Today, 25th April, is World Malaria Day. This international observance day, led by the World Health Organisation, is an opportunity to recognise the global commitment to uniting around the common goal of a world free of malaria.
A first visit - there is always so much to take in. So many things to see, hear and smell, and so many questions.
We are excited to have started work in Bedford, our in-depth study area for urban wetlands. We will be focusing on Bedford's Priory Country Park and the adjacent Fenlake Meadows Local Nature Reserve, which are managed by Bedford Borough Council. These wetland sites will form part of the Bedford River Valley Park, a planned regeneration and wetland expansion project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which will span 868 hectares to form a natural link between Bedford and the wider countryside.
We are delighted to announce that we will be working across the Somerset Levels as one of our three in-depth case study sites. Our focus will be the neighbouring sites of Shapwick Heath and Westhay Moor, which together with a number of surrounding wetlands form the Avalon Marshes, and are managed by Natural England and Somerset Wildlife Trust, respectively.