This page is dedicated to Devon and South West wildlife and environmental research
and protection initiatives
The times they are a-changing
new light on the timing of the fallow deer rut
Dr David Dixon
David is a member of KNHS, and has given us talks in recent years on badgers and deer
His article presents results from a phenological study of the European Fallow Deer (Dama dama) conducted in South Devon, UK, between 2007 and 2019
Whilst rut start date advanced over this time period by approximately 2 weeks and rut end date was delayed by a similar amount, based on current evidence, for this and the wider UK fallow population, it was not possible to confirm that the observed effects were directly linked to a warming climate
The complicating factor being the simultaneous increase in deer numbers, both locally and nationally.
Key words: Fallow deer, Dama dama, phenology, timing of autumn rut, rut behaviours, historical perspective, climate change, deer numbers
The article was published in https://www.bds.org.uk/shop/deer-journal-winter-2020
and the full text can viewed at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349061432
South Devon B-Lines Project
The South Devon B-Lines Project is a partnership between Buglife and South Devon Area AONB, and is part of the wider B-Lines initiative, identifying and then delivering a UK-wide network of wildflower-rich meadows and grasslands.
Download advice on creating, restoring and managing wildflower-rich grasslands and creating community-meadows and gardening for pollinators.
"Andrew Whitehouse has been on the cliffs at Prawle Point, south Devon, searching on his hands and knees for a rare bee. He saw only one last year, and so far this summer there has been no sign of the six-banded nomad bee with its striking yellow markings" www.theguardian.com/environment
DBRC Rebuilding Devon's Nature Map
Devon's nature map below identifies the best areas in Devon to maintain and expand our most important terrestrial wildlife habitats. These areas include river corridors and Strategic Nature Areas (SNAs) www.dbrc.org.uk
Below is the SNA map for the South Hams. To find the SNA you are looking for, check on the map for your district to find the number of your SNA. Once you know the number of your SNA, you can then download your SNA here
Click on either map for a larger image
For more about DBRC projects & surveys visit https://www.dbrc.org.uk/projects-surveys/current-projects-and-surveys/
