hiya bucks in Bourne End, Flackwell Heath, Marlow, Wycombe, Wooburn October 2017 | Page 10

PRETTY KILLERS: PART 3 I can enjoy some feral animals (ie creatures not native to Britain) which add to our biodiversity. But, like many conservationists, I do not welcome invasive species, which are feral animals that become dangerous to indigenous wildlife. Many conservationist organisations, including the Wildlife Trusts and the Foundation for Endangered Species amongst others, would like to receive information about the Harlequin ladybird’s presence. This is because they then could be monitored in any one locality. Consequently, our indigenous ladybirds may be able to remain free from their damaging predation. In this way, caring gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts would be acting as a kind of wildlife ‘amateur policeman’. This is a growing tendency in Britain, which has gathered pace with programmes such as Springwatch, where viewers gathered information about their local wildlife and sent it to the appropriate conservation groups. When everyone participates in wildlife activities, a much better and clearer picture can be painted, resulting in better outcomes. Another way of directly helping these beautiful creatures is by buying or making a ladybird cum lacewing box. These are practical homes for many species depending on where the box is situated; generally speaking lacewings prefer the box lower to the ground, whilst many ladybirds have a liking for them to be higher up. After I placed my own box on the house wall, I noticed a sharp increase of ladybird numbers in the Contact Andy on 01895 520184 | email [email protected] | www.ffes.org.uk Quality Painters & Decorators • Internal/External Works • Property Maintenance • Specialist in Wallpapering • High Quality Workmanship • Commercial & Domestic • Liability Insurance • It’s our Pleasure to give a free Quote Michael Boorman 01628 662833 07976 370268 [email protected] All Craftsmen over 20 years experience Highly Recommended in www.local.which.co.uk 10 | hiyabucks.com M U LT I P E S T 01753 720 380 [email protected] www.multipest.co.uk