UKBAP BiodiversityNews-46

Biodiversity News
News - Features - UK BAP Updates - Local & Regional - Publications - Events

Issue 46
www.ukbap.org.uk
Summer Edition
Photo: C A G Lloyd
If you would like to receive Biodiversity News via e-
mail, or know of somebody who would, please contact
us at biodiversitynews@defra.gsi.gov.uk.

Editorial
Welcome to Issue 46 of Biodiversity News!

This will be my last issue as editor, as I am now spending the final weeks of my work placement with Defra. Thank you for
all the support and comments over the past 4 issues, please continue to send your suggestions and articles to my replace-
ment Evaleen Brinton, who will be starting in September. You will still be able to send us e-mails via the usual e-mail ad-
dress at: biodiversitynews@defra.gsi.gov.uk

The summer edition has ended up a few pages longer than usual, with the average article length a little higher. There are a
few cosmetic tweaks to the layout, which I hope address some of the issues youve raised regarding the overall clarity.

We have the usual various selection of News, Features, Local & Regional, Publications and Events. Including a short briefing
of the volunteering day my team and I went on with the Avon Wildlife Trust. Please keep sending your articles, the next
deadline for submissions is Monday 21st September.

Many thanks to the authors for their contributions to this issue. If anyone is interested in having an article published in Bio-
diversity News, please contact us on biodiversitynews@defra.gsi.gov.uk

In this issue...
News

Froglife is Metamorphosing.. 3
Hampshire Schools Ready for Nature Watch 3
Wood-Pasture and Parkland Inventory Development 4
Summertime and the problem is.. algae 4
Biosurvey Team 6
Volunteering with Avon Wildlife Trust 7
New Woodland Creation Scheme in Northern Ireland 8

Features

European Red Spider Mite 9
Hedgerows for Dormice Project 10
The Rothamstead Insect Survey 12
Tayside Mesotrophic Lochs 14
The Mistletoe Marble 15
Environment Agency Invention 17

2
Local & Regional

Carse of Gowrie Historic Orchards Project 18
Cross Border Orchard Biodiversity Project 19
Pumlumon Living Landscapes Project, Mid Wales 20
Perth-fectly Batty - A Perth City Bat Project 21
Oswestry Uplands revealed as a wildlife hot-spot 23
Forever Meadows 24
Muck in4Life Campaign 25

Publications
26

Events
27

Please note that the views expressed
in Biodiversity News are the views of
the contributors and do not neces-
sarily reflect the views of the UK
Biodiversity Partnership or the or-
ganisations they represent.
Regards,

Timo King
UK Biodiversity Policy Unit, Defra, Zone 1/07, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN
biodiversitynews@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Contents - News - Features - UK BAP Updates - Local & Regional - Publications - Events
Summer
43 - Autumn 44 - Winter 45 - Spring
Click on the boxes to see previous issues this past year:

News
3 Contents - News - Features - UK BAP Updates - Local & Regional - Publications - Events
Summer
Hampshire School Nature Watch
Froglife is metamorphosing

Froglife and The Herpetological Conservation Trust (The HCT) have announced their intention to merge, forming
one single strong conservation NGO.
The new organisation will be called the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust and will continue the range of activities cur-
rently undertaken by Froglife and the HCT, while providing a stronger basis for conserving amphibians and reptiles in the future.
Both Froglife and the HCT have worked closely on key issues in recent years, including the Governments Biodiversity Action
Plans, on issues like amphibian disease and on advice and guidance for the public and land-managers. Throughout this time it has
become increasingly clear that the two organisations could be many times more effective in their mutual aim of conserving am-
phibians and reptiles, if united as a single organisation giving the organisations a full range of skills and projects that could not
be achieved in any other manner.
Although the decision has been made to merge, the details, and timescales, of the necessary processes have not been finalised.
While this is happening, the two organisations will continue to exist as separate entities but will be working increasingly closely
with each other to a common set of goals.
Both Froglife and the HCT will be posting more details in due course. For more information on the HCT please visit: http://
www.herpconstrust.org.uk/
Hampshire schools sharpen their pencils for Nature Watch

Thousands of children have been putting their observational skills to good use for the fourth annual Hampshire School Nature
Watch, 8th 12th June.
A total of 21,549 children from 132 schools signed up to investigate the wildlife in their
school grounds. The survey is organised by Hampshire County Council and encourages pupils
and teachers to explore the natural world. Children taking part in Nature Watch use their
school grounds to look for a pre-selected range of plants, animals and habitats. The project
shows that school grounds provide a great opportunity for learning about biodiversity and
the natural environment, and that nature can be found everywhere. It also stimulates chil-
dren's interest and concern for their local environment. Guidance notes offer teachers ad-
vice on conducting the survey and linking it to curriculum themes such as living things, habi-
tats and food webs.
Last year the children gathered a wealth of data about the flora and fauna on their school
doorstep:
66% of schools have their own pond
95% of schools have woods and trees in their grounds
the most common tree found in school grounds was the Sycamore (80%)
the most common bird species recorded was the Blackbird (77%)

Nature Watch is one of many initiatives driven by the County Councils action plan for biodiversity Conserving Nature for the
Community that aims to protect Hampshires special wild areas and ensure that everyone has access to the benefits of nature.
Outdoor study has been shown to boost childrens learning abilities and health so there are multiple benefits to be enjoyed as a
result of this scheme.
Results of this years survey will be made available at:
http://www.hants.gov.uk/biodiversity/biodiversity_and_you
Contact: ecology.group@hants.gov.uk

News
Summer
Wood-pasture and Parkland inventory development in the West Midlands

Natural England, the West Midlands Biodiversity Partnership and the consultants Just Ecology have been developing a
Wood-pasture and Parkland inventory for the West Midlands region.
The project has been an opportunity to test methods for identifying wood-pasture and parkland sites. The final product
will be a report giving a definition of the habitat, along with a methodology and rules base for capturing sites. This has
been referred to a small steering group made up of members of the West Midlands trees, woods and forests biodiversity
sub-group.
A wood-pasture and parkland inventory for the West Midlands will be compiled, which is a development of a project initi-
ated nationally by Natural England last year where an attempt was made to collate all the nationally available data sets
for this habitat. This further development in the West Midlands is making a more in-depth investigation of local informa-
tion sources to identify sites. A methodology will be recommended to help undertake this sort of project elsewhere.
The in-depth work is being carried out on three pilot areas in the region which we chose to reflect the variety of land-
scapes found in this region: a peri-urban area, a more upland area; and an area in the lowlands where volunteers already
working on ancient tree projects were available.
In these areas, Just Ecology staff have undertaken some ground truthing, as have the volunteers. Both will look at slightly
different issues in order to test the maximum number of methods for identifying sites.
A variety of methods are being used to identify the habitats from studying modern and 1940s aerial photographs to looking
at historical Tithe maps. The common land register has been referred to as this may help identify previously unrecorded
wood-pasture sites. Data from the Woodland Trusts Ancient Tree Hunt (ATH) has been included, and we hope that some
of the sites identified by this project will also provide new sites for ATH volunteers to investigate.
Previous projects undertaken on similar lines in other parts of the country have been referred to, to try and avoid rein-
venting the wheel.
We recognise that this technique may not identify every single site in an area, and the resulting inventory will be provi-
sional. New sites will be added where there is clear justification for their inclusion.
With luck funding will be found for the future in order to roll out this methodology and develop a more effective wood-
pasture and parkland inventory for the whole of the country. This information will help inform the BAP reporting process.
For more information about this project contact Suzanne Perry suzanne.perry@naturalengland.org.uk or Jeff Edwards
jeff.edwards@naturalengland.org.uk

Summertime and the problem is algae

Top tip: dont turn on the tap! Thats the message from WWT this summer as responses start pouring in to their nation-
wide survey of ponds and backyard wetlands.
Initial results from WWTs nationwide survey shows that pond owners biggest concern is algae which turns ponds green
and slimy and can harm wildlife. Algae can spurt into growth when nutrient-rich UK tap water is used to top up ponds. So
in the hot dry summer months the best course of action is to wait for the rain and, if possible, prepare for dry spells by
collecting as much rainwater as possible.

News
Summer
WWTs Seb Buckton, who has also been advising TVs Kate Humble on her pond [as featured on Springwatch], commented:
The results one month into the survey indicate that summer can bring a wealth of worries for wildlife gardeners. Top of
the list of concerns are ponds going green and slimy or covered with a mat of algae both symptoms of high nutrient levels
in ponds sadly a problem common to wetlands across much of the UK.
The practical advice is, if your pond level is getting low, dont
panic, its natural during summer. Topping up a low pond with tap
water adds nutrients just at the time its ripe for an algal bloom.
Before you know it youve got a pool of green sludge that takes
the oxygen from the water and blocks out the light to the plants
below.
Try collecting as much rainwater as possible its as free from
pollution as youll get. Though most people do some rainwater
harvesting, many let most of it go down the drain. Not only is this
water great for wildlife in your garden, but by diverting it from our
drains you could save yourself money on your water bill, and could
even help reduce the likelihood of urban flooding during rain-
storms.
In hot, dry weather water evaporates from the surface of ponds
and other wetlands. As the water level goes down, nutrients and
pollutants are concentrated in the remaining water. Although nu-
trients help the flowers to grow in your garden and farms to yield
big crops, they can trigger unwanted extra-vigorous growth in wa-
terways which stifles the rest of the underwater life.
Tap water in the UK is treated to a high standard so it is safe to drink but often it still contains high levels of nutrients.
These nutrients come from fertilizer washed off fields into our waterways, from domestic detergents and from run-off from
hard surfaces like roads. Tap water also contains chlorine, added as a disinfectant. Although it looks clear and pure, tap
water is not friendly to wildlife in ponds. Adding it when a pond is low can raise nutrient levels and the first things to take
hold are often green algae such as blanket weed. A quarter of pond owners so far responding to the survey experience
trouble with this.
The best course of action is to let the water level fluctuate naturally with the weather. Many wetland animals and plants
actually like this variation. If you dig a deeper area when you build a pond most aquatic wildlife will have a refuge when
the water level drops.
If it is necessary to top up a pond, make the most of rainwater to keep it healthy. There are clear financial benefits to
rainwater harvesting which are especially visible if you are on a water meter. Yet results show just one in 10 respondents
collect all the rainwater from their roofs. Besides wasting all that valuable rainwater, theyre missing out on the chance to
reduce their water bills with a wastewater abatement (worth 20-40 depending on the water authority). Rainwater har-
vesting can also save money on metered bills by providing up to 70% of non-drinking water for a household. The less drink-
ing water we use for things like ponds, plants, car washing, and even toilet flushing, the more energy efficient and planet-
friendly we will all be.
As part of Wetlands in my backyard, an initiative to maximise the benefit people and wildlife in the UK get from ponds and
small wetlands, WWT is running a nationwide survey which runs throughout the summer. The survey will give an insight
into how people use water in their gardens, whether for wildlife, for plants, for garden appearance or for sustainability. To
fill in the survey visit www.wwt.org.uk/wimby.
WWT supports the Blueprint for Water which sets out 10 steps the government must take to sort out water by 2015. To find
out more visit http://www.wwt.org.uk/downloads/448/blueprint_for_water.html

Algae. Photo: Tim McGrath WWT

News
Biosurvey Team

This year The National Trust delights in the 30
th
anniversary of their internal Biosurvey Team, thought to be the only per-
manent long-standing Team of its kind in the UK. Over the years the Team have surveyed much of the wondrous flora and
fauna that resides on Trust land. The reports they produce guide property management and the production of manage-
ment plans, assist in the formulation of new tenancy agreements, influence external agencies in discussions over site
management, alert staff to the presence of non-native invasive species, and identify needs for specialist survey above and
beyond the broad brush approach of the in-house team. The Teams work is important in helping the Trust to meet its
conservation responsibilities through understanding its biological resources, assessing condition and tracking changes.
To date the Team have covered 93% of Trust land and, as many properties have had repeat surveys, the opportunity now
exists to track and interpret changes as a result of alterations in management, natural succession or perhaps climate
change. A comparison of land use changes, identified from repeat surveys, showed a major shift in land use from inten-
sively farmed arable land towards grasslands, reflecting the national data from the UK Countryside Survey. There was also
evidence of increasing heathland restoration and a slight increase in the extent of woodland on Trust land. The main
driver in each case is Agri-environment Scheme support especially on Trust land where the loss of arable to pasture was
higher than the national average.
In June a celebration was held for the Teams past and present
members at Predannack, The Lizard, Cornwall, where one of
the Teams very first surveys was conducted. Thirty years ago
Predannack was covered in scrub, after grazing had collapsed
in the 1960s, and intensive farming had flooded the land with
fertiliser and rank agricultural grassland. But in 1983, in view
of the findings of the Biosurvey report, the cliffs were fenced
off to be grazed once again.
Today, after years of conservation grazing and careful manage-
ment, guided by the Biosurvey reports of 1979 and 2000, the
area is again thriving with wildlife. Their re-survey this year,
as part of the celebrations, has picked up further positive
change. Now 20-40 plant species can be found per metre
where once there was only six or seven. Shaggy highland cattle meander along the cliff tops grazing the sward to a length
that allows rare species such as the long-headed clover and fringe rupture wort (both unique to the Lizard in the UK), and
the green chafer beetle to flourish. Another sign of success is that in 2001, after an absence of 30 years, the Cornish
chough returned and now feeds over the Predannack cliffs.
The Biosurvey Team and their reports have helped to transform The National Trust into a leading nature conservation
body, and their wealth of knowledge and expertise is invaluable. Hopefully the next 30 years will be filled with similar
success stories to Predannacks, as more support is given to the UKs wildlife through what could be very challenging
times.

Kay Haw
Undergraduate Conservation Assistant
Summer
The Lizard Bill Scolding

News
Volunteering with Avon Wildlife Trust

The Biodiversity Policy Unit at Defra is currently promoting the Muck-in 4 life
campaign aimed at encouraging more people to get involved with conservation
volunteering- and so we thought we had better tear ourselves away from our
desks and practise what we preach!
With that in mind, on the 5th May, the UK Biodiversity Policy Unit travelled to
Goblin Combe just outside of Bristol to do a days volunteering work. Goblin
Combe is a large wood with a heathland area that is managed in two halves,
one half by Goblin Combe Environment Centre, and the other by Avon Wildlife
Trust.
Our schedule for the day firstly included us lopping down overhanging
branches and trees that were blocking one of the pathways. This work was
vital because the side of the path contained a severe drop into the woodland
below - and the overgrowth was causing people to walk dangerously close to
the edge. After the team had enthusiastically trimmed the surrounding branches, the results of our work were instantly
visible and thoroughly gratifying.
We then travelled down to the woodland area that was being used as part of the national dormouse monitoring project.
Our task here was to create a more formalised edged path through the wooded area. Previously it was just a dirt path, and
the Trust wanted to edge the path using some of the felled trees which had been taken out of the heathland area. This
was for two reasons: the first being that the woodland flora was at risk from being destroyed by visitors as they weaved
their way through the woods; and secondly to keep visitors away from the dormouse boxes which had been installed.
This task involved us using a number of tools, from saws to sledgehammers
and each of the team members seemed to identify something they were good
at. We spent the rest of the day creating the path out of the wooden logs and
again, the results were very rewarding. The path was not only more aestheti-
cally pleasing, but very simply and effective at leading people away from the
dormouse boxes. After the new paths were finished, (and our weary bodies
exhausted), we were done.
I thoroughly recommend having a look at Goblin Combe and volunteering with
the Avon Wildlife Trust. The day was a lot of fun (we spotted ravens, a slow-
worm and a beautiful violet beetle) and we could see we had done some use-
ful work. All of the tools and training were provided, so all we had to ar-
range ourselves was getting there.

If youd like any more information about how you can volunteer with AWT, have a look at their website - http://
avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/people/volunteer.htm

Summer

The UK Biodiversity Policy Unit

Trimming and edging the wooded path

News
New woodland creation scheme offered in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland quarries take on a new look
A number of Northern Ireland quarries are undergoing a
green facelift, thanks to a new woodland creation
scheme offered by the Woodland Trust and supported by
Forest Service. Quarrying company Tarmac is the first to
benefit from the scheme, with the recent planting of
new, native woodland at its Craigantlet quarry, near
Newtownards. The tree planting is part of a new Wood-
land Trust initiative, MOREwoods. Landowners with a
minimum planting area of one hectare (2.5 acres) can
apply and could be enjoying a flourishing young forest
within as little as 12 years.
Experts from the Woodland Trust and Forest Service will
check land suitability, help with the design of the wood,
and offer advice on tree species. Thanks to funding from
Forest Services Woodland Grant Scheme, there will be
little or no cost to the landowner. Brian Poots of the
Woodland Trust says: A similar initiative has already been a success in various pilot regions in England and Wales. Work-
ing with Forest Service, were now delighted to make it easy for Northern Ireland landowners to experience the beauty
and benefits of native woodland.
Tarmac is the first company in Northern Ireland to benefit from the scheme, and the new planting, on 26 acres of land, is
truly inspirational. Over 5,000 young trees have been planted here, and these trees will link the pockets of existing wood-
land around the quarry, providing an extended haunt for a variety of wildlife.
Laverne Bell, biodiversity officer for the Quarry Products Association Northern Ireland, is delighted to be promoting the
MOREwoods offer with member companies and partnering with the Woodland Trust.
As stewards of significant areas of operational and non-operational land, the quarry industry has a particular opportunity
to contribute to the Woodland Trusts targets and to our governments Biodiversity Action Plan targets at both national
and local level for the creation of woodlands, says Laverne. Quarry owners are seen as major contributors to new tree
planting throughout the UK, but this is more than simply planting trees, it is about creating native woodland cover and
where possible buffering and protecting our remaining fragments of ancient woodland, providing extended wildlife habi-
tats.
The Woodland Trust hopes that other companies will follow the Tarmac example, and enjoy the many benefits associated
with woodland.
In addition to the undoubted landscape, wildlife and health benefits, woodland creation can actually make good financial
sense, says Brian Poots. It can reduce the cost of having to manage surplus land, avoiding the need for grass cutting and
other maintenance works.
Interested landowners from companies to farmers can find out more about the MOREwoods offer by telephoning Brian
Poots of the Woodland Trust on 08452 935 749 or emailing brianpoots@woodlandtrust.org.uk Applications must be re-
ceived by 31 August 2009.
Summer

Stephen Horner (left) Tarmac Production Manager with Brian Poots (right)
from the Woodland Trust

Features
European red spider mite - A man made pest

The European red spider mite, Panonychus ulmi (Figure 1), is a major pest
in almost all fruit growing regions of the world. Spread of P. ulmi to most
apple-growing areas has probably been caused by the distribution of nurs-
ery stock carrying winter eggs. This mite is stated to be an important sec-
ondary pest (due to the effects of chemical sprays killing natural enemies)
of commercial orchards throughout the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe. A
wide host range includes deciduous bushes and trees belonging to the fam-
ily Rosaceae, but it is in association with fruit trees such as apple, pear,
plum, peach, prune and cherry that it reaches economic importance. In
commercial orchards, the potential of P. ulmi to cause severe economic
damage necessitates chemical control several times a year.
Adult females are about 0.4 mm long; body oval, strongly convex and dark
red, with long setae arising from light-coloured pinacula. The male is simi-
lar to the female only smaller. Eggs are orange/red and about 0.15 mm
long. These hatch into six legged larvae with an average length of 0.17 mm.
Panonychus ulmi over-winter as diapausing eggs laid on the bark of
trees or smaller branches and spurs. During a heavy infestation, areas of the bark may even appear red due to the pres-
ence of many eggs. In UK Bramley orchards, and in particular Northern Irish orchards, eggs hatch from mid-April to the
end of June depending on climatic conditions. On hatching, juvenile mites move to the underside of the leaves and begin
feeding. They reach maturity in approximately three weeks after undergoing three moults. The number of generations per
year varies between geographical regions, with for example, in the UK up to five being usual for the south of England

but
in the cooler climate of Northern Ireland 2-3 generations is more common.
Panonychus ulmi lays two types of eggs. Summer eggs laid on the leaves of the host plant are of the non-diapause
type and develop without interruption. The winter eggs are deposited predominantly on the bark. Egg type is governed by
photoperiod, temperature and nutritional status of the female, as summer females exposed to cool conditions lay dia-
pausing eggs. Mites feeding upon undamaged leaves are well nourished and the incidence of diapause is then determined
solely by photoperiod and temperature.
The mites feed on plant sap and unless they are crowded they will mostly be found alongside the veins on the un-
derside of the leaves. They puncture plant cells with their stylets and the contents are exuded due to turgor pressure.
The depth reached by the stylets is approximately 70-120 m. Depth at which injury occurs is related to length of the
stylet, the feeding time and population density. Continuous feeding leads to regular spots being formed and when these
coalesce characteristic chlorotic areas develop, often referred to as the bronzing effect.
At high densities P. ulmi reduces the photosynthetic activity of leaves. This damage can lead to current-year or
second-year effects. Current-year damage, depending on the timing, duration and severity, can reduce levels of foliar
nitrogen, cause premature leaf fall, reduce shoot growth and trunk diameter and most importantly lower fruit yields. It
can also adversely affect fruit quality, for example, size, skin colour, soluble solids, titratable acids and firmness. Second-
year effects of mite damage are reduced bloom with consequent reductions in numbers of apples and yield.
Panonychus ulmi was not considered to be of economic importance prior to the 1940s. After the war, the chlorin-
ated hydrocarbons, particularly DDT, were widely used in orchard pest control. These were broad spectrum in action and
persisted in the environment. During the 1960s and 70s P. ulmi became resistant against many compounds like omethoate
and dimethoate. The detrimental effect of chemical spray compounds on the natural enemies of P. ulmi is considered a
main contributing factor to the sudden increase in red spider mite numbers across European orchards. In addition, im-
proved management of orchards, including the use of artificial fertilisers, has increased the nutritional value of apple
leaves leading to improved mite fecundity. Panonychus ulmi may therefore be considered a man-made pest. In unsprayed
or abandoned orchards where natural enemies are active, damaging levels of European red mite are seldom reached. Al-
though researchers have attributed the decline of P. ulmi populations to predators that have entered the orchard after
toxic sprays are discontinued, the foliage in these orchards may be injured by disease or deficient in nutrients, so making
the host plant less favourable for P. ulmi. It has been found that severe damage from P. ulmi occurs on fruit such as ap-
ples or pears that have a thin cuticle. Leaf surface texture and contours are important in the reproductive potential of
spider mites. Such features may serve as tough impediments to feeding. To date, little use has been made of any known
Summer
Figure 1. European fruit tree red spider mite -
Panonychus ulmi.

Features
host plant resistance in developing commercial apple varieties. Cultivars tend to be selected because of their high yielding
potential and adaptability to modern growing systems rather than for their resistance to a particular pest or disease.
With ever increasing public concern over the use of chemical pesticides in regard to fruit production, based on
fears relating to build-up of chemical residues and also effects on non-target species and the environment, is driving the
need for fruit growers to devise new methods of pest control. Integrated pest management is now the leading force behind
insect pest control. This involves moving away from the reliance of chemical insecticides and encouraging the natural en-
emy biodiversity to help control invertebrate pest species populations. This will reduce the build-up of pesticide resistance
within pest species and also reduce the amount of chemical pesticides required for their control, therefore helping to form
a more environmentally sustainable ecosystem.

For further information concerning invertebrate biodiversity contact: Dr Andrew G S Cuthbertson, Food and Environment
Research Agency, York YO41 1LZ (e-mail: andrew.cuthbertson@fera.gsi.gov.uk) or Dr Archie K Murchie, Agri-Food and Bio-
sciences Institute, Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX (email: archie.murchie@afbini.gov.uk

Hedgerows for Dormice Project

In the UK hedgerows are iconic symbols which reflect our culture, history and archaeology - recording the patterns of hu-
man settlement and landscape changes over time, and marking territorial boundaries, as well as providing stock-proof bar-
riers. Evidence of hedges in Britain date back to the Roman times and possible archaeological evidence goes back even
farther, to the Bronze Age. But hedgerows also represent a vital component of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes: pro-
viding an important food source, as well as acting as wildlife corridors allowing dispersal between isolated habitats. How-
ever since the Second World War, agricultural intensification and the loss of traditional management practices have been
key drivers in the massive loss and deterioration of hedgerows in Britain, which in turn has had a dramatic impact on
many of our native wildlife species.
Recent results from The Countryside Survey 2007 established that
while the decline in hedgerows has ceased it is their condition that
is a cause for concern with only 10% of managed hedgerows on ar-
able land being considered in overall good condition. Whereas be-
tween 1984 and 1990 losses were largely due to the removal of
hedgerows, subsequent losses appear to be due to reduced manage-
ment and deterioration to become other woody linear feature types
such as relict hedges and lines of trees and shrubs. Since the late
18th century the abundance of hedge trees has dramatically de-
clined. Hedge trees are traditionally part of the UK landscape and
havens for wildlife and recent research has underlined their impor-
tance for bats and moths in particular. Yet, of an estimated 1.8 mil-
lion hedge trees, nearly a third are over a century old and may dis-
appear from the landscape at any time over the next 25 years. The
establishment of new hedge trees is necessary to prevent a profound
change to the UK landscape and its biodiversity.
Threats to hedgerows range from neglect to incorrect timing of man-
agement and over trimming which can lead to the development of gaps and loss of connectivity in the hedgerow network.
The diversity of hedgerow plant species can decline through the use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers close to the
hedge.
A new initiative to address the decline in the condition of UK hedgerows and give a boost to wildlife that depend on
them, such as the threatened hazel dormouse population, has been announced by Peoples Trust for Endangered Species
(PTES) with funding support from Natural England. Hedgerows for Dormice aims to improve habitat connectivity for the
endangered hazel dormouse and a range of other woodland scrub species that depend on hedgerows and are identifed as
priorites under the UKs Biodiversity Action Plan, including the hedgehog, harvest mouse, polecat, brown hairstreak but-
Summer

Photo: JimJones/PTES

Features
terfly, bumble bees and many farmland bird species
Once widespread throughout much of the country, Britains only
native dormouse species, the hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avel-
lanarius), is now rare and vulnerable to extinction. Hazel dor-
mouse distribution has generally been reduced to the southern
parts of England and Wales due to changes in woodland manage-
ment, farming practices, loss of hedgerows and the fragmentation
of woodlands. There has been a 64% decline of dormouse occur-
rence in hedgerows since the late 1970s. Traditional coppicing of
hazel for example, was once widely practiced to encourage rapid
regrowth and provided a healthy understorey of fruiting trees
which animals such as dormice feed on. While coppicing is under-
going a revival in some areas, many woodlands have changed too
drastically to support dormice. Hedgerows historically linked large
areas of woodland, whilst supporting populations of dormice in
their own right and their decline has had catastrophic effects on
the species which depend on them for survival.
The 30 month initiative builds on previous work by PTES and seeks
to encourage a move away from the culture of hedgerow tidiness towards wildlife-friendly management and reduce the
number of hedges trimmed on a yearly cycle. Hedgerows around known dormouse hotspots will be mapped, with volun-
teers recruited to survey the presence and quality of hedgerows. Working with local partners, Hedgerows for Dormice will
establish a network of dispersal routes by restoring hedgerow corridors. Liaising with landowners, farmers and estate man-
agers through workshops the team and its local partners will offer advice and information on hedgerow management and
encourage them into Environmental Stewardship schemes. Practical management work will be undertaken by trained vol-
unteers and hedge-laying groups to reconnect former hedgerow corridors that have been unsympathetically managed or
fallen into neglect. The establishment of new hedgerow trees will be assisted by using hedgerow tree tags provided by the
Tree Council. A hedgerow kite mark scheme will recognise the good work of land managers in keeping hedgerows in
good condition.
In 2009 the hedgerows for dormice project will be working on hedgerows in Surrey, Shropshire, Essex, and Dorset. We are
currently looking for volunteers to help survey the condition of hedgerows in dormice hotspots in these counties. Training
workshops were held in Shropshire on 25
th
June and Essex on 27
th
June with more to follow in other counties in July. In the
autumn we will also need volunteers to help undertake management of hedgerows. If you are a land-owner or land-
manager who is interested in attending a hedgerow management workshop in the autumn or if you would like advice on
managing your hedgerows for wildlife please contact Jim Jones at jim@ptes.org/ or on 02074984533.

Summer

Photo: Kate Merry
Photo: JimJones/PTES

Features
The Rothamsted Insect Survey Light-trap Network - Philip Gould & Ian Woiwod

- Introduction -

Special conservation attention is now being given to many of Britains rarer moths but we still know little about the cur-
rent status of the more widespread and common species. Thanks to the foresight of entomologists at Rothamsted Experi-
mental Station over the last 70 years and the dedication of their volunteers, we are one of the few countries in the world
to have any quantitative information on this important topic.
Rothamsted Research is the oldest agricultural research station in the world and is internationally renowned for its long
term Classical fertiliser experiments, but it also has a long history of entomological studies. In the 1930s and 40s C.B.
Williams ran a trap on the Rothamsted Farm from which all moths were counted every day. This was continued in the
1950s by Roy (L.R.) Taylor. To provide both research data and a moth monitoring scheme, the Rothamsted Insect Survey
(RIS) National Light-trap Network was started during the early 1960s. In all, over 460 sites have been sampled and 54 of
these have operated for 15 or more years. Currently 93 traps are in operation.

- The Rothamsted Light Trap -

The traps opaque roof protects the sample from bad weather and improves the consistency of catches by only taking
small, low level samples from the immediate vicinity. The 200W clear, Tungsten filament bulbs, ensure continuity with
historic data and provide small, representative samples that are practical to deal with, without harming moth populations.
This is particularly important when considering that samples have to be killed for later identification, often away from
where traps operate. In an increasingly conservation-conscious world the necessity for taking dead samples has been ques-
tioned, but there is no practical live-sampling method that would provide us with daily data that would stand up to rigor-
ous analysis. The time and commitment required from volunteer operators would be just too great.
There are also conservation issues with regular live trapping using MV-type traps, as moths often settle on surrounding
vegetation and it doesnt take long for birds and bats to discover this convenient food source. Standing 1.2m above the
ground, Rothamsted traps are benign in this respect, as moths are either caught or fly into dark zones above or below the
trap and continue on their way without settling. The Rothamsted trap, with its small but consistent sample size and simple
operation, is ideal for scientific, long-term quantitative monitoring of moth populations.
Concern regarding the collection of dead samples is not new and the ethics of insect collecting were addressed by C.B.
Williams in the 1950s and all of his points are still valid today. We firmly believe that insects should never be killed casu-
ally or thoughtlessly, nor should sampling have any detrimental effects on populations. We are therefore careful to ensure
no vulnerable or very localised populations are sampled. What should be clear is that this cautious approach is fully justi-
fied by the results of conservation importance emerging from the unique datasets.

- Changes in Common and Widespread Species -

Over 600 publications have utilised RIS data, many addressing fundamental questions in ecological science. Recently we
determined population trends using the full dataset, analysing records from the period 1968 2002; from this population
changes were estimated for 337 species of common macro-moths. The results should worry not just those interested in
moths but also anyone concerned with the conservation of British wildlife biodiversity, because both moth adults and lar-
vae are vital sources of food for birds, mammals and other invertebrates.
Over the 35 year period, total macro-moth abundance declined by almost a third. However, this is not uniform across Brit-
ain the strongest decline is seen in the south (particularly the south-east), whereas the north has remained fairly stable,
with species in decline balanced by those increasing.
Summer

Features
At species level there is even greater cause for concern. Of the 337 species, 71 (just over 20%) are declining at rates re-
garded as cause for serious conservation concern. These are species generally considered as common and widespread, and
until recently none had given cause for concern or been thought to warrant conservation priority. Thankfully much of this
has changed since the publication of our results, and particularly since the joint publication with Butterfly Conservation in
2006 of The State of Britains Larger Moths.

- What has caused these changes? -

These are NOT the cause:
We have not trapped-out local moth populations. Patterns of decline do not fit, with the same species showing dif-
ferent changes in different regions. For example, the Scalloped Hazel (Odontopera bidentata) has declined in the
south-east, remained stable in the south-west and increased in the north. Such examples exclude any possibility
that our small samples are having the slightest influence on moth abundance in the long term.
Results were not affected by changes in trap distribution. Analyses were repeated using only longer-running sites
(10, 15 or 20 years) and our conclusions remain the same.
It is not diminishing effectiveness of the bulbs. These are replaced several times each year and again, the varied
response of the same species in different areas rules this out.
Increased background light pollution is not affecting the attractiveness of our traps. We studied satellite data show-
ing changes in surface light emission from 1992 - 2000. No differences in moth trends were found between sites with
no change (or decreases) in background illumination and those with increasing levels of emission, confirming our
data to be robust in this respect.

So what has caused such large declines in our common moths? The honest answer is that we dont know for sure. Further
work is required to fully understand what is happening, particularly if we are to successfully influence conservation ef-
forts. Some relationships between the results and the life histories of species have been found. For example, many lichen
feeders have increased in number, probably due to lichen populations improving thanks to cleaner air. In contrast, species
overwintering as eggs have done badly but those flying throughout the winter have increased. These may well be signs re-
lated to recent changes in the British climate.
There are almost certainly other factors at work too, including: agricultural intensification, land-use change, urbanisation,
and eutrophication from nitrates in air pollution. Light pollution is also likely to be disrupting the normal breeding behav-
iour of many species. Determining the relative importance of each of these is vital but will not be easy because many are
closely interrelated.

- You could help -

Long-term monitoring of any species-rich group is never easy but hopefully the above account proves the importance of
the Light-trap Network. We are always happy to welcome new volunteers only five minutes per day is required for trap
operation, all equipment is provided and running costs can be reimbursed. The commitment comes from keeping traps op-
erating consistently (although samples can be accumulated if necessary) and wanting to make a truly valuable research
contribution to our future knowledge of moth populations.

For further information, please contact Phil Gould at: phil.gould@bbsrc.ac.uk
Summer

Features
Tayside Mesotrophic lochs: An Environmental Improvement Action Plan

The conservation of mesotrophic lochs is a key respon-
sibility for Scottish Environment Protection Agency
(SEPA), driven by UK, Scottish and Local Biodiversity
Action Plan targets, the Water Framework Directive
and responsibilities under the Nature Conservation
(Scotland) Act 2004. The Lakes Habitat Action Plan group selected 32 priority lochs across Scotland which have a recorded
presence of priority species (slender naiad, Shetland pondweed, Pillwort, and some stoneworts) which are under threat/in
decline and in need of conservation. These lochs face various anthropogenic pressures (eutrophication, fish stocking, inva-
sive alien species etc) which threaten their ecology and water quality. The 32 lochs are spread across 7 LBAP areas and are
included in a 3-year (2008-11) Environmental Improvement Action Plan (EIAP). SEPA develops EIAPs to deliver additional
improvements complementary to its role as an environmental regulator. For example these plans help secure resources for
water chemistry analysis, macrophyte surveys, palaeoecology investigations, review of discharges/consents, and project
co-ordination.
- Tayside mesotrophic lochs: Fingask and White Loch -
Fingask and White loch are small linked lochs located south of Blairgowrie in Perthshire. Both support a flora indicative of
mesotrophic status, with survey records of three BAP priority species: slender naiad (Najas flexilis), pillwort (Pilularia
globulifera), and Shetland pondweed (Potamogeton rutilis). Rough stonewort (Chara aspera) and bristly stonewort (C. his-
pida) have also been recorded in past surveys. More recent (2005, 2008) non-quantitative sampling at the site has shown
that Shetland pondweed remains widespread; however pillwort and slender naiad populations are very small and in de-
cline. In recent years both lochs have undergone nutrient enrichment and suffered cyano-bacterial blooms impacting on
the trout fishery.
White Loch was also included in a palaeolimnological study (Bennion
et al, 2009) which employed multi-proxy palaeoecological methods
(diatoms, Cladocera, plant macrofossils) to define reference condi-
tions and assess ecological changes in the loch over the last 100-150
years. Results showed that all biological elements experienced
marked and synchronous changes over the period represented by the
White Loch cores, indicative of nutrient enrichment. Sources of nu-
trient loading may be attributed to agricultural diffuse pollution, lim-
ited urban run-off and some unlicensed septic tanks in the catchment.
To address these issues a Tayside lochs partnership was established
and secured funding from Tayside Biodiversity Fund (SITA) for reme-
diation measures. Project partners include Tayside Biodiversity part-
nership, FWAG, Blairgowrie Angling Club, Rosemount Golf Club and
SEPA. The project managed by FWAG included a diffuse pollution au-
dit of farms in the catchment, soil nutrient budgets, provision of ad-
vice to land managers and funding to create buffer strips around both lochs. SEPA are also reviewing existing nutrient in-
puts from septic tanks, slurry draining and operation of combined sewage overflow.
The partnership produced a tea towel make the link to your sink to raise awareness of the problems of elevated phospho-
rus levels in freshwater, and suggesting how people can help by using low-phosphorous detergents and maintaining septic
tanks. The tea towel was distributed to householders, business and schools in the catchment.
Next steps.through the EIAP similar partnership projects will be initiated at other impacted lochs of high biodiversity
value. To date initial partnership meetings have been held for Lintrathen, Monzievaird, Monk Myre (Tayside LBAP), Moor
loch and Lindores (Fife LBAP), Loch nan Gad and loch Gorm (Argyll LBAP).

Summer

Fingask Loch (Kate Baird, SEPA)

Features
Summer
The Mistletoe Marble the orchards hidden secret

Kissing under the mistletoe will never be the same again when you realise that there are six species of invertebrate that
are associated with this fascinating plant. Everyone is aware that mistletoe is steeped in history and lore but not so well
known is the fact that the plant has an ecosystem of its own comprising four bugs, a weevil and a moth - the mistletoe
marble moth which is another UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species. Mark Parsons explains how Butterfly Conservation
has joined forces with the Natural England / National Trust Conserving and Restoring Traditional Orchards in England pro-
ject and the Peoples Trust for Endangered Species Traditional Orchard Project to try to conserve the mistletoe marble
moth (Celypha woodiana).
As its name suggests the moth is associated with mistletoe (Viscum album).
The moth was discovered new to science in Herefordshire in the 19
th
century,
the latin species name given in honour of its founder, Dr John Henry Wood.
The moth is marbled through a mixture of white, fawn and cobalt-blue, this
colouring mimicking a bird dropping. Since its discovery the moth has been
reported from Somerset, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire,
Warwickshire and Monmouthshire.
Predominantly, although not exclusively, the moth is found in orchards where
mistletoe flourishes on apple trees (Malus spp.), the next most frequent host,
hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), being utilised half as much. Other hosts of mistle-
toe that have supported the moth include pear (Pyrus communis), crack wil-
low (Salix fragilis) and rowan (Sorbus aucuparia).
The caterpillars of the moth mine the leaves, an individual caterpillar spend-
ing much of the year (from September to May) within a single leaf of the
plant. Thicker, more succulent mistletoe seems to be preferred and it can
survive on quite isolated clumps of the foodplant. Away from orchards, the
moth has been found along hedgerows and on grazing levels.
Mark Parsons from Butterfly Conservation explains Mistletoe is not only
home to the mistletoe marble, it supports a number of other scarce insects
and is the sole host to the jumping plant louse (Psylla visci), Anthocoris visci,
Pinalitus visciola and Hypseloecus visci, the last only being discovered in this
country in 2003, and the weevil Ixapion variegatum. So, by trying to conserve
the mistletoe marble in its natural habitat, we hope to benefit these species as well.
By combining the on-going work of the three conservation charities
involved, Butterfly Conservation were able to focus their survey ef-
forts efficiently. Using the traditional orchard inventory, produced
and managed by Peoples Trust for Endangered Species (PTES)
through their traditional orchard project, Butterfly Conservation
were able to easily identify suitable orchards for surveying.
In late spring 2009 Butterfly Conservation, worked with the National
Trust who with partners, aim to improve the condition and increase
the extent of traditional orchards throughout England. Butterfly Con-
servation surveyed twenty-seven sites in western England and Wales
and found the moth at nine new locations. However, three former
localities for the moth were also found to no longer support it. Con-
servation issues such as a lack of orchard management, over zealous
clearance of mistletoe and a potential car park development were
identified.
The overall aim of this conservation effort is to ensure the continued
annual presence of healthy mistletoe bearing trees in orchards, hedgerows and other open situations. The number of tradi-

Kangoo, Photo: Laura Hunt

Mistletoe, Photo: Anita Burrough

Features
Summer
tional orchards has declined dramatically in recent years. However, whilst major infestations of mistletoe can accelerate
the demise of host trees, particularly in neglected orchards, the caterpillars of the moth depend on the leaves most of the
year. Therefore wholesale clearance of trees at individual sites supporting mistletoe should be avoided. Orchard restora-
tion work should be spread over a number of years and include retention of large quantities of the moths foodplant, mis-
tletoe. Away from orchards, scrub clearance and the removal of individual trees supporting mistletoe could potentially
harm individual colonies of the moth. In these locations a plentiful supply of mistletoe bearing trees and shrubs should be
left in situ.

The best way to search for the mistletoe marble

The adult moth is rather elusive so look for the mine of the caterpillar in May and J une.
Mines typically occur at low density, although on occasion a few can be found close together.
In May the mine appears as a yellowish, slightly inflated, blotch covering much of an individual leaf.
Care should be taken as there are a few commoner species of moth that will also mine the leaves, although these typi-
cally have whitish silken strands visible associated with the mine.
The larva exits the mine to pupate in J une, in a loosely spun cocoon under bark or lichen growing on the branches of
the host tree.

For further information about the mistletoe marble a factsheet can be downloaded from the Butterfly Conservation website

The PTES traditional orchard survey

Traditional orchards are hotspots for biodiversity and support a wide range of wildlife.
In 2007 traditional orchards were identified as a Priority Habitat under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and a
Habitat Action Plan (HAP).
With funding from Natural England and the Esme Fairbairn Foundation, PTES have been mapping and surveying tra-
ditional orchards throughout England to create an inventory of the habitat which will help guide all future conservation
work.
The inventory will be available to everyone and can be downloaded from www.naturalengland.org.uk
PTES are calling on volunteers and orchard owners to help both locate and survey the traditional orchards in their local
area.

For further information about the traditional orchard survey visit www.ptes.org/orchards

Features
Summer
Environment Agency invention makes habitat creation

Coastal and wetland habitats are being lost at an increasing rate.
Historic losses to development and reclamation are now com-
pounded by losses to coastal squeeze as sea levels rise against exist-
ing hard defences.
An important part of the Environment Agencys work is creating and
restoring habitat, often as part of its flood risk management activi-
ties. There are challenging national targets to meet, particularly for
inter-tidal habitats like saltmarsh and mudflat.
Much attention has been focussed on high profile managed realign-
ment projects like Alkborough on the Humber and Wallasea in Es-
sex, but large sites like this are few and far between and require
huge investment in time and funding. It may not be possible to
meet the targets through managed realignment alone, leading to a
quest for alternatives.
Regulated tidal exchange (RTE) is a strong candidate. In this approach, water is allowed to enter areas behind existing de-
fences, while retaining close control over the extent of inundation. It is a technique that has been extensively used else-
where, in particular in the USA, but there are still few sites in the UK.
The RSPB and Environment Agency have worked in partnership on one, near Exeter in Devon. Goosemoor is a highly suc-
cessful demonstration of how RTE can be used to create saltmarsh, saline lagoon and mudflat. It relies on a self-regulating
tidegate (SRT) to control the flow of water through a culvert in the existing embankment around the site. However, the
gate was produced in California and had to be shipped to Devon, where it arrived as a kit with few instructions.
Mike Williams, an ecologist at the Environment Agency working on habitat creation projects, was sure it was possible to
improve on the design and have it produced locally, with better technical support. He managed to secure funding through
the Agencys flood risk science research programme and, two years later, the prototype of the Environment Agencys own
design has been installed on the Axe Estuary at Seaton in East Devon.
The new design is based around a rotary gate that is, typically, open at low tide and then closes at high tide to prevent
water levels behind defences from rising too high. The design is a simple concept, in which rotation is caused by a float
attached to the SRT, but it is highly adjustable and adaptable to a wide range of situations. The gate has been designed to
provide easier fish passage than is possible with flapped outfalls.
At Seaton, the new SRT is being used to create a saline lagoon as part of East Devon District Councils Axe Estuary Wetlands
Project. Here the gate uses a variant which is closed at low tide to prevent ingress of freshwater; opens at mid-tide when
the salt wedge underlying the fresh has reached the gate; and then closes again to prevent high tides from causing flood-
ing. Water in the lagoon with salinity levels around half that of seawater indicates the success of the technique.
There has been a good deal of interest in the new design, both within the Environment Agency and elsewhere. Already,
plans are underway to install another SRT on the Hampshire coast, where it will be used to create saltmarsh. The gate is
also being considered for replacement of traditional flapped outfalls to open up parts of catchments that are currently in-
accessible to fish, without increasing flood risk.
The rotary SRT was designed, fabricated and installed by Stoneman Engineering from Willand in Devon, but the Environ-
ment Agency has patented the design to keep some control over its manufacture. However, it was always planned to make
it readily available, especially in the UK, and was designed to be produced locally by any suitably experienced engineering
company. A how to do it guide is also being produced as part of the R&D project.
For more information, please contact Mike Williams at the Environment Agency; email mike.williams@environment-
agency.gov.uk

Mike Williams leaning on the new SRT in place at Seaton

Local & Regional
Carse of Gowrie Historic Orchards Project

The Carse of Gowrie runs along the north side of the River Tay from the edge
of Perth to the outskirts of Dundee, squeezed between the river and the
Sidlaw Hills. It has been well known for its plum, pear and apple orchards
since the monasteries farmed the grange lands in the 12
th
century.

In 2007 a survey of 50 orchard sites showed that many had disappeared in the
past few decades and those that remained were in poor condition. These fast
diminishing resources add to the rich biodiversity and land use patterns that
make up this landscape. The project aims to safeguard and enhance the his-
toric orchards by raising awareness of their landscape, cultural and biodiver-
sity value with a view to future commercial and eco-tourism value through
improved management and access networks.

The Initiative is a partnership between Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust,
http://www.pkct.org a private public partnership and the Carse of Gowrie
Group, http://www.cogg.org.uk/ which represents a range of communities
and interests. Funding and support has been secured from the Scotland Rural
Development Programme, guests at The Gleneagles Hotel (through a voluntary
levy in support of the Historic Orchards), Forestry Commission Scotland, the
Tayside Biodiversity Partnership, and Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust.

There is much interest in safeguarding the gene pool of Scottish varieties to
preserve and propagate for the future: there are plans to set up a museum orchard within the Carse, together with a
nursery so that grafts of the veteran trees can be grown on. Existing orchards composed of mature standard fruit trees
make a significant contribution to the local landscape and also offer some of the best biodiversity hotspots available.

The Tayside Biodiversity Partnership is organising a second Orchard Festival this October. The first Festival, part-funded
by LEADER, saw the publication of Traditional Orchards in Tayside: A Guide to Wildlife and Management; this can be
downloaded via http://www.taysidebiodiversity.co.uk/Project_Historic_Orchards.html. There is an on-going programme
of practical training courses and workshops to encourage the planting of community and school orchards, as well as man-
age the existing orchards. Producer evenings to link growers with local food producers are already taking place, and
there are plans for Blossom Days in 2010. There is already an orchard trail at Errol: the walk starts from the village and
leads through a community-planted avenue of fruit trees down to the Tay before returning to the village past one of the
best productive orchards in the area.

The landscape of the Carse is the product of land use over many centuries and this Initiative aims to make use of the im-
portant heritage features that remain to develop high quality products that will broaden the areas economic base, open
up opportunities for training and community empowerment, and add to the quality of life of the local population. See
www.pkct.org for further details.

Summer
Pear tree at Megginch Castle Orchard
(Perthshire). Photo: C A G Lloyd

Local & Regional
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Orchard Biodiversity Project

Herefordshire Biodiversity Partnership and Worcestershire Biodiversity Partnership capitalised on funding provided by
Natural England in 2007/2008 for strategic biodiversity projects by developing a cross border Orchard Biodiversity Project.
It has long been recognised that orchards are a key characteristic of the landscapes of both counties. Herefordshire has
been identified as containing the greatest total extent of orchards remaining in the UK. With the designation of orchards
as a UK priority BAP habitat in 2007, there is increasing recognition of the biodiversity value of orchards. Both Hereford-
shire and Worcestershire orchards support national and local priority species, including nationally important populations of
the Noble Chafer beetle.

The rationale for undertaking this project was growing concern about the increasing threat to orchards within or adjacent
to settlements due to development pressure and neglect. There was particular concern about the loss of small-scale and
remnant orchards through in-fill development or extensions to the settlement. Pressure on orchard sites will increase due
to proposals for more housing to be accommodated in both counties.

Whilst there are planning policies for both counties which refer to the need to have regard to the biodiversity, landscape
and historical value of orchards, these policies and other existing planning mechanisms do not offer sufficient protection
for orchards. The greatest threat to orchards within or adjacent to development boundaries is often from the felling of
orchard trees to clear a potential development site before a planning application is submitted and hence before local
planning authorities can exert any control over orchard sites.

The aims of the project were to:

Quantify the threats to orchards within and adjacent to settlements
To determine what orchard data sets exist for the two counties
To survey a selected sample of orchards to identify biodiversity value
To influence/amend planning policies
To inform the Development Control process

Border Ecology (Dr. Rob Widdicombe) was appointed to undertake the project. A key finding of the project was that for
the two counties traditional orchards potentially at risk through development due to their proximity to or inclusion within
settlement boundaries totalled 104. Some of the orchard data proved to be inaccurate with 14 orchards found to be non-
existent when site visits were undertaken. Most of these orchards had been lost to development or incorporated into gar-
dens. 13 full surveys were undertaken and 14 orchard sites were identified as being worthy of survey.

A standard survey form was devised, to ensure that the information
collected was commensurate with other orchard surveys, thus ena-
bling linkages to be maintained between the data sets. The survey
form drew heavily upon the criteria and format devised by the East of
England Apples and Orchard Project Phase 2 survey of orchards in
Cambridgeshire.

The thirteen orchards that were surveyed were found to have rela-
tively low botanical interest, due to the poor condition of the grass-
land. The biodiversity value of most orchards related to the epi-
phytes they support and saproxylic invertebrates, nest sites for wood-
peckers and smaller passerines and potential roosting habitats for
bats. Habitat features associated with orchards, such as pond sys-
tems, hedges, tree lines and stream corridors were identified as im-
portant in terms of enhancing landscape connectivity.

The full survey results are included in the Orchard Biodiversity Project report, which was published in December 2008.
Copies of this report are available from Herefordshire Council and will shortly be available on its website.

The project was presented at the Orchard and Groves conference held at Sheffield Hallam University in September 2008.
Herefordshire Biodiversity Partnership and Worcestershire Biodiversity Partnership will be taking their project forward in
Summer

Local & Regional
2009 by organising training sessions for planning officers to highlight the importance of orchards and the need to conserve
them. A leaflet: Protecting your local orchards is under preparation, which will be distributed to Parish Councils, vol-
untary tree wardens, people undertaking orchard projects and to people attending Biodiversity Partnership events.

The Orchard Biodiversity Project has raised the profile of orchards and it is hoped that it will encourage others to share
information and develop projects in order to conserve as many orchards as possible. As stated in the project report:

The lull in land sales and development dues to the credit crunch now provides an opportunity for local authorities and
interested groups to formulate strategies for preservation of these highly important sites. Their value as cultural step-
ping stones to the past and ecological significance for biodiversity is too important to be lost to an increasingly urban-
ised environment.

For further information please contact:

Juliet Wheatley, Team Leader, Landscape & Biodiversity, Herefordshire Council

Tel: 01432 260157
Email: jwheatley@herefordshire.gov.uk

Pumlumon Living Landscapes Project, Mid Wales

The Pumlumon Project is a landscape-scale strategy that forges new part-
nerships between conservation, farming, forestry and tourism, and meets
multiple objectives over a 40,000-hectare area of the northern Cambri-
ans. This will represent one of the largest and most diverse habitat resto-
ration projects in Europe. The Pumlumon area is the largest watershed in
Wales and is the source of the rivers Wye, Severn and Rheidol. It is based
on a long-term vision for the countryside and is being led by the Wildlife
Trusts in Wales with the full support of the Countryside Council for Wales
and other stakeholders. The project will restore the link between the
natural capital of our upland environment, and the local rural community
with its rich cultural heritage. The innovative approaches used are based
on sound research and will demonstrate an effective way of implementing
a number of European, national, regional and local strategies.

The Pumlumon Project makes a valuable contribution to the effective
implementation of The Living Landscapes Initiative (Wildlife Trusts), as well as the Environment Strategy for Wales and
the Rural Development Plan (WAG), the Water Framework Directive (EU) and the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP
Partnership). The philosophy is forward looking, centred around the design of integrated solutions for the multiple and
complex challenges facing todays environment and economy. Within this strategic context, the Pumlumon Projects pri-
mary vision is to inspire and lead radical change in land management to create a more diverse landscape, rich in wildlife
and supporting thriving and active communities whose cultural heritage will be more secure. The project will:

Create landscape solutions that will address climate change, diffuse pollution, flooding, habitat loss and species
decline by establishing ecosystems management.
Enable the farming community to have a sustainable future through the sympathetic and sustainable management
of natural capital.
Encourage economic activity through the promotion of enhanced natural assets
Empower communities to address environmental issues through sustainable environmental management

The development of the Pumlumon Project will be phased. There will be some overlap between the development and
Summer

Ponds created by ditch- blocking using peat dams to re-
wet the bogs restoring the natural function of water
storage and slow release to the watershed

Local & Regional
Summer
implementation phases to allow for flexibility as the project progresses. Pilot projects will be implemented during the
development phase and research will continue through the implementation phase to allow delivery mechanisms to be re-
fined. The development phase will span two years and will concentrate on refining a long-term structure for management
of the project, and designing delivery mechanisms. The Pumlumon Project will require carefully planned and robust foun-
dations to ensure its long-term future.

The implementation phase will span a project period of 10 years. In the implementation phase, ecosystem process man-
agement will be employed to enhance the natural capital of the area at a landscape scale. This will create robust ecosys-
tems that will be able to function in the face of climate change, by allowing space for successional processes and species
migration. This in turn will help address biodiversity decline and generate an environmentally diverse dynamic landscape.
This approach will address a number of issues including diffuse pollution, flood water management, water quality decline,
carbon sequestration, declines in rural economy, local culture and heritage, and will help promote access, recreation and
value-added food production.

For further information, visit www.montwt.co.uk/pumlumon.html

Perth-fectly Batty - A Perth City Bat Project

- What is the Perth City Bat Project? -
This is a project to raise awareness of bats in the Scottish City of Perth. Perth prides its self on being the Perfect City, the
title Perth-fectly Batty has been chosen to build on this image and to promote bats as an indicator species showing a
high quality environment.
A similar project was carried out in Dundee in 2007. The Perth project has the advantages of; feedback from Dundee,
improvements in bat detector technology and (so far) a much better summer for survey work!

- Where is it happening? -
Volunteers are surveying the 21 kilometre squares which cover the city of Perth.

- Who is involved? -
The project is being run by Bat Conservation Trust in partnership with Perth Bat Group and Perth and Kinross Council
Ranger Service.
Survey work is being carried out by Perth Bat group, trained volunteers (previously new to bat work) and the general pub-
lic.

- What is involved? -
There are two main strands to the project;
gathering data on bats
increasing awareness of bats.

Local & Regional
There are three different ways of gathering bat data;
1. Car survey
2. Bat detector survey
3. Bat Sightings

The car survey involves driving very slowly through the town with a bat detector pointed out of the car window. The detec-
tor is attached to a recording device which runs at the same time as a mapping device. The bat calls recorded are
downloaded onto a computer to see what type of bat flew passed and what it was doing (feeding, socialising or commut-
ing). By synchronising the recording and the mapping its possible to show where the bat was encountered. The results
from Perth will contribute to a world wide project called iBats.
The bat detector surveys involve surveying the city in a patchwork of one kilometre squares. Teams of 1-2 people have
each adopted a square for survey. There are 21 squares covering the city, all have been adopted. Within each square
are 10 survey spots where bat activity is recorded for 2 minutes. Each square will be surveyed twice, once in June and a
repeat survey in August. The results will help to form a bat hotspots map of the city.
The general public are invited to record bat sightings. Information can either be added directly onto the Perth and Kinross
bat map page or added to record cards which are handed in at the Perth and Kinross library.
The project also includes fun activities aimed at increasing awareness of bats and reducing the fears and myths that sur-
round them. These activities include a Meet the Bat Expert day in the local library, arts, crafts and poetry projects, bat
talks and bat walks associated with European Bat weekend. There are also plans to work with a local school to create a bat
garden.

When does it run?
The project started in January 2009 and will finish in January 2010, with field work between May and the end of August.

Where did the funding come from?
Funding for equipment came from the SITA landfill Trust and for events from Awards for All.

Where can you find out more?
If you would like to find out more about the project contact the Scottish Bat Officer, Anne Youngman, email ayoung-
man@bats.org.uk

Or Niall Lobley, Perth and Kinross Council Ranger service, email: naflobley@pkc.gov.uk.

Electronic copies of the Dundee City Bat Project Report are available from Anne Youngman. The report includes informa-
tion on the survey methods, equipment and advice to groups wishing to carry out a similar project.

Summer

Local & Regional
Habitat indicators reveal the Oswestry Uplands as a wildlife hot-spot

Where are the best places for wildlife in Shropshire? How do we assess nature reserves, SSSIs, wildlife sites and non-
designated areas of Shropshire for their wildlife interest relative to one other?

The method which has been employed in Shropshire is to count the number of different species found in a given area and
compare this across the county. If a standard area is used (usually a 2 by 2 kilometre square) the whole county can be com-
pared equally. The crudeness of this basic technique can be refined by counting just the species that indicate good quality
examples of a given habitat. Indicators of good quality woodland would include Bluebell, Ramsons (Wild Garlic), Yellow
Archangel, and Sanicle for example.

This technique has been used in Shropshire with lists of plants that indicate good quality habitat the results of which can
be mapped to highlight areas of biodiversity importance in the county. It is hoped that the technique could also be applied
to other species groups such as birds and mammals.

This technique highlights the importance of the Oswestry Uplands within Shropshire; four of the highest scoring squares in
the county are in the Oswestry Hills. There are a range of reasons for this area being so good for wildlife including the var-
ied landscape, relatively low intensity farming, a history of quarrying and the limestone bedrock.

The maps produced using this technique are already being used in the planning stages of conservation projects and also in
Local Authority planning departments to highlight important biodiversity areas at an early stage in any development
scheme. The maps could also be used to guide where Environmental Stewardship schemes would be most appropriate. Ini-
tial work has also looked at which areas of high biodiversity interest are most, or the least, sensitive to climate change al-
lowing us to begin to see where greatest attention is needed. In addition the maps can be split into the various UK priority
habitats so we can find the most important areas in Shropshire for Upland Oakwood, dry acid grassland or Lowland Mead-
ows.

The information layers behind these maps are reliant on the hard work of hundreds of volunteer naturalists who make time
to send records of their sightings to the relevant wildlife recording group or to the Shropshire Wildlife Trust. Their sight-
ings, often casually made, can make a real difference to how conservation work is targeted in Shropshire.

For more information and example maps please visit the Natural Shropshire web site at:
www.NaturalShropshire.org.uk

Dan Wrench
Biodiversity Officer, Shropshire.
Summer

Local & Regional
Forever Meadows
Lancashires Biodiversity Partnership and the
Merseyside Biodiversity Group together have a
project starting over the summer, aiming to
reverse the fragmentation that leaves grassland sites isolated and localised thanks to funding from SITA Trust Enriching
Nature. Led by Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside, Forever Meadows aims to reverse this
trend of loss and fragmentation in four areas in the region West Lancashire, Chorley, St. Helens and Knowsley working
closely with the Local Authorities who have also provided funding and support.
The project will focus on Local Wildlife Sites which have grassland as a main
component. By concentrating on Local Wildlife Sites, we have enlisted strong
support from local authorities who must demonstrate compliance to the new
National Indicator 197 - the active management of Local Wildlife Sites. This
new indicator has the potential to deliver improvements in biodiversity
across a huge network of Local Wildlife Sites, but such improvements will
only be realised if local biodiversity partnerships can demonstrate practical
measures that local authorities can support and take forward themselves in
the longer term.
The project will concentrate on two clusters - or networks - of grassland Lo-
cal Wildlife Sites, both with their own issues to focus work. One of these is
centred on the Chorley/West Lancashire districts and is representative of
sites that are subject to agricultural pressures. Another is centred on the St
Helens/Knowsley districts and is representative of sites subject to pressures associated with urbanisation. The project
should form a model that can be extended and applied further afield in the future.
Objectives
assess (and monitor) the condition of candidate sites;
identify, within each of the clusters of candidate sites, 15 sites on which to concentrate the resources of the
project (a total of 30 sites);
undertake, commission and support practical grassland conservation management across the selected sites; and
provide practical assistance, during the lifetime of the project, on grassland restoration and management to
land managers.

Outcomes
safeguard and enhance the rapidly declining grassland resource for future generations;
deliver a long-term improvement in connectivity of grassland network;
secure the genetic diversity held on current sites, and bolster a seed base for expansion and restoration of
other sites;
retain and enhance ecosystem services provided by meadowland; and
demonstrate a model for effective management of Local Wildlife Sites to local authorities

Please contact Dr Tim Graham for futher details at: tgraham@lancswt.org.uk
Summer

Chapel Lane Meadow (C) Jon Hickling

Local & Regional
Muck in4Life Campaign
Summer is a great time to start thinking of activities you can take part in to spend more time outdoors, enjoying the fresh
air. And a great way to enjoy the outdoors, while also doing a bit of good for your local green spaces, is to join the quarter
of a million people in England who are volunteering to help out with conservation work.
Conservation volunteering helps protect and enhance our fantastic natural environment and there are loads of different
things the whole family can do.
Not only is it great fun, its also a great way of getting fresh air and exercise youll probably be having so much fun that
you wont notice that youre doing yourself loads of good by getting a great cardiovascular work-out without even setting
foot in a gym.
Recently, I had a go at some volunteering myself. I went to help Thames21 clear the banks of the Thames of rubbish, down
near my office at Millbank in London. Despite nearly falling in trying to retrieve a wheelbarrow I think I have a bit more
sympathy for the Mayor of London than some people! I had a great time. It was fascinating, as well as being a bit worry-
ing, to see the sorts of things that are washed up on the foreshore. And it was even more satisfying to know that wed left
the Thames cleaner for wildlife to live in and people to enjoy.
The Muck In4Life campaign, which is part of the Governments Change4Life campaign, helps people identify all the great
opportunities there are to get outside, get active and get stuck in to protect and improve our precious natural green spaces
and wildlife in towns, parks and the countryside. And to celebrate all the good work being done, weve joined forces with
Kew Gardens and the International Garden Photographer of the Year to find the Conservation Volunteering Photographer of
the Year.
We cant wait to see pictures of people from all over the country mucking in, having fun and getting active. Were going
to give prizes of high street vouchers to the best photos in each area of England, with special prizes for under-16s, and the
winning entries will be displayed in a special outdoor exhibition at Kew Gardens. You dont need to be an expert photogra-
pher to win just send pictures that sum up all the enjoyment you got from your volunteering experience. You can see all
the details and enter online at www.igpoty.com/muckinforlife. So whether youve been volunteering for years, or youre
thinking about getting involved for the first time this summer take your camera with you, and get snapping.
You can do as little or as much conservation volunteering as you want so whether you have a few hours, a day or a regular
time each week or month you could do any number of things going on right around the country:
Take part in wildflower meadow management
Help with coppicing or planting trees
Clear a weed-filled pond or river
Build a bird box
Mend a stile
Clear a footpath
Help to maintain your local park or gardens
Repair a dry stone wall
Count bats, otters or other wildlife

These are just some of the things you could do, although do check locally whats available where you are. And while youre
outside, having fun, youre also getting active and keeping healthy and youre also helping the environment at the same
time.
To find out more, visit us online at www.direct.gov.uk/muckin4life
Summer

Publications
Biodiversity Offsets
Research into biodiversity offsets was commissioned by Defra as part of the work programme of the England Biodiversity Groups Eco-
nomics and Funding Working Group with the aim of exploring the role for market instruments in biodiversity conservation. Biodiversity
offsets can be defined as measurable conservation outcomes resulting from actions designed to compensate for significant residual ad-
verse biodiversity impacts arising from project development after appropriate prevention and mitigation measures have been taken.
The project is an initial scoping study which assesses the feasibility of biodiversity offsets in relation to the planning system and sug-
gests how they could operate under a range of scenarios. The underlying assumption is one of no net loss of biodiversity. The report
assesses how offsets could help deliver such a goal in England. The report defines biodiversity offsets, examines the lessons learned
from international experience and explores where biodiversity offsets could have additional benefits beyond those delivered by existing
policies in England.
It presents different mechanisms (both voluntary and legislative) that could be used to support a system of biodiversity offsets in Eng-
land.
To have a look at the full report, visit:
https://statistics.defra.gov.uk/esg/reports/Biodiversity%20Offsets%20FINAL%20REPORT%20Defra%2012%20May%202009.pdf

Biodiversity Indicators in Your Pocket 2009
A suite of biodiversity indicators for the UK was first published in June 2007. The indicators show changes in aspects of
biodiversity such as the population size of important species or the area of land managed for wildlife. They provide part of
the evidence to assess whether the targets set out have been achieved.

Eighteen UK biodiversity indicators are presented, although one, habitat connectivity, is still under development and pre-
sented with limited data. The indicators are grouped under the six focal areas aligned to those used by the Convention on
Biological Diversity and in the European biodiversity indicators:

1. Status and trends in components of biodiversity
2. Sustainable use
3. Threats to biodiversity
4. Ecosystem integrity and ecosystem goods and services
5. Status of resource transfers and use
6. Public awareness and participation

Printed copies BIYP 2009 are available from Defra publications by emailing biodiversity@defra.gsi.gov.uk quoting reference
PB13261; alternatively you can download a copy from the JNCC website here: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/Biyp_2009.pdf

Publication of the Vegetative Key to the British Flora
In a world-first, this spring saw the publication of John Polands Vegetative Key to the British Flora. Written in associa-
tion with Eric Clement, well-known author of several botanical books, the Vegetative Key is the first book to identify a
countrys flora purely on vegetative characters. It covers all the British native and alien vascular plants, including ferns,
grasses, sedges and rushes. Based on the authors own field experience, the book incorporates characters not included in
any other flora. The keys have been rigorously tested by beginners and experts alike and it is intended that any diligent
novice can identify a plant within three turns of a page, often correctly identified in less than 30 seconds. More than five
years in creation, this is clearly a landmark piece of work that will be used by generations of botanists and naturalists for
years to come. All this in a pocket-sized publication that really can be used in the field. The authors are delighted to ac-
knowledge financial support from the Botanical Society of the British Isles, Natural England, Countryside Council for Wales,
Scottish Natural Heritage and the Environment Agency. More details can be found at www.bsbi.org.uk under
Publications.
Summer

Events
The Changing Nature of Scotland

Perth Concert Hall 17th - 18th September 2009, with an evening reception on Wednesday 16th September.
Scottish Natural Heritage is pleased to announce its 2009 conference on the natural heritage.
This years conference will explore what changes are taking place in Scotlands natural heritage and why this is important
to Scotlands people. Changes in important ecosystems such as woodland, uplands, marine and fresh waters both urban
and rural will be discussed by specialists and business representatives. Day two includes a dedicated session on how the
natural heritage contributes to improved health and well being.
The conference is organised in conjunction with Scotland's Environment And Rural Services (SEARS) partner organisations.
The cost of registration includes a copy of the proceedings, which will be part of the Natural Heritage of Scotland series
published by The Stationery Office (TSO).
For further information and details of how to register please go to our conference website. http://www.eventsforce.net/
SNHConference2009

Problem, invasive, protected and non-native species
Workshops and Conference From BaLHRI
BaLHRI in conjunction with Sheffield Hallam University and Hallam Environmental Consultants Ltd. are running a series of
events on problem, invasive, protected and non-native species over the spring and summer. The events start on 12
th
May
with a seminar on Urban Invasive and Problem Species: Identification and Management; Control and Conservation at
the Source, Meadowhall, Sheffield. Speakers at this event include Prof. Max Wade, Dr Ian Rotherham and Stephanie Peay.
On 8
th
and 9
th
September, there will be a two-day conference Exotic and Invasive Species: Issues around Alien, Inva-
sive, Urban and Problem Plants and Animals at Sheffield Hallam University. This major event will bring together speak-
ers looking at specific species such as wild boar, mink, big cats, Chinese water deer, bracken, Japanese knotweed and rho-
dodendron and their impacts on local biodiversity as well as presentations on the history of invasive species, impacts on
the wider landscape and the GB strategy for non-native species.
Further details and booking forms on these and other events can be found on our website www.ukeconet.co.uk or email
info@hallamec.plus.com

7-8 October, University of York
The 2009 UK Biodiversity Partnership Conference will take place at University of York on 7
th
and 8
th
October. The theme of
this years event will be Valuing Biodiversity. For further details, have a look at the website:
www.keystone-group.co.uk/biodiversity
Summer

Events
A Duty for Biodiversity - Delivering Benefits for All

Date: 12 - 14 October 2009

Aim: to increase awareness of the fundamental importance of biodiversity to the economy, to health and to society
and of the supporting legislation.

Target audience: public and government sector staff from across the UK

Cost: 136 all inclusive

Venue - Plas Tan y Bwlch Environmental Studies Centre, Maentwrog, Snowdonia National Park, Wales.

For details contact Julia Korn
e-mail: j.korn@ccw.gov.uk

To book contact Plas Tan y Bwlch:

Tel: 01766 772600
E-mail: plas@eryri-npa.gov.uk
Web: www.plastanybwlch.com

Learning About Wildlife
This year the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust is once again running a series of Learning About Wildlife workshops in
collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire and the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, with the aim of getting more
people involved in wildlife conservation. The workshops aim to introduce participants to new subjects and wildlife, in-
crease their awareness and knowledge of wildlife and conservation, develop their skills in species identification and intro-
duce them to species recording. Topics and species covered range from grasses and wild flowers to bats and water voles
and are open to anyone over the age of 12. The full programme can be found at www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/herts or email
jennifer.gilbert@hmwt.org to receive a copy of the Learning About Wildlife brochure.

Whats in a Name? -Taxonomy and Biodiversity
This series of lectures focuses on the importance of being able to define and identify the natural world. with examples of
the need and uses of giving species a name, and organising them into systems of classification.
The introductory overview will review uncertainty in the numbers of species on Earth and their extinction rates, and sur-
vey how resulting problems can be addressed for effective conservation action. Following lectures will highlight the im-
portance of taxonomy to fungi, forensics, invertebrates, and control of illegal use of endangered species. In the final ses-
sion a panel of experts will review how the next generation of naturalists can be inspired and discuss how to encourage
more people to enter the field of taxonomy, where there is a critical shortage.
Join the debate. All welcome. Free admission but booking essential.
The lectures will be held in Birkbeck, University of London, WC1
E-mail: environmentevents@FLL.bbk.ac.uk for booking and venue details, (telephone 020 7679 1069)
All lectures are from 6.30pm to 8.30 pm on Fridays from 16th October to 20th November. Doors open at 6.00pm.

Summer

UKBAP BiodiversityNews-46

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

UKBAP BiodiversityNews-46

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Biodiversity News

News - Features - UK BAP Updates - Local & Regional - Publications - Events

Hampshire schools sharpen their pencils for Nature Watch

You might also like