Countryside Jobs Service Weekly®
CJS - The original, the biggest and the best in the field, THE countryside specialists since 1994
The original weekly newsletter for countryside staff
Every Friday : 6 November 2020
CJS is endorsed by the Scottish Countryside Rangers Association and the Countryside Management Association.
Featured Charity: The Mammal Society
www.countryside-jobs.com [email protected] 01947 896007 CJS®, The Moorlands, Goathland, Whitby YO22 5LZ Created by Anthea & Niall Carson, July ’94
Key: REF CJS reference no. (advert number – type – delete date) JOB Title BE4 Application closing date IV = Interview date LOC Location PAY £ range - usually per annum (but check starting point) FOR Employer Main text usually includes: Description of Job, Person Spec / Requirements and How to apply or obtain more information CJS Suggestions: Please check the main text to ensure that you have all of the required qualifications / experience before you apply. Contact ONLY the person, email, number or address given use links to a job description / more information, if an SAE is required double check you use the correct stamps. If you're sending a CV by email name the file with YOUR name not just CV.doc
REF 1867-DIRECT-20/11 JOB PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER BE4 22/11/20 LOC CARDIFF / HOME BASED PAY 26000 – 31000 FOR MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIETY We need your expertise as a Public Affairs Advisor to make our voice heard in Wales among the people who can have a hand on turning the tide of this ocean and coastal crisis. Could you make compelling cases to the right people at the right time in order to influence the changes we need for our seas to be full of life, where nature flourishes and people thrive? The Public Affairs Advisor will be able to develop effective and significant relationships with key influential parliamentarians and Government representatives on marine policy and legislation in Wales. If this floats your boat then our seas need you - more now than ever. Our reach is broad, which makes for an ambitious and challenging remit - being our advocate in the Senedd will be inspiring and rewarding. You’ll be spending some time in Cardiff and will have regular contact with our team members in the other Administrations. www.mcsuk.org/media/2020-10-infopaa-wales.pdf.
REF 1868-DIRECT-20/11 JOB REGIONAL CO-ORDINATOR BE4 ? LOC HOME BASED (anywhere in the UK) PAY £50 per week FOR DOGFOUL.ORG Dog fouling has an immense environmental impact creating organic pollution of land and waterways as well as significantly increasing the amount of single use plastic ('doggy bags') entering landfill and oceans. Launching in November 2020, DogFoul.org is working to reduce the environmental, health and social impact of dog fouling by changing the behaviour of irresponsible dog owners through the power of social media and 'boots-on-the-ground' action. To progress and facilitate the expansion of local groups we are looking for a people person that will act as the focal point for growing our regional networks. You will be skilled in social media, able to build virtual national networks of supporters on Facebook and ideally have a proven track record of working with volunteers. Full details at https://dogfoul.org/.
Ask the Ranger… anything – join us for a Facebook Live event on 18 November
The South Downs National Park Ranger Team have volunteered themselves for an Ask the Ranger session, a kind of countryside staff AMA. They will be talking about their experiences of entering the world of conservation and what their paths to employment look like (all very different!). They will also give some top tips on getting a job in conservation and explain a little about what being a ranger for the SDNPA looks like. They say: "We are happy to answer any questions people may have, although we probably won’t be able to give people specific advice on a case-by-case basis." The team taking part is made up of: Dan, the lead ranger for the Wealden Heath area; Kate working mainly with heathland and woodland; Angela covers the Western side of the Walden Heath along with Kate; Charles covers a wide area working with a range of partner organisations; Abbi started out as an illustrator but soon realised that being an Assistant Ranger suits her much better. Assistant Ranger Micky will be around but isn't taking part in the session (someone has to keep an eye on the office). More details about the 'panellists' are on our blog and will be posted to Facebook in the run up to the event. You can submit questions in advance to [email protected] - you'll get more of a full answer if you do this - or on the day in response to subjects discussed. The Session will be on our Facebook page on 18 November at 12.30pm, it will probably last around an hour - perhaps longer if you've got a mountain of questions for them! CJS Weekly®: 6 November 2020 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 1869-ONLINE-27/1 Grey Squirrel Officer Scottish Wildlife Trust Location: Home based (Hawick-Bonchester Bridge Area, Scottish Borders). Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels - Developing Community Action (SSRS-DCA) is a project to secure the long-term future of red squirrels in Scotland by building capacity among communities of volunteers and land managers to take on some of the essential protection measures required to protect the red squirrels in key areas. As part of this programme you will contribute to the project’s co-ordinated landscape-scale approach carrying out grey squirrel control to protect key populations of red squirrels in South East Scotland. We are looking for a self-starter with a love of outdoor working who is experienced in grey squirrel control work and has the ability to interact with land managers and train volunteers. The successful candidate will possess a SVQ/NVQ level 2 or equivalent qualification in Game and Wildlife Management or related discipline or relevant experience of game keeping, invasive/non-native mammal control or pest control, along with good understanding of conservation principles, practices and legislation. You should have the ability to keep accurate records in Excel. Relevant previous experience is desirable and knowledge of forest and native tree species and familiarity with the local area to be covered are advantageous. Essential: full clean driving licence. Click here http://c-js.co.uk/2qOrJdR for further information and to apply.
REF 1870-ONLINE-13/11 Senior / Principal Ecologist Salary: Commensurate with experience and role Reference: LB/Ecolocation/GBa&e vacancies/Senior/Principal Ecologist Location: Home-based but must be within 1 hour of Coventry. Hours: Full time/flexible (can be discussed) / Position type: Permanent. Website: www.ecolocation.org.uk. Contact email: [email protected]. Ecolocation have an exciting opportunity for a Senior / Principal Ecologist to join their team and help to drive the business forward. Part of this role will be to cover 12 months of maternity leave during January to December 2021. We would like the candidate to start as soon as possible. We are happy to consider reduced hours or flexible working; what we’re really keen on is for you to be the right person for the job with the right skills to complement our existing team. About Us: Ecolocation is the ecological arm of GBa&e, a wider multi-disciplinary practice providing ecological services and arboricultural services, architecture and development consultancy. Our clients include agents for planning applications, Local Authorities, churches, commercial organisations, private individuals, etc. We’re a small but friendly team and the best bit is that the majority of our work is in the Midlands and rarely requires any working away from home. The role of Senior / Principal Ecologist: You will lead a small team of ecologists and help to nurture client relationships. You will work on a range of small- to medium-sized projects, liaising effectively with clients, tendering for projects, completing a range of ecological surveys and impact assessments. You will also mentor and provide support to junior members of staff. Primarily, we are looking for a candidate with a level 2 bat survey licence and to have been the Named Ecologist on bat mitigation licence applications in recent years. Essential: • Sound commercial awareness • Excellent communication skills • Experience of effective client liaison • Excellent project management skills • Experience of providing successful project tenders • Excellent understanding of ecology in the planning process • Level 2 bat survey licence • Named Ecologist on a bat mitigation licence in recent years • Excellent report writing skills • Full driving licence and access to a car • Willingness to work unsociable hours. Desirable: • Additional protected species licence • Line management experience • Experience of implementing health and safety policies. What we can offer a Senior / Principal Ecologist: • 95% of our jobs are within commuting distance of our base; only on rare occasions will you be required to stay away overnight • Training to support your CIEEM CPD requirements • Payment of relevant professional membership fees • Payment of bonus for gaining protected species survey licences • Provision of personal protective equipment as required • Package of support via Employee Assistance Programme • Regular supervision meetings • Laptop and phone. To apply, please send a cv and covering letter by email explaining why you are suitable for the role to: [email protected]. Previous applicants need not apply. Closing date: 12 noon on Friday 13 November. Interview date: Conducted remotely via MS Teams on Friday 20 November.
REF 1871-ONLINE-27/11 Curlew LIFE Project Manager Reference number: A1001020 Location: Flexible Salary: Starting at £30,817 to £34,471 per annum. Hours: Full time / Contract: Fixed Term for 4.25 years. Curlew are rapidly declining across the UK and could be lost in some places unless action is taken now. We are looking for an exceptional Project Manager with excellent organisation and communication skills to lead and to drive the successful delivery of a major new project on this species funded through the EU's LIFE programme. Working across the four countries of the UK you will enable teams to deliver concrete action to influence the development of 'curlew-friendly' land-use policies, to halt the decline of the species in five priority landscapes. You will have significant experience of managing large, complex and externally funded projects. With an eye for detail and good financial skills you will be responsible for ensuring the systems are in place to deliver, monitor and report on progress according to objectives and key performance indicators. You will be able to identify and address emerging risks and to advise on the communication and engagement aspects of the work, particularly the liaison with partners and the facilitation of community conversations. You will champion the wider societal and economic benefits of curlew conservation. This is an exciting opportunity so if you are passionate about empowering people to make a difference for curlew then we look forward to receiving your application. Closing date: 12 November 2020. Apply here https://c-js.co.uk/324y7Oa. Page 2 CJS Weekly®: 6 November 2020 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 1872-ONLINE-27/11 Community Project Officer Interested in improving health and access to nature for communities in North Yorkshire? We're looking for a motivated individual to join North Yorkshire County Council to help deliver an exciting health and nature project. Part-time - 21 hours per week. Fixed term for 15 months to 31st March 2022. Secondment welcome. £28,474 - £30,426 (pro rata and dependent on experience), 8% pension contribution, Paycare Health Plan. Northallerton based with occasional base elsewhere across the project area. During COVID-19 restrictions the position will be home based and access to a place to work and broadband will be required. We’re looking for someone with a background in health and wellbeing and a passion for the natural environment to inspire communities in North Yorkshire to get outdoors and discover nature on their doorstep. Leading the Discoveries on Your Doorstep project, this role will involve managing the existing programme of walk trails and activities in Scarborough and Selby, and rolling these out in the Harrogate district, to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for local communities. An interest in addressing the wider determinants of health, an enthusiasm for physical activity, active travel and the natural environment are all important in this role. You will also need to foster strong networks and partnerships, working effectively as part of the public health team at North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) and with members of the North Yorkshire and York Local Nature Partnership to deliver the project. The post will be hosted by Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) on behalf of NYCC and the North Yorkshire and York Local Nature Partnership. Please go to www.ydmt.org/community-project-officer for an information pack and application form. The closing date for applications is midday, Friday 27 November 2020. Interviews will be held remotely on Monday 7 December 2020. CV's will not be accepted.
REF 1873-ONLINE-20/11 Operations Officer - Strategic Projects and Partnerships 37 hours a week / Permanent Salary £32,714 per annum Location: Golspie or Ullapool (Ref: 1013-308) Job Purpose Summary: This exciting post offers the opportunity to deliver NatureScot priorities in the Northern Isles and North Highland area, by working in partnership to assist delivery of several key strategic projects in support of our spatial priorities for delivery of the corporate plan. The post will also support work in other parts of the Highlands and northern Isles and there will be an expectation of being able to work flexibly throughout the area. The post holder will tackle a diverse portfolio of tasks relating to representing NatureScot in relevant Community Planning Partnerships, and economic development partnerships, Agri-Environment and Climate Scheme delivery, and will be the local area lead for NatureScot’s input to The Flow Country World Heritage Site bid. The post will also involve proactive work to address climate change and reverse biodiversity loss. For further information go to www.nature.scot/about-snh/working-us. Closing Date: 12 noon on Monday 23 November 2020. Internal Interview Date: 7 December 2020. External Interview Date: 14 January 2021.
REF 1874-ONLINE-20/11 Rewilding Officer We are pleased to announce that we are now able to recruit for a further 12-month extension of our successful ‘Rewilding’ project that works with individuals, community groups and schools to ‘rewild’ their own green spaces for the benefit of wildlife. In addition, through additional funding, we have been able to increase the post from 2 to 3 days a week and the project will now also incorporate the highly successful ‘Growing Together’ (home food growing) programme that took place during lockdown 2020. ‘Growing Together 2021’ will also include a specific focus on reaching our local BAME community. Job details: 12 month contract / 22.20 hours per week over 3 days Salary is £15,000 per annum for 22.20 hours per week, based on a full-time equivalent salary of £25,000 for 37.00 hours per week. Based at our offices at 54 Broadway, Accrington, East Lancashire. The deadline for submission of completed applications is 5.00pm prompt on Monday 23 November. Shortlisting for interviews will take place between Tuesday 24 and Thursday 26 November and we will then let all applicants know (by email) if they've been selected for an interview or not by the end of Friday 27 November. Interviews will then take place online on Thursday 3 December. Please visit our Rewilding Officer job page https://prospectsfoundation.org.uk/job-opportunities/rewilding-post/ to find all the documents you will need to submit an application. If any of the links do not work please contact us on the email below and we will send them direct to your email address. Please do not phone the office number as, due to covid-19, we are only using our offices on very reduced hours at the moment. Once complete, either post the application to our address (found on the application form) or send it by email to [email protected]. Applications submitted by email will receive an email confirmation within a day or two. If you send an application by email and do not receive an email reply within a couple of days assume it has not got through and either email it again, hand deliver or post a paper copy. Page 3 CJS Weekly®: 6 November 2020 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 1875-ONLINE-27/11 Conservation Officer - Morecambe Bay and Cumbria Reference: A1111020 Location: Lancashire Salary: £26,212 to £29,320 per annum pro rata. Hours: Part time, 22.5 hours per week / Contract: Permanent We are seeking a part-time Conservation Officer to work across our Morecambe Bay & Ribble and Lake District Priority Landscapes. The successful applicant will be responsible for helping to deliver the work of RSPB's conservation teams within the North West and Northeast and Cumbria operational areas, to ensure delivery of the relevant outcomes of RSPB's Saving Nature Strategy. Conservation Officers have a key role in hands-on land management advisory work, managing and delivering projects, in association with RSPB colleagues. This includes those led by RSPB and RSPB's delivery in wider partnerships, particularly within priority landscapes. The role has an important external element, building positive relationships with key partners and stakeholders so that our collective policies and messages are understood and furthered within and out with Cumbria. The role will help to deliver a work programme focused on the relevant priority landscapes, species and habitats. This will be achieved by deploying the appropriate conservation tools to ensure we achieve our conservation objectives. This may include land management advice, site safeguard casework, species recovery, conservation projects and engagement in land use policy. The post-holder will help to monitor and report on the work plan and to develop further work plans and/or project ideas. They will also be expected to contribute operational experience to RSPB's policy and advocacy work and contribute to the delivery of RSPB funding and communications objectives, particularly through communicating our conservation message The area around Morecambe Bay is one of the UK's most important biodiversity hotspots. The diverse geology and landscape features and coastal and climatic influences have created an extraordinary diversity of habitats, which are home to internationally significant populations of birds, flora and invertebrates. The key habitats of importance include: • Coastal and floodplain wetlands- saltmarshes, lowland raised bogs and freshwater wetlands in valleys. • Farmland. • Species rich grasslands - on coastal headlands and limestone escarpments. • Native woodlands- supporting rare butterflies, plants and woodland birds. The transitions between these habitats contributes to the area's outstanding diversity, as within a short distance it is possible to move from inter-tidal habitat to saltmarsh to terrestrial habitats such as unimproved grasslands, heath, swamp, fen, mire, woodland and scrub. Closing date: 25 November 2020. Apply here https://c-js.co.uk/325pkvp.
REF 1876-ONLINE-20/11 Biodiversity Officer £25,481 to £27,041 per annum pro rata. 35 hours, Fixed term until 21/03/2022. Work Base: The Gwalia, Llandrindod Wells / Agile. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with a good working knowledge of biodiversity for a fixed term post of 35 hours per week as part of the LNP Cymru All Wales biodiversity project. The successful candidate will need to be able engage a range of stakeholders in local activity that can help enable a long-term, sustainable difference to nature recovery across Powys. The post covers the whole of Powys outside of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The successful candidate will need to make site visits within the county. Closing date: 22/11/2020 For more information and to apply visit our website. https://c-js.co.uk/38cqZD5.
REF 1877-ONLINE-20/11 Ryevitalise Programme Officer Fixed-term contract to October 2023. £27,000 - £30,400 per annum. We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Programme Officer to join our Ryevitalise Landscape Partnership project team. Working closely with the Programme Manager, this post will oversee the delivery of the Ryevitalise Landscape Conservation Action Plan, taking the lead on a variety of activities. To be successful, we’ll need you to demonstrate your: • Strong project management skills • Understanding of, and ability to implement, river catchment restoration and nature recovery measures • Ability to enthuse and engage a wide variety of audiences including partners, local community groups and visitors • Ecological knowledge and appreciation for the historic environment to support our Citizen Science programmes • A keen interest in finding creative ways to interpret landscapes and ecosystems to build engaging interpretation to inspire others to care for this special area. Ryevitalise is a Landscape Partnership Scheme, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, working together to “conserve, enhance and restore the natural and cultural heritage the River Rye and its tributaries, encouraging people to reconnect with the history, wildlife and landscapes of the area”. We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled person with a passion for people, wildlife and river landscapes to join the team. You’ll find that you are working with skilled, dedicated and supportive colleagues, and you will have the chance to take advantage of our excellent personal development and flexible working opportunities. The National Park and surrounding area is a superb place to live and work with excellent schools and good access to main transportation links. Whilst the post is based at the Authority’s Headquarters in the attractive town of Helmsley (with many site visits and engagement work taking place in the project area), it is expected the post will involve a significant amount of home working. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency. Other organisations may call this role Landscape Conservation Project Officer, Landscape Conservation Programme Officer, Conservation Officer, Conservation Programme Co-ordinator, Nature Recovery Programme Officer, or Project Manager. For more information and to apply click here https://c-js.co.uk/34ZhhCn. Closing date Wednesday 18 November. Page 4 CJS Weekly®: 6 November 2020 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 1878-ONLINE-27/11 Project Manager Salary: From £39,880 to £43,857 per annum Scale / Band: Grade 8 Hours: 37 hours per week Place of work: Parks & Foreshore Offices, Commerce Way, Lancing. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Project Manager within our award winning Parks and Foreshore section to lead on the management and coordination of project delivery of a variety of high profile improvement projects across Adur and Worthing, including: Highdown Gardens National Lottery Heritage Fund project, the £3million Brooklands Park Masterplan redevelopment and a variety of climate emergency response and adaptation projects across our parks portfolio. You will be a dynamic individual able to manage all aspects of the projects in your portfolio including co-ordination with funders, stakeholders and elected members including the production of project plans, schedules and project finances exercising strict budgetary control with both capital and revenue funds and oversee the procurement, letting and direct management of contracts to achieve agreed project objectives. The successful candidate will manage all stakeholder consultation and engagement processes throughout the duration of the projects in order to inform the successful delivery of high quality outcomes. You will be able to work with multiple stakeholders, creating new networking opportunities and be a focal point of contact for these projects both internally and externally. It is essential that you are an excellent communicator and be able to work across multiple channels and oversees the development and production of public communications including working closely with the Council’s communications team to keep funders, stakeholders and the public up to date with project progress. Does this sound like you? For an informal discussion about this post, contact Philippa Reece, Parks and Foreshore Manager at [email protected]. To apply please click here https://c-js.co.uk/3l0rhk5. Closing date: Sunday 29 November. Interviews: Wednesday 9 December.
REF 1879-ONLINE-20/11 Access Ranger - Area 6 West Sussex County Council We are looking for an enthusiastic and organised Access Ranger to manage Public Rights of Way (PRoW) in the eastern part of West Sussex, from Crawley to Shoreham, to ensure they are safe and available for people to enjoy. Access Rangers are responsible for managing the routine inspection (helped by volunteers) and maintenance of paths, identifying work for the contractor and any other issues. You will engage with landowners to resolve issues and take enforcement action where necessary. Logging and update issues using our PRoW IT system is an important part of the role. You will investigate reports from the public, providing technical and legal advice. You will also respond to planning application consultations to protect and improve the PRoW network where possible. The work involves occasionally dealing with people with strongly conflicting interests. The role requires a significant amount of lone working and up to 6 hours of walking a day. As a guide the role is approximately one-third on site and two-thirds office based. For job details and to apply please visit please http://emea3.mrted.ly/2khj0. For further information please email [email protected].
REF 1880-ONLINE-4/12 Senior of Principal Arboriculture Consultant Guildford, Surrey - will also consider Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds or Manchester. The role: Do you love trees and working outside? Are you hard working, enthusiastic and well organised? Due to business growth, we are looking for a Senior or Principal Arboriculture Consultant to join our team. Ideally you will be based from our head office in Guildford, but we will consider applicants who are within 1 hour’s commute of our other offices in Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds or Manchester, with the potential for remote working. You will be joining a small dynamic team, so will be expected to be involved in many aspects of the business – from site surveys, reporting and face-to-face client interaction. This is a great opportunity to gain the experience, skills and knowledge needed to impress high-end clients. Our work is national, so you may need to travel to different sites and stay away from home on occasions. You will ideally be immediately available and have: • a qualification to QCF Level 4 in arboriculture (or above) • membership of the Arboricultural Association or other related, professional body • relevant tree survey experience within a consultancy or other commercial environment • experience of undertaking tree hazard/condition surveys using Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) and development surveys in accordance with BS5837:2012 • have excellent written and verbal communication skills; be able to produce meticulous and accurate technical reports as well as communicate confidently with clients and stakeholders • be computer literate with experience of using MS office, GIS systems and tree survey software • be organised with proven ability to multi-task • be able and willing to travel and stay away from home • have a full UK driving licence and use of a car • have a positive outlook and a strong desire to succeed. About us: Thomson Environmental Consultants are experts in environmental compliance. Our specialist teams have been advising our clients across various sectors, on how to achieve their objectives and meet required environmental compliance since 2004. We cover a breadth of specialisms and are always pragmatic with our advice. With offices in Guildford, Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds or Manchester, our teams assist with ecological advice, surveys and assessments, habitat design and creation, ecological contracting, invasive species management, freshwater and marine consultancy, arboriculture surveys, report and consultancy and contracting, data management and mapping and last, but not least, marine laboratory services (invertebrates, fish and sediment analyses). This is a permanent position based at any of our regional offices including our head office on the picturesque Surrey Research Park in Guildford. We are ideally looking for someone who is immediately available and lives within commuting distance of one of our regional offices. Please apply as soon as possible with your CV and a convincing covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (max 500 words) to [email protected]. Advert continues online. Page 5 CJS Weekly®: 6 November 2020 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 1881-ONLINE-13/11 Blue Corridors Project Officer Fixed term contract to March 2023. £27,000-£30,400 per annum. Posting Location - Helmsley, York, YO62 5BP. Vacancy Reference - AV075 Closing Date - 16 November 2020. Blue Corridors is an exciting project to enhance the natural environment of two important watercourses and surrounding area in the North York Moors National Park. We are looking for a dynamic, dedicated self-starter to lead this landscape scale project. The project is a partnership led by the North York Moors National Park working with Yorkshire Water, North Yorkshire County Council with significant financial contribution from the European Rural Development Fund (ERDF). We are looking to appoint someone with the following skills: • Strong project management skills, scrupulous financial reporting, communication and time management • Understanding of, and ability to implement, river catchment restoration and nature recovery measures • Experience of appointing and supervising contractors working in the field • Experience of freshwater monitoring and ability to oversee a monitoring program delivered by staff and volunteers • Ability to inspire and lead a small team all working to achieve ambitious goals. You’ll find that you are working with skilled, dedicated and supportive colleagues; and you will have the chance to take advantage of our excellent personal development and flexible working opportunities. The National Park and surrounding area is a superb place to live and work with excellent schools and good access to main transportation links. Whilst the post is based at the Authority’s Headquarters in the attractive town of Helmsley (with many site visits and engagement work taking place in the project area), it is expected the post will involve a significant amount of home working. Please feel free to give Elizabeth Clements, Head of the Natural Environment, a call for an informal discussion. Contact details can be found on our website. So, if you’re seeking your next challenge as a Blue Corridors Project Officer, please click here https://c-js.co.uk/3oTJjXO to apply. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency. Other organisations may call this role Project Officer, Environmental Project Officer, Project Manager, Conservation Project Manager, Water Conservation Project Manager, or Conservation Officer.
REF 1882-ONLINE-20/11 Senior Warden (North) Penrhyndeudraeth About Us: Snowdonia National Park Authority protects the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of Snowdonia National Park. Covering 823 miles of diverse landscape, the Park is home to over 26,000 people, the highest mountain in England and Wales and the largest natural lake in Wales. The Benefits: • Salary of £28,672 - £31,346 per annum • Help to protect an amazing site • Work in a beautiful location. The Role: As the Senior Warden, you’ll oversee all staff, property, contracts and responsibilities of the National Park Warden Service in the northern area of the Park. You will: • Develop and deliver countryside access, land management and rights of way management projects • Build and maintain good relationships between residents, visitors, users and agricultural community and conservation interests • Provide information and guidance to visitors and monitor leisure activities in the Park • Offer advice on the Park’s countryside management requirements • Assist the Head of Warden Service with strategic priorities, project programmes and budgets. About You: To join us as a Senior Warden, you’ll need:• The ability to communicate in both Welsh and English • Previous experience of managing, leading and motivating a team • Experience of working with local authorities, landowners and managers, representative bodies and voluntary agencies • Experience of countryside management and access issues • Knowledge of current access and recreational issues and their impact on the National Park • Proficiency in MS Office • A valid driving licence. Other organisations may call this role Lead Warden, Senior Park Warden, Warden Service Manager, Senior National Park Warden, Senior Park Ranger, Senior Countryside Ranger, or Senior Countryside Warden. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency. Working hours: full time. Apply here: https://c-js.co.uk/32l6joP.
REF 1883-ONLINE-13/11 Ranger (North East) Hours: 40 Location: Crathes Castle Garden & Estate, Banchory, Aberdeenshire AB31 5QH. Salary range: £22,304 Job Description: To combine responsibilities on nature conservation, visitor services, learning and community engagement to help deliver the strategic objectives of the property and wider National Trust for Scotland. Protect the landscapes in our care and associated marine habitats as part of ecologically healthy habitat networks where natural processes predominate and help combat climate change. Enable more people to experience more heritage more often, get more out of it & put more back into it. Use evidence and practice from our natural heritage properties to support our voice in national debates advocating for natural heritage. Work with communities living on or close to our land or with an interest in our land so that they collaborate with us to help achieve our natural heritage outcomes. Protect the built and archaeological heritage in our care and use them to help us explain the “habitats” outcome and achieve the “visitor’s” outcome. Preferred method of application: Application form - found at www.nts.org.uk/volunteering-jobs/job-search. Closing date: Friday 13 November 2020.
Page 6 CJS Weekly®: 6 November 2020 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 1884-ONLINE-27/11 Excavator Driver Location: Salisbury based but there will be a requirement to travel to clients sites. Salary: To match experience. We are looking for highly skilled & experienced CPCS excavator drivers, to support our Water teams delivering environmental enhancement projects of varying lengths. Main Duties: • Excavating new river channels • Building riverbeds • Landscaping water meadows • Pinning trees into rivers • Creating natural and sympathetic looking ponds, channels and banks. Personal and Professional Qualities: • Highly experienced and skilled excavator driver • Willing to work around protected species and within sensitive soft and wet wildlife sites • Motivated to work flexibly to deliver environmental improvement projects all over the country • Hold valid CPCS card, + / – 10t tracked. If you also have experience of using ENCON tilt rotators that would be preferred • Can work collaboratively and positively with our teams to agree the best ways to access sites and deliver project requirements • Have an awareness of environmental issues • Able to stay away Monday - Friday • Hold a full clean UK driving licence and have access to your own vehicle • Highly flexible and capable of working with different environmental challenges on a variety of different terrain • Previous experience dealing with difficult excavation challenges. We Offer: • A safe and friendly place to work • A personalised development plan and clear career progression • Varied projects and clients, fantastic exposure and on the job learning • A £500 (pro-rata) annual training budget, with more available subject to business case • Support in gaining professional memberships and chartership where appropriate. You will be enrolled on the company pension scheme and have an annual leave allowance. We have over 60 staff working from our three offices in Salisbury, Leamington Spa and Hatfield covering design, contracting and ecology there are numerous opportunities for career progression. To apply please submit your CV and a cover letter to https://c-js.co.uk/3oJEjok by the 27 November 2020.
REF 1885-ONLINE-20/11 Senior Warden (South) Penrhyndeudraeth About Us: Snowdonia National Park Authority protects the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of Snowdonia National Park. Covering 823 miles of diverse landscape, the Park is home to over 26,000 people, the highest mountain in England and Wales and the largest natural lake in Wales. The Benefits: • Salary of £28,672 - £31,346 per annum • Help to protect an amazing site • Work in a beautiful location. The Role: As the Senior Warden, you’ll oversee all staff, property, contracts and responsibilities of the National Park Warden Service in the southern area of the Park. You will: • Develop and deliver countryside access, land management and rights of way management projects • Build and maintain good relationships between residents, visitors, users and agricultural community and conservation interests • Provide information and guidance to visitors and monitor leisure activities in the Park • Offer advice on the Park’s countryside management requirements • Assist the Head of Warden Service with strategic priorities, project programmes and budgets. About You: To join us as a Senior Warden, you’ll need: • The ability to communicate in both Welsh and English • Previous experience of managing, leading and motivating a team • Experience of working with local authorities, landowners and managers, representative bodies and voluntary agencies • Experience of countryside management and access issues • Knowledge of current access and recreational issues and their impact on the National Park • Proficiency in MS Office • A valid driving licence. Other organisations may call this role Lead Warden, Senior Park Warden, Warden Service Manager, Senior National Park Warden, Senior Park Ranger, Senior Countryside Ranger, or Senior Countryside Warden. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency. Working hours: full time. Apply here: https://c-js.co.uk/38erInu.
REF 1886-ONLINE-27/11 Countryside Manager & Senior Ranger Rothiemurchus 40 hours including some weekends, public holidays and evenings and there will be an element of being on-call. You will lead by example as part of the Ranger team and help your team develop through coaching and mentoring. You will inspire, motivate and support the wider Rothiemurchus team and partners to deliver exceptional customer experiences and grow income. You will work with colleagues and stakeholders to deliver business and cultural change and develop successful strategies that align to the delivery of Rothiemurchus as well as the Cairngorms National Park’s vision and plans. You will be an excellent all round communicator with a welcoming, people first style and demonstrate the ability to lead a fast paced, operational team. You will be highly organised, with the ability to balance multiple demands from a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. You will also have a strong commercial approach and deliver against targets whilst creating inclusive, high performing working environments that enable people to be their best. This is a hugely interesting time to join Rothiemurchus and play a key role. If you would like to work in and help to care for one of the most loved and special places in the U.K please apply for an application form and job description to [email protected] 01479 810858 (9.30 - 3.00).
Voluntary Opportunities, online here: c-js.co.uk/CJSVols
REF 1887-VOL-13/11 JOB CONSERVATION EVIDENCE PLACEMENT BE4 13/11/20 LOC SLIMBRIDGE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE / HOME PAY Accommodation, on site & online training* FOR WILDFOWL & WETLANDS TRUST We are looking to recruit a full-time volunteer for a 12 month period who will be based at our Headquarters in Slimbridge, Gloucestershire and will help provide support in all of the work undertaken by our Conservation Evidence department. This will include desk and field based research, laboratory work and data analysis supporting us in our work to save wetlands for wildlife and people. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to develop a career in conservation. Accommodation for this role is provided locally. *Unfortunately no expenses paid. For more information https://c-js.co.uk/31D2qtx. Page 7 CJS Weekly®: 6 November 2020 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF V1888-ONLINE-27/11 High Downs Project Volunteer Trainee Warden Fixed term of 11 months. Closing Date: Midday on Monday 30 November 2020 Interview Date: Monday 14 December 2020 Salary: This is an unpaid voluntary position. Reasonable travel and other authorised expenses may be claimed. Based at: KWT Reserve Park Gate Down, nr Canterbury. Globally and nationally wildlife is in steep decline. We appear to be reaching critical tipping points around the loss of biodiversity as well as around climate change, both being interlinked. Human society cannot prosper without wildlife and healthy ecosystems. Kent’s wildlife needs to be restored to much higher levels. We can no longer allow common things to become rare. We can only do this by restoring large-scale habitat from degraded land. Doing this will contribute to solving global problems. But we won’t be able to do this unless we publicly aspire to a higher level of impact and show that we can deliver this. The Job: The High Downs Volunteer Trainee Warden will be responsible for assisting in the day-to-day management of the core sites of important conservation interest within the High Downs Project Area belonging to the Kent Wildlife Trust: Park Gate Down, Yockletts Bank, Spong Wood and Quilters Wood. The post-holder will also assist with and promote conservation work on partnership sites belonging to Forestry Commission, Stelling Minnis Charitable Trust and other landowners as opportunities arise. Supervised by the High Downs Project Officer and the Ashford and Dover Area Warden, there may be times where some work is carried out without direct supervision. The High Downs Trainee Warden will help with managing conservation volunteers, ensuring the highest health and safety standards at all times. You: You will demonstrate an aptitude and enthusiasm for practical wildlife conservation work. A relevant environmental qualification is desirable, but not essential. The post comes with an extensive package of training opportunities and represents an ideal apprenticeship for those seeking a career in nature conservation. Contact details: For an application pack, visit our website www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk. For an informal discussion please contact the High Downs Project Officer, Mark Tuson on 07500 057920 / [email protected] or Ian Rickards on 07889 737839 / [email protected]. The Kent Wildlife Trust Group is Wild About Inclusion. To us, this means inspiring, empowering and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities, to change the natural world for the better. It also means cultivating inclusive workspaces that are free from discrimination, where differences are celebrated, everyone can be themselves and flourish, just like nature!
REF 1889-VOL-OK4 JOB CONSERVATION PLACEMENT VOLUNTEERS BE4 April 2021 LOC WOKINGHAM PAY Travel & lunch expenses FOR WBC COUNTRYSIDE SERVICE Wokingham Borough Council Countryside Service are seeking 3 enthusiastic volunteers wanting to gain practical conservation experience to help them develop a future career in the countryside sector. You will work alongside the Ranger team enhancing our wonderful Country Parks, maintaining our Public Right of Way network and helping to safeguard the borough’s nature reserves and wildlife. Starting Aug / Sep for a 3 days a week, 44 week placement. You’ll be given a range of skills and training to manage a variety of habitats including large wetland and ancient woodland areas, SSSI heathlands and conservation grazed grasslands. Successful candidates will be given the opportunity to gain qualifications and experience in chainsaws and tractor driving operations. Requirements: 18+; driver’s license (preferable). Note: Seasonal casual paid work is available during the placement period. Please contact [email protected] 07738855329.
REF 1890-VOL-30/11 JOB RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTEER WARDEN BE4 N / A LOC RSPB ARNE, DORSET PAY Accommodation & training FOR RSPB You will be part of a busy team covering 9 reserves across Dorset. These include Arne heathlands, Weymouth wetlands and Garston ancient woodland developing skills and knowledge dealing with this varied range of habitats. Duties are likely to include gorse coppicing, scrub management, ride & glade management, footpath maintenance, fencing, installing & maintaining visitor infrastructure and assisting with surveys. Relevant qualifications and previous experience within the environmental sector would be a benefit. We are looking for someone who is keen to learn, shows initiative and happy to work within a busy & varied team. Key species include Dartford warbler, nightjar, smooth snake, ladybird spider, marsh harrier, bearded tit, white admiral and ancient woodland flora. Accommodation is provided. Training will be provided for key tasks to be carried out, this may include chainsaw, brushcutter and survey techniques. Time commitment, 3 months minimum. Please contact Liz Coates for more information on 07798534540 or [email protected].
REF 1891-VOL-4/12 JOB CONSERVATION GRAZING VOLUNTARY TRAINEE BE4 N / A LOC PICKERING, NORTH YORKSHIRE PAY Training & travel expenses FOR YORKSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST This is a baa-rilliant role if you would like to gain experience working with livestock within the conservation sector. As a Conservation Grazing Voluntary Trainee you will gain skills and experience in all aspects in conservation grazing, livestock management, plus the opportunities to learn about conservation in general. The role is based from Low Carr Farm, near Pickering with travel across the county. This is a 100-acre grassland farm where most of lambing and welfare checks takes place for our 600+ flock of Hebridean sheep. This is an exciting and varied role which promises to give you a great mix of skills! Former voluntary trainees in this role have gone on to great careers in both the farming and conservation sectors. This role is for 12 months, for 3 days a week, comes with a competitive training budget and travel expenses. To apply please download an application form from our website www.ywt.org.uk/voluntary-traineeships. Page 8 CJS Weekly®: 6 November 2020 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts REF 1892-VOL-30/4 JOB AMBASSADOR / ADMINISTRATORS BE4 3/5/21 LOC HOME BASED PAY 0 FOR DOGFOUL.ORG Dog fouling impacts our countryside and parks, creating organic pollution of land and waterways as well as significantly increasing the amount of single use plastic ('doggy bags') entering landfill and oceans. We should all care for our local environment but we know that some go above and beyond. Whilst juggling work, family and life, people are caring for the environment not just on their own doorstep but on their neighbours’ too. Typically an Administrator is an Ambassador (see website) that is very engaged and active within their local group. A Local Administrator has Facebook ‘rights’ and is able to invite and create further local groups in and around their location. Administrators may be involved in involved in local events. Time: 1 hr per week minimum. To become a Dogfoul.org Group Administrator https://dogfoul.org/about go to ‘Take Action’ and then join your local group. Any questions please contact us.
REF 1893-VOL-27/11 JOB AVICULTURE PLACEMENT, LIVING COLLECTIONS TEAM BE4 27/11/20 LOC WWT SLIMBRIDGE PAY Accommodation & training FOR WILDFOWL & WETLANDS TRUST In this role you will be assisting the bird team in all aspects of caring for our avian species; it is a rare opportunity to gain experience in all aspects of avian care. This practical and hands-on role would be an ideal placement for someone who has recently completed an animal-based qualification and is looking to develop their practical skill set in preparation for a career in the zoo industry. We have two full-time placements available. The first is to start as soon as possible and would be for between 5-6 months (finishing by August 2021). The second is a year-long placement starting in August / September 2021.Accommodation is provided, training package relevant to the site, induction training, free access to WWT sites. Full details can be found at www.wwt.org.uk/placements.
REF 1894-VOL-20/11 JOB PROJECT DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEER BE4 22/11/20 IV 28/11/20 LOC HOME BASED PAY Training will be available FOR RSPB We are on a journey to put people at the heart of our mission to save nature. As part of this we are looking to develop our internal capability, confidence and skills to work in new ways so that we can truly empower people to take action for the nature they care about, and have the greatest impact for nature. A key expectation is to create a ‘development programme’ for staff and volunteers to develop capability, confidence and skills to facilitate working with a saving nature through people focus. This will include a range of information across many topics, be appropriate for a range of learning styles, and include practical tools we can apply to our work. Time: Around 1-2 days a week between December 2020 and March 2021. For more information please contact [email protected].
Hedgehogs at threat: Why we’re losing the nation’s favourite mammal and how universities are helping
By Jo Wilkinson, Hedgehog Friendly Campus
A recent report from the Mammal Society lists hedgehogs on Britain’s IUCN Red List as vulnerable to extinction. Their numbers have declined by as much as 50% in the last 20 years, facing such continued threats as roads and loss of natural habitat. The question is, how have we come to this point and what’s being done to turn it around?
The wild hedgehog is engrained in British culture, from books to movies, adverts to Christmas cards. They often top the polls for the nation’s favourite mammal and it’s very easy to see why. Hedgehogs are unmistakeably characteristic, being Britain’s only spiny mammal. In response to the threat of danger, hedgehogs use their back muscles to curl into an impregnable ball – a fascinating defence mechanism against potential predators.
Hedgehogs are incredibly secretive creatures. Being small and nocturnal, their busy night- time schedule is generally hidden from our view. They were considered a symbol of rebirth by the ancient Egyptians, emerging from months of sleep-like hibernation in the spring. Their ability to mate and give birth when covered in sharp spines also stimulates intrigue, giving rise to the famed joke “How do hedgehogs mate? Very carefully!”.
Although at first glance the hedgehog appears shrouded in mystery, we now know a great deal about hedgehogs, due to early and continuing studies into their behaviour and ecology. Unfortunately, these studies show that human actions have major impacts on hedgehogs, at both the The West European hedgehog is now vulnerable to extinction in Britain individual and population level. (BHPS) Page 9 CJS Weekly®: 6 November 2020 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts The hedgehog, once a common garden occurrence, is declining at an alarming rate in the UK, with 50% declines in rural areas and 30% declines in urban regions. Threats include loss of natural habitat due to intensive agriculture and urbanisation, with never-ending fields of monocrops and swathes of concrete paving in place of native hedgerows, scrub and woodland. Habitat loss means less natural food, exacerbated by our habitual use of pesticides and herbicides. In turn, less natural food increases pressure from competing species. We’re chopping up the landscape with deadly roads, creating physical barriers to movement for hedgehogs, who can travel up to 2 kilometres in a single night in search of resources. Likely, the last time you saw a hedgehog was flat on the side of the road, the most recent in a long line of road-kill victims. Thanks to human actions, they’re now listed as vulnerable to extinction on Britain’s IUCN Red List, just one short step behind the likes of the Red Squirrel.
We wait to see how and if the new Red List categorisation may lead to increased protection for the hedgehog and their habitat. A recent British Hedgehog Preservation Society petition calls on the Government to move hedgehogs to schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), affording them greater protections. Only time will tell if hedgehogs will legally require the same protection and care afforded to bats, great crested newts and red squirrels. In the meantime, it’s down to our good will and discretion.
Thankfully, an army of Hedgehog Champions is growing across the UK, ready and willing to fight the good fight. One Hedgehog Friendly Campus provides resources and such branch of this army is Hedgehog Friendly Campus training so that teams can get involved in hedgehog (HFC). HFC is an accreditation scheme funded by the British surveys on campus (Hedgehog Friendly Campus) Hedgehog Preservation Society, providing teams of university staff and students with a toolkit to make hedgehog-friendly changes on campus. It provides the resources, knowledge and understanding to make a real difference and, with almost 80 of the roughly 130 universities across the UK already registered, this revolution is growing fast and strong. With teams able to choose from activities such as litter picks and wildflower planting, hedgehog surveys and hedgehog- friendly building (to name a few), the accreditation suits urban and rural campuses. The campaign provides workshops and webinars, as well as physical resources, to help you help hedgehogs at your university.
The Hedgehog Friendly Campus campaign has seen some fantastic activities across the UK, including the installation of hedgehog crossing signs, modules on hedgehog ecology and first aid, rescue and rehabilitation operations and habitat creation. The campaign also trains Grounds and Landscape teams to “Think Hedgehog”. It’s a great start, but now we need more.
In the future, the campaign could be expanded, allowing colleges, schools, local authority councils and even Staff and students at the University of Sheffield undertake businesses to get involved. For the moment the project’s regular litter picks in the local area to prevent hedgehogs aims are to get all universities registered to help hedgehogs getting caught up and hurt (Hedgehog Friendly Campus) in the UK, and is actively recruiting students and staff at their respective campuses. To join the fight, go to hedgehogfriendlycampus.co.uk to register and email [email protected] for more information.
Follow Hedgehog Friendly Campus: Facebook @hedgehogfriendlycampus Twitter @hogfriendly Instagram @hogfriendly
What is your thing? This is one of the questions Simon Roper asks to make you, as a career changer or new entrant, think about what you can focus on. It may be plants, it may be badgers, it can be anything. Even if you don’t go on to work with your thing it will give you the chance to investigate, and then show the curiosity and skills you’ve learnt by investigating your thing. In time your experiences will lead to very useful examples for interview. What did you do to further your career in nature conservation during lockdown? Get ready for that one at interview – and if you have been investigating your thing and engaging with a growth mindset you will have an answer. Some great suggestions of how to provide more rather than less on job applications and within interviews. Simon and the Team at Ambios run lots of webinars and training sessions and are very willing to help you achieve your goals in life. Watch the video here https://www.facebook.com/CJSJobs/videos/1252132995169606 Page 10 CJS Weekly®: 6 November 2020 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts The Ramblers – helping everyone enjoy walking in winter
The Ramblers are launching a Walk in Winter campaign to encourage people to walk safely near them to enjoy the uplifting boost of walking in nature - on their own, with family or friends, or their dog, using the online Ramblers Routes collection of walks.
Millions of us have found comfort in walking and nature this year, and being able to walk to in nature-filled green spaces close to where we live has proved more important to us than ever following the COVID-19 lockdown. Recent research for the Ramblers by YouGov found that 78% of people said they intended to walk more than they did before when lockdown restrictions have ended.
In the meantime, whilst the days are getting shorter, winter walking can be a great way to blow away the cobwebs, enjoy some magical seasonal surroundings or take a break from preparations for the coming festive season. The Walk In Winter campaign is running to encourage and support everyone to find their feet and enjoy the mood- boosting, uplifting joys of getting out walking in winter.
If you’d like to get out walking locally with family, friends or a canine companion, why not check out Ramblers Routes? It’s an easy-to-search collection of well over 3,000 walks across Britain: it's available online and via our app.
All walks of under three miles in the Ramblers Routes collection are freely available for anyone to access. The rest of the collection is fully available to Ramblers members; an annual membership costs very little, and there are concessionary rates available: membership could make a great festive gift for a loved one, or why not treat yourself?
Get out walking with the children
Once you’ve introduced children to walking the hard part can be keeping them interested. Exercising the family dog is a simple way to add something different to a walk but there are plenty of other easy – and free – ways to make a walk special. Games of I-spy, collecting objects, treasure hunts or even fancy dress can help liven up walks for disinterested children. You could also consider incorporating local attractions or adding a picnic to your walk so they have something extra to look forward to.
Here are three easy ways you can look after your mental health this winter season: 1. Go on a mindful walk We often rush in everyday life and forget to fully experience the present. Being mindful means noticing what is around you, reflecting on how you’re feeling and what you’re thinking about. Walking is a perfect moment to be more mindful and take in everything you are seeing, hearing, feeling, touching and tasting along the way. Focus on your breathing and take in the fresh air around you.
2. Get outdoors at regular intervals Even if you can’t go on a long hike, make sure to step outside regularly during the festive season. Walk to a nearby park or do a round of the garden. There’s nothing like being in green spaces for clearing your head and helping you feel calmer. Make sure to suggest a family walk too – subject to local pandemic lockdown restrictions.
3. Walk and talk Walking and talking come very naturally together and walking with others can make us feel more connected to each other. Sometimes the best way to deal with stress is to talk it through with someone else. It’s also often easier to talk when you’re not sitting still. So, why not grab a friend or neighbour during the festivities and head out for a ramble! (Subject to local pandemic lockdown restrictions)
One of the most important things to remember for winter walking is always wear the correct clothing and footwear for the weather and conditions underfoot.
Happy winter walking! Find out more at https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking.aspx
News Headlines from the past week, Click the headline to read more.
Land and Countryside Management Success for South of Scotland’s biggest community buyout - John Muir Trust Langholm community’s “impossible dream” set to come true, with the help of John Muir Trust members and supporters. The South of Scotland’s largest community buyout is set to go ahead following one of the most ambitious community fundraising campaigns ever seen, with the community of Langholm in Dumfries and Galloway raising the final funds needed in the nick of time. A landmark community buyout agreement of £3.8 million for over 5,000 acres of land has been reached between local charity The Langholm Initiative and Buccleuch Estates – paving the way for the creation of a huge new nature reserve to help tackle climate change, restore nature, and support community regeneration. Page 11 CJS Weekly®: 6 November 2020 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts The Trust’s Head of Policy and Land Management, Mike Daniels, said, “The John Muir Trust is delighted that the Langholm community have achieved their aim. Our members and supporters played a significant role in supporting the community financially right from the start, helping to create the momentum that has generated this fantastic outcome. Empowering communities to repair and rewild their natural assets is part of the DNA of the John Muir Trust, and we look forward to engaging with the people of Langholm on the next stage of their inspiring journey.” Margaret Pool, Chair of The Langholm Initiative, said: “This is an amazing result for Langholm which will live long in the memory. Our community has a strong cultural connection to this land, which has never been sold before, and securing it for generations to come means so much to so many. Huge thanks to Buccleuch for their positive engagement.” The purchase – to be finalised by January 2021 – will lead to the creation of the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve, with globally important peatlands and ancient woods restored, native woodlands established, and a haven ensured for wildlife including rare hen harriers. The project will also support community regeneration, including through plans for the community to capitalise on new nature-based tourism opportunities. Discussions will continue over the remaining 5,300 acres of land the community has expressed an interest in buying.
Wild Purbeck partnership recognised as a shining example of nature recovery in new national initiative - Dorset AONB The Dorset AONB Team are pleased to see the launch of an England-wide initiative that will recover nature across the length and breadth of the country and help everybody access and enjoy it. Purbeck heaths (c) Michael Brown The Nature Recovery Network (NRN) Delivery Partnership, led by Natural England, will bring together representatives from over 600 organisations to drive forward the restoration of protected sites and landscapes and help provide at least 500,000 hectares of new wildlife rich habitat across England. The Network will link together our very best nature-rich places, restore landscapes in towns and the countryside and create new habitats for everybody to enjoy. It is the biggest initiative to restore nature ever to be launched in England. As well as making sure our existing protected sites are in the best possible condition, the Nature Recovery Network programme will recover threatened animal and plant species and create and connect new green and blue spaces such as wetlands, ponds, meadows, woodlands, and peatlands. These restored habitats will help address climate change through capturing carbon, while improving the quality of our air, water, and soil, and provide natural flood protection. They will also provide us all with places to enjoy and connect with nature and help to improve our health and wellbeing.
New environmental intelligence tool will help protect Cornwall’s wildlife and landscape - University of Exeter Lagas in action (Image: University of Exeter) A new environmental intelligence tool for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will help protect the region’s precious wildlife and landscape. Lagas, Cornish for eye, is an online hub of environmental intelligence using the latest technology in sensor networks, mapping software and live wildlife cameras positioned within the premises of partner businesses. The project, which brings together cutting-edge University of Exeter research alongside the work of Cornwall Council and Cornwall Wildlife Trust, makes a wide range of environmental data publicly available and fully accessible that can then inform decision-making processes. Lagas is headed up by the Tevi programme, part of the University of Exeter’s Institute of Cornish Studies. The project is already live, with launch events to herald the arrival of the site now well underway. Sessions have been provided by Dr Stephen Lowe and Dr Ed Glücksman of Tevi, alongside Dr Jonathan Mosedale of the SWEEP project. Tevi has been able to provide sessions to Cornwall Council and Cornwall Wildlife Trust in the use of Lagas. Commenting on how Lagas will inform decisions on natural capital assets, Philippa Hoskin, from the Environmental Growth Team at Cornwall Council, said: “The Lagas natural capital tool provides invaluable new information which will be used by Cornwall Council staff when making decisions on planning, nature protection and recovery.The work of the Tevi team in delivering this environmental intelligence platform will positively impact nature protection and regeneration, and will encourage environmental growth for years to come.”
Country sports Defra concludes its review into releasing gamebirds on and around protected sites - Defra Defra has concluded its review into how gamebird releases on or near European protected sites are managed. The review looked at areas including the number of gamebirds released and their impact on protected sites, the consenting process, and whether further safeguards could be provided to protect sites. The review has now concluded and found that the negative effects of gamebird releases on protected sites tend to be localised and that there are minimal or no effects beyond 500m from the point of release. It also highlighted a need to gain a better understanding of how any impacts - particularly local ones - might be mitigated. In response to a pre-action protocol letter from Wild Justice in July 2019, last September Defra accepted that in principle the annual release of non-native gamebirds on, or affecting, Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas
Page 12 CJS Weekly®: 6 November 2020 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts (SPAs) is capable of constituting a “plan or project” requiring appropriate assessment within the meaning of the Habitats Directive. While not accepting the argument that current laws do not provide for appropriate assessment in such cases, Defra undertook a review to consider the legislative arrangements around the relevant activities and whether there are ways in which their effectiveness could be improved. Defra will continue to consult with industry early in order to minimise any disruption.
Review of gamebird releases on and around European protected sites - Defra Decision Review of the way in which releases of common pheasant and red legged partridge on or near European protected sites in England are managed. In September 2019 the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs took the decision to undertake a review of the way in which releases of common pheasant and red legged partridge on or near European protected sites in England are managed. There were two parts to this review. The first part was a study of the impact of gamebird release on European protected sites. The second part of the review involved an assessment of what steps are appropriate to prevent any adverse impacts of gamebird release. The review has now concluded and the Secretary of State’s proposed measures, along with the basis for these, are set out in this witness statement and exhibits, which were produced and submitted to the court as part of the judicial review challenge relating to gamebird release on and around protected sites. We also publish here correspondence which further clarifies details around the proposed measures. Click through to read.
Response: Defra propose gamebird releasing licence around protected sites - British Association for Shooting and Conservation Shooting organisations have responded with scepticism to Defra’s proposal to implement a licensing system for gamebird release in and around European protected sites, even after Wild Justice have indicated their intention to withdraw their judicial review. With no prior consultation with BASC, Countryside Alliance, National Gamekeepers Organisation or the Game Farmers’ Association – who were all interested parties in the case – Defra has announced its intention to introduce an interim licensing system. The system will encompass the release of pheasant and red-legged partridge in and within 500 metres of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). Wild Justice had originally demanded a 5 km buffer zone. Common cock pheasant (Image: Mable Amber / pixabay) Defra has not yet provided details of their proposal although a consultation on the licensing conditions is expected imminently. The four shooting organisations believe a licensing system is not justified by the scientific evidence, even on an interim basis, that it is a misuse of the precautionary principle and may be unlawful. They are also concerned that it is open to further attack from anti-shooting organisations A spokesperson for the four organisations said: “We are supportive and fully committed to self-regulation and the principles of gamebird management in the interest of sustainable shooting. Defra’s proposed red tape under the precautionary principle will do little but threaten rural jobs, conservation efforts and a host of social benefits that shooting provides. Natural England’s wildlife licensing system has been proven unsuccessful as a light touch regulatory power and we remain unconvinced that Defra’s proposal for European designated sites will be fit for purpose."
Grouse moors and gamekeepers - SRUC Moorland management in Scotland has come under the spotlight in a series of reports assessing socioeconomic and biodiversity impacts of driven grouse moors and the employment rights of gamekeepers. The research, led by SRUC, was commissioned by the Scottish Government to address questions about the impacts of grouse shooting – including concerns about large-scale culls of mountain hares, the burning of heath or stubble (muirburn) and the persecution of raptors. Researchers from SEFARI (Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutes) at SRUC and the James Hutton Institute looked at the financial and employment impacts from a range of different moorland management activities; the employment rights and attitudes of gamekeepers; the extent and intensity of moorland management; and biodiversity impacts from grouse moor management. New research looks at the impacts of driven grouse moors (SRUC) Divided into four reports, the research – which addresses gaps identified by work carried out in Phase 1 research conducted on driven grouse moors – has highlighted the complexities involved in assessing the impacts of grouse moor management, with grouse shooting often embedded in, or underpinned by, wider estate activities, some of which occur on the same moorland that grouse shooting takes place. Page 13 CJS Weekly®: 6 November 2020 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts Project lead Steven Thomson, Agricultural Economist at SRUC and SEFARI Gateway Sector Lead for Communities, said: ”This significant body of evidence provides some new insights into the socio-economic impacts of different models of moorland management, including driven grouse, and helps us better identify the area of moorland used for driven grouse, levels of management intensity and also how management may impact on some less studied flora and fauna related to moorlands. The research has also provided a unique insight into the gamekeeping profession including their terms and conditions of employment.” Read the report here.
RSPB Scotland responds to socio-economic review of grouse shooting in Scotland - RSPB SRUC have today released a series of reports assessing socioeconomic and biodiversity impacts of driven grouse moors and the employment rights of gamekeepers. Duncan Orr-Ewing, RSPB Scotland Head of Species and Land Management, said: “We welcome the production of these socio-economic reports. We do not take argument with the fact that grouse moor management may produce local economic benefits, however it is also equally important that these benefits are kept in proportion and not exaggerated. We do not think these economic benefits detract either from the need to take action over the increasing harms that intensive driven grouse shooting is causing to the environment and wider costs to society in the context of the climate and nature emergencies. The Werritty Review itself was primarily initiated to address the longstanding issue illegal killing of birds of prey, which is strongly linked to grouse shooting, and the need to address this issue has not gone away. We support the immediate introduction of licensing of driven grouse shooting to protect birds of prey alongside other public interests. Licensing would not result in a cessation of grouse shooting, and it can be delivered with minimum bureaucracy, therefore responsible land managers should have nothing to fear from his approach”.
Reaction: New Scottish Government funded research confirms major socio-economic importance of grouse shooting - British Association for Shooting and Conservation A ground-breaking new study has highlighted that grouse shooting delivers significant socio-economic benefits, affirming its place as a much-valued upland land use. Commissioned by the Scottish Government, the research shows that grouse shooting sustains many jobs and delivers high levels of local and regional investment while receiving no public funding. The research has been published prior to the Scottish Government’s response to the independent review on grouse moor management known as the Werritty Review. BASC Scotland Director, Dr Colin Shedden, said: “This research confirms that grouse shooting, especially driven shooting, makes an enormous socio-economic contribution across the uplands of Scotland. Despite running at a net loss, driven grouse shooting enterprises boost employment and drive rural business. The research also highlights how sporting enterprises are entirely self-sustaining. While conservation enterprises rely on public funding for 79% of their revenue, grouse shooting and deer stalking enterprises require no direct public funding whatsoever. The study affirms that an outstanding array of benefits are delivered on grouse moors at no expense to the public purse. “The Scottish Government must consider the findings of this research when it formally responds to the recommendations of the independent review into grouse moor management later this year. The contribution made by grouse shooting is integral to rural Scotland, and every effort must be made to safeguard the lifeline it provides to upland communities.”
Grants and funding The Prince’s Countryside Fund receives £25,000 from the National Lottery to continue vital work - The Prince’s Countryside Fund The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) has awarded The Prince’s Countryside Fund (PCF) £25,000 as part of their Coronavirus Community Support Fund. The grant will go towards the PCF’s Farm Support Initiative, a programme which supports farmer networks in the UK. The PCF’s Farm Support Coordinator works to increase collaboration and knowledge sharing between the 40 plus farm support groups, who provide vital support to rural and farming families in the form of free, confidential and practical advice to help people with problems such as business worries, financial hardship, isolation and ill health.
Animal and Wildlife News Defra launches the Healthy Bees Plan 2030 to help protect honey bees - Defra Honey bees contribute directly to local food production and make an important contribution, through pollination, to crop production and the wider environment. Defra and the Welsh Government have today (Tuesday 3 November) published the Healthy Bees Plan 2030 to protect and improve the health of honey bees in England and Wales. The plan sets out four key outcomes for beekeepers, bee farmers, associations and government to work towards to help protect honey bees, which continue to face pressure from a variety of pests, diseases and environmental threats including the invasive non-native species Asian hornet. Honey bees contribute directly to local food production and make an important contribution, through pollination, to crop production and the wider environment. The economic benefit of pollination to crop production in the UK is approximately £600m each year, based on yield. The Healthy Bees Plan 2030 was developed in consultation with bee health stakeholders and is aimed at sustaining the health of honey bees and beekeeping in England and Wales over the next decade. The plan sets out four key outcomes to help protect honey bees: 1. Effective biosecurity and good standards of husbandry, to minimise pest and disease risks and so improve the sustainability of honey bee populations. 2. Enhanced skills and production capability/capacity of beekeepers and bee farmers.
Page 14 CJS Weekly®: 6 November 2020 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts 3. Sound science and evidence underpinning the actions taken to support bee health. 4. Increased opportunities for knowledge exchange and partnership working on honey bee health and wider pollinator needs. Launching the Healthy Bees Plan 2030, Pollinators Minister Rebecca Pow, said: During the coronavirus pandemic we have seen an increased connection with the natural world, and the new Healthy Bees Plan provides a blueprint to look after the health of some of our most important insects – the bees – our unsung heroes. Bee health stakeholders have had a key role in developing our plan, and we look forward to working together to help ensure our bees can survive and thrive for future generations.”
Specialised omnivores – individual red foxes prefer different foods in the city and the countryside - Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Foxes are considered to be particularly adaptable and suited to life in large cities. A team of scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) in cooperation with the Berlin-Brandenburg State Laboratory has now deciphered an important aspect of these adaptations. Using stable isotope analysis, they showed that individual red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have a much narrower diet than might be expected from their omnivorous habits. The population of country foxes had a much broader diet than their urban conspecifics, whose diet differed little between individuals. The diet of urban and country foxes showed little overlap. This combination of specialisation and flexibility is a key to this omnivore's adaptability, according to a paper published in the scientific journal “Ecology and Evolution”. A city fox is searching for food. (Photo: S. Kramer-Schadt/Leibniz-IZW ) The red fox's ability to eat almost anything is certainly a key to success in conquering urban habitats. The fact that urban foxes all eat more or less the same food probably also indicates that there is plenty for all of them, says Scholz. “Obviously there is enough for everyone. We city dwellers set their table abundantly – with leftover food, waste, compost and pet food.” Publication: Scholz C, Firozpoor F, Kramer-Schadt S, Gras P, Schulze C, Kimmig SE, Voigt CC, Ortmann S (2020): Individual dietary spezialization in a generalist predator: A stable isotope analysis of urban and rural red foxes. Ecology and Evolution. DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6584
Scottish SPCA rehabilitates and releases youngest red squirrels in area of conservation - Scottish SPCA We have released five red squirrels that came into the care of our National Wildlife Rescue Centre when they were just hours old. We were handed the newborns by a member of the public after their nest was suspected to have been blown out of a tree in Fife on 29 July. Red Squirrel (Nadia Tighe/Pixabay) The squirrels weighed just 12 grams each when they arrived and required hourly feeding. Animal care assistant Juanita Zaldua took on the mammoth responsibility of providing the kits with round-the-clock care. Juanita said, “It was touch and go for a while, we weren’t sure if they were going to make it. Kits that young should be with their mum and require dedicated specialist care. I had to feed them every hour, even through the night, for the first three weeks. In the third week they opened their eyes which made the sleep-deprivation worthwhile! They continued to stay with me while I hand-reared them. Once they had weaned at around nine-weeks, they were strong enough to go out in to the aviary where they learned to interact and play. We recently released them in an area of the Highlands where conservationists are trying to increase the population of red squirrels. We were all very sad to see them go but it was so rewarding to be able to raise them and watch them be released back to their natural habitat. I was like a proud mum watching her babies enter the big wide world! The environment they now live in has nest boxes, support feeding and they are being monitored as we get closer to the colder months. We were over the moon to be sent footage of our squirrels jumping from tree to tree and feeding well.”
Surrey Wildlife Trust Rediscovers Great Fox-Spiders - Surrey Wildlife Trust One of UK’s Largest and Most Endangered Spiders Rediscovered After More Than 25 Years Surrey Wildlife Trust has rediscovered one of the largest and most endangered British spiders on a Ministry of Defence (MOD) training area in Surrey, after more than 25 years without a UK sighting. The Great Fox-Spider is Red-listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ and was feared extinct in the UK as it had only ever been found at three sites, two in Dorset and the other in Surrey, but hadn’t been seen since the early 1990s. Great fox-spider (Alopecosa fabrilis) (male) © Mike Waite, Surrey Wildlife Trust Great Fox-Spiders are ground dwelling and largely nocturnal but Mike Waite, spider enthusiast at Surrey Wildlife Trust, had never given up hope that he might find the monster spider. He spent many hours of late night searching with a torch over the last two years. Finally he discovered some unidentifiable immature spiderlings, on MOD land Page 15 CJS Weekly®: 6 November 2020 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts managed by the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, and then, at last several mature males and one female Great Fox-Spider, which was 55mm or just over two inches in diameter including its hairy, spiny legs. With excellent eyesight, camouflage and speed, the Great Fox-Spider Alopecosa fabrilis is one of the largest of the Wolf- Spider Lycosidae family of spiders. An opportunistic predator which hunts at night it is named for its wolf-like habit of chasing down its prey, across sandy terrain, over gravel and rocks before pouncing and capturing insects on the run.
Ecology and Biodiversity New research shows trees on poultry farms are providing havens for wildlife - Woodland Trust Trees planted on poultry farms in Cumbria are providing benefits for biodiversity, new research for the Woodland Trust shows. The trees had originally been integrated on to ranges owned by or supplying Penrith-based The Lakes Free Range Egg Company to improve the health and welfare of the hens, boosting both the quality and quantity of eggs and making the farms more productive, but they have also become havens for wildlife. David Brass - Credit Phil Formby Woodland Trust Over the last five years biodiversity surveys have been carried out in spring and summer on nine ranges that supply The Lakes Free Range Egg Company (LFREC). Three had established trees on them of more than eight years old, three had trees between four and seven years old and three had only had trees planted in the last two years. The aim of the research, which was carried out for the Woodland Trust by Paul Arkle and Seumus Eaves of Cumbrian Farm Environmental Partnership with the ongoing support of LFREC CEO David Brass and his wife Helen, was to assess what wildlife used this treed habitat and how farmers could further enhance its value. Read the research briefing here
Government warned nature targets will be missed without more investment - Wildlife and Countryside Link Environmental groups welcome the launch of Natural England’s Nature Recovery Network partnership today, but warn that the Government’s flagship Nature Recovery Network commitment will face critical delay or failure without additional funding. Government funding for green recovery projects is almost 10X oversubscribed reveal new figures The top nature charities in the country are today warning the government that a lack of investment in nature could mean delay and default on key environmental targets, including 500,000 hectares of new wildlife habitat as part of a Nature Recovery Network. In an open letter sent to the Chancellor today, environment groups say that £1bn capital investment is needed in green projects to set nature on a path to recovery on land and at sea. The warning comes as a Parliamentary Question from Ruth Jones MP, revealed that Defra’s £40m Green Recovery Challenge Fund, which aims to kick-start environmental renewal and create green jobs, is oversubscribed by almost £330m. Shovel-ready green projects requiring £368million of funding were submitted to the fund, almost ten times the amount of funding available. The groups say that increasing the funding available to the Green Recovery Challenge Fund would deliver wildlife-rich habitat in every corner of the country in the next financial year. They warn that Government promises of a green recovery need to be backed up by real investment. Natural England is today launching its Nature Recovery Network Delivery partnership. This collaboration of government, industry and environment groups aims to jointly deliver a connected and expanded network of green spaces across the country. This would help to restore nature, tackle climate change and improve people’s well-being. Environment groups are a key part of delivering the network, but with funding having dried up in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis many of their projects which would feed into this network are unlikely to be able to go ahead.
Recreation, Volunteering and Health Don’t Lose Your Way reveals over 49,000 miles of lost historic paths - Ramblers The Ramblers' Don't Lose Your Way campaign has found 49,138 miles of rights of way missing from the definitive map in England and Wales, which it is now racing to save by 2026. 49,138 miles of historic paths – enough to stretch around the world nearly twice – are missing from official maps in England and Wales, the Ramblers reveals today. These paths are a vital part of our heritage, describing how people have travelled over the centuries within their communities and beyond, yet if they are not claimed for inclusion on the definitive map (the legal record of rights of way) by January 2026, we risk losing them forever. At a time when more than ever, we recognise the importance of being able to easily access green space and connect with nature, it is vital that we create better walking routes to enable everyone to explore the countryside and our towns and cities on foot.
Page 16 CJS Weekly®: 6 November 2020 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts This follows a mass ‘citizen geography’ project launched in February this year – part of the Ramblers’ Don’t Lose Your Way campaign – which saw thousands of volunteers join forces to find all these lost rights of way. Surveying England and Wales In the most comprehensive survey of lost rights of way to date, thousands of volunteers searched 154,000 one-kilometre squares using the Ramblers’ bespoke online mapping site and found that there are nearly five times as many missing paths as the initial estimate of 10,000 miles. However, after the Government cut-off date of January 2026, it will no longer be possible to add paths to the definitive map based on historic evidence, meaning our right to access them will not be protected for the future. More than a fifth of the lost paths found are in the South West of England (over 9,000 miles) with Devon topping the list of counties with the most missing rights of way, while the West Midlands had the highest density of lost paths to potentially be added to the map. (Please see below.) Jack Cornish, the Ramblers’ Don’t Lose Your Way programme manager, said: “The amazing response we had from the public to help us search for missing rights of way just goes to show what an important place our path network holds in the hearts of so many of us. By getting the most useful of these paths back on the map, we will not only be saving a little bit of our history, we’ll also be able to improve the existing network, creating new and better walking routes, enabling more of us to more easily enjoy the outdoors.”
Nature being prescribed in Edinburgh to support health and wellbeing - RSPB GPs at five practices in Edinburgh have started prescribing nature as part of a new collaboration between RSPB Scotland and Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation, the official charity of NHS Lothian. Over the next five months, GPs at five practices in Edinburgh will be able to prescribe nature to patients as part of their treatment, thanks to an innovative project designed by RSPB Scotland, in collaboration with NHS Lothian’s charity partner, the Edinburgh and Lothian’s Health Foundation, and local GPs. The five practices: East Craigs Medical Centre, Leith Mount Surgery, Inchpark Surgery, St Triduana’s Medical Practice and Mill Lane Surgery, are participating in a five-month trial of Nature Prescriptions, an initiative inspired by growing evidence that connecting with nature makes us healthier and happier. Credit: Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com) Nature Prescriptions started in Shetland in 2017 as a partnership between RSPB Scotland and NHS Shetland and was successfully rolled out to all ten GP practices across Shetland in 2018. The new Edinburgh pilot aims to investigate whether Nature Prescriptions can be delivered in a similar way in an urban environment, and to explore the potential for extending it throughout Scotland. Once again, RSPB Scotland has used their knowledge and understanding of connecting people with nature to produce a leaflet and a calendar of ideas, this time specific to Edinburgh. These materials have been designed to help patients connect with nature in a variety of ways and are provided, where needed, alongside regular prescriptions as part of a range of health treatments prescribed by their GP.
Sustainability, Pollution and Climate Change Warming of 2°C would release billions of tonnes of soil carbon - University of Exeter Global warming of 2°C would lead to about 230 billion tonnes of carbon being released from the world's soil, new research suggests. Global soils contain two to three times more carbon than the atmosphere, and higher temperatures speed up decomposition – reducing the amount of time carbon spends in the soil (known as "soil carbon turnover"). The new international research study, led by the University of Exeter, reveals the sensitivity of soil carbon turnover to global warming and subsequently halves uncertainty about this in future climate change projections. The estimated 230 billion tonnes of carbon released at 2°C warming (above pre-industrial levels) is more than four times the total emissions from China, and more than double the emissions from the USA, over the last 100 years. “Our study rules out the most extreme projections – but nonetheless suggests substantial soil carbon losses due to climate change at only 2°C warming, and this doesn’t even include losses of deeper permafrost carbon," said co-author Dr Sarah Chadburn, of the University of Exeter. This effect is a so-called "positive feedback" – when climate change causes knock-on effects that contribute to further climate change.The response of soil carbon to climate change is the greatest area of uncertainty in understanding the carbon cycle in climate change projections. To address this, the researchers used a new combination of observational data and Earth System Models – which simulate the climate and carbon cycle and subsequently make climate change predictions.
Scientific Research Citizen scientists help lift the lid on one of our nearest avian neighbours - British Trust for Ornithology An army of citizen scientists across the UK has provided scientists at the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) with new insights into the nesting habits of the House Martin, arguably our closest nesting neighbour. Over a two year period, members of the public across the UK were asked to help monitor the breeding behaviour of House Martins. The House Martin is a summer visitor to the UK that spends the winter months in sub-Saharan Africa, returning to build their cup-shaped nests under the eaves of buildings during April and May. During the last 25 years the House Martin has declined by 39% and is amber-listed as a bird of conservation concern but it is unclear what the drivers behind the decline might be. By asking members of the public to provide information on the House Martins that were nesting on their properties or on nearby public buildings, scientists at the BTO hoped to gain some insights to how this delightful relative of the Swallow is Page 17 CJS Weekly®: 6 November 2020 Please remember to mention CJS® when responding to adverts faring in different parts of the country and whether breeding success differed in different parts of the UK. Their findings were very interesting. House Martins arrived earlier in the east and began breeding earlier than birds in the west, possibly a benefit of drier weather in the east. Birds that used old nests from previous years or artificial nests had greater breeding success than those that built from scratch Substrate was also important. Birds that built nests on PVC as opposed to brick, concrete or wood had much lower breeding success – perhaps because nests were more likely to collapse on the PVC substrate. Breeding House Martins did better in suburban settings and with the presence of freshwater. Although the amount of agricultural land had no influence, more young were produced by birds that bred close to livestock. Interestingly, there was no evidence of more young being produced in the north than in the south, despite the national trend showing a greater decline in House Martins in the south. Access the paper: Kettel, E.F., Woodward, I.D., Balmer, D.E. and Noble, D.G. (2020), Using citizen science to assess drivers of Common House Martin Delichon urbicum breeding performance. Ibis. doi:10.1111/ibi.12888
Scientific Publications Defra Research and analysis: Bovine TB: incidence of TB in cattle in licenced badger control areas in 2013 to 2019 Annual TB monitoring data and results for each of the badger control licensed areas and their buffer areas up to the end of 2019. This monitoring report provides the annual TB monitoring data and results for each of the badger control licensed areas and their buffer areas up to the end of 2019. New badger control areas will be included in subsequent reports once they have at least one year of follow-up data available. Download the Bovine TB in cattle: badger control areas monitoring report, 2013 to 2019 documents (pdf)
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Other items of interest.
SOS-UK has submitted their first round Kickstarter application to DWP which covered 87 placements at 32 environmental and conservation organisations. The SOS-UK scheme, called Race for Nature, is run in partnership with Action for Conservation, Generation Success and Voyage Youth and is focused on encouraging and supporting BAME young people to be Kickstarters. Their partnership is now running a second round of applications with a deadline of Friday 20 November 2020. Placements must be of six month duration and can start anytime during 2021. Government will reimburse the payroll, national insurance and any auto-enrolment pension costs for 25 hours a week at minimum wage, although the Race for Nature partnership requires you to pay a living wage. As a Kickstart gateway organisation you can access placements through them meaning you do not have to meet the minimum 30 placements yourself. There is more information on their programme, including the living wage commitments, at https://sustainability.nus.org.uk/kickstart. Please direct any questions to Laura Kravac [email protected] or Jamie Agombar [email protected]
Thoughts on storks study from University of Brighton The study is exploring current awareness, knowledge and attitudes towards the white stork and its recent and ongoing reintroduction in southern England – with the aid of an online survey. All views are welcome in this impartial survey, which has been ethically approved by the University of Brighton. Anyone living in the UK aged 18 or older can complete the survey. The closing date for the survey is the 15th November 2020. https://www.brighton.ac.uk/news/2020/thoughts-on-storks
Please note: Opportunities are advertised in CJS Weekly for one week only. Details appear in CJS Weekly: Existing Opportunities in subsequent weeks. Online subscribers have access to several months of back issues. CJS is printed in- house using 100% recycled paper. Details believed correct but given without prejudice. Ends.
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