Sbp newsletter summer 2013

Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership Newsletter Summer 2013

In this issue:

Partners News Wildlife is the winner at Lound Lakes Shotley Heritage Park, 7 acres of woodland and 50 acres of mudflats located on the banks of the River Stour at Shotley Gate – how it began ‘Make hay while the sun shines’ Suffolk porpoise sightings Overview of Natural England’s National Character Area Project Landscapes for Life conference 2013 Challenges and Choices Consultation 22 June – 22 Dec 2013 Community Action conference Rush cutting GeoSuffolk looks at the London clay Nature scrapbooks - SWT Touching the Tide is up and rolling!

Recording species – having a go!

Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership News Information and news Funding opportunities Local news National news What’s on SBP information

Page No. 1 2 8 9 9 9 10 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 16 19 22 27 29

PARTNERS NEWS Wildlife is the winner at Lound Lakes Helen Jacobs, Essex & Suffolk Water

Three cheers could be heard ringing out from Lound Lakes when the site entered HLS on 1st May! This relatively small, but diverse, site owned and operated by Essex & Suffolk Water and managed in partnership with Suffolk Wildlife Trust, comprises a string of ribbon lakes used as a water supply surrounded by interesting grasslands and woodlands.

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For many years the people involved at Lound lakes have known that the grasslands would benefit from the re-introduction of grazing. There have been barriers to this because of concerns that the manure produced could affect the use of the Lakes as a water supply.

Persistence and research has paid off and a compromise has been met that all parties are confident with. Grazing will be in fields furthest away from the water, for only part of the year and using mature cattle. The HLS agreement also allows more flexibility in how the site is managed compared to the CSS agreement it was in previously and so for example, the hay fields will have areas of scrub introduced for bird cover. Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s involvement since 2012 is continuing the past successes at the site.

A strong volunteer group carry out all types of management tasks and also monitor the wildlife for example by carrying out reptile surveys and ringing birds such as the tawny owl pictured here. The presence of new volunteer wardens at Lound Lakes has allowed more of the site to be opened up to the public, because anti-social behaviour and trespass that had led to access restrictions is being tackled. More and more local people and school children are discovering the wildlife and tranquillity of Lound Lakes because of events run by A tawny owl chick being ringed by the volunteer group Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s education officers. at Lound Lakes This also increases awareness of the importance of water for people and for wildlife.

Shotley Heritage Park, 7 acres of woodland and 50 acres of mudflats located on the banks of the River Stour at Shotley Gate – how it began

During 2010 and 2011 extensive work was done by the Shotley Stour Footpath Renovation Group (The Footpath Group) and Shotley Parish Council to provide erosion protection to the foot of Shotley Cliff.

The erosion protection project comprises 265 metres of 'gabions' (marine grade mesh cages filled with 1000 tonnes of recycled concrete). The Gabions are doing an excellent job in protecting the existing cliff and woodland, with its network of public footpaths.

Under extreme tides and high winds, the gabions take a battering.....

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This work involved all of the Statutory Bodies in agreeing this solution to prevent further erosion.

A key factor was that the construction should meet all of the conditions to preserve the existing designated 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty', a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest' and 'Special Protected Area'; and that the work would not interfere with the birdlife that used the mudflats as a natural feeding ground. The foreshore adjacent to the western end of Shotley Cliff in Erwarton Bay is an existing RSPB reserve of international significance.

On completion of the erosion protection work, and having raised sufficient money to restore the picnic area adjacent to the foreshore at Bristol Hill and make improvements to the coastal footpath, the finished construction was officially opened on 19 September 2011 by the Rt. Hon Tim Yeo MP. The event featured live on BBC Radio Suffolk.

The Community felt so proud to have achieved so much in just a couple of years and had become quite attached to the Woodland at the top of the cliff. Many of the community volunteers who had helped with the erosion protection project were concerned that the woodland lacked care and attention, and wasn't being managed at all. Many areas were badly overgrown, some trees were in poor condition due to previous landslip as a result of a combination of erosion at the toe of the cliff and lack of surface water drain channels from the top.

In some places it was a plethora of weeds and brambles.....

One tree in particular was in a precarious position overhanging the footpath below...

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Flush with its earlier project success, the Community Group and Shotley Parish Council approached the owner of the Woodland and found he was willing to sell the land at the then 'market value'. A good question - what value do we put on Green Space? Within a few months the valuation was completed, an offer was made, and the Woodland became the property of Shotley Parish Council in December 2012!

Not only did we purchase 7 acres of woodland, but with it came 50 acres of prime 'Shotley Mud' – a swathe of foreshore stretching almost the whole length of Shotley Cliff adjacent to the RSPB Erwarton Bay reserve. The erosion protection owned by the Parish now sits on land owned by the Parish.

The funding for the land purchase wasn't only down to the Community. A case was put forward to the local Suffolk County Councillor David Wood, Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB team and to Babergh District Council's Community Capital grant scheme, to help fund the project as it would deliver many long term benefits for Shotley (the largest community on the Shotley Peninsula).

Improved amenity space gives more opportunity for getting outdoors and a healthier lifestyle and provides a chance to preserve wildlife habitats and protect valuable flora and fauna.

In addition, with the rich heritage of the Shotley Peninsula, and the close links that Shotley had with the Naval Community through HMS Ganges (a naval 'dry' training ship at Shotley for 71 years until it closed in 1976), the woodland has played an important role in our Maritime History.

Hence the humble beginnings of 'Shotley Heritage Park' and the start of a whole new journey for many residents and volunteers of Shotley.

To help with the initial research into Shotley Heritage, and ultimately the design and creation of information boards, we discussed our project with Senior staff at Holbrook Academy (the only High School on the Shotley Peninsula) and with many of their pupils resident in Shotley and the nearby villages of Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Woolverstone, Harkstead, Wherstead and Holbrook.

During June 2011, a group of pupils from Holbrook Academy visited the site of the Heritage Park to look at what opportunities it could provide. This team, from the 'Information and Technology' study group, took various photographs, and interviewed members of our community group about the project aims and objectives.

Holbrook Academy pupils were particularly keen to walk through the woods and explore pathways that many of them already knew......

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In November 2011 a second team from Holbrook High, this time a History group, visited the HMS Ganges Museum located at Shotley Marina to gain an understanding of the Maritime Heritage of Shotley. Following a brief presentation by one of our group members, the group engaged in a 'question and answer' session with the Secretary of the Museum. This was followed by a visit to the woodland area and further questions to the community group.

This group looked at how they could take advantage of the opportunities this 'Green Space' could offer, and they produced a 3 minute film to put together their thoughts. This short film was submitted as part of the successful bid for funding.

So here we are 8 months on since the Parish took ownership. Plans, thoughts, working parties, reopening long since overgrown woodland walks – all part of our mix of activities for future years.

Volunteers from the Foothpath Group dealt with the rather dangerous overhanging tree – now safely removed, and the cut off branches were placed within the wood to slowly decay and provide habitat for micro organisms and insects.

An upper cliff pathway was re-established and now provides a continuous walk through the wood without having to walk on roads or through housing areas. A guided tour through the area for Shotley Scout Group sparked interest in many woodland features and provided a journey of Maritime Discovery.

Perhaps the most unexpected opportunity came when an invitation to attend a 'Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership Community workshop' was sent out by Gen Broad, Suffolk Biodiversity Officer, who had already provided some assistance with the funding bid for the Heritage Park.

Shotley Scouts shown around the Heritage Park at dusk.....

The workshop seemed a good chance to learn more about managing green space, so a couple of the Footpath Group went along. Several enthusiastic speakers talked about their own precious projects and we quickly realised – like the Ufologists say – we are not alone....

This workshop was perfect for our needs, at the right time. One of the speakers, Angela Jones from Suffolk Wildlife Trust (SWT), spoke about 'cluster projects' and that they were looking for new clusters for 2013. We hadn't a clue until the workshop what help was available, as we had pretty well worked in isolation until then, so we stuck our hands up and said that we would like to be one of their cluster projects.

All of the workshop team was so helpful in explaining more about woodland management, and in particular Angela offered to help with involving the younger generation in volunteer work on the project. This was perfect, as one of our objectives is to 'engage with the youth' in Shotley and develop the Heritage Park as an amenity for all ages and abilities.

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On 16 March 2013, under the guidance of SWT, we held a Volunteer Planting Day with hedging whips and indigenous shrubs and saplings provided by the Trust being planted in the upper woodland.

The turn out was incredible for our first advertised volunteer event of this type - over 40 residents turned out on a pretty chilly day – note the warm clothing despite the physical effort....

This was followed by Angela Jones organising a group of younger pupils from Holbrook Academy on 17 May 2013 to continue planting along the foot of the cliff, and to install 8 bird boxes at various discreet locations. These have already been used by nesting Blue Tits. On 21 August we again teamed up with Angela to host a 'Discovery Day', aimed at local Primary school children, with a number of organised events – Beach Art, Woodcraft, Family self-guided trail, a Guided walk, Story telling and Treasure Hunt. All are designed to help youngsters appreciate the natural environment around them, and get them interested in the great outdoors.

Adult volunteers have been busy discovering things for themselves too. During the early part of this year, a small section of concrete wall was uncovered within a fairly sheltered section of the upper wood at the eastern end – see below.

A section of moss covered wall can be seen in the background.

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Many man hours of digging later, this structure had been uncovered…

Research is showing that it is likely to be a 'Bofors Anti Aircraft Gun' emplacement used during the Second World War as part of the Harwich Haven Anti-Aircraft defence system. We had no idea this even existed.

Further west along the pathway is the site of a water treatment plant, used to provide Probably a ‘Bofors drinking water to the Anti-Aircraft Gun’ Gunnery School of HMS emplacement Ganges, formerly located opposite the Heritage Park. In time, when more information has been uncovered about these and other Maritime activities, 'Information Boards' will be sited around the area to inform and educate locals and visitors about the rich Shotley Heritage.

During July 2013, a new 'Explorer walking guide to Shotley' was produced by Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB team, jointly funded by the Parish Council, our local County Councillor and the AONB team. This leaflet guides walkers through the Heritage Park and around the Village. We have come a long way since the erosion protection project started in 2009, and we are now beginning to see the real benefit to the community and general public through the working partnerships with other organisations. And with some joined up thinking about how the Heritage Park can link into other Shotley assets such as the HMS Ganges Museum.

And finally, the sign installed on 7 August 2013 – now we have a visual identity. Hopefully a lasting impression with a warm welcome - please come and visit…

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‘Make hay while the sun shines’

John Smithson, St Edmundsbury Borough Council Well perhaps not when it is 330C in the middle of a heat wave, but then our fine British weather is never quite what we want it to be.

Last year, St. Edmundsbury Parks tried to take a hay crop off 30 odd acres of meadow in our lovely country parks and failed to get any off the field because, as you will remember, it rained most of the summer.

This year, with cool drinks to stay hydrated we took off 600 bales and, notwithstanding the odd bee sting, heat rash and hay fever, it all went according to plan. The plan was to maintain these wildflower meadows in a traditional and sustainable way, not always easy when the market place is against you, the tools and equipment are hard to come by and of course the weather already mentioned. No surprise that most operators deal with hay in bulky big bales and as haylage to cut down time consuming work shifting small bales and beating the weather with the haylage.

We succeeded this year because we managed to find a local operator that will bale for us and our landscape team (in–house maintenance staff) had the right drum mower to do the cutting. That left the hefty task of shifting the bales off the field. We have a barn at Nowton Park that will take 300 bales, but no home for the rest and so anticipating this problem we made contact with local equestrian centres advertising we had bales available at a good price straight off the field. We were lucky enough to attract sufficient customers to sell the other 300 bales in this way and saved ourselves lots of work shifting and stacking.

The meadows have been nurtured by site staff over the last five years or so to eliminate rank species and nasty’s like ragwort. No chemicals were used - hand pulling and cutting was the preferred method. We also leave sections uncut to allow shelter and food areas throughout the season for our meadow fauna and alternate these areas each year.

I like to think that the local horses and ponies are getting the equivalent of their 5 a day with lots of natural minerals and elements present in their organic hay meal liberally sprinkled with delicious wildflowers. The meadows contain the following grass species - Cocksfoot, Yorkshire Fog, Crested Dogstail, Italian Rye Grass, Brown Top, Rough and Smooth Meadow, Chewings and Red Fescue, Small Cats Tail, Timothy, Common Foxtail and Sweet Vernal Grass.

To complete the sustainable circle we are hopeful of introducing our own small flock of sheep to the parks in the winter to graze some of our meadows and of course enjoy a few bales from the barn.

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Suffolk porpoise sightings

Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB Coast & Estuary Wardens have provided 4 reports of porpoises already in 2013 – more than in any year since 2008. There have been sightings between Kessingland and Aldeburgh, one of a single porpoise and one sighting of a small ‘pod’. The other two reports unfortunately flagged up dead porpoises on the beach.

Overview of Natural England’s National Character Area Project

Jonathan Dix, Natural England Natural England is currently working on a project to revise the full set of profiles for England’s 159 National Character Areas (NCAs). NCA boundaries follow natural lines in the landscape, which means they provide a useful spatial framework to use when making decisions about the natural environment. Understanding landscape character alongside ecological processes at this scale can help in deciding how we safeguard and enhance the natural environment.

The purposes of NCAs profiles are to: • Provide information of the natural and cultural features that shape landscapes.

• Identify opportunities to enhance the distinctive qualities of landscapes.

• Enable people and organisations based within particular landscapes to work collaboratively for the best interests of the natural environment.

• Create awareness of the greater benefits associated with planning conservation initiatives at a landscape scale.

In Suffolk, the Brecks NCA profile was published at the end of 2012 and Natural England will be publishing the profile for the Suffolk Coast and Heaths later this summer, followed by the profiles for the South Suffolk and North Essex Claylands and South Norfolk and High Suffolk Claylands towards the end of the year.

So far 67 NCA profiles have been published nationally and these including the profiles for the Brecks and The Broads. All published NCA profiles can be accessed on Natural England’s website at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/nca/default.aspx

Landscapes for Life conference 2013

Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Co-hosting the National Association for AONBs Landscapes for Life Conference 2013, Suffolk Coast & Heaths and Dedham Vale AONBs welcomed over 100 delegates from around the country to Ipswich for the 3 day event. Delegates heard from speakers including Defra minister Richard Benyon MP, the Environment Agency's regional manager, Dr Charles Beardall and VisitEngland's chief executive James Beresford who went on to sign an accord on tourism. Delegates also attended field trips around the AONBs – see the presentations and full details of this successful event at: http://www.landscapesforlifeconference.org.uk/

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Challenges and Choices consultation 22 June – 22 Dec 2013

Will Akast, Environment Agency On 22 June 2013 we launched our Challenges and Choices consultation, seeking views and opinions on the biggest challenges facing our water environment, and how we can best manage these issues in the future.

A healthy water environment is important for wildlife and in supporting livelihoods. It is the role of the Environment agency to work with others to make sure the water environment is protected and improved. There are many challenges that face the water environment in Suffolk. These include the impacts of a growing population, our changing climate, the way we manage our farmland and the effects of human interventions on our streams, rivers and coast.

We want to hear your views on: • The significant issues that are limiting the benefits society gets from the water environment.

• The best way to solve these issues and what should be done first.

We will use the views and comments expressed in this consultation to inform the second Anglian River Basin Management Plan (RBMP), which will become a statutory document when published in 2015.

This is a really important document that will detail how we will manage the water environment to meet the objectives of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) between 2015-2021.

Please could you distribute this consultation to your contacts and respond with your comments using our on-line consultation tool.

The Anglian River Basin District consultation can be found here - http://www.environmentagency.gov.uk/research/planning/140076.aspx There is information on the significant water management issues and the different catchments in Suffolk which you can find by clicking on the link above. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact: Will Akast, Catchment Delivery Manager-Suffolk Environment Agency, Cobham Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 9JD Tel: 07827082260 / Email: will.akast@environment-agency.gov.uk

Community Action Conference

Suffolk Wildlife Trust Are you involved in, or would like to find out more about, starting a wildlife project where you live? If so come along to Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s FREE community action conference.

It is being held on Saturday 21 September at Thornham Walks, Red House Yards from 10am to 3.30pm. The day will include expert speakers, case study presentations, workshops about funding, community engagement and habitat assessment - and will end with a question and answer panel session.

You can book at suffolkwildlifetrust.org/communityconference or by calling 01473 890089. Places are limited, but thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund they are free and lunch will be provided.

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Rush Cutting

Andrea Kelly, Broads Authority Rush Schenoplectus lacustris was once cut from the River Waveney and the Broads, although the loss of the species from most rivers, along with the fact that the business of supplying rush matting is no longer commercial, has resulted in a loss of the industry. These rushes look like giant chives, and fishermen often call them "onions" as they do bear a resemblance.

A recent recovery of the rush growth near Homersfield, although a great sign for fish habitat and water quality, is creating problems for canoe users and cutting a channel is required. The Broads Authority jumped at the chance to cut a little of this rush and continue work with a local crafts person to explore sustainable cutting opportunities.

Supported by the River Waveney Trust, the first rush harvest in Broadland for many decades took Photo: Broads Authority place in July. The miniharvest will be used for educational purposes to train people in rush crafts and hopefully create more of an industry for this ancient art. It is hoped that there may be some commercial interest in taking on the cutting if a business can be supported. In the meantime the practical work of tackling this dense 1km stand lies with the Environment Agency who put forward a plan of action for cutting.

Looking from Homersfield Bridge at the rush harvesters!

Examples of rush craft products Photo: Broads Authority

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“GeoSuffolk looks at the London clay” leaflet

Caroline Markham The new Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Management Plan includes several references to the geology which underpins its unique landscape. London Clay is the bedrock for the southern part of the AONB and is the subject of this new leaflet written by GeoSuffolk volunteer Dr Roger Dixon.

It has been published with a Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Community and Conservation Fund grant of £379 plus £100 from the Ipswich Institute.

Outcropping in Suffolk's southern coast and estuaries, the brown/grey London Clay forms low cliffs which display a variety of geological structures. At Nacton Shore County Geological Site (CGS) there is a series of faults cutting across the strata. The layers of hard brown mudstone, paler clays and yellow ash bands are displaced by 0.3m in places.

The London Clay is impermeable and springs are common where it is overlain by sandy material.

At the Suffolk Wildlife Trust reserve Newbourne Springs CGS it is overlain by Red Crag sand, and water issuing from the springs contains comminuted fossil shells from the Crag.

GeoSuffolk Looks at the London Clay has descriptions of five London Clay outcrops and two areas of springs, plus information on its use as a building stone. It is available free from Ipswich Museum, Flatford and Felixstowe TICs and Sutton Hoo visitor centre - or download it from our web site www.geosuffolk.co.uk.

And the Ipswich Institute? The London Clay outcrop extends across much of Ipswich and the Institute headquarters are built on it.

Nacton cliffs Photo: GeoSuffolk

Visit GeoSuffolk

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Nature Scrapbooks – www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/community-action

Suffolk Wildlife Trust Suffolk Wildlife Trust has recently launched a new website called Nature Scrapbooks. These are online scrapbooks for communities that are working with the Trust to improve land for wildlife where they live. The scrapbooks will act as a portal where groups can share best practice and resources and celebrate success. So far 12 groups including projects in Stowmarket, Framlingham and Welnetham have created an online scrapbook, and the Trust is encouraging all projects they are involved with to use the facility.

The website is driven by a map of the county where all scrapbooks are marked – users can search the map to find out what is happening near them, or the site can be searched by topic. For example, if you were looking for advice about creating a community orchard you could find out if there are any similar initiatives up and running and use the scrapbook to contact the group for advice.

A key role of the website, which has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, was to illustrate the huge amount of action being taken for wildlife all around the county that is not happening on nature reserves or private land. It is a way of linking the vital role these communities play in linking, creating and restoring valuable habitat – and hopefully inspiring others to do the same.

If you’d like advice from the Trust’s community conservation advisers please call 01473 890089, or for more information about nature scrapbooks please contact Kerry Stranix kerry.stranix@suffolkwildlifetrust.org

Touching the Tide is up and Rolling!

Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Touching the Tide has welcomed Kate Osborne to the project team. Kate will be leading on the education, events and training projects for Touching the Tide – a critical role as the project is all about encouraging people to conserve the heritage of the Suffolk coast and to understand the challenges of coastal change.

Kate was formerly the Ranger at Landguard Nature Reserve, full of both nature and military history. “I love seeing people learning about things, and when they see that there’s more than meets the eye. And I’m really looking forward to the dig – I’ve never done any archaeology”. “It’s so good to have someone else to bounce ideas off at last” said Bill Jenman, Project Manager.

“Kate had a great reputation in her last job at Landguard Nature Reserve and that experience is already paying off for us here”.

Kate has already got stuck into helping to organise the Open Day at the archaeological dig at Barber’s point, Aldeburgh, on 15th September. The Aldeburgh and District Local History Society will be excavating a very early Saxon Christian cemetery here over the next three weeks, and pupils from 7 local schools will be joining them to get some hands on experience of archaeology.

The site has been in use since prehistoric times and already the preliminary groundwork has turned up a beautiful bronze Roman dolphin that was probably worn as a pendant. The dig is on Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Hazlewood Marshes nature reserve.

The excavation will be open to visitors from 10am to 4pm on the 15th; look for the signs from the A1094 outside Aldeburgh.

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For further information contact: Bill Jenman, Touching the Tide Project Manager, bill.jenman@suffolk.gov.uk, Kate Osborne, Touching the Tide Project Officer, kate.osborne@suffolk.gov.uk Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB Dock Lane, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1PE Tel: 01394 384948

Recording species – having a go!

Gen Broad, Suffolk Naturalists’ Society Suffolk Naturalists’ Society (SNS) joined forces in the summer with Suffolk Wildlife Trust (SWT) and Suffolk Ornithologists Group (SOG) to give people an opportunity to learn how to identify wildflowers, beetles, moths, dragonflies, birds and more. An SNS/SOG member or County Recorder led each group, pointing out species, telling stories about their subject, answering questions and making the learning experience fun.

The two habitats were quite different. In early summer (June) we visited the Brecks at SWT Knettishall Heath reserve and in ‘high’ summer (August) we visited the Broads at SWT Carlton Marshes reserve. In spite of gloomy threatening weather on both days, more than 30 people attended each event with the aim of ‘Bio-Blitzing’ the two sites to record as many species as possible during the day. At Carlton Marshes we recorded over 160 species! And at Knettishall Heath, we were privileged to see a geology trench dug on site during the day by GeoSuffolk and hear how the soils influence the flora and fauna of the heath.

Martin Sanford and the wildflower group at SWT Knettishall Heath.

Photo: Lesley Walduck

This new venture was a great success and we were delighted when people responded by saying: ”Great event ran by knowledgeable people”, “Very informative, many new species encountered”,

“Only one comment – wonderful day”, “Excellent!

Toby Abrehart and the freshwater Lots of information to take away and record”, invertebrates group at SWT Carlton Marshes. Photo: Gen Broad “Very good intro to bees and wasps and terrestrial invertebrates” and “All round excellent day”. A video of the Carlton Marshes freshwater invertebrates group can be seen on

the SNS website >

Our aim was to encourage people of all ages and abilities to ‘have a go’ at identifying species. We hope that this will lead them to feel confident to record the wildlife that they see whilst walking or perhaps out in the car. We urgently need more people to hone their wildlife identification skills and enjoy being able to recognise the species around them. ‘Citizen Science’ has become a popular term describing how we can all get involved in contributing to understanding our wildlife and recording where it lives. Identifying wildlife has been named as the second most ‘endangered’

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everyday skill in the UK – see page 26. If you are keen to get involved, please use the Suffolk Biological Records Centre i-Record website to record wildlife, common as well as rare species.

Thank you! to the all-star SNS / SOG cast for leading events with such enthusiasm and to SWT for hosting the days so warmly and efficiently.

SUFFOLK BIODIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP NEWS  Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership - Moving Forward

The consultation we undertook earlier in the year with partners and the public clearly identified the most important and valued aspects of our work. As a result, our services will focus on providing advice on, and facilitating communication about, Priority Species and Habitats in Suffolk. We will continue to work with a range of organisations, in particular supporting the County, District, Borough and Parish Councils, community groups and schools; and our strong links with Norfolk will be maintained, ensuring effective joint projects.

Changes are underway and SBP either is now, or shortly will be, providing the following services: o Priority Species and Habitats factsheets o Quarterly e-newsletter o Small projects fund and funding advice o Local Authority training workshops on understanding legal obligations towards biodiversity o Advice for communities and schools on all aspects of biodiversity o Hosting an annual forum / networking event o Facilitating communication through website and social media SBP will contribute to Wild Anglia’s strategic aims in Suffolk and to New Anglia’s Green Economy Pathfinder, for example by encouraging our partners to protect and value Suffolk’s ‘natural capital’.

We greatly value the strong relationships built up with partners since our formation in 1998. Thank you all for many years of successful collaboration and we look forward to working with you in the future.

For further updates and more information, visit http://www.suffolkbiodiversity.org/

 Planning support group workshop

The Group organised a workshop for local authority planners in July, on how to use Suffolk’s Biodiversity Validation Checklist to validate planning applications. The workshop was attended by representatives from the majority of Suffolk local authorities, as well as the RSPB, the Broads Authority and Suffolk Wildlife Trust. The workshop increased participants’ knowledge of the Checklist and raised confidence levels in working with it.

 Suffolk Traditional Orchard Group (STOG)

SBP works closely with STOG and information about the group is held within the Partnership’s website. The summer newsletter was published in August; please let Gen know if you would like to receive the newsletter by email, or it can be downloaded from the website here >

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INFORMATION and NEWS Funding opportunities Touching the Tide – New Fund ***

Touching the Tide, the Heritage Lottery Fund Landscape Partnership Scheme along the Suffolk coast between Covehithe and Felixstowe, is launching their new community grant scheme.

Between £500 and £5000 can be awarded to local organisations, groups, or individuals who have their own project ideas to help celebrate and conserve the heritage of the area.

A project might be a physical item of work (creating, restoring or replacing something), collecting information and making it accessible, or simply one or more events with no specific physical legacy. Potential applicants are encouraged to talk to the project team. The total amount available is about £12,000 a year.

Deadline for applications: 16 October 2013. Further opportunities each spring and autumn as the project continues.

Visit Touching the Tide > 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. The East of England pot was undersubscribed in 2013, so get your landscape scale conservation projects in now!

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 2014 (annual deadline) Visit the WREN website >

Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB can provide funding for local sustainability projects

Do you have an idea for a project that improves the social, economic or environmental sustainability of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)? If so, our environmental and sustainable development funds may be able to provide you with financial support.

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We’re looking for suitable projects that help the local economy, develop community infrastructure, support biodiversity or help conserve or enhance the AONB in some way. You could be providing environmental education, supporting local producers or reducing carbon emissions in communities. Whatever the project, if it’s local and sustainability-focused then we want to hear from you!

There are three grant options available to you, depending on the amount of funding required, where the project is located, and the type of project you wish to undertake. For more information on the different funds available and the grants they provide, please view the Grants & Funding pages of the AONB website >.

The application process for 2013-14 has now ended. Please contact AONB Funding Officer Cathy Smith by email: Catherine.smith@suffolk.gov.uk or tel: 01394 384948 for further information.

Sustainable Development Fund 2013-14

The Dedham Vale AONB Sustainable Development Fund has grants to award in 2013-14. The fund is money provided by Defra to promote a wide range of sustainable projects that support conservations in AONBs and national parks. The Sustainable Development Fund panel met in April 2013 and awarded grants to 10 organisations to a total value of c£26,000.

For further information about eligibility and the criteria for applications, visit: Dedham Vale AONB > Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB > Please contact AONB Funding Officer Cathy Smith by email: Catherine.smith@suffolk.gov.uk or tel: 01394 384948 for further information.

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).

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 >

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 >

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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.

Deadline: March 2014.

Visit the Suffolk Coast and Heaths website > Please contact AONB Funding Officer Cathy Smith by email: Catherine.smith@suffolk.gov.uk or tel: 01394 384948 for further information.

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 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>

British Ecological Society – Research Grants

These grants support scientific ecological research where there are limited alternative sources of funding. Small projects can be awarded up to £5,000 and early career ecologists can apply for funding up to £20,000. BES support projects where there is a clear ecological science focus to the work; any other aspects, i.e. sociology, economics, etc., must be clearly integrated into the ecology and scientific goals of the project. The grants are to support work of the highest international standard and applicants need to show how the work will advance ecological science.

The objectives of the grant are to provide funding for: for new and innovative ecological research for pump priming projects to help early career ecologists to establish an independent research career in ecology.

Visit BES website > • • •

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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 >

Catchment Sensitive Farming grant scheme

Farmers in England are now able to apply for grants of up to £10,000 form the Catchment Sensitive Farming capital grant fund. Grants are available for carrying out practical works on farms that will help boost the health of England’s streams, rivers, meres and mosses by improving water quality and reducing pollution from agricultural activity. The fund, which is administered by Natural England, operates across England and is available to holdings situated within the CSF project's 79 catchment areas. More than 40 types of project are eligible, including installing water troughs, managing pesticides to reduce groundwater impacts, roofing manure and silage stores and works to keep livestock away from streams.

2013/14 scheme has now closed for new applications.

Visit NE website >

LOCAL NEWS Seasearch East

Seasearch East has purchased a new trailer for their boat allowing for more frequent diving. To find out more about Seasearch visit the website >

Fen Condition reports

Fen condition reports for each river valley in the Broads area are available on the Broads Authority website Conservation Publications and Reports - Broads Authority.

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Cuckoo tracking

The Broads Authority has been working with the British Trust for Ornithology on tagging and tracking cuckoos including Nelson, the BA sponsored cuckoo. You can track his progress along with the all the Broads cuckoos at www.bto.org/cuckoos . Nelson was tagged at St Benet’s Abbey area.

Wildlife Trusts – North Sea newsletter

“Progress made towards Marine plans On 16th July the Marine Management Organisation released the draft Marine Plan for the Eastern Inshore and Offshore areas. This is the first of 12 plans to be developed for the UK. At a quick glance we are pleased to see the three environmental objectives are still included which focus on healthy, resilient ecosystems, conserving and recovery of biodiversity, and supporting management of MPAs. However, for marine plans to ensure our seas are managed in a sustainable manner and allow for recovery of our seas, the plans must truly be about sustainability rather than just promoting economic development if they are to achieve this aim.”

View the draft Marine Plan for the Eastern Inshore and Offshore areas > The consultation for responses is open until 8th October.

Cladocera Summer Newsletter published

This is an informational email newsletter circulated periodically to those interested in Cladocera.

Includes: A summary of Eurycerus glacialis in Scotland, Strange head spines on juvenile Daphnia, New Cladocera internet resource, Updating Crustaces Cladoceres by Clade Amoros, Your help needed for the new Waterflea Zoo! and Images from the D.G. Frey collection.

Download from www.cladocera.org.uk

Kiln Meadow opens as new Local Nature Reserve

Ipswich’s partnership-funded Greenways Project has proudly opened Kiln Meadow as a new Local Nature Reserve on the south-west edge of Ipswich, joining a suite of important wildlife sites in Belstead Brook Park. The opening event was attended by Councillors and officers from Ipswich Borough Council, Suffolk County Council and Babergh District Council along with local volunteers and wildlife groups. The site, which is home to dormice, reptiles and a large colony of common toad, is open to the public alongside Spring Wood, Millennium Wood and Bobbits Lane meadows.

Visit Ipswich Borough Council website >

Broads National Character Area assessment published

Natural England has published the Broads National Character Area (NCA 80) assessment, which includes parts of north Suffolk. NCAs comprehensively set out a range of valuable information on how nationally distinctive landscape areas of England differ and also the environmental opportunities and challenges that the different areas face.

Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) explained in animation

Together with its funders and partners, The Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) has launched a new animation which can be viewed on YouTube. This clearly demonstrates the benefits of water sensitive urban design (WSUD) The animation forms part of a suite of outputs to promote WSUD in the UK. Further information: Visit www.wsud.co.uk YouTube animation >

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Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB summer newsletter published

A range of new Explorer guides to the area, produced as part of the AONBs EU BALANCE project are available to download from the SCH website > Download the newsletter from SCH website >

Map of Local Nature Partnerships in England published

A map showing the coverage of the Local Nature Partnerships (LNPs) in England was published one year on in June 2013. Wild Anglia (the Norfolk and Suffolk LNP) is number 19 on the map. Wild Anglia will launch

its manifesto on 18 September in Norwich.

The manifesto will be available at www.wildanglia.org after the launch.

Further information on Sustainable Development in Government website >

Bees and other pollinators: their health and value

A report published July 2013 outlines the current and proposed government led policies and initiatives to support bees and other pollinators across seven policy areas for England. It serves as a starting point for discussions on future policy with interested parties in business, academia, environmental groups, government and government agencies over the next six months. A National Pollinator Strategy will be developed, bringing together pollinator-friendly initiatives and providing a way forward for new action. It will look for different causes of bee decline and at different bee species and insect pollinators.

Visit Gov UK website >

“Physical disturbance enhances ecological networks for heathland biota: a multiple taxa experiment�

Pedley et al Biological Conservation 160 (2013) 173-182

This scientific article resulted from the soil disturbance work done by Scott Pedley, Aldina Franco, Tim Pankhurst and Paul Dolman in Thetford Forest. The paper examines differing types of mechanical soils disturbance techniques along grass heath rides, and assesses their differing value to plants and key groups of invertebrates in the Brecks, in comparison to Breckland heath sites. It shows cross-taxa benefits for soil disturbance, although it also usefully highlights that spiders seem to take a bit of a tumble. In the vast majority of cases (or probably all cases) where soil disturbance might be tried this should not be limiting, as there will always be plenty of less disturbed habitat where spiders can thrive. There are also some handy suggestions for how frequently different mechanical soil disturbance techniques should be repeated, which is food for thought. Whilst undertaken within ungrazed forest rides, the results of this work will be relevant to any area of Breckland heath. (With thanks to Bev Nichols for this informal summary).

The paper can be downloaded from the University of East Anglia website >

University of East Anglia research reveals true cost of farming to UK economy

The British landscape is not being used to its best advantage according to a report published 4th July by a team led by Prof. Ian Bateman from the School of Environmental Sciences at University of East Anglia (UEA). Research published in the journal Science shows that allowing land use to be determined purely by an agricultural market, which is distorted by multi-billion pound subsidies, will result in considerable financial and environmental costs to the public. The project shows that a shake-up in the way EU subsidies are given out could greatly improve the way UK farm land is managed. One of the findings was that targeted measures would greatly help conserve wild species, while only marginally reducing market profitability. The study also found that converting

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comparatively small amounts of farm land into open access recreation space will yield a modest loss in farm produce value while generating a far greater value from increased recreation, with greatest benefits close to urban areas.

To find out more visit UEA website >

Stour and Orwell Forum – Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB

Over 90 delegates attended the Stour and Orwell forum held at the Suffolk Food Hall. Those attending had a chance to hear presentations, including those from the AONB’s estuaries officer; the CEO of the Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (EIFCA) and the Environment Agency. Delegates then had an opportunity to debate some of the issues raised including issues around dredging, wildlife and access.

Green Light Trust – A dawn of new beginnings

The Green Light Trust is proud to announce its new website for the Frithy Wood ‘Restoring the Repertoire’ project has finally gone live! This can be accessed by going to www.frithywood.co.uk.

The site has been designed to compliment the trail being installed with a different page for each information touch point.

We hope that the groups the project engages with will create resources to populate the download sections. This website along with our Facebook page: Facebook/frithywood and Twitter @greenlighttrust sites will also enable the people and our groups to keep up to date with what is happening in the wood and engage with the project’s development.

We are six months into our first year of the three year project and have completed 6 courses with groups of young people from various educational backgrounds; teaching them conservational and woodland management skills in Frithy Wood.

Visit the Green Light Trust >

Suffolk Climate Change Partnership community newsletter

All across the county people are doing their bit to help Suffolk become the greenest county. By reducing their energy and water use, insulating their homes, generating renewable energy, cycling to work, composting, recycling, growing fruit and veg. or shopping locally - you name it, someone in Suffolk is doing it!

Download the SCCP newsletter from the Green Suffolk website >

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 ‘State of Nature’ report published May 2013

This groundbreaking report, published by a coalition of 25 wildlife organisations, compiled a

stock-take of UK native species. The report found that 60% of the species studied have declined over recent decades, with more than one in ten of all the species assessed under threat of disappearing from the UK completely. The report was launched by Sir David Attenborough at the Natural History Museum on 22nd May. The report and a one-page summary can be downloaded from the RSPB website >

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EU funding for early warning system for UK tree health

The LIFE+ ‘ObservaTREE’ project has been awarded nearly £945,000 over four years from the EU’s LIFE+ programme to develop an early warning system for pest and disease threats to the UK’s trees. Led by Forest Research the ObservaTREE project’s partners also include the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera), the Woodland Trust and the National Trust. ObservaTREE will help to identify tree health problems earlier, and enable members of the public and voluntary bodies to play a greater role in protecting woodland health by reporting incidents.

Visit Forestry Commission website >

New research on causes of hedgehog casualities

Research on hedgehog activities and the threats they face has been undertaken by a team at Nottingham Trent University. The study showed that the most common cause of death was traffic; that males travel much further than females; females forage for food more successfully, and that hedgehogs are most commonly found around buildings in rural environments. Those tracked almost always travelled along linear features, such as hedgerow, field boundaries and woodland edges, rather than crossing open spaces, possibly to avoid predation and remain near to food. The UK hedgehog population is thought to be in decline and experts are keen to better understand the reasons behind the fall in numbers. A key problem appears to be that gardens are becoming much tidier, with increased decking and less suitable natural habitat for hedgehogs.

New developments, meanwhile, are closed off and don't allow for easy access to gardens.

Visit Nottingham Trent University website >

Advice for developers

Natural England, the Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission have published joint advice on sustainable development, “Building a Better Environment”, which signposts the way to technical advice, including consents and permits that might be needed. Topics covered include: green infrastructure; sustainable design and construction; managing waste; woodlands and trees; protected sites, biodiversity and geodiversity; and landscape character.

Visit Natural England website >

Land Management newsletters – Natural England

A newsletter of interest to those involved with land-use and water issues. Issue 12 (July 2013) articles include: Biodiversity 2020 update - CSF capital grant scheme - Transition to the next RDP Reducing red tape in the agriculture sector - Project management tips for farmers with Access Capital grants in 2013 etc.

To download the newsletter visit NE website>

RSPB Giving Nature a Home campaign

The RSPB launched a new campaign which invites the public to get involved in simple activities to ‘Give Nature a Home’ by creating wildlife corridors, putting in a pond, building bug boxes and more.

Visit the RSBP website for ideas and to find out more>

31 July Chalara fraxinea – dieback of ash Advisory Note Forestry Commission

Includes identification of symptoms, what you should do and grant aid available.

Download the Note >

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Marine Conservation Zones POST note published

The Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology has published a 4-page POSTnote on Marine Conservation Zones. This POSTnote examines the process and approach used to select and designate zones, and difficulties in identifying and managing suitable areas. The Stour and Orwell Estuaries have been selected as an MCZ for designation in 2013.

Download the POSTnote from the www.parliament.uk website >

Triennial review result

The Cabinet Office requires Non-Departmental Public Bodies to be reviewed every 3 years by their parent department. This review considered how the Environment Agency and Natural England can continue to deliver the government’s priorities for the environment with improved resilience in the face of current and future environmental and economic challenges. The review concluded that the EA and NE should be retained as separate public bodies with separate purposes and functions, but that both bodies should continue to reform how they deliver their services to their customers and drive further efficiencies.

Download the report from the Gov UK website >

Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Expert Taskforce report

The Taskforce was set up to review domestic and international risks presented from new and emerging tree and plant pathogens and the final report has been published. Given strong backing from Environment Secretary, Owen Paterson, it has been announced that work will begin right away on the recommendations around developing a plant health risk register and implementing procedures to predict, monitor, and control pests and diseases. The rest of the recommendations will be examined and responded to later in the summer.

Download report from the Gov UK website >

Bats and White Nose Syndrome in the UK

The Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) has recently confirmed the presence of the fungus Pseudogymnoasucs destructans in the UK. This is the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in North America. It has been found at many sites in continental Europe but without the associated syndrome that has caused the deaths of over 5.7 million bats. BCT has confirmed that the fungus is present at five sites in South East England, although there is no evidence that the UK has whitenose syndrome. There have been no significant mortalities reported from any of the sites or mass mortalities at any other hibernation site in the UK. BCT plan to review and revise the guidelines they produce for bat workers ahead of the autumn/winter period.

To find out more, visit Bat Conservation Trust website>

The role of Ecosystem Services in Environmental Management – a new CIWEM report

The terms 'ecosystem services' and 'natural capital' are being increasingly used, however the definitions are often poorly understood. This report consolidates existing publications and aims to inform environmental professionals through summarising the wealth of information available into one easily digestible document.

Download the report from the CIWEM website >

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Defra launch consultation on biodiversity offsetting in England

Defra launched a consultation on biodiversity offsetting in England on 5th September. The document sets out options for the Government’s proposed biodiversity offsetting system and poses questions about how the system may best operate. The consultation will close on 7 November 2013.

Visit Defra Biodiversity Offsetting >

Maps of bat distribution in the Lake District

Researchers have produced the first detailed, large-scale bat distribution maps in a UK region using more than 15,000 bat records in the Lake District. The team said it could help planners understand how developments could have an impact on bats. The University of Leeds team built a ‘Habitat Suitability Map’ which clarified distribution and worked with Dr Chris Scott who had previously developed software with the ability to identify individual species from their echolocation calls.

Find out more on the BBC website >

Breeding Bird Survey 2012 published

The Breeding Birds Survey run jointly by the British trust for Ornithology, JNCC and RSPB, contains the population trends of widespread UK bird species during the period 1994– 2012. The BBS is the main scheme for monitoring the population changes of the UK’s common 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 priorities and inform conservation action. This 18th annual report, published July, found that numbers for Siskins and Lesser redpolls have increased, due to new Forestry habitats and garden bird feeding. However, there has been a significant decrease in Greenfinch numbers.

Download the survey from the JNCC website >

‘Fraxinus’ – a Facebook game – aims to beat ash dieback

A computer game has been designed by botanists to help in saving Britain’s ash forests from Ash Dieback caused by the fungus Chalara fraxinea. Enthusiasts can log on to Facebook to take part in an experiment to harness computing and brain power to discover resistant genetic variants. If thousands of people play the game, which involves matching on-screen patterns that correlate with genetic data amassed by scientists in the field, the results could save time in understanding how to breed trees resistant to the disease.

Read more on the Guardian website > Direct link to Facebook game >

Natural Environment White Paper implementation update

Natural England publishes quarterly updates on progress on implementation of the Natural Environment White Paper. The latest update was published in July. Highlights since the last update in Dec 2012 include the first Natural Capital Committee report, the Ecosystems Markets Taskforce report, launch of the Payments for Ecosystem Services action plan and best practice guidance, roll out of water catchment partnerships and the award of £200k grant to support environmental volunteering.

Visit the Gov UK website to download the update >

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Green Infrastructure case studies Natural England has published six new case studies which demonstrate the practical value of Green Infrastructure (GI) in delivering high quality wildlife habitat, flood defence, places for people and nature and green transport routes. It needs to be designed and delivered at all spatial scales from national to neighbourhood levels to be effective. GI includes parks, open spaces, playing fields, woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, river and canal corridors allotments and private gardens. The case studies include Hadleigh Farm and Country Park in Essex.

Visit Natural England website >

Biodiversity 2020: simple guide and progress update – July 2013

This 7-page document is a readable guide to Biodiversity 2020 and a 2013 progress update against the four strategic outcomes. Biodiversity 2020 is a national strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services and sets out the government’s ambition to halt overall loss of England’s biodiversity by 2020, support healthy well-functioning ecosystems and establish coherent ecological networks, with more and better places for nature for the benefit of wildlife and people.

Visit the Gov UK website to download the guide >

Planning with nature in mind – a new guide to spatial planning which aims to improve sustainable outcomes for people and nature The “Planning Naturally”report shows how planning for biodiversity should be integral to every part of the planning process, and inspires with examples of good practice. The report was published by the RSPB in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). It is structured around 12 principles of good spatial planning, and illustrates them with UK and international case studies.

Visit RSPB website >

Wildlife identification named as an “endangered skill”

Identifying wildlife has been named as one of the most endangered everyday skills in the UK, according to a survey by Greeniversity, a nationwide project to bring about a community skillsharing revolution. The skills register highlights how skills that were widely known sixty years ago could be on the verge of being forgotten. The two highest ranking responses, chosen by almost half of respondents, were wildlife identification and repairing household items. Others in the top 10 included foraging for wild food, growing food and fixing a bicycle puncture.

Visit National Biodiversity Network website >

“Biodiversity News” summer newsletter

'Biodiversity News' is published four times a year by Defra. It contains news, updates, features, and local and regional articles of relevance to the UK BAP, as well as details of relevant publications and forth-coming events. Highlights of this issue include State of Natural Capital report, Woodland Trust’s urgent call for new citizen science recorders, Local Nature Partnerships – one year on, Researching Beckstein’s bat at Grafton Wood and many more fascinating articles.

Download Biodiversity News here > (PDF 6.9 MB)

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WHAT’S ON Beachwatch Big Weekend (20-23 September 2013)

21 September 10 am – 4 pm Suffolk Coastal’s Greenprint Forum will support the BT Adastral Park pick at SWT Trimley Marshes reserve. Litter pick sticks, hoops and sacks are available. Please wear sturdy boots, dress appropriately and bring your own gloves. Light refreshments and a wash-room are available in the SWT Nature Reserve hut. No booking is necessary.

The purpose of Beachwatch is not just to clean beaches. The litter collected from 100m of beach is also recorded. This enables the Marine Conservation Society to identify the sources and target the main offenders, with the aim of reducing the pollution in our seas and on our beaches.

Further information on Adastral Park website > Find out more about BeachWatch on Marine Conservation Society website >

Tree, Greenspace and Wellbeing conference

ICF East of England Regional Group 26 September 2013, Girton College, University of Cambridge Concerns about public health are at an all-time high. New institutions such as Public Health England and local Health and Wellbeing Boards are driving forward change and there is an increased recognition of the significant part greenspace can play in contributing to a healthy lifestyle. This conference will examine needs and opportunities, evidence to support the case for an increased role for greenspace and case studies providing practical guidance on realising potential. Speakers include: Rachel Penny (Natural England); Richard Powell OBE (Healthy Ambitions), Mark Pritchard (Green Light Trust) and Professor Andy Jones and Dr Emma Coombes (Norwich Medical School).

Find out more: www.charteredforesters.org/wellbeing

The Value of Healthy Wetlands - Exploring the contribution of wetlands to wildlife, economy & wellbeing 1 & 2 October York Cost: 1 day £70 2 days £80 Further information: Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust >

Coastal Nature Reserves – adapting management in a changing climate

National Trust and RSPB – part of the LIFE+ ‘Alde Ore Estuary – Securing a sustainable future for wildlife’ Project 1-3 October 2013 Alde-Ore Estuary Cost: £163 (inc. visits to Orford Ness and Havergate Island and 2 nights at Ufford Park Hotel) The National Trust and RSPB are working together to improve water management and reduce disturbance, enabling people to access the site whilst allowing wildlife to thrive on these Natura 2000 sites. (www.lifealdeore.org) The workshop will focus on: • A partnership approach to designing and constructing water level management systems in an historic landscape and challenging coastal environment; • Habitat creation, management and monitoring for key species including avocet, little tern, marsh harrier, redshank, spoonbill, Starlet sea anemone and sea pea; • Managing visitor access through close community engagement on one of the largest vegetated shingle structures in Europe.

• Sharing best practice with colleagues from around Europe Further information : email Elysa Dale Elysa.dale@nationaltrust.org.uk, tel: 01284 747500

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Best Practice Workshop – Managing Invasive Aquatic Plants RINSE Project, Norfolk 17 and 18 October Cost: FREE, but registration essential

Day 1 Topics include floating pennywort, management of invasive aquatic weeds in East Flanders, aquatic weed control techniques, control of Crassula helmsii, Ludwigia peploidesis, American skunk cabbage, biosecurity considerations and update on policy and legislation.

Day 2 – boat trip on River Yare To register visit: http://rinseworkshop.eventbrite.co.uk/

The Biology of Decay in Trees course

8 & 9 October Hatfield Forest Cost: £250 ex VAT A comprehensive 2 day course to improve the awareness of the aging process of trees with particular emphasis of decay processes. An introduction to the wealth of dependent organisms and the implications for nature conservation and management is part of the course content.

Speakers: David Lonsdale, Dr Keith Alexander, Jill Butler.

Further information: tel: 01279 870678, email: nicky.daniel@nationaltrust.org.uk

Habitat Management for Sand lizard and Natterjack Toad

Autumn 2013 Talacre, North Wales Leader: David Orchard Cost: £10 for weekend Food and (caravan) accommodation provided. All ARG volunteers are welcome, though please note that places are limited.

Further information: contact David Ochard ASAP - argsl@btinternet.com

Ecosystem Services 3: ‘Rivers – a framework for action’

6-7 November 2013 Grand Harbour Hotel, Southampton Costs: from £95 to £310 depending on CIEEM membership / dinner / number of days attended The event focuses on rivers, with particular emphasis on the aims and objectives of the Water Framework Directive (WFD), as delivered through a series of presentations, Q&A’s, case studies, workshops and panel discussion.

Further information / booking, visit CIEEM website >

Veteranisation course – National Trust

12 November Hatfield Forest Cost: £150 ex VAT Managing for deadwood habitat in living trees – a comprehensive one day course designed for countryside managers, rangers, arborists and advisers.

Further information: call 01279 870678, email nicky.daniel@nationaltrust.org.uk Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatfieldforest

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Amphibian and Reptile Biology and Conservation

8 December 2013 Bournemouth Natural Science Society, Dorset Cost: £21 BHS / ARG members, £38 non members Agenda includes: Pheasants and reptiles, Common toad habitat suitability, Chytrid in the trade, Brazilian reptile diversity, A genetic monitoring programme for endangered leaf frogs, Heterospecific acoustic attraction in the great crested newt, Reptile refugia study, Frogs of the Seychelles.

Further info: visit ARC www.arc-trust.org/ or BHS www.thebhs.org

Veteran Tree Management course – National Trust

29 and 30 January 2014 Hatfield Forest Cost: £250 ex VAT Course content includes the background knowledge surrounding the management of veteran trees, the ageing process, surveys, practical techniques for conservation and considerations when using contractors, practical site visit and discussion of how environmental arboriculture can be put into practice.

Further information: call 01279 870678, email nicky.daniel@nationaltrust.org.uk Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatfieldforest

Various wildlife events - Suffolk Wildlife Trust, National Trust , RSPB, Butterfly Conservation Suffolk Branch, Suffolk Moth Group, Suffolk Ornithologists Group, Suffolk Naturalists Society ************************

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

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 Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

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

Deadline for Autumn 2013 newsletter articles: Friday 25th October 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

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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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