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Headlines from week beginning 2 July 2018 |
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A round up of the top countryside, conservation, wildlife and forestry stories as chosen by the CJS Team.
Conservationists delight as endangered butterfly makes early appearance
- National Trust The UK’s most endangered butterfly is making a bumper early
appearance at a remote British habitat – confounding recent grim figures
about its population. The High Brown Fritillary has been recorded as being ‘out’ slightly
earlier than usual and early counts reveal excellent numbers of
butterflies present, due to good weather conditions. Matthew Oates one the UK’s leading butterfly experts, and National
Trust volunteer, has been in the Heddon Valley in North Devon taking
part in an annual count of this rare butterfly along with the help of
other volunteers. He said: “The butterfly seems to be having a very
good year with over 200 seen during the count. I’m confident the
good numbers are a result of excellent habitat management and the
introduction of the broad swathes, created by using the roboflail (A
remote-controlled machine used for digging out channels in green
spaces). Ideal weather conditions; a cold and harsh winter which has
helped knock back the bracken and then a warm and sunny May and June
have been ideal for caterpillar development. As we are having some
fairly dry weather, it’s now the perfect time for seeing this large and
powerful butterfly” The Trust 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. The project has been made
possible thanks to a generous award of £100k made to the National Trust
by Postcode Earth Trust, raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
This is part of an award of £750,000 this year towards several
conservation projects and Heritage Open Days. 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
the High Brown Fritillary, 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.
More than 10 million special moments with nature during 30 Days Wild
- Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust
Photos by E Wilson, Anne-Marie Randall and
Matthew Roberts Lucy McRobert who leads 30 Days Wild for The Wildlife Trusts said:
“We are thrilled that so many people are making time for nature,
enjoying daily contact with wildlife and taking action to help it. We
estimate that if every person who signed up through their home, family,
school or business carried out 30 Random Acts of Wildness, that would be
over 10 million special moments with nature. We know that joining in
with 30 Days Wild makes people feel happier and healthier and we have
also discovered that it’s helping people see beauty in nature.” The challenge inspired all ages to create their own special times
with nature – known as Random Acts of Wildness. From pond dipping and
bug hunting to wild swims and sleeping under the stars; some people grew
bee cafes or made homemade wildflower seedballs to help pollinators,
others created new wildlife ponds - homes for frogs and newts. Beach cleans gathered polluting plastic waste and staff and residents
at a care home grew plants and enjoyed a new butterfly garden. Teachers used 30 Days Wild school packs to take lessons outdoors. The
first series of BBC Springwatch Wild Academy, a new programme for
schools and young people, featured activities based on The Wildlife
Trusts’ Random Acts of Wildness. 30 Days Wild will be back in 2019 with new challenges helping
everyone ‘go wild’!
Anti-wildlife trafficking projects around the world given £44.5
million boost. With this week marking 100 days to go until the 2018 London Illegal
Wildlife Trade Conference, the Government has today (Monday 2 July)
announced ambitious new plans and funding for tackling the illegal
wildlife trade across the world. The Secretaries of State for the
Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Defra, and DFID announced a £44.5
million boost for anti-wildlife trafficking projects around the world. The Foreign Secretary set out the Government’s ambition to reduce the
illegal killing of African elephants for ivory by at least one third by
2020, and to further halve this rate by 2024. Achieving this will be
another significant step to safeguard endangered species from
extinction, in a decade of action since the 2014 London Declaration
committed to fight the illegal wildlife trade. To help make this ambition a reality, the Government will launch the
Ivory Alliance 2024, bringing together a network of global leaders,
conservationists and experts to engage with countries where ivory demand
and trafficking is high. It will work with partners globally to increase
the number of countries committed to domestic ivory bans to more than 30
by 2020 and for tougher enforcement against those caught breaking the
law. The UK has already set itself as a global leader on this issue,
with a domestic ivory ban announced in April 2018.
Welcome return of the skydancer to the High Peak
– National Trust One of Britain’s most threatened birds, the hen harrier, has bred on
the National Trust’s High Peak Moors in the Peak District National Park,
for the first time in four years.
The four chicks are said to be in a ‘healthy condition’ after
hatching just a few days ago on land managed by the conservation
charity. “We’re delighted to learn of this nest” said Jon Stewart, the
National Trust’s General Manager for the Peak District. “The hen harrier
has been one of the most illegally persecuted birds of prey in Britain
for many years and we have set out on a mission to work with others to
create the conditions for the harrier and other birds of prey to thrive
once again in the uplands. We hope this will be a positive model for
improving the fate of our birds of prey and providing the healthy
natural environment that so many people care about and want to see”. The conservation charity leases much of its High Peak moorland for
grouse shooting and all shooting tenants have signed up to actively
supporting the Vision. As well as the hen harrier, initial signs
are promising this year for other species such as the peregrine falcon,
merlin and short eared owl.
European waters getting cleaner, but big challenges remain
- European Environment Agency Despite progress in improving the quality of Europe’s lakes, rivers,
coastal waters and groundwater sources, pollution, structures like dams,
and over-abstraction remain top threats to their long-term health. A
vast majority of Europe’s water bodies still fail to meet the European
Union’s minimum target for ‘good status’, according to a European
Environment Agency ‘state of water’ report published today. EU Member States have made marked efforts to improve water quality,
by improving wastewater treatment and lowering the runoff of pollutants
from farmland, according to the EEA report ‘European
waters — assessment of status and pressures 2018’. Measures have
also been taken to make barriers passable to migrating fish and restore
degraded aquatic ecosystems. While Europe’s ground water bodies, like aquifers, are in good health
in most cases, only 40% of monitored lakes, rivers, estuaries and
coastal waters achieved the the
EU Water Framework Directive’s minimum ‘good’ or ‘high’ ecological
status during the 2010-2015 monitoring period, according to the report.
The last EEA assessment in 2012 found a similar level of water bodies
meeting ‘good’ or ‘high’ ecological status. The EEA assessment also
looked at the quantitative state and over-abstraction of Europe’s
groundwater and the overall chemical status of water bodies.
Government publishes plan for an independent fisheries policy
- Defra ‘Sustainable Fisheries for Future Generations’ sets out blueprint for
sustainable and profitable industry.
(image: Defra) Outside the EU, the UK will be an independent coastal state and will
regain control of our waters and natural resources, as well as the
flexibility to negotiate with other countries and ensure stocks are
fished sustainably. The Fisheries
White Paper - ‘Sustainable Fisheries for Future Generations’ –
charts our course for managing fisheries after Brexit. It outlines how
powers to be proposed in the Fisheries Bill, which will be introduced in
this session of Parliament, will give the UK full control of its waters
and the ability to set fishing opportunities such as quota. In particular the paper sets out how, as an independent coastal
state, the UK will have the opportunity to move towards a fairer share
of fishing opportunities - overhauling the current system where UK
fishermen have received a poor deal that is based on fishing patterns
from the 1970s. EU Member States currently land around eight times as
much fish in UK waters than the UK does in EU Member States’ waters. It also proposes a suite of measures to improve the sustainability of
the fishing industry, supporting the next generation of fishermen while
protecting our precious marine environment.
Noise pollution chronically stresses whales and dolphins
- WDC Whales and dolphins depend on sound to stay together in their family
groups and whales used to be able to go on large hunting expedition to
find their food, calling each other when they found it. However, according to a new study underwater noise pollution means
they can only hear each other for around 10 miles. UK marine biologist Dr. Steve Simpson says that shipping noise causes
stress in whales and, by looking at the hormones of the whales we can
see that they are chronically stressed by noise. When they encounter
very loud noises it can even cause damage in their ears and lungs. He is now working with shipping companies to design boat engines that
make less noise. However, noise pollution is just one among many threats
for whales and dolphins. Oil and chemical spills, plastic pollution and
rising sea temperatures are also big concerns. There is still a lot of work to be done such as creating quiet
sanctuaries around whale migration routes and the places they like to
feed or reproduce.
Three new species of moth discovered at Haig
- The Land Trust
(image: Tony Cutter) What was once an undersea mine workings site is now a thriving
habitat for a diverse range of insects, as well as being an ideal
destination for a scenic coastal walk. Three new species of moth were discovered to have made a home on this
part of the colourful coast when Chris Gomersall, the park’s ranger,
conducted the study. This included the identification of common day flying moths and
trickier micro moths. The site is run by the Land Trust in partnership with the National
Trust and with the help of the ranger, has improved biodiversity
tremendously over the past few years. Sarah Palgrave-Neath, Estates Manager of North West sites for the
Land Trust, said: “Chris has worked extremely hard to improve not just
the biodiversity, but also the quality of the green space for visitors,
which includes well maintained walking routes and the planting of
wildflower meadows across the area. It’s fantastic to know that we are
discovering new species and that Haig is a thriving habitat for such a
diverse range of creatures.”
BASC backs calls to ban sky lantern festival
- BASC BASC is supporting calls to cancel a sky lantern festival in the wake
of the wildfires burning in England. Calls have been made by rural groups to cancel Lights Fest, due to be
held close to the moors in Derbyshire, following the major fires. BASC Central director Lewis Thornley said it was important to negate
any risk of further moorland fires. He said: “While firefighters, the Army, gamekeepers and other
volunteers continue to battle the fires that rage on moorland in
England, everything that can be done to reduce the risk of any further
fires must be done. Given the ongoing fights against these fires, now is
simply not the time to hold such a festival.”
Slight increase in breeding seabird numbers in Scotland after
decades-long decline After declines since the 1980s, the number of Scotland’s breeding
seabirds appears to have increased slightly, according to new statistics
published today by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). Simon Foster, SNH’s Trends & Indicator Analyst, said, “We’re still a
long way from reaching the high numbers of the 1980s and 1990s. It’s
possible we may never see the same level as in the past, but it’s
promising to see small increases instead of decreases over the last few
years. “The number of chicks produced was higher than the average over the
past three decades. As seabirds are long-lived and don’t start breeding
until they’re three or four years old, it’s still too early to say if
these birds will return to bolster colonies. It’s also too early to say
what effect the ‘Beast from the East’ will have for Scotland’s seabirds,
though we do know that some of our breeding seabirds will have died in
the storm.” Breeding success increased for Arctic terns, black-legged kittiwakes,
common terns, little terns, northern gannets and sandwich terns. The decline in seabird numbers is linked to factors such as lower
numbers of sandeels (a common food source for seabirds), as well as
non-native predators such as brown rats and American mink. SNH is
working on several projects to help combat some of these pressures.
These include identifying Special Protection Areas (SPAs) to protect
important foraging and breeding sites for birds and the control of
predators.
Scottish Government urged to review Coul Links golf course plan
- Ramblers
(Picture: Andrew Weston) This was despite their own planning officials, concerned residents
and a range of environmental groups – including Ramblers Scotland –
urging them to refuse the application. We fear the impact that the 18-hole course will have on informal
public access and the special dune environment, which is protected by
national and international nature conservation designations. We now want the Scottish Government to 'call in' the proposals for
further scrutiny.
Giant step forward for nature recovery at sea
- The Wildlife Trusts Today, the Government launches a key document setting out a vision
for the future of UK fisheries, Sustainable Fisheries for Future
Generations. This, and the consultation launched alongside it, will
inform both the Government’s forthcoming Fisheries Bill and the
longer-term development of fisheries management. Joan Edwards, Director of Living Seas, The Wildlife Trusts says, ‘The
Wildlife Trusts are really impressed that the Government is committed to
reversing the loss of marine life and where possible to restoring it.
This is a giant step forward for nature recovery at sea.’ The Wildlife Trusts welcomes the Command Paper and its aim of
increasing the sustainability of fisheries. It addresses a wide
range of necessary topics including how management will be introduced
through new laws, negotiations with other countries over managing shared
fish stocks and how we will continue to meet international obligations.
It also sets out objectives around increased sustainability including
setting and enforcing sustainable fishing limits, preventing discarding
of fish, collecting best scientific data and, most important, protecting
the marine environment. Fisheries management has an important part to play in delivering a better future for wildlife. Fish are part of marine ecosystems and catching fish has wide environmental effects, including the alteration of food webs, damage to seabed habitats and bycatch of whales, seabirds and other non-target species. This on top of the impact on the populations of fish themselves.
Study finds 29 pesticides in Devon river -
University of Exeter Researchers have found 29 different pesticides in a single river in
Devon. Tests on four rivers in the county revealed 34 pesticides in total,
as well as nine antimicrobials and veterinary drugs.
River Culm (Photo credit Dr David Santillo)
“We were surprised by both the number and concentrations of
pesticides we found,” said lead researcher Jorge Casado. “The level of
each individual pesticide was below EU legal limits, but those rules
don’t take account of mixtures. Little research has been done on the
effects of combinations of pesticides. The findings are certainly a
concern and, although it’s hard to be sure of the impacts of mixtures of
pesticides, there will certainly be effects on wildlife and plants in
and around these rivers. Our study demonstrates an environmental problem
not just in Devon but in any region affected by commercial agriculture.” The water samples were taken in rural areas from the rivers Culm,
Exe, Otter and Tale. The highest single concentration was of a pesticide
called MCPA, recorded at more than 130 nanograms per litre of water. The
pesticides included eight that are not approved by the EU – although the
researchers say these could have come from residues from historic uses,
and some could have been by-products of other pesticides. Five of the
pesticides found – atrazine, carbendazim, diuron, griseofulvin and
imidacloprid – were present in all the samples taken from the rivers.
Devastation of Meadows Endangers Flower Favourites Like Wild Strawberry,
Ragged Robin and Harebell - Plantlife
Some of our best-loved wild flowers including wild strawberry, ragged
robin and harebell are declining markedly as a result of the devastation
of grasslands including our wildflower meadows - 97% of which have been
eradicated since the 1930s, says Plantlife, Europe's largest charity
dedicated to wildflowers and other flora. Traditional meadows and other grassland flowers, many of which were
once widespread, that are
now on the Near Threatened list in England include quaking-grass,
harebell, crosswort, wild strawberry, common rockrose, field scabious,
hoary plantain, tormentil, ragged robin and devil's bit scabious. Ahead of National Meadows Day (7 July) Plantlife highlights that the
decline of these flowers is having a devastating impact on the wildlife
they underpin. The steep and steady decline of wild strawberry, field
scabious and devil's-bit scabious is particularly concerning as
they are the plant food for 51, 26 and 25 species of invertebrates,
respectively. Insects on the list include the rare Cistus forester moth,
the small bloody-nosed beetle and marbled white butterfly. Bird’s-foot
trefoil, another meadows mainstay experiencing decline, is, alone, a
food plant for a staggering 160 species of insects.
New monitoring scheme looks at why UK’s honeypot has shrunk
– Centre for Ecology & Hydrology An innovative monitoring scheme could provide a better understanding
of the factors that impact on the size and health of honeybee
populations, and on honey yields. As part of its new National Honey Monitoring Scheme, the Centre for
Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) is asking amateur and professional
Honeybees in a hive ( CEH) Using these techniques, CEH scientists will identify the types of
pollen and pesticide residues present in the honey samples, as well as
some of the diseases that bees are exposed to. Beekeepers in the UK have seen several poor seasons in a row for
honey production. Weather is a decisive factor in honey production but
urban development, agricultural impacts including the widespread loss of
wild flowers and pesticide use, plus climate change and an increase in
disease are believed to impact negatively on both wild and managed bees
and their productivity. A decline in bee numbers or the health of honeybee colonies could
potentially have negative economic and agricultural impacts. Bees play
an important role in the UK economy and make a crucial contribution to
the agricultural industry by pollinating crops.
Visits to parks on the rise as city dwellers head outdoors
– Natural England Increasing numbers of people living in cities and towns across
England are visiting the natural environment. Visits to city parks and green spaces in England were up by 25 per
cent in 2016 as compared to 2010, new research published today (Friday,
6 July) by Natural England has revealed.
Natural England’s Urban Greenspaces report also found that more
people are visiting the natural environment within towns and cities
across England than ever before with an estimated 879 million visits to
parks in towns and cities in 2015/16. The report brings together findings from Natural England’s annual
‘Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment’ (MENE) public
survey and explores how people living in urban areas engage with the
natural environment and visit urban greenspaces. The government’s 25 Year Environment Plan aims to connect more people
with the environment by creating more green infrastructure in towns and
cities, helping people improve their health and wellbeing by using green
spaces and encouraging children to be close to nature, with particular
focus on disadvantaged areas. Data from March 2009 to February 2016 was analysed, and showed:
Critchley, E. J., Grecian, W. J., Kane, A., Jessopp, M. J & Quinn, J.
L. (2018)
Marine protected areas show low overlap with projected distributions of
seabird populations in Britain and Ireland. Biological Conservation
F.Burns et al
An assessment of the state of nature in the United Kingdom: A review of
findings, methods and impact Ecological Indicators
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2018.06.033
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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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This
year’s 30 Days Wild is a record breaker. The challenge, which ends
today, saw more participants than ever before. New analysis by The
Wildlife Trusts show a 40 per cent increase on last year. The Wildlife
Trusts estimate that over 350,000 people took part in this month’s
national nature challenge, pledging to explore nature on their doorstep
every day during June.
Hen
Harrier chicks in a nest (National Trust / Steve Davies / Peak District
Raptor Monitoring Group)
A
blueprint for a sustainable and profitable fishing industry that will
regenerate coastal communities and support future generations of
fishermen has been set out today.
A
recent study into the diversity of moth species at a former mining site
in Haig, Whitehaven, has shown an impressive 99 species inhabiting the
area.
Sadly,
Highland councillors voted in June 2018 to grant planning permission for
a controversial new golf course at Coul Links near Embo in Sutherland.
Scientists
said they were surprised and concerned by the results, and warned there
would be harmful effects for plants and wildlife.
Seaton
Meadows in Rutland (Plantlife)
beekeepers
to send in honey samples on a regular basis for comprehensive analysis
using advanced techniques, including DNA barcoding and mass
spectrometry.
Image:
Natural England
