Valkyrie Watts’ Post

Wild Atlantic salmon - it’s not all about Scotland Whilst the most famous and historically prolific wild Atlantic salmon rivers in the UK are in Scotland, that is not the whole story. And whilst there are some great tales of revitalising populations in areas of previously high industrialisation, rivers in other parts of the UK which one might think have escaped those pressures are now seeing devastating declining of returning adults. The Dart and Teign in Devon and the Itchen (and adjacent Test and Avon) in Hampshire look like quintessential England rivers ( the Itchen a beautiful chalk stream 👇) - surely full of life. Sadly our eyes deceive us in the case of salmon. The populations of salmon now at crises levels - numbers so low that their survival as populations now in doubt. Our trip was to meet with those concerned from Environment Agency and passionate local groups and landowners to discuss how we can work together to reverse the decline by targeting action and doing it now, at scale and in collaboration. The visit brought home the urgency of the decline. How what we see as beautiful looking rivers disguises the underlying issues. But mostly the overwhelming drive to do something from those we met and how important it is to bring everyone together to deliver change. Lots to do! 💦🌱🐟🐾 #wildatlanticsalmon #actionnow #riverrestoration #catchmentscale #partnerships #finsuprivers #projectwhitehart Westcountry Rivers Trust The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Atlantic Salmon Trust

Plans are in motion to restore important salmon habitat on NCC’s Gates Creek Conservation Area, northeast of Pemberton, BC. 🐟 This multi-stage project will restore habitat for salmon, bull trout and other fish, by stabilizing the main creek channel and planting riparian bushes and shrubs to shade the stream. This vital work follows the expansion of the conservation area to 130 hectares of wetland and riparian areas. Adding more protected lands will enhance its resiliency and reach for aquatic species and grizzly bears. Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21wPc9i Thanks to our funding partners: Environment and Climate Change Canada through the Canada Nature Fund’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program, the Longhedge Foundation and the Pemberton Wildlife Association.

When conservation works 🤝 The population of the Sombrero ground lizard has increased from fewer than 100 individuals in 2018, to more than 1,600 today, a new survey has revealed. The critically endangered reptile was on the brink of extinction before conservationists stepped in to help the species in 2021. Since then, we’ve been working with our partners Anguilla National Trust and Re:wild to help the species and its island habitat to recover. Due to historical mining for phosphates, invasive mice and severe hurricanes, Sombrero Island was on the verge of ecological collapse. Today, thanks to conservation efforts, Sombrero Island has been declared pest-free, and is looking much greener and healthier than before efforts began, with reintroduced native plants such as sea bean, seagrape and prickly pear already showing healthy new growth The Sombrero Island restoration project was made possible through financial support from King Charles III Charitable Fund, Betty Liebert Trust, Darwin Plus, the John Ellerman Foundation, US Fish & Wildlife Service’s Neotropical Migratory Birds Conservation Act, and Fauna & Flora’s Species Fund. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/etjtNg73 #Conservation #Caribbean #ConservationWorks

World Parrot Day, observed annually on May 31, serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges facing parrots worldwide and to advocate for their conservation. This day is significant for shedding light on the threats that wild parrot populations encounter, including habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, and climate change impacts. It also emphasises the importance of responsible ownership and proper care for parrots kept as pets. With nearly 393 species found across tropical and subtropical regions globally, parrots are known for their vibrant plumage, intelligence, and ability to mimic human speech. Efforts to protect parrots involve habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, and educational initiatives to engage the public in conservation efforts. World Parrot Day encourages participation through supporting conservation organizations, adopting rescued parrots, and spreading awareness through social media and community events. By coming together on this day, we can work towards safeguarding these colourful and charismatic birds for future generations to enjoy. #worldparrotday #saveourwildlife #wildlifelovers #saveourplanet #naturelover

Swift Conservation: A Call to Action This #SwiftAwarenessWeek, we're highlighting the urgent need for swift conservation. UK swift populations have plummeted by 58% since 1995, primarily due to loss of nesting sites and habitat changes. How can we reverse this trend? 1. Install swift nesting bricks or boxes in new and existing buildings 2. Preserve current nesting sites during renovations 3. Create swift-friendly spaces with insect-rich habitats At Manthorpe, we're committed to providing solutions that support swift conservation. How is your organisation contributing to wildlife preservation? #SwiftAwarenessWeek #WildlifeConservation #SustainableConstruction 📸Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust

What is a managed metapopulation? It's an innovative concept of how we approach conservation. By coordinating cheetah translocations between participating reserves, The Metapopulation Initiative helps private and state wildlife custodians manage inbreeding, overpopulation, and local extinction on their lands while identifying new areas of suitable cheetah habitat for reintroduction. As we continue to face the challenges of habitat loss and fragmentation, we are excited to see how metapopulation management can positively contribute to conservation efforts. #cheetah #cheetahconservation #themetapopulationinitiative #metapopulationmanagement #wildlifeconservation

Did you know that elephants are among the most intelligent creatures on Earth, with complex social structures and emotions? 🐘 Today, on #SaveTheElephantDay, let's shed light on the urgent threats these majestic beings face, from poaching to habitat loss. It's time to rally together and advocate for their protection and conservation 🌿 Join us in supporting organizations such as African Wildlife Foundation, The Conservation Fund, Save the Elephants, and WWF by clicking here: https://lnkd.in/eqpirHJa 💜 Together, we can make a difference and ensure a brighter future for these incredible animals 🌍 #SaveTheElephants #Conservation #PledgeToEndExtinction

In Malawi, wildlife and natural resources are rapidly depleting, resulting in significant environmental degradation. To combat this, community awareness and support for affected communities are crucial. Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, the largest wildlife reserve in Malawi spanning 180,000 hectares, plays a vital role in supporting the country's wildlife, including elephants. The SMEC Foundation, along with support from SMEC's Kate Drews, will support BridgIT Water Foundation on a project that aims to enhance access to clean, safe drinking water and educate communities about elephant conservation within the reserve. By addressing knowledge gaps and capacity limitations, this initiative fosters community participation in wildlife conservation. The installation of water wells serves as a gesture of gratitude to these communities for their contributions to safeguarding wildlife. Upon completion, approximately 5,146 households and 30,876 underserved individuals in the target communities surrounding Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve will benefit from improved access to safe water. Listen to BridgIT Founding Director Wendy Tisdell below to learn more about our partnership. #SMECFoundation #ConnectUpliftContribute #Malawi #Conservation #Water #Wildlife

NOTHING ELSE MATTERS

World Parrot Day, observed annually on May 31, serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges facing parrots worldwide and to advocate for their conservation. This day is significant for shedding light on the threats that wild parrot populations encounter, including habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, and climate change impacts. It also emphasises the importance of responsible ownership and proper care for parrots kept as pets. With nearly 393 species found across tropical and subtropical regions globally, parrots are known for their vibrant plumage, intelligence, and ability to mimic human speech. Efforts to protect parrots involve habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, and educational initiatives to engage the public in conservation efforts. World Parrot Day encourages participation through supporting conservation organizations, adopting rescued parrots, and spreading awareness through social media and community events. By coming together on this day, we can work towards safeguarding these colourful and charismatic birds for future generations to enjoy. #worldparrotday #saveourwildlife #wildlifelovers #saveourplanet #naturelover