Establish and Maintain Nature Reserves and Educate in Natural History and Nature Conservation
Establish and Maintain Nature Reserves and Educate in Natural History and Nature Conservation
Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page. Here you’ll find guidance on some of the topics people ask us about most often.
We’ve also included information on how to report unusual or exciting wildlife sightings, which helps us build a clearer picture of the species in our locality.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please get in touch – we’re always happy to help.
Our reserves are carefully managed to protect sensitive habitats and wildlife, and limiting access helps us maintain them as safe, undisturbed spaces for nature.
For this reason, our reserves are not usually open to the general public. Many of them can, however, be seen and enjoyed from nearby footpaths and rights of way.
We always welcome volunteers who would like to help with outdoor work, habitat management and maintenance. Volunteers work alongside our reserve wardens during scheduled work parties, and from time to time we organise guided walks or special activity days on the reserves.
Full details of upcoming work parties, walks and other events can be found on our Events page.
You can call Secret World Wildlife Rescue’s 24-hour helpline on 01278 783250 for expert advice and support. They also have a response team who may be able to come and assist. Please note they are currently unable to accept waterbirds or squirrels. For more details view Secret World.
Alternatively, you can take the animal to your nearest veterinary practice. Veterinary surgeons are required to provide emergency care and pain relief for all animals, including wildlife. It’s best to phone ahead so they can give advice and be prepared for your arrival.
If you’re not sure whether the animal needs help, or you’re worried about catching or transporting it safely, you can contact our local volunteer Amy, who has wildlife rehabilitation experience at 07919 323190.
If you find a baby bird out of a nest follow RSPCA guidance HERE
We welcome Bronze, Silver and Gold Award candidates working towards their DoE Awards. We can discuss a range of activities that fit with the young people’s interests and time available and can usually find something to suit them. For younger candidates it may be necessary for a parent to accompany them.
Get in touch if you would like to chat about this type of volunteering opportunity.
It is often possible for us to support student projects on our land, from sixth-form studies to PhDs. Get in touch if you have a specific idea in mind.
If you see a Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet or discover a nest, please report it right away. Quick reporting is essential so experts can respond promptly and help stop the spread of this invasive species.
Whenever possible, include a clear photo with your report – images are far more reliable than written descriptions and greatly increase the chances of a follow-up.
Report the sighting as soon as possible using the Asian Hornet Watch app or by emailing the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) at [email protected]
Please report finding any dead wild birds they may be collected and tested for bird flu or other cause of death. Government guidance is very helpful and sets out ways to report it. Further information is available HERE.
If you find a dead otter, please do not touch or move it. Due to current Avian Influenza precautions, reporting and recovery have become more logistically challenging. Please contact the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 to report the location and circumstances, and they will advise
We encourage everyone to record unusual or interesting wildlife sightings – especially insects. Insect records are hugely valuable, helping us understand how species’ distributions are changing over time and where conservation action may be needed.
Please do not handle it but observe from a safe distance, especially if you are unsure of its identity. If you can capture some clear photos from multiple angles, ideally with a common object (like a coin) nearby for scale. Focus on key features such as colour patterns, wing shape and antennae.
Some groups are currently a priority for recording because good data is urgently needed. iRecord enables people to record any significant sightings including:
If you spot any of these insects (or any other species you think is unusual), please record it on iRecord. This ensures your sighting is verified and contributes to national datasets that support research and conservation.
How to record an insect sighting on iRecord:
For bird sightings:
For bird sightings across Yatton and Congresbury please email the details (and a photo if you have one) directly to [email protected]. These records help our bird monitoring team track changes in local populations and you might feature in our monthly Bird News.
