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Headlines from week beginning 11 January 2016 |
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A round up of the top countryside, conservation, wildlife and forestry stories as chosen by the CJS Team.
Two whales washed up on UK shores may have been hit by ships
- WDC Two whales have been washed up on UK beaches within hours of each
other, both believed to have been hit by passing ships. The first
incident was reported in Scotland, when a minke whale, thought to have
been killed by a boat propeller, came ashore on Easter Ross beach. The
whale, which was more than three metres long, was first spotted floating
by a local lifeboat who confirmed that the whale's tail was missing. Whales and dolphins are often unable to avoid ships and many
collisions go unnoticed meaning that the number of deaths is far higher
than figures suggest. Studies in recent years indicate that, for
populations in certain areas, up to one third of whales found dead
display signs of having died due to a collision with a boat or ship.
Severe injuries may mean that a whale dies as a result many years later,
but can also have an impact on the animal’s social group. WDC is working with international bodies and on projects to reduce
vessel strikes all around the world, including in areas where whales or
dolphins are particularly vulnerable.
No appeals against National Park extension decision
- Yorkshire Dales National Park The clock has started ticking in the countdown to the enlargement of
the Yorkshire Dales National Park. In October last year Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss announced
that the National Park will be increased by nearly a quarter from August
1 when its boundary is extended to include a small part of Lancashire
and an additional area of Cumbria. It means the area covered by
the National Park will increase by 24 per cent from 680 sq miles (1,762
sq kms) to 841 sq miles (2,179 sq kms). The decision was subject to any legal appeal and none was lodged. National Park Authority Chairman Peter Charlesworth said: “The fact
there have been no appeals against the Government’s decision is good
news. It means we can now get on with the job of preparing for the
extension of the National Park. We will be working with organisations,
communities and individuals to identify their hopes and aspirations so
we can find ways of meeting them while conserving the natural beauty,
wildlife and cultural heritage of the new areas. In the run-up to the
establishment date, we will be inviting people who live and work in the
area to a series of meetings so we can explain what we do and ask how
best we can help them."
Wildlife Trust calls on Government to end badger cull and get
vaccination programmes back on -
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Last month, The Government announced that it was suspending the
sourcing of BCG vaccine, used to control the spread of bovine
tuberculosis (Btb), for English badger vaccination schemes, that the
2015 badger culls were ‘successful in meeting their targets’ and
confirmed it wants to see ‘badger control over a wider number of areas
next year’, issuing new guidance to Natural England that significantly
relaxes the current badger culling licence criteria. Speaking following the announcement our Chief Executive, Rob
Fitzsimons said: “The Government’s announcement has left us very
exasperated. We condemn any intention to roll out the badger culls,
which have been found to be repeatedly flawed in their methodology,
measures and objectives, and we are urging the Government to
re-establish the supply of vaccine so we can continue with our vital
badger vaccination programme here in Nottinghamshire." The Wildlife Trusts believe that culling badgers is likely to
increase the bovine tuberculosis risk to cattle due to the perturbation
effect, caused when disruption of otherwise stable badger social groups
leads individuals to range beyond their usual territory and come into
contact with neighbouring animals, increasing the risk of disease
transmission. Vaccination does not carry this risk and is the only
approach that can actually reduce the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis
in badgers. We are therefore extremely concerned and disappointed
that circumstances have required the suspension of badger vaccination
programmes in England. Three Wildlife Trust projects currently
receive Defra funding, via its Badger Edge Vaccination Scheme (BEVS),
including our scheme operated along the Notts Leicestershire border.
There are eight other Wildlife Trust programmes in operation in England
which look likely to be suspended too. We remain committed to the delivery of badger vaccination as one of a
number of measures against TB in cattle and will resume vaccination as
soon as possible. Mr Fitzsimons added: “We will shortly be meeting with Defra to
discuss the implications of the vaccine shortage for our project and
those operated by sister Wildlife Trusts. It would seem that Government
has failed to plan ahead for its badger vaccine requirements – putting
the efforts of charities like ours to save badgers and help farmers in
jeopardy. We recognise that there are external difficulties in
supply, and of course accept the need to prioritise global human health,
but Government ought to have taken action to secure critical supplies
for vaccination programmes that it has initiated. We are at a loss to
understand why Defra has not put in place long-term supply arrangements
as like many others, our programme is part funded by Defra. We committed
to delivering it in good faith and we currently feel very let down, but
remain hopeful that the programme can be resumed later in the year.”
Rare butterfly threatened as 150-year-old elm targeted
– Sheffield
Wildlife Trust
A colony of one of the rarest and most threatened species of
butterfly in the UK is under threat following the controversial decision
to fell a 150-year-old elm tree in Sheffield. Residents of Nether Edge were already up in arms about plans by
Sheffield City Council contractor Amey to remove the rare mature English
elm from the corner of Union Road and Chelsea Road. However, a survey by
experts from the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust has now
confirmed that the tree is home to an extremely rare butterfly known as
the White-letter Hairstreak butterfly, which a recent report shows has
suffered a 96% decrease in abundance over the last 40 years. “White-letter Hairstreaks are a UK Biodiversity Priority Species as
they spend their whole lifecycle exclusively on elm trees,” said Ben
Keywood, a butterfly specialist from the Trust. “The eggs will be on the
tree for the next couple of months and then the caterpillars will feed
on the leaves before pupating and becoming adult butterflies in July. As
the species is so dependent on that single tree twelve months of the
year it is difficult to carry out any work that wouldn’t destroy the
colony of this high conservation priority species.”
The eyes have it – Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust A species of flatworm, so new to science it doesn’t even have a name
yet, has recently been confirmed at our Attenborough Nature Reserve,
near Nottingham.
Image: Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Amongst the last species to be recorded was a flatworm found under a
log in the Nature Centre garden. The creature looked like a small
chestnut coloured slug that was lacking tentacles but its most
interesting feature was that despite measuring little more than 1cm in
length, it had between 50 and 60 eyes!
Otters make debut at Brockholes – Lancashire Wildlife Trust The iconic otter has finally made a grand appearance at Lancashire’s
youngest nature reserve, after teasing wildlife spotters for four years. In fact three otters were photographed by volunteer Helen Earnshaw
swimming in Number One Pit at Brockholes over the weekend.
There were a number of sightings of a single otter in lakes around
the Preston reserve over the past couple of years, but now there is
proof that this wonderful mammal is adding to visitor numbers. Brockholes Communications Manager Sarah Leach said: “We were all
amazed to see Helen’s pictures of the otters. We have had a number of
reports of sightings over recent years but capturing one on camera has
proved difficult. To see three together, clearly enjoying themselves at
Brockholes was a real treat and Helen was thrilled to bits.
WANTED: budding scientists to capture our coast
– Bangor University People with a passion for the UK’s coastline are being invited to
help make history by being part of the largest coastal marine citizen
science project ever undertaken. The £1.7m Capturing Our Coast project, funded through the Heritage
Lottery Fund, is designed to further our understanding of the abundance
and distribution of marine life around the UK
Officially launching this week, the aim of the project is to recruit
and train more than 3,000 volunteers to help build a more accurate
picture of the marine life all around the UK. Collecting data about key indicator species – such as topshells – can
provide information about how coastal systems are responding to factors
such as increased sea temperatures. The research will help scientists to
understand how the marine environment is responding to global climate
change and inform future policy and conservation strategies. Bangor University's School of Ocean Sciences are part of the national
collaborative project, led by Newcastle University and also involving
Hull and Portsmouth universities, the Scottish Association for Marine
Science, the Marine Biological Association of the UK and the Marine
Conservation Society. It also involves a number of organisations
including Earthwatch Institute, the Natural History Museum,
Northumberland Wildlife Trust, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and
Aquaculture Science (Cefas), the Coastal Partnerships Network and the
North West Coastal Forum. Professor Stuart Jenkins, Principal Investigator, at Bangor
University said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the public to get
involved in ‘hands on’ marine science on rocky shores and at the same
time find out more about the research activities of marine scientists in
the UK.”
New research exposes secret cocktail of toxic pesticides in hedgerows
and wildflowers – Bumblebee Conservation Trust Scientists at Sussex University have discovered that bees are exposed
to a chemical cocktail when feeding from wildflowers growing next to
neonicotinoid treated crops in UK farmland. These chemical cocktails
could make the impact of neonicotinoids up to 1,000 times more potent
than previously realised. One in 10 species of Europe's wild bees is facing extinction, and
neonicotinoid insecticides are increasingly seen as contributing to
these declines. In addition to neonicotinoids, farmers may spray
some non-organic crops a dozen or more times while they are growing,
with anything up to 23 different chemicals. New research by Sussex University and supported by the Soil Association reveals that pollinators consuming pollen from these crops or from nearby wildflowers will ingest a cocktail of fungicides and insecticides. A prior study suggests these fungicides could act synergistically, making the insecticides up to 1,000 times more deadly than they are on their own. Peter Melchett, Policy Director of the Soil Association said: “These findings are shocking. Neonicotinoids are supposedly highly targeted insecticides yet the researchers have found that they are turning up in the pollen of poppies, blackberries and hawthorn blossom in hedges, at levels that on their own are enough to cause harm to bees. Worse still, they are present along with a whole cocktail of chemicals, some of which could increase the toxicity of neonicotinoids up to 1,000 times.”
Trust set for radical changes
– National Trust for Scotland The National Trust for Scotland has today (Tuesday 12 January)
announced bold proposals to transform the way it cares for Scotland’s
natural, built and cultural heritage. The announcement follows a review of the 85-year old charity led by
the Board of Trustees, Chairman Sir Moir Lockhead and Chief Executive
Simon Skinner.
In order to free up the skills and resources needed to turn the plans
into reality, the Trust proposes a thorough re-configuration. This
starts at the top with the Trust’s leadership and with layers of
management being simplified.
48 cross-sector organisations unite to call for a UK Charter for Trees, Woods and People - Woodland Trust The Woodland Trust is leading 47* organisations in a campaign to
celebrate the value of our trees and woods and secure their future by
creating a new Charter for Trees, Woods and People.
Today, our nation's woods and trees are facing unprecedented
pressures from development, pests and diseases and climate change. They
risk being neglected, undervalued and forgotten. Now is the time
to create a new charter, a broader charter that recognises the
importance of trees in our society, celebrates their enormous
contribution to our lives, and acts now so that future generations can
benefit from them too. The coalition's ambition is that the principles set out in the 2017
charter will articulate the relationship between people and trees in the
UK in the 21st century. The charter will provide guidance and
inspiration for policy, practice, innovation and enjoyment. Redefining
the everyday benefits that we all gain from woods and trees in our
lives, for everyone, from Government to businesses, communities and
individuals. Find out more on the
Tree Charter website: People and trees are stronger together – but our nation’s woods and
trees are facing unprecedented pressures from development, disease and
climate change. They risk being neglected, undervalued and forgotten. We
need to act now before trees disappear from our story. It’s time for us to stick up for trees. We need to recognise the importance of trees in our society,
celebrate their enormous contribution to our lives, and act now so that
future generations can benefit too. The Woodland Trust is leading more
than 35 organisations from across all sectors of society in a call to
create a Charter for Trees, Woods and People and we need your help to
make it possible.
Code of practice for species control provisions in Wales
- Welsh Government We seek your views on a draft code of practice for Wales on new
species control provisions. As a result of changes brought in by the Infrastructure Act 2015 new
species control provisions are now contained in the Wildlife and
Countryside Act 1981. These provisions have been introduced to ensure
that, in certain circumstances, appropriate action can be taken against
invasive non-native species. Welsh Ministers and Natural Resources Wales have new powers requiring
owners to control invasive non-native species, or allow them to do so
where an owner has refused to act or allow access. Provisions may also
be applied to formerly resident native animals where they have been
released unlawfully. Consultation ends: 05/04/2016
Screening technique to reinforce fight against ash dieback
- University of York Researchers at the University of York led a pioneering study which
opens up a new front in the battle against a disease affecting ash trees
across Europe.
The research identified genetic markers to predict whether specific
trees in populations of ash will succumb to the disease or are able to
tolerate and survive a fungal pathogen that is causing ash dieback. The technology could help to maintain the ash tree as part of the UK
landscape through pre-screening of individual tree seedlings to identify
non disease-susceptible individuals before they are planted out. Across Europe, the European ash Fraxinus excelsior is being seriously
affected by ash dieback with only around two per cent of trees surviving
in areas where the disease is well established. The disease was first
discovered in the UK in 2012 and is progressing much as expected. In
addition to the 157,000 hectares of ash woodland in the UK, the 12
million ash trees outside those areas -- in parklands, gardens,
hedgerows and along roads for example -- are also at risk. The research was jointly funded by the Biotechnology and Biological
Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Department for Environment, Food
and Rural Affairs as part of the Nornex consortium project to develop a
long-term solution to the ash dieback threat. Using a population of selected trees with diverse susceptibility, the
researchers sequenced their RNA to identify genes whose sequence and
expression levels are correlated with disease symptoms. This allowed the
scientists to identify gene markers that are correlated with low
susceptibility to ash dieback disease. Using a second population of
trees, they used these gene markers to successfully predict which of the
trees were likely to have a low level of susceptibility to the fungal
pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. Access the paper. Andrea L. Harper et
al. Molecular markers
for tolerance of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) to dieback disease
identified using Associative Transcriptomics. Scientific Reports 6,
Article number: 19335 (2016)
Stewart: New plans to save England’s hen harriers
- DEFRA Details of a new six point action plan published today (Thursday 14
January) to help the recovery of England's hen harrier populations.
Plans to help revive the hen harrier, one of England’s most iconic
birds, have been published today as part of the government’s ongoing
commitment to preserve and enhance our nation’s natural environment. As a bird of prey, hen harriers make an important contribution to our
intricate ecosystem – and are a well-loved feature of our skyline, but
in recent years their numbers have dropped. The Hen Harrier Action Plan will for the first time co-ordinate
action already taken by conservation groups, landowners and wildlife
crime officers across the country to ensure a consistent and strategic
approach. The plan will also encourage groups to share best practice to
help reverse the decline of these precious birds. Environment Minister Rory Stewart said: “This new plan will transform
the fate of one of our most magnificent birds. We are working closely
with conservation organisations and landowners and with their help, this
plan will help hen harriers flourish once more while coexisting with a
thriving rural economy. Our wildlife is a crucial part of our national
identity. That’s why we care deeply about protecting this vital species
for future generations to come.” The plan was developed by Defra in conjunction with the RSPB, Game
and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Moorland Association, National
Gamekeepers Organisation, National Parks UK. Natural England will lead
on the six point plan, working with organisations to:
Some of these actions, like monitoring and sharing best practice, are
already underway at known nesting sites, such as in the Forest of
Bowland in Lancashire. Other actions, such as trialling brood
management, will be looked into by Natural England which will work
closely with partners to determine criteria for a field trial. Read the Joint action plan to increase the English hen harrier
population Reactions
BASC welcomes publication of the Hen Harrier Action Plan BASC, the UK’s largest shooting organisation, has welcomed the
publication by Defra today of the Hen Harrier Action Plan. Tim Russell, BASC Director of Conservation said: “Everyone who shoots
should welcome this plan to ensure the success of an iconic species. I
congratulate those involved for producing it and offer BASC’s support
for the difficult process of implementation. Working together will
always do more for our birds.” Mike Sherman, Vice Chairman of BASC, said: “For the last twelve years
BASC has advocated a form of brood management and reintroduction as the
key to resolving conflicts, building confidence and ensuring the future
of hen harriers. We will continue to work to see this achieved.” New plans to save England’s hen harriers - Moorland Association Director of the Moorland Association, Amanda Anderson, commented
following Defra’s announcement: : “We are delighted that the Recovery
Plan has been launched to help Hen Harriers breed sustainably across
their former range in England. The plan contains exciting new actions
that we are looking forward to working on with others to ensure they are
successful.”
RSPB response to the Hen Harrier Action Plan
- Martin Harper blog, RSPB Community
Green light for North Yorkshire coastal path
- Natural England New coastal paths have been approved from Filey Brigg to Newport
Bridge and Dunball Wharf to and St Audries Bay. The longest single section of coastal path ever to be approved has
been given the green light by Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss
today, giving walkers access to nearly 70 miles of stunning sea views
between Filey Brigg in North Yorkshire and Middlesbrough’s Newport
Bridge. Once works are complete, the new path will stretch around the coast
of North-East England along the edge of the North York Moors National
Park, passing through Scarborough, Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby before
ending at Middlesbrough’s iconic bridge across the River Tees. Coastal paths play an important role in attracting visitors to
explore rural and coastal communities, meaning more trade for local
shops, pubs and hotels which contributes to the UK’s booming £11billion
tourism industry. The Environment Secretary also approved plans to alter the route at
Dunball Wharf and St Audries Bay, part of the Somerset coastal path
covering the stretch between Brean Down and Minehead, to provide in one
place an alternative route so that walkers can avoid the need for a
descent from the clifftop to the beach. The approval of plans for further coastal paths follow the latest
milestone in the delivery of one of the world’s longest walkways in
December, when Minister Stewart announced the half-way point in
government plans to complete a path around the whole of the English
coast. Set for completion in 2020, the England Coast Path will stretch
across 2700 miles of walking routes, covering 100% of the country.
Bringing life back to The Broads - Natural
England New funding is set to transform the iconic Hoveton Great Broad in
Norfolk into a clear water haven for wildlife.
The Hoveton Wetlands Restoration Project will ambitiously restore one
of the large shallow lakes in The Broads that give the famous area its
name. The project has been awarded:
Rick Southwood, Natural England’s Senior Reserve Manager for The
Broads said: " Ecologically, Hoveton Great Broad is in poor condition,
due to decades of nutrient enrichment from the surrounding catchment.
However, thanks to considerable investment by the water companies and
improving farming practices, the quality of water coming in from the
adjacent River Bure has improved significantly and the time is now right
to carry out in-lake restoration works. " Working with the Environment Agency and the Hoveton Estate, the
project will: significantly improve the ecological condition of Hoveton
Great Broad and improve people’s enjoyment of the site
Banned pollutants threaten Europe’s remaining orcas
- ZSL Killer whales are facing the threat of extinction in European waters
as a result of lingering toxic chemicals banned as far back as the
1980s, according to research led by international conservation charity
the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and published today (Thursday 14
January) in the journal Scientific Reports.
The research, based on long-term studies of more than 1,000 stranded
or biopsied whales, dolphins and porpoises – collectively known as
cetaceans – found that the blubber of killer whales (Orcinus orca),
bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and striped dolphins (Stenella
coeruleoalba) in Europe contain among the highest concentrations of
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on the planet. PCBs are a group of man-made chemicals previously used in the
manufacture of products including electrical equipment, flame retardants
and paints. High exposure to PCBs is known to weaken cetacean immune
systems and markedly reduce breeding success by causing abortions or
high mortality in newborn calves. Dr Paul Jepson, lead author and specialist wildlife veterinarian at
ZSL’s Institute of Zoology, said: “The long life expectancy and position
as apex or top marine predators make species like killer whales and
bottlenose dolphins particularly vulnerable to the accumulation of PCBs
through marine food webs. Our findings show that, despite the ban and
initial decline in environmental contamination, PCBs still persist at
dangerously high levels in European cetaceans.” Scientific Publications Tanentzap, Andrew J., Walker, Susan & Theo, R. T.
Better practices for reporting on conservation. Conservation
Letters DOI: 10.1111/conl.12229 Orford, Katherine A., Murray, Phil J., Vaughan, Ian P. & Memmott,
Jane.
Modest enhancements to conventional grassland diversity improve the
provision of pollination services. Journal of Applied Ecology DOI:
10.1111/1365-2664.12608
Sorensen, M. C, Asghar, M., Bensch, S., Fairhurst, G. D.,
Jenni-Eiermann, S. & Spottiswoode, C. N. (2016)
A rare study from the wintering grounds provides insight into the costs
of malaria infection for migratory birds Helmstedt, K. J. et al (2016)
Prioritizing eradication actions on islands: it's not all or nothing.
Journal of Applied Ecology. DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12599
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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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Ben
Keywood looking for White-letter Hairstreak butterfly eggs on the Elm
(Sheffield Wildlife Trust)
The
flatworm was discovered two days before the end of the year as part of a
personal challenge by Tim Sexton, Assistant Manager at the Attenborough
Nature Centre, to find 1,000 species on the site in just 12 months.
During the challenge Tim found around 1200 species including 10 never
before recorded in the county.
The
otters at Brockholes (Helen Earnshaw) 
Investigating
rock pools at Penmon Point. (Bangor University)
The
new charter will be launched in November 2017, which marks 800 years
since Henry lll signed the original Charter of the Forest. This
influential charter protected and restored the rights of people to
access and use the Royal Forests. 
Ash
(Fraxinus excelsior). Credit: flickr/AJC ajcann.wordpress.com
(CC-BY-SA-2.0)
A
hen harrier in flight (Defra)
Hoveton
Great Broad, Norfolk © Natural England
Stranded
killer whale, © ZSL
