Wild Cornwall - Issue No.84

Readers of Wild Cornwall will be aware of the conviction of a man for arson following a fire at Breney Common in March 1999. The precedent set was obviously important, and widely reported, but the prosecution was made possible by the quality of the evidence available.

The spring of 2000 saw a number of fires on heathland in the county. In particular, the Goss Moor NNR was extensively damaged. Unfortunately the culprit has not been identified.

There can be little doubt that many of the fires are deliberate, often being started beside roads and frequently with two or more in fairly close proximity on the same occasion, clearly indicating that a vehicle has been used.

The peak period for these fires is from mid-March to mid-April, although there have been incidents from late

February through to early May. Although many occur at weekends, there have been fires on all days of the week.

I am asking for the help of the Wild Cornwall readership. Keep an eye on our precious heathland, maybe making an extra effort to visit some during March and April - your presence may deter the fire raiser. If there is a fire, record what you see, especially vehicle numbers. Look for activity at nearby heaths, and bear in mind that arsonists often want to watch the results of their activities, maybe from high ground with a view of all the fires started. Don't be afraid to pass on what you see to the Police - innocent people have nothing to fear from us and should welcome any efforts to detect these offences. Hopefully together we can safeguard the future of this important habitat.

D/Sgt Terry Carne

SCAFFOLDING WANTED

The Trust is putting out an urgent appeal for scaffolding material to prevent the possible collapse of a rare 18th century Cornish cowshed located at our Armstrong Wood Nature Reserve near Launceston. The Trust is hoping to secure funding for essential restoration work which should begin in the summer, but is currently unable to hire scaffolding (due to expense) for the six-month pre-work stage. It is hoped that someone reading this article may be (or know someone else who is) in a position to help. If we are unable to support the building structurally it may collapse, which would increase the restoration costs beyond our financial limits and available funding packages. Please contact me for further information.

Bena Smith

Your opinion counts

This "protected" species continues to suffer considerable losses within our county from development, road accidents and, of course, the Krebs "experiment" with our wildlife in the wider countryside. Following the initial culls in east and west Cornwall, we are told that MAFF removed 697 badgers from the county's population and of course they will return to remove more.

At last other aspects of the bovine TB problem are being looked at, but the vastly overweighted funding put to the cull remains; only the smallest portion is set aside to divide among the many other issues that may finally assist farmers with this seemingly endless problem.

How many of us know where our nearest badger sett may be, or perhaps take the trouble to keep an eye on it? That in itself would be a valuable contribution whereby we could learn more of the habits of our wildlife, as indeed we do upon watching any of the wildlife that enhances and surrounds our daily lives.

Such observation may be particularly helpful in west Cornwall, for the cull will have created an element of dispersal together with the natural movement that takes place for some badgers during the autumn months. People in the west of the county were particularly upset by the removal of this symbol of British wildlife, and in response to their opposition their

representatives were able to put forward motions of opposition to both the County and Penwith District Councils. Both Councils supported the motions of opposition by worthwhile majorities, representing the public outrage. Public opinion counts!

It is important for people to know more about the problems that beset the badger, and about the present reasoning. To this end it is likely that a badger group will be set up in the west of the county. Contact can be made through BROCK on (01726) 813469 or directly to Roger Driver on (01736) 363167.

Do you have a question about wildlife for which you would like an expert answer? Do you have strong views on an issue which you would like to air? Do you have any wildlife observations or experiences which you would like to share with us? If so, do please write to Wild Cornwall - we would love to hear from you and to print some of your letters.

*MORE IDEAS FOR ACTION*
A BURNING ISSUE Readers of Wild Cornwall will be aware of the conviction of a man for arson following a fire at Breney Common in March 1999. The precedent set was obviously important, and widely reported, but the prosecution was made possible by the quality of the evidence available. The spring of 2000 saw a number of fires on heathland in the county. In particular, the Goss Moor NNR was extensively damaged. Unfortunately the culprit has not been identified. There can be little doubt that many of the fires are deliberate, often being started beside roads and frequently with two or more in fairly close proximity on the same occasion, clearly indicating that a vehicle has been used. The peak period for these fires is from mid-March to mid-April, although there have been incidents from late	February through to early May. Although many occur at weekends, there have been fires on all days of the week. I am asking for the help of the Wild Cornwall readership. Keep an eye on our precious heathland, maybe making an extra effort to visit some during March and April - your presence may deter the fire raiser. If there is a fire, record what you see, especially vehicle numbers. Look for activity at nearby heaths, and bear in mind that arsonists often want to watch the results of their activities, maybe from high ground with a view of all the fires started. Don't be afraid to pass on what you see to the Police - innocent people have nothing to fear from us and should welcome any efforts to detect these offences. Hopefully together we can safeguard the future of this important habitat. D/Sgt Terry Carne Newquay CID	SCAFFOLDING WANTED The Trust is putting out an urgent appeal for scaffolding material to prevent the possible collapse of a rare 18th century Cornish cowshed located at our Armstrong Wood Nature Reserve near Launceston. The Trust is hoping to secure funding for essential restoration work which should begin in the summer, but is currently unable to hire scaffolding (due to expense) for the six-month pre-work stage. It is hoped that someone reading this article may be (or know someone else who is) in a position to help. If we are unable to support the building structurally it may collapse, which would increase the restoration costs beyond our financial limits and available funding packages. Please contact me for further information. Bena Smith

BADGERS Your opinion counts
This "protected" species continues to suffer considerable losses within our county from development, road accidents and, of course, the Krebs "experiment" with our wildlife in the wider countryside. Following the initial culls in east and west Cornwall, we are told that MAFF removed 697 badgers from the county's population and of course they will return to remove more. At last other aspects of the bovine TB problem are being looked at, but the vastly overweighted funding put to the cull remains; only the smallest portion is set aside to divide among the many other issues that may finally assist farmers with this seemingly endless problem.	How many of us know where our nearest badger sett may be, or perhaps take the trouble to keep an eye on it? That in itself would be a valuable contribution whereby we could learn more of the habits of our wildlife, as indeed we do upon watching any of the wildlife that enhances and surrounds our daily lives. Such observation may be particularly helpful in west Cornwall, for the cull will have created an element of dispersal together with the natural movement that takes place for some badgers during the autumn months. People in the west of the county were particularly upset by the removal of this symbol of British wildlife, and in response to their opposition their	representatives were able to put forward motions of opposition to both the County and Penwith District Councils. Both Councils supported the motions of opposition by worthwhile majorities, representing the public outrage. Public opinion counts! It is important for people to know more about the problems that beset the badger, and about the present reasoning. To this end it is likely that a badger group will be set up in the west of the county. Contact can be made through BROCK on (01726) 813469 or directly to Roger Driver on (01736) 363167. John Starnes BROCK
WRITE ON Do you have a question about wildlife for which you would like an expert answer? Do you have strong views on an issue which you would like to air? Do you have any wildlife observations or experiences which you would like to share with us? If so, do please write to Wild Cornwall - we would love to hear from you and to print some of your letters. Mark Nicholson	Wildlife Watch Vice-president Bill Oddie (right) recently visited our Cabilla and Redrice Woods reserve to film dormice. Reserves Manager Callum Deveney (centre) and Cabilla Project Officer Steve Chudleigh (left) showed Bill around the site and explained how its management is enhancing wildlife. There is a continuing need for volunteers to take part in the Cabilla project - see page 23.

Wild Cornwall - Issue No.84 - Spring 2001