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The Devon Wildlife Trust is to launch a 'Habitat Emergency Appeal'
in an attempt to help the hidden victims of the foot-and-mouth crisis.
Since the outbreak began in February access to farmland and nature
reserves has been severely restricted. The trust is concerned that
the knock-on effects for wildlife could bring some species and habitats
closer to extinction.
A number of wildlife reserves managed by the Devon Wildlife Trust
have been directly affected. At Knowstone Moor, an area important
for its culm grassland, cattle normally used to graze the reserve
have been culled.
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Barn
owls need the protection of bodies like the Devon Wildlife
Trust
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"This reserve
may now not be grazed for the whole year," said Paul Gompertz, chief
executive of the trust. "Species such as the endangered marsh fritillary
butterfly and the barn owl may suffer as a result."
According to the trust, only 1% of this internationally important
grassland remains from the amount which existed a century ago, and
the present situation could potentially have a catastrophic impact
on the wildlife there.
Looking after nature reserves and working with landowners is a key
part of the work undertaken by the Devon Wildlife Trust. The emergency
appeal aims to help landowners get back on their feet after suffering
from months of restrictions.
"We now have the enormous task of re-establishing management practices
on Knowstone Moor and on our other 40 reserves which have been inaccessible
over the past few months, as well as providing habitat management
advice and support for farmers," said Mr Gompertz.
Working with the landowners and decision makers, the trust hopes
to help shape the future of the countryside and consider how their
decisions can affect wildlife.
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Latest
news on Devon's recovery plan...
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