I examined these bees as part of my identification & processing of bulk pan trap samples for Farmland Ecology, GWCT @gwct.org.uk
September 8, 2025 at 7:02 PM
I examined these bees as part of my identification & processing of bulk pan trap samples for Farmland Ecology, GWCT @gwct.org.uk
Today’s insect highlight is this spectacular Cuckoo Wasp (species ID pending!)
This tiny wasp was among pan trap samples I have been photographing & identifying for a farmland biodiversity monitoring project with the GWCT 🔬
This tiny wasp was among pan trap samples I have been photographing & identifying for a farmland biodiversity monitoring project with the GWCT 🔬
August 21, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Today’s insect highlight is this spectacular Cuckoo Wasp (species ID pending!)
This tiny wasp was among pan trap samples I have been photographing & identifying for a farmland biodiversity monitoring project with the GWCT 🔬
This tiny wasp was among pan trap samples I have been photographing & identifying for a farmland biodiversity monitoring project with the GWCT 🔬
Intrigued to hear what "negative impacts" there would be on "designated species" if non-native gamebird releases were stopped. That appears to be what GWCT told Minister Sue Hayman in a meeting earlier this year. I've FOI'd the meeting minutes.
www.gov.uk/csv-preview/...
www.gov.uk/csv-preview/...
October 6, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Intrigued to hear what "negative impacts" there would be on "designated species" if non-native gamebird releases were stopped. That appears to be what GWCT told Minister Sue Hayman in a meeting earlier this year. I've FOI'd the meeting minutes.
www.gov.uk/csv-preview/...
www.gov.uk/csv-preview/...
Woodcock shooting season starts today in most of the UK (Scotland was 1 Sep).
Continental birds have not arrived yet so any shot birds will be red-listed British breeders.
GWCT suggests waiting until 1 December before targeting Woodcock.
More here:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2015/10/26/c...
#birds
Continental birds have not arrived yet so any shot birds will be red-listed British breeders.
GWCT suggests waiting until 1 December before targeting Woodcock.
More here:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2015/10/26/c...
#birds
October 1, 2026 at 5:20 AM
Woodcock shooting season starts today in most of the UK (Scotland was 1 Sep).
Continental birds have not arrived yet so any shot birds will be red-listed British breeders.
GWCT suggests waiting until 1 December before targeting Woodcock.
More here:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2015/10/26/c...
#birds
Continental birds have not arrived yet so any shot birds will be red-listed British breeders.
GWCT suggests waiting until 1 December before targeting Woodcock.
More here:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2015/10/26/c...
#birds
GWCT employee recommends ‘continued lethal control of predators at landscape scale’ to protect ground-nesting birds. How about the cessation of releasing 60 million non-native gamebirds that support high densities of those predators?
Ten years on from a predator removal experiment in the English uplands: Changes in numbers of ground-nesting birds and predators | www.sciencedirect.co... | Journal for Nature Conservation | #ornithology #ukbirds 🪶
December 10, 2024 at 6:23 AM
GWCT employee recommends ‘continued lethal control of predators at landscape scale’ to protect ground-nesting birds. How about the cessation of releasing 60 million non-native gamebirds that support high densities of those predators?
Surveyed two Essex farms yesterday as part of the @gwct.org.uk Big Farmland Bird Count. Despite the gloomy weather we found YELLOWHAMMERS, BULLFINCHES, LINNETS, CHAFFINCHES, GOLDFINCHES and lots more. #BigFarmlandBirdCount #GWCT
February 11, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Surveyed two Essex farms yesterday as part of the @gwct.org.uk Big Farmland Bird Count. Despite the gloomy weather we found YELLOWHAMMERS, BULLFINCHES, LINNETS, CHAFFINCHES, GOLDFINCHES and lots more. #BigFarmlandBirdCount #GWCT
I have a new job!
A research position in Farmland Ecology, GWCT 🐝🔬
I will be helping with insect identification & conducting pollinator surveys as part of long-term biodiversity monitoring in farmland.
I will share my time between this & my research on insect social evolution at Oxford.
A research position in Farmland Ecology, GWCT 🐝🔬
I will be helping with insect identification & conducting pollinator surveys as part of long-term biodiversity monitoring in farmland.
I will share my time between this & my research on insect social evolution at Oxford.
June 5, 2025 at 5:48 PM
I have a new job!
A research position in Farmland Ecology, GWCT 🐝🔬
I will be helping with insect identification & conducting pollinator surveys as part of long-term biodiversity monitoring in farmland.
I will share my time between this & my research on insect social evolution at Oxford.
A research position in Farmland Ecology, GWCT 🐝🔬
I will be helping with insect identification & conducting pollinator surveys as part of long-term biodiversity monitoring in farmland.
I will share my time between this & my research on insect social evolution at Oxford.
A fantastic Gylfinir Cymru discussion yesterday at the GWCT stand!
🙌 Diolch to Julieanne Quinlan - Curlew Connections Wales, Mark Isherwood MS - Senedd Curlew Champion, Paul Williams - NFU Cymru, Gareth Parry - FUW, Bethan Beech - NRW, Lee Oliver - GWCT Wales)
🙌 Diolch to Julieanne Quinlan - Curlew Connections Wales, Mark Isherwood MS - Senedd Curlew Champion, Paul Williams - NFU Cymru, Gareth Parry - FUW, Bethan Beech - NRW, Lee Oliver - GWCT Wales)
July 24, 2025 at 3:03 PM
A fantastic Gylfinir Cymru discussion yesterday at the GWCT stand!
🙌 Diolch to Julieanne Quinlan - Curlew Connections Wales, Mark Isherwood MS - Senedd Curlew Champion, Paul Williams - NFU Cymru, Gareth Parry - FUW, Bethan Beech - NRW, Lee Oliver - GWCT Wales)
🙌 Diolch to Julieanne Quinlan - Curlew Connections Wales, Mark Isherwood MS - Senedd Curlew Champion, Paul Williams - NFU Cymru, Gareth Parry - FUW, Bethan Beech - NRW, Lee Oliver - GWCT Wales)
Another insightful guest blog on the controversial plans for a giant Sitka spruce plantation at Stobo Hope in the Scottish Borders.
📷copyright Ted Leeming (used with permission)
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2024/12/22/s...
📷copyright Ted Leeming (used with permission)
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2024/12/22/s...
Stobo Hope – did GWCT ‘advice’ help avoid an Environmental Impact Assessment on the destruction of black grouse habitat? (Guest Blog)
The following is a guest blog by someone who wishes to remain anonymous, although I know their identity. STOBO HOPE – DID GWCT ‘ADVICE’ HELP AVOID AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSME…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
December 22, 2024 at 1:43 PM
Another insightful guest blog on the controversial plans for a giant Sitka spruce plantation at Stobo Hope in the Scottish Borders.
📷copyright Ted Leeming (used with permission)
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2024/12/22/s...
📷copyright Ted Leeming (used with permission)
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2024/12/22/s...
Shoot or conserve (or shoot & conserve) Woodcock?
Amended blog, with links to 2023 UK survey by GWCT & BTO and new paper by Cat McNicol et al on self-regulation:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2015/10/26/c...
#waders #shorebirds #ornithology #birds #UKbirding
Amended blog, with links to 2023 UK survey by GWCT & BTO and new paper by Cat McNicol et al on self-regulation:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2015/10/26/c...
#waders #shorebirds #ornithology #birds #UKbirding
May 22, 2024 at 12:25 PM
Shoot or conserve (or shoot & conserve) Woodcock?
Amended blog, with links to 2023 UK survey by GWCT & BTO and new paper by Cat McNicol et al on self-regulation:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2015/10/26/c...
#waders #shorebirds #ornithology #birds #UKbirding
Amended blog, with links to 2023 UK survey by GWCT & BTO and new paper by Cat McNicol et al on self-regulation:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2015/10/26/c...
#waders #shorebirds #ornithology #birds #UKbirding
Perhaps we could use this opportunity to ask GWCT just how the ‘balance of nature’ was maintained before the invention of snares, shotguns, spring traps and poisons. It’s a mystery, isn’t it?
October 6, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Perhaps we could use this opportunity to ask GWCT just how the ‘balance of nature’ was maintained before the invention of snares, shotguns, spring traps and poisons. It’s a mystery, isn’t it?
Headstarted Curlew C5 , released Peppering, W. Sussex 24/7/24. Next sighted 6/10/25 on the R. Dart and reported to Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust.
Bird seen on an Osprey Cruise @clennonvalley.bsky.social.
Thanks Bleddyn Thomas of GWCT for info and link:
www.birdguides.com/news/headsta...
Bird seen on an Osprey Cruise @clennonvalley.bsky.social.
Thanks Bleddyn Thomas of GWCT for info and link:
www.birdguides.com/news/headsta...
November 14, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Headstarted Curlew C5 , released Peppering, W. Sussex 24/7/24. Next sighted 6/10/25 on the R. Dart and reported to Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust.
Bird seen on an Osprey Cruise @clennonvalley.bsky.social.
Thanks Bleddyn Thomas of GWCT for info and link:
www.birdguides.com/news/headsta...
Bird seen on an Osprey Cruise @clennonvalley.bsky.social.
Thanks Bleddyn Thomas of GWCT for info and link:
www.birdguides.com/news/headsta...
Bardolf Farm - A chilly but sunny day during the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count; Cattle Egret 7, Corn Bunting 10, Yellowhammer 130, Wigeon 388, Teal 102, Lapwing 351, A movement of gulls through the farm Mediterranean Gull 21 and Black-headed Gull 190. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
February 14, 2026 at 8:56 PM
Bardolf Farm - A chilly but sunny day during the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count; Cattle Egret 7, Corn Bunting 10, Yellowhammer 130, Wigeon 388, Teal 102, Lapwing 351, A movement of gulls through the farm Mediterranean Gull 21 and Black-headed Gull 190. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Government funding secured to further help Black Grouse Merlin & Scolopax amongst others.
#Scolopax26
britishbirds.co.uk/news/gwct-se...
#Scolopax26
britishbirds.co.uk/news/gwct-se...
GWCT Secures Funding for Seven Species Recovery Projects Under £60 m Natural England Programme | British Birds
Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola, Jean-Lou Zimmermann The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) has secured government funding for all seven projects submitted to Natural England's Species R...
britishbirds.co.uk
July 30, 2026 at 1:15 PM
Government funding secured to further help Black Grouse Merlin & Scolopax amongst others.
#Scolopax26
britishbirds.co.uk/news/gwct-se...
#Scolopax26
britishbirds.co.uk/news/gwct-se...
Stobo Hope - did GWCT 'advice' help avoid an Environmental Impact Assessment on the destruction of black grouse habitat? (Guest Blog) raptorpersecutionuk.org/2024/12/22/s...
Stobo Hope – did GWCT ‘advice’ help avoid an Environmental Impact Assessment on the destruction of black grouse habitat? (Guest Blog)
The following is a guest blog by someone who wishes to remain anonymous, although I know their identity. STOBO HOPE – DID GWCT ‘ADVICE’ HELP AVOID AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSME…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
December 22, 2024 at 9:36 PM
Stobo Hope - did GWCT 'advice' help avoid an Environmental Impact Assessment on the destruction of black grouse habitat? (Guest Blog) raptorpersecutionuk.org/2024/12/22/s...
New report on gamebird releases in Cairngorms National Park doesn't tell even half the story.
Study included less than half (45%) of estates rearing & releasing non-native gamebirds. MSPs need to interpret results cautiously & appropriately.
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/21/n...
Study included less than half (45%) of estates rearing & releasing non-native gamebirds. MSPs need to interpret results cautiously & appropriately.
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/21/n...
New report on gamebird releases in Cairngorms National Park doesn’t tell even half the story
In spring 2025, news emerged that the GWCT (Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust) was going to be conducting a pilot study to look at the number of non-native gamebirds (Pheasants & Red-legge…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
November 21, 2025 at 7:37 AM
New report on gamebird releases in Cairngorms National Park doesn't tell even half the story.
Study included less than half (45%) of estates rearing & releasing non-native gamebirds. MSPs need to interpret results cautiously & appropriately.
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/21/n...
Study included less than half (45%) of estates rearing & releasing non-native gamebirds. MSPs need to interpret results cautiously & appropriately.
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/21/n...
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust has secured government funding for 7 projects submitted to Natural England's Species Recovery Programme, strengthening its position as a leader in science-led conservation across England.
Read more britishbirds.co.uk/news/gwct-se...
📸Thomas Willoughby
Read more britishbirds.co.uk/news/gwct-se...
📸Thomas Willoughby
July 30, 2026 at 7:11 AM
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust has secured government funding for 7 projects submitted to Natural England's Species Recovery Programme, strengthening its position as a leader in science-led conservation across England.
Read more britishbirds.co.uk/news/gwct-se...
📸Thomas Willoughby
Read more britishbirds.co.uk/news/gwct-se...
📸Thomas Willoughby
Raga Shuddha Sarang on Bansuri
Raga Shuddha Sarang is an afternoon raga signifying the element of fire and heat. - Accompanying on tabla is Vikas Yendluri.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWcT...
Raga Shuddha Sarang is an afternoon raga signifying the element of fire and heat. - Accompanying on tabla is Vikas Yendluri.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWcT...
Raga Shuddha Sarang on Bansuri
YouTube video by Bansuriflute - Prasad Bhandarkar
www.youtube.com
October 9, 2026 at 8:12 AM
Raga Shuddha Sarang on Bansuri
Raga Shuddha Sarang is an afternoon raga signifying the element of fire and heat. - Accompanying on tabla is Vikas Yendluri.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWcT...
Raga Shuddha Sarang is an afternoon raga signifying the element of fire and heat. - Accompanying on tabla is Vikas Yendluri.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWcT...
Had a splendid day @GWCT @allertonproject today with fellow @wildfarmed growers.
Tacky underfoot but sunny. The Rutland area is very beautiful.
Tacky underfoot but sunny. The Rutland area is very beautiful.
November 21, 2024 at 5:47 PM
Had a splendid day @GWCT @allertonproject today with fellow @wildfarmed growers.
Tacky underfoot but sunny. The Rutland area is very beautiful.
Tacky underfoot but sunny. The Rutland area is very beautiful.
New report on gamebird releases in Cairngorms National Park doesn’t tell even half the story ...
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/21/n...
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/21/n...
New report on gamebird releases in Cairngorms National Park doesn’t tell even half the story
In spring 2025, news emerged that the GWCT (Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust) was going to be conducting a pilot study to look at the number of non-native gamebirds (Pheasants & Red-legge…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
November 21, 2025 at 8:29 AM
New report on gamebird releases in Cairngorms National Park doesn’t tell even half the story ...
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/21/n...
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/21/n...
The 2026 #BigFarmlandBirdCount is now underway and runs until 22nd February 🐦🌾
It’s a fantastic opportunity for landowners and recorders to help monitor how conservation efforts are supporting our farmland bird species.
For more information: https://www.bfbc.org.uk/
#GWCT #Nature #Wildlife
It’s a fantastic opportunity for landowners and recorders to help monitor how conservation efforts are supporting our farmland bird species.
For more information: https://www.bfbc.org.uk/
#GWCT #Nature #Wildlife
February 12, 2026 at 4:03 PM
The 2026 #BigFarmlandBirdCount is now underway and runs until 22nd February 🐦🌾
It’s a fantastic opportunity for landowners and recorders to help monitor how conservation efforts are supporting our farmland bird species.
For more information: https://www.bfbc.org.uk/
#GWCT #Nature #Wildlife
It’s a fantastic opportunity for landowners and recorders to help monitor how conservation efforts are supporting our farmland bird species.
For more information: https://www.bfbc.org.uk/
#GWCT #Nature #Wildlife
The shooting industry: organised crime, protected / owned by the rich & powerful, hiding behind dishonest propaganda from the Countryside Alliance, BASC and their scientific smokescreen, GWCT (not everything they do but they never produce anything that would negatively impact on their paymasters!)
Hen Harriers and other birds of prey are still being killed illegally.
Enough is enough.
Join us and call on the UK Government to license gamebird shooting and help protect these incredible birds before it’s too late. 👇
action.rspb.org.uk/page/185536/...
Enough is enough.
Join us and call on the UK Government to license gamebird shooting and help protect these incredible birds before it’s too late. 👇
action.rspb.org.uk/page/185536/...
January 30, 2026 at 3:03 PM
The shooting industry: organised crime, protected / owned by the rich & powerful, hiding behind dishonest propaganda from the Countryside Alliance, BASC and their scientific smokescreen, GWCT (not everything they do but they never produce anything that would negatively impact on their paymasters!)
Understanding foxes?
If you are trying to help breeding #waders (eg #curlew) this paper about fox behaviour from GWCT will make interesting reading: link.springer.com/content/pdf/...
Earlier #WaderTales blog: wadertales.wordpress.com/2020/02/24/c...
#shorebirds #ornithology #birds #ukbirding
If you are trying to help breeding #waders (eg #curlew) this paper about fox behaviour from GWCT will make interesting reading: link.springer.com/content/pdf/...
Earlier #WaderTales blog: wadertales.wordpress.com/2020/02/24/c...
#shorebirds #ornithology #birds #ukbirding
January 18, 2024 at 7:26 AM
Understanding foxes?
If you are trying to help breeding #waders (eg #curlew) this paper about fox behaviour from GWCT will make interesting reading: link.springer.com/content/pdf/...
Earlier #WaderTales blog: wadertales.wordpress.com/2020/02/24/c...
#shorebirds #ornithology #birds #ukbirding
If you are trying to help breeding #waders (eg #curlew) this paper about fox behaviour from GWCT will make interesting reading: link.springer.com/content/pdf/...
Earlier #WaderTales blog: wadertales.wordpress.com/2020/02/24/c...
#shorebirds #ornithology #birds #ukbirding