Nature Watch, with Ron Freethy

WHEN we speak of conservation these days we tend to think that "the Government," whatever its colour, has nothing to do with it.

Actually the reverse is true, because lots of taxpayers' money is being channelled into the capable hands of two very influential bodies staffed by competent scientists; Environment Agency and English Nature, both with offices in the North West of England.

This week I will describe the work of English Nature and next week it will be the turn of the Environment Agency.

English Nature has its North Western offices at Pier House, Wallgate, Wigan, WN3 4AL. From this base three major National Nature Reserves are organised:

1. Ainsdale Sand Dunes which has populations of the rare amphibian the natterjack toad and the even rarer reptile the sand lizard. These fascinating species tend to overshadow the equally important population of sand dune plants. Among rarities such as the dune helleborine there are also splendid growths of grass of parnassus, a very pretty white flower which grows in the damper areas. Dunes need careful managing and English Nature have to achieve a delicate balance in their planning. Room has been skilfully left for the red squirrel population which needs trees and the dune wildlife which needs open spaces.

2. The Ribble Estuary is a real contrast to Ainsdale, which tends to be at its best in the summer. The Ribble marshes are a perfect spot for wintering waders and wildfowl. For many years English Nature has managed this area around Southport and in my opinion this body has never been given the credit it deserves for its conservation work.

3. Gait Barrows - This is an area of limestone pavement in the Arnside/Silverdale area. Limestone pavement is one of the most threatened habitats in Britain, and Gait Barrows is a fine example. Once again careful management has resulted in the protection of several rare species of orchid and butterflies. This is a perfect place to enjoy wildlife in summer.

To survive, these limestone areas need to be selectively grazed and the introduction of a small herd of Exmoor ponies will achieve this objective. They have already proved their worth in the chalkland areas of Kent and these charming creatures will be a welcome addition to the wildlife of our area.

English Nature also works hard to promote SSSI's in our area and these will be described in a future article. An SSSI is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and it provides the designated habitat protection from future development.

Those who plan to explore any or all of the three National Nature Reserves can contact the Wigan office listed earlier or directly via the following telephone numbers: Ainsdale Sand Dunes from Mike Gee on 01704 578774; Ribble Estuary from Dick Lambert on 01704 225624; Gait Burrows from Rob Petley-Jones on 01524 702181.

Fishy business: A novice birdwatcher's letter

AS a relatively new recruit to twitching, I have been taking great pleasure in reading your articles on a Wednesday evening.

My expeditions to date have involved several visits to the large reservoir at Rishton. This is a great place for taking a stroll along the path from the top of Cut Lane down to the side of the reservoir. On all these visits I spot something different. The other day I actually spotted a grey squirrel only a matter of feet away from me.

I have spotted all the birds featured in your article at Rishton reservoir. However, one particular species which I cannot recognise seems to be resident in numbers of between 10 and 15. This bird seems to act very similar to the grebe. However, on departing from the water, it perches itself with its wings spread. Could you or any of your readers help me on what particular bird this is and whether or not I am seeing a mating ritual.

MARY FORREST, Hillside Avenue, Blackburn.

Ron replies: The bird which raises the wings in the way Mary describes is almost certainly a Cormorant. This bird nests along the coast of Britain, but it spends much of time in winter catching fish along inland reservoirs and rivers. What Mary saw is not a mating ritual but a way of drying its waterlogged feathers prior to its next dive in search of fish.

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