Sbp newsletter march 2012

Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership Partners’ News March 2012

In this issue:

Partners News

Page No.

Continuing the hunt for oil beetles in Suffolk!

20 years of LIFE in the Alde-Ore Estuary Water fleas wanted GeoSuffolk’s County geosites Very local action for wildlife Stag beetles in orchards Managing the mosaic that is Lound Lakes Butterflies in spring The right to roam? Stewardship margins Free habitat management advice Wasp specimens wanted!

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 10 11

Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership News Information and news What’s on SBP information

11 13 21 24

PARTNERS NEWS Continuing the hunt for oil beetles in Suffolk!

Anne Halpin, Buglife Following on from the success of the 2011 survey, Buglife relaunched its national public survey this spring to continue the hunt for oil beetles. The 2011 results showed that all four species had undergone a contraction in range and that the areas of greatest loss were in the east of England. The decline in these beautiful beetles is mainly due to the loss of flowerrich habitats in our countryside and the decline in populations of wild bees (upon which the beetles depend). Although Suffolk still has a number of oil beetle sites, as highlighted during the 2011 survey, there are many more on which oil beetles have not been recorded for over 20 years!

Black oil beetle Meloe proscarabaeus Photo

D&M Nesbitt There are four species in the UK: the Black oil beetle (Meloe proscarabaeus), Violet oil beetle (Meloe violaceus), Rugged oil beetle (Meloe rugosus) and Short-necked oil beetle (Meloe brevicollis). You are most likely to come across an oil beetle

1

between late March and early May (although the Rugged oil beetle is usually found in late autumn). Oil beetles can be found on wildflower-rich grasslands, heathland, moors, woodland edges or glades and in coastal areas such as cliff tops.

All but the Short-necked oil beetle have been recorded in Suffolk although the only record for the Rugged oil beetle is now over 100 years old. There are a couple of records of the Violet oil beetle from Colchester and Ipswich, but the majority of records in the past 100 years are for the Black oil beetle which has been recorded in Leiston, Ipswich, Midenhall, Claydon, Aldeburgh, Bawdsey Cliff, Landguard Nature Reserve, Thorpeness Common and Trimely Marshes Nature Reserve. We hope that by raising awareness of the plight of these beetles in the east of England, members of the public will help to confirm whether populations still exist at historic locations, or maybe even find a new location!

Please keep a look out for oil beetles this spring, and visit the Buglife website www.buglife.org.uk to report your sightings and upload your photographs. You can also download free identification and management guidance leaflets and find out more about these brilliant beetles.

20 years of LIFE in the Alde-Ore Estuary

David Fincham, National Trust The National Trust and the RSPB are working together for the benefit of internationally important wildlife, habitats and landscape of the Suffolk coast.

The Alde-Ore Future for Wildlife project is creating new wetland habitat, improving water management and reducing damage and disturbance to rare and fragile shingle vegetation. The project is supported by the European Union’s LIFE+ programme which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in May. Short eared owl LIFE Alde-Ore

National Trust’s Orford Ness National Nature Reserve and RSPB Havergate Island already contain large areas of superb wetland habitats.

However, recent trends have been towards drier periods in spring and early summer and because of this the sites have had difficulties sustaining adequate water levels. LIFE+ Project Manager David Mason says:

Marsh step bund LIFE Alde-Ore

“Having the correct water levels is crucial for those species that make these sites their home. After two years of work the plans have come to life, and new water management systems have been created on both Orford Ness National Nature Reserve and RSPB Havergate Island, meaning the sites will now be able to hold water for longer. The new and improved habitats will now be able to support a wide variety species including Starlet sea anemone, Avocet, Marsh Harrier and Water vole”

2

At RSPB Havergate Island new sluices and extensive re-profiling of the lagoons and islands will improve water flow and nesting and feeding areas for birds, as well as reducing cover for predators which feed on the birds eggs. On Orford Ness, the new system of sluices, ditches and lagoons will allow the National Trust to maintain optimum water levels throughout the year rather than relying on rainfall.

Protecting the coastal vegetated shingle habitats has also been a key feature of the work at Orford Ness. The fragile lichen heath and scarce plants like the sea pea and sea kale, have been damaged by human activity on the site. Little tern, Oyster catcher and Ringed plover nest straight onto the shingle and their eggs, which are well camouflaged, have also been affected. By managing access from the North end of the site some of the destruction to plants has been reversed and these areas are re-vegetating well. Work is continuing on raising awareness about this habitat to prevent further damage to one of the largest and best preserved areas of coastal vegetated shingle in Europe.

The EU LIFE + project is aimed at securing a sustainable future for wildlife in the Alde -Ore Estuary and is building on the work carried out in the two previous EU LIFE-Nature projects at Orford Ness which involved reintroducing grazing infrastructure and animals to the site and creating a system of lagoons and ditches. The project is primarily supported by the European Union’s LIFE+ Nature programme together with the SITA Trust, Biffaward, the Environment Agency and the Neptune Coastal Campaign.

For more information visit www.lifealdeore.org or contact David on 01394 450900.

Lapwing LIFE Alde-Ore

Water fleas wanted

Adrian Chalkley and Hannah Robson It was just about a year ago in this newsletter that we announced a new group trying to promote interest in that unassuming and vastly unrecorded creature the water flea. As organisers we didn’t expect to be overwhelmed by people rushing to join but we are pleased now to have 46 members, who come from 6 other countries as well as the British Isles.

We have just published our second newsletter, which is downloadable from our website, as is an updated British species list. The record card published by the BRC has been revamped and we now also have an on line recording system, again on our website. All of which means that during

3

2012 we are hoping for an influx of records to make a start on mapping the distribution of the 94 species we have in Britain.

In Suffolk we have barely 200 records of 49 species, so there is a long way to go. If, during the spring and summer, you spot water fleas in any stream, pond, lake or even puddle you could help.

It is surprisingly easy to see them when walking by, especially when the sun is shining through the water. Once spotted, they are unlikely to disappear quickly and can often be caught on a return trip to the same spot on another day. Identification does need access to a microscope and keys but they can be sent in for identification.

If a fine net is unavailable a tea strainer can be used to catch them and any small pot or tube can be used to send in some specimens. If sent in straight away in small tube filled with pond water they should still be identifiable on arrival. Alternatively they may be preserved in normal 70% alcohol, although if this is not available Vodka or any cheap spirit will be a good substitute.

Preserving allows several tubes to be collected over time and sent in together. If you can help map our Suffolk water fleas please send them to the address below and don’t forget to include your name, address, the date and the location (map reference) of the pond etc. in which you found them. An email address would be helpful in order to supply you with our identification.

Please send any samples to: Cladocera Records, c/o 37 Brook Hall Road, Boxford, Sudbury, Suffolk.

CO10 5HS. Our website is: www.cladocera.org.uk Email us at: admin@cladocera.org.uk

GeoSuffolk’s County Geosites

Caroline Markham, GeoSuffolk Winter is a good time to access the geology of heavily vegetated sites and GeoSuffolk has undertaken condition monitoring on five of its CGS in January and February this year. All achieved ‘good’ or ‘green light’ status.

Bridge Wood, the star performer, was visited just after the snow melted. The landscape, missing its usual carpet of undergrowth and cloak of leaves, was quite spectacular. Filling in the Condition Monitoring Form fails to do it justice: Bedrock Features: are they exposed? Yes. Clearly illuminated by the low winter sun, the 55 million year old story of the London Clay is written in the cliffs and on the shore.

Geomorphology Features: are they being allowed to evolve naturally? Yes The dramatic back slope of surely Suffolk’s biggest landslide is picked out by the shadows of the trees pointers to the date of its catastrophic creation.

Secondary Factors: are any of the following in an undesirable condition – interpretation boards, benches, fences gates? No Fabulous new fences, boardwalks and a pristine new notice board just waiting for some geological information…….!

Thank you Ipswich Borough Council Park Ranger Service.

For the newsletter, visit the GeoSuffolk website>

4

Very local action for wildlife

Kerry Stranrix, Suffolk Wildlife Trust Thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, Suffolk Wildlife Trust is able to offer more support than ever before for local wildlife projects.

Throughout the Trust’s history, the extraordinary commitment of individuals or groups to safeguard a local site or threatened species has been its great strength. Today, this tradition of locally led action for wildlife is as alive as ever. One of the most urgent is the campaign by staff and volunteers from Lackford Lakes to save their local tree sparrow populations, a species that has seen a sharp decline in the UK over the last thirty years.

Having identified that more nesting sites and a year round food supply were needed to increase breeding populations, they have recruited and inspired a network of local landowners to actively support tree sparrows on their land, through a combination of supplementary feeding and nest boxes as well as habitat creation to offer a longer term solution.

Examples like this highlight the value to both nature and people of community-led action and formed part of our application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to reinvigorate our work with local communities.

We were delighted to be awarded £340,000 to support local activity over the next four years.

Action for wildlife in every parish

Under the title Networking Nature, the HLF application centres on an ambitious goal of action for wildlife in every parish in Suffolk. With 477 parishes in the county, the gains for wildlife make this an exciting target and, thanks to the support we already enjoy, one we feel can be achieved in Suffolk. We are one of the most enthusiastically supported Wildlife Trusts in the UK with membership edging towards 4% of the county’s population and the overwhelming response to our campaign to buy Knettishall Heath earlier this year suggests a deep commitment to the countryside.

The HLF funding has enabled the Trust to employ a team of three Community Conservation Advisers and a Communications Manager to support locally-led conservation projects by offering expert guidance, arranging training and help with management plans to sustain local projects in the longer term and enabling groups to support each other. Small grants for tools, training and events are also available through the HLF funding to help get projects off the ground. Most importantly, what the HLF support will enable us to do now, which we have not been able to before, is to inspire and help people to initiate projects, as well as responding to requests for advice from groups that are already up and running.

A countywide Call to Action

Alongside the work parties, family activities, training days and help with the practicalities of getting a community wildlife project up and running, our goal of Action for Wildlife in Every Parish is also about increasing involvement in recording the wildlife in each parish, so as to give a much more complete picture of the conservation status of some of our most recognisable species.

5

This summer we are asking for sightings of barn owl and reports of swift nesting sites. Full details will soon be on our website - www.suffolkwildlifetrust - where you will be able to plot a barn owl sighting or swift nesting site on a map.

A targeted approach

From an ecological point of view, our starting point for promoting very local action for species and habitats is the idea that for wildlife, the whole really is much greater than the sum of the individual parts… so a village green, next to a churchyard, alongside a community orchard, linking into a species rich County Wildlife Site meadow has much greater value for wildlife than each site on its own.

The overarching aim of action for wildlife in every parish is undeniably ambitious, but we are planning to approach it in a highly targeted way, using habitat mapping and species data to focus community activities - so each local project adds another piece to the landscape jigsaw by linking into existing sites, extending habitat or creating dispersal routes for some of our best known species.

As a springboard for action, many groups start off with a survey of their patch to find out what’s there. As well as providing the baseline information to target practical activities where they will most benefit wildlife, parish audits like these are a chance to celebrate what’s already there and ignite local interest. Our community advisors can help groups get started, offer ideas to encourage involvement from across the community and signpost people to training available through the Trust.

For many years now, we have talked about landscape scale conservation and our drive to restore, recreate and reconnect habitat into networks of rich, linked up countryside. In terms of on-theground delivery of these swathes of wildlife rich habitat in our towns, villages and countryside, for the Trust ‘thinking big’ starts with supporting very local micro-networks of habitat. It is this that underpins the vision to create a vibrant, locally driven Living Landscape.

If you would like to get involved or for more information please get in touch with a community adviser on 01473 890089 or email info@suffolkwildlifetrust.org

Stag beetles in orchards

Colin Hawes, Royal Holloway University of London I was surprised that two recent articles on traditional orchards published in British Wildlife (October 2011: 8-16 and 17-22) made no mention of the stag beetle Lucanus cervus.

Orchards can provide ideal habitat for them and show significant potential to benefit this Biodiversity Action Plan species. I regularly come across these charismatic beetles during field work and occasionally find their larvae, for example at Dodnash and Uplands Fruit Farms in Bentley.

The key habitat within an orchard is the damp, decaying broadleaved wood, which can be found at or below soil level in the trunk and/or roots of the fruit trees. Stag beetle larvae are dependent on this for food. Female beetles search out such wood and dig down into the soil to find a suitable spot where they can deposit their eggs adjacent to the wood. Many of the older orchard fruit trees provide this habitat, though mostly it is hidden from view. Stag beetles are found in habitats on well drained, sandy soils.

6

The adult beetles can be observed during the period from midMay to the end of July, provided the weather is suitable. They are crepuscular and therefore most active in the late evening from around 21.00 to 22.00 hrs, and then only when the temperature is high enough. The best time to see them and watch males in flight is on a warm (16 C) summer's evening in mid-June.

Please contact Colin at c.hawes@homecall.co.uk if you see any adult stag beetles or find their larvae (see illustration).

Managing the mosaic that is Lound Lakes Andrea Kelly and Bob Hindley, Broads Authority

Lound Lakes is a relatively small site, less than 90 ha land and water, but encompasses a mosaic of habitats. The site is owned by Essex & Suffolk Water and has been managed in partnership with the Broads Authority for nine years. This article describes some of the wonderful bits of Lound Lakes and what has been achieved over the past nine years at this most amazing Broadland wildlife site.

The reserve provides a unique system of open water, in the form of an interconnecting system of lakes, which provide drinking water for local people; surrounded by a fringe of reed, rush pasture and wet woodland. Beyond these wetland habitats previously improved meadows rise through older, drier woodland and acid grassland. New wooded areas have been planted to provide a patchwork of deciduous trees and conifers, all offering unique places for wildlife.

Most land close to the Broads are has been ploughed, sprayed and had fertilisers added, leading to a dramatic loss of biodiversity. The Broads Biodiversity Audit (2011) concluded that wildlife loss has been mainly from dry habitats around the Broads. Lound is one of the only areas in the Broads that has undergone a transition from intensive arable farming to grass in the 1980s to protect the quality of the drinking water. Eight years ago Lound Lakes area became part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and is now a Broads biodiversity hotspot with over 118 priority species per km2 offering unique mixture of wet and dry habitats.

Throughout the site paths, both public and permissive, give access for people to enjoy the site, with the majority of users walking dogs or bird watching. This compact, complex site requires special care and attention to maintain and improve the biodiversity, this important work could not be done without community and volunteer involvement.

Unfertilised and hence wildlife rich hay meadows are rare around the Broads. The meadows at Lound have been unimproved for over fifteen years, with the hay cut and cleared to reduce nutrient levels further. This not only helps the water quality of the lakes but it is also boosting the wildlife with some areas reverting to acid grassland and their attendant species (such as: Sheeps Sorrel, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Thyme-leaved Speedwell) Some areas require more time to achieve a 7

wildlife rich status, but that is fine as the site is managed with nature conservation as top priority.

Along with mowing for hay, the rabbit population also does a great job of managing the grass.

Certain areas are simply left for the rabbits to crop short. This results in short vegetation in the rabbit grazed areas (for example Lichens, Small Cudweed) and taller vegetation of the hay meadows (for example Curled Dock).

Closer to the lakes meadows lead into rush pasture, dotted with orchids. These areas are less grazed by rabbits and must have a heavier hand from machinery to keep them under control. The rush is cut late summer on a rotational system creating areas of differing age and therefore species diversity.

The areas of woodland around the site provide a totally different habitat for wildlife, from the wet alder and willow dominated carr at the lake edge, through newly planted deciduous and coniferous blocks, to the established and older mixed woodland, complete with coppiced hazel. The newer areas have the typical plantation look but, with some considered thinning, can be made into a more species prolific habitat.

The choices that the partnership (particularly Broads Authority and Essex & Suffolk Water) has made at Lound to enhance this mosaic of habitats for wildlife are set out in the site Management Plan. For example keeping large numbers of Scots Pine for the birds (such as Goldcrests) that choose to nest and feed in them, or increasing the area of deciduous trees with their species of insect and birdlife.

Site management is a balancing act that leads to a patchwork approach across the whole site.

Along the woodland boundary decisions need to be made between tree encroachment and meadow retention. Nothing in nature is static, it’s about making the best choices for biodiversity, a good example is allowing the woodlands blackthorn edge to expand where the meadow is of poorer quality, but where the wood abuts acid grassland pushing the tree line back. In addition where scrub invades reed beds these need to be constantly managed, thank heavens for volunteers!

Open water although taking less time to look after, especially now we have decided there is little we can do to control the New Zealand Pygmyweed. Much of the management around the lake is as a result of trying to protect the water itself. Despite the lakes having a buffer of non-fertilised land the nutrient levels are increasing, so the lake habitat may require more management in the future.

As the management of this Essex & Suffolk Water owned site moves from the Broads Authority to Suffolk Wildlife Trust we reflect on the huge amount already achieved for nature conservation in this important transition habitat so rare within the Broads.

Butterflies in Spring

Rob Parker, Butterfly Conservation Spring 2012 has been a weird mixture of protracted drought in East Anglia and unseasonably high temperatures. I like to think of the starting grid in a race for butterflies to take to the wing. Pole position is always taken by the species that have passed the winter hibernating as adult butterflies; they are ready to be off on any bright sunny day in February – just for a quick foray in

8

search of nectar, and then back to their hiding places as the afternoon gets cool again. It takes 15oC and an hour of bright sun before more than a few butterflies appear together. I was in the King's Forest on such a day in March, and walked for an hour as the temperature rose through 14oC, when a Red Admiral drifted by, and within 10 minutes we had seen a Peacock, 3 Brimstones and a Comma. Other people had seen Small Tortoiseshells by then, completing the first few rows of the grid.

The next butterflies to appear are those that over wintered as pupae.

Naturally, they wait for signals from nature to tell them it is time to emerge. Photoperiod is the most important, and approach of the Vernal Equinox, 20th March, tempted some early emergences of the "Whites". For me, the particular harbinger of spring is the Orange-tip, which generally appears halfway through April. So it was nice on 27th March to spot a tiny male taking nectar at a prunus An early emergence: a dwarf form of the Orange-tip, a blossom just north of Bury St male, takes nectar from prunus blossom Edmunds. It was what is known as a Photo Rob Parker "dwarf form", at only 2/3 of the norm al wingspan; something that is generally attributed to incomplete feeding at the larval stage, and pupation one skin-cast earlier than usual. Early summer 2011 had been hot and dry too, with many larval host plants drying out prematurely, so perhaps there will be more of these dwarfs to be seen this year. I thought it likely that this would have been the earliest-ever sighting for Suffolk, but it turned out to be 4 days later than Mike Crewe's sighting of 23rd March in 1990.

Before you read this, the other spring species that spent winter as pupae will all have flown: Holly Blue, Green Hairstreak and the first wave of Speckled Wood. The Speckled Wood is a special case; it is the only British butterfly that routinely hibernates in two stages of its life cycle. Those larvae that succeed in pupating before winter sets in are ahead of those that do not quite make it and have to survive as part-grown caterpillars. These resume feeding as spring warms up, pupate briefly, and fly as the second wave.

Consider now those other species that hibernated as tiny larvae, and were third-placed on the starting grid. With bone hard soil and little sign of rain, their host plants would not have got away to a brilliant start, despite the warmness of the spring. Nonetheless, Dingy Skipper should be on the wing by May, along with Small Copper, Common Blue and Brown Argus. The last three are the first generation of "multi-brooded" species. At the time of writing (it is still March) Small Copper has already been seen in the south of England, but not in Suffolk.

As for those species that have overwintered as eggs, they are at the back of the starting grid, and have to complete their full life cycle during the spring. In due course, they will emerge as our summer butterflies – but that is another story . . .

9

The right to roam? Stewardship margins

Steve Podd, Suffolk FWAG Barely a week goes by when we don’t get a call from a farmer somewhere, asking if we have signs or some other means to deter people from walking on Stewardship margins (buffer strips). The problem has been around for a while, but it seems to be escalating at the moment, probably because conservation margins are much more common than they were a few years ago. There are two main problems – firstly people using the margins as footpaths, and secondly walkers with a dog which, let off the lead, ‘has fun’ flushing wildlife from the margins.

The latter is bad enough, especially where we are trying to re-establish or encourage grey partridge populations. More serious, from a financial point of view, is that a visible track through the margin, the result of regular walking, could lead to problems and penalties if the farm was inspected. Worse still, my understanding of the law is that where the margin is not a public right of way, the farmer or landowner still has a duty of care towards anyone walking on it. If that person were to have an accident, the landowner could be held responsible, perverse and unjust as it seems!

So what is the answer? Although few members of the public go to Parish Council meetings, it is probably worth raising the issue with the Parish Council so at least other leading members of the community are aware of the problem and can help the farmer to ‘educate’ the wrongdoers. On a more practical level, you can put signs up (Suffolk FWAG can help – please enquire) informing the public that the margins are conservation areas, are not rights of way, and that dogs should be kept on leads at all times, even in arable areas. Sadly, experience shows that such signs are quickly pulled up and tossed in the nearby ditch. A farmer I was talking to recently said he was going to put a netting fence along the top of the margin; but at the same time he was resigned to people simply walking round the fence.

Ultimately – and it is sad that it might come to this – the farmer will probably need to review where he sites his margins. One trick Suffolk FWAG has used is to use lengths of cultivated margin (ELS option EF11) to separate grass margins from points of public access; the cultivated ground tends to deter people from accessing the grass margin beyond. In a similar fashion, it might be worth planting the whole headland to a width of, say, 24m against any legitimate right of way or access point, and thus commencing the Stewardship margin 24m down the side of the field instead of bringing it right to the top. In the worst case it might be necessary to remove all margins from fields where there is public access or which adjoin roads.

With many ELS schemes renewing at the moment, it could be the opportunity to change or relocate options where there are known problems. Please ring the office if you would like more help or advice (01728 748030).

Free habitat management advice Martha Meek, Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Do you have an overgrown pond you would like to restore? A wildflower meadow you would like advice on? If you have land you are managing for wildlife (that is not a garden and not farmland) then we can advise for free on its management for wildlife.

10

Across Suffolk hundreds of landowners are managing a network of land exclusively for wildlife.

The habitats are diverse and include ponds, rivers, meadows, woodlands, wetlands, smallholdings and orchards, they cover many acres of land and are helping to create a living landscape for Suffolk.

This important network of habitats is made up of privately owned sites whose owners are passionate about their local wildlife. Many have been advised on conservation issues by Suffolk Wildlife Trust and are now part of the Private Nature Reserves scheme. The scheme organises open evenings to PNR sites in the summer months, along with WildLearning courses on habitat management. An e-newsletter with seasonal advice is also sent out four times a year.

If you would like to request a visit from one of our Conservation Advisors or you have any questions about the Private Nature Reserves network you can contact the schemes administrator Martha Meek - tel: 01473 890089 or email: martha.meek@suffolkwildlifetrust.org

Wasp specimens wanted!

Adrian Knowles, Suffolk Hymenoptera Recorder In next year's Suffolk Natural History (the Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists’ Society) I am hoping to write a paper on the social wasps of Suffolk (yes, those yellow and black picnic spoilers!), following on from a review of the bumblebees in 2012. Despite being quite common, they tend to be under-recorded. Many people assume that the record won't be interesting, just because it is a common species, but this is not so! There are, in fact, several closely related and similar looking species, some of which are quite scarce.

I would be delighted to receive any specimens from readers across the county as an aid to this paper. I do not expect anyone to dice with the threat of a sting! Wasps are quite often found dead on windowsills, in light units, sheds etc and these are all valid records. Even swatted ones can be identified if you've not hit them too hard!!

Please send me any specimens along with your name, address, date of finding the specimen and, ideally, an Ordnance Survey grid reference of where you found it, but do not worry if you're not familiar with this. Put the wasps in a small tub or pot (old 35mm camera film tubs are ideal but becoming harder to get hold of in this digital age) and post them to me at Jessups Cottage, London Road, Capel St Mary, IP9 2JR.

SUFFOLK BIODIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP NEWS ď ś Proposed Norfolk and Suffolk Local Nature Partnership (LNP)

The proposed two-county LNP continues to gain momentum as we explore new opportunities for protecting our natural environment at a landscape scale with new and existing partners. A consultation with Suffolk Partnership members in February revealed that the majority of those who replied are in favour of the LNP, for example:

11

"We support the proposal and can see many benefits for partnership working and influencing wider stakeholders. We look forward to working with you to develop the proposals if they are approved and will seek to be an active partner in the LNP once established."

Eve Dewsnap, External Affairs Consultant, National Trust "A Norfolk and Suffolk LNP is vital to ensure biodiversity and landscape action is planned, co-ordinated and delivered at the 2 county scale and that a forum exists for all partners working in the sector to meet and to discuss progress, share ideas and initiatives and to develop future plans."

Will Akast, Catchment Delivery Manager-Suffolk (Eastern Area), Environment Agency “The Forestry Commission sees the creation of LNPs as an important delivery mechanism to fulfil the aspirations of the Environment White Paper and as a conduit for the environment sector to the Local Enterprise Partnerships."

Steve Scott, Forest Services Director East & East Midlands, Forestry Commission “…to confirm that the proposed Suffolk and Norfolk LNP has SWT’s full support."

Julian Roughton, Chief Executive, Suffolk Wildlife Trust We have been talking to local businesses, the tourism industry, local authorities, communities, conservation bodies and statutory agencies to find out what they want from an LNP and exploring the ways in which we can work together effectively. We are delighted to have the support of New Anglia, Norfolk and Suffolk’s Local Enterprise Partnership, and to be working with the national pilot Green Economy Pathfinder.

Proposed Norfolk and Suffolk LNP Communities workshop 26th May at The Foundry, Lawshall near Bury St Edmunds 09.30 am - 2.00 pm (lunch included) The proposed LNP is hosting a workshop for communities either new to setting up wildlife projects or facing difficulties in projects. Through community case studies, presentations and a Question Time, we aim to build capacity to link people and nature more effectively. We are delighted that two organisations that work closely with communities, the Green Light Trust and Suffolk Wildlife Trust, have confirmed their participation in the day.

Many community projects across Suffolk and Norfolk contribute to wildlife conservation. These down-to-earth projects, whether small or large, have real benefit by providing space for nature to thrive alongside people. Human communities also benefit from improved well-being through contact with nature, increased capacity to manage the local environment and a strong community identity.

If your community group, or one that you know of, has been thinking of planting a wood or a hedgerow, making a meadow into a nature reserve or digging a pond, but is worried about the practicalities, come along and find out how other people have coped and what help is available.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll know how to successfully set up and run wildlife projects whilst avoiding the common pitfalls. We hope you will also feel inspired to take the plunge to take your own project further.

Contact Gen Broad, tel: 01473 264308, email: gen.broad@suffolk.gov.uk

12

 Waveney and Suffolk Coastal Green Web Project

Thanks to generous funding from Waveney and Suffolk Local Strategic Partnerships, we are delighted to have been able to support the following community projects during March: Waveney area • Bonds Meadow, Oulton Broad £500 for an interpretation board • Christmas Lane County Wildlife Site, Lowestoft £500 for restoration work including improvements to ditches, a restoration cut and fencing enabling the site to be managed by grazing in the future.

• Warren Special School, Oulton Broad 5 nest boxes and a hedgehog box • Blundeston Millennium Green £150 for the purchase of native wildlife plug plants for a wildflower area • Pakefield Cliff Top Project £300 contribution for an interpretation board for the cliff and foreshore area, including information about the yellow horned poppy and sea pea.

Suffolk Coastal area • Greener Fram, Framlingham College and the local primary school £500 for the purchase of native plants for a community garden • Rendlesham £500 for training, equipment and publicity for a community reptile survey • SWT Foxburrow Farm £200 for volunteers to plant a bee and butterfly garden accessible to all including wheelchair users, schools groups and families.

• Rendlesham School £300 for purchasing a liner and plants for a wildlife pond designed by the children, built by a group of parents, and to be used as a teaching resource.

• Waldringfield Primary School 5 nest boxes and a hedgehog box • Waldringfield, Newbourne and Hemley Scattered Orchards Project £500 to purchase fruit trees and tree guards, enabling the community to access locally grown produce.

The relatively small amounts of funding from the Green Web project give ‘added value’ because they have drawn in additional match funding and enabled the communities to get their projects underway. Most of the projects are being advised by Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Networking Nature Project.

We intend to roll out the Green Web project across the rest of Suffolk as funding becomes available. If you would like to contribute to the project with resources or funds, please contact Gen Broad tel: 01473 264308, email: gen.broad@suffolk.gov.uk

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 landfill sites. In Suffolk, the only site is at Wangford. If your project provides, conserves, restores or enhances a natural habitat, or maintains or recovers a species from its habitat on land or in water within 10 miles of Wangford the project may be eligible for funding. 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 >

13

SITA Trust

There is still money available in the East of England for the next round of Enriching Nature applications in June.

Do talk to Sita before submitting your application, they will be pleased to help you.

Deadline for applications: 29 June 2012 Visit Sita Trust website >

WREN Biodiversity Action Fund (Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd)

WREN are now 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.

Read about some of the projects funded to date on the WREN website > Deadline for applications: 31 January 2013 (annual deadline)

Sustainable Development Fund 2012-13

The Dedham Vale AONB and Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Sustainable Development Fund will have grants to award in 2012-13. The fund is available to community groups, schools, organisations and parishes in the AONBs, for projects that are of benefit to the environment, economy and society within our most beautiful countryside.

Projects will have to benefit the environmental, economic or social wellbeing of the AONB and be completed by 31 March 2014.

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 new Stour Valley Environment Fund (SVEF) to support charities and voluntary groups working to enhance the environment in the Stour Valley. The Fund will be managed by the Essex Community Foundation (Reg. Charity No. 1052061).

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.

Deadline for applications: 9 September 2012 Visit Dedham Vale and Stour Valley Project >

Water Framework Directive Catchment Restoration Fund

Open to charities and not-for-profit organisations, the CRF will run from 2012/13. It is for: • Restoration of more natural features in and around waters • Reduction in the impact of man-made structures on the wildlife in waters • Reduction of the impact of diffuse pollution from urban and rural sources 2nd Deadline for applications: 18 May 2012 Decisions on the first round of bids will be completed by the end of April.

Visit Defra Civil Society blog >

14

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 Amenity And Accessibility Fund (AAF) has been set up by EDF Energy to help people enjoy and improve their local environment in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) along the Suffolk coast. The Fund will benefit from an initial one off payment of £120,000 made by EDF Energy in 2012, when the DFS construction starts, and then further annual payments by EDF of £20,000 for a period of 60 years or until the date of the commencement of decommissioning of the DFS. Rolling programme with annual deadline of 30 March.

Visit the Suffolk Coast and Heaths website > Coastal Communities Fund A NEW £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. Examples of activities that may be eligible for funding include: skills and training initiatives; tourist infrastructure; managing and adapting to flood and coastal erosion risk; apprenticeships Innovative bids are welcomed from businesses, social enterprises, local enterprise partnerships, charities and local authorities.

Visit the Communities and Local Government website > Deadline for applications: 27 April 2012

UK Mammals Grants (UK)

The People's Trust for endangered species is inviting applications from voluntary conservation organisations, scientific researchers, individuals and consortia, needing financial support for work that relates to the conservation of mammals in the British Isles and Eire, to apply for funding of up to £30,000 through their UK mammals grant programme. The trust aims to fund scientific research, practical habitat management work, reintroduction and monitoring programmes and educational projects.

Projects supported in the past include: Bats in the Lake District; monitoring of UK bat species in underground sites; monitoring Irish pine martens.

Deadline for applications: 1 November 2012.

To find out more visit PTES website>

15

LOCAL NEWS Welcome Back Suffolk FWAG!

Following a difficult period when national FWAG went into administration, Suffolk FWAG has formed a new organisation and is back in operation as from March 2012 under the umbrella of Atlas Fram Group. The team has been joined by Stephen Podd, returning to his native Suffolk after a gap of 17 years. Stephen has a personal interest in landscape and farming history and water efficiency on the farm. Contact Suffolk FWAG on 01728 748030.

Asian Longhorn beetle outbreak

The Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) has confirmed the finding of Asian longhorn beetle, an EC pest, in Kent. This is the first time an outbreak of this pest has been found in the UK and it is being treated extremely seriously as the outbreak could have severe consequences for British trees. If you suspect you have seen an Asian longhorn beetle, or evidence of its presence, please contact Fera Plant Health Helpline 0844 2480071 or email planthealth.info@fera.gsi.gov.uk. If possible, the beetle should be caught and placed in a secure container so that an Inspector can collect it. They are not harmful to humans, though they should be handled with caution as they can nip the skin. The beetles have a distinctive black and white pattern, click on the link to view - ALB Quarantine Identification card >

Local Foods Suffolk

Local Foods Suffolk has been running for 6 months, during which they have supported 10 new community food projects. They hope these projects will inspire more communities to start their own local food production. They marked this milestone with a small event for key stakeholders and delivery partners and brainstormed how to take the project forward. The popular small grants will continue, and they are now also focussing on meeting training needs of communities undertaking food projects.

To find out more or sign up for the newsletter, contact Kirsty Wilmot (Ipswich, Babergh, Mid Suffolk): 07775 661970; kirsty.wilmot@suffolkacre.org.uk; Mik Bedson (Suffolk Coastal and Waveney): 07540 620404; mik.bedson@suffolkacre.org.uk or Tim Freathy (Forest Heath, St Edmundsbury and west Babergh): 07816 828016; tim.freathy@suffolkacre.org.uk

Minsmere Reborn!

The new visitor centre at RSPB Minsmere was opened on 27th March with a new reception, revised shop layout, upgraded toilets and enlarged café. The centre is part of the Minsmere Discover Nature Project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, EU Interreg IV A 2Seas programme and others. The new Discovery Centre and Wild Zone will be opening at the end of April, offering an exciting day out for school children and families.

Click here to see the guided walks schedule.

Killer shrimp found in Norfolk Broads

All users of the Broads are being asked to ensure they follow ‘Check Clean Dry’ guidance when dealing with equipment which has been in contact with the water, after a few of the invasive nonnative shrimp, Dikerogammarus villosus, were found in a small area of Barton Broad. The Environment Agency, Natural England and the Broads Authority are working together to investigate the presence of the shrimp in the Broads, including its current population and spread.

Read further on the Broads Authority website >

16

Suffolk Coast and Heaths Spring 2012 news

New long distance walks guide published – Suffolk Coast Path (Lowestoft to Felixstowe), the Stour and Orwell Walk (Felixstowe to Cattawade) and the Sandlings Walk (Ipswich to Southwold).

Coastal knowledge fact sheets for 7-11 year olds free to download (Landscape, Wildlife, Sea defences, tides and waves, erosion, pollution, history and estuaries).

AONB Award Winners announced at Suffolk’s ‘Green Oscars’ To sign up for the newsletter, visit the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB website >

Suffolk ACRE offers free workshops in CIP resource mapping

Suffolk ACRE’s Community Information Project has developed a new toolkit to enable people to be more effective at finding and managing all kinds of resources. Its innovative method creates an overall snapshot and a flexible ‘situation map’ of available resources that highlights the gaps, any duplication and reveals where assets can be leveraged to be most effective. The CIP toolkit also enables mapping all of the statutory, commercial and charitable services in a given area to ensure fair access for everyone. Suffolk ACRE is offering free workshops in resource mapping with the CIP toolkit to individuals and community groups on Friday mornings starting 20th April 2012 at Halesworth Library IP19 8AD - advance registration essential.

Contact Nat Bocking at Suffolk ACRE, email: nat.bocking@suffolkacre.org.uk , tel 07787 258137

Reducing the Impact of Non-native species in Europe project underway in Norfolk

The RINSE project, which has a total budget of over 2.5 million Euros, will bring £200,000 of European funding to Norfolk and bring about a 'step change' in the work of the Norfolk Nonnative Species Initiative. RINSE will look at ways of managing the threats posed by invasive nonnative species (INS) across a large project area spanning much of southern England, northern France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Flora for STANTA published

This Flora is the first for the Stanford Training Area since the late Eric Swann’s of 1984. The new publication covers flora, fungi and mosses and liverworts between 1990 and 2010.

To buy the Flora, write to Alec Bull, ‘Hill Crest’, Main Road, East Tuddenham, Dereham, Norfolk NR20 3JJ – cost £10 + £1.50 p&p

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, Bedfordshire and Luton, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and the East of England Biodiversity Forum website >

NATIONAL NEWS OPAL Bugs Count – now live

Help us investigate how the built environment affects invertebrates Do you know what bugs are living near you? Take part in Bugs Count and discover the incredible variety of invertebrates that make their home around us.

17

Find as many bugs as you can in our timed challenges and keep a special eye out for the six Species Quest bugs – 2-spot ladybird, Devil’s coach horse, small tortoiseshell, tree bumblebee, green shieldbug and leopard slug. Your findings will help scientists learn more about the distribution of invertebrates across the country and how the urban environment may be affecting them.

To find out more, visit OPAL website >

Love Parks Week 21-29 July 2012

Research proves that green spaces are restorative and therapeutic; they provide a relief from stress, a place for peace, a place for exercise, and a place to create connections with other people in our community. They support biodiversity, a sustainable economy and provide cleaner air, cooler cities and better flood protection. Yet these spaces which can give so much, are at risk and often seen as a liability rather than an asset. What could this mean? Green infrastructure being replaced by grey infrastructure, and is it happening? Yes. Dr William Bird, Practicing GP and Founder/Director of Intelligent Health put things into perspective, “Chronic stress is now being associated with cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia and depression – all the diseases western societies are struggling with. A better environment, a society that connects people and gives them a sense of place and purpose are natural remedies for this. Parks and green spaces obviously provide this remedy, but until we actually invest in our green spaces the way we do traditional health care, we’re never going to see these spaces reach their full potential to keep this nation healthy. Replacing green infrastructure with grey is detrimental to everyone.”

How healthy is your park? Is it at risk? Take the simple two minute Park Health Check, run by the awareness raising campaign Love Parks Week. http://www.loveparksweek.org.uk/node/26

BBC Wildlife Magazine and 2020VISION project

Visit BBC Wildlife’s website to view 2020VISION’s stunning images of the natural world.

2020VISION aims to engage and enthuse a massive audience by using innovative visual media to convey the value of restoring our most important but often fragmented habitats - to show that healthy ecosystems are not just for wildlife, but are something fundamental to us all.

Defra’s People Engagement Group established

On 9th February Defra convened the first meeting of its new People Engagement Group, established to advise on Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services. The task of the group will be to help Defra achieve a key target within the strategy: By 2020, significantly more people will be engages in biodiversity issues, aware of its value and taking positive action. This first meeting was focused on examining the basic premises of this target, trying to better understand just what was meant by ‘engagement’ and what sort of ‘action’ consequences should be the outcomes. The key concern being that in developing the programme that Defra should not be precipitous in setting targets until there was real clarity around how the group could work to maximum effect to both support Defra and ensure the best outcomes for biodiversity and for people. The group plans to meet four times a year.

Hedgerows direct the flight of the bumblebee (The Guardian 30th January 2012)

Bees use hedgerows as motorways, academics have found, which may help future rural planning.

Read further >

18

Consultation on alien invasive species

The National Biodiversity Network is asking for help with a consultation on invasive non-native species.

Find out more on the NBN website >

England faces wildlife tragedy as worst drought in 30 years hits habitats (The Guardian 19th March) Read the article >

Pesticides blamed for bee decline (The Independent 29th January)

Compelling new evidence from the US government's top bee expert that modern pesticides may be a major cause of collapsing bee populations led to calls for the chemicals to be banned. A study published in the current issue of the German science journal Naturwissenschaften, reveals how bees given minute doses of the widely used pesticide imidacloprid became more vulnerable to infections from a deadly parasite, nosema.

The American report is consistent with Buglife’s 2009 findings which led to them calling for a suspension in the use of these chemicals in the UK. Buglife’s director, Matt Shardlow, said: "The science is now clear, bees poisoned by neonicotinoid pesticides are much more likely to die from disease, gather less food and produce fewer new bees." He added: "Buglife's 2009 review of the science of environmental impacts from neonicotinoid pesticides showed that there was serious cause for concern. We called for a ban then, and as subsequent research has only added to concerns, including the revelation that neonicotinoids make bees prone to a diseased death, we are repeating our call for these toxins to be banned."

Update from The Independent 31 March: Government to reconsider nerve agent pesticides The Government is to reconsider its refusal to ban neonicotinoid pesticides, the nerve-agent chemicals blamed for the collapse of bee colonies worldwide, the chief scientist at the Department of the Environment, Sir Robert Watson, told The Independent.

To read the article, visit The Independent website >

Natural Capital Initiative – Ecosystems Knowledge Network

A new network has been sponsored by Defra with the aim of sharing experience from projects taking an ecosystems approach. Entitled the Ecosystems Knowledge Network, it will stimulate knowledge exchange and practical learning across the country. It will assist organisations and groups to understand how an ecosystems approach can help build sustainable communities. The Ecosystems Knowledge Network is free to join and open to anyone with an interest in an ecosystems approach.

Visit the Natural Capital Initiative website >

Report on status of English local wildlife site systems

The Wildlife Trusts have published their sixth in a series of surveys on Local Wildlife Site systems across England. The report includes coverage and scope, partnerships, procedures, monitoring, links to the planning system, and resources.

Download the report >

19

Online tool to project climate change impacts on wetland in England and Wales

The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) has launched a new web-based tool to help wetland managers in England and Wales project the impacts of climate change in the next 50 years. The Climate Change Assessment tool allows the user to plug-in various details of their wetland, such as geographical location, wetland type and subject of interest (plants, birds, archaeology, etc.).

Water source is one key input; currently the tools works for rainfall and river wetlands, functionality for groundwater-fed wetlands will follow shortly. The outputs show whether there is likely to be large, medium, or negligible impact on the wetland.

Visit the CEH website >

Habitats Directive Review published

In November 2011 the Government announced a review of the Habitats and Wild Birds Directives, with a view to reducing burdens on business while maintaining the integrity of the purpose of the Directives. The report of the review was published on 22 March 2012. Read the report.

Planning reform - National Planning Policy Framework published

The NPPF was published 27 March, a 59 page document. Detailed analyses by the Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management can be found on the British Ecological Society website > To read the report visit Communities and Local Government website >

Big Garden Birdwatch results

Almost 600,000 people joined in with Big Garden Birdwatch in January. In total, over 70 different species were recorded in 285,440 gardens across the UK over the weekend of 28 and 29 January.

House sparrow was No. 1, Starling No 2 and Blue tit No. 3. However, the counts revealed that starling numbers are at an all time low since the survey began more than thirty years ago and were seen in fewer than half the UK’s gardens.

Get the results now!

Marine Conservation Zone update

Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) are now developing their statutory advice to Defra on how the Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) recommended by the four regional projects satisfy the Ecological Network Guidance. The advice will be submitted by 17 July 2012 and contain: · Advice on the creation of an ecologically coherent network of MPAs. · An overview of the regional MCZ project process used to identify recommended MCZs, including how sea users, and interest groups were involved. · JNCC and Natural England’s view of the four regional project’s MCZ recommendations. · An assessment of the most at risk sites/priority sites for protection. · An assessment of the scientific certainty of the regional MCZ project recommendations.

Biodiversity News No. 56 (winter 2012) published

Articles include: Launch of ecosystems knowledge network, Local Nature Partnerships update, an ants story, first time coordinators for MoJ estate, an incredibly rare lichen discovery, UKBAP update and much, much more….

To download the newsletter click here

20

WHAT’S ON RSPB Habitat Management Training courses

Includes: Best use of Environmental Stewardship on an arable farm (Cambridge 22 May and 27 June), Restoring and managing heathland in a changing environment (Sussex 19 June), Business and biodiversity – what are the opportunities and benefits? (Bedfordshire 22 Nov).

For details visit the RSPB website >

Quality of Place Awards Suffolk Coastal District Council

Nominations by 30 April Categories include NATURE / LANDSCAPE and COMMUNITY Landscape or nature conservation projects, which contribute to local distinctiveness and benefit the local environment, wildlife or habitat. Community awards should include developments which contribute to providing or improving a community facility (built or natural).

Do you have a project that you would like to nominate?

For further information and to download an entry form and guidance notes visit SCDC website: Or telephone 01394 444296 – all entries welcomed.

Great crested newt survey training for professional ecologists Jim Foster in partnership with Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 2-3 May Meeting rooms, Bretton, Peterborough Course level: Introductory, Cost: £100 Contact Angela Reynolds at Amphibian and Reptile Conservation for general or booking enquiries (01202 391319), email: angela.reynolds@arc-trust.org For enquiries about course content contact David Orchard (01204 529312) 7

Working with natterjacks; understanding their ecology, surveys and licensing

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust in partnership with Field Studies Council 9 May Millom, Cumbria LA18 5AB Course level: Introductory, Cost: £85 Book with Preston Montford Field Centre tel: 0845 345 4071

Development in the Coastal & Marine Environment

Issues, lessons for Environmental Management 9 May School of Oriental and African Studies, London The aim of this meeting is to look at a range of recent developments in the marine and coastal environment and to explore constructively the lessons that have emerged in order to highlight issues that need to be resolved so that development and management can proceed effectively which supports benefits for society without sacrificing environmental protection.

Topics include tThe regulatory context and current reviews - red tape and the Habitats Directive and Offshore wind – lessons from an established site.

For further information visit the CMS website >

21

The landscape of the Stour Valley – understanding the character and managing change

11 May Mount Bures Village Hall 9.30 am – 4.00 pm. FREE Includes Landscape and its characterization, Character of the Dedham Vale and Stour Valley project area and the evolution of landscape, The historic landscape and the cultural significance of the Stour Valley, Managing change, conserving character and condition, Development control and land management issues and options and a field visit to the Stour Valley.

To book email phil.watson@suffolk.gov.uk

Breckland invertebrates weekend

British Entomological and Natural History Society Regional Meeting 12 May Elveden Village Hall, Thetford. FREE Full day of talks on Saturday, field meeting on Elveden Estates land on Sunday.

Talks include: management of the Elveden Estates, Brecks Biodiversity Audit, Butterfly Conservation’s work in the Brecks; and bees, Bees, wasps, flies and BAP moth species in the Brecks.

Registration essential, contact Claudia Watts tel: 0794 706 7001 email: cmwatts@bultitude.com

Habitat management for reptiles

Jim Foster in partnership with Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 7 June Heatherlands Centre near Parley Common, Dorset 3 July Witley Common ARC Reserve, Surrey Course level: Introductory, Cost: £85 Contact Angela Reynolds at Amphibian and Reptile Conservation for general or booking enquiries (01202 391319), email: angela.reynolds@arc-trust.org For enquiries about course content contact David Orchard (01204 529312)

IEEM summer conference – Soils and Biodiversity 13 June Mander Hall, London WC1

This conference will increase our understanding of soil ecology, the ecosystem services benefits of soils and how the management and restoration of soils can achieve better outcomes for biodiversity. Finally delegates will hear how the concept of ‘Soil Reserves’ has been put forward as a means of raising society’s awareness of the importance of soils to effective conservation.

For details on IEEM conferences visit www.ieem.net/conferences.asp.

Little Ouse Headwaters Project Biological Recording Weekend 23-24 June Help us celebrate the LOHP’s 10th anniversary with a big biological recording bash......and barbeque! 65 ha of valley fen, wet woodland, wet meadow, dry heath, acid grassland, hedgerows and ponds. The project has benefitted greatly from the generosity of local natural history societies and individual naturalists who have visited our sites and provided their records. To assess our wildlife gains and losses ten years on, and to help evaluate the impact we’ve made on the valley’s wildlife, we are organising an informal ‘stock-taking’ weekend of biological recording. We hope that this will not only provide us with a plethora of new records, but also an opportunity for our many volunteer recorders to get together and compare notes. You are welcome to join us for any part of the weekend.

Check our website for information - www.lohp.org.uk. Please contact us to register an interest: email – enquiries@lohp.org.uk or tel Jo Pitt (01379 898684) or Helen Smith (01379 687680).

22

An introduction to the conservation of amphibians and reptiles

Jim Foster in partnership with Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 10 July Meeting rooms, Bretton, Peterborough Course level: Introductory, Cost: ÂŁ85 Contact Angela Reynolds at Amphibian and Reptile Conservation for general or booking enquiries (01202 391319), email: angela.reynolds@arc-trust.org For enquiries about course content contact David Orchard (01204 529312)

Big Butterfly Count

14 July to 5 August The big butterfly count is a nationwide survey aimed at helping us assess the health of our environment. It was launched in 2010 and an impressive 10,000 people took part, counting 210,000 butterflies and day-flying moths across the nation. Many more people, some 34,000 in fact, joined big butterfly count 2011 (see the 2011 results). Sir David Attenborough, President of Butterfly Conservation, and Alan Titchmarsh MBE, Vice President of Butterfly Conservation, have given their enthusiastic backing to the project and will support its launch and operation.

To find out how to take part, visit the Big Butterfly Count website >

Love Parks Week

21-29 July How healthy is your park? Is it at risk? Take the simple two minute Park Health Check, run by the awareness raising campaign Love Parks Week. http://www.loveparksweek.org.uk/node/26

Hedgerow futures – international symposium on hedgerow ecology, conservation and management

3-5 September Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent.

Themes: Biodiversity, Connectivity, Ecosystem Services, Sustainability, Management, and Relationship with People.

To find out more, visit Hedgelink website > or email Prof. John Dover j.w.dover@staffs.ac.uk Various wildlife events - Suffolk Wildlife Trust, National Trust , RSPB, Butterfly Conservation Suffolk Branch, Suffolk Moth Group, Suffolk Ornithologists Group, Suffolk Naturalists Society

23

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: 0789 4885337, 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 March, June, September and December.

Deadline for June 2012 newsletter: Friday 29th June.

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.

24