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Headlines from week beginning 22 January 2018 |
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A round up of the top countryside, conservation, wildlife and forestry stories as chosen by the CJS Team.
Air quality research supersites set for Manchester, Birmingham and
London - NERC A new network of advanced air quality monitoring instruments will
detect harmful air pollutants and their sources in greater detail than
ever before at existing research sites in three UK cities.
Three urban air pollution research laboratories, or 'supersites', are
expected to be operational in London, Birmingham and Manchester by the
end of 2018. The new equipment will allow researchers to gather
higher-quality data on the content of harmful urban air pollution and
where the gases and particles that pollute our air are coming from. Funded by NERC, the £4·3 million investment will see eight
universities led by the NERC Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) set
up and run the new equipment. As well as sensors to detect toxic air
pollutants, the investment will include new instruments to detect a
variety of greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting chemicals, at a range of
UK tall tower and coastal observatories run by the universities of
Bristol, East Anglia and Edinburgh, and so help the UK also comply with
legally-binding targets set out in the Climate Change Act. On top of NERC's funding through the Department for Business, Energy
& Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the Department for Transport (DfT) has
funded £600,000 for new training and research posts to work on the
enhanced air pollution monitoring sites and vehicle emission testing
equipment. Science & Research Minister Sam Gyimah said:
Corvid control can improve fledging success of farmland hedgerow-nesting
birds – Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust
Scientists at the Trust carried out a large field experiment between
2011 and 2014, which is described in a recently published scientific
paper. Over the four years, they worked with farmers and estate managers
in southern England at 32 paired sites each around 4 km2 in area,
studying four different pairs per year. At random within each pair of sites, crows and magpies (corvids) were
removed at one site by gamekeepers or other trained staff during the
breeding season using best-practice trapping techniques; no removal took
place at the other site. The nesting success of breeding birds was
measured by the GWCT research team using a new fledged-brood counting
method. The key finding was that overall nest success of the hedgerow-nesting
songbird community was down by 10 per cent in non-removal sites on
average relative to removal sites over the four years. Excluding 2012
data because of exceptionally high spring rainfall that year, in the
other three years nest success was down 16% in the non-removal sites on
average relative to removal sites. Previous research has indicated that, in these habitats, corvid
control benefits songbirds. Lead scientist on the experiment Dr Rufus Sage, head of lowland game
bird research at the Trust, said: “We know that corvids, particularly
crows, can reduce breeding output in some ground-nesting birds. Our
field experiment indicates for the first time that controlling corvids
can improve breeding success in hedgerow-nesting songbirds as well. For
some, but not all, species this can affect population size. We suspect
(but did not show) that magpies are probably more predatory of
hedgerow-nesting songbirds than crows because they are smaller and more
adept in this habitat.” Full link to paper here: http://www.bioone.org/doi/full/10.2981/wlb.00375
Rethinking environmental legislation to include the conservation ideas
of tomorrow - ZSL Rewilding has potential to help address the current global
biodiversity crisis, but its impact will be limited unless agreed
definitions can be reached, backed by further scientific research and
helped by a policy backdrop that enables greater integration with
current environmental legislation.
These are the key findings of a new study into the controversial
technique, led by international conservation charity ZSL and published
in the Journal of Applied Ecology. Rewilding – a philosophy that aims to encourage greater diversity of
wildlife through practices including land abandonment and reintroducing
native species – has become increasingly fashionable amongst
conservation commentators and policymakers in recent years. However, this popularity has also led to increasing misunderstanding
about what the term ‘rewilding’ actually involves, which in turn is
limiting the potential for this technique to deliver positive impacts.
In particular, the lack of a clear and agreed definition of the term has
made it difficult to identify and address barriers to the integration of
this thinking into government policy. Scientists are now calling for key pieces of legislation concerning
biodiversity, land-use, and conservation to be reshaped to make it
easier for innovative ideas like rewilding to be included. Lead author Dr Nathalie Pettorelli from ZSL’s Institute
of Zoology said: “To date, conservation efforts have focused mainly
on restoring ecosystems to their historic state, with the aim of
preserving particular wildlife populations and habitats. However, the
extent of global environmental change is now driving some ecosystems
beyond their limits, meaning that for these systems restoration is no
longer an option. Access the paper here: Pettorelli N, Barlow J, Stephens PA, et al. Making rewilding fit for policy. J Appl Ecol. 2018;00:1–12. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13082
RSPB ends involvement in failed Peak District Bird of Prey Initiative
– RSPB The RSPB has ended its involvement with the Peak District Bird of
Prey Initiative, following the partnership project’s continued failure
to improve the fortunes of raptors in the Dark Peak. Involving five land management and conservation organisations, the
Peak District Bird of Prey Initiative was set up in 2011 in a bid to
boost bird of prey populations in the Dark Peak, the northern part of
the Peak District. In response to low numbers, poor breeding success and illegal
persecution of birds of prey, the initiative set five-year targets for
healthy sustainable breeding populations of three species- merlin,
peregrine and short-eared owl, and from 2016 expanded these targets to
include hen harrier and goshawk. However, the Initiative failed to meet any of these targets and for
some species the situation has continued to worsen. Last year, no
peregrines successfully bred in the Dark Peak for the first time since
1984. Richard Barnard, the RSPB’s Area Conservation Manager for Yorkshire
and the Peak District, said: “We have committed a lot of time and energy
to make this project a success but it’s clear that this is not going to
happen. Despite five years of monitoring data, and the presentation of
clear evidence from local raptor groups and the RSPB, some members of
the group are still failing to acknowledge that the main reason birds of
prey are doing so badly in the Dark Peak is because of illegal
persecution such as shooting, trapping and poisoning. By refusing to
admit the scale of the problem, and its clear link with land used for
driven grouse shooting, which is highlighted in numerous studies and
reports, these members have frustrated any possibility of progress.” Bird of prey persecution has cast a shadow over the Dark Peak for
many years. The RSPB’s 2006 Peak Malpractice Report and the 2007 Update
chronicled numerous confirmed incidents against birds of prey and
charted serious declines of several raptor species such as goshawks,
which pointed to sustained and widespread persecution in the area.
Despite the paucity of birds of prey, illegal activity has continued in
the Dark Peak since the formation of the Initiative. For example, in May
2015, a covert camera recorded four shots being fired at an active
goshawk nest in the middle of the night in the Derwent Valley. In
February 2016, footage was published which showed an armed man crouched
close to a plastic hen harrier decoy on a grouse moor, thought to be
positioned to lure in a female hen harrier that had been seen the
previous day.
Welcome boost to save UK’s rarest butterfly –
National Trust The High Brown Fritillary, the UK’s most endangered butterfly, has
been thrown a lifeline for 2018 in a new conservation project by the
National Trust and partners. The charity is embarking on ambitious plans to develop 60 hectares of lowland heath and wood pasture – the butterfly’s principle habitat – to give it a fighting chance for the future.
High Brown Fritillary on a green leaf in the sun (image: National Trust/Matthew Oates)
Over
the last 50 years, the UK population of High Brown Fritillaries has
declined rapidly, due to changes in woodland management and, more
recently, the abandonment of marginal hill land. Butterflies, including
High Browns, need large areas of the countryside to survive in good
numbers, and their populations have struggled where these habitats have
been overwhelmed by pressures from agriculture and development. Now, climate change and nitrogen deposition from the atmosphere are
almost certainly contributing to the High Brown’s demise. Overall, the
UK population has declined by 66% since the 1970s. The exquisite Heddon Valley, on the Exmoor coast, is one of the few
remaining strongholds where the Trust, with partners including Butterfly
Conservation, has been working for years to save the species from
extinction. The £100k project will focus on restoring parts of the natural
landscape along the Exmoor and North Devon coast to make it more
suitable for the butterfly. Other wildlife including the Heath
Fritillary, Nightjar and Dartford warbler will also benefit. High Brown
Fritillaries can also be found on Dartmoor, in South Lakeland, Cumbria
and at Morecambe Bay, Lancashire. Matthew Oates, National Trust nature expert and butterfly enthusiast,
said, “We’ve witnessed a catastrophic decline of many native butterfly
populations in recent decades but initiatives like this can really help
to turn the tide. Combined with increased recording and monitoring
efforts, there is significant hope for some of our most threatened
winged insects.
Farmers soiling their undies for good grass in Cornwall
– Cornwall Wildlife Trust Farmers in West Cornwall have been burying their underpants to help
with their grassland management. Cotton underpants are made from organic
matter, so an attractive feast for soil microbes and earthworms.
Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s farm advisers, working on South West Water’s
Upstream Thinking project, have encouraged eight farmers to bury pants
under their grass. After two months, the holiness of the underpants
gives an indication of soil health. This enterprising idea came from the Canadian Soil Association as a
#soilmyundies challenge but is more than just a bit of fun. Biologically
active soils grow better grass for beef and dairy herds because microbes
and earthworms help to break down plant and animal matter which releases
essential nutrients. Worms also bring nutrients up to the soil surface,
where they are more available for grass growth. Their burrows create
pores, improving aeration and drainage which makes for more fertile
soil.
Farmers soiling their undies for good grass
in Cornwall (image: Jan Dinsdale) The experiment highlighted this effect; a recently ploughed and
seeded field revealed relatively intact underpants, indicating low
activity and poor soil health. This contrasted with fields receiving a
healthy dose of farmyard manure, which had excellent activity and
produced heavily degraded pants. As well as protecting the rivers – healthy and active soils also
support a wider ecosystem. In particular, worms and insects in the soil
are critical for the survival of farmland birds. The lapwing feeds
exclusively on worms and insects and has sadly declined by 58% since
1970 in the UK. Soiling undies is one way of protecting Cornwall’s soil
ecology to help reverse this decline.
Ancient forest project wins royal approval -
Natural Resources Wales A major project to rejuvenate Wales’ largest ancient woodland has won
a prestigious award. The project – a joint initiative between Natural Resources Wales
(NRW) and the Woodland Trust (Coed Cadw) – will make Wentwood forest
near Newport an even better place for people, wildlife and the local
economy. This will create a network of forest conservation projects across the
Commonwealth conserving indigenous forests for future generations and
helping to address climate change. Now it has been accredited under the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy
(QCC) initiative. QCC projects must demonstrate sustainable forest
conservation practices and encourage local people to help manage the
project where possible. Wentwood forest’s location close to Newport means it is an important
community woodland enjoyed by people for recreation, is a haven for
wildlife and a sustainably managed source of timber. NRW and the
Woodland Trust (Coed Cadw) will work with stakeholders and the local
community to explore opportunities that will generate more well-being
benefits.
Wentwood forest near Newport (image: NRW) Wentwood has a long history of conifer planting dating back to the
1800s. It is now a combination of commercial conifer forest and ancient
native woodland. The challenge now is to restore Wentwood to a more natural state,
gradually removing the conifers and converting it back to native
broadleaves. This will recreate, enhance and then conserve a native woodland
supporting a range of species and ecosystem services. The project at Wentwood is exceptional because it is one of the
largest examples of its type Britain, and the largest in Wales, covering
1,000 hectares.
The State of UK’s Bats – monitoring the stars of the night –
Bat Conservation Trust As nocturnal flying mammals, bats are often out of sight and
therefore out of mind for the majority of people. Thanks to the hard
work of
Image: BCT The NBMP has been running since 1997 and today (25 January) sees the
launch of the latest State of UK’s Bats report. The latest trends
indicate that populations of the bat species we are able to monitor are
stable or recovering, which suggests that current legislation and
conservation action to protect and conserve bats are having a positive
impact on bat populations and should be continued. It should be
remembered that these trends reflect relatively recent changes in bat
populations (since 1999 for most species). It is generally considered
that prior to this there were significant historical declines in bat
populations dating back to at least the start of the 20th century. Many
pressures on bat populations still remain, including roost and habitat
loss, increased urbanisation, impacts of artificial lighting, and wind
turbines, where they have been installed and managed inappropriately. The data used in The State of UK’s Bats have been collected by a
volunteer force of over 1000 people who count bats in a number of
different surveys across the UK. Anyone can take part, since different
surveys are suitable for different levels of experience, from beginners
to experts. Many of the species monitored are found in both urban and
rural areas which means you can get involved regardless of whether you
live in a large city like Manchester or the remotest part of Scotland.
Contrary to public perception, die-offs in honeybee colonies are an
agricultural not a conservation issue, argue Cambridge researchers, who
say that manged honeybees may contribute to the genuine biodiversity
crisis of Europe’s declining wild pollinators.
The ‘die-off’ events occurring in honeybee colonies that are bred and
farmed like livestock must not be confused with the conservation crisis
of dramatic declines in thousands of wild pollinator species, say
Cambridge researchers.
Writing in the journal Science, the conservationists argue there is
a “lack of distinction” in public understanding – fuelled by misguided
charity campaigns and media reports – between an agricultural problem
and an urgent biodiversity issue. In fact, they say domesticated honeybees actually contribute to wild
bee declines through resource competition and spread of disease, with
so-called environmental initiatives promoting honeybee-keeping in cities
or, worse, protected areas far from agriculture, only likely to
exacerbate the loss of wild pollinators. “The crisis in global pollinator decline has been associated with one
species above all, the western honeybee. Yet this is one of the few
pollinator species that is continually replenished through breeding and
agriculture,” said co-author Dr Jonas Geldmann from Cambridge
University’s Department of Zoology. “Levels of wild pollinators, such as species of solitary bumblebee,
moth and hoverfly, continue to decline at an alarming rate. Currently,
up to 50% of all European bee species are threatened with extinction,”
Geldmann said. Honeybees are vital for many crops – as are wild pollinators, with
some assessments suggesting wild species provide up to half the needed
“pollinator services” for the three-quarters of globally important crops
that require pollination.
Sea butterflies repair shell damage from ocean acidification
– British Antarctic Survey A new study of tiny marine snails called sea butterflies shows the
great lengths these animals go to repair damage caused by ocean
Sea butterflies have evolved ‘wings’ instead of a foot, enabling
them to swim through the ocean – credit Vicky Peck The ocean absorbs around one quarter of the carbon dioxide (CO2)
emitted into the atmosphere and this CO2 reacts with seawater, causing
the pH to fall, a phenomenon called ocean acidification. It has been
feared this acidification is detrimental to certain organisms as
corrosive waters could dissolve their shells or skeletons. Sea
butterflies, also known as pteropods (Limacina helicina), are mm-scale
animals that are prevalent in the polar regions. They have evolved
‘wings’ instead of a foot, enabling them to swim through the ocean.
Their delicate shells are made from aragonite, the least stable form of
calcium carbonate, and are so thin they are completely translucent.
New research determines the best ways to count Scottish mountain hares
- Scottish Natural Heritage Mountain hares are a well-known species in Scotland but counting
these elusive animals can be challenging. Gathering accurate information
is important so their numbers can be effectively monitored and managed. A Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) report published today (26 January)
recommends ways to count mountain hares. The scientific study compared a
range of methods to count individuals, and determined the most
effective, reliable and cost-effective methods for estimating hare
populations in upland areas at local and national levels. The research
concluded that two methods can do this: systematically counting hares at
night using a spotlight, and measuring dung accumulation over four to
six months during the winter. Eileen Stuart, SNH’s Head of Policy & Advice, said: “Many people
enjoy seeing mountain hares in the Scottish hills. Our priority is to
make sure mountain hares remain a common sight. To do that, we need a
better understanding of the existing population – something which this
report will make possible. We hope that the counting methods recommended
in the report will be adopted by those who manage land around Scotland,
and the information made available to us. This will give us a better
picture of mountain hare numbers, both regionally and nationally and
support local decisions about how to maintain and conserve our native
hare population.”
National Parks: living, working places where beauty drives the economy
– National Parks England New analysis of economic data obtained from the Office of National
Statistics reveals that National Park economies have prospered since the
last analysis in 2013. These living, working landscapes are home to
rural communities and businesses that are contributing to national
prosperity and wellbeing and depend on a high quality natural
environment and the special qualities of the National Parks to achieve
this growth. These results were discussed by Defra Minister for National
Parks, Lord Gardiner when he met with National Park Chairs yesterday
(January 25th). The figures show that between 2012 and 2016:
National Park Authorities have a duty ‘to seek to foster the social
and economic wellbeing of the local communities within the National Park
in pursuit of their purposes’. This economic data indicates that
National Park Authorities are successfully delivering on this duty.
There are policies and practices in National Parks that could be used to
replicate these results in other rural areas. The National Parks, National Assets infographic published by National Parks England highlights the scale of the economic contribution from National Parks and some of the special qualities which support these rural economies. In total, businesses in the English National Parks contribute between £5.5 to 8.7bn to the economy - equivalent to the UK textiles industry or a city the size of Coventry.
Scientific publications Trevathan-Tackett SM, Wessel C, Cebrián J, Ralph PJ, Masqué
P, Macreadie PI. Effects
of small-scale, shading-induced seagrass loss on blue carbon storage:
Implications for management of degraded seagrass ecosystems. J Appl
Ecol. 2018;00:1–9.
https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13081
Kaiser MJ, Hormbrey S, Booth JR, Hinz H, Hiddink JG. Recovery linked to life history of sessile epifauna following exclusion of towed mobile fishing gear. J Appl Ecol. 2018;00:1–11. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13087 |
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CJS is not responsible for content of external sites. Details believed correct but given without prejudice. Disclaimer: the views expressed in these news pages do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of CJS. |
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Image:
NERC
NEW
research undertaken by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT)
shows that predation control of corvids can improve the breeding success
of farmland hedgerow-nesting songbirds.
Image:
ZSL
The project has been made
possible as part of a generous award of £750k made to the National Trust
by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Soil
structure can be destroyed by livestock out-wintering and excessive
machinery movement, which close up the beneficial open-spaces. Ploughing
also reduces the number of useful earthworms by breaking up their
burrows.
These
could include for example recreational activities such as horse-riding &
cycling, improving access, and using Wentwood as an open space to
improve people’s mental health and well-being. 
thousands
of dedicated volunteer citizen scientists involved in the National Bat
Monitoring Programme (NBMP), we are able to see how 11 of the 18
resident bat species found in the UK are faring. 
Commercial
honeybee hives in the Teide National Park, Tenerife, Spain. Credit: 
acidification.
The paper, led by researchers at British Antarctic Survey, is published
this month in the journal Nature Communications.
