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Branch News Ctd Penwith Over the last few months we have had some interesting events, including a video show by Alan Griffiths. In February we had our annual party, kindly hosted by Liz Tregenza. Over the summer months we will be holding an event every month; everyone is welcome to attend and all events are in the diary. On the wildlife front, all is not rosy. The hedgerows that make the Cornish landscape so unique are disappearing quickly. Over the last three years approximately three miles of hedgerow have been grubbed out in the St Erth parish alone. A lot of the remaining hedges are severely cut back in the late spring and early summer, with disastrous consequences for any nesting birds. A well-managed hedge can be home to over 100 plant species, with 13 species of butterflies and 150 species of moths living on the plants. The Cornish hedge also provides important nesting and feeding sites for many birds. From an agricultural point of view, hedges are just an obstacle in the tractor's way and larger fields are more economic to manage. However, things do not always go as planned, as hedgerow removal can also lead to excessive water run-off and soil erosion, as well as some crops getting wind-blasted. Unfortunately there is at present no legislation protecting hedges; hopefully some time in the not-too-distant future things will change. Alistair Beasley STOP PRESS (from Chris Howe) As we go to press, the proposed hedgerow regulations have just become law. The Wildlife Trusts campaigned locally and nationally for improved hedgerow protection, but opposed the regulations because we believe they are flawed and inadequate. Cornish hedges are ignored, as assessment of importance will be based on the number of woody species per 30-metre length. Simon Lyster, our national Director General, said: "The Wildlife Trusts will be pressing for the regulations to be closely monitored and will lobby for revision at the first opportunity."
Our memories of the past winter will invariably include the long periods of very cold winds, hard frost and gloomy wet days - difficult conditions for humans and wildlife alike. The lakes on Par Beach were frozen for days, except for a small corner and the recently improved flow channels. We did have some brighter times however. At Newquay in November, Dave Thomas gave a wonderful slide talk following his visit to the Isles of Scilly. We only learned later that Dave had carried on despite having just received news of the passing of his mother, and facing a long journey to the North to join the family in their bereavement. Thanks, Dave, for your commitment. December saw us at St Winnow, led by John and Kath Tucker on a bright, crisp morning, viewing the bird life at low tide (little egrets, divers, curlews, various ducks etc.). January found us at St Blazey AFC Social Club, when about half a dozen members showed their slides - a marvellous variety of good photography. In February, Kath Hill took us through the seasons with her slide talk, bringing us - and herself - much joy by sharing her experiences. What of the future? I am very pleased to say that Dave Thomas has agreed to take over the chairmanship of Restormel Branch from 30th June. I know you will be happy to support him as you have done to me. Note the summer events, please, and show your interest and support to Dave. Best wishes. Denis Ellory Tamar Our autumn meetings have all been well attended. In November, Simon Ford gave a most interesting talk on the land management carried out by the National Trust in Cornwall. After the AGM in January, when we thanked our retiring Treasurer Tony Hobbs for all his hard work and welcomed Neville Gelling as his successor, we heard about the difficulties encountered by John Breeds in managing English Nature's National Nature Reserve at Braunton Burrows. This is a fascinating area, mainly sand dunes, constantly threatened by nature and man. In February we were transported away from the gales and rain to North Australia, where Tony and Mary Atkinson purchased a van and travelled extensively, living, it seems, on dead birds and mammals found by the roadside - their skins, beautifully preserved, were on display with other artefacts! A detailed talk by Mary was supported by Tony's slides, illustrating the space and variety of North Australian terrain. The winter season at Maer Lake and Bude Marshes has been most successful, with various unusual wild geese visiting, as well as wintering wildfowl and snipe. The second Trust meeting at Launceston was very well attended. Tamar Branch will continue to give encouragement and support where needed. Gill Ruddock |
