GWCT News Blog

Immortalised by Kenneth Grahame as poetic dreamer Ratty in The Wind in the Willows, the water vole is today a rare sight in Britain’s countryside. Habitat loss and predation have diminished the population of Britain’s largest vole by over 90%, and they are currently believed to be extinct in 97% of their former range. So, witnessing an attempt to re-establish a population in the lower Avon Valley on the Hampshire-Dorset border recently was a rare privilege indeed.

You may be aware that we're currently raising funds to purchase more essential trail cameras to help us understand what's driving the decline in ground-nesting bird populations. Trail cameras show us exactly what is predating nests and provide vital evidence we can share with policymakers, landowners, conservation bodies, and the government. You can see images from some of the footage we've been able to capture with trail cameras here.

The Bro Cors Caron SMS project held a well-attended event at Cruglas Farm on Friday 23rd September, showcasing the progress of the project to a variety of stakeholders and interested individuals.

With the start of the muirburn season (1st October – 15th April) now upon us, many upland farms and estates across Scotland will be watching the weather forecast with a close eye and view to burning.

The World Gunmakers Evening will take place at the Armoury Building at the Honourable Artillery Company in London on the 9th of November from 6.00 PM. Tickets are limited and can be found at www.worldgunmakers.com. We would love to see you there.

Adam Vaughan’s recent article Shooting curbs to save endangered woodcock, includes inaccuracies which make it misleading. The woodcock is neither rare nor endangered.

The new 2023 GWCT Supporters Badge is now available to order here for just £6.50. Show your support for the Trust by wearing one with pride. Be quick though, there are only 300 available!

We’re encouraged to read that government believes “boosting food production and strengthening resilience and sustainability come alongside, not instead of, protecting and enhancing our natural environment”.