Sbp newsletter winter 2012/13

Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership Partners’ News Winter 2012/13

In this issue:

Partners News Progress report on Suffolk’s Bat Biodiversity Action Plan Site management at Rockhall Woods SSSI Chalara ash dieback Suffolk Hedgerow Survey Orford Ness BioBlitz 2013 Famous Five birds A new role and a new project – river restoration in the Stour valley Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Estuaries update “Plantlife” in your area Broads Biodiversity Forum 2013 Broadland Catchment Approach Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project inititiative Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership News Information and news Funding opportunities Recording and identification Local news National news What’s on SBP information

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PARTNERS NEWS Progress report on Suffolk’s bat Biodiversity Action Plan

Sue Hooton, Suffolk Bat Group and Suffolk County Council Since finalising the Suffolk BAP bats (grouped plan) in March 2012, the Suffolk Bat Group has been busy working on the actions to conserve all species of bats in the county. Like other plans, this is available on the Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership website (http://www.suffolkbiodiversity.org).

The Suffolk Bat Group continues its long-term partnership work with landowners to protect all known hibernation sites in the county. However in 2012 we had to arrange for repairs to grilles at two locations as vandals had caused damage that jeopardised the security of these underground sites.

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Thanks to efforts by group members and Natural England, the bats have been able to rest easy over the winter months.

All data from Natural England volunteer bat roost visits is sent to Suffolk Biological Records Centre. This is important to update the information on roosts across the county, particularly for planning applications. The data from our Thetford Forest bat bat checks is also submitted to SBRC as we assist the Forestry Commission with monitoring these as part of a long-term monitoring project.

As one of Suffolk Bat Group’s actions is to promote the National Bat Monitoring Programme (NBMP) to the general public, in additional to articles in the group’s regular newsletter Pipspeak, 2 workshops were organized in 2012 – for the Field Survey and the Waterway Survey – and more are planned for 2013. The NBMP Field Survey workshop attracted 12 people to Suffolk Wildlife Trust (SWT)’s Lackford Lakes reserve & 16 attended the NBMP Waterways Survey workshop held at RSPB Minsmere. Some people came a considerable distance as these training sessions are thin on the ground and several new volunteers signed up for the NBMP surveys afterwards – that’s what I call success. Many thanks to Bill Landells, a Suffolk Bat Group member and Bat Conservation Trust’s trainer for our region, for leading both NBMP workshops and to SWT & RSPB for hosting the training workshops and loaning bat detectors for these events.

The programme of Suffolk Bat Group bat detector surveys last year included a joint event with Essex Bat Group at RSPB Hintlesham Woods as well as 2 visits to SWT’s newest reserve, Knettishall Heath, to provide baseline data on bats. Both sites produced new records of Barbastelle, one of Suffolk’s rarest bats and their needs will be taken into account for management of these nature reserves.

Keen to support landowners and managers that benefit bats and their habitats, Suffolk Bat Group nominated John Sanderson for the Suffolk FWAG award in memory of Tim Sloane this year and SBG member Alan Miller was one of the judges.

Raising awareness of the needs of bats is critical at a time when sustainable development is essential for economic growth and buildings that contain bat roosts may be under threat. Articles were published in both the SWT magazine and the East Anglian Daily Times Environment Supplement to reach new audiences and the publication of our revised bat atlas in 2012 will hopefully focus survey efforts on filling in the gaps in our knowledge.

Many people enjoyed Suffolk Bat Group events last year including a walk for visually-impaired people at Framlingham Mere, Creeting St Peter Parish Council at Fen Alder Carr Local Nature Reserve and a family Halloween event at RSPB Flatford. Adults and children who attended these events will hopefully spread the message that bats have an important place in our environment and think about these night-flying mammals in a new light.

Barbastelle bat (© Hugh Clark / Bat Conservation Trust)

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Training to develop skills within Suffolk Bat Group is planned for 2013 with workshops on computer sound analysis, an introduction to bats and bat detector surveys. Suffolk is very fortunate to have over 20 licensed volunteer bat roost visitors for Natural England calls within Suffolk Bat Group so there is no need at present to train new batworkers; however this will be kept under review to ensure an adequate number is available to undertake visits to homeowners with bat roosts.

Take a look at Suffolk Bat Group’s website and find out how you can get involved in bat conservation – you don’t need a licence to join in with surveys and listen in to their world of sound. The Suffolk Bat Group is a specialist group of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust and is active in promoting bat conservation in Suffolk, including surveys, advice, assisting Natural England, and safeguarding roosts.

Site management at Rockhall Wood SSSI Caroline Markham

Rockhall Wood SSSI at Sutton Knoll is a key geological site with exposures of Suffolk’s unique deposit, the 4 million year old Coralline Crag, and its junction with the younger Red Crag. In 2006, the Crag faces were refreshed as part of a Natural England 'Facelift' operation and since then GeoSuffolk has maintained the site for research work and geological field excursions, keeping the exposures clean by hand and providing interpretive panels. By the winter of 2011/12 the Crag exposures needed refreshing and GeoSuffolk drew up a management plan for the site. After consultation with Natural England and the landowner, GeoSuffolk carried out work on the Coralline Crag exposures on November 23rd 2012.

The work was carried out in winter because there is less disturbance to wildlife and less vegetation to clear. The pre-dawn start (at 8.15 am) was very cold, but gave us fabulous views of a barn owl hunting along the field edges. The digger and driver arrived at 8.30 and we started work clearing the talus from the base of the north face. Although the site is on private land, the north face can be seen from the adjacent public footpath where GeoSuffolk has erected an interpretation panel* and so it needs to be kept clear of talus and vegetation. This exposure shows the highest part of the Coralline Crag, the ‘rock bed’, on a layer with small fossil molluscs with a silty layer below.

By mid-morning more GeoSuffolk members had arrived and we turned our attention to the bullockyard pit on the east side of the knoll, where exposures show more of the stratigraphy of the Coralline Crag – for the benefit of visiting geological field parties and research work. Here, below the silty layer, is a sandy layer with a beautifully preserved mollusc macrofauna. The task here required some level of skill, both in instructions (by GeoSuffolk) and digging (by the driver) as minimum intervention is desired,

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but to show the maximum stratigraphy. Safety for people and animals precludes permanent deep excavations and requires gentle gradients for ‘vertical’ faces of any size.

The fading daylight at 3.30 pm found us back at the north face with the digger ‘teasing’ talus from around a vertical feature in the Coralline Crag – a solution pipe infilled with younger material.

Skilled work and very impressive!

This level of management is only needed every few years. Meanwhile, GeoSuffolk will continue to keep the north face clear of vegetation by hand and strata in the bullockyard pit can be reexposed by spade when needed for visiting geologists. * This panel can be seen on GeoSuffolk’s web site - or why not go for a walk along the footpath and view the real thing (i.e. the geology)? You can find it at TM 305441.

Read the GeoSuffolk Times at www.geosuffolk.co.uk Chalara ash dieback

Steve Scott, Forestry Commission Don’t panic! Scientists think that this disease has been with us for three or four years, but I couldn’t point you to a single mature tree that has died.

There really is no need to act in haste, but be aware and be prepared.

Chalara fraxinea is a fungus that spreads from ash leaves into the tree and blocks the water-carrying vessels, thus starving the tree of water and minerals.

Young trees and fresh growth may die quickly, but older trees can survive for years.

First observed in Poland the disease has spread through Europe since the early 1990s, and was finally discovered in the wild on the east coast of Britain in October 2012. Although we might expect to see a spread across the whole country over the years, the initial hot spots are in Suffolk, Norfolk and Kent.

Chalara Golden Wood.

Photo: Forestry Commission

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The Forestry Commission is working with Natural England on guidelines on the ecological aspects of Chalara, but in the meantime as a professional forester, I would suggest the following basic do’s and don’ts: • •

• •

• • •

Don’t plant ash, certainly not until the disease has run its course and/or resistant strains are developed; Do use this as an excuse to plant other trees. The woodland cover of England is 10% compared to the European average of over 40%. There are many sensible alternative native species with which to replace ash (pick the right tree for the right place), and if native is not a key factor, there are some close visual replacements such as walnut and hickory; Don’t coppice or pollard; Don’t fell mature ash trees just because you suspect disease or because an unscrupulous tree surgeon tells you so. Obviously, health and safety is paramount, but employ a fully qualified member of the Arboricultural Association or follow the guidance in “A common sense approach to tree safety” National Tree Safety Group > Do consider burning, burying or composting ash leaves in gardens or tree collections to limit the spread of C. fraxinea spores; Do continue to manage woodland. There are many options so contact your local Forestry Commission Woodland Officer; Do keep access to woodland open. The risk of woodland visitors spreading the disease is low, but take sensible precautions – for example, brush leaves and twigs off boots, clothing and other items taken into the woodland, and wash boots and bicycle etc wheels when returning home from a walk. Avoid routes which go from wood to wood to wood. If organising a parish walk, for example, it might be sensible to provide washing facilities (some bowls or trugs and stiff brushes at the end).

It’s worth pointing out that there are many new diseases and pests of trees that have hit these shores in the last few years, some as serious as Chalara, but less infamous. It is important to keep an eye on the health of all trees.

For the latest information keep an eye on Forestry Commission Chalara > Specifically you might like to look at the three videos we shot late last year, two on identifying the symptoms and one on biosecurity.

The latest Chalara fraxinea recording form is available from the Forestry Commission website > Watch Steve Scott’s video on You Tube on how to spot Chalara Ash dieback in the field >

Chalara DNA analysis

Forestry Commission Forestry Commission Plant Health experts have been field testing a portable DNA machine in the continuing hunt for signs of Chalara ash dieback.

The OptiGene "Genie II" machines, which cost approximately £8,000 each, can process up to 6 samples at any one time and allow the teams to quickly tell if the disease Chalara fraxinea, or ash dieback, is present.

Once samples are prepared, which typically takes about an hour, the results can be seen after about half an hour. The Genie, which measures florescence of samples, can run off lithium batteries to be used in the field.

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The Forestry Commission specialists have been in Norfolk, taking samples from known infected sites belonging to Norfolk Wildlife Trust to test and calibrate the machines. The samples are then sent to the labs of Defra's research body Fera in York for validation. If the validation is successful they hope that the Genie machines will become a standard piece of kit for the Forestry Commission England Plant Health team.

Ben Jones, Forestry Commission England Plant Health Operations Manager said, "Being able to test samples quickly and accurately will be a great help in tracking and managing tree diseases. It means that our team can take samples of suspected infected ash trees especially on sites where symptoms are subtle, take them to a local FC office and within a very short time have accurate DNA results to be able to tell the woodland owner. Of course Chalara is just one of a number of pathogens that affect our trees and woodlands and in the future we are hopeful that we can use this kit to identify those as well".

Suffolk Hedgerow Survey

Guy Ackers Having accepted unanimous election by members of the SCDC Greenprint Forum in 1998 to act as chair of the Project, the initial challenge was to energise local residents in communities to step forward and volunteer to help with their local parish hedgerow survey, something which had never been done before on such a large scale. This required inspiration, stamina, leadership and enthusiasm to be injected into the outlying parishes, mostly through the good offices of the Parish Council clerks and chairs but also via local tree wardens, environmental work groups, tree planting groups, gardening societies, WI and SWT groups, etc.

As a result, over the initial years, a total of 317 parishes participated in the Project, involving about 2400 volunteers who surveyed 38,295 landscape hedgerows and another 5,700 field boundaries without hedgerows. This process gave the opportunity for residents to actually do something of a basic and fundamental research nature which involved getting together with old and new friends in the parish, working together in a local enterprise with a common aim, recording data about hedgerows in their parish for the ultimate use and benefit of the parish.

The Project originated from the Rio 1992 Earth Summit whereby those 170 + countries attending agreed to set up benchmarks for their identified priority issues in the areas of flora, fauna, landscape and habitat as part of their Local Agenda 21 and this became the responsibility of local authorities in England and Wales. Suffolk Coastal District Council (SCDC) established an Environmental Forum (Greenprint) initially to decide on their Agenda and in 1998 appointed a Hedgerow Working Group to survey all landscape hedgerows in every parish in the District to

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record for the very first time, on such a wide scale, every hedgerow excluding towns, villages, private gardens, woods and forest. The working group set up a modus operandi, issued some local publicity, inherited a trial run which had virtually collapsed no sooner than it had started, set up training for volunteers from the parishes and launched the Project which ran continuously for 12 years until the final parish survey was completed in January 2012.

The survey was required to record the location of every landscape hedgerow with every different species of hardwood trees and shrubs, with some special data regarding the trees, the structure of the hedgerow and a description of the land usage on both sides. The survey was confined to being a quantitative record with absolutely no comment on the quality of the hedgerow, management, cutting regimes or value to meet farming requirements, etc. Very soon, as the Project gathered pace, so English Nature, MAFF and Suffolk County Council realised the enormous potential of the surveys and I was asked to extend the Project to cover the whole of Suffolk but still within the same timeframe. This triggered the launch of the Suffolk Hedgerow Survey.

Over time, our client in SCDC was joined by Suffolk Biological Records Centre in Ipswich Museum for whom our records “massively enhanced” their biological holdings. It was at this, and later stages, that it soon became evident that there are many spin off benefits arising from the data recorded, for example, where the connectivity and corridor value of hedgerows could be improved by specific replanting and where new hedgerows could be planted to add even more value for wildlife as well as the mainstay benefits for the local farming industry. Analysis of the data enables landowners, parish councils, tree wardens and environmental working groups in parishes to see how their parish fits in with their peer group under the Landscape Character Assessment type, soil type, etc. and are then enabled to see which plant stock would serve best for replanting, with the optimum chance of growing on successfully.

At District level the data has already been of value to Local Authorities in the Planning arena. acting as another tool to help with Environmental Risk Assessments, damage limitation, Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments and possible replanting requirements set down as Conditions of licence where species rich hedgerows were endangered or removed by the planning applications.

Another topical and current benefit arising from the data is that we have recorded the exact location of every landscape hedgerow in 317 parishes in Suffolk, and also what the tree species are in those hedgerows. So, for example, we can all see not only where the Ash trees are, but also whether they are new, standard, pollard, dead or veteran.

More obvious examples are the discovery of where connectivity in hedgerows is interrupted, where such hedgerows join natural habitats for the corridor principle for the movement of fauna and for the enrichment of the living landscape and where new planting or replanting could effectively improve the status of the network of hedgerows in the parish, perhaps to link with neighbouring parishes. It is now being realised that the data from the survey can add value to District and parish decisions; for example, which species of tree or shrub should be used for planting that will have the optimum chance of survival according to the landscape character and soil type.

The completed report was distributed in October and November 2012 to all coordinators, parish clerks that participated, to the clients and to some VIP’s. This culminated in a Press Launch followed by film interviews with Anglian TV, the BBC radio and the newspaper media.

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This survey report is therefore a reward for the 2,400 volunteers who helped in the survey, especially for the parish hedgerow survey coordinator, the surveyors and the local parish council that participated in the Project. It also provides all the basic and raw data needed by Local Authorities at Parish, District and County level. It has a shelf life of 50+ years in order to act as a reference guide on how to conduct a hedgerow survey should parishes require to see how the landscape hedgerow network has improved over the intervening years.

Orford Ness BioBlitz 2013 – June 1st and 2nd Dave Fincham, National Trust

Following the success of the Orford Ness BioBlitz in July of 2012, which attracted around 17 naturalists both from the local counties and further afield, and resulted in a well received opportunity for like-minded folk to get together for some fieldwork in addition to generating over 700 records over the weekend, I am now in the process of arranging a sequel this year.

The largest vegetated shingle spit in Europe, Orford Ness comprises mainly coastal grazing marsh, brackish lagoons & ditches, saltmarsh, mudflats and reedbed in addition to large expanses of shingle, and was occupied as a secret military test site for much of the 20th century, preserving much of the area from excessive disturbance.

The event, although broadly similar to last year’s, will be a little earlier this time around, on the weekend of June 1st - 2nd, and will still be aimed mainly at those with particular interests in, and knowledge of, the taxa of the site, rather than the wider public. The earlier date should provide more interest than last year for some taxa but, due to the presence of (hopefully) large numbers of breeding birds on the site at that time, this will come at the expense of more restricted access to certain parts of the site.

As before, I hope to arrange a trip to the southern section of the spit on the Sunday, by boat, which will limit the number of places on that day (so book early), but the Saturday will be less restricted, and overnight accommodation in our bunkhouse will be available for those staying for both days.

For more information, or to express an interest in coming along, please contact: Dave Fincham on 07990 600606 or at david.fincham@nationaltrust.org.uk

Famous Five birds Jan Dungey

Project Patron, writer Mark Cocker of “Crow Country” and “Birds Britannica” fame, says “The Famous Five Birds project brings people nearer to nature” Waveney & Blyth Arts has teamed up with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, the RSPB, and both the Norfolk and Suffolk Biodiversity Partnerships on its latest creative endeavour, Famous Five Birds.

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The project will involve over 250 primary school children in activities to inform and inspire them about five of the area’s iconic bird species: the Bittern, Barn Owl, Bearded Tit, Marsh Harrier and Nightingale.

The project will also encourage families to visit their nearest Suffolk Wildlife Trust and RSPB nature reserves, where the Famous Five might be found.

In March and April St Edmund’s Primary School in Hoxne, Mendham Primary School Partnership, Bungay Primary, Barnby and North Cove Primary, Pakefield Primary, Fen Park Primary in Lowestoft, Edward Worlledge Community Junior School in Great Yarmouth, Southwold Primary, Reydon Primary and Edgar Sewter School in Halesworth, plus an “Education Otherwise” group, will benefit from one day visits from the Famous Five Birds schools team: bird expert Steve Piotrowski, RSPB poet Matt Howard, and puppeteer Meg Amsden from Nutmeg Puppet Company.

Steve Piotrowski will kick off each one day schools workshop with a session about what the Famous Five Birds look and sound like, where they live and why. RSPB poet Matt Howard will then help the children write poems about the five birds. Throughout the afternoon Meg Amsden will make five birds shadow puppets with the children.

Bearded tit. Photo: David Tipling

Waveney & Blyth Arts Chair, Nicky Stainton, says “We are able to offer the workshops to schools thanks to grants from Essex & Suffolk Water’s Branch Out fund and the Broads Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund. Without these funds these workshops would simply be too expensive for most schools to consider.”

Waveney & Blyth Arts is also offering another 25 children the chance to take part in a one day Birdswing workshop. These workshops, led by internationally acclaimed ornithologist, composer and pianist Peter Cowdrey, use special computer software to slow the speed of the birdsong and calls right down so that the children can try and reproduce them vocally or instrumentally.

Clare Mackney, Waveney & Blyth Arts volunteer Birdswing workshop organiser, musician, and Beccles Festival trustee says, “Birds are nature’s musical magicians. The rhythms and melodies in

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their songs have been inspiring composers for centuries. Birdswing workshops make people hear both music and birdsong differently” Music will continue to play an important part in the Famous Five Birds project when local composer, pianist and Artistic Director of the Southwold Concert Series, Nathan Williamson, composes a Famous Five Birds children’s song and piece of instrumental music to form part of an original soundtrack.

The soundtrack will be recorded to accompany a new Famous Five Birds shadow puppet show for children that Nutmeg Puppet Company will present in community venues throughout the Waveney and Blyth in August and September.

Mark Cocker’s collaborator on a new book to be published this September, “Birds and People”, the wildlife photographer David Tipling, has also become a supporter by allowing Waveney & Blyth Arts to use five of his photos to promote the project.

If you would like to find out more about the Famous Five Birds ring Jan Dungey on 01986 895227 or email her at jan@ollandstreet.co.uk or check out Waveney and Blyth Arts > Famous Five Birds has been made possible thanks to grants from Essex & Suffolk Water’s Branch Out fund and the Broads Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund and Waveney & Blyth Arts project partners: the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, RSPB and both the Norfolk & Suffolk Biodiversity Partnerships.

A new role and a new project – river restoration in the Stour Valley Matt Holden

The Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project (DVSVP) is now working on a new partnership project with the Environment Agency (EA) in the Stour Valley. The position of River Stour Project Officer has been set up in the team and has been funded by the EA. Matt Holden has taken on the role and work with volunteers, discussions with local conservation organisations and liaison with riverside landowners is underway.

The aim of the 2.5 year project is to meet Water Framework Directive (WFD) objectives within the River Stour catchment. The WFD is a piece of European legislation targeted at restoring and enhancing the ecology of rivers and the EA as the 'competent authority' is responsible for implementing the Directive. However, many other public, private and voluntary organisations as well as individuals have an important part to play to deliver the objectives of the Directive.

The WFD aims to return all rivers to Good Ecological Status. This involves working with a broad range of partners to improve and enhance the river water chemistry, wildlife, morphology (the form of the river) and riverside habitat.

The Stour catchment is divided into a number of water bodies and the main river is fed by the Chad Brook, River Box, River Brett, Stour Brook, Belchamp Brook and River Glem along with a number of other smaller tributaries. Much of the River Stour and its tributaries are unfortunately failing to achieve Good Ecological Status and have been identified as bein g of Moderate or Poor Ecological Status based on WFD classifications. This is thought to be due to a number of issues, such as elevated phosphate levels in the river water (caused by point and diffuse pollution), poor fisheries records and because of modifications made to the river morphology.

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Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project volunteers, Sally Bartrum and Helen McFeely, surveying a section of the River Box near Boxford.

The first stage of the project is to survey the river and its tributaries and this is now underway with 7 pairs of DVSVP volunteers already having braved the rain and snow to start surveying sections of the Rivers Box and Brett. The surveys include recording features within the channel, the dominant riverside habitat, non-native invasive plants and protected species such as water vole and otter. One pair of volunteers have even been lucky enough to spot two otters play fighting by the river on one of their survey outings! Importantly the survey will also involve identifying potential stretches of the river that could benefit from river restoration and enhancement for wildlife.

The new project is a fantastic opportunity for the DVSVP to focus on a catchment scale approach to improving the Stour Valley for wildlife and we will be involved in working with partners from conservation organisations, local authorities, land owners and managers and local communities to meet WFD targets. The project will raise awareness in the Stour Valley about the WFD issues and will aim to tackle some of the key problems that are resulting in the failing of the river to meet Good Ecological Status. It will be utilising data from the river surveys to develop a series of river restoration projects that will improve habitats in degraded parts of the river for fish, invertebrates, mammals and aquatic plants and reduce diffuse pollution. It will also be investigating the extent of invasive non-native plant species such as Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed in the valley and will be working with stakeholders to create a Local Action Group (LAG).

The LAG will work to prevent the spread of these damaging species in the future with involvement from local volunteer groups and skilled contractors.

Although the project it is in its early stages we have, rather excitingly, just managed to secure some further funding from the Environment Agency to help fund projects that specifically address WFD issues and to improve fisheries habitat. It is hoped that this funding will be used to undertake projects to re-instate and create important features in the river such as riffles, pools, bays and backwaters that are critical for a range of different fish species as well as other aquatic life.

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If anyone would be interested in being involved in the project or is interested in the enhancement of the river environment on their land then please do not hesitate to get in touch with Matt Holden. Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project email: Matt.holden@suffolk.gov.uk Tel: 01473 264263 or 07734 967782.

Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Estuaries update

Trazar Astley-Reid A Bait digging voluntary code of conduct launched in 2010 with bait diggers and other users of the mudflats on the Stour and Orwell estuaries has proved very successful although improvements are still needed on the mudflats in front of the nature reserve at Orwell Country Park. The code of conduct was the outcome of meetings between conservationists, regulators, landowners, bait diggers and recreational users in Suffolk under the banner of the Stour and Orwell Estuaries Management Group.

The disturbance of birds by people is an issue that is being recognised nationally. Due to the pioneering work carried out by the Stour & Orwell Estuaries Management Group in 2008 the AONB took on the role of developing a methodology for assessing this risk funded by Natural England. A new report on assessing the risk of disturbance to birds at coastal sites has just been released. Visit the SCHU website >

“Plantlife in your area!”

Katie Cameron, Plantlife Help monitor 28 rare Breckland plants Plantlife’s ‘Wild About Plants’ team are looking for volunteers to help monitor the progress of 28 rare and endangered plant species that inhabit Breckland. Through Plantlife's work in Breckland, practical conservation action is helping to improve outcomes for a number of wild plants. To find out more about Plantlife's work in Breckland please visit www.plantlife.org.uk/wild_plants/conservation_projects/breckland_project/ We will provide you with training to enable you to recognise the 28 species, a guide book and hand lens and support from our volunteer coordinator Sue Southway. You will be given a designated publicly accessible site to visit and we will ask you to visit that site at least once between March and October each year. If you feel that this could be the opportunity for you then please register your interest here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/M2TK6Y7 We will not pass on your information to third parties and will only contact you with regard to the opportunity detailed above. Training dates will be published shortly.

Plantlife are also hoping to reach out to many wild plant enthusiasts and nature lovers by inviting them to become wild plant 'pioneers' and subscribe to a free quarterly e-learning bulletin to learn more about our native wild plants via the 'Wild About Plants' project website www.wildaboutplants.org.uk. The February e-bulletin will be out shortly! In recent years subscribers have been asked to record the plant life in their local area and recount what they used to forage.

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Bee Scene Survey The Bee Scene survey is a great way to help children look more closely at nature on their doorstep. By taking part in the survey, we hope children will enjoy their natural spaces more. In recent years, wildflower and bumblebee numbers have been decreasing – we hope children will help us find out a bit more about what wildflowers are out there and the numbers of bees in the area. The information collected is put on an online map illustrating the biodiversity hotspots identified by children up and down the country. The survey runs between April and August. Get involved here: http://www.wildaboutplants.org.uk/beescene/ Finally, did you know that the County flower of Suffolk is the oxlip (Primula elatior)?

Wild About Plants is funded by Natural England through Access to Nature, as part of the Big Lottery Fund's Changing Spaces programme. It is a partnership project involving partner organisations throughout the country.

Broads Biodiversity Forum 2013

Andrea Kelly, Broads Authority The second ever Broads Biodiversity Forum was held on the 5th February. We aimed for, and achieved, a thought provoking afternoon with wide variety of speakers including the science of fish removal and lake restoration; the national Environment Agency lead giving the thumbs up to the Broadland Catchment Approach; the story of the waste water treatment from Anglian Water which is bringing about real improvements; as well as hearing how Broads boating business relies on biodiversity. The Conference concluded by linking to world-wide wetlands. Our keynote presentation was from Jane Madgwick, who from leading the Authority’s Conservation Team, is now leading Wetlands International on the global stage. We also had a ‘shout out’ from the wonderful marshes of Iraq from Dr Azzam Alwash, president of Nature Iraq.

The date of this event coincided with international World Wetlands Day and enabled us to bring together key organisations and individuals who work in and care for The Broads. At a time when the unique and internationally renowned wildlife and landscapes of the Broads face significant threats and pressures, we recognise that it will take a variety of organisations, local people, statutory bodies and businesses working together to help conserve this special place.

Hickling Broad © Mike Page

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The Broads Biodiversity Forum was an opportunity for us all to celebrate success, share experiences and forge stronger partnerships for the future. It also provided us with an opportunity to consider how we promote the Broads to people who live and work close by and those who travel to visit our magical waterland, and consider the most important areas to focus our effort on and attract grant aid to support this work.

The presentations are downloadable here >

Broadland Catchment Approach

Andrea Kelly, Broads Authority The new Broadland Catchment Partnership is seeking to provide a clear understanding of the issues in the catchment, an idea of what is already happening to address the issues and what more can be done and who can help.

The Partnership is at an early stage of involving individuals, communities, organisations, companies and farmers in working together to improve the Broadland rivers. If you want to join the partnership and to help in any way to make the Broadland rivers even more wonderful resource for wildlife and people. We want to hear your views, suggestions and offers of help to make the Broadland valleys a better place.

Contact: Andrea Kelly andrea.kelly@broads-authority.gov.uk

Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project initiative Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project is in the process of launching a bid to secure funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund for a two-year learning and conservation project centred on the River Stour and its tributaries within the Stour Valley Project Area.

The project would include the delivery of a range of public activities and capital work with the aim of conserving river based wildlife and encouraging greater engagement amongst local people with the wildlife and landscape heritage of the area.

We are keen to work with local community groups from the outset to ensure an environmentally sensitive and socially inclusive programme with a lasting legacy. If you would like to get involved or learn more, then please contact Cathy Smith via email (dedhamvale.project@suffolk.gov.uk) or telephone (01473 264263).

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SUFFOLK BIODIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP NEWS  Please help us to define the future role of Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership As a subscriber to Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership’s e-newsletter, we would like to ask for your views. If you have an interest in the conservation of Suffolk’s wildlife, whether you are a conservation professional or a member of a community group, your opinion is valuable and we would like to hear from you.

We are currently reviewing the role of the Partnership. In the past, we have aimed to support and provide added value to the work of our partners. We would greatly welcome your feedback on how this can best be achieved in the future.

The Partnership has changed since its formation in 1998. In the light of the government’s Natural Environment White Paper 2011 based on Prof John Lawton’s report ‘Making Space for Nature’, and the subsequent development of a Norfolk and Suffolk Local Nature Partnership (Wild Anglia), further changes need to be made. With your help, we can streamline Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership, making it more effective in supporting you to meet your targets, whether they are on a landscape or a parish level.

To be a part of this process, please follow the link to the Survey Monkey and complete our short questionnaire. It will only take about 5 minutes and we really do want to hear your views!

Survey Monkey link >

Thank you Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership Executive Group John Davies (acting chair), Countryside Manager, Suffolk Coastal District Council Martin Sanford, Manager, Suffolk Biological Record Centre Sue Hooton, Senior Ecologist, Suffolk County Council Jonathan Dix, Landscape and Biodiversity Lead Adviser Midlands, Natural England Nick Collinson, Natural Environment manager, Suffolk County Council Gen Broad, Biodiversity Officer, Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership

 SBP Project fund

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

 SBP new flyer

To find out more about our work and some of the projects we have supported, download our new flyer from the SBP website >

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INFORMATION and NEWS Funding opportunities Viridor Credits

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

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

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

Visit Viridor Credits >

SITA Trust Enriching Nature programme 2013

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

Visit Sita Trust website >

WREN Biodiversity Action Fund (Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd)

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

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

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.

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 >.

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In 2013-14 the AONB has over £80,000 to distribute to a number of environmental projects across east Suffolk. Last year the AONB awarded grants to over 30 projects ranging from practical habitat work and footpath improvements, to instigating waste and energysaving initiatives.

Cllr David Wood, Chairman of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB said “The funding that the AONB provides is a real opportunity for innovative local projects attempting to make a difference to their local environments and communities. Over the years our funding has been able to support a wide range of extremely worthwhile projects. We hope that this coming year will be no different, and encourage anybody with an idea for a project to get in touch with us and submit an application,” Deadline: Wednesday 27th March 2013. Projects to be completed by March 2014.

Sustainable Development Fund 2012-13

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

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

Stour Valley Environment Fund

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

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

Visit Dedham Vale and Stour Valley Project >

Essex & Suffolk Water Branch Out Project

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

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

Amenity and Accessibility Fund

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

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

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

Visit the Communities and Local Government website >

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

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

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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.

Deadline: 30th April 2013 Visit NE website >

Recording and identification Suffolk Biological Records Centre (SBRC)

SBRC is the One-Stop-Shop for biological information in Suffolk. Operating as an independent and objective centre for biological data we collate, manage and mobilise species and site information for the benefit of Suffolk’s wildlife as a whole. Suffolk has a rich collection of expert and amateur naturalists who support the work of SBRC and allow us to share an ever expanding database of over 2.1 million species records, across all key taxa, for conservation, research, education and general purposes.

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The centre carries out the standard suite of local record centre functions including the storing and management of site and species records, mapping BAP habitats and providing expertise in GIS and database tasks; we also maintain the dataset of Suffolk’s non-statutory wildlife sites (CWS).

SBRC is hosted by Suffolk County Council and based within Ipswich Museum, where natural history has a long heritage. We sit on the County Wildlife Site Panel and also work closely with Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership, Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, and GeoSuffolk who are based in the same office.

Visit SBRC’s Species page to find out about the work of the Recorders and where to read more about species groups>

iRecord

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

To find out more, visit BRC >

Modular Analysis of Vegetation Information System (MAVIS) MAVIS is a programme for analysing vegetation data using different types of classifications developed for Great Britain. These include the Countryside Vegetation System (CVS) and other measures, such as fertility and competitor scores, as used in Countryside Survey 2000. MAVIS also includes classification programmes for the National Vegetation Classification (NVC).

Find out more on the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology website >

LOCAL NEWS Cladocera newsletter Winter 2012

Cladocera news can be downloaded from www.cladocera.org.uk. The issue provides some good pointers for the identification of some of the more difficult species of water flea. Items include: A useful download on the classification of Crustacea from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles; Dunhevedia crassa in Breckland and Polyphemus pediculus in Suffolk,

Norfolk and Suffolk Woodland Working Group

The Group has an active Twitter site full of information on environmental, social forestry and the forest economy matters. Find them at @WoodlandWG

Suffolk appoints Wildlife Crime Officer For the first time, Suffolk will have a police officer dedicated to dealing with wildlife issues. Read the East Anglian Daily Times story here > (1st February)

Norfolk Non-Native Species Initiative

NNSI has now been running for over 4 years and, led by Co-Ordinator Mike Sutton-Croft, has achieved a huge amount. Some of their NNSI’s recent work includes:

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• • • • • • • •

•

A presence at environmental events highlighting the impacts of INS and practical steps people can take to reduce their spread; Promoted the ‘Be Plant Wise’ campaign - 15 garden centres in Norfolk now display campaign materials; Launched the ‘Pond Invaders’ citizen science survey, distributed through partner garden centres; Begun intensive control of Himalayan balsam on the River Wensum, aiming at eventual eradication; 5 garden centres now supporting the Garden Centre Accreditation Scheme - ‘Go Native for Norfolk’.

Overseen the successful floating pennywort eradication project on the River Waveney.

Organised the popular annual Norfolk Non-native Species Stakeholders’ Forum.

Commissioned the development of a new Mink Control Strategy for Norfolk;

Organised a Killer Shrimp training and awareness raising Workshop, attended by more than 200 people.

If you’d like to go on the NNSI mailing list, contact Mike Sutton-Croft: Tel: 01603 228977; E-mail: michael.sutton-croft@norfolk.gov.uk

Suffolk Coast and Heaths newsletter

Our winter Beachwatch event took place on 11th December at The Landmark. Volunteers and AONB staff gathered 22.5 kg of rubbish including 3 oil drums, a fishing rod and a shocking 23 balloons and/or strings. A huge thank-you to everyone involved in the clear up! Countryside officers Nick & Lynn trained 7 new wardens at the latest Coast & Estuary Wardens Day and look forward to working with them in 2013.

Download the latest newsletter >

Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project Winter 2013 newsletter Includes a new series of walking guides ‘Walks off the Stour Valley Path and an update on Managing a Masterpiece.

Download the newsletter here > Download leaflet on non-native invasive species here > (PDF 3.2 MB)

Suffolk Natural History papers available on-line

Suffolk Natural History papers (the annual journal of Suffolk Naturalists’ Society) Vols 36-47 are available for download here >

Calling all woodland owners and managers in Norfolk and Suffolk!

Steve Scott, Forest Services Director East & East Midlands, Forestry Commission writes: “The Forestry Commission has been granted some funding to undertake research into ash resistance to Chalara fraxinea (ash dieback). In short we need up to 50 hectares of suitable land in minimum parcels of 2 ha to carry out replicated planting of different ash provenances.

Time is of the essence as the trees need to be in the ground and fenced etc by the end of March!

We will cover the costs of the planting, fencing and upkeep etc, but what we need is the space to carry out the experiment. We will have to undertake Environmental Impact Assessments no doubt and there will be other nuances to resolve.

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Our experience to date and from the Continent is that many of the trees will not survive, but your help to try and establish if there is some natural resistance out there would be of considerable help. If you are interested in helping us with this could you please contact me as soon as possible.”

Contact Steve: Tel: 01223 773061 Mob: 07810 636722, email: steve.scott@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

SeaSearch East video of marine life off Norfolk

Norfolk Wildlife Trust has been working with Seasearch East to show just how amazing Norfolk’s marine wildlife really is. Visit the NWT website to see the video created by Rob Spray or download a PDF of Norfolk’s Secret Sea, a photo guide to the marine wildlife of North Norfolk coast's wrecks and reefs.

Visit the NWT website >

Creating the Greenest County Awards – vote now!

Voting is now live for the Champion of Champions Award. The award recognises an on-going commitment to everything green. The top 5 have been selected by an independent judging panel and you can now vote for your winner. The top 5 are: · Alde Garden · Bardwell CEVC Primary School · Birchwood Primary School · Great Barton Village Hall · Guy Ackers You can view a short film featuring each of the five nominees on the website - visit www.greensuffolk.org/vote to watch the films and cast your vote. Voting closes on 24 March; winners will be announced at a ceremony at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds on Thursday 28 March.

Vote now at www.greensuffolk.org/vote!

A new face at Green Light Trust

Tom Brown has joined the Green Light Trust team to manage the exciting Heritage Lottery Funded, Frithy Wood Project. Tom joins us from Otley College where he ran the Forestry and Arboriculture department having previously run his own Arboricultural contracting business. The Frithy Wood project is well underway now and Tom plans to use his experience of woodland management and his passion for trees to inspire and engage with the groups who are involved in the project. Tom hopes to have a website for Frithy Wood up and running very soon. This will keep everyone informed of project’s progress and achievements.

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 >

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NATIONAL NEWS ‘Trees, People and the Built Environment’ conference

Proceedings now available from this Institute of Chartered Foresters national conference 2011.

Topics include: Environmental benefits of trees in urban planning Economic values of trees in urban landscapes Social benefits, from well-being to green networks Successfully integrating trees into the built environment Technical advances for the survival of urban trees What actions we have to take for a greener future.

The report can be downloaded from the Forest Research website >

POSTnote published on biodiversity and planning decisions

Suffolk Wildlife Trust helped to develop this useful publication. “Built developments and mineral extraction can bring social benefits. However, if developments decrease biodiversity there could be a net loss of human well-being. Planning policy is devolved and this POSTnote sets out how the information on impacts of proposed developments on biodiversity is given to planners in England.

It also summarises approaches to enhance biodiversity and avoid, mitigate and compensate for negative impacts.”

Download the POSTnote from the Parliament website >

OPAL inspires communities

OPAL’s Community Environment Report launched in January, showed that more than half a million people in the UK have been inspired to discover their local environment through OPAL. The project has mapped more than 25,000 sites across England, including areas never sampled before by scientists, and uncovered some surprising facts.

Read the Community Environment Report on the OPAL website > Visit OPAL’s learning page > to find resources for schools, including lesson plans, outdoor activities and projects as well as materials for those wanting to learn about their environment.

OPAL has recently published ID guides to more than 50 species of lichens and mosses in orchards.

These can be downloaded here > OPAL is launching its next survey, the OPAL Tree Health Survey on the 23 May 2013, developed by Forest Research and the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA). The main aim of the survey is to discover more about the general health of our trees and to provide vital information to scientists on particular trees including oak, ash and horse chestnut.

Visit OPAL website >

Habitats Directive risks tool published

The Environment Agency has published a Habitats Directive Risks tool. The tool shares information on the risks posed to protected sites from activities that the Environment Agency regulates. This tool can either be used to provide generic hazards matrices, which show the types of hazard to protected habitats or species that may be associated with a particular type of activity, or site specific versions for more specific information. The hazards matrices help the EA to determine the potential effects on a protected site of any of the activities that they regulate.

Find out more >

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Biodiversity offsetting will unleash a new spirit of destruction on the land – George Monbiot’s Blog (7 December 2012)

This post is about the dangerous new concept the government has seeded in the minds of developers and planners. The idea is called biodiversity offsetting. It involves trading places: allowing people to destroy wildlife and habitats if, in return, they pay someone to create new habitats elsewhere. In April, the UK government launched six pilot projects to test the idea, which would run for two years.

Read George Monbiot’s Blog >

Survey of agri-environment grassland and heathland

Natural England published A Survey of Selected Agri-environment Grassland and Heathland Creation and Restoration Sites on 11 January 2013. The survey sets out some of the best examples of creation and restoration of species-rich grasslands with the aim of demonstrating how close it is possible to get to the target habitat and in what timescale.

Visit Natural England website >

Yorkshire bat colonies ‘cohabit all year’ (BBC 26 January)

Colonies of Daubenton's bats in the Yorkshire Dales that have males and females living alongside each other all year round have surprised scientists. Researchers say it is the first documented example of temperate bats operating a flexible social system. Details of the study have been published in the journal Plos One. Visit BBC website >

Exotic trees affect breeding success of tit populations

Research by scientists at Anglia Ruskin University has shown that the presence of exotic, nonnative trees and shrubs is having a negative impact on blue tit and great tit populations in British parks. A collaboration between Anglia Ruskin and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology has seen scientists compare the success of birds breeding in nest boxes in city parks to those breeding in nest boxes in traditional woodland and hedgerows. The research found that blue tits and great tits have more difficulty raising chicks in a man-made environment. Both the larger physical gaps between trees and also 'functional' gaps in the form of exotic trees and shrubs, which offer little reward for birds foraging for food, meant that the city dwellers had a much lower breeding success, despite working harder, than the birds living in natural woodland.

Visit Anglia Ruskin website >

Biodiversity loss increases risk of ecosystem collapse

A ten year study published and commented on in Nature concludes that farmers and land resource managers should not rely on seemingly stable but vulnerable single-crop mono-cultures, but should encourage more plant diversity on all forms of managed lands; in forests and agrosystems, to help buffer against sudden ecosystem disturbance. “Species are more important than we think,” said MacDougall the principal author, “We need to protect biodiversity.”

Visit Biodiverse website >

‘Economic benefits of Greenspace’ – new publication from Forest Research

Vadim Saraev (FCRP021) This Research Report provides a critical review focusing on the most recent evidence (years 2000– 2011) of the net economic benefits, both direct and indirect, of initiatives to create or improve greenspace. Download the report from Forest Research website >

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Defra publish CCRI report on farmer attitudes to environmental management

Defra has published a Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) report that investigated farmer attitudes to environmental management. A 2-year project was undertaken

by CCRI, FERA and Exeter University, which explored arable farmers’ motivations for undertaking environmental management activities on their farm, either within a funded scheme or voluntarily.

Visit CCRI website >

Wildlife Photography – top tips on how to enjoy it

Wildlife Extra provides some useful advice on cameras, techniques and events.

More >

Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK spring 2013 newsletter

Articles include New Forest Smooth Snakes; London Amphibian and Reptile atlas; Natterjack notes for 2012, including A Good Year for Natterjacks at Holme, Norfolk; HSI Chytrid Survey, Million Ponds Project; Big Spawn Count; Uncommon Cornish Lizards and more.

Available now >

UK moth numbers suffer crash, 40-year study shows

Mark Kinver, BBC News 1st February Two-thirds of Britain's 337 species of common larger moths have experienced a substantial decline over the past four decades, a survey has shown. The V-moth (Marcaria wauaria), once a common sight in gardens, recorded a 99% fall in numbers from 1968-2007. The findings appear in the “State of Britain’s Larger Moths” 2013 report, produced by Butterfly Conservation and Rothamsted Research.

Read more on the BBC website > Visit Butterfly Conservation website >

More Siskins seen in gardens

Wildlife Extra advises that “Twice as many Siskins as normal are currently visiting the nation's gardens. This wonderful, ‘green' finch is sensitive to fluctuations in the availability of woodland tree seeds, and appears to be turning to garden feeders for help in a year when seed crops have been poor.”

More >

New bioDiverse website

Bob Bloomfield OBE has moved from the Natural History Museum where he championed Darwin200 and International Year of Biodiversity-UK. He continues to support biodiversity issues and build on his previous UN Decade on Biodiversity newsletters.

New website: http://bio-diverse.org/ Current articles include: Biodiversity loss increases risk of ecosystems collapse and Biodiversity prize for urban designers.

Defra announce new body to protect forests for future generations

A new, independent public body will hold in trust the nation’s publicly-owned forests for future generations, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson has announced. Alongside the continuing work of the Forestry Commission, this new body will own, maintain and safeguard our forests on behalf of the public. The announcement formed part of the Government’s response to the Independent Panel on Forestry’s report on the future of trees and woodland. The Government confirmed its support for the Panel’s vision and has accepted many of its recommendations in full.

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The policy sets out an ambition to expand wooded areas, increase the amount of woodland being well managed, maintain and improve access to our public woodland and improve the economic performance of the forestry sector.

More >

Forestry and Woodlands Policy Statement published January 2013

The Forestry and Woodlands Policy Statement incorporates the Government’s Response to the Independent Panel on Forestry’s Final Report. It acknowledges the importance of the Panel’s report and confirms that the Government shares its vision for the future of our forests.

More>

Ecosystems Markets Task Force publishes interim report

This report set out the Task Force’s views on why nature should matter to business and the potential opportunities for business from valuing nature correctly. The Task Force is focusing further work into four areas, which it believes to have high value both for nature and business: the water cycle; the food cycle; markets for carbon and nature; and natural capital – resource scarcity and resilience.

More >

Habitats Directive Risks tool - Environment Agency

The new Habitats Directive Risks tool shares EA information on the risks posed to protected sites from activities that the EA regulates. The tool can be used to provide generic hazards matrices, which show the types of hazard to protected habitats or species that may be associated with a particular type of activity, or to provide site specific information. The tool helps to determine any potential effects on a protected site for activities which the EA regulate.

More>

Land stewardship in England post-2013

The Institute for European Environmental Policy has published the report “Land Stewardship in England Post 2013: CAP Greening and Agri-environment”. The report focuses on the interaction between the European Commission's proposals for ‘green payments’ under Pillar 1 of the Common Agricultural Policy and Pillar 2 agri-environment schemes in England.

Download the report >

Sustainable Development in Government Defra website

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

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WHAT’S ON Suffolk FWAG 40th Anniversary Conference Life begins at 40!

21 March 2013 Trinity Park, Ipswich Keynote speaker – Peter Kendall, NFU President Generously sponsored by Savills LLP

Visit the Suffolk FWAG website >

Management of Non-Native species in UK Conservation

25 March British Ecological Society event at the University of Worcester This symposium aims to explore the issues surrounding the presence of non-native species in the UK and examine case studies of how such species have, are being, or are proposed to be managed in UK conservation settings.

Programme includes: Overview of non-native species in the UK (GB Non-Native Species Secretariat), Invasive crayfish species (CEFAS), American skunk cabbage, mink and more.

Cost: £35 (includes tea/coffee, lunch), £30 BES members or Countryside Management Association Contact: Dr John Dutton, Institute of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester To book: Tel: 01905 855237, Email: j.dutton@worc.ac.uk

Joint meeting of the British Herpetological Symposium and Amphibian Conservation Research Symposium

19-21 April Natural History Museum, London To register please go to ACRS website > Due to very generous financial sponsorship registration fees have been revised to £75 full fee and £50 for students.

“Putting nature’s services on the map”

A workshop for local government and its delivery partners to share good practice Organised by the Ecosystems Knowledge Network in association with Oxfordshire Local Nature Partnership 29 April 10 am to 4 pm Oxford Town Hall Cost: FREE Email Anita Sedgewick at ekn@naturalcapitalinitiative.org.uk or tel 0333 240 6990, explaining your role in delivering local government services.

Hadleigh Show

18 May 2013 Holbecks Park, IP7 5PR Visit the Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project stand to find out about their non-native invasive species project.

Hadleigh Show website >

Suffolk FWAG farm walks

5 June Great Glemham Farms 19 June Bocking Hall To find out more visit FWAG website >

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Ancient Tree Forum Summer 2013 Forum

12 and 13 June 2013 Ashtead Common, Surrey Ashtead Common – slowing the decline? An in-depth look at a large scale programme of haloing and retrenchment pruning, with a focus on work techniques.

To request booking forms email: eventsatf@aol.com, visit www.ancient-tree-forum.org.uk

Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 January 2013

Recording ‘Taster Day’ with Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Suffolk Naturalists’ Society and Suffolk Ornithologists Group

29 June Knettishall Heath Cost: FREE Come and join us to find out about recording the various groups in Suffolk and to meet the people involved. We’ll be looking at moths, birds, dragonflies, plants, invertebrates and more.

Watch the Suffolk Wildlife Trust website for details shortly or contact Gen Broad gen.broad@suffolk.gov.uk, tel: 01473 264308.

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

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

“Definitely the most interesting and informative newsletter I receive during the year”.

Nick Marsh, Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB This is an excellent summary and update of a whole range of interesting projects, initiatives and news.

Professor Jules Pretty OBE, University of Essex

Thanks for the newsletter, there are so many good articles in there.

Will Akast, Environment Agency Congratulations on another superb, informative SBP Newsletter.

Colin Hawes, Suffolk Naturalists’ Society

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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 Spring 2013 newsletter articles: Friday 26th April 2013.

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

Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership .

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

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