Hello,

As I write this edition for Keele Wildlife Society... May is coming to a close! According to the Met Office, this spring has been the sunniest since records began with over 573 hours of sunshine recorded. I hope you all have been able to enjoy the sunshine and recent warm temperatures!

Each time I take a walk or cycle I feel lucky; lucky to live in the countryside, lucky to be able to enjoy wildlife and lucky for being able to watch the season's progress. This week I have been on a 5-mile walk along the River Stour, passing through fields and areas of wildlife conservation. I was able to see and hear so much wildlife; I admit I notice more these days compared to ever before. One of the most frequent sightings was of the Enallagma Cyathigerum (Common Blue Damselfly). However, another common sighting was of rubbish including takeaway wrappers and personal protection equipment (PPE). This is a huge disappointment. The local takeaway has only just reopened and demand for PPE remains high….. What makes people decide to leave their rubbish in the countryside?

As many of us are aware, this is not a unique experience. A simple online search brings up multiple news articles from large scale fly tipping to individuals throwing rubbish from car windows. One reason for an increase in fly tipping this spring is the temporary closure of recycling centres and with many spending so much time indoors; it is unsurprising that the amount of waste we are accumulating has grown. But, we must be responsible. We must look after wildlife and the countryside. Many of us within the society are active in litter picking and may feel encouraged to do so when we see litter around our local areas. If you are litter picking to help make wildlife safe, ensure you keep yourself safe - especially when dealing with discarded PPE.

As always, send us our stories or photos of wildlife around you!

What is happening to wildlife during COVID-19?

As we all know, staying indoors at the moment can be dull and make us desperate to once again be reunited with wildlife and the outdoors. Many of us are still doing what we can to continue enjoying nature by looking outside of our windows, spending time in our gardens or during our daily exercise. Keele Wildlife Society Treasurer, Sophie Tankard, has shared some photos of the wildlife which she has encountered during her lockdown experience including wild deer and butterflies!

(Photos: Sophie Tankard)

Have you had any wildlife encounters which you would like to share with the society? If so, let us know via email or social media!

It is wonderful to see nature flourishing and behaving in unusual and often unseen ways due to the lack of human presence. For example, wild flowers are growing on the roadsides. Due to the current situation, councils have stopped the cutting of these areas as a result of the redirection of finances and staff shortages. Charities such as Plantlife, who have campaigned for the reduced mowing and cutting of roadside plants for many years, hope that councils will change their previous methods due to the flourishing and benefits for nature. In addition, reduced vehicle usage has seen pollution levels decrease. This is benefitting traditional plants and allowing increased diversity as these plants previously faced competition from nitrogen-loving plants such as nettles. 

Over the past few weeks, wildlife has been seen to be discovering what are now human free spaces with multiple species being found in urban centres. For example, wild boars in central Barcelona and goats in Llandudno, Wales. 

Read this article regarding the goats in Llandudno:

https://inews.co.uk/news/environment/goats-llandudno-wales-town-coronavirus-uk-lockdown-wildlife-2523916

Here is a video regarding wild boar in Barcelona:

https://www.elnacional.cat/es/sociedad/coronavirus-video-jabalies-centro-barcelona-confinamiento_482691_102.html 

Other wildlife stories:

• Increased sightings of Moles above ground

• Oyster Catchers are nesting on deserted beaches

• Hedgehogs have a lower threat of being killed on the road

• Less disturbance (e.g. by dog walkers) for breeding birds which are nesting in new areas 

But not all animals are benefiting with many needing to find new sources of food due to the lack of human presence providing them with easily and readily available food source options. Look out for our next newsletter which will highlight multiple ways in which you can help wildlife from your home this spring! 

Happy Easter,

Stay Safe

Keele Wildlife Society 2020