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Creating wild pathways
The Wildlife Trusts will work to create a better connected landscape so that wildlife can move as and when it needs to.
Our staff and volunteers work with local councils, planning authorities and landowners, particularly in areas surrounding nature reserves and key wildlife areas, to create buffer zones and wildlife corridors where they will be most effective.
Hedges, for example are a natural runway for wildlife to move through the countryside. If they are well managed, they can provide a rich food supply, shelter and breeding sites. For dormice, which are already under threat, hedges are an important habitat and provide a link between ancient woodlands.
Changes in seasonal conditions can have profound effects. Warmer, damper autumns and winters caused by climate change could be bad for dormouse hibernation cycles, and odd seasons can leave youngsters without a consistent food supply.
We are working with landowners to link up hedgerows and maintain these hedgerows to ensure a good supply of flowers and berries. As well as helping a whole range of other wildlife species, including robins, wrens, butterflies and hedgehogs, these links will help dormice move more freely to gather food which could be key to their survival.
We are also working with developers and communities to create "green infrastructure" in built up areas and the countryside. Last year, we provided over 1,500 days of wildlife advice to land managers, covering over 11,000 acres.
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