http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/News/News.aspx Keeping you up to date with news from the Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre en-gb Fri, 18 May 2012 05:25:34 GMT Copyright: (C) Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre http://www.wsbrc.org.uk 1440 http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/images/WSBRC.gif http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/Default.aspx An outbreak of the Asian Longhorn Beetle (ALB), an exotic beetle pest which could have severe consequences for British trees, has been found in Kent. The beetle is not native to the UK, and poses a serious threat to a very wide range of broadleaved trees and shrubs such as maple (including sycamore), elm, horse chestnut, willow, poplar, birch and some fruit trees. http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/5EdpvmkhbEKWzQuvt975kw%3d%3d/NewsArticle.aspx http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/5EdpvmkhbEKWzQuvt975kw%3d%3d/NewsArticle.aspx Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT A purple mist of Bluebells is a classic picture of spring in British woodlands, however there are increasing concerns about the threat of hybridisation, the genetic mixing, of our native (Common) Bluebells and the non-native Spanish Bluebell, with hybrids already appearing to be more common than Spanish Bluebells and completely replacing our native Bluebell in some urban areas. http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/0vqsW41EXkyIGbUmr1F1bQ%3d%3d/NewsArticle.aspx http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/0vqsW41EXkyIGbUmr1F1bQ%3d%3d/NewsArticle.aspx Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT This January across the country people had their eyes glued to their gardens once again recording the comings and goings of their garden birds for the RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch. With nearly 600,000 people taking part recording over 9 million birds representing 70 different species these results can provide a snapshot of avian health in the UK. http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/WEWbiLafiEeqlgZa2xnW4g%3d%3d/NewsArticle.aspx http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/WEWbiLafiEeqlgZa2xnW4g%3d%3d/NewsArticle.aspx Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT A big thank you to everyone who took part and sent in their sightings, the response to our survey pack was enthusiastic with over 6,000 packs being downloaded over the course of the year and we have collated the information gathered over the past year. http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/Vw7jxvbD0U%2b0OUhgmsuvNQ%3d%3d/NewsArticle.aspx http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/Vw7jxvbD0U%2b0OUhgmsuvNQ%3d%3d/NewsArticle.aspx Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Join in with the Big Spawn Count, run by Pond Conservation Trust and working with Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) and Amphibian and Reptile Groups of UK (ARGUK), to find out more about the breeding success of our common Frogs and Toads in garden ponds. http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/xoYFRxZNLUOyLAD3oxlRQg%3d%3d/NewsArticle.aspx http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/xoYFRxZNLUOyLAD3oxlRQg%3d%3d/NewsArticle.aspx Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT This article, written by John Presland, is about a dry stone wall reconstruction at Hartley Farm near Winsley. This current project shows how effective such an approach can be for wildlife and though colourful flowers are found on these walls, the most interesting aspect of the living community lies in their mosses and lichens. http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/6RQ%2bMlcrlk2ecKcVccbyJQ%3d%3d/NewsArticle.aspx http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/6RQ%2bMlcrlk2ecKcVccbyJQ%3d%3d/NewsArticle.aspx Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT The WSBRC now holds over one million species records on our main database after a huge drive to encourage recorders to send in records this year. The millionth record was added on 15th February within a batch of bird records collected at the Cotswold Water Park in 2011 by Water Park Trust staff, volunteers and members of the public. http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/Ec_6%2bM3O8U2AkgYH69Ki3Q%3d%3d/NewsArticle.aspx http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/Ec_6%2bM3O8U2AkgYH69Ki3Q%3d%3d/NewsArticle.aspx Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT The value of our hedgerows as places for wildlife to forage and shelter has long been recognised by those with an interest in preserving our wildlife. Now new research by the University of Northampton has suggested that hedgerows play a further important role; guiding the navigation of butterflies and bees. http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/LpCKGxnjrkSU%2bEYlSA9fuA%3d%3d/NewsArticle.aspx http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/LpCKGxnjrkSU%2bEYlSA9fuA%3d%3d/NewsArticle.aspx Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT A study into the effects of climate change on the survival, and hibernation of Hedgehogs needs you to record any sightings of our most easily recognised native mammal. The results from the survey, the first of its kind, will be used to help scientists understand the hedgehog’s life cycle better, including hibernation. http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/9EODtFq8wUinb68TzPpFQA%3d%3d/NewsArticle.aspx http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/9EODtFq8wUinb68TzPpFQA%3d%3d/NewsArticle.aspx Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The end of November and across the county hedgehogs and other overwintering or hibernating species are still active, roses are still in bloom and many plants are in bud once again. This year has seen the warmest September and October since 2006 with average temperatures 2 degrees centigrade higher than the 1971 – 2000 average, with October being the 8th warmest October seen in the last 100 years. http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/hT8HDgIu2EWaEsPeu5caOw%3d%3d/NewsArticle.aspx http://www.wsbrc.org.uk/hT8HDgIu2EWaEsPeu5caOw%3d%3d/NewsArticle.aspx Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT