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Biodiversity NewsNews - Features - UK BAP Updates - Local & Regional - Events

[email protected]

Issue 44 www.ukbap.org.ukWinter Edition

Orchard in Winter. Photo: Helen Stace


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Editorial

Welcome to Issue 44 of Biodiversity Newsand my second as editor.

Im a lot happier with the way this one has turned out and I hope you all enjoy reading it. Remember if you have any com-ments, suggestions or queries then feel free to e-mail me at the address below. Minor changes to this issue include moving

UK BAP updates section to the back, a refined format for displaying images and a refined contents structure.

This time around we have got a variety of news stories including an article on the court decision on west ThurrockMarshes, details of a project to define and map open mosaic habitats on previously developed land and an award for An-

trim borough council for their innovative biodiversity project.

In our features we have some interesting submissions including a piece on the fruit Tortrix moth and the benefits of quar-ries to biodiversity. Project is very much the word for our Local & Regional section, as we have a host full of updates andinformation and groups working across the United Kingdom, including the Angus Barn Owl project and the Wetlands for

water voles and people project.

The publications section has been cut from this issue as I havent received any details of publications, but as per usual we

have a UKBAP update from Ant Maddock and a small selection of upcoming events.

Many thanks to the authors for their contributions to this issue. If anyone is interested in having an article published in

Biodiversity News, please contact me on [email protected]

In this issue...News

Britain's got (natural) Talent! 3

Court Approves Destruction of Marshes 4

Alarm bells for bluebells update 4

Definition and mapping of open mosaic habitats on

previously developed land5

Climate Change Adaption Principles 5

Award for Six Mile Water Guardians 6

Features

Fruit Tree Tortrix Moth - Pest of Apple Orchards? 7

Quarries: Who needs them? 8

Bringing Reedbeds to Life 9

Derwent Reservoir - Not Just for Water! 10

Saving our magnificent Meadows 11

Views from a veteran tree 12

2

Local & Regional

Double Whammy for Angus Barn Owl Project! 13

Wetlands for Water Voles and People Project 14

Seals at Teesmouth 15

Little Ouse Headwaters Project 16

A Biodiversity Action Plan for Bristol 18

Colwall Orchard Group 19

UK BAP Updates 20

Events 21

Please note that the views expressed

in Biodiversity News are the views ofthe contributors and do not neces-sarily reflect the views of the UKBiodiversity Partnership or the or-

ganisations they represent.

Regards,

Timo KingUK Biodiversity Policy Unit, Defra, Zone 1/07, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN

[email protected]

Contents - News - Features - UK BAP Updates - Local & Regional - Publications - Events

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News

3Contents - News - Features - UK BAP Updates - Local & Regional - Publications - Events

Britains got (natural) talent!

A scheme to create a new generation of expert naturalists with the specialist knowledge and skills needed to underpin conser-vation work has just produced its first batch of graduates.

Run by BTCV, Natural Talent is a full time apprenticeship for people who want to specialise in a particular aspect of ecology orhabitat management.

It is open to anyone who lives in the UK, though they must be prepared to work in Scotland or Northern Ireland. The appren-ticeship comes with a 12,568 salary, as well as budgets for training, equipment and travel. And its not just for high profilespecies and special places. The schemes apprentices are specialising in less glamorous areas such as mycology and lychenol-ogy, where the 5th Report of the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology found that the UK is currentlyrunning out of expertise.

Praising the Natural Talent scheme, Dr David Long, Head of Cryptogamic Botany and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh said:

Natural Talent is a very welcome and important scheme with far-reaching implications for study and conservation of Scot-lands and Northern Irelands rich habitats and biodiversity. Courses in natural sciences in universities and colleges sadlynowadays rarely include training in practical ecology or taxonomic expertise in critical groups of organisms such as insects andcryptogamic plants such as fungi, lichens, mosses and liverworts. This is producing a worrying skills shortage in these disci-plines and a dearth of experts who can go in the field and make conservation assessments, advise landowners, support conser-vation agencies, make expert surveys, undertake taxonomic research and so on.

Through their studies, each of the Natural Talent apprentices helps add to our knowledge and understanding of their particularsubject by sharing knowledge and expertise. As an example, Fungi apprentice Neville Kilkenny recently discovered a species ofpuff ball never previously recorded in the UKMycenastrum corium, False Earthstar.

Natural Talent is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and run by BTCV in Scotland and Northern Ireland, in partnership with arange of NGOs and statutory bodies. During their time on the scheme, each apprentice undertakes two or three training/workexperience placements with bodies such as the RGBE, RSPB, FWAG, SNH, SAC, SWT and SEPA. The placements are flexible andare decided by the mentor and the apprentice as their skills and interests develop in the first 6 months of the apprenticeship.

Specialist areas chosen include bryophytes, grassland conservation management, lichens, freshwater conservation manage-ment, coleoptera, invasive species, hymenoptera (bees, wasps, ants and sawflies), mycology, hoverflies and farmland conser-vation.

All of the current graduates have used their experiences to find jobs in their chosen or related fields or as a stepping stone tofurther study in their particular specialism.

Dr Long comments: The existing experts are getting older and need replacements now, ready to

take over. The timing and scope of Natural Talent is absolutely perfect for addressing these is-sues. The scheme will benefit those young naturalists for whom their hobby can now becometheir profession. It will benefit conservation in many ways. It will also benefit organisations suchas the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh by training new experts who can make a real contributionto taxonomic knowledge of critical groups in the future, and in turn we will look to them to trainthe next again generation of specialists.

Further information plus examples of current Natural Talent apprentices in action, including pho-tos and videos, can be found at http://www2.btcv.org.uk/display/naturaltalent

Contact: John Mc [email protected] 479697

.

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Natural Talent apprentice Cathy Fiedler surveying for Colletes floralis,

Photo: John Mcfarlane
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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News


Court approves destruction of marshes and its protected wildlife

The three-year battle to save West Thurrock Marshes from destruction suffered a massive set-back last week, when theCourt of Appeal judged that the decision to build on the site was lawful.

Wildlife charity Buglife took Thurrock Development Corporation to Court on the grounds that it had failed to protect theMarshes rated as one of the three most important sites for endangered wildlife in the country with 17 protected spe-cies. The proposed warehouses and car parks will destroy up to 70% of the flower-rich habitat, home to many of these

species including the Brown-banded carder bee. The case is the first legal test of recent biodiversity protection laws.

In their summing up the three judges agreed that, despite the Biodiversity Duty on Public Bodies making biodiversity themain consideration for the planning decision, the Development Corporation had failed to follow national biodiversity andplanning policy. However, the judges concluded that the Corporation was entitled to rely on a letter from Natural Eng-land in which the Government conservation body withdrew their objection and mentioned that the development offered

the possibility of a long term nature conservation gain for the area.

This is a disappointing decision which reveals the inadequacy of our current wildlife protection. What right do we haveto ask other countries to protect their rainforests or coral reefs while we continue to destroy the most valuable habitatsof our own endangered species? says Matt Shardlow, Buglife Director. The Government must act now to strengthen its

biodiversity legislation and halt the worsening loss of wildlife.

The decision is also a setback for a flagship Government initiative which recently identified Thurrock Marshes as one of22 new green parks for the UKs first eco-region. The Thames Gateway Parklands scheme is the brainchild of Sir Terry

Farrell, one of the worlds foremost architects.

The Court of Appeal decision means that the charity Buglife now faces legal costs of 30,000.

Alarm Bells for Bluebells Update

The UK is home to about half the worlds population of the Bluebell, with Scotland being itsmost northerly habitat. Over recent years however, the British Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), sometimes known as the Wild Hyacinth in Scotland, has declined in abundance and isnow classed as an endangered species. The two main causes of this decline are the loss of suit-

able woodland habitat and hybridisation with the non-native Spanish Bluebell.

In order to rectify the situation , the Central Scotland Forest Trust conceived and implementedthe Alarm Bells for Bluebells Campaign to raise awareness of the plight of the British Bluebelland to encourage more people to plant and look after the native variety rather than the Spanish

Bluebell.

It ran throughout 2008, with a range of activities taking place from Spring and Autumn bulbplanting events to leaflet drops, a photograph competition and bulb give-aways at major andlocal community events. In addition, there was a high-profile marketing campaign, including thecampaigns launch at the Falkirk Wheel which was attended by partners, conservation bodies

and MSPs and appeared in the national and local press, and on radio stations and the BBC.

Since the launch in April 2008, over 30,000 information leaflets have been distributed aroundCentral Scotland, and the Trust organised 19 community and school planting events across theCentral Scotland Forest area, with several others conducted by partners outwith the Forest (e.g.BTCV, Scottish Wildlife Trust and Forth Environment Link). By mid-November, at the end of theautumn planting events, a total of 48,500 native Bluebell bulbs had been planted in Central Scotland! We have had stands at BIG inFalkirk, the Royal Highland Show, the Kirkintilloch Canal Festival and in-store environmental days at IKEA to raise awareness of thecampaign and give away bulbs. The campaign has also featured in local and national press, including the Scotsman, Real Radio and the

BBC website.

Finally, during April and May 2009, volunteers have agreed to re-visit the areas planted in 2008 to monitor the success of their efforts.

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Native British Bluebell. Photo: Emilie

Wadsworth


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News


Definition and mapping of open mosaic habitats on previously developed land

Open Mosaic Habitats on Previously Developed Land (Brownfield sites) has been included in the new list of UKBAP Priority Habitats and

species.

Open Mosaic Habitats on Previously Developed Land represents a diverse range of sites, largely because of the range of previous landuses associated with the sites, which include colliery mining, industry and housing. This habitat is concentrated in, but not confined

to, urban and former industrial landscapes and it is at substantial risk of destruction and serious degradation.

These habitats are at risk from a number of factors, including urban development, landfill, unsuitable reclamation, eutrophication,lack of appropriate management and succession. There is a therefore a requirement to identify and map potential sites and to informsurvey, assessment, evaluation and mapping of the Priority Habitat type, allowing the compilation of a national inventory and future

monitoring.

ADAS Ltd has been appointed to deliver the first phase of this work, which will conclude in summer 2009. The current description ofthe habitat will be enhanced and supported by habitat descriptors and a list of species of conservation importance which are associ-

ated with this habitat type, accompanied by metadata to explain why each species is listed and its significance to the Priority Habitat.Key organisations will shortly be contacted and invited to assist with this process. Once this work is complete a mapping approach to

determine the extent and distribution of land in the UK that falls within the definition will be developed.

As well as dealing with the detailed ecological aspects of the priority habitat definition, guidance such as an identification key will bedeveloped and tested to allow Open Mosaic Habitat to be distinguished from other habitat types and enabling the ecological signifi-

cance of sites to be assessed.

Key stakeholders who can influence the protection and management of the OMH Priority Habitat will be made aware of

the importance of the habitat and requirements for its mapping, protection and appropriate management.

For further information on this project, please contact Alison Riding ([email protected]) or Phil Lewis

([email protected]).

Climate Change Adaptation Principles

The Climate Change Adaptation Workstream of the England Biodiversity Strategy has produced a useful set of principles to guide adap-

tation to climate change

The new report is written by the Woodland Trust, AEA, Defra, Natural England and the RSPB, and published by Defra. It is aimed right

across all the sectors identified in the England Biodiversity Strategy: agriculture; water and wetlands; woodland and forestry; towns,

cities and development; coasts and seas. As the principles are widely applicable to all people responsible for planning and delivering

climate change adaptation actions, it is hoped that they will be employed by people more generally.

The report identifies five main principles that are fundamental to conserving biodiversity in a time of rapid change:

Take practical action now

Maintain and increase ecological resilience

Accommodate change

Integrate action across all sectors

Develop knowledge and plan strategically

Actions beneath each of these headlines are developed in the report. They build on the guidance for conservation practitioners pub-

lished by Defra in 2007 on behalf of the UK Biodiversity Partnership. Many elements of these principles are neither new nor specific to

climate change adaptation; they underpin existing policy and practice in nature conservation. But climate change creates a new im-

perative to understand and work with the dynamics of natural systems. The complex interactions between people and their naturalenvironment must be managed to maintain the services and benefits that society derives from biodiversity and ecosystems. These will

become increasingly important, yet threatened, as climate change impacts on UK biodiversity continue to grow.

The new adaptation principles are available online at: www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/biodiversity/biostrat/index.htm

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News


Awards scoop in Ireland for Six Mile Water Guardians

An innovative biodiversity project, initiated by Antrim Borough Council in

Northern Ireland, has scooped two prestigious awards.

The Six Mile Water Guardian project aims to conserve for future generationsthe corridor of the Six Mile Water River, which feeds Lough Neagh; the largestfresh water lake in the British Isles. The project won Biodiversity Project ofthe Year at the annual Sustainable Ireland Energy, Environment and WasteManagement Awards and the first-ever Biodiversity Award at the 2008 Super-

valu Best Kept Awards organised by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council.

In a strategic approach to addressing biodiversity issues in the Borough of An-

trim, rivers and streams were identified as being important local habitats.

It became evident that local people wanted to actively help maintain and en-hance their local river habitat. As a result of this interest in the biodiversity,water quality and recreation value of their local river, the Six Mile Water

Guardians project was launched in October 2007.

The Guardians project has got local people involved and interested in their natural environment and in the wildlife that shares the Six

Mile Water River corridor. It also gives people of all ages the opportunity to be physically active.

Antrim Borough Council recognised the important role the local site played for wildlife and people and has been delighted with the

results of the project which includes:

Six Mile Water Guardians training programme

Six Mile Water Wildlife Recording Card

A Conservation Management Plan

Annual Bat Waterway Survey

Annual Waterway Breeding Bird Survey

At the last count, around 40 volunteers were registered as Guardians. They haveassisted in the development of a conservation management plan that considersrecreational use that does not compromise the local biodiversity interest and

that biodiversity is conserved and where possible enhanced.

For example, the Guardians built bird and bat boxes for the Mill Race Trail on

the Six Mile Water last February. These boxes have been erected around thesite, creating new homes for these species. An annual bat survey will monitor

Daubentons bat, also known as the water bat.

The invasive species on the Mill Race Trail site are also being mapped, moni-tored and controlled. The most significant species are Japanese knotweed andGiant Hogweed. Some of these species have the ability to dramatically decrease

the biodiversity interest, whilst others pose a Health and Safety risk.

The project impressed the judging panels for both awards because it is the re-sult of interest from local people who wanted to actively help maintain and en-hance their river habitat, and has given people of all ages an opportunity to bephysically active by providing a regular programme of events, surveys and out-

door activities.

For further information on the project, which was supported by BBC Breathing Places through the Big Lottery Fund, please contact

Ruth Wilson, Biodiversity Officer, Antrim Borough Council Tel: 028 9446 3113 ext 1371 email:[email protected]

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Mayor of Antrim, Cllr Oran Keenan proudly shows the

award to Six Mile Water Guardian Kristy Robinson.

Photo: Elaine Upton

The Six Mile Water Guardians in action with new bird and

bat boxes they have made. Photo: Ruth Wilson


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Features


Fruit tree tortrix moth - a pest of Bramley apple orchards?

Apple is host to an extensive fauna of tortricid moths. At least 25 species have been recorded as

pests of apple in UK orchards. However, most of them have been considered to be of minor im-

portance and out of this array of species only three are deemed to be significant pests by grow-

ers. These are; (1) the codling moth (Cydia pomonella); (2) the summer fruit tortrix moth

(Adoxophyes orana); (3) the fruit tree tortrix moth (Archips podana) (Figure 1). It is the latter

species that occurs significantly in the Bramleys Seedling apple orchards of Northern Ireland.

The moths hibernate as young larvae in cocoons fixed to twigs or buds. These emerge in

spring over a fairly long period from late March to early May when leaf buds are at the green

cluster or flower buds at the pink bud stage. Pupation occurs in late May to early June inside

leaves that have been spun together by the larvae. The adult moths appear mid-June and are

found up until mid-August. The greatest numbers appear in late June or July, dependent on

weather.

Eggs are laid in several batches of 50-100 eggs on the upper surface of leaves during June and July. The egg mass is covered

with a wax-like secretion that so closely matches the green colour of the leaf that detection is difficult. Hatching occurs within 17-23

days. Larvae disperse after hatching and, whilst young, each one lives in a silken web placed beside the midrib on the underside of a

leaf. The new generation larvae may cause further damage to the apple fruit before they hibernate. Larvae taken into apple stores can

even continue to feed on the fruit. Some of the larvae of the new generation hibernate after moulting once or twice; others develop

to maturity and give rise to a second generation of moths in September and early October.

Numbers of A. podana within Ulster apple orchards have been found to regularly exceed the recommended ADAS action

threshold of 30 moths per pheromone-baited trap per week. However, despite greatly exceeding the threshold few of the apples are

considered as unmarketable; although some may be downgraded, overall the damage is negligible. With populations occurring well

above the spray threshold, damage would be expected. Reasons for this are unclear but it may be due to a feeding preference by the

larvae: the Bramley fruit may be too acidic for larvae to feed upon. Also, the predatory mite Anystis baccarum(Linnaeus) (Figure 2),

the most commonly occurring beneficial invertebrate species in Ulster apple orchards (Cuthbertson and Murchie, Biodiversity News,

30:29) has been recorded within New Zealand apple orchards as being an important predator of tortricid moth larvae. It will therefore

presumably also feed uponA. podanaand C. pomonellalarvae within UK orchards.

The current ADAS action thresholds forA. podana, and indeed for other inver-

tebrate pest species, has not been specifically designed for the Bramleys Seedling culti-

var but for dessert apple orchards in southern England (Cuthbertson and Murchie, Biodi-

versity News, 32:19). Capture of moths by the pheromone traps also does not prove

that the moths are resident in the orchard, nor that their larvae use apple as a host.

Pheromone-trap catches only indicate relative activity for the particular species cap-

tured. Therefore, considerable judgement by the individual grower, weighing up the

potential of moth larvae damage with the economics of chemical control, needs to be

applied before deciding to apply insecticides to controlA. podanawithin their orchards.

For further information concerning invertebrate biodiversity within apple orchards contact: Dr Andrew G. S. Cuthbertson, CentralScience Laboratory, York YO41 1LZ (e-mail: [email protected]) or Dr Archie K. Murchie, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute,

Belfast BT9 5PX (e-mail: [email protected]).

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Figure 1: The fruit tree tor-trix moth, Archips podana

Figure 2: The beneficial mite, Anystis

baccarum.


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Features


Quarries: Who Needs Them?

We all do. Quarries provide the essential materials used tobuild our schools, hospitals, houses and roads and other vitalinfrastructure. But wildlife needs quarries too. Quarries play akey role in promoting biodiversity, whether during their active

life, or after restoration.

The Quarry Products Association (QPA), whose member compa-nies account for 90% of UK aggregate production, takes an ac-

tive role in biodiversity promotion.

Biodiversity has always been a key focus of QPAs RestorationAward scheme, now in its 39thyear. However, biodiversity willbe given even greater precedence in the judging for 2009. Com-panies entering this year will have to live up to, or exceed, theoutstanding achievements of previous winners, who have im-proved habitats for sand martins, barn owls, otters, dragonfliesand have successfully re-introduced rare plant species such as

orchids.

In 2008, QPA launched its own Biodiversity Action Plan whichformally sets out its commitment to biodiversity promotion and recognises the huge national asset it has at its disposal.The land owned by QPA members exceeds 300sq km - the area of a national park such as the Norfolk Broads - and containsat least two national nature reserves, 22 local nature reserves, 15 field study and education centres and 13 nature trails.

An estimated 700 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) have their origins in quarrying.

QPA members are also part of the Nature After Minerals (NAM) project, run in conjunction with the RSPB and Natural Eng-

land. This project sees site restoration being used to meet key national and local biodiversity objectives.

Members of QPA Northern Ireland are involved in the Our Nature with Aggregates strategy to conserve and enhance biodi-

versity and geodiversity on site. Meanwhile, at European level, members are supporting the Countdown 2010 scheme.

Recent initiatives run by member companies to promote biodiversity include the efforts of Acheson and Glover in County

Tyrone, Ireland, to re-introduce the endangered White-clawed Crayfish into the local area.

Acheson and Glover created a breeding habitat for crayfish in one of its working sandpits, which were then re-introducedto the Ballinderry River and Lough Neagh Wetlands. The project was run with Ballinderry River Enhancement Association

(BREA) and won a top honour in the annual Sustainable Ireland Energy, Environmental & Waste Management Awards.

Another success for biodiversity was in Edzell, Scotland, at Aggregate Industries sand and gravel quarry. The most north-ern pair of breeding Little Ringed Plovers was spotted here. These birds often choose to nest in quarries and there are

only around 1,000 pairs of them left throughout the UK, mostly confined to England and Wales.

Isnt it time that the significant contribution the quarrying industry makes to achieving the UKs biodiversity goals is prop-

erly and more widely recognised?

Hilary Arrowsmith

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Dragonfly - Hanson Aggregates' Otley Quarry, winner of the Cooper-

Heyman Cup at the QPA Restoration Awards 08. Courtesy of QPA.


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Features


Reedbed the Marmite of the conservation world?

Everyone has an opinion! To some it smells horrible, its dark and depressing, devoid of lifeor interest (admittedly a strong reaction to a spreadable yeast extract, but still). To oth-ers, marm.., I mean reedbeds, are vibrant, wonderful places, alive with bugs and beasts,

the very essence of a wild place.

Bri nging reedbeds to l i f eis a new initiative, aiming to take a more rounded view of reedbed wetlands, trying to discovermore about what makes them tick for the diverse range of flora and fauna that live there. What makes for fishy heaven or

froggy hell? What makes beetles beam or caterpillars cry? And, of course, what makes bitterns boom?

Over the next 2 years, br i nging reedbeds t o l i f ewill be conducting wildlife sur-veys & research, across a core set of reedbed wetlands to answer these ques-tions and more. We will attempt to relate what we find, to the management and

habitat functions of each site, so that we can better understand how to repli-cate the heaven and avoid the hell for our reedbed wildlife - every crawling,

slithering, hopping and flying bit of it!

Alongside this, we will be travelling the country, sharing best practice with ourpartners and coming up with new ideas on the best ways to manage reedbeds.We will be providing practical tips, carrying out habitat audits, or just providing

another point of view.

There will be opportunities to attend training courses and conferences, informalworkshops and machinery demos. You may want to receive new practical man-agement guidance and reports, based upon our findings, or provide a case study

to share with others facing similar issues.

We hope there will be an opportunity for all those interested in reedbed conser-vation to get involved, strengthening partnerships, and working together to en-sure that reedbeds remain vibrant, wonderful places, alive with bugs and beasts,

the very essence of a wild place. (and not a bit like marmite!)

We are delighted that Natural England are supporting br i nging reedbeds t o l i f e

via the Countdown 2010 Biodiversity Action Fund.

For further information or to get involved, please contact; Nick Droy, Wetlands Advisor, RSPB. ([email protected])

Winter

Photo: RSPB


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Features


Derwent Reservoir not just for water!

An important series of flower-rich grasslands have recently been recog-nised at Northumbrian Water Ltds Derwent Reservoir site. The col-lection of unimproved pastures have received little or no artificialchemical fertiliser inputs within living memory and still support awealth of colourful wild flowers and grasses. Old meadow plants likegreat burnet, betony and devilsbit scabious can be found with a varietyof wild grasses such as quaking grass, downy oat grass, heath grassand meadow fescue. Adderstongue fern, a curious little low-growingplant of ancient grasslands has been found in no less than 11 differentfields around the reservoir perimeter. Several of these fields are ofthe rigg and furrow type a feature left over from a medieval form ofstrip cultivation.

It is thought that morethan 97% of old herb-richgrasslands have been lost since 1945. Many of these would have beenploughed up and re-seeded with rye grass a highly palatable fast grow-ing species which thrives on high levels of nitrogen in the soil. Nutrientenrichment like this also encourages the spread of noxious weeds such asstinging nettles, docks and thistles and therefore requires even morechemical herbicides to control them. Excessive overgrazing and urbandevelopment have also taken their toll on old pastures. In contrast,many smaller grasslands are no longer managed by grazing and havescrubbed over, thus shading out the smaller growing plants.

At Derwent Reservoir, Northumbrian Water Ltd and Durham Wildlife Trust

are working in partnership to manage the grasslands in a traditionalway without the use of chemical fertilisers or herbicides. Several of thebest grasslands have now been fenced and are being appropriatelygrazed by traditional breeds such as highland cattle and Exmoor ponies.These hardy breeds will graze less palatable vegetation like rushes andsome of the courser grasses which grow in more waterlogged soils.They will also prevent the spread of scrub and help control invasivebracken. Andy Mclay of Durham Wildlife Trust says this is a really im-portant collection of unimproved pastures that are being sympatheti-cally managed for future generations to enjoy.

Regards,

Stuart Pudney

Winter

Derwent reservoir. Photo: Stuart Pudney

Highland Cattle. Photo: Stuart Pudney

Exmoor ponies. Photo: Stuart Pudney


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Features


Saving Our Magnificent Meadows:

The Saving our Magnificent Meadows project aims toincrease funding and resources for species-rich grasslandsacross the UK. It is an initiative of the Lowland Grass-land HAP Group, steered by all the statutory agencies,Plantlife International, the Grassland Trust, GAP andPONT. Since its start in April 2008, much information hasbeen gathered on grassland projects, and on issues im-

pacting on grassland conservation.

Donna Radley, the Projects Grassland Programme Manager, would like to thank all those who have contactedher about projects in their area. Details of over 140 other projects across the country have shown that there

is a lot of grassland conservation work going on, or being planned. Main activities include surveys to find outwhere the good grasslands are, and if they are in good health. Some projects offer advice to land managersabout how to best look after these rare and declining meadows, and in some cases practical help, such asflying flocks. Other projects are about habitat creation using seed, plant plugs and green hay. Yet more pro-jects include branding and marketing produce derived from species rich grasslands, and thereby encourage

their continued management. Many also encourage people to learn more about our magnificent meadows!

To tease out the issues that face the managementand expansion of these important habitats, work-shops and meetings with groups, partnerships and

individuals in all parts of the country have beenheld. As a result, we now know that of the 150separate issues raised, the most widespread issueacross the UK is the lack of graziers and appropriategrazing animals located near to sites and availableat the right time. Other key issues include difficul-ties of making hay in poor summers, lack of up-to-date data, and difficulties of carrying out grazing inurban areas and on scattered fragments across thecountryside. One of the key issues is increasing peo-ples understanding of how important these flowerygrasslands are, and how they should be best man-aged to maintain or indeed improve their wildlife

interest.

The next steps in the project involve preparing a case for increased future funding for these species-rich habi-

tats, and for sharing good ideas and knowledge.

If you wish to discuss this project with Donna, or send her any ideas or information, please email:

[email protected] or telephone 01722 342730.

Winter

Photo: Plantlife International

Grassland Workshop in Northern Ireland


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Features


Views from a Veteran Tree

Ive spent the last thirteen years working as a forager,collecting wild vegetables from the forest and downon the beach. Severn years ago I trained as a tree sur-geon and Ive recently become the Tree Warden forthe Cleddau Estuary, a beautiful stretch of water inthe heart of the Pembrokeshire National Park.Through these activities I have been given a very

privileged insight into the natural world.

Unsurprisingly, I have developed a passion for ancienttrees. But what exactly is a veteran tree? The term isused for trees that are of interest biologically, cultur-

ally or aesthetically because of their age, size or con-dition. Although size isnt everything, as a rule ofthumb an oak tree with a diameter of more than twometres is likely to be truly ancient. Many lichens areadapted to the sort of niches only veteran trees canprovide, such as rain-free crevices and hard, old, bark-free wood. So one definition of a veteran tree is any

tree that harbours lichen growth in its nooks and crevices.

As a tree surgeon and climber Ive had the privilege of scaling to the top of various beautiful trees. The breath-taking viewfrom the uppermost branches is worth the exertion of the climb up the trunk and through the canopy. Standing within this

structure, sometimes hundreds of years old, is an incredible feeling. The scale is quite daunting.

Sadly, were often the first and last to enjoy this experience before the surgeons work begins and this venerable plant isslowly dismantled. Most trees felled are not that old, but some are! Normally, if a tree has survived more than 100-150years it is likely that its in a position where its threatening nobody and can be left to live in peace. The only work re-quired on a tree like this would be the removing of deadwood, dismantling split branches, or removing limbs overhanging a

building.

Eventually all trees lives will come to an end, but sometimes we can help delay the inevitable. As trees get old, decay canbuild up to such an extent that some of these great structures need supporting. A tree surgeon can either remove an un-balanced limb or brace it using equipment specifically designed to accommodate the trees growth and movement

throughout the seasons.

Generally, though, trees are quite capable of looking after themselves, sometimes surviving in the most precarious of

situations. There are some amazing examples along the Cleddau estuary, where massive trees cling to its high banks as theriver and tides slowly erode the waters edge.

With this changing environment their footing often comes into question. If trees are in reach of a property or a highway orby-way, then they are a potential hazard; if their existence is questioned, then with little consultation they can be con-demned. In a world where health and safety is put ahead of everything else, old trees are frequently felled despite theirtrue value. With lifespans of hundreds, if not thousands of years, how can it be that most of these magnificent living struc-tures have no protection? Only the lucky few are protected by a TPO (Tree Preservation Order,) or grow in a conservation

area.

We need to be more proactive in identifying and preserving our old trees. It can take hundreds of years to replace them,so its our responsibility to ensure that they are all protected. Its still not too late to make a change, but we must actnow and help ensure that our grandchildren have their own veteran trees and woodlands to look after. We can all help

with this inspired project. If you know of a tree that you think should be included, simply visit www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk or phone 08452 935 581.

By Yun Hider

Winter

Photo: Yun Hider.


13/22

Local & Regional


Double Whammy for Angus Barn Owl Project!

This year has seen the first Barn Owl chicks hatched in nest boxes provided through Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group(FWAG) projects in Angus. Started over 5 years ago through the Tayside Biodiversity Partnership (TBP) it is one of the origi-

nal boxes which has seen the first chick ringed.

Carol Littlewood, Farm Conservation Adviser for Angus FWAG said This is greatnews after all the work we have been doing with farmers to help Barn Owls. Mostdistribution maps show Barn Owls stopping at the Tay, but information gatheredthrough the TBP has shown a different picture. This could be due to milder win-ters as Barn Owls suffer badly in snow cover, but they will have benefited fromagri-environment schemes creating habitat. This has seen hedges planted, grassmargins sown and buffer strips established along watercourses, all fantastic habi-

tat for voles so good for Barn Owls.

Almost 100 Barn Owl nest boxes are now up around Angus, firstly funded by Scot-tish Natural Heritage and more recently the Cairngorms National Park Authority,Biodiversity Action Grant Scheme and Angus Council. Some landowners have

made and erected boxes themselves.

At least 5 boxes are used as winter roost sites. Carol explained A pair of BarnOwls uses a number of sites during the year. They come together at the nest inFebruary and stay until the eggs hatch, the male roosting nearby. The femalemoves out when the chicks are a few weeks old, all Mums know what its like tobe constantly pestered by the kids! The pair stay nearby to feed the chicks, re-turning to their winter roosts when the chicks have fledged and are looking fornew sites themselves. A Barn Owl using a box, even as a roost, is secure and shel-

tered so more likely to survive the winter in good condition and breed the follow-ing year.

Two very different boxes in very different locations have seen successful breeding pairs this year. In lowland Angus a sim-ple plywood indoor box made by a volunteer proved successful, whilst in upland Angus a commercially made outdoor box

produced a brood.

Carol continued The first chick ringed by Ben Herschell, a Tay Ringing Group licensed BarnOwl Ringer, was 3 weeks old when a contractor reported it had fallen out of the box. Wehad suspicions this box was used last year as three birds had been seen around the farm inlate summer, but when checked there was no evidence of chicks. This pair may nest earlywhich would explain this. Luckily the contractor knew he had found a protected species, soI was contacted and Ben ringed the chick before putting it back in the box. A month later

the fledged chick was using the box as a safe roost. There may have been more chicks ini-tially, but such an early brood makes hunting for voles difficult and older chicks will eat

smaller siblings in order to survive.

The second brood was reported by a local gamekeeper who knew owls were using a box in ashed. The chicks were too small to ring, so Ben returned a few weeks later. Checking theoutside box first, he found, to his surprise, a family of Kestrels. Investigation of the box in

the shed discovered 3 of the original Barn Owl chicks alive and well.

Hopefully these youngsters will survive and take up residence in one of the other boxes.

Winter

Single barn owl chick almost fully fledged.

Photo: C. Littlewood

1st Angus Box Chick. Photo: C.

Littlewood


14/22

Local & Regional


Wetlands for Water Voles and People Project

Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trusts water vole conservation work was given a wel-come boost last year with the start of a three year Heritage Lottery-funded Wetlandsfor Water Voles and People Project. The Heritage Lottery Fund awarded HMWT399,000 in order to complete the project which is also supported by the Environ-ment Agency, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and British Waterways and works

closely with the Herts Biological Records Centre.

Hertfordshires water voles have been subjected to the same threats that the specieshas faced elsewhere across the UK and without the efforts of the Wildlife Trust andits partners, would have faced extinction in the county. In particular, we have seenmany areas of good habitat cleared of water voles because of heavy and relentlesspredation by American mink. However, the tide is now turning and water vole num-

bers are increasing in Hertfordshire.

HMWTs Wetlands for Water Voles and People Project aims to build on past watervole conservation work in the county, including surveying and monitoring, mink con-trol and advising land managers on habitat management. With the support of a Pro-ject Manager, Wetland Awareness Officer and a Seasonal Surveyor we are able to ex-tend mink control schemes, carry out a more structured and comprehensive surveyand monitoring programme and improve habitat and access to five wetland havensacross Hertfordshire. We are also increasing the participation of local people and

community groups in the wetland and water vole conservation projects.

In March 2008, habitat and access works were completed at Silvermeade wetland ha-ven, a site within the Lee Valley Regional Park. This site is a stronghold for water

voles in the Lee Valley with easy access from the tow path running along the Leenavigation. We increased the quality and extent of habitat available to water volesby creating a number of ponds, restoring in-filled ditches and pollarding willows alongshaded ditch banks. To encourage people to learn a bit more about wetlands and tocreate more opportunities for people to see water voles, we installed interpretationpanels and a leaning-rail along an area of ditch where water voles are sometimesseen. Weve also held several events to draw people into the five sites to show themmore about water voles and wetlands and trained volunteers to carry out water volesurveys. Weve also worked with land managers, including local authorities, to dem-onstrate good habitat management. Further habitat and access works and moreevents and activities are planned over the next two years on the other wetland ha-

vens and across the county.

Alison Hauser, Wetlands Awareness Officer said this grant is a great opportunity toextend our work for water voles throughout Hertfordshire. We are delighted with howthe project has gone this year, with many people taking part in survey training days

and events throughout the county. We hope to expand on this over the next two years, helping to restore the charismatic

water vole to watercourses throughout Hertfordshire.

Contact:

Ali Hauser

Wetlands Awareness [email protected]

www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/herts

Winter

Water Vole event at Silvermeade Wet-

land Haven. Photo: Clare Gray

Photo: Clare Gray
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


15/22

Local & Regional


Seals at Teesmouth

The Tees Seals Research Programme has been managed by the Industry Nature Conservation Association (INCA) on Tees-side in North East England since 1989. The focus of this long-term project is to observe the status of the seal colony atSeal Sands, a 294 hectare tidal expanse of mud and sandflat situated in the River Tees estuary. The seal colony serves as

an indicator of the health of the aquatic environment of the Tees.

Seals have probably lived around the mouth of the River Tees for manyhundreds of years but had declined rapidly by the mid 1800s as a resultof habitat loss and pollution. By the 1930s they had totally disappearedfrom the estuary. Improvements in environmental quality gradually ledto the re-appearance of seals in the estuary and by the mid 1980s

there was again a resident population of seals. Teesmouth is the onlyknown estuary in Europe where seals have re-colonised as a direct re-sult of environmental improvements and it is good to be able to say

that the colony is once again breeding successfully.

The species present are the Harbour or Common Seal (Phoca vi-tulina) and the Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus). Both species are im-portant but the Harbour Seal is the main focus of interest. It is theonly species to breed at Teesmouth, the area being unsuitable asbreeding habitat for the Grey Seal. The Grey Seal uses nursery areas on rocky foreshores above the high water markbecause their pups, in contrast to those of the Harbour Seal, cannot swim at birth. The two species of seal generally,

although not exclusively, haul-out in separate groups on Seal Sands, around the low tide period when the sandbanks areexposed.

Seal monitoring takes place at Seal Sands between early June and September which includes the two week period fromlate June when the Harbour Seals give birth and the period in August when maximum numbers are observed as theygather for their annual moult. Seal milk is particularly rich so by mid August the pups are weaned and become independ-

ent of their mother.

In terms of the Harbour Seal pup births, it is encouraging to report that 2008 saw the birth of 12 pups, all of which sur-vived to weaning. This surpassed the previous record of 8 pups, which was achieved in 2006 and 2007. The maximumand mean Harbour Seal count data suggests a current Harbour Seal population at Seal Sands of around 60 to 70 individu-als. Assuming this to be reasonably accurate the colony is now producing pups close to the normal rate of 20-25% of the

population.

Although the birth rate of Harbour Seals has increased, it appears that there has been a 10% decline in the overall size ofthe resident Harbour Seal population in 2008. It is not yet known whether this is an actual decrease or if the periods ofwet, cool and windy weather during the monitoring season have affected the number of seals hauling out at low tide.Seals haul-out mainly to thermoregulate and are known to avoid hauling out in such weather conditions. The HarbourSeal has declined nationally by 40% over the last 5 years (Pers. Comm., 2008) and, although only 2% of the UK national

total, the Teesmouth population is nevertheless important.

In terms of the picture for Grey Seals, there has been a smaller (5%) decline in numbers observed during 2008 but haul-out behaviour is also likely to have been affected by poor summer weather. The Grey Seal population is around 20 to 30individuals. Unlike the Harbour Seal the national picture for Grey Seal is more positive with seal numbers increasing.Since this species does not have a breeding population at Teesmouth its numbers are likely to be more variable, being

Winter

Harbour Seal at Teesmouth. Photo: John Bridges


16/22

Local & Regional


affected by migration.

All things considered this year has been a reasonable year for the seals, which continue to thrive amidst the industrial

landscape of Teesside.

Reference

Pers.Comm.,(2008), Personal Conversation with Callan Duck of the Sea Mammal Research Unit at the University of

St.Andrews.

Robert Woods

Ecologist

Little Ouse Headwaters Project providing access to nature and protection for bio-

diversity

The Little Ouse Headwaters Project (LOHP) is a community-led initiative on the Suffolk/Norfolk borders which, over thepast 6 years, has shown that it really is possible to combine effective wildlife conservation with public enjoyment andcare of the natural environment. This fenland valley forms the historic boundary between Norfolk and Suffolk and is asite of geological interest, containing the headwaters of the east-flowing River Waveney, and the west-flowing Little

Ouse.

Long ago, this shallow river corridor once held the largest valley fenland area inEngland, uniting the great wildernesses of the dry Breckland in the west and thewet Broadland in the east. Over many generations, human activity shaped aunique landscape, cutting peat for fuel, sedge for thatching, litter for animalbedding and by grazing stock and shooting. The result was a mosaic of reed andsedge beds, fringed by alder and sallow woodland with dry pastures higher on

the valley sides. Pollarded oak trees provided a renewable source of timber.

Sadly, much of the fenland has been lost due to canalisation of the river fromthe early 18thCentury onwards, artesian abstraction and conversion to agricul-tural land, particularly after the Second World War. As traditional managementpractices were replaced and the water table dropped, the area dried out and

water quality was reduced. Today, despite these losses, the valley still has acharacteristic fenland landscape containing sites designated for their nationaland international importance for wildlife, including two SSSIs and a Special Areaof Conservation (SAC). The adjacent Redgrave and Lopham Fen is a NationalNature Reserve, an internationally important RAMSAR wetland site and is hometo the Fen raft spiderDolomedes plantarius, one of Europe's largest, most beau-

tiful but least common species of spider.

The valley supports a large number of priority BAP species, and those of Princi-pal Importance included in the review of 2007/08, including otters, water voles,brown hares, at least 5 species of bat, great crested newts, slow worms, grass snakes and adders. Reed buntings, sky-larks, spotted flycatchers, yellow hammers, marsh tits, linnets, bullfinches, cuckoos and lapwing, amongst other birds,all breed in the valley. The invertebrate populations are less well known, but intensive surveys are underway at present

and expected to reveal exciting results. Habitats in the river valley include woodlands and heathlands as well as typicalwetland habitats such as fen, reedbeds, rivers and ponds.

LOHP has been enterprising in applying for funding and has benefited from a number of grants. These include the EU-

Winter

Volunteers digging a new turf pond on

Blo'Norton Fen. Photo: Helen Smith


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Local & Regional


funded (North Sea Interreg III B) Transnational Ecological Network (TEN 3)Project. Thus, their partners include organisations in the Netherlands andGermany, as well as those closer to home, such as South Norfolk District

Council, Forest Enterprise, RSPB, BTO, FWAG, Norfolk and Suffolk CountyCouncils, Norfolk and Suffolk Wildlife Trusts, Plantlife and the Environ-ment Agency. The LOHP has also raised funds from the Heritage LotteryFund, DEFRA (Countryside Stewardship), Biffaward, the Shell Better Brit-ain Community Fund and the East Anglian Daily Times Wild Flower Awardscheme, as well as from many private charitable trusts, including the

Tubney Trust.

This project is particularly important in view of potential changes in ourclimate. Natural England, in their report Planning for Biodiversity as Cli-mate Changes (BRANCH 2007) stated that networks of high quality well-connected habitats will help wildlife to be more resilient to climatechange by allowing them suitable habitat in which to disperse. LOHPs

aim to re-create and maintain a continuous corridor of wildlife habitatalong the headwaters of the Little Ouse precisely fits this requirement. It is clear that residents of the Parishes ofRedgrave, South Lopham, Blo'Norton, Hinderclay and Thelnetham, together with partner organisations, are making a

practical and tangible contribution to wildlife conservation.

At the same time, they are improving the recreational, amenity and educational value of the valley for their community.Landscape quality will be improved and the valley will provide an essen-tial safeguard against flooding. Walkers, cyclists and horse riders are en-couraged to use the "Quiet Lanes" with the aim of increasing the area'spotential for low-impact tourism. This in turn will benefit the local econ-omy because visitors will seek local accommodation and their presence

will increase trade at local shops, pubs and historic buildings.

In November 2008, the LOHP area was one of 15 threatened wetlandsacross the UK to be awarded a share in a 2 million Natural England ini-tiative to revive the UKs wetlands. They will use the funds for habitatrestoration over 3 years, transforming abandoned farmland into a havenfor wildlife by linking historic fragments of fen at Thelnetham Fen andBlo Norton Fen. The money will not only help wildlife, but also help hu-man communities by ensuring the continuity of ecosystem services, such

as water storage, flood prevention and clean water supplies.

LOHP is an effective and practical project, tackling the issues of conserv-ing threatened (and commonplace) species and habitats and preservingvital ecosystem services. In addition, the area contains important ar-chaeological remains going back more than 6,000 years, and includes evi-

dence of sea level and climate change which may hold lessons for thefuture. This project is a shining example of community-led biodiversitywork and a model that we hope other communities across the UK may

follow.

To find out more visit the Little Ouse Headwater Project websitehttp://www.lohp.org.uk/home.htm

For further information about Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership, pleasecontact Gen Broad Direct line 01473 264308, Mobile 07894885337, email:[email protected]

Winter

Guided walks introduce local people to the project's

sites and new paths. The bridge was funded by the

TEN project . Photo: Helen Smith

Parker's Piece in Thelnetham where a range of fen

habitats is being restored . Photo: Helen Smith

Restored meadow and fen at Blo'Norton Lows. Photo:

Helen Smith


18/22

Local & Regional


Winter

A Biodiversity Action Plan for Bristol

The Bristol Biodiversity Action plan was launched in November, and sets out amambitious blueprint for the sustainable future of Bristols wildlife and wild spaces.The launch of the plan coincides with Bristol being named as Britains most sus-

tainable city by Forum for the Future.

Wild City

Bristol is one of the greenest cities in the country and supports a huge wealth ofwildlife. Bristol has everything from the spectacular Avon Gorge, with its uniquearray of rare wildflowers, through to the Severn Estuary with its internationally

important numbers of wintering wildfowl.

The city also contains a fantastic array of natural green spaces, with woodlands,

ponds, and meadows providing important habitats for wildlife. Added to thatwildlife corridors formed by the river and railway network; the rich array of wild-life found in our gardens and allotments and its possible to see why Bristol is sospecial. In fact the city has everything from, peregrine falcons, skylarks and

hedgehogs to badgers, otters and water voles.

Value to people

Bristols wildlife also helps bring the experience of the natural world to manypeople. Such contact with nature can be inspiring and is known to promote goodhealth and wellbeing, as well as a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle ofcity life. All in all biodiversity helps makes Bristol a more enjoyable and inter-

esting place to live.

The Biodiversity Action PlanThe Biodiversity Action Plan sets out detailed measures to help both priority spe-cies such as the otter, water vole, house sparrow and hedgehog and habitats such

as wildflower meadows, woodland and reed beds.

Proposals include making sure existing habitats are properly looked after andnew habitats are created. They also include monitoring vulnerable species and

working to help them to thrive in future.

The plan also sets out a range of exciting and innovative measures that includewildlife audits for school grounds, the promotion of green roofs, greening of busi-

nesses and wildlife friendly management of allotments.

Helen Hall, Nature Conservation Officer at Bristol City Council explains Bristolhas an amazing natural environment. The Bristol Biodiversity Action Plan setsout a framework for how we will work together to care for our precious wildlifehabitats and the species that live there. We hope this will benefit both peopleand wildlife, and contribute to Bristols growing reputation as a leading green

city

Working in partnership

The BAP has been produced by the Bristol Biodiversity Partnership, a consortium

of local conservation groups and organisations, co-ordinated by Bristol City Coun-

cil. To download a copy of the BAP visit the city councils web site on

www.bristol.gov.uk

The launch of the BAP (photographer BCC). Officers

and councillors from BCC, partner organisations and

broadcaster Phillippa Forrester who helped launch the

document

Bristol Onion (taken by Phil Jeary)

The BAP encourages the creation of new habitatsincluding reedbeds like these (photographer BCC)


19/22

Local & Regional


Winter

Colwall Orchard Group

Colwall, nestled amid the wooded ridges, copses and fields westof the Malvern Hills in Herefordshire, has a smattering of or-chards - remnants of a once extensive orchard estate. Many wereplanted to supply a local fruit packing, canning and processingfactory, and after its closure, are falling into disrepair, with treescollapsing and being cleared or left to rot. We set up ColwallOrchard project to assess the wildlife value of these orchards andto persuade both owners and villagers that their orchards should

have a fruitful future.

Initially we focused on finding and assessing the condition of theorchards alongside the Peoples Trust for Endangered Speciesnoble chafer beetle survey. We found 32 traditional orchards,and further sites are still emerging. It was a very wet winter,and the tree hollows were full of water, so we only confirmed

noble chafer at two sites, but many others look promising.

This year we expanded the project to include further surveys,training, management advice, practical management and public

events. We commissioned management plans for 12 orchards, kitted ourselves up with some top quality tools and trainedour volunteers to go out into the orchards to put the plans into action. Our winter training programme includes sustain-able management of mistletoe, restoration pruning of mature and over mature trees, orchard management for wildlife,

tree planting, and formative pruning of young trees.

We are promoting the value of orchards locally through public events. Our first,

relatively low key event was a fungus foray in September. We stepped up a gearfor Colwall Apple Day at a local school, which drew in 350 children, parents andvillagers. We invited folk to bring apples, which we juiced with hand crushers andapple presses. The children threw themselves into the crushing and pressing, and

we made about 200 litres of delicious juice.

The mistletoe training generated lots of nicely berried mistletoe, so we decidedto try marketing this via a Mistletoe fair at Caves Folly, an organic nursery inColwall. People turned out in force to support our cause and we raised 400 inall. As Christmas approached, Wassailing was suggested and we took a snap deci-sion to Wassail on 17th January. This was an amazing success; 100 people turnedup, despite a 2 hours storm front sweeping across the village at the time, and we

had a fantastic evening.

Over the course of the year we have accrued a band of 46 willing volunteers, witha range of skills and interests. We have offered training, done orchard manage-ment and run a series of increasingly popular public events. We will be going onto do more events, including an art project with the local school. We hope thatthis is raising awareness of the village orchards, their value for wildlife, history

and tradition, and the importance of sustainable orchard produce.

Special thanks go to the orchard owners, to the volunteers - who have clocked upat least 700 hours so far this year and to the people of Colwall for their support. Thanks also to our sponsors - ColwallGreener (our village sustainability group) and Colwall Parish Council and to the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural

Beauty, who fund the project from their Sustainable Development Fund, financed by Natural England.

Helen Stace, Founder, Colwall Orchard Group

Cherry Orchard and Perry Pear at Broadwood.

Children juicing apples at Colwall Apple

Day


20/22

UK BAP Updates


The UK BAP: latest action - Ant Maddock JNCC

Happy New Year, I hope you all a reasonable, albeit cold, break! Since the last issue of Biodiversity News the 2008 UK BAP Reporting

Round has been completed, a workshop looking at the research and one-off survey signposting actions was held, and Standing Committee

has met. We are also preparing for a BRIG meeting in February 2009 in which the work plan for 2009 will be discussed. And, the countries

continue working with partners and making progress with planning and implementing conservation action.

The 2008 Reporting Round

The fourth Reporting Round is now complete having formally ended on 30 November 2008. As with previous years some reports took a bit

longer to get through to the 2008 Reporting team but as of mid January 2009, more than 80% of the HAPs signed off their reports, 91% of

the SAPs signed off but only 68% of the LBAPs signed off their reports (fully 31% did not even start reporting).

The trend data from the 2008 Reporting Round will be prepared and analysed for the UK Indicators (http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-1824) that

will be sent as part of the UK submission to the CBD. The UKs progress towards the 2010 targets will be based on these indicators of

which the UK BAP species and habitat trends represent two of the 18 UK indicators.

Once the indicator data have been sent off to Defra, analysis of all the information received during the 2008 Reporting Round and writing of

the final report will begin. In previous years, this report has been published at the UK BAP Partnership conference but given that the confer-

ence is likely to be held in the early autumn, the report will be ready for publication before then.

UK BAP Species and Habitat Review

As you are now aware, implementing the conservation actions for the new UK list is largely devolved to the countries which work with the

NGOs and other voluntary sectors to take on the essential tasks of delivery. However, there are a number of tasks that need to be con-

ducted at a UK level and this includes completing the last steps of the Species and Habitat Review and moving fully into implementing con-

servation action. Accordingly a major task for BRIG is to provide a means to gather advice on species habitat needs and make these avail-

able via a searchable web-based forum.

Also, now that the 2008 Reporting Round is over, BRIG will start working on how to report on progress in the future. This work will include,

but likely will not be exclusive to, the new species and habitats and will link to international developments on the post 2010 targets.

At last the definitions of the priority habitats and the information supporting the selection of the priority species has been published on the

UK BAP website (see the links on the UK BAP home page http://www.ukbap.org.uk/). Please cite the definitions paper as UK Biodiversity

Action Plan; Priority Habitat Descriptions 2008. BRIG (ed. Ant Maddock).

Research and one-off survey workshop

In December 2008 a workshop was convened by the contractors Peak Ecology Limited to identify, from the signposting work, those re-

search and one-off survey actions that are ready to go forward immediately. The final report is due in mid January 2009 and an assessment

of how to take the results of this report forward will be presented at the BRIG meeting on 4 February 2009.

Biodiversity Action Plan


21/22

Events


Welsh wild plants for landscape and biodiversity

Wednesday 25th February 2009

Llandrindod Wells, Powys

A seminar for land management professionals involved in planning, managing, restoring and designing green spaces for bio-diversity, landscape and enjoyment. To be opened by Iolo Williams, BBC Wales TV Presenter and Patron of the Flora locale

Wild Meadows of Wales Initiative

Conference fee: 45 per person

(35 for Not For Profit groups)

For booking form and details see www.wildmeadows.org.uk,

email: [email protected] call 01672 515723.

Free Public Lecture Series, Spring 2009WATER! From Source to the Sea

Freshwater habitat issues in the UK

Birkbeck, University of London

in conjunction with the Ecology and Conservation Studies Society

Water is the basis of all life, yet now its quality for all habitats is compromised by human activities. As a result, cli-mate change threatens increased quality and supply problems, and more flooding, with profound impacts on wildlifeand people. This series examines water ecosystems and habitats from London to the national level, their degrada-tion, restoration and management, the challenge of new legislation to deal with new problems, and perhaps some

positive solutions.

Join the debate. All welcome. Booking essential.

The lectures will be held in Birkbeck, University of London, WC1

E-mail: [email protected] for booking and venue details, (telephone 020 7679 1069)

All lectures are from 6.30pm to 8.30 pm on Fridays during February and March. Doors open at 6.00pm

Please send in any da t es of courses, meet ings, confer ences, event s for young people or any ot her dat es of rel evance

t hat could be included in our diar y.

Winter
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


22/22

EventsInternational Year of Natural Fibres 2009

The official Launch of the International Year of Natural Fibres 2009, as designated by the United Nations Food and Agricul-ture Organisation (FAO), took place in Rome on Thursday 22 January 2009, 10.00am (UK time). The event has been web-

cast and is available to watch at www.fao.org/webcast.

A new website dedicated to the International Year of Natural Fibres, which will list all of the events planned for the year,

and serve as a focus for the natural fibres community, has been launched at http://www.naturalfibres2009.org/

The largest UK event to celebrate the year is being organised in London on 14-15 December, entitled Natural Fibres 09.

Organised by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining this International conference will celebrate and highlight theincreasing use of natural fibres, to raise awareness of their diverse properties, and stimulate an increased demand. It willoffer an opportunity for natural fibre industries to come together to foster international partnership and increased under-

standing of the role that natural materials can play in ensuring a sustainable future.

The conference will focus predominantly on the industrial applications of natural fibres, and include presentations in thebroad themed areas of fibre extraction fibre processing industrial applications (e.g. automotive, construction, lei-sure, healthcare, etc.) bioenergy and the biomass industry biocomposites geotextiles biomimetic materi-als animal fibres marine fibres natural fibres for the developing world. Papers are being sought in all areas of NaturalFibres, including those listed above, and should be submitted to Dawn Bonfield ([email protected]) by 31stMarch

2009.

For further details about the event, please see the website http://www.iom3.org/events/waste or contact

[email protected]

Please send in any da t es of courses, meet ings, confer ences, event s for young people or any ot her dat es of rel evance

t hat could be included in our di ary .

Winter
http://www.fao.org/webcastmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.fao.org/webcast

Documents

UKBAP_BiodiversityNews-44