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This
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| Issue No. 12 Spring 1999 | ISSN: 1359 - 3889 |
|
1989
April May August |
off to a great start
April Programme for Belize mention in BBC Wildlife, raises first £5,000. May PFB launch party at London Butterfly House. Tube strike that day but 175 guests met Gerry & Lee Durrell (see centre page). Today newspaper donates £25,000 to PFB. August Over 1,000 supporters so far and cheque for $100,000 sent to Belize for land purchase. |
| 1992-1994 |
PFB begins further fundraising to purchase New
River Wildlife Corridor. Start of Costa Rica and Danjugan Island initiatives. Rainforest Action Costa Rica launched in July, 1994, at Royal Geographical Society by Mario A Boza, former Costa Rican Minister. Philippine Reef & Rainforest Project, to purchase Danjugan Island launched by David Bellamy. |
A BIG Thank You to all our supporters - without you the World Land Trust could not have achieved all this success. Please stay with us over the next decade -there is so much more we can do with your help.
Dr Gerard Bertrand - a remarkable person whose "Lifetime's
Passion all began with Tarzan"
A founder-trustee of the WLT, and initiator of Programme for Belize
On the face of it the clapper-board houses of colonial New England seem far removed from the tropical rainforests of Belize, but for Jerry Bertrand there is a permanent link. For it was he, as President of Massachusetts Audubon Society, who convinced his Board to put up $500,000 to get Programme for Belize, off the ground. “It was a fortuitous situation,” Jerry says of the project. “An English-speaking country, English legal system, and generally unspoiled environment”. It was the unspoiled tropical forests that made the effort worthwhile for Jerry, a keen birder, who was only too well aware that it was in these forests that a huge number of New England’s migratory birds spent several months each year.
"People just don't realise. Over 65% of the birds we call 'our' birds in Massachusetts, are really not temperate birds; they’re tropical birds. They just happen to come north to breed. We get them four months of the year, they get them eight months of the year. Most of their lives they spend in Central or South America."
It was in October 1988 that Jerry Bertrand first contacted John Burton to ask if he might be interested in starting up a UK office for PFB. John remembers,
“I had seen Jerry in the summer of ‘87 and so I did know about this rather bizarre project. But it sounded wonderful. I have known Jerry since 1977 when he was Chief of International Affairs at the Department of the Interior in Washington, and since then I have watched him steer Massachusetts Audubon from an endowment of $7.6- million to over $90-million, during the 19 years he has been its President. I have nothing but admiration for the way he just gets things done.”
So, when Jerry’s phone call came in January ‘89, John didn’t have to think twice. As John recalls “I was to be given $10,000 to set up the office, get publicity and promote PFB and my target was to double that amount by the end of the year [1989]. We worked fast, and PFB was launched on 8 May. By then we had already raised over £50,000.”
“During the first ten years of my life I had moved around so many times I wasn’t sure where home was. But during that time Tarzan was always with me. I loved the jungle stuff and the animals, all that kind of thing. Tarzan appealed to all the worst instincts in me!“Since those days I haven’t been without “Tarzan-type” experiences. For instance, in May 1977 I was spending the night on a tree platform in northern India when I was roused from my slumber by an unmistakable snarl. I rolled over, flicked on the light and looked right into two big red eyes. They were the eyes of a tiger and he wasn’t too happy that we were sleeping twenty feet above his kill. He was stretched full length up the tree we were in, which was a little alarming, even Tarzan would have to admit”.
It was necessary for us to form a UK charity, and so the World Wide Land Conservation Trust was born. Jerry Bertrand was joined by Bruce Coleman and David Pedley as founder-trustees, and John Burton became its Chief Executive.
Despite being based in the USA, Jerry has played a major role in guiding the WLT and, as with everything he does, has shown true flair. When our work in Costa Rica hit problems it was Jerry who suggested that Andrew Kendall was the man for the job in San José. In 1993 there was a real threat that a woodchip mill would be built on banks of the Golfo Dulce, the large inlet between the Osa Peninsula and the southern coast of the Costa Rica mainland, where so many endangered species live. A trunk road would have sliced its way through the forests, and the fragile waters of the gulf would have become polluted with run off. Although many other conservation activists were campaigning against the woodchip mill it is widely acknowledged that it was Andrew’s hard work, diplomacy and liaising skills which helped avert the threat. Much of the Osa is now a Wildlife Refuge, and as such is fully protected.
Although Jerry has spent a great deal of his working life behind a desk, he is first and foremost a naturalist. Formal meetings can come to an abrupt halt if Jerry spots a woodchuck outside, and there is nothing unusual about seeing Jerry at an international conference in a remote country with binoculars in one hand and pen in the other. And the amazing thing is that Jerry really can concentrate on both things at once.
Another thing about Jerry - he is never afraid of a good fight for a cause he believes in. Speaking openly against leg-hold traps, an extremely unpopular stand with certain groups of the Massachusetts community, lead to him receive hate mail and even death threats. He has also spoken openly on the problem of population - a tricky subject most US environmental organisations refuse to even talk about publicly, let alone take a stand.
In November 1998 John Burton was invited to give a brief presentation on Jerry’s international work, at his retirement celebration organised by Massachusetts Audubon. “It was a wonderful occasion if not a little sad for the colleagues he would be leaving”, says John. “But I couldn’t help thinking “Now that Jerry is leaving Mass. Audubon he will have more time to devote to the WLT!”
As was predictable Jerry’s international commitments still fill his day and, as Chairman of the Board of BirdLife International (HQ in Cambridge, UK), he is in constant demand. But when Jerry rang up the other day, and said “Hey, John, I’ve just returned from Patagonia and there’s a wonderful opportunity for the Trust down there...” there was a touch of déja vu.
On behalf of the WLT Trustees and all friends of Jerry, we wish him a happy and healthy retirement. “Retirement? What’s that” he says.
“The responsibility that we have as developed nations to conserve tropical areas long exploited economically for our benefit is something that we must redress. We have all benefitted tremendously, now it is their turn.”
-Jerry Bertrand
We would like to thank John H. Mitchell, editor of Sanctuary, the magazine of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, for
assistance in writing this Editorial.
Jerry Bertrand led an ‘eco tour’ to Patagonia in February this year and was horrified to find that huge areas of the coast are on the market. Uncontrolled development could destroy its wildlife interest, and Jerry is helping the Trust find out how we can save this incredible site.
This is why we need the WLT Action Fund - to react to situations like this, and FAST. There are so many important areas throughout the world that are under great pressure from development. Belize was lucky to escape a direct hit from Hurricane Mitch, which caused great loss of life and substantial damage to Belize’s neighbours. Sadly, a significant reason for this disaster appears to have been the rampant deforestation in Honduras and Nicaragua.
The WLT will act to save tropical forests wherever it can.
Gerry Ledesma, President of the Philippine Reef & Rainforest Conservation Foundation in Bacolod City, Negros, writes:
So many people have contacted us saying that they have helped save Danjugan and asking if it is it possible to visit. So we would like to let everyone know that it is now possible to see Paradise Island. But numbers are strictly limited so that the island doesn’t get spoiled in any way, and the wildlife disturbed. We can offer you a 4-day excursion which includes a trip round the island by boat, birdwatching and whale-watching,and hikes on the island.
Bacolod City is a pleasant place to stay and we can give you advice on hotels and travel. Please contact us direct for more information With best wishes to all.
-Gerry
Just a dot on the map but Danjugan Island is home to over 250 species of coral,
68 species of birds (including White-breasted Sea Eagle) and nine species of bat.
Special Offer
The excellent Lonely Planet guide to the Philippines is available to WLT supporters
at a specially reduced price. Please contact WLT Offer, Lonely Planet Publications,
10a Spring Place, London NW5 3BH. Tel: 0171 428 4800
Can’t visit, but want to see what it looks like?
You need a copy of our video:
Danjugan Island - a Limited Edition.
Cost: £9 inclusive of P&P. Available from the WLT Office.
Negros is the mainland island next to Danjugan. And originally it would have had the same primary rainforests sheltering rare tropical flora and fauna as does Danjugan Island. But from the beginning of the 19th century much of Negros was cleared to make way for sugar plantations. Although the island has suffered 95% loss of the forest over the past 100 years, some tropical forest still remains at Patag (in the centre of the island). Here you can trek through rainforest and then have a refreshing bathe in the cool waters of Dumalapdap Falls.
It is a depressing fact that 80% of the species endemic to the islands in the greater Negros-Panay region (see map above) is endangered. And to quote the Philippine Red Data book: ”Individually, these figures rank among the highest [in endemism] of any faunal region worldwide. Collectively they paint an unparalleled picture of approaching extinction”.
In the centre of Bacolod City (where the Philippine Reef & Rainforest Conservation
Foundation have their office) is the animal reserve founded by the Negros Forest and
Ecological Foundation, where you can see some of the animals endemic to the
Visayan group of islands. They are now successfully breeding some critically
endangered species, including the Philippine Spotted Deer and Visayan Warty Pigs.
Last year Dominic White, WLT Projects Manager, visited these islands en route from Belize back to the UK, following an invitation by the Turks & Caicos Islands National Trust. Since then we have been liaising closely and have recruited a volunteer, who is travelling to Turks & Caicos as we go to press, to help them step up conservation activity on the islands.
Lying on the edge of the Caribbean Basin, between the deep Atlantic Ocean and the shallower waters of the Bahamas bank system, Turks & Caicos islands contain unique habitats including a Ramsar site to protect its wetlands.
Dwarf vegetation skirts the undeveloped coastline of Little Water Cay. These wonderful tropical islands are a UK Dependent Territory and the WLT is helping develop a conservation programme to safeguard them.
Aerial tree roots plunge into one of the many caves characteristic of the underlying geology of the area.
As well as woodland habitats such as these, the seagrass beds, mangroves, coastal marshes, wetlands and coral reefs make these islands internationally important. However, they are threatened by inappropriate tourism development and a proposal for a massive cruise liner port on one of the islands.
The response to our advert to recruit a volunteer to go out to Turks & Caicos Islands for three months produced over 300 enquiries. Of the 9 people we interviewed all could have done the job, but in the end we offered the post to Elaine Reynolds, formerly of the Groundwork Trust. She will be in Turks & Caicos until June. Asked why she was so keen to get this job she says:
“This is a wonderful opportunity to work on a project which is literally a race against time to protect the island habitats from being permanently destroyed.“My job is to assist the T&C Islands National Trust achieve its objectives to preserve the biodiversity and cultural heritage of the islands. In real terms this means I will be helping with fundraising and awareness raising campaigns, assisting education activities and documenting features of particular environmental and historic importance.
“I have previously worked in Africa where I was an onlooker to environmental degradation which should have been preventable. I hope that the experience I will gain in Turks & Caicos will give me the insight, confidence and skills needed to be more proactive in the future.”
The WLT launched the Rainforest Volunteers Programme at the beginning of the year with great success. We were able to extend our activities at Blyth House after taking over two extra rooms. The office is now equipped with desks, computers and telephones, kindly donated by Winter Flora of Beccles and Adnams Brewery of Southwold.
Dr. Cindy Engel, the Volunteer Co-ordinator, explains:
“By taking on volunteers we hope to expand the work load we can carry in the
office, as well as relieving existing staff of some routine tasks. Also, by training
volunteers and giving them experience in a work environment, we are fulfilling the
requirements of the grant we have received to get this initiative up and running.”
We now have five regular volunteers: Alison Pagan, Sally MacDonald, Marion Gaze, Shane Smeaton-Small and Ann Wolfe, who have been working on various jobs including relieving on Reception, helping project staff, answering enquiries, filing, and researching grants.
Alison has been working as Assistant to Dominic White (WLT Project’s Manager) for four days a week since October. She says: “It has been a great experience and has really consolidated my MA and expanded my CV. I’m sure it is going to help enormously when I start applying for jobs.”
For further information about opportunities for volunteers call Cindy Engel on a
Tuesday morning, at the WLT Office: 01986 874422.
11th January 1999 “Dramatic skies give way to a rainbow of greens, broken only by the vivid purples and yellows of scattered flowering trees, or the occasional cascade of glistening water tumbling over cliffs and through steep gorges. Rolling foothills, hidden valleys and spectacular mountain peaks are carpeted in a rich mosaic of lush tropical foliage. By anybody’s standards the natural beauty of the landscape is outstanding. But it isn’t just the visual beauty of the Guapi Açu Reserve all senses are affected. Take, for example, the walk that Judith [Cox-Rogers] and I did yesterday, on her very first day at the Reserve
“It was incredibly hot with temperatures soaring above 40º Celsius, and the short walk to our base at Fazenda Serro do Mar from the village of Guapi Açu would have been unbearable in the fierce sun had it not been for the wonderfully revitalising effects of a swim in the cool, clear waters of the Rio Guapi Açu. Our rooms offered no respite from the heat and the veranda where I sit now was little better. The relative coolness of the deep shade cast by the bromeliad and Philodendron encrusted riverine forest just a yard or two away across a tiny stream was the inspiration...
“Within a few minutes we were entering the shade of the forest edge, having just crossed a narrow gorge, where huge bamboo tussocks edged the white water of the stream below. The “chittering” sound just above our heads revealed the presence of a bird with almost jewel-like qualities. Looking up, an intensely deep carmine red plumage shone brilliantly against the grey-green light of the forest canopy. It was a male Brazilian Tanager with its contrasting jet-black wings and stunning silver beak - they thrive on the fecundity of numerous trees typical of the secondary forest here.
“We paused briefly at the spot where, in 1994, Andy Foster and I rediscovered the Rio de Janerio Antwren - a tiny, inconspicuous, blue-grey little bird only ever seen once previously when it was discovered (in 1984) by Brazilian ornithologist Dr. Luis Gonzago. We pushed on up towards the lush virgin forests which start at 400m above sea level. By now we were considerably dehydrated and the great heat was beginning to take its toll...”
“We crossed a small clearing in the forest which demarcates the primary from the secondary forests, a point where I normally pause to admire the fabulous vista of rolling hills, distant high ridges and verdant valleys which form the heart of Guapi Açu Reserve. I knew that Judith would be spellbound by this incredible view, but all I could do was stagger down the slope into the cooling shade of forests and drink from the crystal clear waters of a small stream - a stream that held many memories for me. It was this tiny, jungly stretch of water that my wife, Sharon, and I had waded along as a means of escape after getting lost in the forest in 1996. We had walked up to the waterfall, and on our return had missed what is euphemistically called “the trail” and were forced to spend what was the coldest night of the year, sleeping rough on the forest floor. When Judith joined me I recited this tale and added that it was also here that a massive Anaconda had crossed my path just a few metres away from where we were sitting.
“Rested and quenched we continued up the slope, where huge trees tangled together over massive boulders, covered with Philodendrons, lianas and climbing figs. Every now and then we caught a glimpse of the hidden denizens of the forest - a tatu (armadillo) scurried away into the hidden depths of the ground flora, tracks of peccaries were everywhere and the alarm calls of birds such as Red-crowned Ant Tanagers, White-eyed Foliage Gleaners and Rufous-capped Antthrushes punctuated the gentle background sounds of distant thunder. We continued up the slope to the site (at 900 m) where we hope to build the first of our research shelters, and then turned right to drop down a steep incline towards the roar of the Rio Guapi Açu river.
“Emerging into semi-daylight, the sight of this river tumbling through forested hillside is unforgettable. We rock-hopped and waded across the water to reach a small beach which looked very inviting. Because of the higher humidity here there is a staggering display of epiphytic orchids and bromeliads which crowd trunks and branches. There are an estimated 900 species of orchids in the reserve (more than all of south-east Asia) and the greatest diversity of bromeliad in the world. Just above us was a superb display of Vriesia species of bromeliad growing along side a flowering Christmas Cactus and a tangle of Fuschia. The buzzing sounds of hummingbirds in their plumage of metallic greens, violets, blues and oranges were living up to their delightful Portuguese name of Beija Flores which translated means “flower kissers”. Myriads of butterflies and dragonflies danced everywhere in the warm moist air. So, I will leave you here until next time and I may just close my eyes . .
.
Judith writes: “We flew to Rio de Janeiro and were met by soaring temperatures, and our research professor, Athayde, who would be with us for the next 10 days. Our base was the Pró-Natura field station on the outskirts of the town of Macubu, close to the Desengano State Park - one of the few reserves which remain in the Mata Altantica. The 22,400 ha park is surrounded by a buffer zone of 58,000 ha which is dotted with forest fragments. But these forests have been under intense pressure from cattle farms and timber felling.
“The objective of this expedition was to evaluate the ecological importance of the forest fragments, looking particularly at the abundance and distribution of Euglossine bees as ecological indicators. Most of our days were spent collecting pollen from bees and locating and recording the variety of orchids they had visited. The information we gathered will be used by the Brazilian Institute for Environmental Research and Studies (Pró-Natura) to help them determine the best land management practices for the areas surrounding the park. It was fascinating work and I was totally enthralled. And no, I didn’t get stung once!
“It was such a coincidence that my project area was located so close to WLT’s Brazil project and it
seemed rather unreal travelling so easily from one to the other. The few days I spent at the Guapi Açu
Reserve, with Stephen Knapp, were magical, although hot! In just a few days Stephen showed me a
staggering range of different habitats all within the project area - wetlands, flower-filled pastures,
secondary and primary forests. We met with many local people and the level of enthusiasm shared by all
was extremely encouraging in terms of gaining long term community support. As Education Officer at
Wyld Court I am really looking forward to developing strong links with the local school. The reserve is a
beautiful and untouched area of the Mata Atlantica and I found it totally awe-inspiring. I hope I can
return one day.”
New !
Click here to see the scanned in photos from our scrap book
We thank the following groups for their generous support over the past ten years: European Union, National Lottery Charities Board, Tate & Lyle, Enterprise Plants, Paul Mitchell Hair Care, British Airways (Assisting Conservation), Wade Furniture, Ground Control, Natural History Book Service, Perkin-Elmer, Geest plc, Post Office Counters Ltd, A P Sports Engineering, Relum.
But one of the founding principles of the Trust was that we should, whenever possible, work with existing organisations, in order to prevent duplication of effort and resources. Partnerships representing local interests in the countries where we are active have been central to our work, as have partnerships with industry and commerce.
From the outset, we have worked as the UK partner of the Programme for Belize - now a fully independent organisation, managing a quarter-of-a-million acres of forests and other habitats.
The WLT was instrumental in establishing the Philippine Reef & Rainforest Conservation Foundation Inc, which now owns and protects the island of Danjugan, purchased and saved with funds raised by WLT.
The WLT works closely with several North American organisations, in particular Massachusetts Audubon Society (see Editorial on pages 2 & 3), and The Nature Conservancy. In Costa Rica the TUVA Foundation pioneered vital conservation work on the Osa Peninsula, supported by the WLT, through project representative Andrew Kendall. More recently WLT has been working with, and assisting, Belize Audubon Society.
Nearer to home, the WLT benefits regularly from the generosity of the Conservation Foundation and Linnean Society of London. The Trust encourages responsible eco-tourism and has close links with Trips Worldwide of Bristol, as well as Coral Cay Conservation, who have played a major role on Danjugan Island.
Mr Bromley enabled the WLT to add a further dimension to its activities with the donation of Wyld Court Rainforest. The Rainforest Centre co-operates with many botanic gardens and other collections throughout the world to conserve rare species of plants.
We invited Pete Wilkinson to write the Editorial for our very first newsletter (September 1989). At that time he described having spent “close on twenty years in the political wilderness of the green movement”. Now he gives vent to his feelings ten years on!
If we liken the age of planet Earth to that of a human aged 47, each of that person’s years are the equivalent to 100-million years of ‘biological time’. Up to the age of 41, (more than 4-billion years ago), relatively little is known about the planet. Only scattered evidence exists of the evolutionary phase of the planet and its inhabitants during this unending desert of time. The first vegetation bloomed six years ago and the reptiles and dinosaurs flourished less than two years ago. Modern humans appeared last weekend and agriculture was developed over the last five minutes. The industrial revolution occurred a minute ago.
Perhaps there were civilisations before ours. Perhaps in that seemingly never- ending desert which saw the Earth attain its biological age of 41, many civilisations came and went leaving traces which we never discover. Perhaps they reached a point at which they were faced with overwhelming environmental breakdown. Perhaps they did not respond quickly enough to avert catastrophe and were either swiftly or not-so- swiftly engulfed by conditions which were beyond their control.
We appear to be a species which learns very slowly. Perhaps it is genetically imprinted. Each of us is a miracle of creation, the most complex and awesome organism of the Earth, on one hand we are capable of building machines to take us into space on the other we are capable of mass genocide. A glance at the 9 o’clock news any evening is enough to tell us that we are alternately near-miracle workers but also a pretty bankrupt species in most departments.
A consortium of leading international conservation organisations have claimed in a recent report that, over the past 30 years, we have destroyed 30 per cent of the natural world, with crippling impacts on forests, freshwater and marine ecosystems. Six hundred people die every hour for the want of potable water supplies.
As we approach the millennium we look back over a period which has seen us progress from a society riven with slavery, corruption, ignorance, intolerance and violence, to ... what? Most of those words are just as applicable today. Once we scratch beneath the surface we do not see a lot of progress, particularly when we realise that the ‘impending environmental crisis’ is a daily and tangible reality for close to a billion people in the world who are either undernourished, starving or living in abject poverty.
There’s no doubt that the word ‘global’ has probably been the most over-used word in the last decade. While industry and governments shrug and tell us there is little option but to buy into the ‘global economy’, the greens, the aid and development movement asks us to accept our ‘global responsibilities’. How?
Despite the rhetoric, no-one with any power appears to be developing the sort of project which goes beyond the celebration of the millennium in anything more than a parochial and self-congratulatory way. The sort of ground-shifting, life-changing innovation for which the millennium offers mankind a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is being largely swept under the carpet. The wiping out of international debt for the most impoverished countries is the nearest thing to a revolutionary approach to the millennium, and even that has not been proposed by a politician, but by a pop star.
We need visionaries with courage, not governments who tinker with reactionary policies, dressed up as the ‘third way’.
But it would be so rewarding to be able to say to our children that we have truly strived and succeeded in our own small way to leave the planet in better shape than it was when we arrived. In that respect we must thank the World Land Trust for making a positive difference, despite the obstacles and hurdles to their essential work, and for allowing us all an opportunity to do something of lasting consequence. But the WLT is small and we need more people thinking along the same lines.
As has been said many times before by more eloquent people than me “We do not inherit the Earth from our parents, we borrow it from our children”. Our responsibilities are therefore clear, onerous and unavoidable. And I hope that this will be in the mind of politicians and other decision-makers as they tip their glasses at the midnight hour.
If so you may like to attend a special viewing of the Society of Wildlife Artists’s annual exhibition at the Mall Gallery in London. The WLT has been offered the evening of 27th July. If you would like to join us, please telephone the WLT office for details.
A four-page, full colour project brief is available on the Guapi Açu Reserve, as well as for other WLT projects. We are also preparing briefs on the Trust’s involvement in Sustainable Forestry and Wildlife Corridors. These are available from the WLT office - but please enclose a 26p stamp to cover the cost of postage. The new Brazil Wall Chart, designed by Bob Linney, (see back page) is also available. See Order Form insert.
Have you just bought a pair of new binoculars? If so please consider donating your old pair to a WLT project. Whether they go to Belize, Danjugan Island or Brazil we guarantee they will find a good home.
Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, formerly known as Society Hall NR, was privately-owned land which was donated to the Belize Government in 1975. A condition of the bequest was that the reserve be used solely for education and research purposes. Consequently it is not open to the public. For information on research, training and education opportunities contact BAS.
Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve is one of the few areas protecting the biological diversity of the Maya Mountains northern foothills ecosystems. This wonderful reserve is covered with subtropical and tropical moist forests which provide a rich habitat for a wide variety of wildlife including migratory birds. There are over 540 species of birds in Belize and of this total 20% are migratory. It is believed that as many as two to five billion birds migrate south from North America every autumn, to over-winter. These birds spend two-thirds of their time outside North America, but breed there. Tapir Mountain is an extremely important habitat for migratory birds of the New World. (See also Jerry Bertrand, Editorial)
Known locally as the “Mountain Cow”, Baird’s Tapir (see park logo) is the largest terrestrial mammal in Central America, weighing up to 315 kg (875 lbs). Related to the horse, this heavily built herbivore feeds on leaves, twigs, fruits and seeds. Its prominent trunk-like protruding upper lip is well-adapted for plucking leaves off trees. Although it has poor sight its senses of smell and hearing are excellent. They are mostly found living near streams and rivers where they bathe daily - they also use water to escape from predators. Baird’s Tapir is an endangered species, and fully protected where it occurs. Its numbers have crashed because of loss of habitat and illegal hunting, and only in Belize is there a large breeding population left. Baird’s Tapir is the national mammal of Belize, and three other Belizean National Symbols are found in the Reserve also: the Mahogany tree, the Black Orchid and the Keel-billed Toucan. Other mammal species of Tapir Mountain include Howler Monkey, Silky Anteater, Grey Fox, Paca, Bushdogs, Kinkajou, Collared Peccary and White-tailed Deer. It is also an important area for bats which play an important role in pollination and seed dispersal.
For any donation over £5, to our Belize projects, we will send you a free copy of the
12-page colour
Lucy Griffiths, of Trips Worldwide has found a lodge which borders TMNR (and Roaring Creek). Her verdict:
“Pook’s Hill Lodge was one of the best jungle lodge experiences I had in Belize, it’s in a brilliant spot right in the tropical forest. Situated only 4 miles off the main road on a dirt track you approach the lodge through a thick tunnel of dark green jungle before it opens out into a wide green space at the Lodge. This lodge is a perfect place for birders, nature lovers and those who want to see Mayan ruins, caves, waterfalls and the other nature reserves. The 8 thatched cabanas are small and simple but have plenty of facilities for a comfortable stay.”
See also PFB Field Stations . . .
Trips Worldwide
9 Byron Place, Clifton, Bristol BS8 0JT
Tel: 0117 987 2626
e-mail: post@trips.demon.co.uk
web: www.trips.demon.co.uk
Blue Hole National Park, established in December 1986, is a paradise of underground streams, rivers, sink-holes and cave systems. The main attractions are the Blue Hole and St Herman's Cave where walkers, parched from the heat and dust can immerse themselves in the crystal clear blue waters. (Not to be confused with the blue holes in the barrier reef)
It is possible to walk from Blue Hole to St Herman’s Cave, via a rugged hiking trail, or if you are travelling along Hummingbird Highway, the cave is located 400m off the road. The nearest of the three known entrances to St Herman’s Cave is impressive - a large sinkhole, 60m wide, funnelling to a 20m entrance to the cave. Concrete steps, constructed over the steps made by the Maya who used the cave during the Classic Period (0-900AD), lead into the darkness. As you approach the cave you will feel a surge of cool, damp air which contrasts strangely with the high temperatures outside.
Blue Hole NP is home to over 100 species of birds, and if you are lucky you will see Slaty-breasted Tinamou, Spotted Wood Quail, Black Hawk-eagle, White Hawk, Crested Guan, Keel-billed Toucan, Blue-crowned Motmot and Red-legged Honeycreeper.
Blue Hole National Park is located 12 miles southeast of Belize’s capital Belmopan.
BAS suggest you bring with you: sturdy walking shoes, long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, insect repellent, binoculars, camera and flashlight. So in other words, the terrain is pretty heavy going, the sun can be fierce, as can the insects. Lots to look at through binoculars and to photograph, and caves to explore. Open daily 8am-4pm.
Belize offers you everything, plus a sight of the forests that you helped save. It is a country with vast tracts of untouched rainforest, endless savannah and long mangrove coasts - all containing the greatest variety of animal habitats north of the Amazon Basin. Off-shore, Belize’s coral reef is the most splendid in the Western hemisphere. Visit Belize and you won’t be disappointed.
Trips Worldwide are the UK agents for the PFB Field Stations. They can make your booking as well as arrange a tailor-made itinerary to suit your own requirements. They are a small but flourishing independent travel company who specialise in Central American destinations. Their staff are trained and knowledgeable and they will be pleased to answer your questions. Ring them for further details or for a free brochure.
“I enclose a small donation to your Action Fund, and also please note my change of
address. While writing, I wonder if you could give me some advice. The house we
have bought needs a lot of restoration and we will be ‘camping’ for many months
while we do it up. What I would really like to know is how I can be sure that the
timber I am buying is ‘green’? I would like to be as ecologically responsible as I can,
but I am finding it difficult getting information I feel is reliable. It seems completely
wrong to be sending you donations to save forests, when I am unwittingly contributing
to them being destroyed!”
V & C Jamieson, Co Durham
I think you would find the Green Building Digest invaluable. This magazine is a source of practical information, be it on floors, roofing, fencing products, electrical wiring - the lot - and will help you minimise the environmental impact of your building work. It gives you the information on which to base your decisions. For subscription details call The Green Building Digest Office (01232 335466). Or, for an ‘all in one volume’ there is the Green Building Handbook. This new publication focuses on ‘the environmental issues that relate to the production, use and disposal of key building products and materials’. Cost: £32.50 Published by E & RN Spon. Details from their sales line 01264 342797
“I am sending a donation to the Guapi Açu project and, if possible, I would like a certificate filled out in my daughter’s name. She is only a few week’s old but I am sure she will cherish it when she is older. “Having a new baby has got me worried about nappies (something I hadn’t thought about before!) I am going through ‘Pampers’ like there’s no tomorrow and I realise that they must be made from wood pulp. Is it OK to use ‘Pampers’? If not, what sort should I be buying?...” Gillian Needham, Brighton
According to Ethical Consumer Magazine, the average child will get through about 5,000 nappies before being potty trained. Reports indicate that in the UK nappies currently account for 4% of landfilled domestic waste and cost £40 million a year to dispose of. Once placed in landfills they break down very slowly due to the lack of oxygen. And so there is no doubt that the most environmentally-friendly nappy is one that is reused. Disposable nappies use paper pulp fluff and the demand for this has caused the widespread destruction of old growth forests in Scandinavia, Canada and the Baltic states. Although the pulp itself comes from fast-growing soft wood trees, in many places the original hardwoods have been chopped down to make way for these plantations (as well as valuable wetlands, moors and meadows being destroyed too). In the UK only 10% of parents use real nappies where as in Canada it is up to 65%. For more information get a copy of the Feb/March issue of Ethical Consumer magazine - see below.
“I am writing to thank you for the rainforest information you sent me. The posters are
really eye catching and colourful. I am doing a project on the rainforest at school and
when the teacher told us that was our holiday homework I thought it would be pretty
boring. But having been to the Rainforest Centre at Wyld Court with my family I have
found writing about the rainforest a lot easier because I have now got the idea of how
hot a real rainforest would be.
“I think all the animals that live in the rain forest are lovely and I am interested in
joining one of the groups that are trying to save them. Thank you again.”
Olivia Borton (age 13), Uxbridge
Children love the Rainforest Centre at Wyld Court, and it can really help with school projects - see back page of our printed newsletter for a free child voucher. Let us know about your visit. (Sorry none with this web version of the newsletter.)
“For my 40th birthday I am asking friends to send a donation to WLT rather than give me
a present. Please could you send me some WLT leaflets to give to them, and then,
hopefully, you will be receiving donations after mid-January. Perhaps this is something
you could suggest to your other supporters.”
We were delighted to receive this letter and to know that Ms Cato has so many generous
friends. Thank you to everyone who sent donations to commemorate her birthday.
V. Cato, London
In addition to the letters published above we are receiving a growing number of letters asking for general information on how to be more aware of what is and isn’t environmentally friendly - particularly in relation to tropical forests. As Mr Jamieson says “it’s one thing sending donations to save forests, but another to be using products which are destroying them. I believe the best reference guide is Ethical Consumer magazine which is published bi-monthly and is a gold mine of information, facts and figures.
John Burton reviews GERALD DURRELL - The Authorised Biography, by Douglas Botting.
This definitive biography of Gerald Durrell commences thus:
“I met Gerald Durrell only once in the flesh. It was in the early summer of 1989 at the
London Butterfly House in Syon Park, where he and his wife, Lee, ceremonially launched
an initiative called Programme for Belize - intended to save for posterity a superb tract of
tropical forest in the north-east of that country ...”
This should be enough to encourage all supporters to want to read this biography. While Durrrell’s direct connections with the WLT was only relatively minor, it was nonetheless significant. But much more important, and this is the theme of Douglas Botting’s book, was the huge impact of Durrell on the world’s perceptions of wildlife, and in particular endangered species.
Durrell was a complex person, and this is a truly warts and all biography. But the fact that he had the occasional failing makes him even more endearing. Douglas Botting had complete access to all Durrell’s papers, as well as the Jersey Zoo archives, and with his usual skill makes light reading of a story densely packed with detail. Durrell alive was an inspiration to generations of budding naturalists (myself included). His own books, together with this revealing and compulsive biography will doubtless inspire many generations to come.
Lonely Planet, often regarded as the pick of the travel guides, publishes solidly researched guide books full of inspiration as well as facts. They now have over 400 titles and have hand-picked a selection which they believe will be of interest to our supporters. And for every book purchased You save £1 and they will donate £1 to the WLT. The book list and order form is inserted into this newsletter so please take advantage of this offer and help the WLT at the same time.
New editions of the Belize and the Central America editions have just been produced and, as always, they are packed full of all the information you could need. Peter Eltringham, author of the Belize title, and a co-author of Central America, is a keen supporter of the WLT. He has recently sent us copies of the new editions, and always makes sure that the PFB Field Stations get a write-up, and are donated copies. Oh that all authors were as thoughtful. Many thanks to Peter.
The 2nd edition of the Costa Rica edition has just been published, and gives excellent coverage of the country’s national parks and wildlife.
There is also an excellent Rough Guide to Brazil, now in its third edition.
Dominic White, WLT Projects Manager, and a forester, has been reading The Silviculture of Mahogany.
“This 226 pp book will be a must for foresters and practitioners involved in growing and managing mahogany, and will also be useful for forestry students. The book focuses in impressive detail on plantation silviculture and the role that plantation-grown mahogany can play in terms of global supply. However, data on managing mahogany in natural forests is limited. The Introduction states that attempts have been made to include this information but lack of available data made it difficult to justify. However, the book does refer to the work of Programme for Belize, highlighting the sustainable forestry project.”
These and other books on wildlife conservation and travel can be ordered through:
Each of them has donated at least one Public Lending Right in their books. Payments are based on the number of times their books are taken out of public libraries and the WLT benefits by a cheque, every February, from the PLR Office. This year’s cheque was for £4,395 and this has gone directly to our conservation work.
Thank you again to our 130 author and illustrator supporters who have, between them, assigned over 500 titles to the WLT.
The new WLT Wall Chart, once again designed very effectively by Bob Linney, is now available. (Contact WLT for details). We thank Enterprise Plants, Ground Control, and The Natural History Book Service for sponsoring its printing and production.
The Rainforest Cafe in London & Manchester, promote the work of WLT and Wyld Court Rainforest. They also donate the proceeds of their Crocodile Pond and we thank them for a recent donation of £2,427.
Wyld Court Rainforest offers Special Tours for School Parties and is open every day
between 10am and 5.15pm (except for Christmas Day & Boxing Day). Cafe and Free Picnic
Area, free Coach Park, unusual plant sales and Gift Shop.
Thank you to all our supporters and sponsors over the recent months. Special thanks are due to British Airways, Assisting Conservation for providing flights to support our work in Brazil and Turks & Caicos and the companies that sponsored the Brazil poster, named above.
Thanks also to Wade Furniture for their continued support which dates back to the
early days of Programme for Belize.