Sbp newsletter autumn 2012

Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership Partners’ News Autumn 2012

In this issue:

Partners News RSPB Snape Wetland Project 10 new County GeoSites for Suffolk Grey partridges suffer disastrous breeding season A magical week of “mothing” at Minsmere Ancient Sailor’s path re-launched on River Alde Additional funding for wild deer management in the East of England Bringing back Suffolk’s barn owls – free boxes Water Framework Directive – Partnership projects in Suffolk Community Environmental Action Fund Suffolk Ornithologists Group 2013 calendar Foraging Farmland Bird Project Finding flies at Aspal Close Hedgerow fruit Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership News Information and news Funding opportunities Local news National news What’s on SBP information

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PARTNERS NEWS RSPB Snape Wetland Project

Aaron Howe, RSPB Senior Sites Manager At Snape, the RSPB has embarked on a project to create wetland habitat. This has been undertaken by purchasing two areas of lowland grassland at Abbey Farm and Botany Marshes.

These two sites combine into part of the Snape nature reserve. We have entered into partnership with the Environment Agency with the aim of creating an 82ha wetland ecosystem that includes extensive freshwater reedbeds and lowland wet grassland. This project is essential to provide compensatory habitat for some of the many coastal reedbeds at risk from saltwater flooding due to sea-level rise, threatening the future of bitterns, marsh harriers, water voles and much more besides.

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Photo: Robert Orford (Miles Waterscapes)

The first phase of this project has been completed and we have successfully created a 38ha wetland ecosystem at the end of the River Fromus. This was the culmination of four years of planning and community work to enable the team to elevate water high enough in the river valley to create a reedbed. In addition, new pools and ditches were carefully excavated in an archaeological rich site containing the remains of a Priory of St. Mary. This has worked well with marsh harrier, water rail, lapwing, redshank, Norfolk hawker, water voles and otters all breeding.

Also we have recently recorded bittern and bearded tit on the reserve for the first time.

Work is progressing on phase two on Botany marshes which is adjoining the site to the west. The project aims to create 51ha of reedbed and wet grassland. The proposals involve excavating, and removing from the floodplain some 40,000 tonnes of soil to create new ditches and pools. In addition, automated weir sluices are proposed which will reconnect Botany Marshes to Abbey Farm and provide additional drainage into the Alde. Once the ground works are complete we will undertake a reed planting operation to kick start the habitat development of the site. We will shortly be speaking with the local community to explain how the scheme design will provide a small reduction in flood extent in the river valley before a planning application is submitted.

There is currently no access to Snape wetland, although we plan to provide limited access in the future.

10 New County Geosites for Suffolk

Caroline Markham, GeoSuffolk During the summer of 2012, GeoSuffolk designated 10 further Public CGS (County Geosites).

These non-statutory sites are selected using four criteria – education, scientific interest, aesthetic value and historical context – according to the guidelines given by GeoConservation UK. Our new sites in Suffolk fall into three main categories:

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1. Landforms - component parts of our Suffolk landscape • Aspal Close, Beck Row for its ‘dips and dells’ of periglacial origin.

• Christchurch Park springs at the London Clay/gravel junction.

• Thorpe Ness - one of the coastal ‘nesses’ unique to Suffolk.

2. Geological exposures - our windows on the past • Harkstead Cliff and shore - exposures of London Clay and interglacial deposits.

• St Helena’s pit in Dunwich forest - exposures of Norwich Crag gravels (‘Westleton Beds’).

• Stoke Bridge Pocket Park in Ipswich – an imposing display of sarsen stones.

• Christchurch Park in Ipswich – attractive sarsen stone rockery.

• Orford Castle Pit - exposures of Coralline Crag (a deposit unique to Suffolk).

Harkstead Cliff: Stratified London Clay (Harwich Formation) with gravel and cryoturbation structures above.

3. Built environment - buildings using local materials; important historical sites • St James Church complex, Dunwich - unique evidence of the effects of coastal erosion.

• Orford Castle - London Clay septaria and Coralline Crag used as building stones.

• Lakenheath Church - clunch, carstone and Bytham River quartzite cobbles used as building stones.

• Leiston Long Shop – a stratigraphic record from the Chalk up through the Lower London Tertiaries and London Clay to the Norwich Crag.

All of these sites have been previously visited and recorded by GeoSuffolk members, with data lodged at Ipswich Museum. It was agreed at the GeoSuffolk August Committee meeting that they are of particular geological interest. They all have public access and we regard them as worthy of enhanced status - in effect informal geological reserves. The landowners have been informed and the maps given to the Suffolk Biological Record Centre. The data has also been sent to the Geology Trusts and via them to Natural England. This brings the total of Local Geosites in Suffolk up to 31.

Read the GeoSuffolk Times at www.geosuffolk.co.uk

Grey Partridges suffer disastrous breeding season

Roger Draycott, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust The wettest summer for a century has proved fatal for countless young partridges, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) has announced. The grey partridge, an iconic bird of traditional farmland, has benefited from a concerted effort, led by the GWCT working with farmers, to increase its numbers over the last thirty years. But this year has seen the worst year for breeding success in England since GWCT records began in 1933.

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The crisis has prompted the GWCT to call for a maximum effort by everyone to ensure that the grey partridge population recovers from this disastrous breeding season as soon as possible. Early results from the Partridge Count Scheme (PCS) and various farms where GWCT helps count partridges show that it has been an apocalyptic year for grey partridge breeding success.

Partridges need one in three chicks to survive to maintain their population over time: this year the figure is as low as one in seven on farms with a proven record of exemplary conservation measures. The GWCT believe we are at a critical time for grey partridges. In this exceptional year, it is vitally important that everyone does all they can to maintain adult numbers over winter and spring so that they can produce new broods next year. They could bounce back very quickly and next summer could make all the difference. But it is vital that we protect the adults this winter.

Grey partridge, GWCT

GWCT recommend that farmers provide extra food this winter and next spring to make sure they start the next breeding season in the best possible condition. Also, farmers should provide plenty of cover on the edges of fields for birds to hide in during the late winter and early spring as they can suffer losses of over 50 per cent during this vulnerable time. Finally, GWCT recommend that farmers join the Partridge Count Scheme, the largest conservation and monitoring scheme for farmers in Europe. Dr Roger Draycott explains, “We believe that the best way to ensure the future of wild grey partridges rests with farmers effectively managing their land to benefit the birds.

Counting them is vital to determine the success of their efforts and the GWCT offers free advice and help to any farms wishing to get involved.”

To join the count scheme, contact GWCT on 01425 652381 or visit www.gwct.org.uk.

A magical week of “mothing” at Minsmere

Robin Harvey, RSPB Sites Manager, North Suffolk Reserves (from Robin’s blog) The awful spring and summer weather in 2012 has had a knock-on effect on invertebrates. In general it has been a poor year for moths and the lack of activity has meant a reduction in the amount of effort staff and volunteers have been devoting to moth trapping. A trap was run however, on the night of the 19th October during and after the staff and volunteers “thank-you” party. The following morning I was surprised and delighted to discover a Red-headed Chestnut in it. This scarce migrant species has been recorded in Suffolk on a number of recent occasions but this is the first Minsmere record. Inspired by this, staff and volunteers have been running traps every night this week in the hope Red-headed chestnut moth Photo: Robin Harvey of finding more goodies. We have not been disappointed!

Conditions have been favourable for immigration with easterly winds coming directly across from the continent. These have resulted in major arrivals of migratory birds as well as a trickle of migrant moths. Amongst the expected resident species have been good numbers of Rush Veneer, plus single Silver Y, Dark Sword Grass and Gem. Nice, but not too exiting! The discovery of a Buttoned Snout on the outside wall of the volunteer’s chalet yesterday morning was real cause for celebration though. This is not a migrant species, but it comes to light rather infrequently and

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most Suffolk records are of caterpillars on hop (the larval food plant). This was another new species for Minsmere and it took the Lepidoptera list to a tantalising 1099.

So, just one species to go to reach 1100. As we emptied the trap my thoughts were turning to what number 1100 would be (Death’s head Hawkmoth would be nice....). With the trap emptied, it was looking as though we would have to wait a while longer for the next first for Minsmere.

However, as the volunteers were tipping out the moths they discovered a small species on the side of the trap and brought it into the warden’s office for identification.

Amazingly it turned out be a Purple Marbled, not only a first for the reserve, but also a first for Suffolk! This is another migrant species which is normally found in southern Europe and North Africa. The majority of British records to date have been on the south coast of England, so this individual is quite a way off course.

Buttoned snout moth Photo: Robin Harvey

Purple marbled moth, Photo: Robin Harvey

The excitement generated by something rare brought back memories the first for Britain (subsequently named the Minsmere Crimson Underwing) which I found on the outside of the same trap at the same location in September 2004. Lightening can strike twice in the same place!

Two years later another migrant species, the Many-lined, became the 1000th Lepidoptera species to be recorded on the reserve.

With the wind increasing in strength and temperatures plummeting, I was brought back down to earth this morning when the trap contained just one moth. That’s the way it goes though. As Forest Gump said “You never know what you’re gonna get....”

Ancient Sailor’s path re-launched on River Alde

Neil Lister Visitors will have the chance to walk an ancient route in the Suffolk Coast and Heaths, when the revamped Sailors’ Path is re-launched in autumn 2012.

Where the Sailors’ Path name comes from is a bit of a mystery but one take on it is that sailors who moored at Snape Maltings to unload goods would find their boats stuck at low tide and so had to walk home to Aldeburgh. The path became the sailors’ commuting route and today it is a fantastic walk, the Coast and Heaths in microcosm.

Taking in views of the meandering River Alde, the ancient woods of the Blackheath Estate and expanses of marshes and reed beds, the Sailors’ Path offers a stunning variety of landscapes and wildlife.

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Work on the six-mile route includes surface improvements, traditional oak way marks and fingerposts, easy access gates, boardwalk repairs, interpretation panels to tell the story of the natural and cultural heritage and a new Explorer Guide to describe the route.

The Sailors’ Path Project is delivered by BALANCE, a European and local partnership funded project to help visitors connect with nature. The project is sponsored by Suffolk Secrets, the holiday cottage provider, with additional funding from Suffolk County Council.

On the route you might well encounter stories of the 18th and 19th century smugglers who thrived when high taxes led to a massive increase in illegal imports. As the "free trade" grew, smugglers landed contraband and tried to stay ahead of the customs men. A stroll along the Sailors’ Path will reveal the tale of one customs man who befell a gruesome fate.

The mud flats along the River Alde are a haven for wading birds. You can often see vast flocks probing the mud. But what are they looking for? The panel below answers some questions.

Additional funding for wild deer management in the East of England

David Hooton, The Deer Initiative Do you need financial help to improve your deer management and to get high quality venison into the food chain? The Deer Initiative’s Wild Venison Project in the East of England has recently received a funding boost...apply now before it is too late.

The East of England Wild Venison Project has been active since October 2010. The project is set up to provide up to 40% match funding to support deer management in the six counties of the East of England (Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Herts, Cambs, and Beds).

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During the past two years, nearly £450,000 of grant aid has been allocated to those wishing to improve deer management in the region with support provided for extraction equipment, prep’ areas, chillers/larders, processing equipment and marketing initiatives. A wide range of applicants have been successful including deer stalkers, gamekeepers, landowners, farm and estate managers, and dealers in game. With the success of the Wild Venison Project an increase in match funding has been made available by Defra for capital investment items totalling a further £80,000.

Therefore, the Deer Initiative, who manage the project, are asking for new applications that can be fully implemented by mid-2013. Each successful project must contribute to the five objectives of the WVP: • Improving and stimulating the supply of wild venison to local markets.

• Improving wild deer management.

• Improving the Woodland SSSIs (or other wildlife designations) in the region.

• Reducing the number of road accidents associated with wild deer.

• Supporting landowners in the region to improve their agricultural yields through improved land management.

Projects must also demonstrate ‘value for money’ and ‘additionality’ (being able to ‘do more’ with the funding than had previously been the case).

For further information, please contact: Graham Riminton, Venison Project Officer, The Deer Initiative, c/o Woodfuel East, Forestry Commission, Santon Downham, Brandon, IP27 0TJ. Tel: 07966 966390, email: vpoeastern@thedeerinitiative.co.uk

Bringing back Suffolk’s barn owls – free barn owl nest boxes for community sites Oka Last, Suffolk Wildlife Trust We are delighted to announce that Suffolk Wildlife Trust will be delivering a SITA Trust funded initiative to install 100 barn owl nest boxes on community sites in Suffolk, working with communities to bring back Suffolk’s barn owls. The target areas are West, South and South East Suffolk, where barn owls need most help. We are looking for community sites including village halls, churchyards, village greens, community woodlands, school grounds, and other community green spaces or buildings which overlook barn owl habitat, the criteria also includes community sites which may already may have a barn owl nest box and need a pair of boxes.

Barn owl in box

Photo: Andrew Smiley

This offer is a limited number of boxes over a limited timescale, on a first come-first served basis – to find out more contact: Oka Last, Nature Networks Coordinator oka.last@suffolkwildlifetrust.org. 01473 890089, www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

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Water Framework Directive – Partnership projects in Suffolk Will Akast, Environment Agency We have funding available locally to develop and deliver partnership projects that deliver WFD objectives and can also help you develop WFD projects for submission to the Defra Catchment Restoration Fund.

If you would like me to come and talk to your organisation about the WFD and the issues we need to work together to address in Suffolk and to discuss potential partnership projects please let me know.

Will Akast, Catchment Delivery Manager-Suffolk (Eastern), Environment Agency, Iceni House, Cobham Road, Ipswich, IP3 9JD. Email: will.akast@environmentagency.gov.uk Tel: 07827082260

The Environment Agency is working closely with partners in Suffolk to develop projects that will lead to improvements in water quality and enhancements to river habitats that will help waterbodies achieve Good Ecological Status as required by the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

Current projects include: Catchment Walkover Surveys We are working closely with both Suffolk Wildlife Trust to undertake detailed catchment walkover surveys of the Waveney and Gipping catchments and with the Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project to undertake a detailed catchment walkover survey of the Stour catchment during 2012-13.

Walkover surveys are required to identify where river restoration and enhancement projects and fisheries habitat improvement projects are required and where land management changes are required to address WFD issues. The reports that will be produced will be used to develop partnership projects in these catchments that could include creating backwaters and bays on rivers, tree planting to increase waterbody shading and provide increased woody debris and the removal of redundant structures to improve fish and eel passage and increase habitat connectivity.

Many of the walkover surveys are being undertaken by volunteers, and involving as many people as possible in improving our rivers, streams, lakes and estuaries is a key aspect of the WFD that we want to promote as much as possible.

River Stour Project Officer With the Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project we have developed an exciting 2.5 year project to deliver a range of work to meet WFD objectives for the Stour catchment. A new post of River Stour Project Officer has been created, funded by both the Environment Agency and the Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project and based at their office at Suffolk County Council. Matthew Holden has been appointed to the post and takes up this job on 17th December. Matt will be working with partners from conservation organisations, local authorities, land owners and managers and local communities to:

1. Deliver river restoration and enhancement projects to improve habitat diversity for fish, invertebrates and plants and to reduce diffuse pollution from agriculture.

2. Deliver strategic projects to control and eradicate priority invasive non-native plant species such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed.

3. Increase understanding and awareness of the WFD issues to be addressed in the Stour valley and to help get local communities involved in improving our water environment.

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The Community Environmental Action Fund

Deborah Wargate, Suffolk Coastal District Council The Community Environmental Action Fund is for groups of people living, working or based in the Suffolk Coastal district. It has support funding available for communities (up to £1000 per community). The funding is for those who need help to take forward environmental ideas which will: •

build community spirit while reducing reliance on costly fossil fuels;

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reduce greenhouse gas emissions;

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increase their ability to cope with drought, floods and coastal erosion and

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be fun ways to get communities thinking about and acting on these issues.

For more details please contact Andrew Jackson, email andrew.jackson@groundwork.org.uk, tel: 01394 444218

Suffolk Ornithologists Group 2013 calendar Steve Piotrowski Four Suffolk Ornithologist Group (SOG) members, who are acclaimed photographers, have generously provided stunning images for a SOG calendar for 2013. Sales from the calendar are raising funds for the Foraging Farmland Bird Project. This three-year project involves 26 farms and one nature reserve and is studying where four key species – linnet, tree sparrow, corn bunting and reed bunting – forage for food and what they forage for. (See following article)

Suffolk Ornithologists group photographers

The calendar cash will help pay for supplementary food to bridge the species’ so-called “hunger gap” – the lack of food birds encounter when wild bird cover plots become exhausted in mid-February. The project was also boosted by a fantastic fundraising talk in Bungay on 19th November by Mark Cocker, one of Britain’s best known nature writers.

The calendars can be obtained by post from SOG, 96 Beccles Road, Bungay, NR35 1JA. Cost: £5, plus £1 P&P

Foraging Farmland Bird Project

Steve Piotrowski and Patrick Barker, Waveney Bird Club The project aims to determine the foraging ranges and favoured food of four farmland bird species (Tree Sparrow, Linnet, Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting) that winter on Suffolk Farms.

Introduction There has been much written about the declines in range and abundance of a host of farmland bird species since the early 1970s (www.bto.org/about-birds/birdtrends/2011). Many species that were formerly abundant have become vulnerable to agricultural intensification and are now in steep decline. In an attempt to reverse these declines Government-backed, voluntary schemes

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have introduced measures that would provide for the ‘Big 3’, i.e. nesting habitat, chick food and winter food for birds that favour farmland. Countryside Stewardship (CSS) was the forerunner of Environmental Stewardship, made up of: Entry Level Stewardship, Organic Entry Level Stewardship and Higher Level Stewardship (ELS, OELS and HLS), which are the schemes available to farmers today.

In Britain, farmland is the single most important habitat for the four key Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species that have been targeted by this project: Tree Sparrow, Linnet, Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting. These four species were once a common feature of Suffolk arable farms and have been selected for this study as they are all suffering significant declines, but still winter in good numbers. The lack of natural seed-bearing plants has resulted in these species becoming increasingly reliant on the wild bird seed mix plot option, available as part of Environmental Stewardship. Wild bird seed mix plots are tailored to the soil type and are generally spread evenly around the farms. Some farmers fill the “hungry gap” by supplementing this food source with seed in late winter and early spring. In an effort to gain a better understanding of the habits of farmland birds, Waveney Bird Club (WBC), in partnership with SWT, is leading a local study on 26 geographically-spread Suffolk farms focussing on the foraging ranges of the four target species along with other bird species that frequent the farms. WBC is acting as the lead organisation for this research, working under the umbrella of SWT’s farmland bird advisory work.

Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the project are to determine: • Foraging ranges of target species • Food preference between spring and autumn sown crops • Flock sizes and species mix of birds using wild birdseed cover plots • Weight gain and/or weight loss throughout the winter • Supplementary feeding (tonnage and grain type) to bridge the “hungry gap” • Net immigration or emigration to feeding areas e.g. as a result of cold snaps as well as any large-scale exchanges of individuals between farmland and other habitats Methodology: The methodology was based on the findings of the pilot study. Surveyors have completed standard format returns and this, together with their ringing data, has been submitted to the Project Recorder (Patrick Barker). The following information was required: • Areas and locations of wild bird seed (WBS) mix for each farm to determine area (ha) of each plot (numbered/named) • The seed mix (from supplier’s tickets where possible) • Dominant plants from that mix (which plants had done well that year) using a standard method of measurement from a random 0.5m x 0.5m quadrat within the plots • The foraging bird species and numbers using the plots between 1st November and 31st March some work was completed either side of this date range • The specific area where birds were caught (plot number, etc.)

• Wing lengths and weights of all birds captured and recaptured (even if caught that same day).

• The time and date of each session.

• Other features on the farm that would encourage wintering seed-eating birds (e.g. overwinter stubbles) • The proximity of physical features such as hedgerows (height), ponds and farm buildings in relationship to catching areas

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Interim results for Year 1 of the project The 2011 spring will long be remembered as one of the warmest in living memory. Met Office figures show that it was the warmest spring for the last 100 years and the second driest across England and Wales. East Anglia was UK’s driest district (for 101 years), with spring rainfall totalling just 28.1 mm, only 21% of the long-term average and beating the previous record of 51.9 mm set in 1996. April was exceptionally warm, dry and sunny – the UK’s warmest and third sunniest on record.

This lack of rainfall meant that wild bird seed cover plots struggled to germinate before the rains arrived in June. The seedbeds, which are normally prepared in March and April, went to dust and the seed, normally sown in May, lay barren before the rain. The rains eventually came, but late germination meant that yields were small and in some instances seed heads failed to produce any seed at all. The fact that June was unusually cool didn’t help. With no seed, fewer birds than usual visited the plots in autumn and winter, so some of the study sites were surveyed, but there was little ringing coverage during Year One of this project. Others had to be supplemented with seed to attract the birds whilst some ringers persevered without any supplementary feeding and a distinct lack of birds.

Kings are one of the principal suppliers of seed for game cover and specialist conservation crops in East Anglia and their experts were contacted by SWT for their views on the possible causes of widespread crop failure in 2011. A workshop was held at Redgrave and Lopham Fen Reserve Centre during the summer. It was concluded that the general failure was down to exceptionally dry weather in the sowing, germination and growing period. The lack of crop care and, in particular, the lack of nitrates being applied by some landowners was also cited as a possible cause of the poor yields. The difficulty of cultivating some seed crops, for example millet, which are more easily grown in warmer climates such as those around the Mediterranean, was also discussed.

In all, a total of 182 visits were made to 23 farms, which was a phenomenal effort bearing in mind the poor crop yields and the consequential lack of birds. A total of 149 Tree Sparrows, 341 Linnets, 1,064 Yellowhammers and 591 Reed Buntings were trapped and the number of re-traps was very high (see Table I). It is interesting to note that 70% of the Yellowhammers were captured at farms in central Suffolk whereas 70% of Reed Buntings were at coastal farms. Is this a case of birds wintering at farms close to suitable breeding habitat? Hopefully, further research as part of the project will provide the answer. Linnets and Tree Sparrows were absent from most farms No fewer than 3,949 birds of 44 species were captured (see Table 1) and there were 1,443 retraps. The latter figure includes multiple captures. Of particular importance are the large number of other BAP species captured including 35 Bullfinches, 249 Dunnocks and 25 Song Thrushes.

As yields of wild bird seed within the plots were so poor, it would be difficult to draw any early conclusions regarding the seed mix most favoured by the target species. Both bird species and flock sizes would have been heavily influenced by supplementary feeding that occurred at a significant proportion of the study sites. It is hoped that further fieldwork in years 2 and 3 of the project will provide a better understanding of the target species needs and the large number of re-captured birds will show.

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Table 1: Total number of birds/species trapped (target species in bold) Species Yellowhammer Reed Bunting Tree Sparrow Linnet Blackbird Blue Tit Brambling Bullfinch Cetti’s Warbler Chaffinch Chiffchaff Coal Tit Collared Dove Common Redpoll Dunnock Fieldfare Firecrest Goldcrest Goldfinch Greenfinch Grey Partridge TOTAL

New Re-trap Species 1064 306 Great Tit 587 151 Green Woodpecker 149 84 Great spotted Woodp’r 339 47 House Sparrow 257 116 Jay 262 156 Kingfisher 10 0 Lesser Redpoll 35 7 Long-tailed Tit 1 0 Magpie 310 56 Marsh Tit 16 0 Meadow Pipit 7 4 Moorhen 3 0 Pied Wagtail 1 0 Redwing 249 254 Robin 8 0 Siskin 1 0 Song Thrush 8 3 Tawny Owl 27 7 Treecreeper 206 44 Woodpigeon 1 0 Wren 3949

New 113 1 3 22 1 1 6 72 1 3 1 1 1 2 88 5 25 1 3 1 52

Re-trap 44 1 1 4 0 0 5 36 0 0 0 0 0 1 83 1 3 0 0 0 12

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Future Work There are two years of fieldwork remaining and the same farms should be monitored with a similar degree of effort. The focus will remain on catching as many target birds as possible and to closely observe the particular seeds that the species are feeding on as well as to study if they stay through the “hungry gap”.

The final analysis should help us to understand: • Why some crops are favoured by birds but not others.

• The most favoured seed mixes.

• The range of species foraging on what seeds are favoured.

• Whether some crops are less productive (e.g. sunflowers look pretty, but the seeds get eaten early in the season by tits and Greenfinches and crop is usually exhausted by the end of October).

• The value of second-year crops.

• The effect of weather e.g. snow on birds, seed heads and overall plot structure.

• The longevity of wild bird seed plots.

• Were the birds present all the time or did they roam looking for favoured feeding areas.

• The reasons for many recaptures in some plots but few in others.

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• • • • • •

Inter-plot foraging (proved by recaptures) and why.

Immigration/emigration to feeding areas by non-local birds and their origins.

Why so many Reed Buntings on the coast and Yellowhammers in central Suffolk.

The impact of ground-feeding by shooters and ringers.

The benefit of hedgerows alongside crops by comparing captures taken in crops versus those in/alongside hedgerows.

What species were in the flocks apart from target species and do some associate with/ attract others?

The large numbers of Dunnocks captured was surprising and wild bird seed plots may prove to be critical for the winter survival of this BAP species. Therefore, the Dunnock will be added as a target species for the final two years of this project.

Supplementary feeding in winter for farmland birds should become a new ELS option as from 1st January 2013 for new and renewed agreements. Fieldworkers will be encouraged to monitor the effects on the wintering bird populations on farms where this option has been implemented.

Acknowledgements

We are extremely grateful to those who have made financial contribution towards this project. Grants and donations were received from Suffolk Ornithologists Group, Suffolk Naturalists’ Society (Cranbrook Bursary), Waveney Bird Club, Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership, Nidera, Lord Cranbrook, Paul Cooke, Kenneth Carlisle, Carol Gurney, John R Keeble, SW Cross and Sons and K & R Rush.

We are grateful to SWT for administering the BAP fund from which payments were made to the various ringing groups. Thanks are also due to Adam Gretton and Dorothy Casey for their comments on the draft report.

Finding flies at Aspal Close LNR

Matt Vernon, Forest Heath District Council Since May 2012, a survey of dipterans has been taking place at Aspal Close LNR. The survey is a little unusual as it has been designed to make the most of local volunteers which helps funding to go further, but more importantly, helps to engage local residents in gathering important species records and learning more about a site on their doorstep.

The Site Aspal Close is a Local Nature Reserve owned and managed by Forest Heath District Council. It covers approximately 20 hectares and is in Beck Row, near Mildenhall. It is a complex mix of ancient wood pasture, scrub and lowland grass heath. The site is within the Brecks landscape area and is a remnant of medieval wood pasture and was home to a working farm until 1963.

The site undulates with dips and hollows and, following the site’s recent designation as a County Geodiversity Site, it is now believed the network of shallow depressions is of periglacial origin. The grassland is typical of the Brecks, containing a mosaic of chalk, neutral and acidic communities. Although the site has been grazed in the past, there is no evidence that it has ever been improved. A large rabbit population now provides the grazing which maintains the valuable conditions associated with the Brecks.

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The site is home to around 200 important veteran oak trees. It is estimated many of these are at least 800 years old or possibly more. Some of the veteran oaks in the more open Brecks grassland areas of the site typify ancient wood pasture. The grassland surrounding them is well grazed by rabbits with an annual cut and collect of the grass carried out mechanically to supplement the rabbit grazing. The site also has a good level of scrub which provides additional beneficial habitat, including hawthorn and blackthorn thickets.

Central areas of the site have developed significant Oak regeneration over more recent years. Tree ring evidence from some of these regenerated Oaks dates them at up to 50 to 75 years old at the most. This would indicate a cessation in grazing in these areas around the time the site ceased to be a working farm. The majority of the veteran oak trees are located in these areas. Consequently many of these areas have more of a woodland structure with courser vegetation, well developed humus layers, greater shading and slightly damper conditions.

The site is home to a number of nationally and regionally important species. Many of these are Brecks specialities including the Grey Carpet Moth (Lithostege griseata) and its larval host plant Flixweed, the Five Banded Tailed Digger Wasp (Cerceris quinquefasciata) and the Brush Thighed Seed Eater (Harpalus froelichii). There is also a good range of specialist Brecks vascular plant records including Breckland Thyme, Spanish Catchfly, Grape-hyacinth, Sickle Medick, Bur Medick and Annual Knawel. There are also records for a number of notable saproxylic Coleoptera which are associated with the veteran Oak trees. Records include the Cobweb Beetle (Ctessias serra), Scraptia testacea, Melasis buprestoides and Korynetes caeruleus.

Why Flies?

The site is both regionally and nationally important in terms of its assemblages of Brecks specialists and the unique veteran Oak trees. However, the site is doubly important as such a large population of veteran Oak trees is not typical of Breckland sites, so this presents a unique combination.

Existing species records show the site is important for a range of Brecks specialists, and this information is vital in ensuring appropriate management on the site for these species, as well as placing the site in a Brecks context. Identified taxa of interest include vascular plants, Coleoptera and aculeate Hymenoptera. These groups have been surveyed and provide a good species record.

Species data related to the veteran Oak trees and deadwood habitats also indicate the importance of these features and help inform management priorities on the site. The site also has good moth records due to the valuable work of the local moth group. Notable species have been found associated with both Brecks and veteran Oak features.

Diptera are yet to be surveyed on the site and no records currently exist. The group is generally under-represented in surveys and so fewer records tend to exist on many sites. This is particularly the case in Suffolk, and a dipteran survey may enhance knowledge of this taxon in the region.

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There are a number of dipteran species associated with veteran Oaks and deadwood habitats that are note-worthy both nationally and locally. Information on this important assemblage is required to help inform management priorities as well as provide additional information about these features of interest and improve an understanding of the site, within the context of its veteran Oak population.

In addition, there are a number of notable dipteran species which are Brecks specialists. Survey records of such species on the site would further inform important management prescriptions for the site within its Brecks context as well as improve understanding of this assemblage in the wider regional context. A survey of Diptera on this site may also provide valuable information on the relationship between the veteran Oak population and the Brecks associated features.

At present the lack of information for Diptera is a clear gap in the site’s research and monitoring programme, and the survey work will address this need.

Survey Methodology The survey aimed to use techniques which volunteers would be able to carry out in the field. The first stage was sweep netting in late May to try and sample flowering Hawthorns.

Sweep netting was also used as part of an event called Dip into Dipterans. This was an opportunity to include the project in Forest Heath District Council’s Summer of Fun programme during the summer holidays.

The activity enabled participants to learn about flies, identify them as an Order, and learn sampling techniques. The specimens caught on the day formed part of the overall project trapping effort and were placed in wet storage for later identification by the contractor. Participants were also able to feel part of a project that would provide a permanent legacy for species records in the area.

Water traps formed the mainstay trapping technique for the survey, as volunteers could easily help service them. By the end of August volunteer time spent to date was 86 hours, not including the autumn traps.

Additional sampling has been carried out by the contractor, using malaise and vane traps and some targeted sweep netting. It is hoped that wet rot material can also be reared over the winter.

It is aimed to produce a full report for December 2012 and to share the results of the survey in a further update.

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Hedgerow fruit

Suffolk FWAG Hawthorn seems to have prospered reasonably well despite the unusual conditions this year, producing crops of berries at near normal levels. Other species have fared less well; sloes, in particular, seem hard to find and many feral plants within hedges have not set any fruit at all. Landowners should try to ensure that birds have an opportunity to utilise as much of the hawthorn crop as possibly by leaving a few lengths of hedgerow untrimmed. Hedges managed under ELS Code EB1 can be left uncut for an extra year if required.

The rules bar cutting more than once every two calendar years, but do not prevent an extension to cutting frequency.

Berry crops are valuable food sources for farmland wildlife. Wood mice, for example, do not hibernate and will emerge right through the winter and climb hawthorn to gather food. The wood mouse is known to enter beehives in search of honey and will sometimes nest within the hive.

During medieval times it was thought the mouse must have become intoxicated to take such a risk, hence the saying “as drunk as a mouse”.

SUFFOLK BIODIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP NEWS  Wild Anglia update The innovative joint Norfolk and Suffolk Local Nature Partnership, Wild Anglia, took a significant step forward by holding its first Board Meeting on 16th November at the Orbis Energy Centre, Lowestoft, hosted by Scottish Power Renewables. Work to develop a ‘brand’ is underway and a Wild Anglia manifesto explaining the organisation’s aims and ways of working will be produced early 2013. Wild Anglia is working closely with New Anglia, the region’s Local Enterprise Partnership, in particular with the Green Economy Pathfinder (GEP).

In November, British Chambers of Commerce policy director Adam Marshall gave his backing to the GEP manifesto, launched earlier this year at the House of Lords. Read more > Please contact Haidee Bishop if you’d like to receive the Wild Anglia’s e news bulletin: Haidee.bishop@norfolk.gov.uk.

Wild Anglia members at Dunwich Heath Left to right: Jennifer Faulkner (National Trust), Haidee Bishop (Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership), Iain Dunnett (New Anglia LEP), Ben McFarland (RSPB), Gen broad (Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership) Photo: Ashley Riley Communications

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

“Building skills in community wildlife projects” workshop Funded by Wild Anglia

SBP held a community workshop in September at the Green Light Trust (GLT), Lawshall, bringing together existing and new community wildlife projects to share experiences and demonstrate Best Practice examples.

Nigel Hughes (GLT) gave a lively welcome and described the work of GLT to help communities establish and maintain their own Wild Space and Angela Jones gave an inspirational talk about Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Networking Nature Project, an initiative which encourages people to create, monitor and enjoy wildlife-rich spaces. Sue Hooton revealed the successes of some of Suffolk’s Green Flag EcoSchools and Gen Broad illustrated the many achievements of the Suffolk Coastal and Waveney Green Web projects.

Jo-Anne Pitt explained how the Little Ouse Headwaters Project has developed into a wonderful community success story through many challenges. Kevin Voller described the ambitious Debenham Hoppit Woodland and Lake project, providing a graphic picture of a community driving forward together to take action to protect and enhance their environment.

 Norfolk and Suffolk biodiversity and planning seminar success for 8th year

The popular annual seminar organised by Suffolk and Norfolk Biodiversity Partnerships, in association with the Association of Local Government Ecologists (ALGE) took place in November at the BTO offices, Thetford. Attended by over 50 delegates the seminar provided a valuable overview of national and county-level developments in spatial planning, development management and biodiversity.

The day was led by Mike Oxford who provided national updates, including information about the new British Standard BS 42020 for Biodiversity in Planning and Biodiversity Offsetting.

Rob Mungovern, ecologist at South Cambridgeshire District Council, demonstrated how the Council is making the most of biodiversity opportunities through planning and Alison Collins described Natural England’s Pre-App discretionary advice service. David White (Norfolk County Council) described the opportunities for CIL to deliver Green Infrastructure in Greater Norwich; Jeff Horner (Suffolk County Council) explained the development of SuDS in Suffolk; and Martin Horlock (Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service) described how Local Record Centres can deliver for the National Planning Policy Framework. The presentations will be available shortly on the Norfolk and Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership websites.

A huge “Thank You” to all those who made this event such a great success including all presenters, BTO staff, Shefs the caterers and particularly to Su Waldron, (Norfolk County Council) and Sue Hooton (Suffolk County Council) for ensuring the day ran smoothly.

 SBP Project fund

We are very grateful to the Environment Agency who have again demonstrated their support for Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership by committing to £3,000 for core costs and the Project Fund. The Fund has a little over £3 k to support projects across Suffolk this year. A summary of projects supported is available on our website at www.suffolkbiodiversity.org Please contact Gen Broad (gen.broad@suffolk.gov.uk) if you’d like to discuss project ideas.

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INFORMATION and NEWS Funding opportunities Viridor Credits

The Landfill Communities Fund (previously Landfill Tax Credit Scheme) provides funding for community or environmental projects within ten miles of ANY landfill sites (not only Viridor sites).

The Conservation category states: Promotion of biological diversity through: • the provision, conservation, restoration or enhancement of a natural habitat, or • the maintenance or recovery of a species or its habitat on land or water.

10% third party funding from an independent source will be needed e.g. from a local authority, a club, an individual or a charity.

Visit Viridor Credits >

SITA Trust Enriching Nature programme 2013

This programme provides funding for one-year biodiversity conservation projects that focus on a single species or habitat present on the NERC 2006 list of priority species and habitats, with awards of up to £75,000. Applications of a value up to £25,000 are considered as small grant applications. The Trust has allocated £2.25 million in 2013, which will be allocated equally between each of 9 funding regions. Applications are considered once a year with a deadline in January and notification of the outcome in July.

Visit Sita Trust website >

WREN Biodiversity Action Fund (Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd)

WREN has funded 30 projects in the past 3 years and are looking to fund large projects in Suffolk within 10 miles of ANY active landfill site. The projects should be between £75 k and £250 k.

Deadline for applications: 31 January 2013 (annual deadline) Visit the WREN website >

Sustainable Development Fund 2012-13

The Dedham Vale AONB and Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Sustainable Development Fund have grants to award in 2012-13. The fund is money provided by Defra to promote a wide range of sustainable projects that support conservations in AONBs and national parks. To date, 11 projects have benefitted to a total of £40,000.

Deadline for applications: 30 March 2013 For further information about eligibility and the criteria for applications, visit: Dedham Vale AONB > Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB > Or contact Cathy Smith, AONB Funding Officer on 01473 264263 or 01394 384948, email Catherine.smith@suffolk.gov.uk

Stour Valley Environment Fund

The Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Stour Valley Project has established the Stour Valley Environment Fund (SVEF) to support charities and voluntary groups working to enhance the environment in the Stour Valley. The Fund is managed by the Essex Community Foundation (Reg. Charity No. 1052061).

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Several donations have been made to the Fund. The new Fund is both donation seeking and grant giving, and will support voluntary and community organisations working to enhance community life and the environment in the Stour Valley area, on both the Essex and Suffolk sides of the river Stour.

Visit Dedham Vale and Stour Valley Project >

Community and Conservation Fund (CCF)

The CCF is the Suffolk Coast and Heaths own home-grown small grants fund, developed in partnership with local businesses who raise money on their behalf to support community conservation, access and education projects in the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB. Visit Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB > Or contact Cathy Smith, AONB Funding Officer on 01473 264263 or 01394 384948, email Catherine.smith@suffolk.gov.uk

Essex & Suffolk Water Branch Out Project

Working in partnership to reconnect habitats for the benefit of people and wildlife This initiative encompasses a number of projects with the aim of helping the region build resilience and adapt to the changing climate whilst bringing benefits to water, wildlife and communities. Our partners include other utility companies, conservation organisations, farmers/landowners, local authorities and the general public.

Project aims must include “linking up habitats, creating new areas for wildlife to use, or finding ways to reconnect people with the natural world around them. “ To find out more visit Essex & Suffolk Water website >

Amenity and Accessibility Fund

The AAF has been set up by EDF Energy to help people enjoy and improve their local environment in the AONB along the Suffolk coast.

Application forms and guidelines available January 2013, with deadline of 31 March 2013.

Visit the Suffolk Coast and Heaths website > Or contact Cathy Smith, AONB Funding Officer on 01473 264263 or 01394 384948, email Catherine.smith@suffolk.gov.uk Coastal Communities Fund A £23.7 million scheme. The CCF will support the economic development of coastal communities by promoting sustainable economic growth and jobs, enabling people to respond to their changing economic needs and opportunities. Grants of between £50,000 and £2 million are now available and can be used for both capital and revenue projects.

Visit the Communities and Local Government website >

UK Mammals Grants (UK) – People’s Trust for Endangered Species

Applications are invited from organisations needing financial support for mammal conservation work. Grants under £30,000 available. Proposals that address the Priority Research Themes below will be given priority, although proposals addressing other pressing conservation issues will be considered. Funds for work carrying out practical habitat work will only be granted as part of a wider project. Priority research themes: 1. Monitoring mammals – better methods for estimating distribution and abundance – more sensitive methods for assessing population change

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2. Habitats for mammals – assessing habitat suitability and connectivity – improving and restoring habitats – habitat management – habitat fragmentation, modification and loss 3. Human impacts and mitigation – climate change – habitat fragmentation, modification and loss – impact of introduced mammals and diseases – roads and other infrastructure – toxic chemicals and pollution.

Deadline for applications: December 2013 Visit PTES website>

100% Fund The 100% Fund is a small grants scheme supporting practical projects carried out by Amphibian and Reptile Groups. All money donated to the fund is awarded to conservation projects with nothing spent on overheads. Projects that include funding from other sources or

involve partnership working are looked upon favourably.

Costs supported include purchase/hire of equipment or payment of contractors’ fees for practical work. The fund does not support administration or training costs or survey work.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The maximum award is usually £250.

The application form is available from the ARG UK website www.arguk.org Please contact John Baker johninhalesworth@aol.com to discuss options.

If you want to donate to the 100% Fund please contact David Orchard ARGSL@btinternet.com.

Paths for Communities Scheme

Natural England has a £2 million grant scheme to develop and enhance the network of Public Rights of Way. The aims of the scheme are: •

to encourage and enable local communities to work with land owners to develop and enhance local public paths in ways that deliver wider benefit;

•

to offer a network with more appeal to visitors and tourists, contributing to the rural economy through better support for local services such as shops, pubs, hotels, bed and breakfasts, equestrian and cycle businesses.

Natural England anticipates funding of £1.5 million will be available in 2013. There will be a wide distribution of awards ranging from £5,000 up to a maximum of £150,000. Grants will normally be limited to 75% of actual costs, with encouragement to seek match funding.

Find out more >

LOCAL NEWS Little Ouse Headwaters Project wins CPRE Norfolk award The Little Ouse Headwaters Project (LOHP) was started in 2002 by residents of Redgrave, South Lopham, Blo’Norton, Hinderclay and Thelnetham. Their aim was to enhance wildlife diversity and improve the water quality, landscape value and public amenity of the Little Ouse river valley. The project has been highly successful, providing inspiration for other projects and winning many awards. Congratulations to LOHP on this most recent well-deserved award!

Read the EDP article >

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Suffolk Coast and Heaths newsletter

Download the latest newsletters > Includes Showcasing the AONB, Undergrounding power lines, Estuaries update, AONB boundaries extension and more.

Snippets from Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project newsletter

(available to download here >) Non-native invasive plant species project in Stour Valley Funded by a £6,000 grant from the Environment Agency, the Project has delivered a scheme to start controlling non-native invasive plant species such as Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed in the Stour Valley. The scheme has included a survey of the valley; action to remove plants at three locations; an information leaflet and an awareness event that attracted 98 delegates. The leaflet can be downloaded here > £100,000 Environment Agency funding for Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley work The Project has been awarded £100,000 funding from the Environment Agency to support a River Stour Project Officer for 2.5 years. This is great news and means the project can get on with a survey of the river corridor and develop projects on Non-Native Invasive Plant Species, habitat improvements to support native wildlife and pollution control projects. It is planned that a suite of these projects will be worked up to make a bid to the Catchment Restoration and/or NonNative Invasive Species Funds.

Eden Rose Coppice The Eden Rose Coppice charity is looking to develop its operations to include environmental education and management at its wildlife and nature reserve woodland site in Sudbury.

Suffolk Heaths carabids report

The final report of a carabid beetle survey in 7 Suffolk Brecks heaths was completed August 2012

by Scott Pedley and Paul Dolman at the University of East Anglia. The report provides valuable summaries of each of the heathland sites, including Icklingham Plains, Deadman’s Graves and Wangford Warren, together with general management recommendations. The study was supported by funding from Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership and Suffolk Naturalists’ Society.

Carabid beetles and more at Suffolk Naturalists’ Society members evening

Over 50 people attended this successful event on 22nd November held at the Cedars Hotel, Stowmarket. The guest speaker was Scott Pedley from the University of East Anglia, who gave a fascinating and lively presentation about his PhD based study of the invertebrates on Brecks heathlands, including the carabid beetle survey in the previous article. The Society is very grateful to all the presenters who gave informal and entertaining talks about the 2012 highlights of survey and recording work on fungi, moths, mammals, dragonflies and freshwater invertebrates. If you would like to learn more about the work of SNS or join the Society, please visit the SNS website >

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Biodiversity in the East of England

To find out what’s going on in our region, check the websites for the county Biodiversity Partnerships forum: Norfolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and the East of England Biodiversity Forum website >

NATIONAL NEWS Green Infrastructure Partnership

The Government has established a Green Infrastructure Partnership to support the development of green infrastructure in England and help implement the vision set out in The Natural Choice (the Natural Environment White Paper). The key question is how best to support local communities, planners and decision-makers in designing and developing green infrastructure.

Communications and engagement will be crucial to making the most of the wealth of experience that exists, and so this constitutes an overarching work strand.

If you would like to get involved in the work of the Partnership, or for further information, please contact: GreenInfrastructure.Partnership@defra.gsi.gov.uk, or visit: www.defra.gov.uk/environment/natural/green-infrastructure

Chalara causes die-back in ash trees

Chalara dieback of ash is a serious disease of ash trees caused by a fungus called Chalara fraxinea. The disease was first reported in the UK in February 2012 in Buckinghamshire and subsequently in October 2012 in Suffolk and Norfolk. The disease causes leaf loss and crown dieback and usually leads to tree death. Common ash is the most severely affected species with young trees being the most vulnerable. The disease has affected a high percentage of ash trees in continental Europe since it was first believed to be identified in Poland in 1992. There is no evidence that the disease affects other tree species and it is not harmful to people or animals.

For full information visit the Forestry Commission website > .

Information on action taken by the Government can be found on the Defra website >

Keeping rivers cool – getting ready for climate change by creating riparian shade

A manual was published by the Environment Agency in August 2012, providing comprehensive guidance on creating shade over rivers. Keeping Rivers Cool is a 4-year (2012-2016) EA led climate change adaptation project focused on using trees to keep rivers cool. Three pilot catchments have been targeted for the first two years of this project: Wye, Hampshire Avon and Tyne.

Download the manual from Restoring Europe’s Rivers website >

iRecord launched

iRecord is a website hosted by the Biological Records Centre (BRC) which can be used to share wildlife observations and photos. Automatic checks help to prevent recording errors and experts can review sightings. All data for non-sensitive species are shared with other registered users and will be available to National Recording Schemes and Local Record Centres.

To find out more, visit BRC >

Nature Check 2012 – Wildlife and Countryside Link

This report is Link’s second assessment of the Government’s progress against its commitments to the natural environment in England. The report was launched at a Parliamentary reception hosted

by Joan Walley MP, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee. The Rt Hon Owen Paterson MP,

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Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, gave the keynote speech. The report indicates that the Government’s progress has been ‘patchy’ and one of the recommendations is to “Re-invigorate the message of The Natural Choice, using it to drive policy-making across government.”

More >

2020vision Roadshow exhibition in Dundee

An open-air street gallery, featuring some striking images of UK wildlife, has been unveiled at Dundee Science Centre. The images within the ‘2020VISION’ exhibition, which tell the story of the UK’s ecosystems and the services they provide, were captured over 20 long months in the field by 2020VISION’s team of 20 top UK nature photographers, such as Andy Rouse and Joe Cornish. This free exhibition is open until 17 February 2013.

Visit 2020vision website > View a stunning new image from the 2020VISION image library every day; images are available as wallpaper downloads. More >

Planning policy and biodiversity offsetting reports

Defra has published three new reports: • Stage I – Desk Study on the Effectiveness of PPS9 in Delivering the Policy of No Net Loss (http://bit.ly/T65zsp) • Stage II – Effectiveness of the application of Current Planning Policy in the Town and Country Planning System (http://bit.ly/OMfx2F) • Stage III – Application of a New Biodiversity Offsetting Metric to an Existing Sample of Real-Life Historic Cases (http://bit.ly/N38uBg) and Annex (http://bit.ly/QmqBDj)

Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) report 2011 published

This is the 17th annual report of the BBS, containing the population trends of widespread UK bird species from 1994 to 2011. The BBS is the main scheme for monitoring the population changes of the UK’s common and widespread breeding birds, providing an important indicator of the health of the countryside. BBS trends are produced each year for over 100 species, and the results are widely used to set conservation priorities.

Download the report >

Sustainable Development in Government Defra website

A review of 15+ reports and initiatives including sustainability indicators and mainstreaming sustainability e/g/ Healthy lives, Healthy people – improving public health outcomes; Mapping global climate change risk and more >

Marine Conservations Zones

JNCC and Natural England have presented the formal Advice Package on 127 recommended Marine Conservation Zones to Defra. The Advice Package is being provided to Defra to support the decisions the Environment Minister will make on the designation of MCZs after a formal public consultation which will open in December 2012. Following the consultation, it is anticipated that the Minister will select: • • •

Sites that are backed by robust evidence, to designate in summer 2013.

Sites where further evidence is required, to designate at a later stage.

Sites that are not considered suitable to progress.

To find out the latest on the UK’s MCZs, visit JNCC and Defra websites >

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WHAT’S ON Suffolk Amphibian and Reptile Group AGM

15 December Martlesham Parish Room, IP12 4PB 2.00 p.m. – 4.30 p.m.

Visit the Suffolk ARG website >

Scattered Orchard Pruning and Fruit Tree Maintenance Workshop With Marina O’Connell of The Apricot Centre 26 January 2013, 10.00 a.m. – 13.00 p.m. Waldringfield (venue tbc) We are grateful to have financial support from Suffolk Acre for this event

Cost: £5 or £2 for WALGA members (a much lower price than many other available courses).

The workshop is for anyone who wants to learn how to take care of their fruit trees whatever the age of the tree. Learning to prune your trees will extend their life and make them more productive!

To book contact: Mariah Skellhorn email: mariahskellorn@hotmail.com, tel: 07709485979

Veteran Tree Management course

31 January and 1 February 2013 Hatfield Forest A comprehensive two-day course for anyone who cares for veteran trees – countryside managers, arborists and advisers.

Call 01279 870678, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatfieldforest

2013 Herpetofauna Workers Meeting

26 and 27 January 2013 Edinburgh Conference Centre at Herriot-Watt University The many presentations include: Conserving the UK's amphibians and reptiles: where next? ARC Natural England's priorities for herpetofauna conservation funding Natural England Is great crested newt mitigation working? An evidence-based approach DICE / University of Kent UK Chytrid: the next instalment Institute of Zoology For more information, visit the ARG website >

The Catchment Based Approach conference

14 February 2013 SOAC, University of London The conference will cover CaBA - the direction of policy, Learning the Lessons for the Pilot Project, The Wider Adoption Proposals to 83 English Catchments, Links to other major programmes - WFD, RSF, PR14 Cost: £35 exc. VAT Visit the CMS website to book >

Suffolk FWAG 40th Anniversary Conference 21 March 2013 Trinity Park, Ipswich Keynote speaker – Peter Kendall, NFU President Generously sponsored by Savills LLP

Visit the Suffolk FWAG website >

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: Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 January 2013 Various wildlife events - Suffolk Wildlife Trust, National Trust , RSPB, Butterfly Conservation Suffolk Branch, Suffolk Moth Group, Suffolk Ornithologists Group, Suffolk Naturalists Society

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Thank you to our readers for supporting this newsletter. All feedback and comments are welcome. This is what some of you said: “Thank you for sending another very interesting newsletter,” Jean Austin

“Many thanks Gen - good stuff! And an excellent update.” Prof. Jules Pretty “Brilliant - cram packed with interest.” Deborah Wargate “Just finished my first browse of the latest edition. I will dip back into

it over time. Wonderfully varied and incredibly informative to me as a interested "non professional" naturalist.” David Alchin “I am impressed with your newsletter, very comprehensive and informative.” Catherine Weightman ************************

SBP INFORMATION 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 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

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

Deadline for Winter 2012 newsletter articles: Friday 25th January 2013.

SBP is a partnership comprised of conservation organisations, statutory bodies, local authorities, businesses, not-for-profit organisations and community groups working together throughout Suffolk to protect biodiversity. The UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan is delivered at a local level by members of the Partnership – for further information visit www.suffolkbiodiversity.org

Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership .

Babergh District Council, Center Parcs–Elveden, Environment Agency, Suffolk Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, 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.

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