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Publication date:- 2017-29-07

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7 in 10 Brits say they are losing touch with nature

NEW research has shown a staggering 69% Brits feel they are losing touch with nature. The study was commissioned by Jordans on behalf of the Jordans Farm Partnership, which brings together The Wildlife Trusts, LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming), The Prince's Countryside Fund and 40 progressive British farms that grow cereals for Jordans. The partnership is designed to promote sustainable farming with a commitment to give over 10% of land on Jordans farms to British wildlife.

While a staggering proportion of us feel we're losing touch with nature, a further 13% admitted that they have not been to the countryside for more than 2 years. Even more concerning for future generations is the admission by 33% of parents who don't feel they know enough about British wildlife to pass onto their children.

When quizzed on wildlife, 33% of those questioned could not identify a barn owl while 66% couldn't recognise a turtle dove. Both these farmland birds are in decline with turtle doves being 1 of the UK's fastest declining species after populations have fallen by 96% since 1970.

The Jordans Farm Partnership has been created to help stem this decline and support endangered species like these birds by restoring and recreating habitats. Rough grassland provides areas where barn owls can hunt for prey and allowing some hedges to thicken and become taller can encourage turtle doves to nest.

The study also showed that even the most familiar species of British wildlife are not recognisable to some Brits, with 17% of respondents saying they have never seen a toad and 13% have never laid eyes on a hedgehog.

When it comes to trees, one in three Brits would not be able to easily identify an English Oak and 75% couldn't identify a Hawthorn tree; and yet; trees like the oak and hawthorn provide essential habitats for birds, insects and bats.

On Jordans Farm Partnership farms, hawthorn trees are able to grow in hedgerows to provide not only shelter for wildlife, but also blossom, which is a valuable source of nectar for bees and other pollinators during the spring. Oak trees on the farms are home to thousands of insects that provide food for numerous species of bird and bat.

Research from the 2016 State of Nature Report showed that more than half of British farmland species are in long-term decline. This has a major impact on how nature fares within the UK as around 75% of land is used for farming. The risk of this decline continuing is real unless action is taken to ensure wildlife is protected and people have the opportunity to experience it, whether in Britain's countryside or in Gardens, Towns and Cities.

Within the Jordans Farm Partnership, each of the 40 farmers in the scheme develops a bespoke farm plan with a Wildlife Trust farm advisor. This includes a list of wildlife present on the farm and species that should be encouraged because they are rare or important for conservation in their county. To date, 15 farm plans have been set up and 23 conservation focus species have been identified. Jordans Cereals farmers are currently providing habitats and wildlife protection across:-

► 450km of British hedgerows.
► 80km of watercourses.
► 1,000 hectares of habitat for pollinators like bees.
► These figures are expected to double once all the farm plans are in place.

Vicky Cojeen, Head of Brand at Jordans Cereals, said:- "The Jordans Farm Partnership extends our long-standing commitment to ensure wildlife can thrive. Together with The Wildlife Trusts, we are passionate about reigniting the nation's connection with British wildlife. We will continue to work hard to protect wildlife and support British farming with our partners to ensure we make delicious breakfasts that help make a better future for everyone."

Janel Fone, Director of Marketing and Development at The Wildlife Trusts, said:- "We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of wildlife and wild places in their daily lives and this research by Jordans provides an interesting insight into how connected people feel towards the natural world. We are proud to be working with a company like Jordans Cereals who through their British farming supply chain are making a positive difference to the natural world and helping The Wildlife Trusts achieve its vision of restoring nature."

Health worker claimed relatives had died to claim sick pay

A health care worker lied about the deaths of 3 family members to falsely claim almost a year's paid absence from work between 2012 and 2015. Over a period of 3 years Joseph Wilson 1st told his NHS employer a brother had died, followed later by his cousin and then his sister. Wilson, aged 41, of Fazakerley, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to 3 offences of fraud by false representation at South Sefton Magistrates Court. on 5 July 2017. The health care assistant was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 18 months, 240 hours of unpaid community work and ordered to pay more than ₤5,000 compensation to Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust. The court heard that Wilson, a man of previous good character, was dismissed from his job at the Trust in December 2015 on grounds of gross misconduct after discovery of the most recent deceit involving his sister. However, inquiries by the Trust's anti fraud specialists also identified the previous absences relating to other supposed family bereavements. Following further investigation and an interview under caution, Wilson finally admitted that he had lied about all 3 deaths.

After the court hearing, investigating anti-fraud specialist Paul Bell said:- "The relatively robust sentencing, despite Wilson's previous good behaviour, reflects the fact that he had committed serial offences over a number of years. He also hadn't come clean about the deceptions when he had an opportunity to do so during his interview with investigators. Abuse of sickness absence is one of the main types of fraud in the NHS and this sentence demonstrates that this kind of abuse of public funds will not be tolerated."

Steve Shanahan, Director of Finance for the Trust, said:- "The Trust takes deceptions like Wilson's very seriously. Every allegation of fraud brought to our attention is thoroughly investigated. We won't hesitate to press for a prosecution to be brought where we believe the Trust, and in turn the taxpayer, has suffered a financial loss."

NHS worker named 'Apprentice of the Year'

AN NHS worker has been named 'Apprentice of the Year' by a local college. Jodie Breen, from Ellesmere Port, won 'Apprentice of the Year' in the 'Business' category of the Celebrating Achievement Student Success Awards 2017, hosted by Wirral Metropolitan College. Jodie won the prestigious award after completing her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship whilst on placement at Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP). Jodie said:- "Winning this award is a real achievement. I have worked hard for 2 years and it has finally all paid off. Thank you to CWP and Wirral Met for giving me this opportunity and for believing in me and supporting me every step of the way. My apprenticeship experience at CWP has been amazing. I've been given so many opportunities and it's been a great opportunity to meet new people and gain useful qualifications that can help me progress further in my career." The 23 year old was nominated for the 'Apprentice of the Year' award by Wirral Met Tutor Linda Whiffen, who said:- "Jodie is a keen and motivated learner who fully engaged in her studies to secure a fantastic career opportunity. She has grown in confidence over the last two years and excelled in the challenges of her new role. We're thrilled that Jodie has secured a permanent role at CWP. It is thoroughly deserved after she showed such dedication and 1st class performance throughout her apprenticeship." Jodie completed an intermediate apprenticeship with CWP in 2015 before qualifying from her 2nd, advanced level apprenticeship in April this year. She now enjoys her permanent role as Contracts Project Officer at the mental health Trust. Jodie's new role is to handle contract data, exception reports and Service Level Agreements between CWP and its partners. She also supports contract managers across the Trust. CWP Head of Effective Services Tracey Collins added:- "It's been an absolute pleasure to watch Jodie grow in confidence and competence during her apprenticeship. The whole team is delighted that she is now a permanent member of staff and we are all very proud of her achievements." For information on available opportunities at CWP, search:- 'Working for us' at:- CWP.NHS.UK.

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Deceased estates notice - Lilian May Jackam

Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925, any persons having a claim against or an interest in the Estate of Lilian May Jackam (also known as Lillian May) Jackam (Deceased), late of Birch Abbey Rest Home, 55 Alexandra Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 9HD, UK, who died on 04/10/2018, are required to send particulars thereof in writing, to the undersigned Solicitors, on or before 24/05/2019, after which date the Estate will be distributed having regard only to claims and interests of which they have had notice. Churches Solicitors, 12 High Street, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 7BL, UK. Ref:- 'T553015.'

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