Bulletin of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

Issue 91 | March 2016 Managing the Impact of Animal and Plant Diseases on Biodiversity

In this issue

Wildlife Disease Disease Risk in Bats and Infectious Surveillance Wildlife Translocations Diseases Welcome Information

From Our New President In Practice No. 91 March 2016 Welcome to the latest edition of In Practice, where you will find a wide range of ISSN 1754-4882 interesting articles on wildlife disease issues. Rather than give you my take on those, I will let you read them for yourself and use this space to introduce myself as CIEEM President, Editor and talk about some of the exciting work that the Institute is involved in. Dr Gillian Kerby ([email protected]) We have been through a period of significant change at CIEEM over the past few years: Internal contributions receipt of the Royal Charter; a new governance structure; and a reorganisation of the coordinator Secretariat. In 2016 we have a strong and growing membership, and a Register of over Mr Jason Reeves 100 Chartered Ecologists. So what’s next? ([email protected]) One of my priorities is to continue to raise the profile of the Institute and its members. There still seems to be a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation about what Editorial Board professional ecologists and environmental managers do. I want CIEEM to become Mr Jonathan Barnes, Dr Andrew Cherrill, known as the place to go for skills, knowledge, and evidence-based advice on matters Mr Dominic Coath, Dr William Latimer, to do with the natural environment. We want to engage the press, providing comment Mrs Allison Potts, Mr Paul Rooney, on matters of interest to the wider public, and get involved with schools as STEMNet Mr Paul Scott, Miss Katrena Stanhope, Ambassadors to ensure that the next generation understand the great careers available Mr Darren Towers in our sector. Opinions expressed by contributors Importantly we want to engage on policy matters. A key issue for us at the moment is to In Practice are those of the authors the impacts on both our sector, and the natural environment, if the UK were to leave and not necessarily supported by the the EU. Thank you to those of you who completed our recent members’ survey on this Institute. Readers should seek appropriate issue which showed overwhelming support for the “In” campaign. You can read a brief professional guidance relevant to their summary of these data in Institute News on page 4, with a full report in the next edition. individual circumstances before following In addition to working on the EU referendum, we are keen to engage politically and to any advice provided herein. proactively advise on matters relating to environment policy in all the countries where our members work. To this end I have recently established a policy working group of senior Information on advertising, including Fellows and you will be hearing more about their work. rates and deadlines, can be found at www.cieem.net. The Institute does not For a long time, CIEEM has been interested in the training and competence of Ecological accept responsibility for advertising Clerks of Works (ECoWs). This year we intend to develop and implement a scheme for the formal training and accreditation of ECoWs, sponsored by stakeholders who content or policy of advertisers, nor does recognise the importance of this strategic skills gap. We would be very interested to hear the placement of advertisements within your views on this, particularly from organisations who may wish to become sponsors In Practice imply support for companies, and contribute to the development of the system. individuals or their products or services advertised herein. Another of my priorities is to increase membership. With more members, we have a louder voice and continue to raise the profile of our industry. And of course the increased CIEEM Office revenue from more members means we can provide more services to members. So 43 Southgate Street, Winchester, please, do engage with your Institute and let us know what you want to see. Hampshire, SO23 9EH, UK Despite being a consultant myself, I am keen that CIEEM is not seen as a ‘Consultant’s Club’ and want to reach out to potential members in NGOs, statutory bodies, central T: 01962 868626 and local government, and academia. What can the Institute do for you? And, also, E: [email protected] what can you do for the Institute, the profession and future generations of ecologists? For those of you who are already members, we would like you to see membership W: www.cieem.net of CIEEM as a journey, closely linked to your career development. You can apply to In Practice is printed on paper using upgrade your membership at any time; you do not need to wait until membership 100% post-consumer, de-inked waste. renewals season! Why not review the (new improved) Competency Framework and This is manufactured by an ISO14001 see if it’s time to apply for Full membership, Chartered status, or even to start drafting and EMAS accredited company. that Fellowship application? © Chartered Institute of Ecology and Whatever the stage of your career, I hope that you all find something of value and Environmental Management interest in your membership of CIEEM. Please let us know. And also what else you would like us to do.

Have a great survey season! Front cover image: Acute Oak Decline Stephanie Wray CEcol CEnv FCIEEM President [email protected]

2 Issue 91 | March 2016 Contents

Wildlife Disease Surveillance by the Animal and Plant Health Agency Monitoring Disease in Birds and J. Paul Duff, Alex M. Barlow, Andrew C. Other Wildlife: Partnering Citizen Breed, Daisy Duncan, J. Paul Holmes and Scientists with Paid Professionals PG 7 Richard M. Irvine PG 18 Mike Toms and Becki Lawson

Control Measures for Exotic Plant Pests and Diseases in the UK Bats and Infectious Diseases: Paul Beales, Helen Long A Two-Sided Story PG 12 and Lucy Carson-Taylor PG 23 Lisa Worledge and Helen Miller

Disease Risk Analysis and Post-Release Health Surveillance in Wildlife Translocations The Role of the Two Spotted Oak Liam Fitzpatrick, Jenny Jaffe, Buprestid in Acute Oak Decline PG 15 Tony Sainsbury and Ian Carter PG 33 Katy Reed

02 Editorial 23 – Bats and Infectious Diseases: 51 – Sharing Ecological Data A Two-Sided Story 03 Contents Using GIS Files Lisa Worledge and Helen Miller Richard Smith, Peter Johnson, 04 Chartered Institute News 27 – The Ecological and Conservation Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, Tom Hunt, and Activities Implications of Ash Dieback Mandy Rudd and Rosie Whicheloe 05 News in Brief (Chalara) and Methods to 54 – Great Crested Newt Mitigate Impacts HSI Calculator Tool Feature Articles Ruth Mitchell, Alice Broome Owen Crawshaw 07 – Wildlife Disease Surveillance by the and Ralph Harmer 56 – Smart, Savvy and Succinct Animal and Plant Health Agency 33 – The Role of the Two Spotted Oak – Advertising Tips J. Paul Duff, Alex M. Barlow, Buprestid in Acute Oak Decline 57 – Pragmatism, Proportionality Andrew C. Breed, Daisy Duncan, Katy Reed J. Paul Holmes and Richard M. Irvine and Professional Judgement 38 – Important Updates in Natural 61 – Using the ‘My CPD’ Tool 11 – Provision of Wildlife Disease Environment Law and Policy Surveillance in Scotland Chloe Sutcliffe 63 – The Alternative Decalogue Caroline Robinson for CIEEM Members: 42 – Meet the Author Towards Improving Standards 12 – Control Measures for Exotic Plant – Lisa Worledge Pests and Diseases in the UK in the Profession Paul Beales, Helen Long Professional Updates Des Thompson, Richard Graves, and Lucy Carson-Taylor Sally Hayns and Deborah Alexander 43 – Joint SNH-CIEEM Sharing Good 15 – Disease Risk Analysis and Post- 66 – Complaints Update Release Health Surveillance in Practice Event on Non-Native and 67 – Chartered Members Wildlife Translocations Emergent Diseases of Wild Plants Liam Fitzpatrick, Jenny Jaffe, and Animals 68 – The British Ecological Society Tony Sainsbury and Ian Carter Jenny Park Jackie Caine 17 – Wildlife Disease & Contaminant 45 – Sharing Evidence of Effective 69 CIEEM’s Member Networks Monitoring & Surveillance Network Management and Mitigation Richard Shore Sally Hayns and Mick Hall 71 New Members 18 – Monitoring Disease in Birds and 47 – Conservation Evidence: Providing 72 Recent Publications and Journals Other Wildlife: Partnering Citizen Evidence to Improve Practice Scientists with Paid Professionals Nancy Ockendon 73 Diary Mike Toms and Becki Lawson and Bill Sutherland 74 External Advertisements Issue 91 | March 2016 3 Chartered Institute News and Activities

CIEEM and the EU Referendum Volunteers Wanted CIEEM continues to be engaged with the forthcoming EU referendum. CIEEM’s Governing Board is looking for We have undertaken a survey of the CIEEM membership to ask their views on the impacts 2 volunteers to serve on a new Audit of a possible Brexit. We are continuing to analyse the results, however the overwhelming and Risk Sub-Committee. Volunteers, response from members is that EU membership is better for the sector and for nature who should be Full members or Fellows conservation. A report of the findings will be published shortly. of the Institute, should have some We are collaborating with the Society for the Environment on this matter in the context experience of managing business risk of the wider environmental sector. including finance, health and safety and employment. The Sub-Committee We also continue to add links to information relevant to the natural environment and the will meet twice a year in Winchester, referendum on the below webpage. although attendance via Skype or http://www.cieem.net/eu-referendum teleconference will be possible. Interested members should visit the members’ area of the CIEEM website Activities of the Professional Standards Committee (PSC) and download the Audit and Risk The production of guidance documents and the review and, in some cases, Committee Terms of Reference and endorsement of guidance produced by other organisations has become an increasing the Standing Committees Application part of the role of the PSC and was the main focus of the December meeting. In Form. The deadline for the return of response, the PSC has drafted a series of principles which it believes underpin good forms is 31 March 2016. guidance, which were discussed and agreed during the meeting. Following on from the recent guidance note produced for homeowners in relation to bat surveys, PSC has produced a guidance note for homeowners on engaging Staff Changes an ecologist (http://www.cieem.net/news/304/cieem-publish-new-guidance-for- In January we said goodbye to our homeowners-on-engaging-an-ecologist). This was reviewed and discussed at the Professional Development Officer Helen December meeting and published early in the New Year. Boulden, who decided after nearly four The draft 3rd Edition of the Bat Conservation Trust’s Bat Survey Guidelines and years with CIEEM to take some time out to the Mammal Society’s draft Water Vole Mitigation Handbook were reviewed spend with her young daughter. We wish and discussed; both documents were recommended to the Governing Board for Helen all the best. endorsement, which was subsequently approved. In the same month we were pleased to The PSC also agreed to approve a proposal for the production of new guidance to welcome Krystie Hamilton as our new assist ecologists with the interpretation of air quality impact assessments, so that Professional Development Co-ordinator. impacts on ecological resources can be better predicted. Krystie will take on some of Helen’s responsibilities and work closely with our The need for CIEEM to produce a list of approved professional practice guidance existing Professional Development Co- documents was debated, given the number of different documents available and the ordinator Lexie Munro. increasing reliance placed on these by planning authorities, as well as their relevance to complaints made against members. The PSC noted a number of challenges to this task and would be keen to hear the views of members. CIEEM publishes new The December meeting also included agreement of a joint statement with the guidance on work experience Association of Local Government Ecologists. This is intended to promote greater Guidelines on Providing Quality clarity on the ecological reports to be submitted in support of planning applications, Work Experience in Ecology and and the need for these to follow CIEEM’s Guidelines for Ecological Report Writing Environmental Management has been and, in the case of EcIAs, the Guidelines on Ecological Impact Assessment. The produced to help organisations provide statement is aimed at planning applicants as well as local planning authorities. legally compliant, ethically sound, properly planned and rewarding work experience opportunities to those Future themes for In Practice seeking to enter the profession. It emphasises the value and benefits of Edition Theme Submission deadline such opportunities to host organisations September 2016 Upland Ecology 30 May 2016 and the wider profession as well as December 2016 Working in Partnership 29 August 2016 to the individual. The guidance can be downloaded from the Professional If you would like to contribute an article to one of these editions please contact the Editor at Guidance Series of documents in the [email protected]. Contributions are welcomed from both members and non-members. members’ area of the website.

4 Issue 91 | March 2016 News in Brief

Natural England consultation on proposed licensing policies Bill to boost Wales’ natural At the time of writing, Natural England (NE) is planning to launch a public consultation resources to become law on four new proposed licensing policies for European Protected Species (EPS) at the end The latest piece of pioneering of February. These policies aim to secure better outcomes for EPS and be more enabling Welsh Government legislation – the of development. They relate in particular to NE’s approach to securing mitigation and Environment (Wales) Bill – aimed at compensation and broadly cover: planning and managing Wales’ natural • Opportunities to reduce the amount of trapping and translocation required by licensing, resources in a more sustainable and with a shift towards habitat provision instead joined-up way has been passed by the • Greater flexibility in the location of habitat compensation (allowing strategic locations to be National Assembly for Wales. When used and development contributions to be pooled) law, it will put in place a stronger • Greater flexibility in requirements for temporary habitat (such as mineral workings) approach to tackle climate change with • Opportunities to reduce seasonality delays in development by ensuring that field survey at least an 80% emission reduction requirements are closely tied to risk levels target by 2050. CIEEM will email members directly when we have confirmation of the consultation details. http://gov.wales/newsroom/ environmentandcountryside/2016/bill- Natural England to end core to-boost-wales-natural-resources-to- Third edition of Bat support for LERCs become-law/?lang=en Surveys for Professional Natural England’s (NE) evidence team has Ecologists published recently contacted managers of Local Environmental Better Following extensive feedback Environmental Records Centres (LERCs) in Regulation Bill good news from different user groups the Bat England to announce that it will no longer for Northern Ireland Conservation Trust (BCT) has produced be pursuing Memoranda of Agreement with environment and business Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: LERCs. This means that they are not going Good Practice Guidelines (3rd edition). to provide support for the daily running of Environment Minister Mark Durkan has The guidelines were revised, updated LERCs or requesting specific services from driven forward important new legislation and reviewed by experts and feature them. This was not a decision NE have taken that will help protect the environment new chapters and content. lightly, but felt it was a necessary step in the and give a boost to environmentally pursuit of a strategy more in line with their responsible businesses. The Environmental www.cieem.net/news/300/third- Open Data agenda. As a consequence of the edition-of-bat-surveys-for-professional- Better Regulation Bill has secured the final decision, from 1 April 2016 onwards, NE will ecologists-published approval of the Assembly. This legislation not be using species, habitat and sites data will strengthen environmental protection, provided by LERCs in their decision-making. simplify environmental legislation and Review group’s report The decision does not necessarily mean reduce red tape for business. recommends increases to a complete end to NE–LERC relations, as https://www.doeni.gov.uk/news/ wildlife crime penalties NE intends to offer LERCs the opportunity environmental-better-regulation-bill-good- Scotland’s Environment Minister Aileen to bid for Open Data grants in the future. news-environment-and-business-durkan McLeod has welcomed the publication of a However it will have a significant impact on report examining the penalties available for data access to NE at a national level and will New GCN Mitigation Licence wildlife crime offences. The report, drawn require local Area Teams to make their own funding agreements with LERCs where they Method Statement Template up by a review group chaired by Professor Mark Poustie, an Environmental Law need to continue accessing their services. Natural England has been working to expert at Strathclyde University, sets out www.cieem.net/news/301/natural-england- improve the great crested newt (GCN) ten recommendations. As well as increases to-end-core-support-for-lercs Method Statement template. From to the maximum available penalties, the 30 January 2016 Natural England report also recommends greater use of expects all new GCN applications to be New plans to save alternative penalties such as forfeiture, submitted with a Method Statement England’s hen harriers systematic use of impact statements in using this new template. Any new court, new sentencing guidelines, and Plans to help revive the hen harrier, applications submitted on the ‘April consolidation of wildlife legislation. one of England’s most persecuted 2013 template’ after this time will be birds, have been published as sent back to the applicant with a request http://www.gov.scot/ part of the government’s ongoing to re-submit on the new template. Publications/2015/11/2196 commitment to preserve and enhance https://www.gov.uk/government/ our nation’s natural environment. publications/great-crested-newts-apply- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ for-a-mitigation-licence stewart-new-plans-to-save-englands- hen-harriers

Issue 91 | March 2016 5 Ireland EPA launches Strategic Launch of Scottish Protected Plan 2016-2020 – ‘Our European Parliament Nature Sites web tool Environment, Our Wellbeing’ votes for nature The flagship dataset from Scottish Natural The EPA will further strengthen its core In a vote at the European Parliament Heritage (SNH), Site Condition Monitoring functions of regulation, enforcement on 2 February 2016, Europe’s political (SCM), records the condition of around and assessment over the life of its new representatives have stood up to defend 2,000 species and 3,000 habitat features Statement of Strategy, prioritising air key under-threat EU nature laws. By an across nearly 2,000 sites of national and and water quality, climate change, and overwhelming majority of 592 to 52, international importance for wildlife enhancing the radiation protection MEPs voted to approve a report on the and geodiversity throughout Scotland. framework. The Agency will also seek Mid-term review of the EU’s Biodiversity Information on features of notified interest to engage more closely with citizens, Strategy, which calls for the protection – such as animals, plants, woodland, or communities, and businesses, to mobilise of the Birds and Habitats Directives. the fossil record – can be examined for sustainable behaviours. www.cieem.net/news/298/european- Scotland’s land, fresh waters, coasts and surrounding seas. A powerful new way http://www.epa.ie/newsandevents/news/ parliament-votes-for-nature of accessing and viewing this wealth of name,58927,en.html#.VrsmB1Kuwr8 information is now available on Scotland’s New report sets out the case for Environment Web (SEWeb). greening London Independent Welsh badger http://www.environment.scotland.gov.uk/ vaccination analysis A new report, Natural Capital: Investing in a get-interactive/data/protected-nature-sites/ Green Infrastructure for a Future City, was Following the decision to suspend published on 9 December 2015. Launched sourcing the BCG vaccine due to as part of London’s Infrastructure Plan 2050, Guidance to Natural England: a global shortage, the Animal and it highlights how the network of green walls, preventing spread of bovine TB Plant Health Agency (APHA) was living roofs, rain gardens, parks and street This guidance outlines what is required commissioned to identify the likely trees, and the services they provide, are as in order for any cull of badgers to be impact the non-availability of Badger- essential to the city as other infrastructure effective, safe and humane. This is BCG in 2016 would have on the such as rail, roads, pipes and cables. guidance issued to Natural England by vaccination project within the Intensive the Secretary of State under section Action Area (IAA) in West Wales. The http://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/ 15(2) of the Natural Environment and report concluded that despite not being environment/environment-publications/ Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC). able to complete the fifth and final year, green-infrastructure-task-force-report This replaces previous guidance issued in four years of badger vaccination would December 2011. achieve a reduction in prevalence of TB A Horizon Scan of Global in badgers in the IAA. APHA modelling Conservation Issues for 2016 https://www.gov.uk/government/ showed that vaccinating for four years, publications/guidance-to-natural- This paper presents the results of the england-preventing-spread-of-bovine-tb missing year five, and returning to seventh annual horizon scan, in which vaccinate in year six is not different from the authors aimed to identify issues vaccinating for five consecutive years. that could have substantial effects Ireland’s National Biodiversity http://gov.wales/newsroom/ on global biological diversity in the Indicators released environmentandcountryside/2016/ future, but are not currently widely The National Biodiversity Data Centre has independent-vaccination-analysis- well-known or understood within the released the first set of National Biodiversity welcomed/?lang=en conservation community. Fifteen issues Indicators, designed to summarise trends in were identified by a team that included the health of our species, landscapes and Defra publish details of the researchers, practitioners, professional seascapes. They also track broad changes in second tranche of MCZs horizon scanners, and journalists. The Irish society’s relationships with wildlife. The topics include use of managed bees as overall assessment is that there is inadequate Defra has now published details of the transporters of biological control agents, progress in 60% of indicators, good progress second tranche of Marine Conservation artificial superintelligence, electric has been made in 32%, whereas progress Zones, in which 23 sites will be given pulse trawling, testosterone in the with the remaining 8% is uncertain. Overall protection. This will extend England’s ‘Blue aquatic environment, building artificial they demonstrate that more concerted Belt’ to cover over 20% of English waters oceanic islands, and the incorporation action is needed if Ireland is to meet targets and provide protection for the diverse array of ecological civilization principles into set out in the National Biodiversity Plan and of wildlife in our seas. government policies in China. those set by the European Union and the www.cieem.net/news/295/defra-publish- http://www.cell.com/trends/ Convention on Biological Diversity. details-of-the-second-tranche-of-mczs ecology-evolution/pdf/S0169- http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/irelands- 5347%2815%2900291-8.pdf national-biodiversity-indicators-released/

6 Issue 91 | March 2016 Feature Article: Wildlife Disease Surveillance by the Animal and Plant Health Agency

Wildlife Disease Surveillance by the Animal and Plant

Keywords: disease reservoirs, emerging Health Agency disease, scanning surveillance, wildlife J. Paul Duff, Alex M. Barlow, Andrew C. Breed, Daisy Duncan, J. Paul Holmes and Richard M. Irvine Animal and Plant Health Agency

Wildlife species host a variety of pathogens and diseases that pose risks to the health of humans and domesticated animals, as well as potentially having negative impacts on biodiversity. Through systematic collection, collation and analysis of data on disease in wild animal populations, and the investigation of wildlife mortality events through veterinary surveillance activities in England and Wales, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) aims to provide an early warning of new and emerging Figure 1. Wildlife disease investigation requires collaboration with ecologists. Two female kingfishersAlcedo atthis in good condition with no evidence of disease were found dead threats to wildlife health. together at a river’s edge in northern England. Territorial disputes occasionally lead to drowning and death in this species and was suspected in this incident. Photo credit: J.P Duff. Introduction The problems caused by infectious find. Recent discoveries of pathogens in be reported to appropriate investigation diseases emerging from wildlife hosts wildlife that can also infect people, such agencies (Table 1) for diagnosis and will undoubtedly increase in the coming as hantavirus in British rodents (Pounder et assessment. decades. There is increasing global al. 2013), highlight the need for care when • Disease may pose a threat to wild animal movement and ‘mixing’ of organisms: in close contact with wild animals. This health, either from infectious agents from pathogens such as viruses, bacteria is particularly relevant to ecologists and (viruses, bacteria) or from toxins. others working professionally in natural and parasites, to disease vectors like • Disease in one species may reflect a environments and with wildlife. mosquitos and other arthropods, to their larger threat to other wild species, and to vertebrate hosts like humans, livestock, Practical implications biodiversity in general. wild mammals and birds. As the physical • Wildlife disease may reflect environmental and spatial barriers between potential Ecologists and other environmental damage not otherwise recognised. pathogens and hosts are removed, the practitioners play a key role in wildlife opportunities for transmission, infection disease surveillance as observers of wild • Wildlife disease may reflect environmental and disease increase. We still know animals and their habitats. Awareness is toxicities and anthropogenic (man-made) relatively little about the pathogen fauna important because: pollution incidents. of British wildlife but it is evident that the • New and emerging disease in wildlife can Collaboration between those working in more we look the more pathogens we be significant: incidents of mortality should the field and wildlife disease investigators Issue 91 | March 2016 7 Feature Article: Wildlife Disease Surveillance by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (contd)

includes reporting unusual wildlife mortalities related threats, present in or emergent Surveillance Scheme (APHA DoWS) has and collection of data from wild animal from wildlife. In summary: a leading role in wildlife surveillance species. Wildlife disease incidents should be • Wildlife is recognised as a source of new in Great Britain, led and managed by investigated as a matter of priority when: and emerging disease. the APHA Wildlife Expert Group. APHA also coordinates surveillance projects • Mass mortality events occur, i.e. where five • Wildlife can be reservoirs of zoonotic for diseases that are considered to or more individuals of the same or different disease, e.g. bat lyssavirus, Lyme disease, pose significant threats, such as avian species are found dead. Specifically, trichinellosis, echinococcosis. incidents should be reported to the Defra influenza and West Nile virus infections • Wildlife can be reservoirs of disease that Helpline where five or more wild birds of in wild birds, and zoonotic disease in wild affect domesticated stock, e.g. bovine any species are found dead at any location rodents. Information is made available tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis on mainland Great Britain (see Box 1). through published reports on new infection) in badgers Meles meles, feral diseases in wildlife (e.g. squirrel pox, rabbit • Several individuals in a group appear to wild boar Sus scrofa, deer and other wild haemorrhagic disease, European brown be ill. species in Great Britain; louping ill, avian hare syndrome, iridovirus or ranavirus in • Nervous system disease is seen, influenza, West Nile virus, leptospirosis, frogs, and bovine tuberculosis in badgers). characterised by behaviour change, salmonellosis, Q Fever. The APHA DoWS was set up by Defra in apparent blindness, persistent head tilt • Exotic pathogens may be introduced to 1998 in England and Wales and extended or twisting of the neck, disorientation, a country or region by migrating wildlife, in 2003 to include partnership working with collapse and paddling movements. e.g. West Nile virus and avian influenza the SAC Consulting: Veterinary Services Diseases affecting the brain and nervous virus by migrating wild birds. system can be important, e.g. rabies, bat (see Box 2). Surveillance for wildlife disease • Wildlife disease may be a sensitive indicator lyssavirus infection, avian influenza and was included in the Defra Animal Health of underlying environmental pollution. West Nile fever. and Welfare Strategy (2003) but it was • Wildlife disease incidents, with mass not until 2009 that the England Wildlife • Threatened species are found dead or mortality, may be of concern to the public. Health Strategy (EWHS) was published in moribund. • Wildlife disease may be of conservation response to the increasing threats from There are relatively few diseases in British importance, threatening endangered West Nile fever and avian influenza, both wildlife that are the subject of statutory populations and biodiversity, e.g. squirrel diseases with wild bird reservoirs. England investigation, e.g. surveillance for avian pox disease in English red squirrels is one of the few countries in Europe with a influenza virus infection in wild birds that Sciurus vulgaris. published strategy, although the EWHS only are found dead. Notifiable diseases of discusses broad considerations and does not livestock that are also notifiable in wildlife Wildlife disease surveillance in provide detailed responses to outbreaks of in Britain are rare, e.g. anthrax. England and Wales specific disease in wildlife. From 2009, in The control of wildlife disease can be Wildlife disease surveillance is the accordance with the EWHS, wildlife disease problematic, and interventions, mitigation continuous collection, collation and surveillance in Great Britain has been and management of disease in free-living analysis of data on disease in wild animal undertaken by the Great Britain Wildlife populations is in its relative infancy in populations. The Animal Plant and Health Disease Surveillance Partnership (GBWDSP), this country and globally. However, some Agency (APHA) Diseases of Wildlife see Table 1. good examples do exist, e.g. a range of management techniques to prevent squirrel Table 1. The Great Britain Wildlife Disease Surveillance Partnership (GBWDSP): partner pox have been implemented in Northern organisations and expertise. England with some success. Internationally, GBWDSP partner organisation Species expertise and disease coverage rabies vaccination of wild carnivores is APHA DoWS & Wildlife All wild mammal and bird species unless employed extensively and to good effect. Expert Group listed below Why are diseases of SAC Consulting: Veterinary Services Wildlife in Scotland wildlife important? Institute of Zoology, London Garden wildlife, cetaceans and threatened species Wildlife can be a reservoir of disease for Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Waterbirds other animals and people, and this is of concern to governments and society Centre for Environment, Fisheries Fish and aquatic invertebrates (Jones et al. 2008). The appearance and and Aquaculture Science distribution of new diseases, together Forestry Commission England Wild deer and feral wild boar with human and livestock susceptibility, Natural England General responsibility for the natural environment are largely unpredictable and control can in England be extremely costly, e.g. ebola in West Africa in 2015. To mitigate such risks, Contact details for these organisations are available from internet searches. For a general point government-funded scanning surveillance of contact the work numbers for the three APHA DoWS leads are: Paul Duff, 01768-885295 (paul. is carried out in Great Britain for animal- [email protected]); Paul Holmes, 01743-467621; and Alex Barlow, 01626-891121. 8 Issue 91 | March 2016 Figure 2. Network Box 1: Steps to identifying possible disease outbreaks in wildlife in the field of APHA Veterinary Ecologists and environmental practitioners 2. Place the body in a suitable, Investigation Centres and Laboratories in finding dead or obviously sick wild animals leak-proof, plastic bag, avoiding England, Scotland and should first assess the incident (Figure 1). contaminating the outside of the bag. Wales where wildlife If trauma is the likely cause of injury or 3. Tie the bag, place it in a second bag carcasses and tissues death, or when carcasses are decomposed from wildlife can be and tie the second bag. examined. or cannot be collected safely, then no 4. Evert gloves to remove, place them further action is advised. in a separate bag and dispose of If five or more dead wild birds (of the same these responsibly. or different species) are found together, avian influenza virus infection is a 5. Wash hands thoroughly in soap possibility and the Defra Helpline (03459- and water. 335577) should be alerted. Equally, if 6. If the carcass is not required, bury it wildlife poisoning is suspected, the Defra as found. Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme When GBWDSP partner organisations should be contacted (0800-321600). wish to carry out post-mortem In other cases, please contact the most examinations and/or laboratory appropriate organisation from Table 1. investigations, they will usually They may request that bodies are placed make arrangements for collection in plastic bags if it is safe to do so and of carcasses or courier transport to poisoning incidents are also investigated, if appropriate protective clothing is a diagnostic laboratory. The APHA usually linked to the Wildlife Incident available (e.g. disposable gloves). As wild DoWS and several other organisations Investigation Scheme. Collaborative animal carcasses may carry pathogens will examine accepted cases free of investigations, involving SAC Consulting: that could infect people, simple personal charge and send diagnostic reports to Veterinary Services and non-government hygiene precautions should be taken to whoever submits the carcasses. Further partner organisations (e.g. Institute of minimise the risk of infection: information on handling and disposal Zoology, London), have included squirrel 1. Avoid touching the body with bare of dead wild birds is available at http:// poxvirus, ranavirus disease in frogs, garden hands and use disposable gloves. If webarchive.nationalarchives.gov. bird salmonellosis and trichomonosis, and gloves are not available, a plastic bag uk/20130402151656/http://archive. drowning incidents in starlings. can be used as a makeshift glove, and defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/ An update on wildlife disease then turned in on itself. diseases/atoz/ai/wildbirds/#reporting. investigation and surveillance projects in Great Britain Investigation of wildlife incidents Wildlife disease surveillance at the 2001 – surveillance began for West Nile by APHA and the GBWDSP national level depends upon a network virus in wild bird casualties; to date, neither Where wildlife mortality incidents are of diagnostic laboratories (Figure 2), to the disease nor virus has been found in investigated by APHA and the GBWDSP, enable access to investigative services, Britain (Brugman et al. 2012). the findings should be discussed and because dead and dying wildlife with species and habitat specialists; an does not travel well. This must be backed assessment should be made; mitigation up by diagnostic depth and expertise in actions considered; and the results the veterinary disciplines, for example disseminated as appropriate. APHA and pathology, histopathology, parasitology, GBWDSP organisations may also perform bacteriology, virology, molecular biology field investigations. and epidemiology (Figure 3). Finally, there must be access to expertise in the The results and findings of APHA’s ecology of the species/populations being surveillance work are assessed by the APHA Wildlife Expert Group. New and/or investigated (Figure 1) – wildlife disease re-emerging wildlife-related disease threats investigation requires input from ecologists. are submitted to the Veterinary Risk Group The APHA DoWS work is carried out at who review the evidence and formulate six APHA Veterinary Investigation Centres Figure 3. National wildlife disease surveillance proportionate risk mitigation measures. in England and Wales, supported by two requires a full range of diagnostic capabilities. These are further reviewed, challenged larger laboratories at APHA Weybridge, Here, histopathology reveals in cross-section two tracheal worms within the trachea (the and/or endorsed by the Chief Veterinary Surrey and APHA Lasswade, Scotland wind pipe, with the outer ring structure Officers of the four UK administrations (Figure 1). Non-infectious conditions, visible) of a common starling Sturnus vulgaris. (Anon. 2016). such as toxicities, and suspected wildlife Photo credit: J.P Duff. Issue 91 | March 2016 9 Feature Article: Wildlife Disease Surveillance by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (contd)

2003 – necrotic enteritis in swan species Asia; the extinctions of amphibian species (Cygnus olor, C. cygnus) detected (Pritchard across three continents due to chytrid Further information et al. 2004). fungal disease; and unsustainable mortality Data from investigations by the GB Wildlife 2005 – scanning surveillance for avian caused to albatross and other marine Disease Surveillance Partnership and other information on wildlife disease appears in animals due to floating plastic marine influenza virus in wild birds commenced Quarterly Wildlife Emerging Threat Reports, resulting in the detection of H5N1 highly debris across the oceans. The last two available online from the APHA website (https:// pathogenic avian influenza virus (Eurasian examples are relevant in Britain and are www.gov.uk/government/publications/wildlife- disease-surveillance-reports-2015). lineage) on two separate occasions (2006 monitored by GBWDS Partners and their networks. Ecologists and environmental An essential provision of the England Wildlife and 2008) in wild birds found dead (Irvine Health Strategy is that DoWS works in 2013). Different low pathogenicity avian practitioners working in collaboration with partnership with other government and non- influenza (LPAI) viruses have also been veterinarians and scientists play important government organisations both inside and detected, as would be expected because roles in wildlife disease investigation and outwith the GBWDSP, many of whom make their own valuable contribution to the wild waterbirds represent the natural surveillance, and in education of the public. investigation of wildlife disease (Toms reservoir hosts for such LPAI viruses. These Responsibilities for wildlife and the health and Lawson 2016) and other findings will inform future issues that affect free-living species can wildlife surveillance (Breed et al. 2012). be unclear. Government-funded wildlife 2011 – Echinococcus multilocularis, an disease surveillance in Britain mainly exotic zoonotic parasite not previously relates to animal health and welfare, Acknowledgements found in Great Britain, found in a beaver public health and biodiversity protection. The authors acknowledge the support of Defra and the Welsh Government who provide Castor fiber (Barlow et al. 2011). A similar approach is being employed funding for project ED1600 (the Diseases of 2015 – the fungus responsible for white increasingly by governments worldwide. Wildlife Scheme). They also acknowledge nose syndrome in bats, a disease causing Whilst the level of surveillance activity other colleagues in APHA and the GB Wildlife Disease Surveillance Partnership who perform mass mortalities of bats in North America, should be proportionate to the magnitude wildlife surveillance and laboratory investigation detected in English bats (Barlow et al. of the threat, it has the potential to play a activities in Great Britain, and the many 2015) but so far not shown to cause mass crucial role in helping to maintain global groups, organisations and wildlife societies that submit wildlife specimens. mortality, possibly because bats in Britain biodiversity through early warning of have protective immunity to the pathogen. catastrophic disease threats. Future directions The ultimate importance of wildlife disease References and further reading surveillance is to identify changes at the Anon. (2016). Identifying new and re-emerging animal-related threats to the UK. Veterinary Record, global scale, not only in vertebrate health 178:41. doi:10.1136/vr.h6975. Available at http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/content/178/2/41.full.pdf+html [Accessed: 8 January 2016] but also changes in air, water and climate Barlow, A.M., Gottstein, B. and Mueller, N. (2011). Echinococcus multilocularis in an imported captive quality that are not detected by other European beaver (Castor fiber) in Great Britain. Veterinary Record, 169: 339-340. means – wildlife health may be the ‘canary Barlow, A.M., Worledge, L., Miller, H., Drees, K.P., Wright, P., Foster, J.T., Sobek, C., Borman, A.M. and Fraser, in the coalmine’ indicator of environmental M. (2015). First confirmation of Pseudogymnoascus destructans in British bats and hibernacula. Veterinary change. Examples include the unregulated Record, 177: 70-71. use of diclofenac (an anti-inflammatory Breed, A.C., Irvine, R.M., Duncan, D., Rae, D., Snow, L., Cook A.J.C. and Brown, I.H. (2012). An evaluation drug used in livestock) causing of wild bird avian influenza surveillance in Great Britain. Avian Diseases, 56: 986-991. unsustainable population declines in Brugman, V.A., Horton, D.L., Phipps. L.P., Johnson, N., Cook, A.J.C., Fooks, A.R. and Breed, A.C. (2012). Epidemiological perspectives on West Nile Virus surveillance in Great Britain. Epidemiology and Infection, several species of vulture across Southern 141(6): 1134–1142. Duff, J.P., Holmes, J.P. and Barlow, A.M. (2010). Wildlife Diseases – Surveillance turns to wildlife. Veterinary Record, 167: 154-156. Irvine, R.M. (2013). Recognising avian notifiable diseases 1. Avian influenza. In Practice, 35(8): 426-437. doi:10.1136/inp.f4380. Available at http://inpractice.bmj.com/content/35/8/426.full.pdf+html [Accessed 8 January 2016] Jones, K.E., Patel, N.G., Levy, M.A., Storeygard, A., Balk, D., Gittleman, J. L. and Daszak, P. (2008). Global trends in emerging infectious diseases. Nature, 451(7181): 990-993. Pounder, K.C., Begon, M., Sironen, T., Henttonen, H., Watts, P.C., Voutilainen, L., Vapalahti, O., Boris Klempa, B., Anthony R., Fooks, A.R. and McElhinney, L.M. (2013). Novel Hantavirus in Field Vole, United Kingdom. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 19: 673-675. Pritchard, G., Ainsworth, H., Brown, M. and Duff, J.P. (2004). Suspected necrotic enteritis in wild swans. Veterinary Record, 154: 480. Toms, M. and Lawson, B. (2016). Monitoring disease in birds and other wildlife: partnering citizen scientists with paid professionals. In Practice – Bulletin of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, 91: 18-22.

10 Issue 91 | March 2016 Box 2: Provision of wildlife disease Centres are located in Aberdeen, Ayr, include novel and emerging diseases surveillance in Scotland Dumfries, Edinburgh, Inverness, Perth, (squirrel leprosy in red squirrels, for The Scottish Government provides a St Boswells and Thurso. Contact details example), and wildlife crimes. Public Good Veterinary and Advisory and directions can be found on the SRUC Where possible, note the Ordnance Survey Services budget for surveillance of (Scotland’s Rural College) website, reference of the incident location. The important, novel or emerging wildlife www.sruc.ac.uk, by clicking the finder or an agent of the finder (or the diseases, and investigation of wildlife “Veterinary Services” tab and scrolling police, in the case of suspected crime) down to “Contact Details”; alternatively, crimes. Post-mortem examinations may need to submit carcasses to a centre contact Caroline Robinson on 01738 are carried out under this budget by as there is no arrangement with other 629167 or [email protected]. SAC Consulting: Veterinary Services, a agencies to collect carcasses, except in GBWDSP partnership organisation. Where mass mortality incidents are some exceptional incidents. discovered, a representative sample of Investigations which may be eligible Note: Where crimes such as cruelty, carcasses is required: either 10% or five in wild birds in Scotland include compromised welfare or other legislation birds, whichever is greater (subject to examinations for reasons of public breaches are suspected, it is important practicality). Submission of single carcasses concern; risk of disease to humans and to contact Police Scotland in the first of any wild birds of the targeted “High Risk domesticated stock; incidents deemed instance, without disturbing the scene. unusual by competent persons such Species” which do not otherwise fit the as ecologists or similar practitioners; eligibility criteria will also be considered for suspected poisoning incidents; and mass disease surveillance. This list, for simplicity, About the Author mortality incidents (five or more dead can be thought of as certain species of Caroline Robinson is a veterinary investigation birds in one location at one time). If an swans, ducks, geese, shorebirds, waders, officer for SAC Consulting: Veterinary Services seabirds (mainly gulls) and raptors. Follow with an interest in wildlife health. She currently ecologist or other practitioner suspects serves as the SAC C VS representative on the the APHA’s advice on carcass collection to that they have found carcasses or sick Great British Wildlife Disease Surveillance wild birds which may be eligible, they safeguard human health. Partnership. are strongly encouraged to contact their In wildlife species other than birds, Contact Caroline at: nearest disease surveillance centre. investigations which may be eligible [email protected]

About the Authors J. Paul Duff has had a Alex Barlow, a veterinary Andrew Breed is a lifelong interest in natural pathologist, has been veterinary epidemiologist history and studied a member of the APHA in the Department of zoology at Edinburgh Wildlife Expert Group Epidemiological Sciences University before since 1998. He has a and member of the becoming a vet. He has specialist interest in the Wildlife Expert Group at been Chair of the APHA investigation of disease APHA. He has a PhD in Wildlife Expert Group in wild British mammals. wildlife epidemiology and since 1998 and past-Chair is a recognised European of the European Wildlife Disease Association Contact Alex at: veterinary specialist in the Wildlife Population (2008-2010). [email protected] Health section of the European College of Contact Paul at: Zoological Medicine. [email protected] Contact Andrew at: [email protected]

Daisy Duncan is Paul Holmes has a Richard Irvine is a vet an epidemiological special interest in wildlife and leads the APHA scientist working in health and completed a Surveillance Intelligence the Department of veterinary degree at the Unit, of which the Wildlife Epidemiological Sciences University of Liverpool Expert Group is a part. He at APHA. She has a and MSc in Wild Animal is a member of the APHA degree in Biology from the Health at The Institute of Wildlife Expert Group University of Nottingham, Zoology after working on and GB Wildlife Disease with five subsequent conservation projects with Surveillance Partnership years’ experience working in the field of Cape vultures and rhino in southern Africa. and also leads government-funded avian wild animal health. She has also worked as a He has been a member of the APHA Wildlife influenza surveillance projects in poultry and volunteer in a wildlife hospital for the charity Expert Group since 1998. wild birds in Great Britain. Wildlife Aid. Contact Paul at: Contact Richard at: Contact Daisy at: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Issue 91 | March 2016 11 Feature Article: Control Measures for Exotic Plant Pests Feature Article:and Ecology Diseases Legal in Updatethe UK (contd)

Control Measures for Exotic Plant Pests and Diseases in the UK

Paul Beales, Helen Long and Lucy Carson-Taylor Keywords: exotic plant disease, exotic plant APHA, Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate pests, inspections, notification, Risk Register

We are facing an unprecedented threat from exotic plant pests and diseases. If they were to become established, they would have huge potential to change how our landscape looks as well as severely impact our biodiversity, economy and food security. Government and stakeholders share the responsibility for preventing the establishment of exotic notifiable pest and disease, reporting suspicious symptoms and managing outbreaks. Management can take the form of eradication via plant destruction or treatment, containment by restricting movement of plants and/or the use of physical or biological “barriers”. Consignments of plants or plant products found with pest and disease at our national borders can be returned to their point of origin or destroyed. Asian longhorn beetle Anoplophora glabripennis. Government responsibilities are executed by the UK Plant Health Services comprising Defra, the Forestry Commission, and importing or exporting plant material), risk assessment, depending on the the devolved administrations in Wales, environmental consultants, land agents, characteristics of the organism. A Defra Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Plant landscape architects, developers and civil co-ordinated working group meets on a Health and Seeds Inspectorate implements engineers, NGOs and the public. monthly basis to ensure the register plant health measures in England and is kept up to date. Wales on behalf of Defra and the The Risk Register Welsh Government, while the Scottish Familiarity with priority plant pest and Statutory notification Government implements these matters disease threats can be gained by making requirements in Scotland. Similar legal measures are in use of the UK Plant Health Risk Register: Following the finding in the UK of Chalara place in Ireland through the Forest Pest and https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/phiw/ ash dieback Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, Disease Regulations implemented by the riskRegister/ (Figure 1). and due to the threats from a range of Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Over 800 organisms have so far been new pests and diseases affecting trees, Food and the Marine. rated for the likelihood and impact of their statutory notification requirements were Stakeholders include all those involved becoming established or spreading within introduced for a number of tree genera in the planning, management and the UK. The Risk Register is not intended when imported into England and Wales maintenance of green spaces, e.g. to provide a simple list of the “top ten from EU Member States and Switzerland, landowners, industry (particularly pests”, but to establish different priorities although not from other parts of the UK. horticulture, agriculture and forestry), plant for regulation, research, contingency At present, these include plane Platanus retailers and nurseries (especially those planning, publicity, surveys and detailed spp., ash Fraxinus spp., sweet chestnut 12 Issue 91 | March 2016 accompanied by a Plant Passport, which indicates compliance with the additional Protected Zone requirements by the supplying nursery. Pines are inspected for red band needle blight (Schirria pini or Dothistroma septisorum) and pine processionary moth Thaumatopea pityocampa, brown spot needle blight (Mycosphaerella dearnessii and M. gibsonii) and pitch canker Gibberella circinata. Elms can be a host of elm yellows phytoplasma and are inspected for this specialised form of phloem-inhabiting bacterium, which is spread by insects and causes a range of symptoms including yellowing, dwarfing and premature leaf loss, as well as abnormal growth in the stems and leaves. Currently imports of ash and sweet chestnut are prohibited until Pest Free Areas are designated in other EU Member States. The working group identifies new plant pest and diseases on particular host Figure 1. Screenshot of Plant Risk Register. plants and updates the Risk Register to ensure that it is up-to-date and accurate. Castanea sativa, oak Quercus spp., elm and winter); facilitate tracing in the event However, we all need to remain vigilant Ulmus spp. and pine Pinus spp. The of problems; allow targeted surveillance for the “unknown” threats, i.e. those scheme has just been extended to include inspections to be carried out by APHA and pest and diseases that have not been Prunus spp. (cherry, plum, laurel, etc.) due the Forestry Commission; and generate described/observed before, those which to the large number of high-risk pests evidence in support of further measures, have extended their host range or and diseases for which it is a host. These if needed. The notification requirements those which have hybridised with include Xylella fastidiosa, which is causing are changed and updated as new plant other pathogens producing a change devastating outbreaks in Italy and France health risks are assessed by Defra. Without in their pathogenicity. including Corsica, citrus longhorn beetle notification of intra-EU trade there is no Anoplophora chinensis, bacterial shot-hole means of reliably monitoring the import of Practical action of laurel Xanthonomas arboricola pv pruni, such plants irrespective of whether they are There are practical steps that ecologists and and Xylosandrus crassiusculus, as well as accompanied by plant passports. environmental practitioners can take to unlisted pests such as Platynota stultana reduce the risk of accidental introduction and the red necked longhorn beetle Inspections of exotic pests and diseases. Consult Aromia bungii. Inspections are made of several tree the Risk Register to familiarise yourself The notification requirements apply to genera to check for specific pests and with pest and disease threats. Consider anyone who imports these genera directly diseases that are present in other EU where you source your plants and trees; from the EU as trees, plants or seeds, Member States. Planes are inspected for check that appropriate Plant Passports are including nurseries, landscapers, developers plane wilt Ceratocystis platani and oaks present; and quarantine imported material or civil engineers, small garden centres for oak processionary moth Thaumatopea before planting out. and members of the public. Notifications processionea and as a host of chestnut Finally, please be especially alert to should be made to the Animal and Plant blight Cryphonectria parasitica, which the threat from Asian longhorn beetle Health Agency (APHA) by the first importer mainly affects sweet chestnut. Inspectors Anoplophora glabripennis (See photo). It of the material prior to, or up to four days also survey sweet chestnut for the is a serious, relatively new threat to trees after the date of arrival. oriental chestnut gall wasp Drycosmus in the UK and can arrive in contaminated The aims of statutory notification are kuriphilus, which has been found recently wooden packaging. It hatches out of an to raise awareness about the threats to in Kent and is under eradication. The exit hole approximately 10mm in diameter. these species; provide intelligence about UK has established Protected Zones If you see this beetle, please capture it in a the level of trade (much of which occurs for the organisms affecting oak, plane container and contact the Plant Health and during the dormant period over autumn and chestnut. These imports must be Seeds Inspectorate immediately. Issue 91 | March 2016 13 Feature Article: Control Measures for Exotic Plant Pests and Diseases in the UK (contd)

If you suspect you have found any of the pest or disease species listed above or on About the Authors Helen Long is the Senior Plant Health the Risk Register, please contact the APHA Paul Beales heads up Inspector for North West England. She Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate by the Plant Health and manages the Ornamental Technical email at [email protected]. Seeds Inspectorate (PHSI) Portfolio for Surveillance and Action work technical extension team carried out by PHSI in England and Wales, uk or phone at 01904 405 138; if you are which includes responsibility for pest and concerned about a pest or disease in a at APHA. He previously worked as a plant disease interceptions and outbreaks on woodland or forest please use the disease diagnostician ornamental plants moving in trade and the Forestry Commission’s Tree Alert at for nearly 20 years, implementation of the EU Plant and Tree http://www.forestry.gov.uk/treealert. identifying first findings Notification Scheme. of fungal pathogens in the UK and carrying Contact Helen at: out epidemiological and improved diagnostic [email protected] research. He recently transferred to the Lucy Carson-Taylor technical extension team to oversee plant manages the health engagement activities with trade, engagement activities public, government agencies and NGOs. Further information of the PHSI technical The team works alongside colleagues in bee Pest fact sheets and information can be found extension team at APHA. health, genetic modification inspectorate, at: https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/phiw/ This includes show and plant varieties and seeds in delivery of riskRegister/ and http://www.forestry.gov.uk/ presence and cross- scientific research projects. pestsanddiseases government and industry Contact Paul at: training events. Lucy Information on topical Issues affecting plant [email protected] previously worked out in the field within the health including a Guide for Industry with more Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate. information on Xylella fastidiosa can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/protecting- Contact Lucy at: plant-health-topical-issues [email protected]

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14 Issue 91 | March 2016 Feature Article: Disease Risk Analysis and Post-Release Health Surveillance in Wildlife Translocations

Disease Risk Analysis and Post-Release Health Surveillance in Wildlife Translocations

Liam Fitzpatrick, Jenny Jaffe, Ian Carter Keywords: conservation, disease risk, and Tony Sainsbury Natural England DRAHS, reintroduction, translocations Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London

Figure 1: Pool frog Pelophylax lessonae undergoing health examination.

The benefits of conservation with which the grey squirrels had co-evolved non-infectious hazards, such as toxins, may translocations, along with and could carry without significant ill effect. pose a threat to the translocated animals In stark contrast, this pathogen was novel to at the release site. In some cases, if little is some examples and potential the UK’s native red squirrels Sciurus vulgaris, known about a species’ parasites, then a drawbacks were well-described and as they do not have the immune field survey may be undertaken to examine in a recent issue of In Practice mechanisms to effectively fight the infection, the animals in question. One of the key squirrelpox disease has had a substantial objectives is to minimise the risk of the (Issue 89 – September 2015). impact on the red squirrel population. translocated animals releasing pathogens Here, the Disease Risk Analysis Other examples of diseases which have into the ecosystem at the release site, such and Health Surveillance (DRAHS) caused catastrophic mortality as a result of as with the grey squirrel example above. translocations include crayfish plague in the Once a hazard list has been created, a partnership examine some of the UK and rinderpest in East Africa. disease risk assessment is conducted by health issues that can arise when examining the probability of the hazard Minimising the risks from undertaking these translocations being released, the likelihood that the disease in translocations – ‘the population of concern may become – both for the translocated DRAHS approach’ exposed to it, and the potential magnitude animals, and for other species at The Disease Risk Analysis and Health of these consequences on biodiversity the sites of reintroduction. Surveillance (DRAHS) team at the Institute (Sainsbury & Vaughan-Higgins 2012). of Zoology has been investigating Conducting a comprehensive DRA Introduction methods to assess and minimise the risk prior to wild animal translocation is of disease in conservation translocations, Conservation translocations, or moving now advised by the IUCN (International primarily in England. Working with individuals to provide a conservation Union for the Conservation of Nature), Natural England on its Species Recovery benefit to the species, occur with increasing who published detailed guidelines on Programme since 1989, we conduct frequency around the world, with high wildlife translocations, to which DRAHS disease risk analysis and post-release profile examples including the California contributed. These guidelines state that health surveillance on a number of condor Gymnogyps californianus and in order to maximise the chance of a conservation priority native species across the Mallorcan midwife toad Alytes successful translocation “…disease risk a broad taxonomic range, from the red muletensis. They do, however, present assessment should start at the planning potential disease risks which in some cases kite Milvus milvus and hen harrier Circus stage, with its depth in proportion to have had devastating outcomes. A well- cyaneus to the pool frog Pelophylax the estimated likelihood of occurrence known example of catastrophic disease lessonae (Figure 1) and short-haired and severity of impact of any prospective as a result of a translocation stems from bumblebee Bombus subterraneus. pathogen…” (IUCN/SSC 2013). the introduction of North American grey A disease risk analysis, or DRA, involves Importantly, the DRAHS team conduct post- squirrels Sciurus carolinensis to Britain in the conducting comprehensive literature release health surveillance to determine 19th century. Although not carried out for reviews and liaising with experts to build what effects, if any, the translocation had conservation purposes, this translocation an understanding of the parasites that the on both translocated animals and naturally serves an example of the potential dangers yet-to-be translocated species may harbour. occurring populations at the release site. as the grey squirrels brought with them the Similarly a good DRA should also build Surveillance includes health examinations now infamous ‘squirrelpox virus’, a virus an understanding of which parasites or at the destination site as well as post- Issue 91 | March 2016 15 Feature Article: Disease Risk Analysis and Post-Release Health Surveillance in Wildlife Translocations (contd)

mortem examination of any animals found Other projects with key DRAHS dead. Surveillance is undertaken over the involvement include translocations of About the Authors long term to assess the effectiveness of dormice Muscardinus avellanarius across Liam Fitzpatrick is a the translocation and to improve future England, where pre-release health Pathology Technician translocations techniques. examinations identified a suspected alien at the Institute of cestode parasite, potentially acquired Zoology, Zoological Society of London. Key Successes in captivity, which was eliminated prior He joined the DRAHS Some of the major projects that we have to release following careful therapeutic project in November worked on in recent years include the treatments and screening (Sainsbury 2015, and is reintroduction of red kites throughout et al. 2003). particularly interested England and the use of this species as a in the epidemiology of infectious diseases ‘sentinel’ for monitoring environmental Collaborations in wild animal populations. pollutants impacting on birds of prey. We This work is carried out as part of a Contact Liam at: [email protected] have conducted post-mortem examinations partnership between the Institute of of over 285 red kites over more than 20 Zoology and Natural England, with Jenny Jaffe is a Wildlife years and have built up an archive of collaboration from a large number of Veterinarian at the Institute of Zoology, frozen and fixed samples available for other organisations, including RSPB, Zoological Society retrospective analysis if new threats come Peoples’ Trust for Endangered Species, of London. Jenny to light. This archive contributed to work The Wildlife Trusts, Amphibian and Reptile previously worked showing that kites have been poisoned by Conservation, Paignton Zoo, Centre for as a veterinarian at a scavenging on animal carcases containing Ecology and Hydrology, Wildfowl and chimpanzee sanctuary in Sierra Leone and lead ammunition, the first time this threat Wetlands Trust, Fera, APHA and the joined the DRAHS project as Wildlife has been identified for a bird of prey in Forestry Commission, among others. Veterinarian in June 2015. Britain (Pain et al. 2007). Our work on Contact Jenny at: red kites has also helped to improve our [email protected] understanding of the ongoing threat References Ian Carter has to wildlife from secondary poisoning worked as an Bobadilla Suarez, M., Ewen, J.G., Groombridge, J.J., by anticoagulant rodenticides (more ornithologist with Beckmann, K., Shotton, J., Masters, N., Hopkins, Natural England commonly known as rat poisons), with T. and Sainsbury, A.W. (2015). Using Qualitative red kites scavenging on poisoned rats and Disease Risk Analysis for Herpetofauna Conservation (and predecessor organisations) for subsequently accumulating high levels of Translocations Transgressing Ecological and more than 25 years. rodenticide, which can cause disease and Geographical Barriers. EcoHealth, 2015: 1–14. doi 10.1007/s10393-015-1086-4. He has a particular mortality (Burn et al. 2002) interest in bird Burn, A.J., Carter, I. and Shore, R.F. (2002). The Additionally, we have worked on the reintroductions and wildlife management threat to birds of prey in the UK from second- issues, and manages Natural England’s reintroduction of pool frogs into Norfolk, generation rodenticides. Aspects of Applied Biology, input into the DRAHS programme. a species thought to have gone extinct 67: 203-212. Contact Ian at: in the UK in the mid-1990s. Given the IUCN/SSC (2013). Guidelines for Reintroductions and [email protected] impact of amphibian diseases on global Other Conservation Translocations. Version 1.0. IUCN Dr Tony Sainsbury is biodiversity, the DRA and pre-release Species Survival Commission, Gland, Switzerland. a Senior Lecturer in health examinations in this ongoing Pain, D.J., Carter, I., Sainsbury, A.W., Shore, R.F. Wild Animal Health Eden, P., Taggart, M.A., Konstantinos, S., Walker, project are particularly rigorous (Figure 1) at the Zoological L.A., Meharg, A.A. and Raab, A. (2007). Lead Society of London. As (Bobadilla Suarez et al. 2015). The pool contamination and associated disease in captive founder of the DRAHS frog population continues to be closely and reintroduced red kites Milvus milvus in England. project, Tony has been monitored as it becomes established, Science of the Total Environment, 376: 116–127. the Project Director although there are currently no observed Sainsbury, A.W., Flach, E.J., Sayers, G., Cunningham, for over 25 years and negative health impacts on other A.A. and Macgregor, S.K. (2003). Health has developed a qualitative disease risk populations, and releases have now started Surveillance of Common Dormice (Muscardinus analysis method for wildlife translocations. avellanarius) in a Reintroduction Programme. at a second site. Contact Tony at: Proceedings of a Joint PTES / Wildlife Trusts [email protected] Conference on the Conservation of Common Dormice, February 2003.

Sainsbury, A.W. and Vaughan-Higgins, R.J. (2012). Analyzing Disease Risks Associated with Translocations. Conservation Biology, 26: 442–452.

16 Issue 91 | March 2016

Feature Article: Wildlife Disease & Contaminant Monitoring & Surveillance Network

• facilitate identification of disease and contaminants of emerging concern. Overall, WILDCOMS provides a holistic overview of disease and contaminant status in UK wildlife. It distributes quarterly newsletters to more than 450 stakeholders, and its website receives up to 2000 visits per month. More information on the Disease and contaminants pose major to humans) typically involves monitoring partner schemes in the WILDCOMS risks to wildlife and human populations. occurrence and severity in sentinel species. network and on the activities undertaken Some diseases warrant particular attention Various monitoring schemes have been through WILDCOMS can be found at because they cause major mortalities that developed in the UK. Each has distinct and www.wildcoms.org.uk lead to population crashes of affected different aims but they function in similar species and their predators, threaten wildlife ways, and so face mutual challenges. species of high conservation concern, and/or The Wildlife Disease & Contaminant pose a potential threat to humans. The risk Monitoring & Surveillance (WILDCOMS) About the Author that environmental contaminants can pose network, initiated through a Knowledge Richard Shore, to wildlife populations has been repeatedly Exchange grant from the Natural based at the Centre demonstrated, a classic example being the Environment Research Council (NERC), was for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH), impact of organochlorine pesticides on established to forge closer collaboration predatory birds and mammals. Zoonotic conducts research on and harmonisation between these different contaminants and diseases and widescale contamination are schemes. This collaborative network aims to: pesticides in wildlife. therefore of major interest and concern to He leads the Predatory • provide a focal point for disease and regulators, researchers, statutory and NGO Bird Monitoring conservation agencies and, more widely, contaminant monitoring in wild vertebrates Scheme, part of the WILDCOMS network, agricultural and business communities and • provide an integrated overview of the and was the holder of the NERC grant that helped establish WILDCOMS. the general public. health status of UK wild vertebrates Contact Richard at: [email protected] Assessment of the risks posed by disease • facilitate collaboration between and contaminants to wild vertebrates (and WILDCOMS network partners

Call for Papers Summer Conference 2016 Linear Infrastructure and Biodiversity: Impacts and Opportunities 28 June 2016, Birmingham Deadline for submission of paper proposals: 31 March 2016 For more information please visit: www.cieem.net/events/category/57/cieem-conferences

Issue 91 | March 2016 17 Feature Article: Monitoring Disease in Birds and Other Wildlife: Partnering Citizen Scientists Feature Article:with Meet Paid the ProfessionalsAuthor

Monitoring Disease in Birds and Other Wildlife: Partnering Citizen Scientists with Paid Professionals Mike Toms Becki Lawson Keywords: chytrid, citizen British Trust for Ornithology Institute of Zoology science, monitoring, surveillance, trichomonosis, wildlife disease

Wildlife disease is increasingly recognised as a threat to biodiversity conservation on a global scale. While disease research has historically tended to focus on impacts on rare or endangered species, there is a need for systematic surveillance of disease incidence in more common wildlife species, whose populations may also suffer from disease impacts. This article explores how partnering citizen scientists with paid professionals can deliver this, recognising that CIEEM members can make a contribution to both components. Emerging diseases can threaten biodiversity conservation as well as livestock, companion animal and public health, prompting a call for the establishment of systematic surveillance and monitoring programmes. While such schemes have been delivered in the arenas of livestock Greenfinch numbers fell by 35% following the first occurrence of epidemic finch production and public health, they have trichomonosis. Photo by Edmund Fellowes, BTO. been less evident within biodiversity conservation, something that poses a challenge for efforts to conserve disease (e.g. toxins) to be behind marked Wildlife disease surveillance biodiversity at a global scale. population declines of formerly common The traditional approach to wildlife disease species of birds (Shultz et al. 2004, Efforts to monitor, understand and control surveillance has focussed on the collection the impacts of emerging diseases on LaDeau et al. 2007, Robinson et al. 2010), of opportunistic records of disease global biodiversity have tended to focus mammals (Tompkins et al. 2002, Leopardi occurrence (Duff et al. 2016). In the case of on species that are rare or endangered, et al. 2015) and amphibians (Daszak et al. wild birds here in the UK, which provides and often living within rather limited 1999, Martel et al. 2014). These events the basis for the examples used throughout geographical ranges, such as island underline the growing need for effective much of this article, such records have endemic species. However, recent work has long-term population monitoring partnered tended to come from homeowners who revealed both infectious and non-infectious with disease surveillance. have encountered dead or diseased birds 18 Issue 91 | March 2016 Feature Article: Ecology Legal Update (contd)

in their gardens, often at or near hanging bird feeders or bird tables. Since 2000, many of these opportunistic reports have been passed to researchers at the Institute of Zoology (IoZ, London), the Wildlife Veterinary Investigation Laboratory (Cornwall) and the Scottish Agricultural College (Ayrshire), where post-mortem examinations have revealed the likely cause of death and the presence of particular disease-causing organisms. The results of these efforts provide an overview of the types of infectious diseases occurring in our wild bird populations and highlight the range of species affected. However, investigations which rely on the reporting of sick and dead birds by members of the public on an ad hoc basis have an inherent risk of bias because of variation in observer effort. The Garden Bird Health initiative (GBHi) was launched in 2005 in an attempt to address this bias, bringing together the aforementioned organisations and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), the RSPB, the Department of Veterinary Pathology at the University of Liverpool and the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW). GBHi surveillance of garden bird mortality and morbidity Garden Wildlife Health pairs volunteers with paid professionals to monitor disease in garden wildlife. Photo by Jill Pakenham, BTO. combined the collection of opportunistic reports from the general public with weekly reports from ‘citizen scientist’ of intensively monitored gardens – it either directly between individuals, such volunteers contributing to a systematic is possible to maximise their relative as when courtship feeding or feeding reporting network, drawn from participants benefits. The large-scale sampling young, or indirectly through shared food in the BTO’s weekly Garden BirdWatch from the opportunistic survey provides and water sources. The parasite does not survey. A random sample of participants the greatest coverage, increasing the remain viable for long in the environment was selected using a stratification based on likelihood of receiving reports of novel external to the host but garden feeding location and garden characteristics, with or infrequent incidents, and enables stations – where large numbers of birds these volunteers collecting information on investigation of disease emergence at the may gather together to feed – may the incidence of diseased and dying birds earliest possible stage. The systematic provide an opportunity for increased rates alongside regular weekly counts of the sampling provides a quantitative measure of parasite transmission. birds visiting their gardens. of incidence which will be relatively robust Finch trichomonosis was first recognised Carcasses were then selected for post- to increases in reporting frequency in in 2005 and a single, clonal strain of mortem investigation from the wider response to media coverage. pool of those reported, with selection Trichonomas gallinae was found to be determined by the condition of the Trichomonosis and finches responsible for the epidemic mortality that carcass, the location and by the species It was through GBHi that the emergence occurred subsequently (Lawson et al. 2011). concerned. Birds thought to have died as of finch trichomonosis in British passerines The first occurrence of epidemic mortality a result of trauma, predation or infectious was revealed and its adverse impacts attributed to the disease through GBHi was disease were treated in a similar manner. on finch populations documented. The documented the following summer (2006), By combining these two different sources disease is caused by the protozoal parasite leading to a significant decline in the UK of information – opportunistic data Trichomonas gallinae, which infects the breeding populations of greenfinch Chloris reported by the general public from a upper alimentary tract and causes lesions chloris (-35%) and chaffinch Fringilla large number of sites and systematic that can interfere with the bird’s ability coelebs (-20%) by the start of the 2007 data collected from a smaller number to swallow. The parasite is transmitted breeding season (Robinson et al. 2010). Issue 91 | March 2016 19 Feature Article: Monitoring Disease in Birds and Other Wildlife: Partnering Citizen Scientists with Paid Professionals (contd)

Such levels of mortality and population important early warning of other emerging Thanks to funding from the Esmée decline due to an emerging infectious infectious diseases and reveal their impact Fairbairn Foundation, UFAW, Defra’s disease were unprecedented in British wild on wildlife populations here in the UK. Strategic Evidence Fund and the Animal birds with the loss of over 35% of the UK While greenfinch and chaffinch were the and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) Diseases breeding greenfinch population within five two species for which the impact of finch of Wildlife Scheme, which receives years of the disease emergence (Lawson trichomonosis was most strongly felt, the funding from Defra through the Scanning et al. 2012b) disease also affected many other passerine Surveillance Programme, a new initiative This work underlines the value of species, including species listed as has been launched. Called Garden Wildlife combining networks of volunteers conservation priorities. While we now had Health, the project builds on the models participating in systematic monitoring a suitable and highly cost-effective model of GBHi and the Frog Mortality Project to programmes (GBHi, BTO Garden BirdWatch for monitoring disease, we were lacking deliver a cross-taxon monitoring scheme and the BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird the ongoing funding needed to secure its centred on wildlife disease in those Survey – the latter providing information long-term future. bird, amphibian, reptile and mammal on the scale of resulting population Another project with a similar history populations using gardens – the mammal declines) with paid professionals (the of success, and also based around a component is currently restricted to the veterinary scientists working on disease network of volunteers reporting disease hedgehog Erinaceus europeaeus. and research ecologists at the BTO and incidents, was the Frog Mortality Project The project is a partnership between elsewhere) and, more widely, engagement (FMP). Launched in 1992, the FMP project IoZ, BTO, RSPB and Froglife, and is with the general public to secure started as a partnership between IoZ and again based around the combination of opportunistic reports. Herpetofauna Consultants International opportunistic reporting and systematic Ltd., and later Froglife. The project led monitoring. Participants can submit their Beyond birds: to the discovery of a new viral disease observations through a dedicated web Garden Wildlife Health in British frogs and toads, caused by a application, which is also used by the Following the successful completion of ranavirus, and tracked its spread across wildlife veterinarians who liaise with a GBHi – the project was funded for a England before revealing its long-term subset of those submitting reports to make defined period – it was clear that ongoing impact on common frog Rana temporaria arrangements for further investigation. systematic monitoring could deliver populations (Teacher et al. 2010). Importantly, those submitting carcasses for

Emerging infectious diseases in native amphibians may be spread accidentally by professional ecologists, so understanding the risks is essential. Smooth newt Triturus vulgaris. Photo by Mike Toms, BTO. 20 Issue 91 | March 2016 post-mortem examination receive feedback the partner and funding organisations, a Operating such ‘citizen science’ schemes on the likely cause of death through the range of non-governmental organisations, requires the development and maintenance website (www.gardenwildlifehealth.org). with an interest in habitat management, of well-motivated volunteer networks, The Garden Wildlife Health vets highlight species conservation and animal welfare, who understand what they are being ways to help prevent and control disease are invited to attend a twice-yearly Garden asked to do and why. It is essential that outbreaks, when they occur, and the Wildlife Health Forum meeting, to receive the volunteers see the value in their website provides disease factsheets that updates on recent findings and to identify contributions, which is why the reporting offer guidance on how to optimise garden new ways to collaborate and promote back on individual submissions and on the habitat to safeguard the health and welfare best practice for management of wildlife- wider project outputs is so critical. The of local wildlife. Additionally, an interactive friendly gardens. approach delivers a reach well beyond that digital national map is available on the Taking monitoring beyond which could be achieved with a purely website, with search functions by species, the garden gate professional network. A recent evaluation time and various disease conditions that for a monitoring and investigation Private gardens make a significant enable the public to learn more of the project similar to Garden Wildlife Health, contribution to the amount of urban health conditions affecting wildlife in their estimated that using a paid network green space and are arguably the main region. These resources have wider reach would cost at least £2.7 million annually to contributors to urban biodiversity within than just this project and CIEEM members achieve a similar intensity and coverage of developed countries (Goddard et al. 2010). may find them of particular interest. surveillance. Garden Wildlife Health costs a They support important populations of fraction of this to operate. Quarterly reports are submitted to the birds, amphibians and, to a lesser extent, APHA’s Great Britain Wildlife Disease mammals, and provide access to wildlife The online framework developed for Surveillance Partnership and biannual that would not otherwise be available to Garden Wildlife Health provides an reports are delivered to the World many people. Interest in garden wildlife additional opportunity to collect information Organization for Animal Health (OIE). provides an opportunity to engage on wildlife disease from other species and Data collected through both GBHi and homeowners with nature and in the habitats. We have already extended the Garden Wildlife Health – including a collection of biological data through well- species range of the Garden Wildlife Health tissue archive – have fed into multiple structured citizen science approaches (Roy project to include birds of prey, through peer-reviewed papers on wildlife disease et al. 2012). This is one of the reasons collaboration with the RSPB’s Wildlife (e.g. Lawson et al. 2012a, Beckman et al. why the garden-based work on disease Investigations Unit. The flexibility built into 2014, Lawson et al. 2014). In addition to surveillance has proved so successful. the web application allows addition of new

Amphibians and chytrid fungi B. salamandrivorans and there is concern its recommendations. Permission from the Chytridiomycosis, a disease caused that it could decimate this protected relevant authorities (e.g. Natural England) by Batrachochytrium spp. fungi, species should it become established in should be obtained before proceeding. predominantly B. dendrobatidis, has this country in the wild. • Never transfer wild amphibians between driven amphibian population declines Projects like Garden Wildlife Health sites without a disease risk assessment and species extinctions across the globe. provide the surveillance and early warning and carrying out its recommendations. In Great Britain, B. dendrobatidis was network that can alert us to chytrid Do not stock ponds with spawn/ first detected in 2005 (at a site in the within amphibian populations but we tadpoles/adult amphibians – they will south-east of England). Since this initial also need conservation practitioners and colonise new ponds naturally (and often report, two national surveys of sites have environmental consultants to be aware surprisingly quickly). detected the fungus at multiple ponds of the threat from disease and of the • Take care when disposing of dead across the country. More recently, we opportunities for reporting on amphibian animals. They should be incinerated or have seen B. salamandrivorans emerge mortality. A group of partners, including buried in such a way that scavenging as a threat to salamander and newt IoZ, have produced helpful guidance for animals cannot access them. populations (Martel et al. 2014), that reducing the risk of inadvertently spreading • Substrates (soil, sand, gravel, etc.) on has caused disease outbreaks and severe chytrid, and other, amphibian diseases work clothing and equipment can declines of fire salamander Salamandra (see www.gardenwildlife.health.org). salamandra populations in continental harbour infections. Ecologists should This includes: Europe. This “salamander chytrid” has clean and disinfect equipment and now been found in captive amphibian • Never release any exotic amphibians clothing between sites to avoid disease populations here in the UK but is not from captivity into the wild. introduction, particularly when involved yet known to occur in the wild. Great • Never release any native amphibians in monitoring water bodies and their crested newts Triturus cristatus have from captivity into the wild without a surrounding habitats. been shown to be highly susceptible to disease risk assessment and carrying out

Issue 91 | March 2016 21 Feature Article: Monitoring Disease in Birds and Other Wildlife: Partnering Citizen Scientists with Paid Professionals (contd)

diseases, scientific tests, target species and much more besides. Citizen science offers a References myriad of opportunities to optimise wildlife Beckmann, K.M., Borel, N., Pocknell, A.M., Lawson, B., Robinson R.A., Colvile K.M., Peck health surveillance that can be developed in Dagleish, M.P., Sachse, K., John, S.K., Pospischil, K.M., Chantrey J., Pennycott T.W., Simpson, V.R., the future (Lawson et al. 2015). A., Cunningham, A.A. and Lawson, B. (2014). Toms, M.P. and Cunningham, A.A. (2012b). The Chlamydiosis in British garden birds (2005-2011): emergence and spread of finch trichomonosis in the By partnering citizen scientists with paid retrospective diagnosis and Chlamydia psittaci British Isles. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal professionals we have established a genotype determination. Ecohealth, 11: 544-563. Society B, 367: 2852-2863. sustainable, robust and highly effective doi:10.1007/s10393-014-0951-x Leopardi, S., Blake, D. and Puechmaille, S.J. (2015). mechanism for monitoring wildlife Daszak, P., Berger, L., Cunningham, A.A., Hyatt, White-Nose Syndrome fungus introduced from A.D., Green, D.E. and Speare, R. (1999). Emerging Europe to North America. Current Biology, 25: disease. The outputs from this work can infectious diseases and amphibian population R217-219. then be used to support new approaches declines. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 5: 735-748. Martel, A., Blooi, M., Adriaensen, C., Van Rooij, P., to prevent and control disease threats, Duff, J.P., Barlow, A.M., Breed, A.C., Duncan, D., Beukema, W., Fisher, M.C. and Pasmans, F. (2014). delivering management options that are Holmes, J.P. and Irvine, R.M. (2016). Wildlife Disease Recent introduction of a chytrid fungus endangers based on more robust and appropriate Surveillance by the Animal and Plant Health Agency. Western Palearctic salamanders. Science, 346: In Practice – Bulletin of the Chartered Institute of 630-631. information. The projects mentioned in Ecology and Environmental Management, 91: 7-11. Robinson, R.A, Lawson, B., Toms, M.P., Peck, K.M., this article underline what can be achieved Goddard, M.A., Dougill, A.J. and Benton, T.G. Kirkwood, J.K., Chantrey, J., Clatworthy, I.R., with a well-structured approach and the (2010). Scaling up from gardens: biodiversity Evans, A.D., Hughes, L.A., Hutchinson, O.C., John, willingness of volunteers to support and conservation in urban environments. Trends in S.K., Pennycott, T.W., Perkins, M.W., Rowley, P.S., participate in monitoring and surveillance Ecology & Evolution, 25: 90-98. Simpson, V.R., Tyler, K.M. and Cunningham, A.A. (2010). Emerging infectious disease leads to rapid work. Importantly, such projects enable LaDeau, S.L., Kilpatrick, A.M. and Marra, P.P. (2007). West Nile virus emergence and large-scale declines population declines of common British birds. paid professionals to tackle research of North American bird populations. Nature, 447: PLoS One, 5(8): e12215. and applied questions that could not be 710–713. Roy, H.E., Pocock, M.J.O., Preston, C.D., Roy, D.B., answered readily without the help of Lawson, B., Cunningham, A.A., Chantrey, J., Savage, J., Tweddle, J.C. and Robinson, L.D. (2012). volunteers, and there is certainly scope for Hughes, L.A., John, S.K., Bunbury, N., Bell, D.J. and Understanding Citizen Science & Environmental Monitoring. Final Report on behalf of UK-EOF. more of us to adopt this approach. Tyler, K.M. (2011). A clonal strain of Trichomonas gallinae is the aetiologic agent of an emerging avian NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and Natural epidemic disease. Infection, Genetics and Evolution, History Museum. 11: 1638–1645. Shultz, S., Baral, H.S., Charman, S., Cunningham, About the Author Lawson, B., Lachish, S., Colvile, K.M., Durrant, A.A., Das, D., Ghalsasi, G.R., Goudar, M.S., Green, R.E., Jones, A., Nighot, P., Pain, D.J. and Prakash, Mike Toms is an C., Peck, K.M., Toms, M.P., Sheldon, B.C. and Cunningham, A.A. (2012a). Emergence of a novel V. (2004). Diclofenac poisoning is widespread in Associate Director declining vulture populations across the Indian and part of the BTO’s avian pox disease in British tit species. PLoS One, 7(11): e40176. subcontinent. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. senior management (Suppl.), 271: 458-460. team. In addition Lawson, B., Petrovam, S.O. and Cunningham, Teacher, A.G.F., Cunningham, A.A. and Garner, to work on disease, A.A. (2015). Citizen Science and Wildlife Disease T.W.J. (2010). Assessing the long-term impact birds and other taxa Surveillance. Ecohealth, 12: 693-702. of Ranavirus infection in wild common frog Lawson, B., de Pinna, E., Horton, R.E., Macgregor, within the garden populations. Animal Conservation, 13: 514–522. environment, his S.K., John, S.K., Chantrey, J., Duff, J.P., Kirkwood, research interests extend to encompass J.K., Simpson, V.R., Robinson, R.A., Wain, J. Tompkins, D.M., Sainsbury, A.W., Nettleton, P., Buxton, D. and Gurnell, J. (2002). Parapoxvirus work on barn owl survey and monitoring and Cunningham, A.A. (2014). Epidemiological causes a deleterious disease in red squirrels methods, methods for monitoring evidence that garden birds are a source of human associated with UK population declines. mammal species and bird migration. He salmonellosis in England and Wales. PLoS One, 9(2): e88968. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. 269: is a BTO ringer, a Nest Recorder and an 529–533. active fieldworker. Contact Mike at: [email protected] Dr Becki Lawson is a Research Fellow and Wildlife Veterinarian at the Institute of Zoology, London. Her research focuses on disease surveillance for various species of British wildlife in order to understand the mechanisms of disease emergence and its impact, and to identify anthropogenic activities which adversely affect wildlife health and welfare, in order to offer mitigation guidance. Contact Becki at: [email protected]

22 Issue 91 | March 2016 Feature Article: Bats and Infectious Diseases: A Two-Sided Story

Daubenton’s bat; © Hugh Clark/BCT. Bats and Infectious Diseases: Keywords: guidance, rabies, risk management, surveillance, white-nose A Two-Sided Story syndrome Lisa Worledge & Helen Miller Bat Conservation Trust

In this article we consider rabies and white-nose syndrome, providing important contribution to make both an introduction to the two diseases and their disparate impacts to surveillance for these diseases and effective disease risk management. on bat and human health. We highlight the important role that Rabies professional ecologists can play in managing the risks associated Rabies is an example of a zoonosis, a with these diseases and assisting with ongoing surveillance schemes. disease that affects people but which is of animal origin. It is an acute, progressive, Introduction perspectives. Rabies is present within viral encephalitis (i.e. it affects the our Daubenton’s bat Myotis daubentonii When we think about bats and infectious nervous system and brain). It is caused diseases we often think about those population but with little apparent impact by members of the Lyssavirus genus, of diseases that can impact on human on the species; it does, however, present which 13 genotypes have been identified health whilst seemingly having little or an issue for public health. In contrast, to date, with all but one having a range no effect on the bats that carry them. white-nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease of host species that include bats (Barrett This isn’t, however, the full picture and that is devastating some species of bat 2011). The disease is usually spread via it is necessary to also understand the in North America but without any direct a bite or scratch from an infected animal other part of the story – diseases that can impact on human health. Whilst white- (though the animal may not be displaying impact on bat populations themselves. In nose syndrome hasn’t been found in the any signs of rabies). A range of animals the UK we are primarily concerned with UK, the fungus that causes the disease carry lyssaviruses but world-wide the two diseases that illustrate these different is present here. Bat workers have an most frequent source of infection (more Issue 91 | March 2016 23 Feature Article: Bats and Infectious Diseases: A Two-Sided Story (contd)

than 99% of human cases) is feral dogs infected with Classical Rabies Virus (RABV) (WHO 2015). Whilst some bat species in the Americas carry RABV, it is not found in European bats. Rather the two main genotypes present are: European Bat Lyssavirus Type 1 (EBLV1) and Type 2 (EBLV2). However, researchers are still finding new genotypes; in 2010, the Bokeloh Bat Lyssavirus (BBLV) was isolated from a Natterer’s bat Myotis nattererii in Germany (Freuling et al. 2011) and was subsequently isolated from the same species in France (Picard-Meyer et al. 2013). In 2012, viral genetic material was isolated from a single Schreiber’s bent winged bat Miniopterus schreibersii in Spain; it has been tentatively classified as the Lleida Bat Lyssavirus or LLEBV (Aréchiga Ceballos et al. 2013). The Lyssavirus found in the UK is EBLV2, and it has only been confirmed in the Daubenton’s bat Packs for submitting dead bats to APHA for rabies testing are available from the population. Whilst it hasn’t been recorded National Bat Helpline. in any other species in the UK, there are a small number of mainland European cases from pond bat Myotis dasycneme and a species data and geographic coverage are The passive surveillance programme single noctule Nyctalus noctule as well as skewed. For example, a high percentage has been supplemented by three active Daubenton’s bat. of bats submitted have been pipistrelles surveillance projects, with blood (to Pipistrellus spp., the species that the public test for the presence of antibodies) and In the UK there has only been one case of and bat workers are most likely to come saliva (to test for the presence of live human rabies acquired from a native bat, into contact with. This skewed distribution virus) samples being taken primarily from when an unvaccinated bat worker sadly contracted the disease in 2002 (Racey led to a change in surveillance policy in serotine and Daubenton’s bat at sites et al. 2012). There have been a further 2012. Pipistrelles no longer have to be in Scotland and England (the bats were three confirmed cases of human rabies submitted for testing by bat workers unless released after the samples were taken). (including another bat worker) acquired they are involved in a contact incident with One Daubenton’s bat was found with from bats in Europe in the past 30 years. a human or other animal, e.g. a dog or cat, live EBLV2 virus as a result of this active With a population of approximately 590 or where the identification is unknown or surveillance work (Horton et al. 2009). million people in Europe, bat-related uncertain (one of the positive Daubenton’s Antibodies for EBLV1 were also found in rabies presents a very small risk (Racey et bat cases was actually misidentified one serotine and two Natterer’s bats but al. 2012). However, out of the hundreds as a pipistrelle by a bat worker). The no live EBLV1 (Racey et al. 2012). The of thousands of human cases of rabies geographical coverage of bats submitted active surveillance projects have confirmed worldwide all but ten recent cases have to the scheme perhaps reflects more where that EBLV2 is present at a low level in the been fatal (Barrett 2011) and it is this bat workers are to be found than bats. UK Daubenton’s bat population. outcome that is a key determiner of UK A total of 11 Daubenton’s bats have been Bat workers are the main ‘at risk’ group policy for rabies risk management. found with live EBLV2 through this passive for rabies in the UK but this risk can be A passive surveillance scheme for rabies in surveillance programme (including one in greatly reduced. Anyone handling bats Great Britain has been running since 1987. 2015). Therefore, we would encourage should wear gloves and follow good The surveillance is reliant on the submission bat workers who encounter dead bats practice. BCT produces Bats & Rabies of dead bats by bat workers and members to submit all non-pipistrelle species for Good Practice Guidelines for bat workers of the public to the Animal and Plant testing. The packs for sending off dead (http://www.bats.org.uk/pages/-bats_and_ Health Agency (APHA) with over 12,500 bats to APHA can be obtained from the rabies-1099.html). Everyone who handles bats tested to date. This surveillance National Bat Helpline (0345 1300 228 / bats as part of their work or volunteering programme is important for informing our [email protected]) and more details activities is advised to have appropriate understanding of the disease and as an about the scheme can be found on the vaccinations (Racey et al. 2012) and pre- invaluable educational tool. It is however Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) website exposure vaccinations are required for necessary to acknowledge that both the (www.bats.org.uk). bat workers employed or volunteering 24 Issue 91 | March 2016 for the UK Statutory Nature Conservation White-nose syndrome is categorised by a been reported at European or Chinese Organisations (SNCOs). Details about collection of symptoms and is associated hibernacula. It is believed that European vaccinations are available on the BCT with hibernating, cave roosting bats bats have evolved immunity to white-nose website along with the Good Practice (Puechmaille et al. 2010). It is named syndrome, which is reflected in the genetic Guidelines. In addition, the National Bat for the presence of a white fungus that diversity of the fungus in Europe compared Helpline provides advice to members of may be found on the muzzle and also with North American strains (Puechmaille the public about rabies, specifically to wing and/or tail membranes of infected et al. 2011). those who are bitten by bats. Rabies is individuals (Blehert et al. 2009) but other Passive surveillance for P. destructans has an important issue with which all those symptoms include increased activity during been undertaken by APHA in Great Britain working with bats both in a voluntary or the hibernation period, bats clustered in since 2008 (Duff et al. 2016). White-nose professional capacity should be aware. BCT areas not normally identified as winter syndrome Guidance for Bat Workers advocates a proportionate yet transparent roost sites and, significantly, mass mortality in the UK and Isle of Man (produced approach to rabies communication whilst at hibernation sites. by BCT in conjunction with APHA and ensuring that positive support for bats and The disease is caused by a fungus various Statutory Nature Conservation bat conservation is maintained. Pseudogymnoascus destructans (formerly Organisations) provides instructions on named Geomyces destructans), most good practice in terms of decontamination White-Nose Syndrome likely introduced to North America as a protocols, signs to look out for and Whilst we have known about rabies novel pathogen from Europe (Warnecke instructions on how to take samples for in bats for decades and its presence in et al. 2012). In Europe, the fungus was analysis. The guidance is updated annually the UK for almost 20 years (Racey et al. first confirmed from a bat in France in and can be found at http://www.bats. 2012), white-nose syndrome is a relatively 2008 (Puechmaille et al. 2010) and has org.uk/pages/about_bats-white-nose_ new disease, having only been discovered subsequently been found in a further 15 syndrome-586.html. Over 50 bats have in North America in 2006 (Puechmaille European countries, including the UK been tested to date and the first positive et al. 2010). White-nose syndrome (Barlow et al. 2015). It has been recorded case was recorded in 2013, from a swab represents the other side of the bats and from 11 species (Zukal et al. 2014) as sample taken from a live Daubenton’s bat diseases story. Millions of bats (from well as through environmental sampling hibernating in a disused railway tunnel seven different species) have died as a (Barlow et al. 2015). P. destructans has in Kent (Barlow et al. 2015). A second result of the disease, which is now also been found in north eastern China positive case, also from a Daubenton’s bat, present in 26 States in the USA and five (Hoyt et al. 2016) but there is no evidence this time from a hibernation site in Norfolk, Canadian provinces (US Fish & Wildlife of the syndrome itself outside of North was found in 2014. Service 2015). America and no mass mortalities have Rather than relying on being able to culture the fungus from samples taken from bats, researchers in the USA have developed a method for detecting the presence of P. destructans from environmental samples (Barlow et al. 2015). This led to a pilot study run over the 2012-13 hibernation season by APHA, BCT and Northern Arizona University. Sites were selected in Kent and Sussex, counties chosen due to their proximity to mainland Europe. During their annual National Bat Monitoring Programme hibernation visits, volunteers collected a total of 30 sediment and surface samples from six sites, five of which were positive for the presence of P. destructans (Barlow et al. 2015). The results from the passive surveillance and the pilot project give reasons for cautious optimism. In the absence of mass mortalities and other symptoms of white- nose syndrome, we believe these results indicate that the situation in Great Britain (the passive surveillance programme does First Daubenton’s bat found in the UK with P. destructans (fungus is just visible on the tip of the not cover Northern Ireland) is similar to bat’s ear); © Shirley Thompson. that in most of the rest of Europe where Issue 91 | March 2016 25 Feature Article: Bats and Infectious Diseases: A Two-Sided Story (contd)

the fungus is present. It is likely that our will continue, to further our knowledge native bats share the same immunity of these diseases and to inform risk Acknowledgements from P. destructans as bats elsewhere management decisions, both from the Managing the issues associated with bats and in Europe. Further work is underway to perspectives of human health and of diseases requires a combined effort with bat workers, volunteers, BCT, APHA and SNCOs analyse environmental samples collected bat conservation. Disease guidance for working together to manage disease risk. The from an additional 26 sites across the UK. bat workers is reviewed annually and authors would like to take this opportunity to In the meantime the passive surveillance attention is also given to any new and thank everyone who has contributed to disease surveillance schemes and programme continues and all bat workers emerging infectious diseases. This is to implementing good practice in the UK. undertaking hibernation surveys are keep up to date with research and the asked to familiarise themselves with the latest information in deciding on future white-nose syndrome guidance (available surveillance programmes, as well as to from the BCT website) and to notify BCT ensure all necessary information and or APHA if they find any evidence of the guidance for bat workers is in place. fungus or white-nose syndrome during The participation of bat workers is vital their surveys. for the success of surveillance schemes and effective disease risk management. The Future It is essential we all follow good practice The surveillance schemes for rabies and and maintain a credible and white-nose syndrome / P. destructans proportionate approach.

References About the Authors Aréchiga Ceballos, N., Vázquez Morón, S., Berciano, Picard-Meyer, E., Servat, A., Robardet, E., Moinet, Lisa Worledge is joint J.M., Nicolás, O., Aznar López, C., Juste, J., M., Borel, C. and Cliquet, F. (2013). Isolation of bats and diseases Rodríguez Nevado, C., Aguilar Setién, A. and Bokeloh bat lyssavirus in Myotis nattereri in France. Echevarría, J.E. (2013). Novel Lyssavirus in Bat, Spain. Archives of Virology, 158(11): 2333-2340. contact at BCT. She Emerging Infectious Diseases, 19(5): 793–795. is a licensed bat Puechmaille, S.J., Verdeyroux, P., Fuller, H., Ar worker and the Bat Barlow, A.M., Worledge, L., Miller, H., Drees, Gouilh, M., Bekaert, M. and Teeling, E.C. (2010). K.P., Wright, P., Foster, J.T., Sobek, C., Borman, White-Nose Syndrome Fungus (Geomyces Conservation Trust’s A.M. and Fraser, M. (2015). First confirmation of destructans) in Bat, France. Emerging Infectious Partnerships Officer, Pseudogymnoascus destructans in British bats and Diseases, 16(2): 290-293. where her main role hibernacula. Veterinary Record, 177(3): 73-77. Puechmaille, S.J., Frick, W.F., Kunz, T.H., Racey, P.A., is to support bat Barrett, J. (2011). Lyssaviruses. In: S.H. Newman, Voigt, C.C., Wibbelt, G. and Teeling, E.C. (2011). groups, working with the Wales and H.E. Field, C.E. de Jong and J.H. Epstein (eds). White-nose syndrome: is this emerging disease Scotland Officers. Investigating the Role of Bats in Emerging Zoonoses, a threat to European bats? Trends in Ecology & Contact Lisa at: [email protected] pp. 80-101. Food and Agricultural Organisation of Evolution, 26(11): 570-576. the United Nations, Rome, Italy. Racey, P.A., Hutson, A.M. and Lina, P.H.C. (2012). Helen Miller is joint Blehert, D.S., Hicks, A.C., Behr, M., Meteyer, C.U., Bat Rabies, Public Health and European Bat bats and diseases Berlowski-Zier, B.M., Buckles, E.L., Coleman, J.T.H., Conservation. Zoonoses and Public Health, contact at BCT. She is Darling, S.R., Gargas, A., Niver, R., Okoniewski, J.C., 60(1): 58-68. a licensed bat worker Rudd, R.J. and Stone, W.B. (2009). Bat White-Nose US Fish & Wildlife Service (2015). White- and is BCT’s Training Syndrome: An Emerging Fungal Pathogen? Science, nose syndrome map. Available at http:// Manager and 323(5911): 27. whitenosesyndrome.org/resources/map Woodland Officer. Duff, J.P., Barlow, A.M., Breed, A.C., Duncan, D., [Accessed: 30 November 2015] Contact Helen at: Holmes, J.P. and Irvine, R.M. (2016). Wildlife Disease Warnecke, L., Turner, J.M., Bollinger, T.K., Lorch, [email protected] Surveillance by the Animal and Plant Health Agency. J.M., Misra, M., Cryan, P.M., Wibbelt, G., Blehert, In Practice – Bulletin of the Chartered Institute of D.S. and Willis, C.K.R. (2012). Inoculation of bats Ecology and Environmental Management, 91: 7-11. with European Geomyces destructans supports Freuling, C.M., Beer, M., Conraths, F.J., Finke, S., the novel pathogen hypothesis for the origin of Hoffmann, B., Keller, B., Kliemt, J., Mettenleiter, T.C., white-nose syndrome. PNAS, 109(18): 6999- Mühlbach, E., Teifke, J.P., Wohlsein, P. and Müller, T. 7003. Available at www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/ (2011). Novel Lyssavirus in Natterer’s Bat, Germany. pnas.1200374109 [Accessed: 27 January 2016] Emerging Infectious Diseases, 17(8): 1519-1522. World Health Organisation (2015). Fact Sheet Horton, D.L., Voller, K., Haxton, B., Johnson, N., No. 99 Rabies. Available at http://www.who.int/ Leech, S., Goddard, T., Wilson, C., McElhinney, L.M. mediacentre/factsheets/fs099/en/ and Fooks, A.R. (2009). European bat lyssavirus [Accessed: 10 November 2015] type 2 in a Daubenton’s bat in Scotland. Veterinary Zukal, J., Bandouchova, H., Bartonicka, T., Berkova, Record, 165(13): 383-384. H., Brack, V., Brichta, J., Dolinay, M., Jaron, Hoyt, J.R., Sun, K., Parise, K.L., Lu, G., Langwig, K.E. K.S., Kovacova, V., Kovarik, M., Martínková, N., and Jiang, T. (2016). Widespread Bat white-nose Ondracek, K., Rehak, Z., Turner, G.G. and Pikula, J. syndrome fungus in north eastern China [letter]. (2014). White-Nose Syndrome Fungus: Emerging Infectious Diseases, 22(1): January A Generalist Pathogen of Hibernating Bats. 2016. Available at http://dx.doi.org/10.3201/ PLoS One, 9: e97224. eid2201.151314 [Accessed: 27 January 2016]

26 Issue 91 | March 2016 Feature Article: The Ecological and Conservation Implications of Ash Dieback (Chalara) and Methods to Mitigate Impacts

The Ecological and Conservation Implications of Ash Dieback (Chalara) and Methods Keywords: ash dieback, biodiversity loss, Chalara, Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, to Mitigate Impacts mitigation, tree diseases Ruth Mitchell Alice Broome and Ralph Harmer The James Hutton Institute Forest Research

Following the arrival of ash dieback in the UK, woodland ecologists and managers are asking: 1) what will be the ecological impact of the loss of ash, and 2) which species of tree should we plant to mitigate impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem function and plant community composition? Here we report on work that aims to provide some initial answers to these questions using information provided in two recent reports by Mitchell et al. (2014a,b), which are freely available on the JNCC and Natural England websites. These reports identify the ecological implications of the loss of ash, suggest mitigation measures and provide a procedure to assess the impact of the loss of ash on biodiversity at any given site and identify suitable alternative tree species. Background Common ash Fraxinus excelsior (L.) is a widespread woodland and non- woodland tree throughout the UK. It is threatened by an invasive fungal pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, commonly called ash dieback or Chalara. Chalara causes leaf loss, crown dieback and bark lesions in affected trees. Once a tree is infected the disease is usually fatal, either directly, or indirectly by weakening the tree to the point where it succumbs Ash tree infected with ash dieback – what will be the impact on the associated biodiversity? more readily to attacks by other pests or Photo credit: Ruth Mitchell. Issue 91 | March 2016 27 Feature Article: The Ecological and Conservation Implications of Ash Dieback (Chalara) and Methods to Mitigate Impacts (contd)

deciduous tree species in the UK. Thus, if ash is lost from our woodlands there are likely to be changes in processes such as nutrient cycling and tree regeneration. iii) Plant community composition of ash woodland Ash casts a light shade that, together with the rapid nutrient cycling, allows the distinctive ground flora of ash woods to develop. It is unlikely that ash dieback will cause the extinction of any ash woodland vascular plant species but changes in the amount of light reaching the forest floor will affect the ground flora composition over time. Initially, there will be an increase in light levels as the ash tree canopy dies back followed by a longer-term decrease in light levels as the canopy infills with trees that cast more shade than ash. The initial increase in light as the ash canopy dies back may result in positive The BAP lichen Leptogium saturninum that is highly associated with ash. outcomes for many ground flora species Photo credit: David Genney, SNH. in ash communities because they are well adapted to periods of canopy reduction/ pathogens, especially Armillaria fungi, or • highly associated – rarely uses other disturbance and, at present, they often honey fungus. The likely extent and rate tree species only survive in glades and rides, or along of ash mortality in the UK is still unknown, • partially associated – uses ash more woodland edges. Later, as the canopy fills although mortality has been high in frequently than its availability with tree species that cast a denser shade Eastern Europe (c. 90%). Widespread than ash, the abundance of many ground • cosmopolitan – uses ash as frequently loss of ash trees in the UK will impact on flora species typical of ash woodland as or less than its availability populations of ash-associated species, i.e. is likely to decline with only the most those species that in some way depend • uses – uses ash but the importance of shade-tolerant species surviving. Longer on ash for breeding or feeding (e.g. birds, ash for this species is unknown. term, it is suggested that sycamore is the bats and invertebrates) or as a habitat (e.g. Forty-five species were identified as being tree species most likely to replace ash in epiphytic bryophytes and lichens). obligate on ash and a further 62 species as many woodlands. However the eventual For woodlands where management being highly associated (http://www.cieem. woodland structure post ash-dieback objectives include the conservation of net/data/files/Resource_Library/In_Practice/ will be heavily dependent on many other biodiversity, the arrival of ash dieback CIEEM_IP91_Mitchell_Box1.pdf). The factors such as grazing intensity. raises the question of whether it is possible obligate and highly associated species are 2. Can we mitigate the impact to continue to conserve ash-associated most at risk from ash dieback as they may of a loss of ash and which biodiversity in the face of the loss of ash. decline or go locally extinct depending alternative trees should we on the rate of loss of the ash trees. The plant instead? 1. Ecological impacts conservation status of ash-associated of the loss of ash species was assessed (Table 2) and then It may be possible to mitigate the There are three different types of impacts: combined with their level of association ecological impact of ash dieback by planting alternative tree species. Methods i) on species that use ash trees (so called with ash to provide an overall index of how are available to assess site suitability for ash-associated species), ii) on ecosystem at risk they are from ash dieback (Table 1). function and iii) on plant community different tree species in terms of climate, soil ii) Ecosystem function composition in ash woodland. type and production potential of the tree, Ash leaves have high nutrient e.g. the Ecological Site Classification (Pyatt i) Ash-associated species concentrations and decompose rapidly. et al. 2001). This approach is supported by Using existing databases and literature, 955 Litter accumulation is lower and topsoil an assessment of which tree species are species were identified that are associated pH is higher under ash compared to other most ecologically similar to ash in terms with ash trees in the UK (Table 1). The level native deciduous tree species. This means of the associated species and ecosystem of association was defined as: that ash provides very different ecosystem functioning (Mitchell et al. 2014b). • obligate - unknown from other tree species functions compared to other native Of 48 tree species known to be suitable 28 Issue 91 | March 2016 Table 1. Number of species for six types of organism, their conservation status and level of association with ash. RED - species in danger of severe Conservation status1 population decline or extinction No Unknown Yes AMBER - species may decline in abundance Birds Obligate YELLOW - species may decline in High abundance but unlikely to be greatly Partial 4 3 impacted Uses GREEN - species unlikely to be impacted Cosmopolitan 2 3 1. See Table 2 for definitions of conservation status. 2. 546 lichen species shown rather than 548 as two Bryophytes Obligate species have only recently been taxonomically separated High 6 from other lichen species. Thus, although known to occur on ash their level of association and conservation Partial 27 3 status is unknown. Uses 12 Cosmopolitan 10 for establishment on ash sites, oak and Fungi Obligate 11 beech supported the highest number of High 17 2 ash-associated species (>500 of the 955 Partial 37 1 species) and elm, hazel and birch each Uses supported more than 400 ash-associated Cosmopolitan species (Table 3). Among non-native species, sycamore supported the highest number Invertebrates Obligate 23 3 4 of ash-associated species (473 of the 955 High 16 6 2 species). However, in terms of ecological Partial 27 1 9 function, oak and beech are very different Uses 68 13 50 to ash whereas alder is more similar (Table Cosmopolitan 14 4 1 4). Sycamore is moderately similar to ash in 2 terms of leaf litter decomposition rates and Lichens Obligate 2 2 nutrient cycling but casts a much darker High 4 1 8 shade than ash. A paucity of data on both Partial 188 7 36 species use (Table 3) and function means Uses 2 1 1 there is a risk that alternative tree species Cosmopolitan 257 4 33 may be wrongly classed as ecologically Mammals Obligate inappropriate; however, if a species is planted without an assessment of its High ecological suitability then unpredictable Partial 1 changes in species composition and in Uses 17 8 ecosystem functioning could follow. Cosmopolitan 1 1 Guidance and advice Some practical resources from the Table 2: Conservation designations used to class the species as being of conservation research on ash-related species, and concern in Table 1. the use of alternative tree species, have Species group Conservation designation Reference been released by Natural England (http:// Birds Classified as Red or Amber in Birds Eaton et al. 2009 publications.naturalengland.org.uk/ of Conservation Concern publication/5273931279761408). These comprise an Excel spreadsheet, some Bryophytes Classified as Critically Endangered, Hodgetts 2011 guidance documentation and case studies Endangered, Near Threatened or (Mitchell et al. 2014b). Vulnerable using IUCN criteria Fungi Red data book Evans et al. 2006 Tools to help conserve ash- Invertebrates Red data book / BAP species Kirby 1992; Conrad et al. 2006; associated species Davis 2012 The main “tool” available to woodland Lichens Classified as Critically Endangered, Woods and Coppins 2012 managers is an Excel file called AshEcol (listed Endangered, Near Threatened or as NECR151 edition 1 – A spreadsheet of Vulnerable using IUCN criteria ash-associated biodiversity). It includes a list of Mammals UK BAP species http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5717 the 955 species identified as being associated with ash trees (Mitchell et al. 2014b). Vascular plants Red data book Cheffings and Farrel 2006 Issue 91 | March 2016 29 Feature Article: The Ecological and Conservation Implications of Ash Dieback (Chalara) and Methods to Mitigate Impacts (contd)

Table 3: Number of ash-associated species potentially supported by alternative trees and shrubs. Potential alternative tree species Number of ash-associated species supported1 % of ash-associated Total (across all Highly associated Partially associated species for which levels of association with ash with ash information was with ash) available2 Oak sp. Quercus robur / petraea 640 23 271 94 Beech Fagus sylvatica 505 13 222 92 Elm sp. Ulmus procera / glabra 477 21 248 86 Hazel Corylus avellana 430 21 193 88 Birch sp. Betula pubescens / pendula 423 11 167 90 Alder Alnus glutinosa 389 11 164 89 Rowan Sorbus aucuparia 387 9 166 84 Aspen Populus tremula 370 18 176 89 Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna 302 9 155 88 Crab apple Malus sylvestris 272 5 140 83 Field maple Acer campestre 256 9 157 88 Holly Ilex aquifolium 251 3 107 77 Large leaved lime Tilia platyphyllos 242 4 136 81 Scots pine Pinus sylvestris 216 0 60 81 Hornbeam Carpinus betulus 169 7 90 88 Blackthorn Prunus spinosa 167 4 76 81 Wild cherry Prunus avium 116 1 48 88 Goat willow Salix caprea 105 7 44 32 Whitebeam Sorbus aria 100 1 51 82 Elder Sambucus nigra 96 6 53 29 Bird cherry Prunus padus 95 2 49 87 Privet Ligustrum vulgare 92 8 61 75 Grey willow Salix cinerea 91 4 39 31 Yew Taxus baccata 89 0 53 86 Small leaved lime Tilia cordata 84 7 37 31 Black poplar Populus nigra 76 4 45 30 Wild service tree Sorbus torminalis 7 2 1 22 Non-native Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus 473 17 228 88 Horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum 208 9 116 81 European larch Larix decidua 166 0 50 79 Common walnut Juglans regia 149 7 85 81 Sweet chestnut Castanea sativa 148 5 61 88 Black walnut Juglans nigra 126 3 78 80 Plane sp. Platanus x hybrid 96 2 60 76 Silver fir Abies alba 74 1 26 30 Turkey oak Quercus cerris 70 3 29 32 Norway maple Acer platanoides 60 4 26 31 Manna ash Fraxinus ornus 29 6 5 30 Red oak Quercus rubra 28 1 13 29 Western red cedar Thuja plicata 17 22 American ash Fraxinus americana 12 1 5 29 Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica 12 2 5 29 Hop-hornbeam Ostrya carpinifolia 10 0 5 20 Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii 8 0 3 29 Italian alder Alnus cordata 6 0 0 23 Manchurian ash Fraxinus mandschurica 6 1 3 29 Shagbark hickory Carya ovata 1 0 0 19 Caucasian wingnut Pterocarya fraxinifolia 1 0 0 19 1. Number of ash-associated species, out of 955, which are known to use the alternative tree species. 2. Percentage of ash-associated species for which it is known whether or not they use the alternative tree species. Low percentages should be treated with caution as an assessment of the suitability of these tree species was not possible for most ash-associated species. 30 Issue 91 | March 2016 Table 4. The suitability of eleven alternative tree species when ranked by number of the site (climate, soils, etc.) for other ash- of ash-associated species they support, by their traits and by ecological functions. alternative species currently not present but Those shaded green are classed as ‘good’ alternatives to ash, those shaded red as which were identified in Step 3. ecologically ‘bad’ alternatives to ash. Step 5: Select those alternative tree and No. of species1 Decomposition2 Litter quality2 Nutrient cycling2 shrub species identified in Step 4 that Oak Alder Walnut Alder could be encouraged within the woodland Beech Lime Alder Lime while maintaining the site’s objectives (e.g. Sycamore Rowan Lime Field maple conservation and/or timber production). Birch Sycamore Aspen Sycamore Select the most appropriate management Alder Field maple Field maple method (e.g. natural regeneration, Rowan Aspen Sycamore planting, coppicing, controlling deer numbers) to increase the abundance of Aspen Oak these alternative tree species. Field maple Rowen Further explanation and details are provided Walnut Birch Oak in the instructions accompanying the Wild cherry Oak Beech Birch AshEcol tool and in Broome et al. (2014). Lime Beech Wild cherry Beech Case studies 1. Green = supports >450 ash-associated species; orange = supports 300-450 ash-associated species; red = supports < 300 ash-associated species. This 5-step procedure has been used to 2. Ranking taken from Mitchell et al. (2014b). develop case studies for 15 ash woodland sites across the UK (see summary in A separate list includes those invertebrate, species with a high level of association with Broome et al. 2014) that provide examples fungi, bryophyte, lichen, mammal and bird ash or with a high level of conservation of how ash woodlands could be managed species that use ash trees, and provides a protection (see Table 2). to mitigate some of the potential impacts of ash dieback on ash-associated species. measure of their level of association with Step 3: Using the AshEcol tool, identify The case studies are available from ash (obligate, highly associated, partly tree and shrub species that could act as associated, cosmopolitan and uses). It does Natural England for download (http:// alternatives to ash to provide habitat for the not include those species that are associated publications.naturalengland.org.uk/ ash-associated species present at the site. with ash woodland habitat but do not use publication/5273931279761408). the tree, e.g. vascular plants. There is also Step 4: Survey the woodland to determine Species versus ecosystem function an assessment of the degree to which 48 if any of the potential ash-alternative tree alternative tree species can support each of or shrub species identified in Step 3 are The 5-step procedure prioritises the the 955 ash-associated species. already present on site. Assess the suitability conservation of ash-associated species Management recommendations for ash-associated species. A five-step procedure has been developed to identify which species are associated with ash and to recommend management interventions. Step 1: Produce a species list (excluding vascular plants) for the woodland across as many taxa as possible using existing data from site surveys or from the National Biodiversity Network’s (NBN) gateway (https://data.nbn.org.uk/). While existing species data may be incomplete, it allows the management to be adapted for those species known to be present at the site. New data can be collected when resources allow. Vascular plants are excluded from Step 1 as there are no epiphytic vascular plants on ash trees. Step 2: Using the AshEcol tool, identify which species from Step 1 are ash- Woodland ecologists and managers discussing how to manage ash woodlands and conserve associated. Draw up a shortlist of those ash-associated biodiversity. Photo credit: Ruth Mitchell. Issue 91 | March 2016 31 Feature Article: The Ecological and Conservation Implications of Ash Dieback (Chalara) and Methods to Mitigate Impacts (contd)

References Broome, A., Mitchell, R. and Harmer, R. (2014). Ash dieback and biodiversity loss: can management make broadleaved woodlands more resilient? Quarterly Journal of Forestry, 108: 241-248. Cheffings, C. and Farrell, L. (2006). The Vascular Plant Red Data List for Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. Available at http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-3354 [Accessed 25 January 2016] Conrad, K.F., Warren, M.S., Fox, R., Parsons, M.S. and Woiwod, I.P. (2006). Rapid declines of common, widespread British moths provide evidence of an insect biodiversity crisis. Biological Conservation, 132: 279–291. Davis, T. (2012). A Review of the Status of Microlepidoptera in Britain. Butterfly Conservation Report No. S 12-02. Butterfly Conservation, Wareham. Eaton M.A., Brown A.F., Noble D.G., Musgrove A.J., Hearn, R., Aebischer, N.J., Gibbons D.W., Lichen-rich ash habitat. Photo credit: David Genney, SNH. Evans, A. and Gregory, R.D. (2009). Birds of Conservation Concern 3: the population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and but this may not always restore similar the Isle of Man. British Birds, 102: 296–341. ecosystem functions (see above and Table 4). Acknowledgements Evans, S., Henrici A. and Ing, B. (2006). Preliminary Assessment: The Red Data List Of Therefore, depending on the species present We gratefully acknowledge the funding bodies Threatened British Fungi. Available at http://www. at a given site, it may be important to assess who made this work possible: JNCC, Natural fieldmycology.net/Download/RDL_of_Threatened_ England, Department of the Environment British_Fungi.pdf [Accessed 25 January 2016] the functional role of alternative tree species. Northern Ireland, Forestry Commission, Scottish Natural Heritage, Natural Resources Wales and Hodgetts, N.G. (2011). A revised Red List of Interacting factors Defra. We also gratefully acknowledge the bryophytes in Britain. Field Bryology, 103: 40-49. contributions made by the other members of the Kirby, P. (1992). A Review of the Scarce and Ash dieback is not the only driver of change research consortium: an independent bryologist Threatened Hemiptera of Great Britain. Joint within UK woodlands. High grazing pressure and scientists from The James Hutton Institute, Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (largely due to deer) is a major concern and Forest Research, Royal Botanic Garden Mitchell, R.J., Bailey, S., Beaton, J.K., Bellamy, P.E., Edinburgh, University of Aberdeen could have a significant impact on how Brooker, R.W., Broome, A., Chetcuti, J., Eaton, and RSPB. S., Ellis, C.J., Farren, J., Gimona, A., Goldberg, E., UK woodlands respond to ash dieback. If Hall, J., Harmer, R., Hester, A.J., Hewison, R.L., woodland managers wish to restore a tree Hodgetts, N.G., Hooper, R.J., Howe, L., Iason, G.R., Kerr, G., Littlewood, N.A., Morgan, V., canopy by natural regeneration following Newey, S., Potts, J.M., Pozsgai, G., Ray, D., Sim, ash loss, some form of herbivore control D.A., Stockan, J.A., Taylor, A.F.S. and Woodward, may be necessary in many areas. Otherwise, About the Authors S. (2014a). The potential ecological impact of ash dieback in the UK, Report No. 483. Joint there is a risk that regenerating ash saplings Ruth Mitchell is Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. that are tolerant to ash dieback could be a plant and soil Available at http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-6459 ecologist at The [Accessed 25 January 2016] grazed out before they reach maturity. James Hutton Mitchell, R.J., Broome, A., Harmer, R., Beaton, Climate change and other tree diseases are Institute in Aberdeen. J.K., Bellamy, P.E., Brooker, R.W., Ellis, C.J., also impacting UK woods. These factors will Contact Ruth at: Hester, A.J., Hodgetts, N.G., Iason, G.R., Littlewood, N.A., Mackinnon, M., Pakeman, have a strong influence on which species Ruth.Mitchell@ R., Pozsgai, G., Ramsey, S., Ray, D., Riach, D., increase and decrease in abundance in hutton.ac.uk Stockan, J.A., Taylor, A.F.S. and Woodward, S. response to ash loss. Alice Broome is the (2014b). Assessing and addressing the impacts of ash dieback on UK woodlands and trees of Project Leader for The UK will not see the full impact of ash conservation importance (Phase 2). Natural protected species dieback for a couple of decades. However, England Commissioned Reports, Rep. No. in the Centre for 151. Natural England, Peterborough. Available given the time taken for trees to grow to Ecosystems, Society at http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/ maturity, we cannot afford to wait until & Biosecurity, publication/5273931279761408 these effects are seen if mitigation is to be Forest Research [Accessed 25 January 2016] Contact Alice at: Pyatt, D.G., Ray, D. and Fletcher, J. (2001). implemented. While we cannot mitigate An Ecological Site Classification for Forestry [email protected] against all the potential changes in UK in Great Britain: Bulletin 124. Forestry woodlands and their interactions, some of Ralph Harmer is a Research Fellow at Commission, Edinburgh. which are unknown, the approach outlined Forest Research who has studied native Woods, R.G., and Coppins, B.J. (2012). A broadleaved trees and woodlands for Conservation Evaluation of British Lichens in this article does allow us to mitigate more than 20 years. and Lichenicolous Fungi. Joint Nature against some of the known potential Conservation Committee, Peterborough. impacts of ash dieback. 32 Issue 91 | March 2016

Feature Article: The Role of the Two Spotted Oak Buprestid in Acute Oak Decline

Mating two-spotted oak buprestid in the laboratory. Crown Copyright © 2016. The Role of the Two Spotted Oak Buprestid in Acute Oak Decline

Katy Reed Keywords: Agrilus biguttatus, acute oak Harper Adams University and Forest Research decline, Quercus spp.,

Acute Oak Decline threatens both species of native English oak, appear between the bark plates, from keystone trees that support a wealth of biodiversity in the UK. The which dark fluid seeps. Beneath the outer bark, lesions, or areas of decayed and dead oak jewel beetle or two spotted oak buprestid is closely linked with tissue, are found, mainly in the phloem but Acute Oak Decline but its role in the syndrome is unclear. sometimes extending into the sapwood. Although the mortality rate is high, some As part of a wider research consortium, (Kennedy & Southwood 1984), and oaks trees can recover; in affected woodlands, entomologists at Forest Research are also provide food and habitats for birds, formerly diseased trees are observed with studying the beetle in order to understand bats and other mammals. Pedunculate and callused-over lesions (Denman et al. 2014; its restricted distribution in England, and to sessile oaks (Quercus robur and Q. petraea) Brown et al. 2016). clarify its role in the syndrome. Although are the most abundant trees in many UK The causes of AOD are currently being the causes and transmission of Acute Oak woodlands and their loss due to Acute Oak investigated. AOD is a syndrome, Decline are not well understood, good Decline would be a tragedy. biosecurity practices may limit the spread comprising several biotic and / or abiotic of the syndrome. Acute Oak Decline (AOD) is a newly factors that work in combination. described syndrome that weakens and Fluctuating soil moisture levels, whether Introduction may lead to the rapid death of both oak due to drought or flooding, are probably Oaks are essential to biodiversity in the species. Characteristic symptoms are most a major abiotic predisposing factor. Biotic UK: more insect species are associated frequently observed on trees over 50 agents include two species of bacteria new with oaks than with any other UK tree years old. Numerous small, vertical cracks to science that are consistently found in Issue 91 | March 2016 33

Feature Article: The Role of the Two Spotted Oak Buprestid in Acute Oak Decline (contd)

AOD lesions: Gibbsiella quercinecans and The role of the two spotted currently devastating US ash Fracinus spp. Brenneria goodwinii (Brady et al. 2010; oak buprestid populations. As native US ash trees have Denman et al. 2012). In addition, the little resistance to the beetle, it can attack The two spotted oak buprestid is part of D-shaped exit holes of adult two spotted and rapidly kill healthy trees. The two the very large genus Agrilus, of which oak buprestid beetles Agrilus biguttatus spotted oak buprestid’s ecology is different the vast majority of species develop on and their larval galleries are frequently from that of the emerald ash borer since it dead or dying hosts, and are therefore not present. The distribution of the disease and is considered to be native to the UK, and the beetle are remarkably similar: both are considered to be economically important. only able to develop on weakened hosts. The genus does, however, include largely limited to south-central England, The two spotted oak buprestid’s story is several well-known pests, including the with a northerly limit around Nottingham, particularly interesting because it was listed emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis, and East Anglia although the first cases in as vulnerable in the Red Data Book in the Wales have recently been reported. an invasive species from Asia that is UK as recently as the 1980s. It was thought to be confined to isolated patches of wood-pasture and ancient woodland where there were enough old, weakened trees to maintain small populations. AOD may have helped the beetle by increasing the number of vulnerable hosts suitable for its development. The beetle’s population and range now seem to be increasing, although earlier records were not systematic. Although the association with AOD appears strong, the beetle’s role is unclear; it could simply be making use of the increased availability of suitable hosts. Alternatively, the beetle could be an essential part of the syndrome, possibly by creating the necessary conditions for lesion formation or even assisting in the spread of the ‘AOD bacteria’, or by accelerating the mortality of the host trees (Brown et al. 2015). Due to its cryptic nature, the two spotted oak buprestid beetle is difficult to study in the field, and its ecology is not well understood. The adults feed and mate in the oak canopy in early summer, and females lay eggs into bark crevices on suitable hosts. Once hatched, the larvae tunnel into the phloem tissue where they feed, and their galleries damage the host’s vascular system. After completing their development, the larvae tunnel to the outer bark to prepare pupal chambers, emerging as new adults through characteristic D-shaped exit holes the next year. Temperature is the key factor influencing insect development time and success, and the two spotted oak buprestid’s lifecycle is thought to vary from one to three years depending mainly on temperature. We developed methods to study the beetle’s lifecycle in the laboratory by mimicking the conditions in the field. We collected adults by felling colonised trees and keeping slabs of outer bark and Trees with Acute Oak Decline bark lesions. Crown Copyright © 2016. sapwood in large emergence cages. We 34 Issue 91 | March 2016 found that the adult beetles could live for a couple of months, and that sexually mature females are capable of laying many batches of eggs over their lifespan. We measured egg development time and formulated a procedure to insert eggs into cut oak logs so that we could study the development time of the larvae and pupae at various temperatures. These new data on the two spotted oak buprestid’s lifecycle have allowed us to construct a model that predicts the beetle’s development under the fluctuating temperatures experienced in the field. It also will allow us to predict the likely geographical range. While our work on the two spotted oak buprestid’s lifecycle is ongoing, our data support the initial hypothesis that the beetle is temperature-limited in the UK, and can only survive in south-central England where warm summers make its development viable. If the beetle is shown to be an essential component of AOD, the distribution of the syndrome may then be limited by the distribution of the beetle. However, it is important to consider the potential for climate change to increase the beetle’s UK distribution. Indeed, the recent warmer average temperatures in England may be in part responsible for the beetle’s reported population increase. In order to better understand the beetle’s role in AOD, two field studies are underway using trees at sites that have been monitored for symptoms and beetle exit holes. In the first, a dendrochronological study, we removed cores from a range of trees with and without AOD symptoms. By examining the annual growth of these trees, we should be able to determine whether symptomatic trees were already under stress (and perhaps predisposed An Acute Oak Decline lesion (outer bark removed), with two-spotted oak buprestid larval galleries to disease), as evidenced by reduced and dead larvae. Crown Copyright © 2016. growth, before developing characteristic AOD bark lesions and being colonised to be unable to develop on healthy trees, Managing Acute Oak Decline (Denman et by the beetle. The results from this work by looking at the defensive ability of a al. 2010) describes current management are very preliminary, but there seem to range of asymptomatic (uncolonised) and recommendations and protocols to limit be clear differences between the growth symptomatic (colonised) trees, we should its spread. Information is also available on patterns of asymptomatic and symptomatic be able to quantify the stage of decline the Acute Oak Decline page of the Forestry trees. Using the same set of trees, we necessary for the beetles to establish on Commission website (http://www.forestry. are also examining their susceptibility to the trees and complete their development. gov.uk/acuteoakdecline). colonisation by two spotted oak buprestid. We have wounded the trees, and are Management recommendations If AOD is suspected, woodland managers measuring their callusing response as a The causes and transmission of Acute should contact Forest Research via its proxy for tree defensive ability. As two Oak Decline are not yet fully understood advisory service, Tree Alert (http://www. spotted oak buprestid larvae are thought but the Forestry Commission leaflet forestry.gov.uk/treealert), so that the Issue 91 | March 2016 35

Feature Article: The Role of the Two Spotted Oak Buprestid in Acute Oak Decline (contd)

Acknowledgements The entomological team at Forest Research is part of a large, multi-disciplinary consortium led by Dr Sandra Denman and funded by Defra.

References Brady, C., Denman, S., Kirk, S., Venter, S., Rodriguez-Palenzuela, P. and Coutinho, T. (2010). Description of Gibbsiella quercinecans gen. nov., sp. nov., associated with Acute Oak Decline. Systematic and Applied Microbiology, 33.8: 444-450. Brown, N., Inward, D.J., Jeger, M. and Denman, S. (2015). A review of Agrilus biguttatus in UK forests and its relationship with acute oak decline. Forestry, 88(1): 53-63. Brown, N., Jeger, M., Kirk, S., Xu, X. and Denman, S. (2016). Spatial and temporal patterns in symptom expression within eight woodlands affected by Acute Oak Decline. Forest Ecology and Management, 360: 97-109. Denman, S., Kirk, S. and Webber, J. (2010). Managing acute oak decline. Forestry Commission Practice Note 15. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh. Denman, S., Brady, C., Kirk, S., Cleenwerck, I., Venter, S., Coutinho, T. and De Vos, P. (2012). Brenneria goodwinii sp. nov., associated with Two-spotted oak buprestid. Crown Copyright © 2016. acute oak decline in the UK. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 62(10): 2451-2456. syndrome can be accurately diagnosed. Conclusion Denman, S., Brown, N., Kirk, S., Jeger, M. and Note that other agents, such as Webber, J. (2014). A description of the symptoms Many thousands of pedunculate and of Acute Oak Decline in Britain and a comparative Phytophthora spp., can produce similar sessile oaks, two of England’s most iconic review on causes of similar disorders on oak in symptoms. Woodland managers are and biodiversity-rich trees, have been Europe. Forestry, 87(4): 535-551. advised to survey and monitor affected damaged or killed by Acute Oak Decline Kennedy, C.E.J. and Southwood, T.R.E. (1984). woodlands after a diagnosis is confirmed. The number of species of insects associated since the 1980s. Initial studies suggest with British trees: a re-analysis. Journal As trees often recover, felling is usually not that the UK range of the two spotted of Animal Ecology, 53: 455-478. recommended, but may be prudent if only oak buprestid beetle associated with the a small number of trees are affected, or if syndrome is restricted by temperature. affected trees represent a safety hazard. Warmer summers resulting from climate On sites where AOD is present, biosecurity change may allow the beetle to expand measures should be taken to limit the its range, and, if the beetle proves to be About the Author spread of the bacteria and beetle. an essential component of AOD, may also Katy Reed is studying for a PhD in Forest Wherever possible, cordon off affected influence the distribution of the syndrome. Entomology. She is trees to prevent access, do not touch Further research aims to clarify the beetle’s based in Dr Daegan affected trees and do not take any affected role in AOD. Meanwhile, implementing Inward’s laboratory material such as leaves and sticks out of biosecurity measures recommended by at Forest Research, affected woodlands. The beetle can persist the Forestry Commission may help to and is supervised by Professor Simon in its larval form in the outer bark before reduce the likelihood of between-tree and Leather at Harper emerging the following summer, therefore between-site spread of Acute Oak Decline. Adams University. it is recommended that the timber from Contact Katy at: an AOD-affected tree be debarked before [email protected] transporting it off site. The bark should ideally then be burnt on site. Boots should be sterilised when leaving affected woodlands, as should any tools and equipment used on affected trees.

36 Issue 91 | March 2016 Training Events

Featured CIEEM Training Events

Article and Feature Writing for Great Crested Newt (GCN) Using the Vegetative Key Conservation Practitioners Assessment and Mitigation Dublin Sheffield Culross 14 May 2016 5 April 2016 14 April 2016 New location Would you like to submit a feature to In NEW Aimed at intermediate – advanced level Practice but are unsure how to go about This one-day event considers the legal practitioners this training considers the it? Do you want to write articles to appeal protection of Great Crested Newts use and limitations of the ‘Vegetative to a wider audience? Are you looking (including the relevance of this to Key to the British Flora’. Delegates will to get your message across clearly and Ecological Impact Assessment) together gain familiarity with the main taxonomic make an impact? Aimed at conservation with the potential impacts of development features used in the key, and recognise professionals and ecologists, this training on GCN populations. With sessions the groups of vascular plants that can be day will demonstrate how to sell your ideas focused on developing more detailed confidently identified using vegetative to an editor, how to present your content mitigation plans, mitigation methods and features. Appropriate methods for (including matching an in-house style) habitat creation, this classroom based collecting material in the field are and how to format your article to make course provides an excellent opportunity highlighted enabling confident collection it readable and eye-catching. to update on the forthcoming SNH revised of useful vegetative specimens. guidelines for GCN and offers an ideal Badger Mitigation follow on from our introductory Great Peregrine Falcon Ecology, Telford / Lincoln Crested Newt Ecology and Survey training. Survey and Mitigation 7 April / 26 May 2016 Birmingham New locations Habitats Regulations 17 May 2016 This one-day event is aimed at experienced Assessment (HRA) of Plans NEW Manchester practitioners. The training covers the This new training course provides an 20 April 2016 impacts of different types of development up-to-date understanding of peregrine on badgers, the licensing requirements and Gain an improved understanding of how ecology, current conservation status and legislation relating to badgers and a range HRA should influence the plan making examples of effective survey. Delegates of options for mitigation. The training process in England and Wales and how will visit a range of mitigation projects will focus on practical measures and plan assessments should be made and to help understand the importance of techniques, including designing and recorded. The course will cover the overall timing and precautions to be taken during building artificial badger setts and will purpose, process and methodology of the development projects and implementation review the various techniques for HRA of plans with professional tips and of mitigation. excluding badgers from setts. hints on compliance and best practice. Introduction to the National QGIS for Ecologists and Train the Trainer Vegetation Classification Conservation Practitioners Birmingham (NVC) Stanmore / Gloucester 26-27 April Chester / Carlisle 7-8 April / 17-18 May 2016 New dates 8 June / 29 June 2016 New locations Want to deliver training? This specially New locations Over two days, delegates will learn how designed course provides ecologists and Need to get to grips with the NVC? This to use free, open source, Quantum environmental practitioners with the training provides an introduction to the GIS software to access a variety of skills needed to work as a professional theory and practice of NVC methodology environmental data sources. Sessions trainer, covering techniques for delivering for identifying and describing UK plant will cover how to upload and present engaging and interactive sessions both in communities. The training explores the new species records and habitat maps. the field and the classroom. Discover how background and use of NVC methods and Delegates will learn how to ‘use’ QGIS to to focus tuition around the learner’s needs, includes field sessions to demonstrate the analyse ecological data and prepare maps tailor activities for groups with mixed principals involved and practice recording for inclusion in reports. abilities and replace lectures with effective and sampling plant communities. learning sessions.

www.cieem.net/training-events Issue 91 | March 2016 37

Legel Update: Important Updates in Natural Feature Article:Environment Ecology Legal Law Update and Policy (contd)

Important Updates in Natural Environment Law and Policy Chloe Sutcliffe Freeths LLP

Keywords: EU Fitness Check, Habitats and Birds Directives, Law Commission, Species Control Agreements, Species Control Orders

This article covers three recent Background to the EU Environment Commissioner in updates in natural environment Fitness Checks, part of the European October 2015, one from the Environment Commission’s smart regulation “REFIT” Ministers of Germany and eight other EU law and policy: programme, are evidence-based policy countries and the other from MEPs, both warning of the legal uncertainty which • The European Commission’s evaluations which assess whether a particular regulatory framework is fit for would occur if the Directives were to “Fitness Check” of the EU purpose. The Fitness Check “evidence be amended. Habitats and Birds Directives gathering” process includes stakeholder The emerging findings and public consultation and scientific Following the completion of the • New draft Code of Practice literature review. The findings of Fitness Commission’s “evidence gathering stage”, on the use of invasive, Checks are said to form the basis for the EU’s future policy considerations. the findings were published in the draft “Emerging Findings” report. Some of the non-native species Nature conservation NGOs and key findings are summarised below control provisions environmental practitioners have been against each of the Fitness Check concerned that any weakening of the evaluation criteria: • The Law Commission’s nature Directives as a result of the Fitness final report on its review Check (and its perceived deregulatory • Effectiveness: Where fully and agenda) would have a damaging effect properly implemented, the Directives of Wildlife Law on nature protection and biodiversity. have efficiently reduced pressures on These concerns led to a major awareness biodiversity, slowed declines and led to campaign, “Nature Alert”, forming on 12 some recoveries of habitats and species. Fitness Check of EU Habitats May 2015, led by BirdLife Europe, WWF, Influences on the implementation of and Birds Directives Friends of the Earth and the European the Directives include the availability of We are nearing the end of the EU Environmental Bureau. Largely owing to funding, the degree of political support, Commission’s “Fitness Check” on the the success of the Nature Alert campaign, levels of enforcement and the capacity EU Habitats and Birds Directives1, with the public consultation for the Fitness of competent authorities. the Commission due to publish its final Check generated an unprecedented level • Efficiency: The direct costs of conclusions in Spring 2016. Although of interest, with over 500,000 responses, designating, protecting and managing there has been widespread concern over the vast majority in support of retaining the Natura 2000 sites have been estimated a potential weakening of EU nature Habitats and Birds Directives. at EUR 5.8 billion annually across legislation, the emerging findings from the Key political influencers have also shown the EU. The administrative burden Fitness Check are that the nature Directives public support for the Habitats and Birds of compliance with the Directives is are here to stay in their current form. Directives, with two open letters being sent significant. The benefits of the site 38 Issue 91 | March 2016 and species protection ensured by the Conference can be summarised as follows: New draft Code of Practice on Directives greatly exceed the costs of 1. The Fitness Check has to be viewed the use of invasive, non-native implementation at EU, national and in the broader context of the EU’s species control provisions local levels. approach to nature and biodiversity Background • Relevance: The Directives’ principles and needs to look in particular at what On 7 December 2015, Defra published and overall approach remain valid can be done outside the Natura 2000 a draft code of practice on the and appropriate. The Directives make network to safeguard biodiversity. environmental authorities’ new powers positive contributions to sustainable 2. There is a need to ensure that the to enter into Species Control Agreements development and a significant majority (financial) resources that are potentially (SCAs) and to impose Species Control (80%) of Europeans consider the available for Natura 2000 are more Orders (SCOs) on landowners to ensure decline and possible extinction of efficiently and effectively mobilised. animals, plants and natural habitats and that appropriate and effective action 3. Better implementation is needed ecosystems to be a serious problem in can be taken against invasive non-native rather than a change in the legislation. Europe. species (INNS) in England. The draft code This should take the form of smart was open for public consultation until 28 • Coherence: The Directives are largely implementation that can reduce the February 2016. coherent internally and with each other undue burdens resulting from bad despite some differences in scope and INNS, such as Japanese knotweed Fallopia implementation (could include training, operational measures. The Directives japonica, Himalayan balsam Impatiens best practice and guidance). work in coordination with other EU glandulifera and the grey squirrel Sciurus 4. Enforcement needs to be enhanced. environmental legislation and policies, carolinensis, are damaging to biodiversity e.g. Environmental Impact Assessment 5. Raising awareness of the benefits (e.g. as they can “outcompete” native plant and (EIA) and Strategic Environmental socio-economic benefits) of the nature animal species, as well as causing other Assessment (SEA). Directives needs to be improved. problems such damage to property. • EU Added Value: The Directives have 6. Progress is much more likely to happen The new provisions when different stakeholders and introduced innovative elements that The new species control powers were organisations work together as opposed provide added value to what could made under Part 4 of the Infrastructure to being in conflict. have resulted without EU legislation. Act 2015, which came into force on 12 The transnational character of nature Next steps February 2015, effectively inserting a new justifies EU level action. We now await the Commission’s final subsection 14(4A) and Schedule 9A into The 20 November 2015 Conference conclusions on the Fitness Check, to be the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 The high-level stakeholder Fitness published in Spring 2016. Although the (WCA 1981), containing all of the new Check Conference took place on 20 emerging findings are clearly positive for provisions on SCAs and SCOs. November 2015 in Brussels. At this protecting nature conservation in the EU, SCAs are voluntary agreements between Conference, the draft Emerging Findings we must note that a potential UK exit from environmental authorities (such as NE or report was presented and discussed. the EU would completely transform the the EA) and owners of premises to carry The “substantive” conclusions from the debate in relation to the UK. out species control operations. SCOs

Issue 91 | March 2016 39

Legel Update: Important Updates in Natural Environment Law and Policy (contd)

on the other hand are imposed on an • The SCA must include the actions Other requirements and formalities owner, and attract criminal offences if an that need to be carried out, who is • The environmental authority must notify owner fails to comply without reasonable responsible for each one and a deadline Defra when a SCA is agreed and before excuse. “Owner” means the freeholder, by which each action must be done. serving a SCO. leaseholder or any person who has The environmental authority can opt to • An owner has 28 days to appeal against legal rights to manage premises. These include further details, e.g. details of a SCO to the First-tier Tribunal. The SCO provisions apply to INNS or to formerly any payments to be made between the is suspended pending the appeal. resident native animals that have been environmental authority and the owner. reintroduced by humans. The provisions • Environmental authorities may use define “invasive” as a species that, if • The environmental authority needs to their powers of entry under the new uncontrolled, would be likely to have a pay to control the species unless the provisions for various purposes including significant adverse impact on biodiversity, owner of the premises was responsible deciding whether to offer a SCA or other environmental interests or social or for introducing it (we think that this is make a SCO, to carry out tasks that are economic interests. unclear and that the code of practice part of a SCO or to investigate non- compliance. A warrant is needed in Defra’s draft code of practice is important as could have gone further to clarify the certain circumstances, e.g. where the it sets out the decision-making process to be financial position in relation to both premises are someone’s home. followed by environmental authorities when SCAs and SCOs). • After the work set out in a SCA or SCO applying the new provisions. • A SCA ends when the tasks are is completed, the owner can apply for completed and a letter should be sent The draft code of practice compensation for any financial loss to confirm this. Some of the key guidance on SCAs and caused by the works or the use of SCOs is as follows: SCOs powers of entry onto their land. • Environmental authorities should follow • A SCO can be served on a landowner Defra is due to report on the findings from a “three stage process” when seeking if the environmental authority thinks this consultation in the coming weeks. to control or eradicate INNS in the it is a proportionate response to the Review of Wildlife Law: following order: attempt to informally problem and any of a list of conditions agree a plan to control the species with Law Commission apply. The conditions include the owner the owner, draw up a SCA on how to On 10 November 2015, the Law of the premises not agreeing to sign a control the species and ask the owner to Commission published its final report on its SCA, failing to comply with a SCA or if agree to its terms and, only if necessary, review of Wildlife Law, part of its Wildlife the owner cannot be found (following impose a SCO on the owner. Project launched in 2011/2012. a Land Registry search and putting a The Law Commission has concluded in its SCAs notice on the premises). report that the existing legal regimes for • An environmental authority should only • An environmental authority may issue various protected species, found spread offer a SCA if it is satisfied that: an emergency SCO if a delay could across many different pieces of legislation, • The premises contain INNS covered have significant impact on biodiversity, are inconsistent and unnecessarily complex. by the guidance; environmental, social or economic The Law Commission’s recommendations • The INNS would be likely to interests (e.g. if the INNS is spreading include the following: significantly impact biodiversity, e.g. rapidly) and if the public interest in The draft Wildlife Bill by threatening native species or controlling the INNS overrides the environmental, economic or social owner’s private interests. • A new single statute to replace the interests (e.g. damage to property); piecemeal statutes. This is presented • The SCO must specify the person by the Law Commission in its proposed • The INNS needs to be controlled as a responsible for carrying out the tasks set priority (includes considering whether “Wildlife Bill”, incorporating all out in the SCO, the species which the the INNS is part of a national legislation on the protection, control SCO relates to and a deadline by which eradication programme and whether and exploitation of wild fauna and flora the tasks must be completed. the INNS is widespread in England); in England and Wales, with a large • A SCO comes into force as soon as number of schedules containing lists of • It has a plan to control the INNS it is made. species to be protected or controlled. that it believes will work (includes The schedules include wild birds, wild considering the likelihood of the • If an environmental authority suspects animals, wild plants and invasive non- INNS re-invading and the cost of the that an owner has breached a SCO, the native species. plan); and authority can do the work and recover • The plan is proportionate to the costs from them, provided the authority “Deliberate” offences problem (looks at other species writes to the owner and allows them at • All species protected under the and local businesses that could be least a week to carry out the tasks they “deliberate” prohibitions of the EU harmed by the plan). haven’t done. Birds and Habitats Directives and the 40 Issue 91 | March 2016 Bern Convention to benefit from monitor, the hunting of wild birds. Also a offence under s18A WCA 1981 which domestic offences making use of the new general power to introduce / remove applies in Scotland only). same concept “deliberate” (i.e. rather / alter the “close seasons” of any animal. • For a specific list of offences only, a new than “intentional” or “reckless”). Protected species licences free-standing offence on legal persons “Deliberate” will for the first time have (e.g. companies) where an individual has • A “breach of licence condition offence” a statutory definition. So, for example, committed an offence while acting as available for all protected species the existing offence of “intentionally employee or agent of the legal person licences (although this is to apply only to killing a wild bird” under s1 WCA 1981 and the offence would not have been the licence holder, which appears to be should be changed to an offence of committed but for the failure of an an oversight). killing a wild bird where the statutory officer (e.g. director) of the legal person definition of “deliberate” is met. • Licences for wild birds, badgers, water to exercise appropriate supervision or voles and other protected species to control over the employee or agent in “Disturbance” offences be subject to both a “no satisfactory question. The specific offences are those • Two different protected species alternative” and a “favourable listed under Articles 3(f) and (g) of the “deliberate disturbance” offences to conservation status test” licensing test Environmental Crime Directive, applying be retained: one for certain species (as is currently the case only for EPS). to EPS and Wild Birds Directive Annex 1 protected by EU law and the Bern • A wide catch-all licence granting power in and Article 4(2) species. Convention, directed at disturbance to respect of “capture” or “possession” or • Proposed increase in the penalties for the conservation status of the species “other judicious use” of certain species, criminal offences and a new system and one directed at disturbance of subject to certain (potentially onerous) making available a whole range of individual specimens in accordance with conditions. The WCA 1981 does not civil sanctions (such as fixed monetary domestic-only protection. currently permit licences to be granted for penalties or stop notices) for all • For European Protected Species (EPS), economic / development purposes. This substantive wildlife offences (Schedule the removal of the “individual specimen” change may potentially make it possible 34). These are to apply widely, i.e. disturbance offence, with reliance instead in the future to obtain, say, a water vole to the Environment Agency, Natural on the “conservation status of the licence in respect of harm arising from England and the Marine Management species” disturbance offence (at present development activities (but in practice this Organisation (but not to the police or found in regulation 41 Conservation of is still likely to be rare). Crown Prosecution Service). Species and Habitats Regulations 2010). • A legal duty on licence granting • Two new EPS strict liability (i.e. no fault) authorities to give written reasons for offences of “obstructing access to a decisions to grant / refuse licences and protected breeding site or resting place” new power to charge a reasonable and “causing deterioration of a breeding fee for issuing licences. There should site or resting place of an EPS”. not be the creation of any “appeal” Notes mechanism for wildlife licences. 1. Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 Wild birds on the conservation of natural habitats and of Invasive non-native species wild fauna and flora; Directive 2009/147/EC • The definition of “wild bird” to be of the European Parliament and of the amended to align it better with Article • A new power on the Secretary of State Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds 1 of the Wild Birds Directive along with / Welsh Ministers to require certain new powers to protect any other bird persons to notify a relevant authority species falling outside this definition. about the presence of an invasive non- • A new offence of deliberately damaging native species. About the Author or destroying the breeding sites and • The current offence under s14(1) of Chloe Sutcliffe is a resting places, other than nests, of “releasing into the wild” or “allowing Trainee Solicitor at certain wild birds listed on the Bern to escape into the wild” of a non-native Freeths LLP. Having Convention (new Schedule 6). Existing species to be amended to “releasing graduated in Law offences relating to damaging / from captivity” and “allowing to escape from Durham destroying wild bird nests to be retained. from captivity”, to avoid the difficulties University, Chloe has worked with Penny of interpretation of “into the wild”. • The existing “incidental result of lawful Simpson within operation that could not reasonably Criminal offences, civil sanctions Freeths LLP’s Planning have been avoided” legal defence to and penalties & Environment Group since September 2014 and is involved in advising clients be removed entirely for wild birds, • A new offence for a person to on various areas of environmental law, but retained for other domestically “knowingly to cause or permit the including protected species matters. protected species. commission of a wildlife crime by Contact Chloe at: • New powers of the Secretary of State a person under his or her control” [email protected] / Welsh Ministers to control, and to (different to the “vicarious liability” Issue 91 | March 2016 41 Feature Article: Meet the Author

Meet the Author – Lisa Worledge

What do you do? Are there any ‘must-have’ What’s next for you? I’m Partnerships Officer at the Bat qualifications and/or I did a course on virology a couple of years Conservation Trust. My main role is liaison experience? ago and would like to do more to support with bat groups but I’m also involved in a Practical field skills are essential but so the diseases work we do at BCT. I’m also variety of project work and am one of the are good communication skills. These can hoping to attend the 2017 International leads on bats and diseases at BCT. be overlooked sometimes but bat work is Infectious Diseases in Bats Conference (any often as much about people as it is about offers of sponsorship?!). What or who first inspired the bats. you to get into ecology or What is your top tip for success? environmental management? Do you have any advice for Follow your passion – if you love what you someone setting out on a career do for a living then you have succeeded, it No single thing really, I have always loved in ecology and environmental isn’t just about financial reward. being outdoors and have a great curiosity management? about the connection between living things Get as much practical experience as and their physical environment. you can. There are some great local How did you get to where groups with people willing to share their you are today? knowledge and help develop your skills. Be prepared to put time in as a volunteer The long way around! This is my second though, show you are committed and not career (I’d been in IT outsourcing just expecting things to be ‘given’ to you! previously). Bats came after taking a degree in ecology (my first degree was in law and What’s the best thing economics!). I went on a bat walk in 2008 about your job? and was completely hooked, ultimately Diversity and the fact that some days I just leading to my job at BCT. can’t believe someone is paying me to do What have been the most something I enjoy so much; visiting a group important steps along the way? full of people who share my passion for bats; a field trip ‘batting’; or attending a Finding my passion for bats; a good great conference. grounding in practical skills; some great For further information work experience; taking an excellent What’s the downside? Contact Lisa at: masters course in Biological Recording that Sometimes it can be hard to separate [email protected] helped my field and research skills; and work from my home life, struggling to always enjoying learning something new. ‘switch-off’! 42 Issue 91 | March 2016 Professional Updates

Joint SNH-CIEEM Sharing Good Practice Event on Non-Native and Emergent Diseases of Wild Plants and Animals Jenny Park MCIEEM Policy and Advice Officer, Scottish 11 November 2015, Battleby Natural Heritage

Introduction On 11 November 2015 CIEEM and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) joined forces to host a Sharing Good Practice Event entitled ‘Non-Native and Emergent Diseases of Wild Plants and Animals’. This was an event targeted at practising ecologists and others working in the field and who, through the nature of their work, may be in a position to contribute to national surveillance of novel diseases of wild plants and animals. The aim of the event was four-fold: to raise awareness of novel diseases and how to spot symptoms; to encourage submission of sightings and samples to aid national disease surveillance; to promote good biosecurity practice; and to consider implications for land-management advice. The event was attended by around 70 delegates and was chaired by Kathy Dale, CIEEM Vice-President (Scotland). Presentations The event began with an opening welcome from Kathy Dale (CIEEM Scotland Vice President) and Des Thompson (Principal Adviser on Biodiversity at SNH). Paddy Robertson (Tree Health Operations Manager, FCS) then introduced delegates to the novel diseases currently causing most concern to native plants, and the efforts being made to control these diseases. Caroline Robinson (Veterinary Investigations Officer, SAC Consulting) then spoke about the novel diseases affecting our wild animals, and of the research being done to better Issue 91 | March 2016 43 Professional Updates

understand the impact of these diseases. squirrel, bat, garden birds, deer and the new knowledge gained at the event Ro Scott (Independent Environmental hedgehog, and to where sightings and to be on the look-out for symptoms in the Consultant) then spoke of the role of the samples should be submitted. field, and to submit at least one sighting environmental professional in tackling April Armstrong (Forest Research) provided or sample during 2016. This would diseases of wildlife: of our professional a detailed summary of Phytophthora significantly bolster our national disease responsibility to be aware of the diseases austrocedri disease of juniper Juniperus surveillance capacity and is perhaps a and their symptoms; to submit sightings communis; covering its symptoms, current challenge that we should all set ourselves: and samples to the relevant interested known extent and how to take and submit a professional responsibility to contribute bodies; to practice good biosecurity so samples of suspected infections. She was our skills to national efforts to control the as not to contribute to spread during the joined by Kate Holl (SNH) who spoke of spread of wildlife diseases. course of our work; and to spread these the ecological and land-management key messages to colleagues and clients. implications of the disease. There was then a series of five-minute Steve Hendry (Forest Research) led a Further Reading ‘taster’ presentations; one for each of the workshop looking at both Dothistroma Presentations from the event are available at following eight workshop sessions. These needle blight of Scots pine Pinus sylvestris, www.snh.gov.uk/policy-and-guidance/sharing- short presentations allowed delegates a and novel diseases of alder Alnus glutinosa. good-practice/presentations/document/?category_ code=SGP&topic_id=1677 taster of each workshop to help them He was joined by Duncan Stone (Policy and Information Relating to Diseases of choose which four of the eight workshops Advice Manager at SNH) who challenged Wild Plants: to attend. Each workshop focussed delegates to consider how we might Detailed information about individual on an individual disease, or group of build resilience of our ecosystems so that tree pests and diseases – diseases, and provided delegates with the they may be better able to withstand the www.forestry.gov.uk/pestsanddiseases opportunity to steer the workshop in the cumulative impact of increasing numbers Guidance on general biosecurity – www.forestry.gov.uk/biosecurity direction of their own areas of interest, of novel pests and diseases introduced Forest Research page on tree pests and diseases and to share their own views, ideas and through trade and exacerbated through – www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/INFD-5STC8A experiences with the workshop leads. climate change and other pressures. Online recording form for tree diseases Matt Elliot (Forest Research) presented – www.forestry.gov.uk/treealert Workshop/Discussion Sessions information about Phytophthora diseases Citizen science tree pest and disease project – www.observatree.org.uk The ecological implications of Chalara of Vaccinium spp. and considered dieback of ash (Fraxinus excelsior) was Symptom id sheet for Phytophthora implications that mass infection might have diseases of Vaccinium – www.fera. considered in a workshop led by Ruth on our native woodland and heathland co.uk/plantClinic/documents/factsheets/ Mitchell (James Hutton Institute). Delegates habitats. Among the diseases of plants phytophthoraBilberrySymptoms.pdf were invited to work through a real example considered during the day, this one is of how the management of a woodland unique in that the host plant is not a tree Information Relating to Diseases of Wild Animals: might change following arrival of ash and as such is not included in Forestry Reporting of sick or dead hedgehogs, garden dieback. There were also opportunities for Commission disease surveillance efforts. birds, amphibians and reptiles delegates to see Chalara symptoms in the As such the contribution of environmental www.gardenwildlifehealth.org field by observing infected ash saplings in professionals to surveillance of this Wildcoms – www.wiki.ceh.ac.uk/display/ the grounds of the venue. disease is likely to be even more critical in wildcomsweb/Home detecting any outbreak. Diseases of squirrel – www.scottishsquirrels.org. Paddy Robertson’s workshop introduced uk/squirrel-facts/frequently-asked-questions/ delegates to the Forestry Commission’s Pete Minting (Scottish Officer, Amphibian Diseases of bats – www.bats.org.uk/pages/ Tree Alert – an online form for reporting and Reptile Conservation Trust) enlightened bats_and_disease.html#Bats_and_disease signs of tree pests diseases. Paddy took delegates about the novel diseases _in_the_UK participants through the process of threatening our native amphibians, the submitting a report of a suspected tree biosecurity requirements associated with disease and explained how the information amphibian survey and sought views from gathered will support important tree participants about what a soon-to-be About the Author health monitoring and surveillance work, revised Advice Note on amphibian disease Jenny Park is a Policy and Advice Officer contribute to ongoing scientific research, might contain. at Scottish Natural Heritage, currently and ultimately, to support efforts to protect Ewan Purser (FCS) provided a biosecurity with responsibility for novel plant disease issues. She has worked in various roles the nation’s trees. demonstration using a simple biosecurity within SNH for the last 12 years and prior Caroline Robinson’s workshop looked at kit kept in the boot of the car, and to that worked as an environmental and the novel diseases currently threatening discussed the risks (epidemiological and ecological consultant within engineering our wild mammals and birds. Caroline reputational) of failing to undertake consultancy firms. introduced participants to the recording appropriate biosecurity measures. Contact Jenny at: [email protected] schemes and organisations doing research Kathy Dale closed the event by setting a on diseases of wild animals including challenge to delegates – that they each use 44 Issue 91 | March 2016 Professional Updates

Sharing Evidence of Effective Management and Mitigation Sally Hayns CEcol MCIEEM Mick Hall MCIEEM Chief Executive, CIEEM Lead Environmental Specialist, World Bank Former Chair, CIEEM Professional Standards Committee

In December 2014 the protected species and habitat creation/ impact of human activities. There is also an Professional Standards mitigation that is influenced by the need Environmental Evidence online journal. to achieve consent – sharing platforms Most of the completed reviews answer Committee established a appeared to require a wider reach. broad questions that may not be directly small working group to • Members are not aware of the relevant to the day to day work of CIEEM explore ways to encourage opportunities to share information. members, although do provide useful context. The reviews gather the published and facilitate better sharing of • Sharing requires additional work that would not necessarily be supported by evidence (including some grey literature) knowledge of outcomes from a client. to answer a specific question posed by management and mitigation the commissioning agent (examples Available Tools interventions. Anecdotal include Defra, large corporates etc.), and The working group has identified some are undertaken to CEE protocols by an evidence had suggested that of the existing tools and resources that independent team usually assembled by a lack of effective sharing of could be better used or adapted to meet CEE. CEE also supports systematic evidence what works (and what doesn’t this need, namely the journal database mapping which identifies what evidence is ResearchGate, the Collaboration on out there in relation to a topic or issue and work) is resulting in a significant Environmental Evidence tool, and the where the gaps are. duplication of effort and Conservation Evidence tool. All of these The tool provides a searchable web- waste of financial resources. have a place in enabling and allowing based repository of the completed and sharing of information; they have different in progress reviews, but does not store Additionally opportunities to requirements, and may therefore suit reference material or papers consulted deliver the most appropriate and different circumstances. during the reviews; it does not provide a effective biodiversity benefits ResearchGate (www.researchgate.net) facility for members to upload and share information. In addition to the many through development projects is a free online global database of journal publications from across a very wide range interesting broad-scale reviews, the tool are not being realised. of topics. Users can use key search terms may be of interest to members who wish Feedback from a membership survey on this to get a list of relevant published papers. to commission or get involved in the review issue suggested that the main reasons why It is also a means for researchers to see of evidence-based interventions. members were not sharing the findings what others are working on and to make The Conservation Evidence (CE) tool of surveys/studies/mitigation interventions links and set up collaborations. It does not (www.conservationevidence.com) is run more widely were: publish papers in its own right. by a team at Cambridge University led by • Having time to feedback/share The Collaboration on Professor Bill Sutherland. CE is a database information. Environmental Evidence (CEE) tool of case studies (including grey literature) and journal papers, together with published • Having the time required for processing (www.environmentalevidence.org) is summaries of intervention evidence, for information/taking through a peer administered by an international team example, of particular taxonomic groups or review process. coordinated by Professor Andrew Pullin. CEE is a registered charity in the UK and habitats. The database has been collecting • Studies/surveys are not always set up its purpose is to promote global evidence data for 10 years, although the working scientifically from the outset (needed synthesis in environmental management as group’s initial review of the tool noted to fulfil requirements at minimal cost well as promoting standards of evidence that the information on it is currently quite to clients). collation and publish open access reviews limited, presumably reflecting the limited • Permission is not always easy to get to of evidence that meet the standards. use of the site to date. release information about the findings. The main foci of the reviews are the CE comprises an online database, a • The focus of interventions is often effectiveness of interventions and the journal, and a number of summary Issue 91 | March 2016 45 Professional Updates

publications designed to explore the The CE team welcomes papers that have Following consideration of the working evidence of intervention outcomes for negative results – 30% of published group’s report, PSC invited the CE team to particular themes/sectors. It is funded by papers are about what has not worked. submit the article published in this issue of donations and grants (which has some They noted that people may find it easier In Practice describing the tool in more detail influence on the summary publications to report a small part of a bigger project and how members can both contribute to it being prepared and published) and is (especially if it hasn’t worked) rather than and use it (see page 61). actively looking for collaborators to help the whole project itself. Similarly CIEEM’s Training, Education increase its global coverage. and Careers Development Committee Summary CE publishes the online papers continuously (TECDC) invited the ACCE (Adapting to the – about 20-30 papers a year – and are keen In order to encourage sharing, the working Challenges of a Changing Environment) to receive more. Papers can be in the form group concluded that three main points doctoral training partnership team to of ‘Short Communications’ or simple papers were prevalent: submit an article on how CIEEM members that set out a clearly tested intervention in • There is a need for a searchable web- can get involved in planning and supporting one or two A4 pages. There is an editorial based directory. PhD research into relevant topics. This article appears on page 50. review process, but this is not considered as • Practitioners want to be able to contact strict as the peer review required for many quickly and easily the authors to discuss Next Steps other scientific journals. Seventy percent findings/applicability. of first-time contributors are practitioners PSC is continuing to explore this issue • A more flexible approach to consenting rather than academics: to the CE team, it and would be interested in hearing your would allow for the proper design, views on what you think would help you appears that the academic community is implementation, and investigation of to share more evidence of your mitigation not currently participating in this type of project specific interventions. and management work. Send an email knowledge sharing and research, and that The working group reported back to PSC to [email protected] or join the the real opportunity is for practitioners that the CE tool would appear to be the discussion on LinkedIn to create a solid base of pragmatic existing tool that is most aligned to meet (www.linkedin.com/groups/4306428). information on what interventions work the majority of our members’ needs. As an and what don’t. established tool, it is also readily available for With respect to the summary publications, a immediate use and therefore has advantages team of experts is invited to identify threats over the creation of a new and specific tool. (e.g. to a habitat type or a taxonomic group There are a number of ways in which such as bats) and the possible interventions CIEEM could encourage more sharing of to manage those threats (e.g. bat bricks evidence on the effectiveness of mitigation or bat boxes at a particular height or of a and management through CE. For example particular colour to provide replacements CIEEM could: for the loss of roost sites), and then search for and find the evidence to support the • Encourage submission of findings by effectiveness of the interventions (or identifying the interventions that are in otherwise). The reviews include published most need of testing. papers, grey literature, information from • Commission relevant research projects or relevant organisations/publications etc. but encourage members to do so. are looking for research outcomes, even • Help members to ‘refresh’ the skills that small-scale comparative research, rather are needed to support ‘Research’ projects. than case studies. Past reviews have used • Incentivise sharing of evidence, data etc. In Practice as a source of papers, but only (e.g. though the Best Practice ‘Knowledge where these have reported on comparative Sharing’ Award) as part of CPD or through studies. The aim is to publish a summary of criteria for individual awards such as what appears to work and what doesn’t, Chartered Ecologist. backed up by the evidence to support this. Interestingly, their summaries to date • Identify and promote themes/focus identify that, contrary to widely held belief, years for testing key interventions by many interventions that are considered setting innovation challenges (e.g. how as best practice have never actually been to improve uptake in bat boxes/ tested: there is no evidence concerning, for mitigation ponds). example, the optimum height, orientation • Engage with the licensing authorities or colour of bat boxes to encourage use, to encourage greater flexibility in or the adoption of replacement ponds by consenting to allow for innovation great crested newts. and testing of innovation. 46 Issue 91 | March 2016 Professional Updates

Conservation Evidence: Providing Evidence to Improve Practice Nancy Ockendon and Bill Sutherland Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge

Brown long-eared bat

Summary Conservation Evidence was set up in making a decision will also reduce wasted 2004, with the aim of increasing the effort and resources. If a large number Conservation Evidence is effectiveness of conservation decision- of people have already tried using an a free resource designed making, by giving those involved in intervention and all found that it was to support decisions about practical conservation easy access to ineffective, this suggests that alternative the latest and most relevant evidence. interventions should be considered. how to maintain and restore To achieve this we summarise evidence biodiversity in the UK and from the scientific literature about What Conservation Evidence provides and how to use it globally, by making the relevant the effectiveness of conservation interventions, such as methods of habitat 1. Summaries of the evidence for the evidence easily accessible. or species management. We also use effectiveness of interventions. The In this article we outline the expert assessment to help decide which Conservation Evidence website contains information available from interventions are the most effective and thousands of summarised studies, which which have little evidence to support are also collected into synopses, by Conservation Evidence, explain them. We also provide somewhere to taxa, habitat or conservation issue. You how to use it, and describe how publish the results of your conservation can browse the evidence, or search you can add to the evidence actions to allow others to benefit from for a specific topic on the website. For example typing ‘hibernacula’ into base, in order to improve your findings, via the Conservation Evidence journal. All the evidence the search box on the Conservation decision-making in the future. summaries and assessments on our Evidence homepage provides you website, as well as all our publications, are with nine individual studies and nine Aims of Conservation Evidence free to access and download. possible actions, for which summaries What do you do when you need to are available. Alternatively, if you are make a decision about biodiversity Why do we need this? interested in all aspects of conservation conservation? How do you decide where We believe that basing conservation of amphibians, for example, you can to site bat boxes, or how to design a management and policy decisions on the download or buy the synopsis of tunnel or culvert to aid road crossing for available evidence will make them more amphibian conservation. This lists the amphibians? Do you have the resources effective. Conservationists can assess the possible interventions which could be to allow you to base these decisions on evidence, and its relevance to the species, carried out to enhance populations of evidence? Conservation Evidence aims to habitat or site that they are considering, frogs, newts and toads, and summarises provide a place to look for this evidence, and where possible choose options that the evidence available for each of these and also a place to share your findings have been shown to work, leading to management options (or, if no evidence about the effectiveness of different more positive outcomes for biodiversity. currently exists, states this). For example, conservation options. Assessing the available evidence before in the chapter on methods to control Issue 91 | March 2016 47 Professional Updates

Table 1. Assessment of the effectiveness of interventions for wind turbines from the Bat Conservation chapter of What Works in Conservation. Based on the collated evidence, what is the current assessment of the effectiveness of interventions for wind turbines? Beneficial • Switch off turbines at low wind speeds to reduce bat fatalities Likely to be beneficial • Deter bats from turbines using ultrasound Unknown effectiveness (limited evidence) • Deter bats from turbines using radar No evidence (or assessment) • Automatically switch off wind turbines when bat activity is high • Close off nacelles on wind turbines to prevent roosting bats • Leave a minimum distance between turbines and habitat features used by bats • Modify turbine design to reduce bat fatalities • Modify turbine placement to reduce bat fatalities • Remove turbine lighting to avoid attracting bats

invasive alien and other problematic experts, and chapters currently cover habitats, geographical locations). For species, eleven possible approaches conservation of amphibians, bats, example, if you could put up two for reducing chytridiomycosis disease birds, farmland biodiversity, soil fertility, different designs of nest box when are listed, and the evidence for each natural pest control and the control creating breeding sites for a species, is summarised. Other synopses cover of freshwater invasive species. Based and compare their relative occupancy conservation of bats, birds, bees and on these assessments, interventions rates over the following breeding farmland biodiversity, as well as the have been classified into effectiveness seasons, this would be suitable for control of freshwater invasive species, categories, giving a quick guide to publication in Conservation Evidence. sustainable aquaculture, soil fertility and the options for which there is most Studies should test a single intervention natural pest control, and new areas are evidence that they work (see Box 1). by appropriate objective measurements, continually being added. For instance, Table 1 shows the results which are ideally a time-efficient part of the assessment for the effectiveness of conservation practice. Studies must 2. What Works in Conservation is a of management options to mitigate include a control or comparison for newly published, free-to-download the impact of wind turbines on bats, the intervention (either comparing book which provides an assessment based on the summarised evidence. before-and-after an intervention, a of the effectiveness of over 600 Key messages from the evidence for control site with a treatment site, conservation management options each intervention are provided below or the effectiveness of two different based on the summarised evidence the table in the book. Of course these types of interventions; see examples (Sutherland et al. 2015). Assessments assessments should only be used in Box 2). The article should describe were carried out by panels of global as a starting point, and before any the intervention so that someone else intervention is carried out the full could repeat it, and the results should details of the evidence should be read, allow the reader to easily assess the to assess its relevance to the species or effectiveness of the intervention. habitat that you are considering. The The journal is aimed at a practitioner detailed evidence is freely available from audience, and 72% of authors of www.conservationevidence.com. published papers were conservation 3. The journal Conservation Evidence practitioners (Spooner et al. 2015). We is a place to publish the results of aim to make preparation of manuscripts your tests of the effectiveness of for Conservation Evidence as simple as conservation interventions. It is an possible, and do not require extensive open access, online journal, which reference lists or discussion sections, accepts papers that measure the success just a straightforward description of the of conservation interventions. Thus action that was taken and its impact, we hope to encourage practitioners compared with a control situation. to add to the accumulated body of Producing an article for submission evidence about the effectiveness of should not require a large time different management or policy actions, investment: our ‘Short Communications’ allowing other practitioners to assess are just a page long and standard how effective they are in a range of articles are normally 3-4 pages long. situations (e.g. for different species, We welcome pre-submission enquiries 48 Issue 91 | March 2016 as to the suitability of a study for consideration in Conservation Evidence. Box 1. Conservation interventions where evidence exists, and the effectiveness category to which they are assigned We also encourage submissions Birds describing unsuccessful interventions – it is just as important to collect and • Provide artificial nests for songbirds – beneficial, based on 66 studies from across share data on things that don’t work as the world. things that do. Only by doing this will • Use decoys to attract birds to new sites – likely to be beneficial, based on 10 we be able to stop people repeatedly studies which found that birds nested or landed more in areas with decoys than in carrying out ineffective management areas with controls. actions, and 31% of interventions Amphibians where success could be judged that • Pond restoration– likely to be beneficial, based on 15 studies in Europe and the USA. were reported in Conservation Evidence • Install barrier fencing along roads – trade-off between benefits and harms, based were unsuccessful (Spooner et al. 2015). on 8 studies from Europe and the USA. We understand that studies will often be undertaken with a number of limitations and constraints relating to experimental design. However, we Box 2. Conservation interventions where insufficient evidence is currently encourage you to think about where available, and ideas of how these could be tested research might be possible, and if it Bats can be used as an incentive to clients • Restrict timing of street lighting for bats – compare foraging bat numbers in areas with through improvement of their own lighting switched off between say midnight and 6am with areas with all-night lighting. business through evidence-based • Close off nacelles on wind turbines to prevent roosting bats – compare the impact of practice. Obviously all studies should closing off nacelles in one part of a turbine development on roosting bat numbers with comply with legal requirements but those across the rest of the development. good guidance on, for example, mitigation techniques should Amphibians provide scope for use of professional • Add woody debris to ponds – compare the number of newts or frogs that colonise judgement and innovation to allow comparable ponds (similar conditions, size etc.) with woody debris added relative to new techniques or designs to be tested. ponds with no woody debris. Undertaking small-scale research can • Changing mowing regime – assess the number of amphibians in comparable ponds contribute to CIEEM members’ CPD with narrow buffer strips of unmown vegetation around the ponds compared to those obligations and will enable members to without buffer strips. You could also compare the effect of mowing on two different meet some of the relevant competency dates, or two different widths of buffer strip, on amphibian numbers. requirements of membership and Chartered Ecologist as set out in CIEEM’s Competency Framework. We recognise that some projects will References More information and resources be subject to confidentiality clauses, Spooner, F., Smith, R.K. and Sutherland, W.J. available from and encourage you to explain to your (2015). Trends, biases and effectiveness in reported conservation interventions. Conservation www.conservationevidence.com client the aims and benefits of sharing Evidence, 12: 2-7. the results of management actions. In Sutherland, W.J., Dicks, L.V., Ockendon, N. and addition, at commercially or ecologically Smith, R.K. (2015). What Works in Conservation. sensitive sites there is no need to Open Book Publishers, Cambridge (free to download from http://www. provide precise location information, conservationevidence.com/). so long as the general region, site and habitat type are described. In conclusion, Conservation Evidence aims to enable more effective decisions to be made about conservation management, by providing easily accessible evidence to conservation practitioners. We hope that you find it useful and will look for opportunities to carry out evidence gathering and publication during your own practice, and welcome contributions or feedback. Issue 91 | March 2016 49 Professional Updates

Adapting to the Challenges of a Changing Environment Venelina Koleva ACCE DTP Manager, University of Sheffield

ACCE (Adapting to the Challenges of gain hands-on experience of work outside can provide financial support for students a Changing Environment) is a doctoral a purely academic environment. ACCE’s undertaking placement opportunities with training partnership (DTP) between the ambitious target for CASE partners reflects CASE partners or other parties for up to three Universities of Sheffield, Liverpool and York the importance we place on the benefits months. Placements may support a range of and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology our students and our partners receive by the activities, including, but not limited to: (CEH). The partnership, which is led by the interaction fostered by CASE. • seeding new relationships with partners University of Sheffield, brings together 28 CASE projects must provide a sound training that might then progress into longer term other partners from the research, education, in methods of research and a stimulating engagement; policy and industrial sectors to complement intellectual challenge for doctoral students. • improving the student’s understanding of the disciplinary components of ACCE. It CASE partners benefit from the opportunity how research is used in society and hence is the only Natural Environment Research to develop novel research collaborations help them to design better research; and Council (NERC) funded DTP with an explicit or strengthen existing relationships, • embedding the culture of Knowledge emphasis on the whole-organism aspects of facilitated by a high-quality doctoral student Exchange with external partners, students environmental research. ACCE will recruit undertaking research relevant to the and supervisors. five PhD cohorts (110 students) over five organisation’s priorities. Students engaged in years (2014-2018) and thereby form a multi- CASE projects benefit from enriched training ACCE Recruitment Timeline disciplinary research training community. experience that allows them to acquire novel A call for ACCE project proposals is Members of this community receive skills and expertise, and better understand made each summer. Project proposals are advanced training in the most important the wider impact of their research. submitted by a lead supervisor from one of research skills in environmental science, CASE partnerships take time to explore and the ACCE academic partners and, following in addition to complimentary training in develop and we are currently seeking new the submission deadline in mid-September, professional and transferable skills essential in partners to initiate CASE projects for October research proposals are selected for advertising today’s public and private sector workplaces. 2017 cohort. If you are coming from a from October to January. PhD candidates ACCE includes a strong element of cross- non-academic research organisation (e.g. apply for specific projects and supervisors institutional co-supervision of students and public research, NGO, commercial/private then nominate one candidate for interview, whole cohort training events designed to sector institutions) and wish to initiate a which takes place in February. Candidates are reduce institutional boundaries and ensure research project you should contact one of selected on the basis of their application and students experience world-class training that the ACCE academic partner supervisors with interview performance. Successful candidates will enable them to become leaders of the relevant research interests – descriptions of begin their doctoral research at the start of next generation of environmental scientists. researchers from ACCE partners (Universities the academic year in October. Some flexibility The ACCE DTP focusses on four key areas of Sheffield, York and Liverpool, CEH) can of the start date is possible, at the discretion of future science innovation: securing be found on the ACCE website (https://acce. of the host institution. ecosystems services and environmental shef.ac.uk). You can also contact resources; predicting and mitigating impacts the ACCE management directly of climate change; understanding the for support and guidance (see dynamic of biodiversity; and investigating the below). Projects must be suitable mechanisms of evolutionary change. in scale and challenge for a three and a half year doctoral research CASE Partnerships project and fall within the ACCE ACCE has committed to awarding a remit. NERC requires that CASE significant proportion (>40%) of its partners also supplement the scholarships to CASE (Co-operative Awards student’s maintenance grant (at least £1,000 in Science and Engineering) studentships. p.a. for three years). For further information The CASE scheme aims to promote Contact Venelina: partnerships between Higher Education Short-Term Placements [email protected] and other bodies, to enhance the training Students and partners may also benefit from received by PhD students and help them short-term placement opportunities. ACCE 50 Issue 91 | March 2016 Professional Updates

Sharing Ecological Data Using GIS Files Richard Smith year. To investigate why more wildlife within their organisation. Encouraging VINCI Group information is not currently being shared, a members to share their data should help to group of Build UK members teamed up with reduce barriers in practice and any incurred Peter Johnson ALERC, GiGL, and The Ecology Consultancy costs by the ecologist will be able to be Kier Group to help resolve the problems. passed back to the developer. However, The Issues finding data sharing methods that are Sarah Yarwood-Lovett MCIEEM quick and cost effective will still be of Time critical importance. Tom Hunt The current methods of sharing species Association for Local Environmental Sharing data using GIS files Record Centres (ALERC)1 data can be time consuming and costly as the vast majority of records are contained Members are thus encouraged to consider sharing data created in GIS, a method that Mandy Rudd within a number of species-specific reports. was tested successfully by The Ecology Geographical Information for Greater Records need to be manually collated and Consultancy, with GIGL, ALERC, and London (GIGL)2 sent to Local Environmental Record Centres (LERCs) or uploaded online, such as at Wiltshire LERCs. Originally created for Rosie Whicheloe MCIEEM iRecord6. This is a task only possible during displaying wildlife data in reports, the The Ecology Consultancy3 the quieter winter months or by a work features created in GIS can be easily shared experience person. with LERCs, who use a similar system for managing and storing data. There is no Cost need to create separate spreadsheets, Nationally, only 3.5% of all Time is costly, and even with the best upload data or dig it out of reports, intentions, members may find their time reducing administrative time for both records collated by record stretched. Currently the cost of sharing consultants and LERCs. However, it does centres, originate from data is absorbed by individual members require the consultancy to use GIS and 4 or companies. This can be quite onerous, consultants . This is shocking, attribute information to features with a GIS particularly for the larger or more complex environment. The level of detail may vary but understandable bearing in projects where numerous protected species between companies and clients depending mind the barriers we face with surveys may be undertaken. on how GIS has been used or for what lack of time, cost implications Confidentiality purposes it was intended. It is likely that and client confidentiality Client confidentiality and the commercially for large or complex sites or projects that 8 hampering our best intentions. sensitive nature of data is a significant implement a GIS or BIM system, data is barrier to data sharing. Consultants don’t sorted and managed digitally for efficiency A meeting of minds from across like asking clients and often getting and project specific data sharing. the industry have identified permission takes time that neither parties Sharing habitat data potentially simple solutions and have time for. Permission may not be granted due to a lack of understanding of Another benefit of sharing data created in its importance to the industry. its value to the industry or the fear of its GIS, is the ability to share habitat maps, potential misuse in the wrong hands. In something not currently possible via the Introduction most cases, data within ecological reports Consultants Portal or web-based recording Data sharing is part of our responsibility is eventually made public via planning sites. This could include both existing as CIEEM members5, but sharing data is portals, so passing data on to LERCs should habitats (e.g. Phase 1 or NVC maps) and often hampered by a lack of time and our not pose a significant problem to clients. proposed habitats (e.g. for BREEAM, EIA reports or Green Infrastructure audits), concerns over confidentially. Data sharing The Solutions also has cost implications and so is best examples are illustrated in Figure 1 and 2. addressed at the company level, through Ecological Scope of Works We know this data is in demand by office protocols. Yet, clearly something Having been explained the potential issues, planners, citizen science projects and is not going to plan, with such a low a number of Build UK7 members have academics. LERCs provide a practical percentage of records being collated despite looked at revising their Ecological Scope location for all this data to be stored and the numbers and quantity of surveys per of Works to promote better data sharing made available for the public good. Issue 91 | March 2016 51 Professional Updates

Figure 1. Habitat and Protected Species Surveys Survey data such as a Phase 1 habitat map or a reptile survey map (as shown) will typically be used to present the findings in a report. If the data is mapped in GIS, then it’s already in a format that can be easily shared with minimal re- configuration. Although a large proportion of our data is for development purposes, historical information is useful to local planning authorities and for research purposes, to understand how habitats are changing over time and across different parts of the country.

Figure 2. Ecological Enhancements From the smallest enhancements such as bird and bat boxes (as shown) to large- scale habitat creation, information on any kind of enhancement is useful to all sorts of people and professions. In this context, installed boxes can be maintained by landscape contractors, monitored by local residents and local planners can ensure mitigation measures are working long-term.

52 Issue 91 | March 2016 Conclusions About the Authors We hope consultants will find the method of data sharing that suits them, whether Richard Smith BSc, Group Environmental Manager for VINCI PLC, is responsible for leading environmental management in the UK across the using GIS data files, iRecord or the VINCI PLC group of companies. He has been an active member of the Consultants Portal (reported on by Ella Build UK (formerly UKCG) Biodiversity Working Group for a number of Vogel in the last edition of In Practice), years and strives for improvements in industry practice by engaging with so that LERCs receive significantly more biodiversity and ecology experts. data from consultants than 3.5% this Contact Richard at: year. We also look forward to progress [email protected] by Build UK members (and those in similar Peter Johnson BEng CEng MICE is the Group Environmental Manager organisations) in changing their scope for Kier Group, responsible for all aspects of Kier’s environmental of works, as we believe this will help performance, including biodiversity, waste and energy use. He is chair of the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) enormously. Maybe we will even see an Biodiversity Interest Group which, through cross-industry collaboration, annual league table being set up for the focuses on raising the profile of biodiversity within the construction sector. ‘Big Data Sharers’ – something we could Contact Peter at: all help to work towards. [email protected] Tom Hunt BSc is the National Coordinator for the Association of Local Environmental Record Centres (ALERC) and is responsible Further Reading for facilitating the wider adoption of new biodiversity data Surveying Consultants Attitudes to LRCs and management technology, improving data flow and encouraging Biodiversity Data, available at www.alerc.org.uk/ exchange of ideas. He also promotes collaborative working uploads/7/6/3/3/7633190/ieem_-_alerc_survey between LERCs and NBN partners throughout the UK. _article.pdf, accessed on 18/01/2016. Contact Tom at: [email protected] Mandy Rudd is CEO of Greenspace Information for Greater Notes and References London CIC, the capital’s environmental records centre. She leads on business development and is keen to see 1. The Ecology Consultancy www. the full potential of local environmental records centres ecologyconsultancy.co.uk realised. Mandy is also a director of the Association of Local 2. Geographical Information for Greater London Environmental Records Centres (ALERC). (GIGL) www.gigl.org.uk Contact Mandy at: 3. Association for Local Environmental Record [email protected] Centres (ALERC) www.alerc.org.uk 4. Tom Hunt, pers. comm. (2015) Dr Sarah Yarwood- Rosie Whicheloe BA MSc 5. CIEEM (2013) Code of Professional Conduct, Lovett BSc PhD MCIEEM, MCIEEM, is an Ecologist available from www.cieem.net/data/files/ former Principal working for The Ecology Resource_Library/Professional_Conduct/Code_of_ Ecologist at The Ecology Consultancy. Her main Professional_Conduct_June_2013.pdf Consultancy, now lives areas of work include [Accessed on 18/01/2016] in Seattle and is habitat assessment and 6. iRecord more information at http://www.brc. setting up her own reviewing wildlife sites and ac.uk/irecord/, accessed on 18/01/2016 environmental business. open space strategies for 7. Build UK brings together 27 of the construction local planning authorities. industry’s largest main contractors and 40 Contact Rosie at: leading trade associations representing over [email protected] 11,500 specialist contractors, providing a strong collective voice for the contracting supply chain in construction. Build UK focuses on key industry issues that can deliver change and enable the contracting supply chain to improve the efficiency and delivery of construction projects to the benefit of the industry’s clients. Build UK was created as Related CIEEM Training a result of a merger between the NSCC & UKCG. http://builduk.org/ QGIS for Ecologists and Conservation Practitioners 8. Business Information Modelling 7 -8 April 2016, Stanmore, Middlesex 17-18 May 2016, Gloucester www.cieem.net/ training-events

Issue 91 | March 2016 53 Professional Updates

Great Crested Newt HSI Calculator Tool Owen Crawshaw GradCIEEM

The great crested newt the recent reshuffle of mitigation licence (GCN) Habitat Suitability application documentation for newts by Natural England, show the continuing need Index (HSI) has long been for enhanced efficiency, for consultants, used by ecologists to assess clients and licensing bodies themselves, waterbodies in terms of their when addressing sites that have the potential to support GCN. suitability as aquatic habitat The newly developed tool, presented in this for the UK’s largest and most article, aims to simplify the process of HSI heavily protected species of assessment for ecologists and GCN workers by providing a faster and more efficient newt. In the time since its route of GCN habitat assessment using development by Oldham et the tried and tested method developed by In addition, the tool uses the same al. 2000, and its publication Oldham et al. over 15 years ago. functions as those already described to include the work published by Brady in The Herpetological Journal, How the Tool Works (2010) and automatically categorises completing an HSI assessment The HSI Calculator is a tool designed to a waterbody as having ‘poor’, ‘below has required numerous steps provide a simple alternative to the manual average’, ‘average’, ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ checking and calculating currently required suitability for breeding newts according to including: gathering of field to complete an HSI assessment for a pond its HSI score. data, consultation of multiple or other self-contained waterbody. The Application and Advantages graphs, and the manual running tool set outs the 10 suitability indices (SI), as defined by Oldham et al. 2000, used to Various internet searches for pre-existing of several calculations in order determine the suitability of a waterbody tools that serve a similar function to to obtain a final value and for GCN (e.g. pond area, presence of fish, the HSI Calculator have not produced subsequently an appropriate macrophyte coverage, etc.) any results. It is acknowledged that the By using the many functions offered in current version of Natural England’s Great classification of a waterbody’s Microsoft Office Excel each SI features Crested Newt Mitigation Licence Method suitability for the species. This a drop-down menu allowing the user Statement does calculate an overall HSI article presents, and describes to quickly assign a measurement or score, however, it still requires the manual description to the waterbody in question. calculation of each individual SI. how to use, a new tool capable Having selected the appropriate value/ While the values for several of the of automatically calculating HSI description for an SI an inputted formula suitability indices such as SI1 (location) can scores when provided with 10 within the adjacent cell automatically been obtained relatively quickly (i.e. Zone assigns each SI a separate value (in the A = 1, Zone B =0.5, Zone C = 0.01) others variables currently required of 2 example given SI2 = 125m resulting in an require the consultation of graphs and the assessment. SI value of 0.25), required for the ultimate in the case of SI8 (ponds), the calculation calculation of an HSI score. of ponds/km2 using π before reading off Introduction Upon inputting the required 10 a graph, can be calculated automatically In the past year CIEEM members have measurements/descriptions the HSI using this new tool. witnessed several changes in GCN Calculator uses the formula developed It is the aim of the HSI Calculator to survey methods and the management by Oldham et al.: HSI = (SI1 x SI2 x SI3 minimise the need for manual calculation 1/10 of mitigation for the species by Natural x SI4 x SI5 x SI6 x SI7 x SI8 x SI9 x SI10) and reference as much as possible and to England. The development of environmental to automatically produce an HSI value contribute in a small way to help improve DNA (eDNA) sampling, implementation of reflecting the proportion of waterbodies efficiency for all involved in producing GCN ‘pilot projects’ in Woking to produce local with the defined SI variables that support habitat assessments, impact assessments conservation plans for GCN, as well as breeding populations of GCN. and mitigation strategies. 54 Issue 91 | March 2016 Figure 1. Screenshots taken from the HSI Calculator showing its function and several of the mathematical formulas involved in its working.

Future Development Continued advancements in GIS mapping to calculate HSI scores while in the field. and mobile technology mean that This could prove particularly advantageous many applications are now allowing the when presented with the task of surveying electronic storage of data while in the multiple ponds during a single site visit. References field. This data can be rapidly uploaded for Brady, L. (2010). Great Crested Newt Habitat Suitability Index. incorporation within reports; providing an How to Access the HSI Calculator Oldham, R.S., Keeble, J., Swan, M.J.S. and organised and efficient way of managing Jeffcote, M. (2000). Evaluating the suitability field data. The HSI Calculator is a freely accessible tool of habitat for the great crested newt (Triturus and can be accessed through the Windrush cristatus). The Herpetological Journal It is hoped that further work could see 10: 143-155. the inclusion of the HSI Calculator within Ecology website: a mobile application allowing surveyors www.windrushecology.com/hsi_calculator

About the Author Owen Crawshaw BSc GradCIEEM is an assistant ecologist at Windrush Ecology. Having graduated from the University of Bristol with a degree in Zoology, now based in Oxfordshire, he is involved in a wide range of protected species surveys throughout the South. Contact Owen at: [email protected]

Issue 88 | June 2015 55 Professional Updates

Smart, Savvy and Succinct – Advertising Tips

Engaging the right audience to promote • Contact the publication and ask for their CIEEM’s In Practice magazine provides a your products or services to is often more media pack. The media pack will include gateway to industry professionals, it is of a challenge than you initially envisage it information on the demographic of their distributed to over 5,000 professionals to be. Larger generic publications, whilst readers, their distribution figures, costs in the ecology and environmental covering a wider demographic, may not be and package options available – which management sector – making it an ideal niche enough to engage the appropriate will help you make informed decisions on publication for advertisers in the same audience. It is usually far more effective whether advertising with them will deliver sector. Each issue contains technical in promoting a specific service or product the most return for your investment. articles, sector news, professional updates if you adopt a more strategic approach in • Ensure that the method of advertising is and members contribute to providing relating your audience to your advert. succinct with who you want to engage content through articles in each issue. There are a few key points when – if you want to promote a new form We also offer advertising on our website, embarking on a new advertising campaign: of technology then advertising within www.cieem.net. • Determine who you are advertising to, a website may be more relevant than For information and prices on advertising who is your customer/consumer? in print, especially if you have a limited in In Practice or on the CIEEM website you • Research appropriate publications within budget. Appropriating expenditure to can visit www.cieem.net/ip-advertising or your field, find ones that include relevant the most successful method of alternatively request a media pack from content to your sector. advertising is essential. [email protected].

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56 Issue 91 | March 2016 Professional Updates

Pragmatism, Proportionality and Professional Judgement CIEEM Professional Standards Committee

The definition of ‘pragmatism’ used in this article is where conduct, action or policy is dictated by consideration of the immediate practical consequences rather than by theory, principle or dogma. So in a professional sense, being pragmatic means dealing with things realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations. Likewise, in order to keep things in perspective, we must also strive to apply ‘proportionality’. Clause 5.5 of BS42020 Biodiversity – Code of practice for planning and development (2013) reminds us that: “The work involved in preparing and and recommendations need to be to any professional. This ability comes implementing all ecological fundamentally pragmatic and focused gradually as we gain experience through surveys, impact assessments on delivering practical and effective our careers and it is commonly expressed outcomes for biodiversity and the natural as part of what we call our ‘professional and measures for avoidance, environment. At the same time, however, judgement’. And in working in a discipline mitigation, compensation we need to be careful not to be so that so often involves subjective – albeit ‘pragmatic’ that we risk losing a sense of and enhancement should be well informed – assessments, ecologists proportionality, as might be the case if we must continually hone their individual proportionate to the predicted chose a cheap, quick form of mitigation professional judgment to ensure that it has degree of risk to biodiversity that could be easily implemented without been exercised conscientiously. We must regard to whether it would be an adequate and to the nature and scale of also strive to avoid complacency, which will response to the scale and type of impact always undermine our judgement. the proposed development.” we are seeking to address. In attempting to get this balance right, Exercising Professional Introduction we are faced with a challenge because Judgement In the current economic and political professional practice generates a need for The ability to exercise professional climate, as a profession – more than ever complex analysis and decision-making in a judgement may be the single most – we must be able to demonstrate that world of multiple issues and corresponding important attribute that differentiates we are not adding unreasonable delays, options. It is therefore not surprising that professionals from non-professionals. This complexity and costs to development the ability to identify what is pragmatic and is because professionals should use their and infrastructure projects. Our advice proportionate does not come automatically training, accumulated knowledge and Issue 91 | March 2016 57 Professional Updates

experience to make ‘informed’ decisions. • a methodology or technique is unproven, NOTE: The advice given in maths lessons As such, our professional judgements meaning there is no clear picture, based at school holds true for the professional should be impartial, based on sound on past experience or success, to guide exercising their professional judgement – science (where it exists), and have regard advice given or action to be taken; ‘show your workings out’. to what is in the ‘public interest’; they • it is apparent, faced with the facts of a should take into account legal and policy Care When Using the Term case, that many different courses of action ‘Professional Judgement’ issues, as well as our obvious obligations are available and the one chosen requires to employers and clients. As professionals explanation and justification; Professional judgement should not be we should also base our judgements on used as justification for decisions that are • one set of evidence contradicts other ethical considerations (that is why, as not otherwise supported by the facts and information available; members of CIEEM, we are bound by a sufficient ecological evidence. • views between two or more ecological Code of Professional Conduct); and all of We must therefore be careful not to exploit experts are in direct conflict; this while at the same time dealing with professional judgement as a cover to take the technical matters related to a particular • other information brings into the most convenient choice, or the one case or project. Furthermore, in attempting question the reliability of data most preferred by our client or employer, to juggle all of these elements, we should and/or documents provided; or most expedient for timing or logistical be mindful of the potential for conflicts • important limitations1 on the work have reasons. Professional judgement should between these various interests; hence the been underestimated or overlooked and be exercised properly, logically, objectively need for professional judgement. consequently not reported nor taken fully and for valid reasons. For instance, if there Also, with regard to judgements over into account; and/or were a well established good practice biodiversity conservation, it is entirely • analysis and interpretation of results, methodology available for a specific possible for two different ecologists, faced and/or conclusions and recommendations, type of survey, then it would be highly with the same facts and circumstances to are based on very little underlying questionable (and possibly in breach of choose two different courses of action. ecological evidence. CIEEM’s Code of Professional Conduct) to choose a ‘less suitable’ alternative without That is the nature of professional practice When confronted with any of the above, sound justification. and ecology is not an exact science. Both we should present sufficient information options could be ‘correct’ and could be to ensure that another experienced It is important to distinguish ‘professional legitimate choices for a substantial number ecologist having no previous connection judgement’ from ‘personal opinion’. of ecologists if faced with that particular or experience with the project can Professional judgements can be situation. However, a professional ecologist understand the significant professional substantiated through well-reasoned should be able to justify clearly the judgements made in reaching conclusions explanation and evidence, whereas a decisions or recommendations that they on potentially controversial matters arising personal opinion is something less robust have made, and should be able to show during the project. and often influenced by our bias and which issues and interests have been misconceptions. For instance, it may In other words, we should be prepared considered and the weight attached to be my personal opinion that unicorns to justify and demonstrate how our each in reaching that judgement. are flourishing in a secret enclave just own professional judgements have been outside of Budleigh Salterton! However, reached. To do this we may usefully break Justifying Our Position irrespective of how forcefully I express this the thought and working process down The thought processes that underpin opinion, when challenged, I am unlikely into smaller steps in order to: professional judgements are often not to be able to provide the evidence to a) Identify the professional issue(s) clearly expressed explicitly but instead are almost substantiate my position. b) Gather all the relevant information a sub-conscious exercise where we do not Unfortunately, in some cases, personal verbalise or put into writing how we have • evidence and data opinions can be the exact opposite of arrived at a particular position. In many • laws and policy professional judgement and can instead instances, this subliminal approach is more • professional standards become an unintended expression of than acceptable. However, there are some an individual’s ignorance and/or lack of • good practice and technical guidance situations where it is particularly important to competence over a specific subject. And actually demonstrate how we have arrived at c) Identify possible options or view points at worst, a forcefully expressed personal our judgement; for instance where: d) Weigh-up the advantages and opinion may be a sign of professional • any advice given or course of action to disadvantages of each option/viewpoint malpractice where that simple opinion is be taken is adapted and thus deviates e) Choose an option or view point and deliberately wrapped up and presented as from published and industry-accepted present it in a succinct and transparent a professional judgement. A tactic used good practice; manner, ensuring that the final decision cynically to win a point, rather than to • a gap in knowledge must be bridged can be justified and that the benefits justify a position. because adequate information is not and risks compared with other options/ It is therefore important that we are available or does not provide clear direction; positions are made clear alert to mistakenly giving or accepting 58 Issue 91 | March 2016 Professional Updates

personal opinion in lieu of true professional that a person can accept the information scenarios that may be encountered. judgement. Claims are often made that received unless they obtain information Consequently, professionals may apply advice, recommendations or a strongly which contradicts the old information or their professional judgement to decide held position over a particular issue (e.g. expectation and only then should they start what, if any, level of deviation from the as might be presented in a public inquiry), investigating and not before. guidelines is acceptable in a particular are an expression of the individual’s When applying professional caution an situation. However, such professional professional judgement. However, if such individual should: judgements should only be made where statements cannot be substantiated, individuals are able to demonstrate clearly a. not necessarily accept evidence they are no more than a simple personal that they have sufficient competence gathered at face value and therefore opinion and should be challenged actively critically assess evidence without being and experience and have shown until the position is either proven to be overly suspicious; uncompromising integrity in reaching their false and consequently withdrawn or is judgement. In other words, any deviations b. be prepared to request evidence supported through reasoned argument and from the guidelines are capable of being to confirm the competency of the backed up with adequate evidence. justified robustly. person(s) submitting the information, Testing Professional Judgement providing advice and/or making Professional Judgement – Professional Scrutiny recommendations; and the Law Where ecological information and c. corroborate, where necessary, methods As ecologists and environmental managers accompanying professional judgements used, data collected and proposals and we must be wary of attempting to impose enter the public arena to support a formal recommendations made; our ‘own interpretation’ of the law on decision-making process (such as within d. identify information that brings others in the mistaken belief that we can the planning process), it is vital that the into question the reliability of other justify it because it is our professional decision-maker applies adequate scrutiny documents and evidence; judgement. This is especially so when our to test the professional judgements made e. establish whether evidence is viewpoint is different to the commonly by others. misleading, incomplete or contradictory; accepted interpretation of a particular Without adequate scrutiny, there is a risk and statutory requirement. In such a situation, that a planning consent might be granted our own judgement runs a high risk of f. consider whether the person providing for a development that inadvertently being incorrect and at worst could lead to the evidence or information lacks leads to significant harm or damage to actions or decisions that are unlawful. competence in key areas or has biodiversity features and resources. This provided evidence that is incomplete, While there may be room for a degree could be in breach of the decision-maker’s incorrect, false, biased, misleading, of interpretation of the law in some statutory obligations and may lead to legal exaggerated or unsubstantiated. situations, there are instances where challenge on the grounds that the consent Of course, the decision-maker should the law is absolutely clear and does not was not determined lawfully. have sufficient ecological competence allow for interpretation – at least not The veracity of ecological information to establish if the ecological evidence by individuals with no legal training submitted with an application should provided with a planning application or background, as is the case for most therefore be subject to adequate scrutiny is adequate and accurate. This may be CIEEM members. Personal judgements by both the decision-maker and their particularly difficult where a planning over matters of law are therefore very advisors and consultees. authority lacks access to such ecological likely to be outside of a member’s area This means that professionals receiving and expertise (e.g. has no in-house ecologist). of competence, and could constitute reviewing ecological information within a Alas, the remedy to this last challenge is a a breach of the Institute’s Code of decision-making process (e.g. planning) much bigger issue than can be addressed Professional Conduct. The appropriate should be alert to the need for closer in this article. means to test whether an alternative or scrutiny and be prepared to conduct a novel interpretation of a piece of statute critical assessment of all of the ecological Applying Professional is correct or not is, first, by seeking formal evidence and information submitted. Judgement to Good ‘legal opinion’ and ultimately of course to Practice Guidelines NOTE: A cautious mind does not amount to seek a legal judgement through the courts. an investigative mind. With a cautious mind It is especially important to provide There are, however, situations where a person starts off with the assumption evidence of how professional judgement as ecologists we may need to exercise that everything is fine until something has been applied where ecological our judgement in a legal context. From contrary is found for which they are work does not follow, in full or in part, experience, these seem most common in always alert. Whereas an investigative the recommendations set out in good cases involving the EU Habitats Directive mind starts off straight away doubting practice guidelines. (1992). One example that involves a everything and thus requires confirmation However, good practice guidelines particularly tricky professional judgement for everything presented to them which is cannot and should not be unreasonably call is where a bat roost is threatened with not the case with caution. Caution suggests prescriptive due to the vast range of damage or destruction. Issue 91 | March 2016 59 Professional Updates

Under normal circumstances, the law Conclusion is clear: where the main characteristics We can all increase the confidence that can Notes and features of a roost are to be altered be attached to our conclusions and advice 1. An illustration of the ‘limitations’ that should during and/or after works (resulting in be taken into account when preparing ecological and reduce the need for in-depth scrutiny reports is provided in BS42020 Clause 6.7. damage, deterioration or destruction) then from others by providing transparency 2. See paragraphs 79 of the EEC (2007) Guidance compensation measures will be required. to support what may otherwise be document on the strict protection of animal EU guidance states that such measures controversial recommendations or practice. species of Community interest under the Habitats always require a licence2. This is because, Directive 92/43/EEC. This document focuses on Greater transparency and a requirement the main statutory obligations under Articles 12 by definition, compensation measures for less scrutiny should bring wider benefits and 16 of the Directive. are compensating for a residual negative to the systems with which we work, For 3. The roost will still remain at least the same size impact (e.g. the detrimental effect or harm (or greater) and retain the same quality (or better) instance, the planning process should cannot be avoided) and therefore – in for the species in question. become smoother and subject to less the absence of a derogation licence – an 4. For further legal interpretation and guidance objection and delay because transparent around these issues see paragraphs 72-79 offence would be committed. robust professional judgement brings with of the above guidance. In contrast, where it can be demonstrated it greater trust, confidence and certainty that works can proceed in a manner over what is to be provided. In turn, that ensures the Continued Ecological confidence and certainty should foster a 3 Functionality (CEF) of the roost , it may be culture and environment where innovation References possible to establish that no damage or can hopefully be encouraged, where there Fewings, P. (2009). Ethics for the Built destruction will occur, and therefore no is strong emphasis on achieving positive Environment. Taylor and Francis Group. 4 offence is likely to result . outcomes, rather than adhering to stifling Martin, M.W. and Schinziner, R. (2004). Ethics in Engineering 4th Edition. McGraw Hill. However, professional judgement capable dogma and a particular process for the of making a distinction between situations EEC (2007). Guidance document on the strict sake of process. protection of animal species of Community where CEF can be maintained versus Also, being able to exercise transparent interest under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. those that will lead to damage to, or professional judgements should provide CIEEM (June 2013). Code of Professional actual destruction of, a roost require Conduct. Chartered Institute of Ecology us with a means to respond to any and Environmental Management. years of applied professional practice. professional challenge in a manner that In other words, situations like this is genuinely both ‘proportionate’ and demand that judgement is based on high ‘pragmatic’. However, to do so also levels of competence (knowledge and requires that we have a clear and honest experience) gathered over a considerable idea of what we are ultimately trying to period of time and across a wide range achieve. For ecologists, this aim should be of circumstances. It is not sufficient to consistent with international and national just ‘state’ that everything will be alright biodiversity targets; in other words, not because we think or hope so! only to halt the decline of biodiversity but to strive for the Holy Grail… measurable and significant biodiversity enhancement.

60 Issue 91 | March 2016 Professional Updates

Using the ‘My CPD’ Tool

The CIEEM ‘My CPD’ online planning and 1 recording tool was launched earlier this year and we hope that this will prove to be of real benefit to members. ‘My CPD’ is an online planning and recording system for keeping track of your CPD goals and achievements. Your records are safely stored online for you to review and update at any time via a simple login linked to your membership details. The tool, which can be used from your PC, laptop, tablet or mobile phone, is integrated with the Competency Framework, allowing you to plan your CPD in line with the technical and transferable competencies identified for the profession. How to Use the Tool The steps to using the tool for the first time are straightforward but there are ‘hover 2 over’ prompts for all the actions and FAQs if you need further guidance. Step 1. Login (Screenshots 1 and 2) Access My CPD from the members’ area of the CIEEM website and log in using your membership password. Update your personal details if necessary. Step 2. Get Planning! (Screenshot 3) Welcome! Straight away you can add a new item to your CPD plan, adding in the learning you want to achieve and the competencies you aim to develop, as well as a target date to achieve this goal. You can also add additional information, such as any costs you foresee, and then save this information to your plan. It is important to plan your CPD so that you 3 can provide this as evidence should you be behind on the required number of CPD hours within an annual CPD period. The plan will also be reviewed when members exit an abeyance agreement. (Tip: Visit the ‘Help’ area for information about the Competency Framework – in depth or at a glance.) Issue 91 | March 2016 61 Professional Updates

Step 3. Record Your Activities (Screenshot 4) Click through to your CPD record and add any new activities you have undertaken to start populating your online record. You can copy across your activities from the previous CPD recording form to make things easier. Step 4. Review (Screenshot 5) Update your plan by moving completed 4 activities across to your CPD record; delete or update your planned goals and check you are on target with your CPD hours by using the ‘At a glance’ table.

Submitting Your CPD (Screenshot 6) You are no longer required to submit your CPD annually. If you are asked to submit your CPD, for example because you are randomly selected as part of the annual CPD audit, or because you are applying to upgrade your membership or applying for chartership, or for any other reason, then you can quickly and easily do so by clicking ‘submit’. This will automatically generate an email to the Secretariat who will then be in touch to confirm your records have been accepted. Why Use ‘My CPD’? 5 As well as providing a secure area for members to plan and record their professional development, ‘My CPD’ offers many more benefits including: • A guide to upcoming CIEEM Events to help plan your CPD activities, including a personalised calendar. • The capacity to add supporting documents and notes to your own CPD records, such as certificates and training notes, so that everything is stored in one place and easily accessed. • The opportunity to set review dates to remind you when training needs to be refreshed. • Periodic gentle reminders to let you know your CPD needs updating, to keep you on track with meeting the 6 annual requirement. • The ability to print a summary of your CPD Plan or CPD Record to discuss with your line manager, if appropriate. We hope you will find the ‘My CPD’ tool useful. As with any online device, the more you use it the easier and more useful it will be. 62 Issue 91 | March 2016 Professional Updates

The Alternative Decalogue for CIEEM Members: Towards Improving Standards in the Profession

Des Thompson FCIEEM FRSE Richard Graves CEcol CEnv FCIEEM Sally Hayns CEcol MCIEEM Principal Adviser on Biodiversity, Scottish Director, Richard Graves Associates Ltd. Chief Executive Officer, CIEEM Natural Heritage. Member of CIEEM Disciplinary Pool Deborah Alexander Member of CIEEM Disciplinary Pool Professional Standards Assistant, CIEEM

In each issue of In Practice, there is a section under ‘Professional Updates’ giving details of members (all categories) of CIEEM who have had complaints against them upheld. Ideally, we would not need this, but we do – and the list is not short. As members of the Disciplinary Pool who have to determine such complaints, face to face with the parties concerned, we felt it would help the profession if we produced a ‘top ten’ list of dos and don’ts to help members avoid finding themselves in such a situation.

We can all learn from admonishments First though, some words for those of All of us can improve our work, and peer Ten steps to improve you who have featured in the above review of scientific papers is just one the profession named section. All of us make mistakes example of how criticism and correction We are nonetheless seeing repeated in professional life, and many of us are helps. For those of you named in In examples of poor practice, and what we far better for the lessons learnt. In the Practice, do not view the reprimand as propose below is intended to reduce these. Disciplinary Hearings we have heard permanent – it is not, and some of you Most of the advice is straightforward. reasons and excuses ranging from have already attended to the shortcomings understandable to arrogantly nonchalant. and have moved on. This is important, for 1. Write clear reports. Some of the Some members have put themselves under we do not want named members to feel reports seen by us are awful, and have intolerable pressure (e.g. too much work, they are disadvantaged in their work – clearly been written not to be read! too little knowledge and experience) to some are far better professionals as a result Some do not follow CIEEM guidelines the extent that complaints have arisen as of what they have gone through, just as a http://www.cieem.net/guidelines-for- a result of oversights and errors in hastily student essay or scientific report benefits ecological-report-writing (giving no conducted work. from critical feedback. justification for doing so), miss key Issue 91 | March 2016 63 Professional Updates

sections, and lack clarity. Typical working with others within the same • Not following biosecurity good errors include: organisation or, for ‘lone’ members, practice; and • No purpose of the report given; with appropriately qualified peers – and • Failure to follow prescribed methods hence failing to pick up errors; • No details on who has written the (e.g. given by CIEEM, the British Trust report and who did the work; • Signing off work that is of insufficient for Ornithology, Bat Conservation Trust quality – as a reviewer/manager, don’t etc.) without professional justification. • Limitations not expressed clearly do it, and if you have reservations say enough, if at all; 5. Analyse and interpret data so; and appropriately. Given that many • Gaps or lack of detail in key sections • For matters relating to EU legislation, members are qualified to at least science e.g. methodology, recommendations seek a second opinion on implications degree level, it is very disappointing to for mitigation; of findings in terms of impacts of see no, or shoddy, use of statistics (e.g. • Failure to use or, if used, correctly use proposals on species, habitats and non-parametric and parametric tests desktop data available (see 3.); protected areas. used wrongly). We have seen examples of conclusions derived from no or • Not reporting what was done, but 3. Carry out a sufficient desk survey. A insufficient data, analysed poorly, and instead what was intended to be done lot of background information can be asserted with confidence. We would or what the client wanted; gathered from ‘desk surveys’ e.g. for prefer to see Confidence Limits rather • Text and data ‘cut and pasted’ into sites, or on environmental issues. It is than limitless confidence in data. Typical reports without appropriate revision (or surprising how inadequate these surveys errors include: due referencing and acknowledgment); prove to be, with errors including: • The wrong analysis of data; • Failure to justify approach taken, or the • Failing to undertake an adequate use of professional judgement when search of appropriate sources, especially • Unjustified conclusions drawn from deviating from standard procedures; statutory ones, and missing key details scant data available; and and on legal status or implications of the law; • Failure to include the data in the report. • Absence of details of the required • Treating such a search as an optional 6. Be objective. For a growing number copyright licences in the report. extra for the client, not as (in most of reports brought to our attention by Such shortcomings are damaging to cases) a requirement; complainants it is clear that the author has made up his/her mind on what the the profession. Be clear, concise and • Misusing data from the NBN Gateway report will conclude. This is of concern open about what you have done (or in breach of the licence conditions as members must have an open mind in not done). When you cut and paste (notably, not seeking permission for undertaking work – don’t be influenced material from your, or others’ work do use); and take the trouble to credit what you have by hearsay or third parties telling you • Not checking the provenance of data lifted. To avoid lengthy reports, simply what to expect. Be self-critical of your and information included in the report, reference work published elsewhere work and findings – healthy scepticism with some of it out of date by decades. – in our experience, clients are not is an asset. Common issues are: impressed with impenetrably turgid 4. Survey and monitor to a sufficient • Deriving conclusions not supported by reports. And remember, obfuscation standard. Some serious problems arise the evidence; here where work is inadequate in terms wastes everyone’s time. • Making recommendations that do not of its seasonality or frequency. Field 2. Peer review your work. A lot of flow from the conclusions, and not surveys for hibernating mammals in complaints arise because people have underpinned by data or findings from their foraging range will not be fruitful, not had their work reviewed. Why any analysis; and and wintering and breeding ranges for would you not have someone check many birds do differ. Where possible, • Asserted remarks that betray your work, when virtually every aspect ensure you have replicates, and give inadequately conducted work (“it was of education and science is predicated consideration to detectability and obvious from a preliminary visit to the on critical improvement? What has individual variation in detection rates. site that it was unsuitable for species disappointed us particularly has been x” – the visit being made at the wrong Common errors reported to us were: the lip service paid to quality assurance time of day/year). • Failing to properly scope the survey within consultancies. Meaningless audit 7. Be sure of what you are contracted area (more likely if the desk survey trails on report checking are listed, to do. Where complaints were upheld is inadequate); when our checks have revealed that here, the issues sometimes reflected sometimes ‘senior’ reviewers have not • Surveying at inappropriate times, with poorly on both parties. As a member, even opened documents pronounced no justification; be clear about what you have been as fit for publication or release! Some • Insufficient or inexperienced surveyors, asked to do, what you have agreed to common issues include: with poor equipment and lacking do under contract, and what you have • Failing to ensure appropriate quality appropriate licences (e.g. for bats reported – often the three are different. assurance measures are in place – either and reptiles); Don’t be afraid of discussing the 64 Issue 91 | March 2016 Professional Updates

contract with your ‘client’; clarification to CIEEM staff; that will not be for which knowledge or experience on basic points at the outset saves tolerated; and is lacking; immense time and expenditure later on. • Putting comments in emails that • Insufficient awareness and Four common problems were: embarrass you, your organisation or understanding of relevant standards • Absence of a contract setting out terms client – every line of what you write and guidance; and conditions; in an email, blog, tweet or article may • Not taken steps to plug gaps in • A poorly worded contract vague in be read by an unintended reader, so knowledge or experience; and be mindful of that to save yourself purpose, detail, reporting requirements, • Stated incorrectly the level of and the basis of the fee being charged reputational damage, and worse. experience or expertise, which (quotes are often too low for what is 9. Keep your CPD up to date. has been exposed subsequently – eventually done); Unfortunately, many members had and sometimes giving rise to • The member having his/her ‘clear’ idea CPD records out of date by at least personal and organisational of what was required, which did not two years; we have taken direct steps reputational embarrassment. to address this. CPD recording is a meet the expectations of the client; Closing remarks and good way of monitoring progress in developing skills and experience, We hope this advice helps members • Work being done that was not asked and identifying further development – it is intended to reduce the number for or required. opportunities and needs. It need not of breaches of the ‘Code of Professional 8. Be courteous in your dealings. take long to complete, and much Conduct’. Of course, we are all busy, This has been one of the particularly of your CPD work is derived from and find professional work increasingly disappointing areas. Email exchanges ‘unstructured’ learning http://www. challenging as the complexity of demands have often been downright rude, cieem.net/news/141/changes-to- grow. But five minutes taken to review and relations with hard pressed local cpd-regulations-effective-from-1- these points could save a considerable authority and statutory agency staff october-2013 As part of this, do be amount of angst later on. We would be have come across as unnecessarily poor. accurate in stating your grade of happy to receive comments from members, A common failing was for members to membership (several complaints have and will review the scope of these points as ignore clear (often unpalatable) advice arisen from members inflating their time marches on. given by experienced officers/advisers. membership grade on reports – often Why would you ignore or object accidentally). Three issues here are: to this when you are being offered • Not keeping a record of CPD; helpful advice, often from experienced individuals? Email trails cover pages • Undertaking insufficient relevant when a simple phone call can clear up CPD to meet CIEEM’s mandatory areas of misunderstanding. Examples of requirements for professional grade poor ‘customer’ care include: membership, and to demonstrate maintenance of knowledge and skills; • Failure at the outset to communicate and with the client on work planned, timescales, and reasonable estimate • Failing to recognise the value of of costs; ‘unstructured’ CPD, such as attending seminars, reviewing reports, carrying • Reports submitted late, to a poor out ‘own time’ fieldwork – often with standard, and seeking additional more experienced peers. payment for work not agreed to; 10. Work to your limitations. Finally, we • Evident unwillingness to address come to a fundamental piece of advice constructively and empathetically the we have offered several colleagues – client’s concerns and queries regarding work within your sphere of competence draft material (why ask for comments, and experience. Several complaints and then ignore them?); have been upheld where members have • Knowingly taking on work that you strayed far beyond their span of expertise. Acknowledgements have insufficient time (or experience/ This is unnecessary, and if members need We thank those of you who have been in expertise) to do; discussion with us over specific complaints. Several support or help in an unfamiliar area experienced members and non-members have • Recommendations for further work use the CIEEM network to secure help kindly provided some additional comment we have included by way of supplementary detail. that is not necessary; or advice. Familiar problems have arisen We are particularly grateful to: Alan Fielding, • Rudeness. This is inexcusable, yet we where members have: Paul Haworth, Phil Whitfield and members of the Disciplinary Pool. have members who are impolite to • Not recognised limits of competence, clients, colleagues and on occasion and gone on to undertake work Issue 91 | March 2016 65 Professional Updates

About the Authors Richard Graves is Deborah Alexander is Professor Des Thompson Director of Richard CIEEM’s Professional is Principal Adviser on Graves Associates Ltd. Standards Assistant. Her Biodiversity with SNH Richard runs a successful role includes supporting where he manages policy, consultancy specialising the Professional Standards research and advisory in major development Committee to help raise work. A member of projects and protected and maintain standards CIEEM’s Disciplinary Pool, species issues. Involved within the profession, and chairman of several with CIEEM’s disciplinary and assisting members boards, Des led some of procedures since chairing the first Disciplinary of the Disciplinary Pool with investigations Britain’s upland nature conservation work for Board, Richard has also appeared in front into alleged breaches of the Code of the government and its agencies. Chairman of it as a supporter witness for the subject Professional Conduct. of the Technical Advisory Group advising the of a complaint. Richard is author of, and Contact Deborah at: UN Convention on Migratory Species on the contributor to, guidance and best practice for [email protected] conservation of migratory birds of prey in CIEEM and the Bat Conservation Trust. Africa and Eurasia, he is co-author of Raptors: Contact Richard at: a field guide for surveys and monitoring (3rd [email protected] edition, TSO). He is Chairman of the Field Sally Hayns has been Studies Council, Associate Editor of Journal CEO of CIEEM since June of Applied Ecology, a Senior Research Fellow 2010. Prior to joining the at Hatfield College, Durham University, and a Institute she was Head Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. of People and Wildlife at Contact Des at: the Hampshire and Isle of [email protected] Wight Wildlife Trust. Contact Sally at: [email protected]

Breaches of the Code Complaints Update of Professional Conduct

Case 1 Case 2 Case 3 Matthew Loak MCIEEM (FPCR Environment Stuart Johnson MCIEEM (self-employed) Susan Morgan CEcol MCIEEM (Anglian & Design Ltd) was found to have breached was found to have breached the following Ecology) was found to have breached the following clauses of the Code of clauses of the Code of Professional the following clause of the Code of Professional Conduct: 7.iv and 7.x. Conduct: 7.ii, 7.iii and 7.iv. Professional Conduct: 7iv. These breaches related to: These breaches related to: This breach related to: • Producing a report of insufficient quality • Producing a report of insufficient quality • Insufficient communication with a for its intended purpose for its intended purpose homeowner about access to their property • Failing to undertake adequate supervision • Not seeking appropriate advice in for survey purposes of those working for him environmental legislation, plant ecology • A lack of objectivity and professionalism Mr Loak has been reprimanded and bird ecology in communications with the homeowner with advice. • Not always exercising sound professional and client judgement or a sufficient degree of • Weaknesses in the subsequent report objectivity Ms Morgan has been reprimanded with Mr Johnson has been reprimanded advice. with advice.

66 Issue 91 | March 2016 Professional Updates

Victoria Forder ensuring that I had Chartered CEcol CEnv provided sufficient MCIEEM information for each Principal Ecologist, competency. I was quite Members Jacobs UK Ltd nervous prior to the interview, however both Why you joined CIEEM: I Fellows and Full Members of CIEEM can my interviewers put me at joined CIEEM at the develop their skills and gain professional ease and providing you graduate level about eight recognition from employers, colleagues can talk confidently about years ago to keep abreast and clients by achieving Chartered status. your listed competencies, of recent updates and as CIEEM offers two Chartership awards: the interview stage CIEEM offers a wide range should run fluidly. • Chartered Ecologist (CEcol): The Register of training course and conferences. In of Chartered Ecologists recognises the addition to this, I recognise that being How has achieving Chartered Status effective application of knowledge and part of CIEEM is important when impacted on the types of work you understanding of the science of ecology working in this industry, as it highlights undertake: I have only had CEcol status by professionals committed to the highest to others your competence as an for a couple of months, so this has not standards of practice. ecologist. impacted the type of work I undertake or we are offered as a company, • Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv): Why you applied for Chartered status: however I believe it will benefit my CIEEM is one of 23 professional At Jacobs, anyone at a Senior level or career in the long run. bodies licensed by the Society for the above is expected to be Chartered and Environment (SocEnv) to award Chartered although I already have CEnv status, I Would you recommend applying for Environmentalist status. CEnv is an believe Chartered Ecologist status is more CEcol to your peers and colleagues: increasingly recognised standard of good relevant to the work I undertake. It also Yes I would definitely recommend environmental practice. helps to demonstrate that you meet the applying for CEcol status. I initially The adjacent profile highlights the work professional standards required to looked at the application process in of Chartered professionals and provides undertake your role as an ecologist. 2014, however was put off by the amount of work involved especially an insight into the kind of roles that How you found the process: After I during the busy survey season. I revisited these senior ecologists and environmental had familiarised myself with CIEEM’s the application over winter when things managers are required for. competency framework and decided had got quieter so I had time to look at upon the themes that I was going to New Chartered Members the competencies in detail. I would say assess myself against, then the process don’t be put off by the amount of work New Chartered Ecologist Members: was relatively simple. I did have to spend required as its worth it in the long run Dr Judy England CEcol CEnv MCIEEM a good couple of days reading through and would urge my colleagues with all the relevant information and Dr Charlotte Packman CEcol MCIEEM sufficient experience to apply. completing the application form, Mrs Laura Thomas CEcol MCIEEM Education: I have an MSc from Royal Holloway University of London with Chartered Ecologist application deadlines distinction in Research and a BSc from CEcol Application due date CEcol Interviews Ratification Royal Holloway University of London (2:1) in Environmental Biology. 7 Jan 2016 7 March 2016 Late March 2016 Volunteer work: As well as my consultancy work, I am an active 10 March 2016 6 June 2016 29 June 2016 volunteer and roost visitor for the Surrey 10 June 2016 26 September 2016 13 October 2016 Bat Group. I also monitor a woodland in Chartered Environmentalist application deadlines Kent on behalf of the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme (NDMP) and train CEnv application due date CEnv report CEnv Interviews others towards obtaining their dormouse submission deadline handling licences. 31 Aug 2015 30 Nov 2015 1-12 Feb 2016 What is the best thing about your 31 March 2016 23 June 2016 29 Aug – 9 Sept 2016 job: A good balance between being on site and in the office, every time I hold a 1 September 2016 24 November 2016 13-24 February 2017 dormouse, being complimented on work Please note, these dates are subject to the availability of assessors and may change. by satisfied clients and a good working If you are interested in submitting your own profile please contact the Registration Officer relationship with my colleagues. ([email protected]). Katherine is particularly keen to hear from Chartered members working in academia and the statutory agencies. Issue 91 | March 2016 67 Professional Updates

The British Ecological Society Jackie Caine Policy Manager, British Ecological Society

Communicating ecological knowledge systematic reviews and economic models to decision-makers is a core part of the in decision-making, and the role of the British Ecological Society’s mission. We media in influencing policy. Skills-based actively engage with policy development workshops will focus on the principles of by collating and presenting timely and policy-making, structured decision-making, relevant scientific evidence and upskilling the use of experts, how to influence ecologists in the science-policy interface. parliament, policy publications and more. The practical application of ecological By bringing together ecologists with Dimbleby and will take the format of an knowledge is inherently linked to all decision-makers in this way, we aim to ‘Any Questions’ style event, with questions science policy work, and many of our develop novel techniques to move towards submitted in advance and on the night policy activities take a ‘pipeline view’ of the a truly evidence-informed approach put to our panellists by members of evidence from academic research through to conservation and to find out how the audience. Please come along with to management regimes. For instance, to overcome many of the barriers we questions for the panel. in our recent consultation response encounter when trying to find evidence To keep up to date with our policy on Soil Health, we collated input from informed solutions. The meeting is activity and to register for our events, soil scientists in universities, NGOs and supported by DICE, RSPB, the Centre for follow @BESPolicy and @BritishEcolSoc. environmental consultancies, as well as Conservation Science, and Conservation land owners and managers to outline the Evidence, along with our Conservation threats to soil quality and the impact this Ecology Special Interest Group – a group will have on the many services that soils that facilitates exchanges between deliver. We also highlighted the need for theoretical ecologists, applied ecologists a range of measures and indicators for and practitioners interested in conservation soil quality which are needed alongside a issues. Both the symposium and the Special comprehensive soil strategy that integrates Interest Group will be of interest to CIEEM soil health into decision-making and land members, and we encourage you to join use planning. This inquiry is currently and share your expertise. ongoing and we await the outcomes later Policy-making is set against an ongoing in the year. background of various political and Evidence-based policy-making is no easy economic pressures and influence, not least task and, from 11-13 April this year, we the upcoming EU referendum, an issue will be partnering with the Cambridge which CIEEM is already heavily engaged Conservation Initiative to take a fresh with. Since much of the UK’s wildlife and look at how the links between ecological environmental legislation is based on EU science and conservation policy can Directives, a change in this legislation may be strengthened. In our symposium have a significant impact on the work of ‘Making a Difference in Conservation’, both BES and CIEEM members. It is as yet we will assess how to improve the flow unclear what UK nature legislation would For further information of research into decision-making, and look like if we were to leave the EU, and to enable the latest evidence to better this will be a focus for the upcoming Contact us at: inform policies and practice. ‘People, Politics and the Planet’ event [email protected] The meeting includes a keynote talk by taking place in London in May 2016. We Visit www.BritishEcologicalSociety.org/ Defra Chief Scientist Ian Boyd, a public will partner with the Sibthorp Trust and public-policy lecture from Sir John Beddington, and the Royal Geographical Society to host presentations from policy active researchers a panel of senior politicians, business Making a Difference in Conservation 11-13 April 2016, Cambridge including Dame Georgina Mace DBE and representatives and the media to answer Follow #BEScci for updates Charles Godfray. We will hear innovative, questions on the matters of environmental Register at interdisciplinary talks on a range of issues concern in the run up to the referendum. www.BritishEcologicalSociety.org/AS2016 including campaigning to bring about The event will be hosted and chaired by change, horizon-scanning, the use of political commentator and writer Jonathan 68 Issue 91 | March 2016 Member Network News

CIEEM’s Member Networks:

WALES Geographic Sections and Special professional standards, feeding into Interest Groups are run by members consultations and representing the views New Events Planned for 2016 for members to provide opportunities of members at a local, national and The Welsh Section Committee is working to network, share knowledge and international level. hard to put together a programme of learn more about the science and For further information about Member Section events in Wales during 2016. Plans practice of our profession. There Networks and how you can get involved, include a Spring Seminar and AGM in April is also a role to play in promoting please visit www.cieem.net/get-involved. and various field trips to look at species such as bryophytes, dormice, nightjar, invertebrates, reptiles and plant species SCOTLAND AND NORTH EAST at various marine and terrestrial sites ENGLAND throughout Wales. There are also plans to hold a careers event for students. Measuring the effectiveness of The Committee is always happy to hear River Restoration – the Eddleston from members who have specific ideas for Water project events, especially if you are able to help 28 October 2015 run it! This event, looking at river restoration at To contact the Committee and keep up to a catchment scale, was organised by the date with details of these events as they Scottish Section in partnership with the are made available please visit North East England Section and Tweed www.cieem.net/wales. Forum. The focus was the restoration of Eddleston Water, a meandering gravel river which is a tributary of the River Tweed; SCOTLAND a Special Area of Conservation. CIEEM members from a variety of organisations EAST MIDLANDS Scottish Section Conference and including academics, charities and CIEEM at the BSBI Annual AGM 2016 private organisations attended and spent Exhibition Meeting Wildlife Crime in the Spotlight: A the day visiting locations across the James Whiteford of the East Midlands closer look at wildlife crime fighting Eddleston catchment, seeing first-hand Committee took a CIEEM stand to the initiatives in Scotland the completed works on the river, with BSBI Annual Exhibition Meeting on 28 27 January, Glasgow discussion from those involved in the November. He enjoyed a really positive This one-day conference, held in restoration and management directly. day and met some interesting and Glasgow, explored what constitutes Read more at: www.cieem.net/scotland enthusiastic people who came to talk wildlife crime and what wildlife to him and find out more about CIEEM. protection legislation means to Read more at: environmental practitioners. Speakers www.cieem.net/east-midlands from Scottish Government, Police Scotland and SNH provided a thorough overview of how crime legislation WALES applies to the practicing ecologist, Welsh Section Spring Seminar including the WANE (Scotland) Act. & AGM 2016 Taxa specific case studies looked at Environmental Issues in the Marine crime involving raptors, bats, badgers Environment: A Welsh Perspective and plants, and there was also a look 8 April 2016, Swansea University at the role of the Ecological Clerk of Works. The Welsh Section Committee is planning a Spring Seminar at Swansea University to Read more about the conference look at marine issues in Wales. at www.cieem.net/previous- conferences For further details please visit: www.cieem.net/events/1058/welsh- Hugh informs the group on river meandering section-spring-seminar-and-agm-2016 Issue 91 | March 2016 69 Member Network News

SOUTH WEST ENGLAND IRELAND IRELAND South West England Section Irish Section Conference and AGM 2016 Irish Section Members’ News Conference and AGM 2015 Advances in Technology and Analysis Promoting a The new-look Irish Section Members’ in Ecological Assessment Newsletter includes details of CIEEM’s Landscape Scale 10-11 February 2016, Glenview Hotel, activities across the whole of Ireland Approach to Co. Wicklow Wetland Biodiversity and all the great work of the Irish Section Committee, with the help of This two-day conference, held at the 15 December 2015, the Irish Section Support Officer, Glenview Hotel in the beautiful surroundings University of Exeter Kate Flood. of Wicklow, focussed on the latest Eighty-five delegates from a wide range developments in methods, technological Read more at of organisations and interests gathered aids and data analysis techniques for use in www.cieem.net/ireland in Exeter to listen to a range of speakers ecological survey and assessment. on this locally high profile topic, triggered Read more about the conference at by the unprecedented flooding events in www.cieem.net/previous-conferences Somerset in 2014. Having held field trips to WWT Steart Marshes and RSPB Ham Wall reserves and heard a fascinating talk on the impact of flooding on wildlife at the 2014 AGM, hosting a conference on this pressing local issue seemed a good way to pull together the associated topics and give delegates a holistic view of the issues and approaches being taken. Read more at www.cieem.net/south-west

Liam Murphy and Kevin Tracey (Coastway Surveys) demonstrate their DJI S1000 drone for use in aerial surveying of habitats

MEMBER NETWORK ELECTIONS Some of you may have noticed that, over the last couple of months, we have started moving to a new online format for all of our Member Network elections. For each committee election a short biography for nominees will be provided, along with an electronic ballot. This new format provides for increased transparency and ease of access for those unable to physically attend their Section AGM to take part in their elections. Going forward it is intended that all CIEEM elections will be held electronically each autumn and made available in this way. Look out for emails about how you can join your committee and/or take part in your elections. To find out about vacancies on CIEEM’s committees please visit www.cieem.net/ cieem-committee-vacancies.

Look out for upcoming events in your area and keep up to date with what’s been going on at www.cieem.net/member-networks. For information on vacancies in your Member Network committees visit www.cieem.net/cieem-committee-vacancies. 70 Issue 91 | March 2016 New Members

New Members The decision on admission is usually taken by the Membership Admissions Committee under delegated authority from the Governing Board but may be taken by the Governing Board itself. CIEEM is pleased to welcome the following individuals as new members:

ADMISSIONS Miss Lily Gilbert, Mr Andrew Heideman, Miss Catherine Dyason, Miss Rachael Heptonstall, Miss Natalie Fairchild, Miss Jemma French, Full Members Miss Briony Hill, Mr Anthony Hiscocks, Miss Harriet Fuller, Mr James Gamble, Mrs Morgan Bowers, Dr Mat Cottam, Ms Kate-Marie O’Connor, Mr Thomas Henry, Mr Adam Hicks, Dr Frances Giaquinto, Mr Anthony Robb, Ms Rachael Henderson, Mr William Kitts, Mr Juan Lincango, Mr Francisco Rubio Fedida, Dr Sally Mackenzie, Miss Francesca McDowell, Miss Victoria Sellen, Miss Nicola Shearer, Mr Gianpaolo Pontiggia, Miss Leonie Morphett, Mr Robert Nicholas, Mr Henry Sturgess, Miss Emma Sumner, Ms Kirsten Velthuis Ms Siffreya Pederson, Miss Katie Sanders, Miss Emily Wallace, Miss Jasmine Walters, Miss Jessica Sanders, Mr Dharitri Sarkar, Miss Elisabeth Weidt, Mr John Wildsmith, Miss Rachel Seddon, Miss Emma Shipsides, Upgrades to Full Membership Miss Rhiannon Williams Miss Giuliana Sinclair, Mr Adam Smith, Miss Laura Cobden Mr Alex Southern, Miss Anna Spence,

Upgrades to Graduate Membership Ms Abigail Strickley, Miss Jodie Twose, Associate Members Miss Lucy Boyer, Miss Georgina Flower, Sagir Wapa, Mrs Jackie Wells, Ms Sarah Gelpke, Ms Rebecca Jones, Mr Markus Jaskari, Miss Kelly White Mr Sam Marles, Miss Alice Quinney, Miss Charlotte Keightley, Miss Sarah Sanders, Miss Helen Simmons, Ms Juliette Linford, Qualifying Members Mr Ross Stewart, Mr Allan Taylor Mr Alexander Meadows, Ms Emily Power, Miss Rebecca Harvey, Miss Shona Smyth, Miss Olivia Winter, Miss Charlotte Richardson Upgrades to Associate Membership Miss Natalie Woollacott Dr Christopher Cockel, Mr Jonathon Crewe, Mr Alexander Gray, Supporter Members Student Members Miss Samantha Rogers, Mrs Sheila Dyason Mr S M Tuhinur Alam, Mr Alexander Sams, Dr Lyndsey Stewart Miss Monica Amaral de Paula Souza, Miss Chloe Andrews, Miss Amy Ashe, Graduate Members Miss Georgia Bailey, Ms Maya Baker, Miss Emmanuelle Amiral, Mr Daniel Bardey, Mrs Lynne Barnett, Miss Charlotte Armitage, Miss Francesca Brailsford, Miss Victoria Baldwin, Miss Emily Bull, Miss Hazel Cuenca, Mr Andrew Barrett-Mold, Miss Stephanie Davies, Mr Calum Campbell, Miss Amelia Coleing, Miss Cyrielle Delvenne, Mr James Coupe, Miss Naomi Foot, Miss Samia Dumbuya,

Issue 91 | March 2016 71 Recent Publications

Field Guide to Invasive In the Journals Plants and Animals in Britain Authors: Olaf Booy, Max Wade CEcol CEnv FCIEEM and Helen Roy Inter-observer variation in habitat survey data: ISBN: 9781408123188 investigating the consequences for Price: £22.49 professional practice Available from: www.bloomsbury.com Cherrill, A. This field guide will enable the Journal of Environmental Planning and Management 2015, DOI identification of a range of invasive plants 10.1080/09640568.2015.1090961 and animals now found in Britain. A survey of environmental professionals revealed that misidentification of habitat types within survey reports was relatively common. Approximately 40% of respondents who had encountered erroneous reports stated that these had led to inaccurate initial site ecological assessments. Additional field surveys and discussions with surveyors The Effective Ecologist: were commonly used to resolve these issues, but for Phase 1 and NVC Succeed in the Office 26% and 34% of respondents, respectively, had encountered one or Environment more cases where errors resulted in negative consequences for clients commissioning surveys. Net loss of biodiversity arising from inaccurate Author: Neil Middleton ACIEEM reports was reported in at least one instance by 32% and 38% of ISBN: 978-1-78427-083-4 respondents for Phase 1 and NVC surveys, respectively. The potential Price: £19.99 benefits of introducing an accreditation scheme are also discussed. Available from: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09640568.2015.1090961 www.pelagicpublishing.com This publication covers the stuff that no-one Other journal articles, which are all open access: told you about at university – how to develop your office-related and Three-dimensional tracking FORUM: Indirect leakage business skills to succeed in your career as a professional ecologist. of a wide-ranging marine leads to a failure of avoided predator: flight heights and loss biodiversity offsetting vulnerability to offshore Moilanen, A. and Laitila, J. wind farms Journal of Applied Ecology Bats in the Anthropocene: Cleasby, I.R. et al. 2016, 53: 106–111. doi: Journal of Applied Ecology 10.1111/1365-2664.12565 Conservation of Bats in a 2015, 52: 1474–1482. doi: http://onlinelibrary.wiley. Changing World 10.1111/1365-2664.12529 com/doi/10.1111/1365- Authors: Christian C. Voigt http://onlinelibrary.wiley. 2664.12565/full and Tigga Kingston com/doi/10.1111/1365- 2664.12529/full EDITOR’S CHOICE: ISBN: 978-3-319-25218-6 How much would it cost to Price: Free download Ecological traits affect the monitor farmland biodiversity Available from: http://link.springer.com/ sensitivity of bees to land- in Europe? book/10.1007/978-3-319-25220-9 use pressures in European Geijzendorffer, I.R. et al. agricultural landscapes This book summarises major topics related to the conservation of Journal of Applied Ecology bats, including; land use changes; diseases; our perception of bats; De Palma, A. et al. 2016, 53: 140–149. doi: and human–bat conflicts and possible resolutions. Journal of Applied Ecology 10.1111/1365-2664.12552 2015, 52: 1567–1577. doi: http://onlinelibrary.wiley. 10.1111/1365-2664.12524 com/doi/10.1111/1365- http://onlinelibrary.wiley. 2664.12552/full com/doi/10.1111/1365- Identification Guide 2664.12524/full Supporting local diversity to Ireland’s Grasses of habitats and species on REVIEW: Translocation tactics: farmland: a comparison Authors: Úna Fitzpatrick, Lynda Weekes, a framework to support the of three wildlife-friendly Mark Wright IUCN Guidelines for wildlife schemes e Price: £12.50/ 16 translocations and improve Hardman, C.J. et al. Available from: www.nhbs.com the quality of applied methods Journal of Applied Ecology A guide to help beginners and Batson, W.G. et al. 2016, 53: 171–180. doi: intermediates tackle grasses. This attractive Journal of Applied Ecology 10.1111/1365-2664.12557 field-friendly 164 page guide simplifies 2015, 52: 1598–1607. doi: http://onlinelibrary.wiley. grass identification. 10.1111/1365-2664.12498 com/doi/10.1111/1365- http://onlinelibrary.wiley. 2664.12557/full com/doi/10.1111/1365- 2664.12498/full

72 Issue 91 | March 2016 Diary

Forthcoming Events 2016 For information on these events please see www.cieem.net. Conferences Date Title Location 28 June 2016 Summer Conference 2016 – Linear Infrastructure and Biodiversity: Impacts and Opportunities Birmingham 1-2 November 2016 Autumn Conference 2016 – Skills for the Future Nottingham

Training Courses 15 March 2016 Otter Ecology and Surveys Cirencester 16-17 March 2016 Water Vole Live Trapping, Care and Restoration Launceston 21 March 2016 Ecological Clerk of Works Inverness 22 March 2016 Environmental Advisor for Construction sites Inverness 5 April 2016 Article and Feature Writing for Conservation Practitioners Sheffield 5 April 2016 Badger Ecology and Survey Techniques Leatherhead 5 April 2016 Using eDNA and Traditional Techniques for Effective Great Crested Newt Surveys Mold 6 April 2016 Badger Ecology and Survey Techniques Telford 7-8 April 2016 QGIS for Ecologists and Conservation Practitioners Middlesex 7 April 2016 Badger Mitigation Telford 8 April 2016 Great Crested Newt Ecology and Survey Techniques Leatherhead 12 April 2016 Ecological Report Writing Bristol 13 April 2016 Great Crested Newt Ecology and Survey Techniques Culross 13-14 April 2016 Reptile Survey, Ecology and Handling Alresford 13-14 April 2016 Pine Marten and Wildcat Ecology and Surveys Birnam 14 April 2016 Great Crested Newt Assessment and Mitigation Culross 14 April 2016 Introduction to Bat Surveys London 19 April 2016 Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) of Projects Manchester 19 April 2016 Water Vole Surveys and Ecology Cirencester 20 April 2016 Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) of Plans Manchester 20 April 2016 Water Vole Mitigation Cirencester 26-27 April 2016 Train the Trainer for Ecologists Birmingham 28-29 April 2016 Vegetative Grass ID Donabate 4 May 2016 Introduction to Bats and Bat Survey Dunblane 5 May 2016 Bat Impacts and Mitigation Dunblane 5 May 2016 Appropriate Assessment Galway 11 May 2016 Early season grass and sedge identification Salisbury 12-13 May 2016 Introduction to Phase 1 Habitat Mapping and Plant Identification Newark 14 May 2016 Using the Vegetative Key Dublin 17 May 2016 Peregrine falcon: Ecology, Survey and Mitigation Birmingham 17-18 May 2016 QGIS for Ecologists and Conservation Practitioners Gloucester 23 May 2016 Grass and Sedge Identification – Neutral and Calcareous Grasslands Salisbury 24 May 2016 Grass, Sedge and Rush Identification – Heathland, Acid Grassland and Bogs New Forest 25 May 2016 Badger Ecology, Survey and Reporting Lincoln 26 May 2016 Badger Impacts and Mitigation Lincoln 1-2 June 2016 Introduction to Phase 1 Habitat Survey Middlesex 8 June 2016 Introduction to the National Vegetation Classification Chester 11 June 2016 Bat Handling and Identification Herne Bay 16 June 2016 Barn Owl: Ecology, surveying and mitigation Tamworth 21 June 2016 Otter Surveys and Ecology Cannock 22 June 2016 Otter Mitigation Cannock 22 June 2016 Using Indicator Species for Habitat Assessment (Phase I and NVC) – Grasslands Salisbury 23 June 2016 Using Indicator Species for Habitat Assessment (Phase I and NVC) – Heathlands and Acid Grasslands New Forest 29 June 2016 Beginners Guide to the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) Carlisle

Member Network Events 16 Mar 2016 North West England Section AGM Liverpool 8 April 2016 Welsh Section Spring Seminar – Environmental Issues in the Marine Environment: A Welsh Perspective Swansea 2 July 2016 Welsh Section Field Visit to Cors-y-Llyn National Nature Reserve (NNR) Cors-y-Lynn

Issue 91 | March 2016 73 The Ecology Consultancy’s specialist in-house Water Vole team offer a comprehensive range of services for water vole conservation, covering all licensable Conservation and non-licensable activities: • Water vole survey, including habitat assessment and population estimates; • Advice on impacts, mitigation recommendations Services and enhancements; • Licence applications and liaison with Natural England; • A cost effective approach to translocation, methods including: • Live cage trapping and translocation; • Displacement; • Overwintering facilities and health screening provided where required; • Receptor site creation and habitat design advice; • Population monitoring, passive monitoring, radio tracking and pit tagging.

Our team will provide a fast and reliable service to ensure projects run smoothly and without delay; our specialists can work alongside your own team of ecologists.

For further information on how we can help you with your upcoming water vole projects, please contact us on the details below.

T: 01273 813739 E: [email protected] W: http://www.ecologyconsultancy.co.uk

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Issue 91 | March 2016 75 WE WANT YOU TO BE YOU Jacobs has one of the largest, most dynamic and respected terrestrial and aquatic ecology teams in the UK. The team is working on diverse, high profile projects in the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Currently around 150 strong, there are unlimited opportunities with great career mentoring, to enable continued professional development and fantastic career progression. Our strong pipeline of work requires us to make the following key appointments: s 4ECHNICAL$IRECTOR 4ERRESTRIAL%COLOGY#ROYDON UK0000CR s 0RINCIPAL4ERRESTRIAL%COLOGISTS"IRMINGHAM%DINBURGH-ANCHESTER UK0000AX s 0RINCIPAL-ARINE%COLOGIST3OUTHAMPTON UK000076 s 3ENIOR4ERRESTRIAL%COLOGISTS#ROYDON#UMBRIA-ANCHESTER2EADING UK0000AX s 3ENIOR&RESHWATER%COLOGIST'LASGOW EU/00001I What sets us apart is our absolute belief in our people; they are our greatest asset and our BeyondZero® safety programme, which instils a ‘Culture of Caring’ for staff in everything they do. For more information and to apply, visit: www.jacobs.com/careers

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76 Issue 91 | March 2016