UKBAP BiodiversityNews-50

Biodiversity News
Contents - News - Features - Local & Regional - UK BAP Updates - Publications - Events
If you would like to receive Biodiversity News via email, or
know of somebody who would, please contact us at
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Issue 50
Summer Edition
Painted Lady Terry Douthwaite

In this issue
1 Contents - News - Features - Local & Regional - UK BAP Updates - Publications - Events
Summer
Please note that the views expressed in Biodiversity
News are the views of the contributors and do not
necessarily reflect the views of the UK Biodiversity
Partnership or the organisations they represent.
Biodiversity takes the podium 4
The Great British Elm Experiment 7
Environment Agency rush to save rare plant
form extinction.
8
School children celebrate International year of
Biodiversity
9
A call for Lead partners for BAP invertebrates 11
The Young Darwin prize 11
Londons Green Corners Awards 21
Purbeck important ponds project 24
A living landscape in wild Penwith 25
Argyll & Bute Local Biodiversity Partnership 26
Parish wildlife map toolkit 27
Sheffields White-clawed crayfish 28
River South Esk catchment partnership 30
Habitats are home 31
Forestry Commission West Midlands news 32
Hay Meadowsback in blook in Cumbria 33
No loss of Lowland Meadows? 35
Fishers Estuarine Moth now introduced 36
Ecologists pay homage to the most studied
wood in Britain
37
The Gowy and Mersey Washlands 38
Wormwood Scrubs Heroes boost wildlife 40
Lizards new lounging place in the sun 41
Fist national map of Scotlands woodlands 42
Norfolk turns the tide on alien invasion 43
London Fire Brigade and Biodiversity 45
New push to save rare plant from extinction 46
Welsh daffodils thrive again 23
The shrill carder bee 28
Loving our Landscapes 12
Bulmers Cider Production 15
Charlie Dimmock helps gardeners tackle non-
native invasive plants.
17
The National Biodiversity Network 18
Westons Higher Level Stewardship agreement 20
Go wild with us this summer 52
National BioBlitz Programme 2010 53
Whitelee Rangers Events 54
The End of Tradition? - conference 55
Future Landscape Ecologyconference 55
Seas for Lifetalks 56

WildGuides 48
New guidance to help save Oxfordshires wild-
life.
48
The conservation and management of coastal
vegetated shingle in England.
49
Discover Yourself Outside 50
SITA Trust publishes report 50
CIRIA will publish updated Working with wild-
life guidance
51
Editorial
News
UKBAP Update
Local & Regional
Publications
Features
Events

Editorial
Summer
Welcome to Issue 50 of Biodiversity News!

This is the fourth and last issue I will be producing as editor of Biodiversity News. I have had a wonderful
year working for the Biodiversity Policy Unit and it has been a real pleasure working with you, our subscrib-
ers, in creating this newsletter. I have definitely learnt a lot about all kinds of projects and issues and I would
like to thank you for your invaluable contributions. Without all of our keen subscribers who take time to sub-
mit articles updating everyone on their work, Biodiversity News would not exist. Your support is greatly ap-
preciated.

This issue is packed with Local & Regional stories so you are bound to find something of interest near you.
There are countless exciting events coming up over the next few months so make sure to take a look at these
and many new publications are also out so this is a bursting section. I hope you enjoy!

I would like to welcome Sophie Rogers who is the next Year in Industry student. She will be taking over my
role as editor of Biodiversity News in September. In the mean time, my colleague Jean Smyth will be handling
all enquiries in the biodiversitynews mailbox.

Please do not hesitate to send us any comments or suggestions on the structure and content of Biodiversity
News. We would greatly appreciate you feedback.

If anyone is interested in having an article published in Biodiversity News or would like to be added to our
mailing list, please email biodiversitynews@defra.gsi.gov.uk

I hope you all have a fantastic summer and thanks again for giving me this great learning opportunity.

Kind regards,

Evaleen Brinton
UK Biodiversity Policy Unit, Defra, Zone 1/07, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol GS1
6EB, biodiversitynews@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Click on the boxes to see previous issues this past year
47 - autumn 48 - winter 49 - Spring

News
Summer
Biodiversity takes the podium
This spring saw the first wildlife returning to London's Olympic Park
since its transformation from an industrial, brownfield site into one of
the largest urban parks to be created in Europe for more than 150 years.
Designed with biodiversity as a key aim, it will eventually be a haven
for wildlife.
You wouldn't normally expect to see otters and water voles in east Lon-
dons industrial hinterland. But that could be about to change, thanks to
one of the most ambitious habitat creation projects ever undertaken in
the UK.
Londons new Olympic Park, the stage for the 2012 Olympic and Para-
lympic Games, is being designed with wildlife as well as athletes in
mind. To the immediate West of Stratford and spread along the lower
Lea valley, the Olympic Park is just two and a half miles from Canary
Wharf and Londons bustling docklands. It is set in an area that has been
subject to decades of neglect, a mix of industrial and often contaminated
land. Transforming this space into something not only suitable for a ma-
jor event but that works as a living, breathing habitat for wildlife has
been a vast undertaking, one that is only beginning.
This year is a milestone. With principal earthworks and landscaping
nearing completion, the coming months will see a flurry of activity as
the site much of it former brownfield land and currently bare is
brought to life with more than 300,000 carefully cultivated native plants.
The emphasis is on the extent and quality of what you can create, and
its sustainability, explains Alison Braham, director of the landscape ar-
chitects team with Atkins, the company leading the sites transforma-
tion. The value of what you create can frequently be greater that what is actually lost.
As the official engineering design services pro-
vider for London 2012, Atkins has played a ma-
jor role in protecting, conserving and now en-
couraging the biodiverity and habitats within the
Olympic Park area. The park covers more than
100 hectares and the river Lea is a central feature,
meandering through the area and fanning out
into three sections the Bow Back rivers on its
journey to the Thames.
As well as encouraging natural colonisation by
species such as otters and water voles, we want
to attract species that were here prior to any
works, says Kim Olliver, specialist ecological
supervisor with Atkins. To do that, we have to
make sure the ecosystem we have here is as
healthy as possible.
The park is one of the biggest to be created in
Europe for over a century, and one of the most
The Living wall was originally created to provide
an aesthetic, anti-climbing aid around the electric-
ity roundhouse. The addition of wildflower plugs
and climber species has not only given the wall a
structural diversity but will enhance the range of
fauna that will be attracted to the area. Tim Cole
Plants pre-grown in coir pallets coconut fibre matting. The use of coir
provides quick installation, instant effect and increases plant performance
during their establishment phase Tim Cole

News
Summer
complex. Within the Park, high-tech venues such
as the Olympic Stadium and the landmark Aquat-
ics Centre will rub shoulders with a remarkable
variety of natural habitats, most of them being cre-
ated, or re-created, from scratch.

The big attraction
The list of different habitats is impressive. It in-
cludes ten hectares of native trees and shrubs, reed
beds and ponds covering nearly two hectares,
carefully restored riverbanks, more than 20 hec-
tares of species-rich grassland and 9,000 square
meters of rare native wet woodland.
If you create the right habitat, species will move
back, Olliver emphasises. Habitat creation is a
key element in the Olympic Park Biodiversity Ac-
tion Plan (BAP). The BAP has statutory force it was one of the planning conditions for the development and
provides a blueprint for sustaining wildlife and habitats.
Among the species highlighted are the brown banded carder bumble bee, the tumbling flower beetle, the Euro-
pean eel, amphibians including the common frog and toad, the smooth newt, five priority bat species, and rep-
tiles including the common lizard, grass snake and slow worm.
Otters are one of the larger species singled-out in the action plan. Currently rare in London, its hoped that the
creation of more than 2km of new soft river banks along with reed beds and wet woodland will encourage these
elusive creatures to colonise the Olympic Park site.
Although there are no plans to import otters from outside the park, theres an emphasis on making the site as
attractive as possible. Two artificial holts (dens for otters) are being created in river banks in the North part of
the Olympic Park. Water voles, meanwhile, may be re-introduced once new waterside vegetation is established.
Theres a major focus on encouraging bird life too. Kingfishers, already present in small numbers, are high on
the list.
Theyre a difficult species to see youll often just see a
blue flash going up and down the river, says Olliver.
Replanting the riverbanks with native species will pro-
vide the network of camouflaged green corridors that of-
fer the freedom of movement they and other species seek.
As with the otter, the strategy includes positive induce-
ments.
Well be constructing kingfisher nesting banks within
the park, says Olliver. In the meantime, weve created a
kingfisher bank just to the north of the park in Hackney
Marshes, which has been a real success.
Sand martins, summer visitors from Africa, have not
been deterred by the Olympic Park construction pro-
gramme Theyve been coming back year after year,
notes Olliver, who has worked on the Olympic Park pro-
Wild Fauna is already attracted to the area Tim Cole
The water-forgetmenot, Myosotis scorpioides, destined for
the wet woodlands. Tim Cole

News
Summer
ject since its inception.
Currently, pairs nest in drainage holes in the
concrete walls of the Bow Back rivers, but its
hoped the provision of two artificial nesting
banks each with 50 nesting holes, will attract a
breeding colony of sand martins.

Fixing up the neighbourhood
Bringing the site to life is a massive collabora-
tive effort that involves everyone from civil
engineers and geotechnical experts to horti-
cultural specialists and utility teams.
As an ecologist, I work with all of them,
says Olliver. If theres an issue, I do my best
to work around it to make it work for the
team.
The park thats now emerging as a result of
these efforts is very different from the site ac-
quired just four years ago. This included
brownfield and derelict land, with landfill
sites, former railway sidings and abandoned industrial buildings.
But sites of this sort can turn out to be surprisingly rich habitats, partly because theyre seldom disturbed by hu-
mans. Even apparently hostile environments, such as railways, provide a haven for certain creatures.
Thorntons Field railway sidings near Stratford is a case in point. With the trains gone and track lifted, its now
part of the southern section of the Olympic Park. Its potential was spotted during an ecological survey, part of
an ongoing programme of site surveillance that has characterised the project since its inception.
It looked like a completely different habitat, similar to a heathland site, recalls Olliver.
It turned out to be a rich haven for invertebrates, including "at risk" species such as the toadflax brocade moth.
Ballast, soil and timber sleepers from the sidings were carefully removed from the site and transported to a part
of the park where they wouldnt be disturbed.
Initiatives of this sort underline an increasingly open-minded approach to building biodiversity: its not all
about creating pristine natural habitats from scratch. In some cases, going green actually means going brown,
because many derelict manmade environments are beneficial to wildlife.
The black redstart a member of the thrush family is an example. Its nationally rare with fewer than 100
breeding pairs in the UK. Unusually, its a bird that thrives on dereliction. To encourage its return to the park,
some 50 nesting boxes are being set up, along with more than five hectares of its favourite brownfield habitat.
Initiatives of this sort could have profound implications for cities in the 21st-century. And if 2012 proves any-
thing, its that large-scale urban development and the creation of diverse natural habitats are not necessarily mu-
tually exclusive.
Ecology both in terms of species and habitats goes right back to the original design intent, concludes Atkins
Alison Braham. Its about being able to assess whats already there and what you can create. The key thing
about our proposals is that what is being put in now will be there for years to come.

In Norfolk, Salix extended to a 16-acre nursery dedicated to the 2012 project. Here,
more than 300,000 plants representing some 28 different species, including sedges,
common reed, marsh marigolds, water mint and yellow flag irises, are being grown on
more than a thousand coir pallets, ready to be transported to London over the coming
months to create the riverbanks, wetlands, ponds and wet woodlands on the Olympic
Park. Tim Cole

News
Summer
The Great British Elm Experiment
New hope for the elm

The first 250 schools to join The Conservation Foundations Great
British Elm Experiment received their young tree during the first
week of March, the start of Spring during the United Nations Inter-
national Year of Biodiversity. Successive age groups of pupils
throughout the country will be monitoring and caring for an elm
tree from a sapling upwards in an experiment to unlock the mystery
of why some trees survived Dutch elm disease which is estimated to
have killed 25 million elms from the 1960s onwards.

Schools have been asked to log their trees progress over the years
on The Conservation Foundation website. Height, girth, biodiversity
and any signs of Dutch elm disease will be recorded and it is hoped
that with time and luck - a new generation of elms will become
established throughout the country and a new generation will be
encouraged to have an interest in elms and biodiversity. The project
also heralds new hope for the White-letter Hairstreak butterfly for
which elm is the sole food plant.
This new national elm planting campaign is using young trees
propagated from mature healthy native elms which The Conserva-
tion Foundation has discovered still growing in the English country-
side. It is part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of Elms Across Europe, the project which led to the setting up
of the Foundation by David Shreeve and David Bellamy in 1982.
Hundreds of schools, community gardens, local authorities and land-
owners contacted The Conservation Foundation when The Great British
Elm Experiment was announced last autumn. The first 250 schools were
chosen to give a broad geographical spread with different environmental
conditions. More young trees will be available in the autumn.
Each small tree will be accompanied by a certificate showing its species
and the location of its parent tree and a poster with growing tips and
project ideas. Further materials will be added to The Conservation Foun-
dation website which will report on the experiment as it develops. The
data recorded will be reviewed by an Elm Advisory Group, made up of
elm experts and enthusiasts, which the Foundation hopes to establish.

We want to interest a new generation in the elm, so much a feature of
the British life and landscape for centuries and also to try and find out
why some trees survived Dutch elm disease, says
David Shreeve. He continues, So many have disap-
peared over recent years that we can only hope to re-
place some. But rather than just give up and forget
the elm, we think its worth a try.
More elm saplings will be available later this year and in 2011. Anyone interested in taking
part in The Great British Elm Experiment is invited to contact The Conservation Foundation
by email at elms@conservationfoundation.co.uk.
David Bellamy The conservation
Foundation
Elm at Shirestone planted 1982 The Con-
servation Foundation

News
Summer
Environment Agency "rush" to save rare plant from extinction.

The upper Tamar estuary is the only place in the UK where you can find the true form of Triangular Club- rush
(Schoenoplectus triqueter).
The Environment Agency is the UK BAP lead partner for the protection of the Triangular Club-rush.
Triangular Club-rush is a perennial sedge restricted to brackish environments at the top of estuaries. It has a
bright green 3 angled stem, can be 50-150cm tall and flowers in August / September.
In 2009, it was found in four distinct clumps near Calstock,
covering an area of less than four square metres. Habitat
loss has already seen it disappear from estuaries such as the
Thames and Medway. Where populations of Triangular
Club-rush and Grey Club-rush overlapped hybridisation
between the two occurred making field identification tricky.
The reason why is has become almost extinct is unknown.
Maybe its due to years of boat wash; or because it cant
compete with the extensive growth of reeds. Or maybe cli-
mate change is playing a role with higher sea levels and
rougher conditions giving the plants a battering as they
cling to the top of the mud banks.
The Environment Agency is making a final attempt to save
the species with help from Kew Gardens Millennium Seed
Bank, Natural England, the National Trust and ecologist Peter Nicholson from Panscape Environmental Con-
sultants.
The National Trust has given permission for a nursery area to be created at Cotehele where Triangular club-rush
plants will be specially grown for re-planting at other suitable locations in the estuary. The nursery, at Morden
Stream, was chosen because it has a suitable habitat offering bank stability, an open aspect and low salinity.
This latest rescue attempt builds on an earlier project in the 1990s when a number of plants were removed from
the Tamar and cultivated by Kew Gardens. Propagated plants from Kew were then planted at selected sites on
the estuary in 1997/1998 in a bid to boost a small population of native Triangular club-rush around Rumleigh
Quay. This work effectively saved the plant from extinction.
Since the introduction, the transplants have been closely monitored. Initially the plants seemed to be doing
quite well and the project was highlighted as a success but today sadly most plants have failed, including the
original native clump. The plant remains a critically endangered species and is fully protected under schedule 8
of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The decline of both the pure and hybrid forms of Triangular Club-rush is causing serious concern. This is our
last chance to save this critically endangered species. After careful research we have identified a handful of sites
where re-introduced plants will have the best chance of survival., said Jess Thomasson for the Environment
Agency.
In June 2010 staff from Kew and Wakehurst Place, the Millennium Seed Bank nursery where the plants were
grown, delivered the latest batch of Triangular Club-rush to the new nursery at Cotehele.
The re-planting of new club-rush on the Tamar is being supported through the Countryside Stewardship
Scheme. http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=563
By Robert Wood, Environment Agency
Triangular Club-rush Jess Thomasson

News
Summer
School children celebrate International Year of Biodiversity with
Atkins and Surrey Wildlife Trust
Squeals of delight and shrieks of laughter echoed around the grounds of the Atkins head office in Epsom on
Friday 21 May, as children from the nearby St Martins Church of England Aided Junior School joined ecologists
from Atkins and the Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) for an interactive biodiversity day to celebrate the United Na-
tions International Year of Biodiver-
sity.
The event also marked the launch of
the Trusts ECO programme, which
involves fun, curriculum-linked ac-
tivities exploring the natural habitats
and wildlife that exist in school
grounds. Atkins is sponsoring the
first ten workshops of the pro-
gramme.
The schoolchildren were able to get
closer to local wildlife as they ex-
plored habitats in the office grounds
and learned what more they can do
to preserve similar habitats. Expert
ecologists from Atkins and the Sur-
rey Wildlife Trust were on hand to introduce them to slow worms and to show off (quietly!) a badger set in the
woods near the office main entrance. They learned about ecosystem hierarchies and food chains through fast-
paced team games on the lawn and went hunting for mini-beasts in the foliage at the edge of the site.
One of the students reported: I never knew that some bees were having a hard time getting nectar and pollen.
This has encouraged me to make sure there are lots of flowers in my garden and not to make any more daisy
chains.
Kim Dawson, an ecologist in the Atkins Water & Environment division, said: We know that working with our
clients in the early stages of designing an infrastructure scheme such as the Olympic Park or the M25 can reap
huge benefits for wildlife. The biodiversity day with the children
from St Martins and sponsoring the Trusts ECO programme is
based on this principle. Introducing young people to ecology
early in life will hopefully inspire them to enjoy and care about
biodiversity throughout their lives. It was a great day and we
had just as much fun as the children! They were all interested to
learn about the wildlife living around our office and delighted
to discover that there will be all sorts of similar species living
around their own school playground.
St Martins head teacher, Chris Poole, said: The ECO pro-
gramme is an exciting initiative by Surrey Wildlife Trust and it
is commendable that local companies like Atkins are helping to
make it possible. The children really enjoyed being part of the
launch. As well as a fun day out, it provided a chance to learn
how they can make a difference to their immediate environment and its future.
SWT education officer, Louise Shorthose, said: The partnership with Atkins will enable us to get out into more
Laura Fewell
Laura Fewell

News
Summer
schools, reach a wider audience and, at the same time, encourage people to do more for wildlife especially
during the long, cold winter months.
Surrey Wildlife Trusts ECO programme aims to ensure childrens learning and education outside the classroom
continues whatever the season, as some children can often be classroom-bound during the colder autumn and
winter months, missing out on the educational and health benefits associated with an active, outdoor, hands-on
experience of nature. It also provides an opportunity to help teachers make the most of their school grounds for
education, showing how simple it can be to enhance their areas for wildlife. The SWT ECO programme for
schools is a strong opportunity for companies to support their local community and its wildlife and as such their
donations directly enhance the educational experience of local school children.

For more information please contact:
Imogen Parker, Head of Marketing & Communications, Water & Environment, Atkins
tel: 07834 507596, email: imogen.parker@atkinsglobal.com
or
Rachel Thomson, Communications Executive, tel 01483 795469,
email rachel.thomson@surreywt.org.uk

If you business would like to support SWTs ECO programme please call 01372 379509 or email nower-
wood@surreywt.org.uk
For more information about ecology at Atkins contact ecology@atkinsglobal.com.
More comments from the children:

The activity I enjoyed the most was doing he
interviews with the ecologists and I learnt a lot of
new things.
My favourite thing was looking for mini-beasts
under the logs and leaves.
My other favourite thing was sweeping with the
net and then finding out what amazing creatures
were in the undergrowth.
It was very exciting looking at the animals
through the magnifying glass.
I have learnt a lot of new things that will help me
to think more about wildlife in the future.
Laura Fewell

News
Summer
A call for Lead Partners for BAP invertebrates in England

The England Biodiversity Strategy Invertebrate Group (EBSIG) has sent out a call to conservation NGOs, statu-
tory bodies and other interested parties to sign up as Lead Partners for BAP invertebrates in England. Devolu-
tion has meant that Lead Partner responsibilities are now dealt with at country level. This shift in focus has given
us the opportunity to clarify what is expected of the Lead Partners and how they can contribute to invertebrate
conservation in England. We hope that Lead Partners who have been working with invertebrates at the UK level
will continue to act as champions for these species in England and co-ordinate delivery with Lead Partners in
other UK countries where appropriate.
Delivering invertebrate conservation generally requires a variety of different skills, resources and expertise, and
we envisage that, where possible, the new Lead Partner positions will be filled by teams of organisations and spe-
cies experts rather than by individual bodies. The UK BAP process has shown that species greatly benefit from
the activities of Lead Partners. We therefore encourage all interested parties to read through the draft Lead Part-
ner guidelines and fill out an application form, both of which can be provided on request or accessed through the
Buglife website at www.buglife.org.uk. As the field season is already upon us we are allowing a long applica-
tion period, which extends to 17 September.
Duncan Sivell, EBSIG
duncan.sivell@buglife.org.uk

The Young Darwin Prize calling all schools and youth groups
The Young Darwin Prize is a competition to find the best nature news videos. If your school or community
group is doing something practical to conserve biodiversity, why not make a short news report about it and en-
ter our fabulous competition? This is being run by the Natural History Museum as part of the International Year
of biodiversity www.youngdarwinprize.org
There are two entry categories; ages 711
years (Key Stage 2 or equivalent) and ages 1114
years (Key Stage 3 or equivalent). Groups of up to
10 children submit a short video, no longer than
two and a half minutes, reporting on a local biodi-
versity project.
Entries can be uploaded and viewed on the compe-
tition website; the closing date is 31 August 2010.
Our panel of experts will judge the entries and the
winners will be announced in October.

The first prize is 500 for the winning group in each age category to visit to a local biodiversity site of special in-
terest and class copies of a biodiversity book. Winners will be invited to a VIP event at the Natural History Mu-
seum to collect their prize and present their film. They will also go on a behind-the-scenes tour and meet a Mu-
seum scientist. Second prizes are class copies of a biodiversity book, free exhibition tickets and the opportunity
to meet a Museum scientist.
The Young Darwin Prize is organised by the Natural History Museum, supported by Defra. The competition is
open to schools and groups in England.

Features
Summer
Loving our Landscapes!
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced 10 earmarked first-round passes totalling 17m made through
its Landscape Partnership (LP) programme. This programme helps conserve areas of distinctive landscape
character and supports schemes that provide long-term social, economic and environmental benefits for rural
areas. The landscapes receiving HLF support are:
The White Cliffs of Dover Dame Vera Lynns favourite Kentish
coastline, made-up of distinctive white cliffs and chalk downlands;
The mid Tees Valley a lost landscape between the Yorkshire
Dales and North Pennines;
Druridge Bay a former mining area on Northumberlands
coast, characterised by mature woodland and Anglo-Saxon field
systems;
The Belfast Hills an arc of hills dramatically framing the city of
Belfast;
Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty picturesque
mountains and heathland habitats in County Down which pro-
vided the inspiration for CS Lewis kingdom of Narnia;
The Staffordshire Moorlands a substantial part of the Churnet
Valley bordering the Peak District National Park;
Meres and Mosses a flat glacial landscape in the dairying
country of north Shropshire and south Cheshire;
Clyde and Avon Valleys two valleys in Scotlands industrial
belt of Lanarkshire, defined by ancient woodlands and orchards;
Avalon Marshes low-lying, habitat-rich wetlands to the west of
Glastonbury in Somerset;
The Solway Plain remote Cumbrian wetlands originally shaped
by the agricultural practises of medieval Cistercian monks.
Over the past six years, HLF has been helping protect some of the UKs most treasured landscapes thanks to an
investment totalling 72m. The 45 landscapes which have been supported, stretching from Orkneys Scapa
Flow to the Isle of Wights Needles, reflect the wonders and diversity of this countrys natural heritage.
Dame Jenny Abramsky, Chair of the HLF, said:
Landscapes play a huge role in our lives and are often the backdrop to daily routines - but we mustnt take them for
granted. This significant investment by the Heritage Lottery Fund is important, particularly in the International Year of
Biodiversity, because it not only encourages people to work together effectively but gives them a greater sense of involve-
ment and connection to their own local landscape.
Nicholas Crane, writer and broadcaster, said:
"My work has enabled me to travel the world and see some breathtaking scenery along the way. But I
remain in awe of the range of landscapes we enjoy in the UK. I'm passionate about conserving our
beautiful countryside and coastlines, and am particularly delighted that HLF is funding schemes that
ensure that they are properly managed and enjoyed by as many people as possible."
Bondi Carrs Beach HLF

Features
Summer
The White Cliffs of Dover LP - first-round pass of 1,602,200 including 57,700 development funding
Made famous by singer Dame Vera Lynn, the White Cliffs of Dover are instantly recognisable covering
12,200ha of chalk downland around Dover and Folkestone. A rich mosaic of habitats is found here with or-
chids and butterflies being particularly plentiful. The project will help protect parts of the landscape by re-
moving scrub and maintaining grassland which in turn encourages the growth of flora and fauna. Conserva-
tion work will be undertaken on key built heritage features such as the Western Heights defensive site and
remnants from World War II. Local people will be encouraged to find out more about the area with an exten-
sive programme of activities including themed talks, demonstrations and guided walks. An education centre
will also be built at Samphire Hoe, the newest part of Kent which was created from chalk marl dug out to
make the Channel Tunnel.
Tees Vale and Barnard Castle LP first-round pass of 1,999,700 including 87,200 development funding
Proposals for this project focus on a 10,000ha area of the mid Tees Valley. Characterised by farmland, ancient
woodlands, small villages and country parks, the valley is known for its legacy of Roman roads, the lead min-
ing industry, the romantic ruins of Barnard Castle and the inspiration it gave to a number of distinguished
writers and artists, including Wordsworth, Dickens and Turner. This five-year conservation project will in-
volve the community through working with local partners and encouraging people to volunteer.
Druridge Bay LP first-round pass of 1,899,100 including 81,200 development funding
Northumberlands coastline is treasured for its beautiful beaches and rolling sand dunes. This scheme will
conserve the natural features of the landscape, particularly the dune system, which is being affected by
coastal erosion. Made up of a number of former pit-villages and restored open-cast coal sites, the surround-
ing area has high levels of social deprivation with people feeling little connection to their immediate sur-
roundings. One of the aims of the project is to work closely with the community to help people learn more
about the environment, including the local tradition of bee-keeping.
The Belfast Hills LP first-round pass of 1,217,800 including
60,100 development funding
The area surrounding Belfast comprises 4,400ha of upland land-
scape; a hugely symbolic backdrop for the city. This scheme will
help bring together a number of communities the inhabitants
of the rural Belfast Hills and those of the urban north and west
Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownabbey and rural Antrim. The recent
acquisition of the Divis and Black Mountain site along with
Slievenacloy, Colin Glen and Ligoniel (all HLF-supported) has
created a portfolio of projects which this scheme will help bring
together into one coherent management structure. Volunteering
will also play a key part in plans with walks, species surveying
and visitor guiding all helping to get local people actively in-
volved.
Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty first-round pass of 1,609,500 including 97,000
Mourne in County Down was made internationally famous by William Percy Frenchs song The Mountains of
Mourne which he wrote in 1896. Its spectacular scenery, made up of mountains, upland heath and blanket
bogs, is home to a large number of priority species including red grouse, juniper, the keeled skimmer, sundew
and butterwort. The landscape bears the legacy of an industrial past involving traditional farming, granite
quarrying and the construction of reservoirs. The project will focus on reconnecting people to both their natu-
ral and cultural heritage with opportunities to learn skills and take part in volunteering schemes. The man-
agement of the land will also be improved through more effective liaison with landowners.
Belfast Hills HLF

Features
Summer
Staffordshire Moorlands LP first-round pass of 1,999,000 including
100,000 development funding
Churnet Valley, lying to the north east of Stoke-on-Trent, has an interest-
ing mixture of rural landscapes and industrial quarries, limekilns, canals
and railways. The scheme aims to improve land management and encour-
age better transport links so that visitors without access to cars can fully
enjoy the 20,000ha area, which includes Weaver Hills and Ipstones Edge.
Local people will learn new heritage skills such as dry stone walling and
hedgelaying with the potential for both paid and voluntary job opportuni-
ties.
The Meres and Mosses LP first-round pass of 1,055,400, including 82,400 development funding
The pastoral landscape of the Meres and Mosses is made up of glacial lakes, canals, wetlands, heathlands and
small hills. Beginning at Ellesmere in Shropshire, this 17,200ha area also encompasses Malpas in Cheshire. The
habitats, created in the Ice Age, are unique with hedgerow damsons being a particularly special local feature.
Shropshire Wildlife Trust and its partners plan to give residents a greater insight into the importance of con-
serving this special area by bringing them together with landowners and environment agencies to learn more
about it. An exciting range of volunteering activities will be on offer including working on professionally-led
archaeological digs and monitoring habitats and species.
Clyde and Avon Valley LP first-round pass of 2,000,000 including 100,000 development funding
The valleys of Clyde and Avon are in Scotlands central belt, covering 12,900ha of land. The rivers gorges are
home to ancient woodlands and orchards where a wonderful array of birdlife such as warblers, bullfinches
and kingfishers can be spotted. Historically, the area was known for its fruit growing and coal and steel in-
dustries. Plans include running a programme of practical activities to encourage local volunteering. This will
include woodland management, stone conservation, traditional crafts and trades and soft fruit production.
Avalon Marshes LP first-round pass of 1,867,900 including 95,400 development funding
Somersets Avalon Marshes include four national nature reserves, a special protection area for birds and 25
scheduled ancient monuments. This 15,300ha of land is in the Brue valley to the west of Glastonbury; it is char-
acterised by flat open landscape, wet pasture and woodlands and prominent hills such as Glastonbury Tor (a
local Celtic word meaning conical hill). A large part of the project will involve maintaining appropriate water
levels in the area. Traditional grazing techniques will be restored along with archaeological and peat industry
features. The scheme will also encourage people to take part in volunteering and training programmes with
local farmers getting involved.
The Solway Wetlands LP first-round pass of 1,981,700, including 98,500 development funding
Covering the central portion of the Solway Coast Area of Natural Beauty
(AONB), this area of north-west Cumbria is plentiful in historic, cultural
and archaeological features. It includes nationally rare habitats such as
salt marsh and peat bogs and a dense network of rivers, streams and
ditches which are important for migratory wildfowl and wading birds as
well as threatened species such as the natterjack toad. The scheme will
restore and conserve different parts of the natural and built landscape,
including 12 wetland sites and traditional Cumberland hedges. It will
also improve access to the wetlands for visitors and those wishing to
learn more about the landscape. A priority will be looking at long-term
environmental initiatives such as storing carbon to help climate change and supporting the economy through
the development of local produce and sustainable tourism.
Wetlands Stephen Davis
Moorlands Charlie Hedley

Features
Summer
Bulmers Cider Productiontowards more sustainable orchard
management: Pollinators & Predators
Background:
International, regional and national policies
1
now tell us that the protection and enhancement of biodiversity,
habitat diversity and rare and scarce species, is crucially important for a sustainable world. Not only does wild-
life directly enrich lives through leisure and learning, it provides vital ecosystem services for humanity and all
its inhabitants.
One such sector that relies greatly on the
presence of healthy natural ecosystems is
agriculture. In particular, most crops require
pollination so thriving populations of polli-
nating species, whether bats, bees, butterflies
or otherwise, is paramount. Furthermore,
insect pests cost the agricultural industry in
the UK millions of pounds each year in dam-
age and control. Providing a more inviting
habitat (which in general, means a more bio-
diverse one) for predators of these insect
pests, and for pollinators, is not only a good
strategy for wildlife but also for farmers.
Emily Durrant
2
has been engaged by Bulm-
ers to work with Richard Heathcote, Sustain-
able Development Manager, Chris Fairs,
Growers' Advisory Manager and a number
of Bulmers' contract growers to establish
and monitor orchard trials that seek to im-
prove fruit production efficiency and biodiversity, while encouraging sustainability through lowering their or-
chards' carbon footprint.

Cider
The cider industry is heavily reliant on a consistent supply of apples - UK bittersweet apples most of all and
therefore has significant interest in preservation and enhancement of pollinator populations and pest predators.
One way that famers can help is by creating better, safer habitats for both pollinators and predators.

Research Brief
Orchard alley sward is designed with practicality in mind, particularly for maintaining a soft yet hardy surface
for apple cushioning at harvest and use of heavy machinery. Such sward usually consists of a pure grass mix.
However, grass mixes do not provide the right type and quantity of pollen to attract large numbers of wide-
ranging pollinator species. It also lacks the diversity in food and shelter, or quantity thereof, for many predator
species to pupate and survive in the orchard soil. It is those predators that help to control insect pests in or-
chards and reduce the necessity for insecticide spray.
Some orchards are now being enhanced for wildlife by the planting of species which attract pollinators in the
sward. Examples include clover-rich swards and wildflower swards. There is some reluctance amongst farmers
female banded demoiselle Nicola Davies

Features
Summer
to adopt this strategy as it is perceived to be labour intensive and impractical as a surface for harvesting and
use of heavy machinery.
Thus, this research will aim to;
Confirm/refute results of previous studies which suggest that sward type and management can influ-
ence presence of pollinators on orchards
Determine the effect of sward type on presence of insect pest predators in sward
Determine whether sward type can provide a practical surface for harvesting and heavy machinery, and
which surface therefore provides the best all round benefits.

Methodology:
Select four existing orchards with varying sward types: grass sward, clover rich sward, wildflower sward and
an historic permanent pasture sward. Tree variety and age should be comparable and surrounding ecology as
similar as possible.
Full bloom (~mid-late May):
Perform ecological surveys to determine pollinator and predator populations, diversity and presence or rare or
scarce species at each orchard
Harvest (~August-November):
Make a qualitative assessment of; crop condition (i.e. damage/bruising) to indicate suitability of sward for har-
vesting surface; ease of harvesting (i.e. smooth harvest or tendrils/stems tangling in harvester/sward lifting/
trash in harvest); condition of sward after harvest

Repeat over 2-3 years

The results of these trials will be freely shared with the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) and
their growers.

Emily Durrant
1. Inc. the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, the Bern Convention, the Convention on International Trade in Endan-
gered Species of wild fauna and Flora, The 1992 Habitats Directive, the Wildlife and Countryside Act (UK) and the UK Biodiver-
sity Action Plan.
2. Durrants Sustainable Food and Farming

Features
Summer
Charlie Dimmock helps gardeners tackle non-native invasive aquatic plants

Britains gardeners were given a call to arms earlier this year by Charlie Dimmock and Defra to help stop the
spread of non-native invasive aquatic plants from damaging the natural environment at a cost of millions to the
economy.
The campaign, called Be Plant Wise, focused on
raising awareness of invasive non-native aquatic
plants among gardeners and pond plant retailers,
encouraging them to use the plants responsibly
and to dispose of them correctly.
Many invasive non-native aquatic species are
common garden pond plants. While these plants
cause few problems in garden ponds, they have,
over the years, become established in the wild
where they can cause huge and costly problems,
clogging up waterways, strangling natural habi-
tats and causing problems in natural drainage
channels.
Gardeners can often unwittingly exacerbate the
problem by disposing of unwanted pond plants
without composting them properly, throwing out pond water incorrectly, or inadvertently introducing species
to the wild.
The Be Plant Wise campaign urged gardeners and retailers to Know what you
grow, Compost with care and Stop the spread.
Defra worked very closely with retailers of pond plants across the country in
order to spread the campaign messages to pond owners with a range of mar-
keting material featuring the campaign messages, to display around their
stores and help them advise their customers on good management of non-
native invasive species.
Charlie Dimmock championed the campaign helping to raise the profile of the
campaign in the media and provide a high profile voice to deliver the mes-
sages to a wide audience.
A webpage, featuring an information video presented by Charlie Dimmock,
was also set up on direct.gov to support the campaign and provide an accessi-
ble source of information for pond owners.
This targeted and action led approach helped ensure Be Plant Wise was a great
success. Key achievements include getting over 200 retailers involved in the
campaign; receiving extensive media coverage across national and regional
newspapers, TV and radio which reached over 17.5 million UK adults; gaining
over 4,000 views (to date) of the campaign video featuring Charlie Dimmock;
and just under 10,500 views (to date) of the campaign website www.direct.gov.uk/beplantwise.
Throughout the campaign Defra worked closely with the Great Britain Non-native Species Secretariat and the
Scottish Government as well as various major organisations such as The Environment Agency, Plantlife, The
Horticultural Trades Association and the Ornamental and Aquatic Trade Association.
Eleanor Hart, Defra
Charlie Dimmock in River Wandle clearing Pennywort Defra
Charlie Dimmock clearing garden
pond of pennywort Defra

Features
Summer
The National Biodiversity Network sharing information about wildlife

The National Biodiversity Network (NBN) last submitted an article for Biodiversity News in May 2003! At that
time the present version of the NBN Gateway had not even been officially launched the version then available
was very different to the one holding over 50 million species records that we have today!
The working version of the Gateway didnt officially launch until 2004 when it made approximately 15 million
records available. At the time, that number was a momentous achievement, only four years after the inception
of the NBN Trust, which provides the facilitative role for the Network itself, and yet back then it was hard to
imagine getting to the level we are at today.
What is the NBN?
These may be interesting facts, but there may also be many
readers amongst you who dont know what the NBN or the
NBN Gateway is. The NBN is a collaboration of organisa-
tions which are all committed to sharing biodiversity data
and making it freely and publicly available. The organisa-
tions involved range from the government agencies, research
organisations, local record centres, conservation charities and
local and national recording groups. Some of you may well
be members. The NBN Gateway is the internet portal that
allows anyone to access this information - www.nbn.org.uk
The NBN Gateway and the data providers
The number of organisations currently providing data to the Gateway is 132 with 463 separate data sets cover-
ing 40,000 species. Importantly, each of those data providers retains ownership of their data, so in essence, the
Gateway simply acts as a data warehouse. This is an important point in how the NBN works since it means that
full control remains entirely in the hands of the data providers. It also indicates the vital role that data providers
have in the NBN, without them it wouldnt exist.
The Gateway allows users to search for information on species across the UK from 10km scale up to six figure
grid reference detail in some cases. It is possible to select only BAP species or a particular site and it also allows
the data to be time sliced to show how distribution is changing.
The Gateway has undergone many upgrades since it launched and the most recent one has made the identity of
the data providers more visible through the use of their logos alongside their respective datasets. It also now
organises the datasets in order of the number of records provided, so those organisations which contribute the
most records appear at the top of the list. These changes were requested by our data providers with whom we
work closely to understand their wants and needs.
Current developments
Ongoing developments relate to NBN web services and an online recording tool. Web services allow another
website to display distribution maps on their own website, thus retaining their own brand identity, but powered
by data from the NBN Gateway. This is a great way of really using the NBN. We are also developing Indicia,
an online recording tool, which allows anyone to set up their own online recording system. This will be a very
useful tool especially with the number of participatory surveys which are now taking place. And if you are wor-
ried about the quality of data that results from these surveys, then the NBN validator tool, which launches in the
summer, will help to uncover records that need further checking, or those with small errors. This is available as
a beta release from the NBN web site http://www.nbn.org.uk/Useful-things/NBN-Gateway.aspx#software

Features
Summer
NBN guidance documents
The Gateway is a fundamental part of the NBN, but as we advocate standards and best practice across the re-
cording community, we have also produced a number of publications designed to help specific sectors of the
Network.
The Guides to Running a Biological Recording Scheme or Survey and Improving Wildlife Data Quality are
written as advisory documents for those who are already involved in recording at one level or another. The
new Darwin Guide to Recording Wildlife is aimed at a new generation of biological recorders; schoolchildren;
wildlife enthusiasts or perhaps those who already know a little bit about recording and want to know how to
get more involved. The Darwin Guide could be particularly useful for anyone who is going to be running a
BioBlitz.
All of our Guides are free to order or download from the website.
The NBN is changing as technology and participation in the Network increases, but hopefully this brief article
has given you a flavour of what the NBN is all about today.
Find out more
If you would like to find out more please visit our website www.nbn.org.uk There you can find out all about
the Network, search the Gateway and discover what biodiversity events are taking place on our special events
calendar. You can also sign up to receive the NBN e-newsletter so that you are kept up to date with the latest
news and developments from across the Network.
You can also contact us at support@nbn.org.uk
Mandy Henshall, NBN Trust Communications Officer

Features
Summer
Westons Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) Agreement

Westons HLS demonstrates how bush orchards and traditional orchards can be managed for both cider fruit
production and wildlife.

Bush Orchards
The innovative Westons agreement
looked at how we can manage wildlife
around bush orchards. The options
were targeted to two of Natural Eng-
lands most wanted farmland birds:
the tree sparrow and the turtle dove.
The margins around the orchards have
been planted with wildbird seed mixes,
(game cover crops specifically de-
signed for small seed eating bird spe-
cies) nectar flower mixes and flower
rich margins. The flower mixes were
used to benefit insect life (which will
also help attract pollinating insects for
the orchards). The hedgerows have
also been managed for nesting and
bird cover.
The HLS options were discussed and
determined before the bush orchards were planted, thus allowing Westons to plan accordingly. Payment rates
for the margins ranged depending on the options chosen:
Flower rich margins (last for 10 years of the agreement) - 485/ha
Wild bird seed mixes (established annually and biannually) 475/ha
Nectar flower mixes (established every 2-3years with legume mixes) - 450/ha
The bush orchards are managed for optimum cider apple production, with the wildlife margins managed for
optimum wildlife production.
HLS agreements with bush orchards do need a targeted feature (e.g. farmland bird or priority river catch-
ment). A quick chat with your local Natural England adviser will inform you of your options.

Traditional Orchards
Traditional Orchards are now a priority habitat under the Biodiversity Action Plan. These orchards have been
recognised for their wildlife, landscape and cultural value. This makes traditional orchards a targeted feature
in their own right. Westons has a good network of traditional orchards, totalling 17.81 ha and this extensively
managed habitat complemented the more intensive bush orchards.
Natural England has targeted payments designed to help manage, restore and create Traditional Orchards.
They are targeted to 'highest grade' orchards in areas characterised by their Traditional Orchards, as such
Herefordshire is a high target for these habitats.
Under the scheme an annual payment of 250 per hectare per year is paid to maintain tree form, prevent live-
stock damage and ensure annual pruning and sward management. To qualify, these orchards will maintain
mature trees, deadwood (fallen and standing) and be managed extensively. Sites can be restored through
pruning (to increase longevity, but retain deadwood) and replanting (using varieties traditional to the area).
Please contact Geoff Newman of Natural England on 0300 060 1597 if you would like to know more.
Herefordshire Council

Local & Regional
Summer
Londons Green Corners Awards
Calling on Londoners who turn the capital green

The Conservation Foundation launched its Green Corners
Awards in April and invited all Londoners to join the cam-
paign to make London one of the worlds greenest and
most biodiverse capital cities. The search is now on to find
the beautiful, unusual, unexpected, inspirational, gorgeous,
delicious and witty green corners.

The Green Corners Awards celebrate Londoners whose often
out of the way green spaces improve the quality of life for
people living and working in the capital. Inclusive and in-
spiring, they enable anyone to play a part in making London
greener and also generate great goodwill in communities.

This year the awards emphasise the vital role green corners
play in encouraging and supporting biodiversity throughout
London. Says Conservation Foundation Director David
Shreeve, 2010 is the UNs International Year of Biodiversity
and Londons Green Corners could well make the capital one
of the most biodiverse places in the world. He continues,
Whilst Green Corners may be small, often secret places,
they can be home to a host of plants and insects which added
together play an important role in the quality of life and
health of Londoners.

The Foundation, with support from the Tanner Trust, is run-
ning the awards over a full year, showing Londons hidden
green gems which come into their own at different times through the seasons. Says David Shreeve, As well as
bringing biodiversity to the urban landscape, they will enable individuals, communities and business to play
their part in greening the city for the 2012 Olympics.

This is a gardening competition where you dont need to have a garden to enter and the Foundation is also look-
ing for individuals to nominate Green Corners which are looked after by neighbours, or strangers who nurture
pavement plantings, roof terraces, balconies or simple window sills, alleyways or sacred spaces providing wel-
come breaks from the urban rush.

Other Green Corners worthy of awards are community areas, playgrounds with
childrens flowers and vegetable plots, mews transformed by green fingered
neighbours, and green additions to bus stops and stations which brighten journeys.

The individual categories are:
Community Green Corners - urban green spaces cared for and shared by peo-
ple living nearby (supported and judged by Archant London).
Edible Green Corners where herbs, fruit and vegetables thrive (supported and
judged by Capital Growths campaign for 2012 new food growing spaces).
Alley Way. Previous winner of Londons Green Cor-
ners Award Karen Gurrey

Local & Regional
Summer
Green Corners for Health and Wellbeing in offices and public buildings, as well as shops, hotels and
restaurants which boost physical and mental wellbeing.
On The Move green corners on boats, bikes, buses, trains, tubes, taxis or at stations and bus stops and
visible from them as you pass.
Mews Green Corners made colourful by green fingered neighbours (sponsored and judged by Lurot
Brand).
No Mans Land unloved and uncared for strips of land, alleyways or cut throughs.
Pavement Green Corners - pavement patches and tree wells (in association with Guerrilla Gardenings
Pimp Your Pavement).
Roof terraces, balconies, basements and window sills with bird and insect loving plants (sponsored and
judged by Capital Gardens).
Sacred Spaces - peaceful places for quiet reflection (sponsored and judged by Natural England).
School Green Corners where pupils and teachers get together to turn grey spaces green (in association
with Tools Shed).
Water-wise Green Corners planted to flourish whatever the weather (sponsored and judged by Thames
Water).
Young Londoners green corners
created by young people under
25.

The Judging Panel includes Christo-
pher Woodward, Director of the Garden
Museum, botanist David Bellamy and
actress and keen gardener Susan Hamp-
shire.

Monthly winners will be chosen for
each category who will receive a certifi-
cate and local publicity and go forward
to the final for judging at the beginning
of 2011. Winners will receive special
Green Corners prize and the nomina-
tors will be given a bottle of cham-
pagne. The overall winner of Londons
Green Corners will be presented with
The Conservation Foundations 25
th
An-
niversary Trophy.

For more information on Londons Green Corners Awards and details of how to enter, visit
www.conservationfoundation.co.uk
Front Garden. Entered for On The Move category of Londons Green Cor-
ners Awards Richard Barnes

Local & Regional
Summer
Welsh daffodils thrive again
Real Welsh daffodils were nodding in the spring sunshine this year on roadside verges and in the wild
meadows of Wales
A project to harvest seed from wild daf-
fodils in North Wales means that real
Welsh daffodils will be available for
planting projects in the countryside in-
stead of cultivated varieties. This is one
of the success stories to come from the
Flora locale Wild Meadows Initiative.
The Welsh daffodil project is a partner-
ship between Snowdonia National Park
Authority, North Wales Trunk Road
Agency, Glynllifon Tree Nursery, the
National Botanic Gardens of Wales and
Flora locale. Welsh daffodils in the coun-
tryside is a delight to Iolo Williams, pa-
tron of the Wild Meadows of Wales ini-
tiative and S4C Natur Cymru presenter.
Im absolutely delighted that something positive is finally being done to tackle the problem of local councils
planting cultivated alien daffodils when native Welsh daffodils are struggling to survive in the wild.
Flora locale deserves the utmost credit for starting this project and I for one am looking forward to the day
when native daffodils are, once again, flowering in our local woodlands and roadside verges.
Last year Flora locale held a seminar Welsh wild plants for landscape and biodiversity. A bilingual report* is
now on the agenda at meetings of the Welsh Biodiversity Partnership, Natur and Plant Link Cymru and will be
carried forward in Welsh policy. The report draws together information from the workshops as recommenda-
tions to enhance biodiversity, encourage and support the use of native flora, and improve education of botany
and Welsh wild plants. As well as the Welsh daffodil project there are other initiatives across Wales where lo-
cally harvested seed is being used. The Gower Wildflower and Local Produce Centre, which opened during
2009, has local plants for sale and shows areas of created habitats to inspire and inform. Theres also a caf with
delicious local food!
The National Botanic Gardens of Wales shop will be selling small amounts of wild meadow seed harvested
from Waun Las National Nature Reserve last summer. Volunteers who gathered Devils-bit Scabious seed are
growing it on to create plug plants, to extend an area of habitat for Marsh Fritillary butterflies. This is a partner-
ship project between Carmarthenshire County Council and Butterfly Conservation. Pembrokeshire Coast Na-
tional Park harvested wild meadow seed from a donor site to sow on a local meadow being restored to enhance
the species diversity. Brecon Beacons National Park and Gwent Wildlife Trust continue to harvest and distrib-
ute local wild meadow seed.
If you are involved in a project in Wales that is using native plants or seeds, get in touch with Flora locale and
have your work featured as a case study to help others do the same.
The Flora locale administered Wild Meadows Initiative aims to promote the restoration, good management and
appreciation of wildflower grasslands
*Welsh wild plants for landscape and biodiversity report is available to download from
www.wildmeadows.org.uk. Contact the Flora locale office: info@floralocale.org or 01672 515723 for the printed
report.
Ray Woods

Local & Regional
Summer
Purbeck Important Ponds Project

One third of countryside ponds have disappeared since the 1940s
in the UK, and the latest Countryside Survey reports that 80% of
lowland ponds are now in poor or very poor condition. Ponds can
be extremely diverse habitats containing even more invertebrates
than rivers, and in 2007 ponds were finally recognised as a UK Pri-
ority Habitat.
Purbeck district is known to contain many ponds of high wildlife
value, and a great opportunity existed for rebuilding biodiversity
in the area by creating a network of new ponds within priority ar-
eas and/or restoring existing ponds. In 2009, Dorset Wildlife
Trust secured funding from Biffaward, Dorset AONB and the En-
vironment Agency for the Purbeck Important Ponds Project, a 2
year programme developed to address targets in the draft national
Pond Habitat Action Plan by:
Compiling an Inventory of all Purbecks countryside ponds and a shortlist of top Flagship ponds
Surveying 30 of the best ponds for macroinvertebrates and plants
Creating and/or restoring 40 ponds
To date, details of over 1000 ponds have been added to a pond GIS layer and DWT staff have worked with
landowners and community members to restore and create clean water ponds which have the potential to be-
come Priority ponds, as defined in the HAP. The survey work has yielded some extremely exciting finds, in-
cluding new records of BAP species such the rare aquatic fern pillwort Pilularia globulifera, the liverwort pitted
frillwort, Fossombronia foveolata and extensions of great crested newt metapopulations. Several notable and
Red Data Book (RDB) water beetle species have been found as well as a tiny notable water cricket Micovelia
pigmaea which is only 2mm long and walks on the water like a water skater. The notable small red damselfly
Ceriagrion tenellum and Downy Emerald Cordulia aenea have also been recorded. One of the highlights has been
finding the caddis fly Tricoleiochiton fagesii, a hydroptilid caddis that is less than 1 cm long and builds a case of
transparent material unadorned with the usual bits of sand or plant remains. This species has never been re-
corded before in Dorset and has only been found in 8 other sites across the whole country and is about to be
given RDB3 status.

This project has proven extremely popular with landowners, volunteers, local people and the many experts
who live in the Purbeck district, and forms part of a wider living landscape partnership approach to conserva-
tion in this biodiversity hotspot.
Dr Rachel Janes
Dorset Wildlife Trust, Brooklands Farm, Forston, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 7AA
01305 264620 rjanes@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Downy Emerald Ken Dolbear

Local & Regional
Summer
A Living Landscape in Wild Penwith

Living Landscapes is Cornwall Wildlife Trusts big plan
to work at the landscape scale. The Living Landscapes
concept aims to take conservation a step further than
just concentrating on nature reserves and SSSIs, by
working to ensure these and other valuable areas of
wildlife habitat are well managed but also well con-
nected through the countryside. Linking existing habi-
tats is key to allow wildlife to move around the country-
side, giving it a better chance to adapt to changes, such
as development pressures or climate change. Without
such links, habitats become fragmented and populations
isolated, making wildlife more vulnerable. People as
well as wildlife stand to benefit from Living Landscapes
which perform other functions, such as water and car-
bon storage, making our countryside more robust and
resilient and better able to withstand storms or flooding.
Cornwall Wildlife Trusts first Living Landscapes project, Wild Penwith, is a five year programme funded by the
Tubney Charitable Trust, Natural England and South West Water (SWW). The project is based in West Penwith,
where we will be working to reconnect and restore fragmented habitats from high rough ground and heathland,
across the wetlands of the Drift catchment and down to the coast. We will be working with landowners, the Farm-
ing Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) and Natural England to encourage positive management and restoration of
habitats. Wild Penwith farm visits provide landowners with advice and guidance for the sensitive management of
their wildlife habitats and help and encourage them to enrol into agri-environment schemes to secure the future of
valuable habitats.
Drift Reservoir, in the centre of the project area, is known to be affected
by diffuse agricultural pollution and the project will also focus on wa-
ter quality. Wild Penwith is part of SWW Upstream Thinking pro-
gramme. OFWAT (the regulating body for the water industry) has
agreed the Upstream Thinking approach which is investing in pro-
jects helping landowners tackle diffuse agricultural pollution on the
ground, recognising that this is more effective than running com-
plex water treatment works downstream to remove soil and fertilizers
which belong on the land. This is a truly ground breaking approach
because it tackles the source of the problem, enhancing water quality
across the whole catchment, promoting healthy wetlands, improving
biodiversity, raising awareness and helping landowners. This ap-
proach will be a more efficient, sustainable and cost effective way of
providing clean drinking water, while addressing climate change risks, so can only be a good thing!
Wild Penwith will work with the Environment Agency to monitor water quality, and with FWAG to advise farm-
ers on issues such as soil and water management by providing them with free soil tests which can flag up potential
pollution issues on farms, such as soil compaction or over-use of fertilizers. Such issues are costly to farmers and
detrimental to water quality and wildlife; using soil tests to identify these is beneficial for wildlife and farmers
alike. Wild Penwith also has a small capital grant available to landowners in the project area for management op-
erations to care for their wildlife habitats.
Liz Cox, Wild Penwith Project Manager
Cattle overlooking Drift Reservoir Davip Chapman
Heathland Lucy Wilson

Local & Regional
Summer
Argyll & Bute Local Biodiversity Partnership

As this is the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) 2010, most of you will be familiar with the logo, it is im-
portant that we in Argyll and Bute celebrate this important milestone in the process by being active in con-
serving our biodiversity.
The partnership is busy with a number of high profile projects. They are assisting with the review of the Lo-
cal Biodiversity Action Plan, facilitating the Rhododendron ponticum Action Group, Woodland Grazing Project
and the newly formed Atlantic Hazelwoods Action Group (AHAG) which, has a remit to support the Spe-
cies Framework for Action project on the Hazel Gloves fungus .
The Schools in Argyll and Bute have been taking stock of what they can do to promote biodiversity in their
school grounds. Over the years, the schools have participated in a number of projects to support learning
through the Curriculum for Excellence and the Local Biodiversity Action Plan. This year we are promoting a
national project focussed on woodlands in and around schools and in light of IYB 2010, we are encouraging
schools to get out and about to carry out some survey work. The biodiversity website; www.argyll-
bute.gov.uk/biodiversity/ has a whole host of information and links to a variety of species organisations.
As Argyll and Bute Council Biodiversity Officer, I have developed the Argyll and Bute Biodiversity Strategy
and Action Plan to ensure that the Council meets its duty under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act
2004. This work involves all departments in the council and it was adopted in June 2009. I am currently
working on a Roadside verge Biodiversity Action and Management Plan. At national level, I am involved in
the Scottish Working Group for Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) and the Farmland and Lowland Ecosys-
tem Group. The work on INNS continues down the legal route and the ecosystem group has produced an
implementation plan.
Finally, to finish on a bright note, well two actually, the freshwater project Make the Link with your Sink
was second in the Observer Ethical Awards in June 2009 and the CSV have announced a small funding pack-
age for community groups. Scottish Natural Heritage and Morrissons Supermarket have put together a fund-
ing package, see the website www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/biodiversity/ for further details. Some community
groups have already tapped into this source of funding and I would encourage others to follow suit. I have
contacted community groups and community councils to take up this much needed funding.
Have a good IYB 2010
Marina Curran-Colthart, Local Biodiversity Officer.
Email: marina.curran-colthart@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Hazel Gloves fungus Lucy Sumsion.

Local & Regional
Summer
Parish Wildlife Map Toolkit

The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Sustainable Development Fund has assisted the
Hampshire Wildlife Trust in producing a parish wildlife map toolkit to help local people measure and protect
the biodiversity found in their local area. A parish wildlife map is a graphical representation of some of the key
habitats and species within a parish, town or village boundary, created by surveys and background information.
It is hoped that the Parish Wildlife Map Toolkit will inspire people in the North Wessex Downs AONB and be-
yond to take action, experience the great outdoors, meet new people and learn more about the fantastic wildlife
to be found in their neighbourhoods. Participants using the booklet will find simple instructions on how to
make a Wildlife Map and how it can support the welfare of local species and habitats.
Meadows, woodlands, hedgerows, ponds, rivers and
other wetlands are constantly changing, year by year,
and decade by decade. With guidance from the Parish
Wildlife Map Toolkit, people will be able to make a
lasting record of the wildlife thats around today. Such
survey and research can be used as a reference not only
for current conservation work but also as a lasting leg-
acy for generations to come.
This resource is intended to help communities who
wish to include environmental aims in their Commu-
nity Led Planning process. This is a step-by-step struc-
tured process, taken on by local community activists, to
create a vision for a community and an action plan to
achieve it. The resulting vision covers the social, eco-
nomic, environmental and cultural well-being of every-
one in the community.
Community-Led Planning is just one of a range of ini-
tiatives being supported by the North Wessex Downs
AONB, who recently published their five year Manage-
ment Plan outlining the objectives for all the partners
involved in the preservation and enhancement of the
area. Other projects include the Downland Heritage
Initiative, support for environmental stewardship and
projects to encourage visitors to the AONB.
As part of a family of protected landscapes across the
UK, the North Wessex Downs is supporting the aims of
the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity, as declared
by the United Nations. AONBs contain this countrys
finest landscapes and countryside and are home to some of our most exquisite and unusual wildlife species.
The North Wessex Downs AONB is currently offering support to any communities in the area who wish to help
pilot this toolkit. For more information please contact Oliver Cripps, on 01488 680457
(olivercripps@northwessexdowns.org.uk) or Elizabeth Allinson, Senior Conservation Officer with the Hamp-
shire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust on 01256 381186.

Local & Regional
Summer
The shrill carder bee a bumble on the brink!
There are more than 20 species of bumblebee in the UK and almost all are thought to have declined. The shrill
carder bee has been hit hardest by loss of habitat and can now be found in just a few isolated populations where
large areas of suitable habitat remain. Assisted by the North Wessex Downs AONB Sustainable Development
Fund, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust has produced a leaflet to inform farmers and land managers about
managing habitats for the shrill carder bee. To support viable populations, the shrill carder bee requires very
extensive areas of suitable foraging habitat, in the order of 10 to 12 square kilometres. The loss of the once wide-
spread extensive flower rich areas from Britain means that the shrill carder bee, having once been widespread
and common in southern England, is now restricted to a few population centres. This includes the Vale of
Pewsey in the North Wessex Downs AONB. The North Wessex Downs is a unique and spectacular landscape
that includes tranquil open downland, ancient woodland and chalk streams accross areas of Wiltshire, Berk-
shire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire.
The North Wessex Downs AONB, and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust will now be working with their part-
ners, through initiatives such as the recently launched Campaign for the Farmed Environment to spread the
word among the agricultural industry. Through the use of environ-
mental stewardship options for grasslands, arable land and bounda-
ries, it is hoped to increase the pollen rich flower species on which the
bumblebee lifecycle depends. Managing habitats for bumblebees has
many benefits:
Provides important pollinators for crops, some of which are entirely
dependent on bumblebees
Supports the many wild plants which depend on them
Helps to maintain the diversity of our countryside
Boosts populations of other UKBAP priority species

For further information on the leaflet, or opportunities for habitat maintenance and restoration, please contact
Dr Pippa Rayner of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust on 07792 136928, or at pippa.rayner@stir.ac.uk.

Sheffields White-Clawed Crayfish: A Successful Rescue, a Remaining Threat
Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Wildlife Trust, the Environ-
ment Agency and experienced ecologists have worked to-
gether to save a population of Sheffields white-clawed cray-
fish Austropotamobius pallipes from a crayfish plague outbreak
on one of its rivers.
Sheffields white-clawed crayfish populations, like those
across the UK, are at risk of local extinctions due to invading
North American signal crayfish and the plague that they
carry. The Porter Brook in south-west Sheffield currently sup-
ports one of the few remaining populations of white-clawed
crayfish in the city. In October 2009 there was an outbreak of
the virulent crayfish plague in the Brook.
Crayfish plague can cause total mortality in white-clawed
Porter Brook drawn down Phil Eades
Bombus lucorum queen Edward Palmer

Local & Regional
Summer
crayfish populations within a few weeks of its introduction. As a consequence urgent discussions between
members of Sheffield Crayfish Working Group led to an emergency rescue operation from the upper limit of
the white-clawed crayfish population on 12
th
November 2009 where a short section of the river upstream of the
plague outbreak was drawn-down and 606 crayfish removed.
420 white-clawed crayfish were released 500-700m upstream of the rescue site and 186 white-clawed crayfish
were transported to a newly established Environment Agency quarantine site. The 420 white-clawed crayfish
released upstream of the rescue site were moved in order to increase the distance between them and the cray-
fish plague in an attempt to save them from infection. The release site was above a weir which should pose as a
major barrier to the transfer of the crayfish plague. The 186 quarantined white-clawed crayfish were kept over
winter in order to monitor any signs of infection from the crayfish plague. The intention of this quarantine was
to provide a plague free stock of local provenance white-clawed crayfish for re-introduction back into the
Sheffield area during spring 2010.
During winter 2009/10 a search for a new
safe site, known as an Ark site for the
quarantined white-clawed crayfish was
undertaken by Paul Bradley and Phil
Eades, two expert crayfish ecologists. After
the consideration of 26 potential sites a site
was found to receive the crayfish on the
prerequisite that they were not carrying the
plague.
In April 2010 after a total of 5 monitoring
visits to the quarantined crayfish, they
were assessed to be plague free and were
translocated back to Sheffield and into their
new home.
The translocation of white-clawed crayfish
populations is a relatively high-risk strat-
egy that should only be used as a last resort;
however, this rescue operation has increased the chances of survival of the Porter Brook white-clawed crayfish
population against invading signal crayfish and crayfish plague.
The largest threats that remain to the survival of the Porter Brook white-clawed crayfish is the transfer of signal
crayfish and crayfish plague by man.
Signal crayfish are present in the South-East of Sheffield and are a large threat to not only the remaining popu-
lations of white-clawed crayfish in Sheffield but to the biodiversity of our streams and rivers as a whole.

Suzannah Dangerfield Crayfish Conservation Officer for Crayfish Action Sheffield suzan-
nah.dangerfield@sheffield.gov.uk

Crayfish Action Sheffield is a project funded by Esme Fairbairn Foundation with support from Sheffield City
Council, the Environment Agency and Sheffield Wildlife Trust. The objective of the project is to maintain and
increase white-clawed crayfish populations in Sheffield though habitat enhancement, public education and the
creation of a bio-secure ark site for white-clawed crayfish.
White-clawed crayfish Suzannah Dangerfield

Local & Regional
Summer
River South Esk Catchment Partnership - Angus
Invasive Non Native Weeds Eradication Project
The River South Esk catchment (area 613 km
2
) is on the east coast of Scotland, is about 49 miles long (79 km)
and is entirely within the county of Angus. The river is a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for
Atlantic salmon and freshwater pearl mussels whilst Montrose Basin,
the large enclosed estuary of the River South Esk is a Ramsar site, Spe-
cial Protection Area , Site of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature
Reserve. The catchment supports a wide range of economic activity in
industries such as farming, forestry, fisheries, tourism and recreation,
and as a private drinking water source.
At first glance this intrinsically pleasing catchment would appear to be
in pristine condition, due to the wide range of wildlife it supports.
However, monitoring and consultation suggest otherwise. A major is-
sue within the catchment is the spread of non-native invasive weeds, in
particular Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed, and to a lesser extent
Himalayan balsam.
The River South Esk Catchment Partnership has developed an integrated Catchment Management Plan (CMP)
for the South Esk which was completed and published in December 2009. The key aim of the CMP is to bring
together all of the users of the catchment to carry out actions in the plan relating to the key environmental, so-
cial and economic issues affecting the catchment. The first large scale project to be implemented in 2010 by the
partnership is an Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) eradication project. This high-profile project is applica-
ble to many of the plans action cards which include water quality, habitats and species, social and economic
factors, water resources, flood management, and river engineering.
The Esk Rivers and Fisheries Trust one of the stakeholders on the partnership steering group have on behalf of
the Partnership been awarded 20,000 by the Angus Environment Trust (landfill tax funding) allowing the pro-
posed first phase of implementation of the River South Esk CMP to proceed. The success of this application
ensures that match funding previously awarded by Angus Council, Esk Rivers & Fisheries Trust, Scottish Natu-
ral Heritage, Cairngorms National Park Authority, and Rural Tayside LEADER is now available, ensuring a
further one year delivery of the objectives of the South Esk CMP.
The Implementation Phase will begin with the employment of a Pro-
ject Co-ordinator to implement actions identified in the CMP and to
assist with this first flag-ship project. The project will be led by the
Esk Rivers and Fisheries Trust who in July 2009 published a Bio-
security Plan which highlights the bio-security issues of the catchment
after a survey of invasive non-native weeds within the catchment
completed by the Trust highlighted the need for an intensive pro-
gramme of treatment.
The INNS project will bring benefits to the local community within a
short timescale with a reduction in the health and safety risk of giant
hogweed. Undertaking the project will ensure that the length of
South Esk catchment will experience improved access and amenity of
the river and its tributaries. A raised awareness of non-native invasive species will help to limit their spread
and enhance biodiversity and the removal of invasive non-native species will contribute towards achieving fa-
vourable conservation status of the River South Esk SAC.
If you would like to find out more about the River South Esk and the Catchment Partnership visit http://
www.angusahead.com/southesk for further information.
River South Esk Catchment Partnership
Scottish Natural Heritage

Local & Regional
Summer
Habitats are home: celebrating International Year of Biodiversity in South Lanarkshire.
A South Lanarkshire Local Biodiversity Partnership (SLBP) and Community Planning Partnership Conference.
On April 23
rd
2010, South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Partnership hosted a conference at Rutherglen Town Hall to
mark the International Year of Biodiversity, to launch the consultation of the new Local Biodiversity Action Plan,
and to celebrate the Biodiversity of South Lanarkshire, as well as the diversity of action taking place to conserve
and enhance it.
The conference took the form of a morning of presentations and
an afternoon field trip. There were also poster presentations on a
range of projects and community groups, as well as a market
place for groups and organisations to have display stands
The presentations aimed to cover all aspects of biodiversity, the
new LBAP and the work underway in South Lanarkshire. A
choice of field trips was offered, each one focussing on an aspect
of the LBAP and the good work currently underway to improve
the areas for biodiversity. An indoor seminar session on Biodi-
versity for Beginners ran in the afternoon for anyone wishing to
learn more about the basics of biodiversity, or simply shelter
from the April showers!
The day started with a welcome by South Lanarkshire Councils Chief Executive, Archie Strang, followed by the
keynote speech from Simon Rennie, Chief Executive of the Central Scotland Forest Trust and the Central Scotland
Green Network Support Unit. Simon focussed his talk on the development of the CSGN, its goals and aims, and
its links to the biodiversity process, especially in South Lanarkshire. Sian Williams, the South Lanarkshire Biodi-
versity Officer then took to the stage to introduce the new LBAP. Following the extended coffee break, three bio-
diversity focussed presentations took place. Firstly, Viv Lisewski gave a talk on her involvement with the BTCV
Natural Talent scheme, and in particular the role of survey work. She
then discussed some of her research into lichens in orchards, with ref-
erence to the Clyde Valley orchards. Jan Dick from the Centre for Ecol-
ogy and Hydrology then took over, giving a presentation on Ecosystem
Services a major theme within the new LBAP their role in our eve-
ryday lives, the links to conservation and land management, and the
impact on adaptation and mitigation to climate change. Finally, Toby
Wilson from RSPB and Mandy Gloyer from Scottish Power performed
a double act, looking at the development and ongoing management of
Whitelee and Blacklaw wind farms. They focussed on the need for re-
newable power that doesnt achieve a net loss of carbon emissions, or
damage the very environment its trying to protect, and the partnership
work that is currently going on at the wind farms to ensure biodiversity focussed management.
The afternoon field trips mirrored the morning talks, with an RSPB lead trip to Whitelee wind farm; and SWT
lead trip to New Lanark World Heritage Site and a South Lanarkshire Council lead trip to Backmuir woods in
Hamilton one of the sites used for Forest Schools.
The day was a success, with over 70 people attending, representing a range of national organisa-
tions and agencies, local government, charities and community groups. Copies of the presenta-
tions and posters can be found on the CSFT website: www.csft.org.uk/events.
We hope that everyone gained something from the day, and felt it worthwhile. If anyone has any
queries, or wish to be involved in the Biodiversity Partnership, please contact Sian Williams on
sian.williams@southlanarkshire.gov.uk
South Lanarkshire Council
South Lanarkshire Council

Local & Regional
Summer
Forestry Commission West Midlands News.

Creation of New Woodlands.
Forestry Commission West Midlands have announced the new additional contributions available on top of the
normal planting grant and the Farm Woodland Payment. This is good news for biodiversity in the Region as
the highest payments are for new native woodlands.
We are targetting areas based on four categories:
Woodland Opportunities Map Priority Areas.
Ancient Woodland Landscape Areas.
Also Quality of place and Rural Public Access provision.
The first two will attract Additional Contributions of 2,000, also the Quality of Place areas. An Additional Con-
tribution of 1,000 will be available in the Rural Public Access areas.
For full details, follow this link. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/ewgs7a-wmgn-2010.pdf/$FILE/ewgs7a-
wmgn-2010.pdf
Priority Woodland Bird Areas.
Since we launched the Woodland Improvement Grant
for Woodland Birds, uptake has been high. We have
fully committed funds for 10/11 payment and have
some funds available for claim year 11/12.
This means that we expect over 600 Ha of habitat for
woodland birds to be improved as a result of the
09/10 and 10/11 applications. We are especially
pleased with this as Woodland Bird numbers are one
of the National Quality of Life indicators.
For more information, follow this link. http://
www. forestry. gov. uk/pdf/eng-wm-bi rd-wig-
guidance.pdf/$FILE/eng-wm-bird-wig-guidance.pdf

New Grant for Locally Designated Wildlife Sites.
This grant offers 80% contribution applicable to our range of standard costs aimed at improving biodiversity
within these sites.
Local Wildlife Site is a non-statutory designation that has a high environmental value in a county context. To-
gether with statutory sites such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Local Wildlife Sites form a key part
of the natural habitat resource in the wider countryside, helping to sustain and protect many important species
communities.
Maintaining the high environmental value of Local Wildlife Sites, and monitoring their positive management is
a key target (called NI 197) for Local Authorities. In the West Midlands region four of the top tier local au-
thorities report on NI 197. These authorities are Herefordshire, Staffordshire, and Warwickshire County Coun-
cils and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.
For more information, follow this link. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/eng-wm-lws-wig-guidance.pdf/
$FILE/eng-wm-lws-wig-guidance.pdf
Jon Winterbourne

Local & Regional
Summer
Hay Meadows Back in Bloom in Cumbria

Recent years have seen a decline of over 90% of species rich neutral grasslands in the UK including traditionally
managed hay meadows. This decline has occurred due to changes in meadow management with ploughing,
drainage, reseeding and the addition of fertilisers as primary factors. Cumbria is now nationally recognised as
an important resource for hay meadows, however even here this UK and Cumbria BAP priority habitat amounts
to less than 500ha. What is more this resource has become fragmented, isolated and is often found outside the
current farming context in areas such as road side verges, stream sides and even church yards.

Thankfully however this decline is
starting to change thanks in part to
three years of hard work by Cumbria
Biodiversity Partnerships Hay-Day
Project. 2010 will see the final year of
delivery for the current project that
has maintained, enhanced and re-
stored hay meadows throughout the
Lake District National Park and Orton
Fells areas of the county.

Underpinning all the projects work
has been the need for a clear under-
standing of the status of hay meadows
in Cumbria. The first step in develop-
ing this understanding has been for
the Project Ecologist to survey hay
meadows within the project target ar-
eas. Over 300 surveys have been car-
ried out with 80 more planned for this season. It is this survey work that provides the foundation for the devel-
opment of site-specific management plans essential to achieve the best possible conservation outcome.

Following the survey, those sites that are good examples of hay meadows and under appropriate management
have no practical action taken. These sites are however put forward to become County Wildlife Sites. The Project
Ecologist annually prepares and presents site reports and boundary maps to the Local Wildlife Sites Selection
Panel. There are 13 new and 4 re-confirmed sites to date. These sites are prized for their conservation value be-
ing defined by the presence of important, distinctive and threatened habitats and species. County Wildlife Sites
sit alongside other designations such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest that helps prioritise their inclusion and
consideration in local plans and policies. Those sites that are good examples of UK BAP habitat are also added
to the National Grassland Inventory dataset.

Sites that were poor examples of hay meadows are considered for enhancement. Poor condition is usually the
result of inappropriate management in relation to the timing and regularity of grass cutting, timing and inten-
sity of grazing; wrong stock type, residual soil fertility, quantity and type of fertilizer. Appropriate management
is determined by the Project Ecologist and recommendations are made in line with the technical advice on
sward enhancement guidelines produced by Natural England. Where sites are under agri-environment agree-
A hay meadow County Wildlife Site at Kilnmire in Ravenstonedale, Cumbria
Kath Jolly

Local & Regional
Summer
ments advice and guidance is given to Natural England. For those sites not under or eligible for agri-
environment agreements advice and guidance is given directly to landowners, farmers, community groups and
smallholders.

The enhancement and restoration of hay meadows is a long-term commitment that requires practical action on
the ground, beginning with the Project Advisor having one-to-one visits to farmers. Using the site specific man-
agement plans and involving landowners and farmers early on ensures that each management plan is given the
utmost chance of being turned into practical action. Part of the Advisors role is to undertake Environmental
Stewardship Higher Level Scheme (HLS) applica-
tions on behalf of farmers and with help from the
Ecologist to look at opportunities for derogations
within the existing Environmentally Sensitive
Area (ESA) Scheme.

The ESA scheme has been identified as too pre-
scriptive and inflexible with regards to hay
meadow and so it has been agreed with Natural
England that derogations of current schemes will
enable more site-specific management require-
ments to be written into agreements. The long-
term future management and financial backing of
the sites is secured through HLS agreements that
have the potential to generate an annual payment
of 275 per hectare for the farmer and lasts for ten
years.

Along with surveying hay meadows and undertaking HLS applications for farmers the project also disseminates
knowledge and information through targeted talks, guided farm walks and a stand at local agricultural shows.
In addition management leaflets and a plant identification guide have been produced along with a bi-annual
newsletter, targeted at both land managers and staff from other projects, which will facilitate discussion and the
exchange of best practice. Hay-day project staff share information and knowledge with other individuals and
organisations in the conservation and scientific communities involved in restoring hay meadows and species-
rich grasslands through practical action or research. The local community is involved through the provision of
specialist training in meadow surveying. This, along with leaflets highlighting walks adjacent to hay meadows,
will encourage people to visit identified hay meadows with appropriate access.

Hay-Day is an undoubted success with 40ha of hay meadows having been brought into condition over the last
few years through the work of the project. A further 25ha of hay meadows have so far been restored with 20
more in the pipeline meaning this summer could be the ideal time to take a look at a hay meadow with some of
the best to be found in the uplands of Cumbria.
Graham Jackson-Pitt
Email: grahamjp@cumbriabiodiversity.org.uk
Spreading seed during hay meadow restoration at High Snab in
the Newlands Valley, Cumbria - Bunty Wright

Local & Regional
Summer
No Loss of Lowland Meadows?

There has been a continued and chronic loss of unimproved and semi-improved neutral grassland from mid
Wales over the last 10 years. With the implementation of the LBAP process by local authorities and the commit-
ment shown by many public bodies to protect biodiversity under the NERC Act, 2006, it is a great pity that these
losses continue to occur. In Powys, the loss of lowland hay meadow sites in recent years has been though a
combination of housing and other development and destruction and damage of some sites through agricultural
improvement.
Historically, agricultural improvements
came rather late to Radnorshire and Powys
as a whole.
A study carried out in 1982-3 by the Here-
ford and Radnor Nature Trust looked at the
status of semi-natural grassland in Radnor-
shire. During the 1980s one lowland
meadow site was lost in Radnorshire every
fortnight throughout the whole decade! The
grasslands survey was in part repeated by
the much wider Habitat Survey of Radnor
carried out by the Countryside Council for
Wales between 1991 and 1993, as part of
their Wales-wide Phase 1 habitat survey.
Between 2002 and 2005 the Radnorshire
Wildlife Trust decided to re-visit some of
the sites to detect any changes which had taken place during the previous twenty years. The main objective
was to provide an aid to the Powys LBAP and also with a view to future restoration / protection of sites
through Tir Gofal.
Maps and datasets were provided by the Local Records Centre (Powys and Brecon Beacons National Park Biodi-
versity Information Service) on around 100 grassland sites that were identified in CCW's 'Habitat Survey of Rad-
nor. A basic survey was carried out to see whether the semi-natural grassland site still existed, and if so in what
condition. Notes were then taken on dominant or notable species present, comments were made on current and
past management and any possible threats to the site.
The survey was encouraging in some ways since 62% of the 58 sites surveyed appeared intact, in some cases
showing signs of enhancement since the surveys of the 1980s and 1990s. However, 29% of the sites had been
damaged and 7% of the sites were found to be wholly destroyed.
Of the 9 sites which had been wholly or partially destroyed, 2 were due to housing development, 6 due to agri-
cultural improvement and one had been turned into a garden.
The Radnorshire Wildlife Trust has not carried out any systematic survey since 2005, but we have tackled a
number of cases where lowland hay meadow habitat has been lost through development, or allocated for hous-
ing within local planning schemes. This, in spite of the local authority and statutory agencies being made aware
of the intrinsic value of these sites.
Losses in Radnorshire have been repeated throughout Wales. In Montgomeryshire, the Wildlife Trust believe
that 20ha of lowland meadow and lowland dry acid grassland has been lost within the last 10 years.
From the current situation it appears that the EIA Regulations have failed to bring a halt to lowland meadow
View of Rheol Rhos Julian Jones

Local & Regional
Summer
loss through agricultural improvement. In addition, the suite of development plans that set the agendas for lo-
cal authority and statutory agencies are not robust enough to protect semi-natural grassland.
The LBAP process has succeeded in protecting and enhancing the situation for many species and habitats, but
for lowland meadows and semi-natural grassland as a whole it has been a failure.
In Wales, the Assembly Government still relies upon adequate ecological mitigation being provided and is com-
fortable with the notion of 'no net loss' of priority habitats. However, the Wales Biodiversity Partnership has an
aspiration of 'no loss' for lowland meadows; you cannot easily mitigate against the loss of ancient hay meadow.
The big challenge facing the Wildlife Trusts and other environmental NGOs in Wales is to work with the Assem-
bly and all the relevant authorities to accept 'no loss' as the only way to protect the ever diminishing resource of
semi-natural grassland in the wider countryside.

Julian Jones, Wildlife Trust Manager, Radnorshire Wildlife Trust
Member of the Wales Biodiversity Partnership Grassland and Heathland Ecosystem Group

Fishers Estuarine Moth now introduced to Abbotts Hall Farm

Fishers Estuarine Moth is extremely rare, with Essex holding almost the whole UK population and its only food
source is Sea Hogs Fennel, itself a rare plant. The Fishers Estuarine Moth is found on a few sites in the county,
one of them being Skippers Island, an Essex Wildlife Trust nature reserve.
Following five years of planning and monitor-
ing of the host plants, the eggs or Fishers estua-
rine moth have now been introduced at Abbotts
Hall Farm. Eggs were taken from Skippers Is-
land last year under licence and have been kept
by Colchester Zoo in cages to protect them from
predators and parasites.
In preparation for the moths being introduced at
Abbotts Hall Farm, Sea Hogs Fennel was
planted five years ago with seed from Skippers
Island, the EWT reserve which is a stronghold
for both these species.
This is a step forward in the conservation of the
Fishers Estuarine Moth and the introduction of
the eggs is a real achievement in the protection
of this rare species.
The plants will be monitored over the summer
for signs that the caterpillars are feeding within
the stems and roots of the plants and additional eggs will be introduced in future years.
Mark Iley
Coordinator Essex Biodiversity Project

Mark Iley

Local & Regional
Summer
Ecologists pay homage to the 'most studied wood in Britain'

Leading ecologists gathered at Wytham Woods recently to celebrate
the 60th anniversary of its designation as a Site of Special Scientific
Interest. Wytham Woods near Oxford is probably the most studied
wood in Britain, and the celebration included the launch of a new
book Wytham Woods: Oxford's Ecological Laboratory at a special
meeting of the British Ecological Society's Forest Ecology Group on
29th April 2010.
Notified as an SSSI in 1950 one of the first SSSIs in the country
Wytham Woods has been home to an extraordinary series of ecologi-
cal studies by researchers from the University of Oxford, which was
given the wood during the second world war.
The 350 ha wood in spring carpeted in bluebells and ringing with
the sound of spring birdsong - has played a pivotal role in training
generations of British ecologists and the results of their long-term
studies are helping address many of the most important questions
facing wildlife conservation today.
According to Dr Keith Kirby, Natural England's forestry and wood-
land officer: In parts of the wood every single tree has been meas-
ured; they have been studied literally from top to bottom with re-
searchers using towers, walkways, ropes and cherry pickers to un-
derstand how the forest canopy grows and takes up carbon.
The site's other research gems include:
The badgers of Wytham Woods form one of the most comprehensive long-
term studies of medium-sized carnivores in the world, thanks to Hans
Kruuk who began working on them in 1972 after his pioneering studies of
hyaenas in the Serengeti.
Wytham Woods was one of the eight founding sites in the Environmental
Change Network (ECN). Established in 1993 by the Centre for Ecology &
Hydrology the ECN now comprises 12 terrestrial and 45 freshwater sites
regularly monitored to detect the impact of environmental change.
Studies showing how the structure and composition of the woods changed
as rabbits declined in the 1950s (a thicket of ash sprang up), deer numbers
increased in the 1980s (bramble clumps changed to grassy areas), and is
changing again as the deer numbers have now been reduced.
Blue Tits and Great Tits have been studied at Wytham Woods since 1947.
For most Great Tits at Wytham, each bird is individually known, including
when and where it hatched and who its parents are. Thanks to long-term
monitoring at Wytham, ecologists have uncovered the minutiae of Great
Tits' lives, including the role of its song (described as sounding 'like a
squeaky bicycle pump') in establishing territories.
The ecological value of Wytham Woods is enormous, said Dr Mike Morecroft of Natural England: Most eco-
logical processes are long-term, so long-term research and monitoring are essential. The breadth and depth of
The canopy walkway Keith Kirby
Keith Kirby

Local & Regional
Summer

research at Wytham provides an invaluable insight into a whole host of contemporary environmental issues.
In the new book's preface Professor Lord Krebs, who began his research career in 1966 by studying Wytham's
Great Tits, says: If there were a Nobel Prize for Ecology, and if you could award it to a place rather than a per-
son, Wytham Woods would surely be a prime candidate. It is almost certainly unmatched anywhere in the
world as a place of sustained, intensive ecological research extending over nearly three-quarters of a century.
Like many other ecologists who have spent hours, weeks and years in Wytham, for Professor Krebs the woods
are a place of great beauty, as well as a source of valuable ecological data. For me, it is hard to match the sensa-
tion of inhaling the scent of a carpet of damp moss on a February morning and chewing 'bread and cheese' the
first, pale green, buds of hawthorn that foretell the arrival of spring.

Keith Kirby, Natural England

The Gowy and Mersey WashlandsA Wetland Vision Project

Cheshire Wildlife Trust is thinking big. Our vision for the The Gowy and Mersey Washlands is to restore, recre-
ate and reconnect a network of wetland habitats providing ecosystem ser-
vices in conjunction with high quality nature conservation resources of
benefit to local people, the environment and economy.
Three strands of work are delivering the Gowy and Mersey Washlands:

Landscape Scale Wetland Creation through land owner liaison and ad-
vocacy Restoring, recreating and reconnecting the floodplain
By supporting landowners three new agri-environment agreements have
been secured, in close proximity to an existing successful Higher Level
Stewardship agreement and two sites managed by Cheshire Wildlife Trust
(CWT). In total, a connecting network of 274Ha of land adjacent to the
River Gowy is being re-
stored as high value flood-
plain grazing marsh, a ha-
ven for wading birds such
lapwing, redshank and
snipe. Working in conjunc-
tion with the Environment
Agency an extensive inter-
connecting ditch system is
being managed sympathetically to help the water vole population
thrive and disperse. CWTs Living Landscape Manager has pro-
vided detailed hydrological and ecological evaluations and sup-
ported landowners to make their agri-environment agreements a
success. Water management structures such as sluices, ditches
and bunding are key elements in making this landscape work,
creating new habitats while maintaining flood defence functions.
The Mersey Washlands. The Forestry Com-
mission
Red Poll cattle and scrapes, Grange Farm,
Mickle Trafford. Richard Gardner

Local & Regional
Summer
Land Management
Cheshire Wildlife Trust are implementing best
practise to restore 266Ha, 21% of Cheshires
resource, of degraded coastal and floodplain
grazing marsh BAP habitat in the River Gowy
and River Mersey corridors. A specialist con-
servation grazing officer has designed site spe-
cific grazing regimes using CWTs herd of tra-
ditional British cattle to create habitat condi-
tions for priority species such as lapwing and
redshank and snipe. The herd do such a good
job in getting the sward conditions right on
wet grasslands that four other landowners in
the Gowy and Mersey Washlands have been
using CWTs Longhorn and Dexter cattle to
help them achieve their agri-environment
options, particularly wet grassland for breed-
ing wading birds.
Community Engagement
The Gowy and Mersey Washlands Project is inspiring school children and the wider community to understand
and become actively involved with the wetland landscape. The communities living and working in the land-
scape are being given the opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge through walks, talks and practical
volunteering. Otters are one of the iconic species of the
Gowy and Mersey Washlands and a training day to learn
about their ecology and then build a holt was a very
popular event.
Together these efforts will make a real difference for BAP
habitats and species by creating space for wildlife but also
by providing essential ecosystem services such as flood-
water storage, carbon capture and tranquil places for lo-
cal people to visit and enjoy.

For more information about the project please contact
Richard Gardner, Living Landscape Manager, rgard-
ner@cheshirewt.cix.co.uk or telephone 01948 820728
Longhorn cattle at Gowy Meadows. Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Otter holt building. Mary Thorpe

Local & Regional
Summer
Wormwood Scrubs Heroes boost wildlife habitats

The Grantscape-funded Habitat Heroes project launched in December 2009 with the aim of improving a vari-
ety of habitats both within and adjacent to the Wormwood Scrubs Local Nature Reserve. In particular the pro-
ject has dealt with improving fragmented and
under-managed habitats. The local nature re-
serve boasts key BAP species including visits
from common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle
and noctule bats, a good population of com-
mon lizards and over 100 species of birds.

Groundwork London, who are managing the
project in collaboration with the London Bor-
ough of Hammersmith and Fulham, felt
strongly that any improvements to the site
must be achieved with the support and effort
of local volunteers (the heroes) and users of
the site. Since the project has launched, over
350 volunteer-days have helped to link existing
areas of woodland/scrub through the planting
of over 1000 trees and 400m of traditional
wildlife hedge, creating wooded corridors and
unbroken flight paths for bats.
Volunteers have also been integral in the positive manage-
ment of scrub for common lizards to improve the vegetation
structure of their key habitats. Improvements have also
been made to the transition habitat (previously mown
amenity grassland) between the designated local nature re-
serve and the amenity area. A 2m strip of this transition
zone is now being managed as long grassland and will be
cut once annually in the autumn. On top of this, over a kilo-
metre of this strip has been converted into wildflower
meadow through planting over 4000 native wildflower plug
plants (over 30 different species) and sowing a perennial
seed mix with the support of volunteers which has in-
creased the overall biodiversity of the site.

This project has essentially helped to create suitable wildlife
corridors between existing habitats from previous amenity
grassland, and has funded crucial improvements in the conservation management of habitats within and adja-
cent to the nature reserve. Maybe even more important is that the project will leave a legacy of local volunteer
conservationists that have been trained in a variety of conservation management techniques and have devel-
oped a passion for their local patch.

Francesca Barker, Groundwork UK
Hammersmith and Fulham Council
Alex Bowsher & Francesca Barker, Groundwork
UK

Local & Regional
Summer
Lizards' new lounging place in the sun

This summer, a threatened lizard population will enjoy a more stress-free life style in the leafy Home Counties
thanks to a highly desirable residence built by BTCV volunteers.
Slow worms (Anguis fragilis fragilis) and common lizards
(Lacerta vivipara) are being moved by Wycombe District
Council to Tom Burt's Hill on the edge of High Wycombe so
that their existing habitat can be re-developed.
Their new 'home on the hill' was prepared by volunteers
from BTCV's Biodiversity Action Team during the early
spring. The Council could then capture the lizards when they
came out of hibernation in the summer and move them
straight to Tom Burt's Hill.
Popular with dog walkers and local residents, the Hill looks
over High Wycombe and boasts two main attractions: a wild-
flower meadow and a wood. To create the 'wow factor' re-
quired by rep-
tiles, the volunteers scalloped the edges of the meadow with a se-
ries of half-moon pits. This makeover gave the lizards a bigger sur-
face area where they can bask in the sun. It is also good for other
wildlife.
To 'tick all the boxes', the Council also dug a pit and covered it
with a pile of blackthorn branches to create a 'super-hibernaculum'
where contented lizards can snooze the winter away.

What about the neighbours?
The BTCV team has con-
structed a flight of steps us-
ing railway sleepers and
improved paths by cutting
back some of the overhanging scrub. This will enable local people to make
greater use of the site while minimising disturbance to the reptiles and
other wildlife.

Anguis fragilis is Britain's most commonly-seen and longest-lived lizard,
growing up to 50cm in length. A declining UKBAP Priority species, it is
regarded as an indicator for pressing conservation issues and is often
linked with Lacerta vivipara in Action Plans. The Tom Burt's Hill slow
worms are typical of populations in the South of England under pressure
due to increasing development.

Contact: Oonagh Kelleher, o.kelleher@btcv.org.uk

Angi Nelson
BTCV volunteers ready for biodiversity action
on Tom Burts Hill Oonagh Kelleher
Taking steps to keep slow worms and
local people happy. Oonagh Kelleher

Local & Regional
Summer
First national map of Scotland's native woodlands begins to emerge

A pioneering six-year survey to create the first full record of Scotland's remaining native woodlands has
reached its first major mile stone.
Carried out by Forestry Commission Scotland, with support from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the Native
Woodland Survey of Scotland (NWSS) aims to detail the extent, nature and condition of the native woodlands
in all of Scotlands local authority areas.
The first eight summary reports published today (Monday 10 May) cover the local authority areas for Edin-
burgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, North, South and East Ayrshire and East Renfrew.
In addition to the summary reports, the survey data is available online to enable woodland owners and manag-
ers, partner agencies and local authorities, to inform their woodland management, planning and decision mak-
ing processes.
Welcoming the results, Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham, said:
Scotlands woodlands are becoming increas-
ingly important to us in a number of ways
from sustaining and enhancing biodiversity
to helping in the fight against climate change,
from serving as a lynchpin for many rural
enterprises, to offering a wide range of recrea-
tional opportunities to communities across
the country.
But it is quite shocking to think that we
only have a tiny remnant of our original
native woodland left due to historical exploi-
tation.
During the last 20 years or so a lot has been
done to protect these precious fragments and
begin to reverse that decline, but if we are to
see our efforts have the maximum effect then
we need to know exactly what resource we
have to work with.
This is a hugely important survey and I am confident will make a significant contribution towards protecting, enhancing
and expanding this magnificent resource.
In total, the surveyors will visit around 730,000 hectares of woodland across Scotland, surveying all woodlands
over 0.5ha in size roughly a total of 425,000 hectares.

For more information on the survey, the results and how to use them, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/NWSS and
look for the reports link (in the Summary reports and accessing information section).
Forestry Commission Scotland

Local & Regional
Summer
Norfolk turns the tide on the alien invasion

Whether by accident or design, thousands of non-native species have been introduced to the UK. Many of these
dont cause a problem, but some of them become what is termed invasive. Invasive non-native species can
cause serious problems for our environment, economy, health and the way we live.
The impacts of some introduced species are well
known. Japanese knotweed, one of the superstars of
the invasive species world, is a plant which is able to
grow through concrete and can re-grow from less than
a gram of rhizome. The decline of our native red squir-
rel has been put down to the introduced grey squirrel.
The native white-clawed crayfish, now listed on the
IUCN Red List as Vulnerable, has been ousted from
much of its former range in the UK by invasive alien
crayfish, in particular the American signal crayfish.
However, these species represent just the tip of the ice-
berg of what is a huge problem for nature conserva-
tion in Great Britain and throughout the world.
Things are not likely to get any easier in the near fu-
ture. Increased global trade and travel mean that non-
native species are being introduced at an unprece-
dented rate. Climate change will also have an effect; it is
expected that some non-native species already living in Britain, which have not been problematic in the past,
will expand their ranges and becoming increasingly dominant. This makes it even more essential that we be pro-
active in managing and monitoring non-native species in the future.
To help address these issues, the Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership launched the Non-native Species Initiative in
September 2008 and a full-time co-ordinator was brought in to manage its activities. The Initiative has four
broad aims:
Collating and monitoring data on the distribution and spread of non-native species in the county;
Developing action plans to address the species of most urgent concern;
Facilitating control and eradication projects at high priority sites; and
Promoting awareness of the risks and impacts associated with non-native species.

Although the Initiative has only been active for a year and a half, it
has already made significant progress in meeting these aims. After
collating data from a variety of sources on the distribution and im-
pacts of six of the most problematic aquatic and riparian plants in
the county, the Initiative has produced a detailed Status Report and
Action Plan outlining the most effective way to deal with these
plants in the future. This report is available to download from the
Initiatives website (see below). Projects to control these species at
priority sites are already well underway, with the ongoing eradica-
tion of floating pennywort (in partnership with the Environment
Agency and Broads Authority) being one of the Initiatives flagship
Signal Creyfish Scott Perkin
Spaceship display Scott Perkin

Local & Regional
Summer
projects. Activities to promote awareness of invasive species and their impacts have included an alien inva-
sion of central Norwich, with a life-size spaceship surrounded by a variety of alien invaders. Members of
the public were able to see some of the most concerning species in the flesh and get advice on the steps that
they can take to help stop their spread.

The Initiative has also been effective in harnessing the energies of volunteer groups to help control invasive
weeds. Following on from the success of its 2009 Day of Action, NNNSI will this year be holding a Non-
native Species Action Weekend on the 17
th
and 18
th
July. Activities are already lined up at five sites across the
county, with more likely to be added in the near future.

These initial results have been very encouraging and demonstrate that a county-level endeavour of this kind
can significantly raise the profile of non-native species, harness the energies of a diverse coalition of stake-
holders and provide an effective link between national policy and local action. The experiences of the Initia-
tive so far also suggest that Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) partnerships can provide particularly use-
ful structures and outreach mechanisms for work on invasive species; it is my hope that other LBAP partner-
ships will be interested in working in this area.

The Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership is grateful to the Broads Authority, Defra, the Environment Agency,
Natural England, Norfolk County Council and the Water Management Alliance for their financial support
which has enabled the Non-native Species Initiative to be such a success.

Mike Sutton-Croft
Co-ordinator, Norfolk Non-native Species Initiative

For more information on invasive non-native species and the work of the Norfolk Non-native Species Initia-
tive, please visit www.norfolkbiodiversity.org/nonnativespecies , e-mail the Co-ordinator of the Initiative mi-
chael.sutton-croft@norfolk.gov.uk or follow the Initiative on Twitter www.twitter.com/norfolknnsi

Local & Regional
Summer
London Fire Brigade and Biodiversity
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) is the third largest firefighting organisation in the world with 113 fire stations
and over 7000 staff located across London, protecting people and property from fire within the 1,587 square
kilometres of Greater London.

Making London a safer city by minimising the risks, and social and economic costs of fire and other hazards is
our principal aim and underpins what we do. LFB is also a forward thinking organisation and we have made
considerable progress in environmental protection and sustainability. By being environmentally conscientious,
LFB can set an example through local communities. For a public organisation this is not only expected but also
required by central and local government directives. The Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 provides for the
Fire and Rescue Authority to take any action it considers appropriate if the event or situation is one that causes
or is likely to cause harm to the environment (including the life and health of plants and animals). Furthermore
the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 notes that at an emergency which threatens serious damage to the environ-
ment, the role of the FRS is to save life, protect property and protect the environment.

By partnering with Greenspace Information for Greater London (GiGL) we aim to encourage and facilitate the
protection of the environment at emergency incidents, during training events and as part of day-to-day manage-
ment of fire stations.
Using GiGL data, firstly we prioritised the information on the 33 sites within London designated as Sites of Spe-
cial Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and the reasons why they are designated. This data is now available in a palatable
form on our command system, which means that should an emergency incident, such as a fire, occur on one of
these sites our fire-fighters will have the information easily available to them to make the best decision as to how
best to respond to the incident. For example a controlled burn could be a more appropriate response tactic, as
opposed to using water or fire-fighting foam. Extending this work has meant that we have now added GiGL
data on Sites of Metropolitan Importance to our Command System.

Prior to our Partnership work with GiGL, basic information on Londons SSSI sites was individually researched
and entered onto the command system in 2008. However, this approach was far more resource intensive and
LFB lacked the expertise to interpret complicated ecological information.
GiGL data has also helped us to complete ecological surveys of our new build and major refurbishment sites, as
a part of the planning process and our target to achieve a minimum of BREEAM Excellent status for our new
fire stations. We are also producing reports covering a 1km radius from each of our stations to identify our Top
10 sites of biodiversity importance, to facilitate effective emergency planning and incident response, but also to
raise awareness and encourage our staff to engage with the issue biodiversity.

As an extension of this work, in late 2009 we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the London Biodi-
versity Partnership (LBP), and became a partner as a result to further enhance and support our knowledge on
biodiversity.

In the future we hope that our partnership with GiGL and The London Biodiversity Partnership will help us to
fulfil our environmental protection duties, understand what we have on our own estate and to promote aware-
ness and action amongst our own staff and local communities.
Tanya Broadfield, London Fire Brigade

Local & Regional
Summer
New push to save rare plant from extinction

Plantlife has secured funds from SITA UK Ltd for a project which aims to save Spiked Rampion, one of the
UKs rarest plants, from extinction.

Why is the plant so special?
Spiked Rampion is a truly spectacular wildflower, a member of the Bell-
flower family with unusual cream coloured spikes of flowers. Known on
the continent as White Rapunzel it is mentioned in the fairytale as the
plant which Rapunzel steals and as a result is locked in her tower.
In 21st century Britain any aspiring Rapunzel would have a job of finding
any plants to steal the species only grows in East Sussex and is believed
to now only occur at 7 sites, some of which have only one or two plants
left. Without intervention now there is an immediate chance of it joining
the list of wild flowers which we have lost from the UK.

What is Plantlife doing?
The first phase of the project, starting in June 2010, involves an extensive
survey of all the known historical sites for the plants and neighbouring
areas, with the hope of finding as yet undiscovered populations, but also
to gather information as to why it may have vanished from several of
these locations.
The plants are often associated with forest glades and forest rides, so the
subsequent phase of the project will work with landowners to re-create
these conditions, not only benefiting Spiked Rampion but also a host of
other wildlife such as butterflies and birds which benefit from well-managed open woodlands.
Plantlifes Species Recovery Officer, Dominic Price, said: This project comes at a critical time for Spiked Ram-
pion with populations reaching critically low levels and a very real risk of losing it all together. With this gener-
ous funding from SITA UK we hope to be able to reverse this downward trend and secure flourishing popula-
tions of this spectacular plant for future generations to enjoy. Spiked Rampion is not only a wonderful plant in
its own right, but also is an indicator species for well-managed healthy woodlands, which support a range of
other rare species

Project partners
East Sussex Council, who own and manage four of the twelve populations where the plants grow have signed
up as the main partners on the project.
Spiked Rampion Belinda Wheeler/
Plantlife

UKBAP Update
Summer
News
We are halfway through the International Year of Biodiversity, and several significant updates can be reported
for the UK Biodiversity Action plan. The UKBP Standing Committee has met again, with documents from this
meeting available on the UKBAP website. The website itself has undergone another tweak to its layout, based on
feedback from the last re-arrangement. Thanks to all who have got in touch please do not hesitate to comment
at UKBAP@jncc.gov.uk.
Two BAP-important publications were released on May 20
th
, to coincide with the International Day of Biodiver-
sity:
The 2008 BAP highlights report has been released, summarising the main points of interest from the fourth up-
date on the progress of UK BAP targets for priority species and habitats. To allow comparison with the previous
reporting round in 2005, this report examines the 45 habitats and 475 species (covered by 391 Species Action
Plans) that were on the UK list prior to a review in 2007. BAP partnerships at UK and local levels are shown to
continue to deliver gains for some priority species and habitats, with the rate of decline slowing and in some
cases halted or reversed. Nevertheless, progress on targets was mixed, and there is a lot more to do. Produced
by Defra and hosted by the JNCC, this report can be downloaded here.
The 2010 edition of the UK Biodiversity Indicators is now available. The indicators show changes in the status of
species and habitats, pressures on them, and responses to those pressures. They are National Statistics produced
by Defra and JNCC, on behalf of the UK Biodiversity Partnership, using a wide variety of information from many
organisations. The summary publication is downloadable here, and the expanded online version accessible on the
JNCC website.

UK Biodiversity Indicators: Assessment of change
(Taken from the summary Biodiversity Indicators in Your Pocket 2010, showing an overall summary of the state of the 17
assessed indicators)
Of the 33 measures used to compile the all meas-
ures summary chart, 15 (46 per cent) show an im-
provement since 2000, compared with nine meas-
ures (27 per cent) showing improvement over the
longer term. Those showing improvement since
2000 include bat populations, UK Biodiversity Ac-
tion Plan priority species, the extent of protected
areas, the percentage of woodland under certified
management, sustainable fisheries, biological river
quality, and expenditure on both UK and global
biodiversity.
Those measures showing long-term deterioration
include populations of farmland birds and wood-
land birds, populations of specialist butterflies, bat
populations and plant diversity (in woodlands,
grasslands and boundary habitats). Some of these
measures have continued to deteriorate in the short term (e.g. farmland birds and the plant diversity of boundary
habitats). Woodland bird populations have shown improvement since 2000, whilst specialist butterflies have
shown little or no overall change.

Linda Birkin, JNCC

Publications
Summer
WildGuides
WildGuides produces natural history books to raise funds for conservation. Guides of British Wildlife include
Arable Plants, Orchids, Arable Bryophytes and Whales & Dolphins.
For IYB, two new books have been created; Britains Reptiles & Amphibians and Britains Dragonflies.
In reviewing Reptiles & Amphibians in Irelands herpetological magazine, Lacerta, Ian Millichip said:-
Britains Reptiles and Amphibians a field Guide, focuses on each of the 16 native species found within the British Isles,
with notes of marine turtles found in surrounding seas. Another matter of interest is the non-native species that have
become established. An important valued-added theme running throughout the book is the emphasis on conservation,
the habitat, respect for that habitat, and any legislation that may apply. That is much valued information for anyone
wishing to spot reptiles and amphibians in the wild. A distribution map and annual activity clock accompanies each spe-
cies description. The excellent selection of photographs shows much thought has gone into ensuring all photographs are
meaningful and represent identifiable views.
It is important to increase awareness of our native species. Britains Reptiles and Amphibians is poised to do exactly that.
Nightjars of the World by Nigel Cleere can also be ordered and Britains Butterflies is due in July. Full details
on www.wildguides.co.uk
Brian Clews, WildGuides, 01628-529297
New guidance to help save Oxfordshires wildlife
The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), Oxfordshire County Council and the
Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC) have worked in partnership to produce a new Plan-
ning and Biodiversity guidance document. The document will also be useful for developers and ecological
consultants as well as being of interest to the general public.
The guide illustrates the biodiversity resource within the county with maps and combines planning policy
with information about sites of wildlife interest, habitats and species in Oxfordshire to help identify where
biodiversity should be protected. The guide also gives advice on opportunities for biodiversity enhancement.
The guide aims to help development control and planning policy officers working in local authorities within
Oxfordshire protect and enhance biodiversity in Oxfordshire through the planning system. The launch of the
new guide will include the offer of workshops for other local authorities in Oxfordshire which will help staff
understand how to use the guide effectively.
Oxfordshire supports a diversity of habitats and species, ranging from the chalk grasslands and beech woods
of the Chiltern Hills through pockets of rare fen to the scarce flood meadows along the Thames. However less
than 10000 hectares of Oxfordshire retains any special value for wildlife; just 4% of the total land area. Oxford-
shire is also home to 129 protected species, and 223 species recognised as being a priority for conservation.
Protected species in the county include bats, dormice, great crested newts, otters, badgers, common lizards,
water voles, barn owls, red kites and kingfishers.
The guidance aligns with National Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9) on biodiversity and geological conser-
vation and is similarly divided into sections dealing with various biodiversity features which should be pro-
tected and enhanced through the planning system.
The guidance is available to view and download from www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/naturalenvironment; just
click on Biodiversity in Oxfordshire.
Camilla Burrow, camilla.burrow@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Publications
Summer
The conservation and management of coastal vegetated shingle in England

In the last issue we introduced the Sand Dune and Shin-
gle Network and we would now like to alert readers to
our report on shingle management. One of the outputs
of the network will be a series of Occasional Papers to be
published by Liverpool Hope University Press. These
will cover a range of topics and will be based on work-
shops, study tours and reviews. The first paper, avail-
able on the website is a report of the Shingle Workshop
held in September 2008. The workshop was a meeting of
experts, policy makers and managers sharing experi-
ences about the conservation of coastal vegetated shin-
gle. The aim was to identify pressing issues and priori-
ties in conserving the habitat and associated species.

One theme that emerged was the need for further work
on mapping and monitoring of shingle habitats. Several
different approaches to habitat mapping have been de-
veloped and surveys have given different measurements
of the total area of shingle in the UK. Part of the problem
is that it is difficult to map boundaries between vege-
tated shingle and bare shingle and the transitions be-
tween shingle, saltmarsh and sand dune.

Although most of the shingle resource is within pro-
tected sites, the condition of the habitat in England falls
short of current targets for SSSIs. This is a result of a
number of factors which need to be addressed to improve the understanding, management and restoration of
this scarce habitat. Natural England is the lead agency for the UK Habitat Action Plan for coastal vegetated
shingle. The targets for the Habitat Action Plan have been revised (see http://www.ukbap-reporting.org.uk/
plans/national_plan.asp?HAP={A9DB9FBB-26A6-4D52-B264-13FCA4C482E4}) and the workshop was a start-
ing point for reviewing the actions contained in the plan. The report discusses the themes and common issues
that were explored during the workshop and is available at http://www.hope.ac.uk/coast/occasional-
publications.html

Charlotte Durkin, Network Assistant
Sand Dune and Shingle Network
www.hope.ac.uk/coast
dunes@hope.ac.uk

Publications
Summer
Discover Yourself Outside
Through case studies focused on local voices, Discover Yourself Outside demonstrates that access to urban green
space and other natural areas leads to social cohesion in neighbourhoods, abating of stigma, increasing multi-
cultural harmony, reducing crime and fostering general social transformation in communities.
Discover Yourself Outside makes a case for
giving people more opportunities to access
good quality green spaces which enhance hu-
man well-being, strengthen links between peo-
ple and wildlife, create stable neighbourhoods
and address health and social interaction. Peo-
ple can be engaged in adapting their communi-
ties to the threats of a changing climate and,
whilst doing this, also achieve local objectives
such as biodiversity action plans and environ-
mental justice. Visually attractive green spaces
near to where people live have the potential to
enhance hope, pride, intergenerational and multicultural interactions and community involvement. They are hubs
for learning, recreational use and calming effects. They can be vehicles for the development of life skills, enhance-
ment of self-worth and a feel good factor from exercise and restoration.
Aimed at policy makers, organizations and the public, Discover Yourself Outside advocates the expansion of stan-
dards for wider action towards more quality open spaces.
Contact Grant Luscombe, luscombe@landlife.org.uk or download publication at http://www.wildflower.co.uk/
pdfdocs/DYO_web_version.pdf
SITA Trust publishes report on the outcomes of 4 years of its Enriching Na-
ture Funding Programme
In 2005 SITA Trust launched a new funding programme called Enriching Nature. Its aim was to provide vital
funding to the biodiversity sector for the delivery of projects which focused on the priorities set out within the UK
Biodiversity Action Plans. Enriching Nature was the first Landfill Communities Fund (LCF) funded programme
of its type to be strategically linked to government targets and England-wide in its scope.
The programme was originally scheduled to run for 3 years (2005 - 2008) and it became very clear within a few
funding rounds that the need for such funding was readily matched by the quality of projects being delivered
and, as a result the programme was extended by a full year into 2009.
This SITA Trust report, details some of the outputs and outcomes of the projects funded in the four years ending
2009 and features particular projects that exemplify the typical range of funded work. Many of the outputs make
significant contributions to the UK Biodiversity Action plan targets set to be achieved by 2010. We hope that you
will enjoy reading it.
Marek Gordon, Chairman of SITA Trust said: SITA Trust is immensely proud to be playing a real role in assist-
ing conservation organisations in addressing many targets in various local, regional and national biodiversity
action plans. We have committed more than 18m to such projects to date.
The report acknowledges that the success of Enriching Nature is due to the efforts of a large number of dedicated
people and organisations including SITA UK who have made funding possible through its donations to SITA
Trust. The report is available at www.sitatrust.org.uk or for a hard copy please contact
Marianne.ivin@sitatrust.org.uk

Publications
Summer
CIRIA will publish the updated Working with wildlife: guidance for the
construction industry (C691) later this year.

This guide is intended to be used to allow those working on construction projects to stay within the law, and
to understand and implement good practice in relation to wildlife. It is aimed at a wide range of people work-
ing in, with, or for the construction industry: developers and housebuilders, designers, architects, contractors,
environmental assessors and managers, planners, land agents and trainers. It aims to help such people to stay
within the law, and to understand and implement good practice in relation to wildlife and development and
construction projects. The guidance comprises:
background information on the fundamentals of ecology
consideration of the relationship between ecology and construction and development projects
an introduction to legislation governing wildlife and construction issues
practical guidance on dealing with wildlife on sites
references and contact details where further guidance can be obtained
extensive supporting materials on individual species and different types of habitats
signposting to key references
gazetteer of relevant organisations
Supporting the guide on an accompanying CD is a series of toolbox talks and an introductory PowerPoint
presentation.

To find out more and be kept updated on the release date for this title email philip.charles@ciria.org

Events
Summer
Go wild with us this summer!
We are going wild at Natural England this
summer and weve got loads to do both inside
and out.
As part of our initiative to give One Million
Children the chance to get out and enjoy na-
ture and the environment, we have some fabu-
lous fun things to do and get involved with at
home or on holiday.
Have you ever thought about what it might be
like to go on a torch lit bug hunt, discover our
countrys magical woodlands, comb the
beaches, turn nature detective and build your
very own shelters, boats and rafts too. Let
your imagination free to discover the wonder-
ful gems of the natural world on our network
of National Nature reserves there is bound
to be one near to you!
Find out about our very special family fun days and Lets Go Wild at www.naturalengland.org.uk/
millionchildren
Biodiversity road trip
Biodiversity is our hot topic too; Natural England are travelling the length and breadth of the country to tell
you all about it with our marquee appearing at shows and events up and down the country. To see where we
are so that you can pop along and say hello, collect your free Big Wildlife Garden bookmark, and perhaps even
win one of our exclusive packs of endangered species card game, take a visit to the Big Wildlife Garden
www.bwg.naturalengland.org.uk
The Big Wildlife Garden is blooming!
Now with over 2200 members, or 22,000 green fingers and thumbs, the Big Wildlife Garden is burgeoning with
life and buzzing with excitement. The Big Wildlife Garden is a fabulous website dedicated to encouraging eve-
ryone, and not even those with a garden to do something green for wildlife. From something as simple as a pot
of daisies, to designer gardens, everyone can do small things to help garden wildlife and create a huge differ-
ence to biodiversity in the process.
In the Big Wildlife Garden you can also make friends with fellow gardeners, keep a diary, upload images and
take part in our great awards scheme too. You might even win a Green Garden Award plaque to hang on your
garden gate. So why not pop along and see whats growing at www.bwg.naturalengland.org.uk
Scouts go wild too!
Natural England are proudly sponsoring the Scout Associations Cub and Scout Naturalist activity badge again
this year and are getting Cubs and Scouts out exploring the countryside. This includes visits to some of our
most wonderful farms that are doing great things for wild-
life and biodiversity through the Environmental Steward-
ship schemes Educational Access. Participating farms can
be found at www.naturalengland.org.uk/millionchildren
and click on farm visit.
www.goingwild.net

Events
Summer
National BioBlitz Programme 2010

Interested in getting involved with a BioBlitz near you? To celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity in
2010, a National Network of organisations will be running over 20 events across the UK as part of the Na-
tional BioBlitz Programme. As part of this initiative, thanks to support from vinspired students, the student
volunteering programme run by the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement, we will be sup-
porting volunteers across the UK to take part in these BioBlitzes.
Starting with a bang, the National BioBlitz kicked off with 5 events held over the weekend of May 22 to cele-
brate the International day of Biodiversity. You can follow what was found and how they went through the
National BioBlitz Blog at http://bioblitzuk.wordpress.com
Each event is a 24 hour race against the clock to record as
many species as possible within a geographic area. They are a
unique way of bringing an engaging natural science experi-
ence to local families and school children while drawing on
support from students, enthusiasts, expert and naturalists in
numerous scientific fields.
The National BioBlitz Programme will provide a platform of
support to help bring more of these fantastic events to volun-
teers and the public throughout the UK. There are already 20
events being planned, and BNHC is eager to encourage more,
and help facilitate these events in any way possible. For a full
listing of organizations involved and events planned you can
find all details at www.bioblitzuk.org.uk
Along with supporting BioBlitzes, we are keen to support Universities to engage with these events through a
national student volunteer initiative. Details of this can be found through the National New Media campaign
consisting of a dedicated blog, facebook, twitter, and online volunteer recruitment. Just click each link for a
further look at whats happening!
For further information on student volunteering at your event, or at your University please contact Harriet
Martin, National BioBlitz Programme Manager at harriet@bnhc.org.uk
Bristol BioBlitz Media Team

Events
Summer
Wednesday 21st July 10.30am - 12
noon
Its a Bugs Life
Come along and join in the fun looking
for bugs and creatures of all shapes and
sizes.
Booking essential (limited places) 0141 577 3169
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Wednesday 11th August 10.30am -
12.30pm
Cycle to the Waters Edge
Bring your bikes on this trip to the edge of
the water, we will be looking for summer
wildlife. ~7km
Booking essential (limited places) 0141 577 3169
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday 7th August 10am - 12 noon
Whitelee Woodland Wonder
Come along for a summer stroll to cele-
brate International Year of Biodiversity
looking for the plants and animals of the
woodland with the Whitelee rangers.
~5km
Meet at Ardochrig at 10am.

For more information on any of these
events, please contact:
Maree Morrison,
Maree.Morrison@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk or
Whiteleers@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
01415 773196, 01415 773662
Sunday 25th July 1pm - 4pm
Windfarm Wildlife
Get off the beaten track and explore the
more remote parts of Whitelee to see
what lives amongst the Turbines and the
Spruce trees.
Booking Essential (places limited) 01563 554 742
Meet at Dean Castle Country Park Car Park
Transport will provided with a small charge of 2
head.
Sunday 12th September 10.30am - 5pm
High Tea at Whitelee
Follow in the footsteps of Alexander Flem-
ing by walking the Weavers Trail. You can
start from either Eaglesham or Darvel.
Bring a picnic and meet other walkers
at the midway point ~17.5km
Meeting at Hastings Square, Darvel or
Eaglesham Parish, Eaglesham.

Kids event (children must be accom-
panied by an adult)
Bring suitable clothing and footwear
(sturdy shoes/boots and water-
proofs/sun cream)
Bring Binoculars/ Cameras

Bring lunch

Please note all finish times are approximate and are
subject to change. All children brought on an event,
must be accompanied by an adult.

Events
Summer
The End of Tradition? Aspects of Commons and Cultural Severance in the Landscape.
Conference
15th to 17th September 2010
Sheffield Hallam University, Pond Street Campus, Sheffield UK.
The international conference will cover key issues around the impacts of cultural change and abandonment
on these wonderful landscapes and their biodiversity. It will look at the lessons to be learnt for engaging and
re-connecting people with nature into the 21st century drawing on examples from Europe, Asia and the USA.
An IYB-2010 event. Further details can be found by following the link to the website http://
www.ukeconet.co.uk/index.php/events/50-conferences/100-tradition-conf

Future Landscape Ecology
ialeUk 2010 conference
13th16th September 2010,
University of Brighton
Conference Themes
14th September: Species responses to landscapes; Assessing vulnerability and resilience; Future scenarios.
15th September: Problem solving; Workshop sessions; Landscape-scale adaptation and management.
Field excursions:
16th September
Cuckmere Haven & Friston Forest
- Naturalistic management
Knepp Estate
Re-Wilding Project

General Enquiries:
conference2010@iale.org.uk
http://www.iale.org.uk/

Events
Summer
Seas for LifeOur oceans, their future and their biodiversity
Join the debate. All welcome. Free admission. Booking is not necessary.
The lectures will be held in Birkbeck College, University of London, London, WC1. (exact venue will be
notified later)
All lectures are from 6.30pm to 8.30 pm on the following Fridays. Doors open at 6.00pm.

The broad effects of climate change are established, but the biodiversity and ecology of oceans have not yet
been adequately researched and are little understood. We already know that there is a wonderful diversity of
life in our oceans, which will play a vital role in our future climates, foods and minerals. New discoveries on
the ocean floor show us a world we had never imagined, one we can still care for. The skills to understand
and adequately monitor changes in the oceans depend upon a sound knowledge of ecosystems, including life-
cycles of the species found there. This series looks at oceans, their biodiversity and their future.
15 October Vulnerable ecosystems in the deep ocean and threats from human activities
Professor Alex Rogers, Conservation Ecology, Dept. of Zoology, University of Oxford
22 October The Chagos Archipelago What does the future hold?
Rachel Jones, Deputy Team Leader, Aquarium, Zoological Society of London
Lundy Island an underwater jewel in the Bristol Channel; and the urgent need for British
Marine Reserves
Paul Biggin, Chairman, Marine Conservation Society South East Group
29 October Living Seas, The Wildlife Trusts' vision for marine conservation
Kirsten Smith, North Sea Marine Advocacy Manager, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, York
5 November Theres more to sea than water: plankton biodiversity and our changing world
Professor Peter H Burkill, Director of SAHFOS, University of Plymouth
12 November The great ocean conveyer belt; benevolent current system or sleeping monster?
Dr Agatha De Boer, Ocean and Climate Scientist, University of East Anglia
19 November Islands in the abyss - exploring life at volcanic vents on the ocean floor
Dr Jon Copley, School of Ocean & Earth Science, University of Southampton

Enquiries to e-mail: jeremy.wright@walkern.org.uk (tel: 020 7485 7903)
Full details will be available on the ECSS website in late summer 2010, at:-
http://www.bbk.ac.uk/environment/prospective/ecss

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