Latest news with #NottinghamshireWildlifeTrust
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Viewing platform at Attenborough Nature Reserve reopens
A viewing platform used by wildlife enthusiasts has reopened after repair works were raised hide at Attenborough Nature Reserve, near Beeston in Nottinghamshire, was closed last year after safety concerns were identified following an Wildlife Trust said the revamped feature includes a staircase "with longer treads and a shallower incline to make access a little easier".A spokesperson for the trust said they were "delighted that the popular hide is now back open".
BBC News
20-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Work to start on £1.1m natural flood defence scheme near Worksop
Natural defences will be built built as part of a million-pound flood management Wildlife Trust said its plans include planting trees and creating wetlands to slow the flow of water around Worksop and nearby Shirebrook in Derbyshire in a new style of managing water which also aim to encourage trust said the wider area around the River Ryton had seen excessive flooding in recent McDaid, of the trust, said: "It's a question of how we can adapt and work with nature and see if we can utilise natural features to play a key role." Mr McDaid said: "We've tried to tame nature - that's becoming increasingly difficult with climate change and extreme weather events."He added that costs of traditional flood defence schemes had risen in recent is hoped initial works on some sites will commence later this year. The project will see farmers and other landowners allowing the creation of ponds and wetlands which can trap and store water, the planting of trees and creation of landscapes which slow the movement of water, and "in-stream" features such as beaver-like dams from wood which allow water through but at a slower McDaid said: "When water levels are high, that water will make it back out into the natural systems at a slower rate, but all the time creating great new habitat for wildlife."The work will create habitats for species such as water voles as well as native fish and amphibians, said the trust. Jennifer Kril, living rivers officer at the trust, said: "By creating space for water and wildlife, we're not only helping protect communities but also building a wilder, more resilient landscape for the future."The £1.1m Saving Shireoaks & Worksop through Natural Flood Management (NFM) project has been funded by the Environment Agency and is being delivered by wildlife trusts in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham Trent forms part of a £25m nationwide government scheme to boost flood resilience along rivers and coasts through manager Ian Higginson hoped work on sites should begin in the coming months: "We are very pleased and encouraged by the response of everyone so far."With the support of landowners in the catchment we hope to be able to store and slowly release enough floodwater to fill over 30 Olympic sized swimming pools."
BBC News
13-05-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Two peregrine falcons hatch at Nottingham Trent University
The first peregrine falcon chicks have hatched this year at Nottingham Trent University (NTU).The university, which manages the nest box in partnership with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, announced their arrival in a social media post on peregrine falcon eggs have been laid this year at the nest at the NTU's Newton Building, the trust said.A webcam monitoring the birds and their chicks was set up in 2012. NTU's Facebook post said: "We're so excited to welcome two extra members to our City Campus."Mum, P9, and Dad, Archie, have been keeping a watchful eye on the new chicks over the last few weeks."We've loved watching them bring back food and keeping their fluffy offspring warm."
The Independent
12-05-2025
- Science
- The Independent
The ‘lost species' hunted to extinction set to return to the UK
Elk could be reintroduced to the UK after a 3,000-year absence, following a rewilding plan in the East Midlands. Rewilding Britain granted £15,000 to Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Wildlife Trusts for feasibility studies. Elk, hunted to extinction in the Neolithic era, were once widespread in the UK. Janice Bradley, from Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust (NWT), told the BBC: "They are one of our lost species. The project aims to reintroduce Elk to their natural habitat, using the successful reintroduction of beavers as a model. Public acceptance and habitat suitability are key challenges, with initial plans involving cohabitation with beavers in enclosures before eventual release into the Trent valley.
The Independent
12-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Elk could return to UK after 3,000 years in new rewilding plan
Elk could return to the UK for the first time in around 3,000 years as part of an ambitious rewilding plan for the East Midlands. The Rewilding Britain charity has given the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Wildlife Trusts £15,000 in funding for feasibility studies into returning the animals to the wild. Despite once being widespread across the country, European elk were hunted to extinction in the Neolithic era, but wildlife experts hope to reintroduce them to their natural habitat. Janice Bradley, from Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust (NWT), told the BBC: "They are one of our lost species. "They used to roam all over the place, through lots of different habitats, throughout the UK. "They would have roamed through the wetlands of the Trent, in and out of reed beds and pools, woods and grasslands, so they are native and were lost due to hunting, probably by Neolithic people, and we think they should be brought back to fulfil their role in optimising habitats for other wildlife." She added, however, that one of the biggest challenges was allowing the public to get used to the idea that elk should be returned to the countryside. The team behind the project hope that the successful reintroduction of beavers can work as a guide, with the first two pairs released into a Dorset nature reserve in March. The new funding to help reintroduce elk will pay for a disease risk assessment, while 2,000 households have also been consulted and landowners informed of the plans. "Initially our elk and beavers would be in same enclosure, bringing them back together in the UK for the first time in 3,000 years," Ms Bradley said. "But because elk prefer to be in those big, complex wetland habitats, eventually we would be looking at elk along the Trent valley. "They would very much stay in those habitats, they wouldn't be roaming across roads like deer, but that's a very long way away yet.' A project to reintroduce bison to the south of England has also been awarded funding. Rebecca Wrigley, the chief executive of Rewilding Britain, said: 'Keystone species like elk, bison and beaver play a vital role in bringing nature back to life. They help repair ecosystems and shape wild places in ways that benefit wildlife, people and the climate. 'Successfully reintroducing missing species like these is absolutely crucial. It's a complex process involving multiple stages of research and development, feasibility studies, impact assessments and community consultations. By taking the time and effort to get it right, we can create a more hopeful future for everyone.'
