November 20, 2024 • 40 mins
Host Nigel Palmer takes listeners on an emotional journey through the Men's Nature Reserve in West Sussex, an ancient woodland that has been preserved for over a millennium. As the episode unfolds, listeners are encouraged to reflect on nature and the importance of wildlife welfare, highlighted by discussions on the detrimental effects of using live reindeer at festive events. The podcast also provides practical tips on how to care for garden birds during the winter months, ensuring their survival amid harsh conditions. With a blend of serious topics and nature exploration, this episode emphasises the crucial relationship between humans and wildlife while advocating for animal welfare.
Nigel Palmer guides listeners through a compelling exploration of wildlife and nature in Southern Britain, specifically focusing on the historic Men’s Nature Reserve in West Sussex. This episode is packed with fascinating insights, beginning with a discussion of a landmark case involving two women who were jailed for their involvement in a global monkey torture ring. The shocking details of this case highlight the disturbing realities of animal cruelty and the legal strides being made in the UK to combat such heinous acts. Detective Chief Inspector Ben Arrowsmith characterizes the suffering inflicted upon these animals as both sadistic and sickening, which sets a serious tone for the episode as it transitions into lighter topics later on.
Following the nature news, the episode emphasises a growing movement to eliminate the use of live reindeer in Christmas events, focusing on the welfare issues that arise from such practices. With a report backing the claim, Palmer discusses how many events have successfully transitioned to reindeer-free celebrations, highlighting a positive shift towards more humane treatment of animals. As the podcast progresses, listeners are introduced to practical advice on how to care for garden birds during the winter months. Palmer provides helpful tips on the types of seeds and feeders that can attract various species, ensuring that listeners are well-prepared to support their local avian populations amid harsh weather.
The latter part of the episode transitions into a vivid auditory journey through the Men’s Nature Reserve, where Palmer invites listeners to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of this ancient woodland. He shares anecdotes about the diverse flora and fauna, and the unique historical context of the area, fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world. This blend of informative storytelling and personal reflection not only educates but also inspires a sense of stewardship for wildlife and the environment.
Takeaways:
- This week's episode features a shocking case of animal cruelty involving a monkey torture ring.
- Listeners are encouraged to stop using live reindeer at Christmas events for animal welfare.
- The Men's Nature Reserve has a rich history dating back over 1,000 years.
- Properly cleaning bird feeders is essential to prevent avian diseases and promote bird health.
- The podcast discusses how to create a bird-friendly haven in your garden during winter.
- A special mindful moment reflects on the soothing sounds of rain in nature.
Links referenced in this episode:
www.wildlife-matters.org
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:26):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters.
Welcome back to the podcast.
I'm your host Nigel Palmer andin this feature packed episode we
embark on an excitingadventure through one of the wildest
areas in Southern Britain, theancient woodland known as the Men's
and Nature Reserve in West Sussex.
(00:48):
We'll also take a moment toappreciate nature by enjoying a special
mindful moment that is relatedto our weather.
But first let's get over tothe newsletter for this week's Wildlife
Matters Nature News.
(01:24):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters Nature News.
And we begin today with asickening story actually these two
women have been jailed overmonkey a torturing Two women have
been jailed for their part ina global monkey torturing ring, bringing
the end to a historic alandmark case that has been described
(01:46):
as one of the most disturbingby a police officer who led the investigation.
Holly Legresley, age 37, ofKidderminster was.
Sentenced to two years atWorcester Crown.
Court, whilst Adriana Orme,aged 55 of Upton upon seven was sentenced
to one year and three monthsin prison.
(02:10):
The case is the first time in.
British legal history thatcharges relating to.
Animal cruelty have beenbought under the Serious crime Act
of 2007 for cruelty that tookplace abroad but where the offenders
are in the uk.
Both Legresley and Orme hadpreviously pleaded guilty at separate
(02:31):
hearings to publishing anobscene article and causing unnecessary
suffering to animals.
The pair discovered the onlinemonkey hate community during the
COVID 19 pandemic.
West Mercia police said thattheir interest and involvement escalated
(02:51):
following intelligence fromthe National Crime Agency.
The pair were arrested bypolice in September and October of
2022 as part of a jointoperation with the National Wildlife
Crime Unit.
The monkey hate communityfeatured members from across the
world who enjoyed watching andin some cases paying for videos of
(03:15):
monkeys being abused, torturedand killed.
Detective Chief Inspector BenArrowsmith, who led the investigation
for the West Mercia PoliceForce, described the suffering that
the animals endured assickening and sadistic.
He said that The Gresley andOrme's interest in the subject was
(03:35):
initially through YouTube, butquickly escalated to groups on.
Private messaging platformssuch as Telegram and Discord.
Through the groups, both womendeveloped links with one of the main
organizers of the global ring,Michael McCartney from the USA, known
online as the Torture King.
The pair utilized the 50 yearold who was jailed earlier this month
(03:59):
for three years and fourmonths for his part in the ring in
the US state of Virginia astheir direct line of contact to the
people in Indonesia whocarried out and filmed the torture.
Furthermore, police revealedthat legresely took on the role of
admin in a group on Telegramwhich meant she welcomed new members
and helped them access videosand photographs of the monkeys being
(04:22):
tortured.
The 37 year old took herinvolvement a step further by taking
on responsibility forarchiving all the content in the
Telegram group as well asother groups, leading to a library
of thousands of images andvideos all showing monkey abuse,
torture and killing.
Both women are said to have watched.
The content themselves andpolice said they were also regularly
(04:46):
sharing content and asevidenced by comments within the
Telegram group expressingtheir delight at the images that
they were viewing.
Sarah Kite, co founder ofAction for Primates who was pivotal
in providing evidence in thiscase, said, I am incredibly grateful
to West Mercia Police, theNational Wildlife Crime Unit and
(05:09):
the National Crime Agency fortaking action against Orme and legreslay
for their roles infacilitating the torture and killing
of baby monkeys.
The complete lack of empathyboth women showed for the terror
and suffering of the monkeys,some just a few days old, is so disturbing
and to pay for someone toinflict such violence is beyond my
(05:33):
comprehension.
The depravity displayed bymembers of these online monkey torture
groups is utterly horrifying.
I hope today's sentence showsthose who engage in this behavior
that it is not only abhorrent,it is also a crime.
And that of the arrests andpunishments taking place here in
(05:54):
the UK and worldwide willdeter others from becoming involved
in these sadistic, perverted activities.
Well, what an absolutelyshocking case that that is.
Our second story on thisweek's Wildlife.
Matters Nature News is thatit's time.
To stop bringing Rudolph andhis friends to the Christmas light
(06:16):
switch ons.
Many towns and villages willbe switching on their Christmas lights
this weekend.
In addition to Santa and thelights, some offer a funfair or a
parade, but one thing theyshould refrain from including is
the use of live reindeer.
Last year 44 events that hadpreviously used live animals began
(06:39):
hosting reindeer free eventswith much success.
In fact, since 2018 at least153 events have ceased using the
reindeer.
It's an unnatural environmentin their inability to exhibit natural
behavior, constant andunpredictable interactions, long
(06:59):
distance travel, repeatedloading and.
Unloading and the stress ofpulling Santa's.
Sleigh all contribute to theseunconsenting animals.
Well documented, distinctlystress, fear and mental fatigue,
transportation and events canalso compromise.
Their immune systems, makingthem more susceptible.
(07:20):
To disease and infection.
And all of this suffering istotally needless.
A recent report highlightsthese events Detrimental effects
on Reindeer Welfare Dr.
Taylor Hammond, a researcherin animal welfare and behavior, concluded
in the report that such eventsshould be discontinued due to the
(07:41):
significant welfare concernsthat were identified in the report.
Vets across the UK have longexpressed concerns about the suitability
of reindeer for captivity, butcommon issues include poor body weight,
weight loss and muscle atrophyand that has been this week's Wildlife
(08:02):
Matters Nature News.
Exciting news Wildlife Mattershas formed a partnership with the
fabulous folk at One Voice for Animals.
(08:25):
Our partnership aims to raiseawareness of.
The work of the manyindependent rescues.
That are part of the One Voicefor Animals family.
One Voice for Animals work tocreate awareness of the work of rescue
organizations all around theUK to provide practical support,
that is Raising standards for animal.
(08:47):
Rescues and helping them toraise the vital funds that they need.
The One Voice for AnimalsDirectory is the place to go to find
your local animal rescue, bethat for companion or wild animals
and collectively, One Voicefor Animals works to influence UK
animal welfare issues onbehalf of their member organizations
(09:11):
and is a member of apor, theAll Parliamentary Group for Animal
Welfare.
For more information pleasevisit the One Voice for Animals website.
Their website address iswww.helpanimals.co.uk and just in
(09:32):
case you've missed that, getyour pen and papers ready.
The website address iswww.helpanimals.co.uk now let's get
back to the Wildlife Matterpodcast and hello and welcome to
(10:06):
this brand new feature on theWildlife Matters podcast where we
share some of the articlesthat we've written for other magazines
and websites and we'restarting off today with how to look
after your garden birds this winter.
As winter covers our backgardens, outdoor spaces and countryside
in glistening frost and snow,the survival of our feathered friends.
(10:30):
Becomes a crucial consideration.
The cold of winter presentsunique challenges for wild birds,
making it essential to nourishthem through the chilly months.
This article aims to guide youin creating a bird friendly haven
during winter, offeringinsights into the best nutritional
(10:52):
choices to support many birdsin their quest for warmth and sustenance.
Written by Wildlife Matters,this article will help you master
the art of winter bird feed.
It will bring joy and vitalityto your local avian community whilst
attracting birds to yourgarden during the harsher weather
(11:13):
conditions.
Providing the right seeds andnuts in your bird feeder or on your
bird table is vital for thesurvival and well being of the wild
birds.
Feeding birds should be anenjoyable and enriching experience.
However, it is vital tounderstand which natural and fresh
(11:33):
foods they can safely consumeand keep in mind that some foods
that are suitable for humanconsumption can be harmful to the
birds.
Improper food sources and poorfeeder hygiene can lead to serious
health issues for our avian friends.
Sunflower seeds, whether inthe shell or hull, are a nutritional
(11:56):
powerhouse and a favoriteamong many birds species.
They are packed with essentialfats and proteins, providing a high
energy food source crucial formaintaining body temperature in cold
weather.
Niger seeds, also known asthistle seeds, are particularly favored
by finches, robins, blue titsand other small birds.
(12:20):
These seeds supply birds withthe necessary oils, energy and calories
to survive the.
Harshest of winter conditions.
For the ground, feeding birdslike sparrows, millet is a budget
friendly option that offersenergy and sustenance.
Feeding peanuts to birds inwinter can also be a nutritious and
(12:43):
energy rich choice.
Many birds enjoy peanuts highin fats and proteins providing essential
calories that help themmaintain their energy levels during
the colder months.
But be sure to use unsaltedpeanuts free from any additives to
ensure the health and wellbeing of our feathered friends.
(13:05):
Consider mixing these seeds invarious feeders to accommodate different
bird species and theirdifferent feeding habits.
By offering a diverseselection of bird seed in your garden,
you will enhance the health ofyour feathered visitors and improve
your winter bird watching experience.
(13:25):
This creates a haven ofsustenance that brightens up the
chilly days for the.
Birds and the bird enthusiasts alike.
Providing nuts and seeds insuitable feeders.
Or scattering them on birdtables gives the birds something
to eat while supporting thevitality of your local bird population.
During the challenging winterseason season when.
(13:47):
Natural food is often scarce.
When you feed birds the rightfoods in winter, you can encourage
them to visit your garden year round.
So what shouldn't I feed tothe garden birds?
Well, avoid giving dried fruitas it often contains high levels
of added sugars andpreservatives that can negatively
(14:10):
impact on the bird's well being.
Cooked rice can also poserisks if it's not eaten right away.
It can develop harmfulbacteria that may harm birds when
ingested.
Additionally, processed andsalty foods such as chips or crackers
should be avoided as excessivesalt intake will harm avian kittens.
(14:33):
Be cautious with mouldy orspoiled seeds as they can carry aflatox
toxins which.
Can be lethal for garden birds.
And finally, stay clear ofdairy products.
Such as cheese as birds arelactose intolerant and consuming
dairy will lead to digestive issues.
To ensure your featheredfriend's safety and overall health,
(14:55):
prioritize a balanced and birdfriendly diet by avoiding these potentially
harmful foods.
And what containers should Ileave the.
Bird food in well, selectingproper containers for the bird feeding
is essential for maintainingthe freshness and accommodating the
diverse feeding habits of allof our garden friends.
(15:18):
Bird feeders are among themost popular options and come in
various styles such as tubeand platform feeders, each catering
to different bird species.
Tube feeders are ideal fortiny seeds like sunflower and niger
seeds, whilst platform feederscan accommodate larger birds and
various types of seeds.
(15:41):
Hanging fat balls, a winterfavorite, can be placed in specialized
containers or suspended fromtrees and hooks.
These high energy treatsattract various bird species but
particularly those seekingsupplemental fats during the colder
months.
Bird tables provide a spaciousopen feeding area allowing ground
(16:04):
feeding birds such as sparrowsor blackbirds to enjoy seeds comfortably.
Choosing tables with roofs oroverhangs is advisable to protect
the seeds from rain and snowand preserve their quality.
Moreover, containers should bedurable, easy to.
Clean and strategicallypositioned to deter squirrels.
(16:24):
And other potential seed thieves.
Leaving fresh water out in adish on a bird table is beneficial.
This is especially helpful forsick birds needing easy access to
drinking water.
Consider purchasing bird bathswhich allow smaller birds to bathe
and clean themselvesregardless of the weather.
(16:45):
Just be sure to check that thewater hasn't frozen over on the colder
days.
Why is it important to cleanbird feeders Thoroughly?
Cleaning bird feedersthoroughly is essential for.
The health and well being of all.
Our garden birds during the summer.
Seed holes, droppings,leftover bird food and moisture can
(17:06):
accumulate in feeders,creating an.
Environment where harmfulbacteria, mold and parasites can
thrive.
Regular cleaning helps preventthe spread of avian diseases, protecting
the delicate immune system.
Of the birds that visit the feeders.
Moisture can lead to theformation of aflatoxins on damp or
(17:27):
spoiled seeds which pose asignificant health risk to birds.
Keeping your feeders clean isa critical task that should not be
overlooked.
Additionally, clean feedersattract a wider variety of birds
and ensure a positive feeding experience.
Birds are more likely toreturn to feeders that offer fresh,
(17:48):
uncontaminated seeds,enhancing the diversity and enjoyment
of your bird watching.
Routine cleaning also helpsmaintain feeders a structural integrity,
extending their lifespan andpreventing potential hazards such
as mouldy or spoiled seedsthat can harm the birds.
Maintaining clean feedersbecomes even more critical.
(18:11):
When resources are scarce in winter.
Bird lovers should establish aregular cleaning.
Schedule using a mild bleachsolution or specialized bird feeder
cleaning products to promotetheir avian visitors health, safety
and diversity.
We do hope that you have foundthis article interesting.
If you feed your garden birdsand you follow some of our tips,
(18:34):
please do let us know in the comments.
Wherever you get your podcasts.
(18:56):
I hope you found helping yourgarden birds this winter enjoyable
and that you discovered somehelpful, helpful hints and tips.
Please do let us know if you.
Try any of our tips this winter.
We would love to hear from you.
Now let's take some time torelax and enjoy nature.
This week we reflect on anovercast, wet summer day in Somerset
(19:22):
where we walked through awooded valley.
The sky darkened as we watchedcharcoal gray clouds rolling in,
shifting to midnight black,and soon the first drops of rain
began to fall on us.
Sit back and enjoy thesoothing sound.
Of rain in the summertime.
(21:02):
Well, that was surprisingly refreshing.
I remember how my shirt andjacket steamed as we walked back
along the valley ridge laterthat afternoon, gradually drying
off from that sudden rainstorm.
And now it's time to join mein Sussex as we explore the ancient
(21:23):
pathways around a 52 hectareancient woodland reserve known as
the Men's Nature Reserve,which has been here for over 1,000
years.
(21:55):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters main feature
and this is an.
Adventure I've really beenlooking forward to sharing with you
as we take a tour of Ben'sNature Reserve.
An unusual name, yes, hasAnglo Saxon origins and I am told
that the original name ofJemannus actually means common land.
(22:18):
During Anglo Saxon times theland was divided into large manorial
estates and large areas of theground were cultivated.
However, those areas of poorerquality soil.
Were left uncultivated andlocal inhabitants retained the right
to use these woodlands orwastelands for certain purposes that
(22:41):
were in common with the landowner.
These initially concentratedupon some or all of the following
grazing of cattle, horse.
Turbary to collect peat orfuel for.
Your fires and estovas was tocollect wood for fueling and fencing
(23:02):
or bracken for animal bedding,and also to take.
Stone, sand and gravel.
The county name, Sussex comesfrom an Old English sua siaks, meaning
South Saxons.
It was known as a remote andwild area and the locals were said
(23:22):
to be hostile to William andhis conquering army.
So there is a lot of historyin this area and the Men's woodland
has been continually woodedsince Anglo Saxon times or pre1066
and way before the acceptedclassification of 1600 for ancient
(23:44):
woodland.
With the history chat over,let's start exploring the woodland.
One of the many reasons I enjoyed.
This woodland is that it feels so.
Wild you can lose yourself init because there is so much to see
and so much to hear.
(24:05):
Your senses are alive, butalso there is no Set route, no footpaths
or signs.
It does have some ancienttracks, but these are often overgrown
and it is as close to beingwild as you will find in the south
of England in modern times.
(24:25):
Today, we're going to followone of.
Those ancient tracks that willallow us to experience most of the
amazing natural and artificialfeatures that have shaped the history
of this ancient woodland.
As we leave the small anduneven car park and head up towards
the start of our walk, thetree canopy is already shading the
(24:48):
path and the temperature isabout 3 to 4 degrees cooler, noticeable.
Just a few minutes into thewoodland, the first point of interest
is an old sawpit.
These were typically at thewood yard and not within the woodland.
A saw pit was deep enough fora man to stand and pull one end of
(25:11):
the saw down while the othersawman stood on top of the log, pulling
the saw up and keeping astraight line.
Today, all we can see of the.
Sawpit is a slight depressionin the ground with a bank on one
side.
The sawpit will have beenaligned so that the long side is
at right angles to thedirection of the slope.
(25:33):
The soil they removed was thenused to make a bank on the downhill
side that would have held thelog in place.
This sawpit is at the base of.
A hill with the forest streamrunning just to our left.
This would have helped theforesters transport the felled tree
to the pit for sawing.
It is also on the maintrackway into the woodland, so the
(25:57):
finished sawn log could betransported on a horse drawn cart.
Now we will walk down the steep.
Bank and cross the stream on the.
Tree which has fallen across it.
There is no bridge, althoughthe stream is low today and can be
crossed quite easily.
(26:17):
As I climb the steep bank, wefind an old trackway running along
the.
Top of the stream bank.
The nearly 10 meter drop showshow this stream can swell in the
wetter months.
I'm searching for somethingspecial that I've only found once
before in another ancientwoodland in Sussex.
(26:39):
Within just a few minutes itcomes into view.
It's a wild service tree and it's.
A big one as well.
Cannot accurately date thetree, but she is a grand old lady,
probably 2, maybe even 300years old.
Her bark is so distinctive andmagnificent and I enjoy spending
(27:05):
a few minutes just taking inthe beauty of this rare and beautiful
tree.
Along the trackway, severalancient woodland indicator species
such as yellow archangel andviolet hellebore are present.
In addition to the majesticoaks and ancient beech trees, holly
(27:26):
dominates the lower story ofthe canopy But I doubt it would have
been so prevalent in the past.
Walking along, I try and tuneinto the birdsong.
I'm clearly identifyingsongthrush, wood warbler and chiffchaff.
This woodland has a fantasticcollection of fungi.
(27:47):
Over 600 species have beenfound here in addition to the 12
recorded bat species,including the Barbastel, Beckstein's,
Brandts, brown long earedCommon and soprano Pipistrelle, Dorbentons,
Leislers, Lesser horseshoe,Natterera's Noctule and Seretine
(28:08):
that are all present in thisone woodlands.
We will return in the autumnfor a fungi forage and to see how
many of those beautiful batspecies we can find.
The woodland track undulatesand I'm almost continually walking
down the hill towards thestream to make progress before having
(28:30):
to walk back up towards theridge again to carry on.
This is a challenging terrainand we're only just at the beginning
of this walk.
Finally and after severalminutes it begins to level out and
I'm back on a trackway, butalmost constantly stepping over the
numerous fallen trees.
(28:51):
This ancient track has notbeen used for some time.
The site suffered massively inthe great storms back in 1987 and
the correct decision was madeto leave the fallen tree freeze and
let nature take its course.
But some of the beech and oakswere so large that the woodland floor
(29:13):
would take many more decadesto reclaim them.
Still today, this fallen deadwood has.
Created a magnificent habitatfor moths, bugs.
Thrips, bees, wasps, ants andother creatures.
Such as spiders and mites andpseudo scorpions, nematodes.
(29:35):
They can all be foundinhabiting dead and decaying wood.
There's also a large number ofinvertebrates and vertebrates that
live in dead and decayingtrees but do not use them for their
nourishment.
Probably the stag beetle beingthe best known of them.
The trackway disappears againas the holly thickens and I move
(29:57):
down the bank and try to carry on.
I come upon a clearing and seethe next landmark on the opposite
side of the stream.
I make my way down the steepembankment and cross the stream on
a pair of small diameter birchtrees that I'm sure have been placed
here, but it's still prettyscary with the stream two or three
(30:20):
meters below me.
The irony is that I found apartly constructive bridge with a
brick base and a concrete topsection just a little further along
this trail.
The bridge is believed to havebeen built by Canadian troops during
World War II, but it was neverfinished and no one seems to know
(30:41):
why.
The Canadian army was in thewoodland during the war and had a
HQ building not far from the bridge.
As I continue along thetrackway, regularly walking through
the holly bushes, activelyengulfing the whole area.
A short way along the track, a.
Wonderful sight comes into view.
(31:03):
It's a carpet of yellow that covers.
Both sides of the bank.
Another ancient woodland keyindicator species is the opposite
leaved golden saxifrage, whichis spectacular in the dappled sunlight.
This wet woodland plant lovesto grow alongside streams.
(31:23):
It is a creeping species andthis one has spread an imposing 20
meters or more along bothsides of this slightly raised bank
by the stream.
It's not a rare plant, butthat said, you don't find it in the
wild that often and certainlynot in this scale and size.
(31:44):
As I continue along the trail,I come to a large mound.
It almost looks like a smallhill in front of me, but the stream
I have been following stops atthis mound, so it is a soil dam,
as it is too neat to have beenan earth slide.
The dams are used to controlthe water and this one has created
(32:05):
a mosaic of small pools and ponds.
In a way, this is very similarto what beavers will do naturally
and they will create verysimilar environments.
These pools are ideal foramphibious amphibians, including
frogs, toads and newts.
I was fortunate to spot agrass snake swimming in the pool
(32:25):
close to me and that is a suresign that the amphibians are here.
The dam is situated near theboundary of the woodland, so it was
probably built by the woodmanwanting to retain the water in pools
for easier collection, maybefor charcoal pits or possibly for
washing the wheels of theircarts, as the soil is clay based
(32:48):
and a.
Deep, rich, dark colour thathas that.
Lovely smell of woodland soils.
Now the track leads me out ofthe woodland and into a meadow.
My eyes squint as I try tofocus, having emerged from the dark
dappled woodland out intobright sunshine.
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When my eyes are able to focusagain, they are greeted by the magnificent
sight of a large woodlandmeadow that is quite literally buzzing
with life.
I walk into the meadow andstep away from the path.
The grasses and vetches arewaist deep and the sound of insect
wings and grasshoppers is aconstant low pitched hum.
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This is known as Badlands Meadow.
The meadow is several hectaresedged by.
Ancient woodland to the northand a road to the south and east.
I follow the path in a westerly.
Direction and immediately spotthe zig zag clover.
It resembles the more commonred clover, but the flowers are a
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deeper purple and the Leavesare slimmer and less hairy.
In front of me in the long.
Meadow grasses, I spot a small patch.
Of common spotted orchids.
There are maybe 15 to 20 here today.
The common part of their nameis a bit misleading as whilst not
(34:17):
rare, they are certainly notan everyday find, so I'm thrilled
to see them in such goodnumbers here.
Making my way through themeadow, I spot two more plants featured
recently in our summerWildflower walk.
So while I am noting themhere, I won't go into any detail
today on the fantastic Devil'sBit scabious and the very beautiful
(34:42):
yellow rattle.
Just over to my left is aflower with many names and traditional
uses.
Known as lady's smock, thisdelicate pale coloured flower is
part of the cardamom family.
The leaves are small anddifficult to gather, but they taste
similar to wasabe or spicy hotmustard, which is a real treat for
(35:06):
the taste buds.
The cuckoo flower, which gotits name because it flowers just
as the male cuckoos start tosing each year, was believed to help
alleviate menstrual pain,especially for heavy periods, and
was used as a general tonic byboth men and women.
Our meadow plant festcontinues with Dyer's greenweed.
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This shrubby perennial is agood indicator of unimproved hay
meadow and is often found onmeadows that are adjoined by woodland,
just as we are here.
It's a pea family member andits yellow flowers appear around
June.
It resembles common broom andit is a good nectar to source for
moths and butterflies.
(35:52):
Another yellow plant is justover to my right.
Common agrimony is a member ofthe rose family.
Agrimony in Old English meantthankfulness, and it's believed that
it was used for the relief ofsuffering from both urinary and respiratory
infections.
If you do find commonagrimony, take a moment to smell
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the flowers.
Although faint, the scent isof apricot.
As the meadow narrows and thepath gently bends back towards the
woodland, the.
Hedgerow gets taller anddenser again.
The nettle, one of the mostunderrated wild plants, runs along
the border between the hedgeand the path.
(36:36):
This one is betony and it'sprolific along this hedgerow.
Like many wildflowers, betbetony has many local names, such
as hedge nettle, purple orwood betony and bishop's wort.
Like all nettles, it hassquare stems and lipped flowers that
attract bees, particularly thewalcada bee and other pollinators.
(37:00):
Besides its wildlife benefits,betony is also.
Considered a great go to herbas all parts are edible.
As the Old saying goes, a cupof betony tea will make you feel
better.
It has a slightly peppery,spicy taste and a rich aroma.
(37:21):
Betony is said to aidconcentration and working on your
central nervous system canhelp relieve depression and anxiety.
It was also often plantedaround churches and in graveyards
as it was said.
To ward off ghosts.
I do hope you're enjoying ourmeander around the Men's Nature Reserve,
(37:44):
this stunning ancient wood.
We're about halfway throughour walk now and this would be a
good place to pause for now.
So I look forward to youjoining me again for part two where
we will explore themagnificent trees that were used
to build Britain's armada ofships, discover some of the 600 plus
(38:06):
species of fungi on the site,and even find an abandoned church.
So make sure you subscribe andfollow so that you never miss an
episode.
(38:36):
Well, I hope you enjoyed thewild and unrestrained nature of the
Men's Nature Reserve.
I can't wait to share thesecond part of our adventure with
you in the next episode of theWildlife Matters podcast.
I enjoy creating theseadventures and I hope you find them
enjoy entertaining and informative.
(38:57):
Please do leave us a commentwherever you get your podcasts on
social media or emailus@infowildlifematters.org it really
does help.
Thank you.
Wildlife Matters will returnin two weeks when we will complete
our adventure around.
The Men's and Nature Reserve.
(39:18):
We'll also bring you anotherarticle from the Wildlife Matters
Archive, spend some mindful.
Moments in nature and bringyou all the very latest nature news.
There's so much to lookforward to, so make sure to like,
follow and share our podcastwherever you get them.
(39:38):
We would love it if you couldleave us a review as that helps the
algorithm direct more peopleto our humble little podcast and
helps our community grow.
Thank you for taking the timeto listen to us today.
Every one of you listenersmeans the world to us and as always,
(40:00):
stay curious wild ones.
I've been your host, NigelPalmer and this is Wildlife Matters
signing off.
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters.
Welcome back to the podcast.
I'm your host Nigel Palmer andin this feature packed episode we
embark on an excitingadventure through one of the wildest
areas in Southern Britain, theancient woodland known as the Men's
and Nature Reserve in West Sussex.
(00:48):
We'll also take a moment toappreciate nature by enjoying a special
mindful moment that is relatedto our weather.
But first let's get over tothe newsletter for this week's Wildlife
Matters Nature News.
(01:24):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters Nature News.
And we begin today with asickening story actually these two
women have been jailed overmonkey a torturing Two women have
been jailed for their part ina global monkey torturing ring, bringing
the end to a historic alandmark case that has been described
(01:46):
as one of the most disturbingby a police officer who led the investigation.
Holly Legresley, age 37, ofKidderminster was.
Sentenced to two years atWorcester Crown.
Court, whilst Adriana Orme,aged 55 of Upton upon seven was sentenced
to one year and three monthsin prison.
(02:10):
The case is the first time in.
British legal history thatcharges relating to.
Animal cruelty have beenbought under the Serious crime Act
of 2007 for cruelty that tookplace abroad but where the offenders
are in the uk.
Both Legresley and Orme hadpreviously pleaded guilty at separate
(02:31):
hearings to publishing anobscene article and causing unnecessary
suffering to animals.
The pair discovered the onlinemonkey hate community during the
COVID 19 pandemic.
West Mercia police said thattheir interest and involvement escalated
(02:51):
following intelligence fromthe National Crime Agency.
The pair were arrested bypolice in September and October of
2022 as part of a jointoperation with the National Wildlife
Crime Unit.
The monkey hate communityfeatured members from across the
world who enjoyed watching andin some cases paying for videos of
(03:15):
monkeys being abused, torturedand killed.
Detective Chief Inspector BenArrowsmith, who led the investigation
for the West Mercia PoliceForce, described the suffering that
the animals endured assickening and sadistic.
He said that The Gresley andOrme's interest in the subject was
(03:35):
initially through YouTube, butquickly escalated to groups on.
Private messaging platformssuch as Telegram and Discord.
Through the groups, both womendeveloped links with one of the main
organizers of the global ring,Michael McCartney from the USA, known
online as the Torture King.
The pair utilized the 50 yearold who was jailed earlier this month
(03:59):
for three years and fourmonths for his part in the ring in
the US state of Virginia astheir direct line of contact to the
people in Indonesia whocarried out and filmed the torture.
Furthermore, police revealedthat legresely took on the role of
admin in a group on Telegramwhich meant she welcomed new members
and helped them access videosand photographs of the monkeys being
(04:22):
tortured.
The 37 year old took herinvolvement a step further by taking
on responsibility forarchiving all the content in the
Telegram group as well asother groups, leading to a library
of thousands of images andvideos all showing monkey abuse,
torture and killing.
Both women are said to have watched.
The content themselves andpolice said they were also regularly
(04:46):
sharing content and asevidenced by comments within the
Telegram group expressingtheir delight at the images that
they were viewing.
Sarah Kite, co founder ofAction for Primates who was pivotal
in providing evidence in thiscase, said, I am incredibly grateful
to West Mercia Police, theNational Wildlife Crime Unit and
(05:09):
the National Crime Agency fortaking action against Orme and legreslay
for their roles infacilitating the torture and killing
of baby monkeys.
The complete lack of empathyboth women showed for the terror
and suffering of the monkeys,some just a few days old, is so disturbing
and to pay for someone toinflict such violence is beyond my
(05:33):
comprehension.
The depravity displayed bymembers of these online monkey torture
groups is utterly horrifying.
I hope today's sentence showsthose who engage in this behavior
that it is not only abhorrent,it is also a crime.
And that of the arrests andpunishments taking place here in
(05:54):
the UK and worldwide willdeter others from becoming involved
in these sadistic, perverted activities.
Well, what an absolutelyshocking case that that is.
Our second story on thisweek's Wildlife.
Matters Nature News is thatit's time.
To stop bringing Rudolph andhis friends to the Christmas light
(06:16):
switch ons.
Many towns and villages willbe switching on their Christmas lights
this weekend.
In addition to Santa and thelights, some offer a funfair or a
parade, but one thing theyshould refrain from including is
the use of live reindeer.
Last year 44 events that hadpreviously used live animals began
(06:39):
hosting reindeer free eventswith much success.
In fact, since 2018 at least153 events have ceased using the
reindeer.
It's an unnatural environmentin their inability to exhibit natural
behavior, constant andunpredictable interactions, long
(06:59):
distance travel, repeatedloading and.
Unloading and the stress ofpulling Santa's.
Sleigh all contribute to theseunconsenting animals.
Well documented, distinctlystress, fear and mental fatigue,
transportation and events canalso compromise.
Their immune systems, makingthem more susceptible.
(07:20):
To disease and infection.
And all of this suffering istotally needless.
A recent report highlightsthese events Detrimental effects
on Reindeer Welfare Dr.
Taylor Hammond, a researcherin animal welfare and behavior, concluded
in the report that such eventsshould be discontinued due to the
(07:41):
significant welfare concernsthat were identified in the report.
Vets across the UK have longexpressed concerns about the suitability
of reindeer for captivity, butcommon issues include poor body weight,
weight loss and muscle atrophyand that has been this week's Wildlife
(08:02):
Matters Nature News.
Exciting news Wildlife Mattershas formed a partnership with the
fabulous folk at One Voice for Animals.
(08:25):
Our partnership aims to raiseawareness of.
The work of the manyindependent rescues.
That are part of the One Voicefor Animals family.
One Voice for Animals work tocreate awareness of the work of rescue
organizations all around theUK to provide practical support,
that is Raising standards for animal.
(08:47):
Rescues and helping them toraise the vital funds that they need.
The One Voice for AnimalsDirectory is the place to go to find
your local animal rescue, bethat for companion or wild animals
and collectively, One Voicefor Animals works to influence UK
animal welfare issues onbehalf of their member organizations
(09:11):
and is a member of apor, theAll Parliamentary Group for Animal
Welfare.
For more information pleasevisit the One Voice for Animals website.
Their website address iswww.helpanimals.co.uk and just in
(09:32):
case you've missed that, getyour pen and papers ready.
The website address iswww.helpanimals.co.uk now let's get
back to the Wildlife Matterpodcast and hello and welcome to
(10:06):
this brand new feature on theWildlife Matters podcast where we
share some of the articlesthat we've written for other magazines
and websites and we'restarting off today with how to look
after your garden birds this winter.
As winter covers our backgardens, outdoor spaces and countryside
in glistening frost and snow,the survival of our feathered friends.
(10:30):
Becomes a crucial consideration.
The cold of winter presentsunique challenges for wild birds,
making it essential to nourishthem through the chilly months.
This article aims to guide youin creating a bird friendly haven
during winter, offeringinsights into the best nutritional
(10:52):
choices to support many birdsin their quest for warmth and sustenance.
Written by Wildlife Matters,this article will help you master
the art of winter bird feed.
It will bring joy and vitalityto your local avian community whilst
attracting birds to yourgarden during the harsher weather
(11:13):
conditions.
Providing the right seeds andnuts in your bird feeder or on your
bird table is vital for thesurvival and well being of the wild
birds.
Feeding birds should be anenjoyable and enriching experience.
However, it is vital tounderstand which natural and fresh
(11:33):
foods they can safely consumeand keep in mind that some foods
that are suitable for humanconsumption can be harmful to the
birds.
Improper food sources and poorfeeder hygiene can lead to serious
health issues for our avian friends.
Sunflower seeds, whether inthe shell or hull, are a nutritional
(11:56):
powerhouse and a favoriteamong many birds species.
They are packed with essentialfats and proteins, providing a high
energy food source crucial formaintaining body temperature in cold
weather.
Niger seeds, also known asthistle seeds, are particularly favored
by finches, robins, blue titsand other small birds.
(12:20):
These seeds supply birds withthe necessary oils, energy and calories
to survive the.
Harshest of winter conditions.
For the ground, feeding birdslike sparrows, millet is a budget
friendly option that offersenergy and sustenance.
Feeding peanuts to birds inwinter can also be a nutritious and
(12:43):
energy rich choice.
Many birds enjoy peanuts highin fats and proteins providing essential
calories that help themmaintain their energy levels during
the colder months.
But be sure to use unsaltedpeanuts free from any additives to
ensure the health and wellbeing of our feathered friends.
(13:05):
Consider mixing these seeds invarious feeders to accommodate different
bird species and theirdifferent feeding habits.
By offering a diverseselection of bird seed in your garden,
you will enhance the health ofyour feathered visitors and improve
your winter bird watching experience.
(13:25):
This creates a haven ofsustenance that brightens up the
chilly days for the.
Birds and the bird enthusiasts alike.
Providing nuts and seeds insuitable feeders.
Or scattering them on birdtables gives the birds something
to eat while supporting thevitality of your local bird population.
During the challenging winterseason season when.
(13:47):
Natural food is often scarce.
When you feed birds the rightfoods in winter, you can encourage
them to visit your garden year round.
So what shouldn't I feed tothe garden birds?
Well, avoid giving dried fruitas it often contains high levels
of added sugars andpreservatives that can negatively
(14:10):
impact on the bird's well being.
Cooked rice can also poserisks if it's not eaten right away.
It can develop harmfulbacteria that may harm birds when
ingested.
Additionally, processed andsalty foods such as chips or crackers
should be avoided as excessivesalt intake will harm avian kittens.
(14:33):
Be cautious with mouldy orspoiled seeds as they can carry aflatox
toxins which.
Can be lethal for garden birds.
And finally, stay clear ofdairy products.
Such as cheese as birds arelactose intolerant and consuming
dairy will lead to digestive issues.
To ensure your featheredfriend's safety and overall health,
(14:55):
prioritize a balanced and birdfriendly diet by avoiding these potentially
harmful foods.
And what containers should Ileave the.
Bird food in well, selectingproper containers for the bird feeding
is essential for maintainingthe freshness and accommodating the
diverse feeding habits of allof our garden friends.
(15:18):
Bird feeders are among themost popular options and come in
various styles such as tubeand platform feeders, each catering
to different bird species.
Tube feeders are ideal fortiny seeds like sunflower and niger
seeds, whilst platform feederscan accommodate larger birds and
various types of seeds.
(15:41):
Hanging fat balls, a winterfavorite, can be placed in specialized
containers or suspended fromtrees and hooks.
These high energy treatsattract various bird species but
particularly those seekingsupplemental fats during the colder
months.
Bird tables provide a spaciousopen feeding area allowing ground
(16:04):
feeding birds such as sparrowsor blackbirds to enjoy seeds comfortably.
Choosing tables with roofs oroverhangs is advisable to protect
the seeds from rain and snowand preserve their quality.
Moreover, containers should bedurable, easy to.
Clean and strategicallypositioned to deter squirrels.
(16:24):
And other potential seed thieves.
Leaving fresh water out in adish on a bird table is beneficial.
This is especially helpful forsick birds needing easy access to
drinking water.
Consider purchasing bird bathswhich allow smaller birds to bathe
and clean themselvesregardless of the weather.
(16:45):
Just be sure to check that thewater hasn't frozen over on the colder
days.
Why is it important to cleanbird feeders Thoroughly?
Cleaning bird feedersthoroughly is essential for.
The health and well being of all.
Our garden birds during the summer.
Seed holes, droppings,leftover bird food and moisture can
(17:06):
accumulate in feeders,creating an.
Environment where harmfulbacteria, mold and parasites can
thrive.
Regular cleaning helps preventthe spread of avian diseases, protecting
the delicate immune system.
Of the birds that visit the feeders.
Moisture can lead to theformation of aflatoxins on damp or
(17:27):
spoiled seeds which pose asignificant health risk to birds.
Keeping your feeders clean isa critical task that should not be
overlooked.
Additionally, clean feedersattract a wider variety of birds
and ensure a positive feeding experience.
Birds are more likely toreturn to feeders that offer fresh,
(17:48):
uncontaminated seeds,enhancing the diversity and enjoyment
of your bird watching.
Routine cleaning also helpsmaintain feeders a structural integrity,
extending their lifespan andpreventing potential hazards such
as mouldy or spoiled seedsthat can harm the birds.
Maintaining clean feedersbecomes even more critical.
(18:11):
When resources are scarce in winter.
Bird lovers should establish aregular cleaning.
Schedule using a mild bleachsolution or specialized bird feeder
cleaning products to promotetheir avian visitors health, safety
and diversity.
We do hope that you have foundthis article interesting.
If you feed your garden birdsand you follow some of our tips,
(18:34):
please do let us know in the comments.
Wherever you get your podcasts.
(18:56):
I hope you found helping yourgarden birds this winter enjoyable
and that you discovered somehelpful, helpful hints and tips.
Please do let us know if you.
Try any of our tips this winter.
We would love to hear from you.
Now let's take some time torelax and enjoy nature.
This week we reflect on anovercast, wet summer day in Somerset
(19:22):
where we walked through awooded valley.
The sky darkened as we watchedcharcoal gray clouds rolling in,
shifting to midnight black,and soon the first drops of rain
began to fall on us.
Sit back and enjoy thesoothing sound.
Of rain in the summertime.
(21:02):
Well, that was surprisingly refreshing.
I remember how my shirt andjacket steamed as we walked back
along the valley ridge laterthat afternoon, gradually drying
off from that sudden rainstorm.
And now it's time to join mein Sussex as we explore the ancient
(21:23):
pathways around a 52 hectareancient woodland reserve known as
the Men's Nature Reserve,which has been here for over 1,000
years.
(21:55):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters main feature
and this is an.
Adventure I've really beenlooking forward to sharing with you
as we take a tour of Ben'sNature Reserve.
An unusual name, yes, hasAnglo Saxon origins and I am told
that the original name ofJemannus actually means common land.
(22:18):
During Anglo Saxon times theland was divided into large manorial
estates and large areas of theground were cultivated.
However, those areas of poorerquality soil.
Were left uncultivated andlocal inhabitants retained the right
to use these woodlands orwastelands for certain purposes that
(22:41):
were in common with the landowner.
These initially concentratedupon some or all of the following
grazing of cattle, horse.
Turbary to collect peat orfuel for.
Your fires and estovas was tocollect wood for fueling and fencing
(23:02):
or bracken for animal bedding,and also to take.
Stone, sand and gravel.
The county name, Sussex comesfrom an Old English sua siaks, meaning
South Saxons.
It was known as a remote andwild area and the locals were said
(23:22):
to be hostile to William andhis conquering army.
So there is a lot of historyin this area and the Men's woodland
has been continually woodedsince Anglo Saxon times or pre1066
and way before the acceptedclassification of 1600 for ancient
(23:44):
woodland.
With the history chat over,let's start exploring the woodland.
One of the many reasons I enjoyed.
This woodland is that it feels so.
Wild you can lose yourself init because there is so much to see
and so much to hear.
(24:05):
Your senses are alive, butalso there is no Set route, no footpaths
or signs.
It does have some ancienttracks, but these are often overgrown
and it is as close to beingwild as you will find in the south
of England in modern times.
(24:25):
Today, we're going to followone of.
Those ancient tracks that willallow us to experience most of the
amazing natural and artificialfeatures that have shaped the history
of this ancient woodland.
As we leave the small anduneven car park and head up towards
the start of our walk, thetree canopy is already shading the
(24:48):
path and the temperature isabout 3 to 4 degrees cooler, noticeable.
Just a few minutes into thewoodland, the first point of interest
is an old sawpit.
These were typically at thewood yard and not within the woodland.
A saw pit was deep enough fora man to stand and pull one end of
(25:11):
the saw down while the othersawman stood on top of the log, pulling
the saw up and keeping astraight line.
Today, all we can see of the.
Sawpit is a slight depressionin the ground with a bank on one
side.
The sawpit will have beenaligned so that the long side is
at right angles to thedirection of the slope.
(25:33):
The soil they removed was thenused to make a bank on the downhill
side that would have held thelog in place.
This sawpit is at the base of.
A hill with the forest streamrunning just to our left.
This would have helped theforesters transport the felled tree
to the pit for sawing.
It is also on the maintrackway into the woodland, so the
(25:57):
finished sawn log could betransported on a horse drawn cart.
Now we will walk down the steep.
Bank and cross the stream on the.
Tree which has fallen across it.
There is no bridge, althoughthe stream is low today and can be
crossed quite easily.
(26:17):
As I climb the steep bank, wefind an old trackway running along
the.
Top of the stream bank.
The nearly 10 meter drop showshow this stream can swell in the
wetter months.
I'm searching for somethingspecial that I've only found once
before in another ancientwoodland in Sussex.
(26:39):
Within just a few minutes itcomes into view.
It's a wild service tree and it's.
A big one as well.
Cannot accurately date thetree, but she is a grand old lady,
probably 2, maybe even 300years old.
Her bark is so distinctive andmagnificent and I enjoy spending
(27:05):
a few minutes just taking inthe beauty of this rare and beautiful
tree.
Along the trackway, severalancient woodland indicator species
such as yellow archangel andviolet hellebore are present.
In addition to the majesticoaks and ancient beech trees, holly
(27:26):
dominates the lower story ofthe canopy But I doubt it would have
been so prevalent in the past.
Walking along, I try and tuneinto the birdsong.
I'm clearly identifyingsongthrush, wood warbler and chiffchaff.
This woodland has a fantasticcollection of fungi.
(27:47):
Over 600 species have beenfound here in addition to the 12
recorded bat species,including the Barbastel, Beckstein's,
Brandts, brown long earedCommon and soprano Pipistrelle, Dorbentons,
Leislers, Lesser horseshoe,Natterera's Noctule and Seretine
(28:08):
that are all present in thisone woodlands.
We will return in the autumnfor a fungi forage and to see how
many of those beautiful batspecies we can find.
The woodland track undulatesand I'm almost continually walking
down the hill towards thestream to make progress before having
(28:30):
to walk back up towards theridge again to carry on.
This is a challenging terrainand we're only just at the beginning
of this walk.
Finally and after severalminutes it begins to level out and
I'm back on a trackway, butalmost constantly stepping over the
numerous fallen trees.
(28:51):
This ancient track has notbeen used for some time.
The site suffered massively inthe great storms back in 1987 and
the correct decision was madeto leave the fallen tree freeze and
let nature take its course.
But some of the beech and oakswere so large that the woodland floor
(29:13):
would take many more decadesto reclaim them.
Still today, this fallen deadwood has.
Created a magnificent habitatfor moths, bugs.
Thrips, bees, wasps, ants andother creatures.
Such as spiders and mites andpseudo scorpions, nematodes.
(29:35):
They can all be foundinhabiting dead and decaying wood.
There's also a large number ofinvertebrates and vertebrates that
live in dead and decayingtrees but do not use them for their
nourishment.
Probably the stag beetle beingthe best known of them.
The trackway disappears againas the holly thickens and I move
(29:57):
down the bank and try to carry on.
I come upon a clearing and seethe next landmark on the opposite
side of the stream.
I make my way down the steepembankment and cross the stream on
a pair of small diameter birchtrees that I'm sure have been placed
here, but it's still prettyscary with the stream two or three
(30:20):
meters below me.
The irony is that I found apartly constructive bridge with a
brick base and a concrete topsection just a little further along
this trail.
The bridge is believed to havebeen built by Canadian troops during
World War II, but it was neverfinished and no one seems to know
(30:41):
why.
The Canadian army was in thewoodland during the war and had a
HQ building not far from the bridge.
As I continue along thetrackway, regularly walking through
the holly bushes, activelyengulfing the whole area.
A short way along the track, a.
Wonderful sight comes into view.
(31:03):
It's a carpet of yellow that covers.
Both sides of the bank.
Another ancient woodland keyindicator species is the opposite
leaved golden saxifrage, whichis spectacular in the dappled sunlight.
This wet woodland plant lovesto grow alongside streams.
(31:23):
It is a creeping species andthis one has spread an imposing 20
meters or more along bothsides of this slightly raised bank
by the stream.
It's not a rare plant, butthat said, you don't find it in the
wild that often and certainlynot in this scale and size.
(31:44):
As I continue along the trail,I come to a large mound.
It almost looks like a smallhill in front of me, but the stream
I have been following stops atthis mound, so it is a soil dam,
as it is too neat to have beenan earth slide.
The dams are used to controlthe water and this one has created
(32:05):
a mosaic of small pools and ponds.
In a way, this is very similarto what beavers will do naturally
and they will create verysimilar environments.
These pools are ideal foramphibious amphibians, including
frogs, toads and newts.
I was fortunate to spot agrass snake swimming in the pool
(32:25):
close to me and that is a suresign that the amphibians are here.
The dam is situated near theboundary of the woodland, so it was
probably built by the woodmanwanting to retain the water in pools
for easier collection, maybefor charcoal pits or possibly for
washing the wheels of theircarts, as the soil is clay based
(32:48):
and a.
Deep, rich, dark colour thathas that.
Lovely smell of woodland soils.
Now the track leads me out ofthe woodland and into a meadow.
My eyes squint as I try tofocus, having emerged from the dark
dappled woodland out intobright sunshine.
(33:10):
When my eyes are able to focusagain, they are greeted by the magnificent
sight of a large woodlandmeadow that is quite literally buzzing
with life.
I walk into the meadow andstep away from the path.
The grasses and vetches arewaist deep and the sound of insect
wings and grasshoppers is aconstant low pitched hum.
(33:33):
This is known as Badlands Meadow.
The meadow is several hectaresedged by.
Ancient woodland to the northand a road to the south and east.
I follow the path in a westerly.
Direction and immediately spotthe zig zag clover.
It resembles the more commonred clover, but the flowers are a
(33:57):
deeper purple and the Leavesare slimmer and less hairy.
In front of me in the long.
Meadow grasses, I spot a small patch.
Of common spotted orchids.
There are maybe 15 to 20 here today.
The common part of their nameis a bit misleading as whilst not
(34:17):
rare, they are certainly notan everyday find, so I'm thrilled
to see them in such goodnumbers here.
Making my way through themeadow, I spot two more plants featured
recently in our summerWildflower walk.
So while I am noting themhere, I won't go into any detail
today on the fantastic Devil'sBit scabious and the very beautiful
(34:42):
yellow rattle.
Just over to my left is aflower with many names and traditional
uses.
Known as lady's smock, thisdelicate pale coloured flower is
part of the cardamom family.
The leaves are small anddifficult to gather, but they taste
similar to wasabe or spicy hotmustard, which is a real treat for
(35:06):
the taste buds.
The cuckoo flower, which gotits name because it flowers just
as the male cuckoos start tosing each year, was believed to help
alleviate menstrual pain,especially for heavy periods, and
was used as a general tonic byboth men and women.
Our meadow plant festcontinues with Dyer's greenweed.
(35:29):
This shrubby perennial is agood indicator of unimproved hay
meadow and is often found onmeadows that are adjoined by woodland,
just as we are here.
It's a pea family member andits yellow flowers appear around
June.
It resembles common broom andit is a good nectar to source for
moths and butterflies.
(35:52):
Another yellow plant is justover to my right.
Common agrimony is a member ofthe rose family.
Agrimony in Old English meantthankfulness, and it's believed that
it was used for the relief ofsuffering from both urinary and respiratory
infections.
If you do find commonagrimony, take a moment to smell
(36:14):
the flowers.
Although faint, the scent isof apricot.
As the meadow narrows and thepath gently bends back towards the
woodland, the.
Hedgerow gets taller anddenser again.
The nettle, one of the mostunderrated wild plants, runs along
the border between the hedgeand the path.
(36:36):
This one is betony and it'sprolific along this hedgerow.
Like many wildflowers, betbetony has many local names, such
as hedge nettle, purple orwood betony and bishop's wort.
Like all nettles, it hassquare stems and lipped flowers that
attract bees, particularly thewalcada bee and other pollinators.
(37:00):
Besides its wildlife benefits,betony is also.
Considered a great go to herbas all parts are edible.
As the Old saying goes, a cupof betony tea will make you feel
better.
It has a slightly peppery,spicy taste and a rich aroma.
(37:21):
Betony is said to aidconcentration and working on your
central nervous system canhelp relieve depression and anxiety.
It was also often plantedaround churches and in graveyards
as it was said.
To ward off ghosts.
I do hope you're enjoying ourmeander around the Men's Nature Reserve,
(37:44):
this stunning ancient wood.
We're about halfway throughour walk now and this would be a
good place to pause for now.
So I look forward to youjoining me again for part two where
we will explore themagnificent trees that were used
to build Britain's armada ofships, discover some of the 600 plus
(38:06):
species of fungi on the site,and even find an abandoned church.
So make sure you subscribe andfollow so that you never miss an
episode.
(38:36):
Well, I hope you enjoyed thewild and unrestrained nature of the
Men's Nature Reserve.
I can't wait to share thesecond part of our adventure with
you in the next episode of theWildlife Matters podcast.
I enjoy creating theseadventures and I hope you find them
enjoy entertaining and informative.
(38:57):
Please do leave us a commentwherever you get your podcasts on
social media or emailus@infowildlifematters.org it really
does help.
Thank you.
Wildlife Matters will returnin two weeks when we will complete
our adventure around.
The Men's and Nature Reserve.
(39:18):
We'll also bring you anotherarticle from the Wildlife Matters
Archive, spend some mindful.
Moments in nature and bringyou all the very latest nature news.
There's so much to lookforward to, so make sure to like,
follow and share our podcastwherever you get them.
(39:38):
We would love it if you couldleave us a review as that helps the
algorithm direct more peopleto our humble little podcast and
helps our community grow.
Thank you for taking the timeto listen to us today.
Every one of you listenersmeans the world to us and as always,
(40:00):
stay curious wild ones.
I've been your host, NigelPalmer and this is Wildlife Matters
signing off.
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