Vole-unteers needed!
Coventry Water Vole Project: Balsam Bashing and Plug
Planting!
Saturday 22 May and Wednesday 26 May: 10am - 3.30pm
at Lake View Park, off Lake View
Road, Coventry.
The Coventry Water Vole Project this year
kicks off on Saturday 22 May - the International Day for
Biodiversity!
We need your help in improving the habitat
along the river for Britain's most severely threatened native
mammal, the water vole. Water voles have declined by as much as 95%
in Warwickshire in recent years, and it is thought that if we don't
act fast, then this charismatic riverside animal will become
extinct within our lifetimes.
The project will involve removing the
non-native invasive plant Indian (Himalayan) balsam and replanting
the area with native 'water vole friendly' wetland plants
Tea/coffee and biscuits will be provided,
but bring along a packed lunch if you wish to stay all
day. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear, i.e.
wellies!
The project will span one month and be
split over nine days - Saturdays will be led by Coventry City
Council and Wednesdays will be led by the Trust. For the full list
of dates, please visit the Wetlands page.
COST: FREE EVENT
The Trust gratefully acknowledges the
generous support of Debenhams Coventry for this project from the
sale of carrier bags in-store.
Work Parties - Thursday
27, Sunday 30 and Monday 31 May
On Thursday 27 May at 9.15 am
Join the volunteer team at Brandon
Marsh Site of Special Scientific
Interest, near Coventry and assist in the management of
this wetland nature reserve. Please meet at the car park at Brandon
Marsh Nature Centre, off Brandon Lane at grid reference
SP386761.
On Sunday 30 May at 9.00 am
Join volunteer warden Dave Solliss at
Hampton Wood, Barford to work in
this beautiful ancient woodland and its associated water meadows
alongside the River Avon. Meet at the entrance [grid reference
SP254600] on the Sherbourne to Hampton Lucy road.
On Sunday 30 May at 10.00 am
Join volunteer warden Ron Hill for a
woodland work party at Clowes Wood and New Fallings
Coppice Site of Special Scientific
Interest. Please meet at the woodland entrance off Wood
Lane, Earlswood at grid reference SP101743.
Join volunteer wardens Howard and Serena
Eccles at Kenilworth Common Local Nature Reserve,
an area of wonderfully diverse woodland for a practical management
session. Meet at the railway bridge on Common Lane, at grid
reference SP298732.
On Monday 31 May at 10.00 am
Join volunteer warden Derek Lill for a work
party at Cock Robin Wood, Rugby. Please meet at
the Dunchurch Road entrance at grid reference SP493724.
COST: These events are free
and full training will be given.
For ALL the events listed, please bring
appropriate weatherproof clothing and strong footwear.
Tim Haselden, Wetlands Living Landscape
Officer says, "Himalayan balsam was introduced innocently into this
country as an ornamental plant which then escaped into the wider
environment, where it has flourished at the expense of native plant
species. This has had a devastating impact,
reducing biodiversity and preventing many plants that
water voles feed on from growing. The best way to remove Himalayan
balsam is by hand-pulling, which is why we are seeking your help.
It's going to be undeniably hard graft, but the more people we have
to tackle the job, the less time it will take. The best bit is then
to come, because we also need your help to plant up the
newly-cleared areas with plugs of native plants. This is an
extensive project and we really do need as much help as possible,
so please give us a call. We'll be glad to hear from you, and think
how great it will be when we can say that the water voles are
back."
For further information, please contact Tim
Haselden on 024 7630 8995
ENDS
Press Contact: Tim Haselden on 024 7630
8995
Notes to Editor
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust is the leading
local charity for wildlife and the environment. The Trust
currently cares for over 55 nature reserves throughout
Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull, and has a wide range of
conservation activities taking place throughout the year. For
further details or to get a copy of our leaflet "Wild Events and
Activities" please contact the Trust on 024 7630 8999, drop into
the Trust's Visitor Centres at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre and
Parkridge Centre in Brueton Park, Solihull, pick up a leaflet in
your local library or visit our website on
www.warwickshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk