World Nature Conservation Day fell on the 28th of July. In celebration, Madeleine Waite writes about some important undergoing conservation projects in the UK.
In an era where climate and species protection news can often feel disheartening, it is important to celebrate the positive impacts of conservation projects across the United Kingdom (UK). These efforts are significantly advancing the preservation of our native species and wild spaces. Let's delve into three major wildlife conservation projects currently making a difference in the UK’s waters, land and skies.
Seawilding Britain’s coastline
Seawilding is a pioneering community-led project, dedicated to the restoration of native oysters and seagrass meadows at Loch Craignish, Argyll, Loch Broom, and Wester Ross in Scotland, UK, and is funded by a network of prominent international companies such as ‘The Nature Restoration Fund’ and ‘The European Rewilding Network’. This groundbreaking mission aims to tackle marine biodiversity loss caused by climate change and marine habitat degradation. As 95% of marine animal populations have declined in UK waters, the Seawilding project is vital for the conservation of British marine wildlife.
Various techniques have been used by Seawilding to enhance seagrass restoration, including planting hundreds of thousands of hand-harvested seeds which are then grown into seedlings in the onshore nurseries. With plans to restore approximately 80 hectares of seabed, the project’s innovation has already set a precedent as 0.2 hectares of seagrass have been replanted by volunteers since its launch in 2021.
A notable achievement in 2023 was the planting of seagrass rhizomes (an underground plant stem that spreads horizontally to helps plants grow new shoots and roots), a technique previously successful in Canada, revolutionising Seawilding’s large-scale restoration plans. Furthermore, more than fifty fish species have been reported in some particularly successful meadows, including hundreds of invertebrates species such as molluscs and worms.
One plot of seagrass restoration similar to that being carried out during the Seawilding project at a site in the USA. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, NASA Kennedy Space Centre.
The project also aims to restore 1 million native oysters to Loch Craignish, having already reintroduced 350,000. These oysters are deservedly dubbed ‘ecosystem engineers’, as they are excellent water filters, can sequester carbon, and create essential spawning habitats for fish. Remarkably, annual surveys of the oyster reefs are showing promising results, with a 33% increase in species diversity and evidence of sustainable oyster breeding.
By engaging local communities, schools, and organisations, Seawilding is not only revitalising marine ecosystems, but also promoting widespread environmental awareness and stewardship. If you want to take part in this project, visit the Seawilding website where you can explore the different volunteering options.
The English Woodlands Receiving Royal Treatment
During his Majesty’s time as the Prince of Wales, King Charles III continuously expressed his deep adoration and concern for Britain’s wildlife as a patron of The Wildlife Trust since 1977 and an advocate for sustainable agriculture at the World Economic Forum in 2020. Therefore, it seemed only fitting that, as part of celebrations for King Charles’ coronation on the 6thof May 2023, Forestry England announced their development of the ‘Coronation Woods’, alongside £2.5 million in funding from Defra for the planting of trees in local communities in the King’s honour.
Mike Seddon, Forestry England’s Chief Executive, stated:
A tree-lined path running through the Coronation Wood nature reserve. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Geograph.
In April 2023, Forestry England purchased several plots of land across England, including Clipsham in Rutland, Picklescott in Shropshire, and 110 hectares of land near Burriott and Quoditch in Devon. Initial planning proposals were shared with the public in July of 2024, unveiling the first glimpse of what these new forests will look like and inviting local tree-enthusiasts to get to the root of the Coronation Woods plans. This initiative aims to encourage people to access England’s wild spaces. Land use in these areas will hence meet strict criteria, ensuring that these woodlands become functioning additions to the nation’s forests, and are locations where people can enjoy and connect with wildlife.
Planting is set to commence in winter 2024/25, with completion expected in March 2025/26. To propagate a strong economy for sustainable timber industries and a thriving plant biodiversity, a large variety of indigenous species will be used. Forestry England and local contractors will proactively manage and maintain the woodlands during the first five years to ensure their long-term success and improve road access for forestry vehicles to begin selective tree removal after twenty-five years.
A few of the tree species that will be planted in the Quoditch Coronation Woods, including the English Oak (top left), Lodgepole Pine (bottom left) and Sitka Spruce (right). Image Credits: Pixabay, Hans, Pixabay, Grey85, Wikimedia Commons, Rosser1954.
Moreover, several research trials at the Quoditch site will compare the variation of carbon stored by commercial and native tree species during changing climates, focusing on English oak trees. This data will improve the accuracy of estimated timber and carbon stored in Britain’s woodlands, informing the government’s future decarbonization and net-zero strategies. Whilst this project has not yet been completed, it certainly is something to celebrate as a huge step towards conserving tree biodiversity and nurturing the woodland ecosystems in England.
The ZSL’s Conservation of Native UK Birds is Taking Flight
The conservation efforts surrounding Britain’s native birds have significantly advanced due to the collaborative work of the Zoological Society of London’s (ZSL) Disease Risk Analysis and Health Surveillance (DRAHS) project and Natural England. This scheme focuses on the health of various bird species, including the white-tailed eagle, hen harrier, red-backed shrike, corncrake, and Eurasian curlew, supporting wildlife not only in the UK but also worldwide.
By assessing disease risks before their reintroduction, monitoring bird health during reintroduction, and conducting post-release health surveillance, DRAHS ensures these animals have the best chance of succeeding as wild populations. Notably, over three decades, DRAHS’s health monitoring has supported the recovery of more than 30 species, including the famously successful reintroduction of red kites to Britain’s ecosystems.
Red Kite (Milvus milvus) soaring over the Pegsdon Hills, Hertfordshire, UK. Image Credit: Madeleine Waite.
The Garden Wildlife Health (GWH) project is actively using the DRAHS initiatives whilst studying the effects of supplementary feeding on garden birds, as these species commonly experience disease outbreaks. The GWH say that public participation is vital and reports of sickly or deceased urban wildlife are encouraged. This data will contribute to the national database and one of the largest wildlife tissue banks in the world, crucial for researching and safeguarding the health of Britain’s beloved native birds. For those concerned about sick or injured wild animals in their garden, contact your local veterinary surgeons or the RSPCA (24-hour telephone: 0300 1234 999). To report sickly or dead wildlife to the GWH, visit the Garden Wildlife Health website or call 0207 449 6685 on Monday-Friday office hours.
Another remarkable DRAHS project currently underway is the tagging of puffins in Skellig Michael, Ireland. Puffin populations have declined in the UK, prompting ZSL conservationists to use geo-locator tags on their distinctively orange feet, tracking their winter migrations across the Atlantic Ocean to inform mitigation strategies for the prevention of further population instability. Additionally, in light of the UK Government’s decision to halt industrial fishing of sandeels (an essential food source for puffins) from the 26th of March 2024, the return of puffins in abundance to Rathlin Island, RSPB South Stack, and RSPB Bempton Cliffs this year is already a hopeful sign for their future.
Puffin (Fratercula arctica) carrying hunted sandeels (Ammodytes), Wales, UK. Image Credit: Flickr, Mike Turtle.
Thank you for article contribution from Madeleine Waite surveying current positive ecological projects, supporting marine environments, woodlands and bird life. These projects are a good antidote to gloom and fears about our planet's future.