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A round up of the top countryside, conservation, wildlife and forestry stories as chosen by the CJS Team.

 

HLF funding launches project which will transform green spaces across Glasgow and help people discover their local wildlife - RSPB Scotland

The funding will help to transform areas into green spaces that are perfect for wildlife

Globe thistle in flower (Image: Andy Hay, RSPB)Globe thistle in flower (Image: Andy Hay, RSPB)

A new project that aims to create more wildlife gardens across Glasgow has been given the green light, after receiving a grant of £40,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).  ‘Dear Green Future’ is a partnership initiative between RSPB Scotland and Glasgow University Wildlife Garden Group, and will be led by young people and students. The funding will help to transform areas into green spaces that are perfect for wildlife and for people, and will also go towards community events, and a cultural research project.

RSPB Scotland’s Fiona Weir said: “We work with a lot of young people, and they’re often full of energy and creativity. Thanks to HLF, this project will allow an outlet for all that ingenuity, and provide an amazing opportunity for people who want to get involved with Glasgow’s green spaces through practical conservation and citizen science.”  As well as developing wildlife gardens, the project will also involve elements of life-long learning, with workshops for local communities on subjects such as foraging and wildlife identification. Students will also have the opportunity to interview people who remember the 1988 Glasgow garden festival and investigate Glasgow’s evolution from an industrial city to the place it is today.

The project will run from summer 2015 until summer 2017, concluding with an exhibition at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum showcasing the discoveries and achievements of the young people involved.

  

Severe droughts could lead to widespread losses of butterflies by 2050 - CEH

Widespread drought-sensitive butterfly population extinctions could occur in the UK as early as 2050 according to a new study published today in the scientific journal Nature Climate Change.

However, the authors conclude that substantial greenhouse gas emission reductions combined with better management of landscapes, in particular reducing habitat fragmentation, will greatly improve the chances of drought-sensitive butterflies flying until at least 2100.

The study was led by Dr Tom Oliver from the UK’s Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) in collaboration with colleagues from CEH, the charity Butterfly Conservation, Natural England and the University of Exeter.

Lead author Dr Tom Oliver from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology said, “The results are worrying. Until I started this research, I hadn’t quite realised the magnitude and potential impacts from climate change. For drought-sensitive butterflies, and potentially other taxa, widespread population extinctions are expected by 2050. To limit these loses, both habitat restoration and reducing CO2 emissions have a role. In fact, a combination of both is necessary.”

The team identified six species of drought-sensitive butterfly - ringlet, speckled wood, large skipper, large white, small white and green-veined white - as having a low probability of persistence by 2050 even under most favourable emissions scenario. Butterflies were chosen for this study as they are amongst the best studied groups of species with good records of year-to-year changes in abundance, but there are many other drought sensitive groups which may be similarly affected. 

Dr Oliver adds, “We consider the average response across Great Britain. Losses are likely to be more severe in drier areas with more intensive land use, whilst wetter areas with less fragmented habitat will provide refugia. We assume that butterflies won’t have time to evolve to become more drought-tolerant, because their populations are already small, and evolution would need to be very rapid. The study looked at butterflies but the conclusions are potentially valid for other species such as birds, beetles, moths and dragonflies.”

Access the paper:Tom H. Oliver, Harry H. Marshall, Mike D. Morecroft, Tom Brereton, Christel Prudhomme, Chris Huntingford. 2015. Interacting effects of climate change and habitat fragmentation on drought-sensitive butterflies. Nature Climate Change. DOI: 10.1038/nclimate2746  

The Guardian has a picture gallery of the butterflies under threat here.

 

Protecting marine mammals at heart of new guidance for marine energy sector - St Andrews University

Sea mammals, such as dolphins and grey seals, will be better protected from new wave and tidal energy developments, thanks to new guidance led by researchers at the University of St Andrews.

dolphin in the waves (image: SMRU)Dolphin (image: SMRU)

The University’s Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), SMRU Consulting, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) have published [Monday 10 August] new guidance on marine mammal surveying requirements at energy sites in Wales.  Marine mammals are potentially at risk from being struck by moving parts, or being disturbed from areas where the energy devices are located. The new guidance will help plan in advance what data and information should be gathered to allow robust assessments of possible impact on marine mammals.  Over the next five years, €100 million of EU structural funds have been prioritised for marine energy in Wales which, along with two wave and tidal stream ‘Demonstration Zones’ and seabed lease agreements for a further four projects, positions the nation in a leading role in marine energy.  However, Welsh waters are home to species including bottlenose dolphins, porpoises and grey seals, all of which are protected under European legislation, which includes the provision of Special Areas of Conservation.  Traditional approaches to assessing risk to marine life, for example those used for large offshore wind projects, may not always deliver the useful information required to underpin environmental assessments.

Dr Carol Sparling from SMRU Consulting, said: “This new guidance will allow developers to take a proportionate and robust approach to the gathering of data required to underpin their environmental assessments to assure the safety of local sea mammal populations.  This guidance will also allow developers to focus on specific risks presented by individual projects rather than the existing ‘one size fits all’ approach.”

The step-by-step guide for an initial assessment of risk will help provide a ‘roadmap’ to developers and their consultants to navigate pre-application surveys.

 

Native Plants Alone May Not be the Best Option for Pollinating Insects in UK Gardens - RHS

New Royal Horticultural Society research identifies that a mix of plants from around the world may be the most effective way to sustain pollinators

• Research reveals a mixture of native and non-native ornamental plants may provide the best resources for pollinating insects in gardens
• Native plants are not always the first choice for pollinators visiting gardens
• Non-native plants can prolong the flowering season providing an additional food source

New research from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), with support from the Wildlife Gardening Forum, has found that pollinators in the UK do not always prefer native plants in gardens.
The findings, which are the first from the charity’s four-year Plants for Bugs research project, and are published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, suggest that gardeners wishing to encourage and support pollinators should plant a mix of flowers from a wide range of geographical regions. While there should be an emphasis on plants native to the UK and the northern hemisphere, as more pollinators from a range of pollinator groups visited these plants, plants from the southern hemisphere such as Lobelia tupa and Verbena bonariensis can play an important role.

Access the paper: Salisbury, A. et al (2015) Enhancing gardens as habitats for flower-visiting aerial insects (pollinators): should we plant native or exotic species? Journal of Applied Ecology. DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12499

 

Newly identified tadpole disease found across the globe – University of Exeter

Scientists have found that a newly identified and highly infectious tadpole disease is found in a diverse range of frog populations across the world. The discovery sheds new light on some of the threats facing fragile frog populations, which are in decline worldwide.

The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, led by the University of Exeter and the Natural History Museum, describes the molecular methods used to test frog tadpoles for a newly identified infectious agent.

Tadpoles from six countries across three continents were tested for ‘protists’ – single celled microbes with complex cells which store their DNA in a nucleus, like human cells. The previously unidentified parasite was present in tadpole livers in both tropical and temperate sites, and across all continents tested. The infectious agent was identified as a distant relative of Perkinsea sp., a marine parasites found in  animals and algae.

Professor Thomas Richards from the University of Exeter said: "Global frog populations are suffering serious declines and infectious disease has been shown to be a significant factor. Our work has revealed a previously unidentified microbial group that infects tadpole livers in frog populations across the globe.”

 

Queen bees reign again on Dungeness reserve - RSPB

Sightings of three short-haired bumblebee workers on an RSPB nature reserve mark a new milestone for a reintroduction project aimed at bringing this native species back to the UK. 

The bumblebees were spotted on four consecutive days on RSPB’s Dungeness reserve in Kent, which is a first for the project.

Short-haired bumblebees were declared extinct in the UK in 2000, almost certainly due to the loss of 97% of ancient wild flower meadows on Image: Jesper Mattiaswhich they depend. They were last recorded in Dungeness in 1988.

Each year since 2012 around 50 queen bees from Sweden have been released on the Dungeness reserve as part of this pioneering project, led by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust (BBCT), RSPB, Natural England and Hymettus.

Image: Jesper Mattias

Consistent sightings of worker bees over the last three years reveals that the queens have successfully nested and produced young, a strong indication that the bees are finding sufficient food to build colonies. 

BBCT’s Dr Nikki Gammans, Short-haired Bumblebee Project Manager, said: 'This is a thrilling discovery and shows that conservation for bumblebees really can work. Populations of at least three other rare bumblebees are now found in locations across the release zone not recorded in for over 10 years and their abundance is increasing across south Kent and East Sussex.'

The project has massive support from over 100 landowners and the local community in the Dungeness and Romney Marsh area of south-east England. Thanks to farmers and conservation groups, around 1,000 hectares of flower-rich habitats are being managed for the bees, helping several other rare bumblebee species and many pollinators, too.

 

Rare short-eared owls and kestrels see record levels of breeding success in Scotland’s glen – The Moorland Association

Image: The Moorland AssociationAn experienced bird ringer has found numbers of endangered owls on grouse moor areas in Perthshire are bucking national trends. Neil Morrison claims a partnership between conservationists and gamekeepers is making the difference.

Image: The Moorland Association

For two decades, the owl expert, licensed to ring birds by BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) Scotland, has counted numbers of various bird species in three neighbouring glens comprising grouse moor and farmland and said the short-eared owl population was among the strongest in the UK.

At least 18 pairs of the amber-listed birds of prey have bred in the past two years and kestrels, declining alarmingly across Britain, are thriving, with 11 breeding pairs recorded since 2014.

His communication with the gamekeeping staff has also recently allowed BBC Natural World programmers to film owls hunting. The  raptor specialist believes warring factions should learn to put differences aside so birdlife can be the winner and said he had reaped benefits from working with gamekeepers and landowners.

 

Worrying decline in days out by the coast – National Trust

A YouGov study has revealed a worrying 20 per cent decline in the number of people visiting the coast since 2005. The research we commissioned also found that over half the nation hasn’t had a single day trip to the coast in the last year.

A steady decline in the nation’s feelings of connectedness to the coast, particularly in young people, was also confirmed by the comparative study of 9,000 people over the last decade. Only one in seven 18-24 year olds felt that their happiest childhood memory is being by the sea, which is half the national average.

Not having enough spare time was given as the biggest reason stopping people hitting the shores. Other barriers were that the coast is too busy when the weather is nice, too expensive and lacks easy transport links. Many people said they would rather go abroad.

Yet nearly 90 per cent of adults in England, Wales and Northern Ireland think of our coast as a national treasure, the research showed. And the majority of people agreed that it’s important for children to experience the UK’s seaside.

    

MENE Survey 2015-2016 

Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment: 2015 to 2016 – Natural England

Results for the seventh year of the MENE survey which provides data on how people use the natural environment in England.

Download the results here.  (PDF, 425KB, 5 pages)

 

RSPB-led consortium named as preferred bidder to manage Sherwood Forest Country Park and new visitor centre - RSPB

A consortium led by the RSPB has been named as the preferred bidder to design, build and operate a new visitor centre and to manage the stunning natural habitats within Robin Hood's Sherwood Forest Country Park.

One of the UK’s leading nature conservation charities – the RSPB – has come out on top in a procurement process organised by Nottinghamshire County Council for a new visitor centre and to take on the conservation management of Sherwood Forest Country Park, which forms part of Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve (NNR).
The RSPB will lead a consortium which also features The Sherwood Forest Trust, Continuum Attractions and Thoresby Estate as part of a £5.3m investment programme.
The visitor centre will be designed and built over the coming years and will provide a completely new facility and visitor experience for the people of Nottinghamshire and beyond to enjoy and celebrate the woodland, wildlife and heritage of the site.

Around 350,000 visitors visit Nottinghamshire's world-famous Sherwood Forest country park each year and the hugely successful Robin Hood Festival will again take place next year.

The County Council's management contract also requires the preferred bidder to deliver on effective conservation of the country park within the wider NNR, which features England's Tree of the Year, the Major Oak.

 

Surveys reveal Fingle Woods to be wildlife hotspot – Woodland Trust

Wildlife surveys carried out at Fingle Woods in Devon have revealed that the site contains some of the richest diversity found in woodland in the South West of England.

The ecological surveys carried out thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) were undertaken to better understand the levels of biodiversity in the woods and inform our management plans in partnership with the National Trust.

The key findings of the surveys include:

  • 36 breeding bird species, including several red-list (high conservation concern) species; lesser-spotted woodpecker, song thrush, wood warbler, spotted flycatcher, marsh tit, and yellowhammer
  • Fingle Woods has significant value for butterflies, including English Biodiversity list species (formerly priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan) dingy skipper, pearl-bordered fritillary and wall
  • Invertebrates associated with decaying wood were particularly notable, including one nationally rare, one Red Data Book and ten nationally scarce beetles associated with rotting wood, wood mould or wood-rotting fungi
  • Dormice found in five locations
  • Nine species of bats recorded, over half the species in the entire UK bat fauna, making Fingle Woods significantly important
  • The river supports two otter holts, and is also home to a number of pairs of dipper, kingfisher and grey wagtail; the river is an important resource for wild fish, including salmon, sea trout and trout

 

Faster decision making on shale gas for economic growth and energy security - DECC

Shale gas planning applications will be fast-tracked through a new, dedicated planning process, under measures announced today (13 August 2015).

Amber Rudd and Greg Clark today announced plans that will ensure local people have a strong say over the development of shale exploration in their area – but will ensure communities and the industry benefit from a swift process for developing safe and suitable new sites.

Energy and climate change Secretary Amber Rudd said: "As a One Nation Government, we are backing the safe development of shale gas because it’s good for jobs giving hardworking people and their families more financial security, good for our energy security and part of our plan to decarbonise the economy. We need more secure, home grown energy supplies – and shale gas must play a part in that. To ensure we get this industry up and running we can’t have a planning system that sees applications dragged out for months, or even years on end. Oversight by the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency of shale developments makes our commitment to safety and the environment crystal clear. We now need, above all else, a system that delivers timely planning decisions and works effectively for local people and developers."

Local communities will remain fully involved in planning decisions with any shale application – whether decided by councils or government. And demanding planning rules to ensure shale development happens only at appropriate sites remain unchanged. On top of this, strong safety and environmental safeguards are also already in place through the regulatory regime to ensure shale exploration and extraction is safe and only happens in appropriate places. As a quasi-judicial process planning applications will always be considered with due process and a fair hearing – but today’s measures will prevent the long delays that mean uncertainty both for business and for local residents. 

Reactions

Fast-tracking fracking takes power away from local communities – CPRE

Govt to fast-track fracking through planning system – Friends of the Earth

 

New National Nature Reserve will be UK’s largest - SNH

The UK’s newest and largest National Nature Reserve (NNR) – The Great Trossachs Forest – took a step closer to reality today (13 August), after it was approved by the Board of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). The Great Trossachs Forest NNR, which lies at the heart of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, is home to magnificent wildlife in an area within an hour’s drive for 80% of Scotland’s population.
Speaking after the Board meeting, Ian Ross, the SNH chairman, said: “I’m delighted that our Board has today given the go-ahead to the new Great Trossachs Forest NNR. Covering 16,500 hectares it will be Scotland’s largest reserve, with a variety of wildlife, habitats, and landforms, including some of national or international importance such as ancient woodland, wet woodland and upland wood pasture. However, as well as being such an ecologically important site, The Great Trossachs Forest NNR clearly displays the key features associated with a NNR – it is nationally important, well managed and is inspiring and accessible to the public, offering a host of attractions for visitors to experience, savour, and enjoy. This stunning location is an inspirational backdrop for people to responsibly enjoy Scotland’s outstanding natural heritage.”

Scotland’s newest reserve covers a swathe of land from Inversnaid on the east bank of Loch Lomond, through Loch Katrine and Glen Finglas and almost as far as Callander.

 

Nightjar success at Sherwood Forest Nature Reserve – Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust

Nightjar via Nottinghamshire Wildlife TrustNottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has today hailed the success of efforts to restore heathland habitat in the heart of Sherwood Forest.

Over the past three years, the charity, which cares for around 900 hectares of nature reserves across Nottinghamshire, has been working to restore open heathland habitat at its Strawberry Hill Heath nature reserve which lies between Rainworth and Mansfield, in the heart of the Sherwood Forest landscape.

Nightjar image via Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust

In 2013 around 300 trees were felled to help revert wooded areas back to the original heathland and as a result, areas of heather and grassland are now thriving. In 2014 two areas were fenced off to provide safe breeding areas for ground nesting birds such as the elusive nightjar, an increasingly rare species.

The work was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of a wider project which also involved working with local children and young people to highlight the importance of the wildlife and history of Sherwood Forest.

Nightjars were known to be present in the area as a result of previous monitoring and survey work, but none had been officially recorded on the Strawberry Hill Heath site. Now, just over a year on from the creation of the nesting areas a pair has been recorded – raising hope that the nature reserve will become a new regular breeding site for the birds.

 

First-ever baby kingfisher at Bog Meadows Nature Reserve has birders in a flutter – Ulster Wildlife

Baby male kingfisher via Ulster WildlifeOne of the first recorded sightings of a baby kingfisher at Bog Meadows Nature Reserve, in west Belfast, has caused a flurry of excitement among local birding enthusiasts.

Baby male kingfisher recorded at Bog Meadows image via Ulster Wildlife

The dazzling blue bird turned up in a mist net when volunteer bird ringers were conducting one of their regular morning visits to record, ring, and release breeding birds.

An adult kingfisher, caught earlier this summer, was the first-ever kingfisher to be discovered by the bird ringers since they started running the bird ringing site at Bog Meadows in 1995.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to find kingfishers, right here in the heart of Belfast,” said local bird ringer, Aidan Crean from Friends of Bog Meadows. “Bog Meadows is one of the last remaining wildlife sites in the city, but due to its relative isolation and bustling location beside the M1, it’s an unlikely spot to see these very vulnerable and shy birds. However, the fortunes of this wetland habitat have been transformed, thanks to conservation work carried out by Ulster Wildlife, creating an ideal location for kingfishers and other wetland-loving creatures to thrive.”

Over recent years, Ulster Wildlife has undertaken major habitat improvement works at Bog Meadows from deepening and widening ponds and ditches, and removing invasive species to controlling scrub, to help rejuvenate the wetland.

 

Havergate Island wardens rediscover species feared lost in 2013 storm surge- RSPB

Havergate Island, Chris Gomersall, RSPBWildlife on Havergate Island has bounced back since 2013 storm surge saw the North Sea inundate the nature reserve Image: Chris Gomersall via RSPB

Wardens at the RSPB’s Havergate Island nature reserve have rediscovered several species they had feared had lost from the island when the North Sea overwhelmed the island’s sea wall during the tidal surge that hit the East Anglian coast in December 2013.

Surveys carried out in 2014 failed to find some plants that had been established on the island, including the uncommon yellow vetch. It was feared that yellow vetch had been lost from the reserve’s community of saltmarsh plants, but surveys this year found it growing again in a restricted area on the south end of the island.

More than a year-and-a-half after the winter tidal surge that wreaked havoc on the Suffolk Coast, wardens at RSPB Havergate Island nature reserve have reported that some of the hardest hit wildlife is showing signs of recovery.

Havergate’s famous population of brown hares has made a remarkable recovery and their numbers are almost back to pre-storm surge levels. After the flooding, as few as six hares remained on the island, but a recent count recorded a healthy population of as many as 18, with this year’s leverets (young hares) seen lazing on the shingle in amongst the gorse bushes and adults chasing each other along the sea walls.

 

Welsh wildlife charity voted UK’S best environment project - Heritage Lottery Fund

The 360 Observatory on the Cors Dyfi nature reserve in Mid Wales received over 10,000 votes to win the Best Environment project in this year’s National Lottery Awards - the annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery funded projects.

The observatory which is run by Montgomery Wildlife Trust, was the only Welsh project competing against six other projects from all over the UK to win this award. They win a £2,000 cash prize, an iconic National Lottery Awards trophy, and will attend a star-studded awards ceremony – The National Lottery Stars – broadcast on BBC One on 21 September.

The observatory sits in the middle of a remote Welsh wetland, on the Cors Dyfi nature reserve near Machynlleth, allowing people to get a unique view of a rich mix of wildlife – in particular the rare ospreys that nest less than 200m away.

Emyr Evans, manager of the project, said: “It’s an honour that over 10,000 people voted to recognise us as the Best Environment project, and I’m proud we’ve gained this national recognition. It’s a testament to the hard work and belief of our staff, volunteers, and our many supporters that we have won this prestigious award.  National Lottery funding allowed us to design and build an observatory for everyone, where families can come and ask questions, where teachers and pupils can learn about the environment, where older people can enjoy nature, and where the community can volunteer and help communicate with visitors - there isn’t a building anywhere in Britain like it.”

 

A boost for golden eagles in South Scotland - Scottish Natural Heritage

Golden Eagle, copyright Laurie Campbell, via SNHBuilding on a report published by Scottish Natural Heritage last year, a new project will help boost the number of golden eagles in the South of Scotland. The project will look in detail at further work needed to revive the population, and build on the excellent partnership forged to realise the ambition of having more of these birds in the south.

Golden Eagle, copyright Laurie Campbell, via SNH

Dr McLeod formally launched the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project at Langholm Moor this morning (14/8/15).

The importance of such conservation projects has been underlined by recent incidences of raptor persecution.

Dr McLeod commented:  “Golden eagles are truly magnificent birds and it is very exciting that the South of Scotland could potentially support more than a dozen pairs. This new project at Langholm Moor is a great opportunity to re-establish this species in this area along with all the environmental and economic benefits that brings.

“It is particularly encouraging to see so many partners working hard to return golden eagles to the skies above the South of Scotland, in a way that enables grouse shooting to co-exist alongside birds of prey. I am absolutely determined that the persecution of raptors will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The Scottish Government has already taken action to put an end to the illegal killing of wild birds and I will continue to take whatever steps are necessary, which could include further tightening the law.”

This project has its roots in a joint initiative between Scottish Land & Estates and RSPB Scotland who came together in the summer of 2008 to produce a proposal with the aim of trying to understand what was limiting the golden eagle population in the South of Scotland. This resulted, last year, in a Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) published report ‘Golden Eagles in the South of Scotland: an overview’. This new project builds on the 2014 report published by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), which found that Southern Scotland could potentially support up to 11 to 13 pairs. Presently, there are no more than two to four pairs of golden eagles in Southern Scotland, with limited nesting success.

Following an approach last year by Scottish Land & Estates, RSPB Scotland and Buccleuch Estates to the Minister, a partnership has been formed to take the work forward, along with SNH. The partnership is currently looking to involve a wide range of stakeholders.

Dr Cat Barlow has been appointed as project manager to take the work forward. A project team has now been formed. The team will focus on further assessing the viability of the golden eagle population, and identifying areas/sites and management measures which could benefit the birds. Guided by the National Species Reintroduction Code, the team will undertake a formal assessment of habitat and other management measures to reinforce the population.

Read the full commissioned Report no 626 by Drs Paul Haworth and Alan Fielding ‘Golden Eagles in the South of Scotland: an overview’ here (pdf)

 

Government guidance and publications

Taking the Lead - Managing access with dogs to reduce impacts on land management - SNH Publication

Dog walking is one of the main reasons why many people visit the outdoors, with research showing that one or more dogs accompanies an adult on 48% of all visits to the Scottish countryside. Dog walking makes an important contribution to people's enjoyment of the outdoors, as well as their physical health and wellbeing and wider appreciation of nature and landscapes. However, issues associated with the proper control of dogs remain one of the problems most often cited by land managers, and can be time consuming for access authorities to deal with. The NEW guidance provided here is aimed at land managers who are experiencing dog-related access issues, and at access officers and others who may also have a role in helping to address these concerns. The overall aim is to support both responsible access by dog walkers and responsible management by landowners.

 

Latest news on the England Coast Path from Natural England

England Coast Path: South Bents to Amble

Natural England has begun to investigate how to improve coastal access along a 69 km stretch of the Northumberland coast between South Bents and Amble. This new access is expected to be ready in 2017 to 2018. 

England Coast Path: Walney Island 

Natural England has begun to investigate how to improve coastal access along a 35 km stretch of the Cumbrian coast around Walney Island. The route will start and finish on the Walney side of Jubilee (Walney) Bridge and eventually link up with the main route. This new access is expected to be ready in 2017. 

 

Importing trees and plants to England and Wales from the EU - detailed guidance from Animal and Plant Health Agency (defra)

Find out the restrictions on bringing certain plants and trees into England and Wales from the EU and how you must notify these imports. 

 

Scientific publications

Byers, J. E. et al (2015) Invasion Expansion: Time since introduction best predicts global ranges of marine invaders. Nature Communications doi:10.1038/srep12436

 

Kühsel, S. & Blüthgen, N. (2015) High diversity stabilizes the thermal resilience of pollinator communities in intensively managed grasslands. Nature Communications. doi:10.1038/ncomms8989

 

Emma Stone, Matt R. K. Zeale, Stuart E. Newson, William J. Browne, Stephen Harris & Gareth Jones Managing Conflict between Bats and Humans: The Response of Soprano Pipistrelles (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) to Exclusion from Roosts in Houses PLOS   DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131825 

 

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Disclaimer: the views expressed in these news pages do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of CJS.