Nature Conservation & Wildlife Rescue

Binfield Badger Group. Befriend a badger (watch from a hide). Monitoring and care of Berkshire's badger community. Check out your local badgers now at http://www.binfieldbadgers.org.uk/ PO Box 3805, Binfield RG42 1HH Tel 0709 2234377 (0709 BADGERS) or e-mail badgers@binfieldbadgergroup.freeserve.co.uk

Reading and South Bucks Bat Group. Tina Gower, c/o Caversham Court Environment Centre, Church Road, Caversham, Reading RG4 7AD Tel 0118 901 5201

Castle Veterinary Surgery, 1 Tilehurst Road, Reading RG1 7TW Tel 0118 957 4488 will attend injured bats.

The Local Wildlife Trust have a Bats project. Tel 01865 775476

See also Sheepdrove Organic Farm Bat Project with Lambourn School http://www.sheepdrove.com/375.htm

Each Local Council is responsible for initiating a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) aimed at identifying species and habitats in need of a special conservation effort locally. Many of the plants, animals and invertebrates seriously threatened will already be listed as internationally, nationally or locally significant in the national Biodiversity Action Plan. All local authorities in Berkshire are at various stages of preparing local BAPs - this will be an ongoing and long-term process. Check with your Countryside Service to enquire how you can help in survey and monitoring work or otherwise offer your support. More info under towns.

A Framework for Biodiversity Action in Berkshire was identified in 1999 following one for Invertebrates in Berkshire in 1998. Separate BAPs for the following important Berkshire Habitats have also been published:

• Heathlands (1999-2005)
• Lowland Unimproved Grassland (due end 2000)
• Rivers and Associated Floodplain Habitats (due end 2000)
• Standing Open Water Habitats(due end 2000)
• Woodland and Farmland (due 2001)

Barn Owl Conservation Network Advises farmers, landowners and planners on creation of barn owl friendly habitat and artifical nest sites. National number 0845 051 0344 to find out your closest rescuer or contact Jason Ball, E-mail: jasonpball@yahoo.co.uk, Phone: 07719 225965 Website: www.bocn.org

Mrs Wren runs a small private rescue centre at 30 Martins Lane, Bracknell RG12 9EN Tel 01344 422721.

Penwood Wildlife takes in birds of prey. Veronica & Marlyn Williamson, The Kopje, 77 Panwood Heights, Burghclere, Newbury RG15 9EZ Tel 01635 253139

Wildlife Care Support Group. Pamela Edwards, 11 Fieldhead Gardens, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5RN Tel 01628 526911. Birds and small animals in the Royal Borough.

Animal Rescue Group, Mainly domestic. visit www.dbarc.org.uk

The Local Wildlife Trust at 01865 775476 runs a special project to help the Song Thrush.

The East Berks RSPB Members Group organise day field trips to RSPB and national nature reserves as well as outings to places of local ornithological interest. During the winter months there is also a programme of illustrated talks and events. On a practical note members also make and site bird boxes to supplement the housing shortage for our feathered friends. Membership Secretary, Martin Finch 01628 673522
Group Liaison Officer, Carol Winder 01753 854393
Chairman & Groups Leader, Brian Clews 01628 525314.

Butterfly Conservation, Upper Thames Branch. Graham Hawker, 2 Block Cottages, Padworth Common, Reading 0118 970 0144 Surveys, advice and campaign work.

Contact the Local Wildlife Trust for details of their Dormouse project. Tel 01865 775476 See www.bbowt.org.uk

The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) is able to offer farmers, smallholders and all land managers detailed advice on conservation and land-management. From general guidance through to detailed species and habitat management.

We also offer advice on entering and implementing the new Entry-Level and Higher-Level schemes from DEFRA.

Contact: James Warne, e-mail: james.warne@fwag.org.uk Tel: 01993 886565 

Contact the Local Wildlife Trust to report sighting of these elusive animals.

www.bbowt.org.uk

The RSPB Volunteer and Farmer Alliance aims to help the many farmers who want to consider the needs of wildlife on their farms at the same time as running a profitable business. Five farms in Berkshire presently participate in the scheme.

We carry out, free of charge, a confidential bird survey undertaken by trained RSPB volunteers. Along with an accurate picture of the birds using your land, the scheme provides the farmer with access to advice on how to farm with wildlife in mind.

If you are a farmer and would like to take part in the scheme, or would just like more information, please contact Adrian Thomas at RSPB, Central England Office, 46 The Green, South Bar, Banbury, Oxon, OX16 9AB Tel: 01295 253330 E-mail adrian.thomas@rspb.org.uk

Wildlife Care Support Group, as above Pamela Edwards Tel 01628 526911

Swan Lifeline, Cuckoo Weir Island, South Meadow Lane, Eton SL4 6SS Tel 01753 859397 rescue sick and injured swans. Tim Heron founder. Volunteers always needed. See www.swanlifeline.org.uk

Surveying and monitoring volunteers needed for the Water Vole Recovery Project. Between 1998 and 2000, 518 surveys were carried out along 24 different rivers and canals which have located 21 important water vole colonies. Training days for new recruits are arranged. Contact Cengiz Philcox, the Water Vole Project Officer at the Local Wildlife Trust on 01865 775476. The Project is jointly sponsored by Thames Water, British Waterways and the Environment Agency. 

Wise up to a wolf. Wolves are alive and well in Berkshire! The UK Wolf Conservation Trust, Butlers Farm, Beenham, Reading RG7 5NT Tel 0118 971 3330 www.ukwolf.org works for a better deal for European wolves in the wild through education and close encounters. Volunteers get to know the individual wolves and take them for walks in the local woods.