March 2009
Dear
Spring is nearly with us, and there was just time before the sap started rising to plant the 700 oak saplings that were kindly donated during our 'Sponsor a Tree' appeal. A group of staff and volunteers planted the trees at Christcliff Wood at Eskdale extending the existing wood by 1.5 acres, this will allow more wildlife to move into the area. It still isn't too late to sponsor a tree. Go to the sponsor a tree page of our website to find out more.
Peter Bullard
Director
Cumbria Wildlife Trust purchases another part of Orton Moss to ensure its survival
Cumbria Wildlife Trust has safeguarded the long-term future of a wildlife haven at Orton Moss, near Carlisle. The purchase of the additional piece of land at Orton Moss has increased the Trust's stake in this SSSI and will help the preservation of this important mossland and all its associated flora and fauna.
Give double the love this Mothering Sunday with an E-card from charitygreetings.com
Cumbria Wildlife Trust has teamed up with charitygreetings.com to provide cards that show our love for both our mothers and mother earth this mothering sunday. For each card bought, £1 of the cost is donated to the Trust. There are cards for all occassions, and they offer a unique and environmentally friendly way giving to our loved ones.
What's On in March
Walks and Talks
11 - Ferns of the north-west
11 - Expedition to Baffin Island and Sedbergh Local Support Group AGM
11 - A Cumbrian ramble in search of orchids
13 - My job with the Tyne Rivers Trust
13 - Springtime in the Burren
17 - Morecambe Bay and the work of the Morecambe Bay Partnership
18 - Cumbria Mammal Group AGM and discussion
30 - Dormice in Cumbria
Conservation Work Parties
17 - Wreay Woods Nature Reserve
19 - Wreay Woods Nature Reserve
25 - Drumburgh Moss National Nature Reserve
Focus on: Wildlife and views - The Whitbarrow Experience
Cumbria Wildlife Trust cares for a number of nature reserves that offer the visitor access to not only wildife and wildplaces but also to fantastic views. The Whitbarrow Hervey Memorial reserve is a stunning example of this. Situated between Kendal and Grange-over-Sands, the nature reserve has panaromic views reaching as far as the lakeland fells and down to Morecambe bay. Footpaths crisscross the scar, allowing access to a huge variety of flowering and unusual plants thriving on the limestone pavement.
For more information on the reserve and its footpaths click here
Cumbria Tarns Project - Final Report and Conference
In 2003, the Trust and the Freshwater Biological Association set up the Cumbria Tarns Project. Its aim was to engage trained local volunteers in re-surveying tarns that had been surveyed 30 years previously by Ralph Stokoe.
An initial analysis of data has suggested a decline in species richness, particularly among the submerged and floating macrophyte species.
A conference was held in February 2009, detailing the project and its findings. For more information and copy of the final report click here.