Jerry Tatton ​ This newsletter contains personalised links for you. Protect your personal data by using this link to safely share the content you love with friends. Forestry England, 620 Bristol Business Park, Coldharbour Lane Bristol. BS16 1EJ Content not quite right for you? Change or update your interest preferences or favourite forests. If you prefer not to receive emails from us, please unsubscribe. Privacy policy.

AMY FROM MARINE CONSERVATION TALKS ABOUT ORCAS AND WHERE YOU CAN SEE THEM

A deep-dive in to the wonderful world of orcas View in browser A pod of three orcas are photographed breaching the water's surface Credit: Hugh Harrop Hi John, I had a very lively debate about orcas with my budding marine biologist son last week. He is convinced orcas are whales ("They're called killer whales, Mummy!") and would not be told otherwise. In fairness to him, it's only since working here that I've learnt so many fascinating facts about orcas, so I thought this month's species spotlight should be on these wonderful creatures. Despite their large size, did you know that orcas are one of the fastest marine mammals with top speeds of around 35mph? They also live up to their formidable name, being well known for their highly coordinated and often ingenious hunting tactics – sometimes preying on much bigger whales. A fact that really blew my mind was how long an orca can live for - a whopping 90 years! A mother orca and her baby are photographed breaching the surface of the blue ocean Credit: Graeme Cresswell Strong family life Orcas live in pods led by a strong matriarch (a single female) with her sons, daughters and the descendants of her daughters. Within the pod the bonds are very strong and the whole group takes responsibility for diligently caring for calves. To prevent inbreeding, males will mate with females from other pods but will return to their own. The females are pregnant for an incredible 17 months and reproduce every 3-4 years - wow! Learn more about orcas One final thing for you to test your knowledge (and help settle the debate between my son and I!): Is an orca a: Whale Dolphin Let me know which fact impressed you most about orcas, or if you have a fact of your own - I'd love to hear from you. Before I go, I wanted to share one final fact with you. Unfortunately, these wonderful mammals haven't been untouched by human pollution. There is data to show that harmful chemicals, otherwise known as PFAS, are present in orcas. We're working hard to call for a universal restriction on PFAS - more details coming on this soon! Have a lovely week. Amy Digital Channels Manager Marine Conservation Society Escape to the Shetlands: orca edition Orcas can be found globally, although they're a less common sight around the UK. However, there's a small resident pod around the west coast of the UK and Ireland and another pod seasonally visits northern Scotland to hunt in the summer. Self-confessed "orca-holic" Hugh Harrop has captured some incredible footage, including the following. Enjoy: Donate Become a member Our shop Contact us Unsubscribe The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is the UK charity dedicated to protecting our seas, shores and wildlife. Marine Conservation Society | Company Limited by Guarantee (England and Wales) No. 2550966 Registered Charity No. England and Wales No. 1004005 | Scotland No. SC037480 VAT No. 321 4912 32 Registered Office: Overross House, Ross Park, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 7US. Scottish Office: CBC House, 24 Canning Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EG.

FROM PROTECT THE WILD — YOU CAN HAVE YOUR SAY HOW TO BAN TRAIL HUNTING

View this email in your browser Hi, Supporter You can be a part of the end of hunting. On Thursday the 26th of March, the government opened the consultation into banning “trail hunting” in England and Wales. This is your opportunity to have your say. For over twenty years hunts have hidden behind the smokescreen of “trail hunting,” and have exploited the loopholes and exemptions that are in the current Hunting Act. “Trail hunting” does not exist, but this consultation could shape the future of hunting and finally bring it to an end. In December 2022 Aaron Fookes of the Avon Vale Hunt assisted in digging a fox out and then threw it to waiting hounds. The consultation consists of 29 questions for which the HSA have provided guidance to assist you in formulating strong responses. It is extremely important that your answers are not copied and pasted, but that each question is answered individually and where appropriate contains any personal experiences you may have had in regards to hunting. Many road users are impacted by the obstructions caused by hunts. Image: West Midlands Hunt Saboteurs at the Warwickshire Hunt. The HSA has over sixty years of experience in the field and week after week sabs all over the country document the cruelty that continues to take place. We have applied our extensive knowledge of hunting to the guidance we have provided to ensure that a watertight ban is finally implemented. The HSA has over 60 years of experience in the field and over 60 affiliated groups. It is imperative that there will be no loopholes or exemptions, and it is important that other activities associated with hunting are included, such as terrier men with spades and quads, as well as violence and aggression towards people who are filming their illegal activity in a public space. In March 2024 sabs from Mendip Hunt Sabs & Devon Country Hunt Sabs caught terrier men for the Axe Vale Harriers digging a fox out of a badger sett. The consultation will close on Thursday 18th of June so please ensure you have submitted your response by this date. Now is the time to finally bring hunting to an end and ensure that our wildlife is protected from those who wish to inflict pain and suffering through hunting with hounds. Read the HSA’s guidance here Join the Hunt Saboteurs Association! Support our vital work by becoming a member. Join The HSA Spread the word! Please share our news Share via email Facebook icon Instagram icon Twitter icon Logo Copyright (C) 2026 Hunt Saboteurs Association. All rights reserved. You were subscribed to the newsletter from Hunt Saboteurs Association. Our mailing address is: BM HSA, London, WC1N 3XX, U.K. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

FROM E J MCADAMS AND BIRDLIFE INTERNATIONAL — WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP

View email in browser Hi John, Did you get a chance to see my email below? Up against intensive agriculture, deforestation and climate change – our global mission to save birds isn’t a quick fix. But we know we have the scientific know-how, local insight, and campaigning clout to get there. Your support right now can be the difference between decline and recovery for countless birds around the world. Donate now Can’t give right now? Forward this message to inspire change and stay tuned for more updates. Your support through raising awareness and reading our emails truly means a lot. Hi John, Over the last couple of emails, we’ve shared ways our work is driving real change. My colleague Dr Stuart Butchart, our Chief Scientist at BirdLife International, says it best: “Species like the Echo Parakeet, California Condor, Northern Bald Ibis and Black Stilt would no longer exist outside of zoos or museums were it not for the dedicated efforts of the many organisations in the BirdLife Partnership and beyond. If we give nature a chance, it can recover.” But the scale of the crisis is alarming. 61% of all bird species are now thought to have declining populations – an estimate that has increased from 44% in 2016. It’s why I ask you, John, will you make a gift today to meet the challenge with us? $/£/€500 could equip a rising conservationist with the tools to protect species and habitats where the need is greatest. $/£/€ 100 could contribute to advocacy and public awareness campaigns to protect habitats so birds and all life can thrive $/£/€50 helps towards creating workshops to empower communities to conserve birds $/£/€ 10 helps deliver materials of proven techniques to prevent harm to birds and nature We know conservation is working. Our work with the Red List is sounding the alarm for countless species like the Rufous Hummingbird, African Penguin, and Hooded Grebe – helping the world rally behind vital actions which is seeing these incredible birds survive. A gift today allows us to keep this vital work moving, responding wherever the Red List shows birds need us most. Donate now Thank you for helping power the every-day work that’s making the difference. Warmest wishes, E.J. McAdams | BirdLife International Supporter Team P.S. Do you know someone who would care to support this important work? Forward this email to get the message out there! Instagram Facebook YouTube Website You are receiving this email because you opted-in to hear from BirdLife International BirdLife International is a registered charity 1042125 Address: BirdLife International The David Attenborough Building Pembroke Street Cambridge CB2 3QZ UK For full details on how we collect, use and store your personal information see our Privacy Policy. update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. Copyright © 2026, All rights reserved.

FROM PROTECT THE WILD — GUGA KILLING REDUCES THE COLONY POPULATION OVER TIME

Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more SCANDAL: Guga hunt island is Scotland’s worst performing Gannet colony. New FOI documents expose a secret NatureScot would rather bury. DEVON DOCHERTY MAR 28 READ IN APP Sula Sgeir is Scotland’s worst-performing Gannet colony - yet the body responsible for protecting it is still allowing birds to be killed. Each year a group of men travel to the remote island of Sula Sgeir in northern Scotland to kill young Gannet seabirds - known as “Guga” - as part of a traditional hunt. The defenceless chicks are pulled from their nests and bludgeoned to death with a rod before they can even fly. Their flesh is eaten as a local delicacy. The activity can only happen if NatureScot, Scotland’s official nature agency, gives out a licence for it. And they do. Year after year. SIGN THE PETITION Last year, they allowed 500 chicks to be killed, saying this number is unlikely to affect the stability of the Gannet population. They continue to insist there are no long-term impacts and no cause for concern. But their own data says otherwise. Data doesn’t lie Via a Freedom of Information request, we obtained documents that show Sula Sgeir is uniquely underperforming compared to every other comparable Gannet colony in Scotland. In a scientific assessment used to inform the 2025 licence, NatureScot’s advisor warns that Sula Sgeir is the only Special Protection Area (SPA) for Gannets in Scotland whose population has shrunk. Between 2001, when the island was first designated as an SPA, and 2024, the number of apparently occupied nesting sites at Sula Sgeir fell by almost 2 percent. Meanwhile, all other colonies showed increases between 9 percent and 314 percent. Bird flu is not the cause of the decline, the hunt is And this is where it starts to raise serious questions. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks caused a further 23 percent crash in 2023 - but the decline was already in progress. TELL NATURESCOT - END THE GUGA HUNT Even before HPAI devastated the colony, “the percentage growth at Sula Sgeir…was 18%, which is considerably lower than the population growth recorded at all other SPA colonies, which varied from 44% to 326%,” says the advisor. They conclude: “This indicates that the population growth rate has been suppressed compared to other gannet populations outwith the influence of HPAI”. So if bird flu is not to blame for the overall decline on Sula Sgeir, then what is? Could it be that Sula Sgeir is the only Gannet colony in Scotland where chicks are being killed by humans? Every year, thousands of chicks are slaughtered at their most vulnerable and critical life-stage, sending shockwaves of disturbance throughout the entire colony. To continue suggesting the Guga hunt is not damaging this population is farcical. It is very, very hard to believe that NatureScot issued last year’s license knowing all of this. The bottom line Let’s be very clear about what this means. This means that NatureScot gave out a licence last year knowing that: Sula Sgeir was the only Gannet SPA in Scotland to fall below citation level. Sula Sgeir has, by far, the slowest growth rate of any comparable colony. The population has been suppressed, and bird flu is not the cause. SIGN THE PETITION TODAY NatureScot’s number one duty is supposed to be protecting and conserving nature - not enabling its destruction. We cannot let this go on. Sign the petition today and demand NatureScot stop licensing the slaughter of Gannet chicks on Sula Sgeir. If we don’t act now, hundreds more chicks will be killed this year. Please add your name before it’s too late for them. STOP THE SLAUGHTER - ADD YOUR NAME Support our ongoing work to Protect the Wild I’ll get straight to the point. This work costs money. Everything we do comes from years of relentless campaigning across all angles, including undercover investigations, lobbying, animations, online content, and protests across the country. We are proud to be powered solely by our supporters. It means we answer to no one else, and we can say and do what needs to be done to protect British wildlife. We are working to end hunting with hounds. Taking on the bird shooting industry, with some huge work still to come. Challenging the Guga hunt. Exposing and fighting bird netting. The list goes on. If you believe in what we stand for, an unapologetic organisation that gets things done and isn’t afraid to take action, please consider chipping in a few pounds a month. It allows us to keep pushing forward and to be an even stronger force for British wildlife. Thank you. Support us SHARE LIKE COMMENT RESTACK © 2026 Protect the Wild Protect the Wild, 71-75 Shelton Street Covent Garden, London, W2CH 9JQ Unsubscribe Start writing

FROM RIGHT TO ROAM — WE COULD FIND OUT WHO OWNS BRITAIN — WATCH THEIR SITE

Can't see this message? View in browser   Who Owns England? We're about to find out Dear Roamers, Spring has arrived with a flurry of news. So without further ado, let’s get into it. —Land Registry data to become open access —73% of England’s woods are off-limits —Local group action to reconnect with ancient trees —Our Land: playing at a cinema near you? Victory: Land Registry data to become open access The long-awaited Land Use Framework has been launched by the government, with the aim of providing a more strategic, joined-up approach to balancing competing demands for land. Within it were contained a number of interesting details for land and nature campaigners. But one of the more immediately significant was the announcement that the government would “work with HM Land Registry this year to provide access to free, spatial land ownership data for larger properties covering the vast majority of England and Wales”. That had Right to Roam’s co-founder, Guy Shrubsole, on a victory lap, as he has personally campaigned for this for a decade. Guy attended the launch of the Framework and has written his reflections on the commitment here. Land ownership in England and Wales has long been shrouded in secrecy, with investigations only able to reveal a partial picture. That lack of transparency has stymied democratic accountability and made landscape scale projects - from nature restoration to access infrastructure - harder to deliver. While the Framework had little to say about public access, the mechanisms it has established could serve as a powerful lever in future. And the newfound boldness at DEFRA to assert democratic interests over land can only be a cause for optimism... 73% of England’s woods are off-limits This month we’re highlighting the 73% of England’s woodland that is off limits to the public, while a third of the trees listed on the Ancient Tree Inventory are inaccessible (a note that although the Inventory is hosted by the Woodland Trust, all of the Trust's own woodlands are fully open to the public). You can see our story in the Guardian last week here. The extent of exclusion has major implications for public health, with access to woodland specifically associated with reductions in mental distress and boosts to physiological wellbeing. Recent research by UCL and Imperial College also suggest proximity to woodland can be a significant factor in young people’s cognitive development, as well as reducing the risk of emotional and behavioural problems. Ancient trees often have important culture and heritage value, with folk stories developing around particular trees, such as the Jack O’Kent Oak. While there can be legitimate reasons to exclude some woodland from access, the current level of inaccessibility has little to do with ecology and much to do with history. We continue to campaign for an end to such arbitrary exclusion. Local Groups Plan Month of Action To highlight these issues, our local groups are undertaking actions around the country in the coming few weeks; reconnecting with inaccessible ancient trees and recording others they find. Actions are being planned in Bristol, North-east, Suffolk, West-Mids & Leicestershire, Norwich, Kernow, West Yorkshire, Wilts/Somerset, Dorset, South Devon and the North West. Want to get involved? Find your local group contact on our website here. Will your local cinema screen Our Land? We recently announced the launch of a feature film called Our Land, which profiles the Right to Roam campaign and explores the land debate across the UK. So far it has had a brilliant reception at festivals around the country, with sell-out screenings and engaged audiences attending Q&As. The film will formally begin its preview tour in mid-April before a national release from May 8th. We’d love as many cinemas around the country as possible to screen the film. So it’d be great if you could share the trailer with your local cinema and scope their interest in holding a screening! If they are, they can contact the distributors directly via this link. The current list of preview screenings is available here, with most tickets already on sale (and some selling out already!). More soon. But for now a hearty spring blessing from all of us at the Right to Roam team. Many thanks for your continued support. Jon ---------- Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky. Want to get involved? Visit our website here. We're a people-powered campaign which only exists because of our supporters. Can you help keep us going? Donate here. 73% of woodland in England is off-limits (Credit: Nick Hayes) Take Action Visit our social accounts Check out our site   This email was sent from this site. If you no longer wish to receive this email, change your email preferences here.