Sbp newsletter autumn/winter 2013

Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership Newsletter Autumn/Winter 2013 In this issue: Partners News

Page No.

Rowley Wood—a community woodland in Stoke by Nayland Thinking big to create homes for nature Storm damaged trees - a reminder abouts bats and tree roosts NNR visitors enjoy stone curlew spectacle New bat detectors for national surveys in Suffolk Stone curlew LIFE Project Find out what Suffolk BAP species and habitats look life!

Homersfield sluice removal and river restoration Suffolk’s crag springs Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership News Information and news Funding opportunities Local news National news What’s on SBP information

1 3 5 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 13 13 17 20 22

PARTNERS NEWS Rowley Wood—a community woodland in Stoke by Nayland Richard Cowell As a result of our recent interest in identifying some of our apples, it was a pleasure to have a visit from Gen Broad and Paul Read of Suffolk Traditional Orchard Group (STOG), and to show them our ‘special place’ at Stoke

by Nayland. This is Rowley Wood, located at the south-western edge of the village, just below the Stour Valley Path, with stunning views of Stoke by Nayland Church and the river valley.

We were surprised to find that we did not have a clear record of the apple varieties we have in our woodland.

With sample apples, initial enquiries at a recent Apple Fair in Audley End and STOG assistance, we have now been able to obtain identification of most of them.

1

In 2000, 50 people attended a public meeting in Stoke

by Nayland, to explore the potential for a Community Woodland. A first Steering Group was formed from this meeting, and as a first step, a nursery bed was started next to the Primary School for the children to grow acorns into oak trees.

The Tendring Hall Estate came to our rescue by covenanting some two and a half acres of disused cherry orchard characterized by elderly cherry trees and valuable standing deadwood. The history of this part of our woodland is the subject of mutual discovery in our discussions with Paul. Our early work in Cherry Wood involved clearing brambles with tractor and flail to create paths and glades, replanting from our nursery bed growing saplings from acorns etc., making an outdoor classroom, building stag beetle piles and placing corrugated steel and ply sheets in locations to provide shelter for small creatures, slow worms etc.

When we began to manage this part of the site, Rowley Wood had 60 mature poplar trees, which had been planted to supply Bryant and May with material to make matches, but were now no longer needed.

After a major felling exercise, to clear these away, the new woodland was planted, with 400 native trees. On a very special day, in March 2007, over 130 volunteers ventured into a very muddy site to plant these in half a day – including, alder, ash, oak, hawthorn, field maple, osiers and guelder rose. We also planted a new hedge along the adjacent roadside. It is astonishing to see the change today - enough to start the loss of ground cover. The view of the Church from the wetlands, which once was blocked by the poplar plantation, is back, close to the location from which John Constable painted Stoke by Nayland Church.

A pond dipping platform was added in March of 2009 and is in frequent use, if not always for dipping, but also for just sitting, watching and listening. We have toads, frogs, newts, yellow iris, reed, sweet grass, pond sedge and plenty of great willow herb, nesting coots and stunning dragonflies. We are constantly on the lookout for invasive species like Parrot’s Feather, New Zealand Pygmy Weed and Reed mace and, of course, Himalayan Balsam that rear their unwelcome heads every now and again! Two information boards, which include illustrations of wildlife by the school children, have been set up to inform visitors of the potential to see any or all of the wildlife on site. Our wildflower

Apple blossom in Rowley Wood, May 2013

meadow has developed well and now includes diverse species, such as common spotted and pyramidal orchids, yellow rattle, birdsfoot trefoil, vetch, red bartsia and many more.

The steering group organise regular work parties for development and maintenance of the woodland; school visits and special events, such as guided bird walks, for the dawn chorus or evening bird chatter; an annual picnic to coincide with a session to rake the arisings from a high cut on our wildflower meadow.

Rowley Wood has now become part of a circular walk for which a small bridge was constructed in 2010 and was officially opened on our 10th anniversary in May 2011.

Earlier this year, we applied to Suffolk Wildlife Trust for a Barn Owl Box (sponsored by SITA) that they were offering for appropriate sites. Two boxes were erected in the early spring, one in Rowley Wood, one in an adjacent field and we are delighted to find that we have occupants already. Our rough meadow and local wide field verges provide good feeding ground for them. We are currently providing very simple, natural positions for observation across the site.

Our woodland has full public access and has been developed for enjoyment, learning, community, and health. Do visit us and share our enjoyment. We look forward to working with STOG and helping research into the history of orchards in our locality, and some further exploration of the history of the Polstead Black.

2

Thinking big to create homes for nature RSPB The Suffolk coast is already a great place for nature, with some superb nature reserves such as RSPB Minsmere, RSPB Havergate Island and Orfordness NT, among others.

Soon there will be two more brilliant wetlands thanks to exciting new partnership projects lead by the RSPB. We're thinking big and creating two fantastic homes for nature at Snape and Hollesley.

The first phase of the new Snape Wetlands nature reserve, at Abbey Farm, within a stone's throw of Snape Maltings, is developing very nicely into a freshwater reedbed and already has nesting marsh harriers and visiting bearded tits. Phase two at Botany Marshes is now well underway.

Our plans have evolved several times since we first acquired Botany Marshes, in partnership with the Environment Agency, about five years ago, and at last we're able to progress with turning these river valley grasslands into a freshwater wetland that will help us to combat the effects of climate change and coastal erosion. With several coastal wetlands, including North Marsh at Minsmere, becoming increasingly vulnerable to sea level rise, it's important that we create new reedbeds and grazing marshes now to give them time to develop, and nature to find them, before existing sites are lost.

A panoramic view of Botany Marshes (above) and rotary ditcher in action (below)

And that's just what we're doing at Snape.

Since June, the diggers have been busy creating new pools and re-excavating ancient ditches across the site. We're now installing new slipways and sluices that will give us excellent water control, and later this winter we'll raise the water levels and let nature take over. We are providing nature with an extra little bit of help too, by planting about 15000 reed plants to aid development of the new reedbed. These reeds have been grown from seeds by prisoners at HMP Hollesley Bay, using seed collected from the reeds at Abbey Farm.

Hollesley Marshes is within sight of the prison. Here we're also well underway with a major wetland creation project, with funding from WREN through the Landfill Tax Credits, and The Suffolk Coast and Heath AONB's Touching the Tide project. This project is very different to that at Snape as we're creating an 18 hectare scrape.

Much like the scrape at Minsmere, this is a shallow freshwater lagoon with islands, and we hope to attract nesting avocets, redshanks and terns. To encourage the terns, parts of the islands have been covered with shingle, making a perfect place for them to call home and lay their eggs.

3

To create the Hollesley scrape our contractors have been lowering the ground level to about 20 centimetres above sea level, and using the excavated material to create a low bund around the site. We're then using a special machine called a rotary ditcher to create shallow trenches within the scrape, creating varying depths to suit different species and ensure that some water remains even in a dry year.

Shingle on one of the islands (above) while diggers continue to scrape away the surface soil (below)

There is already wildlife at both sites too. Snape attracts wintering ducks and roosting waders at high tide, while buzzards nest nearby and the ditches are great for dragonflies in summer. A rare glossy ibis has already visited Hollesley Marshes, while birds of prey such as merlin, marsh harrier and barn owl are regular visitors.

We're planning to start flooding both sites soon after Christmas. While no access is possible at present, we are looking to create a small car park and viewing platform overlooking the Botany Marshes part of the Snape Wetlands, and are in negotiation with local landowners to arrange parking at Hollesley Marshes. There will be a viewing platform here too, as well as good views from the existing seawall.

For further information on these projects see www.rspb.org.uk/snape and www.rspb.org.uk/boytonmarshes 4

Storm damaged trees – a reminder about bats and tree roosts Sue Hooton, Suffolk Bat Group In the recent high winds a large number of trees have fallen or been damaged. This will necessarily result in a large amount of work either to remove fallen trees, make safe trees that are a danger to the public or to act on damage to the trees.

When carrying out these necessary operations, BCT urges all arborists, foresters and woodland managers to follow good practice by considering the presence of bats and their roosts to ensure that vital bat roosts in trees are not forgotten.

All bat species that breed in the UK (17) make use of woodlands for feeding or for moving through the landscape, but several of our species also rely on trees for roosting. The decline in all UK species of bat in the last century means that all bats and their roosts are protected by law.

Guidance Good practice guidance exists for arborists > and foresters and woodland managers > . Also see > The key points to consider are:



Does the tree on which you are intending to carry out operations, or those that will be affected by these operations, have the potential to contain bat roosts?  If so can disturbance, damage or destruction of the roost be avoided by approaching the work in a different way?

If it is not possible to avoid such damage and you believe a bat roost could be present then expert advice will be needed and a relevant licence sought from your statutory nature conservation organization (SNCO) >

Emergency works to trees for public safety reasons If a tree is considered a threat to public safety and it is suspected the tree is likely to contain a bat roost then contact should be made with the relevant SNCO (as above), local police liaison officer or the Bat Conservation Trust’s (BCT) National Bat Helpline (0845 1300 228) prior to work commencing if at all possible.

If bats are discovered during works 1. Stop work immediately and seek advice from the relevant SNCO on how to proceed. If SNCO staff are unavailable contact the National Bat Helpline (0845 1300 228). This is available Monday-Friday 9am5.30pm all year round. During the active bat season an out-of-hours service is also available (evenings and weekends).

2. Handle bats (with gloves) only if absolutely necessary to contain them in a box if their roost is damaged and they are vulnerable. In the box place a small, shallow container e.g. a plastic milk bottle top with a few drops of water (not enough for the bat to drown in). Keep the bat somewhere quiet and dark and seek help via the numbers given above. Always wear gloves when handling bats due to the small risk of a rabies type virus and should you be bitten or scratched by a bat seek immediate medical attention.

NNR visitors enjoy stone curlew spectacular Chris Hainsworth, Natural England A partnership project between NE and the RSPB utilised a wildlife bonanza to deliver a popular series of walks and talks enjoyed by over 120 visitors.

During September 2013 NE Reserve Manager Mike Taylor and RSPB community engagement officer Samantha Fraser, together with the RSPB stone curlew recovery project team, ran four public events at Cavenham Heath NNR. Visitors were able to enjoy the spectacle of 50-60 Stone curlew which gather on the NNR before migration.

There were two evening guided walks and two all day ‘Date with Nature’ events where NE & RSPB staff were able to explain the habitat management and conservation efforts involved in maintaining this rare bird as a breeding species. A total of 247 people enjoyed the joint events at Cavenham.

5

The Brecks of Suffolk and Norfolk are the stronghold of stone curlew in Britain. Heathland habitat management on Cavenham Heath NNR aims to provide a tightly grazed turf with plenty of bare disturbed ground for nesting. RSPB staff monitor the nests and ring chicks on the NNR. The last two years have been difficult for the species – the cold, wet summer of 2012 followed by the exceptionally cold, late spring of 2013 has led to poor productivity as well as unusually high adult mortality this spring.

Shy and easily disturbed when breeding-the Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve, Weeting Heath is the best place to see them however in late summer the birds are less cautious when they gather in pre-migratory roosts. This allows people to get excellent views whilst causing minimal disturbance. Cavenham Heath regularly produces good numbers of birds between late August and November. The birds can be viewed from the main track and are close enough to see well with binoculars. Counts range from 50-100 birds. One day in 2011, 157 birds were counted – a truly memorable sight.

Reserve Manager Mike Taylor said “These have been extremely successful events. It’s been great working with our partners to produce positive nature conservation outcomes, as well as providing opportunity for public appreciation and enjoyment of this wildlife spectacle”.

Stone curlew event at Cavenham Heath. Image: RSPB

Information about Cavenham Heath NNR can be found on Natural England’s website > Information about the RSPB’s work in the Brecks can be seen on the RSPB’s website > If you’d like to attend the events next year, check out RSPB events > or email: thebrecks@rspb.org.uk

New bat detectors for national surveys in Suffolk Sue Hooton, Suffolk Bat Group As one of Suffolk Bat Group (SBG)’s actions in the bat BAP is to promote the National Bat Monitoring Programme (NBMP) to the general public, our latest project has been focused on enabling more people interested in their local environment to take part in the national bat detector surveys. The more NBMP surveys are carried out in Suffolk, the more data is collected which in turn helps to update bat records held by Suffolk Biological Records Centre and the Suffolk Bat Atlas. This data is then made available to local authorities and others to inform planning decisions locally to conserve these protected species. Bat detecting is also a great way for people to access the world of bats !

6

Lots of SBG members helped make this project a success, but in particular Bill Landells, who led the 4 NBMP workshops this year, open to the public, and trained 58 new surveyors to use bat detectors and follow the NBMP survey methodology. SBG is very grateful to RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden, the Forestry Commission, Santon Downham and Bramford Parish Council, for hosting the bat detector workshops this year.

The key to unlocking the full potential however was £1,200 of grant aid as this enabled SBG to purchase 12 easy to use bat detectors. These were then loaned out to encourage members to take part in the NBMP surveys organised by Bat Conservation Trust. Access to equipment is key for bat surveys and makes bats SBG Halloween bat walk at RSPB Flatford wildlife garden accessible to a wider community than just mentored by SBG members; some took on their own specialists. The first 3 Magenta Bat5 detectors were survey and some hope to do so in 2014, whilst others purchased thanks to £300 awarded by Dedham Vale were happy to be part of a survey team.

AONB Sustainable Development Fund and further funding was obtained from Suffolk Biodiversity The new SBG loan scheme for bat detectors has been Partnership, Suffolk Naturalists’ Society and Suffolk very successful. All 12 bat detectors were loaned Wildlife Trust. throughout the survey season, from mid May to Halloween – with a whopping 108 loans. Dectectors After the NBMP workshops, the word spread about the were loaned out to 19 SBG members and in addition to opportunity to borrow a bat detector and our new NBMP surveys, 94 loans were for bat walks, 6 loans for mentoring scheme using SBG volunteers. This resulted in church surveys and 7 loans for bat events. These simple 7 new NBMP surveys being allocated in Suffolk – a 50% bat detectors were very popular especially with children increase on 2012 - with 10 new surveyors taking part. so hopefully a bat detector is now on lots of people’s Mentoring enables newcomers to experience NBMP Christmas lists. That’s sounds like success for bats to surveying near where they live, without committing me ! themselves to taking on a new survey, and discover it’s quite easy after all! Several new surveyors were

Stone curlew LIFE project Robert Hawkes, RSPB Stone-curlews can be found on light soils and nest on dry stony grassland, heathland and farmland with low vegetation and plenty of bare ground so they can clearly see any danger and are well camouflaged from potential predators. If you are luckily enough to see one of these rare summer breeders you will notice a crow sized bird with a large head, long yellow legs, and relatively long wings and tail. Stone-curlew are highly vulnerable to human disturbance, so the best and safest place to see them is at the Norfolk Wildlife Trusts Weeting Heath Nature Reserve.

7

Partial recovery of an endangered population At the turn of the twentieth century the UK was home to an estimated 1000-2000 pairs of stone-curlew; however, due to the loss of their preferred semi natural habitats, in tandem with significant changes to agricultural practices, the population reached a low point of 150-160 pairs in the mid 1980s. Despite this dramatic decline, the stone-curlew has since undergone an impressive population rise to over 400 UK pairs thanks to a 30 year recovery project coordinated by RSPB and Natural England. Through this project we and our partners locate and mark as many nests as possible so arable operations can proceed without harming the eggs or chicks. The success of this project is largely due to the support of the farming community and other partner organisations throughout the UK stone-curlew range. In the Brecks our team directly works with over 80 farmers; without their co-operation this population increase wouldn’t have been possible.

Most of these birds breed within two areas – the Brecks in Eastern England and the Wessex area of South West England. However, satellite populations, including the Suffolk coast, are becoming increasingly important in their conservation. In the East of England the two biggest stone-curlew strongholds, the Brecks and the Suffolk coast, are a ‘Futurescapes’ region – the RSPBs contribution to landscape scale conservation.

Within both of these Futurescapes the RSPB is increasing its work because of their unique importance to wildlife and people; however, we want to achieve this through a partnership approach.

A new approach Despite this impressive rise the UK stone-curlew population is still reliant upon the recovery project.

Research has shown that the removal of this nest protection work would lead to an estimated 3-4% annual population decline. However, as the stonecurlew population continues to grow, this approach

becomes increasingly difficult and a more sustainable solution is therefore required.

The RSPB have recently secured four years worth of EU LIFE funding to tackle this problem by developing an intensive program of advisory, communication and demonstration work, designed to bring about a major increase of safe nesting habitat available to stonecurlews in the UK. By working closely with Natural England, the land managing community and our partners we intend to achieve this vision through; 1) restoring and creating short, disturbed, semi natural grassland, 2) creating and maintaining fallow nest plots on arable land, and 3) continuing our nest protection work during this transition period. In the Brecks we have already secured £2.74 million worth of Environmental Stewardship funding for local farmers and wildlife through free expert advice.

This new approach will not only benefit stone-curlew, but wider wildlife in general. Research has shown that the management prescriptions advocated for stonecurlew conservation also benefit other non avian priority species.

For example, in the Brecks, management for stone-curlew can potentially deliver conditions suitable for 64% of all regional priority nonvertebrate species and 75% of the regional specialists associated with dry, open habitats (heathland and arable land).

Over the next three years we will be working with partners across the UK stone-curlew range, to increase the amount of safe nesting habitat for this rare charismatic breeder. In Suffolk we are developing ways of working in the Suffolk Sandlings and Brecks to make sure our advice and project work is targeted and we make the most of this fantastic funding opportunity.

For any more information or to discuss the project please contact Charlotte Lowry, the regional project lead on charlotte.lowry@rspb.org.uk or 01842 756710.

Find out what Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plan species and habitats look like!

Have you ever wondered what the Red shanked carder bee, the Poplar leaf-rolling weevil or the Starry Breck lichen actually look like? Would you like to see examples of Wood Pasture and Parkland, Seagrasses or Coastal Vegetated Shingle?

You can now view the 262 species and 23 habitats in Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plan, except for two or three of the more obscure invertebrates, on Pinterest >

8

Homersfield sluice removal and river restoration Trevor Bond, Environment Agency

Introduction With hundreds of barriers across East Anglia, the removal of unnecessary structures is an important process in improving the overall condition of our rivers and reducing asset maintenance costs. One such structure is the Homersfield sluice on the River Waveney in Suffolk, which was identified by the Environment Agency as being both redundant and in need of repair. Over a six week period over August and September 2013, a combined river restoration and structure removal project was implemented by Environment Agency staff. The project, which was designed by Atkins, involved the removal of the two vertical lifting gates and associated infrastructure that constituted the Homersfield sluice. In their place, three riffles were constructed downstream of the original structure, with relatively deep ponds maintained in-between to create a pool-riffle sequence.

Improvements to river ecology and geomorphology The new features greatly enhance the ecological value of this river reach. Fast, shallow flowing water cascading over the gravel riffles provides an ideal, well-oxygenated habitat in which fish can spawn. Combined with the adjacent pools, this section of river now facilitates a wide variety of different habitats for in-stream organisms including, fish, invertebrates and macrophytes. Geomorphologically, the removal of the structure has increased local stream power and therefore the energy available for the river to transport sediment and create landforms. Crucially it has improved fish and eel passage as well as overall river continuity by opening up 8km of the River Waveney upstream of this site. Removal of the sluice has also eliminated the operational costs associated with maintenance of the structure, whilst the installed riffles have been designed to maintain upstream water levels, thereby retaining one of the unique and defining landscape characteristics of the Waveney valley.

Monitoring to assess success – could the technique be used elsewhere?

The Homersfield sluice removal represents a regionally-unique and locally-significant project. It is one of the few examples of a combined river restoration and structure removal project within a lowland English river, and the first in Suffolk. On-going biological and water quality monitoring will be undertaken to assess the ecological success of the project. If deemed effective, similar techniques could be used elsewhere across the east of England to secure environmental gains, reduce maintenance costs and return our rivers to a more natural

BEFORE

BEFORE

Old structure looking upstream from true right-hand

Old structure looking upstream from true left-hand bank 9

AFTER HOMERSIFLED SLUICE REMOVAL AND RIVER RESTORATION

2nd riffle looking downstream (3rd riffle in background)

1st riffle looking downstream

This project was an EA Flood Risk Management project delivering multiple benefits for the River Waveney by:  Removing an in-channel structure that was no longer

required.  Reducing maintenance costs on the River Waveney.  Improving the diversity of river habitat and fish and eel

passage up and downstream.

3rd riffle looking downstream

10

Suffolk’s Crag Springs Caroline Markham, GeoSuffolk A recent visit to Holywells Park in Ipswich reminded me how lucky we are in Suffolk to have the London Clay underlying our sandy crag deposits in the southern part of the county. The London Clay is a blue/grey impermeable clay some 53 million years old. Our southern estuaries are carved into it – it outcrops along their shores and supplies the sediment for their mud flats and salt marshes. It will not allow ground water to pass through and so creates a perched water table in the Red Crag above it. Numerous springs occur where this geological junction intersects the ground surface – along the sides of the Stour, Orwell and Deben estuaries and their tributary valleys, and in the cliffs at Felixstowe.

The people of Suffolk have long valued these springs and acknowledged them in place names (Holywells, Newbourne Springs), not only for their water supply (Newbourne Springs supplied Felixstowe with water until the 1980s) but also for the aesthetic quality of the landscape. The Suffolk Wildlife Trust reserve at Newbourne is an excellent example of this lithology dominated valley landscape, with springs issuing from the crag-clay junction and flowing into the main stream. The eastern valley side exhibits particularly steep slopes due to spring sapping and although most of the springs show slumping, the flow of water issuing from the Red Crag is a fine sight. Across the road in the Great Pit (also SWT) is an exposure of the red/orange shelly Red Crag

Crag water seepage at Holywells Park, Ipswich

In our towns, this landscape has been modified into water gardens as at Spa gardens in Felixstowe. Here the London Clay/Red Crag junction is about half way up the 20m high cliffs and the natural springs provide unique landscaping opportunities, with pools, grottoes and cascades created early in the 20th century. Landscaping in the two Ipswich Parks, Christchurch and Holywells, began even earlier than this – it has been suggested that Gainsborough painted the pools in Holywells in about 1750. All of the water features in both of these parks are fed by natural spring water and they both retain some natural seepages – excellent for wildlife. Holywells in particular displays steep spring-sapped slopes as seen at Newbourne – an unusual and welcome feature in our subdued Suffolk landscape.

Spa Gardens, Christchuch Park and Holywells Park have all received Heritage Lottery funding for restoration projects - including their water features. The Christchurch Park project has been successfully completed. Work started on the Spa Gardens earlier this year, but has stalled due to ‘contractual problems’ – let’s hope 2014 sees the Gardens restored to their Edwardian glory. Holywells has received its grant and work is about to begin. The highest pond is to be cleared this winter and the dredgings are to be (very thinly) spread on the meadow. The reason for GeoSuffolk’s visit? - we helped to identify natural seepage areas which should be kept clear of this material.

All four sites mentioned in this article are designated Local Geodiversity Sites – either RIGS (Holywells Park) or (equivalent) CGS (Spa Gardens, Newbourne Springs, Christchurch Park).

11

SUFFOLK BIODIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP NEWS Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership - Moving Forward SBP is forging ahead with developing Priority Species and Habitats Factsheets for Suffolk. These will provide, at a glance, what makes (for example) a Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh, why it’s important and designated as a priority habitat, what factors threaten it, which species are found there and key management advice. Sources of further information will be given and a map shows where the habitat is found in Suffolk.

The factsheets are written for everyone, will be freely available and designed to be useful at all levels of land management. For example, community groups may like to link to the priority habitats they are looking after in their own parish.

This is a partnership project. The design is being refined and improved after discussion with a range of SBP partners including statutory authorities, communities, local authorities and conservation organisations. Factsheets will then be drafted for all 23 priority habitats in Suffolk and will be available after they have been approved by experts from, for example, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency and RSPB. For further updates and more information, visit http://www.suffolkbiodiversity.org/ See Suffolk BAP species and habitats in photos Have you ever wondered what some of Suffolk’s rarest species look like, such as the fancy-legged fly, or the Brush-thighed seed-eater? Did you know that Suffolk has 262 priority species and 23 habitats, which make up the Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plan? These species and habitats are of principal importance for the purpose of conserving biodiversity in Suffolk and protected under the NERC Act 2006. Suffolk Biological Record Centre has published an online photo library of BAP species and habitats - view them here >

Norfolk and Suffolk Planning and Biodiversity seminar 2013 Suffolk and Norfolk Biodiversity Partnerships hosted the 9th annual seminar at the British Trust for Ornithology in Thetford on 12th November 2013. We were delighted to welcome 45 participants and speakers for a varied day which ranged from the British Standard for Biodiversity and Biodiversity Offsetting to issues around solar farm applications, the new Neighbourhood Plans, Wild Anglia's role in the planning process, Habitat Regulations Assessment responsibilities and recreational impacts on European sites. We are extremely grateful to our terrific speakers some of whom came from far afield to share their expertise on the day. The presentations are available on our website >

Looking for funding?

SBP has added a new website page listing funding opportunities (see page 11 under Information and News). Check this to see if any of these funds can benefit your conservation or community wildlife project. Please visit SBP News / Funding >

12

SBP’s bat and wind turbines flowchart used in India Our guidance in relation to bats and small wind turbines, which uses an easy-to-follow flow chart format, has been picked in India! The Bombay Natural History Society has requested permission to use the guidance, as they develop Terms of References for impact of wind turbines on birds and bats for the Government of India. There is apparently no equivalent Indian guidance and the Society was extremely enthusiastic about our flowchart. The Suffolk guidance is available on our website >.

Looking for information about planning and biodiversity?

Our new Planners’ Page is dedicated to supporting Suffolk's Local Authority planners and others in their work. It aims to help everyone keep on top of current issues in biodiversity and planning. The new SBP Planner’s Newsletter can be downloaded from this page. Issue 1 (Oct 2013) contains articles on the Draft National Planning Practice Guidance, Bats and Breathable Membranes, the new British Standard for Biodiversity and information about the Association of Local Government Ecologists. SBP Planners Page >

INFORMATION and NEWS FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES This information has been transferred to our website. Please visit SBP News / Funding > to check out the funding options. Please note this is not a complete list, there may be others out there!

Note: funding available from Grow Wild for community planting of wildflowers and native trees.

LOCAL NEWS County Wildlife Sites The annual report on the % of Suffolk’s County Wildlife Sites in positive conservation management shows an increase from 50% for 2011-12 to 58% for 2012-13. This fantastic news is thanks to a number of organisations, particularly Suffolk Wildlife Trust, and individuals for their efforts. The report has been submitted to Government.

Touching the Tide community grants The first round of the Suffolk Coast’s HLF-funded Touching the Tide community grants have been awarded. Successful projects included; the Felixstowe coastal rescue patrol service, fencing and interpretation to protect little tern colonies, sailing for children with disabilities and restoration of an historic memorial. Visit Touching the Tide website >

Marine Conservation Zones Defra announced in November that 27 new Marine Conservation Zones have been created, 22 inshore and 5 offshore. The Stour and Orwell estuaries, although proposed, were not amongst those designated this time.

Marine Environment Minister George Eustice also announced plans to designate two more phases of MCZs over the next three years. A consultation is expected to be launched in early 2015. Visit Gov.UK website > Dr Jean-Luc Solandt, biodiversity policy officer at the Marine Conservation Society, said "Protecting whole zones is much more simple and visionary as it allows larger areas of seabed to actually recover. That is what our sites need – actual 13

DVSVP Non-Native Invasive Plants (NNIP) River Stour Project Officer, Matt Holden, has been taking the lead on the battle against non-native invasive plants for the Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project for the past 11 months. He has been focusing on expanding the team’s knowledge of the distribution of key NNIP in the catchment and liaising with landowners, the general public and organisations such as the Environment Agency and Essex and Suffolk Water to prevent their spread.

Visit website for information about NNIP in the Stour Valley > To report NNIP species or if you need a site visit, contact Matt Holden at dedhamvale.project@suffolk.gov.uk, tel: 01473 264263

Greenest County Awards 2014 Now in their 7th year the Greenest County Awards 2014 were launched in November at Birchwood Primary School in Martlesham, winners of the 2013 Champion of Champions public vote award. The Creating the Greenest County Awards is an annual event which highlights the excellent environmental achievements going on across Suffolk, celebrating the huge number of inspirational people, businesses, communities, schools and projects across the county.

12 categories are available for entry:

1. Climate Adaptation 2. Green Hero 3. Green Travel 4. Greenest Building 5. Greenest Business or Product 6. Greenest School 7. Landscape & Biodiversity 8. Local Food & Drink 9. Renewable Energy 10. Waste & Recycling 11. Water Management 12. The Public Vote - Greenest Community Project For further information on each category and information on how to enter visit www.greensuffolk.org/ awards2014. The closing date for entries is the 31 January 2014 with winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 28 March 2014.

The Creating the Greenest County Awards 2014 are grateful for the support of this year’s main sponsors Mosscliff Environmental and the East of England Coop.

Free trees and resources from The Conservation Volunteers Thanks to funding from DEFRA's "The Big Tree Plant" scheme, The Conservation Volunteers (formerly BTCV) are able to offer free trees, and all you need to plant them, to local communities across East Anglia. If you know of a site which would benefit from having some trees planted, we can supply everything else: - the trees themselves - most native species available, or some fruit trees in limited numbers - canes and guards to protect them when they are young and vulnerable - depending on your location and when you want to plant the trees, we may be able to offer to lend you spades and other hand tools, or even some volunteers to help you plant them!

Please contact Mark Webster for an application form. The total number of trees available is limited so we may not be able to give you all the trees you want this winter, but more will be available from autumn 2014.

Mark Webster, Norfolk Health Projects Officer T· 07843 069 567 m.webster@tcv.org.uk

14

Suffolk FWAG moves on!

Following the demise of the National Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group in 2011, Suffolk FWAG’s existence was maintained with the help of the AtlasFram Group, a farmer owned members’ Cooperative based in Framlingham.

Suffolk FWAG have now become independent from AtlasFram, with ownership passing to their two existing farmer directors, Glenn Buckingham and Robert Middleditch, with managers Tim Schofield and Caroline Blew joining as new directors. The new organisation will continue with its fundamental remit of providing practical advice on a wide range of environmental and wildlife matters from classic environmental schemes, resource protection, cross compliance, endangered species etc. and work with partners such as Natural England, Environment Agency, NFU,CLA, LEAF and GWCT. Visit Suffolk FWAG website >

Ancient Tree Forum Summer 2015 The ATF summer Forum in 2015 will be hosted by Suffolk Traditional Orchard Group, with the theme on traditional orchards and old orchard trees, including their restoration and bryophytes. The proposed location is Forest Heath, west and north west of Bury St Edmunds, north to Mildenhall and the fen edge clay near Wisbech. The ATF is on Facebook and Twitter and circulates its newsletter to over 1300 individuals. Visit ATF >

Broadland Catchment Partnership The Broadland Catchment Partnership is seeking to provide a clear understanding of the catchment issues, an idea of what is already happening to address these, what more can be done and who can help. The aim of the newsletter is to share information on issues, evidence, activity and events across the Broadland rivers catchment.

The Partnership is involving communities, investor organisations, companies and farmers in working together to improve the catchment. If you want to join the partnership and to help in any way please get in touch. We want to hear your views, suggestions to make the catchment a better place. Contact: Neil Punchard, Catchment Partnership Officer. neil.punchard@broads-authority.gov.uk

Funding update from Suffolk Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) The Dedham Vale AONB & Stour Valley Project and Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB are supporting 43 community groups and conservation organisations undertaking projects in 2013-14 with a total grant value of £116,289. See the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB newspaper for a round-up of their projects or visit the Grants and Funding pages of Dedham Vale AONB and Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB for the full project lists.

Grants will be available from both AONBs in 2014-15 – please check the websites in early 2014 for details or contact us to talk through your ideas as the deadlines and application process have not yet been finalised.

The AONBs are also donation-seeking and each has a fund to receive donations for grants to be spent directly on local conservation projects. If you, as an individual or organisation, have a fundraising idea or would like to make a donation please contact us: 01473 264263 or 01394 384948 AONBgrants@suffolk.gov.uk

Visit GeoSuffolk to find out more about Suffolk’s fascinating geology and to download the newsletter.

East Coast tidal surge Following the tidal surge that struck the coast on the night of 5/6th December much work has been done to undertake emergency repairs. People and property were obviously the priority with Snape and Southwold having the most properties flooded. Attention is turning to the defences that protect rural areas and environmentally important sites. The Environment Agency; Natural England; National Trust; RSPB and Wildlife Trusts report at least 30 conservation sites in the east of England were extensively flooded.

15

Environment Agency and Natural England Responding to the impacts of the December 2013 surge tide on designated wildlife sites behind seawalls The scale of the surge tide which hit much of the coast of England on 5 th and 6th December 2013 was the largest such event in 60 years. Although some coastal wildlife sites do occasionally get flooded by high tides (the last significant event was in 2007), the impact of the recent surge tide has not been seen since the floods of 1953.

Natural England, supported by stakeholders, is currently assessing the impact of the flood on conservation sites and the Environment Agency is assessing options for future management of seawalls that were overtopped or breached by flood waters.

Although some wildlife sites at or close to the coast are sensitive to flooding by saltwater (e.g. the Norfolk Broads) many are remarkably resilient. It is their ability to recover and the frequency of significant flood events that matters. Furthermore, many coastal sites are evolving in response to coastal processes; this changes the mosaic of habitats and species, but not necessarily the value of the sites. These processes can also result in the natural ‘repair’ of coastal features such as breached barrier beaches.

It is important that we take properly informed decisions. We should not hurry these decisions – we will normally have time to have a proper debate. Both the Environment Agency’s and Natural England’s resources are stretched and the immediate focus must be to ensure the safety of people and their property. Consequently, discussions concerning the long-term future of wildlife sites affected by the flood events will start in the New Year.

In particular, where the Environment Agency and Natural England, after consultation with owners and occupiers, agree that returning a site to its previous condition is unsustainable in the long term, we will consider what management options are appropriate to encourage new nature conservation interests to evolve in the long term.

Our decisions on what actions to take in the short term concerning designated sites flooded by the surge tide will take account of the following: Decisions concerning the short and long term future of these sites will be made jointly between the Environment Agency and Natural England, having established the views and opinions of those who own and manage them, taking account of Shoreline Management Plan policies and site management objectives.

Where repairs required are small-scale and not expensive, and they would secure a site for the medium term (the next 10 to 30 years), then the Environment Agency, supported by Natural England and any necessary approvals, will – as far as resources allow – aim to complete the works as quickly as possible in order to secure the site, aid its recovery and to buy time to consider the future of the site in the longer term.

Where repairs are large scale and costly, then the Environment Agency and Natural England will discuss what sustainable options and resources are available to secure the long term future of nature conservation interest of the site and meet the Government’s legal responsibilities. The Environment Agency and Natural England accept that it may not be economic, or realistically sustainable, to return some sites to their previous condition.

Policies set out in Shoreline Management Plans and/or estuary strategies with respect to no active intervention and withdrawal of maintenance will be fully taken into account. Where force majeure means defences have failed in advance of formal notification of withdrawal, we will not repair the defences except in exceptional circumstances (e.g. where other measures are required but not yet implemented in order to protect lives).

It will be important throughout to ensure that net changes in the extent of habitat types, both within and outside designated sites, are recorded.

16

Saltmarsh restoration on the Deben A project to restore 25 hectares of Saltmarsh on the Deben has been completed and only suffered minimal damage (now repaired) from the storm surge in December 2013. The recently completed saltmarsh restoration projects on the Alde and Ore also survived the surge.

Veilwort found at Barton Broad Veilwort or Ribbonwort , a BAP liverwort, was found in December by Jo Parmenter of The Landscape Partnership.

This is the second ever record in East Anglia since it was found once at Staverton Park half a century ago and a new record for the Broads. Download Plantlife information on the species >

Waveney & Blyth Arts Famous Five Birds competition winner!

The Famous Five Birds "Win an Owlet" competition was won by 4-year old Theo Pallister. See John Grant's article on P.6 of the East Anglian Daily Times Environment supplement 16th November. Theo is featured along with Project Patron Mark Cocker. Go to digital copy >

Suffolk Coast and Heaths National Character Area profile published The Profile (No. 492) was published in October 2013. Visit NE website >

Biodiversity News issue 62 published The newsletter is available, along with past editions, on the JNCC website. The Autumn edition includes ‘A future for wetland wildlife in the Alde-Ore estuary, Suffolk’ as well as Biodiversity Offsetting and Delivering Biodiversity 2020. This journal is essential reading for anyone involved in wildlife conservation! Download Issue 62 >

Jules Pretty winner of New Angle prize for literature in East Anglia The winner of the £2,000 biennial prize, sponsored by Gotelee Solicitors, was This Luminous Coast by Jules Pretty.

On behalf of the panel of judges, author Esther Freud explained their choice referring to ‘Jules Pretty’s exquisitely written examination of the changing landscape of four hundred miles of East Anglian coastline. It gives you stories as vivid as any novel, and ruminations as thought provoking as philosophy’. To find out more, visit In Suffolk website >

NATIONAL NEWS The importance of extreme events on freshwater ecosystems - BES report The British Ecological Society report investigates the problems freshwater ecosystems face from extreme events and provides recommendations on limiting the impacts. This forms part of a new series of Ecological Issues publications. Download the report and find out more about the series >

Public health and landscape: creating healthy places - Landscape Institute Can landscape help create healthy places? The Landscape Institute believes that the evidence in this publication and especially the projects that are described, provide a clear and positive answer. Download the report >

Ecological capacity and competence in English Planning Authorities—ALGE The Association of Local Government Ecologists (ALGE) has published Ecological Capacity and Competence in English Planning Authorities: What is needed to deliver statutory obligations for biodiversity? The report shows that many local planning authorities do not currently have either the capacity and/or the competence to undertake the effective, and in some cases necessarily lawful, assessment of planning applications where biodiversity is a material consideration. Visit CIEEM website to download the report >

Biodiversity offsetting schemes in France Biodiversity offset schemes do not always fully compensate for loss of habitat due to development, new research suggests. Of 66 development projects in France with offset schemes, it was found that numbers of species in offset sites was on average five times lower than in the land destined for development. Furthermore, even endangered species were not always protected by these offset sites. Visit EC Science for environment policy website for one page summary > 17

Urban green infrastructure POSTnote available Urban green infrastructure is a network of green spaces, water and other natural features within urban areas. Green infrastructure delivers multiple functions, such as reducing flood risk and cooling high urban temperatures. A new POSTnote summarises research evidence of the effectiveness of green infrastructure, and the challenges to its implementation.

Visit Parliament website >

Waterbird Disturbance & Mitigation Toolkit This toolkit has been designed to provide a process whereby the level of potential disturbance to waterbirds from a range of construction activities on or adjacent to wetland systems can be assessed.

The document is particularly of value for Natura 2000 sites and provides context on differing disturbance sources (noise & visuals), thresholds of effect, sensitivity variables, source variables, key species responses and mitigation measures. The toolkit is designed primarily for developers, managers, planners and statutory agencies.

Visit Tide Toolbox website >

British Standard for Biodiversity published (BS 42020:2013) The new British Standard (BS42020) Biodiversity – code of practice for planning and development has been published. It addresses ecological matters within the planning and development sectors and includes provisions for how biodiversity should be addressed at each stage of the planning process. The standard provides: • Guidance on how to produce clear and concise ecological information to accompany planning applications • Recommendations on professional ethics, conduct, competence and judgement to give confidence that proposals for biodiversity conservation, and consequent decisions/actions taken, are sound and appropriate • Direction on effective decision-making in biodiversity management • A framework to demonstrate how biodiversity has been managed during the development process to minimize impact.

It is applicable to professionals in ecology, land use planning, land management, architecture, civil engineering, landscape architecture, forestry, arboriculture, surveying, building and construction.

BS42020 cost: non-members £100 / members £50 Visit British Standards Institute website >

Woodland Trust—”Planting trees to protect water” The role of trees and woods on farms in managing water quality and quantity - how integrating trees into farming systems can improve water quality and help mitigate flooding, while also supporting production Download the publication > PDF 880 Kb

Woodland Trust Free Trees pack - available till 10th Jan 2014!

The Woodland Trust has over 3,000 free tree packs to give away to schools, community and youth groups in spring 2014. Apply before 10th January 2014. Visit Woodland Trust website >

3rd UK report on implementation of the EU Habitats Directive The UK 2013 Habitats Directive Reporting (i.e. Article 17 Reporting) is now available on the JNCC website. This includes all of the information and maps submitted to the European Commission, plus various supporting documents and spreadsheets. Visit JNCC website >

18

Biodiversity 2020 website Natural England’s webpage on Biodiversity 2020 is now live. Biodiversity 2020 - A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services, is the Government’s strategy for people and wildlife in England. Biodiversity 2020 sets out to "halt overall biodiversity loss, support healthy well functioning ecosystems and establish coherent ecological networks, with more and better places for nature for the benefit of wildlife and people." This strategy comes at a vital time following the recent State of Nature ‘health-check’ report that showed biodiversity is declining more rapidly than ever with 60%of the species studied declining over recent decades and more than one in ten of all the species assessed under threat of disappearing from our shores altogether. However, the report illustrates that targeted conservation has produced inspiring success stories and, with sufficient determination, resources and public support, we can turn the fortunes of our wildlife around. Visit NE Biodiversity 2020 website >

High flying birds at greater risk of collision with offshore wind turbines New research reveals that most seabirds fly near the sea surface, avoiding collision with wind turbines by flying under the blades. Those birds that fly higher above the sea are at greater risk of collision. Building offshore turbines higher above the sea surface, or installing fewer large turbines instead of several smaller turbines, could reduce the number of collisions. Go to BTO press release >

Farmland bird numbers continue to fall The Farmland Bird Index – which covers 19 species reliant on the farmed countryside – has seen a 5-year decline of 8%. Looking back over 40 years the long-term decline in farmland birds is 50%, however the decline has slowed in recent years. Turtle doves are the fastest declining species – down 95% since 1970 - and reports from earlier this year suggest it is the worst year ever for sightings. Other species hit hard include lapwings, which are down 63% since 1970; corn buntings, down 90%; and skylarks, down 59%. Species that are doing well include jackdaws, whose numbers have increased by 140% since 1970, and woodpigeons, which are up 134%. The Wild Bird Indicator statistics also cover seabirds and woodland birds. The figures for seabirds have shown an increase of 17% since 1970 although they have declined in recent years. The figures for woodland birds have shown a decrease of 17%. See RSPB comment (Oct 2013) > Download “Wild bird populations in the UK, 1970-2012” from Gov.UK website >

Bird surveys reveal population changes for mammals A new study used data collected by Breeding Bird Survey volunteers to investigate how the populations of grey squirrel, rabbit, brown hare, mountain hare, red fox, Reeves’ muntjac, red deer, fallow deer and roe deer have changed at national and regional scales over 18 years. The results show that populations of roe, muntjac, fallow and red deer all increased between 1995 and 2012. In contrast, rabbit numbers declined by 48% over the same period, following a large increase in rabbit numbers prior to 1995 revealed by other studies. Go to BTO press release >

New Government figures chart decline of UK wildlife Leading wildlife groups have welcomed the publication of new official statistics charting the state of a range of threatened species in the UK. The Government has unveiled a new indicator for priority species. Records dating back 40 years have been used for 210 native species, including birds, bats, moths, butterflies, hares and dormice, to build a picture of the health of our wildlife. The figures show that priority species have declined on average by 58% since 1970. Several wildlife species groups have not been included in the current indicator, such as plants, molluscs and fungi due to the difficulties of recording long-term trends. Read more on RSPB website > View report on JNCC website >

Biodiversity offsetting 6th report published The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee report (November 2013) says that Government plans to introduce a system of 'biodiversity offsetting' for new building developments could enhance the way the planning system accounts for the damage done to valuable natural habitats, but the proposals must be improved to properly protect Britain's wildlife and woodlands. Download the report >

NBN Gateway version 5 The new version of the NBN Gateway (http://data.nbn.org.uk) was released in October. NBN Gateway 5 will give better performance and stability due to the investment in servers that can cope with the increasing volume of data and increased usage of the system. It will also be more flexible in terms of accessing and downloading data and there is a totally new interactive map which makes it possible to select and query multiple records and create maps of two or more species in different colours.

19

Big Butterfly County 20th July - 11th August 2013 The results of the Big Butterfly Count in the summer of 2013 revealed that the warm sunny weather during that 3-week period enabled UK butterflies to bounce back following a string of poor years.

Butterfly Conservation reported that a record-breaking 46,000 people took part, counting more than 830,000 butterflies and day-flying moths across the UK. They counted almost twice as many individuals (on average) compared with 2012. Find out more / take part in the 2014 Big Butterfly County >

Ancient Tree Forum – Development Officer Thanks to a grant from the Esmee Fairburn Foundation, The Ancient Tree Forum is looking to employ its first core member of staff over 3 years. The Officer will be the first line of contact for the dissemination of information, guidance and advice about ancient trees to ATF members, the public, landowners and voluntary conservation groups.

For an information pack, email ATFbusiness@aol.com. Closing date 3 February 2014.

Nature Check 2013 published 19 November 2013 The Government is failing to deliver nearly a third of its natural environment commitments, despite huge public support for action for nature, wildlife and the countryside. The Government’s performance in protecting our environment has come under scrutiny in Nature Check 2013, a report published by 41 environmental organisations, under the umbrella of Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL). The proportion of nature commitments on which the Government is failing has steadily worsened during its term in office. Areas in which it is falling short include protection of the Green Belt, farm animal welfare, designating the full network of Marine Conservation Zones and reversing wildlife declines. Visit WCL website >

Biodiversity Indicators for the UK - Defra publication This publication reports on the UK progress towards meeting the biodiversity goals and targets ‘the Aichi targets’ agreed in 2010. These targets were set out in the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020. The UK is a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Download the publication from the Gov.UK website >

Urban Green Infrastructure Postnote published Urban green infrastructure is a network of green spaces, water and other natural features within urban areas. A green infrastructure approach uses natural processes to deliver multiple functions, such as reducing the risk of flooding and cooling high urban temperatures. This POSTnote summarises research evidence of the effectiveness of green infrastructure, and challenges to its implementation. Visit Parliament website >

WHAT’S ON Chalara fraxinea Communication Day 10th January 10:00—15:25 Horringer Community Centre, IP29 5RU Jointly organised by the Norfolk and Suffolk Woodland Working Group & EATaLOG Speakers: Brian Ogden, Huntingdonshire DC and EATaLOG chair; Gary Battell, Suffolk County Council; Simon Case, North Norfolk DC, Mike Seville, CLA—Chief Forestry Advisor, Tony Harwood, Kent County Council; Jason McPhie, Otley & Easton College; Jon Stokes, Tree Council To book a place email: gary.battell@suffolk.gov.uk

20

Non-native invasive plants in the Stour Valley….let’s get controlling!

Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project 12th February The Granary, Quay Lane, Sudbury, CO10 2AN 7 pm to 9 pm Cost: Free, refreshments provided

This is a training and informative event on the key Non-Native Invasive Plants (NNIP) in the River Stour catchment, including Himalayan Balsam, Floating Pennywort, Water Fern, Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed. The event will be examining the ecology of these species, how to identify them and how they can be controlled and is ideal for landowners, land managers, community groups, conservation organisations, contractors, local authorities and Environment Agency staff.

To book /further information, contact Matt Holden, email: dedhamvale.project@suffolk.gov.uk, tel: 01473 264263

Suffolk Naturalists Society conference 2014 Nature’s New scientists - the future of wildlife recording 15 February Wherstead Park, Ipswich 9.30 am to 4.45 pm Find out about new technologies in wildlife recording at the SNS 2014 conference!

Cost: £10.00 SNS members, £12.50 non-members.

Speakers: Dr Phil Atkinson, BTO Head of International Research “How miniature tracking devices are revolutionising our understanding of bird migration” (cuckoos, swifts and nightjars); Dr Stuart Newson, BTO “Piloting a novel approach for large-scale automated acoustic monitoring of bats; Dr Julian Metcalfe, CEFAS, “Fish migration, modern methods for answering ancient questions”, Dr Tom August NBN , “Perspectives on technology for biological recording”, Dr Dave Chesmore, University of York, “ Automated bioacoustic identification of species”, Dr Marcus Rowcliffe or Dr John Dutton—using camera traps for mammal studies.

Full programme and speaker profiles available on SNS website > Book on-line at the website Join SNS at the conference and get a £2.50 refund!

Ancient Woodlands Talk Ian Rotherham, Prof Environmental Geography, Sheffield Hallam University 2 March 2pm to 4 pm Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Potteric Carr Nature Reserve Cost £3.50 Booking essential—phone 01302 570077

CIEEM 2014 conference: Biodiversity offsetting: from theory to practice 2 March Burlington Hotel, Birmingham Further info Chartered Institute of Ecological and Environmental Managers website >

Butterfly Conservation’s 7th International Symposium The ecology and conservation of butterflies and moths 4-6 April Southampton University The Symposium will include the latest science on how to reverse the decline of butterflies and moths and conserve their habitats. Book now for an early bird discount of 15%.

Registration available on-line at www.butterfly-conservation.org/symposium

21

Managing Landscape Change and Future Ecologies 15-16 May seminar / workshop Sheffield Hallam University and 9-11 September 2015 a 3-day conference / symposium These two linked events build on our themes of ancient wooded landscapes, of trees beyond the wood, of cultural peatlands & wetlands, of commons and traditions, of declining wildlife, of grazing landscapes and treescapes, and more. The event will address critical issues of landscape and ecological history, of wilding or re-wilding, on nature and heritage conservation, and the impacts of current trends and major socioeconomic changes. We will address issues of funding, of skills, of best practice, of case studies, and of awareness, in order to consider how conservation writ broad can respond to challenges of environmental change, of climate change, of a radically altered public sector and political climate. The May 2014 event will set the scene and explore issues at a practitioner-led level raising critical questions which will be addressed at the major 2015 symposium.

For more info: visit www.ukeconet.org, email info@hallamec.plus.com, tel: Christine 0114 272 4227 Draft conference programme available > Various wildlife events - Suffolk Wildlife Trust, National Trust , RSPB, Butterfly Conservation Suffolk Branch, Suffolk Moth Group, Suffolk Ornithologists Group, Suffolk Naturalists Society ************************

Thank you to our readers for supporting this newsletter All feedback and comments are welcome!

If you would like to share information on how your organisation is benefiting biodiversity in Suffolk, please send your article to Gen Broad, Suffolk Biodiversity Officer (tel: 01473 264308, Mobile: 078948 85337, email: gen.broad@suffolk.gov.uk ). Please note that Gen works part-time; usually Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Publication dates The newsletter is published in Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

Deadline for Spring 2014 newsletter articles: Friday 25th April 2014.

SBP INFORMATION SBP is a partnership comprised of conservation organisations, statutory bodies, local authorities, businesses, notfor-profit organisations and community groups working together throughout Suffolk to protect biodiversity. To find out more about SBP’s new focus and the Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plan visit www.suffolkbiodiversity.org

Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership Babergh District Council, Center Parcs–Elveden, Environment Agency, Suffolk FWAG, Essex & Suffolk Water, Forestry Commission, Forest Heath District Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Mid Suffolk District Council, National Trust, Natural England, RSPB, St. Edmundsbury Borough Council, Suffolk Biological Records Centre, Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Suffolk Coastal District Council, Suffolk County Council, Waveney District Council.

22