HELP PROTECT SPECIES WITHIN THEIR NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS

VOSSO® upholds trust on a global scale, guided by a commitment to positively sustaining varied ecosystems. Providing support for environmental resources through funding and ecological restoration efforts. This includes tree planting, drop structures within rivers, mangrove restoration, and elder tree support. We assist local trusts in the Forest of Bowland AONB to the mangroves in Madagascar.

BRWA \ FOUNDER \ DIRECTOR

VOSSO® \ EXCA '92 \ EST '13

VOSSO® \ PROTECTING FUTURE FORESTS AND LIFE WITHIN

VOSSO® assists in initiatives with Forest Trusts, (BRWA \ Benjamin photographed \ Planting trees with the Wyre Rivers Trust) targeting the Forest of Bowland region to support arboreal ecosystems and their inhabitants. The expansive woodlands within our county present a unique opportunity for us to effect tangible improvements within the Forest of Bowland AONB. Our endeavours include pioneering techniques to foster and safeguard native British tree species and bolster other flora and fauna populations that depend on these trees.

The invasive Dutch Elm Disease poses a significant threat, devastating native elm trees. Additionally, invasive species like the grey squirrel outcompete native red squirrels for resources, severely impacting local wildlife. Alarmingly, recent reports show invasive species now dominate 80 percent of forests in England and Wales, wreaking havoc on woodland areas in the North West. With awareness, we can prevent future harm to our ecosystems by selectively planting the correct trees where Red Squirrels will flourish, and continue to promote further safeguards to protect forests and their inhabitants.

Our mission is to champion native species and enrich the ecosystems of our national forests. Trees serve as vital habitats for a diverse array of wildlife, including birds, insects, mammals, fungi, and invertebrates. They also facilitate critical ecological connectivity, linking habitats and extending their ecological value beyond their immediate areas. This connectivity bridges various parts of the forest and connects different ecological niches. Achieving effective forest management necessitates a holistic approach, considering the entire forest ecosystem rather than concentrating solely on individual trees.

MICROSCOPIC WEB OF FUNGI

Stand still in any forest, close your eyes, and listen. Life begins with the sun; feel its gentle warmth on your skin as the breeze rustles the leaves overhead. Squirrels leap from branch to branch, and birds serenade the surroundings - a mere fraction of the above-ground environment. Now, consider what lies below. The soil, leaves, and moss form a rich carpet on the forest floor. Beneath this surface, an intricate network of tree roots and a microscopic web of fungi create a hidden, magical ecosystem.

TREE COMMUNICATION

Root networks allow trees to communicate and assist one another. Mushrooms sprouting from the ground are merely the fruits of fungi; the majority of the fungal organism resides within the soil, interwoven with tree roots as a vast network of mycelium. These micro-threads form a greater fungal organism that wraps around and penetrates tree roots. Collectively, mycelium composes a 'mycorrhizal network' connecting individual plants and enabling the transfer of water, nitrogen, carbon, and other essential minerals. This network, facilitated by mycelium, allows trees to communicate.

RECOGNISING ROOT TIPS OF RELATIVES

Elder woodland trees share nutrients with smaller, shaded trees. In healthy woodlands, each tree is interconnected through this network, allowing them to share water and nutrients. Saplings growing in shaded areas often lack sufficient sunlight for adequate photosynthesis. For survival, these saplings rely on nutrients from the elder, taller trees, sent through the mycorrhizal network. A study on Douglas-fir trees at England’s University of Reading indicates that trees recognise the root tips of their relatives and favour them when sending carbon and nutrients through the fungal network.

A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN TREES AND FUNGI

It is hypothesised that the fungi linking trees are motivated by their need to secure a consistent source of carbon. The mycorrhizal network plays a crucial role in distributing resources to keep mycelium-connected trees alive and healthy, ensuring the fungi’s carbon supply remains steady. As compensation, the mycorrhizal network retains nearly 30% of the nutrients produced by the connected trees through photosynthesis, which fuels the fungi. In return, the fungi collect phosphorus and other essential minerals into the mycelium, which are then transferred to and utilised by the trees.

Hub trees, or mother trees, are the older, more established trees in a forest with extensive fungal connections. Their roots reach deeper into the soil, accessing water sources that are then shared with younger saplings. Through the mycorrhizal network, these hub trees can detect distress signals from neighbouring trees and send necessary nutrients to support them.

DEVELOPED FOR SURVIVAL \ MORE TREES ≈ HEALTHIER FOREST

These findings suggest that trees have developed complex symbiotic relationships to ensure species survival. The mycorrhizal network is an integral part of this connectivity, and while the fungi often act in their own best interests, they facilitate the health and survival of even the largest trees. Next time you wander through a forest, take a moment to consider the intricate exchange happening beneath your feet. The mycorrhizal network is crucial for supplying life-giving nutrients that maintain forest health - the more trees, the healthier the forest.

◾ STAT

Species: Eurasian wren (Troglodytes troglodytes).
Length: 9 cm.
Weight: 7 to 12 g.
Lifespan: Up to 5 years.
Can live to 7 yrs.
Wingspan: 12 to 16 cm.
Breeding: 5-8 eggs per clutch; 2-3 broods per yr.
Population: Approx 11 million UK pairs.
Song: Relative to size; loud & complex; to defend & attract.
Nesting: Dome-shaped nests in crevices.
Diet: Mainly of insects, spiders, & small invertebrates.
Territory: Males establish territories, up to 1.2 acres.
Distribution: Woodlands, gardens, and hedgerows.

10 REASONS WHY PLANTING TREES AND CLEANING RIVERS POSITIVELY IMPACT WRENS

1. Habitat Creation: Planting trees provides essential nesting and roosting sites for wrens.
2. Insect Population Support: Trees and clean rivers support diverse insect populations, which are the primary food source for wrens.
3. Nesting Materials: Trees provide natural materials like moss and leaves, which wrens use to build their nests.
4. Shelter: Dense vegetation from tree planting offers shelter from predators and harsh weather conditions.
5. Breeding Success: Cleaner rivers and healthier ecosystems enhance the availability of food resources, improving breeding success for wrens.
6. Territory Availability: Increased vegetation creates more suitable territories for wrens to establish and defend.
7. Water Quality: Clean rivers support a healthy aquatic insect population, adding to the wrens' food supply.
8. Ecosystem Health: A balanced ecosystem with diverse plant and animal life supports the overall health of wren populations.
9. Predator Protection: Trees and shrubs provide cover, reducing the risk of predation for both adult wrens and their chicks.
10. Human Disturbance Mitigation: Conservation efforts like planting trees and cleaning rivers help create natural buffer zones, reducing human disturbance in wren habitats.

◾ INFO

The Wren is a bird of remarkable courage and boldness. During floods on the Wye, they are the first to venture onto woody debris, hunting for insects clinging on. Wrens will even dive into frog ponds, pecking at spawn underwater, fully submerging before emerging to swim another day. Despite its small size, the wren boasts the loudest song of any British bird. In fact, one male mute swan weighs as much as 1,400 wrens. In winter, wrens nest communally, with up to 10 birds sharing a single nest box; the record is an astonishing 61 wrens roosting together.

Easily recognised by its small, round, plump shape and distinctive chestnut-coloured tail, which is almost always cocked upward, the wren's brown plumage is paler on the underparts, with dense dark bars on its wings, flanks, and tail. The young resemble the adults but have a subtler pattern. Wrens are lively and constantly on the move, hunting for insects among leaves on the ground and in tree bark cracks. They often fly short distances with powerful wing beats to catch prey such as insects, spiders, seeds, and larvae.

Wrens typically live alone or in pairs during the nesting season, with a lifespan of up to two years, though some have been known to live as long as seven years. They nest in a variety of hollows and cavities from ground level upwards, preferring locations on the side of a tree, a steep bank, or a hole in a wall, up to three meters high. The polygamous male builds several stout dome-shaped nests from leaves, grass, and plant materials, which the female lines with feathers.

With an impressive 11 million pairs in the UK, wrens have topped recent bird population surveys, thanks to extensive research. Let's continue to support and protect this vibrant and resilient species! The wren relies on woodlands and rivers for survival due to the abundance of insects and other small prey found in these rich habitats, as well as the dense vegetation that provides essential shelter and nesting sites.

STAT

Weight: Grey; 400 to 600 g.
Weight: Red; 250 to 350 g.
Lifespan: Avg grey squirrel 6 yrs.
Lifespan: Avg red squirrel 3 yrs.
Body: Grey 25 to 30 cm.
Tail: Grey 19 to 25 cm. 
Body: Red 19 to 23 cm.
Tail: Red 15 to 20 cm.
Breeding: 2 litters per yr; 3-4 young.
UK Population: Grey; 2.5 million.
UK Population: Red; 140,000.
Nesting: Dreys; tree branches, hollow trunks.
Activity: Daytime, especially early & late day.
Territory: Typically span a few acres.

10 REASONS WHY PLANTING TREES AND CLEANING RIVERS POSITIVELY IMPACT SQUIRRELS

1. Habitat Creation: Planting trees provides essential habitat for squirrels, offering places for nesting and foraging.
2. Food Sources: Trees produce nuts, seeds, and fruits, which are primary food sources for squirrels.
3. Shelter: Trees offer protection from predators and harsh weather conditions, ensuring squirrels have safe places to live and raise their young.
4. Increased Biodiversity: Trees support a variety of plant and animal species, creating a rich ecosystem that benefits squirrels by increasing food availability and habitat complexity.
5. Travel Corridors: Trees and connected wooded areas create travel corridors, allowing squirrels to move safely between different parts of their territory.
6. Nesting Materials: Trees provide the natural materials squirrels need to build their dreys, such as twigs, leaves, and moss.
7. Reduced Competition: By enhancing habitats and increasing food availability, tree planting can help reduce competition between red and grey squirrels.
8. Cleaner Water: Cleaning rivers ensures that adjacent forested areas are healthier, supporting the overall ecosystem and the wildlife, including squirrels.
9. Predator Protection: Dense tree canopies provide cover from aerial and ground predators, increasing the survival rates of both adult squirrels and their offspring.
10. Community Awareness and Engagement: Conservation efforts raise public awareness about the importance of protecting squirrels and their habitats, encouraging community involvement in habitat restoration and preservation activities.

Food Consumption: Squirrels need to eat around 100 grams of food per day, including nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, and occasionally small insects or bird eggs.
Habitat Range: Squirrels can inhabit a variety of environments, including deciduous and coniferous forests, urban parks, and gardens, demonstrating their adaptability.

INFO

The UK is home to two squirrel species: the Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) and the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Red and grey squirrels often share habitats, but in forests where both species are present, red squirrel numbers tend to decline rapidly due to competition from grey squirrels, often leading to the complete displacement of red squirrels in those regions. However, there are notable differences in the types of trees each species prefers. Grey squirrels favour trees with large seeds that have high calorific values, such as oaks. In contrast, red squirrels thrive on smaller seeds with lower calorific values, such as those from coniferous trees like pines or broad-leaved trees like alder. This dietary difference explains why most UK red squirrel populations are found in coniferous woodlands, where grey squirrels struggle to establish themselves.

Squirrels are omnivores, primarily relying on plants, but their diet varies throughout the year based on seasonal availability. Both species eat tree seeds. Grey squirrels predominantly seek out high-calorie seeds such as acorns, beech nuts, hazelnuts, sweet chestnuts, and walnuts. While red squirrels also eat these seeds, they additionally consume smaller seeds from conifer cones. Squirrels' diets also include flowers, fungi, shoots, and some plant bulbs. Occasionally, they turn to insects like caterpillars, bird eggs, and even nestlings. Squirrels are opportunistic feeders. If you provide food for birds in your garden, you may find these supplies diminished by squirrels taking advantage of an easy meal.

STAT

Specie: Vipera berus; UK venomous snake.
Length: Adult 60-80 cm.
Weight: Adult 50-100 g.
Lifespan: Up to 15 years.
Venom: Rarely fatal [14 deaths since 1876.]
Coloration: Sexual dimorphism in coloration.
Male colour: Grey with a black zigzag.
Female colour: Brown with dark brown zigzag.
Diet: Small mammals, birds, lizards, & amphibians.
Reproduction: Birth to live young, 5 to 20 per litter.
Distribution: Scotland, North of England, & South West.
Activity: Day; during dawn & dusk in summer.

10 REASONS WHY PLANTING TREES AND CLEANING RIVERS POSITIVELY IMPACT BRITISH ADDERS

1. Habitat Enhancement: Planting trees provides shaded areas and diverse habitats, offering shelter and hunting grounds for adders.
2. Biodiversity Support: Trees and clean rivers support a variety of prey species like small mammals and amphibians, which are vital for adder diets.
3. Temperature Regulation: Trees help moderate ground temperatures, creating suitable basking spots for adders to regulate their body temperature.
4. Cover and Protection: Vegetation offers cover from predators and disturbances, crucial for adder survival.
5. Moisture Retention: Trees help retain soil moisture, which benefits amphibians and other prey species that require damp environments.
6. Ecosystem Balance: Clean rivers and vegetated areas support a balanced ecosystem, ensuring a stable food chain that benefits adders.
7. Pollution Reduction: Reduced water pollution ensures healthier aquatic ecosystems, indirectly supporting adder populations by maintaining the health of their prey.
8. Erosion Control: Trees stabilise soil and prevent erosion, maintaining the integrity of adder habitats and reducing sedimentation in rivers.
9. Breeding Sites: Natural, undisturbed habitats created by tree planting and clean rivers provide safe breeding sites for adders.
10. Human Impact Mitigation: Conservation efforts like tree planting and river cleaning raise awareness and reduce harmful human activities, such as habitat destruction and pollution, that threaten adder populations.

14:20ISH \ 11.07.24 \ AN ADDER SIGHTING

To celebrate both my birthday and Father's Day, my father and I visited Grisedale Reservoir as members of the Prince Albert's Trust. From the highest reservoir, we embarked on a walk to the lower one, albeit slightly off the beaten path. Along the way, we stumbled upon an abandoned and unmaintained trail with a gated entry between the two reservoirs. The path, overgrown with vegetation, eventually led to a clearing surrounded by elder trees and lush flora. As we continued through the verdant woodland, we reached another clearing that provided a view of the lower reservoir and the summit of Nicky Nook. Suddenly, a long, loud hiss broke the silence - a sound I recognised from my childhood in North West Africa. It was a clear warning: "I'm here, stay back!" Heeding the warning, we paused, surprised and delighted to realise that adders nested in the Forest of Bowland, a remarkable discovery, and to be in the presence of the adder in this beautiful landscape.

STAT

Species: Red fox (Vulpes vulpes).
Body: 45-90 cm.
Tail: 30-55 cm.
Weight: 3.6-7.6 kg.
Lifespan: Up to 5 yrs.
Diet: Omnivor; mammals, birds, insects, fruits & plants.
Breeding: Once a year, gestation period 52 days.
Litters: Up to 4-6 pups per litter.
Nesting: Dens/earths, self-dug or repurposed burrows.
Shelter: Dense vegetation.
Territory: Individual territories, 0.8-2 sq miles.
Activity: Nocturnal & crepuscular; dawn & dusk.
Distribution: UK, rural & urban.

10 REASONS WHY PLANTING TREES AND CLEANING RIVERS POSITIVELY IMPACT FOXES

1. Habitat Creation: Planting trees creates vital shelter and nesting sites for foxes, providing cover and safe places to raise their young.
2. Food Source Enhancement: Trees and clean rivers support a diverse range of prey species, including small mammals, birds, and insects, which are essential components of a fox's diet.
3. Water Quality Improvement: Cleaning rivers ensures clean water sources for foxes and supports the health of the overall ecosystem they rely on.
4. Erosion Control: Trees help prevent soil erosion, maintaining stable habitats and reducing sedimentation in water bodies that can affect prey availability.
5. Biodiversity Support: Trees and healthy waterways support a rich biodiversity, ensuring a balanced ecosystem that benefits foxes by providing ample food resources.
6. Shade and Microclimate Regulation: Trees create shaded areas, helping regulate microclimates, which can make habitats more suitable and comfortable for foxes.
7. Cover and Protection: Dense vegetation from tree planting provides cover from predators and human disturbance, increasing fox survival rates.
8. Flood Mitigation: Riparian vegetation helps manage floodwaters, protecting fox dens and habitats from being destroyed by sudden water level changes.
9. Pollution Filtration: Vegetation along riverbanks acts as a natural filter, reducing pollutants in water sources and maintaining a healthier environment for foxes and their prey.
10. Community Engagement: Conservation efforts raise awareness about the importance of protecting foxes and their habitats, encouraging community involvement in sustainable practices and habitat restoration activities.

INFO

Many red foxes struggle to survive their first year due to predation and human activities, highlighting the importance of supporting their natural habitats. Red foxes climb trees to access fruits, eggs or young birds from nests, and evade predators. Their dens are found in various locations such as underground, caves, rocks, or hollow logs. They may dig their own dens or modify abandoned burrows, often under trees with stable roots.

Foxes rely on fresh water, especially during hot spells. Providing a shallow bowl of water supports wildlife, but it should only be offered in their natural environment. Avoid feeding foxes to maintain their independence, and always observe from a distance to prevent them from becoming too familiar with humans.

In areas where foxes have been eradicated, rodent populations often surge, leading farmers to reintroduce foxes. Their ecological role is crucial in managing populations of prey like rodents and rabbits, and they also help disperse seeds by consuming fruit.

STAT

Species: Dromaeosaur Raptor; Dromaeosaurid.
Size: 2m long.
Weight: 15 kg.
Lifespan: Estimated up to 15-20 yrs.
Diet: Carnivorous, small to medium vertebrates.
Feathers: Evidence suggests they had feathers.
Claw: Distinctive sickle-shaped killing claw.
Age: Late Cretaceous, approx 100-66 million yrs ago.
Brain Size: Large brains, suggesting high levels of intelligence and complex behaviour.
Hunting Strategy: Likely used coordinated pack hunting techniques, similar to modern-day wolves.

10 REASONS WHY PLANTING TREES AND CLEANING RIVERS POSITIVELY IMPACT DROMAEOSAUR RAPTORS (HYPOTHETICAL SCENARIO)

1. Habitat Creation: In a hypothetical scenario where dromaeosaurs exist, planting trees would create forested areas that could serve as rich hunting grounds and provide shelter.
2. Biodiversity Support: Trees support a variety of prey species, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles, which would be essential for the diet of dromaeosaurs.
3. Water Quality Improvement: Clean rivers ensure a healthy aquatic ecosystem, supporting amphibians and fish that could also be part of dromaeosaur diets.
4. Shade and Temperature Regulation: Trees help regulate temperatures, creating a suitable climate for dromaeosaurs to thrive.
5. Cover and Concealment: Dense vegetation provides cover for dromaeosaurs, aiding in their ambush hunting strategies.
6. Flood Control: Healthy river systems with ample vegetation help manage floodwaters, protecting habitats from destructive flooding that could disrupt dromaeosaur territories.
7. Erosion Control: Trees stabilise soil and prevent erosion, maintaining the integrity of dromaeosaur habitats and ensuring stable ground for hunting and nesting.
8. Nesting Sites: Forested areas offer secure nesting sites for dromaeosaurs, providing places to lay eggs and raise their young.
9. Pollution Reduction: Vegetation helps filter pollutants from the environment, maintaining a cleaner habitat for all species, including dromaeosaurs and their prey.
10. Ecosystem Balance: A healthy, diverse ecosystem supported by trees and clean rivers ensures a balanced food web, promoting the overall health and sustainability of dromaeosaur populations.

REIGNED FOR 56 MILLLION YEARS - THANKS TO HABITATS

66 - 122 MYA \ Habitat and Nesting \ Dromaeosaur raptors, such as Velociraptor and Deinonychus, inhabited a variety of environments during the Late Cretaceous. They typically constructed ground nests lined with vegetation from the tropical jungles and woodlands where they lived. These dinosaurs likely chose concealed nesting sites to protect their eggs from predators. The behaviour of brooding and guarding their nests, possibly involving shared parental care, contributed to the reproductive success of dromaeosaurs, highlighting their adaptability to diverse habitats. 

It is important to recognise that we are destroying forests faster than they can regenerate. If environments like these had been scarce 56 million years ago, our existence might not be possible. Supporting these habitats today will ensure the survival and future of our modern raptors, such as birds and reptiles within our local forests.

VOSSO® \ PROTECTING FUTURE RIVERS AND LIFE WITHIN

VOSSO® assists in initiatives with River Trusts, targeting the Forest of Bowland region to support riverine ecosystems and their inhabitants. The Wyre River, flowing exclusively through our county, presents a unique opportunity for us to effect tangible improvements within the Forest of Bowland AONB. Our endeavours include pioneering techniques to foster and safeguard the British native white-clawed crayfish and bolster other amphibians, fish populations and found sources for their predators.

The invasive Signal Crayfish poses a significant threat, carrying a lethal crayfish plague that devastates native white-clawed crayfish. Additionally, these invasive crayfish outcompete natives for resources, severely impacting local fish stocks. Alarmingly, recent reports show non-native species now dominate 80 percent of rivers in England and Wales, wreaking havoc on waterways in the North West. With awareness, we can prevent future harm to our eco-systems and continue to promote safe-guards to protect rivers and their inhabitants.

Our mission is to champion native species and enrich the ecosystems of our national rivers. Rivers serve as vital habitats for a diverse array of wildlife, including fish, amphibians, birds, insects, invertebrates, and reptiles. They also facilitate critical ecological connectivity, linking habitats and extending their ecological value beyond their immediate banks. This connectivity bridges upstream and downstream areas and connects both sides of riverbanks. Achieving effective river management necessitates a holistic approach, considering the entire river basin rather than concentrating solely on the river itself.

STAT

Diversity: 64 species worldwide.
Lifespan: Up to 15 yrs in the wild.
Wingspan: 5.5-6.6 ft (1.7-2 m).
Height: 4.5 ft tall (1.37 m).
Weight: 4-8 lbs (1.8-3.6 kg).
Egg incubation: 25-30 days.
Flight Speed: 30 mph (48 kmph).
Nesting: In colonies; heronries, (-500 nests).
Migratory Patterns: Central and S.America in winter.
Diet: 70-90% fish, amphibians, reptiles, & mammals.

10 REASONS WHY PLANTING TREES AND CLEANING RIVERS POSITIVELY IMPACT HERONS

1. Habitat Creation: Planting trees along riverbanks creates essential nesting sites and roosting areas for herons. 2. Water Quality Improvement: Cleaning rivers reduces pollution, improving water quality and supporting a healthier fish population, which is the primary food source for herons. 3. Erosion Control: Trees help prevent soil erosion, maintaining stable riverbanks and reducing sediment in the water, which can negatively impact fish and amphibian populations. 4. Biodiversity Support: Trees and clean rivers support a diverse ecosystem, providing a balanced environment with ample food resources for herons. 5. Shade and Temperature Regulation: Trees provide shade, which helps regulate water temperature, benefiting fish and other aquatic species herons feed on. 6. Flood Control: Healthy river ecosystems with natural vegetation can better manage floodwaters, protecting heron nesting sites from destruction.
7. Insect Population Control: Trees support a variety of insect species, which are an additional food source for herons, especially during breeding season. 8. Pollution Filtration: Riparian vegetation acts as a natural filter, trapping pollutants before they enter the water, thus maintaining a cleaner habitat for herons. 9. Restoration of Natural Habitats: Planting native trees and cleaning rivers help restore natural habitats that may have been degraded, supporting heron populations. 10. Community Awareness and Engagement: Conservation efforts raise awareness about the importance of protecting herons and their habitats, fostering community involvement in ongoing preservation activities.

INFO

Herons, among the most majestic sights along our waterways, serve as crucial indicators of healthy ecosystems. As apex predators, the population of grey herons (Ardea cinerea) depends on a plentiful supply of food, including fish, frogs, and small mammals, and is highly susceptible to poor water quality. The grey heron, the second largest bird in the UK after the mute swan, is a common sight throughout the country.

A flourishing heron population typically signifies healthy canals and rivers, as herons naturally reflect water quality and the abundance of fish, insects, and invertebrates. Conversely, areas with sparse heron sightings may indicate underlying environmental issues that need addressing.

Encountering a heron is always a moment to pause and appreciate the uniqueness of our waterways. To support their presence, you can report sightings through the 'Great Nature Watch' app. By doing so, you can help ensure herons continue to grace our canals and rivers for years to come.

STAT

Species: (Alcedo atthis) kingfisher.
Size: small, measuring 16-17 cm.
Diving Speed: Up to 25 mph.
Weight: 34-46 g.
Lifespan: Up to 7 years.
Breeding: 6-7 eggs p/clutch, 2-3 broods p/yr.
Nesting: 1m deep burrows in riverbanks.
Diet: Mainly fish & aquatic insects.
Territory: Territorial, spanning 0.6+ miles.
Distribution: UK rivers, lakes, & canals.

10 REASONS WHY PLANTING TREES AND CLEANING RIVERS POSITIVELY IMPACT KINGFISHERS

1. Habitat Creation: Planting trees along riverbanks provides vital perching and nesting sites for kingfishers.
2. Water Quality Improvement: Cleaning rivers reduces pollution, improving water clarity and supporting healthier fish populations, which are the main food source for kingfishers.
3. Erosion Control: Trees help stabilise riverbanks, preventing erosion and maintaining suitable nesting sites for kingfishers.
4. Biodiversity Support: Trees and clean rivers support a diverse ecosystem, ensuring a steady supply of prey like fish and aquatic insects for kingfishers.
5. Shade and Temperature Regulation: Trees provide shade, helping regulate water temperature and creating an ideal environment for fish, which benefits kingfishers.
6. Flood Control: Healthy riparian vegetation helps manage floodwaters, protecting kingfisher nesting sites from being washed away.
7. Insect Population Support: Trees support various insect species, providing an additional food source for kingfishers, especially during breeding season.
8. Pollution Filtration: Vegetation along riverbanks acts as a natural filter, trapping pollutants before they enter the water, thus maintaining a cleaner habitat for kingfishers.
9. Restoration of Natural Habitats: Planting native trees and cleaning rivers help restore degraded habitats, supporting kingfisher populations.
10. Community Awareness and Engagement: Conservation efforts increase awareness about the importance of protecting kingfishers and their habitats, fostering community involvement in ongoing preservation activities.

INFO \ KINGFISHER \ A THREATENED SPECIES

A kingfisher can dive into the water and return with a fish in just two-seconds, relying on pristine streams and rivers for their sustenance. As Britain's most iconic waterside bird, kingfishers captivate with their dazzling beauty, yet their future remains uncertain. These vibrant blue birds are listed as ‘amber’ by conservationists, highlighting their vulnerable status. Additionally, they are classified as a 'schedule 1 species' under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, highlighting their need for heightened protection.

Kingfishers face significant challenges in freezing conditions, as they cannot hunt when water bodies are frozen. Even summer cold snaps pose a threat; these tiny birds are featherless for the first few weeks of their lives, and adult birds struggle to keep them warm during unexpected cold spells.

MANMADE CONCERNS

Manmade efforts to cool our planet can inadvertently result in colder climates and increased rainfall, leading to sewer overflows that contaminate rivers and devastate the food sources for birds like kingfishers. These birds already face significant challenges in raising their young. Prolonged periods of rain often lead to flooding, which spells disaster for kingfishers. Fast-flowing waters disperse the fish they hunt, and muddy waters make it difficult for kingfishers to see and catch their prey, a critical issue when feeding their young. Rising water levels can flood nest sites, tragically drowning chicks and contaminating rivers and fish with overflow from sewers.

Additionally, chemical and biological pollution from industry and agriculture further diminishes fish availability, rendering long stretches of waterways uninhabitable. The lack of suitable nesting sites poses another significant problem for kingfishers. Successful breeding is most common in vertical soil riverbanks; if the bank isn’t steep enough, nests become much more vulnerable to predation.

By creating better ecosystems for rivers and planting trees, we can foster healthier environments with improved riverbanks. Dropping logs and planting trees help stabilise the ecosystems, ultimately supporting birds like the kingfisher and ensuring their survival.

STAT

Species: Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra).
Size: 57-95 cm.
Tail: 35-45 cm.
Weight: 6-12 kg.
Lifespan: 10-15 yrs.
Swimming Speed: 7.5 mph.
Territory: 4-5 miles of riverbank.
Breeding: 60-70 days, 1-4 pups.
Diet: Fish, amphibians, crustaceans & mammals.
Habitat: Rivers, lakes, streams, canals & coastal areas.
Population Recovery: Improved since 1980s due to water quality and legal protection, although considered near-threatened in areas.

10 REASONS WHY PLANTING TREES AND CLEANING RIVERS POSITIVELY IMPACT OTTERS

1. Habitat Creation: Planting trees along riverbanks provides essential cover and resting places for otters, enhancing their habitat.
2. Food Source Enhancement: Clean rivers and planted trees support diverse fish and amphibian populations, ensuring a reliable food source for otters.
3. Water Quality Improvement: Cleaning rivers reduces pollution, improving water quality and the overall health of the ecosystem, benefiting otters and their prey.
4. Erosion Control: Trees help stabilise riverbanks, preventing erosion and maintaining the integrity of otter habitats.
5. Shade and Temperature Regulation: Trees provide shade, helping to regulate water temperature, which is crucial for maintaining healthy fish populations that otters depend on.
6. Cover and Protection: Dense vegetation offers otters protection from predators and human disturbance, increasing their chances of survival.
7. Breeding Sites: Riparian vegetation provides secure and secluded areas for otters to create dens and raise their young.
8. Flood Control: Healthy riparian zones with ample vegetation help manage floodwaters, protecting otter habitats from destruction.
9. Pollution Filtration: Trees and plants along waterways act as natural filters, trapping pollutants before they enter the water, maintaining a cleaner environment for otters.
10. Biodiversity Support: Trees and clean rivers support a rich and diverse ecosystem, promoting a balanced food web that benefits otters by providing a stable and abundant food supply.

INFO

Otters primarily feed on fish but also prey on water birds, amphibians, and crustaceans. These remarkable creatures give birth in underground burrows known as 'holts,' and by just ten weeks of age, their cubs become proficient swimmers. Adapted for an aquatic lifestyle, otters boast webbed feet, dense fur for insulation, and the ability to close their ears and nose while submerged. Additionally, their long, stiff, and sensitive vibrissae (whiskers) aid in detecting prey.

For otters to thrive, they need clean rivers, a plentiful food supply, and abundant vegetation to conceal their holts. To survive in cold water, otters must consume 15-25% of their body weight daily, ensuring their health and maintaining their thick fur, which contains 70,000 hairs per cm². Cleaner rivers significantly benefit both humans and these fascinating, furry inhabitants.

STAT

Species: Common carp (Cyprinus carpio).
Size: Up to 1.2m.
Weight: Up to 40 kg.
Lifespan: 20-30+ yrs.
Diet: Plants, insects, crustaceans & benthic organisms.
Breeding: 300,000 eggs; a single spawning season.
Spawning Season: Mar-Aug; water temp: 17-20°C.
Habitat: Rivers, lakes, and ponds.
Oxygen Tolerance: Tolerate low oxygen levels, allowing them to thrive in less-than-ideal water conditions.
Global Distribution: Native to Europe & Asia but have been introduced too many other parts of the world, becoming one of the most widely distributed fish species globally.

10 REASONS WHY PLANTING TREES AND CLEANING RIVERS POSITIVELY IMPACT CARP FISH

1. Water Quality Improvement: Cleaning rivers reduces pollution, improving water quality, which is essential for the health and growth of carp populations.
2. Erosion Control: Planting trees along riverbanks helps prevent soil erosion, reducing sediment in the water that can smother carp eggs and degrade spawning habitats.
3. Shade and Temperature Regulation: Trees provide shade, helping regulate water temperature, which is crucial for maintaining suitable conditions for carp spawning and survival.
4. Habitat Complexity: Trees and riparian vegetation add structural complexity to aquatic habitats, providing shelter and feeding opportunities for carp.
5. Food Source Enhancement: Fallen leaves and other organic matter from trees support the aquatic food web, providing a richer diet for carp, which includes detritus and benthic organisms.
6. Flood Control: Healthy riparian zones with trees can better manage floodwaters, protecting carp habitats from sudden changes in water levels and habitat disruption.
7. Nutrient Cycling: Trees and plants along waterways help in nutrient cycling, reducing the risk of eutrophication, which can lead to harmful algal blooms detrimental to carp and other aquatic life.
8. Biodiversity Support: Trees and clean rivers support diverse ecosystems, ensuring a balanced environment that benefits carp and other species by maintaining a healthy food web.
9. Oxygenation: Vegetation helps in the oxygenation of water through photosynthesis, improving conditions for carp, which require adequate oxygen levels for optimal health.
10. Community Engagement: Conservation activities such as planting trees and cleaning rivers raise awareness about the importance of healthy aquatic ecosystems, promoting community involvement in maintaining and protecting carp habitats.

RESTORING NATURAL FUNCTIONS

Aquatic biodiversity thrives in irregularly shaped riverbeds and banks, which provide essential hiding spots for fish, amphibians, and insects to evade predators. The survival of aquatic flora and fauna depends on natural groundwater flows within riverbanks and the connectivity of habitats in the surrounding environment. These natural water flows facilitate biological purification processes, resulting in cleaner water that benefits both human use and wildlife.

River restoration plays a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity by rehabilitating ecosystems and their processes, which have often been heavily altered. Restoration efforts include re-meandering rivers to restore their natural curves, creating green, natural riverbanks, and constructing fish passes to enable the migration of fish past sluices, dams, and other obstacles.

River restoration supports biodiversity adaptation through various measures. These include upstream wetland restoration and managed realignment to increase water storage, planting riparian trees to provide shade and reduce water temperature, and removing obstructions to enhance connectivity and open up habitats for migratory fish. By maintaining and improving conditions for biodiversity, river restoration is a powerful tool for achieving the objectives of habitats and birds directives, as well as water framework directives.

For every product sold, VOSSO® plants one tree ≈

To date, BRWA has successfully planted over 2,800 trees in partnership with ECOLOGI. With each product sold, VOSSO® funds the planting of a tree and provides additional financial support to ECOLOGI behind the scenes. Raising awareness about environmental sustainability is paramount to us. Our ethos goes beyond merely offsetting our own carbon footprint; we strive to compensate for more than double our impact, a goal we have achieved. We are committed to sharing this awareness with you, whether through our physical stores or our online presence.

We recognise the value of our planet's treasures, both above ground and below. This understanding drives our commitment to recovering more than our own carbon footprint. Our efforts include using sustainable, eco-friendly packaging such as biodegradable gift boxes and working with natural products. We ensure that our transportation methods, from import to export, including VOSSO® commutes, are environmentally conscious. By adopting these practices, we exceed the carbon footprint generated by our resources, positively impacting both VOSSO® and the environment. Our partnership with Ecologi perfectly aligns with our ethos, and we take immense pride in being part of this movement.

ASSIST WITH A DONATION TO VOSSO® TODAY ≈

For more information on our current contributions, you can click on the ECOLOGI links below. The first ECOLOGI badge represents VOSSO® ≈, and the second badge represents THE FOSSIL STORE™ ≈