GWCT News Blog

In a bid to make the most out of research and development (R&D) spending on agriculture and nature, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has unveiled an exciting new initiative.

A recent article in the Guardian (8^th April) about the Bermuda triangle for hen harriers typifies the debate surrounding hen harrier conservation and the nature of this ‘human-wildlife conflict’. 

1 May marked the start of 2024’s No Mow May. This campaign, initiated by the conservation organisation Plantlife, encourages us not to mow our lawns during May as a way of supporting not only our country’s flora, but the wildlife that relies on it – particularly pollinators such as bees.

I suspect you wonder what I am talking about! These are common, colloquial names for the bittern and woodcock and in some respects are very evocative. Apparently a bluiter is a person or thing that makes a dull, heavy sound – a descriptive of the bittern’s boom I deduce – and bogsucker probably reflects that the woodcock feeds in soft ground using its long bill.

The Government's Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) has made significant strides since its launch, with updated data showcasing its impact alongside Countryside Stewardship (CS) and Environmental Stewardship (ES) options.

We currently have three exciting online auctions available for everybody to bid in.

Check out the latest line-up of Summer events at the GWCT Allerton Project. 

Are you a GWCT member living in Berkshire? If so, we have a favour to ask...

Over the last few weeks, the Scottish Lowlands team has been busy completing the tenth year of spring grey partridge pair surveys on Balgonie farm.

The Common Earthworm is the posterchild for UK earthworms due to its impressive size and longevity, living for an average of 4-8 years and growing up to an enormous 35cm when mature. It recently wiggled its way to a landslide victory in The Guardian’s inaugural invertebrate of the year award, cementing its place (for this year at least) as the UK’s favourite spineless creature.