Countryside Jobs Service

The reserve currently supports four pairs of black-throated divers, 43 pairs of greenshanks, over 150 pairs of dunlins and 160 pairs of golden plovers, as well as at least 11 pairs of hen harriers, 3 pairs of merlins and over 2,000 pairs of both skylarks and meadow pipits. Many of the native plants are highly specialised to survive and even thrive in this naturally nutrient-impoverished habitat, for example the carnivorous sundews and butterwort. The peat bogs of Caithness and Sutherland have been naturally treeless for over 90% of the last 8,000 years. However, in some areas, including parts of the reserve, the blanket bog has been damaged through inappropriate planting of non-native conifers and through drainage schemes, funded through government grants and tax loopholes between the 1950s and 1980s.

To achieve meaningful restoration of this prime habitat, we need to work on a landscape scale. Since 1995, we have added significantly to the size of the reserve by buying adjacent areas of plantation (nearly 2,000 ha to date) so that we can work to restore a large area to its former good condition. We are enhancing the integrity of the bog further by blocking hill and forestry drains on the reserve to raise the water table, with over 10,000 dams installed to date.

From 1994 to ‘98, we received European LIFE-Nature funding to trial different ways of felling trees and blocking drains to give us a value-for-money approach and one that would speed the restoration of the native flora. Following on from this work, in a second LIFE project, which ran from 2000–06, we implemented these techniques on a much larger scale. Drains were blocked using three types of dams, depending on peat depth and proximity to sensitive bog pools. Most dams are built with peat, using a very low ground-pressure excavator machine. In fact, we built so many dams that the contractor cut an excavating bucket down to size, a little wider than the average width of a hill drain, so that the size of the dam created was in keeping with the width of the drain.

The same contractor developed a hydraulic shear attachment for the low-ground pressure machine, enabling him to fell trees mechanically with almost no damage to the peat surface. As the machine works, it also tracks over the brash, compressing it into the ditch. The result is a more level surface that retains water better, which in turn will be beneficial for the restoration of the site. The water-loving bog plants will be able to colonise the area more easily, and begin the process of actively laying down peat once more.

The fact that peat bogs have been disappearing from our landscape is of international concern, not only from a wildlife perspective. The destruction of bog habitats contributes to carbon loss into the atmosphere, one of the major causes of climate change. Our restoration is a long-term vision, because peat forms so slowly that, on average, less than 4 cm builds up over 100 years. It will be several decades before the felled areas look like peatland again. On a positive note, although bog does form very slowly, we do appear to be having success. Water levels have been raised, native bog vegetation is reclaiming felled areas and we have been monitoring and maintaining the dams to protect this massive carbon store.

We are pleased that many of the dams that we built after the first phases of tree felling eight years ago have now become invisible because of the re-growth of native bog vegetation around them. These are the first steps in a long-term project, but it is heartening to see that many birds, insects and plants are benefiting as they gradually move in to the restored areas and make Forsinard Flows their home.

Katy Robinson, Reserve Warden, Forsinard Flows reserve.


Imriche conifer plantation prior to felling		Imriche conifer plantation two years after felling. Photos by: Norrie Russell, RSPB

Restoring the Shimmering Rhos Pastures of the South Wales Coalfields

In the South Wales Valleys lies a hidden oasis. Scattered across the former mining belt from Caerphilly in the east to Carmarthenshire in the west, extensive remnants of flower-rich marshy grassland persist. These ‘Rhos pastures’ are a mix of Purple Moor-grass dominated wet grasslands with heath, mire and fen mosaics often in a matrix with wide hedges, and patches of woodland and scrub similar to the Culm grasslands of southwest England. These grasslands are notable for plants like Whorled Caraway and Meadow Thistle and for significant populations of the Marsh Fritillary butterfly as well as many other species of conservation concern.

Marsh Fritillary.

Deborah Sazer/Butterfly Conservation

In the recent past Rhos pasture was targeted for both industrial and housing development on the one hand, agricultural improvement where possible, principally through drainage and re-seeding or neglect, as these areas were deemed unsuitable for grazing modern livestock. Development pressure has diminished to a degree over the last decade but has left these grasslands fragmented in some areas, such as parts of Bridgend and consequently Marsh Fritillary has failed to survive. Habitat fragmentation as well as decline in quality of the remaining habitat patches are factors in the long term decline of the Marsh Fritillary.

Favourable management consists of mainly light, summer grazing by cattle or ponies. This creates an open, variable sward that ensures the species of interest persist. On over-grazed sites it is not just a question of reducing grazing numbers or grazing period. It often requires finding additional grazing, preferably of under-grazed adjacent Rhos pasture. Neglected sites required considerable capital funding to re-instate the infrastructure, such as fencing, and undertake some restoration works, such as topping rushes or dense grasses. Control of encroaching scrub may also be required and management of some patches of gorse or willow to diversify the structure.

This work is on-going by a number of different partners. Butterfly Conservation is leading two pilot projects in Mynydd Mawr in Carmarthenshire and Tonyrefail in Rhondda in partnership with Countryside Council for Wales. For more information contact: Russel Hobson, Head of Conservation Wales. Butterfly Conservation, 10 Calvert Terrace, Swansea SA1 6AR.

A typical Rhos pasture landscape in winter.

Rhos pasture close up.

Deborah Sazer/Butterfly Conservation

A typical Rhos pasture landscape in winter.

Martin Warren/Butterfly Conservation

Forest restoration in the Highlands of Scotland By Dan Puplett

Trees for Life is an award winning charity that aims to restore a wild, native forest ecosystem to a 900 square mile area in the Highlands of Scotland. Centuries of exploitation and overgrazing have led to the degradation of our forest ecosystems and a huge decline in biodiversity. Rather than trying to recreate a forest of the past, we seek to restore natural processes, allowing our wild places to evolve and change as they have been doing for millennia.

In the long term we believe that biodiversity would best be served by having the full complement of missing native species, such as beavers and lynx, as these animals play a crucial role in the ecosystem, benefiting numerous other species. Lynx for example, not only prey on roe deer, but also disperse them, reducing browsing pressure in a given area and allowing vegetation to regenerate; beaver activity is known to provide habitat for fish, amphibians, otters and countless invertebrates.

In the mean time we are carrying out a wide range of work to restore the biodiversity of our native pinewoods and other habitats. This work includes planting natives, felling exotics, tree protection, and fence removal. We also have specific projects to restore aspen, montane scrub and woodland ground flora.

We run over 55 Volunteer Workweeks a year, on which people have the opportunity to contribute to the restoration of Scotland’s biodiversity, in some of the most beautiful surroundings in Britain. We aim to plant another 250,000 trees by the end of 2009, so the more hands the better!

Please visit www.treesforlife.org.uk or call 01309 691444 for further details about our Work Weeks and our forthcoming Reintroductions Conference.


Before: A participant in our first ever work week in April 1991, about to plant a Scots pine beside a prominent pine stump in western Glen Affric.		After: The same scene in 2002 - the stump is now partially covered by heather and blaeberry, due to exclusion of deer, and the tree planted over is 2 metres tall.

Other management projects:

Balls Wood Nature Reserve – Hertfordshire.

Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust wants to purchase a 58 hectare oak and hornbeam woodland - half of which it has been managing for over 30 years. It must raise £700,000 by December 2008 to guarantee a secure future for Balls Wood and prevent it being sold and broken up. Adjacent to a National Nature Reserve and other HMWT nature reserves, it is vital in a chain of wildlife havens – especially for butterflies. Copping management, reintroduced to woodland rides, has greatly increased the wood’s biodiversity – these conservation achievements could now be under threat. Visit www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/herts for more details.

STREAM is a £1 million LIFE Nature funded conservation project centred on the River Avon and the Avon Valley in Wiltshire/Hampshire. STREAM will demonstrate a strategic approach to large-scale river restoration, and techniques to integrate the management of the river and valley.

Visit www.streamlife.org.uk for details.

Developed from the 2003 River Avon SAC strategy, the Living River project aims to increase awareness and appreciation of the River Avon and its tributaries. This is achieved through community engagement and Biodiversity restoration at publicly accessible sties. The project is generously supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. www.livingriver.org.uk

Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust - The Pumlumon Project

Our vision is to inspire and lead radical change in land management to create a more diverse landscape, rich in wildlife and supporting thriving and active communities whose cultural heritage will be more secure. Contact Iestyn Thomas at iestyn@montwt.co.uk or on 01938 555654 for more details.

Three Harbours Beef is a partnership between local farmers, Chichester Harbour Conservancy and others. The scheme enables farmers to raise their cattle on coastal grazing marshes – protecting a threatened habitat which is vital for wildlife. The high quality beef is sold direct to the public and through local farmshops. For more information see www.threeharboursbeef.co.uk or call Nicki Chquer, Scheme Co-ordinator on 01243 607243.

The Lyme Bay Reefs off Devon's coast are now protected thanks largely to campaigning from Devon Wildlife Trust over the past 18 years. To find out more about the highs and lows of the campaign read ‘Lyme Bay Reefs: A 16 year search for sustainability’ at www.devonwildlifetrust.org

Butterfly Conservation’s South East Woodlands Project is addressing some of the issues surrounding declines in woodland Lepidoptera by working with woodland owners and managers, and supporting volunteers to help with surveying and monitoring. For more information contact your local project officer; Fran Thompson fthompson@butterfly-conservation.org (Kent), Steve Wheatley swheatley@butterfly-conservation.org (Sussex) or Kate Dent kdent@butterfly-conservation.org (Hampshire & Wiltshire).

Save the Levels! - Welsh Assembly Government is planning to build a 15 mile motorway across the nationally important Gwent Levels - a historic wetland landscape, with over 5000ha designated as SSSI. CALM is protesting against this devastating plan, as it would cause habitat losses, fragmentation, and pollution of the drainage ditches (reens) that support 144 species of nationally notable invertebrates. www.savethelevels.org.uk

Northumberland Wildlife Trust own and manage a number of grassland reserves including unique whin grasslands. In 2006 an aggregate levy funded project, re-surveyed the whin grassland sites surveyed in the early 1980’s. The audit found there had been a considerable loss of area and conservation interest over the last 25 years. Work now needs to be carried out to restore degraded sites. Steve Lowe 0191 284 6884.

Wildlife documentary Last of the Scottish Wildcats has been released on DVD donating 50% of profits to wildcat conservation. Capturing rare footage of wildcats in the wild this acclaimed documentary also investigates it's evolution, cultural status and conservation through expert interviews. See the trailer and place an order at

www.coffeefilms.com/scottishwildcats

Survey & Mitigation by Access Ecology Ltd

Certain species are protected under various forms of legislation, e.g. Wildlife and Countryside Act. When it comes to managing or potentially developing areas where protected species may be resident special measures have to be taken; this usually takes the form of extensive specialist surveys and should these species be proved to be present then the impact of the proposed development, if it is allowed to proceed, must be reduced or mitigated. One such protected species is the otter. Otters and their holts are protected under Schedule 5 the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and Schedule 2 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations, 1994 (as amended). EC Habitat Directive. It is an offence to deliberately kill, injure, capture or disturb otters as well as obstructing or damaging their place of refuge and breeding sites or to destroy or damage anything that conceals or protects their place of refuge.

Otter Surveys

The first stage of an otter survey is to establish if otters have used the area in the past for breeding or resting, this can be achieved by approaching local wildlife organisations for records of female otters, pregnant otters and cubs in the area. To estimate where in a catchment otters are breeding records can be found for road casualties and orphaned cubs.

The next stage is to locate potential breeding sites, habitats which will provide suitable cover for breeding include:

●Lakes and ponds ● Extensive areas of boulders and/or structures located close to watercourses ● Extensive areas of scrub ● Young conifer plantations ● Deciduous woodland ● Extensive reed beds.

It is likely that most otter breeding sites and natal dens are located close to a watercourse, wetland or water body, however breeding sites not connected to water should also be considered. A field study will then confirm the presence of breeding sites with a brief assessment of cover and likelihood of disturbance within the potential breeding site. During the survey all watercourses (including small streams) should be walked. Ideally this should be done walking the river or stream bed (using waders) to reduce disturbance and damage to bank side habitats. Photographs will be taken of important features.

The next stage is to identify local food sources where there is an abundant food supply such as: ● Estuaries and coastlines ● Amphibian breeding sites ● Fish farms and still water fisheries ● Watercourses with known good fish populations.

Otter Mitigation

Strategies for otter mitigation can involve the following approaches: ● Creating new otter holts ● Habitat connectivity ● Development of measures to minimise disturbance in areas with existing otter holts ● Compensatory planting and habitat creation of habitat areas lost ● Creating culverts under new or existing roads

Access Ecology is able to create bespoke mitigation designs tailored to the clients requirements.

Access Ecology Ltd has many years experience of otter survey and mitigation design, gained by working on a wide variety of projects across the country. We can carry out full surveys and design, implement and manage mitigation projects.

Website: www.accessecology.co.uk Email: info@accessecology.co.uk Telephone: 0114 258 3503

Ecological Consultancies:

Black Sheep Countryside Management - A small but thriving Wessex based company specialising in agri-environment work for private clients and organisations like AONBs, GAP, Wildlife Trusts and Local Authorities. Survey volunteers always welcome - birds, hedgerows, arable plants, grassland, etc. Anyone who'd like to gain some experience get in touch! 01380 871012, jemma.bat@btinternet.com

CB Consulting - Hydrological and ecological consultancy services. Recent projects: wetland habitat design/build, watervole capture and translocation, NVC habitat surveys, hydrological surveys and ecological clerk of works on wind farms, substations and road schemes. European protected species surveys undertaken. Contact Chris Baker e-mail:christopher806@btinternet.com Tel: 01738 787 480

Ecological Land Management was established in 2001 and provides conservation and wildlife protection services. Specialising in working in habitats with protected species, the company has won a Wales Business and Sustainability Award for its work in enhancing biodiversity. Further information can be found at www.elm.uk.net

The Wild Boar Consultancy - Want wild boar on your land? Want wild boar off your land? Risk Assessments; Advice and education; Expert witness or legal advice; Surveying for presence / absence. The Wild Boar Consultancy offers personalised, independent specialist advice on all matters concerning wild board in Britain. www.wildboarconsultancy.co.uk

Aulino Wann & Associates are a progressive ethical ecological consultancy based in Co. Antrim Northern Ireland. We are always interested in hearing from well qualified scientists across all environmental disciplines who would like to work on a contract basis on a diverse range of ecological projects across Ireland. john@aulinowann.com

WildWorks Ecology offers expertise and advice in conservation management, grazing, wetland restoration, vegetation surveys, ecological monitoring and protected species, especially bats. We are commited to developing practical solutions for the benefit of both wildlife and people. Contact Jude Smith on 07971 861515. jude@wildworksecology.co.uk. Website under construction.

Devon Wildlife Consultants - The multi-disciplinary wildlife consultancy of the Devon Wildlife Trust, offering the full range of wildlife survey and impact assessment throughout the southwest, providing high quality reports often required within the planning process at a competitive rate. Also provide practical biodiversity management, and advice. Tel: 01392 455930, www.devonwildlifeconsultants.co.uk

Marine Ecological Solutions is a North Wales based company specialising in marine ecological surveys and research. Our dynamic team of ecologists undertake surveys above and below the sea as well as organising voluntary ecological dive projects throughout Wales. Other services include desktop research, GIS and literature reviews. www.marine-ecosol.com. Contact: mail@marine-ecosol.com

We specialise in science-based vegetation restoration and management advice, working for universities, Natural England, landscape architects and land managers, on projects ranging from
calcareous grassland restoration in disused quarries to wetland habitat creation. Our experience of upland hay meadow restoration is second to none. Contact: John & Clare O’Reilly www.ptyxis.com

ECOSA is an independent ecological consultancy established in 1999. We provide a range of ecological survey, planning, habitat management and educational services. Our ecologists have a variety of specialist skills and experience and hold a full range of Natural England licences. Ecologists are IEEM members and CSCS operative certified. www.ecosa.co.uk

Conservation Contractors – Providing common sense solutions to Habitat and Arborcultural situations. Full tree Surveys & Surgery, Newt & reptile fencing. Noxious Weed Control. www.conservation-contractors.co.uk email – info@conservation-contractors.co.uk mobile 07889 461358

Milner Ecology provides expert knowledge in ecological survey and the pragmatic design and construction of ecological mitigation/habitat management throughout the UK. We are currently developing mitigation/habitat management focused on amphibians, including the construction of ponds and a corridor of scrub/woodland linking two sections of SAC/SSSI. For more information contact: MilnerEcology@btinternet.com

ADK Environmental Management Ltd (based at Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University) are a group of in-house ecologists and environmental advisors that deal with habitat management and creation, protected species and invasive species such as Japanese knotweed. www.adk-environmental.co.uk

Naturally Wild Consultants Ltd - Reptiles and Amphibians are a specialist sector within ecology. Herpetological surveys and assessments undertake by trained, qualified and experienced herpetological staff can prove invaluable in obtaining the necessary consents and licenses and dealing with translocation and mitigation involving such species. 0845 260 1107 ecology@naturallywild.co.uk www.naturallywild.co.uk

Access Ecology Ltd Environmental Consultancy provides services across the UK, these include species surveys, project management and protected species training. We have the capacity needed to respond to larger projects, whilst still providing a very individual service to our smaller clients. Email:

info@accessecology.co.uk or call: 0114 2583503

Ecology Matters is an independent ecological research and survey company. Services include: Ecological survey and monitoring – including ornithological survey; botanical survey; mammal survey (terrestrial and marine); Environmental Impact Assessment; Research – ecological research services; Management planning.

Contact: info@ecologymatters.co.uk or 01970 832491

Phlorum can provide services in many specialist environmental topic areas, including Environmental Impact Assessments, Japanese knotweed eradication, ecology, contamination, air dispersion modelling and environmental management. We are always happy to have an informal chat about your requirements – please visit www.phlorum.com or call 01273 704449 for more information.

Torc Ecology is an East Anglia based ecological consultancy offering a high quality and professional service in protected species surveys, licensing and mitigation design.

Specialising in bats, barn owls, great crested newts,

water voles, otters and badgers, as well as Phase 1 and 2 habitat surveying. Contact Louise Brown 01485 544584

Green Ecology is a small consultancy with offices in Devon and Cornwall. As well as carrying out a range of ecological survey work our contracting department undertakes habitat management and mitigation work. This includes hedge laying, pond creation, site management, reptile fencing and habitat creation.

Visit our website green-ecology.co.uk

Andrews Consulting - With 40 years experience as a surveyor with Ordnance Survey I can provide advice and expert opinion on most mapping related problems, a full mapping history of any site, together with an assessment and interpretation of what is shown, Expert opinion on the mapping of boundaries and Rights of Way. 01162695237 and Website: www.the-expert-witness-surveyor.co.uk

Absolute Ecology is a professional Ecological consultancy specialising in field survey works, contracting or on a subcontracting basis. Please note: Absolute Ecology are licensed to carry out Bat and Great Crested Newt surveys in England, Wales and Scotland Phase 1 Habitat surveys, Conservation Management Planning and Winter Site Assessments. www.absoluteecology.co.uk

Donaldson Environmental Consultancy Ltd - Specialists in all aspects of recreation and visitor management.

Services include: Access survey, design and contract management, visitor management planning, greenspace audits, signage plans, visitor counter - supply and installation, visitor surveys, community consultation and project management. Providers of training in visitor management. mail@donenvironmental.co.uk 07810 810818

Crestwood Environmental provides a range of UK-wide specialist environmental consultancy services, including: Landscape Design, Assessment & Management, Phase One Habitat surveys, protected species surveys/licence applications, Environmental Impact Assessments, contract administration, environmental engineering and waste management consultancy work and training. For information contact Sid Lambert at info@crestwoodenvironmental.co.uk or telephone 01902 824037

JBA Consulting: specialists in management, restoration, creation and construction of ponds, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and grassland utilising a multi-disciplinary approach. Experienced in all types of ecological survey and assessment, including Phase 1 and NVC, as well as mitigation and enhancement. Skilled in biodiversity planning and management. Contact 01756 799919 www.jbaconsulting.co.uk

Multi-disciplinary environmental and engineering consultancy with 14 offices uk wide, 900+ employees and a large environmental appraisal team. For more information visit our website www.entecuk.com

Marshall Agroecology Ltd

An independent consultancy providing contract agro-ecological R&D, especially in support of biodiversity, agri-environment schemes, vegetation management and the impact of herbicides. We also give environmental support for

logo: Marshall Agroecology Ltd

land landowners with Stewardship and make vegetation and entomological assessments. Contact: Dr Jon Marshall, jon.marshall@agroecol.co.uk , Tel: 01934 844844 or 07779 719969. URL: www.agroecol.co.uk

Nicholas Pearson Associates - Award winning EIA, ecology, landscape architecture, heritage and GIS/visualisation specialists based in Bath. Recognised by IEMA as leading environmental impact assessors with 25 years experience and over 40 professional staff. Clients include local authorities, Environment Agency, water companies, Highways Agency as well as estate owners. Contact Dr Trevor Turpin 01225 445548

BMT Cordah Ltd are an environmental consultancy with a wide range of capabilities including ecology (bird, mammals and habitat surveys), with full office support, GIS and wider EIA production. Ability to work throughout Scotland and Northern England. Please contact us with any enquiries on 0141 241 3236 or enquiries@bmtcordah.com

Plant ecology & Soil science Consultancy: We are a small ecological consultancy based in Wales providing services and advice relating to nature conservation and agri-environmental management. We carry out individually-tailored site vegetation assessments and soil surveys and specialise in monitoring and advising on habitat creation and restoration projects. Contact: www.phoenixecology.co.uk

Thomson Ecology is a dynamic, professional consultancy specialising in ecology. Our expertise covers a broad range of habitats and species - terrestrial, freshwater and marine. Our services range from scoping studies, tree surveys, habitat and protected species surveys to mitigation schemes, post-project monitoring, ecological impact assessments and inputs to EIAs. enquiries@thomsonecology.com 01483 466000 www.thomsonecology.com

Black & Veatch Ltd are a multi-disciplinary engineering and environmental consultancy who undertake a range of surveys, environmental and ecological impact assessments, mitigation and enhancement for a wide variety of projects and clients. For more information on our company and current vacancies please see www.bv.com/careers/europe

Just Ecology Ltd - Located in South Gloucestershire we are a dynamic and forward thinking ecological consultancy, with over a decade of experience in delivering professional services to central and local government departments, NGOs, developers and private individuals. Win-Win and sustainable solutions lie at the heart of all our work. jeff.kirby@justecology.co.uk 01454 269650

Thomson Habitats are a team of experienced professionals who design, create and restore habitats for wildlife. We also treat invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed. Backed by the ecological expertise of Thomson Ecology, we undertake work all over the UK. For further details please see www.thomsonhabitats.com

River Restoration and Habitat Enhancement

RRC

The River Restoration Centre’s key role is to promote the concept of best practice management and river restoration. It provides information and impartial advice based on the expertise of its staff and external advisors, an inventory of over 1500 projects collated by the Centre, and a UK-wide perspective based on knowledge gained over the last 15 years.

Restoration and enhancement

River restoration and habitat enhancement is a means by which we can turn around the past trend of damage and degradation of our riverine ecosystems. Many are no longer attractive or desirable places for the wildlife that they once supported. Urban and rural rivers have both been affected, by the dominant activities that were perceived to be the priority at the time. By applying what fluvial-geomorphology tells us about the physical riverine system and what ecology tells us is needed for a diverse range of habitats and species, we can assess and respond to the need for conservation, enhancement or restoration of watercourses and floodplains.

The River Rhee

An upper reach of the River Cam, Cambridgeshire, the River Rhee is a good example of a degraded lowland agricultural river. A baseflow fed brook, once containing a healthy population of wild brown trout, it is now lost in its deepened channel and suffering severe siltation problems. An initial visit examined the opportunities for achieving floodplain restoration, and bringing visual and hydrological connectivity to the river. However, after critically assessing land, river and water levels it was concluded that floodplain restoration would not be possible in the main area proposed without having an impact on neighbouring farmers, and the adjacent road. This can often be a major limiting constraint.

August 2001. Reducing the bank height by 2m (old dredgings) to create a shallow bank. The small river is wide, slow flowing and silty.

August 2001. Biodegradable coconut fibre rolls used to narrow the channel and speed the flow to prevent silt settling over the gravel bed.

Due to the history of ‘improvement’ to land drainage (dredging the river deeper and frequent follow up work) there was also plenty of scope to enhance the bankside and in-river habitat. Habitat enhancement works included channel narrowing to uncover the gravel bed, shallowing the profiling of banks and existing meanders to remove years of dredging material and nettle growth, and off-river backwater habitat creation as a refuge for fish and invertebrates in times of flood. These were identified as options by carefully ‘reading the river’ and both aiding its natural recovery (which could take centuries in a lowland clay catchment) as well as removing obstacles to recovery (spoil embankments, steep slopes, etc).

The works were funded by the Environment Agency and delivered by Roger Beecroft Wildlife and Countryside Services with support from RRC.

Benefits

Although a small scale scheme, this project has great potential as a demonstration site showing best practices for managing and rehabilitating previously heavily engineered rivers in flat, arable landscapes at low cost. The landowner has a river he can now see without having to fight through nettles and peer over raised banks. The silt has washed off of the gravel bed increasing fish and invertebrate habitat; the shallow marginal shelves support typical river’s edge plants and the stripped shallow banks are developing a more typical nutrient poor grass/wildflower cover.

Martin Janes, Centre Manager. www.therrc.co.uk

June 2003. Grasses and wildflowers colonising the bare re-profiled bank. Typical marginal vegetation, having returned to the river’s edge, helps to further narrow the channel and provide cover for fish and invertebrates.

Specialist companies:

Ecological restoration, habitat creation and creative conservation plus terrestrial and aquatic ecological survey.

Specialists in restoration of upland and lowland heath, woodland, grasslands and rescue and re-introduction of aquatic threatened species. Many years

logo: ERC

of practical implementation and research experience. Visit www.ecologicalrestoration.co.uk ( philp@liverpool.ac.uk )

Water Habitats - Our company offers affordable and practical modern solutions to problem silt, de-silting and pond cleaning. Ultrasonic control of algae nuisance. On-site consultancy, water quality testing and advice on our extensive range of aerators, pumps and boats. 01536 206569 www.waterhabitats.co.uk

IVM provide, tailor-made, guaranteed eradication solutions for all invasive weed issues, specialising in the guaranteed eradication of Japanese knotweed in one growing season using the revolutionary IVM ‘FAST’ System. Contact info@i-v-m.co.uk for more details.

WildGuides latest, Arable Bryophytes - A field guide to the mosses, liverworts and hornworts of cultivated land in Britain and Ireland is due September. Highlighting the conservation importance of these plants on cultivated land, it affords field workers a better insight into the rich diversity of our bryophyte flora. Details 01628-529297 www.wildguides.co.uk

Wildscapes delivers a range of environmental solutions, working with skilled, experienced staff to create your vision on the ground!
Land management, habitat creation, ecological services, landscape design, community engagement and training all offered through customised Wildscapes packages. Contact Wildscapes by E-mail: info@wildscapes.eu or Tel: 0114 2792667 to find out more. Website: www.wildscapes.eu

Roger Buss Specialist Land Agent – Senior Deer Consultant working on deer management throughout UK teaching stalking and harvesting of venison to Modern Standards check out www.deerland.co.uk The company also acquires and sells woodlands for clients.

For all your biodiversity survey needs visit our web site www.bioquip.net. Robinson, Skinner and Johnson Moth traps; pond-dipping equipment; insect nets and malaise traps; small mammal traps; bat detectors. Also full range of Schwegler Nest and Bat Boxes.

Ecological mitigation products and contracting, forestry, fencing, landscaping services, planting scheme and habitat creation solutions www.herpetosure.com

countryside contractors - Dry stone walling, hedgelaying, hedge and woodland planting , habitat creation visit www.jtpcs.co.uk for more details

Species Identification and Recording

As a result of various initiatives in the UK, in conjunction with European policies to protect species and habitats, many professionals are under increasing pressure to organise and participate in species survey work.

Such professionals would like to spread the recording task amongst more individuals (very often volunteers) by: ● Helping them with species identification ● Improving the accuracy of associated information, e.g. date and geographical position ● Providing a system that is capable of engaging with some younger recorders

Handheld computers (in particular Pocket PCs running Mobile Windows) have developed significantly over the last 3 or 4 years. Devices with integrated GPS and digital cameras start at about £150, and are surprisingly robust in the face of British weather and general field conditions (though still worth using a waterproof case when you are likely to drop them in a pond).

Species identification keys for handheld computers have been around for a couple of years (www.wildknowledge.co.uk), and have been used very successfully with thousands of schoolchildren. Significantly, teachers often comment that they feel more confident in the field, as the software provides immediate support, both in terms of the actual identification process, and the extra information that the key can provide about the target species.

Species recording on mobile devices has been available for far longer (www.aditsite.co.uk), but still benefits from the enhanced capabilities of modern devices.

Two main approaches have been taken: 1. Dedicated species recording software, usually integrated with a desktop reporting and mapping system. Example products include AditTrec and Pocket Bird Recorder 2. A form-based system where the user can define their own data collection form (adding fields that include drop-down lists, GPS access, picture upload, sketchpad, notes, etc). Such systems are generally more flexible, but can provide a headache for whoever is responsible for collating the data. Example products include AditForm and to some extent Pocket Excel

The future The trend is clearly towards devices that are always or frequently connected to the internet. Software on these Pocket PC/Phone hybrids will become browser-based with local data storage on the mobile device that is capable of synchronising with an online ‘master’ database. The user will be able to upload their data from the field (alright, from their car when they can get a phone signal…) and view existing information online about the species or site that they are looking at.

Today The time has come to put pad and pencil away, and embrace modern technology. Direct feedback from professional and skilled amateur recorders is the only way to ensure the continued development of sophisticated software on mobile devices.

Paul Griffiths, Technical Director, Adit Limited www.aditsite.co.uk

Bird Atlas 2007 - 11: Mapping Britain and Ireland's birds

There is a buzz of excitement within the birdwatching world, as ornithologists scan the first year’s results from Bird Atlas 2007-11. Maps created after the first winter clearly show that species such as Buzzard have expanded into eastern areas, whilst Nuthatches have been moving north into Scotland and Little Egrets have appeared in many areas. It is harder to judge what is happening in remote parts of the UK because it is going to take a long time to fill in all of the survey squares in mountainous areas.

The last Bird Atlas, covering the period 1988-91, focused our attention on the decline of farmland birds but what will be the highlights this time? Initial findings from this summer suggest that there is bad news for wading birds, such as Lapwing and Redshank, summer migrants, like Yellow Wagtail and Willow Warbler and even the once-common Kestrel. Sightings of any of these species will be particularly valuable. Join a team of 30,000 volunteers and make sure that your bird records really count.

Bird Atlas 2007-11 is being organised by the BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) with partners the SOC and BirdWatch Ireland. The BTO organises a wide range of surveys, from Garden BirdWatch to counts of birds on estuaries and at the top of mountains. Most of the work is undertaken by volunteers and training courses are available. See www.bto.org .

Other Surveys and volunteers:

Global Vision International (GVI) runs conservation, research and sustainable development projects worldwide. Volunteers can participate in a biodiversity research project in Costa Rica, marine conservation in Mexico, or sustainable development in Honduras and Guatemala. GVI also offers a Level 3 BTEC Advanced Certificate available in Kenya and the Ecuadorian Amazon. www.gvi.co.uk

South Yorkshire Ponds Project is a joint Pond Conservation and South Yorkshire Biodiversity Forum initiative funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, SITA Trust and Environment Agency. The project will survey, map and conserve important ponds in South Yorkshire. Find out more or get involved: www.pondconservation.org.uk or Sheffield Wildlife Trust 0114 2634335.

Shark Trust

Are running several surveys: Report shark, skate & ray catches & sightings on www.sharktrust.org/recording Basking sharks – the UK’s largest fish can be seen around the coastline, report any sightings via www.baskingsharks.org Eggcases commonly wash ashore if you find one report it on www.eggcase.org

The hypogean Crustacea include several cryptic species that live in groundwater habitats such as wells, caves and springs. The species included Niphargus glenniei, a recent addition to the BAP species list and which is only known from Devon and Cornwall. Recording scheme has been in operation since 1998, advice on the survey and management of subterranean habitats such as caves and mines. www.freshwaterlife.org/hcrs

The Tree Council’s Hedge Tree Campaign. To highlight the habitat, environmental charity The Tree Council plans to publish recipes from its volunteer Tree Wardens and others using ingredients from hedgerows. Recipes to share? Then please send them to “Hedge Cuisine”, The Tree Council, 71 Newcomen Street, London SE1 1YT, hedgetrees@treecouncil.org.uk , www.treecouncil.org.uk

SOCS plans to conduct a Sea-Trout Watch from 15th December through 15th February, to record spawning activity. This will entail weekly visits to river stretches, and we are seeking volunteers to help. We will provide training and equipment. Please contact Neil Merchant on 01273-477763, 07860-443614 or at

neil.merchant@sussex-ouse.org.uk

People's Trust for Endangered Species are mapping the remaining traditional orchards of England. This priority habitat, a biodiversity hotspot, is under threat from development, neglect and intensification. We are looking for volunteers and land owners to locate and survey these orchards. Contact Anita on 02074984533 or anita@ptes.org

And don't forget there are details of these and many more surveys on the CJS website. You'll find the information at http://www.countryside-jobs.com/Training/Surveys.htm

Biodiversity Recording Centre:

Lothian Wildlife Information Centre is the biological record centre for the Lothians. Based near Dalkeith, we co-ordinate biological recording throughout the Lothians. We are looking for volunteers to join us in recording biodiversity on sites and also computerising data and providing information to users. Interested? Contact us at info@lothianwildlife.co.uk

Tools for surveying:

DMAP Software for Distribution and Biodiversity Mapping - http://www.dmap.co.uk/

CMS - Management Planning tools, seminars and guidance. For information on our software tools to help you plan, record and report on work on your site go to www.esdm.co.uk/cms. See here also for details of our management planning seminar series or for free management planning guidance documents.

Sportstrack UK/Utrackit - Personal GPRS Tracking. Market leading first. Personal tracking and safety unit which allows you to be found anywhere at any time and under most circumstances. For business or for pleasure providing peace of mind for you, your staff and your loved ones. Visit www.sportstrackuk.com for further details.

Great Britain tackling non-native species

Invasive non-native species are one of greatest threats to biodiversity worldwide. These species are estimated to cost the British economy £2billion a year and they can negatively impact native species, transform habitats and threaten whole ecosystems causing serious problems to the environment and society.

The government recognises the threat posed by invasive non-native species and has set up a Great Britain Co-ordinating Body, supported by a small Secretariat to direct and co-ordinate action against invasive species. The Secretariat and its website (www.nonnativespecies.org) serves as the central point for information and communication. The website contains information on legislation, policy, guidance and events as well as research, management and links to other useful organisations.

The recently published Invasive Non-native Species Framework Strategy for Great Britain (www.nonnativespecies.org) sets out how government is planning to tackle the threats posed invasive species over the coming years.

Greater practical implementation on the ground (by government bodies conservation NGOs, land-owners etc.) is the next step – with eradication attempts of South American water primrose and American bullfrogs currently ongoing. Establishing comprehensive monitoring is another priority so we can detect newly arrived species and tackle them before they get out of control. Biologists working in the field will be particularly important as the eyes and ears of this monitoring. Public awareness raising, including training of those working in the countryside is also another key theme.

The overall aim is that with strategic co-ordination and some extra resources we can help turn the tide against the ever growing problems posed by invasive non-native species in Britain.

More information on South American water primrose, American bullfrogs and other invasive non-native species can be found in the Fact File section of the on the Secretariat website ( www.nonnativespecies.org ).

Diane Owens, CSL

LARK RISE FARM, NEAR CAMBRIDGE

Lark Rise Farm is an arable farm in Cambridgeshire comprising approximately 400 acres. The soil type is mainly heavy clay, with some lighter sandy areas near to the Bourn Brook which flows through the farm. The farm is owned by the Countryside Restoration Trust (CRT) which is a charity dedicated to farming and wildlife conservation. The land has been bought in stages, with the bulk being in ownership for 10 years. Prior to the CRT’s ownership the land was a barren, bleak, featureless landscape, devoid of hedges, wildlife and character, which we have sought to change.

The physical appearance of the land has been drastically altered. The areas adjacent to the Bourn Brook have been taken out of production and water meadows re-instated. The landscape has been further broken up by planting hedges and establishing grass margins (6m strips) either side of the new hedges. In doing this, we have turned 100 acre prairies into smaller fields with an average size of 12.5 acres. Most hedges are now of good size and provide habitat to a wealth of wildlife. This is the cornerstone of the project, because other than true arable flora and fauna, most species migrate into cropped areas via the wildlife corridors of hedgerows.

Our farming policy is to have a varied crop rotation, linked with a rich mosaic of cropping across the farm. This mosaic means there is rarely two similar crops grown in adjacent fields. The rational behind this, is that block cropping limits wildlife to species that solely favour that crop at a given time. So this mosaic encourages more wildlife diversity, as adjacent fields will all be at different growth stages (phases of development) at any one time.

The farm is not by any means organic, but the key word is ‘sympathetic’ when it comes to the use of agrochemical products. For any crop to yield well it needs to be relatively disease, pest and weed free, and we are little different from most farmers. The trick is to differentiate between yield sappers and those that pose little threat to crop yield. Our pesticide usage is aimed at reducing the yield sappers but not every weed, disease and pest.

Poppies at Lark Rise Farm by Sue Clark (Monitoring Volunteer).

Each farming operation takes care not to unduly frighten or disturb wildlife. The best example of this is when combining. To combine a field, one has to cut around the outside first, simply to open the field up, we are no different here either. Most farmers will cut one side and combine across the field to the other side. We start in the middle and work to the outside. Why? When harvesting there is usually (certainly on our farm!) a wealth of animals of which many are young in the crop. Harvesting from one side drives them away from their home patch, often separating young from adults over vast areas. By starting in the middle, they are then pushed from the field edge into their ‘home’ hedgerows. Just one small, but very important consideration in our way of farming.

To find out more about The Countryside Restoration Trust, please look at our website www.livingcountryside.org.uk or telephone 01223 262999.

The Wildlife Trusts’ Biodiversity Benchmark

The Biodiversity Benchmark is an essential element in The Wildlife Trusts’ vision for ‘A Living Landscape’, which aims to help UK wildlife adapt to climate change. It encourages the management and reporting of biodiversity as an integral part of business activities. The Benchmark uses a systematic management process to enable any organisation which owns or manages land to assess its impact on the natural world, improve its contribution to the environment and demonstrate its commitment to biodiversity by: ● Identifying relevant legislation and creating a framework to ensure compliance. ● Contributing to local partnerships by providing up-to-date ecological information and helping deliver local Biodiversity Action Plans. ● Developing targets to improve biodiversity performance and demonstrating a lead to the community. For further information, please visit: www.biodiversitybenchmark.org

Training providers:

ADH Training & Consulting Ltd offers one day courses on EIA. We have supplied training to a wide range of local authorities, wildlife trusts, and to most of the major consultancies in the UK. Contact Shirley at 01608 663217 or by email Shirley@adhtrain-consult.co.uk for more information.

Conservation training: practical courses in habitat restoration, field skills, species ID and monitoring, site management. For conservation professionals, land use advisers, students and college groups, courses are delivered by highly experienced tutors and commended by the Countryside Council for Wales.

http://www.shared-earth-trust.org.uk/en/train.htm for current programme or contact 01570 493358 info@shared-earth-trust.org.uk

Bulmer Foundation – Want the skills to get a job you can believe in? Our unique, experiential learning model offers practical, real-life learning. Study with and learn from people from a wide range of backgrounds who share your passion for sustainability - and get fast-track entry into our networks. http://www.bulmerfoundation.org.uk/fls/programme.htm

Moths Count Project have organised a programme of ‘introduction to moths’ workshops as part of the National Moth Recording Scheme, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and other organisations. Workshops are free and provide information about moths, moth recording and conservation. Advance booking required. See www.mothscount.org for our events listings.

Soil Inversion Works

Landlife’s Soil Inversion project involves a simple intervention – totally inverting a metre of soil by deep ploughing and sowing wildflowers – something that has never been done before. . Our efforts are targeted on land of low ecological value in lowland Britain and 37 sites have been inverted on 400 acres with 18 partners across Britain. By getting the starting point right we allow sites to evolve into new habitats.

This project is significant because it: ● Creates suitable conditions for new woods to adapt to climate change by holding moisture at depth and promoting deeper rooting. ● Reduces annual herbicide usage by burying weed seed banks at depth. ● Buries carbon, thereby reducing its release from weathering organic matter

Improves tree growth by 30% with survival rates above 90% ● Creates low nutrient conditions for biodiverse habitat, wetland ditches and varied topography. ● Creates stunning floristic meadows that excite and enthuse people.

Our surveys show subsoil sites gaining 52 new flora species in just three years, whilst bird data also confirms impressive gains for Biodiversity Action Plan species. The number of breeding pairs on a site on Merseyside increased from 7 to 52 over a four-year period. Similar positive results for invertebrates and small mammals, demonstrate that these sites rapidly become part of the food chain.


Landlife’s Bovlund plough can invert soils to up to a metre depth to bury topsoil and bring up less fertile subsoil for new habitat creation.		People enjoying a new wildflower and woodland landscape created using soil inversion by Landlife in partnership with the Woodland Trust at Londonthorpe, Lincolnshire.

A full colour 50 page guide to the technique launched at the Alice Holt Forest Research Centre in Surrey this month, is available from Landlife at £12.50 or as a pdf download

For more information www.landlife.org.uk

Tel 0151 737 1819

damian@landlife.org.uk

Training Courses and Events:

Need a more in depth knowledge of habitat conservation or creation? Come to Losehill Hall for our Heathland and Moorland Management course (22 - 26 September 2008), Grassland Grazing for Wildlife (13 - 15 October 2008) or Habitat Creation course (16 - 18 March 2009). Contact training.losehill@peakdistrict.gov.uk or 01433 620373 or see www.losehilltraining.org.uk for details.

16/10/08 Earthwatch Lecture - Shrinking Habitats, Species Survival.

7.00pm-8.30pm, at the Royal Geographical Society, London. Two talks on Earthwatch projects, ‘South Africa’s Brown Hyenas’ and ‘Wildlife of the Mongolian Steppe’, species in the one case often unfairly maligned, and in the other, sadly under- researched. See: http://www.earthwatch.org/europe/get_involved/events08/habitats

20/11/08 Earthwatch Debate: The World’s Most Invaluable Species

7.00pm-9.00pm, at the Royal Geographical Society, London. The ever-popular and thought-provoking Earthwatch Debate this year focuses on the world’s most irreplaceable species – choose between bees, bats, fungi, plankton and primates championed by leaders in their field. See: http://www.earthwatch.org/europe/get_involved/events08/debate

MSc in Environmental Management (PG Cert, PG Dip and MSc) at Liverpool Hope University is relevant to all who are interested in managing the environment, allowing them to become skilled, informed, professional contributors to a sustainable future that conserves biodiversity. Flexible delivery for full and part time students see http://www.hope.ac.uk/postgrad

3/9/08 ‘Flying Flocks’, Hill of Tarvit. In association with SWT, this event aims to promote better understand of conservation grazing and how it can be used to maintain and enhance biodiversity. Includes a site visit to a grassland SSSI. For information email sgp@snh.gov.uk or tel 01738 458555.

4/11/08 Biodiversity: Planning Obligations and the NERC Act 2006

The course focuses on the duties and delivery of the 2006 Natural Environments and Rural Communities Act. For public bodies who have a duty to take biodiversity into account. Delegates will learn about the practicalities of fulfilling their statutory obligations regarding biodiversity conservation. http://cpd.conted.ox.ac.uk/env/courses/NERC%20Biodiversity.asp

6/11/08 Managing Biodiversity in a Changing Climate

Changes in the UK climate are already altering the way species, populations and ecosystems behave. The course is designed for people with a responsibility for the management of biodiversity, both at a practical and policy level, and is relevant to a range of professionals in statutory nature conservation organisations. http://cpd.conted.ox.ac.uk/env/courses/climbiodiversity.asp

Snowdonia National Park Study Centre, Plas Tan y Bwlch

Forthcoming Professional Training Courses include: Advanced Monitoring, 8-12 Sept; Bats – Surveying Methods, 9-12 Sept; The Biodiversity Duty, 14-16 October; Invasive Plants, 14-17 October; Winter Habitat Assessment, 25-27 February; Forest Habitat Networks, 9-12 March and more. For further details contact: beth.cluer@eryri-npa.gov.uk or tel: 01766 772600

Don't forget to have a look at the online Training Section of countryside-jobs.com for lots more courses on habitat management and conservation techniques, species identification and survey skills.

The CJS team would like to thank everyone who has contributed adverts, articles and information for this Special Edition.

Details believed correct but given without prejudice. A4 side this Special Edition: 14

Countryside Jobs Service Weekly

Special Edition 18 August 2008