Walking diary 60 miles for pancreatic cancer

 Week one June 1, to  June 7

Over 6.5 hours this week I have walked 26 km. This is 16 miles, so I am On track to complete the 64 miles in memory of my mother, Ann Stammers. , 1 mile for every year of her life. It is fitting I begin this challenge on my birthday And complete a mile for every year of my mother’s life over the remainder of the month.

6.5 hours

Donations

Thank you to everyone who has . Donated . Donations have Raised funds to advance research into earlier detection, provide vital resources for pancreatic cancer research, including contributing to the cost of laboratory supplies, equipment, and patient support.

advancing research into earlier detection, and funding one hour of research into a simple test for the disease

Footpaths 

Part of the Viking way, which Suits the name mum gave me, And part of the Pembrokeshire coastal path.

Friendship 

Celebrated 1 birthday.

Walked with 2 friends

History

Two War graves

X died on 

October 15, 1943 (Friday) The British Eighth Army captured Vinchiaturo Italy. The was a royal artillery gunner the 8th Army Group Royal Artillery (8 AGRA) was formed on May 1, 1943, at Brandeston Hall, Woodbridge to command medium and heavy guns. The 8 AGRA was responsible for providing artillery support to the 8th Army during its campaigns in the Western Desert, Tunisia, and Italy.

Y died on November 8th 1918. just a few days before the war ended of the war. November 8 is the day that the German Kaiser abdicated and the allies presented papers to the Germans.

1 fort 1870 completed in 1870 as part of a network of coastal fortifications built during the Napoleonic Wars

1 castle built by The Normans in the 12th century

A Preceptory Of the Knights Templar 

Cribbs meadow - The site of A historic boxing rematch in 1811 between Tom Cribb, England’s “Champion of Champions” and Tom Molineaux, a former slave dubbed the “champion of America,” Attended by 15,000 spectators. 

Tom Cribb was 40 and had already retired once. 

Tom Molineaux was born into slavery in Virginia in 1784. He fought his way to freedom and made his way to New York City around 1804. He sailed to England in 1809 “in quest of glory and renown.”

Cribb defeated  Molineaux  in the 11th round to retain his title after 19 minutes and 10 seconds.

Today Cribbs Meadow is a 5 ha Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a National Nature Reserve, covering 5 ha. The fields lie on Boulder Clay, a heavy 'blue' clay containing much fragmented chalk and limestone. (There are a number of quarries in the area). They support a flora once typical of such calcareous clay pastures in Leicestershire and Rutland. Notable species are: adder's tongue, cowslip, green-winged orchid, common spotted-orchid and water avens in spring and early summer; agrimony, great burnet and yellow rattle later in the year. The railway line has a partial covering of trees and scrub with buckthorn and dogwood, overtopped by oak, ash and crack willow in places. All areas are good for butterflies such as grizzled skipper and green hairstreak.

This site is now famous for the high number of Green-winged Orchids. Adder's Tongue fern, Betony, Cowslip and Common Spotted-orchid are just a few of the other plant highlights.

Birds

16 species of bird.

Including  

Song Thrush, and House Sparrow - species that were, once common sights, but have have experienced significant population decline in my lifetime

Swallows, migratory birds April to October but some overwinter ing in a troubling indication of the impact of climate change

A silent Red Kites one rainy morning. after reintroduction programs, Kites have seen significant population growth. 

Guillemots

Ospreys Thanks to pioneering conservation efforts, Ospreys have made a triumphant return to the UK, in what is widely celebrated as an incredible conservation success story.

Factors Influencing Changes:

• • Habitat Loss: Decline in farmland birds is primarily attributed to habitat loss, with fewer hedgerows, trees, and other vegetation. 
  • Climate Change: Climate change has been identified as a major driver of breeding population changes. 
  • Disease: Outbreaks of bird flu have also negatively impacted bird populations. 
  • Biodiversity Loss: Biodiversity loss is a significant driver of bird population declines in the UK. 
• Monitoring Efforts:

  Organizations like the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) monitor bird populations and trends. 

  
  

Weather

Sunshine and rain, 40 mph winds, 

Mammals

Horses, cows, 1 bull, cats, dogs, squirrels, butterflies, meadow brown, guillemots, a muntjac, rabbits,

the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) estimates UK muntjac population growth at 284% since 1995. the muntjac was officially classified as an invasive species under the Alien Species Order 2019.

Sand, rock, a fort, geology, arable.

Insects butterflies 

Snails

SSSI

DECLINE Sustainability and biodiversity

since 1970, the average abundance of UK species studied has declined by 19%, and nearly 1 in 6 species are now threatened with extinction. This decline is driven by factors such as habitat loss, intensive farming practices, climate change, and unsustainable fishing. 

Key Findings and Impacts:

• Habitat Loss:

  The UK has lost a significant portion of its biodiversity due to human activities like industrialization, urbanization, and unsustainable land management. 
• Intensive Farming:

  The way land is managed for agriculture is a major driver of wildlife decline, leading to habitat destruction and fragmentation. 
• Climate Change:

  Climate change is impacting species distributions, seasonal events, and ecosystem functions, further exacerbating the decline of wildlife

  
  

  • Pollution:

    Pollution from various sources, including plastics and pesticides, is impacting wildlife and ecosystems. 
  • Invasive Species:

    The introduction of invasive species can disrupt ecosystems and displace native wildlife. 

  Examples of Declines:

  • Plant Species:

    Over half of plant species have decreased in distribution since 1970, including many flowering plants. 
  • Invertebrates:

    Invertebrates, including pollinators and pest control insects, have declined in abundance and distribution, with some groups experiencing very significant declines. 
  • Specific Habitats:

    Only a small percentage of important habitats for wildlife, such as woodlands and peatlands, are in good condition. 

  Addressing the Decline:

  • Habitat Restoration:

    Restoring degraded habitats, such as ancient woodlands and peatlands, is crucial for supporting wildlife populations. 
  • Sustainable Farming Practices:

    Transitioning to more sustainable and less intensive farming methods can help reduce habitat loss and improve wildlife populations. 
  • Climate Change Mitigation:

    Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change are essential for protecting wildlife from its effects. 
  • Marine Protection:

    Implementing sustainable fishing practices and protecting marine habitats are crucial for the health of marine ecosystems. 
  • Public Education and Engagement:

    Raising awareness about the decline of nature and promoting individual actions to support wildlife can contribute to conservation effortS

    
    

    
    

    The UK's biodiversity is facing a crisis, but there is still time to take action and reverse the decline. By addressing the root causes of nature loss and implementing effective conservation strategies, the UK can help ensure a future where both wildlife and humans can thrivE