Latest news with #SomersetWildlifeTrust
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Public invited to drop-in event to discuss Taunton river bathing site
Swimmers and water users in Taunton are being invited to meet the team working to improve water quality. A public drop-in event will take place at the COACH Community Hub in French Weir Park on Saturday, June 21 from 10am to 1pm, offering a chance to speak with experts about the River Tone, one of the UK's few officially designated river bathing sites. The event will feature representatives from the Environment Agency, Wessex Water, Somerset Wildlife Trust, and Friends of French Weir Park. Jim Flory of the Environment Agency said: "There are strict standards on what goes into rivers to protect wildlife and the natural ecology of our rivers. "But the standards to protect human health are higher. "A lot of investigation will be needed to uncover what sources of pollution feed into the River Tone. "The public can help speed that up by eliminating the most obvious sources like picking up dog poo or looking after their septic tanks. "This will free up people to focus on more serious issues." The River Tone was officially designated as a bathing water site last year, meaning it is now subject to regular monitoring for bacteria such as E. coli and intestinal enterococci. However, designation does not guarantee the water meets the standards required for safe swimming or other recreational activities. The newly-formed steering group aims to tackle this problem by identifying and reducing pollution sources to improve water quality. The Environment Agency will also be inspecting pipes and other infrastructure to identify sources of contamination. Test results from ongoing monitoring will be published online at Swimfo, the Environment Agency's online platform.
BBC News
07-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
Somerset churchyards encouraged to embrace nature
Communities in Somerset are being asked to allow more space for nature in churchyards and burial Wildlife Trust, along with the Diocese of Bath and Wells, has launched this year's Wilder Churches, with special online workshops in 2021, the scheme has supported more than 100 communities to take action in their local spaces for used in some churches include making planters bee-friendly, or adjusting how the yards are mowed. Pippa Rayner, coordinator for the project at Somerset Wildlife Trust, said the reaction over the past few years had been "fantastic", adding: "We have been absolutely delighted by how many people have taken part in the initiative."We're really keen for 2025 to refresh the training and ask more communities to get involved."Ms Rayner explained churchyards often supported remnant grassland species, making them unique."Sometimes its about changing the mowing regime so you can let it grow tall over the summer. Other communities are doing things like building bug hotels, or putting up swift boxes."She added the initiative also helped communities find balance between nature and respect for those buried there. 'Care for God's creation' Sara Emmett, climate justice and environment advisor for the Diocese of Bath and Wells, said: "A quarter of our churches across Somerset are now part of the Wilder Churches initiative, working with their communities to care for God's creation - it's been wonderful to see. "We are thrilled that Bishop Michael will be joining us for our first online event of the year, and we'd love you to join us. "Everyone is welcome, whether you attend church or are part of the wider community, whether it's your first time or you are a regular Wilder Churches' attendee, if you are just curious, or passionate about the environment and nature."
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Wildlife camera catches rare behavior of a once-vanished species: 'We can't quite believe this incredible footage'
Three rare bitterns were spotted together at the Somerset Levels, captured by a hidden wildlife camera, the Somerset Leveller reported. These birds, which had disappeared from the United Kingdom in the 1870s, are making an inspiring comeback. The Somerset Levels now hosts one of the U.K.'s largest breeding populations of these mysterious marsh-dwellers. Male bitterns stand out for their distinctive spring calls: booming, foghorn-like sounds that ring out across the wetlands from March to May as they search for mates. The Somerset Wildlife Trust shared its excitement about the remarkable video. "We can't quite believe this incredible footage captured earlier this month — not one, not two, but three bitterns are all on camera together," a spokesperson said. "Bitterns are elusive birds, and to see three all together in one place is such a rare sight. "Although it's difficult to say for sure, we believe these birds are likely all young males, sizing each other up and getting ready to compete for mates in the spring." This success story shows what happens when we restore natural spaces. After vanishing due to habitat loss and hunting, bitterns have bounced back thanks to wetland protection. Today, more than 50 pairs live in the Avalon Marshes area alone, drawing bird enthusiasts from across Britain. Bitterns aren't the only British bird on the rise; turtle dove populations have grown by 25% in Western Europe after a ban on hunting them. The hidden camera that caught this magical moment was set up through the Species Survival Fund, a partnership between the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. How often do you feel hopeful about the future of the planet when you read news stories or watch entertainment content? Often Sometimes Rarely Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. And there's more good news from these restored wetlands: Signs of beaver activity were spotted in January, showing how protecting one species creates space for others to thrive. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
