Expert to shed light on the secret life of voles
10 June 2010
The rare and secretive water vole – the model for ‘Ratty’ in Wind in the Willows – takes top billing at a specially commissioned presentation in Chirk this week.
Environment Agency vole expert Rob Strachan will shed light on the fascinating world of this vulnerable yet vital link in the complex chain of our eco-system.
This is the latest in a series of environmental and heritage presentations showcasing the rich divergence of wildlife inhabiting the 11-mile World Heritage Site corridor between Chirk and Llantysilio.
Pontcysyllte & Llangollen Canal Project is a two year initiative headed up by Community Project Officer Piers Warburton. He says the project’s appeal is being widened to embrace new audiences, increasing its profile and presenting new opportunities for participation and innovation.
“Whether we are by the canal creating new habitats for our wildlife or learning about the unique heritage of the site, the project is providing an interactive platform for genuine community engagement,” he said. For further information please call Piers on 07920 810349.
“Communities and visitors alike can play a key role in boosting the British Waterways Wildlife Survey by spotting and logging the wildlife they see,” said Piers.
Last year, more than 42,500 sightings were made across the UK, including nearly 300 different species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects and other waterway mammals.
British Waterways has produced a downloadable ‘starter kit’, pinpointing the types of wildlife which thrive along the nation's canals and rivers.
The annual waterways wildlife survey is a perfect family activity and will continue throughout the year until the autumn. British Waterways wants nature novices and seasoned spotters to record sightings of all wildlife they see on the waterways at www.waterscape.com/wildlifesurvey.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Llangollen Canal Project has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
ENDS
Media enquiries to: Marketing & Communications Manager Michelle Kozomara on 01606 723854 & 07917 899222 and John Clayton Media Unit on 01606 723866 & 07754 278511.
Notes to editors:
British Waterways is the public corporation responsible for the care and enhancement of the nation’s 2,200-mile, two centuries-old network of canals and rivers. We work in partnership with public, private and voluntary sector organisations to realise the full social, environmental and economic potential of the waterways for the benefit of all. www.britishwaterways.co.uk British Waterways is a partner of the UK International Year of Biodiversity 2010 www.biodiversityislife.net/
New report on public attitudes to biodiversity
The European Union have just released a new survey of public attitudes to biodiversity which makes interesting reading, particularly the section on Recognising the importance of protecting biodiversity where apparently 76% of UK respondents said they personally make an effort to protect biodiversity, up from 71% in 2007 and higher than the 70% European average. Moreover, 40% said they would like to do more, greater than the 33% European average. Respondents saw the conservation of biodiversity, first and foremost, as a moral obligation: 70% of them very much agreed with this concept. Secondly, almost 6 in 10 (58%) interviewees very much agreed, that it was important to halt biodiversity loss because citizens’ well-being and quality of life depended on this. The report suggests that many people will be willing to actually do more to take action themselves.