Countryfile viewers were treated to a captivating glimpse into the world of nest monitoring during Sunday's episode. Matt Baker teamed up with Holly Appleby from GWCT in Teesdale to learn about their extensive use of trail cameras. Holly, a research assistant in the English uplands team, shed light on the 80 trail cameras employed to monitor nests before demonstrating the proper placement of a camera on a curlew nest.
During the expedition, Holly found a nest containing four curlew eggs. She emphasised the importance of minimizing disturbance, strategic camera positioning, and effective camouflage. The broadcast took a dramatic turn when Holly shared previously recorded footage of nest predation. The viewers witnessed a stoat swiftly raiding a curlew nest immediately after the mother had flown away, followed by a curious badger that stumbled upon another nest, causing damage to this red-listed population. The presenter simply remarked, "Sometimes Mother Nature can be cruel."
The episode effectively conveyed the significance of implementing robust predator management practices. Despite being implicit rather than explicit, this crucial message is rarely showcased on national television.
None of this ground-breaking work would have been possible without the remarkable generosity of hundreds of supporters who collectively donated over £48,000 to GWCT's trail camera appeal in the past year. James Swyer, the Head of Membership and Marketing, expressed his gratitude, stating, "This remarkable support truly highlights the impact of our work. We have been able to enlighten millions of people about the reality faced by waders in their natural habitats. The footage tells a captivating story that may surprise many viewers at home. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our members and supporters who have made this achievement possible."
To watch the full episode, featuring Holly's appearance at the 35-minute mark, click here. If you wish to contribute to our trail camera initiative and support our ongoing work, you can do so by visiting this link.