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A round up of the top countryside, conservation, wildlife and forestry stories as chosen by the CJS Team.
Field Notes: Drumming up an appetite for nature
- John Muir Trust Our Scotland Education Manager Rebecca Logsdon reports on a
collaboration that’s helping teachers and their pupils engage with
nature Listening to 30 teachers bash stones on a dead tree trunk on a chilly
afternoon in the woods sounded like a large collection of woodpeckers at
work (how apt that the collective noun is a drumming of woodpeckers).
Everyone was engaged in the ancient Japanese art of ‘Hapa Zome’ –
creating natural leaf prints on a cloth by pounding it with a stone –
just one of many creative activities that took place during the Literacy
& Nature sessions we supported across the Highlands in March. Over 100 participants – including early years practitioners, primary
and secondary school teachers, additional support needs staff, rangers
and partners – had been invited through the Highland Council’s RAiSE
(Raising Aspirations in Science Education) programme. The Trust was asked to collaborate in delivering Literacy & Nature
training based on Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris’ illustrated
collection of nature poems The Lost Words and The Lost Words Explorer’s
Guide. Our aim was to support outdoor learning, science and literacy in
Highland schools - with the ultimate goal of reconnecting children with
nature. Further information Find out more about the John Muir Trust’s The
Lost Words collaboration and
Highland RAiSE.
Butterflies bounce back in heatwave summer -
Butterfly Conservation UK butterflies bounced back in 2018 following a string of poor years,
thanks in part to last year’s heatwave summer, a study has revealed. More than two-thirds of UK butterfly species (39 of 57) were seen in
higher numbers than in 2017, with two of the UK’s rarest, the Large Blue
and Black Hairstreak, recording their best years since records began. Large Blue Butterfly (image: PJC&Co [CC BY-SA 3.0
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)] But despite the upturn, 2018 was still only an average year for the
UK’s butterflies. Around two thirds of species (36 of 57) show an
apparent decline since records began 43 years ago with 21 of these
showing significant long-term declines, the annual
UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme
(UKBMS) led by Butterfly Conservation, the Centre for Ecology &
Hydrology (CEH), British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and Joint Nature
Conservation Committee (JNCC) revealed. Numbers of the threatened Large Blue rose by 58% from 2017 levels and
the endangered Black Hairstreak was up by more than 900%. Both species benefitted from warm and sunny weather when they were
flying in the early summer, whilst the cold spell in February and March
may have also helped by improving survival of caterpillars and
chrysalises. The hot spring and summer weather was not ideal for all species. Some
grassland butterflies struggled, not helped by drought conditions drying
out caterpillar food plants. The Gatekeeper dropped by 20% from 2017
levels and the Small Skipper and Essex Skipper were down by 24% and 32%
respectively. It was also a surprisingly poor year for some garden favourites. The
Small Tortoiseshell slumped by 38% compared to the previous year and the
Peacock was down 25%, whilst the migratory Red Admiral crashed by 75%
after a good year in 2017.
Invasive Species inquiry launched -
Environmental Audit Committee The Environmental Audit Committee launches a new inquiry to consider
the impact and threat to biosecurity from invasive species. The UK is
witnessing a rise in the introduction of non-native species with
damaging effects from invasive species estimated to cost almost £2
billion a year.
Signal
Crayfish (image: David Pérez (DPC)/Wikimedia Commons, License
cc-by-sa-4.0) The inquiry will focus on the impact and management of non-native
species that have a detrimental effect on native biodiversity and
ecosystems, as well as public health, with threats posed by predatory
behaviour, competition or by transmitting disease. It will also consider
the threat of invasive species to the UK’s overseas territories. Environmental Audit Committee Chair Mary Creagh MP said: “Climate change means that invasive species are migrating to the UK where we’re witnessing a dramatic rise in range and numbers. These are plants, fish and insects that pose a threat to our indigenous wildlife and human health, and are already costing our economy almost £2 billion a year. We want to identify the scale of the problem and assess how well prepared we are to cope with it, particularly with the possibility of a new era of regulation outside the EU. We hope our inquiry will send out an alert to those most likely to come into contact with invasive species whether in farming, canoeing, fishing, walking, or even in their back garden. Identifying and recording sightings or clearing invasive species is important to reduce the impact on our native environment.” More information and details of the inquiry plus how to submit written evidence here.
Project to Rid National Park of Non-Native Invasive Species
- Exmoor National Park A major scheme to clear Exmoor’s waterways of harmful invasive species has been launched following a grant of £185,000 through a Water Environment Grant (WEG), which is funded through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and Defra. The new
Exmoor Non-Native Invasives Species (ENNIS) project - a partnership
between Exmoor National Park Authority, Environment Agency, National
Trust, Natural England and Nicky Green Associates - will allow work to
control invasives in the National Park to be radically scaled up and
extended to new species, through the procurement of a dedicated project
officer for two years along with new equipment and volunteer training.
Many of Exmoor’s streams and rivers are internationally important
wildlife sites, home to otters, salmon, brown trout, dipper and
kingfisher, as well as mayflies, dragonflies and damselflies that
provide a vital link in the food chain. But non-native invasive species
are a major threat to sensitive habitats throughout the UK, costing the
British economy an estimated £1.7 billion a year according to the GB
non-native species secretariat.
Exmoor National Park has been pioneering in its efforts to tackle the
problem, leading a ten-year collaboration that has cleared an area the
size of six Wembley football pitches of two of Britain’s most invasive
weeds – Japanese and Himalayan Knotweed. But with the plant still present across Exmoor’s main river systems
along with other invasives, like montbretia, Himalayan balsam, skunk
cabbage and signal crayfish, a major effort is still needed to achieve
sustained results.
The Broads Authority supports students to become ‘citizen scientists’
- The Broads Authority The Broads Authority has just launched its citizen science programme
which is part of the Broads Authority’s role as lead partner in the
European funded project CANAPE (Creating A New Approach to Peatland
Ecosystems). The citizen science programme enables science students and the public
to go out into the field, collect data and learn about the role peat has
played and continues to play in relation to the geology and ecology of
the Broads wetlands. Even more importantly with global warming as one of
today’s biggest concerns this approach will raise awareness of peats
ability to act as a major carbon sink and therefore the need to conserve
rather than drain these peat-based wetlands. Senior Ecologist for the Broads Authority, Andrea Kelly, said of the
project: “Caring for our Peatland Ecosystems correctly can be the difference
between enormous carbon release or storage. Good peat management is
about keeping the peat wet and undrained. The Broads stores the
equivalent amount of carbon to that emitted by one of the world’s
largest power stations. The work we’re doing with students is vital
because the more we understand about the composition of the earth the
more that we can do to protect it.” To learn more about the work of the students and to have the chance
to get involved yourself, take part in the “Peat Discovery Zone” at How
Hill National Nature Reserve on 31 July and 2, 6 and 8 July.
Growing the benefits from nature - Loch
Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Protecting and enhancing trees and woodlands of the National Park can
help deliver a wide range of benefits for Scotland. This is one of the key messages highlighted in the Loch Lomond & The
Trossachs National Park Authority’s draft Trees and Woodlands Strategy,
which is now out for public consultation.
The National Park’s Trees and Woodland Strategy, which will act as
the main guidance to help inform forestry proposals in the National Park
over the next 20 years, sets out a clear vision for trees, woodlands and
forests of the National Park to flourish and to expand where
appropriate. The strategy will guide woodland enhancement and creation within the
National Park to help meet important local and national targets
including delivery of outcomes listed in Scotland’s Forestry Strategy
and the National Park Partnership Plan. It highlights the importance of
expanding native woodlands in the National Park, improving woodland
condition and biodiversity, protecting and enhancing the National Park’s
Special Landscape Qualities and promoting cooperative woodland
management as part of an integrated land management approach.
Simon Jones, Director of Conservation and Visitor Operations at Loch
Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority said: “The forests,
woodlands and trees of the National Park can and do deliver a wide range
of benefits from nature. Not only are they rich homes for wildlife but
they produce oxygen and timber, provide jobs and offer an array of
recreation opportunities." He continued, "I would encourage anyone with
an interest in trees and woodlands to get involved with this
consultation and have their say to help us to shape the future of
forestry within the National Park.” To read the draft Trees and Woodland strategy and respond to the
consultation go to
www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/treesandwoodlands
Audit highlights young people's environmental work
- John Muir Trust John Muir Award impact report celebrates 29,848 days of youth social
action for Scotland’s nature The Trust has carried out a year-long monitoring exercise auditing
the amount and type of activity carried out by young people to meet the
Conserve Challenge of the John Muir Award. We found that nearly 20,000 young people from across Scotland
contributed on average over 10 hours to environmental action during 2018
through achieving their John Muir Award – this is valued at over
£750,000. Thirty per cent of activity was carried out by young people
experiencing disadvantage, and participation was closely split between
males (52 per cent) and females (48 per cent). Young people planted nearly 13,000 trees, collected over 5,000 bags
of rubbish, and maintained over 8km of footpaths. They gathered valuable
data through citizen science surveys, started or joined environmental
campaigns, and minimised their own impact on wild places. Find the report, along with further research and feedback on our
dedicated
Young people and nature webpages.
Vital benefits of Scotland’s nature now increasing year on year
- Scottish Natural Heritage The values of Scotland’s plants, wildlife, air, water, and land –
known as natural capital – are now officially increasing for the first
time, and delivering stronger benefits to people and businesses across
Scotland than in the previous two decades.
Loch
Katrine from Ben A'an in the Great Trossachs Forest National Nature
Reserve. (image: © Lorne Gill/SNH Scotland’s Natural Capital Asset Index (NCAI) assesses the quality
and quantity of our land-based habitats and their contributions to human
wellbeing. This year’s study shows that the quality of all habitat types is
improving, including places such as heathlands – our most widespread
habitats – and peatlands, which have the greatest potential to
contribute to human wellbeing, by storing significant volumes of carbon
and helping combat climate change. Scotland’s woodlands are also now expanding annually, with
broadleaved woodland habitat 40% larger than in 2000, and woodland bird
numbers increasing by 25% over the same period. Welcoming the update, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said:
“Scotland became the first country in the world to publish a detailed
report which monitors annual changes in its natural capital and it is
encouraging to see that the contribution nature makes to our society has
continued to improve since the index first launched in 2011. Research shows that more than 75% of businesses now recognise the
huge importance of Scotland’s natural capital to their operations.
Volunteer Bird Watch Survey shows effects of temperatures on Eurasian
Jay population - University of Southampton Research led by the University of Southampton has used data collected
by volunteer bird watchers to study how the importance of wildlife
habitat management depends on changing temperatures for British birds. The team studied data from the British Trust for Ornithology’s “Bird
Atlas 2007 – 11” on the abundance of the Eurasian jay over the whole
of Great Britain. The University of Southampton researchers focused on
jays for this trial as they are a species of bird known to frequent a
mixture of different natural environments. The University researchers gathered this data and combined with
satellite imagery of Great Britain to get a complete picture of the
habitats in which there was an abundance of jays and how the changing
climates affected their numbers. The success of the trial means that this method of studying wildlife
numbers could be an effective way to look at the impact climate change
has on habitats for other species. The findings are published in the journal
Methods in Ecology and Evolution,
Professionalism has Crucial Role in Managing and Protecting Trees
Worldwide - Institute of Chartered Foresters Link to video address from the Prince of Wales (on youtube)
Driven grouse shooting may provide net conservation benefit to
Scotland’s mountain hare population, according to latest GWCT study
- Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust New analyses conducted by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust
(GWCT), and published in the European Journal of Wildlife Research,
conclude “it is likely that driven grouse shooting provides a net
conservation benefit to Scotland’s mountain hare population”. The study examined mountain hare counts over a 16-year period from
2001 to 2017, these being undertaken concurrently with annual spring
grouse counts within 76 sample blocks across Highland, Grampian and
Tayside. Pointing dogs were used to search blocks of moorland for
grouse, with mountain hares observed being recorded to calculate an
index of their density. The study period has enabled GWCT to describe
different intensities of cyclic hare population change between regions. The study confirmed previously reported positive associations between
management for driven grouse shooting and hares, predator control being
considered a major factor in determining mountain hare abundance.
Studies by others have shown that foxes can account for up to 90 per
cent of hare mortality, and reductions of generalist predators such as
foxes and stoats by gamekeepers probably improve hare survival, while
strip burning to promote new heather growth may help hare diet. he article published in European Journal of Wildlife Research Spatial and temporal variation in mountain hare (Lepus timidus) abundance in relation to red grouse (lagopus lagopus scotica) management in Scotland is available online here. A read-only version of the article
can be found here.
LI launches new biosecurity toolkit for landscape consultants
- The Landscape Institute Developed in partnership with SGD, BALI and APL, the toolkit aims to
embed biosecurity best practice in every stage of a landscape project The Landscape Institute (LI) has published a new plant health and
biosecurity toolkit to help landscape professionals tackle the pests and
diseases that threaten our landscapes. Plant health and biosecurity issues present a major threat to
ecosystem resilience. And with the uncertainty in the UK’s trading
future with the EU, it is crucial that those in the landscape sector
implement biosecurity principles at every stage of their work. However, pests and diseases can be very damaging in areas where they
have few natural control measures or predators. In 30 years, Dutch elm
disease has killed some 60 million British elms, and its effects persist
today. More recent examples include ash dieback, oak processionary moth,
sweet chestnut blight and Massaria disease of plane trees. These new
pests and diseases have economic, social and environmental effects.Plant
pests and diseases are a normal characteristic of the environment. They
usually exist in equilibrium with their hosts, which naturally limits
their spread. At a landscape scale, some pests and diseases can be even
be beneficial in terms of habitat creation and the carbon cycle. Landscape consultants now have the opportunity to offer a solution to
this industry-wide problem. Landscape architects, garden designers and
contractors all specify plants and materials in their work. The LI’s new
biosecurity toolkit sets out clear guidance for each stage of a project,
defining the processes to be adopted and promoting best practice across
the industry.
Read the new Biosecurity Toolkit for Landscape Consultants here.
Sheep join battle against plant invaders in Macduff
- Scottish Natural Heritage A new woolly weapon is being deployed in the battle against Giant
hogweed in Macduff this week as part of trial works by the Scottish
Invasive Species Initiative (SISI). The flock of two dozen sheep will be introduced into a strip of
woodland, upriver of the Macduff distillery, which is overrun with the
invasive Giant hogweed plant. Reaching heights of 2-3m, Giant
hogweed not only causes harm to our native wildlife by dominating sites
and shading out native vegetation, but its sap is harmful to people and
can cause serious and painful burns on contact with the skin.
Giant
Hogweed (image: © Lorne Gill/SNH) The established method of controlling Giant hogweed is to use a
chemical, but in such dense infestations as the Macduff site, and where
the plants are interspersed within trees, it makes treatment difficult.
However, following an encouraging ongoing trial by the Deveron, Bogie &
Isla Rivers Charitable Trust, which began in 2013, grazing by sheep is
being further investigated as a viable alternative. The sheep suffer no
ill-effects from the toxic sap and develop a taste for the plant,
happily grazing it alongside other vegetation. Project Manager Callum Sinclair explained: “The project is tackling
several key invasive non-native plant species commonly found along river
banks namely Giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam.
One of our aims is to develop sustainable methods of managing invasive
species, if the sheep prove to be successful at eradicating giant
hogweed this could be a huge step forward for the management of the
species across Scotland.
Tracking the sources of plastic pollution -
University of Birmingham Plastic pollution in the world’s oceans is now widely recognised as a
major global challenge – but we still know very little about how these
plastics are actually reaching the sea. A new global initiative, led by the University of Birmingham shows
how focussing on rivers and river mouths can yield vital clues about how
we might manage this plastic crisis. The
100 Plastic Rivers Project is engaging with scientists in more than
60 locations worldwide to sample water and sediment in rivers. The aim
is to better understand how plastics are transported and transformed in
rivers and how they accumulate in river sediments, where they create a
long-lasting pollution legacy. First results of the project will be presented at the General
Assembly of the European Geosciences Union (EGU), held in Vienna,
Austria, from 7-12 April 2019. They show a complex picture, with a huge
diversity in types and sources of plastic in selected river estuaries in
the UK and France. Professor Stefan Krause, of the School of Geography, Earth and
Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham, explains: “Even
if we all stopped using plastic right now, there would still be decades,
if not centuries-worth of plastics being washed down rivers and into our
seas. We’re getting more and more aware of the problems this is causing
in our oceans, but we are now only starting to look at where these
plastics are coming from, and how they’re accumulating in our river
systems. We need to understand this before we can really begin to
understand the scale of the risk that we’re facing.” The 100 Plastic Rivers programme analyses both primary microplastics,
such as micro-beads used in cosmetics, and secondary microplastics –
from larger plastic items that have broken down in the environment or
fibres from clothing.
‘Think Global, Plant Local’ to tackle climate change
- Confor The UK Government has been urged to ‘Think Global, Plant Local’ to
start tackling the damaging effects of climate change. Independent advisers have told the Government that planting trees and
building with wood is a “simple, low-cost option” to remove large
amounts of carbon from the atmosphere - a message also highlighted by
Sir David Attenborough in his latest TV series. However, the UK Government is still way behind its own modest targets
of planting 11 million trees in England in the five years to 2022. Now Confor has laid down a challenge by setting ambitious new targets
for the four UK nations - a total of 40,000 hectares (about 100,000
acres) of new planting every year by 2030. “Climate change is the biggest challenge for us all and politicians
must raise their game - not set a low bar and then fail to get over it,”
said Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive of Confor. “Tree planting rates in
England and Wales are currently woeful but with political will, we can
turn that around and ‘Think Global, Plant Local’ to help tackle the
appalling impact of climate change. We are working closely with
the UK Government to push up planting rates." The annual 2030 targets set by Confor - as it launches its ‘Think
Global, Plant Local’ campaign today - include 18,000 hectares for
Scotland, which is currently planting around 10,000 hectares, more than
80 per cent of total UK planting. The other 2030 targets are 10,000 hectares in England (currently
planting between 1500 and 2000 hectares), and 9000 in Wales and 3000 in
Northern Ireland, which are both planting only around 200 hectares
annually. Full table of stepped targets for each of the UK nations
here (pdf) Response:
Rural Affairs Secretary welcomes Confor calls for increase to planting
targets - Scottish Forestry Rural Affairs Secretary, Fergus Ewing today welcomed Confor’s 'Think
Global, Plant Local' campaign. Mr Ewing said; “I welcome this industry support for increased levels
of tree planting in Scotland. Scotland’s new Forestry Strategy (1 April
2019) identifies as a priority for action over the next ten years the
expansion of forest and woodland area, integrated with other land use
objectives. This will help to further reduce Scotland’s greenhouse gas
emissions, drive sustainable economic growth in the forestry and other
land-use sectors, enhance Scotland’s biodiversity and increase the
positive contribution of urban forests and woodland’s in Scotland’s
towns and cities. We are already leading the UK in tree planting – and
have already committed to furthering this success. I look forward to
working with the forestry and land-use sectors to identify opportunities
for further cooperation in achieving these ambitious goals.”
Olympic find at Cramond clean - Marine
Conservation Society Volunteer beach cleaners collected over 400 items of rubbish at the
MCS spring beach clean and litter survey at Cramond beach
The
31 volunteers, who braved the rain and wind to take part, picked up
rubbish weighing over nine kilos from a 100m stretch of the beach. Over
half of the litter was made of plastic, whilst 33% of the rubbish was
stuff that had been incorrectly flushed down the toilet – known as
sewage related debris (SRD) - with over 100 wet wipes recorded during
the 100m survey. After the 100m survey was completed, volunteers picking up a further
86 kilos of rubbish from the beach, with many shocked at the number of
wet wipes that were found entangled in the seaweed. 1988 Coke Can (image: MCS) One of the most startling finds was a Coca Cola can from 1988 –
supporting the Olympics, held that year in Seoul, South Korea. “This really unusual find shows that when it comes to litter there is
no ‘away’ and we need to ensure that anything we are using today is not
being picked up by volunteers in 30 or more years’ time,“ says Catherine
Gemmell.
NERC invests £1.3 million to engage the UK public on big issues in
environmental science An innovative project that will see researchers collaborate with
diverse communities on issues in environmental science has been awarded
£1·3 million through NERC's Engaging Environments programme. The award
is NERC's largest single investment in public engagement, with project
partners pledging a further £235,000 of in-kind contributions.
Poster
of a vision for science for all. (Copyright More Than Minutes) The NERC Community for Engaging Environments project aims to engage a broad range of audiences, including those typically less represented in public engagement activities. The project takes an innovative approach that combines community development, storytelling and citizen science, enabling diverse communities to have a meaningful stake in discussing and tackling environmental science issues such as climate change and pollution. It aims to create lasting change in public engagement practice by providing learning opportunities while shaping future activities to equip NERC's research community and diverse communities with essential skills in public leadership. Download the full size poster (pdf)
here.
National Trail celebrates 50th anniversary with new wheels, thanks to
support from ultrarunners - North York Moors
National Park Support from the Hardmoors Race Series has allowed Cleveland Way
Managers to purchase a brand new vehicle to help maintain one of the
nation’s favourite National Trails. Organised by ultrarunning enthusiasts Jon and Shirley Steele, the
Hardmoors Race Series encompasses more than 20 different events and
challenges, including the iconic 110-mile race of the full Cleveland Way
National Trail. For the last three years, the Series has donated £1 per
race entry to support maintenance and management of the Cleveland Way,
and this has now allowed for the purchase of the brand new vehicle for
the Trail’s Maintenance Ranger, Andrew Carter. Malcolm Hodgson, the National Trail Officer for the Cleveland Way,
said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic to have the support of the
Hardmoors Race Series, and the fact we’ve been able to purchase this
much-needed vehicle just in time for our 50th anniversary celebrations
in May, really tops off what’s already a very exciting start to the
year.” The Cleveland Way, which stretches from Helmsley to Saltburn, then
back down the coast to Filey, became only the second National Trail in
Britain when it was launched on 24 May, 1969. It now provides both
adventure and serenity to thousands of visitors every year, meaning the
upkeep of its paths, bridges and gateways requires considerable input
from both the Trail’s dedicated Rangers and the volunteers and
apprentices working with the North York Moors National Park. Malcolm Hodgson continues: “The new vehicle will help ensure we keep
the Trail in top condition, which in turn benefits the ultrarunners who
helped fund it, so we’re all winners.”
Rare lichen is living legacy of World War II commando training
- Woodland Trust Scientists have discovered rare 'fire' lichen growing on the stumps
of trees destroyed by flames in the Scottish Highlands during World War
II.
The
Carbonicola anthracophila was discovered by scientists
surveying Loch Arkaig Pine Forest near Spean Bridge. The lichen
only grows on charred conifer trees and has been recorded at just three
other locations in the UK: Glen Affric, Glen Quoich and Glen
Strathfarrar. British Commandos and Allied Special Forces including the Free French
trained at Loch Arkaig during WWII. During exercises with live
ammunition in 1942 forest fire raged across the hillside. Scots pines
cooked in their own resin were preserved and still stand like ghost
trees across the hillside. Seventy-seven years on the 'fire'
lichen is a living legacy of that blaze. The lichen only grows on charred conifer trees
and has been recorded at just three other locations in the UK (Photo:
Andy Acton) The lichen survey was commissioned by experts Andy Acton and Brian
Coppins to help inform long-term conservation management at the site.
The four-day survey found around 150 different species. In their report
the experts said they had only scratched the surface of what the forest
might hold. The Carbonicola anthracophila was found on
just two tree stumps. Andy Acton said: “It was the first time I had seen this particular
species so it was particularly exciting for me, but Brian referred to it
as a ‘mega tick’ so he was clearly excited too. Brian found it
first then the hunt was on for more, and I went on to find it on another
stump.”
Aberdeen named European Forest City for 2019
- The James Hutton Institute The four great forests around Aberdeen provide crucial environmental,
social and economic benefits to its citizens" In urbanised European societies, the role of forests in providing
commodities, welfare, health and other social benefits is easily
forgotten. But not in Aberdeen: the Granite City has been awarded the
title of European Forest City for 2019 by the European Forest Institute
(EFI) and is set to celebrate the versatility, significance and social
impact of its forests throughout the year. Forests support the sustainability of critical resources like water
and soil, and play a key role in adaptation and mitigation to climate
change. They cover 35% of the pan-European landscape, hosting an
important share of biodiversity and providing products and services
which support the resilience of rural areas and the wellbeing of urban
ones. The city was officially presented with the title by EFI Director, Dr
Marc Palahí, at an event held at the James Hutton Institute in
Craigiebuckler. Dr Palahí said: “The award was established to recognise
cities committed to forests and trees as well as to forest research and
education. Aberdeen deserves this award for many different reasons.
First and most obvious because of the city relationship with forests and
trees. The four great forests around Aberdeen provide crucial
environmental, social and economic benefits to its citizens. In
addition, the city council has taken important actions regarding the
tree coverage of the city; maintaining existing trees and plating new
ones, for instance within the project ‘a tree for every citizen’. In a
digital era, when cities are investing heavily in sophisticated
technologies and digitalisation, we should remember that nature is the
ultimate sophistication.”
Scientific Publications Adrien Taccoen, Christian Piedallu, Ingrid Seynave, Vincent Perez, Anne Gégout-Petit, Louis-Michel Nageleisen, Jean-Daniel Bontemps and Jean-Claude Gégout Background mortality drivers of European tree species: climate change matters Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences Volume 286, Issue 1900 doi: 10.1098/rspb.2019.0386 (open access) Thijs P. M. Fijen, Jeroen A. Scheper, Bastiaen Boekelo, Ivo Raemakers
and David Kleijn.
Effects of landscape complexity on pollinators are moderated by
pollinators' association with mass-flowering crops Proceedings of
the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences Volume 286, Issue 1900 Bond, A. J., O'Connor, P. J. and Cavagnaro, T. R. (2019),
Remnant woodland biodiversity gains under ten years of revealed-price
incentive payments. J Appl Ecol. Accepted Author Manuscript. doi:10.1111/1365-2664.13397
Pierre Chopin, Göran Bergkvist, Laure Hossard,
Modelling biodiversity change in agricultural landscape scenarios - A
review and prospects for future research, Biological Conservation,
Volume 235, 2019, Pages 1-17, ISSN 0006-3207, doi:
10.1016/j.biocon.2019.03.046. Yuan Wang, David J. Kotze, Kati Vierikko, Jari Niemelä,
What makes urban greenspace unique – relationships between citizens’
perceptions on unique urban nature, biodiversity and environmental
factors, Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 2019, ISSN 1618-8667,
doi:10.1016/j.ufug.2019.04.005.
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