Secret cyanide agent works undercover to protect ancient woodland

Millipedes are amongst a variety of creatures found in Hintlesham Woods. Their feeding habits promotes decomposition amongst the woodland floor where they put valuable nutrients back into the soil.

However, these woods in Suffolk are facing a troubling proposal that could put the woodland in grave danger.

National Grid’s new Bramford to Twinstead power connection in Suffolk has retained an option to run a new transmission line through the area, which could see a swathe cut through the woods.

This would result in the destruction of parts of one of Suffolk’s largest ancient woodland.

Ancient woodlands are classified as having had continuous cover since at least 1600 AD.

Mark Nowers, RSPB Warden said: “The pylons would destroy part of the woods, split the remainder into separate parts and form a barrier to movement for plants and animals.

“These woods support a huge array of wildlife, from the fantastic millipede species, flora and fauna and important bird populations. They are also home to green hellebore, herb-paris and wild service trees, plants that are rarely found outside of ancient woodlands.”

“We know these woods are incredibly special, and we simply cannot re-create their splendour elsewhere. Species like Propolydesmus testaceus are a vital part of the ecosystem of this ancient woodland, but they are vulnerable to disturbance. If this proposal goes ahead, it will have an enormous impact on their future.”

Mark Nowers will be holding a walk on 5 May for members of the public who would like to learn more about the amazing Propolydesmus testaceus and the other species under threat in the woods.

For more information or to attend the walk on 5 May, please get in touch with Mark on 07850 772517

‘Drop-dead gorgeous, performed in such perfect synch, and with such sexy intensity, that you can’t tear your eyes away.’ The Times??Danza Contemporánea de Cuba has for 50 years produced dancers of the highest level with a style evoking the sensual, mystical and raw heart of Cuban spirit. Collaborations with international leaders in dance have combined with the Afro-Caribbean and Spanish fusions to produce an electrifying, evocative and distinctly unique expression of all that is Cuban.
Danza Contemporánea de Cuba will be at the Snape Maltings Concert Hall, Snape on Friday 11th and

Saturday 12th May to book tickets contact the Box Office on 01728 687110 or visit www.aldeburgh.co.uk

This delightful and often deeply touching play charts the personal journeys of four women who sign up to become Land Girls, determined to work endless, backbreaking hours on farms across the country in a bid to do their best for the War Effort.

Based on hundreds of letters from and interviews with the original Land Girls, along with songs from the period, Lilies on the Land is a revealing, funny, wonderfully moving and utterly captivating portrait of some of Britain’s pluckiest, unsung heroes. Simply unmissable, this is theatre at its most memorable.

Suitable for ages 9+ years.

21-23 June, Colchester’s Mercury Theatre
BOX OFFICE: 01206 573948

During 2010 and 2011, 25 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls were fitted with state-of-the-art solar powered GPS tags that give unprecedented detail on these birds’ location, altitude and acceleration. This project is funded by the Department of Energy and Climate Change to investigate how gulls might interact with offshore wind farms, but these long-lasting tags are also revealing all sorts of interesting and unexpected data about this migratory species’ movements throughout the year.

The information stored on the tags downloads automatically once birds are within a few kilometres of a mast at the Orford Ness nature reserve. Birds are now returning to the 10-mile long shingle spit to breed, so their overwinter movements are only just being unveiled. Last year all tagged birds migrated to Spain, Portugal and Morocco, but this year their behaviour has been very different, with some birds remaining in the UK, and one not even leaving East Anglia!

These contrasting patterns are beautifully illustrated by the project’s only tagged breeding pair. The male spent most of his winter in Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset, primarily roosting in and around Poole Harbour. His mate, meanwhile, opted to sun herself in Lisbon. Intriguingly, these birds, that left Orford Ness in late summer, nearly met in late October, when the female was preparing to depart for warmer climes. On the afternoon of 28th, the female called in on Ibsley Water in Hampshire for about half an hour. Less than an hour later, the male was also there, having returned to roost after spending the afternoon on nearby fields. However, the female had already left and was on her way south, missing a reunion with her mate by a matter of minutes!

Dr Viola Ross-Smith, Research Ecologist for the BTO, said, “Spring is the most exciting time of year to be involved with this fantastic project. We spend all autumn and winter wondering what our birds are up to, so it’s brilliant to see them check in to our system again and find out where they’ve been”.

Like other UK-breeding gulls, the Lesser Black-backed Gull is in decline. The information gathered by this project should prove invaluable in helping the National Trust and the BTO understand the conservation needs of the Orford Ness breeding colony, and of gulls more generally.

Duncan Kent, the National Trust’s Warden for Orford Ness, said, “Orford Ness is an internationally important nature reserve due to the rare and fragile vegetated shingle found on site, and it provides the Lesser Black-backed Gull with a safe environment during the breeding season. Despite this, our colony is declining. We hope data gathered from this exciting project will help us understand why and enable us to identify the actions needed to reverse the decline.”

The charity’s 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ campaign provides a checklist for under-12s (and those who are young at heart) including everything from running around in the rain and bug hunting, to setting up a snail race, damming a stream, flying a kite and making a (delicious) mud pie.

To help bring to life these simple pleasures, the Trust has formed a group of Elite Rangers who will share their expert tips and passion on enjoying outdoor adventures including the East of England’s own Nige’ Stannett, also known as Midas the treasure hunter! Nige, a learning officer and kayak instructor at Brancaster Millennium Activity Centre, is no stranger to spending time with children in the outdoors and was the perfect man for the job.

The five rangers, all Trust staff, come from across the UK and range in age from 29 to 49. As well as Nige’ the rangers are a 6ft 3in tree climbing expert, who has scaled 50 metre-high trees, (a.k.a. Tree Man), Captain Skim who can skim a stone over 26 times, Den-Boy, an outdoor hideaway-building champion, and a minibeast expert (aka The Bug Catcher) who can name over 300 varieties of moth!

The ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ initiative is in response to a report commissioned by the National Trust which reveals fewer than one in ten children regularly play in wild places; compared to almost half a generation ago, a third have never climbed a tree, one in ten can’t ride a bike, and three times as many are taken to hospital after falling out of bed, as from falling out of a tree.*

Kids can pick up a free 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ scrapbook from participating properties, including Brancaster Millennium Activity Centre – and start ticking off their outdoor adventures. Plus, the fun can continue at home by visiting www.nationaltrust.org.uk/50things where children can fill in their completed activities and earn points towards their very own explorer badge.

To help get families started, the National Trust is holding a Free Weekend (21st and 22nd April) when over 200 of its houses and gardens will be open for free, as well as all the countryside spaces it cares for, which are always free access. Properties will include Anglesey Abbey, Blickling Hall, Felbrigg Hall, Houghton Mill, Ickworth, Lavenham Guildhall, Melford Hall, Oxburgh Hall, Peckover House, Sutton Hoo, Wicken Fen and Wimpole Hall and Home Farm.

Justin Scully, Assistant Director of Operations for the National Trust in the East of England comments:
“We’re hoping that the nation’s children will embrace our 50 things campaign, it’s a great way to encourage more families to enjoy adventures outdoors and our free weekend is the perfect opportunity to visit. With heaps of enthusiasm for the outdoors, our staff and volunteers are a fantastic bunch just waiting to encourage kids to tick off the 50 things. The question is, will your family be up for the challenge?”

Nige’ Stannett (aka Midas) from Brancaster Millennium Activity Centre comments:
“We see lots of children and families here at BMAC, whether it’s through school visits or family fun weeks in the holidays. The North Norfolk Coast is our playground and I’m passionate about reconnecting children with the outdoors. I couldn’t be more supportive of this campaign.”

The 50 Things to Do Before you’re 11 ¾:

1. Climb a tree
2. Roll down a really big hill
3. Camp out in the wild
4. Build a den
5. Skim a stone
6. Run around in the rain
7. Fly a kite
8. Catch a fish with a net
9. Eat an apple straight from a tree
10. Play conkers
11. Throw some snow
12. Hunt for treasure on the beach
13. Make a mud pie
14. Dam a stream
15. Go sledging
16. Bury someone in the sand
17. Set up a snail race
18. Balance on a fallen tree
19. Swing on a rope swing
20. Make a mud slide
21. Eat blackberries growing in the wild
22. Take a look inside a tree
23. Visit an island
24. Feel like you’re flying in the wind
25. Make a grass trumpet
26. Hunt for fossils and bones
27. Watch the sun wake up
28. Climb a huge hill
29. Get behind a waterfall
30. Feed a bird from your hand
31. Hunt for bugs
32. Find some frogspawn
33. Catch a butterfly in a net
34. Track wild animals
35. Discover what’s in a pond
36. Call an owl
37. Check out the crazy creatures in a rock pool
38. Bring up a butterfly
39. Catch a crab
40. Go on a nature walk at night
41. Plant it, grow it, eat it
42. Go wild swimming
43. Go rafting
44. Light a fire without matches
45. Find your way with a map and compass
46. Try bouldering
47. Cook on a campfire
48. Try abseiling
49. Find a geocache
50. Canoe down a river

The National Trust Elite Rangers are:

1. Tree-Man, Des Cotton from York, Yorkshire, aged 38
2. Den Boy, Andrew Hunt from Dorset, aged 30
3. Captain Skim, Mark Astley from North West, aged 49
4. Midas, Nigel Stannett from Norwich, East of England, aged 29
5. The Bug Catcher, Laura Broadhurst from Bromsgrove, Midlands, aged 31

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* Statistics from Natural England (2009) Childhood and Nature: a survey on changing relationships with nature across generations. http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/Childhood%20and%20Nature%20Survey_tcm6-10515.pdf
And Play England: August 2011 (a third have never climbed a tree and one in ten can’t ride a bike)
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This Festival is a truly homespun celebration and is inviting the people of Suffolk and beyond to indulge in all things locally sourced and produced. Even the music will come courtesy of some the regions most promising up and coming talent at the second Framlingham Show where enterprising Food and Drink producers will promote their craft at The Suffolk Food, Drink and Music Festival, while rural champions demonstrate agricultural and countryside custom at the Framlingham Country Show.
The Show promises to be an exhibition of some of the best the region has to offer and running alongside the Framlingham Country Show is The Suffolk Food, Drink and Music Festival.

As well as demonstration rings showcasing everything from dog agility to falconry and even geese herding, the event will feature the best of Suffolk’s food and drink and will have live cookery demonstrations all day on both days from top local chefs, butchers and bakers. Meet and chat to local producers and find out where your food comes from.

There will also be, up to eight bands playing daily with the very best of local upcoming talent.

Come along and sample locally made food and drink, be entertained by live music, attractions and a great many countryside pursuits.
For more information visit www.framfest.co.uk or www.thesuffolkfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

Following their popularity last year both the Shetland Pony Grand National and Titan the Robot, one of the most successful street acts in the UK, will be returning in 2012. If you missed Titan last year, make sure you see him this year – at 2.4m (8ft) tall you can’t miss this mighty walking, talking performer. There will also be other surprise street entertainers around the Show; musical entertainment in the Bandstands will include the Ipswich Caribbean Steel Band, the Ipswich Hospital Band and a 1940’s Swing dancing display.

Suffolk Sports will be further enhancing the Sports Village to celebrate the Olympic year and they will be bringing some of the county’s very own Olympic hopefuls. There will also be demonstrations of many of the 26 Olympic sports; you can have a go at them all too, and new for 2012 is the ‘In the Zone’ interactive trial which is endorsed by Sir Steve Redgrave CBE. The Sports Village is one of the most popular areas of the Show, especially with our younger visitors and organisers are proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Inspire Mark awarded by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Para-Olympic Games for the second year.

You can experience the quality and sheer diversity of Suffolk’s wonderful food and drink at the popular Adnams Food and Drink Experience and watch leading chefs cooking up inspirational dishes in the cookery theatre.
For those who love to shop there will be over 700 tradestands, including the new Fifth Avenue area, which features some of the best boutiques from the County; if you are looking for something special, this area is not to be missed.

The Show also celebrates traditional skills and the area’s heritage and gives an unrivalled chance to experience elements of the “real” Suffolk – the majestic Suffolk Punches, horse-shoeing in the expanded farriery area, sheep shearing, thatching and other rural craftsmen at work.
There are also hundreds of smaller animals for children to see as well as donkey rides. Please remember to be kind to your dog and leave it at home. Dogs will not be admitted to the Show.

Buy Now – Save time and money!
Save time and money and buy your Show tickets in advance by visiting www.suffolkshow.co.uk or calling 01473 707117. Remember under 4’s are free! A new e-ticketing system is available this year for online tickets, making it even easier to obtain your tickets and you can buy the discounted advance tickets right up until the eve of the Show.

WIN TICKETS TO THE 2012 SUFFOLK SHOW»

Robbie - He's the one

This year’s festival runs from Thursday 17th May to Sunday 27th May, making the most of its historic market town setting with atmospheric venues ranging from the award-winning Apex Concert Hall to St Edmundsbury Cathedral and the glorious Abbey Gardens.

The Festival is based at the Apex, which has won acclaim for its superb acoustics and BBC Radio 3 will be using the 500-seat venue to record Britten Sinfonia performing during the Festival as part of the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Encore concert series.

Festival Manager, Nick Wells, has put together a packed 11-day Festival programme with the usual lively and challenging mix of contemporary and classical music, outdoor concerts, jazz, folk, film, walks, street theatre and much more.

Tim Minchin

There’s also another Greene King Real Beer and Food Festival showcasing local produce, more Shakespeare in the Streets exploring the town’s secrets, and a film season of biopics at the Abbeygate Picturehouse plus the topical Not so Silent Movies with improvised music at the apex.

The final weekend of the Festival will have a party atmosphere with open-air concerts in the Abbey Gardens including an ABBA and Robbie Williams tribute night, and a glamorous finale featuring Clare Teal and the BBC Big Band celebrating the classic songs of legendary jazz divas. And that’s not all, because a late but very welcome addition to the last night of the festival is a Fat Cat Special at the apex with comedy star Tim Minchin.

The Festival brochure is now widely available and can be viewed as an e-magazine on the Festival website at www.buryfestival.co.uk. Keep up to speed with all the latest news and behind the scenes action by following the Festival on Twitter.

Tickets for all Festival events are on sale at the Festival Box Office in the Apex, Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds. They can be booked online at www.buryfestival.co.uk, by calling 01284 758000 or email bookings@theapex.co.uk

The limited edition Keeper for the day experience includes time with Asian animals including the chance to help feeding the gibbons and sun bears and meeting red pandas and hornbills.  Then you’ve time with some of the rainforest species including preparing enrichment for the marmosets and tamarins, meeting the sloths and the troop of squirrel monkeys.  After your lunch there are encounters with the tigers and wolves to look forward to as well as the chance to meet Colchester Zoo’s incredible pygmy hippos.

The Keeper for the Day experience includes entrance to Colchester Zoo for the whole day, lunch and a souvenir pack.  For more information go to www.colchester-zoo.com or alternatively contact Colchester Zoo on 01206 331292.  Information can also be found on the website of the zoo’s shorter keeper shadowing experiences including the chance to spend time with the keepers of the cheetahs and the skunks!

A new travel agency has opened on The Thoroughfare in Woodbridge. Deben Travel opened their doors on the 12th January, offering all the price advantages of booking through a large firm or online, but with the benefits of being totally independent and local.

So why not take the stress out of booking your next holiday and contact Deben Travel on 01394 615620, visit www.debentravel.co.uk or call in to see them at 25 The Thoroughfare.

Lee and Sarah Hunt and the team have over one hundred years experience in the travel industry. This includes former travel agency branch managers, airline cabin crew and a ski guide. It is fair to say that Deben Travel can give personal accounts of the majority of the world’s holiday destinations, making your holiday experience one to truly remember.

Win a three-night break to Norfolk courtesy of Deben Travel and Hoseasons. Staying at the popular Sumerfields Holiday Park in a bungalow that sleeps up to 4 people. Summerfields offers a range of facilities including an indoor pool, sports area, spa bath, sauna, evening entertainment and plenty of children’s facilities. Various dates are available and will be confirmed with the competition winner.
To enter the competition just send your answer to the following question along with your name, address and a daytime telephone number to: Win A Holiday Competition, Ipswich24, PO Box 774, Ipswich, IP1 9FW or you can enter below (only ONE ENTRY per household online). The closing date for entries is Monday 30th April 2012.

Q. Where is Deben Travel based?

3 nights break for up to 4 people staying at Summerfields, Norfolk. Travel to the park is not included. Prize is subject to specific dates, restrictions do apply. Other dates may be available at a supplement to the competition winner.

NOW CLICK AND ENTER HERE»

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COMPETITION RULES: Competition is open to everybody (regardless of postcode). Online entries restricted to one entry per household – abuse of this will result in entry being excluded. The editor’s decision is final. No entry will be entered into. Online entries can be used for marketing purposes, if you do not wish your details to be passed to the promoter you should enter by post stating that you wish to be excluded from such.