The BBC Natural History Unit needs your help.

Does anybody know of a bottlenose dolphin, wild or captive, that is likely
to give birth in the next few months? We are very keen to film this
incredible event for the new BBC  series 'Predators' and we would appreciate
any help you may be able to offer. Many thanks.

Melanie Dixon

Melanie Dixon
'Predators'
BBC Natural History Unit
Whiteladies Road
Bristol, BS8 2LR
Tel: + 44 117 9746982
melanie.dixon@...

Living fossils, dragonflies and damselfiies are part of the most ancient
group of insects on this planet. Originating over 300 million years ago, at
a time when Britain¹s climate was subtropical and the vegetation very
different from today¹s, the dragonflies and damselflies that filled the air
would have looked quite familiar to us.
Most of Britain's original dragonflies and damselflies were exterminated by
the cold of the last ice age after which recolonisation occurred from
Europe.
In fhe last fifty years the landscape has changed with the advent of
intensive agriculture. Many dragonflies and damselflies have been unable to
cope with the destruction of their wetland habitats through the neglect of
farm ponds, underground drainage or pollution from pesticides, fertilisers
and industrial as well as household waste. Additionally, our towns and
cities have spread out across the land and in urban areas run-off from roads
pollutes the rivers and streams. For those species dependenf on acid
wetlands the situation is even worse, with fhe destruction of peat bogs for
garden peat. Today more than a quarter of Britain¹s dragonflies and
damselflies are under threat with only a few species, such as fhe
broad-bodied chaser and black-tailed skimmer, able to live in the newly
credted wetlands made by gravel pits and garden ponds.
Opportunist feeders adult dragonflies and damselflies grab other smaller
flying insects with their bristly legs. Damselflies and darter dragonflies
wait on a perch, shooting off to seize a passing meal, whilst hawker
dragonflies patrol an area looking for prey on the wing. Their ability fo
eat almost anything that flies and is not too big has stood them in good
stead, and is reflected in the eafing habits of the larva. Detecting prey by
sight, touch and vibrations, they devour everything from wafer fleas to each
other. In turn adult dragonflies and damselflies are eaten by birds such as
flycatchers and wagtails, seized by frogs and toads, or trapped by spiders.
Additionally both they and their larvae fall prey to whirligig beetles and
pond skaters or are dragged below by water boatmen and water scorpions.
With up to 63% of their total body weight made up of flight muscles, a
streamlined shape and very large wings for their body mass, they are
unmatched for speed and agility in the air. The jump jets of the animal
kingdom, they can fly in any direction including backwards and sideways.
Their wings are also used for signalling during courtship and territorial
displays as well as absorbing heaf like solar panels.
What can you do?
To help safeguard our remaining dragonflies and damselflies you can buy
organic produce and lobby your MP about farming practices. Never use peat in
your garden as this is produced by destroying one of Britain¹s rarest
habitats, the peat bog, which is home for some dragonflies and
damselflies.You should also consider the types of detergents and washing
powders fhat you use as they affect rivers and streams.
If you have a garden then you can provide your own haven for dragonflies and
damsel flies by building a pond. It is important to use native aquatic
plants, not only to attract the dragonflies and damselflies, but also
because some exotic water plants, such as New Zealand pigmyweed, escape from
gardens and take over natural ponds elsewhere.
From egg to adult
The eggs of dragonflies and damselflies are laid on or near water. Some
species insert their eggs into plant tissue whereas others simply release
them onto the water surface to sink or be trapped amongst the plants. Some
are eaten by fish or snails, whilst those that survive hatch into larvae
(nymphs).
The larvae which live amongst the roots and bottom debris take one to three
years to mature depending on conditions. Larvae have powerful hinged laws
which shoot out to grab their prey.  Dragonflies and damselflies spend most
of their lives as larvae. These aquatic precursors of the flying adults grow
rapidly when there is plenty of food and it¹s warm. To increase in size they
periodically moult their hard skin, swelling and bursting through this oufer
layer. By the final stage their bodies have begun to change into those of
adults¹ with the formation of compound eyes and wing buds.
After one or two years the larvae of dragonflies commonly emerge at night
whereas damselflies will emerge whenever it is warm, usually in the early
morning. They climb out of the water up a stem, fhe skin splits open and the
new adult hauls itself out.
Adults may live up fo two months, but many have a lifespan measured in days.
During This time their major focus is fo reproduce. Before and during mating
fhe males form tandem connections with the females in flight. This may
continue after fertilisation and allows the male to guard his mate from
other males during egg laying.

Extracts from a London Wildlife Trust publication by Gina Oliver

There's a Spoonbill and 7 Little Egrets  on the Hayle Estuary at the moment
so why not go and have a look at this RSPB reserve and see what else you can
find,

Cheers,

Vince.

A milestone will be reached in the growing relationship between Cornish and
German conservationists at an official twinning ceremony on Saturday 27th
March.
Overlooking St Michael's Mount, at Mount's Bay Sailing Club in Marazion,
representatives of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Naturschutzbund - NABU
for short - will sign the twinning documents to cement the links they have
established over the last few years.
NABU members have been regular visitors, returning to entertain audiences in
Lower Saxony with tales of Cornish hedges and other exotic - to them -
wildlife habitats.
The branch of NABU - the nearest German equivalent to The Wildlife Trusts -
with which the Trust works is centred on the town of Oldenburg, in an area
bordering the North Sea. The organisations have a shared concern over
threats to marine life, for example, while many other aspects of the
habitats they protect show interesting contrasts.
Six members of NABU, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, will
be present for the twinning. They will also be visiting the Trust's HQ, near
Truro, on Monday 29th March to discuss the work of each section.
Trust Vice-chair Howard Curnow, who has organised the events, promises a
warm welcome to the visitors: "We aim to make the ceremony on 27th March an
event which convinces them that we value their friendship, and it is my hope
that the Trust will co-operate with NABU in the coming years on practical,
scientific, educational and political matters to the benefit of both our
organisations."

The recovery of Cornwall's otters looks set to continue as added support
arrives in the form of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust's newly appointed Otters
and Rivers Project Officer Kate Stokes.
Conservationists are excited by this latest development, which comes in the
wake of fresh evidence that their efforts to rescue the species are
achieving the desired results.
As well as providing a contact point for all otter work in the county, the
Otter Officer will be generating further opportunities for the public to
help.
"We need to know where you think you've seen otters or their signs," says
Kate, "whether in the past - even ten years ago - or as a recent road
casualty. You might even collect the corpse for us - a smelly job but
someone's got to do it!"
The post has been funded by the Pennon Group (parent company of South West
Water and Haul Waste), through its Pennon Water Champions Programme, and The
Wildlife Trusts. It is also supported by the Environment Agency.
One of Britain's best-loved animals, the otter suffered a dramatic decline
in the 1950s, due largely to pesticide pollution and habitat loss. Cornwall
and Devon are UK strongholds for the species but, while Devon has had an
Otters and Rivers Project Officer for nine years, Cornwall has been unable
to find the much needed funding until now.
Kate has previously worked in Devon, including a spell with the Devon
Wildlife Trust, and will continue to work closely with Devon Otter Officer
Mary-Rose Lane.
Her tasks will involve conducting surveys, providing free advice and
co-operating with a wide range of people and organisations including
fisheries, landowners and the Environment Agency.
She will be available to give talks on otters and other river creatures,
such as mink and water voles, and to train people on how to find otters and
their signs. Anyone interested in helping should call Kate on (01872)
245514.

APRIL 1999

Sunday 4
WORKING PARTY
Kennall Vale Reserve, Ponsanooth - 10.00am to 1.00pm
Join us on this reserve, where you will find us working somewhere. SW 75337=
5
Bring wellington boots and gloves.
Leader Stewart Clark (phone number available from Trust HQ (01872) 273939).
Organised by Kerrier Branch
Sunday 11
HERALDS OF SPRING
Cabilla Nature Reserve - 11.00am
Meet at sawmill entrance to reserve. Minor road north off A38, 1 mile east
of Bodmin Parkway. SX 129652
Spring flowers and insects; trees just coming into life.
Bring a packed lunch.
Leader Dave Gibbon (phone number available from Trust HQ (01872) 273939).
Organised by Caradon Branch
Sunday 11
PARC TASK
Devichoys Wood Nature Reserve - 10.30am on site, finish approx. 4.00pm
Meet at reserve entrance or get lift from Five Acres at 9.45am or Truro
railway station at 10.00am. SW 762543
Footpath work, maintenance and clearance.
Bring wellies (ideally steel toecapped), waterproofs, gardening gloves and
lunch.
Leader Gavin Henderson. Contact Victoria Scott (01872) 273939.=A0 Organised
b=
y
PARC (Practical Action on Reserves in Cornwall)
Monday 12
RPS NATURE GROUP PORTFOLIO
Trust HQ, Five Acres, Allet - 7.30pm
Viewing the portfolio of slides and prints; a chance to see some top-qualit=
y
images.
Contact David Chapman (phone number available from Trust HQ (01872) 273939)=
.
Organised by Photographic Group
Friday 16
Short AGM
Camborne Community Centre (near library) - 7.15pm
Followed by snacks and contributions of variously interesting items. Open t=
o
all. Organised by Camborne-Redruth Natural History Society
Saturday 17
MINI JUNGLE HUNT
Trannack School - 2.00pm
Meet at school gate. From Redruth on B3297, take first right turn after
Wendron. SW 660299
Hunt for wildlife in the schools nature garden.
Leader Helen Ackland. Contact Tricia Hoskings (01872) 273939. Organised by
Fox Club and Watch
Saturday 17
WOODLAND VALLEY WALK
Vale of Lanherne - 10.30am to 1.30pm. SW 872658
A morning walk in this sheltered valley running through the beautiful St
Mawgan village. To look for woodland and riverside birds. Meet at car park
behind the Falcon Inn. Pub lunch after walk.
Leader Jim McKenzie. Organised by Restormel Branch
Sunday 18
SPRING WALK
Porthgwarra - 11.00am
Meet at main car park (possible charge of 50p or =A31) signposted off the
B3315 Lands End to Newlyn Road.
SW 372217
A circular walk along the cliffs and back through the fields. Spring flower=
s
and birds.
Bring your flower identification books and a packed lunch.
Contact Jane Richardson (phone number available from Trust HQ (01872)
273939). Organised by Penwith Branch
Sunday 18
GEOLOGY OF WEARDE QUAY AREA
Wearde, Saltash - 11.00am
Meet at Saltash Community School car park, Wearde Road, Saltash. SX 423582
Sandstones and volcanic rocks
Leader Gordon Neighbour (phone number available from Trust HQ (01872)
273939). Organised by RIGS Group and Caradon Branch
Sunday 25
PARC TASK
Devichoys Wood Nature Reserve - 10.30am on site, finish approx. 4.00pm
Meet at reserve entrance or get lift from Five Acres at 9.45am or Truro
railway station at 10.00am. SW 762543
Footpath work, maintenance and clearance.
Bring wellies (ideally steel toecapped), waterproofs, gardening gloves and
lunch.
Leader Gavin Henderson. Contact Victoria Scott (01872) 273939. Organised by
PARC (Practical Action on Reserves in Cornwall)
Wednesday 28
BATS
St Mark's School, Morwenstow, near Bude - 4.00pm. SS 231150
A slide show and talk, with the opportunity to see live bats which have bee=
n
rescued by members of the Devon Bat Group.=A0 You must book in advance.
Contact Mary Robbins (phone number available from Trust HQ (01872) 273939).
Organised by Devon Bat Group, Fox Club and Watch
Wednesday 28
CHANGING HABITATS AND EFFECTS ON WILDLIFE - ROADFORD RESERVOIR
Central Methodist Hall, Launceston - 7.30pm
Major changes in habitat are not always disasters. Julia Moysey, Head Range=
r
West for South West Water, will illustrate changes in the natural history o=
f
the area, from a farming valley to the large wetland area created by the
reservoir, and show what steps have been taken to encourage and preserve
wildlife.
Contact Brian Stringer (phone number available from Trust HQ (01872)
273939). Organised by Launceston Branch

Hi Everyone,

These books have just been published and may be of interest to list members:



Author:-T & E Beer
Price:-2.99
Publisher:-Tor Mark Press
Title:-Birds of Cornwall
Format:-Paperback
Description:-
Birds of Cornwall

Trevor Beer is one of the Westcountry's best known naturalists and his
daughter Endymion is following in his footsteps.  Fully illustrated
throughout with superb colour photographs, this book introduces some of the
birds you can expect to find while exploring the Cornish countryside - sea
coast and estuary, then inland through lanes and woodlands.

Each photograph is accompanied by a description of the bird; its size and
colour, nesting habits and feeding pattern.

Author:-T & E Beet
Price:-2.99
Publisher:-Tor Mark Press
Title:-Wildflowers of the Cornish Coast
Format:-Paperback
Description:-
Wild Flowers of the Cornish Coast

The cliffs and dunes that form 'the seaside' abound with wildflowers, which
grace the coastal habitats with colour and scent throughout the spring and
summer months.

This book identifies some of the species, which will almost certainly be
found on coastal walks in Cornwall.


Fully illustrated throughout with superb colour photographs, this book looks
at a variety of wild flowers found along the Cornish coastal path.  Each
photograph is accompanied by a description of the flower, including Latin
and local names, height, flowering information, ancient uses and habitat.


Anyone know of any good books on Cornish wildlife,

Cheers,

Vince.

Hi Clive,

Glad you got your daff pictures. The basking shark has been seen from the
Scillonian yesterday I don't know what the chances are of it being seen
again are.They're a bit more difficult to photo than plants as they move
quickly and cover large distances!

Cheers,

Vince.



  From: "clive" <clive11@...>

  Vince
Is the shark likely to hang around?
  Regards
  Clive

Vince
Got my daff pics two weeks ago
Is the shark likely to hang around?
Regards
Clive

Hi,

I thought that list members would like to know that the first basking shark
of the year to be seen in Cornwall is swimming off Lands End,

Cheers,

Vince.

----------
>From: Paul Mobbs <mobbsey@...>
>To: (Recipient list suppressed)
>Subject: FRL - Landfill Action Workshop nr. Stourbridge, March 20th
>Date: Fri, Mar 5, 1999, 3:55 pm
>

> The Free Range Activism Network presents...
>
> LANDFILLING WASTE: THE BIG ISSUES
>
> A day workshop on landfills, how they work,
> how they get built, and the risks to the
> environment and human health they present
>
> 11am to 4.00pm, Sat. 20th March
>
> at The Stewponey' pub, on the junction of the
> A458/A449, Stourton, nr. Stourbridge.
>
>
> The purpose of the workshop is to inform people concerned about landfill,
> or who already have landfills, on the pollution and development issues. in
> particular:
>
> · How landfills are 'located' as part of development plans;
>
> · How planning applications for landfill are dealt with;
>
> · How waste licenses are issued;
>
> · How landfills are constructed, and the inherent design flaws;
>
> · The major environmental emissions from landfill; and
>
> · What to do if you already have a landfill.
>
> If you would like to attend the day please reserve a place by calling
> Chris Smart on 01384 877020
>
> Full details can be found on the Free Range Website at the following address:
> http://www.gn.apc.org/pmhp/rangers/landfill.htm
>
>
> GETTING THERE...
>
> BY ROAD:
>
> Stourton is to the west of Stourbridge, south-west of Birmingham, on the
> A458 from Stourbridge to Bridgnorth; and the A449 from Kidderminster to
> Wolverhampton. To get into the car park turn onto the Stourbridge road and
> then right into the car park.
>
>
> BY RAIL:
>
> You should check with your local station to get train times, or phones the
> National Rail Enquiry Service on 0345 484950.
>
> The nearest station Stourbridge Town - then take a taxi (cost £3-4 and
> takes 10-15 mins). Stourbridge Town is at the end of the shortest branch
> line in the world so if you don't want to do the extra change you could get
> a taxi from Stourbridge Junction.
>
> Trains run regularly from Birmingham Snow Hill/Moor Street (Dorridge or
> Stratford to Stourbridge/Kidderminster). If you are travelling to
> Birmingham New Street the change between New Street and Moor Street
> involves a 10 minute walk between the two. If you're on a local train from
> Wolverhampton to Birmingham you can also change at Smethwick Galton Bridge.
>
>
> WHAT TO BRING:
>
> Lunch can be provided at The Stewponey. Please book lunch when you get there.
>
> Information and other material will be available on the day for a small fee.
>
> For a more detailed explanation of the content of the workshop get in touch
> with Paul Mobbs on 01295 261864, or email mobbsey@...
>
>
>
>
> -------------------
> "We are not for names, nor men, nor titles of Government, nor are we for
> this party nor against the other… but we are for justice and mercy and
> truth and peace and true freedom, that these may be exalted in our nation,
> and that goodness, righteousness, meekness, temperance, peace and unity
> with God, and with one another, that these things may abound." (Edward
> Burroughs, 1659)
>
> THE FREE RANGE ACTIVISM NETWORK
> Facilitators -
>   Paul Mobbs - mobbsey@..., tel./fax 01295 261864
>   Tim Shaw - timshaw@..., tel./fax 01558 685353
> Website - http://www.gn.apc.org/pmhp/rangers/
>
> --------------------
>

----------
>
>
>
> HOLLYWOOD DESTROYING NATIONAL PARK IN THAILAND:
>
>  Boycott 20th Century Fox movie "THE BEACH"
>
>  20th Century Fox is making a
> movie called "The Beach" on Phi Phi Leh Island, a treasured National Park in
> Thailand.  Portions of the film, which stars Leonardo Di Caprio
> (Titanic-fame), will be shot on Maya Beach on the island of Phi Phi Leh.
> This is one of the most beautiful, unspoiled islands in the Pacific and it
> is being destroyed to meet Hollywood's perception of paradise.  The film
> company has already bulldozed large portions of the beach and removed much
> of the natural vegetation (Giant Milkweed, Sea Pandanus, Spider Lily and
> other beach grass) in order to widen the beach to accommodate a football
> scene. Fox plans to replace the native vegetation with 100 non-native
> coconut palms to create their "paradise."
> Local Thai activists feared that removing the natural vegetation would
> create serious erosion, and they were right.  The
> beach has already been eroded and now locals are very worried about how much
> of the beach and bay will remain after the monsoons. Phi Phi Leh Island is
> supposedly protected as a National Park and is key to the local tourist
> economy.  Thai activists report that Thailand's Royal Forestry Department
> violated their own regulations and were bought off by 20th Century Fox, who
> paid the government Bhat 4 million.
>
> Local activists are enraged that the government would cave in to Fox's
> demands and that their concerns were ignored.  Activists are not opposed to
> filming on Maya Bay, but want the island to be filmed as-is.  A lawsuit has
> been filed, but an injunction to stop further destruction of the island was
> denied. The local Thai people have tried everything, from the courts to
> blockading the beach, to protect their island.  They need our help.  They
> ask the American public to take action and boycott the film.  The Thai
> people point out that Americans would never allow Thai film makers to
> bulldoze Yellowstone or other US National Parks.  Hollywood must get the
> message that exploiting the environment and powerless people is unethical
> for mere entertainment.
> Please help the people of Thailand by:
> 1) Passing this message on to everyone you know.
> 2) Signing the petition BELOW
> 3) Write a letter to producer Andrew McDonald.  Tell him you will boycott
> the film unless 20th Century Fox stops destroying Maya Bay.
>  The address is:
>  Andrew MacDonald, Producer
>  c/o Carol Sewell
>  10201 W. Pico Blvd. Building 89, Room 224
>  Los Angeles, CA 90035
>  =============
>  Please sign the petition and forward to someone else.  If your name
>
>  is #50, #100, #150 and so on, please send the petition back to:
>  bryony@...
>
>
>  PETITION:
>
>
> TO: Andrew McDonald, Producer "The Beach" We, the undersigned, will not see
> your film "The Beach" and will encourage our friends and family to boycott
> the film unless you cease and desist from destroying Maya Bay by removing
> the native vegetation and planting coconut palms.
> Maya Bay is already a paradise and does NOT need Hollywood's unnecessary
> alterations.
>  1) Bryony Schwan, Missoula, Montana USA
>  2) Laura Scherubel, Missoula, MT, USA
>  3) Claire Emory, Ovando, MT USA
>  4) Carol Hett, Sheridan, WY  USA
>  5) Sue Nackoney, West Yellowstone, MT USA
>  6) Anna R. Mosqueda, Sacramento, CA, USA
>  7) Barbara Warner, Lebanon, KY 40033
>  8) Nancy Ellen Smith, Woodstock, GA USA
>  9) Kathy Richmond, Vice President,Friends of the West,Clayton, ID
>  10) Scott Edgerton, Missoula, Montana, USA
>  11) Chuck Pezeshki, Director,Clearwater Biodiversity Project, Troy, 83871
>  12) Ward Klemer, Seeley Lake, MT, USA
>  13) Aaron Coffin, Missoula, MT USA
>  14) Bruce Herbert, Seattle, WA USA
>  15)Mitch Anderson, Vancouver, BC, Canada
>  16)Derek Stack, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
>  17) Anne-Marie Sleeman, Vancouver, BC, Canada
> 18) Tim Keating, Director, Rainforest Relief, Brooklyn, NY
> 19) Lauren Bouyea, Burlington, VT, USA
> 20)Susanna Fogel, Boston, MA USA
> 21)Karen Austrian, Cleveland, OH, USA
> 22)Katya Itomlenskis, Cleveland, OH, USA
> 23)Bridget Fitzpatrick, Cleveland, OH, USA
> 24)Katherine Hattox, Silver Springs, MD, 20906
> 25)Chris Ingram, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
> 26) Annie Lo, New York, NY USA
> 27) Martha Tai, Boston, MA, USA
> 28) Sallie Lin, Charlottesville, VA, USA
> 29) Myra Kuo Territo, Staten Island, NY USA
> 30) Carolyn Jackson, New York, NY
> 31) Paul Gonsalves, Bangalore, India
> 32) Vincent Smith, Pendeen, Cornwall,UK.
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
>                       JUST IN TIME FOR 1999!!!
>
>                         Russia Tourism Pages
>                       http://russia-tourism.com
> Comprehensive links for travel and tourism to the Russian Federation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
>

I would like to have a description of this area, I grew up in Colombia and
believe the ecosystem might be very different, If any pictures available,
better.

Regards, Jorge Amaya.

A painted lady was seen at Loe Bar on 11th Jan.  A painted lady was also
seen in a garden at Goran Haven on 21st Jan.  On 1st Feb a Comma was seen
near Ponts Mill.

I walked the length of the towans at Hayle on 14th Feb and didn't see any.

John

-----Original Message-----
From: Vincent Smith <dhvsmith@...>
To: CornishWildlife@onelist.com <CornishWildlife@onelist.com>
Date: 24 February 1999 10:30
Subject: [CornishWildlife] Butterflies.


>From: "Vincent Smith" <dhvsmith@...>
>
>Hi Everyone,
>
>I live on the rainswept Lands End peninsular where Spring is supposed to
>start early. As yet I've seen no butterflies - have they all drowned with
>none surviving overwintering? Anybody seen any?
>
>Cheers,
>
>Vince from Pendeen where as usual its raining.
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>New hobbies? New interests? Sign up for a new ONElist community.
>http://www.onelist.com
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>Help save Cornwalls Wildlife.
>

Hi Everyone,

I live on the rainswept Lands End peninsular where Spring is supposed to
start early. As yet I've seen no butterflies - have they all drowned with
none surviving overwintering? Anybody seen any?

Cheers,

Vince from Pendeen where as usual its raining.

Does anyone know how to contact the bird recorder for Cornwall?

Cheers,

Vince.

Anyone out there interested in butterflies and moths?

The Cornwall Branch of Butterfly Conservation is seeking records for its 4th
Annual Report on the butterflies seen in Cornwall in 1998.  All records are
entered onto the ERICA database and are passed to the national organisation
for use in the forthcoming Millennium Atlas.  The Millennium Atlas is a
"detailed audit of the populations and distributions of butterflies in
Britain and Ireland...".

The Cornwall Branch also aims to publish a regional atlas and CD Rom
covering the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall.

The last two days may well have bought some species out.  Butterflies seen
in Cornwall in previous Januarys are: Brimstone,  Small White,  Red Admiral,
Painted Lady,  Small Tortoiseshell,  Peacock and Speckled Wood.  Anyone seen
these in 1999?  The Holly Blue and Comma have been seen in past Februarys.
And while your out walking or sitting in your garden why not record bird,
dragonflies, mammals, etc.., which I'll pass to the appropriate recorder.

All records should consist of the species seen, numbers, date, place, (grid
reference - minimum of four figures if possible) and recorder.  Please send
to johnworth@... or to 20 St Clare Flats, Penzance, TR18
2PR.

The first record for the hawfinch in Cornwall is for 1829 when several were
shot in the Penzance area.  They are mentioned in the book by E H Rodd
"Birds of Cornwall and Scilly Isles" published in 1880 and includes the
comment not uncommon around Falmouth.  There is a gap in records from 1871
until 1927 when five were seen at Porth Chapel (SW3821).  The next record is
for one in the Allen Valley (SX07) in 1932.  Another gap until 1970 when
seen at a quarry at St Keverne and on the Isles of Scilly.  Further records
in 1971, 1975, 1977 to 1980, 1987, 1990 to 1994.  In these years it was seen
mainly in the Isles of Scilly and Penwith (west Cornwall) in October.  Is
this a small scale migration?  There is a gap in my database for later
years.

As in previous years the destination is the Wilsons Triangle,South West of
the Isles of Scilly.This year the departure date is August 15th.The ship is
booked out for the exclusive use of birders and cetacean watchers and is
soon filled.The area is so named due to the presence of Wilsons
Petrels.Other birds that may be seen include extreme rarities such as
Little Shearwater and South Polar Skua.On previous trips Long-tailed Skuas,
Sabines Gulls and Corys and Great Shearwaters have been seen.It is also
possible to see Common,Whitesided and Bottlenosed Dolphins.Orcas and
Basking Sharks are another possibility.
The cost of the trip is £70 and leaves from Penzance. The Ship, the
Scillonian III leaves at 0500 and returns at 2100. Further details from the
Isles of Scilly Steamship Company on 0345 105555,

Cheers,

Vince.

Pendeen, Cornwall, U.K.

The number of sparrows have definitely declined in Cornwall over the last
few years.They are still fairly common in my backgarden and use the feeders
regularly.A small colony of tree sparrows live near me and they seem to
have been increasing slowly in numbers over the past few years.I had a
female redstart in my garden this morning.It turns up at about this time
each year along with a male and then vanishes in mid February

>Have the number of sparrows declined in Cornwall? I live in Cambridgeshire,
>and I've not seen a single sparrow in my back garden for several months. A
>year or so ago they were plentiful.
>
>Michael Tombs
>
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
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>to digest, go to the ONElist web site, at http://www.onelist.com and
>select the User Center link from the menu bar on the left.
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>Help save Cornwalls Wildlife.


Pendeen, Cornwall, U.K.

Have the number of sparrows declined in Cornwall? I live in Cambridgeshire,
and I've not seen a single sparrow in my back garden for several months. A
year or so ago they were plentiful.

Michael Tombs

England's songbirds are forgetting how to sing, according
to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). A
spokesman blamed the deteriorating trait on traffic noise
that interferes with the birds' ability to hear each other.
The number of some species, including finches, warblers and
orioles, has declined drastically because the birds are no
longer learning their mating calls. The RSPB said that
instead of a melodious song, all that some birds could
manage to emit was a tweet.

---------------------

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
website is located at:


http://www.rspb.org.uk/


Pendeen, Cornwall, U.K.

Hi,



I've just been informed that a hawfinch has been seen feeding in a garden at
Pendeen which is near St. Just on the Lands End peninsular.As this bird is
usually associated with Kent I would be interested to hear if anyone else has
come across this species in Cornwall,



Cheers,



Vince.

Some of you may have noticed the recent adverts in The Cornishman and other
local papers asking for people to apply for jobs as as badger killers in
Cornwall.
This is part of the bovine TB experiment - it is about to start here.I have
copied a press release from the NFBG which explains what is going on,

Vince.

NATIONAL FEDERATION
OF BADGER GROUPS

  Dr Elaine King, Conservation Officer, NFBG

THE FUTILITY

*       The experiment could be another public relations disaster for the
farming industry and for the Government, amounting to no more than a
futile assault on wildlife.

*       The official slaughter of more than 20,000 badgers over 23 years has
failed to reduce the disease in cattle. There has even been an increase
since 1986, while culling was in full-swing, so there is no reason to
suppose that further culling will ever solve the problem.

*       The NFBG has evidence that farmers are now culling badgers
illegally. We
believe this is a result of MAFF blindly stumbling along the same path
of badger culling for over 20 years. Now some farmers mistakenly believe
that all badgers carry TB.

THE KILLING

*       Culling on this scale, whether official or not, is utterly unjustified
in the light of the previous failure of culling to control tuberculosis
in cattle. The NFBG believes that killing badgers in this way will
undermine the Government's claims to be concerned about the environment.
The farming industry, its image already tarnished because of BSE, will
become even more unpopular.

*       Labour, in a document signed by Tony Blair, promised before the
election
to stop killing badgers but it has broken the promise and killed 2,447
badgers already.

*       The NFBG is particularly concerned that many recent snaring incidents
are the result of a small minority of irresponsible farmers killing
badgers illegally in the mistaken belief that badgers are a risk to
cattle.

THE DISEASE

*       The NFBG has always appreciated the problems some farmers have with
bovine TB. It believes that culling is a time-wasting distraction from a
scientifically integrated approach, which should focus on cattle
husbandry and the development of vaccines.

*       Plans to cull over 10,000 badgers are out of proportion to the scale of
the problem for farmers. Only four out of every 1,000 herds were
affected in 1996. Many badgers culled will not even be infected with TB.


*       There is still no direct evidence that badgers transmit TB to cattle
under field conditions, yet badgers have been blamed for transmitting TB
to cattle and culling badgers has been the only method used to control
the disease in cattle.

THE EXPERIMENT

SNARES

*       The NFBG welcomes the fact that cruel and indiscriminate snares
will not
be used to trap badgers in the experiment but is horrified that the
Government is planning to carry out experiments to investigate the
suffering caused to badgers by snares and leg-hold traps.

*       Many animals including badgers, continue to suffer horrific injuries,
often fatal, in snares and we believe that all snares present an
unacceptable risk to wildlife and domestic pets.

*       We are appalled that funds have already been allocated to finance this
experiment which will involve causing intentional pain and suffering to
badgers. In considering the use of snares, the Government totally
contradicts its claims to be committed to animal welfare.

CUBS WILL STARVE

*       Killing nursing mothers will mean the death by starvation of cubs. The
Government has announced a limited 'close season', from only February to
April, on killing lactating sows, but cubs are born as early as
December. Many cubs will therefore starve to death.

*       The derisory 'closed season' contradicts the Government's own advisors
on nature conservation, English Nature, which has a closed season for
disturbing badgers of eight months from the end of November to the end
of June.

PRACTICABLY UNWORKABLE

*       The Government admits that there are serious practical problems
with the
experiment and the NFBG believes that the experiment is unworkable and
will not provide meaningful results. Thousands of badgers will therefore
have died in vain.

*       The Government has clearly underestimated the strength of public
feeling
on this issue and while the NFBG does not condone activities which are
unlawful, it is inevitable that members of the public will demonstrate
and take direct action against the killing.

*       The NFBG has evidence that farmers are now culling badgers
illegally. If
this takes place in the "no cull" areas of the experiment, there will be
no scientific controls and any results will therefore be meaningless.

*       Many major land owners are likely to refuse permission for badger
culling on their land. The Wildlife Trusts do not support the experiment
  and has written to the Government stating that they will not allow
culling on their land.

*       The experiment will cost the tax-payer £3.5m in the first year, rising
to over £7m per year in subsequent years.

THE WAY FORWARD

*       The NFBG believes that rather than slaughtering badgers, the way
forward
is an integrated approach which incorporates a vaccine for cattle, an
improved diagnostic test for TB in cattle, improved cattle husbandry and
research which investigates transmission of the disease and the role of
factors other than badgers.



THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF BADGER GROUPS

The objects of the NFBG are to promote the conservation, welfare and
protection of badgers, their setts and habitats. It represents and
supports a thriving network of 85 local voluntary badger groups
throughout Britain.

The NFBG and badger groups provide expert advice on all badger issues
and work closely with the police, and other conservation and welfare
organisations such as the RSPCA.



THREATS TO BADGERS

Britain's badger population is internationally important as they are
declining over most of their range outside Britain. Badgers are
protected by the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 to protect them from
intentional acts of cruelty, such as badger baiting, and the results of
lawful activities, such as road and housing development. It is estimated
that each year over 50,000 badgers are killed on Britain's roads and
10,000 are killed in the 'sport' of badger baiting.



ENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------------

NATIONAL CONTACT: Dr Elaine King, Conservation Officer, National
Federation of Badger Groups.
Tel 0171-498 3220 or 0976 153389 E-mail elaine.king@...
------------------------------------------------------------------------

PARC

(Practical Action on Reserves in Cornwall)

Come along and help us conserve the important wild areas of Cornwall

Why should I volunteer?


The Cornwall Wildlife Trust strives to protect examples of all the
county's important wildlife sites, many of which are being lost due to
changing land-use patterns. Around 40 nature reserves are owned, leased
or managed by the trust; this number is constantly increasing. The
reserves are safe havens for a wide variety of rare species. The amount
of practical reserve management required has increased considerably in
recent years. We need your help to carry out this important work.

What will I be doing?
you will be given full instructions on the day by trust staff or
experienced volunteers, so no previous experience is needed. The day
will commence with an explanation of what you will be doing, how to do
it and why you are doing it. depending which reserve you choose you
could be doing anything from constructing and installing nesting boxes
to digging a pond or clearing scrub.
What's in it for me?


Satisfaction in the knowledge that you are actively assisting in the
protection of our wildlife and wild places - All the rewards of working
as part of a team - the chance to meet like-minded people - learn new
and useful practical skills - improve your knowledge and understanding
of wildlife

Do I need to bring anything with me?
Its a good idea to bring wellies or stout work boots (steel toe-Capped
are best, waterproofs, packed lunch and a hot drink. Gardening gloves
would also be useful if you have them. We also recommend that you have
an up-to-date tetanus injection.

Still interested?
To get involved, it's simple! Give one of the people listed below a quick
ring so we
can arrange equipment, transport and refreshments!
Contacts: -
Victoria Scott (01872) 273939 (Office Hours)
Steve Chudleigh (0467) 792427 (mobile)

This is a monthly review of wildlife conservation in the British Isles (address
below).

I should be interested in any wildlife news from Cornwall or anywhere in
Britain.

http://www.wharfe.demon.co.uk/wildflwr.htm
The Wild Flower Page
http://www.wharfe.demon.co.uk/news1.htm
Conserv@tion - the monthly review of wildlife conservation in Britain

It has been an exciting year for the World Wildlife Fund Conservation Action
Network.  Our ranks grew from 470 activists in early January to over 7,600!
Network activists took action to protect tigers, rhinos, sharks, sea turtles,
bears, wolves, the Everglades, the Galapagos, and Canadian wilderness; to
prevent strip mining in the outstanding Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregion in the
western United States, global warming, and overfishing; to ban DDT; and to
increase funding for environmental protection programs.  Please read on for
more information or visit the ìAction Resultsî section of WWFís Conservation
Action Network Web site at
<http://takeaction.worldwildlife.org/action.htm>http://takeaction.worldwildl
ife.org/action.htm.   We think youíll be very pleased with the results that
you
and your fellow activists have achieved!

And, please take one more quick action.  You can help make the network
stronger
and more effective by encouraging your friends, family, and colleagues to
enroll today.  Below is a message you can send them.  (This message is also
available at http://takeaction.worldwildlife.org/action_network.htm.)

==================================================================
Dear Friends/Colleagues:

I am writing to encourage you to join World Wildlife Fund's Conservation
Action
Network, an electronic advocacy network that lets you help save wildlife and
wild spaces from the comfort of your own desk.

This free network allows you to communicate quickly and easily with decision
makers such as the president, members of Congress, state legislators, federal
agencies, and international organizations. Enrollment takes only a minute.

Visit
<http://takeaction.worldwildlife.org/>http://takeaction.worldwildlife.org
to sign up on-line. Or, send a blank e-mail to
actionsignup@... and you will receive an electronic sign-up
form.
Already the Conservation Action Network has helped protect the Galapagos
Islands, the Everglades, sea turtles, sharks, tigers, and rhinos. Please
join us.
You CAN make a difference.

==================================================================

Conservation Action Network Results


Galapagos:  In February, network participants and visitors to WWFís Web site
sent over 2,000 messages urging protection of the Galapagos Islands.
Thanks in part to those pleas, the Ecuadorian government approved a
series of sweeping new protective measures for the Galapagos.  Perhaps
no place on Earth offers wildlife as rich and history as compelling as these
enchanted islands.  But in recent years the Galapagos have been troubled,
as human population growth, ìinvaderî species, and commercial fishing
threaten to destroy the islandsí fragile ecological balance.  The passage
of this law is a landmark in the effort to conserve and protect these
singular
islands and their unique plants and animals.

Sea Turtles:  More than 100,000 sea turtles drown each year in shrimp trawling
nets.  To combat this problem, the United States forbids importation of shrimp
products from countries where turtles are at risk, unless shrimpers in those
countries are required to use ìturtle excluder devicesî -- simple, inexpensive
trap doors that allow turtles to escape when caught in shrimping nets.  When
the World Trade Organization (WTO) issued a ruling that the U.S. requirement
violates international trade laws and should be changed, Conservation Action
Network participants sent messages of objection to President Clinton and WTO
representatives.   Unfortunately, despite an appeal by the United States, the
WTO has stood by its ruling. We will keep you posted on this issue, which
is so critical to the future of the worldís endangered sea turtles.

Everglades:  In May, network participants and visitors to WWFís Web site sent
over 2,800 messages to Florida Governor Lawton Chiles urging him to veto two
state-level bills that would have jeopardized endangered species like the West
Indian manatee, wood stork, Everglades snail kite, and Florida panther.  The
proposed legislation would have delayed key Everglades restoration projects,
jeopardized federal funding, and prohibitively raised the cost to Florida
taxpayers of protecting one of the most outstanding ecoregions in the world.
Your messages, together with strong opposition from conservation groups and
others in Florida, helped convince Governor Chiles to veto the bills.

Sharks:  Network participants around the world urged their governments and the
United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to produce a strong,
proactive international plan of action to conserve sharks.  Governments
responded positively at an FAO-sponsored meeting in October by agreeing to a
plan of action that, if implemented appropriately, will help gain control of
overfishing occurring in many shark fisheries and will go a long way toward
addressing the conservation needs of these vulnerable species.

Bears:  U.S. participants in the network helped oppose provisions attached
to a federal spending bill that would have threatened bears and other wildlife
and wild spaces.  Network participants sent 2,600 messages to Capitol Hill
opposing several anti-environmental riders that had been attached to the
Interior
Appropriations bill. As a result, several damaging provisions were removed
before the bill was passed, including language authorizing construction of
roads through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge and Wilderness Area and the
Copper River Delta in the Chugach National Forest, both in Alaska and both
internationally recognized wetlands that support brown bears and enormous
waterfowl and fish populations.

Overfishing: Network participants weighed in with national governments around
the world urging development of an effective global plan of action to rein in
the expansion of fishing fleets and address one of the greatest environmental
crises of this century:  overfishing.  In October, a new agreement to reduce
fishing fleet overcapacity was struck by 80 fishing nations meeting under the
auspices of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.  The
agreement calls for national action to cut fleet size where appropriate, and
notes the importance of reducing government subsidies that contribute to
overcapacity and overfishing.

Tigers and Rhinos:  The Rhino and Tiger Product Labeling Act became U.S. law
this fall and will give a major boost to the conservation of these magnificent
species.  Conservation Action Network participants in the United States, along
with WWF Web site visitors, sent nearly 11,000 messages to their congressional
representatives, urging them to approve this bill.  The act makes it
illegal to
import or export any product claiming to contain ingredients made from tigers
or rhinos.

Environmental Funding:  U.S. activists sent 4,500 messages to their
congressional representatives urging that adequate funds be provided for
conservation of tigers, rhinos, and tropical forests, for land protection in
the United States and for the U.S. contribution to the Global Environment
Facility, the only international financial institution devoted to protecting
the global environment.  In the end, funding for tigers and rhinos was
increased by $100,000 and support for the Global Environment Facility was
increased fourfold, to $192.5 million.  Unfortunately, our request for funding
for the newly enacted Tropical Forest Conservation Act was unsuccessful.  In
addition, Congress reduced by more than half the funding provided for land
acquisition through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.  We will need to
redouble our efforts next year to ensure that these critically important
environmental programs receive sufficient funds.

Global Warming:  Network activists around the world helped convince President
Clinton to sign the Kyoto international global warming protocol in November
and
take immediate steps to reduce carbon pollution in the United States.  Global
warming, the result of carbon pollution in the atmosphere, is one of the most
serious problems humankind faces.  As the worldís biggest carbon polluter, the
United States is being closely watched and its leadership is essential in
forging an international agreement to curb carbon pollution.

Canadian Wilderness:  U.S. and Canadian participants sent 936 messages to the
Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism for the Province of
Ontario, Canada requesting that important forested public lands be set aside
for protection.  These wild lands are home to wolves, bears, woodland caribou,
and many other species and are being considered for logging, mining, and other
industrial development.  Network activists generated close to ten percent of
the comments sent to the Ontario government.  We will keep you posted on the
governmentís decisions regarding the fate of this vast region.

DDT:  In December, Network activists from around the world were asked to send
messages to the Director-General of the World Health Organization urging
her to
call for a global phaseout and ban of DDT use and production by the year
2007.
Although DDT was banned decades ago in industrialized countries, thousands of
tons of the deadly pesticide are still produced each year and cause health and
environmental hazards throughout the world.  If you are not one of the nearly
1,300 activists who have taken this action, please do so today by going to
http://takeaction.worldwildlife.org and
clicking on ìYour Personal Action Center.î  (If you do not have Web access,
follow the instructions in the original e-mail.).

Globally Outstanding Ecoregion:  U.S. participants in the Network were
recently contacted and asked to express their opposition to a proposed
strip mine within the globally outstanding Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregion
in the western United States.  The U.S. Forest Service will soon decide
whether to allow a private company to strip-mine nickel and thereby
threaten wild steelhead trout, yellow legged frogs, rare plants, and water
quality within one of the largest undeveloped areas on the West Coast.
In the two days since the alert went out, 350 people have taken action.
If you havenít already done so, please take this
action today by going to http://takeaction.worldwildlife.org and
clicking on ìYour Personal Action Center.î  (If you do not have Web access,
follow the instructions in the original e-mail.)

Thanks again to everyone who took action this year!  We look forward to
working with you in the coming year.  Stay tuned for more action alerts
from WWFís Conservation Action Network.  And, again, please encourage
others to join the Network.

For answers to the questions most frequently asked about the Conservation
Action Network, send an e-mail to actionhelp@....  If you have
additional questions or comments, send an e-mail to
actionquestions@..., or use the feedback form at
http://takeaction.worldwildlife.org .



_________________________________

WWF
Conservation Action Network


http://takeaction.worldwildlife.org
_________________________________

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATION WORK WITH THE CORNISH WILDLIFE TRUST!

January 24th. Loggans Moor.An important site as it supports a wide range of
wildlife habitats including species rich wet grassland and marsh,sand-dune
communities and a reedbed.We shall be cutting part of the reedbed to
increase its wildlife interest, and clearing some of the ditches.
Meet at the reserve enterence,just off the B3301,east of Hayle Grid Ref. SW
575 390. Lifts from Truro Railway Station at 1000.

February 7th and 21st.Devichoys Wood.Rhododendron clearance and maybe a
chance to see a working charcoal kiln.Meet at the reserve enterence in
Perranarworthal Grid Ref SW 762 543.Lifts from Truro Railway station ar
1000.

January 17th and February 28th.Cabilla and Redrice Woods.Meet reserve
enterance at 1030.Located 3 miles east of Bodmin on the A38.From the A38
travelling east take the turning left towards Cardinham. Cross the bridge
over the Fowey,access is via a track on the right pass the sawmill Grid Ref
SX 129 652.

Hi.

The results of the Bat Conservation Trusts 1998 survey of West Penwith has
been posted on http://members.tripod.com/~VincentSmith/index-2.html If
anyone wants to take part in this years survey contact the Bat Conservation
Trust via the link frpm the webpage,

Cheers,

Vince.

http://www.cornishlight.freeserve.co.uk/nature.htm

Care to browse
Thanks