Tough Times for Zoos & Safari Parks

Bowdleflode News No. 26 – July 2020

Hello!

Welcome to the July Bowdle eNews where we share our updates. We hope that you and your families are all well and by now accepting our new normal. Please forward on to any friends and colleagues you think may be interested in receiving our newsletter.

Tough times at Zoos & Wildlife Safari Parks

Animals grazing peacefully at Marwell

There is no doubt that the last few months have been a difficult time for everyone. None more so than for zoos and wildlife parks which were forced to close their doors, throwing uncertainty on the lives of thousands of animals in their care. This month, with doors set to re-open for many, our zoos and parks will need our support more than ever before, both to be able to stay in existence and carry on their wonderful work.

Re-opening today, June 29, we highlight Marwell Zoo which is close to Bowdle HQ. We have facilitated many adoptions through them for local schools taking part in the Bowdleflodes project. With 140 acres set in the heart of Hampshire, near Winchester, they operate as a charity with an aim to conserve global biodiversity and pursue a sustainable future. They boast an incredible range of animals, with over 140 species and is one of the top places to visit in the south as a family. Visit their website to plan your visit safely this summer www.marwell.org.uk.

Shepreth Wildlife Park

How you can help

Save Britain’s hedgehogs

A yummy hedgehog breakfast !

Here at Bowdle HQ, in the Sussex countryside, we are no strangers to the sightings of some very adorable spiny creatures –  and Bowdle founder Neil will often spy them outside the back door! Over the last two decades hedgehogs have undergone a drastic decline in Britain with the humble hedgehog now listed as a species of principal importance to protect. But why is one of of the nation’s favourite garden icons facing such devastating losses? Here are just a few reasons:

• Widespread use of pesticides reduces the invertebrates hedgehogs eat
• Larger field sizes makes it difficult for hedgehogs to move around the landscape
• Increasing badgers – the main natural predator – may have an effect where habitat is already degraded
• Gardens lost to car parking or decking directly reduces foraging area
• Busy roads cause mortalities. As well as this, they can disrupt dispersal routes for hedgehogs
• New developments usually lack any connectivity between gardens

The last point is hugely significant with the amount of new housing developments being crammed in towns and countrysides as the demand for housing increases. One simple way to combat the decline with the help from developers would be to include a “hedgehog highway” –  a 13 cm hole in the bottom of a fence that allows hedgehogs to move freely between gardens to find food and find a mate.  This small move which could have a big impact would be very easy and cost effective for developers to carry out.  If you feel passionate about these creatures and want to help their plight then sign the petition below and make a stand!

Bowdleflode of the Month – July

Meet DAMINGO!
Created by Freya from Oakwood School, West Sussex, UK

Damingos have a curved beak which is ideal for catching its prey and sturdy antlers to defend its youth. They also have a distinct badger’s face, neon pink feathers and a leopard tail. It has classic flamingo legs but with stone-black hooves which help make its nest. Usually they will eat krill, shrimp and small creatures. In the breeding season, the females become aggressive towards the males to see which one is the strongest. Usually they’re lovable creatures and only hurt other species for defence or if they feel threatened.

Thank you Freya for your amazing Bowdleflode!