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A round up of the top countryside, conservation, wildlife and forestry stories as chosen by the CJS Team.
Environmental Audit Committee calls for halt to fracking
- UK Parliament, Environmental Audit Committee Shale fracking should be put on hold in the UK because it is
incompatible with our climate change targets and could pose significant
localised environmental risks to public health. That is the conclusion of MPs on the cross-party Environmental Audit
Committee who will attempt to amend the Government’s Infrastructure Bill
in Parliament today. Joan Walley MP, chair of the Committee, said: “Ultimately fracking
cannot be compatible with our long-term commitments to cut climate
changing emissions unless full-scale carbon capture and storage
technology is rolled out rapidly, which currently looks unlikely. There
are also huge uncertainties around the impact that fracking could have
on water supplies, air quality and public health. We cannot allow
Britain’s national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty to be
developed into oil and gas fields. Even if a national moratorium on
shale drilling in the UK is not accepted there should be an outright ban
on fracking in such special sites. The Government is trying to
rush through changes to the trespass laws that would allow companies to
frack under people’s homes without permission. This is profoundly
undemocratic and Parliament should protect the rights of citizens by
throwing these changes out when they are debated later today.” The report warns that only a very small fraction of our shale
reserves can be safely burned if we are to keep global temperatures
below 2 degrees. And that considerable uncertainties remain about the
hazards fracking poses to groundwater quality, air quality, health and
biodiversity. It points out that continually tightening carbon budgets
under the Climate Change Act will have significantly curtailed the scope
for fossil fuel energy by the time shale gas is likely to be
commercially viable on a large scale. The Committee is also calling for other changes to the Infrastructure
Bill. Proposed changes to trespass law that would grant companies
automatic right of access to land at depth should be removed from the
Bill because they seriously undermine citizens’ rights and are not
supported by the public. Fracking should also be prohibited outright in
nationally important areas such as National Parks, the Broads, Areas of
Outstanding Natural Beauty, SSIs, ancient woodland. Further documents for download.
Report: Environmental risks of fracking
Report: Environmental risks of fracking (PDF 424KB)
Inquiry: Environmental risks of fracking
The National Trust welcomes today’s recommendations by the
Environmental Audit Committee to ban fracking in protected and
nationally significant landscapes.
The
report released by an influential committee of MPs this morning,
recommends that: ‘fracking must be prohibited outright in protected and
nationally important areas including National Parks, the Broads, Areas
of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and
ancient woodland, and any land functionally linked to these areas.’
As Europe’s largest conservation charity, the National Trust shares
the MPs concerns about the impact of drilling and water contamination on
our natural habitats and historic heritage, and we believe a strong
regulatory regime throughout the fracking process is needed to ensure
our special places are protected. Peter Nixon, Director of Land, Landscape & Nature, said: “We are
encouraged by the recommendations made in today’s Environmental Audit
Committee report and whole-heartedly agree that fracking must be ruled
out in the treasured landscapes that we love, such as National Parks,
AONBs and SSSIs. We are calling for MPs to use their vote on today’s
infrastructure bill to ensure our most sensitive places are protected
from fracking and a robust regulatory system is put in place.”
Duck adapting to climate change twice as well in EU protected areas
- WWT The smew – a rare but striking winter visitor to the UK – is doing
twice as well within areas protected by EU wildlife laws as they spread
northeast across Europe in response to climate change, according to a
new study. Scientists studied data from wetlands throughout Europe and
found nearly a third of smew now spend winter in north-eastern Europe,
compared to just 6% two decades ago.
In
that region, numbers of smew within Special Protection Areas designated
by the EU Birds Directive have grown twice as fast as those on
unprotected sites. However, the study found that in Latvia and Sweden, the protected
area network supports fewer than one in five smew and in Finland that
proportion drops to just one in fifty.
WWT’s Head of Species Monitoring, Richard Hearn, said: “The EU’s
network of protected areas is obviously helping smew adapt to climate
change, but in this newly occupied region there aren’t enough of them
and that could constrict the population as they spread north. Most
Special Protection Areas were designated around 20 years ago using the
data that we had then. Things have changed dramatically in the natural
world since then and we need to respond to help ensure that smew and
other waterbirds remain well protected.” The National Organiser of the Wetland Bird Survey, Chas Holt of the
British Trust for Ornithology, said: “The UK data that contributed to
this study were collected by the dedicated volunteers of the UK’s
Wetland Bird Survey. The published results are an excellent example of
how collaboration across a species’ range can generate outputs that are
of direct relevance to conservation.” The authors emphasise that protected areas still need to be
maintained at the southern end of the birds’ range, in western Europe,
so that they have somewhere to retreat during particularly harsh
winters, such as during December 2010. These results are based on data from the International Waterbird
Census, coordinated by Wetlands International, from 16 countries since
1990 and the findings were published in the scientific journal
“Diversity and Distributions”.
Funding boost to transform Aberdeenshire nature reserve
- RSPB Scotland RSPB Scotland’s Loch of Strathbeg nature reserve has been awarded
£53,250 of funding to transform the visitor facilities and volunteer
accommodation at the site near Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire. The
capital grant comes from the Coastal Communities Fund and will vastly
help to improve the visitor experience at this popular coastal reserve
and promote the area as an outstanding wildlife tourist destination.
Loch
of Strathbeg is the UK’s largest dune loch, home to thousands of wild
geese, swans and ducks, including 20 per cent of the world's population
of pink-footed geese. The cash will also help to create around 33 new
volunteer roles annually, bringing significant economic benefit to the
area through wildlife tourism and increased local expenditure.
Residential volunteers and local people, including community groups,
will receive training in environmental management and conservation,
while young people seeking a career in conservation will benefit from
the residential internships on offer at Loch of Strathbeg.
Building work is expected to start in March 2015 and is due for
completion by March 2016. Something cheerful to start the week
Forget the snow, spring signs are everywhere...
- Woodland Trust (Nature's Calendar) Although you might be hard pressed to believe it, spring is well and
truly on its way if Mother Nature is an accurate barometer; as
snowdrops, hazel catkins and even ladybirds and butterflies have been
recorded across the UK on the Woodland Trust’s Nature’s Calendar
website. The Trust has been monitoring the arrival of the seasons for the last
15 years, with historical records dating back to the 18th century. So
far in 2015 the conservation charity has already received sightings of
snowdrops at 120 locations across the country, 74 records of hazel
catkins and even sightings of ladybirds, and small tortoiseshell,
peacock and red admiral butterflies. The current freezing weather may temporarily pause the advance of
spring but it causes less of a problem than a late cold spell, when many
more species may be awake from hibernation or flowering – as happened in
2013. Dr Kate Lewthwaite, Woodland Trust Citizen Science Manager, said:
“People still seem surprised to see snowdrops and butterflies in early
January but our warmer climate in recent years means this is now pretty
common. “Records added to Nature’s Calendar by the public have enabled
scientists to learn how trees, plants and wildlife adapt to our changing
climate. If we can ensure our natural environment is diverse, resilient
and interconnected it will make it easier for wildlife to adjust too.” By recording spring signs of species found in woodland and other
habitats, thousands of people have enabled Nature’s Calendar to become
the leading survey into how climate change is affecting UK plants and
wildlife. Find out more at
naturescalendar.org.uk And here's ours! Last week it was spikes of Lords-and-Ladies, this morning a drumming
woodpecker was heard for the first time this morning. And over the
weekend:
Council and Bicton College form Countryside Management partnership –
East Devon District Council Council's Countryside teams up with Bicton College for rangers work
experience
Nathan Robinson, EDDC Nature Reserves Ranger; Leo Henley-Lock,
Lecturer in Countryside Management and Tim Dafforn, EDDC Countryside
Team Leader (People) with students from the Extended Diploma in
Countryside Management/Countryside Ranger course at Bicton College.
(East Devon DC) Councillor Iain Chubb, Environment Portfolio Holder said:
The Natural
Capital Committee's third State of Natural Capital report The Natural Capital Committee published its third State of Natural
Capital report on Tuesday 27 January, which recommends that Government,
working closely with the private sector and NGOs should develop a
comprehensive strategy to protect and improve natural capital.
The report presents a series of potential environmental investments
that offer good economic returns such as peatland restoration and
woodland planting. It also sets out an innovative framework for
corporation to take account of their natural capital. To read the
report, click
here. Publication of the report received mostly
New report calls for a 25-year investment plan for the natural
environment - Wildlife Trusts The Wildlife Trusts welcome the publication of the Natural Capital
Committee’s third and final report, which shows that investment in
nature makes obvious economic sense. The State of Natural Capital Protecting and Improving Natural Capital
for Prosperity and Wellbeing sets the challenge of securing the recovery
of nature in a generation, for its own sake and for the sake of the
economy. It recommends investment in natural habitats in England, such
as restoring peatland and woodland planting, and demonstrates the
significant benefits to society and communities such activities would
bring. Paul Wilkinson, Head of Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts,
said: “The fact that our economic well-being depends on nature is a
truth which more decision-makers need to realise so we welcome today’s
report. We rely on nature for our health and wellbeing and to provide
the vital resources which underpin the economy. Nature is continually
undermined when this understanding of its value is not considered by
decision-makers. This new report challenges this thinking and provides
a vital intellectual case for placing nature at the heart of society and
the economy. Although our existing environment laws are strong and
deliver protection for wildlife, we need to go further to achieve
nature’s recovery. Legislation which recognises the fundamental
importance of the natural environment to society and the economy, as
well as its intrinsic worth and popularity, can help create positive
change for nature at the speed and scale we really need.”
Natural Capital report highlights need for urgent government action
- Friends of the Earth The call today (27 January 2015) from the Government’s Natural
Capital Committee (NCC) to tackle air pollution, improve farming’s green
track record and create new urban green space and wetlands, has been
welcomed by Friends of the Earth. However, the environment charity warns
that recommendations on fracking and use of funds from developers may do
more harm than good for the environment. Commenting on the report Sandra Bell, Nature Campaigner at Friends of
the Earth said: “The Natural Capital Committee’s timely message is that
everyone wins if we look after nature, from a more stable economy to
better health and flood protection. But nature is in trouble, and
there’s no excuse for inaction. Government measures to protect and
restore nature are needed now, not in five years’ time. The clock
is ticking because the Government is already behind on its pledge made
just five years ago to restore our nature by 2020. MPs must ensure that
the next Government gets on track with the right action plan to reverse
the decline in bees, birds and other species and to ensure that the
natural systems we rely on are healthy".
Landowners welcome new report into value of natural environment
- CLA The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses,
has responded to the publication of the third annual State of Natural
Capital Committee Report. CLA Chief Land Use Policy Adviser Damian Testa said: “Investment in
land management and finding new ways to finance environmental schemes
are the key to meeting long-term objectives that will substantially
improve our natural environment. The report rightly recognises that it
is farmers and land managers who are managing our natural environment
year in year out. We welcome this important report that includes
innovative ideas to ensure we account for the economic value of our
natural assets and the economic return of public investment in
agri-environment schemes. We agree that new ways to accommodate mutually
beneficial offsetting schemes linked to new development is one way that
can unlock investment in biodiversity.”
New report shows we should all value nature, says RSPB
The RSPB welcomes a new report by the Natural Capital Committee
(NCC), which shows that investment in nature will support the country’s
economic growth. View of Calvert Jubilee Reserve (Image: RSPB - Colin Wilkinson ) The NCC, which advises the government on natural resources such as
forests and oceans, published its third report today. The report calls
for a 25 year plan to improve and protect natural capital. It recommends
investment in natural habitats in England, for example planting woodland
and restoring peatland, in each case showing how such investments would
bring significant benefits to society and communities. Martin Harper, RSPB Director of Conservation, said “This report
chimes with our call for a Nature and Wellbeing Act, setting the world’s
first legal targets for nature, for the benefit of people and the
environment. It goes well beyond recommending environmental protection
to calls for restoring what has already been lost. Nature is priceless,
but we agree you can't make good economic decisions without taking
nature into account. Not only does the report demonstrate how habitat
restoration will enhance our wellbeing and prosperity, it shows that
ambitious plans to restore the UK’s woods, peatlands, forests and
coastlines also make good economic sense.
£70,000 Pembrokeshire Coast Path repairs completed
- Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has completed more than
£70,000 repairs on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail in the 12
months, in the wake of the damage caused by last year’s severe storms.
The combination of extreme weather and high tides washed away bridges,
undermined steps and meant some parts of the Coast Path had to be
resurfaced or realigned.
The
National Park Authority Warden Teams have been working to repair and
improve the path while carrying out their usual maintenance and cutting
work across the 186-mile route. Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail
Officer Dave MacLachlan said: “Many of the repairs were finished in time
for the start of last year’s busy summer season, but the unprecedented
spread and scale of the damage meant that some of work had to be
completed later. The National Park Authority’s Warden Teams must be
commended for completing these repairs as quickly as possible, with
close communication with coastal landowners.”
Some of the more complex repairs required the use of specialists such
as engineering geologists, who provided additional insight into cliff
stability. Overall the repairs in carried out by the Authority amounted
to more than £70,000 with the majority of funding coming from grant aid
and some funding support from landowners. Although these repairs are now complete, maintaining the Coast Path is a year-round task. Recently a short stretch of the Path had to be moved further in-land following a small cliff fall at Mill Bay, near St Ann’s Head. Walkers are asked to report any new falls or concerns which they identify over the next few months.
And good news for beavers:
Natural England approves trial release of beavers
- Natural England A licence will be issued to Devon Wildlife Trust permitting the
managed release into the wild of beavers on a 5 year trial basis
Natural
England’s Board has today, Wednesday 28 January, confirmed that a
licence will be issued to Devon Wildlife Trust, permitting the managed
release into the wild of beavers currently resident in the River Otter
catchment in Devon, on a 5 year trial basis.
Devon Wildlife Trust’s licence application has been thoroughly
assessed against the internationally recognised guidelines published by
the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. The licence is subject to a range of conditions, including
confirmation that the beavers are of Eurasian origin and are free of the
Echinococcus multilocularis parasite. Under the terms of the licence, by
September at the latest, Devon Wildlife Trust must develop a management
strategy to deal quickly with any undesirable impacts which the beavers
may have on the River Otter during the trial period, as well as a
monitoring programme to study their impacts. Andrew Sells, Natural England’s Chairman commented: "Reintroduction
of a species is a complicated and emotive subject and we have considered
this application very carefully. Responses to our written consultation
and public meetings have been generally positive and we are now
satisfied with Devon Wildlife Trust’s plans for managing and monitoring
the project, which will allow important evidence to be gathered during
the trial on any impacts which the beavers may have."
It's official - beavers are back! - Wildlife
Trusts The Wildlife Trusts are celebrating today’s government announcement
that England’s first wild colony of breeding beavers is to be allowed to
remain living wild on a Devon river Further landmark decisions about the future for beavers in Scotland
and Wales are expected later this year. Harry Barton, Chief Executive of Devon Wildlife Trust, said: “We are
delighted by Natural England’s decision to grant us a licence to give
these beavers a long term future on the River Otter. It’s the result of
a great deal of effort by our charity, supported by partner
organisations across the UK and, most importantly, by the local
community. This is an historic moment. The beavers of the River Otter
are the first breeding population in the English countryside for
hundreds of years. We believe they can play a positive role in the
landscapes of the 21st century through their ability to restore our
rivers to their former glories. We know from our own research and
research done in Europe that beavers are excellent aquatic-engineers
improving the flood and drought resilience of our countryside and
increasing the water quality of our rivers.2 They are incredibly
industrious animals and their hard work has benefits for people and
wildlife.” Devon Wildlife Trust has expressed its delight that Natural England
has granted it permission to monitor the beavers. It is well-placed to
do this work because it has solid experience: Devon Wildlife Trust’s
beaver trial in another part of the county is ongoing – scientific
results will be published in 2016. Stephanie Hilborne OBE, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts says: “This is wonderful news. I hope that the decision to allow this fascinating and once commonplace native species to remain on the River Otter symbolises a change in our relationship with the natural world, and a wider appreciation that nature makes our lives richer.”
Reaction from Devon Wildlife Trust Peter Burgess, Devon Wildlife Trust’s Conservation Manager, led the
licence application to Natural England. He explained what the project
will mean: ‘This project will measure the impact that these beavers have
on the local environment, on the local economy and on local people. The
evidence from elsewhere shows that beavers should have an overwhelmingly
positive effect, but this is the first time the animals will be living
in a well-populated, agriculturally productive English landscape for
hundreds of years. We need to ensure that any negative impacts of
beavers are avoided. This will mean working alongside the Environment
Agency, local authorities and landowners to manage any problems that may
arise over the coming years.’ Whilst in Scotland: A report looking at at how salmon and trout populations might be
affected, if beavers are reintroduced to Scotland, was published today
(28 January). The Scottish Government will decide later this year whether to
reintroduce beavers to Scotland, after receiving the results of a number
of studies, including the five-year Scottish Beaver Trial in Knapdale,
Argyll. The report was produced by the Beaver Salmonid Working Group (BSWG),
which is made up of specialists from the fish biology, fishery, wildlife
and river management sectors. The report was prepared for the National
Species Reintroduction Forum (NSRF). The report found that there would be a range of impacts on salmon and
trout as a result of beavers, and although further research is required,
any successful reintroduction would depend on a management plan. The
report also found that beavers may affect salmon and trout positively
by, for example, increasing the number of invertebrates available for
fish to feed on, as well as increasing the variety of habitat for fish,
including areas for rearing, overwintering and avoiding fast flows.
However, negative impacts may include beaver dams sometimes limiting
salmon and trout moving along waterways and the loss of valuable
spawning habitat. Ron Macdonald, NSRF chair and Scottish Natural Heritage’s (SNH)
Director of Policy & Advice, said: “We’re grateful to the BSWG for this
comprehensive and useful report, and we’ll examine their recommendations
carefully. The report will form an important part of the information
that SNH is gathering for the Scottish Government for late May. We
recognise that there are evidence gaps on the impact on salmon and trout
and that, if the Scottish Government approves reintroducing beavers, a
management plan will be required to quickly address any potential
problems.”
Children’s visits to natural environments: new evidence – Natural
England Report provides new evidence on the scale and scope of visits to
natural environments made by children in England. A new
report reveals, for the first time, the scale and scope of the
visits children in England make to natural environments, including
parks, playgrounds and woodlands. Natural England, Defra, English Heritage and King’s College London
have been working with the
Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment (MENE) survey to
find out about the visits children make to natural environments; where
they go, how often and who with. The results show a link between social inequalities and the
opportunities that children have to experience the natural environment.
It also highlights the importance of local greenspace to all children -
especially those who visit less frequently. Many children visit frequently, but a significant minority never
visit:
The frequency of children’s visits is linked to ethnicity and
socio-economic status:
There are strong links between adult and child visiting behaviours:
Click Here to view the report (pdf)
Diving Blue Whale takes centre stage at Natural History Museum -
Natural History Museum The installation of the blue whale skeleton will be part of a complete re-display of Hintze Hall being undertaken to lay bare the relationship between humans and the natural world. The vast skeleton of a blue whale is to welcome
visitors as the central display in the Natural History Museum’s Hintze
Hall from summer 2017. Suspended dynamically from the ceiling and
plunging through the iconic space, it will take on the role held by the
much-loved Dippy for 35 years. While planning the whale’s move from its current home in the mammals
gallery, the Museum is exploring how the Diplodocus cast can be enjoyed
by an even wider audience longer term.
We are inviting people to give us their views on introducing more Marine
Conservation Zones - defra Everyone with an interest in our seas is invited to give their views on whether 23 sites in English waters should become Marine Conservation Zones.
The 23 sites proposed will cover 10,810 square kilometres of our
seas, protecting important seabed habitats and species. The evidence collected will help us ensure sites with important
wildlife, plants or geological features are protected, whilst ensuring
long-term economic security for coastal businesses and communities. Sea anemone (sunset cup-coral) (Image credit: Copyright Natural
England/Roger Mitchell) Marine Environment Minister George Eustice said: " We’re doing more
than ever to protect our seas, preserving incredible underwater
landscapes and helping our sea life flourish. We’ve already
created 27 Marine Conservation Zones and a quarter of English inshore
waters are in protected areas. It is important we secure the
future of our coastal communities as part of our long-term economic
plan. We want to support these communities while protecting our marine
life. " The 23 sites have been proposed with a focus on opportunities to add
to the current network of Marine Protected Areas, giving further
protection to vulnerable species and habitats in our seas. Reactions:
New wave of proposed Marine Conservation Zones don’t go far enough
- National Trust and Marine Conservation Society The Government has today launched a three month consultation on the
next tranche of Marine Conservation Zones around the coast of England.
Below is a joint response to the announcement from the National Trust
and the Marine Conservation Society. Conservation charities say promised network of protection is not even
close as vital sites don’t even get to public consultation The UK’s leading marine charity says it is hugely disappointed that,
in the same week the Government has been warned how England’s declining
natural environment is harming the economy, it has failed to deliver on
promises to better protect English seas. 37 sites had been proposed to go forward to a second public
consultation on Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs), all identified by
Government’s scientific advisers as vital to plugging “major gaps” that
currently exist in the development of a UK network. However, only
23 sites have made the final list when the consultation for potential
new MCZs was launched on Friday 30th January. While MCS is keen that
members of the public air their views to ensure that these sites become
a reality, the charity has real concerns that English seas will not
contribute a network of sites that we can be proud of in future. The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is supported in its criticism
by the National Trust, which owns 750 miles of England’s coastline. The
National Trust says the underwater landscape of England’s coastline must
be protected in the same way the visible land is and the protection must
be put in place now before it’s too late. MCS says sound scientific advice has once again been ignored with 14
important sites not included in the consultation. The charity says this
tranche had been promoted as one to fill in major gaps, but instead
appears to have slowed the MCZ process right down. “We are extremely frustrated that these proposed MCZs have been
shelved, at least for the time being. We believe all of the sites are
necessary to achieve the Government’s stated commitment to deliver a
full network. Delaying 14 sites means that a number of the UK’s iconic
marine places and habitats are still not adequately protected,” says MCS
Biodiversity and Fisheries Programme Manager, Dr Peter Richardson. Simon Pryor, Natural Environment Director at the National Trust,
said: “Steady progress is being made to have a good network of Marine
Conservation Zones around the coast of England. However, it’s
disappointing that we’re not even half way to the original target of 127
that the Government outlined just two years ago. Protecting the seas
around the English coast must be a priority as they face unprecedented
pressure. Without the protection that they deserve marine wildlife and
the quality of our seas will suffer.” Both groups say that important sites missing from the consultation
will leave huge gaps in the network. MCS says that all 23 sites being
consulted on must be designated. “It’s essential that those who care about the future of our seas respond to this consultation by giving their full support for the designation of all 23 MCZ sites announced today, and call for more sites to be proposed to make up a much-needed network of UK marine protected areas,” says Dr Richardson.
Government cuts back on ambitions for marine protection
- Wildlife Trusts Public consultation opens to bitter disappointment at exclusion of
important areas due to ‘economic cost’ The long-awaited consultation on the next stages of Marine
Conservation Zone designation in English and non devolved waters is
launched today. But with only 23 out of a possible 37 sites included,
The Wildlife Trusts are frustrated at the lack of ambition shown by the
Government. Joan Edwards, The Wildlife Trusts’ Head of Living Seas, said: “We
are bitterly disappointed that the Government has opted to consult on
just 23 new Marine Conservation Zones and that some very important areas
for marine wildlife have been dropped from the list. We are
particularly frustrated that a number of sites – including in the Irish
Sea - have been removed because of the likely ‘economic cost’. “The Wildlife Trusts believe this is a missed opportunity to achieve
longer-term gains that will benefit marine biodiversity and fishing.
Ultimately an economic activity that is based on over-exploitation,
beyond the ability of the resource to renew itself, is not sustainable
and has no long-term future. Professor of Marine Conservation at the University of York, Callum
Roberts, says: "The decision not to create protected areas in the Irish
Sea on the grounds of cost to fisheries is ironic and misguided. Irish
Sea fish stocks are among the most heavily overexploited in the UK and
are now on their last gasp. Two centuries of fishing with destructive
trawls and dredges has stripped the seabed of its fish and once-rich
habitats like oyster and horse mussel reefs. It will remain impoverished
without protected areas; it has a chance of recovery with them. There is
no in between."
Consultation details:
Marine Conservation Zones: second tranche of designations Seeking views on each of the 23 Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs)
proposed for designation. Also proposing new features to be added to 10
existing MCZs. We want to know what you think about the 23 sites we are proposing to
designate as Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). We are also asking for
views on adding extra features to 10 MCZs designated in 2013. MCZs are areas of sea where we protect rare or important features
from damaging activity. They protect important habitats like honeycomb
worm reefs and seagrass beds as well as species such as native oyster
and stalked jellyfish. Consultation closes 24 April 2015
Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD): proposals for UK programme
of measures Seeking views on our proposed programme of measures to achieve or
maintain Good Environmental Status (GES) in UK seas by 2020. We want to know what you think about our plans to implement the
Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) in the UK. The
Directive requires EU member states to take measures to achieve or
maintain Good Environmental Status (GES) in their seas by 2020. The
consultation covers measures for each of the 11 MSFD Descriptors. These
include biological diversity, non-indigenous species, commercially
exploited fish, eutrophication, hydrographical conditions, contaminants,
underwater noise and litter. Consultation closes 24 April 2015 Details, documentation and survey available here.
Record breaking year for RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch - but the work
isn't over yet A record number of people took part during the weekend of the RSPB
Big Garden Birdwatch with over 115,000 survey submissions and incredible
four million birds counted over two days. The RSPB hopes this means that overall participation at the end of
the submission period will be at an all time high and is urging those
who haven’t submitted the results of their one hour watch to do so by
the 16 February in order for their results to be used by RSPB
scientists.
Big
Garden Birdwatch Project Manager, Teresa Stoneage, said: “More people
than ever sent us the results of their one hour birdwatch over the
weekend alone, once again proving what a popular activity it is. We hope
that more people will take part than ever before and more birds will be
counted than ever before." Fieldfare was a popular spot on social media
over the weekend Image: Graham Catley Once all results have been submitted RSPB scientists will use them to
see how the birds and other wildlife that use our gardens in the UK are
faring. Then, together, with other wildlife organizations, they will be
able to help those species in decline and find the best ways to give
nature a home. RSPB Conservation Scientist, Daniel Hayhow, said: “Early indications
show that it was a busy watch for many across the country. The temperate
dip meant that more birds were out looking for food and water, which
bodes well for lots of sightings. First results have shown a lot of
people seem to see a high number of blackcap and fieldfare, but we will
have to wait until the results have been monitored and analysed to get
the full picture from the weekend.” Big Garden Birdwatch results can be submitted until 16 February.
Visit the RSPB website for more information and to submit your results
online: rspb.org.uk/Birdwatch. Scientific papers Tobin, Patrick.
Ecological Consequences of Pathogen and Insect Invasions Current
Forestry Reports DOI: 10.1007/s40725-015-0008-6 Schäckermann, Jessica, Mandelik, Yael, Weiss, Noam, von Wehrden,
Henrik, Klein & Alexandra-Maria
Natural habitat does not mediate vertebrate seed predation as an
ecosystem dis-service to agriculture. Journal of Applied
Ecology DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12402
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