| Brooke Bond | PG Tips | Journey Downstream


	THE PEREGRINE FalCON Peregrines are the largest British falcon at 15-19 inches. They have a dark grey-blue head - moustache and back - and speckled Buff front Peregrines breed on cliff ledges on mountains - moors and the coast. 3 eggs are laid in April with the young leaving the nest in Autumn. Peregrines range more widely looking for food during the winter. Prey (largely pigeons and grouse) is attacked in a spectacular head plunge with wings folded back. Peregrine numbers declined steeply in the late 1950s due to the effects of pesticides like DDT. These substances increase in concentration up the food chain until predators at the top - like the peregrine - absorb doses which kill or make them infertile. Fortunately due to the general lobby against pesticides - the peregrine population has recovered and is now breeding successfully over much of its original range.
	THE MERLIN Merlins are the smallest British falcon at 30cms. They live and breed on moorland migrating to the lowlands in winter. Males (illustrated) have a bluish back and peachy chest - whilst the females are browner. Their call is a shrill "wik-ik-ik". Merlins pursue their prey ferociously at high speed skimming low and manoeuvring with every turn of their prey. Meadow pipits skylarks and small waders are their most common meals. Merlins nest in heather hollows where four reddish eggs are laid in May. The fledglings leave the nest 25 days after hatching during which time the male provides 450 birds for his family to eat. There are only 600 pairs of Merlin in Britain. Unlike most birds of prey - numbers continue to decline. No-one knows why but loss of heather due to conifer planting - persecution by gamekeepers - and the effects of pesticides are thought to be involved
	GREENSHANK Greenshank are green-legged wading birds with along - slightly upturned bill used for sifting out their invertebrate prey from shallow water. Their characteristic call is "tew tew tew". They breed on moorland around pools or "flows" in northern Scotland. Some Greenshank migrate to Africa in the winter - while others remain on Britain's lowland rivers and estuaries - along with many other waders. Greenshank numbers are gradually increasing but populations are being lost through conifer planting. 70% of Britain's 1600 pairs of Greenshank breed in the Flow Country but foresters are draining this habitat in order to plant conifers - even though soils are often unsuitable and wildlife is destroyed. Conservationists including the RSNC - Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Nature Conservancy Council are asking for conifers to be planted only where it does not adversely affect wildlife.
	THE DIPPER Dippers are found mainly on fast-flowing rivers throughout upland Britain although they are also occasionally recorded in the lowlands. They are seen either flying up and down rivers or continually bobbing up and down on a prominent rock. They feed on aquatic insects such as caddis and mayfly larvae - caught by diving into the river and walking or swimming along the riverbed. Dippers always nest close to water in rock crevices or under bridges on a domed nest Two broods may be raised in one year. Dippers are sensitive to water pollution - for example numbers decline when the acidity of their river increases. This acidification is caused by atmospheric pollutants entering rivers through "acid rain". Conservationists like the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and RSNC want acidification reduced by controlling pollution. The Acid Drop campaign organised by the RSNC's WATCH is helping to monitor "acid rain".
	COMMON BUTTERWORT The common butterwort is found in bogs - wet heaths and among wet rocks throughout upland Britain. Along with the sundews - the butterwort has adapted to living in nutrient poor soils by becoming insectivorous The lack of nutrients available in the soil are supplemented by those from insect "prey". Butterwort leaves are covered in sticky glands. Any insect landing on the leaf is trapped. As it struggles the insect activates the leaf to curl around it Enzymes are secreted which digest the soft parts of the prey When the leaf opens - the dry insect remains are released. Common butterwort is currently widespread in Britains uplands - but its habitats are under pressure from threats such as conifer planting too much sheep grazing - drainage - fertiliser application and recreation. The RSNC are calling for the land uses to be more compatible with wildlife conservation.
	THE OTTER Otters have streamlined - fur covered bodies about 1m long with short legs - a thick tail and small ears. They are largely nocturnal and live near undisturbed rivers - streams - lakes and coasts. They use up to 40km of riverbank as a home range - and depend on clean water - bankside cover and a plentiful supply of fish - especially eels. Their prey is caught during short dives. Breeding may occur at any time during the year. Between 1 and 4 cubs are born in a holt (den) and stay with the mother for about a year. The otter population has declined over the last 30 years. They are now rare or absent in much of Britain and are protected bylaw. Likely causes of the decline are pesticides and habitat loss. The RSNC'S Otters and Rivers Project is working bard to protect otters and their habitat in England and Wales. This picture card series is dedicated to supporting the project.
	alDER The native alder grows beside streams and rivers throughout Britain. Growing as high as 40 feet - the alder has dark green leaves and red roots often exposed by the flyer. Male and female catkins form on the branches in the summer in preparation for flowering in the following spring. After pollination by wind - the female catkins form a cone to protect the ripening seeds - the only British deciduous tree to do this. Seeds fall during winter and float on the water's surface. Many are eaten by fish - but some wash up on the riverbank and germinate in damp mud. Damp alder woodland often called "carr" is becoming an increasingly rare habitat Most carr is found in fertile river valleys and flood plains - however intensive clearance of bankside vegetation has resulted in great losses. The RSNC and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds jointly produced a "Rivers and Wildlife Handbook" which highlights the best method of managing rivers and their banks.
	THE GREATER HORSESHOE BAT Only 300 greater horseshoe bats remain in Britain - just 1% of the population existing in 1900. Greater horseshoes are the largest of the 15 British bats with a wing-span of 33 cms. They live in colonies in south west Britain - using buildings as summer roosts and caves or mines for hibernation. They feed on insects in woodlands and over rivers and wetlands using radar or echo-location to "see" with. The severe decline of the greater horseshoe hat is due to the loss of roosts - hibernation and feeding sites and the effects of chemicals used in treating house timber for woodworm. All bats are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Wildlife Trusts and Bat Groups help conserve bats by providing bat boxes and protecting hibernation areas. Many timber treatment companies now market "bat-friendly" products.
	YELLOW FLAG The yellow flag is a wild relative of the garden iris family It is found in shallow water on the edge of slow-flowing rivers - ditches and ponds - or in marshes and wet woodland. Its large bright yellow flowers grow on stems up to 1.5m and are surrounded by sword-like leaves. It flowers from May to July. Mallards use the yellow flag for shelter - sometimes building their nests beneath the plants. Stands of yellow flag and associated species like common reed may also be used by otters as hiding or resting places. Although a relatively common sight - the yellow flag's wetland habitats are often under threat from land drainage - bankside management and pollution. The RSNC'S Otters and Rivers Project seeks to conserve the wildlife of these habitats.
	THE BADGER Badgers are one of Britain's largest wild mammals but are rarely seen as they are nocturnal. They live in family groups of up to 15 in setts (burrow systems) dug out using the powerful claws on their forefeet. Setts may be 100 years old and are usually located on wooded slopes. The territory boundaries of occupied setts are often marked by discarded bedding and latrines or dung pits. Earthworms form the bulk of the badger's diet - over 100 maybe eaten in a night - but fruit - beetles and small manuals are also eaten. Badgers are protected by law - but are still persecuted by digging and baiting when they can suffer severe injury or death by being forced to fight with dogs. The RSNC'S Badger Campaign and Badger Groups (often part of local wildlife groups) are working to give the badger greater protection.
	WATER VOLE Water voles live in extensive tunnel systems excavated in the banks of slow flowing rivers - streams and lakes throughout Britain. They are dependant on the river banks for food (leaves - stems and seeds of bankside vegetation) and shelter from predators Irke mink. They are 30cms long with chestnut brown fur which also covers the tail. In a single year 2 to 4 litters are produced with 4 to 8 young. Although called "Ratty" in "Wind in the Willows" water voles should not be confused with brown rats. If disturbed - rats scuttle into vegetation whilst voles dive into the water. There is an underwater entrance to the system for emergencies. Water voles are unprotected by law but are slowly declining in Britain. They are vulnerable to changes in water levels and bankside vegetation clearance. The RSNC is campaigning for better bankside management which in turn will help water voles.
	THE KINGFISHER Its brilliant colour makes the kingfisher one of the most spectacular river and waterside birds in lowland Britain Kingfishers nest in vertical earth banks well above water level. The nest is in a circular chamber at the end of a long tunnel excavated by both parents. About 6 eggs are laid during May with the young ready to fly approximately 3 weeks after hatching. Kingfishers perch on tree stumps and branches overhanging the water in order to spot fish and aquatic insects which are then captured by a sudden dive. Both the kingfisher and its prey need unpolluted water to survive. Kingfishers are threatened by water pollution and the destruction of perches and nesting banks during river maintenance. The RSNC'S Otters and Rivers Project is campaigning to improve the health of rivers - and the Avon Wildlife Trust have recently undertaken a kingfisher survey
	RAGGED ROBIN The ragged robin - a member of the campion and catch fly family is a familiar plant of wet meadows - marshes - fens and wet woodlands along riverbanks throughout Britain. The bright pink flowers are borne on tall slender stems of 30 - 80cms. The petals are deeply notched into four segments which gives the characteristic "ragged" appearance. The nectar is contained in a long tube - partly formed by the petals - thus restricting access to long tongued insects such as butterflies and bees. The flowers are often pollinated by the green-veined white butterfly another familiar inhabitant of wetland habitats. Although a common sight in some places - ragged robin along with all other wetland species - whether common or rare is under threat due to drainage to prevent floods and to the conversion of the land for agriculture.
	MUTE SWAN The mute swan is the only British swan with an orange bill. It has a wing span of 100 inches and weighs over 40lbs. Mute swans are rarely vocal (hence the name) apart from occasional hissing. They feed on aquatic plants - and are often seen grazing in flocks on flooded meadows in winter. Mute swans have the same mate for life - nesting in vegetation by still or slow-flowing water throughout Britain The cob (male) and penn (female) raise 2 to 8 cygnets every year. Mute swans are still relatively common but are still threatened by habitat loss - increased numbers of boats - overhead wires and discarded fishing tackle. Illness and death by lead poisoning can also result when swans consume anglers' lead weights along with the grit they use to aid digestion The sale of lead weights was made illegal in 1987 - due in part to the efforts of the conservationist lobby.
	HERON The grey heron is a widespread resident of Britain's rivers lakes - coasts and associated wetlands. It is often observed standing motionless in the water ready to pounce on fish - or flying slowly and majestically with its familiar crooked neck. Both sexes are alike and stand 90cms tall. Their normal call is a harsh "kraaank" but other weird raucous calls are also heard at the nest including bill-snapping. Herons nest in colonies up in trees (in a heronry). 3 - 5 eggs are laid in March with the herons using the same nest year after year. Threats to herons include habitat loss - for example bankside vegetation clearance and drainage of wetlands - and the effects of pesticides. The RSNC through its Otters and Rivers Project is campaigning for better management of rivers and wetlands and the control of pollution
	GREAT CRESTED NEWT At 8 - 14 cms - the great crested newt is the largest and rarest of British newts. Only breeding males (illustrated) have the crest along their back - although they should not be confused with male common newts who also have a crest. Autumn and winter is spent hibernating in the soil or under rocks. In March they return to still or slow flowing clean water (usually ponds) to breed. The eggs are attached to aquatic plant leaves. The larvae metamorphose into adults within the year. Adults and larvae feed on a variety of invertebrates from the water. Great crested newts are the fastest declining British amphibian the effects of pollution and the loss of ponds - (70 % of ponds have been lost this century).They are now protected by law
	RED SQUIRREL The red squirrel is smaller than the grey squirrel - at just 15cm long. The fur is normally a red shade - but varies throughout the year due to pigment changes in the hair. Squirrels maybe paler in the summer - especially the tail and long ear tufts. Red squirrels prefer coniferous woodland - often on heathen land. They feed on conifer seeds - hazel nuts and berries. Red squirrels are day-time animals and do not hibernate. Dreys (nests) are constructed out of twigs or in tree hollows at least 25 feet above the ground. 1 or 2 litters are produced per year. Numbers have drastically declined since 1940 and populations are now largely restricted to Scotland and the Lake District Habitat loss has helped contribute to the decline - and red squirrels are now protected by law
	EMPEROR DRAGONFLY With a wing span of 10 cms - the emperor dragonfly is one of the largest British Dragonflies. It is seen flying over slow-moving water and large ponds in central and southern England. Males are bright blue and the females are green. Like their ancestors - found as fossils 300 million years old - they catch their insect prey in a "basket" formed by their legs. Eggs are deposited into - floating vegetation in unpolluted water - for example gravel pits or heath land ponds. The larvae are voracious hunters - devouring other aquatic animals including tadpoles. After 2 or 3 years - they crawl up the stems of aquatic plants in early summer - shed their tough skin and emerge as winged adults. The major threats to the emperor dragonfly are water pollution - and the silting up of breeding ponds - both of which conservationists are trying to reduce.
	SMOOth SNAKE Smooth snakes grow up to 60cms long. Their grey�brown skin resembles heather stems - camouflage for living in the dry heaths of southern England. Like all reptiles they are "cold-blooded" and hibernate in winter. Much of their life is spent burrowed underground. Smooth snakes are constrictors - feeding on large other reptiles like slow worms. Smooth snakes were numerous last century but due to an extensive loss of heath land - are now restricted to Dorset and Hampshire. The smooth snake is now Britain's rarest reptile and is protected by law. Its preferred habitat is sandy heather covered hillsides - south facing and sloping down to a wet valley. Even so - its habitat continues to be destroyed for roads and housing. Wildlife Trusts and reptile conservationists like the British Herpetological Society are fighting to protect the last lowland heathens.
	NATTERJACK TOAD The natterjack toad is the rarest British toad and is restricted to the coastal sand dunes and lowland heaths of the north west coast of England - Norfolk - Lincolnshire - Dorset and Hampshire. Natterjacks are 5 - 8cms long and have a characteristic yellow back stripe. They catch their invertebrate prey by running and jumping after them. Natterjacks hibernate over winter and their breeding season occurs between March and August They lay eggs in strings 160 cms long in the warm shallow water of dune slacks and ponds. Metamorphosis into adult toads (which requires water temperatures of around 25°C) occurs after 4 months. Increased coastal recreation - loss of heath lands - silting of ponds and the effects of acid rain are contributing to the decline of the natterjack. The toad is protected by law and conservationists continually fight to protect its habitat.
	SEA ASTER The sea aster - a member of the daisy family is common all around the coasts of Britain It can be found on cliffs and rocks - hut is most often found on salt marsh. Like other salt marsh plants sea aster has several adaptations typical of plants found in dry places. For example - it has fleshy leaves designed to retain as much fresh water as possible to help counteract the drying effects of wind and salt. The daisy-like flowers between July and October - but the peak flowering period is at the end of September when vast areas of salt marsh can turn a blue-purple colour. Sea aster is not endangered at present - but its salt marsh habitat is under constant threat from housing and marina development - tidal barrages and pollution.
	THE CURLEW The curlew is Britain's largest wader at 56cm with streaky brown plumage and a 10 15 long down-turned bill. The bill is used for probing tidal mud for molluscs or pastilles for insects. Their call is a haunting bubbling "crooee crooee crooee" Curlews breed in moorland where eggs are laid in May in a hollow lined with vegetation. In the winter some birds migrate south - but 90 - 000 curlew spend winter on British estuaries. Over 16 British estuaries - such as Morecambe Bay are of international importance for their curlew numbers. Although numerous - the curlew's habitats are under constant threat from destruction and pollution. Threats to estuaries include tidal barrages - marinas - industrial development and land drainage. Conservationists like the local Wildlife Trusts and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds are campaigning to protect estuaries from such pressures.
	SalMON The salmon has a complex life cycle. They hatch (as alevin) in gravelly fast flowing waters where there spend 18 month to 3 years in the river as "parr" before migrating to the sea as the silver coloured "smolt". The smolt spend up to 4 years at sea before returning to the river of their birth to spawn. Adult or "kells" seldom feed in freshwater and most especially the males - die whilst returning to the sea. Due to the increasing number of weirs - locks and dams on rivers - man-made salmon "ladders" are often installed to keep the traditional migration routes open. However salmon are sensitive to pollution and conservation groups such as the RSNC'S Otters and Rivers Project are campaigning for cleaner rivers in order to benefit salmon and other river wildlife. On the brighter side - after 140 years the first salmon began to return to the Thames in 1974.
	HERMIT CRAB The 12 cm long hermit crab is abundant in pools and sandy flats around Britain's coast. It has the curious habit of occupying the shells of marine molluscs - usually winkles and whelks. This defence mechanism has evolved because hermit crab's own abdomen is unprotected by a shell or carapace When danger threatens - the shell opening can be rapidly blocked by the crab's large red or yellow right nipper. As the crab grows - it transfers to a series of larger shells until it reaches adulthood and becomes a largely marine animal. The crab frequently shares its shell with the rag worm - and anemones may live on the shell - gathering stray food. At the moment hermit crabs are relatively common - but many of their coastal habitats are threatened by marine pollution. The Marine Conservation Society campaigns for such pollution to be vastly reduced.
	COMMON SEal The common seal is the smaller of Britain's 2 native seals at 140 - 195 cms long - they have a short muzzle and a domed head. Their colour varies - but yellow-grey is the most typical. They spend a lot of time in the sea where they feed on fish - particularly flatfish and cod. Seals use undisturbed mud flats and rocky shores to haul out on during the breeding season (June - July). Large groups gather particularly around Scotland and eastern England. The female produces a single pup which is suckled for 4 weeks. In 1988 - 85% of the British common seal population was killed by a virus similar to canine distemper Pollution in the North Sea probably worsened the impact of the virus. Although it is hoped that surviving seals are immune - their pups may not be. Conservationists such as the Marine Conservation Society are campaigning for better pollution controls so that the sea is not exploited as a dumping ground for waste.

"In all the time I've known you - I still don't know what you mean"
---------
[http://Spaghoops.com/squelch/journey_downstream.htm]