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First-Ever Socorro Dove Chick Hatches at Whipsnade Zoo

Father and Son Socorro Doves

A type of bird that is reportedly extinct in nature, the Socorro dove, has hatched at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire - the first time the conservation zoo has bred this species. 

The precious little hatchling, which emerged from its egg in late August, marks a hopeful milestone in the global mission to bring the species back from the brink of extinction.

The chick's parents, who arrived from London Zoo in June, are part of an important international conservation breeding programme which is boosting the numbers of the rare birds so they can be reintroduced to their native habitat on Socorro Island, off the coast of Mexico.

With approximately 209 Socorro doves left in the entire world, cared for by fewer than 50 conservation institutions, the arrival of the chick is a significant boost - and along with nine others hatched at Whipsnade's sister-site London Zoo, the Socorro chicks cared for at the two ZSL zoos account for almost 5% of the species' entire population.

Gary Ward, ZSL's curator of birds, told That's Green: "To welcome the very first Socorro dove chick at Whipsnade Zoo is an incredible moment for us, but more importantly, it's a step forward for the survival of a species that would have otherwise been lost forever.

"These birds sadly only exist in human care, meaning that those of us looking after them in zoos are uniquely placed to protect the species, and return them to their native habitat in the not-too-distant future."

Socorro doves once lived in the dense woodlands of Socorro Island, but were declared Extinct-in-the-Wild in 1972, after severe habitat loss caused by deforestation combined with the introduction of non-native predators, sadly, decimated their numbers.

Whipsnade Zoo's tiny chick represents an important milestone for the Socorro Dove Project, an international initiative working to reintroduce this Extinct-in-the-Wild species to Mexico's Socorro Island. The project is a collaboration between ZSL (the conservation charity behind Whipsnade Zoo), key partners in Mexico, Frankfurt Zoo, African Safari, and other zoos within the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) networks, dedicated to safeguarding the species.

Gary added: "As a world leader in caring for and reintroducing Extinct-in-the-Wild species, and as a driving force in the IUCN SSC Extinct-in-the-Wild Action Partnership, ZSL is leading the recovery of the world's most threatened species - each Socorro dove hatchling is a genuine boost for this work and the Socorro Dove Project."

ZSL has previously helped to recover an Extinct-in-the-Wild bird species - the Sihek - after helping to hand-rear hatchlings of the kingfisher for release onto Palmyra Atoll, marking the first time the birds had been living in the wild for 40 years.

Tim Savage, manager of the bird team at Whipsnade Zoo, said: "Our Socorro dove chick is doing well and growing quickly. It's already taken the first step towards independence by fledging the nest - but will still be reliant on mum and dad for food.

"Dad has been doing the majority of parenting, keeping the chick company, feeding it, and encouraging it to forage for its own food too."

Every visit to Whipsnade Zoo supports ZSL's vital work to protect species and restore habitats across the globe. Find out more Whipsnade Zoo https://www.whipsnadezoo.org.

Learn more about the vital work of ZSL here https://www.zsl.org

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Charity Urges People to ‘Step Up for the Planet’ and Take Part in 2025 Rainforest Run

This September, hundreds of people across the world will lace up their trainers for the Rainforest Run 2025, International Animal Rescue’s (IAR) global virtual challenge to protect rainforests and the wildlife that depend on them.

“It’s the perfect challenge for anyone wanting to start running”, Jeanette from International Animal Rescue told That's Green.

“Participants can run, jog or walk 5km and raising money is a great motivation to keep going.”

Following last year’s success, with hundreds of participants running, jogging, and walking to raise vital funds, the movement is gaining momentum. Already, over 100 runners are registered for 2025, with more joining daily. So far for the 2025 Rainforest Run, participants have raised £2,180, planted 436 trees, and taken the first steps toward this year’s ambitious fundraising goal.

Team Orangutan Heads Into Action

This year, Team Orangutan will be led by The Kid Conservationist, whose passion and energy inspire young people everywhere to take action for the environment.

Meanwhile, wellness entrepreneur Valerie Orsoni @valerieorsoni will take on the challenge in a spectacular way, leading a team of ten women on The Rainforest Run while trekking through the rainforest to Kilimanjaro’s base camp. Their journey is a powerful symbol of commitment, courage, and solidarity for the planet.

Why It Matters

Rainforests are often described as the lungs of the Earth, absorbing carbon, producing oxygen, and providing a home for millions of species. Yet they are under constant threat from deforestation and climate change. The Rainforest Run gives everyone, everywhere, the chance to be part of the solution.

“By signing up, you’re not just running a distance, you’re running for the future of our planet,” said Gavin Bruce, CEO of International Animal Rescue. “Every step, every pound or dollar raised, and every tree planted brings us closer to protecting ecosystems that sustain life on Earth. We’re thrilled to see so many individuals, families, and teams join this year’s event.”

How It Works

On Sunday 28th September 2025, participants around the world will run, jog, or walk 5k or 10k in their own communities while raising funds to protect rainforests. Whether you’re an individual, part of a group, or even bringing along a four-legged friend, the event is designed for everyone.

There is a £10/$13 registration fee.

https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org

Planning Hurdle Cleared for Sloy Pumped Storage Project

The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, the independent charity that works to protect, promote and provide for the conservation of the National Park area’s special qualities, has welcomed news that Scottish and Southern’s Sloy pumped storage project near Tarbet on Loch Lomond has cleared an important planning hurdle.

Tarbet resident Duncan MacLachlan, who is one of the charity’s trustees told That's Green: “We're very pleased to see that the plans to redevelop the Sloy Power Station as a Pumped Storage facility have gone through the National Park’s planning processes successfully.

"The Section 36 category of the application has still to be assessed, but we are confident the Scottish Government will give approval, especially considering the valuable contribution the project will make to the country’s capacity to store surplus renewable solar and wind energy, providing stability for the national power distribution grid and boosting energy security. 

"As well as enhancing the status of Sloy Power Station’s iconic Modernist Classical building, it should also bring some much-needed economic benefit for the local community.”

https://www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk

Key Provisions of the Hedgerow Management Rules

1. Hedgerow Cutting and Trimming Restrictions

From 1 March to 31 August, cutting or trimming hedgerows is prohibited, except in specific circumstances. These include:

Safety Concerns: If the hedgerow obstructs public or private rights of way or poses a danger to users.

Health Risks: To prevent or treat serious plant, human, or animal health issues.

Statutory Requirements: Work mandated by a statutory body.

Hedge-Laying and Coppicing: Permitted during specific periods, such as 1 March to 30 April.

Sowing Oilseed Rape or Temporary Grass: Requires prior notification to the RPA and adherence to specific guidelines.

In these cases, notifying the RPA is essential, and records of all activities must be maintained 

2. Buffer Strip Requirement

A 2-metre buffer strip, measured from the centre of the hedgerow, must be established and maintained. Within this buffer:

No Cultivation: Land must not be cultivated.

No Pesticides or Fertilisers: Application of pesticides or fertilisers is prohibited.

This buffer strip is crucial for preserving hedgerow health and supporting wildlife corridors 

Enforcement and Compliance

The RPA is responsible for enforcing these regulations. While the approach is primarily advisory, non-compliance can lead to:

Civil Sanctions: Such as Stop Notices, Compliance Notices, and Variable Monetary Penalties (VMPs).

Criminal Prosecution: In cases of severe or repeated violations.

For instance, a VMP can be as high as £250,000 if deliberate non-compliance is detected 

Support Through Countryside Stewardship

Farmers and landowners can participate in the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) programme, which offers:

Financial Incentives: £13 per 100 metres of hedgerow per year.

Management Guidelines: Encouraging practices like hedge-laying and coppicing to promote biodiversity.

Capital Grants: For activities such as planting new hedges or filling gaps in existing ones 

These initiatives align with the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), supporting environmentally sustainable farming practices.

Practical Steps for Compliance

To ensure adherence to the hedgerow management rules:

Understand the Regulations: Familiarise yourself with the specific cutting and trimming restrictions and buffer strip requirements.

Maintain Records: Keep detailed records of any activities carried out under exemptions.

Notify the RPA: For activities like sowing oilseed rape or temporary grass, ensure prior notification is submitted.

Participate in Stewardship Programmes: Consider enrolling in CSHT or SFI for guidance and financial support.

By following these steps, land managers can contribute to the conservation of hedgerows and the broader environment.

ruralpayments.blog.gov.uk