Latest news with #WoodlandTrust
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Creeping effects of death cap mushrooms as murder trial continues
Erin Patterson is accused of deliberately adding the deadly fungi to a meal served to her estranged husband's family Death cap mushrooms have been thrust into the spotlight as an ongoing murder trial in Australia hones in on a toxic Beef Wellington created by Erin Patterson. While the prosecution claims she included the mushrooms deliberately, Ms Patterson denies this with her team claiming it was a 'terrible accident' according to the BBC. She served the toxic beef wellington at her home in July 2023, with the death of her former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson as well as Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson following days after the lunch. Heather's husband Ian Wilkinson was hospitalised but survived. You only need to eat a small amount of the deadly mushroom for it to be fatal. Those who have tried it and survived say it has a pleasant taste. After eating the mushroom, it can sometimes take up to 12 hours for symptoms to start. At the beginning, this may include nausea, vomiting and low blood pressure. Around 24 hours after eating the mushroom, the symptoms can completely disappear according to the BC CDC. You may feel fine for days but the real symptoms are still lying in wait. The toxins in the mushroom prevent cells from carrying out essential functions, and the toxin isn't destroyed by cooking or drying. It mainly targets the liver, slowly making it stop functioning and die after a period of time. Up to seven days after eating death caps, you'll begin to experience the symptoms of kidney and liver damage. Around this time encephalopathy can also develop, which impacts brain function and can cause permanent damage. If left untreated, death can occur soon after this point. Death cap mushrooms can sometimes be found in city environments and it's fairly common in most parts of the UK, Ireland and Europe according to the Woodland Trust. The mushrooms produce circles of fruiting bodies known as fairy rings which have been incorporated into folklore over the centuries. There are few effective treatments for death cap poisoning. It can range from pumping the stomach to activated charcoal and severe cases may even require a liver transplant. Silibinin can be used to treat the poisoning but usually needs to be given before initial symptoms start to be effective. In 2023, a medical imaging dye was found to block the toxin's effects but it is yet to be tested in humans. Known scientifically as Amanita phalloides, the death cap is responsible for about 90% of mushroom-related deaths across the world. It can easily be mistaken for a variety of edible mushrooms. It can grow up to 15cm wide and 15cm tall with a white cap and an off-white stem. The gills underneath the cap start off as pure white and turn into creams and pinks as the fungus ages. Its cap is dome-shaped when it's young and flattens out as it matures, turning darker in the middle too. It's virtually odourless when young and can smell sickly sweet or even rancid when old. The base of the mushroom is swollen, making it look like it's sitting in a little bag. One incredibly similar mushroom is the false death cap, which is edible according to the Woodland Trust and smells strongly of raw potatoes. However, because of its striking similarities to the real death cap it's best to avoid this mushroom too.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Wales Online
The ancient woodland walk with river views and a proper pub stop
The ancient woodland walk with river views and a proper pub stop This ethereal forest is also scattered with archaeological features, from ancient trackways to the remains of an old mill, and the trails feature epic views over the Severn Estuary. Wentwood was once a hunting preserve for Chepstow Castle, and it is the largest area of ancient woodland in Wales. (Image: Portia Jones ) Let the record show that I'm a forest walk girlie. There's really nothing like a woodland walk to clear the mind and soothe the soul after a busy week at work. I've stomped around many forests in Wales searching for solitude and wildlife, and I'm always adding new woodlands to my 'must-walk list'. A hiking friend of mine suggested that I try a spot I hadn't visited before: an ancient woodland sandwiched between Newport and Chepstow, known as Wentwood Forest. This 353 hectares of woodland is owned by the Woodland Trust and is part of the wider forest block managed by Natural Resources Wales, which spans a total of 1,000 hectares. According to the Welsh Government, it is a fine example of good-quality, well-managed woodland and exemplifies a large-scale restoration from a plantation site to a Semi-Natural Ancient Woodland. This restoration work showcases the successful collaboration between the Woodland Trust and Natural Resources Wales. Wentwood Forest (Image: Gwent Police ) The Natural Resources Wales website explains that Wentwood was once a hunting preserve for Chepstow Castle, and it is the largest area of ancient woodland in Wales. Most of the original native trees here were felled during the mid-20th century to make way for fast-growing, timber-producing conifers. The Trust is restoring Wentwood to its native state as a broadleaved woodland, and its ancient woodland restoration project has been accredited under the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy initiative. This ethereal forest is also scattered with archaeological features, from ancient trackways to the remains of an old mill, and the trails feature epic views over the Severn Estuary. I couldn't wait to explore. How to explore Wentwood Forest Keen to explore, I found a trail on the handy AllTrails app (Image: Portia Jones ) Keen to explore, I found a trail on the handy AllTrails app, convinced my long-suffering husband to join me, and hopped in the car. Wentwood is around 8km (five miles) north of the village of Llanfair Discoed, between Newport and Chepstow. It's around a 35-40 minute drive from Cardiff, making this an easy day trip for forest lovers. The main entrances are located at the two car parks, Foresters' Oaks and Cadira Beeches, on the road to Usk. There are several other entrances, including Wentworth Gate, which is closest to bus routes and the ancient Curley Oak. There is a welcome panel in the car park featuring a map and information on what to see, and you should spot marker posts to help guide you along the paths through the forest. Load up a hiking app, and you'll see that the woodland has an extensive network of roads, tracks, footpaths and bridleways, waymarked throughout, providing many walking routes. We decided to do the Wentwood Forest Circular, a family-friendly 4.7 km circular trail that takes you through the shady forest. Stepping onto the woodland trail, I first noticed how the crisp air is laced with the earthy scent of damp pine and moss, a sensory reminder that this is nature at its most untamed. We decided to do the Wentwood Forest Circular, (Image: Portia Jones ) Following the trails, we traversed the native broad-leaved woodland, walking through undulating and often muddy paths that wound through the canopy of trees. It's an unbelievably serene walk where you'll hear bird song instead of traffic and be treated to dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, the rustle of wildlife in the undergrowth, and the soothing crunch of leaves underfoot, pure woodland bliss. Wentwood is also teeming with wildlife. We spotted large wood ant nests, which can reach heights of up to four feet, and tried to listen for the sweet song of the wood warbler. Over 70 species of birds and 23 species of butterflies have been recorded on-site, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. What's most impressive is the abundance of dense flora and fauna here, as well as the weird and wonderful fungi species that grow in the wood, such as the fly agaric and chanterelle. Wentwood's native trees were used for centuries, but most of the deciduous ones were chopped down during World War II. In the '50s and '60s, the area was replanted with conifers. These days, the woodland's bouncing back, and native trees are making a welcome return (Image: Portia Jones ) These days, the woodland's bouncing back, and native trees are making a welcome return. There is also a rich history here, with several Bronze Age tumuli (funerary barrows) on the ridgetops. In Roman times, wood was also a valuable source of timber. The Woodland Trust notes that Wentwood is mentioned in ancient texts, such as the 12th-century Book of Llandaff, one of Wales' earliest ecclesiastical manuscripts. In 1271, a survey for the Lord of Chepstow listed 21 tenants with rights to timber and firewood. During the 15th century, it was the haunt of outlaws following the Welsh revolt against English rule, led by Prince Owain Glyndwr. Major felling took place in the 17th century to provide charcoal for local industry, marking the beginning of a process that ultimately led to the disappearance of all ancient rights. Evidence of the site's industrial heritage can still be seen in the form of charcoal hearths and the remains of a mill. By the 1960s, all the woodland now owned by the Trust was covered in conifers. When the Trust acquired part of Wentwood in 2006, it began thinning out the conifers to restore the ancient forest, open heathland, and old wood pasture, all of which is great news for local wildlife and keen walkers. Following the forest trail, I was struck by how few people we came across (Image: Portia Jones ) Following the forest trail, I was struck by how few people we came across, only a handful of dog walkers and a cheerful cyclist. It's unusual (and refreshing) to see so few people in such a scenic spot on a sunny Saturday. Perhaps because there's not much in the way of facilities here? There is no adventure playground, cafe, toilet block, etc. It's a wild back-to-nature spot, perfect for forest explorers who prefer birdsong over pricey flat whites. Post-walk, we were keen for a pint and headed to a nearby pub that had been recommended to us. The Woodlands Tavern is just a short drive away and is exactly the sort of rustic country pub we love. Chef-owner Clive Williams is passionate about sourcing high-quality, fresh local produce and a decent selection of ales, and it shows. The homely pub offers a seasonal à la Carte menu, along with a weekly changing Sunday Lunch menu that looks utterly delicious. I'm definitely adding it to my growing 'Sunday lunch list'. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . As we headed back home, I couldn't help but feel grateful for places like Wentwood. It's not just a lush spot for a weekend wander; it's living proof of how nature can bounce back when given a helping hand. With its rich history, thriving wildlife and peaceful, winding trails, it's earned a firm spot on my 'walks worth repeating' list. Need to know As we headed back home, I couldn't help but feel grateful for places like Wentwood. (Image: Portia Jones ) Grid reference: ST433950 Map reference: Explorer 152 OS Landranger 172 Take a map or download a trail in a hiking app, especially if you're planning a long walk. Don't rely on phone signal, as many woodland areas are out of signal range. Stick to paths to minimise disturbance to wildlife and watch out for cyclists. Take drinking water and snacks or picnics, but please don't leave litter behind. Article continues below If you're bringing your dog, read the Woodland Trust's dog walkers' code of conduct so you know what's expected in their ancient woods.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Northern Ireland's green shoots: How to save native woodlands one seed at a time
When it comes to protecting the future of one of Northern Ireland's only native woodlands, a surprising amount of demolition work has to happen before you can really see the wood for the trees. That's why a huge project - that could span decades into the future - has been digging, scything and excavating to keep invasive alien species at bay along a crucial woodland corridor stretching from Belfast to Bangor. Museums NI and the Woodland Trust have teamed up to remove 1,200 tonnes - the equivalent of 700 cars - of aggressive invasive species like rhododendron and cherry laurel, a thick shrub with poisonous cyanide-laced leaves, from a site near the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. Thousands of native trees are now being planted to replace them. It's part of an effort to preserve one of the few areas of native woodland in Northern Ireland. As the least wooded corner of Europe, Northern Ireland has only about 8% forest cover, compared to the 40% European less than 0.5% of Northern Ireland's forest cover is made up of native woodland, which is why the aim of this project is to plant more than 2,500 native trees at the site. What's the threat to Northern Ireland's woodland? Jerry Hawe, from the Woodland Trust, told BBC News NI that "so much of our semi-natural woodland is vastly depleted". "It's less than half a percent of our land area and, unfortunately, the remaining woodlands face a whole range of challenges. "Probably first among these would be the challenge from invasive exotic species."Over the last few decades, the woodland at the folk museum has suffered a "heavy infestation" of cherry laurel and rhododendron - both "very aggressive" invasive species. The scale of the infestation means native species aren't able to naturally regenerate, meaning the future of the forest is "by no means secure"."In order for these woodlands to support the full range of associated species, flora and fauna, then the more native we can make them, the better."The Woodland Trust will provide advice to Museums NI on how to manage and maintain the woodland as it matures to ensure natives such as hazel, birch and oak are prioritised. Clearing all the invasive species from the site at the folk museum began in clearance resulted in 1,290 tonnes of green waste, which was then converted to renewable energy through biomass to help fund the planting of more than 2,500 trees at the site over the next few years. The first phase of this is already underway, with 550 trees planted in an area larger than four football pitches.A single oak tree can support thousands of species, and is effectively an ecosystem in and of itself, "so you can imagine what happens then when you amplify that", said Niamh Carmichael from the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR). Project success 'could take 120 years' Ms Carmichael described the woodland at the folk museum as a "really important ecological corridor", adding that invasive species are a "significant cause of biodiversity loss globally". Ms Carmichael said many invasive species were brought here during the Victorian era, when there was a "particular fascination" with the natural world but much less understanding of it. "New species were accidently or deliberately introduced to habitats with conditions not really built for them."The majority of them tend not to do terribly well, but there are, unfortunately, some that are nearly a wee bit too good at surviving."She said it could take about 120 years for the woodland to fully mature and for the ecosystem to rebalance. However, making sure that happens is a huge, long-term job."With the invasives, you have to keep at it, because you could clear all of the invasive species off the site, but they could then come back in accidentally on a tyre track, or some of the wildlife could accidentally bring it in."It's our responsibility to make sure those invasives never take hold again." Green shoots for Northern Ireland's trees While this project offers a glimmer of hope through the trees, there is still a long way to go to hit climate targets for tree planting. Under the Forests for our Future scheme launched in 2020, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) committed to planting 18 million trees over 10 years, meaning 10 trees would be planted for every person living in Northern five years later, the department's afforestation programme has planted about 4.5 million trees or 2,300 hectares. In a statement, the department said it recognised that "the annual tree planting rates needed to increase incrementally over the decade from the 200 hectares per year, when the programme launched, to achieve the 9,000 hectare target".Similarly, a recent Belfast City Council meeting revealed a lack of progress on the One Million Trees project – which started strong, but is now 220,000 trees behind schedule. Nevertheless, Ms Carmichael said that "in the face of the biodiversity and climate crisis", the early signs of recovery at this project is "a reminder that nature can bounce back, when given the chance". "It's a hopeful sign of what's still possible."
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Warning as Britain's ‘most dangerous plant' spotted in an area of Bolton
A toxic plant which is known to cause severe blistering and burns to humans has been spotted growing in the Tonge Moor area. Hogweed plants, known as Britain's most dangerous, were spotted last week by a local resident on Cartmel Crescent and Firwood Lodges. John Frazer, 74, who is secretary of the Bradshaw Brook Fly Fishing Club, went to assess the area. The club has been working to push back hogweed plants from the Bradshaw Brook riverbank since 2022, and have so far cleared the area back to the River Tong. Hogweed is an invasive and poisonous exotic plant. It is a health and environmental risk. In humans, contact with giant hogweed sap, together with exposure to light (natural or artificial ultraviolet rays), causes skin lesions like burns. The plants were spotted by residents over the weekend. (Image: John Frazer) The plant can cause burns and blindness if humans come into contact with it. Hogweed was previously spotted in Longsight Park. READ MORE: Warning after Giant Hogweed burns girl John said: 'I know hogweed very well, it's related to cow parsley. 'It turns out there were dozens of plants in a 30m2 area down the slope from the path, with six seedlings traveling up as far as the path. Hogweed can cause burns and blindness if humans come into contact with it. (Image: John Frazer) 'Bolton Council need to deal with this before the hogweeds begin to flower, which usually occurs in July. 'With each flowerhead producing between 30,000 and 50,000 seeds it wouldn't take long for the plant to spread along Bradshaw Brook in the same way it has on Eagley Brook and the Rivers Tong, Croal and Irwell, with the resultant danger and environmental impact.' Local councillor has warned residents to stay away from the plants whilst plans are made to eradicate the hogweed from the area. Cllr Martin Donaghy said: 'I ask residents to be extremely careful not to handle the hogweed and not to go anywhere near it. 'These plants can lead to a very painful rash when touched. I urge residents to keep away from it and to let the council eradicate it as soon as possible.' A Bolton Council spokesperson said: 'An officer from the neighbourhoods team will attend as soon as possible.' The Woodland Trust outlines the appearance of Giant Hogweed so that you can better identify the dangerous plant. Hogweed usually flowers in June or July. (Image: John Frazer) Stems: the stems are green with purple blotches and stiff, white hairs. The stems are hollow with ridges and a thick circle of hair at the base of each leaf stalk. Leaves: the leaves are huge, and can measure up to 1.5m wide and 3m long, and are often divided into smaller leaflets. The Woodland Trust compares them to rhubarb leaves, with irregular and jagged edges, with the underside of the leaf being described as hairy. Flowers: the flowers of the Giant Hogweed appear in June and July, and are small and white and appear in clusters on 'umbrella-like heads' that face upwards. Seeds: the seeds are dry, flattened and an oval shape, almost 1cm long and tan in colour with brown lines. If you accidentally get Giant Hogweed sap on your skin, Healthline says that you should wash the area with mild soap and cool water as quickly as possible. Hogweed leaves are huge, and can measure up to 1.5m wide and 3m long, and are often divided into smaller leaflets. (Image: Getty images) You should keep the skin covered when you're outside to protect it from the sunlight. If a rash or blister begins to form, you should seek medical attention. Your treatment will depend on how severe your reaction is. 'Skin irritation that's caught early might be treated with a steroid cream and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain,' Healthline explains. It adds: 'Severe burns could require surgery to graft new skin over the damaged skin.' Healthline also explains that the Giant Hogweed sap can damage more than just your skin - if the sap gets in your eyes, you can experience either temporary or permanent blindness. Similarly, breathing in sap particles can result in respiratory problems.
South Wales Guardian
20-05-2025
- General
- South Wales Guardian
Slow worms: The 'legless lizards' that look like snakes
Although at first glance they may look like a grass snake with their sleek movements, they are in fact smaller than a snake. Referred to as 'legless lizards', slow worms are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, meaning it is an offence to kill, injure or sell them. The Woodland Trust says: 'While slow worms may look like snakes, they are actually legless lizards. 'They have a smooth, glossy, grey or brown cylindrical body and, unlike snakes, a flat forked tongue, eyelids and a tail which sheds when under attack. 'The tail will carry on moving even when it has been shed in order to distract the predator.' Are slow worms dangerous? Slow worms are not dangerous and are considered harmless to humans. Unlike snakes, they do not have venomous bites. In fact, they can be beneficial to gardeners as they eat slugs and other slow-moving garden pests. How do slow worms breed? The Woodland Trust advises that the breeding season, which can be 'quite a hostile time' for slow worms, takes place from May to June. 'Males become aggressive during this time, competing with each other for a mate,' the article states. 'As part of the mating process, the male slow worm takes hold of the female by biting her neck or head. Mating can then go on for as long as 10 hours.' What do slow worms look like? They reach around 50cm and are small in comparison to snakes A metallic bronze sheen to their skin Females sport dark stripes along the body, while mature males can also show lines of fine blue spots Where do you find slow worms in the UK? The RSPB states that slow worms can be found in the sun on warm days, in the woods or even in your garden. Recommended reading: 'They favour compost heaps, using the warmth to heat up their bodies,' the website states. 'They have a rather patchy distribution but can be found in many parts of England, Wales and Scotland, though along with all species of snake are absent from Northern Ireland. 'They may be encountered on heathlands, moorlands, grassy woodland edges and they love compost heaps in gardens.'
