Number 54 • December 2006 In Practice Bulletin of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

Cardiff Climate Change Conference

Focus on Wales - Wetlands, Water, Energy

Sir David Attenborough Awarded the IEEM Medal

In Practice December 2006 1 INFORMATION

In Practice No. 54, Dec 2006. ISSN 0966-2200 Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

Editor for this issue: Jim Thompson IEEM aims to raise the profi le of the profession of ecology and environmental management, to establish, maintain and Assistant editor for this issue: Jason Reeves enhance professional standards, and to promote an ethic of environmental care within the profession and to clients and employers of the members. In Practice is published quarterly by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. It is supplied to all members Patrons: Prof. David Bellamy of IEEM and is also available by subscription (£30 per year, UK. Prof. Tony Bradshaw £40 overseas). Sir Martin Doughty Prof. Charles Gimingham In Practice will publish news, comments, technical papers, Mr John Humphrys letters, Institute news, reviews and listings of meetings, events Dr Duncan Poore and courses. In Practice invites contributions on any aspect The Earl of Selborne and of ecology and environmental management but does not aim Baroness Barbara Young to publish scientifi c papers presenting the results of original research. Contributions should be sent to the Editor at the President: Dr Andy Tasker IEEM offi ce (address below). Vice-President: Dr Eirene Williams Opinions expressed by contributors to In Practice are not Secretary: Dr Janet Swan necessarily supported by the Institute. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance relevant to their individual Treasurer: Dr Alex Tait circumstances before following any advice provided herein. Executive Director: Dr Jim Thompson Deputy Executive Director: Mrs Linda Yost Advertising Membership Offi cer: Ms Anna Thompson Full page: £400, half-page: £200, quarter-page: £100, eighth- Education Offi cer: Mr Nick Jackson page: £50. The Institute does not accept responsibility for advertising content or policy of advertisers, nor does the External Relations Offi cer: Mr Jason Reeves placement of advertisements in In Practice imply support for Administration Offi cer: Mrs Gemma Langdon-Saunders companies, individuals or their products or services advertised herein. IEEM Offi ce Membership 45 Southgate Street Winchester Full £120 (outside UK: £80) Hampshire Associate £90 (outside UK: £55) SO23 9EH Retired £50 Tel: 01962 868626 Affi liate £50 Fax: 01962 868625 Graduate £50 E-mail: [email protected] Student £20 Website: www.ieem.net Full membership is open to those with four years’ experience, IEEM is a Company limited by guarantee, no. 2639067. and Associate membership to those with two years’ In Practice is printed on Revive Silk, a 75% recycled paper experience. Appropriate qualifi cations are usually required. (35% post consumer). Details are given in the Membership criteria. © Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management The membership year is 1 October – 30 September.

IEEM is a member of: The Institute is immensely grateful to those organisations below who have made fi nancial contributions or provided substantial ‘help in kind’ to support its activities during 2006 British Ecological Society Countryside Council for Wales McParland Finn

2 In Practice December 2006 EDITORIAL AND CONTENTS Editorial Contents t was Robert Kennedy who first coined

the phrase: ‘We live in interesting Itimes,’ back in 1966. Forty years Information 2 later these words ring even more true, Editorial and Contents 3 especially for us as ecologists in the light Myths and Legends in the 4 - 6 of our changing climate. Miasma of Climate Change Peter Bridgewater CEnv FIEEM Firstly, climate change itself is in the media as never before. Times are interesting Cardiff Climate Change 7 because science predicts that we have much bigger changes in store than we’ve Conference Report seen so far. And, as those of you at IEEM’s Cardiff Conference will know, there are many species changes that are already underway here in the UK. These include Nick Jackson AIEEM comma butterfly breeding over 100 km further north than just a few years ago, Cardiff Conference Ministerial 8 - 10 migrants like dunlin and ringed plover over-wintering along the north-east coast Address rather than the south-western seaboard of Britain, and even pilchard found in the Tamsin Dunwoody North Sea. Managing Wales’s Water 11 - 12 Secondly, as ecologists, we have known about population dynamics ever since David Lloyd Owen CEnv MIEEM we first started learning about the subject. We know that exponential growth only occurs until a limit is reached, and that the human population is no different Wetlands for Wales 13 - 15 from any other species in this respect. Whether population size is limited by Richard Farmer CEnv MIEEM food shortage, or limited habitat, or the build up of a pollutant waste product Renewable Energy - Ecological 16 - 18 ultimately makes no difference: there are limits to growth. The interesting times Implications for Wales here are that the CO2 we keep producing is as much a pollutant as CFCs or lead Mick Green CEnv MIEEM in petrol. The unknown elements are precisely how the CO2 build-up will impact on global and local climates, over what time-scales, and what we as a species Sir David Attenborough Awarded 19 are prepared to do about it. As ecologists, we need to ensure that our profession the IEEM Medal drives the agenda forwards, proposing practical ecological solutions when some Jason Reeves AIEEM are still denying there is a problem. We need to work with politicians, nationally Countryside Management 20 and locally, and with business decision makers, in order to provide for biodiversity Association Conference Report as our climate changes. The risk to us as ecologists is that the climate change Jason Reeves AIEEM bandwagon presses ahead with strategies and plans that ignore biodiversity completely, thinking only of energy, water and social impacts. Geographic Section News 21 - 24 Thirdly, the interesting times for us as an Institute relate to our continuing and Institute News 25 dramatic growth, with well over 2,500 Members, and new Geographic Sections in SocEnv, EFAEP and IUCN News 26 Wales, Ireland and South West England. The challenges here are both internal and external. Internally we need to develop new systems and structures to help the In the Journals 27 - 33 Institute grow and develop, harnessing the skills and enthusiasm of our Members Recent Publications 34 - 35 to achieve the ambitions of our Business Plan. Externally, we are uniquely placed to link ecology and environmental management with society, in ways that everyone News in Brief 36 - 37 can understand. This will mean as consultants, ensuring that clients are building Tauro-Scatology 38 climate change mitigation into new developments. Within the public sector there are new strategies needed to make a real difference to biodiversity across these New and Prospective Members 39 islands. And for the not-for-profit sector there are opportunities to link plans into Diary 40 action, bringing together new partnerships for delivering large areas for wildlife and ecological networks. Over the next two years of my Presidency, I’d like to see the Institute raising its profile, helping to shape and form government policies, and ensuring that ecologists’ voices are heard and taken notice of. We do indeed live in interesting times, and our role as ecologists moves closer to the centre of the stage. Are we up for this challenge?

Cover image: Sir David Attenborough receives the IEEM Medal from Dr Andy Tasker Dr Andy Tasker CEnv MIEEM Photography: Paul Tennant President, IEEM Artwork on the cover will normally illustrate an article in the current issue. The Editors would be pleased CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR to consider any such material from authors. Members of Council, the Directors and Secretariat would like to wish all Members a Happy Christmas and a productive and ecologically active year in 2007.

In Practice December 2006 33 CARDIFF CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE Myths and Legends in the Miasma of Climate Change

IEEM Fellow Peter Bridgewater Peter Bridgewater CEnv FIEEM Secretary General, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

serious looks at the issue in the popular From a conservative economic journal INTRODUCTION press. In part the article noted: this is welcome realism indeed! n 16 Nov 1989 the ‘Australia is the biggest contributor Indeed 2006 may well be seen as the BES and Linnean to global warming, relative to its year in which climate change moved Society held a joint population, even though its hot, from scientific curiosity to media star. O dry climate makes it particularly There is abroad what one might call symposium in London on vulnerable to hotter temperatures. ‘The new Climate Change Chic.’ By this ‘Biospheric Aspects of This contradictory position means I mean a popularising of the effects and Global Change.’ This was the country risks both international dangers of climate change like never criticism over global warming, and before. But, as always, not necessarily the first real attempt to potential environmental damage. Yet in the most useful of ways, from the put focus on the issue, Australia is reluctant to ratify the Kyoto perspectives of nature conservation even though much of protocol………’ and ecosystem management. One could point to the awful ‘Day after Tomorrow’ And of course it is, as I write, trying, the symposium was on as an example of what may come to with like-minded countries to produce be called the climate change genre. It non-climatic aspects of a ‘post-Kyoto’ global agreement on was truly awful, however, and there are global change. Even so, climate change. Herein lies the problem many other, rather better, activities now – in many ways the Australian position many of the contributions around. is a correct one, i.e. that Kyoto is not recognised the intrinsic all- really working. Yet trying to put in place For example: pervasive nature of climatic something else which may or may not be • Advertisements on the BBC World in the stable of the UNFCCC is also a risk changes as drivers of TV channel by an assurance group What is encouraging is that suddenly, it – featuring prominent IPCC other aspects of the global seems, there is almost global unanimity scientists; change equation. Following that something must be done. But what, this, in early 1990 the exactly? • 2 documentary Films on global warming win at the 22nd Festival Nature Conservancy In early October 2006 the IHT featured again an article on climate change, but Médias Nord Sud - Grand Prix de Council published its first ; this time in the ‘Your Money’ section – Genève issues paper on nature called ‘Weathering the storm of Climate • Prince Albert of Monaco… who has conservation in the face of Change.’ The article was interesting in now a key interest in the arctic and climate change. that it points to the role of the private the fate of Polar Bears; and sector in managing climate change – a Looking back at these notes and papers role that is increasingly evident as the • The ever inconvenient Al Gore… it was interesting how much was being only likely way human society can start clearly stated then and how little has to adapt to the changes now set in actually been seriously picked up on. place. In the decade and a half since then THE MYTHS Then as recently as 4 November 2006 nature conservation faced the worries Myth 1: There is No Climate The Economist magazine had an article of expanding species populations on Change the one hand, and the more dramatic entitled ‘Stern Warning.’ It was of course shrinking on the other. Site-based about the highly topical, technical yet This should not really be in question but conservation seemed transfixed, like wide-ranging review performed by alas in quite some politician’s minds, a rabbit in the headlights of a car, Sir Nicholas Stern on climate change as well as key Industry heads, and even unable to decide what to do in the for the British Government. Again, some scientists, this is still seen as an face of climate change, but opining little space is devoted in the report to open question. Albeit circumstantial, that protected areas were even more the consequences of climate change the recent increase of extreme important than before. Yet there are no on the status of, for example, Dryas weather events seems in line with the real justifications for this view, indeed, populations in the UK, but we must predications of the models. In the last a good case can be made for the assume it will have more impact few months, we have seen: opposite! on government thinking, which can ultimately translate into support for • severe typhoons in China and On 29 March 2002 the International conservation and wise ecosystem Korea; (IHT) published a feature Herald Tribune management. The article ends; ‘The • snow on Piton de la Fournaise, on climate change, one of the first costs are not huge. The dangers are.’

4 In Practice December 2006 CARDIFF CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE

Rèunion Island; along north Atlantic coasts. rates of charcoal accumulation at an Australian site are unprecedented in • hottest and driest time in Tasmania Despite these pieces of evidence, for the late Holocene. At the same site for 40 years - followed by crop many species and ecosystems there will increased prehistoric fire activity was killing frosts; and be little change possible, since they are always correlated with periods of now in highly fragmented landscapes. • and no hurricanes seriously warmer climates. The key question is For many species and ecosystems affecting the USA. ‘Was human activity involved here?,’ therefore an increasingly precarious and the authors prefer to keep this or stressed existence is their likely Yet last year, we certainly saw major an open question. However, like many future – until a major environmental impacts in the south of the USA. So other studies it is clear that overall event (drought, fire, flood, etc.) causes the pattern of extreme events is well increased temperatures are going to a major disruption. And in this sense established, and underscores the be an additional problem for ecosystem many species and systems will have, view that the only certainly we face is management, especially in dry or fire- simply, ‘nowhere to go.’ Those with uncertainty! prone systems. This becomes a classic responsibility for conservation and positive feedback loop, as wildfires ecosystem management may thus find are unleashing ever more CO into the themselves, like nurses in an emergency 2 Myth 2: Legislative Protection atmosphere. Certainly the smoke and ward, exercising triage for species, and will Help in Managing, Adapting haze from the Indonesian peat fires is a even ecosystems. to or Mitigating against Climate health hazard, yet the vast quantity of Change A likely result from this impact will be CO2 also released goes largely unnoticed the development and establishment of and uncommented on. This is an example of what the French novel or emerging ecosystems. These call politique d’autruche – and has a novel ecosystems will result from the certain charming naivety. It can take synergies between climate change Myth 5: If We Stop Actions the form that ‘if everyone signs Kyoto, and other global changes, including all is OK,’ or be more fine grained. Contributing to Climate Change, especially the ever-increasing spread All will be Fine… Some Australian scientists recently of invasive alien species. This aspect encouraged listing climate change was also picked up by the recent Gran The synergies between climate change under the Australian threatened species Canaria Declaration II from Botanic and other environmental activities are Act(s) as an important part of ‘facing Gardens Conservation International well documented – but stopping climate the future in an honest and clear-headed (BGCI) which noted: change will not, by itself reverse these manner.’ At one level this is a view other changes. Even if all anthropogenic with which one can little argue; yet ‘Many plant communities are dynamic additions of greenhouse gases to in fact by concentrating on this legal and adaptable, but their composition will the atmosphere were to be stopped aspect the possibilities for promoting be inevitably altered by climate change immediately, global warming and quick action recede. They do however in the future. As a result, we may need associated impacts such as sea level correctly identify a key issue, which to create and/or manage the ongoing rise would be expected to continue for is the disconnect between the normal development of novel communities to centuries. agency response of promoting action optimally fulfil the need for ecosystem on particular reserves, and the fact that functions and services.’ action against climate change must take place at a broader land- or seascape THE LEGEND scale. Myth 4: An Increase in Temperatures Might be Helpful… Maintaining Ecological Resilience will Help Mitigate Against Climate Here we can look at the nexus between Myth 3: Communities and Change climate change and an increase in fire Species will Move Gradually frequency. Recent evidence of the Resilient ecosystems are able to Pole-wards and take increasing altitude with the effects of Climate Change Fishing village from Tonle sap Biosphere Reserve/ Clearly there is some movement of Ramsar site in Cambodia, at risk from changing species especially insects, which can levels in the lake move rapidly and have short generation spans. In North America and Europe around 40 species of butterflies have been shown to have a northward range shift of up to 200 km over the last 27 years. There is also evidence for some clear changes in migration times for migratory species, and much evidence of earlier flowering/fruiting times. In the arctic shrubs are spreading into previously shrub free areas, and in the Antarctic there are distributional changes for some species. In Canada the red fox is moving northwards, and correspondingly the arctic fox appears to be contracting its range. And the marine environment is not immune, with increasing abundance of plankton and fish from warmer waters being recorded

In InPractice Practice December December 2006 20065 5 CARDIFF CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE

maintain biodiversity and continue to have positive, neutral or negative effects Resilient ecosystems maintain deliver ecosystem goods and services on biodiversity and ecosystem goods biodiversity and continue to deliver under climate change. The relationship and services. Understanding changes ecosystem goods and services under between biodiversity and ecosystem of biological diversity due to climate climate change. And we know that resilience is an area where much more change may include active participation directed adaptation activities are research is need to help develop the of local and indigenous communities. urgently needed to slow the rate of right management. Biodiversity research biodiversity loss. Thus a key focus, is what is needed – not simply research especially on landscapes rich in on species or ecosystems labelled as wetlands, should be that ecological Biodiversity research!! A WAY FORWARD? resilience be maintained and restored. However, taking a precautious approach, The paradox is that we need a global In order to measure the success of we should attempt to minimise response to this global issue, yet the our ecosystem responses we need a biodiversity loss, which not necessarily responses are frequently targeted robust monitoring regime. But what halts biodiversity change. Such slowing and usually effective only at local do we monitor?? What indicators do of the rate of biodiversity loss is best levels. On top of this, the International we develop? And how can success be achieved via directed adaptation environmental governance architecture measured? And finally, but importantly, activities. The ad hoc Technical is incapable of swift response, and has how does Countdown 2010 link to Advisory Group to the CBD (CBD, 2006) difficulties with locally-based responses. climate change? Again, this is an area contains much useful material on this BCGI (2006) noted that ‘plant where more research can help point to subject. communities have vital importance the range of indicators we need to make sense of which modes of adaptation will work, and which not. We need a global response to this global issue - yet the biodiversity response is effective only at local levels. Another conundrum! Somehow we need a global set of responses, tailored to local conditions. Perhaps we should adopt the view that the world is a garden and that we are the gardeners. With this view in mind, it is clear that our future lies then with ‘global gardening’ (landscape management) in the most effective way. A high level mountain mire in This gardening then means: Andorra, at long • promoting ecological resilience; term risk from change in snow • improving carbon sequestration; levels • maximising delivery of ecosystem services; • managing at system level not species; • using a robust assessment process, with dependable; and • definable indicators. Many factors confer resilience to as ‘carbon sinks’ with the potential ecosystems - including population size, to off-set some carbon emissions.’ And all this within a global governance habitat area and shape, presence of Of course we know that maintenance framework that sets the key parameters environmental gradients, existence of biodiversity requires natural and priorities. So finally, if we have of habitat refugia, degree of habitat disturbance regimes while management the science right, local national and connectivity, presence of ecotones and for maximal carbon storage tends to international governance mechanisms regeneration and sucessional stages, avoid disturbance. So we have to seek that will respond rapidly and in an degree of genetic heterogeneity, management regimes which include interconnected way, we can hope to species richness, regenerative capacity, both. manage the effects of climate change. and stable hydrological cycles. The Gran Much of the attention given to ecological But I finish with a plea to think beyond Canaria Declaration II notes inter alia, systems as buffers against the effect of forests to the vital need for the inclusion ‘natural vegetation is of vital importance climate change has focused on forests. of wetlands and other ecosystems in the in water management under current and While forests have a role to play, and the management framework for adaptation future climate change scenarios, and re-introduction of trees to landscapes and mitigation against climate change! coastal ecosystems are essential as where they have been removed is an Despite the myths and the legends buffers to rising sea levels and extreme important step forward, ignoring wetland there is a viable future visible through weather events.’ systems on land and in the near shore the miasma – and while we wait for Directed adaptations are already being environments is bad policy. Wetlands the politicians to decide what to do we implemented to reduce many of the have an even greater role than forests can already get started on our global adverse impacts of climate change to in balancing the global carbon equation, gardening. and thus in maintaining ecological produce economic and social benefits Capability Brown, where are you now??!! in the future. These adaptations can resilience to mitigate against climate change.

6 In Practice December 2006 CARDIFF CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE Climate Change Sponsored by Conference in Cardiff

he Institute’s annual debate between the main countryside agencies, a ministerial address, aquatic conference took place issues, and finally a session on fauna. David Hill, David Parker, Andy Tasker and on 14-16 November Chris Spray with awards for Presidents old T Various field excursions took place on and new 2006 in Cardiff and was the Wednesday afternoon and luckily the entitled ‘Practicalities rain just about held off for these. The of Climate Change: trips were to the Gwent Levels - Magor Marsh (led by Julian Branscombe MIEEM Adaptation and Mitigation.’ - Gwent Wildlife Trust), Kenfig NNR (led There was a very practical by David Carrington - Bridgend Council), slant to the conference, Newport Wetlands (led by Kevin Dupe - CCW), Cardiff Bay (led by Joanne Davies as the title suggests, - Cardiff Harbour Authority) and The informing delegates National Museum of Wales (led by Tim about various different Rich – Head of Vascular Plants at the museum). approaches for adapting to next few years and then opened it up to and mitigating against the There was also an indoor session running in parallel with the field questions from the delegates. effects of climate change excursions – this session was to get a This was followed by an address from ‘on the ground’. It was few people together to write an IEEM Tasmin Dunwoody (Deputy Minister for another very well attended position statement on Climate Change. Environment, Planning and Countryside, The position statement will be Welsh Assembly Government). Read her issued early in the New Year. full address on page 8. Peter Bridgewater accepting his The AGM took place on Fellowship certificate from Chris Spray The abstracts for all the papers Wednesday evening and Andy presented are included as an insert Tasker CEnv MIEEM took on the with this issue of In Practice and the reins of IEEM President. See PowerPoint presentations are available ‘Institute News’ on page 25 for on the IEEM website. The proceedings further details about the AGM. from the conference will be edited then The main conference dinner compiled onto a CD and sent to all IEEM followed the AGM and the members (a printed copy to those who Institute welcomed the following attended the conference). special guests: Professor I would like to thank all the speakers for Charles Gimingham, Jan Karel a very thought provoking and interesting Mak (president of EFAEP), conference. For details of IEEM’s 2007 Chris Mils (Regional Director conferences please see the ‘Diary’ on of Environment Agency), Julian page 40. Banscombe (Chief Executive Gwent Wildlife Trust), Morgan Report by Nick Jackson AIEEM, Parry (Head of WWF Cymru), Tim Education and Professional Stowe (Director RSPB Wales) and David conference with 230 Jenkins (Director of Coed Cymru). After Development Officer, IEEM delegates descending upon the dinner David Parker, David Hill and a wet and windy Cardiff. Chris Spray were each presented with a Past Presidents One of the Institute’s newest Fellows, Medal. Dr Peter Bridgewater FIEEM, opened Three crows at Cardiff Bay the conference by giving a lecture on On the Thursday we Photo: Mathew Frith the first evening entitled ‘Myths and tried something a Legends in the Miasma of Climate bit different from Change.’ Peter’s talk was an inspirational the normal IEEM start to the conference, he spoke not format and invited a only about Ramsar sites but about the representative from global effects of climate change. His each of the main paper is the lead article in this issue of countryside agencies to come and speak In Practice. Peter was presented with his Fellows certificate after his talk. for 10 minutes each to outline The conference was split up into their organisation’s different sessions: an overview, climate change agriculture/land use, flora/forestry, a priorities over the

InIn Practice Practice December December 2006 20067 7 CARDIFF CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE Ministerial Address

Tamsin Dunwoody, Deputy Minister Environment, Planning and Countryside, Welsh Assembly Government

t’s a great pleasure to greenhouse gas emissions compared speak to you today and with 1990 – but they also show that during the same period, CO2 emissions Ito welcome members of rose in Wales. the Institute of Ecology and In Wales, as in the UK and beyond, we Environmental Management recognise that much more needs to to Wales. be done to achieve the scale of cuts in emissions that scientists advise are You have selected a hugely important, required to prevent dangerous climate and hugely challenging, issue as the change. theme for this conference. A lot of work on reducing emissions of There is no doubt that climate change greenhouse gases is already underway is one of the most serious issues facing in Wales. Deputy Minister the world. Tamsin Dunwoody The Cabinet has signed up to taking There is overwhelming evidence that it action in each portfolio and work to is occurring, and increasing indications tackle climate change is underway in Our Energy Route Map, which is that things are moving more quickly all policy areas within the Assembly currently being developed, has a vital and more damagingly that previously Government. role to play in setting out how we will thought. put ourselves on a pathway to meeting Other organisation across Wales Wales’s energy needs while reducing I know that the conference programme are making similar commitments. greenhouse gas emissions. reflects this, with contributions from For example, earlier this year the experts in different fields all illustrating Assembly Government signed the Welsh We have produced planning guidance the same basic message: the evidence Declaration on Climate Change with all – TAN 8 – that gives a clear framework for climate change all around us and we local authorities in Wales. to encourage the development of must take action now. renewables in Wales and will help us Climate change is also being reflected in move towards our targets of 4 TWh of The publication of the Stern Review key strategic programmes – for example electricity generation from renewables two weeks ago has added further the new Convergence Programme. sources by 2010 and 7 TWh by 2020. weight to the case for a decisive and rapid response – and perhaps more The award of a second round of TAN 8 has not been without controversy, importantly – it has dispelled many of European funding for 2007-2013 and this is indicative of the hard choices the misconceptions about the true cost means an extra £1.3 billion of grant we must make if we are serious about of action; and of inaction. will be available to help West Wales tackling climate change. and the Valleys complete its economic The Assembly Government is committed transformation. The Environment, Planning and to taking action on climate change. Put Countryside Minister has announced his simply, we must: ‘Creating An Attractive Business intention to produce a Ministerial Interim Environment’ is one of six proposed Planning Policy Statement on climate • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions; priorities of the new Convergence change and planning to help strengthen and Programmes. And actions to combat the focus on climate change action in climate change will be included in this • adapt to the changes that are the land use planning system. priority. already way as result of previous Promoting more sustainable forms of emissions. The Convergence consultation document energy generation is just part of the emphasises that this priority can help Earlier this year, Carwyn Jones, picture - encouraging greater energy limit the growth of greenhouse gas Minister for Environment, Planning and efficiency is also vital. emissions, by working hand in hand with Countryside – published the Environment environmental technologies to produce The Carbon Trust and the Energy Strategy for Wales and its supporting viable and affordable alternatives to the Savings Trust are working with Action Plan. car. businesses, the public sector and the The Environment Strategy makes a clear public to help improve energy efficiency. It will also support the growth commitment to reducing greenhouse The practical advice they provide and of the environmental goods and gas emissions and to ensuring an their high profile public awareness services sector. And help respond effective response to the impacts campaigns are invaluable. to environmental risk, such as by of climate change. This reflects the developing clean and renewable energy Various Assembly Government initiatives importance that people placed on and encouraging energy efficiency. also make an important contribution to Assembly Government leadership in improving energy efficiency. this area during the consultation on the Energy is clearly an important sector Strategy. and the Assembly Government is Our Home Energy Efficiency Scheme, committed to the development of which is addresses fuel poverty, has We know that we face a big challenge in renewable and low carbon generation helped over 64,000 households since cutting emissions in Wales. and to encouraging greater energy 2000. This year, £19.6 million is being The latest figures show a decrease in efficiency. spent on the Scheme, which includes

8 In Practice December 2006 CARDIFF CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE an extra £5 million specifically for authorities include jointly agreed targets consultation earlier this year, makes pensioners this year. to reduce energy use and CO2 emissions a strong commitment to reducing the in local authority housing stock and contribution of transport to greenhouse We have also provided planning to reduce CO emissions in the non- gas emissions. guidance on design issues which 2 domestic public stock. includes measures to achieve resource The final Transport Strategy will be efficiency through the design process; Local Authorities are also working to drawn up in the light of consultation such as ensuring the siting, layout and meeting the Welsh Housing Quality and will reflect the results of the SEA. design of buildings maximise natural Standard (WHQS) in their own stock The outcomes it seeks to achieve, heating and ventilation. by 2012. The WHQS states that “All including those on climate change, will cost-effective opportunities to upgrade be embedded in decision-making on Across the public sector in Wales, the thermal and ventilation performance transport programmes at national and progress is being made on energy of the dwelling must be taken” and regional level in future. efficiency and encouraging low carbon sets minimum standards for the annual technology. The devolution of responsibility for energy consumption for space and water railways and the development of a In the Assembly Government estate, heating using the SAP methodology. strategy to promote the take up of the Green Dragon Standard has been Within the NHS, the latest figures alternative fuels in Wales provide new used to design a robust Environmental indicate a 6.5% reduction in net energy opportunities to address transport’s Management System (EMS). use and a 16% improvement in efficiency contribution to emissions. An EMS was achieved at Green Dragon using the NHS performance indicator This is in addition to the support we Level 5 (ISO 14001) for key buildings from a 1999/2000 baseline. already provide to bus services, travel in Cardiff in March 2006. The aim to To continue to improve performance the planning and walking and cycling across extend the Level 5 standard to the rest NHS in Wales has introduced a central Wales. of the Core Administrative Estate of 97 energy fund of £3.1 million. Funding is buildings by July 2009. The recently published draft Transport allocated on the basis of approved Trust TAN indicates how we will encourage The EMS includes targets to reduce energy emissions reduction plans for a more sustainable patterns of transport CO emissions from gas and electricity three-year period starting in 2006/07. 2 provision through the planning system. consumption by 2% per annum year on The progress in the public sector is year. Tackling climate change requires action encouraging and we will be exploring the at all levels and there is an important By 2010, the aim is to supply 100% of scope for further partnership working UK, European and international context electricity used in all Welsh Assembly focused around climate change as part for our activity. Government buildings across the Core of Delivering the Connections and in Administrative Estate from renewable response to the Beecham Review. The UK Government has recently sources or good quality embedded announced its intention to bring forward I have been leading a review of carbon generation; 92% of total electricity legislation on climate change. emissions and transport in Wales, which consumption was purchased from will be reporting shortly. The proposed legislation will include renewable sources in 2005-06. provisions to: The Transport Strategy, published for Current policy agreements with local

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In Practice December 2006 9 CARDIFF CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE

We are working closely with UK Conference delegates take in the address Government and devolved administration colleagues on the development of a UK Adaptation Policy Framework and keeping a close watch on the development of the Commission’s Green Paper on Climate Change Adaptation. Biodiversity will be profoundly affected by a changing climate – as many of the speakers during this conference have highlighted, but the issue is – how should we respond? • What do we need to do to make the natural environment more resilient to climate change impacts? • How can resources and action be best focused to deliver maximum benefits? The answers to these questions will be • put the UK goal of a 60% reduction Previous emissions will change our crucial in enabling effective intervention in CO2 emissions by 2050 on climate over the next 30 – 40 years; so and informing the approach to land statutory basis; we must be prepared. management policy in the future. • establish an independent external These changes, be it increased flood The Assembly Government, other body to advise on climate change; risk; hotter, drier summers or increased organisations and individuals across storminess, will have a profound effect • introduce new measures to reduce Wales are taking action to tackle climate on our natural environment and on every greenhouse gas emissions; and change, but the scale of the challenge aspect of our lives. means that more needs to be done. • strengthen reporting arrangements. We are developing a Climate Change Scientists, researchers and sectoral We will be working very closely with Adaptation Action Plan to help shape and experts have an essential role to play in the UK Government in developing the direct work to adapt to the impacts of advising government and others on how legislation and exploring the scope for climate change in Wales. best to target our response. powers for the Assembly Government in We are not starting from scratch; the line with the new Government of Wales need to respond Act. to the impacts of So far, I have focused mainly on the climate change action that government is taking to is reflected in reduce emissions, but climate change activities across is not an issue that can be solved by the Assembly government activity and regulation Government. alone. For example, Everyone contributes to greenhouse TAN 15 on Flood Looking for a new challenge? gas emissions; but this also means that Risk strongly everyone can contribute to reducing reflects the them. increased risk is a highly experienced, ambitious and progressive of flooding multi-disciplinary environmental consultancy based in the Cotswolds. Catalysing action and helping people posed by climate see how they can contribute to emission change and reduction is crucial – but it is not easy. Our expanding team is looking to recruit ecologists at all levels. We the need to are experienced in all branches of environmental planning and design think seriously Government, NGOs and others need for a wide range of clients involved in land and development issues. to work together to provide consistent about the messages on the action people can take consequences – and to make it easier for them to make of that increased Interested? the right choices. risk in making decisions on Call Rob Rowlands on 01285 640640 or email We will be using our newly established developments. [email protected] to discuss opportunities further. Cross Sector Climate Change Group, and linked into our Sustainable Again, there is Development Communications Group, an important to develop a collaborative approach national and The Environmental Dimension Partnership, to climate change communications in international 14 Inner Courtyard, Whiteway Farmhouse, The Whiteway, Cirencester GL7 7BA Wales. context to this t 01285 640640 f 01285 652545 e [email protected] w www.edp-uk.co.uk work, and the Action to cut emissions of greenhouse opportunity gases must remain a key focus of our to learn from response to climate change – as that activity at local addresses the root cause of the problem and regional level – but we cannot ignore the need for an across the UK effective response to the changes that and beyond. are already occurring.

10 In Practice December 2006 FOCUS ON WALES Managing Wales’s Water

David Lloyd Owen CEnv MIEEM Managing Director, Envisager

GQA: chemistry quality (percentage length) he process of devolution means that Good Fair Poor-bad water management and policy in (A+B) (C+D) (E+F) 1990 43.5% 40.1% 16.5% Wales is becoming distinct from that England T 1995 55.4% 34.6% 10.0% in England. This note looks at some of the 2000 64.4% 29.3% 6.3% issues and implications. 2005 64.2% 28.7% 7.1% When Gwyn Alf Williams wrote his polemic ‘When was Wales?’ Wales 1990 86.3% 11.3% 2.4% in 1985, he argued that ‘Wales’ has never existed, which was 1995 93.2% 5.3% 1.5% news to many. Looking at water policy today, we are faced 2000 93.4% 5.2% 1.4% 2005 94.7% 3.5% 1.8% with a rather real Wales and need to ponder where this Wales in fact is. There is the political Wales as more or less defi ned GQA: biological quality (percentage length) by county boundaries since 1536, which has been adopted by Good Fair Poor-bad the Environment Agency Wales (with the addition of West Kirby (A+B) (C+D) (E+F) beach). Then there is the hydrographic Wales as defi ned in England 1990 59.7% 29.7% 10.6% the 1974 organisation of the water and sewerage entities and 1995 66.3% 27.2% 6.5% 2000 67.3% 27.1% 5.6% defi nes Glas Cymru’s operating boundaries and fi nally there is 2005 71.0% 23.9% 5.0% a wider Wales, which exists as disparate demand centres for water resources originating in Wales. Wales 1990 78.5% 19.8% 1.7% The evolution of Glas Cymru came about in extraordinary 1995 87.0% 12.8% 0.3% circumstances. Hyder plc was the holding company for Dwr 2000 78.3% 20.4% 1.2% 2005 80.0% 19.1% 0.9% Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW, water and sewerage in Wales), Environment Agency Swalec (electricity and gas distribution in South Wales) and a number of related infrastructure service and investment terms Compliancethis depiction with the is Bathing a reasonable Waters directive, one, but 1990-05 when you consider activities. Despite its name (Hyder means ‘confi dence’ in Welsh), the biological quality, a more complex picture emerges. the multi utility strategy came at a high price in terms of the Guideline standard 1990 1995 2000 2005 debt taken on when Swalec was bought in 1995. By April 2000, In termsWales of biological quality, while14% there was38% an 8.3% net43% 91% Hyder realised that its debts would rise above its allowable improvementEngland in England and Wales32% between41% 1995 and 2005,44% 74% in Wales there was a net fall of 21.2%. 45.9% of inland water in levels by the end of 2001. After a bitterly contested bidding Mandatory standard 1990 1995 2000 2005 war between Nomura, a Japanese brokerage, and WPD, a US Wales was classifi ed as Very Good in 1995 (4,401 km tested) but onlyWales 29.3% in 2005 (4,626 km70% tested). 89%In chemical quality99% 100% power utility, the latter company acquired Hyder in June 2000 England 79% 89% 94% 99% and divested DCWW to Glas Cymru, a not for profi t company terms,National there Assembly was a 5.7%Government, upgrade DEFRA in & Wales EA between 1995 and in return for Glas Cymru taking on the £1.9 billion in corporate 2005 compared with a 17.2% upgrade for England and Wales. This lower increase is partly accounted for by 72.1% of rivers debt. Properties at risk of flooding from sewers and actually flooded, 2003-06 already being of a Very Good quality in 1995 and (26.9% for Glas Cymru is unique amongst the ten water and sewerage England and Wales), which rose2003-04 to 75.8% 2004-05 in 2005 (32.8%2005-06 for N companies privatised in 1989 in that it can report directly to EnglandOnce and in ten Wales). years The National Assembly for Wales as a regional/national entity. D�r Cymru 0.014% 0.011% 0.023% 312 With the partial exception of the London Assembly nothing The fallEngland in biological & Wales quality is 0.029%partly due 0.027%to improved 0.022%monitoring 5,259 similar exists in England at a regional level, let alone one that and understandingTwice in ten years of the issues involved. It also refl ects can address a river basin’s needs. Glas Cymru has inherited changingD�r Cymrupatterns in the use of0.005% pesticides 0.008% (sheep dip 0.015%disposal 202 a utility which has higher than average operating costs (and being Englanda particular & Wales issue); diffuse0.013% pollution 0.012% from septic 0.012% tanks, 2,804 tariffs) with a lower than average personal wealth, meaning that acidifi cation,Overload incidentslocalised (per over-abstraction,100,000) and run offs from forestryD� rplantations Cymru and felled plantations.6.1 11.2While regional8.7 its environmental performance is subject to particular economic England & Wales 4.0 10.0 7.8 constraints. data breakdownsOfwat, Levels of haveservice, yet 2005-06 to be report published, it is evident that a signifi cant proportion of these rivers are at risk of failing the EU’s Waterʻ000 households Framework Directive. Unmetered Metered % metered Dwr Cymru 944.4 226.4 19% Building a modern infrastructure WASCs 12,988.2 4,636.0 26% WOCs 2,934.6 956.2 25% Water and sewerage services in Wales have been under private BathingTotal waters – the green, 15,922.8 blue 5,592.2 sea 26% sector ownership and management since 1989. During this period of time, a modern sewerage and sewage treatment DCWW’s Môr Glas has been a useful example of Welsh network has been installed, making up for decades of under- exceptionalism. Môr Glas aimed to have all 50 designated investment. In 1989, 50% of sewage effl uents were treated, beaches in Wales operating to the EU Bathing Water directive’s 2% to an advanced level. 56% received full treatment in 1996 Guideline standard by 2000. The £40 million scheme was and between 2001 and 2005 a population equivalent (PE) of launched by DCWW in 1994 in alliance with a broad coalition of 2.56 million people were provided with full treatment connected stakeholder groups. It was bitterly opposed by the City, which to sewage treatment works. This has been something of a believed this money ought to be returned to shareholders. catching up exercise. The dramatic improvement in Wales especially at the Guideline Standard refl ects the poor state of sewer discharges in 1990 and an innovatory approach towards technology since 1995. River water – clean, but not quite green Membrane fi ltration, ultra violet and ozone treatment being Wales’s rivers have long been portrayed as pristine, especially used in small treatment works instead of the traditional policy away from the industrialised areas. In chemical water quality of discharging partly treated sewage at long sea outfalls. This

In Practice December 2006 11 GQA: chemistry quality (percentage length) Good Fair Poor-bad (A+B) (C+D) (E+F) England 1990 43.5% 40.1% 16.5% 1995 55.4% 34.6% 10.0% 2000 64.4% 29.3% 6.3% 2005 64.2% 28.7% 7.1%

Wales 1990 86.3% 11.3% 2.4% 1995 93.2% 5.3% 1.5% 2000 93.4% 5.2% 1.4% 2005 94.7% 3.5% 1.8%

GQA: biological quality (percentage length) Good Fair Poor-bad (A+B) (C+D) (E+F) England 1990 59.7% 29.7% 10.6% 1995 66.3% 27.2% 6.5% 2000 67.3% 27.1% 5.6% 2005 71.0% 23.9% 5.0%

GQA:Wales chemistry quality1990 (percentage78.5% length)19.8% 1.7% Good Fair Poor-bad 1995 87.0%(A+B) 12.8%(C+D) (E+F)0.3% England 19902000 43.5%78.3% 40.1%20.4% 16.5%1.2% FOCUS ON WALES19952005 55.4%80.0% 34.6%19.1% 10.0%0.9% Environment Agency 2000 64.4% 29.3% 6.3% 2005 64.2% 28.7% 7.1% Compliance with the Bathing Waters directive, 1990-05 Water metering in time and place GuidelineWales standard 1990 86.3%1990 11.3% 1995 2.4%2000 2005 By law meters have had to be fitted to all new buildings 1995 93.2% 5.3% 1.5% since 1990 and the prospects of cost savings have seen its Wales 2000 93.4%14% 5.2%38% 1.4%43% 91% England 32% 41% 44% 74% popularity rise. By 2005, 26% of households had meters, 2005 94.7% 3.5% 1.8% Mandatory standard 1990 1995 2000 2005 although the average annual uptake has eased since 2000 GQA: biological quality (percentage length) due to the most obvious beneficiaries having installed meters Wales Good70% Fair89% Poor-bad99% 100% by then. England (A+B)79% (C+D)89% (E+F)94% 99% National Assembly Government, DEFRA & EA England 1990 59.7% 29.7% 10.6% The current 25 year plans are generally pretty feeble, with 1995 66.3% 27.2% 6.5% many companies aiming for 35-73% coverage by 2230. scheme remains in action and will need to be modified to meet Properties at risk of2000 flooding from67.3% sewers and27.1% actually flooded,5.6% 2003-06 DCWW’s 63% target is rather far reaching, given the generally the revised bathing water standards coming into force between 2005 71.0% 23.9% 5.0% high quality of water resources available. Even so, it somewhat 2015 and 2023. 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 N is difficult to make a case for metering where water availability OnceWales in ten years 1990 78.5% 19.8% 1.7% D�r Cymru 0.014% 0.011% 0.023% 312 is not an issue, although even within areas such as Wales and England & Wales 1995 87.0%0.029% 12.8% 0.027% 0.022%0.3% 5,259 North East England, regional disparities abound. Again, while Sewer flooding2000 and climate78.3% change20.4% 1.2% Twice in ten years there has been limited progress in England, DCWW’s distribution 2005 80.0% 19.1% 0.9% -1 WhileEnvironmentD�r Cymru the current Agency climate0.005% change scenarios 0.008% for Wales 0.015% are 202 losses have been reduced from 410 ml.day in 1996/97 to 230 England & Wales 0.013% 0.012% 0.012% 2,804 -1 broadly similar with those of much of western England (wetter ml.day in 2004/05, meeting Ofwat’s targets. Within Wales, Overload incidents (per 100,000) distribution losses are arguably a priority in only certain areas. winters,DCompliance�r Cymru drier with summers) the Bathing Waters it has6.1 directive, become 1990-05 11.2 evident that 8.7rainfall andEngland GQA:related & chemistryWales flooding quality incidents (percentage4.0 have length) been 10.0 changing appreciably7.8 Guideline standard 1990 1995 2000 2005 fastOfwat, in LevelsWales of service,and as 2005-06 a result, reportGood Glas CymruFair has hadPoor-bad to prioritise (A+B) (C+D) (E+F) replacingWales combined sewerage14% systems38% with separate43% rain and91% Slaking another’s thirst – water transfers ʻ000EnglandEngland households 1990 Unmetered43.5%32% Metered40.1%41% % metered16.5%44% 74% foul water systems1995 well ahead55.4% of their34.6% expectations10.0% in 2000. DwrMandatory Cymru standard 944.41990 226.4 1995 19%2000 2005 Compulsory purchasing Welsh land to build reservoirs for Again,WASCs although discretionary2000 12,988.264.4% spending 4,636.029.3% has been 26%focussed6.3% on providing water for English cities highlighted Wales’s political WOCsWales 2005 2,934.664.2%70% 956.228.7%89% 25%99%7.1% 100% theTotalEngland area of preventing 15,922.8sewer79% flooding 5,592.2 89%in domestic 26% properties,94% 99% impotence within Britain in the 1950s and 1960s and is indeed thisNational remains Assembly a seriousGovernment, issue. DEFRA 45% & EA of sewer floods are the result one of the drivers towards the current political settlement. Wales 1990 86.3% 11.3% 2.4% 1995 93.2% 5.3% 1.5% Approximately 50% of water abstracted within DCWW’s Properties at risk of flooding2000 from93.4% sewers and actually5.2% flooded, 2003-061.4% catchment area is exported to England (Water resources for the 2005 94.7% 3.5% 1.8% 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 N future, A strategy for Wales, Environment Agency Wales, 2001). In total, approximately 975 ml.day-1 of water is transferred to OnceGQA: in ten biological years quality (percentage length) D�r Cymru 0.014%Good 0.011%Fair Poor-bad 0.023% 312 England from Welsh catchment areas, or slightly less than half England & Wales 0.029%(A+B) 0.027%(C+D) 0.022%(E+F) 5,259 of the licensed abstraction capacity. Some new schemes have England 1990 59.7% 29.7% 10.6% Twice in ten years recently been mooted, ranging from Severn Trent’s plan to D�r Cymru 1995 0.005%66.3% 0.008%27.2% 0.015%6.5% 202 expand the Craig Goch reservoir to a water grind transferring England & Wales 2000 0.013%67.3% 0.012%27.1% 0.012%5.6% 2,804 water from central Wales to south East England. Political Overload incidents (per2005 100,000) 71.0% 23.9% 5.0% change means that these proposals are unlikely to get very far, D�r Cymru 6.1 11.2 8.7 England & Wales 4.0 10.0 7.8 especially given the need to move from mobilising more water Wales 1990 78.5% 19.8% 1.7% Ofwat, Levels of service, 2005-06 report to using what they already have more efficiently. 1995 87.0% 12.8% 0.3% ʻ000 households 2000 Unmetered78.3% Metered20.4% % metered1.2% of hydraulic overload2005 due to80.0% exceptional19.1% rainfall. Flatter0.9% areas DwrEnvironment Cymru Agency 944.4 226.4 19% suchWASCs as the Anglian region 12,988.2 are less 4,636.0 affected than 26%Wales. Does Wales need to be different? WOCs 2,934.6 956.2 25% Total 15,922.8 5,592.2 26% It can be argued that the development of leisure and tourism In EnglandCompliance and with Wales, the Bathing there Waters were directive, 30,500 1990-05 properties at risk in 1995-96, showing that progress has been made in the including game fishing in poorer rural areas is increasingly previousGuideline decade. standard The jump in1990 Dwr Cymru’s 1995 figures reflects2000 a 2005 important, especially given the need to diversify rural incomes. reclassificationWales as well as the14% increasing 38% vulnerability 43% of certain 91% A distinctly high quality of inland and coastal waters is central properties.England A further 690 households32% in 41%the Dwr Cymru44% area to 74% to developing sustainable tourism, leisure and food industries. be securedMandatory standardagainst flooding in1990 2005-10. 1995 2000 2005 The need to be seen to lead Britain in water quality means that Glas’ discretionary spending priorities ought to be focussed In EnglandWales and Wales, remedying70% a single89% household 99%between 100% England 79% 89% 94% 99% here. This will be highlighted between 2008 and 2015 as the 2002National and Assembly 2004 costs Government, anywhere DEFRA &between EA £1,000 and first compliance cycle for the Water Framework Directive gets £534,000 depending on the cause and the region. These are underway. The ability of the not for profit corporate model to sobering figures as is the cost of flooding: damages range Properties at risk of flooding from sewers and actually flooded, 2003-06 deploy discretionary spending over and above its regulatory between £10-30,000 per property per incident, costing £270 obligations is becoming a significant differentiator for Glas 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 N million each year including £70-200 million for the insurance Cymru over the past five years. industry.Once in tenUnder years the current climate change scenarios this could riseD to�r Cymru£2-15 billion per annum0.014% by 2080 0.011% (Future Flooding, 0.023% Office 312 In contrast, Ofwat has somewhat ‘southern English’ concerns of ScienceEngland & Walesand Technology0.029% Foresight Programme, 0.027% 0.022%April 2004), 5,259 over waster resources and availability, which mean that withTwice the innumber ten years of urban properties in the UK vulnerable to metering and distribution loss issues are not equally important. D�r Cymru 0.005% 0.008% 0.015% 202 While climate change will change this, it is not as rapid a priority sewerEngland flooding & Wales rising from 80,0000.013% today 0.012% to 300-380,000 0.012% by 2,804 2080. It is likely that further targeted investment will be needed as for example, further enhancing the security and capacity of Overload incidents (per 100,000) the sewerage networks. As the Welsh Assembly Government hereD� inr Cymru Wales than compared with6.1 most 11.2of England. 8.7 England & Wales 4.0 10.0 7.8 accrues further powers, the basic settlement between the water Ofwat, Levels of service, 2005-06 report industry and its regulators will not be greatly altered, but some practical differences, will assume greater significance than any ʻ000 households Unmetered Metered % metered lack of legislative change would suggest. Dwr Cymru 944.4 226.4 19% WASCs 12,988.2 4,636.0 26% WOCs 2,934.6 956.2 25% Total 15,922.8 5,592.2 26%

12 In Practice December 2006 FOCUS ON WALES Wetlands For Wales Richard Farmer CEnv MIEEM Senior Reserves Manager, Wales, RSPB (Cymru)

t the end of 2006 the first phase Aof the Wetlands for Wales Project will be complete. This large-scale habitat restoration project has been a successful working partnership between Water levels raised in a reprofiled ditch voluntary and statutory nature conservation the distribution of their funds. organisations, and the Heritage Lottery The ideal arrangement from the point of view of the Fund. conservation organisations would have been an ‘umbrella’ Ideas and enthusiasm emerged initially from the island of arrangement where projects that met certain approved criteria Anglesey in north Wales where a group was working together could be funded within the overall scheme as they were brought to look at the problems of the area’s wetlands. Within this small forward. Instead, the bid had to identify every single piece area these habitats face problems that are representative of land that was to be acquired, including boundaries drawn of Wales as a whole. These include a history of agricultural on maps. Values had to be attached to the land and the work drainage, nutrient enriched lakes, neglected and unmanaged to be done on that land identified and costed to the level of reedbeds and fragmentation of the remaining resource of listing and mapping the locations of sluices to be installed and bogs, wetlands and wet grasslands. All are factors that have ditches to be cleared. For some sites this was done five years in contributed to the loss of biodiversity and decline in wetland advance of the first approach to purchase the land being made. species. Faced with this level of detail some partners found that their ideas could not be sufficiently developed, in one case, a local An ambitious vision grew from its beginnings in 1996, of council, the finance committee of the council was asked to sign reversing this decline and restoring some of the lost heritage a contract binding them to fund a project four years ahead and of wetlands, wildernesses and vanishing species. Although the found that they were unable to give that level of commitment. developing ideas included the whole of Wales the practicalities of putting together a bid for funding eventually constrained the This is the fundamental problem that arises with any large and vision of the partnership. It retained the name ‘Wetlands for complex bid for funding, no matter what the funding body. If an Wales’ but the ideas were developed in detail for a series of organisation owns all of the land where the work will be done sites that extended from mid-Wales to the north and Anglesey, then the situation is predictable and can be controlled. Where but leaving ideas for the south of Wales to be developed as a land purchase is involved however, the element of certainty that second phase in the future. is required in order to guarantee the proper use of public funds is difficult to find. Such ambitious work needs money and when the Lottery was launched there seemed, for the first time, to be a potential In reality land becomes available at short notice, either through source for the large sums of money that would be needed. auction or on the open market. Even where a landowner is The first bid was made to the Millennium Fund and when that prepared to enter into a private negotiation, they would usually was eventually unsuccessful the development continued until be interested in selling within a short timescale. Achieving in November 2000 the Heritage Lottery Fund agreed to fund a a commitment from both the vendor and the grant giving package of work with a total grant of £3.6 million pounds. organisation within a realistic period is a dream that is difficult to realise. The Lottery is not uncommon in their approach to As an example of the development of a bid and the working of this and in the case of Wetlands for Wales they were as flexible a partnership this has been both a successful project and a as they could possibly be. valuable learning experience. The original partnership was led by the Environment Agency who provided the staffing resources Despite these early difficulties the programme was launched that saw the bid developed to fruition. From an original team successfully with a series of purchases made by the RSPB of of 12 partners the final contract saw only four names on it, land adjacent to it’s Ynys hir reserve, on the Dyfi Estuary in mid- a strong partnership of Statutory and Voluntary bodies. Still Wales. When the reserve was bought in 1970 it was purchased led by the Environment Agency (Wales) it also included the as the country estate of the late Hubert Mappin, of Mappin and Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), RSPB (Cymru) and the Webb the jewellers, and the main interest was in the western North Wales Wildlife Trust. Other bodies, including voluntary oak woodlands and the estuary. By the Millennium the focus of bodies and local councils fell by the wayside during the process. conservation concern had shifted to wetland bird species, in The reason lay in the way that the bid had to be constructed particular to the lapwing, a bird of the wet grassland meadows to meet the requirements of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the that has suffered an enormous decline in Wales. rules they have to apply to ensure that they are accountable for

In Practice December 2006 13 FOCUS ON WALES

Two farms of lowland grassland alongside the estuary were in colonies that can provide protection from predators. Smaller purchased and also the tenancy of the farmer at Ynys hir groups are more vulnerable and the effect of aggregating these was purchased. The farm land of the estate had been bought groups is to increase their ability to defend themselves but originally with a sitting tenant under the Agricultural Holdings also carries risks in concentrating the resource and creating Act 1986, which meant that in practice the RSPB had no control a feature that could attract predators. Work is continuing to over management on the land. With the funding of the project monitor productivity of the birds and cameras have been used the management of the land came under the RSPB’s direct to monitor the success or loss of nests in order to understand control for the fi rst time in 30 years. The land is now farmed on the factors affecting the success of this colony. behalf of the RSPB by a tenant, one of the original owners, who This has been a highly successful element in the grant funded has enthusiastically embraced the vision of bringing lapwing programme, the land was purchased, the work carried out and back to the land. The change in the law to introduce Farm the numbers of birds delivered, a demonstrable success that Business Tenancies since 1995 has meant that land can now be provided an early boost to the confi dence of all partners in the farmed by a tenant with the landlord retaining a realistic control project. of the way in which it is farmed. A different aspect of the project is seen at the RSPB Malltraeth A series of capital works was undertaken on the land to create reserve on Anglesey. Here the focus is on the creation of the conditions needed to attract lapwings and for them to reedbeds, a habitat that has virtually disappeared in Wales, breed successfully. Firstly scrub and shooting coverts were and with it characteristic biodiversity including an iconic bird removed, taking out the places where predators can hide. species, the bittern. The Malltraeth reserve lies on the rough Ditches across the land were re-profi led by removing fencing grazing marshes alongside the river Cefni. This tidal estuary and grading the steep sides to produce shallow edges. These was canalised and drained in the 1780’s to produce rough provided ‘wet fences’ to control cattle without the use of fencing grassland and continues to be defended by tidal fl aps at the and the shallow sides are friendly to lapwing chicks, which can Cob in the village of Malltraeth. With the aid of the Wetlands for tumble into steep sided ditches and drown. With the installation Wales project and with the assistance of European Life funding of sluices the water levels were raised giving water close to the RSPB now manages a total of 284 hectares of land and is the surface providing ideal conditions for insects that are the in the process of turning poor grazing land into a mosaic of food for lapwing chicks. Additional shallow water features were freshwater marsh and wet grassland. introduced for the same purpose. Following initial levelling surveys of the site and hydrological An important part of the management for lapwing is to have investigations an area was identifi ed and acquired over a period the ground heavily grazed, even poached, by cattle by the of fi ve years from six different owners. The hydrological unit has start of the nesting season in March. This provides the kind of been isolated from adjacent farmers by the use of low bunds sward that attracts lapwing, a background against which their and water levels can now be controlled in a series of separate camoufl age is effective. The mottled brown of the eggs and compartments across the site. Initially water was pumped onto the dark colours of a sitting adult are vulnerable on the bowling the land but a recent engineering project has provided an inlet green of a heavily fertilised uniform grass sward. An alternative by which a local stream is diverted onto the site, when levels to the cattle poaching that has been used successfully at Ynys allow, giving a fl ow of water across the site. hir has been the use of a mole plough to break up the uniformity of the sward. One further addition to the ideal conditions for The marsh element of the site has been developed lapwing has been missing at Ynys hir: research in Holland has progressively and some of the earliest areas are now mature shown that lapwing productivity is signifi cantly increased by reedbed that require ongoing maintenance. Many of the reeds heavy applications of farmyard manure. Here though we were were planted by hand, some were purchased as seedlings and committed to an organic farming system without the ability some were raised in a polytunnel on the site. This wetland to house the cattle to produce farm yard manure. This is now creation has been successful and current work is focussing on being rectifi ed and we intend to increase the manure application the fi sh populations of the site, an essential element for nesting rates. bittern. Following recent monitoring, Environment Agency (Wales) has agreed to introduce fi sh to provide the necessary The results of the work have been impressive as can be seen food supply. Although we have not yet had the fi rst bittern nest from the graph of lapwing numbers on the Penrhyngerwyn we have seen increasing numbers of birds wintering on the site Farm. From a population of fi ve nesting pairs before the work and a male has ‘boomed’ on the site - the display to attract a began a fi gure of 39 nesting pairs was reached within three female - unfortunately unsuccessfully. years. This increase in numbers is a result of pulling in nesting birds from all over the Dyfi Estuary; clearly the conditions Malltraeth can also illustrate some of the diffi culties of the being created are those preferred by lapwing. Lapwings nest project. One landowner eventually decided for reasons of inheritance taxation that he would be prepared to lease his area but not to sell it. The land is therefore managed as part of the Installing a sluice at Ynys hir project but a portion of the capital funding remained unspent. A similar problem was faced by other partners who negotiated for land that they needed within the project. The landowner was willing to sell, however they were unable to agree on the price. For the Heritage Lottery Fund all valuations have to be agreed by the District Valuer, an essential element of their accountability in the use of public funds but all too often landowners can have unrealistic expectations of the value of their land. The result of a number of such disappointments within the project resulted in a pool of unspent money at the end of the fi ve-year period allowed in the bid for acquisition. During the fi ve years of running the project we had built up a good relationship with local representatives of the Lottery and they were understanding and sympathetic about what we were trying to do. They were then able to allow us some fl exibility

14 InIn PracticePractice DecemberDecember 20062006 FOCUS ON WALES within the purposes that they had originally approved so that we could submit some additional small land purchases to them, on the understanding that they were linked to the original approved sites. In this way the CCW have been able to acquire two small areas of land adjacent to their National Nature Reserve at Borth Bog and the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust were welcomed as additional partners with their purchase of a piece of land on their reserve on the Dyfi Estuary. The phase of the project that allows acquisition has now come to an end and there is a further period in which establishment ASSOCIATE and work and management continue to be funded on these sites. ��� As this project comes to a tidy and successful conclusion the SENIOR ECOLOGIST environmental planning partners and others in Wales are looking at the continuing issues surrounding wetland conservation and re-creation in Wales and CSa is a successful multidisciplinary environmental consultancy are wondering where to go next. Ambitions and experience have specialising in landscape and ecology. grown. We have shown that big things are possible and that partnerships are both important and productive. The Lottery We are looking to recruit experienced ecologists to help expand, has become a valued partner who understand our vision but the develop and lead our growing team. We would like to hear from reality is that the sums needed for a ‘Wetlands for ‘all of’ Wales’ project would be beyond the current funds available for grant aid ambitious individuals, with significant consultancy experience, who and the complexities of such a project would be magnifi ed by the will provide expert input to projects, inspire other members of our increased scope. We are currently looking at the visions of all team and establish excellent relationships with clients. potential partners and assessing common interests and potential partnerships. We are offering a highly competitive salary, bonus and pension package. You will be based at our attractive rural office situated There is an immense amount of practical work that can be done between Worcester and Cheltenham. for wetlands in Wales and the strengths of a partnership between voluntary and statutory bodies with the assistance of specialist Please contact Aidan Marsh for more information or send your CV consultants is needed to deliver this vision. The result may be to the address below. a series of projects that will require the assistance of many funding partners over a long period but the original Wetlands for Wales, through the Heritage Lottery Funding has shown that the CSa Environmental Planning, 5F Deer Park Business Centre, combination of vision, skills and a willing funding partner can Eckington, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 3DN deliver signifi cant gains for biodiversity. T 01386 751100 E [email protected]

... variety, challenge, great people ...

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Entec is a major environmental and engineering The ability to write high quality reports is essential, consultancy with over 700 staff and associates together with a detailed knowledge of relevant across a national network of offices. We need to legislation and experience of preparing ecology further develop our strong and successful national chapters for ESs/scoping reports and preferably in team to meet business growth, generated by undertaking ‘Habitats Regulations Assessments’ demand for our high quality services. (Ecologist) and/or managing the preparation of scoping reports and ESs (EIA Specialist). You will join our large team of Ecologists and EIA Specialists, and will work with Planners, Transport To apply, or for more information about these Planners, Landscape Architects, Acoustics and other roles, please visit www.entecuk.com/jobs Specialists, Urban Designers and other technical (Planning & Environmental Appraisal) or specialists to provide services to a range of clients contact the Recruitment Team directly at in the public and private sectors. [email protected] or (0191) 272 6339.

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In Practice December 2006 15 FOCUS ON WALES Renewable Energy – Ecological Implications in Wales

Mick Green CEnv MIEEM Director, Ecology Matters

ales has a long development this was permitted under the electricity act with the final say being history of using with DTI in London, and it would probably Wrenewable energy not have been granted permission – from many small-scale through the local planning system. watermills and water power Last year, as part of the drive towards used in the mining industry, its target, the Welsh Assembly produced Technical Advice Note (TAN 8) on through hydro schemes in Renewable Energy (TANs are the Welsh North Wales to wind power equivalent of Planning Guidance). TAN developments and most 8 considers that ‘in considering Wales’ renewable resources and mature recently marine projects. renewable technologies, wind power is There are now many the only clear and realistic deliverable projects under construction over the lifetime of the TAN.’ TAN 8 produces the results of a supposed or in planning across ‘Strategic Assessment’ of Wales, Wales, but it is not clear mapping constraints on development how well the ecological and suggests seven ‘Strategic Search Cefn Croes wind farm Areas’ that are considered to be capable implications are being of accommodating large (25 MW+) and the surrounding valleys are home addressed. wind power developments. Following to probably 2% of the UK red kite publication of the TAN, windfarm As part of the UK target of producing population. One existing windfarm in the companies have moved back into Wales 10% of electrical power from area has already seen the death of three with exceptional amounts of interest renewables by 2010 the Welsh Assembly kites by collision. within the strategic areas. Government has set a target of 4 TWh Despite the 15 years of wind (TeraWatt Hours) to be produced by The Strategic Assessment was badly developments in Wales, we still do renewable energy. Current and approved flawed. Firstly, it assumed that we not know their full ecological effects. renewable electricity production falls far need large scale developments, rather Whilst environmental assessments are short of this target. than a more devolved generation required before developments there has been precious little post construction Current and approved renewable electricity in Wales monitoring. We do not know to what Currently installed Additional approved extent developments displace birds Offshore Wind 60 MW (0.21 TWh) 90 MW (0.32 TWh) or kill them, and bats are increasingly Onshore wind 173 MW (0.45 TWh) 120 MW (0.32 TWh) becoming an issue of concern. While it Other (e.g. Hydro/biomass) 148 MW (0.52 TWh) 10 MW (0.06 TWh) appears that effects are low, these will Total TWh 1.18 TWh 0.70 TWh grow with increased developments and monitoring work is vital. It is sad that If the shortfall of 2.12 TWh is, as an industry that promotes itself, and is system. Secondly, it’s weighting of seems likely, to come mainly from wind promoted by Government, as ‘green’ ‘constraints’ seems to ignore most generation it will require a massive has put so little effort and resources ecological issues. The only absolute increase in developments both on- and into monitoring its own ecological constraints to strategic areas seem to offshore. impacts. Also, despite having had 15 be National Parks and MoD objections years to develop them, the Countryside to developments within their Tactical Council for Wales still has no guidelines Training Areas. SSSIs are generally to Wind Power as to what ecological assessment or be avoided, but not absolutely. In fact, monitoring is required. After an initial surge in the early 1990’s, at least two of the Strategic Areas The strategic area approach is also windfarm development in Wales slowed. have important ecological features. throwing up problems with assessing Following the first developments there The Denbigh Moors in north Wales cumulative impact. The approach means was a large backlash and many projects includes large areas of important that windfarm developments will be were refused planning permission. heather moorland SSSI where wind bunched into relatively small geographic This co-incided with the opening up developments have already been areas. With developers rushing to get of NFFO (non-fossil fuel obligation) in turned down on ornithological grounds, projects to the consenting stage within Scotland and the industry more or less and also covers Clocaenog Forest, these areas the paranoia of ‘commercial seemed to decamp north. The only the main refuge for the red squirrel in confidentiality’ means that often large development since the mid 1990s Wales. In mid Wales, the Nant y Moch adjacent projects are being developed has been Cefn Croes, on the edge of area includes part of the Plynlymon in parallel and possible cumulative the Cambrian Mountains – as a large SSSI – designated for its upland birds

16 In Practice December 2006 FOCUS ON WALES effect cannot be assessed until the problems, this goes directly against granted for a windfarm at Scarweather projects become public knowledge recent guidance from Eurobats that sands, off Porthcawl, although when consent is applied for. In addition, turbines should not be placed above construction is on hold due to financial with some projects going for consent trees due to the collision risk to canopy and supply problems. via the electricity act, and others via flying bats. In addition there is concern Ecological assessment of offshore local authority planning permission, over the possible effects on peat sites has been better co-ordinated there is no overall view being taken habitats of both the large excavations through the Collaborative Offshore by any one authority of the possible for turbine bases, and the associated Windfarm research into the Environment cumulative impacts. With some evidence road infrastructure on the overall (COWRIE) Project. It is an independent that windfarms cause displacement of hydrology of sites. The windfarm at company set up to raise awareness species such as curlew, large areas Cefn Groes in mid Wales has reportedly and understanding of the potential covered by turbines could have serious experience problems with peatland environmental impacts of the UK effects on this rapidly declining bird. drying out and eroding – a problem that offshore windfarm programme. COWRIE was not envisaged at the assessment Whilst the surge of development is Ltd is governed by a Board of Directors stage. Surveys are also throwing up providing welcome employment for drawn from The Crown Estate, the some surprises, with great crested ecologists across Wales, it seems a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), newts being found at considerable shame that there is no central collection and the British Wind Energy Association altitudes. of survey results. Very large areas of (BWEA). It is chaired by an independent upland Wales are being surveyed using member. Results of research are similar techniques – a scale of survey publicly available on their website (www. not seen since the former NCC upland Hydro power offshorewindfarms.co.uk). Although bird surveys in the 1980’s. If only this Wales already has two large hydro there have been some problems getting information could be centrally collected electric schemes in North Wales, as results of initial monitoring into the it would give a valuable baseline for well as smaller schemes more recently public domain, generally work has been future monitoring of both effects of developed for existing dams in mid– much better co-operation offshore than windfarms and populations levels of Wales. New micro schemes are now with the secretive situation onshore. many species generally. being looked at in several sites. These Offshore surveys have had some As well as birds – formally the main involve a fairly short pipeline taking interesting results. For example, in focus of assessments – the possible water from relatively small streams Liverpool Bay, an area that was thought effect on bats is now a major issue, through a turbine. As long as a certain to be fairly well known, aerial surveys with evidence from Germany and the level of flow is maintained in the stream, found many more common scoter than USA of significant bat kills by collision. these schemes seem to have a low had previously been recognised. The New survey techniques are having to ecological impact, and could provide area is now considered so important it be developed to try and assess bat welcome incomes to upland farmers. is in the process of being designated as movements over large areas. Many of an SPA. What effects this will have on the Strategic Areas contain large areas the proposed windfarm developments of Forestry Commission land, which Offshore is unclear. Surveys off Porthcawl are are being proposed for windfarms. coming up with interesting porpoise The Welsh coastline provides a further The Commission have indicated they sightings. large resource for renewable energy. want to see turbines ‘keyholed’ into the There is one existing offshore windfarm Following on from windfarms, there is forestry, with most trees remaining. As – North Hoyle – off the North Wales now a move into ‘wet’ renewables – well as raising concerns with turbine Coast, and two more in that region in the wave and tidal power. The experimental manufacturers over possible turbulence consents process. There is also consent ‘Wavedragon’ project is due to be installed off the Pembrokeshire Coast next year. This ingenious Cefn Croes wind farm machine involves using the power in waves to run water up an incline to the top of the device, where the head of water obtained is used to run back through conventional turbines to generate electricity. If the trial model is successful there are plans for a larger array further offshore. Plans are also being developed for tidal current turbines in areas of good tide races such as South Stack off the Anglesey coast. The possible ecological effects of these devices are unclear. The areas of the Welsh coast with good tidal races have been shown to be important areas for porpoise, and good baseline data and monitoring will be required to assess any possible effects. This is likely to require the development of new techniques and remote monitoring. Unfortunately the ‘wet’ renewables are not included within the COWRIE

In Practice December 2006 17 FOCUS ON WALES

scheme. There is however some co-ordination of research need to move to low carbon technologies. Wales has a large through a Research Advisory Group situated within the DTI. energy resource, and is set to play a large part in renewable The DTI also co-ordinate the Offshore Renewable Energy energy generation. However, the Klondike-like rush that is Environmental Forum (OREEF) – a forum for Government now occurring, with companies rushing to get consents in, (including the country agencies and JNCC), industry and NGOs means that there has been insuffi cient consideration of overall to discuss the main issues surrounding the ecological effects of ecological impacts. Although most individual projects are being proposed schemes. subjected to rigorous assessments, these are new or relatively new technologies and we have insuffi cient knowledge of their On tidal power, the Severn Barrage has surfaced as an idea ecological impacts to accurately predict effects in many cases. again after lying dormant for the last decade. Any large-scale The cumulative impacts of windfarms over large areas of upland development here would have massive ecological effects, and Wales, where many species are already in serious decline, needs very careful consideration. should be assessed, and monitoring offshore developments is going to require novel techniques and technologies. It is also important that rigorous post construction monitoring schemes Grid are put into place to enable us to understand the effects of If Wales is to generate all this power it obviously needs to get it these developments and to improve planning of future projects. to those areas where it is to be used – generally the main areas of population along the North and South of Wales. However, much of the generation will be remote from these areas, requiring new grid connections. Wales’ current transmission ECOLOGICAL system does not have the capacity to take much more power, and the renewable developments will require a large amount of RECRUITMENT LTD upgrading. In some cases this will involve just renewing existing cables, but in some cases it will involve new grid routes. For Specialists in the recruitment of ecologists. example, the offshore windfarms in North Wales will require several miles of onshore underground cabling before reaching We currently have openings throughout the UK for the current pylon routes into which they will plug. The cost of grid connections is a major constraint on some developments, • Associate / Director Level Ecologists and the ecological effects are not always being assessed in • Principal Ecologists conjunction with the power scheme, but treated as a separate • Senior Ecologists project. • Ecologists

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18 In Practice December 2006 SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH AWARDED THE IEEM MEDAL Sir David Attenborough Awarded the IEEM Medal eading The following is an extract from David’s response to Members, being awarded the IEEM Medal: Patrons and L ‘In the 1940s, I was a schoolboy, and my father said to me Past Presidents “What do you want to do at university?”’ were among 75 ‘And I said “I think I’d like to do biological sciences of some guests gathered in kind.”’ Richmond Park on ‘And my father said “Well, in that case I would like to introduce Sirs Martin and David relax 7 December 2006 you to one of my ex-pupils, who is a botanist in Cambridge.”’ before the ceremony to celebrate one of ‘And I said “Yes father” and duly I was taken down and I met this the most significant engaging, humorous, lovely man who I hope you may recognise. His name was Harry Godwin. And Harry Godwin was one of the events in the history of IEEM. great pioneers of ecology, and with Prof Tansley the two of David Attenborough arrived in good time them between them really founded ecology in this country.’ and there was ample opportunity for a chat ‘I met this man, and he had a Midlands accent, and he said with everyone and to sign a few books. “Now I understand, David, you want to be a biologist” and I said The proceedings began with a call to “Well, yes Uncle Harry” because you called everyone uncle, and order by Dr Jim Thompson who introduced he said “Well now, let’s see what you know” and he took me out our new President, Dr Andy Tasker. Andy of his house in Cambridge and down into a ditch down the road gave a brief overview of the Institute and and he bent down and picked up a flower and said “What is that, introduced Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of David?” and I said “It’s a flower” and he said “Yes, but we have Natural England and IEEM Patron, who to do a little better than that. Could you give it its name?” and I outlined the strategy of Natural England said “Um, no.”’ and stressed the importance of integrating access and biodiversity. ‘And he said “Let’s try again,” so he picked up another, pink, flower and said “What is this, David?” and I said “It’s another After Martin Doughty’s talk David flower.”’ Attenborough was kind enough to present three Past President Medals to Ms Sue Bell, ‘“Yes” he said “Could you give it its name?”’ Prof Tony Bradshaw and Prof David Goode. ‘And I said “No” and he said “I think you have a little way to go.”’ David Goode thanked the Institute on behalf of the three recipients and reflected on how the Institute had developed ‘Now I have improved a little, but honestly, not that much. And since its early days. in your presence I am awed, because I know my inadequacies as a taxonomist. I know how ignorant I am, and you lot are the And lastly, the IEEM Medal was awarded to Sir David professionals.’ Attenborough for his outstanding, lifelong contribution to the public understanding and appreciation of ecology. ‘So to start with, I take this [clutching the award to his chest] as a great complement, which I shall treasure, but I know other Following the presentations, informal networking continued things too. I may not be a good ecologist, or a knowledgeable over lunch and the day was rounded off with a guided walk in ecologist, but I do know enough of what is happening to the the park, kindly provided by Mr Mike Turner, Royal Parks Tree world, and I have seen enough of the world, to know what is Officer. happening in the world, to know that you are crucial people. You Report by Jason Reeves AIEEM, External really and truly are. Back in the 40s and 50s you couldn’t have said that. If I had said to anybody “Ecologists are important,” Relations Officer, IEEM they would have thought that I was crazy, but the future, as we know, is troubled. And it’s in your hands, and your expertise, and your persuasion, and that your insight and your wisdom, and your pertinacity to deal with a lot of the problems that the world is going to depend on. And they are problems. I think people outside your profession don’t understand how tangled and complicated and controversial many of the things that you do are. And hearing about Natural England, I, having served on the Nature Conservancy Council and knowing how controversial this is and how muddied the waters can get with nationalistic issues and political issues, know it is not easy, and I know that. But I don’t know it as well as you know it.’

‘So, I am proud, if undeserving, that I should have an award from an ecological group of people. I am truly proud and I thank you very much for it. But most of all, I wish you the greatest success in years to come, because, my goodness, the world needs you. Thank you very much.’

In Practice December 2006 19 David Goode, David Attenborough, Sue Bell, and Tony Bradshaw CONFERENCE REPORT Countryside Management Association Conference

British Camp, Malvern Hills owards Natural Worcestershire, welcomed the delegates and people on the ground to have more to Worcestershire – a county that input into strategies; Natural England England was the title has ‘everything but a coastline.’ He should follow the example of Sport Tof the 40th annual stressed the importance of farming in England and recruit influential people for meeting of the Countryside Worcestershire and praised its natural the countryside cause, Sport England beauty. has Lord Coe who is well known and Management Association involved in politics; and funding for the Jon Cree, Training Co-Ordinator for (CMA) held at the University countryside must be guaranteed for Bishops Wood Education Centre, longer periods of time than it currently of Worcester on 14-15 spoke on Enjoyment of the Natural is, three years is not enough time, Environment. He gave an inspirational September 2006, just prior funding should be for five years or more. to the launch of Natural talk on education and the natural environment and praised Poland for the The three workshops, Biodiversity and England – bringing together advances that it has made in this field. Landscape, Environmental Education, English Nature and parts and Recreation and Access, aimed to Sir Martin Doughty, Chairman of Natural gain feedback from rangers working on of the Countryside Agency England and an IEEM Patron, gave an the ground and proved to be thoroughly introduction to Natural England and how and Rural Development productive. Service. he hoped the new organisation would take on its new role with the help of A conference summary was presented Day one consisted of presentations and people like countryside rangers. by Mike Woods before CMA members workshops and Mike Woods, Chairman congregated for their AGM and Stephen Preston, a landscape ecologist of the CMA, welcomed everyone to the afterwards everyone was invited to the for English Nature (now Natural conference. conference dinner. Dinner was followed England), gave a talk on A Healthy by two speakers. David Newman told Maurice Broomfield, Chairman of Natural Environment – Biodiversity and tales going back as far as 1966 when Worcestershire County Council, who Landscape. He spoke of the importance he became the very first ranger of the was born, raised and educated in of bringing landscape and ecology Brecon Beacons. And Wade Muggleton together. concluded the evening with some cynical Wendy Thompson, yet hilarious views on the world. Abbey Park, Evesham Recreation Strategy Day two comprised three field visits: Programme Manager An Introduction to Grazing: Malvern for the Countryside Hills by Ian Rowat, Director, Malvern Agency (now Natural Hills Conservators and David Armitage, England), spoke on the Assistant Manager, Malvern Hills AONB; Enjoyment of the Natural Raising Standards in Country Parks: Environment – Recreation Worcester Woods Country Parks by and Access. Her talk Dan Barnett, Senior Countryside Sites stressed the importance Officer, Worcestershire County Council; of a recreation strategy and Parks and Riversides as a Focus for Natural England. for Regeneration: Abbey Park, Evesham The presentations were by Phil Merrick, Head of Community followed by questions Services, Wychavon District Council and to the panel (including Lynn Stevens, Parks Manager, Wychavon the above speakers plus District Council, which showcased the Ceri Daugherty, Senior progress made in the Worcestershire Countryside Officer, countryside. Countryside Council For more information on the CMA please for Wales). Most of the visit countrysidemanagement.org.uk. points to come out of the discussion related to Report by Jason Reeves AIEEM, the lack of funding and resources. Other issues External Relations Officer, IEEM included: the need for strategy and delivery to be more closely linked

2020 In Practice December 2006 GEOGRAPHIC SECTION NEWS NE England Meeting Report Wind Farms, Birds and Bats

he NE Section’s first There are three main wind farm bats and wind farms impact assessment ornithological issues: direct habitat guidelines. He expressed his hope that presentation of the loss (never the greatest concern); the focus of effort would be put on the T2006/07 season displacement due to disturbance; and development of generic guidance for provided an insight into collision with turbines, drawing attention the siting and design of wind farms, to a number of guidance documents that and on well-planned monitoring studies the challenges faced by have been produced by Scottish Natural of bat behaviour at wind farms. Hugh ecological consultants Heritage (SNH) and RSPB. Entec’s ended with the observation that if any when undertaking approach to ornithological EIA draws wind turbines do pose a serious threat upon the guidance documents produced to UK bat populations, they are more Environmental Impact by SNH in particular (which are applied in likely to be the small household turbines Assessments for proposed England and Wales as well as Scotland). that could appear in their thousands wind farms. ‘Windfarms: SNH’s approach to ornithological in our bat-rich gardens, towns and assessments for wind farms was villages, rather than the full-size turbines Environmental Impact discussed in detail, in particular collision sweeping the air high above our bleak Assessment for birds and risk analysis - and the potential for the uplands. over-interpretation of the results by the bats’ was presented The meeting concluded with a lively those with little understanding of the discussion suggesting that mixing wind by Glen Robson (Principal limitations of the modelling process. Consultant) and Hugh farms with birds and bats is likely to Examples of collision risk analysis, which prove a topic of continuing debate for Watson (Associate Director) suggested high collision rates were the foreseeable future. It is difficult from Entec UK Ltd, both discussed and contrasted with published to highlight any two issues from the of whom are based in the wind farm mortality studies that show discussion, but key topics to emerge collisions with turbines are uncommon at were the need for post-construction company’s Newcastle upon appropriately located and designed wind monitoring data to be made publicly Tyne office. The venue was farms. Also discussed were the features available, and the need for studies of Northumberland National of some of those exceptional sites interactions between bat and household where collision of birds has proved to be wind turbines. Park Authority’s office an issue, for example Altamont Pass in Readers seeking further information on in Hexham; a fortunate the USA and Tarifa in Spain. ‘birds, bats and wind farms’ may contact choice given a record Glen concluded by describing two case Glen Robson at Entec: robsg@entecuk. attendance of over 60 studies where collision risk analysis had co.uk. Further information on the (compared to our usual 15 proved superfluous to the assessment programme of NE meetings may be of potential impacts on two key species. obtained from the regional convenor: or so). Additional space For red-throated diver, an understanding [email protected]. was provided by opening of flight behaviour had required a more a partition into the library, focussed approach than that required to collect data for the collision risk but even then there was modelling; while for a site with standing room only. breeding hen harriers, the core area of activity was clearly identifiable Informative, Inspirational Between them, Glen and Hugh have over from flight line data. In each case, and Challenging 20 years of consultancy experience, potential impacts were mitigated with wind farm EIAs being a major by redesigning the turbine layout to ‘Green roofs and façades’ component of their workload. In some avoid areas used by the birds. New publication from IHS BRE Press respects their current work is a far cry from backgrounds in ornithological and Hugh Watson then took over with a otter research respectively, though resume of the emerging concerns perhaps not that far given the almost about the potential for wind farms inevitable protected species issues that to affect bats. These are much the need to be addressed on most wind same as for birds, but are harder to farm sites. investigate because of the small size and nocturnal behaviour of bats. As The presentation began by providing far as collisions are concerned, there a general overview of the main seems to be a link with wooded ecological issues that tend to arise mountains and migration routes. when undertaking wind farm EIAs. After In these situations, bat mortality is  Meets the rapidly growing interest in green roofs briefly covering wind farm layout and well known in America and Germany,  Supporting the sustainable development agenda mitigation measures for habitat loss, but the scale of the problem is potential run-off to water courses during  Clear, straightforward and simple to digest guide unclear in the UK – if indeed there  Numerous illustrations from around the world construction, and protected species, is a problem at all. Hugh pointed Glen went on to consider the evening’s EP74, 84 pages, paperback, £22.50 out some of the practical problems t: 01344 328038 e: [email protected] first big issue - birds. associated with the draft EUROBATS www.ihsbrepress.com

In Practice December 2006 21 GEOGRAPHIC SECTION NEWS SW England Meeting Report The Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester was the venue for September’s meeting on ecological evaluation and assessment. There were two presentations: Measuring biodiversity quality and The IEEM Ecological Impact Assessment Guidelines.

The IEEM Ecological Impact Assessment Guidelines Karen Colebourn MIEEM The new Guidelines for Ecological should be made clear in any report. If An assessment of impacts on status Impact Assessment (EcIA) in the UK new information comes to light during or integrity thereby incorporates cover terrestrial, freshwater and coastal the assessment process, it may be cumulative impacts. habitats and set new standards for the necessary to revise the extent of the Mitigation - within the Environmental assessment of the ecological impact of ‘zone of infl uence’ or the assessment of Statement (ES) chapter it should be projects and plans for all those involved impacts on features within that zone. made clear the mitigation that needs in the process. They can also be used, Geographic frame of reference to be subject to legal obligations or for example, to provide environmental - features should be valued using a conditions. Mitigation needs to be information to accompany an application defi ned geographic context. If it is fi nally agreed prior to the production of the for consent, to guide a development determined that there is likely to be an ES chapter so that it states mitigation brief or to inform a management plan. impact on a feature, its value should WILL be undertaken and is not just Karen covered a number of areas indicate the relevant policy/legislation. a suggestion of mitigation. If the within EcIA which the Guidelines aim to requirement for mitigation is key to the Legal protection - sometimes features improve: decision making process, mitigation which are not of suffi cient importance to must be fi rmly agreed and going to Consultation - it is important that all meet the threshold value for inclusion in happen! It also needs to be clear who is those involved in the assessment the assessment process are subject to going to do it and pay for it! process get involved at the outset. This legal protection. This should be clearly includes ecologists working for the identifi ed and discussed outside the Monitoring of mitigation – currently, determining authority and third party assessment of potentially signifi cant unless there is a requirement for a consultees. impacts. licence there is no enforcement of monitoring of ecological mitigation Focus - ecologist’s need to focus on Confi dence in predictions - the works. There is pressure to move in impacts not ‘the site’. Guidelines move away from traditional this direction but as yet there is no matrices to provide a clearer, Reviewing the development activities legislation that addresses this issue. meaningful impact assessment based on - a thorough review of activities likely the structure and function of the system IEEM will be running introductory and to generate impacts is required. Often which is supporting the affected feature. advanced training courses on the fundamental site preparation activities, application of the Guidelines. It is also such as dealing with disused mine Baseline conditions and cumulative inviting members to submit examples of shafts, are not considered. Ecologists impacts - it is necessary to describe the EcIAs undertaken using the Guidelines need to be familiar with all aspects of conservation status or integrity of the to its Technical Group, which will put the the development process; this can be feature in the absence of the proposal. best on the IEEM website. diffi cult as the information required This should include consideration of is not always available, but where all the natural and man-made changes Report by Hannah Powell assumptions have to be made these that can reasonably be predicted. MIEEM, Waterman CPM.

Measuring Biodiversity Quality Alan Feest MIEEM Most of us at some point in our for monitoring change and making Alan has developed a simple career are faced with devising a comparisons between sites. computerised system and database to method to measure biodiversity. speed up these calculations. Alan’s method can be applied to many This may be related to monitoring, different taxonomic groups. It relies on The particular value of the method such as progression of a restoration taking 20 sub-samples along a transect seems to be its ability to provide reliable site, assessing long term impacts within a delimited area (Feest, 2006). and meaningful results with a wide range of development or monitoring site The sub-samples can be pitfall traps for of habitats and species. It would be condition. Alternatively we may wish to invertebrates, butterfl y observations/ well suited to monitoring impacts from compare sites, perhaps for management counts, birdsong counts, macrofungi development where baseline periods are purposes or making site purchase quadrats or other suitable samples. often short, ecological staff turnover decisions. Even with a project specifi c is high and it is diffi cult to be precise sampling strategy, we are often left The data collected is used to calculate about the outcome of habitat creation/ making subjective comparisons of a range of indices representing different restoration proposals. species lists or focusing on a restricted characteristics of biodiversity including: range of “indicator” species. species richness (total number of Feest, A (2006). Establishing species for the site), biodiversity index baseline indices for the quality of the With a well argued presentation, Dr Alan ( Shannon-Weiner, Simpson’s or biodiversity of restored habitats using Feest from Bristol University showed e.g. Berger-Parker indices), density (number a standardised sampling process. that we can do much more to quantify of individuals per unit area or sample), Restoration Ecology Vol. 14, No. 1 biodiversity quality. He demonstrated species value index (based on arbitrarily pp.112-122 that where biodiversity is the ultimate assigned values related to, for example, goal, collecting data in a systematic rarity), biomass (assumed to be Report by Louisa Kilgallen way to allow several simple biodiversity proportional to parameters measurable indices to be calculated, provides us CEnv MIEEM, Wiltshire County in the fi eld cap area of macrofungi). with a more powerful and reliable tool e.g. Council.

22 In Practice December 2006 GEOGRAPHIC SECTION NEWS Scottish Conference and AGM Natura In Practice: International Obligations at a Local Level 28 September 2006, The Moorings Hotel, Banavie, Fort William

Crona O’ Shea AIEEM and Oyunn Anshus early 40 delegates issues of managing and delivering pavilion used for community projects, Natura ‘on the ground’. The Sunart which was built with local wood using braved the west Initiative is an exemplar project traditional techniques and powered by Ncoast weather to that demonstrates the principles of solar panels. Jake discussed the issues make it to Banavie near partnership in conservation underpinning associated with the use of local timber rural development. Most significantly, it and how community initiatives such as Fort William for this year’s illustrates the importance of community the recent construction of a saw mill and IEEM Scottish Section involvement in the successful a deer fence as well as furniture making Conference on Natura environmental, economic and social projects are proving very successful in regeneration of rural areas. the area. The group then moved on to a in Practice and its AGM. wildlife hide at the end of a forest trail, Gill Calver spoke on how policy has There were representatives which was constructed with a great deal been translated into local action. Gill of skill and consideration for the local from organisations in the currently acts as an agent for local land landscape, and where the group enjoyed owners and has a wealth of hands on public and private sectors watching seals and seabirds on Loch experience when it comes to ridding the and academic institutions, Sunart. Jake discussed the relearning Glen Barrowdale area of Rhododendron. of silviculture skills (e.g. pruning and from as far and wide His talk was beautifully and impressively thinning) to improve tree quality as well illustrated with before and after slides as Edinburgh, Glasgow, as the Baccleugh project, which aims to that revealed just how quickly a site can Aberdeen and Argyll to raise the profile of hardwood. regenerate. The key message from the the Shetland Islands. talk was the importance of involving and With the mild afternoon weather and The conference was an properly informing the local community the picturesque surroundings at Sunart, opportunity to hear about and providing necessary training. it was an excellent finish to a very informative and enjoyable day. experiences of working with Annie Say from Natural Capital Ltd. gave Natura sites, to discuss how the consultant’s view of experience The IEEM Annual Scottish Section of working with Natura sites. Annie’s Conference was held during the things have recently moved presentation was well illustrated with conference. Daniel Gotts has agreed to on. The field trip was a topical case studies that highlighted continue as the Section Convenor for the chance to see how the some of the strengths of Natura as well coming year and several new Members as the uncertainties that it presents. were welcomed to the Committee: Sunart Initiative is being One of the key issues for consultants Elaine Cameron and Kathryn Mordaunt. implemented to encourage is the amount of baseline information Several Members stood down from the the local community to that can often be required but difficult Committee: Crona O’Shea to pursue to obtain or which has simply not been her GIS career and Geraldine McGowan. actively manage the Sunart collected. Annie ended by pointing out Crona was thanked for her help and Atlantic Oakwoods for that economic growth and development commitment as the Scottish Section mutual benefit. is an important aspect of the sustainable Secretary and Geraldine although no development of Scotland and asking longer on the Scottish Committee Ian Strachan, SNH Advisory Officer on the question ‘what role can IEEM play will continue her sterling work on the species and habitats, presented a useful in this?’ A good discussion followed, Membership Admission Committee. overview of Natura, its background in covering issues such as the importance Europe, the management of Natura of sharing best sites, and both current and future practice and Visiting the Sunart issues. The latter of the two included developing the Initiative agri-environment schemes, land skills base within management contracts, ecological and amongst the networks and a review and revision of IEEM community, both the Birds and Habitats Directives. the issues The brief discussion that followed associated emphasized the difficulties associated with cumulative with identifying ‘favourable status’ impacts and the of a site and whether or not Natura important role that has perhaps been isolated from the communities have principles of sustainable development. to play. With the scene set by Ian’s introduction, The trip to the Jake Willis, an Environment and Sunart Initiative Community Forester (FCS) working began with a on the Sunart Initiative, presented the visit to a wood

InIn Practice Practice December December 2006 2006 2323 GEOGRAPHIC SECTION NEWS NW England Meeting Report Farming and Wildlife he alarming decline Clifton Marsh Farm signed a 10-year where they are very well camouflagued Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) and there was a discussion about the in farmland bird agreement in 2004 and since then the variation in ploughing dates that could Tpopulations since the Farm has also taken up some additional be applied on stubble option fields in 1970’s is well documented. options under the Entry Level of the order to attract lapwing. They often Environmental Stewardship Scheme. arrive as early as the 1st February, but Although largely halted The main aim of the options is to at present, ploughing is not allowed in recent years, overall provide year-round habitat for a range of until after the 14th. Nevertheless, numbers of specialist farmland birds that had been identified in the juxtaposition of bare ground in the area by RSPB Volunteer and Farmer the spring sown crops and the wet farmland birds is still well Alliance surveys. This part of Lancashire grassland areas is proving beneficial for down on those 30 years has relatively good populations of the bird. specialist farmland birds such as corn ago and species such as The most unusual part of the day was bunting, grey partridge and lapwing, all the walk down to the Ribble Estuary. Grey Partridge continue of which have shown an severe decline There are a number of historic sea to decrease in numbers. A in numbers since the early 1970’s. One defences that could be seen and Mr of the targets for Natural England is to recent field event for the Tomlinson explained how floods had reverse the decline, before 2020, of a once come right across the fields. Since NW Shadow Section looked suite of farmland birds that are seen to the 1980’s though, a major landfill site at how government agri- reflect the overall health of the farmed has occupied much of the land by the environment. environment schemes are river and some of the recently reclaimed addressing the issue. Most of the day was spent giving areas now being managed as extensive attendees the opportunity to see the pasture and attract breeding lapwing The title of the event on the 27th agri-environment scheme options on the and skylark. Alongside the river is an October 2006 was ‘Farming and farm. Overwintered stubbles and strips area of accreting saltmarsh, formed Wildlife: Agri-environment Schemes of wild bird seed crops were particularly since dredging of the river bed ceased and the Future’ and the 17 attendees evident and both these options provide and this land has been recently included highlighted that this is one of the most key food sources for seed-eating birds in the farm’s Entry Level Environmental topical issues on the environmental such as yellowhammer and corn bunting. Stewardship agreement. management agenda. The meeting Most of the bird seed crops were in the was led by Graham Walsh from Natural The day showed how easily measures their second year, with biennial kale England and the generous host was to attract a range of farmland birds dominating. The small kale seed from James Tomlinson, owner of Clifton can be fitted in to the management were just beginning to be released and Marsh Farm on the north side of the on a productive farm. The challenge cover afforded by the plant’s leaves Ribble Estuary close to Preston. for the future is to apply these simple also seemed ideal for ground-feeding tools across a major part of the British As members enjoyed a cup of tea in grey partridge. Mr Tomlinson has countryside to benefit the wider one of the beautiful offices converted begun a comprehensive programme of farmland bird population. The new from old cattle housing on the farm, hedge restoration across the farm and Environmental Stewardship Scheme Graham Walsh gave a presentation on explained how he has enjoyed the art should help to do this, both through its the newly created Natural England. The of hedgelaying for the first time. The simple Entry Level and targeted Higher organisation launched on 2 October resulting thick, healthy hawthorn hedges Level options. For more information 2006, brings together the environment should help to boost the food supply readers are welcome to contact by activities of the Rural Development for fruit and insect feeding birds as well email Graham.walsh@naturalengland. Service, English Nature and the as increasing potential nesting habitat org.uk. Details on the Environmental Countryside Agency’s Landscape, and conserving the local landscape Stewardship Scheme are available Access and Recreation division. One character. at http://www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/ of its roles is to deliver Government Lapwing are also well served on the schemes/es/default.htm. agri-environment schemes, including farm. To help the Environmental Stewardship Scheme provide and to bring (ES), which superceded the older to the surface the It was a rainy day in the North West Countryside Stewardship (CSS) and worms and insects Photo: Paul Rooney Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) preferred as food Schemes in 2005. Reference was by the breeding made to the multi-objective nature of adults and their the schemes, incorporating wildlife, chicks, large areas landscape, historic environment of grassland on and access as well as new aims of the farm have been ES; resource protection, genetic subject to wetting conservation and flood management. up, by blocking or These objectives were related to wider diverting drains. UK and European targets of biodiversity The birds favour conservation, SSSI management and the nesting on recently reversal in the decline of farmland birds. ploughed areas

24 In Practice December 2006 INSTITUTE NEWS Institute News

IEEM Fellows urban ecologist - congratulations. The Lee, Chris Formaggia, David Parker, Fred list included some truly distinguished Slater, James Gillespie, Mike Willis and Dr Jeff Kirby, Managing Director of Just names Al Gore, David Bellamy (an Steve Crosby, volunteered to help form a Ecology was approved by Council on 7 IEEM Patron), St Francis, Gro Harlem Welsh Shadow Section Committee; Chris December 2006 as a Fellow. Throughout Brundtland, Max Nicholson – oh, and has agreed to be the ‘Convenor’ for the the course of his career, he has made Jamie Oliver! Section. Chris will shortly be in touch an outstanding contribution to ecology, with the Welsh Members to find out what by innovative techniques for wildfowl, IEEM Staff News they want from their Section and to draw contributing advice to government up a programme of events for 2007. departments and promoting high Christine Searing has now left IEEM standards in the profession. after being employed as a temporary If your main contact address is not in administrative assistant until 30 Wales, your email address will not get At the Conference in Cardiff Dr Peter November 2006. She made a very ‘picked up’ for Wales. If you would like Bridgewater was presented with his useful contribution to the Institute at one to be on the Welsh email list please Fellows certificate after having delivered of our busiest times of year. Gemma can you send us your email address in a first class and thought provoking Langdon-Saunders started in a full Wales. Once set up there will be a Welsh Fellows lecture. This edition of In time capacity on 1 November 2006 Section page on the IEEM web site and it Practice contains the printed version of and will be covering a wide range of will list activities and events. his talk. administrative tasks for the Institute. Irish Section AGM Gemma has recently completed a degree in oceanography from Less than two years after the launch of The recently produced Annual Review Southampton University and is currently a Shadow Section in Ireland, the Section really covers most of the substance of undergoing a Sage accounting course. has been formalised. The Shadow the reports in the AGM. During the AGM, This has been a busy time for Gemma Committee has worked hard to build a the following were elected: who also got married in October, just visible presence across Ireland and its President: Dr Andy Tasker before starting with IEEM. efforts have been rewarded through the Vice President: Dr Eirene Williams increasing numbers of ecologists and Revision of Membership Secretary: Dr Janet Swan environmental managers across Ireland Treasurer: Dr Alex Tait Regulations that now attend their annual conference. Members of Council are : Mike Barker, The revised membership regulations Ireland’s first AGM was held during Colin Buttery, Greg Carson, Nick Carter, seem to be working well and there their third conference at the Botanical Karen Colebourn, Richard Graves, is absolutely no let up in the number Gardens, Dublin on 16 October 2006. Richard Jefferson, Tom Keatley, Jenny of people applying. 35 Graduate Mieke Muyllaert has been elected Neff, Pam Nolan, Steve Pullan, Paul members had been approved by the as Convenor, Richard Nairn as Vice- Rooney, John Rose and Jane Southey. end of November 2006. To avoid any Convenor, Pascal Sweeney as Secretary, Chris Spray was warmly thanked for future confusion do please note that Paul Scott as Treasurer with Committee his efforts as the two year term of his entry as a Graduate is on the basis Members: Sasha Bosbeer, Pat Doherty, presidency came to an end and at the of your qualification. When you come Katherine Duff, Norma O’Hea, Janet later dinner, was presented with a celtic to upgrade to Associate Member you Slattery, John Wann and Faith Wilson. bird designed in Welsh slate. will be assessed on your professional Two proposals for future work in Ireland experience and its relevance in the IEEM were considered: a Republic of Ireland The IEEM Past Presidents Medal context. version of the Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and The Cardiff conference saw an Membership Renewals innovation for IEEM – the awarding of partnership with the production of a medal for Past Presidents - David My annual plea for prompt payment Guidelines for EcIA Marine and Coastal. of fees appears to have been heeded Hill, David Parker and Chris Spray. The This year’s conference on Habitat only marginally better than last year! presentation of the award to Sir David Creation and Restoration was attended Reminder letters have now been sent Attenborough in Richmond Park provided by nearly 120 people. The abstracts out to all those concerned – so could the ideal opportunity to present the from the presentations are included as those who have not yet paid please do medals to the remaining three Past an insert with this In Practice, and can so promptly. At first sight though there Presidents, Tony Bradshaw, David Goode be found online at http://www.ieem.org. has been a rise in members returning and Sue Bell. This is fully deserved uk/Dublin%202006%20conference.htm. recognition of the contributions that all their CPD records and acceptance of six have made to the development of the this requirement is gaining ground all the Reducing Risks from Lone and Institute. time. Remote Working News of Members Welsh Shadow Section In response to a Member request IEEM have investigated providers of ‘wireless The Environment Agency recently invited David Parker (CCW and past IEEM President) chaired a meeting to launch monitoring solution’ services. These are experts to name the people who have 24 hour 365 days a year safety cover done most to save the planet. In fourth a Welsh Section at the IEEM Annual Conference in Cardiff. This was attended systems to reduce risk associated with place and deservedly so was Sir David remote location and lone working. If Attenborough. But nestling between by nearly 30 people; many others, unable to attend the meeting, emailed you are interested in the service for Charles Darwin and the Dalai Lama was yourself as a sole trader or as IEEM our very own Professor Tony Bradshaw to give their support and to offer assistance or possible topics for events. Members in a company please contact – a great tribute to a real exponent of [email protected]. the practice of ecology and listed as an Several Welsh Members including Abbey

In Practice December 2006 25 SOCENV, EFAEP AND IUCN NEWS

The Society continues to develop in a On 17 October 2006 the Secretariats The pan-European members’ meeting positive way and is now beginning to of the various constituent bodies of of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) reap the benefits of the establishment EFAEP met at the VDI-Office in Brussels held under the theme ‘Towards 2010 of its offices in Atherstone and having to discuss and share information on and Beyond – A Vision for European support staff all under the same roof. the various organisations and how they Nature’ took place in Barcelona on 20 A Board meeting was held on the 30 could work better together in the future. and 21 October 2006. About 150 invited delegates reviewed progress on the November 2006 attended by Eirene The assembled representatives were achievement of the Countdown 2010 Williams and Jim Thompson at which welcomed by the EFAEP President, Jan goal. Views were mixed as to whether the main item was approval of the Karel Mak, and then each representative within a European context the goal Business Plan and the accounts for the introduced their respective organisation was likely to be achieved with some previous year. This was the first meeting and highlighted their particular strengths countries being quite positive. The of a major new member, the RICS, and and aims. It became clear that the picture in the UK is mixed. The recent the Landscape Institute has now also associations are very different in report from Defra – Working with the decided to join. Several more Institutions structure and objectives. Some have Grain of Nature makes some positive are in the pipeline as potential members. thousands of members and are engaged reading. The underlying concern though As more and more join it will be in a broad range of environmental topics is that the message is not getting across necessary to re-assess the direction like the VDI-KUT (the environmental in society at large and the profile needs of SocEnv and its governance and this branch of the VDI), CIWEM or the VVM. to be raised. process will start with an away day for Others are small with only a few hundred Board members in March. members and are very focused on one Part of the meeting was taken up with The new SocEnv website is now or two special issues like the VNU, a signing ceremony and Jim Thompson operational and is well worth a visit. This which specialises in Environmental signed on behalf of both IEEM and was originally set up by IEEM and has Management Systems. Some EFAEP. The IEEM support had been been managed by IEEM until just recently Secretariats have paid staff, others work approved at the last Council meeting. - www.socenv.org.uk. The idea is that on a voluntary basis. It is also clear that By signing the Countdown 2010 this will be built up gradually and one very different professions are organised declaration, an organization becomes a of its features will be the creation of an within the various associations, partner of Countdown 2010. for example, engineers, scientists, environmental knowledge hub. One issue The objectives are: under consideration is the development ecologists and management experts. 1. to encourage and support the full of position statements and hot topic, To support the co-operation of implementation of all existing binding the views of the Society on energy. This associations who work on the same international commitments and requires further work and one issue issues, a table of specialisms was drawn necessary actions to save biodiversity; certainly for debate is the future role up. IEEM has agreed to contribution to of nuclear power and its role in limiting the following areas: Communication; 2. demonstrate clearly what progress carbon emissions. EIA; Education; Climate Change; Health Europe makes in meeting the 2010 Applications from IEEM Members to and Safety; Ecology and Biodiversity; commitment; become Chartered Environmentalists Land Use Planning; and Participation at 3. gain maximum public attention across by the main entry route have been Fairs. Europe for the challenge of saving slow in coming but are now starting to Also discussed were issues and projects Biodiversity by 2010. accelerate – there are currently seven on which the member associations applicants to be interviewed in January may like to work together. The VNU More information about Countdown 2007. This entails the production plans to organise an EFAEP European 2010 is available from the website www. of written work and a professional Environmental Verifier Day in May countdown2010.net interview. The first two Members to be 2007 in Brussels and asked the other approved in the post grandparenting Secretariats to help with the promotion route are Andrew Gardner and Jonathan of the event in their own organisations Benge – congratulations. and countries. The rules on applying to be a chartered Lastly, the new database for environmentalist are reasonably clear environmental professionals was but it is worth stating that members presented. The database was designed who have only just acquired sufficient by AIAT and AISA with the support of IT- experience for Full Membership of developers. The program is unique and IEEM may find may their breadth was generated especially for the needs of experience is insufficient. If this of EFAEP. The new system places great appears likely we now advise members importance on access to and security of that their application may not be the information on the database. EFAEP successful before effort and expense is setting great hopes on the database, of a Professional interview are actually and for its promotion, a special task undertaken. However, providing the force is at work. The database will specifications are met, no member become active from early 2007. still wishing to be interviewed will be refused. The spirit of being chartered is For more information on EFAEP please that members should have well rounded visit www.efaep.org. experience. Jim signs up IEEM 26 In Practice December 2006 and EFAEP to Countdown 2010 IN THE JOURNALS In the Journals Sponsored by

Jim Thompson CEnv MIEEM and Jason Reeves AIEEM

W.J. Sutherland. discrete winter food resources. THE TANSLEY LECTURE Feeding sites were established and bird use monitored over two winters. Habitat type in the areas surrounding the feeding Predicting the ecological consequences of sites was also recorded. Two measures of feeding site use environmental change: a review of the methods. were analysed as functions of the distance from the nearest alternative feeding site for 11 passerines (including chaffi nch Journal of Applied Ecology 2006, 43: 599–616. Fringilla coelebs, reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus and The major lectures in the BES are usually well worth an entire yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella and non-granivores such as read and this is certainly no exception. blue tit Parus caeruleus). The lecture reviewed the main approaches available in the The results suggested that species such as chaffi nch and context of increasing our ability to predict the consequences of blue tit made disproportionately more use of food at isolated environmental change. These are: extrapolation, experiments, sites than at clumped ones, but that reed buntings and phenomenological models, game-theory population models, yellowhammers used food in proportion to its availability, expert opinion, outcome-driven modelling and scenarios. Each moving freely between more clumped patches. In both cases, approach has different strengths and weaknesses. In practice, birds tended to share resources separated by 500 m or less. At several approaches are often combined. greater separations, resources tended to be used by discrete groups of birds. Adaptive management aimed at testing hypotheses is excellent in principle and widely advocated. But it is almost never The response of birds to the experimental food resource carried out because the changes in management usually have distribution implies that creating resource patches more than 1 to be severe in order to bring about detectable changes in a km apart should be most cost-effective. This has implications reasonable time, and the political risks of such management are for agri-environment scheme planning. usually considered too high. Correspondence: e-mail [email protected] Game-theory population models are used to determine population-level phenomena based upon the decisions individuals make in response to resource depletion, M.J. Whittingham, C.L. interference, territoriality or rank. This allows predictions to Devereux, A.D. Evans and be made regarding responses to novel conditions. The main R.B. Bradbury. drawback is that for some models considerable information is required. Altering perceived predation risk and food Much of conservation practice is not based upon evidence. Evidence-based conservation is the practice of accumulating, availability: management reviewing and disseminating evidence with the aim of prescriptions to benefi t formulating appropriate management strategies. Evidence- farmland birds on stubble based medicine revolutionized medical practice and similar fi elds. opportunities exist to improve conservation practice. Journal of Applied Ecology 2006, 43: 640–650. The conventional approach of making assumptions and deriving models to make predictions about the consequences European farmland bird populations have fallen dramatically and of environmental change is often unsatisfactory for complex sympathetic management of key habitats is one crucial way to problems, with considerable uncertainty. Tackling such help boost these populations. Maximizing the value of habitats problems is likely to require greater exploration of techniques for foraging birds has largely focused on practical measures to such as expert opinion, output-driven modelling and scenarios. increase food abundance, but energy intake is also affected by food accessibility and perceived predation risk. The paper concludes by citing several scenarios and a strong plea for the widespread adoption of the principles of evidence- The authors tested the importance of manipulating perceived based conservation. predation risk and access to food on the distribution of birds on stubble fi elds. They investigated the effects of changing Correspondence: e-mail [email protected] vegetation height (via topping) and scarifi cation on vegetation structure, seed density and distribution of farmland birds. In a second experiment the temporal effects of scarifi cation on bird G.M. Siriwardena, N.A. Calbrade, J.A. Vickery and W.J. distribution were examined. Sutherland. Scarifi ed plots supported higher abundances of invertebrate The effect of the spatial distribution of winter seed feeders (e.g. thrushes). Plots that were scarifi ed within the food resources on their use by farmland birds. last 1–13 days were used more by invertebrate feeders and granivores (e.g. yellowhammer) than plots scarifi ed 2–4 months Journal of Applied Ecology 2006, 43: 628-639. ago. Agri-environment measures providing winter seed are Granivorous passerines and invertebrate feeders preferred central to current management activities aiming to reverse plots with shorter stubble while numbers of skylarks, granivorous farmland bird declines. To examine the effect of partridges, pigeons and meadow pipits were higher on plots spatial distribution of food sources the authors set up a fi eld with taller stubble. This was probably the result of differing anti- experiment with seven artifi cial feeding stations separated by predation strategies. different distances, to investigate bird movements between

In Practice December 2006 27 IN THE JOURNALS

On stubble fi elds, topping of part of the fi eld in the autumn could nutrient loads. be combined with successive strip scarifi cation treatments In order to improve heathland management schemes, the throughout the winter, to provide optimal conditions for a range authors evaluated the effectiveness of different management of species. This could be incorporated as a management option measures in reducing the impact of ongoing atmospheric in agri-environment schemes such as the english Environmental nutrient loads. They compared the effects of mowing, Stewardship Scheme. prescribed burning (low-intensity management) and sod-cutting Correspondence: e-mail [email protected] (high-intensity management) on heathland nutrient budgets in the Lueneburg Heath nature reserve. Nutrient losses by increased leaching following management D. Bonte, L. Lens and J-P. Maelfait. measures were negligible compared with nutrient losses caused Sand dynamics in coastal dune landscapes constrain by the removal of above-ground biomass or humus horizons. The total quantities of nutrients removed by sod-cutting were diversity and life-history characteristics of spiders. equivalent to between 37 and 176 years of atmospheric input Journal of Applied Ecology 2006, 43: 735–747. (for N, 89 years). In fragmented landscapes where natural disturbance acts at In contrast, the quantities of N removed by mowing and the local level, community composition can be altered either by prescribed burning were equivalent to only 5 years of ‘species-by-species matching’, with community-wide character atmospheric input. Thus, heathlands subjected to such displacement, or by ‘constrained species sorting’, whereby treatments will accumulate N in the long term. disturbance favours species with distinct ecological traits. This study shows that low-intensity management cannot This study looked at spider diversity and life-history variation in compensate for atmospheric N loads in the long term. relation to sand dynamics in stabilized and dynamic grey dune Consequently, high-intensity management measures are landscapes located along the coasts of France, Belgium and the an indispensable tool in preserving a long-term balanced N Netherlands. budget in heathlands. In order to maintain a diverse structure, managers need to combine low- and high-intensity management Local diversity appeared to decrease with increasing local measures. Prescribed burning proved to be the best means sand dynamics in both stable and dynamic landscapes. In of avoiding an increasing P shortage, because this measure dynamic dune landscapes, diversity decreased signifi cantly causes very low P outputs. and approached regional diversity under local grey dune stabilization; in stabilized landscapes, diversity was not affected Correspondence: e-mail [email protected] by local sand dynamics.

Comparative analyses of ecological traits revealed shifts in M. Leira, P. Jordan, D.Taylor, C. Dalton, H. Bennion, N. life-history patterns, suggesting that patterns in local diversity resulted from species sorting. Species from fragments Rose and K. Irvine. characterized by high sand dynamics showed narrower niche Assessing the ecological status of candidate breadths, larger body sizes and longer generation times, while reference lakes in Ireland using palaeolimnology. summer-active species tended to become residential after sand stabilization. This provides evidence for constrained Journal of Applied Ecology 2006, 43: 816 –827. species sorting in which natural disturbance (through local sand dynamics) allows only species with distinct ecological traits to The European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive (WFD) persist. requires that member states establish type-specifi c reference conditions for all waterbodies, including freshwater lakes. This Shifts in species composition were found to be more presents a problem in those locations where human activity has pronounced in dynamic landscapes. Hence ensuring resulted in signifi cant changes to the biological, chemical and conservation of sand dynamics at a landscape level rather than physical characteristics of waterbodies. at a local level is of prime importance when aiming to conserve typical psammophilous spider species within local assemblages Seventy-six oligotrophic and meso-oligotrophic lakes thought to in grey dune habitats. be relatively unimpacted by human activity have been nominated as candidate reference lakes (CRL) by the Irish Environmental Correspondence: e-mail [email protected] Protection Agency. This research used palaeolimnological (lake sediment-based) techniques to test the actual and historical ecological site-specifi c status of a representative selection of W. Härdtle, M. Niemeyer, T. these CRL. Where the temporal record of sedimentation was Niemeyer, T. Assmann and S. suffi ciently long, the study adopted c.1850 AD as the primary Fottner. baseline date for reference conditions. Twenty-three (68%) of the CRL sampled showed biologically Can management important deviation from the reference condition, with compensate for atmospheric acidifi cation and nutrient enrichment the main causes of nutrient deposition in change. Catchment disturbance, notably peat erosion possibly heathland ecosystems? linked to recent afforestation, also appeared to have been a factor in some cases. Journal of Applied Ecology 2006, 43: 759 –769. This study provides the fi rst systematic examination of changes to water quality in pristine lakes over the last c.150 years for Atmospheric nutrient deposition Ireland, and demonstrates the potential of palaeolimnology to has contributed to widespread support the implementation of the WFD. The results indicate changes in heathlands throughout that diatom communities in low alkalinity lakes have been Europe. As a consequence, particularly altered, and acidifi cation and nutrient enrichment management is now being appear to have been important drivers for some lakes although considered as a potential tool with climate change may also be important. which to compensate for increased Correspondence: e-mail [email protected]

28 InIn PracticePractice DecemberDecember 20062006 IN THE JOURNALS

P.E. Hulme. new queens, with two colonies each producing in excess of 50. In contrast, only two out of seven native colonies produced Beyond control: wider implications for the queens, and those only produced small numbers. Males management of biological invasions. were produced by all colonies but there were no signifi cant differences in numbers between commercial and native Journal of Applied Ecology 2006, 43: 835–847. subspecies. This is an excellent review of an issue which is often cited as The high reproductive success of commercial colonies one of the major threats to biodiversity. The pressure is now indicates that there is an appreciable risk that they will become on to address and resolve a diversity of invasive alien species established and spread within the UK. Their superior foraging (IAS) problems but research has been primarily concerned ability and large colony size could lead them to out-compete with quantifying the scale of the problem rather than delivering native bumble bees. With respect to the current importation of robust solutions. commercial bumble bees, the authors strongly recommend a Three successive steps, prevention, eradication and control, precautionary approach: native species and subspecies should form the cornerstones of recommended best practices aimed be locally reared and the use/disposal of bees should be strictly at managing IAS. The goal of such actions is the restoration of regulated. Legislation in this respect now exists in Norway, ecosystems to preserve or re-establish native biodiversity and Japan and the Canary Islands. functions. Correspondence: e-mail [email protected] The assessment of management options will benefi t from an ecosystem perspective that considers the manipulation of native competitors, consumers and mutualists, and reviews R.E. Green, M.A. Taggart, D. Das, D.J. Pain, C.S. Kumar, existing management practices as well as mitigates other A.A. Cunningham environmental pressures. The ease with which an IAS can and R. Cuthbert. be targeted should not only address the direct management effects on population dynamics but also indirect effects Collapse of on community diversity and structure. Where the goal is to Asian vulture safeguard native biodiversity, such activities should take into populations: account the need to re-establish native species and/or restore risk of mortality ecosystem function in the previously affected area. from residues of A comprehensive approach to IAS management should include the veterinary consideration of the: (i) expected impacts; (ii) technical options drug diclofenac available; (iii) ease with which the species can be targeted; (iv) in carcasses of risks associated with management; (v) likelihood of success; and (vi) extent of public concern and stakeholder interest. treated cattle. Correspondence: e-mail [email protected] Journal of Applied Ecology 2006, 43: 949–956. T.C. Ings, N.L. Ward and L. Chittka. This issue has been Can commercially imported bumble bees out- the subject of a successful campaign by Birdlife International compete their native conspecifi cs? and the Bombay Natural History Society with considerable press coverage and which has resulted in a ban on the Journal of Applied Ecology 2006, 43: 940–948. production of diclofenac and substitution by other suitable alternatives. The populations of three species of South Asian Although invasive species are major topics of research, little vultures (Gyps bengalensis, Gyps indicus and Gyps tenuirostris) consideration has been given to the implications of introducing have declined rapidly within the last decade and all are now non-native subspecies or benefi cial organisms such as critically endangered. Veterinary use of diclofenac appears to pollinators. Within regions in Europe, the importation of non- be a major cause of the declines due to feeding on carcasses native commercially reared subspecies of Bombus terrestris of livestock that were treated with diclofenac before death. The could endanger native bumble bees through competitive authors measured the concentration of diclofenac in the tissues displacement and/or hybridization. of treated Indian humped and European cattle (Bos indicus and This study coompared commercially imported and native B. Bos taurus) in relation to the interval between dosing and death. terrestris colonies growing in the wild in the UK. Diclofenac concentration was enough to cause appreciable mortality if oriental white-backed vultures G. bengalensis were Commercial colonies performed well in the fi eld, with to take a large meal from an animal that was given its last dose substantially higher nectar-foraging rates than native colonies of the drug within a day or two before death. Vultures that feed in four out of fi ve locations. Nectar-foraging performance was selectively on tissues with high concentrations of the drug, such positively as kidney, liver and intestine, would be exposed to a higher risk correlated and for longer after dosing. with forager size, with Withdrawal of diclofenac from veterinary use on animals whose commercial carcasses may become available to scavenging vultures was bees being recommended in the paper. In conservation projects, vultures consistently should be fed on carcasses of animals that are known not to larger than have been treated with diclofenac in the week before death. native bees. Correspondence: e-mail [email protected] All seven commercial colonies studied produced

In Practice December 2006 29 www.wildstock.co.uk IN THE JOURNALS

S. Bevilacqua, A. Terlizzi, S. Fraschetti, G.F. Russo and F. M. Kéry, J. Madsen and J-D. Lebreton. Boero. Survival of Svalbard pink-footed geese Anser Mitigating human disturbance: can protection brachyrhynchus in relation to winter climate, density infl uence trajectories of recovery in benthic and land-use. assemblages? Journal of Animal Ecology 2006, 75: 1172-1181. Journal of Animal Ecology 2006, 75: 908 –920. Several Arctic goose species have increased considerably Understanding whether Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can be during the last decades. Climate and land-use changes outside considered as a suitable tool for restoring the structure and the breeding area have been invoked as causes but have not function of populations and assemblages is urgently needed been tested. The authors analysed the relationships between to achieve an effective policy of mitigation of human impact in conditions on wintering and migration staging areas, and coastal management. survival in Svalbard pink-footed geese Anser brachyrhynchus. Using mark–recapture data from 14 winters (1989–2002) they This study was designed to test whether full protection in estimated survival rates and tested for time trends, and effects marine reserves facilitates recovery of benthos impacted by of climate, goose density and land-use. the date mussel Lithophaga lithophaga fi shery, one of the most harmful human activities affecting subtidal rocky habitats in the The authors conclude that climate change may affect goose Mediterranean Sea. population dynamics, with warmer winters and earlier springs enhancing survival and fecundity. A possible mechanism is The effects of this destructive fi shery were reproduced at one increased food availability on Danish wintering and Norwegian fully protected location (P) and at two unprotected control staging areas. As geese are among the main herbivores in locations (Cs) in the SW Mediterranean Sea. At each location, Arctic ecosystems, climate change, by increasing goose 2 three plots (4 m ) of rocky surface at 4–6 m depth were populations, may have important indirect effects on Arctic disturbed experimentally, while another three plots served as vegetation. The study also highlights the importance of events reference. In each plot, the species composition and relative outside the breeding area for the population dynamics of cover of the sessile benthic assemblages were then sampled migrant species. during a period of 20 months. Correspondence: e-mail: [email protected] The patterns of assemblage recovery showed that, at the fully protected location, recovery was faster than at the unprotected control locations. The results suggest that MPAs have the J.M. Reid, E.M. Bignal, S. Bignal, D.I. Mccracken and P. potential to change the trajectories of recovery of disturbed assemblages by accelerating the processes of recolonization. Monaghan. Correspondence: e-mail: [email protected] Spatial variation in demography and population growth rate: the importance of natal location. Journal of Animal Ecology 2006, 75: 1201–1211. T.G. Gunnarsson, J.A. Gill, P.W. Atkinson, G. Gélinaud, P.M. Potts, R.E. Croger, G.A. Gudmundsson, G.F. Appleton and Understanding the pattern and magnitude of spatial variation in W.J. Sutherland. demography and population growth rate is key to understanding the structure and dynamics of natural populations. However, Population-scale drivers of individual arrival times in such spatial variation is diffi cult to quantify. The authors migratory birds. used > 20 years of individual life-history data to quantify small- and large-scale spatial variation in demography and Journal of Animal Ecology 2006, 75: 1119–1127. population growth rate within a population of red-billed In migratory species, early arrival on the breeding grounds can choughs Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax on Islay. They were able to often enhance breeding success. Timing of spring migration demonstrate a major importance of an individual’s natal rather is therefore a key process that is likely to be infl uenced both than current location in spatial variation. by factors specifi c to individuals, such as the quality of winter Breeding success (the number of offspring fl edged per breeding and breeding locations and the distance between them, and attempt) varied among individual chough nest sites but did not by annual variation in weather conditions before and during vary on a larger spatial scale across Islay. migration. The proportion of fl edglings observed to survive to recruiting The Icelandic black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa islandica age varied markedly among individual nest sites and also varied population is currently increasing and, throughout Iceland, more widely across Islay – choughs fl edged in one region were is expanding into poorer quality breeding areas. Individuals more likely to survive than choughs fl edged in another. breeding in lower quality, recently occupied and colder areas arrive later than those from traditionally occupied areas. The Spatial variation in adult survival was better explained by an population is also expanding into new wintering areas, and individual’s natal region than the region where that individual males from traditionally occupied winter sites also arrive earlier settled to breed. Spatial variation in population growth rate than those occupying novel sites. would consequently have remained undetected had survival been measured across resident breeders rather than across Annual variation in timing of migration is therefore infl uenced by individuals fl edged in each region. climatic factors such as the North Atlantic Oscillation, but the pattern of individual arrival is primarily related to breeding and Life-long monitoring of individuals of known origin may winter habitat quality. These habitat effects on arrival patterns therefore be necessary to identify accurately subpopulations of are likely to operate through variation in individual condition and intrinsically high and low population growth rates. local-scale density-dependent processes. Timing of migration Correspondence: e-mail: [email protected] thus appears to be a key component of the intricate relationship between wintering and breeding grounds in this migratory system. Correspondence: e-mail: [email protected]

30 In Practice December 2006 IN THE JOURNALS IN THE JOURNALS 100 Ecological Questions

his In Practice article takes the unusual step of reproducing virtually verbatim an article in one of the BES Journals. The reason for this is its thought provoking nature Tand through being a distillation of a great deal of background work relating to policy and how practical science, policy and ecology interact. The process refl ected the increased interest in evidence based ecology over a range of issues and not least climate change. Evidence-based policy requires researchers to provide the answers to ecological questions that are of interest to policy makers. To fi nd out what those questions are in the UK, representatives from 28 organizations involved in policy - including IEEM (Chris Spray and Jim Thompson), together with scientists from 10 academic institutions, were asked to generate a list of questions from their organizations. During a 2-day workshop the initial list of 1,003 questions was used as a basis for generating a short list of 100 questions of signifi cant policy relevance based very much on the preferences of the representatives from the policy-led organizations. The areas covered included most major issues of environmental concern in the UK, including agriculture, marine fi sheries, climate change, ecosystem function and land management. There was the preference for general questions rather than narrow ones refl ecting the fact that policy is driven by broad issues rather than specifi c ones. In contrast, scientists are frequently best equipped to answer specifi c questions. This means that it may be necessary to extract the underpinning specifi c question before researchers can proceed. The workshop concluded that greater communication between policy makers and scientists was required to ensure that applied ecologists are dealing with issues in a way that can feed into policy. It was particularly important that applied ecologists emphasize the generic value of their work. This exercise attracted useful media attention but it is interesting to consider how the questions, topical at the time of the exercise, have now moved on. For example questions on bird fl u would undoubtedly feature if the same exercise were conducted today. It is likely that the number of questions relating to climate change (10) would have increased and stronger connections made between climate change and ecological networks. For those interested the full reference is: W.J. Sutherland, S. Armstrong-Brown, P.R. Armsworth, T. Brereton, J. Brickland, C.D. Campbell, D.E. Chamberlain, A.I. Cooke, N.K. Dulvy, N.R. Dusic, M. Fitton, R.P. Freckleton, H.C.J. Godfray, N. Grout, H.J. Harvey, C. Hedley, J.J. Hopkins, N.B. Kift, J. Kirby, W.E. Kunin, D.W. Macdonald, B. Marker, M. Naura, A.R. Neale, T. Oliver, D. Osborn, A.S. Pullin, M.E.A. Shardlow, D.A. Showler, P.L. Smith, R.J. Smithers, J-L. Solandt, J. Spencer, C.J. Spray, C.D. Thomas, J. Thompson, S.E. Webb, D.W. Yalden and A.R. Watkinson. The identifi cation of 100 ecological questions of high policy relevance in the UK. Journal of Applied Ecology 2006, 43: 617–627. Correspondence: e-mail [email protected]

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES 9. How do farming systems such as conventional, integrated farm management and organic compare in terms of their 1. What are the benefi ts of protected habitats in terms of effects on biodiversity and other environmental impacts? water resources, carbon sequestration and other goods and services, relative to non-protected land? 10. How do current agricultural practices affect the conservation value and extent of non-agricultural habitats 2. What is the role of biodiversity in maintaining specifi c such as woodland edges, hedgerows and ponds, and how ecosystem functions (e.g. biogeochemical cycles)? can detrimental impacts be mitigated? 3. What are the roles of soil biodiversity (and specifi cally little- 11. What are the impacts of agricultural activities and practices known groups such as mites or nematodes) in ecosystem (e.g. fertilizers, pesticides and physical disturbance) on soil function, resilience and recovery? biodiversity and soil functions? 4. How does soil biodiversity both infl uence and respond to 12. What are the ecological consequences of changes in upland above-ground biodiversity? grazing regimes for biodiversity and soil ecology? 5. What is the role of marine biota and benthopelagic 13. What are the impacts on soil and surface-active coupling in ocean–atmosphere carbon cycling and primary invertebrates of poaching (trampling of fl ooded soil by production? livestock) and soil compaction at different stocking levels? 6. How can we measure natural capital (renewable and non- 14. What are the impacts on biodiversity of prophylactic renewable resources) and integrate such a measure into treatment of farm livestock with antibiotics, anti-fungal and gross domestic product (GDP)? anti-helminthic compounds? FARMING 15. What lessons can be learnt from agri-environment schemes 7. How will CAP reform affect biodiversity at the landscape to optimize their biodiversity gain and ecological benefi t? scale? 16. How does the ecological impact of UK farming compare 8. What are the environmental consequences of farming internationally? patterns ranging between the extremes of widespread FORESTRY extensifi cation vs. complete segregation of agricultural production and conservation areas? 17. What are the environmental benefi ts of large-scale

In Practice December 2006 31 IN THE JOURNALS

woodland planting schemes such as community forests and ecosystems of adjacent large developments (e.g. and the new national forests? housing and airports)? 18. Where should new woodlands be located? 39. How can sustainable urban drainage systems be optimally designed to maximize biodiversity in the urban 19. What overall number, age structure and spatial distribution environment? of trees are necessary for the long-term survival of species dependent on ancient/veteran trees? ALIENS AND INVASIVE SPECIES 20. What are the relative benefi ts for biodiversity of the 40. What criteria should be used to determine when to re-introduction of management to ancient semi-natural intervene to deal with invasive species? woodlands vs. the continuation of an absence of active management? 41. How can we manage microbial ecology to control invasive plant pathogens? 21. Why have many woodland birds declined? 42. How can we understand better the epidemiology of existing 22. Which approach to the removal of plantations on ancient and emergent diseases within wildlife reservoirs to better woodland sites (e.g. clear-felling and sequential removal) protect humans and livestock? yields the greatest biodiversity benefi t? 43. What are the genetic threats to UK biodiversity posed by FISHERIES, AQUACULTURE AND MARINE introgression from genetically modifi ed organisms and CONSERVATION what measures are available to reduce these threats? 23. What is the biodiversity impact of the harvest of forage fi sh 44. What is the optimal method of managing bracken- for the production of aquaculture foodstuffs? dominated habitats for the benefi t of associated biodiversity action plan priority species? 24. What are the ecological impacts of faecal matter, pesticides and undigested food fl ows from aquaculture? 45. What are the effects of domestic cats on vertebrate populations in rural and urban environments? 25. How important are caged fi shes as reservoirs of parasites and pathogens that have detrimental effects on wild POLLUTION populations? 46. What impact does plastic-derived litter have on the marine 26. What are the direct (catch) and indirect (food environment? supplementation by discards, prey depletion) impacts of 47. How can one ameliorate the effects of aerially deposited commercial fi shing on cetaceans and seabirds? nitrogen on habitats and species? 27. How large should marine protected areas be, and where 48. What are the critical thresholds for nitrogen and should they be located to protect biodiversity and enhance phosphorus inputs into waterbodies of high conservation surrounding fi sheries? value? 28. What will be the impact of marine protected areas on wide 49. Of those chemicals currently or potentially released into ranging migratory species such as cod Gadus morhua L. the environment, which (individually or in combination) are and haddock Melanogrammus aeglefi nus L. now, or are likely to become, signifi cant environmental 29. How important are coastal, estuarine and fl uvial habitats problems, and what will these problems be? for endangered migratory fi sh populations (e.g. lampreys, 50. What are the long-term impacts of depositing sewage shad, eel and sturgeon)? sludge and other organic wastes on to agro-ecosystems? 30. What is the range of minimum viable population sizes for 51. How can catchment management be used to reduce diffuse broadcast spawning marine species? pollution? 31. How long does the seabed take to recover from 52. How will acidifi cation of surface water from rising CO2 disturbance such as dredging, wind-farm construction and concentrations affect planktonic productivity and other oil and gas extraction? marine organisms? RECREATION AND FIELD SPORTS 53. What are the effects of light pollution from built 32. What are the impacts of recreational activities on development and road lights on wildlife behaviour, mortality biodiversity? and demography? 33. Which ecological principles should guide the choice of the CLIMATE CHANGE list of UK species appropriate for game exploitation? 54. Which species are likely to be the best indicators of the 34. What overall impacts do introductions of game species effects of climate change on natural communities? for fi eld sports (including recreational fi shing) have on 55. Which habitats and species might we lose completely in the biodiversity? UK because of climate change? 35. What are the ecological impacts (both direct and indirect, 56. What will be the ecological impacts of changing agricultural through shifts in habitat management) of a ban on hunting patterns in response to climate change? with dogs? 57. What time lags can be expected between climate change URBAN DEVELOPMENT and ecological change? 36. How can provision for wildlife be maximized in existing and 58. What is the likely relationship between the extent of climate new urban development, urban greenspace and brownfi eld change and the pattern of species extinction? sites? 59. How does climate change interact with other ecological 37. What are the consequences for biodiversity of pressures (e.g. invasive species and habitat fragmentation) fragmentation by development and infrastructure? to create synergistic effects? 38. What are the ecological impacts on semi-natural habitats 60. How can we increase the resilience of habitats and species

32 In Practice December 2006 IN THE JOURNALS

to cope with climate change? 82. What hedgerow structure and what type of hedge management produce the greatest wildlife benefi ts? 61. How well suited is the current UK protected area system for conserving biodiversity in the face of climate change, and 83. How do recreated habitats differ from their semi-natural how can it be enhanced in light of this? analogues? 62. How will changes to oceanographic conditions as a result 84. How can we effectively prioritize the most important of climate change affect marine ecosystems? large-scale ecological restoration projects that could be undertaken in the UK? 63. What actions are required to recreate the full range of coastal landscapes, habitats and species distributions to 85. What is the most appropriate and ecologically sustainable compensate for their loss, for example as a result of sea- way of dealing with excess nutrients during terrestrial and level rise? freshwater habitat restoration? ENERGY GENERATION AND CARBON MANAGEMENT 86. What are the implications of changing deer densities for agriculture, forestry and biodiversity in different landscape 64. What are the consequences of biofuel production for types? biodiversity at fi eld, landscape and regional levels? 87. In reintroductions, does local provenance matter? Will the 65. What are the potential impacts of (a) terrestrial and (b) use of non-local stock cause loss of local genetic variation, marine wind farms on biodiversity? outbreeding depression or genetic rescue of depauperate 66. What are the comparative biodiversity impacts of newly gene pools? emerging types of renewable energy, such as wave energy? CONNECTIVITY AND LANDSCAPE STRUCTURE 67. How can soil carbon be retained and further carbon 88. What are the lag times between habitat fragmentation and sequestered in the soil? the loss of species of different taxonomic and functional CONSERVATION STRATEGIES groups? 68. How can biodiversity action plans be designed to take 89. Is it better to extend existing habitat patches or create account of larger scale population processes? further patches within the landscape? 69. How can we best measure favourable conservation status 90. How should we manage landscape mosaics for the for each of the species and habitats listed within the EU’s conservation of diverse taxa that operate on different Habitat Directive? spatial scales? 70. How effective is the current UK protected area network for 91. What are the relative merits of different indices of habitat protecting wildlife under current conditions? connectivity? Which of them best predict conservation value? 71. With what precision can we predict the ecological impact of different policy options and the ecological effects of 92. What is the value of linear habitats, such as hedgerows, management action? railways, road verges and riparian strips, as corridors for dispersal between fragmented habitat patches? 72. At an international scale, what are the ecological implications of conservation actions and policies adopted 93. For species where the concept is applicable, how within the UK? can ‘source’ and ‘sink’ populations (Pulliam 1988) be identifi ed and how should their status affect conservation 73. How effective as indicators of overall biodiversity are management? current indicators (especially birds)? 94. How important are core vs. peripheral areas in the 74. Why are common moths declining and are their declines conservation strategy of a species? driving declines in other taxa (e.g. bats)? 95. How reliant are animal and plant populations in small nature 75. What scale and type of land-use change is required to halt reserves on the maintenance of habitat in surrounding non- the decline of biodiversity by 2010 (EU heads of state protected areas? committed to this in the 2001 EU summit in Göteborg)? MAKING SPACE FOR WATER 76. Are there reliable ways to predict the long-term sustainability of populations of poorly known species (e.g. 96. What have been the consequences of past and present most invertebrates) using a knowledge of life history and riparian engineering works, such as weirs, culverts, other ecological characteristics? gravel removal, habitat fragmentation and damming, on biodiversity within and alongside rivers? HABITAT MANAGEMENT AND RESTORATION 97. What would be the ecological implications of large-scale 77. What are the costs and benefi ts of concentrating river and fl oodplain restoration schemes in the UK, and conservation work on designated sites in comparison with would they be more cost-effective than traditional hard spreading efforts across the wider countryside? fl ood defences? 78. What are the ecological consequences of ‘wilding’ (that is, 98. What are the likely consequences for biodiversity of conservation of sites using only, or very largely, natural changes in water quality and sedimentation in rivers? processes) as a long-term conservation strategy? 99. What methods most accurately measure ‘ecological status’ 79. What are the consequences of different moorland in the EU Water Framework Directive? management techniques (especially burning, cutting and grazing) for the upland economy, carbon storage, water 100. How can fl ood control be assisted by appropriate habitat quality and biodiversity? management and restoration, and what are the impacts on biodiversity? 80. What measures of habitat condition should we use to measure habitat change in protected areas? 81. How should ditches, dry and wet, be managed for the greatest benefi t for biodiversity?

In Practice December 2006 33 RECENT PUBLICATIONS Recent Publications New Naturalist The Butterfl y Woodlands Handbook Author: Oliver Rackham Author: Adrian Spalding ISBN-10: 000720244X MIEEM ISBN-13: 978000720244X ISBN-10: 1903798256 Available from: www.collins. Available from: www. co.uk spaldingassociates.co.uk Price: £25.00 paperback Price: free download The book starts with what This is a general advice note woods are and why they are so on mitigating the impacts of diverse and defi nes different roads on butterfl y populations. types of tree-land, from It includes a case study on woodlands to savanna, and uses mitigation for the Marsh a variety of evidence to show why British woodland exists as it Fritillary butterfl y along the A30 Bodmin to Indian Queens does. It explains how trees and woods behave, including how road improvement scheme that was jointly funded by English they coppice and pollard, how they are affected by fi re and Nature and the Highways Agency. storms, the function of tree roots, the life and growth of trees and how and why they decay, and also reconstructs British woodland through the ages, from evolution of wildwood, through man’s effect on the landscape, modern forestry and Ecodesign: A Manual for Ecological its legacy, and recent conservation efforts and their effects. Design It also offers invaluable advice on how to research woodlands and history, through names, surveys, mapping and legal Author: Ken Yeang documents, archaeology, photographs and works of art. ISBN-10: 0470852917 Lastly, it also explores the characteristics of woodland soils, Available from: www.wileyeurope.com ancient-woodland plants, ground vegetation and introduced Price: £60.00 hardback species and it also examines highland and lowland woodland, and looks at the Forest of Blackmoor as a case study in fi eld This book reconstructs and revises how and why our current research. design approach and perception of architecture must radically change if we are to ensure a sustainable future. He argues that this can only be achieved by adopting the Woodland Creation for Wildlife environmentalist’s view that, aesthetics apart, regards our environment simply as an assembly of materials, that Author: David Blakesley CEnv MIEEM are briefl y concentrated on to a single locality and used ISBN-10: 095535790X for living, working and leisure whose footprints affect that ISBN-13: 9780955357909 locality’s ecology and whose eventual disposal has to be Available from: www.eastmallingresearch.com accommodated somewhere in the biosphere. This manual Price: free download offers clear instructions to designers on how to design, build and use a green sustainable architecture. The aim is to This is a book about creating new native woodlands for produce and maintain ecosystem-like structures and systems wildlife, particularly on agricultural land and transport whose content and outputs not only integrate benignly with corridors, in Kent and East Sussex. To design new woodland the natural environment, but whose built form and systems for wildlife, it is important to have some knowledge of how function with sensitivity to the locality’s ecology as well as wildlife colonises a new habitat, and how this process can be in relation to global biospheric processes, and contribute accelerated. Consequently, the ecology of natural succession positively to biodiversity. The goal is structures and systems is introduced, together with a description of some of the more that are low consumers of non-renewable resources, built visible elements of woodland fl ora and fauna; birds, bats, with materials that have low ecological consequences and insects and plants. The core of this book describes how to are designed to facilitate disassembly, continuous reuse create new native woodland for wildlife. This includes not only and recycling, and that at the end of their useful lives can be high forest – the traditional reintegrated seamlessly back into the natural environment. focus of the forester – but also Each of these aspects is examined in detail with regards to shrubs of the woodland edge, how they infl uence design and planning. The book provides and tall herbs and short turf designers with a comprehensive set of strategies for of rides and open spaces. All approaching provide important habitat for ecological design wildlife, but it is the woodland and planning edge and open spaces that combined with in- contribute most to biodiversity depth analysis and in the early life of a new wood. research material. Descriptions of case study Bio-integration is woodlands illustrate many of the key to saving the issues raised in the earlier our environment sections on woodland design from continued and management practices. degradation.

34 In Practice December 2006 RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Restoration Birds and Climate Ecology Change Editors: Jelte van Andel and Editors: Anders P. Møller, James Aronson Wolfgang Fielder and ISBN-10: 063205834X Peter Berthold ISBN-13: 9780632058341 ISBN-10: 0123736145 Available from: www. ISBN-13: 9780123736147 blackwellpublishing.com Available from: www.elsevier. Price: £32.50 com This book explores the Price: £28.99 interface between restoration Temperature and other climate ecology and ecological variables are currently changing restoration. It aims at introducing students, teachers, at a dramatic rate. As observations researchers and natural resource managers to interactions have shown, these climatic changes have serious between theory and practice. It challenges ecologists to consequences for all organisms and their ability to adapt explore the applicability of current theories and concepts, to changing environmental conditions. Birds are excellent recognising that these have not been developed with such model organisms; they have a very active metabolism, they applications in mind. The academic foundations of restoration are highly sensitive to environmental changes, and, as they ecology are revisited for this purpose, to pave the way are highly mobile creatures, they are also extremely reactive. towards a review of the causes of successes and failures Birds and Climate Change discusses our current knowledge and to identify the perspectives of ecological restoration in of observed changes and provides guidelines for future different ecosystem types. These are dealt with biome by studies, so we can document and understand how patterns biome and consider the historical perspective of land use. The of changing weather conditions may affect birds. The book fi nal section addresses problems of ecological restoration in is based on ‘Bird Migration in Relation to Climate Change’ a societal context – ecological restoration is meant to achieve workshop that took place in March 2003 and is very scientifi c sustainable, resilient and interconnected ecosystems and in content with contributions from over 20 authors. socioecological systems. The book covers both the ecological concepts involved in restoration ecology and their practical applications and is written by an excellent group of ecologists Surveying and Report Writing for from centres across Europe with a strong reputation for restoration ecology. Lichenologists Editor: David J. Hill Do Conservation Targets Help? ISBN-10: 0954041879 Available from: [email protected] or Editors: Edward Maltby, Conor Linstead and Vernon info@summerfi eldbooks.com Heywood Price: £15.00 (£10.00 to British Lichen Society ISBN-10: 0955409608 members) ISBN-13: 9780955409608 Available from: www.nhbs.co.uk These Guidelines provide advice on how to commission and conduct surveys, and prepare reports for both organisations Price: £15.00 and individuals commissioning surveys, and for lichenologists The Second Sibthorp Seminar considered the question: Do carrying out the work. These guidelines provide a single conservation targets help? This question was based on an information source available to all and will also be essential article published in Science by Soulé and Sanjayan, and then reading for anyone needing to assess a lichen survey report. broadened to take a wider look at nature conservation in the The four main chapters dealing with the four stages in light of major changes that have infl uenced our underlying preparing a survey report for a given site are as follows: assumptions about conservation since the mid 20th Century. Commissioning Surveys (Tenders and Contracts), Fieldwork, These changes are the internationalisation of the conservation Identifi cation, Report Writing. agenda following Agenda 21 and the coming into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the widespread adoption The guidelines are very practical and of value for anyone of the aim of sustainable development, the different time commissioning, carrying out or reporting fi eldwork whether scales of concern, demographic growth, climate change, about lichens or any other group of organisms. It provides and the changing relationships between science, society and very useful and sound advice on good fi eldwork practice government. From these different and is packed with references, information sources, web infl uences come various resources etc. Those concerned with lichen surveys will agendas, and the aims, goals fi nd it essential. The section on and priorities proposed by the identifi cation is particularly detailed conservation and biodiversity and thorough, containing a large communities may not be amount of useful information. Any recognised or accepted by other lichenologist will fi nd it a very useful constituencies. The seminar manual for identifi cation whether examines and discusses these with lichens in the fi eld or from various perspectives and, where specimens afterwards, and whether necessary, challenges them and for professional or scientifi c reasons attempts to see how far these or for systematic recording for often confl icting aims may be environmental monitoring. reconciled.

In Practice December 2006 35 NEWS IN BRIEF News in Brief

organisation and may be asked to help called “Add an Adder” at www.adder.org. Environmental design projects for future funding or uk. The aim is to record as many adder Liabilities Directive to help deliver Flora locale projects in locations as possible, past and present, local areas when projects become fully in the hope that we can build a picture of The Government has issued a funded. Associates need to have expert how adder populations have been lost in consultation document on options knowledge in British (and Irish) Plant Britain. The website therefore asks you for implementing the Environmental Communities with experience in creating to record simple information on where Liability Directive in England, Wales and restoring habitats in at least one you’ve seen or heard about adders, and and Northern Ireland. The Directive region. Interested – contact Flora locale whether or not you think the population strengthens the ‘polluter pays’ via their website at www.fl oralocale.org. is still there. principle for environmental damage caused to biodiversity, water and land contamination that threatens human health. Under the Directive, companies Starving Guillemots Breeding Area for Rare that threaten or cause environmental damage will be held strictly liable for Hint at Seabird Crisis Dolphins Found off prevention of fi xing of the damage at Reports of hundreds of dead or starving Llyn Peninsula their own expense. It applies to damage young seabirds around Scotland occurring from 30 April 2007. The - including some many miles from the A rare sighting of a group of Risso’s consultation document can be found coast - and Northern Ireland are leading dolphins, including calves, has been at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/ to speculation among experts that these made off Bardsey Island, at the tip of consult/env-liability/index.htm and the incidents may be linked to a much larger the Llyn Peninsula. This very unusual deadline for responses is 16 February problem. Most of the casualties are sighting illustrates the potential 2007. A second consultation on draft guillemots. Post mortems on the birds importance of the area to Risso’s legislation is likely to take place in have shown that many of the birds are dolphins for breeding and as a place for the spring. IEEM will be responding underweight and have empty stomachs, rearing their young. More information to this consultation. If you would like suggesting they are suffering from a about dolphins in Welsh waters is to contribute to the IEEM response to chronic shortage of food. Counts of available in CCW’s free booklet Dolphins, the consultation please forward your seabird colonies around Scotland and porpoises and whales in Welsh waters. comments to [email protected]. in Northern Ireland have revealed that To get a copy call 0845 1306229. they have had another disastrous year General information about dolphins, with food shortages leading to a low whales and porpoises and the threats recruitment of young birds. they face can be found at www.wdcs. GIN - a Tonic for the org. Northern Way! A major study is set to establish the Environment Agency importance of green infrastructure Scottish Badger (trees, woods, parks and other welcomes Natural landscape elements) in the future Distribution Survey success of the Northern Way. The England as new partner The Scottish Badger Distribution Survey Green Infrastructure for the North to protect and improve is a three-year project to determine (GIN) is a group of organisations that badger distribution and density across have been emphasising the importance the environment a range of habitats in Scotland, using of environmental quality in attracting The Environment Agency has welcomed a network of volunteers. A random inward investment and building a Natural England as an important sample of one thousand squares will be successful and sustainable economy. new partner to improve and protect surveyed for the presence or absence of Now the three Regional Development the environment and create a better badger setts and signs, and for evidence Agencies who are leading the Northern place. Natural England brings together of human disturbance. The results will Way initiative have acknowledged that the environmental land management be used to determine likely density the region’s green infrastructure is vital functions of the Rural Development in any given area, and will provide a to the success of the programme. The Service, the landscape, access and baseline from which to measure future 20-year, £100 million Northern Way recreation elements of the Countryside change. In return for surveying a pre- Development Programme was set up to Agency and the responsibilities of selected 1-km square, which should only help enable the northern half of England English Nature. The new organisation’s take one day to complete, volunteers to compete economically, socially and are offered a free, one-day training responsibilities include biodiversity, in future growth terms with the southern wildlife and landscape, delivering session on badger surveying essentials, half of England. sustainable farming and land with a fi eld trip to a local sett to test out management, protecting Sites of Special new skills. Briefi ng sessions will take Scientifi c Interest, and promoting place January - April 2007. The survey access and recreation. itself will run from September 2007 to Flora locale: Call for April 2008. If you would be interested in being part of the survey, please contact Experts [email protected] or by Flora locale, the wild-plant restoration Add an Adder telephone on 0131 657 4125. charity, is to establish a countrywide network of Associates. These will The Herpetological Conservation Trust is provide technical expertise to the running a web-based recording project

36 In Practice December 2006 NEWS IN BRIEF

birds to the area including shelduck, the purchase of land overseas. The Biodiversity Minister wigeon, teal, avocet and redshank. The deal has seen the purchase the fi rst of Outlines the Global site is being used as a demonstration what will eventually be 1,000 hectares project to help promote new approaches of protected wetland in Poland - in the Challenge to Help to the impacts of sea level rise across Biebrza Marshes – to ensure a future for Europe. The effects of climate change mainland Europe’s rarest songbird, the Wild Animals Adapt to are expected to increase high tide aquatic warbler. The RSPB has provided Climate Change levels in the Humber Estuary, which, if a guarantee of £400,000 of funding as a defences were left as they are, would contribution to a £3.67million European Barry Gardiner, the Minister for increase the risk of fl ooding for the Union LIFE project to manage land Biodiversity, Landscape and Rural Affairs 300,000 people who live in the area. for the benefi t of the aquatic warbler, has said that climate change is already which includes land purchase where affecting wild animals and all countries necessary. The majority of the project must take measures to help them adapt is centered on the Biebrza marshes of to ensure both wildlife and people The Newest EU eastern Poland. Currently, the marshes around the world are not seriously are the European Union’s aquatic affected. The UK-funded international Nations must warbler stronghold. report, “Migratory Species and Climate Change: Impacts of a changing Learn from the environment on wild animals”, says UK’s Experience of unprecedented changes in climate will World Cup Airport affect wildlife and their habitats - both Farmland Wildlife Loss Threatens Icon of directly found changes in temperature The governments of the newest and precipitation, and indirectly through members of the European Union British Spring disturbances such as fi res, hurricanes must learn from the UK’s experience and storms. On average, many species of catastrophic wildlife loss, that is The bird that heralds the start of have moved 6.1 km per decade towards the message from the RSPB who British spring is being put at risk the poles or 1 metre per decade in commissioned a report looking at the by the 2010 World Cup. The South elevation, while spring events like development of schemes for wildlife- African government wants to transform fl owering and leaf fl ushing are occurring friendly farming in the EU’s newest a runway for light aircraft into an on average 2.3 days earlier per decade member states. The report released international airport on a site near - in turn affecting seasonal movement by BirdLife International – represented Durban that lures more than three million of wildlife. In Europe, plants typically in the UK by the RSPB – shows that swallows to roost every night. Many of growing in the Atlantic climate with nine countries that joined the European the Kwa-Zulu Natal swallows are thought mild winters will expand their range Union in 2004 – largely from central and to migrate to Britain and elsewhere in eastwards. Winter green species like eastern Europe - possess signifi cant Europe to breed and in the UK, spotting English holly could double their range by populations of farmland birds under the fi rst swallow and following the birds’ 2050, and where it is found in Germany, threat or close to extinction elsewhere in progress from southern England into could signifi cantly change in the beech Europe. This is a direct result of having the rest of the UK is one of the joys forests in the east of the country. The retained large areas of high nature value of spring. The swallows’ roosting site, UK will commission further research to land, especially low-intensity farmland. the Mount Moreland Reedbed, 20 km identify migratory species that can act north of Durban, is about the size of as indicators of climate change and the Using the report, the RSPB and BirdLife four football pitches. In 2007 it will be specifi c threats they face. International are urging governments of classifi ed as an Important Bird Area the new EU member states to embrace by BirdLife International because of its wildlife-friendly payments to help importance to swallows. The reedbed farmers preserve the natural treasures is thought to host more than eight Offi cial Opening of of these areas. By contrast, similar per cent of the millions of swallows payments in the UK and elsewhere in the breeding in Europe, from Denmark to Largest Flood Storage EU are largely made to farmers trying Britain to Belarus. It is also used by Scheme in Europe to restore populations of threatened lesser kestrels, corncrakes and crowned species that once populated a wildlife- eagles, all of which are now uncommon. The largest fl ood storage project in rich countryside. The report highlights Mount Moreland lies on the fl ight path of Europe, the Alkborough Flats Tidal that many of the new countries also risk aircraft that will arrive and depart from Defence Scheme in Lincolnshire, is losing their farmland wildlife by missing the proposed La Mercy airport. BirdLife hoped to reduce the risk of fl ooding for the unique opportunity to capitalise on South Africa fears the reedbed will be 300,000 people and become a haven the payments. cleared because the birds could threaten for wildfowl and wading birds. The aircraft safety. An environmental impact scheme, which will involve breaching the assessment is under way at La Mercy existing fl ood defences, will help lower but BirdLife South Africa suspects an high tide levels by allowing water from RSPB Secures Foreign adverse outcome will be overturned the estuary to run over the Alkborough in favour of potential economic Flats to create a massive fl ood storage Land Purchase to opportunities including new jobs and area. The managed re-alignment at Protect Europe’s Rarest trade. BirdLife and its UK partner, the Alkborough allows fl ood water from the RSPB, say the airport proposal should Humber estuary to spill out of the river Songbird be scrapped and the site be turned into during the highest tides to fi ll the low a protected area instead, to safeguard For the fi rst time in its 117-year lying land. The project will also create a the swallows it harbours. huge new inter-tidal habitat, attracting history, the RSPB – working with its more species of wildfowl and wading Polish partner, OTOP - has secured

In Practice December 2006 37 TAURO-SCATOLOGY Intelligent Design Tauro-Scatology

o edition of In Vaguely … efficient, and quite a lot of gas is evolved at the same time as food is broken Think about it … the orange has Practice would be down. Folding the intestine into the delicious flesh but is packaged in a complete without abdomen means that our teenage boy’s N tough, impenetrable skin. How can an inefficient intestine has lots of nooks Basil O’Saurus, IEEM’s very animal enjoy the fruit and ingest the and crannies in which these gases can seeds without considerable manual own Professor of Tauro- accumulate. Do you want me to spell it dexterity? They would take one mouthful Scatology providing his own out from here? of the bitter peel, spit it out and leave distinctive take on current the proto-orange to rot on the forest I think that we have got the idea. affairs and environmental floor. What makes it worse is that this so- management. What Sacred Leaving aside the possibility that the called benevolent deity has also hard- Cow is getting it in the neck orange that we know today is the result wired the adolescent male’s mind to this time, Prof? of millennia of plant breeding, your believe that this is some kind of on- paradox does, in fact, make me wonder board musical instrument. Quite frankly, Sacred Cow is perhaps an appropriate if this is an example of intelligent design most teenage boys could survive with a turn of phrase here as I thought after all. straight, kink-free gut no longer than a that it was time to provoke religious metre in length. That would provide the Tell me more. fundamentalists. I’ve been following the energy needed to drag themselves from debate about ‘Intelligent Design’ in the Simple. As the orange rots on the forest bed to computer and back. US and, frankly, I’m not impressed. floor the sugar-rich flesh is attacked OK. That example is a little more by yeasts, leading to the production of Intelligent design is, if I remember believable. Where can we learn alcohol. All you need to do is imagine rightly, the belief that certain more about this? herds of late Cretaceous mammals features of the universe and of smashed out of their minds on the In my latest book ‘The Stupid Gene’. living things are best explained by equivalent of homebrewed Cointreau an intelligent cause and not by an Somehow I might have guessed. and suddenly your seeds are being undirected process such as natural Thanks for your time, Prof. dispersed left right and centre. And selection. through every available orifice. My pleasure. Exactly right. The irony is, of course, OK. Perhaps not my best ever example. that many of the people who believe in How about this as intelligent design also vote for Geoge W an alternative: the Bush, who would seem to be a strong human adolescent argument against Intelligent Design. male intestine. So what is your response? I’m intrigued. I cast my mind back several years to Conventional a time when I was in a zoo in Africa wisdom is that watching two giant tortoises copulating. the small intestine Two thoughts occurred to me at the needs to be time. The first was that this was the only long in order to literal example of ‘bonking’ I had ever maximise the encountered. surface area The second was that Rudyard Kipling through which couldn’t have imagined such a bizarre the body can scenario for his ‘Just So’ stories. absorb nutrients. The poor male seemed to be having So, in order to an enormous amount of difficulty squeeze it into the impregnating and the female’s face abdomen, it has was the very picture of stoicism as this to be folded back enormous lump clunked up and down on on itself several her back. times. This encounter laid the germ for a new Sounds like a hypothesis that I am going to promote. good example Prepare yourself for ‘Unintelligent of intelligent Design’, in which I highlight some of design to me. nature’s more bizarre outcomes. I will The exact boldy go where even Richard Dawkins opposite. In dare not tread. fact, this could Give us an example. even count as an example of The orange. You remember sadistic design as undergraduate lectures when seed the mammalian dispersal is given as one of the digestive system rationales for the evolution of fruit? is not especially

38 In Practice December 2006 NEW AND PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS New and Prospective Members APPLICANTS If any existing Member has any good reason to object to someone being admitted to the Institute, especially if this relates to compliance with the Code of Professional Conduct, they must inform the Executive Director by telephone or letter before 29 January 2007. Any communications will be handled discreetly. The decision on admission is usually taken by the Membership Admissions Committee under delegated authority from Council but may be taken directly by Council itself. IEEM is pleased to welcome applications for Membership from the following: APPLICATIONS FOR FULL MEMBERSHIP Dr Iain V.P. Adderton, Mr Richard A. Baines, Mr David Barker, Dr Linda Barnett, Mrs Barbara A. Bell, Miss Laura Black, Mr William R. Black, Mr Murray C.D. Bracewell, Dr Phoebe Carter, Mr Patrick Crushell, Mr Paul J. Dansie, Mr Stephen P. Daworiye, Mr Olugbenga S. Dehinbo, Mr Alexander Ewing, Dr Jonathan P. Fairbairn, Mr Chris Forster Brown, Mr Robert C. Grabowski, Mrs Margaret M. Haggerty, Mr Kevin D. Hand, Miss Kate Harrington, Mr Karim V.D. Hodge, Mrs Alison C. Hogan, Dr Kevin D. Hume, Mr Michael D. Jones, Mr Duncan Lang, Dr Anthony M. Langan, Mr Alastair Laverty, Dr Marion P. Leppitt, Miss Beverley F. Lewis, Mr David R. Lewns, Mr Guy Lowndes, Dr James R. Martin, Miss Tracey J. McLean, Mr William Moreno, Mr Joseph B. Murphy, Mr Simon H. Mustoe, Mr James J. Packer, Mr Stephen J. Parr, Mrs Katharine J. Pilcher, Dr Katie A. Pollard, Mr David Prince, Mr David A. Rees, Mr Tim Roderick, Dr Leslie P. Ruse, Mr Stephen J. Ryder, Mr Kieran A. Sheehan, Dr George F. Smith, Mr Joshua B. Smithson, Mr John Sproull, Dr Andrew J. Stanworth, Ms Karen V. Tanner-Tremaine, Dr Eliot Taylor, Dr Caroline R. Uff, Miss Rachel Urwin, Miss Katherine E.S. Walsh, Mr Thomas B. Wigglesworth, Mrs Ros Willder, Mr Martin J. Winter, Miss Elizabeth Wood APPLICATIONS FOR ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP Mr Graeme J. Ashton, Miss Joanne L. Atkinson, Miss Allison Austin, Mr Colin F. Bonfield, Mr James S. Bowkett, Mr Michael J. H. Brown, Miss Emma L. Burden, Mr Lewis A. Butlin, Mr Scott Cafferty, Mr James D. Campbell, Mrs Susan Chambers, Miss Sarah L. Clarke, Mr John Condron, Dr James G. Cook, Ms Rose M. Cremin, Dr Sarah Dalrymple, Miss Abigail E. Dando, Miss Michelle Dickinson, Mrs Tamsin J. Douglas, Miss Abbie Dowling, Mr Tristan J. Evans, Mr Francis P. Flanagan, Mr Timothy D. Foster, Dr Rachel A. Freer, Mr David A. Green, Miss Catherine M. Greenhough, Mr Josh R. Hellon, Miss Rebecca L. Hill, Mrs Kelly Hollings, Mr Daniel Hone, Mrs Katrina V. Hoyle, Miss Kate E. Hunt, Mr Roger L. Jones, Mr Gonzalo Lazerna, Miss Suzanne Lowry, Mr Dean Martin, Miss Rebecca E. May, Ms Maeve McLoughlin, Miss Louisa Medland, Dr Robert Morley, Mr Geoffrey J. Moxon, Miss Cathy Ovens, Miss Christine Parkinson, Miss Claire M. Parry, Miss Ellen Partington, Mrs Susan J. Redfern, Mr Thomas M. Reynolds, Mr Christopher J. Rochfort, Mr Jeremy A. Sabel, Dr Stella Shackel, Mr Timothy J. Smith, Mr John Sproull, Miss Lindsay E. Syme, Dr Philip B.L. Tamuno, Miss Sarah Taylor, Miss Jacqueline E. Thompson, Miss Gemma Thomson, Miss Naomi Waite, Mrs Amanda D. Williams, Mr Robert G. Wooldridge ADMISSIONS IEEM is very pleased to welcome the following new Members: FULL MEMBERS Mr Daniel C. Alder, Dr Nicholas R. Betson, Miss Elizabeth K. Burrows, Mr Gregory H. Chamberlain, Dr Peter J. Cosgrove, Ms Melanie Findlay, Mr Jonathan Ford, Mr Aaron M. Hamblyn, Ms Melanie Hardie, Dr Nigel J. Harding, Mr Justin D. Hart, Mr Matthew Hawking, Dr Ann E. Hill, Mr David T. Hurst, Dr Juliet Hynes, Mr Andrew P. Jefferies, Mr Brian Keeley, Miss Tamsin J. Kilner, Mr Steve Laurence, Mr Alexander Laurie, Ms Bernadette Lobo, Mr Tim Marlow, Mrs Mary L. Norden, Ms Oonagh Nelson, Dr Stuart J. Otway, Ms Zara Paris, Mrs Amanda J. Proud, Mr Benjamin J. Sanderson, Mr Mark Satinet, Mr Richard Smith, Mr David L. Sutton, Mr David Wakelin, Mr James J. Wallwork, Mr Robert H. Weston, Mr Paul C. Wilkinson, Ms Helen M. Williams, Mr Christopher J. Wood, Mr Christopher J. Yardley ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Mr David J. Andrews, Mr David Angel, Miss Caroline Bailey, Miss Lucy Baker, Mrs Joanne Bates, Miss Elisabeth Bradshaw, Mr Iain H. Bray, Mr Robert J. Broadbent, Dr Richard J. Burkmar, Mr Martin D. Catlow, Miss Leanne Cooke, Mr John D. Crowder, Ms Primrose H. Duplessis, Miss Charlie K. Dwight, Ms Zoe K. Falk, Miss Katie A. Finlinson, Miss Rebecca J.G. Floate, Mr Stephen J. Foot, Miss Louise A.C. Forder, Dr Sally E. Fraser, Mr Benjamin R. Gardner, Mr Thomas Hall, Miss Rebecca S. Harvey, Dr Barbra A. Harvie, Mr Eric Heath, Dr Alice F. Helyar, Mr Michael W. Holding, Miss Alexandra Hollands, Miss Gemma L. Howard, Mr Darren J. Ivey, Mr Martin R. Love, Miss Poppy McDonald, Miss Katie McGregor, Mr Christopher J. Mitchell, Mr Gary P. Mock, Miss Leanne Moses, Mr Gavin Mullan, Mr Darryn Nash, Mr Matthew S. Oakley, Mr Martin G. O’Connor, Ms Lisa J. Palframan, Mr Clive Palmer, Miss Huma R. Pearce, Mr Jonathan J.D. Pedder, Miss Laura A. Penniston, Miss Elizabeth Powell, Mr Philip J. Rogers, Dr Daphne A. Roycroft, Miss Tessa C. Rutty, Mr Richard S. Smith, Mr Jonathan Steele, Mr Ian M. Stewart, Mr James E.T. Streets, Dr John J. Sweeney, Miss Rebecca J. Sykes, Mrs Susan Thouless, Mr Daniel Watson, Mr Paul Whitby, Miss Susan Evelyn White, Mr Robert W. Whiteley, Miss Charlotte E.A. Widgery, Mr I. William Woodrow GRADUATE MEMBERS Miss Mary L. Barnard, Miss Amy Buckenham, Miss Clare M. Caudwell, Miss Kelly J. Clark, Mr Michael Dalton, Ms Linda M. Dalton, Mr Jamie M. Edmonds, Mr Rory Finlay, Dr Benjamin T. Garnett, Miss Sarah Gooch, Miss Laura A. Gravestock, Miss Claire L. Holder, Miss Eleanor Houldcroft, Miss Caroline Kariuki, Ms Jackie Kelly, Mr James E. Madden, Miss Rachael Maskill, Mr Robert Masters, Miss Heather McCallum, Miss Michelle I. Melville, Mr Steven P. Oram, Miss Katie Partington, Miss Jennifer A. Pearson, Miss Bridget Pilkington, Miss Anna C.E. Presswell, Mrs Farhat Ramzan, Miss Polly Redhead, Mr Robert D. Revolta, Miss Katy L. Robson, Mr Matthew Rung, Mr John D. Search, Miss Christine J. Searing, Miss Georgina Starkie, Miss Catherine Thompson, Miss Ann M. Weddle, Mr Paul White, Miss Diane Wood AFFILIATE MEMBERS

Mr David Carpenter, Mr Pádraic Fogarty, Mr Ryan L. Keenan, Mr John Kennedy, Mr Roger A. Middleton, Mr Luke Stevens, Mr Marc Stroud, Mr Derek Whitton STUDENT MEMBERS Dr Angela Brennan, Miss Joanna R. Clark, Miss Rachel Dobson, Miss Judith M. Eley, Mr Christopher Gaughan, Miss Gabriela Gawel, Mr James Goodrum, Miss Helen M. Greaves, Mr Rowland K. Griffin, Miss Victoria J. Harrison, Miss Klare Holland, Miss Sarah E. Innes, Miss Joanne Jasper, Miss Hazel M. Kendall, Mrs Marian J. MacKinnon, Miss Joanna E. Moody, Mr Ross E. Phillips, Miss Michelle L. Plowman, Miss Stephanie Pullan, Ms Jenni Roche, Mr George I. Stafford, Ms Niamh Sweeney, Miss Dawn M.L. Thompson, Miss Alice E. Walker, Mr Steven Weber, Miss Katie Whitcher, Miss Laura A. Wilkinson, Mrs Chandra Williams, Mr Peter J. Wood UPGRADES The following have successfully upgraded their Membership: ASSOCIATE to FULL MEMBERSHIP Mr Brian Armstrong, Mr Steen Bater, Miss Alison S. Bennett, Miss Angela Bond, Mr John A. Booth, Mr Austin C. Brown, Mr Thomas Collier, Mr Howard Colmer, Miss Sabine Dreyer, Miss Karen A, Dufek, Miss Jennifer A. Gardner, Mr Jonathan Guarnaccio, Mrs Pamela Hawkins, Miss Stephanie Kiel, Miss Veronica M.V. Lawrie, Mr Cody Levine, Mr Christopher Manning, Miss Caroline M. Mellor, Miss Jane E. Morris, Mr Andrew C. Murray-Wood, Mr Colin M. Ormston, Mr Derek G. Piears, Miss Sarah Postlethwaite, Mr Ian Rees, Mr Liam Russell, Mr John Simmons, Miss Emma Stamp, Miss Laura M. Steele, Mr Edward Stocker, Miss Tilly Tilbrook, Miss Mary Toomey, Ms Susan Elizabeth White

In Practice December 2006 39 DIARY What's on January – March 2007 17 January 2007. since 1992. There have been a number is 23 February 2007. More information Geodiversity: raising its awareness of significant changes since the previous from www.britishecologicalsociety.org and importance for nature meeting held in 2000. These include 18 April 2007. conservation. the publication of the first plant atlas Liverpool Hope University. in the British Isles for 40 years, a IEEM Spring Conference - Developing Best Practice in Survey and Afternoon conference with a series major Government commitment to halt Reporting. of nationally recognised speakers on biodiversity decline, a shift in emphasis the subject. NW Section Event. 1.30 towards more sustainable woodland Hamilton House, Euston, London. – 4.30 pm. There will be a small charge management, and major changes in More information: www.ieem.net grant schemes to farmers and other for this event to cover expenses. 13-15 November 2007. More information from Paul Rooney at landowners. More information www.aab. IEEM Autumn Conference – [email protected] org.uk. Ecological Networks. 17 January 2007. 27-28 January 2007. East of England. Peatscapes: working towards a Herpetofauna Workers’ Meeting. sustainable future for the North Coventry University Technocentre. Pennines More information at www.arg-uk.org.uk The Course programmes for the Venue tbc. Centre for Alternative Technology, 28 February 2007. NE Section event. 7 pm. More Field Studies Council, Losehill information from Andy Cherrill at CEBC training course on Hall, Plas Tan- y- Bwlch and BTCV [email protected] ‘UNDERTAKING A SYSTEMATIC all offer a wide range of courses REVIEW’ that might be of interest to IEEM 22 January 2006. University of Birmingham. members. Information from: Theoretical Population Ecology & More information from Gavin Stewart at Practical Biocontrol – Bridging the [email protected] or call 0121 Centre for Alternative Technology Gap. 414 4090. Further details about each course can be obtained from Joan Randle. Studley Castle, Warwickshire. 7-8 March 2007. More information www.aab.org.uk. Tel: 1654 705950, Potable water, metering, water loss Fax: 01654 702782, 23-25 January 2007. & distribution systems, and Sewage www.cat.org.uk Delivery of Arable Biodiversity. treatment plants, optimisation of process & control. Studley Castle, Warwickshire. Field Studies Council This conference will consider the RDS Dublin. For a copy of the FSC Courses brochure, progress which has been made in More information from www. contact FSC head Office, Preston developing and implementing measures environment-ireland.com Montford, Montford Bridge, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 1HW. for the conservation of biodiversity 13 – 15 March 2007. on arable farmland, culminating in Beyond Consultation - Good Practice Tel: 0845 345 4071, the present new generation of agri- in Stakeholder Participation. Fax: 01743 850 101, e-mail: environment schemes throughout enquiries@field-studiescouncil.org, Imperial College, Wye Campus, Kent. Europe. More information from www. www.fieldstudiescouncil.org aab.org.uk. This 3 day training course will help participants: explore the benefits and Losehill Hall 24 January 2007. challenges of involving stakeholders Details from Losehill Hall, Peak District Outdoor Recreation and Nature in decisions about the environment; National Park Centre, Castleton, Hope Conservation Seminar. understand the principles and concepts Valley , Derbyshire S33 8WB Centre in the Park, Sheffield. of stakeholder participation; learn practical facilitation skills and how Tel: 01433 620373, Fax: 01433 This seminar is intended for 620346, e-mail: training. organisations with an interest in to design a participation process. Details from training@dialoguematters. [email protected], www. outdoor recreation, event planning, losehill-training.org.uk nature conservation management, co.uk or download a leaflet from www. and the sustainable recreational use dialoguematters.co.uk/training.htm Plas Tan-y-Bwlch Details from: Plas Tan-y-Bwlch, of sensitive natural environments and 14 March 2007. protected landscapes. It will explore Maentwrog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Habitat Management at a Flash! how potentially opposing interests can Gwynedd LL41 3YU. be brought together through agreement Wigan Flashes, Wigan. Whole day, field based NW Section Tel: 01766 590324 and positive access management, Fax: 01766 590274 using illustrated examples of good event. More information from Paul Rooney at [email protected] e-mail: Plastanybwlch@compuserve. practice, research material, and com. discussion on the issues. Delegate Fee: 28-30 March 2007. £125. More information from www. BTCV Courses Speciation and Ecology - BES Annual countrysiderecreation.org.uk Practically based. Details from: BTCV Symposium Training Programmes Unit, Red House, 25-26 January 2007. Sheffield University. Hill Lane, Great Barr, Birmingham B43 Vegetation Management. Ultimately, diversity is generated by 6LZ Studley Castle, Warwickshire. speciation and lost by extinction. Come Tel: 0121 358 2155 This is the fourth in a series of meetings find out how much we need to know Fax: 0121 358 2194 the Association of Applied Biologists has about the mechanisms of speciation e-mail: [email protected], organised on Vegetation Management in order to understand patterns of diversity. The deadline for registration www.btcv.org

40 In Practice December 2006