- 10/06/2025
Catch up on all the climate news with Daisy Page.
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00:00Hello and welcome to Kenton Climate live on KMTV. I'm Daisy Page and in this show we discuss all
00:21things related to environmental issues in the county. How is climate change impacting Kent,
00:26what are communities in the county doing to tackle it and how can you help at home? Each week we'll be
00:31taking a deep dive into new environmental issues in the county and I'll be joined by expert guests.
00:36First tonight, swimmers have been taking a cold dip at Joss Bay as part of Lataliska's Wild Blue
00:42Swim Challenge. Amongst a few braving the waters here were Olympic gold medalist Rebecca Adlington
00:47and actor James Norton. The swim are raising funds for a marine charity that is working on
00:54coastal restoration here in the UK while I went down to Joss Bay Beach to find out a bit more.
01:00The county's coasts are a vital but fragile ecosystem. They are threatened by pollution
01:05and overfishing but here at Joss Bay today despite being a little bit windy and wet people are taking
01:11a swim to save our seas. Olympic gold medalist Rebecca Adlington and actor James Norton are
01:17amongst the few taking the cold plunge for Taliska's Wild Blue Swim Challenge.
01:21It's one of those that I've always felt a really deep connection to water and it doesn't matter what
01:26water that is. I just love the feeling of swimming and being being out at just in open space. I just
01:32think it's absolutely incredible and I think we all if you live near the coast we all kind of have a bit
01:38more of a connection to it because they see it and the local community here I think are really knowledgeable
01:43on the marine life on the sea whereas actually once you get deeper away into the country not so many
01:51people hear about it and see it and see it first hand so it's important to raise that awareness for
01:56everybody around the UK. Starting at 7am and set to finish at 5pm the 10 hour relay race is in support
02:02of the Blue Marine Foundation. The challenge is raising funds for coastal habitat restoration
02:08and marks the launch of their new limited edition whiskey which has been released in a 100% recycled
02:13glass bottle. So for every bottle of Taliska the Wild Blue three pounds is donated to the Blue
02:20Marine Foundation and then we also have the swimmers for every collective kilometre swum a further
02:26150 pounds is being donated to the Blue Marine Foundation and what's amazing is we're already
02:31at a total of over a hundred thousand pounds. The foundation's goal is to have effective protection
02:37for at least 30% of the ocean by 2030. Their recent research shows a global 92% reduction in seagrass
02:44meadows and 95% decline in native oyster reefs over the last century. Huge decline of these key
02:51keystone habitats. Without these habitats we can't build that sort of base of an ecosystem. If we
02:58continue to lose those habitats at a rate we have been they'll simply be lost forever. So the active
03:04intervention to restore these habitats now really is key and by restoring them we not only provide
03:11benefits for nature but also for humans. These habitats provide a huge number of ecosystem services.
03:17Events like this can continue the foundation's work. Daisy Page for KMTV in Joss Bay.
03:25Next a tree in Dover has been cut down for safety reasons but it has left residents saddened. The tree
03:31was cut down last week after Dover district councils say a substantial branch fell from the tree on the 24th
03:38of May. They are planning to plant a replacement but residents are saddened and unhappy with the council's
03:44decision. One resident said the tree looked healthy with lots of green growth. There is speculation
03:49amongst the residents that the removal was linked to a fund fair held at the site but DDC confirmed
03:57this was not the case. They say works were required to maintain public safety.
04:03Now there has been a decline in the curly population but Kent Nature Reserve is one in three
04:08working towards saving the species. Emily Nature Reserve on the Isle of Sheppey are currently caring
04:14for 39 chicks which are all a part of the conservation project. Gareth Fulton joined me earlier to tell us
04:20about more about why the project started and their goal of rewilding the chicks.
04:25A culli is a large wading bird it's this big beak and you'd hear it on the estuaries of Kent
04:31and we get them all year round particularly in the winter but they don't breed in Kent at the moment
04:37and they're basically not breeding very well anywhere south of the sort of Pennines so Birmingham
04:43southwards there's only about 200 pairs left so if nothing happens if places like Elmley and other
04:49estates and land don't do anything they'll go extinct in about 20 years time so we're trying to give them a chance really.
04:55And I heard it's about 39 chicks that you've got so why and when did this project start?
05:04So the project's been running four years and the lead for it is the Norfolk Estate in Sussex and
05:11it started because we had realised that culli was going to go extinct and they're breeding successfully on
05:17some upland areas in the Yorkshire Dales and so and we noticed that the project leads noticed that
05:24there were eggs that were vulnerable to dog walkers or being cut in farmers fields so those eggs
05:32were able to be collected and then transported south and then reared and released in areas that might be
05:37really suitable for culli to breed so that's that's kind of how it came about when somebody saw an
05:45opportunity and to do something really amazing for to hopefully keep these birds breeding in lowland
05:50England. You mentioned a bit about the eggs being brought down and what has the importance the role
05:57has played of captive rearing had in the project so far? Well captive rearing is the sort of method
06:03that we will use so basically the project idea is that areas like Elmley which is a national nature
06:10reserve and a working farm on the Isle of Sheppey is really really good for these birds that nest on
06:14the ground uh so we've got the right habitat we've got lots of scale um and and people can come and see
06:21them and and stay and whatnot so the idea is that we would bring eggs that were vulnerable from the
06:27northern England south incubate them as eggs let them hatch and then when they hatch in a site the
06:33chicks when they're growing imprint on that being home it's a bit like where we grow up we always feel
06:38as though we're associated with that place and it's where we we grew up and birds do the same
06:43the long-term aim of that is that those birds will become adults and then choose to breed and then
06:48breed in Kent on Elmley or Sheppey and then also in peppering in Sussex and Cranbourne and Dorset
06:55and if we're going to establish three populations there we give them a fighting chance of surviving in
07:00what is a really busy place of southern England and what are some of the risks you mentioned earlier that
07:06if this isn't happening that it was expected that these birds might have been extinct in 20 years so
07:11what are some of the risks that are to this population like everything there's just a lot
07:16of us around a lot of people and people's effects whether that's food growing or dog walking or
07:22uh leaving um litter and rubbish and roadkill around which feeds things like foxes and crows and fox and
07:28crows then eat the curly chicks so there's lots of stuff and all of which is unintentional largely um but
07:35which makes habitat places for these birds to live and it really importantly for those birds to live
07:41and have chicks that turn into adults makes it really hard so um areas that are protected for
07:47wildlife like nature reserves but also the wider countryside that really well run uh farms in
07:51this case in this project as well um can provide a safe space so so really it was the chicks not surviving
07:59through being either um the land where they were born not been there anymore it's been developed for
08:04houses or industry or um the chicks getting eaten by uh predators like foxes and crows at which there
08:11are increasing numbers and why is it so important that we have these curly birds here in kent what
08:17makes them so special to this county it's like any wildlife what's the point in any wildlife we could
08:21say well it's not important and have none and the world would be a really dull place and we'd we'd look at
08:26empty landscapes so the curlews are a really key bird for the marshes it's if you go to the estuaries
08:33of you know the medway the swale um down to sandwich bay and all along the kent coast which we've got a
08:39huge coastline you'll hear the curly call it's a really important part you see them on the estuary
08:45and they're just synonymous with the place and you know it's one of those things that charles dickens
08:49sort of recalls when he's painting a picture of the marshes in victorian times that they've always been
08:53here particularly in the winter and it would be real tragedy to see them go on our watch
09:00and you mentioned some key points around our um county there so when the public
09:05are in up out and about what are some things that they can do to help protect the species
09:11yeah i mean like like any birds that live on the shoreline we we as love to go to the beach as much as
09:16they do what happens tends to happen is that they um are easily disturbed so they'll fly off and you
09:22think oh it's not really that big an impact but if they're constantly flying and not feeding particularly
09:27in the winter when it's cold they can't eat enough food to keep um keep themselves warm and keep healthy
09:33so day by day if they're disturbed by a dog running off on a beach or um by their nest being disturbed and
09:39therefore the chicks dying because um uh you know dogs run by or somebody stood on it and they won't
09:45survive so it's just these little things and little considerations to give them a bit of space if they're
09:50you see them down the bottom of the beach or on a mud flat perhaps just call the dog back and walk
09:54walk around or dog on a lead at sensitive times of year that's really the main impact and farmers and
10:01land managers have more of an opportunity to create habitat for them to feed in like you know um food in
10:06in grassland fields and and crop fields and whatnot so you know we're working with lots of farms around
10:12the swale to make habitat really good for them and other birds uh and other wildlife um so yeah there's
10:18lots we can do and you know the other thing to do is come and support areas that are doing things for
10:22them whether you know donate to this project or or just pay a visit to your local nature reserve and and
10:28help out if you can now it's time to take a look at this week's creature feature this week's
10:33creature can be found hiding under shrubs on trees or crossing the pavement and they are also commonly
10:39known for carrying their homes on their backs well have you guessed it if not let's take a look at
10:43this week's creature feature there are a hundred different species of land snail in the uk alongside
10:49our array of freshwater snails which can be found in rivers and lakes these common mollusks need moisture
10:55and are typically found when it's raining they are temperature sensitive and don't like areas that may be
11:00too hot or too cold and to cope they can go into hibernation however if a snail gets too dry they
11:06enter a dormancy called estivation snails have very limited vision only being able to see light
11:11variation and blurred outlines they also have chemo sensors that act as a combination of smelling and
11:16tasting which allows them to follow trails to find food snail and slug slime has many different uses
11:22they act as an adhesive help prevent dehydration and has antibacterial properties which can aid wounds and
11:28infections their slime is also a non-newtonian liquid meaning if you apply slow light pressure it acts
11:34as a liquid but when hard fast pressure is applied it acts as a solid it also plays a role in their
11:40search for a partner and warding off predators such as birds and small mammals that's all for this
11:45week's creature feature it's time for us to take a break when we're back we'll be talking about how
11:51residents are calling for a ban on catapults after a series of fatal attacks on migratory birds all that
11:56more we'll see you soon
12:26we'll see you soon
12:56we'll see you soon
13:26we'll see you soon
13:56we'll see you soon
14:26we'll see you soon
14:56hello and welcome back to kenton climate live on kmtv residents in green hive are calling for a ban on catapults after a series of fatal attacks on migratory birds at st clement's lake some say they're now scared to leave their homes claiming they too have been targeted after confronting the offenders
15:14kristin went to the lake to speak to some frustrated residents kristin went to the lake to speak to some frustrated residents but while reporting something unexpected happened let's take a look
15:30the fact that i was part of the fact that i was part of the fact that i was part of the rescue effort to try and get that goose out just the suffering of that animal is only one that you know it'll stay in your mind for a long time
15:42a place that was once filled with birdsong is now silent a number of birds have been killed in a series of catapult attacks at st clement's lakes in greenhithe prompting concern among residents
15:54i feel very unsafe i have i have a kid i wouldn't let her go play outside and i myself feel unsafe i've been told you know when these things happen think twice before you intervene because on the incident that happened on sunday one of the kids actually aimed at the residence
16:10with the slingshot um threatening her and she had kids in her car i don't understand why we as residents have to always intervene and try and stop this madness it's not our job so it's it's time that these law enforcement agencies really step up and actually intervene and do something killing these birds is a crime they're breaking the law so what is happening nothing is happening
16:34carly who is a resident in the area and a bird ranger for the british trust is calling for better protection of the wildlife and has made a petition to make catapults illegal or create strict laws around carrying them
16:46i am i'm calling for a ban on catapults because they're just basically a a weapon and you can buy them on amazon just for a few pounds and i think children you know holding these weapons you know it's just trouble you know kent basically has the highest number of catapult incidents
17:03uh animal cruelty um i i really feel like you know it's time to ban you know the sale of catapults because it's out of control due to the continuous catapult attacks on the birds in this lake it has now been completely decimated carly says that the lake should be filled with migratory birds both nesting and breeding but now there's about two of them
17:23to carly's surprise the police turned up when i was there and spoke to her about the attacks i got her reaction afterwards
17:30i'm taken aback in all of these weeks i have not seen the police a one time suddenly i'm here recording and the police turn up um i can tell they were very polite but again you know they do push the ball in the court of the the the catapults not being uh uh named as an illegal weapon so there's not much they can do so again it confirms to me that i need to push the government for a complete ban on catapults you know to help stop these uh these uh illegal weapons so there's not much they can do so again it confirms to me that i need
17:54to push the government for a complete ban on catapults you know to help stop these uh these uh illegal wildlife crimes taking place in a statement chem police said that they're aware of the concerns raised on the 1st of june 2025 about the behavior of a group of people at the lake they added that enhanced patrols are operating in the area over the summer months and residents are encouraged to report anti-social behavior to their local officer in a written answer dame diana johnson said we're clear that catapults should not
18:24wildlife people or property police have powers to act when they're used in anti-social behavior or as weapons and legislation continues to be reviewed in the interest of public safety so as plans for enforcement seem to come into play it's now a waiting game to see if the changes will make a lasting difference kristin hawthorne for kmtv in greenhouth
18:47on sunday the 8th of june the hands of our marsh group led 60 walkers on a national community walk around romney marsh
18:54their aim is to raise awareness about the potential threats of solar panel farms being implemented across the marshlands they are concerned for the loss of habitats for local wildlife as well as believing it is a waste of quality farmland which could be used for crops a spokesperson from the group says says national energy security is important but it must not come at the expense of national food security
19:19now over to fallisham where a community garden that has been making a difference to those struggling with mental health issues from recently winning the king's award for voluntary service to the neighborhood with the best buzz award they have everything from beehives to plants to a calf to find out more about the service and how gardening can make a difference kristin went to visit
19:39gardening isn't just a hobby but a proven way to boost both your physical and mental health from getting a dose of vitamin d and exercise to enjoying fresh air and finding a moment of peace the benefits are as varied as the plants themselves the abbey physic garden has been open for over 30 years now and throughout that time it's been able to help people with exercise mental health and well-being all through the act of gardening i'm gonna have a go at planting what's this sweet corn sweet corn
20:07i really like it here i really like it here i enjoy gardening i enjoy gardening and talking to different people it's really helped me with my confidence to learn to talk to different people which i think
20:17but what if you don't have your own green space well that's where community gardens like this one in faversham come in
20:23so we'll grow here we'll cook food we have singing we have tai chi we have yoga all all outside it's um it's a space outdoor and gardening is
20:37is a a hobby that just keeps giving nothing bad about being in a garden or part of a garden or setting a garden up it's just a win-win-win
20:47all all through and it's just incredible what can happen on a little bit of space it doesn't have to be good
20:54one worker here is currently on placement as part of her occupational therapy degree
20:58she says gardening offers a wide range of holistic benefits
21:02i think for a lot of people the thought of well definitely for me the thought of going to the gym
21:07and doing something sweaty and hard work and and difficult is really intimidating
21:12but actually when you're focused and you're engaged in growing something and nurturing something
21:18you're not realizing all the steps you're doing all the all the different bending and lifting that
21:24you're doing and so it is it's passive in one way but it's actually really effective good mobilization
21:29and you're using all of those balance skills all the time and i think it's just
21:35yeah it's a kind of whole it's a holistic like wellness experience i would say the organization
21:40itself has received numerous awards for its work including the prestigious king's award for voluntary
21:46service last year it has so many roles in the community um supporting people with mental health
21:51issues massively getting in contact with nature having time for yourself making connections
21:59i suppose with nature and with people as well in today's world places like abbey physic are vital
22:05to communities as it provides a place of comfort and solitude so whether you're planting tomatoes
22:10flowers or just cutting the grass at home or as part of a community gardening might just be the breath
22:15of fresh air you need this summer kristen hawthorne for km tv in faversham now as a student it can be
22:23difficult when it comes to being sustainable as not many accommodations provide food waste bins and it's
22:29easy to forget to recycle well we went down to the university of kent canterbury campus to ask some
22:34students about how they find ways to practice sustainability while living at university what i do to be
22:40sustainable i put my recycle like recycling away like in the bin i don't tend to like put rubbish on
22:47the floor i always um throw it in the bin whatever it is so i mainly travel by public transport using
22:55trains and buses mainly and i also try to buy my clothes second hand rather than from shops because i find
23:03that that is quite sustainable i do a lot of recycling pretty much everything i do is recycle um i don't really
23:08print off stuff as well i don't really like wasting paper but i just use my computer for wasting my
23:14stuff yeah no i'm the exact same if i don't need to use the paper then i won't i stay sustainable by
23:21recycling yeah me too i just make sure to recycle and instead of using paper i just like to stick to
23:27like electronic devices um i also don't use plastic as much i tend to use sort of like wooden spoons wooden
23:35like forks and stuff to eat meal deals or something so i don't really like to use plastic drinking more
23:41water is more like get a water bottle probably like a a good leader or two and just like use that
23:48rather than like buying a lot of drinks because then that reduces the amount of plastics you use
23:54very much yeah like the billion yeah yeah you go there a lot just to hang out it's about fun yeah
24:03you know just chill out yeah i prefer to walk places instead of like using public transport
24:09but i also prefer to stay in a library now it's time to take a look at this week's climate catch up
24:17thousands of tiny toddlets have been spotted migrating from the lake at capstone farm country
24:22park making their way into the surrounding woodlands and meadows this surge in number is the
24:28highest the park has seen in five years thanks to warm spring that supported their breeding
24:34these five millimeter long toads born as tadpoles in the lake are now leaving the water to fend for
24:40themselves on dry land rangers are urging visitors to tread carefully as immigration leaves the young
24:47toads vulnerable especially as they navigate roads and paths in response volunteers from the can
24:53toads on roads project are in hand to help guide them safely an injured goal has been rescued after
25:00getting stuck in the chimney of a gillingham home a resident called the rspca after discovering the
25:06injured goal in their chimney on rainham on 14th may they attempted to rescue the bird but could not
25:13reach it so ask the animal charity for assistance the rspca animal rescue officer becca wilkie was able
25:21to remove the goal and assess the bird once it was out it was decided that it would be the best to be
25:27taken to rspca malidams wood for a full examination and recovery as the girl was unable to fly now rspca is
25:36working closely with defra to create safety guidelines regarding the risk of bird flu for people who are happy to
25:42handle birds to get them the help they need quickly and finally there's perfect news from port limb animal
25:49park in kent a rare little of six palaces cat kittens has just been born this elusive wild cats
25:56known for their adorable flattened faces and super dense fur are incredibly hard to breed and even harder
26:03to raise with many kittens not surviving past infancy but all six at port limb are healthy and thriving and
26:10keepers are calling it a truly special achievement born to parents namo and atlan the kittens are just
26:16starting to pick out of their den while staff keep a close watch native to central asia fewer than 60 000
26:23palaces cats remain in the wild making this birth a major win for conservation and that is all from
26:29this week's climate capture that's all we have time for on this week's episode of kenton climate we'll be
26:36back next week with another episode discussing more matters relevant to environmental issues in the
26:41county in the meantime you can keep up to date with all things climate related by visiting our website
26:45kmtv.co.uk but from me and the team here this evening have a very lovely evening and goodbye
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