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A round up of the top countryside, conservation, wildlife and forestry stories as chosen by the CJS Team.
Beast from the East could spell doom for garden birds at crucial time
- RSPB With the Met Office forecasting ‘exceptionally cold’ temperatures for
most of the UK this week, the RSPB is asking people to think about their
garden birds by topping up garden feeders, putting out fresh water and
providing shelter. After benefiting from mild January conditions, which saw temperatures
reach 15°C in parts of southern England, birds will now struggle to deal
with the cold snap, which comes at a crucial time when they need extra
energy. Prolonged periods of cold weather leave birds vulnerable as
natural food sources become harder to come by and water sources freeze
over. At this time of year, birds are starting to think about finding a
mate and building nests to raise a family, which means they need plenty
of food and water. To keep their energy up during the colder months, the best way to
help garden birds is by providing them with a variety of food, but fatty
food will be especially helpful. For example, fat balls or homemade bird
cakes, which only take a few minutes to make and can be a great
children’s activity, are perfect for your feathered friends. These can
be made cheaply with kitchen scraps and lard. If you prefer, seeds,
fruits or dried mealworms are also among birds’ favourite snacks. Another vital support for vulnerable birds is fresh water for
drinking and bathing. Finding sources of water can be hard for birds
when there’s been a frost, but with a simple trick you can help to keep
a patch of water ice-free. The RSPB recommends floating a small ball,
such as a ping-pong ball, on the surface of the water as a light breeze
will stop an area of water from freezing. Finally, providing shelter from the harsh weather is extremely
important. Putting up a nestbox will give birds a great place to roost
in and shelter from the elements before the warmer spring arrives.
New report points to 30% decline in water vole distribution
- The Wildlife Trusts National treasure ‘Ratty’ needs urgent help to survive
A
new analysis of data collected over ten years by a network of experts
led by The Wildlife Trusts has revealed that water vole distribution has
declined dramatically. There has been a 30% decline in the places where
these river mammals once lived across England and Wales during the
survey period 2006 - 2015.* While the new analysis reveals a slight
increase in distribution in recent years – thanks to some successful
conservation efforts by The Wildlife Trusts and others – the full data
covering the whole ten years paints a bleak picture.
(image: Neil Aldridge) Great conservation efforts have been made to ensure a future for this
mammal: The Wildlife Trusts and many other individuals and groups carry
out river restoration and reintroductions of water voles across the UK.
At a local level, these projects appear to have been successful;
however, these successes are not enough to reverse the national
distribution trends. Habitat loss, water pollution and built development have led to
massive declines in the number of water voles since the 1960s – this has
been exacerbated by predation by North American mink which were
introduced to Britain for fur farming in the twentieth century. The
water vole is the UK’s most rapidly declining mammal and has been lost
from 94% of places where they were once prevalent.* The latest data
revealing a ten year decline of 30% shows an ever-worsening situation:
their range is continuing to contract.
Wildlife Charity ‘Appalled’ by Irresponsible Behaviour at South Walney
Nature Reserve - Cumbria Wildlife Trust Cumbria Wildlife Trust is calling for people to have more respect for
our natural wild places following the trespass by the driver of a
Landrover which got stuck in the sands off the Trust’s South Walney
Nature Reserve on Sunday 25th February. The driver illegally drove on to the nature reserve, across the
protected beach and onto the sand in an area that is populated with
seals, ignoring ‘no entry’ signs and removing a log barrier to gain
access. South Walney Nature Reserve is protected under several
conservation designations: it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest,
a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area. “It is illegal, dangerous and damaging to take cars onto the sands. There is damage to the vegetated shingle from the vehicle itself, then there will be further damage from the vehicles that are going down to remove it, and if it cannot be removed there is serious risk of pollution from the petrol tank and oil as it rusts away. If the vehicle cannot be recovered it will potentially remain as eyesore for years”, explains Sarah Dalrymple, South Walney Warden. “I am appalled that some people think this is acceptable behaviour. The police are now dealing with the matter.”
Once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape future farming policy
- defra Reducing direct payments could free up £150 million for the
environment and other public goods. Farmers, landowners and food producers have a once-in-a-generation
opportunity to shape the future of English farming and the environment,
with a consultation launched today (27 February) by Environment
Secretary Michael Gove. The government’s proposals will see money redirected from direct
payments under the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), which are based on
the amount of land farmed, to a new system of paying farmers “public
money for public goods” - principally their work to enhance the
environment and invest in sustainable food production. Other public goods which could be supported include investment in
technology and skills to improve productivity, providing public access
to farmland and the countryside, enhanced welfare standards for
livestock and measures to support the resilience of rural and upland
communities. In line with its manifesto commitment, the government
will continue to commit the same cash total in funds for farm support
until the end of this Parliament in 2022. It has today set out
proposals for an ‘agricultural transition’ lasting a number of years
beyond the implementation period during which direct payments would
continue, providing stability and certainty for farmers as they prepare
for the new system. At the same time, however, reductions to
direct payments to the largest landowners first could free up around
£150 million in the first year of the agricultural transition period,
which could be used to boost farmers delivering environmental
enhancement and other public goods.
Responses from CPRE & NFU
CPRE welcomes agriculture proposals CPRE has welcomed the Government’s proposed direction on future
agricultural policy published today (27 February) and urged it to resist
calls to simply maintain the status quo. The consultation sets out a new direction for a countryside where
food production goes hand-in-hand with delivering benefits for the wider
public. The proposals take on board many of the recommendations CPRE
made in
New Model Farming, published just after the EU referendum. ‘This is the first time in a generation we have had the chance to set
our own agricultural policy and is a fantastic opportunity for this
Government to revitalise our countryside and enhance our cherished
farmed landscape,’ said CPRE head of rural affairs Belinda Gordon. She
added: ‘While it is true that the consultation contains little that
Michael Gove hasn’t trailed in previous speeches, it is important that
this positive vision isn’t diluted. CPRE will be urging the Government
to maintain current levels of funding but re-direct them to ensure we
have a dynamic, healthy countryside with even more beautiful landscapes
for all to enjoy.
Productive British farms are key to delivering for food and the
environment, NFU says NFU President Minette Batters has today (27 February) reinforced
British farming’s unique role in producing safe and traceable food and
enhancing the countryside as the government opens a consultation on
future farming policy. Mrs Batters said that profitable, productive and resilient farm
businesses are key to delivering the public goods that Secretary of
State Michael Gove referred to when announcing the proposals for
'agricultural transition'. Mrs Batters said: "Good quality, safe and traceable food is a public
right and we believe it is a public good for generations to come.
British farmers have world leading standards in food production, animal
welfare and environmental stewardship and we are committed to delivering
those standards now and in the future, in the face of unprecedented
change for the industry. In order to keep delivering for Britain,
farm businesses need to be productive, profitable and resilient to
volatility. This must be at the forefront of government policy if
we are to have a farming sector that feeds us, cares for our countryside
and delivers economic benefits."
The future for food, farming and the environment
- defra consultation Seeking views on our proposals for future agricultural policy in
England. Leaving the European Union and the Common Agricultural Policy will
give us the chance for reform. We want to know your thoughts on the
future of agricultural policy in England. This consultation closes at 11:45pm on 8 May 2018
Click through for documents and to respond
Peatlands to be restored in the North West -
Environment Agency Environment Agency secures £160,000 to restore peatlands across
Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire
Sykes
Moor and Peak Naze peatland (image: Environment Agency) Work is underway to restore peatlands to their natural state across
Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire after £160,000 of funding
was secured through the Department Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Environment Agency will be working with a number of partners
including Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Warrington Borough Council and United
Utilities at six sites. The funding will be used to restore upland and lowland peatlands to
their natural state by increasing their capacity to prevent carbon
entering the atmosphere, reduce flood risk by slowing the flow of rain
water and creating habitats for vulnerable wildlife. Natural
England has been advising the partners about the best design for the
schemes, and approving methods used on the Sites of Special Scientific
Interest. By blocking drainage ditches, building peat bunds and
working with the local topography, the work will help keep water on the
sites, encouraging the typical bog plant species and discouraging the
dry-loving grasses and birch. They provide 70% of our drinking water. Peatlands cover 11% of
England’s landscape and they provide a great habitat for a wide range of
wildlife and birds including merlin, dunlin and golden plover. They also
provide 70% of our drinking water and reduce greenhouse gases by locking
away at least 3.2 billion tonnes of CO². There are six projects across the Greater Manchester, Merseyside and
Cheshire that have secured this funding, part of a Defra peatlands
restoration pot of £500,000, with further projects around the country.
Record numbers of common dolphin sightings off Scotland’s west coast
- Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust Sightings of common dolphins across the Hebrides have reached a new
record high according to research conducted by marine conservation
charity, Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust.
Evidence
collected during marine research expeditions on the Trust’s specialized
research yacht Silurian in 2017 has revealed a dramatic 24% increase
from the previous year’s already record-breaking figures. Common dolphin spotted from Silurian (image:
HWDT) The findings were made in a research season running from April to
October 2017, part of the charity’s unique long-term citizen science
project monitoring whales, dolphins and porpoises – collectively known
as cetaceans – and basking sharks in the Hebrides. “We have never documented so many sightings of common dolphins off
Scotland’s west coast before. Our findings highlight the importance of
on-going monitoring and research to strengthen our understanding of what
is taking place in Hebridean waters. It is hard to say what is causing
this increase, but a rise in sea surface temperatures linked to climate
change could be playing a role.” Dr Lauren Hartny-Mills, Science and
Policy Officer
During 2017, the Trust recorded 93 sightings of common dolphins – its
highest total ever, up from 75 sightings in 2016. The encounters
included a total of 1,340 individual animals – down from 2016’s high of
2,303, due to smaller group sizes and fewer super pods. Over the past two years, the charity has also recorded a higher than
average number of sightings of white-beaked dolphins – with 14 sightings
of 74 individuals in 2017. Generally preferring colder, deeper waters in
the North Atlantic, white-beaked dolphins have distinct white noses.
These fast, acrobatic swimmers are usually spotted further away from the
coast – favouring sites around the Outer Hebrides, and usually seen in
groups of five to 20 individuals.
Dearth of data spawns uncertainty over extinction risk to amphibians
- ZSL Conservationists are calling for increased effort towards assessing
the extinction risk faced by the world’s amphibians, after it transpired
that gaps in current data mean that the conservation status of almost
two-thirds of species is unknown. A new study, led by international conservation charity ZSL
(Zoological Society of London) alongside scientists from the Australian
Museum and the IUCN Amphibian Red List Authority, calls for urgent
action to plug these knowledge gaps, particularly in the face of ongoing
habitat loss and degradation that continues to detriment amphibian
populations worldwide. Lead author Benjamin Tapley, curator of herpetology at ZSL, said:
“The last time that we had a near-complete overview of extinction risk
in amphibians was over 10 years ago, in 2004, when the IUCN’s ground
breaking Global Amphibian Assessment was published. Since then, more
than 1,700 amphibian species have been discovered - but the extinction
risk of most of these new species simply isn’t known.” Already understood to be one of the most threatened groups of animals
on the planet, the paper illustrates that over the last 12 years, the
assessment of extinction risk of amphibians has not kept up with the
discovery of new species and that many existing assessments are now out
of date. The new report found that 61.3 percent of all known amphibian
species have either not had their extinction risk evaluated, or are
suffering from out-of-date information.
Infectious disease in hoverflies linked to honeybee health
- Royal Holloway University of London In research published on 28 February, 2018 in ‘Biology
Letters’, scientists from Royal Holloway, University of London,
Oxford University and Cornell University have shown for the first time
that viruses that are harmful to honeybees are also present in hoverfly
pollinators.
Image:
Royal Holloway University of London Infectious diseases have been identified as a key driver of bee
population declines. The new research suggests that hoverflies (Diptera:
Syrphidae) are exposed to the same diseases, and may move the
infections around when they feed from the same flowers as the honeybees. Unlike honeybees, hoverflies are very mobile, and can undertake
large-scale annual migrations. Thus the study suggests hoverflies have
the potential to spread diseases throughout landscapes, or even across
entire continents. Global declines of insect pollinators jeopardise the delivery of
pollination services in both agricultural and natural ecosystems. It has been well documented in the past the importance of infectious
diseases in bees, but the study shows for the first time the extent to
which the diseases are shared with other pollinator groups. Dr Emily Bailes, Post Doctoral Research Assistant at Royal Holloway,
who led the research, said: “We have seen a decline in bees in the UK
for several years, but this study shows for the first time that
hoverflies may be moving these diseases much further than bees normally
would. “This is because of their annual migrations across Europe. This could
expose local bee populations to new strains of the diseases and make
them more likely to become infected, much like different flu strains in
humans. We therefore need to think of ways to limit this transfer
between species. Pushing
back the American Mink invasion of Scotland –
University of Aberdeen A study aiming to discover why American Mink, an invasive species,
choose to settle
in
areas where they do and therefore discover ways to more effectively
prevent their spread, was published today in the Journal of Applied
Ecology. Image: University of Aberdeen Invasive species present a daunting challenge to conservationists
because of the scale in which their impact plays on biodiversity.
Despite current emphasis on prevention and early action, many of these
species have become well established and their spread is overwhelming
native species. Scientists have now found that the way individuals attempt to
recolonise areas that have been previously cleared of this unwelcome
species can be predicted, helping to focus control effort to the areas
most at risk. The research, led by scientists at the University of Aberdeen, has
taken place of the last decade. Scientists worked alongside conservation
practitioners and many members of the public acting as volunteer citizen
conservationists who sought to push back the invasion of Scotland by the
American mink. Professor Xavier Lambin, who led the research, said: “Mink originally
escaped from fur farms all over rural Scotland since 1962 and are
devastating to bird and mammal species living along waterways, including
the water vole, a species with high cultural value in the UK. This is
of huge concern to conservationists." Access the paper: Melero Y, Cornulier T, Oliver MK, Lambin X. Ecological traps for large-scale invasive species control: Predicting settling rules by recolonising American mink post-culling. J Appl Ecol. 2018;00:1–11.
Man-made earthquake risk reduced if fracking is 895m from faults
- Durham University The risk of man-made earthquakes due to fracking is greatly reduced
if high-pressure fluid injection used to crack underground rocks is 895m
away from faults in the Earth’s crust, according to new research. The recommendation, from the ReFINE
(Researching Fracking) consortium, is based on published
microseismic data from 109 fracking operations carried out predominantly
in the USA. Jointly led by Durham and Newcastle Universities, UK, the research
looked at reducing the risk of reactivating geological faults by fluid
injection in boreholes. Microseismic data Researchers used microseismic data to estimate how far
fracking-induced fractures in rock extended horizontally from borehole
injection points. The results indicated there was a one per cent chance that fractures
from fracking activity could extend horizontally beyond 895m in shale
rocks. There was also a 32 per cent chance of fractures extending
horizontally beyond 433m, which had been previously suggested as a
horizontal separation distance between fluid injection points and faults
in an earlier study. The research is published in the journal Geomechanics
and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources.
Green light for community woodland in Carron Valley
- Forestry Commission Scotland Forest Enterprise Scotland has approved plans under the Community
Asset Transfer Scheme (CATS) to transfer land to create a new community
woodland in the Carron Valley. A part-time woodland manager will be employed for the first two to
three years in order to get the woodland properly established.
Neonicotinoids: risks to bees confirmed -
European Food Safety Authority Most uses of neonicotinoid pesticides represent a risk to wild bees
and honeybees, according to assessments published today by EFSA. The
Authority has updated its risk assessments of three neonicotinoids –
clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam – that are currently subject
to
restrictions in the EU because of the threat they pose to bees. These new conclusions update those published in 2013, after which the
European Commission imposed controls on use of the substances. For the new assessments, which this time cover wild bees – bumblebees
and solitary bees – as well as honeybees, EFSA’s Pesticides Unit carried
out an extensive data collection exercise, including a systematic
literature review, to gather all the scientific evidence published since
the previous evaluations. The team also applied the
guidance
document developed by EFSA specifically for the risk assessment of
pesticides and bees. Jose Tarazona, Head of EFSA’s Pesticides Unit, said: “The
availability of such a substantial amount of data as well as the
guidance has enabled us to produce very detailed conclusions. There is
variability in the conclusions, due to factors such as the bee species,
the intended use of the pesticide and the route of exposure. Some low
risks have been identified, but overall the risk to the three types of
bees we have assessed is confirmed.” Responses from Buglife and Scottish Wildlife
Trust
EU Regulatory Scientists Confirm Neonics harm bees
- Buglife The European Food Standards Authority has published its scientific
reviews of the evidence linking the use of three neonicotinoid
insecticides to bee harm and decline. The Authority reviewed
nearly 1,000 papers and concludes that clothianidin, imidacloprid and
thiamethoxam all pose a high risk to wild bees and honeybees – in fact
nearly 600 high risk pathways are confirmed.
Bombus
humilis (photo: ©Sam Ashfield via Buglife) Member States are now expected to vote on a proposal to extend and
broaden the existing ban - which was only on flowering and spring sown
crops. The ban must be broadened because the persistent
insecticides have been confirmed to pose a risk to bees when dust from
seed planting contaminates wild flowers and insects, and when
wildflowers near crops take up some of the c.95% of the chemical that
ends up in the soil. “While it is good news that the regulators have definitively
concluded that neonicotinoids pose a high risk, it is a tragedy that our
bees, moths, butterflies and flies have been hammered by these toxins
for over 15 years, causing severe declines in wild pollinators and the
pollination services they undertake. Not only should EU countries
now ban their use entirely, they should also urgently approve and
implement EFSA’s bee risk assessment process so that the blunder is not
repeated.” Said Matt Shardlow, Buglife CEO.
Further evidence shows bees at risk from neonicotinoid pesticides -
Scottish Wildlife Trust Our Chief Executive Jonny Hughes said: “We welcome the publication of
this important evidence-based study. People in Scotland care about bees
and banning harmful neonicotinoids is something we can do to help them.
Pollinators are an essential part of our environment. Without them we
wouldn’t have seeds and fruit that many other animals rely on for food.
And when you consider that crop pollination has an estimated value of
£43 million per year to Scotland’s economy, it is clear that the use of
agricultural pesticides that harm pollinators could have serious hidden
costs in the longer term. This comprehensive assessment should provide
more than enough evidence for the Scottish Government to show its
support for a full ban of the use of these harmful chemicals.
Position Statement: the reintroduction of the lynx to Britain
- Mammal Society
Eurasian
lynx (Lynx lynx) in winter birch forest, Norway (image:
©Scotlandbigpicture.com via Mammal Society) The northern or Eurasian lynx, Lynx lynx, was once a native British
species. Exact dates of its extinction in the UK are not known but
radiocarbon dating of fossil remains have shown that this large feline
is likely to have been present in the wild in the British Isles until
the early Medieval period, and perhaps even more recently via
unconfirmed records. The reintroduction of lynx to the UK has been much discussed in
recent years and applications for the reintroduction of animals that
were once locally or nationally extinct can be controversial.
However there are now examples, from both the UK and elsewhere in
Europe, illustrating that well-managed programmes can be successful for
species ranging from beaver to kite. Additionally, pressure to
restore ecosystem functionality, the growth of the rewilding movement,
and the legal imperative to consider reintroductions of extinct species
to EU states under the Habitats Directive mean that that discussion of
lynx reintroduction is timely. The Mammal Society considers that Lynx reintroduction to Britain is a
realistic proposition. However, it should only be undertaken once
management and funding structures are in place to minimise risks to
human interests, the environment, and animal welfare.
Read the full Mammal Society Position Statement on lynx reintroduction
here
London parks and green spaces innovating in the face of funding cuts
- Parks for London The Good Parks for London report, published by Parks for London and
launched on 28th February 2018, shows that despite funding cuts, London
Boroughs are working hard to protect and enhance London’s parks and green spaces; For the first time, the report has drawn together a series of
criteria to evaluate how well London Boroughs continue to protect and
invest in their parks and green spaces. The report aims to become an
effective tool for improving good practice, raising quality standards
and encouraging collaboration among London Boroughs. Parks for London, the charity that is committed to safeguarding
London’s parks and green spaces has taken the initiative to compile this
report as funding pressures on Local Authorities continue across London.
In the face of continued cuts to local government, Parks for London
remains concerned that our vital parks and green spaces will suffer
detriment, which will have adverse impacts on the communities that use
these spaces every day. Criteria used to assess London parks and green spaces, includes
public satisfaction, the number of green flags awarded, collaboration
with other Boroughs and community partnerships. The report also
acknowledges that local authorities are not the only organisations that
manage significant areas of parks & green spaces in and beyond London
and includes contributions from the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority,
Peabody’s Thamesmead Estate, The Royal Parks, Queen Elizabeth Olympic
Park and landscape contractors, working in London. Those Boroughs that
top the Good Parks for London table are those that have gone the extra
mile, and continued to invest and innovate despite challenging
circumstances. This inaugural report sets out the current standing of Boroughs
across London, but it is hoped that this sharing of information will
encourage London Boroughs to strive to improve their services in the
coming years. Downlaod the Good Parks for London report
Yet another rare hen harrier goes missing Durham
Constabulary and the RSPB are appealing for information following the
disappearance of a satellite-tagged hen harrier near
Middleton-in-Teesdale. Missing hen harrier Marc (image via Durham Constabulary) Marc’s tag had been transmitting regularly, showing no signs of any
problems, until it suddenly stopped on the afternoon of 5 February.
Data from Marc’s tag indicated he had been in the same area of upland
farmland since late November before moving 10km North West on 27 January
to an area of driven grouse moor, from here he posted several positions
on the 5 February until 2.04pm, after which the tag inexplicably failed
to send any further data. A Durham Constabulary spokeswoman said: “We are very concerned at the
disappearance of one of these iconic birds of prey. Hen harriers are
fully protected by law and raptor persecution is a national wildlife
crime priority. We urge you to come forward if you have any information
about the disappearance of this bird.”
Storm waves can move boulders we thought only tsunamis had the power to
shift - Elsevier Storms may be more powerful – and more damaging – than previously
shown It’s not just tsunamis that can change the landscape: storms shifted
giant boulders four times the size of a house on the coast of Ireland in
the winter of 2013-14, leading researchers to rethink the maximum energy
storm waves can have – and the damage they can do. In a new paper in Earth Science Reviews, researchers from Williams
College in the US show that four years ago, storms moved huge boulders
along the west coast of Ireland. The same storms shifted smaller ones as
high as 26 meters above high water and 222 meters inland. Many of the
boulders moved were heavier than 100 tons, and the largest moved was 620
tons – the equivalent of six blue whales or four single-storey houses. It was previously assumed that only tsunamis could move boulders of
the size seen displaced in Ireland, but the new paper provides direct
evidence that storm waves can do this kind of work.
According to the UN, about 40 percent of the world’s population live
in coastal areas (within 100 meters of the sea), so millions of people
are at risk from storms. Understanding how those waves behave, and how
powerful they can be, is key for preparation. It is therefore important
to know the upper limits of storm wave energy, even in areas where these
kinds of extreme wave energies are not expected. “The effect of the storms of winter 2013-14 was dramatic,” said Dr.
Rónadh Cox, Professor and Chair of Geosciences at Williams College and
lead author of the study. “We had been studying these sites for a number
of years, and realised that this was an opportunity to measure the
coastal response to very large storm events.”
Brighter future for seabirds as Shiants declared rat free
- RSPB
Puffin
on Shiant Isles (photo: Jim Richardson / RSPB) The EU LIFE+ funded Shiants seabird recovery project started in 2014
and is a partnership between the Nicolson family, custodians of the
islands for three generations, Scottish Natural Heritage and RSPB
Scotland. It has benefited from the help of many volunteers, and
significant private donations. Over the last four years the project has focused on making the islands a safe place for seabirds to raise their chicks by removing the invasive, non-native black rats that were found there. It has been a huge success and played an important role in developing future island restoration and biosecurity work in the UK. Another key part of the project is a programme of research monitoring the response of the ecosystem to the removal of rats. It is anticipated that seabirds such as puffins, razorbills, and guillemots will see improved breeding successes which could eventually support population increases in these long lived seabirds breeding on the Shiants. It is hoped that Manx shearwaters and storm petrels will begin to nest on the islands as well.
Four months early - an exceptionally speedy spring!
- Woodland Trust Woodland Trust inundated with reports of early spring events The Woodland Trust’s Nature’s Calendar project has received a wave of
reports, which suggest spring events are happening early. So far, 352 individual pieces of ‘unusual’1 data have been sent in by
volunteers. The first of these – hazel flowering in Southampton on the
27th October 2017 - was the earliest recording of this event since the
year 2000. The baseline average2 for hazel flowering is 2nd March. The influx of early records has continued well into February, with 13
records of red admiral butterflies. The earliest of these was 4th
January in Salisbury. The baseline average is 7th May – making the
occurrence four months early. Other species recorded include blackbirds
nesting, snowdrops, frogspawn and red tailed bumblebees. Charlotte Armitage, citizen science officer for the Woodland Trust,
said: “We’ve been shocked by the sheer volume of early records received
this year. However, they highlight the importance of Nature’s Calendar
data. The public are providing us with information that helps us better
understand how flora and fauna is faring in a fluctuating climate – and
we need more people to sign up. With colder weather anticipated over the
coming weeks, it will be interesting to see how some species react,
having bred, bloomed or emerged early.” Scientific Publications Parker, S. S., Pauly, G. B., Moore, J., Fraga, N. S., Knapp, J. J.,
Principe, Z., Brown, B. V., Randall, J. M., Cohen, B. S. and Wake, T. A.
(),
Adapting the bioblitz to meet conservation needs. Conservation
Biology. Accepted Author Manuscript. doi:10.1111/cobi.13103
Coggan, N. V., Hayward, M. W. & Gibb, H. (2018)
A global database and ‘state of the field’ review of research into
ecosystem engineering by land animals. Journal of Animal Ecology.
DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12819
Tréguier A, Roussel JM, Bélouard N, Paillisson JM.
Is it a hindrance for an invasive aquatic species to spread across
scattered habitat patches?. Aquatic Conserv: Mar Freshw Ecosyst.
2018;1–9. doi:10.1002/aqc.2887 Syposz, M., Gonçalves, F., Carty, M., Hoppitt, W. and Manco, F.,
Factors influencing Manx Shearwater grounding on the west coast of
Scotland. Ibis. Accepted Author Manuscript. doi:10.1111/ibi.12594
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