Bulletin of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

Issue 96 | June 2017 Ecology &

In this issue

Identifying Grassland Upland Hay Meadows – Grazer Selectivity: of Conservation Applying the Evidence to Benefits for , Interest in Ireland Improve their Conservation Habitats and People Welcome Information

Grassland Ecology and Grazing In Practice No. 96 June 2017 Who doesn’t find a flower-rich hay meadow or a chalk grassland full of orchids uplifting ISSN 1754-4882 and beautiful? form a major part of the natural and cultural heritage of the UK and Ireland and this is being recognised by an increasingly large part of our Editor population. However, both agricultural intensification and neglect have led to a severe Dr Gillian Kerby ([email protected]) reduction in the extent and quality of our grasslands, particularly of hay meadows. Indeed, in some regions, roadside verges are the only places where species-rich Internal contributions grasslands remain. coordinator Mr Jason Reeves ([email protected]) Grasslands are, almost without exception, the outcome of agricultural management and, in particular, the practice of grazing both in a historical and current context. Grazing Editorial Board management has shaped the form and composition of our grasslands from permanent Mr Jonathan Barnes, Dr Kate Bayley, pastures to hay meadows and floodplain grasslands. Roadside verge grasslands are Dr Andrew Cherrill, Mr Dominic Coath, mown which can be a good substitute for grazing if done at the right time. Mr Neil Harwood, Dr William Latimer, How can we best manage and conserve our semi-natural grasslands? The evidence Dr Caroline McParland, Mrs Kate Morris, base on how to do this has been building from the early days of Mr Paul Rooney, Mr Paul Scott, th management in the early 20 century. Much of this knowledge has been gained Miss Katrena Stanhope, Mr Darren Towers from farmers and land managers working with ecologists and is still very much an experimental process. Proactive work is taking place throughout the UK by statutory Opinions expressed by contributors agencies and the Third Sector, such as the National Trust through its new Land, Outdoors to In Practice are those of the authors and Nature Strategy to nurse the environment back to health. and not necessarily supported by the Plantlife, for example, has a particular focus on the conservation of grasslands and Institute. Readers should seek appropriate connecting more people with them. Working in partnership with the Wildlife Trusts professional guidance relevant to their and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, the Coronation Meadows project has designated the individual circumstances before following best hay meadow in each UK County to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s any advice provided herein. coronation. More importantly, these meadows are being used as a seed source for the Information on advertising, including restoration and creation of other meadows. This is being carried out with much public rates and deadlines, can be found at and volunteer involvement and links well with the HLF-funded Save Our Magnificent www.cieem.net/ip-advertising. The Meadows project which aims to raise public awareness of meadows and species-rich Institute does not accept responsibility for grasslands. Plantlife leads this project, working with 11 partners including the Wildlife advertising content or policy of advertisers, Trusts, RSPB and National Trust. An important output of this project is a database of guidance on grassland restoration, creation, monitoring and management, which aims nor does the placement of advertisements to bring together current knowledge. within In Practice imply support for companies, individuals or their products or CIEEM’s ecologists and environmental managers are already playing their part in services advertised herein. providing advice, carrying out research, sharing experience such as through this edition of In Practice and using online networks. A plea too for the publication of projects CIEEM Office which haven’t worked well – sharing our mistakes can be painful but really helpful to 43 Southgate Street, Winchester, colleagues in their design and management of future projects. Hampshire, SO23 9EH, UK One of the few positive aspects of Brexit is the opportunity for the redesign of agricultural support systems following the UK leaving the EU. It is to be hoped that T: 01962 868626 future taxpayer support for farming is truly for the delivery of public goods, including E: [email protected] species-rich upland and lowland grasslands. Grasslands also have a large part to play in the development of functional , such as in catchment management W: www.cieem.net programmes to improve water retention in the uplands and restoring floodplain In Practice is printed on paper using functionality to our lowland rivers. 100% post-consumer, de-inked waste. We have much of the necessary evidence and skills to conserve, manage, restore This is manufactured by an ISO14001 and re-create our semi-natural grasslands. What we lack are the policy and financial and EMAS accredited company. The mechanisms to support this work, most especially an agriculture and polybags used to mail In Practice are made policy that underpins the more sensitive management of the countryside and which of Oxo-Degradable Low Density Polythene embraces the approach and natural capital accounting. Professional which will break down and degrade faster ecologists must involve themselves in this post-Brexit policy development otherwise there than standard polythene products. is a real risk that this current opportunity for radical change will be lost. © Chartered Institute of Ecology and Dr David Parker CEcol CEnv FCIEEM Environmental Management Past President, CIEEM Trustee and Vice-Chair, Plantlife Front cover image: [email protected] Roe deer in wildflower hay meadow.

2 Issue 96 | June 2017 Contents

Identifying Grassland Habitats of Grazer Selectivity: Benefits for Conservation Interest in Ireland Livestock, Habitats and People PG 08 Fionnuala O’Neill PG 25 Bill Grayson

Viewpoint: Northumbrian Water’s Upland Hay Meadows Partnership with Flexigraze – Helping – Applying the Evidence to to Get Hooves onto the Ground for Improve their Conservation the Benefit of Wildlife PG 13 David Martin and Clare Pinches PG 31 Mark Morris

The Bat Roost Trigger Index Managing Roadside Grasslands – A New Systematic Approach Along the Trunk Roads of to Facilitate Preliminary Bat Southwest England Roost Assessments PG 19 Leonardo Gubert PG 37 Nick Underhill-Day

02 Editorial 44 – Meet the Author – Fionnuala O’Neill 03 Contents Professional Updates 04 Chartered Institute News and Activities 45 – CIEEM Skills Gap Project 06 News in Brief Debbie Bartlett and Eulalia Gomez-Martin

Feature Articles 48 – What’s the Point of Conservation Science? 08 – Identifying Grassland Habitats of Conservation Greg Carson Interest in Ireland Fionnuala O’Neill 52 – Employers Investment in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) 13 – Upland Hay Meadows – Applying the Evidence Karen Hood-Cree to Improve their Conservation David Martin and Clare Pinches 53 – Developing Ecological Clerk of Works Accreditation

19 – Managing Roadside Grasslands Along the 55 – Criminal Prosecution – Are You Covered? Trunk Roads of Southwest England Leonardo Gubert 56 – Chartered Membership

25 – Grazer Selectivity: Benefits for Livestock, 57 – British Ecological Society Habitats and People Richard English Bill Grayson 58 – Building Bridges between Farming and Nature: 31 – Viewpoint: Northumbrian Water’s Partnership Grazing is Amazing – Welsh Section Conference 2017 with Flexigraze – Helping to Get Hooves onto the Ground for the Benefit of Wildlife Diana Clark Mark Morris 60 CIEEM’s Member Networks 34 – Viewpoint: Sheepwrecked, Sheepracked or Sheepwrought? – Thoughts on and the 62 New Members Future of the British Uplands Hugh Watson 63 Recent Publications and Journals

37 – The Bat Roost Trigger Index – A New Systematic 68 Diary Approach to Facilitate Preliminary Bat Roost Assessments Nick Underhill-Day 69 External Advertisements Issue 96 | June 2017 3 Chartered Institute News and Activities

CIEEM Summer Conference Consultation Responses in 2017 2017 – Now Open for Bookings! CIEEM Spring Conference 2017 – Presentations CIEEM has responded to the following Integrated Management of the Available consultations and inquiries in 2017: Marine Environment • Environmental Impact Assessment The CIEEM Spring Conference 2017 – – Joint Technical Consultation 4 July 2017, Southampton Mainstreaming into Future (planning changes to regulations on This one-day conference will examine Cities – explored the wider benefits forestry, agriculture, water resources, the external impacts on the marine of including biodiversity in designing land drainage and marine works) environment and how an integrated and planning our sustainable cities of (Defra, Welsh Government, Scottish management approach can deliver the future. Presentations and videos Government, DAERA) multiple benefits. Contributors will explore of the talks are available on the CIEEM effective approaches to ecological impact website at www.cieem.net/2017- • Environmental Impact Assessment: assessment in the marine environment and spring-conference Technical consultation (regulations discuss the required elements of a post- on planning and major infrastructure) Brexit integrated marine management (Department for Communities and policy and legislative landscape. Local Government) CIEEM Autumn Conference • Review of Draft 3rd National http://cieem.activclient.com/CIEEM/Events/ 2017 – Call for Papers Biodiversity Action Plan (National Event-Listing.aspx Mitigation, Monitoring and Parks and Wildlife Service) Effectiveness • Closing the STEM Skills Gap (Science 21-22 November 2017, Manchester and Technology Select Committee) The call for papers for the 2017 Autumn To read the full responses please visit: Conference is now open. www.cieem.net/past-consultation-responses The conference objectives are to: • showcase innovative approaches to Bat Mitigation monitoring and data capture/use; Research Project • present recent research and emerging best This research project is well underway practice regarding the effectiveness of but more data is required. The and species mitigation, including research team are calling for more in response to ; and mitigation monitoring reports and/ • explore the role of the profession in or licence returns, even where the contributing to the evidence base for the post-construction monitoring has been effectiveness of mitigation techniques. incomplete. The researchers are looking for the good and the bad from across For more information, or to submit a paper, the UK and Ireland. Site locations can please contact [email protected]. be anonymised if preferred, provided the broad geographical area (e.g. NW CIEEM and Brexit England) is specified. The final report will NOT detail individual case studies; At the time of writing we are in the and nor will reports be shared with the process of finalising CIEEM’s Brexit Statutory Authorities or CIEEM. position papers: one overarching and Guidance on Delivering Net Gain five topic-specific. We are very grateful To take part in this research please zip Following the publication of the Principles to the Brexit Task Groups, who have together files relating to a particular on Achieving Net Gain for Biodiversity in put in a huge effort to get us this far. case (e.g. original licence application and methods statement, post December last year, CIEEM has continued We are now working with partners to work with CIRIA and IEMA on drafting and a consultant to help us get these construction monitoring report) and practical guidance on this important topic. position papers to the right people so upload at http://www.surveygizmo. An author team has been appointed and as to have the most influence for the com/s3/3356395/Bat-roost-mitigation- are busy scoping and researching the benefit of the natural environment and for-buildings-upload-reports or email us guidance. A series of online and focus the sector. [email protected] group consultations will take place over We have also responded to the Great Time is running out so if you can the coming months in order to try and Repeal Bill White Paper. help us with this important research address some key areas where further Keep up to date with CIEEM’s do please take the opportunity clarity or decision-making is needed and Brexit activities: www.cieem.net/ now. Please address any queries to it is hoped that the guidance will be eu-referendum [email protected] published early in 2018. 4 Issue 96 | June 2017 PSC Update CIEEM’s Professional Standards Committee (PSC) met in March and welcomed two new members (Neil Harwood and Stuart Otway), as well as thanking outgoing committee member Jim Wilson for his six years of service. One of the items discussed, and which is being progressed over the coming months, is the development of a list of good practice guidelines for the CIEEM website. It is intended that this will signpost members to the most appropriate guidance documents on survey, mitigation and management for CIEEM Awards 2017 Finalists and Tickets a range of habitats and species. We are excited to announce the finalists of our annual Awards ceremony. The judging PSC also discussed a draft webpage for the panel agreed that this was a year where they enjoyed particularly impressive projects and CIEEM website, which aims to define the achievements of professionals in the sector. See the list of finalists online using the different types of reports that are produced link below. in relation to planning applications for developments. The webpage is aimed The Awards Lunch 2017 will be held at Drapers’ Hall, London, on Wednesday 21st June at developers, local authorities, nature 2017. Tickets for the Awards Lunch, which will be held for the first time in London, are conservation consultees and ecological available at http://www.cieem.net/cieem-awards-2017 consultants, and tries to standardise the various terms used, explaining when a CIEEM and the UK General Election particular type of report is appropriate. It is In the week that the general election was hoped that both additions to the website called, CIEEM wrote to the main political will be available later this year. parties (Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Erika Newton from the British Ecological Democrats, Greens, Scottish National Society gave a presentation on the Party, Plaid Cymru, UKIP, Sinn Fein, Social development of a searchable tool for Democratic & Labour Party, and Ulster ecologists to use, for example when Unionist Party) to call on them to include looking for evidence of the success of in their election manifestos a commitment mitigation techniques. The tool will include to maintaining, or better yet enhancing, journal summaries, grey literature and other the protection of the natural environment following the UK leaving the EU, and to sources, such as In Practice articles. It is ensuring that environmental legislation and policy is always informed by the best hoped that the tool will be available in a scientific evidence available. Read the full request at www.cieem.net/news/407/ beta format by late 2017 or early 2018. cieem-calls-for-environmental-commitments-in-election-manifestos. Amongst other things, PSC has also discussed: By the time you read this we will not only know whether these commitments were • The proposed amendments to the included in the party manifestos, but also indeed the result of the vote. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, particularly the issue of demonstrating competence of those Volunteers Survey preparing and those reviewing EIAs. We would like to thank all the members who completed the recent survey regarding • A draft guidance document on volunteering with CIEEM. We are now analysing the results and will report back in the assessing air quality effects on nature September 2017 edition of In Practice. conservation sites. In Practice themes 2017 • Progress on the development of a new habitat classification system, which will Edition Theme Submission deadline align habitat classifications with habitat September 2017 One Year on from the EU Referendum n/a types of relevance to Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA). Nature Conservation Approaches with December 2017 28 August 2017 • Progress on the development of an Reduced Resources accreditation scheme for Ecological If you would like to contribute to In Practice please contact the Editor at [email protected]. Clerk of Works – the first phase of Contributions are welcomed from both members and non-members. which has now received funding. Issue 96 | June 2017 5 News in Brief

Welsh Assembly publishes report UK Government responds to on Brexit impact on agriculture Scottish Marine Protected House of Lords Committee Areas Socioeconomic report on Brexit: Environment The report by the Climate Change, Monitoring and Climate Change Environment and Rural Affairs Committee looks at the potential impact that leaving This report provides an assessment Dr Thérèse Coffey MP, Defra Under the EU will have on the sector. of emerging evidence on the socio- Secretary of State, has responded economic impacts of Scotland’s Marine http://www.assembly.wales/en/newhome/ to the House of Lords EU Energy Protected Areas (MPAs). The report’s Pages/newsitem.aspx?itemid=1700 and Environment Sub-Committee objectives are to develop a methodology report on Brexit: Environment and for monitoring the socioeconomic Climate Change. Wales Marine Planning Portal impacts of MPA management measures http://www.parliament.uk/documents/ The marine planning portal for Wales and to gather and analyse evidence on lords-committees/eu-energy- allows anyone to view maps online the ex post socioeconomic impacts of environment-subcommittee/Brexit- showing the distribution of human MPA management measures. The report environment-climate-change/Gov- activities and natural resources in presents evidence from key informant response-Brexit-env-climate.pdf Welsh seas. The portal is an interactive interviews, analysis of fishing activity planning tool that is intended to data and three case studies. Great Repeal Bill plan published support marine planning. http://www.gov.scot/ http://lle.gov.wales/apps/marineportal/ Resource/0051/00514589.pdf The UK Government has published #lat=52.5145&lon=-3.9111&z=8 Legislating for the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union. This Peatland ACTION Project 2017- is the Government’s Great Repeal Bill White Land Stewardship Policy 18 open for applications Paper, which sets out the Government’s in Scotland Since 2013, Peatland ACTION has started proposals for ensuring a functioning The Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) has the restoration process on more than 10,000 statute book once the UK has left the EU. published a draft Land Stewardship Policy. hectares of degraded peatlands. Peatland http://www.cieem.net/news/402/great- The draft Policy provides a set of solutions ACTION is entering a new phase, with £8 repeal-bill-plan-published for safeguarding and enhancing the million to spend on continuing Scotland- natural capital value of land in Scotland wide peatland restoration in 2017-18. Applications will be accepted until the end NBN Atlas now live! in order to address the challenges facing society, the environment and the rural of October 2017 (subject to available funds). The NBN Atlas and NBN Atlas Wales economy: better protecting and preserving http://www.snh.gov.uk/climate-change/ went live on 1st April. The NBN our soils; reducing greenhouse gas taking-action/carbon-management/ Gateway was turned off at the same emissions and adapting to a changing peatland-action/information-for-applicants/ time. This is phase 1 of the project, climate; and restoring wildlife habitats and which means that the NBN Atlas reversing . The final version Agreement between EIB currently has the same functionality is due for publication imminently. that the NBN Gateway had. As NBN and Natural Capital https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/ moves forward they will be asking Financing Facility wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Land- for input into how the NBN Atlas is The European Investment Bank and Stewardship-Policy-Consultation-Paper.pdf developed further to suit the entire the European Commission have Network as well as potential new users. agreed on a loan arrangement with https://nbn.org.uk/news/nbn-atlas- Scotland’s Natural Capital Rewilding Europe Capital in order now-live/ Asset Index published to support businesses with nature- Scotland’s plants, animals, air, water focused initiatives. The Natural Capital and soils are showing signs of recovery, Financing Facility will primarily focus Natural England launches new on projects regarding biodiversity Wildlife Licensing Newsletter according to new information. The Natural Capital Asset Index, published and climate adaptations, and support The new Natural England Wildlife Licensing by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), them financially. Newsletter replaces the previous European states that after decades of decline until http://www.eib.org/infocentre/press/ Protected Species Newsletter. the 1990s, these ‘natural capital stocks’ releases/all/2017/2017-102-bank-on- https://www.gov.uk/government/ have stabilised or improved slightly. nature-first-loan-agreement-backed- publications/wildlife-licences-european- https://www.snhpresscentre.com/ by-natural-capital-financing-facility- protected-species-newsletters news/scotlands-natural-capital-asset- signed-in-brussels.htm Subscribe to the mailing list by contacting: index-published-2 [email protected]

6 Issue 96 | June 2017 Scottish deer management Nature-Based Solutions report published EC acts to improve report published nature protection The Scottish Government’s Environment, The report Nature-based solutions to Climate Change and Land Reform The European Commission has agreed promote climate resilience in urban Committee has published a report on deer a new action plan to improve the areas – developing an impact evaluation management in Scotland. protection of nature and biodiversity framework is the outcome of a request in the EU. The Commission is https://sp-bpr-en-prod-cdnep.azureedge. from the European Commission DG also asking the UK to implement net/published/ECCLR/2017/4/3/Report-on- Research and Innovation to develop an EU environmental laws on the Deer-Management-in-Scotland--Report-to- assessment framework to evaluate the conservation of blanket bogs. the-Scottish-Government-from-Scottish- multiple benefits, disservices, trade-offs and Natural-Heritage-2016/5th%20Report.pdf http://www.cieem.net/news/410/ec- synergies of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). acts-to-improve-nature-protection http://www.eklipse-mechanism.eu/apps/ National Ecosystem and Eklipse_data/website/EKLIPSE_Report1- Ecosystem Services mapping eDNA in rivers can assess NBS_FINAL_Complete-08022017_ pilot for Ireland released broad-scale biodiversity LowRes_4Web.pdf The project report for the National Traces of animals’ DNA in the environment, Ecosystem and Ecosystem Services known as environmental DNA (eDNA), MEPs vote in favour of a mapping pilot for Ireland was released can be monitored to paint a picture of phase-out of incentives for on 8 May and has been published as biodiversity, new research shows. This study vegetable oil biofuel by 2020 Irish Wildlife Manual No. 95 (2016). It used eDNA to assess biodiversity in an entire European politicians have voted in includes supporting documents and an river catchment in Switzerland. Importantly, favour of a resolution calling for a interactive mapping application. the eDNA technique allowed the researchers halt to incentives for biofuels used in to detect both aquatic and land-based https://www.npws.ie/research- the transport sector that are linked to species in river water, making it possible to projects/ecosystems-services-mapping- and peatland destruction. assess biodiversity over a broad scale. and-assessment Groups across the political spectrum http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ in the European Parliament (EP) gave integration/research/newsalert/pdf/ their support to a motion calling on DAERA publishes good environmental_dna_in_rivers_can_assess_ the European Commission to phase practice guides broad_scale_biodiversity_485na4_en.pdf out crop-based biofuels in the new DAERA has produced a number of good Renewable Energy Directive (RED). practice guides by topic, for councils and Europe should remain http://greennews.ie/ applicants to consider when preparing and focused in the face of Brexit mepsvotebiofuelincentivephaseout/ assessing development proposals which have environmental impacts: Europe should remain focused in the face of Brexit and not lose its value for Study reveals growth of • Wind farms and groundwater impacts the environment, former Commissioners citizen science fuelled by • Cemeteries, Burials and the Water and leading experts warn. A group new technology Environment of former Commissioners, Ministers, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) and • Planning in the Coastal Area scientists, civil society and policy-makers the Natural History Museum, London, have from around Europe have called on revealed the diversity of ecological and Solar farm legislation EU leaders to put the environment at environmental citizen science for the first urgently needed in Ireland the centre of a new vision for Europe’s time and shown that the changing face of future. A group of 15 high-level citizen science around the world is being Solar farm legislation is “urgently signatories including Former European fuelled by advances in new technology. needed” as councils struggle to Commissioners Janez Potocnik and http://journals.plos.org/plosone/ deal with an explosion in planning Connie Hedegaard are part of a call article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0172579 applications, says Cork Senator. Fine for strengthening EU environmental Gael’s Tim Lombard called for national action – and not repatriating it to the guidelines to assist Local Authorities in national level. dealing with planning applications for http://www.eeb.org/index.cfm/ solar farms. news-events/news/europe-should- http://greennews.ie/ remain-focused-in-the-face-of- solarfarmlegislationurgentlyneeded/ brexit-and-not-lose-its-value-for-the- environment-former-commissioners- and-leading-experts-warn/

Issue 96 | June 2017 7

Feature Article: Identifying Grassland Habitats of Conservation Interest in Ireland

Identifying Grassland Habitats of Conservation Interest in Ireland

Fionnuala O’Neill MCIEEM Keywords: Annex I, assessment, BEC Consultants Ltd., Dublin, Ireland conservation, grassland, species-rich

Calcareous grassland in the Burren, Co. Clare (May 2011). Anthills are visible in the foreground. Photo credit F. O’Neill.

Grasslands of conservation Irish semi-natural grasslands. In the early policy makers now need to work together interest are not always days of our membership of what was then to identify the grasslands most in need of called the EEC, farmers were given financial conservation, and the best methods by immediately recognisable incentives to intensify production, which which to achieve this. as such, and this can make encouraged reseeding, fertiliser application In Ireland we currently report to the EU them difficult to protect. This and conversion of widespread, low-yield on six Annex I grassland habitats. Two of (though often species-rich) farmland to these, 6130 Calaminarian grassland and article outlines some of the high-yield, species-poor pastures or silage 6430 Hydrophilous tall-herb swamp, are characteristics of ecologically fields. However, in later years the EU’s highly fragmented and together cover 2 valuable grasslands. Increased Habitats Directive identified a number less than 1 km nationally. The other four of threatened grassland habitats that are more widespread and are listed below recognition and awareness will Member States were obliged to protect, (asterisks indicate priority Annex I habitats): help to foster an appreciation monitor and report on. Comparisons • 6210 Calcareous grassland (*important of species-rich grasslands and between grassland surveys carried out orchid sites) pre-EEC between 1962 and 1972 (Bourke • *6230 Species-rich Nardus grassland contribute to their protection. et al. 2007) and others conducted post- • 6410 Molinia meadows accession between 2007 and 2012 (O’Neill Introduction et al. 2013) show a general transition • 6510 Lowland hay meadows Ireland’s membership of the EU has been from semi-natural grassland to improved The Irish Semi-natural Grasslands Survey something of a double-edged sword for agricultural grassland. Irish ecologists and (ISGS), carried out between 2017 and 8 Issue 96 | June 2017 2012, was tasked with identifying areas pratense (absent), Helianthemum where these habitats occurred, defining nummularium (one site in the northwest), the habitats for Ireland and producing Trollius europaeus (a few sites in the descriptions to help ecologists to recognise northwest) and Alchemilla alpina (two them. Doubtless the lack of proper recent records in the southwest). descriptions of these habitats as they occur in Ireland contributed to their loss at Attributes of Annex I some sites before they were even mapped. grasslands in Ireland Survey areas were a combination of known 6210 Calcareous grassland is found on sites (some already in Special Areas of 6KDQQRQ&DOORZV shallow, well-drained calcareous substrates

Conservation designated for grassland) and 7KH%XUUHQ (suitable for the formation of ant-hills, which previously unknown sites identified from are frequently found in the habitat) and is aerial photographs or on the ground while often associated with eskers and limestone surveys were underway. Habitat definitions pavement. It is generally maintained by and full descriptions, together with extensive grazing, usually by . The characteristic species, can be found in the /HJHQG best examples in Ireland are found in the 5HSRI,UHODQG final project report by O’Neill et al. (2013).    Burren (see Box 1 and Figure 1) and Aran 1,UHODQG This article outlines some of the most .LORPHWHUV Islands of Clare/Galway and the Dartry important characteristics of an ecologically Figure 1. Location of the Burren and healthy, species-rich grassland, and Shannon Callows. describes the four main Annex I grassland habitats listed above. These characteristics Box 1: The Burren and definitions are intended to be applicable in an Irish context only. They were initially developed from a number of sources, including the Interpretation Manual of EU Habitats (CEC 2007) and JNCC Common Standards Monitoring guidance documents (e.g. JNCC 2004). As the ISGS progressed over successive years (2007-2012) to cover the Republic of Ireland (ROI) as a whole, the criteria were refined further from the data collected. While the study was carried out in the ROI, we would expect that its findings could be extrapolated to include similar habitats in Northern Ireland as well. Ireland’s depauperate flora One of the challenges for Irish ecologists seeking to use indicator species to help Calcareous grassland in the Burren, Co. Clare (June 2011). Photo credit C. MacMahon. define Annex I habitat is our depauperate flora, compared with the UK and the rest The Burren (from the Gaelic boireann, meaning “rocky place”) is a region of exposed of Europe. One estimate put the numbers limestone rock that occurs across northwest Co. Clare and southeast Co. Galway in of native seed-plant species on the island the west of Ireland, covering an area of approximately 250 km2. It is famous for its of Ireland at 815, compared to 1,172 in unusual flora, which features Mediterranean and alpine species growing together at Britain (Webb 1983). The classification sea level, acid-loving and lime-loving plants occurring side by side, and nationally rare of Irish grasslands proposed by the species growing in profusion. The region has a high incidence of 6210 Calcareous ISGS and developed further by the Irish grassland. The landscape has been shaped by glacial and deposition, and Vegetation Classification (http://www. further maintained by traditional farming practices that were developed over millennia biodiversityireland.ie/ivc) highlights the to manage the challenging landscape effectively. One such practice is “winterage”, scarcity of specialist indicator species that where cattle are moved to the Burren “uplands” (200-350 m asl) to graze in winter. help to differentiate communities from each The timing of grazing means that the winter-grazed uplands can flower and set seed other. Potential indicator species relatively without from cattle. In spring, grazers are moved to the lowlands after common in Britain but absent or very rare floodwaters have receded and the lush growth that results from the winter inundation in Ireland include Valeriana dioica (absent), provides ideal grazing for cattle. (http://www.burrennationalpark.ie/wildlife/farming). Cirsium acaule (absent), Helictotrichon Issue 96 | June 2017 9

Feature Article: Identifying Grassland Habitats of Conservation Interest in Ireland (contd)

although late cutting (usually for hay) is Box 2: The Shannon Callows preferable as it allows seed-set, which earlier-cut silage may not. In Ireland, mown fields are often after-grazed by cattle, a practice which can blur the lines between pasture and meadow plant communities. Great burnet Sanguisorba officinalis is a high-quality indicator species for 6510 Lowland hay meadows but its extreme rarity in the ROI (only two sites) means that it is not suitable for widespread use. Fortunately, the more widespread yellow-rattle Rhinanthus minor is another excellent indicator for this habitat as it quickly disappears from the sward with any attempts at intensification, such as slurry application (Figure 2). 6410 Molinia meadows in Ireland occur as both fen and grassland communities on nutrient-poor soils. The habitat is managed either as traditional hay meadow or more Molinia meadows on the Shannon Callows, Co. Roscommon (June 2016). Photo credit F. O’Neill. usually by extensive pasture. In Ireland the habitat generally has a The River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland and Britain, running 380 km central to north-western distribution that southwards through the centre of Ireland. It is largely unregulated and has retained follows the distribution of meadow thistle its natural character. Its floodplain, known as the Shannon Callows (from the Gaelic Cirsium dissectum, one of the key indicator caladh, meaning “river-meadow”), occurs along a 50-km stretch (0.75–1.5 km species for the habitat: it was associated wide) between two large lakes, Lough Ree and Lough Derg (Maher et al. 2014) with 53% of 6410 Molinia meadow plots and largely consists of lowland grassland, much of it managed for hay. The Callows in the national survey. Purple moor-grass hay meadows have been managed in much the same way for hundreds of years, Molinia caerulea is usually present within with farmers typically removing one hay crop from the meadows in late summer this habitat at low to medium abundance, (Heery 1993).The region is of national importance for Ireland’s two Annex I meadow but can indicate a lack of habitats, accounting for 41% of the national resource of 6510 Lowland hay management. The habitat is threatened meadows and 18% of our 6410 Molinia meadows. Much of the area is designated by abandonment of pastoral systems and as a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive, and as a Special mowing, leading to succession to scrub. Protection Area for birds under the EU Birds Directive (www.npws.ie). Management of 6410 Molinia meadows may be by grazing or mowing. Cutting may not be possible every year, for Mountains of Sligo/Leitrim. The habitat is 6510 Lowland hay meadows are closely example if summer/autumn flooding species-rich, and calcicolous (lime-loving) associated with the fertile plains of the occurs. However, it has been found that species such as quaking-grass Briza media larger river systems, such as the Shannon hydrological heterogeneity (different and lady’s bedstraw Galium verum are Callows (see Box 2 and Figure 1), although flooding duration) and a diversity of typically frequent. The habitat is threatened they are also found elsewhere in the mowing regimes (e.g. cutting at different by agricultural intensification and the country. Typical species are grasses and times) are important factors in maintaining abandonment of pastoral systems. broadleaved herbs that are tolerant of biodiversity among a range of taxonomic We found that 6210 Calcareous grassland annual mowing. The habitat has suffered groups in these complex floodplain forms a remarkably consistent community losses from agricultural improvement and meadows (Maher et al. 2014). in Ireland: 144 of 149 relevés (97%) placed abandonment. Areas where mowing has *6230 Species-rich Nardus grassland in the Briza media – Thymus polytrichus been abandoned become rank and species- occurs in the uplands of the country on vegetation community defined by the ISGS poor, eventually succeeding to scrub. acid substrates, usually near the upper and Irish Vegetation Classification were Grasslands that conform to 6510 Lowland limit of enclosed farmland. Extensive deemed to be 6210, and hay meadows are always, in our experience grazing, usually by sheep, is needed to in 4 m2 plots was usually above 40 species. from the survey, mown – either for hay or maintain the habitat. Mineral flushing The presence of limestone rock in the plots silage. From an ecological point of view, creates a habitat that supports a more can often contribute greatly to the species the act of mowing is more important than species-rich community, similar to 6210 count due to calcicolous bryophytes. the eventual use made of the off-cut crop, Calcareous grassland but on an acidic 10 Issue 96 | June 2017 Figure 2. a) 6510 Lowland hay meadow in June 2009 before application of slurry; b) the a) same field in June 2016 after several slurry applications. Species diversity is reduced, tussocky species have increased and yellow rattle has disappeared from the sward. Photo credit: a) F. Devaney; b) J. Martin. substrate. A minimum of 25 plant species per 4 m2 indicates a species- rich community in this habitat. These grasslands are threatened by losses from forestry planting and agricultural improvement (fertilisation and reseeding) and also abandonment of grazing leading to succession to heath and scrub. This habitat can be difficult to identify in Ireland’s uplands: it is often tightly grazed by sheep, making identification and counting of species difficult, and soil quality is frequently poor, contributing to lower broadleaf cover. Most recent surveys of *6230 Species-rich Nardus grassland in Ireland have been carried out as part of the b) National Survey of Upland Habitats (see Perrin et al. 2014) rather than by the ISGS, which focused more on lowland grasslands. Further work is needed to characterise and map this habitat in Ireland as part of the uplands survey for the entire country. Characteristics of ecologically healthy grassland One of the characteristics to look for in ecologically good quality grassland is high cover of broadleaf herbs. These add structure to the sward, providing additional niches for invertebrates and a food source for pollinators. They also often indicate lower fertiliser inputs. The broadleaf-to-graminoid (grasses, rushes and sedges) ratio is one criterion used to assess species-rich or Annex I grassland, with a ratio of around 40% or higher assessed as good. A lower proportion (20- 35%) can be acceptable in certain habitats and conditions, such as on poor soil or at short swards are preferable to tall, rank including agricultural weeds such as higher altitudes. When carrying out full swards, as taller swards are more closed, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, ragwort habitat assessments, the proportion is tending to be dominated by fewer and Senecio jacobaea, white clover Trifolium determined by recording relevés. For more more competitive, tussocky species. Shorter repens and perennial rye-grass Lolium informal, indicative purposes, it can be swards can be maintained by appropriate perenne. The presence and proportion estimated by eye across the habitat. grazing or mowing or, in some coastal of these species can shift the balance Sward height is another useful situations, naturally by exposure. among species in the sward, with less characteristic to judge habitat condition. Agricultural intensification of grassland competitive species being overwhelmed. It can, of course, vary depending on time through slurry application, reseeding Tussocky grass species such as cock’s-foot of year, soil characteristics, site exposure or is often indicated by the Dactylis glomerata and false oat-grass and management regime, but in general, presence of negative indicator species, Arrhenatherum elatius are also regarded Issue 96 | June 2017 11

Feature Article: Identifying Grassland Habitats of Conservation Interest in Ireland (contd)

as negative species in the sward, although It is clear that intensification is immediately their presence is more likely to be due to damaging, as semi-natural habitats can References under-management and abandonment of be transformed to improved agricultural Bourke, D., Hochstrasser, T., Nolan, S. and grasslands rather than intensification. grassland in a matter of days or weeks. Schulte, R. (2007). Historical Grassland Turboveg More insidious, but ultimately as Database Project: 2067 relevés recorded by Management damaging, are the impacts of undergrazing Austin O’Sullivan 1962-1982. Database reference The Irish Semi-natural Grasslands Survey nos: 25604-28543. Unpublished report for and abandonment, as these lead to National Parks and Wildlife Service, Dublin. data indicate that grazing, mainly by cattle, reduced sward diversity, proliferation of CEC (Commission of the European Communities) is the principal form of management competitive tussocky species, scrub and occurring on Irish Annex I grasslands, (2007). Interpretation manual of European bracken encroachment, and eventual Union habitats. EUR 27. European Commission, especially in 6210 Calcareous grassland. succession to non-grassland habitats. DG Environment. Non-intensive mowing is the most important form of management of Concluding remarks Heery, S. (1993). The Shannon Floodlands: a natural history of the Shannon Callows. meadows, especially in 6510 Lowland To protect our most valuable grassland Tír Eolas, Kinvara. hay meadows. The ISGS found that the habitats it is imperative that we can top five negative impacts on Annex I JNCC (2004). UK guidance on conservation both identify them and determine what objectives for monitoring designated sites. grassland habitats were all related to condition they are in. Early-warning Joint Nature Conservation Committee Report, lack of management or agricultural systems such as loss of indicator species, Peterborough. abandonment, with succession to non- reduced sward diversity and increasing Maher, C., Gormally, M., Williams, C. and Sheehy grassland habitats occurring at 56% of sward height may signal a deterioration Skeffington, M. (2014). Atlantic floodplain sites, bracken encroachment occurring in ecological health that can be addressed meadows: influence of hydrological gradients at 26%, and abandonment (of either and management on sciomyzid (Diptera) before the situation becomes difficult grazing or mowing) recorded at 12% assemblages. Journal of Insect Conservation, to reverse. Grasslands are dynamic of the sites. Intensification was also a 18: 267–282. doi: 10.1007/s10841-014-9630-z. ecosystems which respond quickly, both problem. Preliminary results from the O’Neill, F.H., Martin, J.R. and Devaney, F.M. to poor and to good management. current (third) round of Annex I grassland (2013). The Irish Semi-natural Grasslands Survey Without timely intervention we may monitoring (2013-2018) indicate that 2007-2012. Irish Wildlife Manual No. 78. continue to lose a proportion of our Annex National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department this trend is continuing: 20% of the I grassland habitats every year. Knowing of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin. surveyed area has been lost since the the criteria, targets and thresholds that Available at https://www.npws.ie/publications/ previous monitoring period (2007-2012), irish-wildlife-manuals. Accessed 20 April 2017. enable rapid assessment of a grassland’s over half of this due to abandonment ecological condition is a useful tool in the Perrin, P.M., Barron, S.J., Roche, J.R. and or agricultural intensification; the total O’Hanrahan, B. (2014). Guidelines for a national management of these important and often decrease represents a loss of approximately survey and conservation assessment of upland 2% of Annex I grassland habitat per year undervalued habitats. vegetation and habitats in Ireland. Version 2.0. (J. Martin, pers. comm.). Equally important, and ideally occurring Irish Wildlife Manual No. 79. National Parks and in tandem with habitat monitoring, is Wildlife Service, Department of Environment, Work continues on the best ways to Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland. manage these important habitats. Projects dialogue between land managers and Available at https://www.npws.ie/publications/ such as BurrenLIFE and the Burren ecologists. Engaging with farmers is vital irish-wildlife-manuals. Accessed 20 April 2017. for the conservation of grasslands, as it is Programme (http://burrenprogramme. Webb, D.A. (1983). The flora of Ireland in its com), AranLIFE (www.aranlife.ie) and they who not only manage the land but European context. Journal of Life Sciences, RBAPS (Results-Based Agri-environment earn a living from it. The gold standard for Royal Dublin Society, 1983: 143-160. Payment Schemes; www.rbaps.eu) work grassland management is a regime that directly with farmers to find an acceptable promotes the conservation of vulnerable management solution that benefits grassland habitats while maintaining both the grasslands and the farmers. sustainable livelihoods for the farmers who Positive grassland management includes manage them. Examples of such regimes About the Author appropriate grazing and mowing regimes already exist, such as in the projects Fionnuala O’Neill is that keep swards open and discourage mentioned above, and these serve as Principal Ecologist encroachment by non-grassland species. excellent models for further work. at BEC Consultants, Dublin, and was lead ecologist on the Irish Semi-natural Acknowledgements Grasslands Survey 2007-2012. Funding for the ISGS was provided by the National Parks & Wildlife Service of the Department of Arts, Heritage and Contact Fionnuala at: the Gaeltacht. [email protected]

12 Issue 96 | June 2017 Feature Article: Upland Hay Meadows – Applying the Evidence to Improve their Conservation

Upland Hay Meadows – Applying the Evidence to Improve their Conservation

David Martin MCIEEM and Clare Pinches Keywords: agri-environment, monitoring, Natural England nutrient management, Pennine Dales, spring grazing

Upland hay meadows are a rare habitat restricted to upland valleys in northern England. They have been a focus of successive agri-environment schemes due to their conservation value. Despite this, the most botanically rich meadows have declined in quality. Maintaining appropriate nutrient and grazing management has been found to be critical to maintaining botanical quality and has informed current land management schemes. Increased flexibility of management, within well-evidenced parameters, is likely to result in more successful conservation and greater habitat resilience, as is a greater focus on landscape-scale effort, recognising the importance of other non-meadow refugia for key species.

Introduction Species-rich upland hay meadows are confined to the floors and lower slopes of valley heads from Bowland to the Cheviots, with the main strongholds in the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines. They are found mainly on brown earth soils between 200 m and 400 m in altitude, where hay is routinely made in a sub-montane climate Figure 1. A species-rich upland hay meadow with field barn, Wensleydale, North Yorkshire. (Pinches et al. 2013) (Figure 1). Photo credit D. Martin. Issue 96 | June 2017 13 Feature Article: Upland Hay Meadows – Applying the Evidence to Improve their Conservation (contd)

production and associated higher nutrient inputs. Farmers received payments for following management prescriptions that included delaying cutting until after a specified date, closing the meadow for a minimum period, and adhering to fertiliser limits (Tier 1). A higher management tier (Tier 2), which placed further limits on fertiliser application, and set later cutting dates and a longer minimum closure period, was added in 1992. This was similar to Wildlife Enhancement Schemes (WES) in operation on some SSSI meadows. The Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) Scheme was launched in 2005, with more flexible prescriptions that could be tailored to a site, and with a separate restoration option for grasslands. Prescriptions were underpinned by guidance that set out the management parameters likely to achieve the desired outcomes. In this way HLS attempted to address concerns that had been expressed about the ESA’s standardised and inflexible Figure 2. Wood cranesbill Geranium sylvaticum, a defining species of upland hay meadows. management prescriptions. The latest Photo credit D. Martin. scheme, Countryside Stewardship (CS), introduced in 2015, adopts a similar Whilst the defining National Vegetation EC Habitats Directive 6520 (Mountain Hay approach in allowing tailored meadow Classification (NVC) community is MG3 Meadows - British types with Geranium management based on a site-specific Anothoxanthum odoratum–Geranium sylvaticum) (Figure 2). Approximately half assessment (Figure 3). sylvaticum (Rodwell 1992), this frequently of the UK resource is designated as Sites co-occurs with wetter vegetation including of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with a How effective have our MG8 Cynosurus cristatus-Caltha palustris significant proportion also Special Areas of conservation efforts been? grassland and M23 Juncus effusus/ Conservation (SAC). Natural England and its predecessor acutiflorus-Galium palustre rush-pasture. bodies have established and maintained Traditional management These meadows support a high diversity an agri-environment scheme monitoring of plants, including seven species listed Historically these meadows were integral programme to determine progress against in the Vascular Plant Red List for England to upland hill farming systems providing stated objectives, and assess value for as endangered or vulnerable (Stroh et al. winter forage for sheep and cattle, and money. As part of this, fixed quadrats 2014). They also provide important nesting nutritious grazing at other times, especially were established at 500 meadows within and foraging habitat for various waders and during spring lambing. The characteristic the Pennine Dales ESA, either in 1987 passerines within the upland landscape. annual management cycle involves or in 1992 when the ESA was extended. winter and often spring grazing; closure Sub–samples of these quadrats were Anthoxanthum-Geranium grassland is in early May when stock are moved to re-surveyed in 2002 (Critchley et al. most typically found in isolated fields or the open hill; a single, summer hay cut 2007) and 2012, after seven years of HLS small groups of fields, but also occurs on from July when periods of fine weather (Hamilton 2014) enabling comparison road verges, riverbanks, and in woodland permit; and aftermath grazing in the late with the baseline. Botanical survey has glades. Indeed, the few Scottish examples summer and autumn. Most meadows have been allied to soil sampling and farm of this grassland type occur in largely traditionally been given a light dressing of management surveys. unmanaged riparian situations. Most farmyard manure (FYM) in the spring, with Analysis of these data revealed that the stands are less than 2 ha and the extant UK occasional liming. more species-rich meadows, with greatest resource may be 600 ha or less. affinity to MG3, had undergone a decline The conservation value of these meadows Meadow management in in herb richness (Critchley et al. 2007). is reflected by their inclusion as a habitat agri-environment schemes Semi-improved meadows within the of principal importance (for conservation) The Pennine Dales Environmentally samples showed little change, suggesting under section 41 of the Natural Sensitive Area (ESA) was established in that their botanical quality had been Environment and Rural Communities Act 1987, principally in response to the threat maintained. Unsurprisingly fields in the 2006, and as an Annex I habitat under the posed to meadow biodiversity from silage Tier 2 ESA management generally fared 14 Issue 96 | June 2017 better than fields in Tier 1. The more Time’ project and compared the results and lime applications sustained the agriculturally improved meadows showed with Nature Conservancy Council (NCC) conservation interest of meadows. a small increase in species-richness, but data from the 1980s. Just 20% of those Low levels of soil fertility are associated were constrained by their relatively high originally deemed highest quality remained with high species diversity in a wide range soil fertility. Application of nitrogen (N) species-rich, with around half of SSSI of semi-natural grasslands, and compared and early cutting were found to exert meadows having declined significantly. to other mesotrophic grasslands in English the strongest management effects, ESAs the MG3 community tends to occur What is causing decline? whilst the strongest soil gradient was on soils with low extractable phosphate extractable phosphate (P), separating A dedicated programme of research and and potassium (K) (Critchley et al. 2002). species associated with unimproved and monitoring has provided important insights The review found strong evidence that improved grassland (Critchley et al. 2007). into how changes in the various elements nutrient input of ≥18 kg N ha-1yr-1 led to Long-term climatic change and the effects of traditional meadow management significant reductions in floristic diversity. affect meadow composition. In 2013, of atmospheric N deposition were also Only one study, a 12-year Defra-funded Natural England undertook a systematic cited as potentially confounding factors experiment, had examined the impact review of available evidence (Pinches et al. (Hamilton 2014). of agriculturally low rates of nutrients 2013) to determine which management Other studies have also reported declines in on upland and lowland meadows. This regimes maintain the floristic diversity previously high quality meadows, including showed that on an MG3 meadow FYM and breeding bird populations of upland a reduction in frequency of wood cranesbill inputs of 12 tonnes ha-1yr-1 (equivalent to hay meadows. This review focussed on Geranium sylvaticum in the Yorkshire Dales inorganic fertiliser rates of 9 kg N, 10 kg P aspects of management where there has (Pacha and Petit 2008). Botanical quality and 69 kg K ha-1yr-1) maintained vegetation been particular concern and a degree of was found to be negatively correlated quality on an MG3 meadow where inputs disagreement between ecologists and with fertiliser inputs, grazing intensity and had been at a similar level historically. farmers, specifically nutrient inputs and degree of isolation, although the most spring grazing regimes. However, enhancement of botanical quality diverse meadows were more likely to be was achievable under lower nutrient rates in an agri-environment scheme. O’Reilly Nutrient inputs of 6 tonnes FYM ha-1yr-1 or less (equivalent (2010) surveyed 500 meadows as part of The systematic review explored what types, to inorganic rates of 4.4 kg N, 5 kg P and the North Pennines AONB Partnership ‘Hay rates, timing and frequency of nutrient 35 kg K ha-1yr-1).

Figure 3. Haymaking in Swaledale, North Yorkshire. Photo credit D. Martin. Issue 96 | June 2017 15 Feature Article: Upland Hay Meadows – Applying the Evidence to Improve their Conservation (contd)

Furthermore, the 12 tonnes ha-1yr-1 treatment was found to be damaging on a )LJXUHD related lowland meadow community with no recent history of inputs (Kirkham et al. 2014). The review concluded that nutrient ϴϬ inputs should be tailored to individual Ă meadows based on soil nutrient status, ϳϱ past fertility management and conservation objectives. Evidence of differential impacts ϳϬ Ăď of alternate forms of nutrient on floristic ď diversity was limited and equivocal, though ϲϱ birds were found to benefit from increased ď availability of invertebrate prey associated

D'ϯďƐŝŵŝůĂƌŝƚLJ ϲϬ with FYM applications.

The review findings suggest that the ϱϱ rates previously allowed under ESA Tier 1 management (up to 12.5 tonnes of FYM ϱϬ -1 -1 ha yr plus up to 25 kg N, 12.5 kg P and ϭƐƚ&ĞďϭƐƚDĂLJ ϭϱƚŚDĂLJ ϮϳƚŚDĂLJ 12.5 kg K ha-1yr-1) were too high and even 'ƌĂnjŝŶŐƌĞŵŽǀĂůĚĂƚĞ Tier 2 inputs (FYM at a maximum rate of 12.5 tonnes ha-1yr-1) will have been too high for some meadows. This concurs with evidence from a targeted study of meadows in Teesdale, which found an )LJXUHE association between declining botanical quality and higher phosphate levels and ϳϮ Ă long-term use of inorganic fertilisers (Starr- ϳϭ Keddle 2014). ϳϬ Under Countryside Stewardship, inputs ϲϵ have been limited to 12 tonnes of FYM ha-1 ϲϴ annually with the option of less frequent ϲϳ ƐŝŵŝůĂƌŝƚLJ application and encouragement to tailor  ϲϲ (reduce) inputs on the basis of assessment ď of trends in botanical quality, yield and on D'ϯď ϲϱ historic nutrient management (Pinches et ϲϰ al. 2013). ϲϯ Grazing ϲϮ Grazing is an integral part of upland hay >Žǁ ,ŝŐŚ meadow management, but intensity and 'ƌĂnjŝŶŐ/ŶƚĞŶƐŝƚLJ duration vary considerably. Historically there has been little control of grazing levels within agri-environment schemes, Figure 4. Effects of a) date of grazing removal and b) grazing intensity, based on sward height (low, ≥5cm; high, 3-5cm) on similarity of unimproved meadow vegetation to MG3b (from beyond setting closing and cutting dates. TABLEFIT similarity co-efficient) using 5-year treatment means from a replicated paddock Despite the perceived benefits of grazing, experiment. Shared letters indicate a lack of significant difference from Analysis of Variance. monitoring has shown that spring grazing, especially where prolonged, is associated press) (Figure 5) which postulated that Earlier closing was, however, shown to with declines in herb richness and increases spring grazing is likely to have a greater result in poorer hay quality when cut at in competitive species (Critchley et al. impact in warm, wet springs, when plant a standardised mid-July date similar to 2007). The review found strong evidence growth and development is more vigorous, that specified in the ESA. O’Reilly (2010) that removing livestock by mid-May, and than in cooler years. This effect may partly has suggested that such inflexibility, observing a spring sward height of at least explain the decline in wood cranesbill together with increased mechanisation 5 cm, maintained floristic diversity and detected by Pacha and Petit (2008); the and silage making, has reduced variation closeness of fit to MG3 vegetation (Figure 4). stored resources of the plant being run in cutting times, with detrimental effects These findings came from a five-year down through grazing in increasingly on the meadow resource. Current agri- Defra-funded experiment (Smith et al. in frequent mild springs. environment schemes maintain a minimum 16 Issue 96 | June 2017 closed period, but allow for greater semi-improved and improved meadows. species-rich vegetation to meadows that flexibility in cutting date, where field-dried Geographic and genetic isolation may have identified restoration potential. hay is made. Setting a threshold level of contribute to floristic impoverishment, As part of the farm system, hay meadows spring accumulated temperature, which for example the observed losses of wood are affected by management changes on farmers could monitor, could provide a cranesbill (Pacha and Petit 2008). A other parts of the holding. Reducing grazing way of fine tuning stock removal, with truly landscape approach to upland hay pressure on the fells in winter and spring phenological development of key species meadow conservation should concentrate to restore moorland habitats and breeding helping to inform cutting times. less on meadows delineated by the bird populations has resulted in increased characteristic stone walls, and more on the A landscape approach grazing pressure on meadows. Greater dynamics of the constituent species. Low integration of management of different The Making Space for Nature report to intensity management of areas that provide aspects of the upland farmed environment government (Lawton et al. 2010), identified links between other refugia of ‘meadow’ is needed, to achieve better conservation the need for “more, bigger, better and species such as road verges, riverbanks and ecosystem service outcomes. more joined-up” areas for wildlife that and woodland margins could maintain and help habitats and species adapt to climate enhance species meta-populations at the The future change. Given their limited geographic landscape scale. Despite the considerable conservation and climatic extent, upland hay meadows Conservation management should aim effort expended on upland hay meadows, are particularly vulnerable to climate to maintain low soil fertility, so limiting we still face a number of challenges. change and its interaction with other competition and facilitating colonisation As Britain prepares to leave the EU and aspects of management. by more stress-tolerant species, and to Common Agricultural Policy, there is much So, what can we do to increase their reduce inputs on more nutrient-rich soils, to be determined in how farmers should resilience? Evidence suggests that species- thereby promoting restoration. There be supported and incentivised, and which rich meadows have become scarcer may be scope to use grazing animals to goods and services should be paid for from and more fragmented in a matrix of proactively move seed from pockets of the public purse. The evidence suggests

Figure 5. Natural England staff and research contractors discuss the spring grazing experiment in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire. Photo credit D. Martin. Issue 96 | June 2017 17 Feature Article: Upland Hay Meadows – Applying the Evidence to Improve their Conservation (contd)

that there is a need for greater flexibility environment schemes, and post EU-exit and more meadow-specific tailoring to measures for the UK. improve the effectiveness of conservation measures within management agreements Conclusions (Pinches et al. 2013). It is impossible to replicate fully the The Payment by Results model, currently farming system that first gave rise to being piloted in Wensleydale, may species-rich meadows given the markedly offer an alternative and more flexible different socio-economic backdrop. approach to scheme delivery (RBAPS, However, research and monitoring has http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ identified the management interventions rbaps/index_en.htm). This EU-funded most likely to maintain these grasslands project is exploring the effectiveness of and their component species. We may linking payments directly to delivery of need to focus less on replicating annual environmental outcomes. Participating management cycles and more on farmers have greater autonomy in decision increasing the resilience of the remaining making, and the ability to self-assess their species-rich grasslands. This is likely to progress against a range of indicators, entail reducing pressures from nutrient including botanical diversity. The pilot loading and grazing intensity in the wider includes provision of training and support landscape, thereby making the entire and has been well received by farmers system more environmentally sustainable. taking part. The findings of this and other The challenge for conservation bodies is in similar European projects will inform the working with farmers to develop, test and development of new European agri- deliver these new approaches.

References About the Authors Critchley, C.N.R., Chambers, B.J., Fowbert, J.A., Pacha, M.J. and Petit, S. (2008). The effect of David Martin is a Bhogal, A., Rose, S.C. and Sanderson, R.A. (2002). landscape structure and habitat quality on the Senior Environmental Plant species richness, functional type and soil occurrence of Geranium sylvaticum in fragmented Specialist with properties of grasslands and allied vegetation in hay meadows. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Natural England. English Environmentally Sensitive Areas. Grass and Environment, 123: 81-87. He has managed Forage Science, 57: 82-92. Pinches, C.E., Gowing, D.J.G., Stevens, C.J., Fagan, various upland hay Critchley, C.N.R., Fowbert, J.A. and Wright, B. K. and Brotherton, P.N.M. (2013). Natural England meadow research (2007). Dynamics of species-rich upland hay review of upland evidence – Upland Hay Meadows: and monitoring meadows over 15 years and their relation with what management regimes maintain the diversity of projects and has agricultural management practices. Applied meadow flora and populations of breeding birds? surveyed similar grasslands in Scotland. Vegetation Science, 10: 307-314. Natural England Evidence Review, Number 005. Contact David at: Natural England, Peterborough. [email protected] Lawton, J.H., Brotherton, P.N.M., Brown, V.K., Rodwell, J.S. (ed.) (1992). British Plant Communities: Elphick, C., Fitter, A.H., Forshaw, J., Haddow, R.W., Clare Pinches is a Grasslands and Montane Communities. Cambridge Hilborne, S., Leafe, R.N., Mace, G.M., Southgate, Senior Grassland University Press, Cambridge. M.P., Sutherland, W.J., Tew, T.E., Varley, J. and Specialist with Wynne, G.R. (2010). Making Space for Nature: a Smith, R.S., Shiel, R.S., Millward, D. and Simkin, Natural England review of England’s wildlife sites and ecological J.M. (in press). Effects of sheep stocking on the with extensive network. Report to Defra. plant community and agricultural characteristics experience of upland Anthoxanthum odoratum – Geranium of grassland O’Reilly, J. (2010). The state of upland hay meadows sylvaticum meadow in northern England. Grass and conservation within in the North Pennines. British Wildlife, 21: 184-192. Forage Science, in press. designated sites Hamilton, H. (2014). Long term effectiveness of Starr-Keddle, R.E. (2014). Upper Teesdale: changes and land management schemes. She Environmental Stewardship in conserving upland in upland hay meadow vegetation over the past led the recent review of evidence on hay meadows in the Pennine Dales. Natural twenty to thirty years – results presented from upland hay meadow management. England Commissioned Report NECR138. botanical surveys. Natural England Commissioned Contact Clare at: clare.pinches@ Natural England, Peterborough. Report NECR139. Natural England, Peterborough naturalengland.org.uk Kirkham, F.W., Tallowin, J.R.B., Dunn, R.M., Stroh, P.A., Leach, S.J., August, T.A., Walker, K.J., Bhogal, A., Chambers, B.J. and Bardgett, R.D. Pearman, D.A., Rumsey, F.J., Harrower, C.A., Fay, (2014). Ecologically sustainable fertility management M.F., Martin, J.P., Pankhurst, T., Preston, C.D. for the maintenance of species-rich hay meadows: and Taylor, I. (2014). A Vascular Plant Red List a 12-year fertilizer and lime experiment. Journal of for England. Botanical Society of Britain Applied Ecology, 51: 152-161. and Ireland, Bristol.

18 Issue 96 | June 2017 Feature Article: Managing Roadside Grasslands Along the Trunk Roads of Southwest England

Managing Roadside Grasslands Along the Trunk Roads of Southwest England Keywords: grassland management, roadside Leonardo Gubert CEnv MCIEEM biodiversity, roadside management, Senior Ecologist, Kier Highways transport corridors

Early purple orchid Orchis mascula on a road cutting in Devon. Photo credit Leonardo Gubert.

An effective management programme is imperative for roadside Introduction grasslands. It should highlight habitats of conservation value, Roads and traffic have become a permanent part of our physical, social and prioritise plots for management and provide detailed prescriptions cultural environment. Traditionally, roads for individual plots, helping Highways England and other highway have been symbolically linked to progress and prosperity due to their economic and authorities to fulfil biodiversity commitments. This article is social significance as transportation and based on evidence from practical implementation of a grassland utility corridors. However, studies have management programme over a 14-year period along trunk-road demonstrated that many of the most pervasive threats to biological diversity – verges in Devon and Cornwall. habitat loss and fragmentation, barrier Issue 96 | June 2017 19 Feature Article: Managing Roadside Grasslands Along the Trunk Roads of Southwest England (contd)

This article describes how roadside biodiversity can be conserved and managed using a Grassland Management Programme based on experience from verges along the A30 and A38 trunk roads to the west of Exeter, Devon, within current Highways England maintenance region Area 1 (Figure 1). Here, grasslands account for nearly half of the total area of soft estate covering an area of around 450 ha, including amenity grasslands (areas typically seeded with grasses such as lay-bys and rest areas) and visibility splays. Species-rich grassland (>15 species/m2 including grasses) makes up a fifth of the grassland area with some 85 ha distributed across a 373-km trunk road network (Figure 2). Figure 1. Map of Highways England Area 1. A Grassland Management Programme was adopted by the (then) Highways Agency in effects, invasion of exotic species, pollution et al. 2000). In the UK, the total area of 2002 to aid the management of the – are aggravated by roads (Trombulak and road verge habitat, or ‘soft estate’, is grassland resource within Area 1. Since Frissel 2000, Spellerberg 2002, Forman considerable, occupying around 178,000 ha then, with regular monitoring, advances in et al. 2003). Road density throughout the in England and Wales. In England, the area technology (such as GIS-mapping and world has drastically increased in the past of soft estate managed by Highways enhanced grass cutting equipment), century and roads now represent one of England along motorways and trunk roads changes in traffic management the most widespread forms of modification (often referred to as the strategic road requirements and budget fluctuations, the to the landscape (Smith 1990); it has network) covers an area of approximately Grassland Management Programme has been suggested that over 20% of the 30,000 ha and includes a wide range of evolved gradually as lessons are learned. United States is directly affected by roads habitats and plants. The importance and This process of (Forman 2000). diversity of plants on roadside verges in the allows the Highways Agency to meet local biodiversity targets and contribute to its Nevertheless, roadsides are often regarded UK was described by Way (1977) who broader Biodiversity Plan (Highways as areas of conservation value, acting as reported that 870 of the nearly 3000 England 2015) as well as DEFRA’s National important wildlife corridors through the species described in the New Atlas of the Pollination Strategy (DEFRA 2014). landscape and providing refuges for species British and Irish Flora (Preston et al. 2002a) no longer able to survive elsewhere (Wilkie survive on road verges. Management of trunk road verges in the southwest In the last ten years, the conservation potential of roadside verges in the UK has been recognised but enhancing their biodiversity value can only be achieved under effective management by road authorities. This is particularly true for grasslands within these mostly artificial, man-made habitats. In the UK, the reduced frequency of mowing since the economic downturn in 2008 and, historically, the abandonment of roadside grazing, has potentially given taller plant a slight but nonetheless statistically significant advantage over short plants, which are favoured in short swards. This pattern along roadside verges may be contributing to changes in the British flora as described by Preston et al. (2002b). Roadside grassland management is a Figure 2. Species-rich grassland along a trunk road. Photo credit Leonardo Gubert. critical, laborious, expensive and time- 20 Issue 96 | June 2017 Figure 3a. Southern marsh orchids at A30 St Erth roundabout in Figure 3b. Early spring primroses Primula vulgaris on road verge along Cornwall. Photo credit Leonardo Gubert. A38 Devon. Photo credit Leonardo Gubert. consuming operation for most road have been identified since 2010 following recorded, which, together with a number of maintenance authorities. Most intentional targeted botanical surveys by consultant other notable species, make the site unique planting is designed to fulfil a specific ecologists. Several ‘prime’ sites of species- in a local and regional context. Other function, such as screening, improved rich grassland were validated by the important plants such as mezereon Daphne road safety, integration with the wider surveys and new ones identified; some mezereum and Deptford pink Dianthus landscape, biodiversity enhancement and verges supporting threatened and notable armeria can be found on exposures created aesthetics. The use of imported topsoil (a plants have been designated as County by road construction (Figure 4). practice widely used during construction Wildlife Sites. The best verges tend to be The diversity of plants and habitats within of strategic roads from the 1970s to early those where local soil structure (pre-road Area 1 supports a varied invertebrate 2000s), underlying soil type and geology construction) has been maintained or assemblage. In a recent pilot survey of will determine which seed mixes and exposed (Figure 3). Some road cuttings 41 roadside grassland (both aesthetic plants are used, and seed sources in the along the A30 in Cornwall have proved to and species-rich) and heathland plots, area will also influence how the verges be ideal habitat for thousands of southern 864 different species were recorded develop over time. Effective management marsh orchids Dactylorhiza praetermissa, by entomologist consultants. The list is not just a matter of mowing the grass; common spotted orchids Dactylorhiza is dominated by flies (361 taxa) but it is an integrated approach incorporating fuchsii and pyramidal orchids Anacamptis also includes beetles (177), butterflies biodiversity, road safety, forward and sign pyramidalis (Figure 3a). In Devon, a single and moths (109), bugs (82), bees, ants visibility, road structures and technology, trunk road junction is home to thousands and aculeate wasps (53), spiders and design of road improvements, construction of orchids: ten different species have been harvestmen (50), grasshoppers and operations and maintenance activity, as well as addressing the needs of road users and compliance with government statutes. Botanical survey The first step for an effective management approach to roadside grasslands is to know what there is and where it is. When travelling at speed along roads, it may appear that roadside grasslands are mostly continuous stands of false oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius, common ragwort Senecio jacobaea and thistles Cirsium spp., all under the imminent threat of scrub encroachment. Whilst this may be true for many road verges, the diversity of species can be surprising under closer examination. Figure 4. Deptford pink on roadside verge. This plant has reacted positively to consistent In Highways England Area 1, over 300 management efforts aimed at reducing scrub cover and its range has expanded eastward grassland and heathland plant species along this verge following the direction of moving traffic. Photo credit Leonardo Gubert. Issue 96 | June 2017 21 Feature Article: Managing Roadside Grasslands Along the Trunk Roads of Southwest England (contd)

crickets (11) and dragonflies and surveys and habitat mapping exercises. In order to address this, the original five- damselflies (11), 5 woodlice (Isopoda), Grasslands that form the 1.2 m width of year GMP cycle for aesthetic plots was 2 scorpion flies (Mecoptera), 2 earwigs ‘swathe cut’ adjacent to carriageways are reviewed and reduced to three years. (Dermaptera) and 1 lacewing (Neuroptera). not included because they are managed Close monitoring of each section and its Pitfall trapping (which was not carried primarily for safety requirements. development over the growing seasons out) would undoubtedly have extended Grassland verges are classified either has shown that the three-year interval is the beetle and bug lists. The list includes as aesthetic plots (open grassland) sufficient to keep scrub encroachment in check with the use of normal roadside a number of rare and scarce species or conservation plots (species-rich (notably the tachinid fly Policheta unicolor grass cutting equipment, without the grasslands). Conservation plots are and lygaeid bug Trapezonotus ullrichi) need for chainsaws, wood chippers and assigned to Level 1 (top priority), receiving and seemingly the first SW England associated traffic management. The revised prescriptive management annually, or record for the southern oak bush-cricket approach has also reduced the amount of Level 2 (lower priority), managed every Meconema meridionalis, which is a recent green waste generated and the costs of three years. Arisings that originate from British colonist. Pollinators are very well removing this material off the site. both levels of species-rich grasslands are represented and the species list revealed collected and removed off-site or stacked It is important that management plans are that flies (Diptera, adults of which are in situ where suitable. regularly reviewed and critically analysed to amongst our most important pollinators) ensure they are fulfilling their purpose; two Aesthetic plots receive no specific constituted the most diverse group, full cycles are generally sufficient to detect conservation management but were encompassing a tremendous variety of life trends and identify areas where increased (or initially cut every five years with the aim cycle strategies and ecological relationships. relaxed) intervention is required. Although of simply maintaining them as grassland. Grassland Management the initial switch from cutting every five However, when two full cycles of the to every three years proved to be slightly Programme in Devon GMP were complete (e.g. 10th year of and Cornwall more expensive, it will save money and implementation), it became evident that resources in the long term. At the same An effective and costed Grassland the five-year management interval was time, it reduces the time needed on-site Management Programme (GMP) has been insufficient to maintain aesthetic grasslands and therefore also lessens the safety risk implemented by Highways England across in favourable condition, as it allowed to operatives working at the roadside its road network in Devon and Cornwall enough time for woody vegetation to (chainsaw operations take considerably since 2002. The GMP is reviewed each establish and encroach into the open longer than mechanical grass cutting carried year, enabling biodiversity and landscape grassland areas. The result was that out by tractor or specialist self-propelled commitments to be met whilst at the same ‘grasslands’ had to be managed with grass cutting equipment). It also reduces the time providing best value for money. chainsaws, rather than normal grass associated disruption to the road network The Area 1 GMP is now fully GIS-based. cutting equipment, to clear scrub covering caused by traffic management. Furthermore, The GMP identifies all aesthetic and between 30% and 100% of aesthetic it makes scrub control more manageable species-rich grasslands within the soft plots. This was not only detrimental to and may reduce the need for chemical estate that require specific management species and the habitat but was also an control in the long term. and provides cyclic, prescriptive expensive and time-consuming operation management recommendations for that cost around 6.5 times more than Future management individual grassland plots based on previous normal mechanical grass cutting. Through their Biodiversity Plan, Highways England (2015) have committed to the creation of large areas of species-rich grassland on their soft estate across the country, in support of DEFRA’s National Pollinator Strategy (DEFRA 2014). Whilst this has been seen by some conservation organisations and government bodies as an ambitious aspiration, it is often simply a matter of managing grasslands actively and increasing plant diversity using methods such as seeding with locally sourced material, hay strewing using green hay (Figures 5, 6) and plug planting (Figure 7). In some cases, particularly on neglected sites, blanket chemical treatment and/or topsoil stripping are required to remove Figure 5. Species-rich grassland being cut, timed to avoid main flowering season and to scrub and non-target species and to reduce capture most seed material. Photo credit Leonardo Gubert. soil fertility. 22 Issue 96 | June 2017 References Defra (2014). National pollinator strategy: for bees and other pollinators in England. DEFRA, London. Available at https://www.gov.uk/government/ uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/ file/409431/pb14221-national-pollinators-strategy. pdf. Accessed 11 February 2017. Forman, R.T. (2000). Estimate of the area affected ecologically by road systems in the United States. , 14: 31-35. Forman, R.T., Sperling, D., Bissonette, J.A., Clevenger, A.P., Cutshall, C.D., Dale, V.H., Fahrig, L., France, R., Goldman, C.R., Heanue, K., Jones, J.A., Swanson, F.J., Turrentine, T. and Winter, T.C. (2003). Road Ecology: Science and Solutions. Island Press, Washington. Figure 6. Spreading seed material (green hay) on prepared ground along the road verge. The Highways England (2015). Our plan to protect and use of additional, locally sourced wildflower seeds can also be used as part of this process. increase biodiversity. Available at https://www. Photo credit Leonardo Gubert. gov.uk/government/publications/biodiversity-plan. Accessed 28 February 2017. Preston, C.D., Pearman D.A, and Dines, T.D. Unfortunately, by nature of their location Conclusion (2002a). New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora: alongside roads, verges are under With the increasing worldwide loss of An Atlas of the Vascular Plants of Britain, Ireland, constant threat. From erratic vehicles the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. Oxford biodiversity, road verges are important University Press, Oxford. to litter and fly-tipping, spillages and conservation areas, especially when they Preston, C.D., Telfer, M.G., Arnold, H.R., Carey, P.D., the accommodation of a myriad of support remnant populations of ancient Cooper, J.M., Dines, T.D., Hill, M.O., Pearman, D.A., underground services, together with Roy, D.B. and Smart, S.M. (2002b). The Changing natural habitat. In some urban situations, Flora of the UK. DEFRA, London. constant soil fertilisation from traffic road verges are the only green spaces emissions and road maintenance Smith, B. (1990). Nature Conservation and remaining and for some people road Transport. Landscape Design, 5: 51-53. operations, there seems to be little scope verges offer their only connection with Spellerberg, I.F. (2002). Ecological Effects of Roads. for conservation. However, with careful nature. Their value is underlined by the Science Publisher Inc., Enfield, NH, USA. control and communication, an up-to-date existence of local nature conservation Trombulak, S.C. and Frissel, C.A. (2000). Review of habitat inventory, knowledge of grassland ecological effects of roads on terrestrial and aquatic organisations and voluntary groups who communities. Conservation Biology, 14: 18-30. management, reliable contractors and manage otherwise neglected road verges sound financial planning, it is possible Way, J.M. (1977). Roadside verges and conservation for biodiversity at their own cost and in Britain: A review. Biological Conservation, to maintain and progressively enhance through their own hard work. 12: 65-74. roadside grasslands. Wilkie, D., Shaw, E., Rotberg, F., Morelli, G. If biodiversity is to be conserved for and Auzel, P. (2000). Roads, Development, future generations, making the most of and Conservation in the Congo Basin. roadside habitats, including the design, Conservation Biology, 14: 1614-1621. functionality and management of roads and road networks, is crucial. Roadside verges must accommodate the needs of natural communities and ecosystems just as efficiently as the roads themselves accommodate our need for transport routes. The soft estate is an important About the Author part of any road network but fundamental Leonardo is the changes are required to road transport Senior Ecologist systems in general. We should look not for Kier Highways only at the benefit they bring to humanity and has over 14 as transportation corridors, but also at the years’ experience biodiversity they support and the value of in research, design and construction, the associated habitats and ecosystems. road conservation Roads and road verges must be treated by and mitigation highway authorities as important assets schemes, soft estate maintenance instead of liabilities. By using tools like and environmental assessment for Figure 7. Devil’s bit scabious Succisa the Grassland Management Programme, road projects. pratensis plugs being planted alongside action plans can be implemented Contact Leo at: a slip road to create habitat for the marsh [email protected] fritillary butterflyEuphydryas aurinia. efficiently and biodiversity targets can be Photo credit Leonardo Gubert. met for mutual benefit. Issue 96 | June 2017 23 ^ƵŵŵĞƌŽŶĨĞƌĞŶĐĞϮϬϭϳ /ŶƚĞŐƌĂƚĞĚDĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ŽĨƚŚĞDĂƌŝŶĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ

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24 Issue 96 | June 2017

$GYHUW,36XPPHU&RQIHUHQFH)3LQGG  Feature Article: Grazer Selectivity: Benefits for Livestock, Habitats and People

Grazer Selectivity: Benefits for Livestock, Habitats and People Bill Grayson Keywords: conservation grazing, dietary Morecambe Bay Conservation Grazing Company preference, grassland management, livestock behaviour, selective grazing, species-rich forage

Unimproved limestone grassland. Photo credit Bill Grayson.

Conservation grazing seeks to 25 years are used to illustrate and boost performance, helping lift farm deliver positive outcomes for some of the key principles and profitability. Much less is known about how grazer selectivity operates in the habitats that require grazing issues influencing the results it context of conservation grazing, where livestock to maintain or enhance has achieved. These experiences species-rich habitats provide a much wider choice of plant species to eat but where their ecological value. These are reviewed in the light of some little is known about the palatability and animals graze selectively, recent research findings. nutritional value of these plants, despite ingesting some plants in the obvious significance this has for Introduction determining the outcome of whatever preference to others but in ways Selectivity is one of the most important grazing prescriptions are applied. that are difficult to interpret or adaptations of grazing animals, even when The Morecambe Bay Conservation Grazing predict. Observations of one they are farm livestock grazing an improved Company (MBCGCo) is a specialist farming grass sward of uniform appearance and business that has provided dedicated conservation grazing system containing few plant species. Dietary conservation grazing regimes to nature that has operated over the last choice allows them to maintain fitness reserves across north-west England for the Issue 96 | June 2017 25 Feature Article: Grazer Selectivity: Benefits for Livestock, Habitats and People (contd)

total sward than can be found &ŝŐϭ in conventionally farmed grassland; maintaining or enhancing the richness of this herb component is usually the main

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z ĐŽŵƉĞŶƐĂƚŝŽŶ other food sources for animal species. ϳϬϬ ĨŽƌĂŐĞ ǁŝƚŚŽŶŐŽŝŶŐ Livestock reared on this type of grazing ƐĞĂƐŽŶĂů

^d//>/d therefore have much more choice about ϲϱϬ +HUEDJHDYDLODEOH ĚĞĐůŝŶĞ what to eat, both in terms of the range of /' species and the variation in their growth ϲϬϬ stages. Conservation managers, however, sometimes perceive grazer selectivity as a WZ Dz :hE:h> h'^WKd problem, expressing concerns whenever DKEd,^ the animals are seen consuming desirable &ƌŽŵ͗>ĞƵz>WĞƚĂůϭϵϴϭ͚,ĞƌďĂŐĞŝŶƚĂŬĞĂŶĚŵŝůŬƉƌŽĚƵĐƚŝŽŶďLJŐƌĂnjŝŶŐĚĂŝƌLJĐŽǁƐ͛'ƌĂƐƐĂŶĚ&ŽƌĂŐĞ^ĐŝĞŶĐĞ͕ϯϲ͕ϯϬϳͲϯϭϴ species of plants or avoiding those species Figure 1. Effects of dietary selection on energy intake by dairy heifers grazing improved that are considered undesirable. pastures through the growing season (reproduced from: Le Du et al. (1981). Grass and Although considerable effort has been Forage Science, 36: 307-318). invested in researching the dietary behaviour of commercial livestock, little is last 25 years, using native British breeds Unimproved pastures, such as the known about what drives diet selection of of beef cattle. Throughout this time the limestone grassland pictured above, livestock in a conservation grazing setting. grazing behaviour of the cattle, in sustaining contain a much richer mix of plant species One study monitored the movements of themselves throughout the year on a variety than can be found in most farming a group of MBCGCo cattle using a GPS of unimproved, semi-natural habitats, situations. They usually include a range collar attached to one individual within has been closely observed. The purpose of colourfully flowering dicotyledonous a group of 18 animals whilst grazing on of this article is to review this experience species, here termed herbs, which often Ingleborough National Nature Reserve in the light of recent research findings make up a larger proportion of the (NNR), Yorkshire Dales (Figure 2). about the nature of grazer selectivity and &ŝŐ͘ϮZĞĐŽƌĚŝŶŐĐĂƚƚůĞŵŽǀĞŵĞŶƚƐĂƚ/ŶŐůĞďŽƌŽƵŐŚ EEZƵƐŝŶŐ'W^ĐŽůůĂƌŝŶϮϬϬϳ its implications for livestock production, ecological diversity and human health.

Livestock grazing behaviour  ^ŚĞůƚĞƌŝŶŐ WƌĞĨĞƌƌĞĚ ŝŶŚŽůůŽǁƐ Selectivity is a fundamental trait of ůŝŶĞƐŽĨ grazing animals, enabling them to choose ŵŽǀĞŵĞŶƚ elements from the available herbage that contain higher concentrations of particular  nutrients that they need at different times. This is true even for commercial animals, reared intensively on improved grassland  containing very few species, often dominated by just one species, perennial &ĂǀŽƵƌŝŶŐ ryegrass Lolium perenne. Even when ƐƉƌŝŶŐƐƚŽŐĞƚ restricted to this type of pasture, dairy ĂĐĐĞƐƐƚŽǁĂƚĞƌ heifers can still locate and ingest elements of the vegetation that contain significantly more digestible energy than is available across the field as a whole. The nutritional WĂƌƚŝĂůƵƚŝůŝnjĂƚŝŽŶŽĨĐŽŵƉůĞdžŵŽƐĂŝĐŽĨĚŝĨĨĞƌĞŶƚƉůĂŶƚĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚŝĞƐ advantage actually increases throughout the season despite the continuing decline  in digestibility with ageing of the sward, Figure 2. Records of cattle movements using a GPS collar at Ingleborough NNR in 2007. overall (Figure 1). Photo credit Bill Grayson. 26 Issue 96 | June 2017 Figure 2 maps the locations, shown as small dark-coloured dots, recorded by the GPS collar at 30-minute intervals over two 2-week periods during the 2007 grazing season (July – December) during which the cattle moved around two separate parcels of upland limestone grassland and heath, of area 113 ha and 75 ha respectively. The areas of solid colour indicate the different plant communities, as recorded by National Vegetation Classification methodology, in which variants of upland limestone grassland were the most widespread vegetation type. Unsurprisingly, with such a low stocking rate, much of the area available for grazing was not utilized, indicated by dot-less expanses. The cattle did visit all the various plant communities to some degree but largely avoided areas Figure 3a. Cattle appear to favour more diverse and herb-rich swards. Photo credit Bill Grayson. of limestone pavement, where the terrain was too uneven. There were noticeable concentrations of activity in a few locations some of which corresponded with the availability of spring-fed water on warmer days (circle A in Figure 2) or shelter from low-lying hollows when the weather was stormy (circle B). Direct observations indicated that the cattle often grazed on the move, walking slowly forward whilst taking mouthfuls of vegetation on either side. A number of such grazing ‘sequences’ appear on the map, marked by closely spaced lines of dots, coinciding on the ground with the animals’ footmarks and droppings (e.g. circle C). The turf in the vicinity of these Figure 3b. Removing grazing results in the loss of ant colonies and reduced species richness. grazing routes was usually shorter and Photo credit Bill Grayson. greener relative to the rest of the site, with a noticeably greater abundance of herbs. accumulations of dots on the map that This conundrum is exemplified by the Much less evidence of grazing was noted coincide with these areas of closely-grazed, relationship between the MBCGCo in adjoining areas where the sward was herb-rich turf. This association between cattle and ant-hills of the meadow ant taller and more grass-dominated. Samples the grazers’ dietary preferences and their Lasius flavus. The cows clearly relish the sent for analysis indicated that material tendency to generate the herb-rich pasture vegetation that covers the ant-hills, investing collected from the areas of short-sward that is conservation grazing’s main focus considerable time and effort to ingest small that the cattle preferred to graze contained is a crucial synergy, although fully realising mouthfuls of the very short, herb-rich turf one third more crude protein compared its potential does depend on establishing that covers them (Figure 3a). These ant with that collected from the taller areas. the right grazing regime in terms of timing, colonies actually depend on the grazing for Shorter turf usually contains a richer variety duration and intensity. The habit livestock their continuing survival, which maintains the of plant species than taller grassland have of favouring the most herb-rich overlying turf in a suitably short condition to because grazing reduces the competitive areas of sward can be a cause for concern ensure a correct internal microclimate for the advantage that grasses enjoy when amongst site managers if it results in a nest. Abandoning grazing on a site usually allowed to grow unchecked; often it is reduction in the intensity of flowering of results in death of most of its ant colonies, as the herb component that benefits most the herbs. But this has to be balanced the herb-rich mounds are soon overwhelmed conspicuously from this relaxation. The against the risk of relaxing the grazing too by coarse grasses (Figure 3b). This particular cattle seem to be drawn back to repeatedly much, which might allow the grasses to set of inter-relationships appears to embody graze these same areas, indicated by heavy smother the smaller herb species. much of the ethos of conservation grazing. Issue 96 | June 2017 27 Feature Article: Grazer Selectivity: Benefits for Livestock, Habitats and People (contd)

Nutritional quality One issue that may arise when seeking to the two grazing disciplines share many MBCGCo’s winter feeding routines inform farmers’ decisions about the role of operational similarities, something that provide additional evidence of the cattle’s herbs in their grassland concerns the range should allow them to learn from each other’s preference for herbs. When presented with of defensive chemicals they contain, many experience. Certainly, the benefits that samples of hay or haylage scattered in of which can be toxic if consumed in large herb-rich swards can provide for individual piles across a field (a technique MBCGCo amounts. This is unlikely to increase their animal performance might be something has developed to facilitate introduction of appeal for any self-respecting livestock that conservationists might wish to use to new species into species-poor meadows), farmer. The fact that each species of herb help promote the case for greater diversity in the cattle show their dislike of piles that has its own specific set of chemicals, grazing regimes within farming circles. consist mainly of grasses by moving quickly however, means that grazing livestock Browsing is another aspect of livestock on to check if the next heap contains more can still eat them safely, by restricting the behaviour that is especially significant in herb-rich material. Once they have found amounts of any one plant to levels that the management of many reserves, where something containing plenty of herbs they can be safely de-toxified. This is achieved less intensive grazing regimes, intended stop searching for alternatives while they more reliably if the mixture contains more to favour flower abundance, make it finish the rest of that pile. These different species, another very persuasive argument easier for trees and shrubs to encroach reactions originate from the mix of species in favour of diversity. on grassland and other open habitat. in the particular fields where the different It would seem paradoxical for grazing Browsing behaviour varies considerably forages were made. Appearance, smell livestock to prefer herbs if they can suffer according to species, breed and individual and taste probably all help the cattle harm by over-eating them. It is, however, history. Young calves have to learn what assess the proportion of herbs in the a situation that bears comparison with plants to eat, acquiring an aptitude for forage. Herbs tend to turn dark brown our own fondness for culinary herbs and browsing by copying their mother. This is on drying or ensiling, giving the herb-rich spices, food supplements that are packed shown in Figure 4 where one of MBCGCo’s fodder a distinctly darker colour, whilst with plant-defence chemicals but which, cows and her calf are both eating sprigs also producing a sweet-smelling fragrance in moderate amounts, contribute to of ivy Hedera spp. provided as part of their compared with the sharper tang of grass- our overall sensory experience. Diversity winter feeding routine when little other only forages. therefore seems to offer the safest browse is available. The pair obviously Laboratory analysis of sub-samples of protection for livestock that graze flowery enjoy it, instantly leaving whatever other herb and grass components separated pastures (and people eating spices too activities they are doing to come and out from within the same bale showed perhaps!). By limiting the intake of any eat it. This kind of early experience is that the herb-only portion contained single plant, grazing animals are able to especially important in shaping the dietary more than twice as much protein and de-toxify the specific chemicals it contains, preferences of each new generation of a third more energy compared to the without their liver being overwhelmed, conservation grazers. grass-only constituents. It also contained something that also applies to all the other The best way to ensure that the most higher amounts of all the major minerals compounds in the herb species in a mix. suitable animals are available for grazing and trace elements, demonstrating in So, large amounts of herb material can nature reserves is therefore to breed and no uncertain way that in preferentially still be safely ingested, overall, affording rear them within the same conservation selecting herb-rich fodder, these cattle enhanced levels of nutrition, as long as grazing system that will eventually benefit know what is best for them, nutritionally. they are part of a mix – and the more from their activities. MBCGCo has been Cattle allowed to graze on species-rich diverse the mix, the better. doing just this for 25 years so that calves pastures on nature reserves obviously Conservation grazing begin acquiring the necessary attributes are much freer to express dietary choice from birth, growing up within a herd than those confined to a winter-feeding Such a positive association connecting the culture already adapted to the more regime in which they depend on whatever dietary preferences of our native-breed challenging diet. ration the stock manager is able to supply cattle with the rich diversity of herbs in them with. Most commercial farmers Britain’s semi-natural grassland is probably Maintaining these inter-generational rely on improved, ryegrass-dominated no coincidence; the two have co-evolved links connecting grazing animals with the grassland to feed to their livestock because over millennia. Conservation grazing, despite particular range of plant communities that it responds well to inputs of soluble being a relatively new management practice, they will have to cope with throughout nitrogen fertilizer, producing reliable yields is founded on this age-old relationship, their productive years is an important way of recognized and measurable quality. employing its principles and processes to of enhancing their grazing abilities and So, whilst conservationists are naturally deliver ecological objectives for grasslands developing their resilience. Successive keen to encourage farmers to establish and other semi-natural habitats. Animal generations of breeding animals can be more herb-rich grassland, it will not be production and economic performance selected on the basis of how well they easy to convince them of the commercial are considered as secondary objectives, have performed in meeting the specific set advantages of including more herbs within somewhat in contrast to the primacy given of challenges during their early years. The their species-mix without some hard, them in commercial livestock farming. herd should, over time, become ever better supporting evidence. Despite their different agendas, however, adapted to its environmental challenges, in 28 Issue 96 | June 2017 its current grazing regime, which was designed to achieve this very result. The history of this one site illustrates many of the key principles of interconnectedness and synergy that are emerging from some of the latest grazing research. Human dietary impacts Although it is reassuring to know about synergies linking the health of grazing livestock and the richness of the habitats that they graze, they are not altogether surprising, given everything we now understand about the dynamics of diversity. However, there is increasing evidence for another, higher tier of mutually beneficial feedback, through which the meat and milk from animals reared in this special way provide healthier food for the human consumer. A growing body of knowledge suggests that such products have enhanced profiles of essential fatty acids, anti- Figure 4. Learning to browse: cow and her 4-week-old calf eating ivy. Photo credit Bill Grayson. oxidants and micro-nutrients compared with samples taken from animals reared a manner entirely consistent with selective trees and shrubs alongside the herb-rich on a more calorie-intensive but ecologically ecological principles. This ‘naturalistic’ material from semi-natural, unimproved less diverse diet of grass and cereals. The strategy has undoubtedly played a large grassland that makes up the bulk of situation might best be summed up by part in MBCGCo’s continuing success. their diet. During the summer months, extending that old adage, ‘You are what you eat’ to become ‘You are what you eat Inclusion of woody plants provides a for example, cows can be seen routinely has been eating’. A review of the latest significant added benefit within the spending minutes at a time browsing the research raises possibilities for establishing specific context of a conservation grazer’s in-leaf blackthorn Prunus spinose hedges diet, where the available pasture is more that surround their pastures at Gait a health-boosting ‘conservation brand’, likely to be rich in herbs. The leaves of trees Barrows NNR, Lancashire, with their calves backed up by a substantial evidence and shrubs contain high concentrations by their sides (Figure 5). Carefully picking base (Provenza et al. 2015; https://www. of tannins, defence compounds that bind off such small and well-defended foliage researchgate.net/publication/280774993). cannot be the most efficient way of taking with other constituents and make them Conclusion less available for digestion. Crucially this in energy or other major nutrients, but also provides a buffer against the toxins this behaviour is so habitual that it must Conservation grazing is able to deliver that grazing animals routinely ingest as be of more than passing significance in three inter-related ‘public goods’: i) richly part of a herb-rich diet. This association their overall feeding strategy. The younger diverse semi-natural habitats, ii) healthy, seems especially serendipitous for reserve calves usually participate alongside their productive, unstressed livestock, and managers, combining as it does the two dams, presumably learning the technique iii) human food that is full of distinctive main targets for conservation grazing – by copying the adults. As the season flavour and essential health-promoting herbs and shrubs – in such a mutually progresses, they are increasingly seen nutrients. Producing the optimum reinforcing way. Although, again, on to initiate their own bouts of browsing combination of all three of these benefits further reflection this should not come behaviour, demonstrating very clearly how may be most reliably achieved by providing as any surprise, given that, for millennia, grazing behaviour gets passed on from one situations where the selective instincts cattle in Britain have thrived amongst very generation to the next. of the livestock can be given full play, similar circumstances, on a diet combining Such reliable patterns of behaviour lend allowing them to graze in a manner that a wide mixture of different plant species, weight to the conclusion that browsing best reflects their ecological origins. Such both woody and herbaceous. Given this is more than just a casual diversion and, a naturalistic approach emphasises the history, it would be surprising if they had given the specific context here, seems win-win character that links all of these not long since found ways of utilizing the likely to be part of these cows’ de- outcomes, expressing itself through best nutritional synergies available to them. toxification strategy. The sward at Gait strongly re-enforcing synergies that accord MBCGCo cattle are certainly enthusiastic Barrows has become especially rich in well with ecological principles and the browsers; they usually have access to herb species over the last 20 years under conservation ethic. Issue 96 | June 2017 29 Feature Article: Grazer Selectivity: Benefits for Livestock, Habitats and People (contd)

Figure 5. The browsing culture in operation. Photo credit Bill Grayson.

References and further reading About the Author Le Du, Y.L.P., Baker, R.D. and Newberry, R.D. (1981). With a PhD in grazing Herbage intake and milk production by grazing ecology from UEA dairy cows. 3. The effect of grazing severity under (1987), Bill worked as continuous stocking. Grass and Forage Science, a field studies tutor 36: 307–318. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2494.1981. tb01568.x. Available at http://onlinelibrary.wiley. before becoming com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2494.1981.tb01568.x/full. reserve manager with Accessed 5 April 2017. Somerset Wildlife Provenza, F.D., Meuret, M. and Gregorini, P. Trusts. Having (2015). Our landscapes, our livestock, ourselves: gained day-release Restoring broken linkages among plants, , agricultural qualifications, he took a farm and humans with diets that nourish and satiate. tenancy with the National Trust in 1992 Appetite, 95: 500-519. Available at https://www. which has since developed into a full-time researchgate.net/publication/280774993. conservation grazing business. He was Accessed 5 April 2017. a coordinator for the Grazing Animals project from 1999 till 2005. Contact Bill at: [email protected]

30 Issue 96 | June 2017 Viewpoint: Northumbrian Water’s Partnership with Flexigraze – Helping to Get Hooves onto the Ground for the Benefit of Wildlife

Northumbrian Water’s Partnership with Flexigraze – Helping to Get Hooves onto the Ground for the Benefit of Wildlife

Mark Morris CEnv MCIEEM Keywords: business, Flexigraze, Conservation Advisor, Northumbrian Water grazing, sheep

Figure 1. Cattle grazing the grassland at Horden treatment works. Photo credit Mark Morris.

The wildlife benefits of managing grasslands by grazing are well Introduction recognised but this kind of site management can be complicated so As a landowner, resources manager and environmental champion, Northumbrian why would a utility company be involved in it and how would they Water works to improve biodiversity in go about it? Since 2007, Northumbrian Water has worked with a its operating region. We regularly review our Biodiversity Strategy and we have local conservation grazing service called ‘Flexigraze’ and the benefits a dedicated Conservation and Land for nature and business are clear to see. This article outlines our Management team providing ecological experience with conservation grazing and how this has provided expertise across a wide range of sites, habitats and species. We work with a benefits for biodiversity. range of partners including Flexigraze. Issue 96 | June 2017 31 Viewpoint: Northumbrian Water’s Partnership with Flexigraze – Helping to Get Hooves onto the Ground for the Benefit of Wildlife (contd)

Why Flexigraze? The customer pays a small annual fee and methods without having to invest in buys grazing credits for a range of animals, stock ownership. The scheme has been What do you do when you need to which may include Flexigraze’s own flock remarkably successful and helps us to plan manage numerous grassland sites of of sheep, or cattle and ponies provided by ahead when looking at site management conservation interest but have a limited local farmers. Flexigraze, acting as a broker, over the medium- to long-term, providing budget and a small team of people? finds reliable stock owners who have reassurance that we will be able to get Clearly, some help is needed and, in the the correct type of stock and negotiates sites grazed as and when necessary. case of Northumbrian Water, this came an agreement with the grazier. This is in the form of a sheepdog called Jess and The fundamental basis of the scheme is designed to be as simple and flexible as her faithful owner and well-connected, connecting owners of livestock who are possible but also inclusive of important looking for grazing land with people like modern-day shepherd, Stephen Comber, issues such as compensation for loss of Northumbrian Water who need animals who manages Flexigraze. animals, transport to site and payment of to graze particular sites. This provision of Flexigraze is an innovative social enterprise, vet’s bills. The animal owners benefit both ‘natural lawn mowers’ aims to promote hosted by Northumberland Wildlife financially and through access to additional conservation grazing, support farmers and Trust but supported by a wide range of sites to graze their stock; the long-term produce ethically reared meat which is sold organisations. The scheme specialises aim is to give farmers the confidence to and used to support the initiative. in grazing nature reserves and other develop a livestock system based around important grasslands throughout North conservation grazing. Conservation management by East England. Flexigraze aims to make it The benefit to Northumbrian Water of Northumbrian Water easier for land managers to graze more partnering with Flexigraze is access to With an operational area extending from difficult sites as well as providing a full different grazing animals and the ability the Scottish border to North Yorkshire backup and advisory service. to use proven grassland management and from the Durham Coast to the

Figure 2. West Cornforth sewage pumping station (formerly a sewage treatment works) – one of our sites grazed with ponies. Photo credit Mark Morris. 32 Issue 96 | June 2017 Cumbrian border, a number of sites Plain sailing or a grazing Regardless of these challenges, the owned by Northumbrian water require headache? Challenges and benefits of grazing outweigh the logistical tailored management. Past experience lessons learnt difficulties and need for regular supervision. This is illustrated in Figure 2, showing a has demonstrated that protection of the The sites managed by Northumbrian former sewage treatment works, now a environment, conservation management Water are extremely varied and two pumping station, that has been grazed and maximising natural capital are good examples illustrate the challenges we have with ponies at a low stocking density for for business as well as for biodiversity. encountered and some of the lessons learnt. The company’s core values underpin our the last five years with occasional cuts At Horden sewage treatment works on for hay. The site clearly demonstrates the conservation work alongside our vision of the Durham coast, we manage part of a being a national leader in the provision tangible benefits that grazing can deliver. local wildlife site which is designated for Our partnership with Flexigraze has made of sustainable water and waste water the regionally unique magnesian limestone services. These values include creativity, conservation grazing a viable management grassland. Through Flexigraze, we have tool in our Biodiversity Strategy helping us being ethical, being results-driven and grazed the site over a period of eight years customer-focused. Our Biodiversity to manage Northumbrian Water’s sites to with Highland and then Dexter-cross cattle maximise their conservation potential. Strategy focuses on these values, helping to control scrub cover (Figure 1). The two us to fulfil our legal obligations under the breeds have had different impacts on NERC Act (Natural Environment and Rural the ecology of the site, which we have Communities Act 2006), the Habitats monitored carefully. The larger Highland Regulations (The Conservation of Habitats cattle have opened up the scrub well and and Species Regulations 2010) and our tend to eat a wide range of vegetation References and further reading duty to conserve biodiversity as a public while the Dexters have proved to be very Northumbrian Water Biodiversity Strategy (2015). authority running a responsible business. hardy. Surveys have shown an increase Available at https://www.nwl.co.uk/your-home/ environment/biodiversity.aspx. Northumbrian Water’s landholding is in the botanical value of the site, which Accessed 20 March 2017. extensive and varied, and often includes in turn should lead to an increase in Flexigraze website, see https://flexigraze.org.uk/. infrastructure from historical operations, invertebrate diversity. However, the site Accessed 20 March 2017. which can preclude the sale of the land. is not without its challenges, with illegal Natural England and Defra (2014). Biodiversity Where these sites are no longer operational, duty: public authority duty to have regard to grazing by horses and occasional vandalism conserving biodiversity. Available at https:// the Conservation and Land Management of fences necessitating regular inspections. www.gov.uk/guidance/biodiversity-duty-public- team manage them to promote biodiversity. authority-duty-to-have-regard-to-conserving- On one of our heathland sites on the biodiversity. Accessed 20 March 2017. The species-rich grasslands vary in size shores of Derwent Reservoir within the Natural Environment and Rural Communities from less than half a hectare to more North Pennines Area of Outstanding Act (2006). Available at http://www.legislation. than four hectares, and all require Natural Beauty, rare breeds of sheep gov.uk/all?title=Natural%20Environment%20 and%20Rural%20Communities%20Act%20 specific management to maintain their have been used to graze the site in a bid %282006%29. Accessed 20 March 2017. conservation interest. Some include to tackle a prolific growth of bracken The Conservation of Habitats and Species calcareous flushes, magnesian limestone Pteridium aquilinum. Although lightfooted Regulations (2010). Available at http:// www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/490/ and unimproved meadows. Botanical Manx loaghtan and are well contents/made. Accessed 20 March 2017. surveys are carried out routinely and suited to the undulating landscape, which management plans drawn up, with input is also a local wildlife site and supports a from our environmental partners such as notable adder Vipera berus population, the local wildlife trusts. they avoided the bracken altogether. Grassland management in the past has Furthermore, maintaining the fencing in About the Author relied on mechanical cutting which, excellent condition to keep the site stock- Mark Morris is a although perfectly acceptable, has its proof has proved to be a constant task. Conservation Advisor at Northumbrian flaws, not least the financial cost and Whilst we are now having to rely on Water. He is involved the dramatic impact from a single cut mechanical bracken rolling at this site, with in the environmental compared to gradual grazing by animals. horses pulling a metal roller over the bracken screening of projects, Lacking the resources and expertise to to weaken and slow down its growth, our advises on ecological manage our own livestock, Northumbrian partnership with Flexigraze has allowed us issues and also assists with the management Water turned to Flexigraze as a way of to test the efficacy of using different breeds of landholdings for the benefit of improving grassland site management. in challenging environmental conditions. biodiversity. Other work includes The support provided in getting the right Not least of the difficulties has been the managing the present on livestock onto the ground, then assisting changeable weather, which reached a peak operational sites and co-ordinating the with routine monitoring and care, has in the snow storms of 2010 when our annual wildlife survey programme. been invaluable and we now have livestock conservation partner, Durham Wildlife Trust, Contact Mark at: [email protected] on more sites than ever as well as good had to carry out a rescue of the sheep who working relationships with local graziers. were stuck in snow drifts. Issue 96 | June 2017 33 Viewpoint: Sheepwrecked, Sheepracked or Sheepwrought? - Thoughts on Sheep and the Future of the British Uplands

Sheepwrecked, Sheepracked or Sheepwrought? – Thoughts on Sheep and the Future of the British Uplands Hugh Watson FCIEEM(rtd) Keywords: breeds of sheep,, fleece, (retired) grazing, shearing, shedding, uplands

One of the pleasures of retirement has been the opportunity for more hill- walking and last August I found myself on the dramatic central section of Hadrian’s Wall where it follows the tops of the crags across the wide open ‘wastes’ of west Northumberland. Contemplating the livestock scattered over the landscape below and pondering on the life of the people of the area before, during and after the three hundred and fifty years Some individuals of more primitive sheep breeds, such as these Manx Loaghtans, shed their fleeces naturally in spring. Photo credit Hugh Watson. of the Roman occupation, it struck me that in its economic We had our own native species of cattle, parts of mainland Europe, and were they and ecological fundamentals the Bos primigenius, before the driven to the and streamsides life hasn’t changed that much introduction of livestock farming, but by competitive pressure from sheep it seems remarkable that our ancestors (Strachan and Jefferies 1993)? Or was in the British uplands for were able to take the sheep, a creature there once a lowland British version of the last six thousand years that evolved to live in the dry hills and the mountain hare Lepus timidus scoticus, – our Neolithic ancestors mountains of the Middle East, and just as there still is an Irish one Lepus persuade it to live in the cold, wet, boggy timidus hibernicus? Or did we simply not introduced cattle and sheep uplands of north-west Europe. What, have extensive short-sward habitats until four thousand years before the I wonder, filled the ecological niche of the sheep arrived? Did they arrive just in Romans turned up, and they’ve a close-nibbling, short-sward-creating time to ensure the survival of relict, post- in Britain before we brought glacial, open-grassland species before continued to be the mainstay in them in? Was it water voles Arvicola these were smothered by trees? The British the sixteen hundred years since amphibius, the bones of which are uplands are currently derided by some as abundant in Mesolithic archaeological ‘sheepwrecked’ (Monbiot 2014); perhaps, the Romans abandoned us to sites? Were water voles once as widespread though, it would be better to think of our fate. on dry land in Britain as they still are in these landscapes and habitats produced 34 Issue 96 | June 2017 by the interaction of nature and human culture as ‘sheepwrought’. Not that human culture has remained any more static than the climate. Although sheep as a species have been part of British ecology for six thousand years, modern breeds are very different from those that grazed our land for most of that time. Burdened as they now are by unnaturally long and heavy fleeces that they can’t usually shed for themselves (essentially rampant undercoats, over-developed at the expense of outer guard hairs), short little legs that leave them lumbering and unbalanced, and hooves that are prone to footrot, they need a lot of human help to survive. They are also bigger, heavier and more prolific than their predecessors. So, although their numbers are now falling, particularly in Scotland, their ecological footprint is still a very heavy one. They Herdwick ewe and lamb in uplands. Photo credit Hugh Watson. hinder the regeneration of trees and shrubs and the flowering of herbs and Policy (CAP) behind us there is a growing well as having a short, naturally shedding grasses, thus impoverishing biodiversity tension between those who wish to fleece, is the ‘Easycare’ sheep, which is and reducing the carbon-sequestration and see public money continuing to support growing in numbers faster than any other water-holding capacity of upland soils with traditional sheep enterprises and those breed in the UK. Cumbrian shepherds adverse consequences for climate change who wish to see the uplands rewilded. I I have talked to admire them as meat amelioration, flood control and other would like us to find a middle way that animals needing little attention on the ecosystem services. The hills are certainly would allow us to maintain sheep (and lower ground, but reckon they are ‘too ‘sheepracked’ even if not ‘sheepwrecked’. cattle) farming as an integral part of the soft’ for the high, wet Lake District fells The market for sheep products has management of much of our uplands, where only the iconic Herdwicks can cope. changed utterly in the last fifty years. Wool particularly those with valued grassland Another self-shedding breed, the Exlana, is no longer a valued product (except for habitats that need grazing if we wish to has been developed in Devon, and some very fine merino-type fleeces that UK sheep retain them. We need to find a way of farmers are trialling another breed from breeds do not produce) yet each sheep reducing the number and increasing the South Africa, the Dorper, but it is unclear must be sheared annually for welfare scale of upland sheep enterprises so that whether these animals are tough enough reasons, the sale of the fleece barely upland farmers can make a sustainable for the hills. So how could we produce a covering the cost of the shearing. There income from the supply of sheep meat, breed that is? seems little realistic prospect that the wool and of enabling them to do so without the It appears that the ability of sheep to shed market will ever recover despite the rear- current level of reliance on public subsidy. naturally is controlled by a single dominant guard efforts of the Campaign for Wool This needs much lower average stocking ‘switch’ gene (Pollott 2011) so, in principle, (http://www.campaignforwool.org). Sheep densities and sheep that require much less we could use genome editing to revert meat production is cyclically profitable – care and attention from shepherds so that any hill breed to a more natural shedding but would not be if there were no subsidies management is minimal and one person form. Alternatively, we have a rich genetic available. Currently, this is an industry can look after many more sheep without heritage of sheep breeds, many developed entirely dependent on public subsidy. undue adverse effects on animal welfare. in a relatively short period of selective Despite this, sheep meat is not cheap and To do this we will need new and more breeding during the 18th and 19th centuries. consumer demand for it is static. Also, the robust breeds of sheep with short fleeces Surely we should be able quite quickly to average age of upland farmers in the UK that are shed naturally in the spring, more produce appropriate breeds that match is over 60 and rising, and average upland like those of wild sheep. Forward-thinking the economic, social and environmental farm incomes are very low. In its current animal breeders have already gone a long requirements of the post-CAP 21st century form, upland livestock farming is therefore way with the first of these requirements. uplands. Probably the toughest and most socially and economically as well as Back in the 1960s Iolo Owen on Anglesey ancient breed of sheep we have is the little environmentally unsustainable. started cross-breeding experiments based Soay from the now uninhabited islands In the debate about what we should do on a short-fleeced ‘meat’ breed called the of St Kilda far out in the cold, wet and once we leave the EU Common Agriculture Wiltshire Horn. The result, now hornless as windswept Atlantic. The Soay lives in a Issue 96 | June 2017 35 Viewpoint: Sheepwrecked, Sheepracked or Sheepwrought? - Thoughts on Sheep and the Future of the British Uplands (contd)

self-sustaining, completely colony with the restocking of the area (Roberts on the precipitous island of Hirta. Perhaps 2010). Meanwhile, in nearby Upper References we could try crossing them with Easycares Teesdale the outstanding assemblage of Bradshaw, M.E. (2012). The Upper Teesdale and Herdwicks? (We could call them light-demanding, arctic-alpine relict plant Assemblage of rare plants in decline. British Wildlife, 23(6): 392-401. Easyherdoays!) species is suffering from undergrazing Kirby, K. (2017). Are there too many or too few To get the optimum benefits from our (Bradshaw 2012). In the last issue of In herbivores in our woods? In Practice – Bulletin Practice Keith Kirby pointed out parallels in of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and low-maintenance sheep we will also Environmental Management, 95: 11-14. need more flexible patterns of grazing our woodlands (Kirby 2017). With larger Monbiot, G. (2014). Feral: Rewilding the Land, than are possible with the regular annual and more extensive livestock enterprises Sea and Human Life. Penguin, London. management regimes that currently prevail. one could attempt to address such issues Pollott, G.E. (2011). A suggested mode of inheritance for wool shedding in sheep. Journal Two sites in the North Pennines illustrate through greater variation in grazing of Animal Science, 89(8): 2316-2325. the challenge well. The removal of livestock intensity, for example a multi-year rotation Roberts, J. (2010). The flowering of Cross Fell: from the Cross Fell area in 2001-2002 of non-grazing, followed by cattle grazing montane vegetation and foot-and-mouth. British Wildlife, 21(3):160-167. following the last foot-and-mouth disease then sheep grazing, and through that drive Strachan, R. and Jefferies, D.J. (1993). The water outbreak led to a spectacular flowering of the evolution of our uplands so that they vole Arvicola terrestris in Britain 1989-1990: perennial plants that had been suppressed are still cultural landscapes, but ones with its distribution and changing status. by grazing pressure for decades, and much more varied vegetation and much Vincent Wildlife Trust, Ledbury. that have been suppressed once more greater biodiversity.

Herdwick ewe. Photo credit Hugh Watson.

About the Author Hugh Watson FCIEEM has retired from consultancy and is enjoying the freedom to think about things other than bats and newts. He posts periodically on LinkedIn. Contact Hugh at: [email protected]

36 Issue 96 | June 2017 Feature Article: The Bat Roost Trigger Index – A New Systematic Approach to Facilitate Preliminary Bat Roost Assessments

Positive evidence within a building of high roost suitability. Brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus roost. Photo credit Lisa Kerslake.

This article describes an Excel- The Bat Roost Trigger based tool called the Bat Roost Trigger Index, developed to help evaluate the suitability Index – A New of buildings and structures to support summer roosting bats Systematic Approach in a more systematic way. The tool provides a numerical basis for roost suitability allowing to Facilitate Preliminary comparison of different structures along a defined scale. Bat Roost Assessments This should enable bat surveyors to maintain a consistent Nick Underhill-Day ACIEEM Keywords: bats, decision-making Principal Ecologist, Swift Ecology Ltd process, evaluate, good practice approach to their assessments guidance, objective, roost suitability across a range of building types, characters and ages. Issue 96 | June 2017 37 Feature Article: The Bat Roost Trigger Index – A New Systematic Approach to Facilitate Feature Article: PreliminaryEcology Legal Bat UpdateRoost Assessments (contd) (contd)

Figure 1. Buildings assigned low, moderate and high roost suitability – which is which? Initial impressions are not always accurate.

The tool’s function is to introduce a higher reasonable avoidance measures or no Alternatively, local planning authorities level of objectivity into the decision-making further action. lacking ecological expertise may ask for process with the aim of strengthening and When assessing roost suitability, we may bat activity surveys that are not necessarily rationalising professional experience and fall into the trap of becoming complacent, required. One of the new statutory policies judgement. It is not intended to replace relying on subjective observations or from Natural England is to ‘reduce the need the experience of bat surveyors, but instinctive cues rather than objective and for surveying where the impacts on EPS to assist in making evidence-based systematic inspection. Our judgement can be confidently predicted’ (Carter and recommendations and providing can be influenced by a variety of factors, Morton 2016). This may be interpreted by consistency of assessment. The tool is very such as the weather, the experience of the some as a lowering of the requirement for much a working prototype; therefore, we surveyor, and time pressures. Assessing would welcome feedback to help refine roost suitability may be more difficult for the tool and support further development. less experienced consultants, who are not Introduction and Rationale familiar with suitable roost features; the Bat Conservation Trust provides good practice The Bat Roost Trigger Index uses a suite guidance on survey methods, and suggests of environmental and habitat features features that should be inspected during known to influence roost selection in surveys (Collins 2016). Even so, how do we order to generate a numerical score, from rigorously assign roost suitability when faced 0 to 1, and assign a corresponding roost with a lack of evidence of bat presence? suitability class. We tested the tool over a two-year period on more than 160 Part of the problem, notwithstanding buildings to compare its output to subjective unusual roost locations, lies in the fact observations across a range of different that ‘suitability’ of roost sites, according to structure types, ages and conditions. We good practice guidance, is categorised into believe the tool can help to augment only four descriptive terms: ‘negligible’, professional decisions regarding roost ‘low’, ‘moderate’ and ‘high’. Although suitability by recording evidence more the Bat Conservation Trust guidelines objectively, which will help bat consultants to provide definitions for these terms, they maintain a consistent and robust approach remain open to interpretation without to Preliminary Bat Roost Assessments. any evidence-based quantification. The boundaries of the definitions are Preliminary Bat Roost Assessments (PRAs) form the foundation of bat consultancy indistinct, with each category merging work, comprising surveys of buildings into the next (Collins 2016). How do we and structures to look for the actual or decide if a structure is on the upper end likely presence of bats, and to assess the of ‘low suitability’ or on the lower end of building or structure’s suitability to support ‘moderate suitability’ (Figure 1)? bat roosts. Based on this information, and Following good practice guidelines, the considering the potential impacts of the assigning of roost suitability prompts the development proposal in question, and the level of further survey effort required to associated legal risks, recommendations determine presence/absence or roost are usually made for one or more of the characterisation; this will influence costs following: further presence/absence or and scheduling of the proposal, and may roost characterisation surveys, mitigation, be questioned or challenged by the client. 38 Issue 96 | June 2017 further surveys, and thus it is imperative that assumptions and limitations, provides a habitat features, roost suitability and bat consultants form robust, evidence-based quick and demonstrable screening method predicted presence of bat roosts. arguments to justify their recommendations, for assessing presence/absence and Currently, as for several of Oldham et al.’s particularly where the need, or not, for identification of potentially important great (2000) diagnostic variables, features used further survey is challenged. crested newt breeding habitat. here are expressed qualitatively and The tool described here is a first attempt assigned a value between 0 and 1 on a Development of the Bat Roost to produce an index for bats that can be three- or four-point scale. No attempt has Trigger Index used to trigger further survey, or not. The been made so far to weight features The Habitat Suitability Index (HSI; Oldham UK supports 17 species of bats, each with according to their importance; we will et al. 2000) was developed to evaluate their own specific habitat and roost explore this possibility for future versions the suitability of ponds to support great requirements, and thus ‘diagnostic’ of the tool (Figure 2). crested newts Triturus cristatus, and is features included in the tool are those The Trigger Index in practice based on a numerical index, from 0 to recognised to influence roost selection of 1, derived from ten key habitat criteria multiple bat species more generally, rather The Trigger Index (TI) is based on a list of diagnostic importance for the species. than any particular species (although of 28 features (Table 1) that reflect: A) HSI numerical scores are divided into flying access for horseshoe bats the location, habitat and environmental five categories reflecting pond suitability, Rhinolophus sp. is considered). As the tool context of the structure or building being with each category correlated with cannot account for, or incorporate, the full assessed, B) the exterior features and ‘predicted presence’ for the species, range and differences of roost preference characteristics, and C) the interior features based on sampling of 248 ponds (ARG for all UK bat species, it cannot be used as and characteristics, particularly those UK 2010). HSI scoring is routinely used a ‘suitability index’ for a single species. comprising, or within, the roof void. to evaluate the likely occurrence of great However, we plan to investigate whether Each feature is sub-divided into several crested newts and, while not without quantitative relationships exist between descriptive categories that summarise

Figure 2. The presence of deep crevices are important features for crevice-dwelling bat species, such as this Natterer’s bat Myotis nattereri, and could be weighted accordingly within the Trigger Index. Issue 96 | June 2017 39 Feature Article: The Bat Roost Trigger Index – A New Systematic Approach to Facilitate Preliminary Bat Roost Assessments (contd)

the feature ‘condition’, while indicative Table 1. The three sets of features used in the Bat Roost Trigger Index, and which are descriptions, based on known habitat known to influence roost selection. preferences of bats, define each category; A) Location, habitat B) Exterior features C) Interior features and these are used as a prompt to assign a and environmental and construction of construction of structure numerical TI score to the feature from a context of structure structure selectable drop-down menu. Scores are General location Structure/building age Character of roof chosen that best reflect the category/ void/roof space condition of the feature being assessed. A geometric mean TI score between 0 and 1 Foraging opportunities Structure/building size Character and condition of is generated automatically as feature in immediate vicinity and complexity roof timbers or supports scores are populated. (within 250 m) The theoretical maximum mean TI score, Foraging opportunities Main wall construction Presence and extent if 1.0 is selected for all features, is 1.0; the in wider landscape material of cobwebbing theoretical minimum, if the lowest score is (within 5 km) selected for every feature, is 0.29; however, Commuting Condition of wall and Presence and condition of in our experience, most structures fall opportunities giving roof pointing/render or roof lining somewhere between 0.4 and 0.9. The full access to semi-natural timbers numerical range for roost suitability has habitat been split into four categories, NEGLIGIBLE, LOW, MODERATE and HIGH (Table 2), Cover in vicinity of Presence and condition Light levels in roof structure/building of lintel and/or door void/roof space in line with categories given in the Bat frame features Conservation Trust guidelines (Collins 2016). The roost suitability descriptor is also External lighting in Construction and Protection from weather/wind generated automatically in the spreadsheet. vicinity of structure/ condition of eaves, soffits Selection of the most appropriate TI score, building and bargeboards and consistency of approach between Number and character Presence and condition Temperature regime structures, requires familiarisation with the of nearby structures/ of weatherboarding, descriptions, and some basic knowledge buildings hanging tiles and/or of bat ecology and roost selection. Use cladding and interpretation of descriptive terms Structure/building Presence and condition Level of (human, animal) are an inherent weakness of suitability exposure: altitude, of lead flashing disturbance of potential roost models; the Trigger Index cannot use strict elevation and direction criteria since most relationships between Roofing material Flight space (e.g. long-eared, roost presence/absence and features characteristics Natterer's and horseshoe bats) have not been statistically correlated. Bat access potential into Flying access (horseshoe bats) Also, an assumption has been made that structure/building relationships between feature condition and roost suitability are linear. In reality, such relationships are unlikely to be linear; Table 2. Bat Roost Trigger Index (TI) scores, Roost Suitability Class and Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) survey recommendations (Collins 2016). however, as they become quantitatively defined by empirical studies, the use of Bat Roost Bat Roost BCT survey recommendations for strict criteria in the Trigger Index may help Trigger Suitability presence/absence1 to reduce the weakness of the approach. Index Class Table 2 also shows the recommended > 0.7 HIGH Three separate survey visits. At least one dusk minimum number of survey visits for emergence and a separate dawn re-entry survey. presence/absence of bat roosts for each The third visit could be either dusk or dawn. suitability class, as recommended in the 0.6 – 0.7 MODERATE Two separate survey visits. One dusk emergence and a Bat Conservation Trust guidelines (Collins separate dawn re-entry survey. 2016). However, recommendations will ultimately depend upon the works being 0.5 – 0.6 LOW One survey visit. One dusk emergence or dawn proposed and on the type and scale of re-entry survey. impacts. It should be stressed that the TI < 0.5 NEGLIGIBLE No further surveys required. Reasonable precautionary score and derived roost suitability class is measures applicable. only a rough guide over a sliding scale and 1. Note that, in practice, the requirement for further survey may sometimes vary from that does not reflect a rigid category. stated here depending on specific circumstances. 40 Issue 96 | June 2017 First Impressions – Evaluating the Tool. During 2015/16 we tested the Trigger Index on 162 surveyed structures across the West Midlands using information gathered during PRAs. The process of inputting 28 feature scores into the tool takes no more than about five minutes per structure. The range of structures surveyed included residential dwellings, outbuildings, garages, workshops, farm buildings, industrial buildings, offices and commercial outlets, schools, recreation centres and other public buildings, churches, cathedrals, castle ruins and various other derelict buildings. The structures reflected a very wide range of designs, materials, features, uses, characters and ages, and generated a spread of mean TI scores from 0.38 to 0.97. Figure 3. Bat Roost Trigger Index scores in each Roost Suitability Class (shown in different colours) for a sample of surveyed structures (n=162). During this testing phase, the TI scores were reviewed to see how they compared to professional judgement and evidence of bats found (or lack of) during the PRA or further surveys. Figure 3 shows mean TI scores versus roost suitability class (as numerically defined in Table 2); the number of structures is spread roughly evenly across the roost suitability categories. Evidence of bat presence (e.g. droppings, feeding signs, dead bats) was detected in 98% (n=39) of structures assigned a high roost suitability, 56% (n=23) of structures assigned moderate roost suitability, 31% (n=13) of structures assigned low roost suitability and 3% (n=1) of structures with negligible roost suitability (Figure 4). The presence of a false negative is a potential Figure 4. Proportion of limitation of the tool, but one that is also structures in each Roost applicable to professional judgement. Suitability Class found However, the Trigger Index is designed to contain evidence of bats (n=162). to augment professional judgement and reduce the likelihood of missing suitable roost sites. In structures of high roost suitability, bat Conversely, low roost suitability was Currently, in our experience of using the presence was more often evident from evident mostly from few or a single tool, the Trigger Index score matched large numbers of scattered or localised dropping, and often included older well with professional judgements of droppings (often in several areas), and evidence indicating occasional or historic roost suitability; however, there will sometimes direct observations of one or use of the structure or more recent use by almost certainly be exceptions and more roosting bats. These structures were an individual or low number of bats. Where unknown factors, not least bats roosting much more likely to contain multiple roosts no evidence of bats or bat roosts is found, in sub-optimal locations, roosting of several species, with larger numbers the Trigger Index should help surveyors to opportunistically, or in low suitability of bats and roosts of moderate or high assign roost suitability more confidently, as buildings close to other nearby roosts (e.g. (with respect to roost features important for roost selection are a satellite roost). As more structures are type only). considered more systematically. assessed, the tool will be tested, revised Issue 96 | June 2017 41 Feature Article: The Bat Roost Trigger Index – A New Systematic Approach to Facilitate Preliminary Bat Roost Assessments (contd)

and validated with the aim of generating energy during hibernation but detrimental more confidence in the numerical output to the development of young bats in Acknowledgements and assigned suitability class. However, as maternity roosts. Additionally, the elevation I am very grateful to my colleagues at Swift with any assessment method, it is accepted and orientation of a structure could be Ecology who have trialled the Trigger Index. I would also like to extend my thanks to those that it will never be entirely accurate. beneficial in some circumstances but not who have provided generous and constructive others. Clearly, the ‘condition’ of some of feedback, including Cody Levine, Richard Conclusions the features can be context and roost- Crompton, Penny and Dave Lewns and Merryl Gelling. The tool described here is a first attempt type specific, and thus assessment of such to provide a checklist of factors that features in the metric may depend upon influence bat roost selection, and to rank the objective; the tool has been designed roost suitability of likely structures using mostly with summer roosts in mind, but a numerical index. The tool is currently a future versions of the tool could target all working prototype, and requires extensive roost types. testing and associated critical appraisal. Indicative descriptions may need to The standardised approach demonstrates be better defined, particularly where that each feature has been considered further research is able to establish new systematically, although there is scope correlations between roost conditions and to incorporate additional features to roost selection; it may also be possible to expand the current list, for example the introduce weighting of some features. presence and condition of cellars. The Lastly, the numerical ranges of each importance of each additional feature will suitability class must be monitored and, if need consideration prior to inclusion so necessary, revised to better correlate with that features of minimal importance in roost presence/absence, to minimise the References roost selection do not skew the numerical potential for false negatives. Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the United output. Also, some structures, such as Kingdom (ARG UK) (2010). Great Crested Newt We will continue to validate and refine the bridges, have not been tested but could be Habitat Suitability Index. ARG UK Advice note 5. Bat Roost Trigger Index in the hope that Available from www.arguk.org. included in future versions. it will become a useful aid for bat roost Accessed 25 April 2017. The results can be easily tabulated and Carter, J. and Morton, J. (2016). Innovation in assessments. We would welcome feedback Regulation: How Natural England is Thinking the Trigger Index may therefore be useful and critical appraisal, particularly from bat Differently to Deliver for Protected Species. to Local Planning Authorities in place of consultants and surveyors undertaking In Practice – Bulletin of the Chartered Institute lengthy and overly detailed descriptions of of Ecology and Environmental Management, Preliminary Roosts Assessments, based on 93: 46-50. building features. your experience of using the tool. If you Collins, J. (ed.) (2016). Bat Surveys for Although the roost features included in the would like to test the tool, please visit Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines Trigger Index are generally recognised to http://swiftecology.co.uk/trigger.php where (3rd edn). The Bat Conservation Trust, London. influence roost selection, the condition or it can be downloaded. If you use the tool, Oldham, R.S., Keeble, J., Swan, M.J.S. and Jeffcote, M. (2000). Evaluating the suitability suitability of the feature will depend upon we would ask you to provide feedback of habitat for great crested newt (Triturus the bat’s requirements at a given time; so that the tool can be improved; please cristatus). Herpetological Journal, 10: 143-155. for example, cold stable temperatures are contact the author for further information preferable to bats needing to conserve and/or to provide feedback.

CIEEM Training About the Author Introduction to Bats Nick Underhill-Day PhD ACIEEM is and Bat Survey Principal Ecologist London, 19 September 2017 at Swift Ecology Ltd. He specialises Dunblane, 20 September 2017 in protected species assessments and has a particular Bat Impacts and Mitigation interest in bat ecology, conservation, survey and Dunblane, 21 September 2017 mitigation techniques. Contact Nick at: www.cieem.net [email protected] /training-events

42 Issue 96 | June 2017 Training Events

Featured CIEEM Training Events

Beginner’s Guide to the Introduction to Professional An evidenced-based approach National Vegetation Bat Work to camera-trapping Classification (NVC) 6 September, Chipping, Lancashire 16 September, Edinburgh 8 June, Carlisle / 27 July, Skipton Trainer: Pat Waring CEnv MCIEEM Trainers: Mel Findlay MCIEEM Trainer: Stuart Colgate MCIEEM Ideal for those new to professional bat and Patrick White MCIEEM Classroom and field-based sessions are work, this course explores the key skills, NEW used to explore the background and use of experience and knowledge necessary for The course will detail what should be NVC methods, demonstrate the principals undertaking professional bat work in the considered when using camera-trapping to involved and practice recording and UK. The day combines field and classroom- assist with assessment of resting sites and sampling plant communities. based sessions to introduce bat biology activity surveys of mammals. The training Level: Beginner. and ecology, legislation and mitigation. will focus on critical aspects of survey Survey techniques are considered in more design and methodology, with reference Preliminary Ecological detail in the complementary training to recent research studies and input from Appraisal: An Applied Approach Introduction to Professional Bat Surveys. Royal Zoological Society of Scotland staff. 14 June / 13 September, Lewes Level: Beginner. The course is pitched at intermediate – advanced level, and combines classroom Trainers: Ben Kimpton MCIEEM Introduction to Professional sessions with supporting practical work. and Giles Coe MCIEEM Bat Surveys Level: Intermediate – Advanced. A solid introduction to site assessment 12 September, Chipping, Lancashire and the process of Preliminary Ecological Peatland Restoration Appraisal (PEA) with sessions covering Trainer: Pat Waring CEnv MCIEEM 26-27 September, Buxton effective desk studies, survey preparation Complementing our Introduction to as well as the hierarchy of mitigation, Professional Bat Work, this one-day Trainer: Penny Anderson CEcol FCIEEM (rtd) compensation and enhancement. Training training event introduces the range of NEW sessions include a field trip within the surveys, tools and equipment used to Penny Anderson leads this two-day, beautiful South Downs National Park assess sites for bats and start undertaking intermediate – advanced level training to practice Phase 1 habitat survey and professional bat work in the UK. Sessions event focused on the restoration of protected species risk assessment of will cover: describing and surveying blanket bog and wet heath. Classroom farmland and park adjacent to the venue. buildings, assessing the potential for bats sessions and an extended field trip will Level: Beginner. in buildings, recognising and identifying explore the importance of peatlands for signs of bats, bat emergence surveys and biodiversity and ecosystem services, the Surveying for Bats in Woodlands bat activity surveys. key factors affecting peatland ecosystems, 3-4 August, Wotton-under-Edge, Level: Beginner. the range of restoration objectives and Gloucestershire some of the challenges and techniques for achieving them. Trainer: Jim Mullholland MCIEEM Level: Intermediate – Advanced. Over two days of classroom and field- based training, delegates will explore survey design, survey methods and analysis of results. Field sessions will develop practical skills, including setting up of catching equipment and up to two evening catching sessions. Level: Intermediate – Advanced.

www.cieem.net/training-events Issue 96 | June 2017 43 Feature Article: Meet the Author

Meet the Author – Fionnuala O’Neill

What do you do? IT, although they moved me away from What’s the best thing about I am a principal ecologist with BEC ecology, gave me transferable skills that I your job? Consultants in Dublin. My work can still use today. My PhD was in woodland Getting to visit some truly stunning involve everything from tender-writing to ecology and I finished it just as a national locations, often well off the beaten track. the final project report, via botanical and woodland survey was getting under way, I live in a beautiful, ecologically rich and habitat surveys, aerial photo interpretation, helping me get a job with a company that diverse country and because my job spans field and digital habitat mapping and has a wide portfolio of projects and a great a wide range of habitats, I get to see a lot data analysis. Much of my current work team of people with complementary areas of it. is associated with the monitoring and of expertise. assessment of EU Annex I habitats. What’s the downside? Are there any ‘must-have’ Brambles, blackthorn and lashing rain. And What or who first inspired you qualifications and/or a garden that looks like a jungle because to make a career in ecology or experience? it’s sadly neglected between April and environmental management? Any qualification that provides you with September (that’s my excuse anyway). I was always interested in plants. I was essential skills, such as report-writing and What’s next for you? lucky enough to grow up in rural Ireland data analysis, is important and helps you with botanically rich fields and hedgerows get your foot in the door, but experience This summer I’ll be out surveying juniper scrub and saltmarshes, and I will get to all around me. I made a small herbarium gets you invited in for a cup of tea – it some grasslands and woodlands too. I’ll one summer and my parents helped me to shows you have the necessary interest and contribute to the survey reports and also identify the plants. They were interested ability. I wouldn’t have got my first survey to some of the national conservation in nature as well, so I suppose it started at job if I hadn’t had the right qualification, assessments for the Annex I habitats I’ve home and grew from there. but the experience I gained from those been surveying. A busy year in store! How did you get to where you two field seasons formed the basis for my are today? current career. What is your top tip for success? It wasn’t a straightforward career path! Do you have any advice for Persevere. Get involved. Take (and I graduated with a BSc in Plant Science, someone setting out on a career make) every opportunity to get to know other ecological professionals and gain completed a one-year diploma in in ecology and environmental experience. Even if you initially only get computers (it was the early 1990s – IT management? was booming, ecology wasn’t!) and unpaid experience, it will stand you in Attend as many workshops and courses as worked as a programmer for five years. good stead. Working with professionals in you can. Go to outings organised by your An overseas stint changed my perspective the field will teach you more than you’ll and I returned to university to get back local wildlife group, bird-watching club, ever learn in a lecture hall. to botany. A PhD followed and a chance BSBI, etc. – many of these are free and you encounter led to two summer seasons with meet loads of interesting people who, in BEC, who later took me on full-time. my experience, are incredibly generous to beginners with their time and expertise. For further information What have been the most You’ll build up a network of ecological important steps along the way? Contact Fionnuala at: colleagues and friends and you never [email protected] Everything played its part. The degree know when one of them will deliver you was an obvious first step. The years in your big break. 44 Issue 96 | June 2017 Professional Updates

CIEEM Skills Gap Project Debbie Bartlett FCIEEM and Eulalia Gomez-Martin GradCIEEM University of Greenwich

CIEEM has recently conducted a second Skills Gap Project. The first resulted in the launch of a degree accreditation scheme and the development of the Competency Framework in 2013, which was revised in January 2016. A combination of recent changes affecting the profession, such as Chartered status, emerging large infrastructure projects, austerity cuts affecting statutory agencies and local authorities, and uncertainty surrounding Brexit, suggested it was time for a new Skills Gap enquiry. The results of a members’ skills survey, carried out in summer 2016, were reported to the November 2016 conference, at which workshops enabled issues to be explored. A follow-up survey, targeting employers, was conducted early in 2017. This article summarises the results and considers the implications for CIEEM and the higher education institutions (HEI) sector. The Members’ Survey asked about skills acquired in the recent past, those envisioned as needed in future and motivation for developing new skills. Up to three answers could be given to each question and analysis revealed that management and communication were the most frequent responses, as shown in Figure 1. All members were sent the questionnaire and 319 responded. However only 246 completed the last section and, as this contained personal information, full analysis has not been possible. The available data, compared with overall membership statistics revealed that 20% of Fellows, 6.4% of Full, 3.5% of Associate and just 1.2% of Graduate members completed the questionnaire. The low proportion of early career grades is particularly disappointing as it is likely these would have greater training needs, Figure 1. Most frequent skills identified by respondents Issue 96 | June 2017 45 Professional Updates

and these would be different to those of Further analysis revealed the top five topics under Management and Communications, established professionals. listed in Table 1 and the graphs below. The workshops took place during the Table 1: Management and communication skills Autumn Conference, held in Nottingham Management Communication on 1-2 November 20161. A brief presentation introduced the Project and Project management 102 Communication 59 summarised the questionnaire results as a context for delegates to consider why Business management 87 Client communication 38 management and communication skills are a key issue; whether this was education Leadership 78 Giving advice 31 failing to provide a good foundation, lack People management 41 Communication/participation 26 of adequate support for building on basic skills in career progression, or changes in Habitat management 31 Negotiation 23 work place requirements. Most initially felt that they had not been taught project management. Discussion revealed that completing assignments to deadlines, undertaking research projects and group work are core programme components and fundamental to developing project management skills. There was a clear message that proficiency in communication should develop with career progression, with differences in written and verbal skills identified and consensus that uniformity is not realistic. The employer survey, carried out in early management; while for early/mid-career Dealing with awkward clients and breaking 2017, was informed by the previous results it was risk and habitat and species bad news were highlighted as specific and began by establishing company size management. Training in project, contract areas requiring training. and sector. Of 44 responses, 18 had more and people management was needed Workshop participants were asked about than 500 employees, nine had less than for mid-career staff, with senior staff also future skill requirements. The results 10. The majority (28) were private sector/ requiring people management. Business were consistent with those from the consultancies, six were local authorities, six management was exclusively identified for member survey, with identification skills, were NGO/voluntary sector and one from senior staff, with self-management training survey methods, legislation/policy, and a statutory nature conservation body. A list relevant for all grades. data management identified as priorities. of options enabled training needs to be The drivers for these included changing Presentations were the communication technology, personal aspiration, changing identified for early, mid-career or senior staff. priority for early career staff, with media legislation/policy/Brexit, career progression The management priority for early career and client training at early/mid-career and employer/client needs. staff related to habitats and volunteer levels. Negotiating/influencing, advising,

Figure 2. Skills needed by the ecology/environmental team by career stage

46 Issue 96 | June 2017 Figure 3. Skills needed by the ecology/environmental team by sector and stakeholder consultation/participation that universities could be more explicit in training was identified at mid-career and providing basic skills in assignments and Notes senior level, with the latter also requiring research projects, to be developed during 1. 2016 Autumn Conference: Skills for the campaigning skills. The response to career progression. Future: Understanding the impacts of new tools, techniques and approaches. Presentations specific training needed for the ecology/ Clearly employers want junior staff who available at http://www.cieem.net/2016-autumn- environmental team is shown in Figures can ‘hit the ground running’, equally conference- 2 and 3. universities aim to produce graduates 2. See https://www.gov.uk/government/ equipped for the work place. While much publications/apprenticeship-levy-how-it-will- These figures demonstrate the importance work/apprenticeship-levy-how-it-will-work of sector and career stage data in providing can be done by, for example, bringing in 3. See https://www.gov.uk/government/ useful information external speakers from industry, setting collections/apprenticeship-standards Employers were asked about their graduate up advisor groups to inform curriculum recruitment process. While 16 reported no development, and making assignments issues, top of the consultant’s deficit list as realistic as possible, universities are was poor plant ID, followed by field survey constrained by regulations. The CIEEM and Phase 1 habitat survey skills, and report accreditation scheme should incentivise writing. Lack of a relevant degree was a change towards a more work-orientated surprise as there are 16 CIEEM accredited ethic but lecturer-student and employer- BSc programmes and a further 5 MSc employee relationships are very different programmes. Specialist skills included bats, (just think about the cash flow!). birds, grass ID and marine ecology, perhaps The introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, best addressed by targeting recruitment requiring larger companies to contribute to specific universities. Local authority to a fund that can part-fund apprentices respondents identified critical thinking, will make significant changes combining legislation/planning and species survey on the job training with study on day licences, while NGOs needed better practical or block release basis2. CIEEM, working habitat/species/project management, and with employers and the University of people engagement skills. Greenwich, has recently gained approval to About the Authors develop Apprenticeship Standards3 for the Dr Debbie Bartlett CMLI FCIEEM is What does this mean for CIEEM? occupations of Ecologist and Environmental Programme Leader of the CIEEM Accredited MSc in Environmental While these results do not represent a Manager. Once these are completed any Conservation, University of Greenwich. full cross section of the membership registered training provider can work with Contact Debbie at: they are indicative, and information companies requiring apprenticeships – [email protected] about future requirements can inform not only those subject to the levy. This CIEEM’s training programme. However, integration between the education and Eulalia Gomez Martin MSc GradCIEEM is currently working as a Research Assistant this does not include transferable skills, employment sectors is a real opportunity for while planning to do a PhD. the most frequently mentioned group. the profession and should go a long way The workshop discussions suggested towards closing the skills gap. Issue 96 | June 2017 47 Professional Updates

What’s the Point of Conservation Science? A Workshop Exploring the Rough Edges of an ‘Evidence-Based’ Approach

Greg Carson CEcol CEnv MCIEEM Ecology Network

Background seeing the issue of ‘barriers’ to the flow 3. What is the best way to use new As members of CIEEM, we have a of evidence having been discussed ad technologies? commitment to the overall objectives of nauseam, but also the sense of resolve to 4. What does a healthy ecosystem look like? create a model by which we can enable the Institute, which include advancing 5. Are there better ways of managing effective conduits of information between the understanding and the standards our ecosystems? of our craft as well as furthering scientists and researchers, and the 6. What is the impact of changes in the the conservation, management and practitioners who are charged with day to natural environment and ecosystem enhancement of biodiversity. day delivery of everything from policy, to hands on land management. services upon people’s health and In order to deliver the above, we agree wellbeing? to (amongst other things) apply Cheekily entitled What’s the Point of Carlos Abrahams (Baker Consultants, objectivity, relevance, accuracy, Conservation Science?, the meeting representing CIEEM) provided a personal proportionality and impartiality as well drew together 40 practitioners from viewpoint from a consultant’s perspective, as have regard to the relevant published diverse backgrounds (albeit all connected questioning a few commonly used survey technical guidance and standards1. with the environmental sector) and levels of experience. This ‘diversity’ approaches and pointing out that much As practitioners, we make decisions based was intentional, with the attendees of the guidance we use is not based upon previous training, our individual forming a ‘sample’ whose job it was to upon robust science. He stressed the experiences and accepted guidance. work through a process identifying the increased weight upon evidence-informed So whether we are sitting at our desk tasks they undertake as individuals and approaches, especially in light of the developing conservation policy, hacking assigning to those tasks areas where revised Environmental Impact Assessment scrub from a heathland or waiting for evidence was required. (EIA) regulations, which include provision sunrise when undertaking a bat survey, for monitoring. our activity at any particular moment is (or The scene was set with a number of Eleanor Sterling (American Museum of at least should be!) based upon accepted introductory presentations. Natural History) gave a most enlightening methods, albeit potentially tempered by Lucy Rogers (Avon Wildlife Trust) outlined presentation (via Skype) where she professional judgement which is required the information that was key to an referred to the importance of bridging to take into consideration the particular NGO whose focus was on conservation the gap between ‘users’ and ‘producers’ circumstances of whatever matter we may – being able to measure environmental of information, especially in relation to be addressing. change, know what actions to take and getting the conservation message across to most importantly, know if the actions The Workshop decision-makers. Referring in particular to being taken are resulting in the desired people and project design, she highlighted There has been much discussion about outcomes. She acknowledged that avoiding ‘engagement fatigue’ and the void that sits between scientific resources were always an issue and as choosing certain variables solely because research, and practical delivery. In such, delivery tended to be prioritised they can be numerically measured. She an attempt to develop solutions to over evidence. bridge this gap, Mark O’Connell briefly explored the difference between Gary Kass (Natural England) gave a (ERT Conservation) and Rachel White making ‘evidence-based’ and ‘evidence- perspective from Natural England, and (University of Brighton), hosted a two-day informed’ decisions, and the limitations to focussed upon the ‘Big Six’ questions for workshop at the beginning of February, ‘expert opinion’. which they require evidence: specifically with a view to establish what Mark and Rachel provided an overview of conservation science practitioners needed, 1. Where and how do we restore the project and outlined the format of the in order to understand/deliver their landscape connectivity? two days. They also provided a summary activities effectively. From the website2, 2. In the natural environment, what do we of a questionnaire completed by the one could clearly sense the frustration in want to measure, why and how? participants (100% response rate!) prior 48 Issue 96 | June 2017 Professional Updates

to the meeting. It emerged that one of The meeting was also informed by two The participants were split into five the key concerns was the degree to which ‘optional’ lunchtime talks, one by Peter breakout groups, for which a chairperson available evidence was of direct relevance Long (Oxford University) which featured his for each had been nominated previously. to one’s job. In preparation for the task work on the Local Ecological Footprinting An environmental science student from that lay ahead for the participants, Mark Tool (LEFT) – an online resource that Brighton was assigned to each group, to explored such issues as what constitutes a has the potential to provide detailed add their perspective. research question, especially in relation to global environmental information at In order to provide a starting point, Mark scale, and the importance of contrasting an astounding range of scales. On the used a competency framework adapted information requirements at different scales second day, Rebecca Smith (Conservation from CIEEM and other similar approaches, (for example, within one organisation, Evidence), provided an outline of the which divides broad areas of work a strategist may require national level Conservation Evidence initiative, and in according to component tasks, which metrics, while a field worker requires local particular demonstrated how it was a in turn are subdivided into the tangible evidence to guide and evaluate his/her two-way process, encouraging submission activities that are required to deliver each practical management). The context for the of material by, as well as provision to, task. Each group was provided with an workshop was illustrated by Figure 1. practitioners in a variety of formats. (electronic) table of the framework, with

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Figure 1: Diagram demonstrating the context of the workshop in relation to issues surrounding conservation science (used with the kind permission of Mark O’Connell) Issue 96 | June 2017 49 Professional Updates

an added blank column against each task, enhancement to the robustness of our pressure on our governing administration headed ‘specific evidence required’. work as ecologists and environmentalists3. to keep the economy buoyant. One facet to this will be the re-evaluation The initial task for each group was Application to work through the framework, and of regulations that may hinder (or check that the range of questions being When undertaking our work, it may be perhaps more accurately, be perceived to asked was valid and complete. In other that the application of our understanding hinder) economic growth. The EU Birds words, checking that the headings for of current guidance and standards and Habitats Directives are likely to be the broad areas of work, the tasks and occasionally throws up results that are casualties. Nonetheless, Government will activities for each task, were appropriate unexpected. Or that we may tweak wish to explore alternatives to regulation for the exercise. For example, one accepted methods to accommodate to deliver environmental safeguard, and of the task activities states: “Provide particular circumstances which then the emphasis on robust professional evidence on nature conservation and prove to provide us with greater insight/ standards is likely to be a feature. So as wider environmental management to understanding of the matter with which professionals, it will become increasingly successfully influence Government...”. So we are dealing. Mechanisms exist to enable important that our work is based upon in drilling down into this particular task, such ‘advances’ in understanding to be objective and up-to-date understanding of we asked ourselves “Do we need evidence communicated to a wider audience. For our trade. This work is likely to make an on the methods/effectiveness of providing example, In Practice plays an important important contribution to this goal. evidence?”, and concluded that this was role in such dissemination, along with not a particularly high priority. other ‘grey’ literature. Our own CIEEM Best The five groups collectively worked through Practice Awards were set up precisely for the table, and by no means managed to that purpose. address and evaluate every task activity. Whilst such ‘causal’ evidence is of use, However, there was sufficient ‘coverage’ there exists a swathe of empirical evidence, to enable us to agree on the majority of largely stemming from academic studies/ headings. Once the framework had been literature. Of course, when as practitioners set, we then turned our attention to the we follow accepted guidance, that actual evidence required. This is where the guidance should be making reference to, Acknowledgement diversity of the participants proved most if not be ultimately based upon, empirical Thanks go to Carols Abrahams, whose effective, as it provided a range of evidence evidence which may be available. But like suggestions greatly improved the quality to set against each (agreed) task activity. a game of ‘Chinese whispers’, can we be of this article. Finally, we were asked to classify the sure that the guidance itself has taken required evidence we identified according account of all the available evidence? to how important it was at five different And even if this is so, can we be sure that geographic scales. there have not been more recent studies Notes which have the potential to alter, perhaps As one would expect, there was 1. Taken from the CIEEM Code of Professional radically, the way the guidance is set out? Conduct, June 2016 considerable diversity amongst the As ecological/environmental practitioners, 2. http://www.ert-conservation.co.uk/wpcs participants in terms of what each to what extent are we able to locate and _intro.php considered to be a priority for conservation absorb the empirical evidence directly? 3. Following a further workshop with a evidence to enable them to deliver their broader range of participants, Mark’s role more effectively. Of particular interest, It is tempting to simply accept that we are envisaged output is ‘A Practical Guide there was a broad acknowledgement of a undertaking our craft to the best of our to Conservation Science’ paucity of evidence related to the ‘social/ ability and, as such, are compliant with our people-centric’ aspects of our work, and Code of Professional Conduct. And this may a broad feeling amongst participants be the case. But ecology and environmental that subsequent stages to the process management are inexact sciences, and About the Author needed to draw on practitioners from although we may never achieve 100% Dr Greg Carson runs Ecology Network disciplines other than ecology and ‘true’ understanding, we should always Ltd, an environmental consultancy based environmental management. strive to get as close as we can. This ERT in London. He has previously worked as Conservation project2 has the capacity to an Associate within a large multi- At the time of writing Mark and Rachel disciplinary engineering consultancy, as a assist us in ensuring that our analyses and had yet to produce a summary of the county ecologist, and for The Wildlife collated outcome of the meeting, but from outcomes relating to conservation action, Trusts. Greg sits on CIEEM’s Advisory the feedback provided by the different are more rigorously constructed. Forum and represents the Institute on the UK Great Crested Newt Working Group. groups during the meeting, I expect The workshop’s focus is also most timely that we will see the development of a given the current political climate. As Contact Greg at: [email protected] practical based framework of conduits for we progress in departing from the information flow that will create a real European Union, there will be enormous 50 Issue 96 | June 2017 ĂůůĨŽƌWĂƉĞƌƐ /DƵƚƵŵŶŽŶĨĞƌĞŶĐĞϮϬϭϳ DŝƟŐĂƟŽŶ͕DŽŶŝƚŽƌŝŶŐ ĂŶĚīĞĐƟǀĞŶĞƐƐ ϮϭͲϮϮEŽǀĞŵďĞƌϮϬϭϳ͕DĂŶĐŚĞƐƚĞƌ

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Issue 96 | June 2017 51

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Employers’ Investment in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Karen Hood-Cree Professional Development Coordinator, CIEEM

For employers, supporting continuing based on a combination of structured and professional development (CPD) should unstructured development linked to the be a high priority. It benefits not only Competency Framework. Whilst training the employee but also enhances the courses, conferences and webinars are organisation’s resilience, collective some of the obvious ones, others may competence and capacity for growth. be less obvious. Mentoring (as mentor or Investing in ongoing knowledge acquisition mentee), new project work, committee and personal development demonstrates work, subject-specific reading, research that employees are valued and valuable. and work shadowing are other examples 1 Planning CPD should be a core element of but there are many more. any annual performance review process. Members are expected to keep a record The plan should be relevant to the role of their CPD and we provide an online (and potential role), development needs tool to enable you to do this (available and organisational demands. Whether via the Members’ Area of the website2). resulting from a conversation between a The tool also includes a CPD planner. staff member and a line manager, or as Each year the Training, Education and a result of self-reflection, the CPD plan Careers Development Committee (TECDC) provides a framework for maintaining randomly audits a selection of members’ knowledge and skills as well as exploring CPD records to ensure that membership new areas of interest or business need. obligations are being met. There are many different forms of CPD. If you require any further information CIEEM’s membership CPD obligation is about CPD please contact [email protected].

Notes 1. Competency Framework Themes and other information can be found at: http://www.cieem. net/eligibility-information 2. http://cieem.activclient.com/login. aspx?Type=AREA

52 Issue 96 | June 2017 Professional Updates

Developing Ecological Clerk of Works Accreditation

Following extensive consultation, work has now begun on a project to develop an Accredited Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) scheme. Supported by a wide range of project partners – including the Construction Industries Training Board (CITB), the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), HS2, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Association of Ecological and Environmental Clerk of Works (AEECoW) – the first phase of the project is underway. recognition amongst ECoW service Next Steps providers that there is a need to raise the The next steps will involve agreeing the Ecological Clerks of Works are a vital part profile of the role, to increase contractors’ standards for each role and the preparation of the development construction process. and clients’ understanding of the role, and of a detailed structure and outline course Undertaken effectively, the role can provide to improve the competence of ECoWs on content for the associated training practical, site-specific and proportionate site. An accredited ECoW scheme will seek programme, along with assessment assistance to contractors to ensure that to address these issues processes. This will be done in liaison they comply with relevant environmental with the Irish National Accreditation regulations, planning conditions and client Current Work Board as well as CITB in the UK. In requirements whilst protecting valuable CIEEM is currently working with CECA on addition to a comprehensive training and biodiversity features on site and overseeing a CITB-funded research project to seek assessment programme for those new to ecological mitigation activities. Undertaken empirical evidence of the scale of skills the role, there will also be a ‘fast-track’ badly, the role can lead to avoidable costs, gaps and skills shortages in the ECoW role. assessment route for those who are already project timetable delays and/or adverse This research project will be concluded experienced and can demonstrate that they meet the agreed competence standards. publicity for both clients and contractors as next month. Some CIEEM members have well as poor outcomes for biodiversity. been taking part in the research and your A further update will be provided in the September issue of In Practice. Accrediting ECoWs contribution is much appreciated. There is a growing demand for ECoWs Alongside this research we have been in the UK, and potentially in Ireland, as working with Greenbridge Ltd and a multi- infrastructure projects get underway. disciplinary UK and Ireland Advisory Group Contractors are concerned about the to develop competency profiles, linked to availability of sufficient, competent CIEEM’s Competency Framework, for three ECoWs now and in the years ahead, ECoW roles, identifying key knowledge, identifying this as one of the principal skills and behaviours. The three roles differ risks to successful infrastructure delivery in the extent to which they are operational, to planned timescales. There is also advisory or auditing work on site. Issue 96 | June 2017 53 ŽƵůĚLJŽƵďĞƚŚĞƌŝŐŚƚ ƉĞƌƐŽŶƚŽůĞĂĚƚŚĞ/ŶƐƟƚƵƚĞŽŶ ƚŚĞŶĞdžƚƐƚĂŐĞŽĨŝƚƐũŽƵƌŶĞLJ͍ tĞĂƌĞŶŽǁŝŶǀŝƟŶŐƐĞůĨͲŶŽŵŝŶĂƟŽŶƐĨŽƌƚŚĞƉŽƐŝƟŽŶŽĨ/DWƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚ ϮϬϭϴͲϮϬϮϭ͘ůĞĐƚĞĚďLJƚŚĞŵĞŵďĞƌƐŚŝƉ͕ƚŚĞ/DWƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚůĞĂĚƐƚŚĞ ŽƌŐĂŶŝƐĂƟŽŶŝŶĚĞůŝǀĞƌŝŶŐŝƚƐǀŝƐŝŽŶĂŶĚƐƚƌĂƚĞŐLJ͘ƚŽƵƌ'DŝŶEŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϭϳǁĞǁŝůůďĞĞůĞĐƟŶŐĂŶĞǁWƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚƚŽƚĂŬĞŽĸĐĞŝŶEŽǀĞŵďĞƌϮϬϭϴ ;ŚĂǀŝŶŐ ĮƌƐƚƐĞƌǀĞĚ ĨŽƌ ŽŶĞLJĞĂƌ ĂƐWƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚͲůĞĐƚͿ ĂŶĚ ƐĞƌǀŝŶŐ ƵŶƟů EŽǀĞŵďĞƌϮϬϮϭ͘ĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞƐŵƵƐƚďĞĂ&ƵůůŵĞŵďĞƌŽƌ&ĞůůŽǁ͕ǁŝůůŶĞĞĚ ƚŽďĞĂďůĞƚŽĂůůŽĐĂƚĞƟŵĞƚŽƚŚĞƌŽůĞ͕ŵƵƐƚďĞǁŝůůŝŶŐƚŽďĞĂƉƵďůŝĐ ĨĂĐĞĨŽƌƚŚĞ/ŶƐƟƚƵƚĞĂŶĚŚĂǀĞĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞŽĨǁŽƌŬŝŶŐĂƚĂƐƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĐůĞǀĞů͘ ŽƵůĚƚŚŝƐďĞLJŽƵ͍ tĞĂƌĞĂůƐŽƐĞĞŬŝŶŐŶĞǁ'ŽǀĞƌŶŝŶŐŽĂƌĚĂŶĚĚǀŝƐŽƌLJ&ŽƌƵŵŵĞŵďĞƌƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐĂŶ ,ŽŶ͘^ĞĐƌĞƚĂƌLJͲůĞĐƚ;ƚŽƚĂŬĞ ƵƉ ƚŚĞ ƉŽƐƚŝŶ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϭϴͿ͘dŚĞƐĞĂƌĞĂůůĐƌŝƟĐĂůůLJŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚƌŽůĞƐŝŶƐƵƉƉŽƌƟŶŐƚŚĞ/ŶƐƟƚƵƚĞ͛Ɛ ǁŽƌŬ ĂŶĚ ĚĞĐŝƐŝŽŶͲŵĂŬŝŶŐŽŶ ďĞŚĂůĨŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ͘dŚĞƐƵĐĐĞƐƐĨƵů ĐĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞƐǁŝůůŚĂǀĞƚŚĞŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚLJƚŽƵƐĞƚŚĞŝƌƐŬŝůůƐĂŶĚĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞƚŽ ŚĞůƉƚŚĞŝƌƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂůďŽĚLJŐƌŽǁĂŶĚĚĞǀĞůŽƉĨƵƌƚŚĞƌ͘dŚĞƐĞĂƌĞĞdžĐŝƟŶŐ ĂŶĚĐŚĂůůĞŶŐŝŶŐƟŵĞƐĂŶĚǁĞŚŽƉĞƚŽŵĂŬĞƚŚĞĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞŽĨƐĞƌǀŝŶŐŽŶ ƚŚĞ'ŽǀĞƌŶŝŶŐŽĂƌĚŽƌĚǀŝƐŽƌLJ&ŽƌƵŵĂƐĨƵůĮůůŝŶŐĂƐƉŽƐƐŝďůĞ͘

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54 Issue 96 | June 2017

$GYHUW,3FDOOIRU3UHVLGHQWQRPLQDWLRQVLQGG  Professional Updates

Criminal Prosecution – Are You Covered?

Working in the environmental field creates We appreciate that the first thought a number of risks over and above the that you may have when contacted by standard ‘breach of duty’ claims that can the Police or the Environment Agency often arise against other professionals. regarding a possible prosecution may be The main difference, and perhaps the most Please note that not all insurers will include to obtain legal advice before contacting nerve-wracking, is the fact that you can be this cover as standard so you should check your insurance brokers. However, while open to a criminal prosecution arising out your policy carefully and make sure the this is understandable, this could result in a of an alleged breach of the various pieces additional cover is included. Not to do so conflict with the terms of the policy as the of environmental legislation that governs can be an expensive mistake. cover will then not generally apply to any certain aspects of biodiversity protection. Should you be in the unfortunate position costs incurred without the insurers’ consent. In the normal course of events, a criminal of needing to seek legal advice under this prosecution would fall outside the scope of clause then you do need to be aware that It is possible that insurers may be prepared a Professional Indemnity policy, given that most insurers will have their own legal to contribute towards any costs incurred they generally provide cover for any civil firms to whom any work associated with without their consent, although it should liability arising out of the conduct of your claims under this clause will be referred. In be noted that this is entirely at their professional business. However, given that, most cases, to be covered by the insurance discretion and they are not obliged to do at CIEEM Insurance Services (operated by policy, any legal work associated with a so. As such, you may still be faced with McParland Finn Ltd), we have been dealing claim will be undertaken by one of these paying these legal costs, either in part or in with the requirements of CIEEM members firms (i.e. you do not normally get to for more than 20 years, we are well aware choose which legal firm you can use). full, which would otherwise have fallen to the insurers. that your requirements go over and above With this in mind, our insurers utilise the a straightforward ‘Civil Liability’ policy. As services of one of the UK and Ireland’s CIEEM Insurance Services are here to a result, as a standard benefit for CIEEM leading insurance and risk law specialists. protect you and your company in the event members, the policy we arrange on your Not only is the firm an established presence that a claim, be it a criminal prosecution behalf specifically includes cover for the within the insurance sector, they also or a civil liability claim, and in order to costs incurred in dealing with a criminal have a dedicated and experienced team receive the full benefit of the cover under prosecution. of solicitors on hand to assist with these the policy we would recommend that you This additional cover provides that your issues. The services that they provide can contact us as soon as you become aware insurers will cover you for: range from assisting in the preparation of of a potential problem. We can then witness statements to attending interviews ensure that you benefit in full from the under caution and defending you at trial. “… the costs and expenses incurred cover provided under the policy. As these services fall within the scope of with the prior consent of the [Insurer] the policy we arrange on your behalf, If you could like to discuss the issues raised in the defence of any criminal any costs incurred in dealing with the in this article please phone 01612 377 proceedings against the Insured (or investigation and the prosecution will fall 729 or email [email protected]. any appeal against a conviction arising to your insurers provided that you abide by Alternatively please visit www.cieem- from such proceedings) in respect of the terms and conditions of the policy. insurance.co.uk for more information. a breach of any statute or statutory regulations …”

As a result, if you are contacted by the Police or the Environment Agency regarding any actual or alleged criminal offence in connection with any environmental work undertaken on a project, provided you contact us as soon as practicable, then cover is in place to help safeguard your position and assist in dealing with the investigation. Issue 96 | June 2017 55 Professional Updates

Chartered Membership

Fellows and Full Members of CIEEM can New Chartered Members Chartered Environmentalists develop their skills and gain professional CIEEM is pleased to announce the Mr Gavin Ward CEnv MCIEEM recognition from employers, colleagues following new Chartered members: and clients by achieving Chartered status. Mr Matthew Oakley CEnv MCIEEM CIEEM offers two Chartership awards: Chartered Ecologist Mr Barry Clarkson CEnv MCIEEM • Chartered Ecologist (CEcol): Dr Robert Iredale CEcol MCIEEM Dr Kate Vincent CEnv MCIEEM The Register of Chartered Ecologists Miss Mandy Apps CEcol MCIEEM Miss Tamara Percy CEnv MCIEEM recognises the effective application of Dr Jo Parmenter CEcol CEnv MCIEEM Mr Marc Jackson CEnv MCIEEM knowledge and understanding of the Dr Peter Foss CEcol MCIEEM Mrs Nicola Tyrell CEnv MCIEEM science of ecology by professionals Mrs Julie Bhatti CEnv MCIEEM committed to the highest standards Dr Patrick Crushell CEcol MCIEEM of practice. Dr Liat Wicks CEcol MCIEEM Chartered Ecologist • Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv): Mr Michael Stopa CEcol CEnv MCIEEM application deadlines CIEEM is one of 23 professional Mr Gordon Haycock CEcol CEnv MCIEEM CEcol Application CEcol bodies licensed by the Society for the Mr Mark Lang CEcol CEnv MCIEEM due date Interviews Environment (SocEnv) to award Chartered Ms Paola Reason CEcol CEnv MCIEEM Environmentalist status. CEnv is an 23 June 2017 w/c 11 Sept 2017 increasingly recognised standard of good Miss Rachel Brady CEcol MCIEEM 15 Sept 2017 w/c 11 Dec 2017 environmental practice. The following profile highlights the work Chartered Environmentalist application deadlines of Chartered professionals and provides CEnv application due date CEnv report submission CEnv Interviews an insight into the kind of roles that 1 September 2017 24 November 2017 8 January 2018 these senior ecologists and environmental managers are required for. Please note, these dates are subject to the availability of assessors and may change.

Dr Sarah Cox (née Jackson) If you are interested in submitting your own profile please contact the Registration Officer, Michael CEcol CEnv MCIEEM Hornby, at [email protected]. Associate Director, The Ecology Consultancy Why did you join CIEEM? development. Not only to highlight What training experience I joined CIEEM to demonstrate my strengths, but also weaknesses or areas do you have? commitment to quality and standards where improvements are needed. I have completed numerous training and to be part of a wider community How has achieving Chartered courses and attended workshops and of ecologists. Status impacted on the types conferences over the years. The Ecology Why did you apply for of work you undertake? Consultancy also runs various courses Chartered status? I believe I now have a stronger case to through the year for CIEEM and others. I applied as a means of providing my bid for more complex, high profile work What is the best thing about clients with the security of knowing the than previously. Chartered Status provides your job? level of service they would get from a benchmark for clients to assess my I relish the challenges of my role within me and also as a means of assessing skills and level of competence. This is the company. It is hectic and extremely my own performance as an ecologist. I especially important when representing demanding, but the huge variation in my believed Chartered Status was extremely clients at Inquiry for instance as it clearly role means that I have to operate at the important for my own development as an demonstrates my level of expertise and highest level at all times. Our teams rely on ecologist and to provide a benchmark for adds weight to any opinions stated. improving my own skills. the quality of my outputs/advice and that What is your education of other senior managers in the company How did you find the background? Chartership process? and this means that I continually strive to The process was not easy but through the I have a BSc (joint hons) Biology make sure that, wherever possible, I can process of reviewing the competencies, and Geography, MRes Ecology and provide them with the advice and support it allows you to critically appraise yourself Environmental Management (Distinction), they require to do their jobs and advance and think about all aspects of your own PhD Conservation Biology/Urban Ecology. their own careers.

56 Issue 96 | June 2017 Professional Updates

British Ecological Society Richard English Communications Manager, British Ecological Society

Spring is a time of change and new starts, a species is in the wild causing negative implementation plan is to “establish a and we have plenty of new initiatives and impacts and in helping to know how to working group with responsibility for collaborations for 2017. eradicate them. We produced a Virtual improving coordination, developing a We’re continuing to work hard with our Issue for Invasive Species Week as part of strategic plan, communicating with the Journal of Applied Ecology on developing our effort to share evidence and inform research community, and influencing an online resource to help bridge the gap good practice: funders of research”. While this is has yet between academics and practitioners. www.britishecologicalsociety.org/ to be set up, it will provide an extremely We’ve run a number of focus groups invasivespecies2017 important link between the research and presented our updated findings to community and policy-makers. Our Practitioners Perspectives provides a CIEEM; the initiative will be a web resource platform for individuals involved in hands-on Brexit containing a variety of information types management of ecological resources – and relevant to applied ecology, including As the UK Government proceeds with provides an opportunity for environmental summaries, reports and journal articles. the Brexit negotiations, it is vital that our NGOs and practitioners engage with, community makes itself heard by engaging Our Journal of Applied Ecology also challenge and advance the evidence of proactively with the debate. Since the has two timely research papers on the invasive non-native species (INNS). referendum, we have held two high profile EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): http://www.journalofappliedecology.org/ events on the consequences of Brexit for ‘Sensitivity of the farmland bird community view/0/PractitionersPerspective.html science and the environment, met with to crop diversification in Sweden: does the Brexit Minister to discuss our concerns, the CAP fit?’ by Josefsson et al. and ‘The www.journalofappliedecology.org and successfully informed a number of importance of trees for woody pasture Making Research More Applied Parliamentary inquiries. bird diversity and effects of the European Union’s tree density policy’ by Jakobsson The Convention on Biological Diversity As the Brexit process unfolds, we will and Lindborg (see pages 65-67). (CBD) remains an important international strengthen this engagement through treaty for the UK. We are signed up to the work of our new Brexit Policy We were very pleased to collaborate with Aichi Biodiversity Target 9 that “by 2020, Working Group. This work will require CIEEM and take part in their webinar invasive alien species and pathways the expertise and active participation of series on Friday 7 April 2017. Prue Addison our community – join our Brexit Mailing presented ‘Decision triggers for evidence- are identified and prioritized, priority List now or tell us your priorities: ben@ based conservation management’, based species are controlled or eradicated, on her Practitioner’s Perspective article. and measures are in place to manage britishecologicalsociety.org. These articles are designed for people pathways to prevent their introduction and Cross-border collaboration is essential involved in hands-on management to establishment.” Improving the evidence for excellent science and effective provide thought-provoking discussion and underpinning methods of early detection ; it is essential are free to read at: and ensuring appropriate rapid response that this is recognised in the UK’s approach techniques once an INNS has been http://www.journalofappliedecology.org/ to the Brexit negotiations. detected is vital; as is rehabilitation and view/0/PractitionersPerspective.html We have been, and will continue to long term management of sites or species. work in partnership with a wide range Invasive Species Week The GB Non-Native Species Strategy, and of partners in order to communicate our It is vital to understand the ecology its implementation plan, set out the CBD messages. Our European collaboration of invasive species and their potential principles and is a useful document to continues with our joint Annual Meeting impacts, as well as helping to predict use to align research within an applied ‘Ecology across Borders’ in Ghent on which will arrive next, and how to prevent framework in Britain. 11–14 December with the GfÖ, NecoV and spread. Scientific research and ecological The first research action within the in association with EEF: www.ecology2017. evidence play a vital role in detecting when GB Non-Native Species Strategy info #EAB2017 Issue 96 | June 2017 57 Professional Updates

Building Bridges between Farming and Nature: Welsh Section Grazing is Amazing Conference 2017 Codi Pontydd rhwng Ffermio a Natur: Cynhadledd Adran Pori yn Rhagori Cymru 2017 Diana Clark MCIEEM Welsh Section Support Officer

After months of planning and numerous incredibly grateful. Mike’s introductory talk telephone conversations, in early February was followed by CIEEM’s CEO, Sally Hayns several folk from the Welsh Section CEcol MCIEEM, providing a summary of Committee, together with various her own background and how this has CIEEM staff members, arrived in a sunny been intertwined with North Wales over Llandudno for a joint conference with the years. For the benefit of members and PONT and Natur. non-members alike, she also introduced CIEEM as a professional body, describing the very diverse work that the organisation carries out. Matthew Quinn (Environment and Sustainable Development, Welsh scheme in Austria is run using results-based Government) spoke next, emphasising payments, followed by a short presentation natural resources as our biggest asset and from Mike Alexander on grazing within the great need for local collaborative action woodlands. The final conference to meet challenges/opportunities presented presentation of the day was from Geraint by the new legal framework in Wales. We Jones (Pembrokeshire Coast National Park also heard from Kevin Austin (Agriculture Authority) who spoke to us in Welsh about Strategy and Policy, Welsh Government), the Pembrokeshire Grazing Network and The conference was opened by Mike who spoke on the Common Agricultural some of the key issues that have emerged Alexander MCIEEM, current Chair of Policy (CAP) framework, what we have over the last 15 years. PONT and Executive Director of Natur. He learnt so far, how this may change post- outlined the importance and value of our Brexit and whether we can adapt novel The conference day was interspersed cultural landscape, formed over thousands approaches from abroad to suit us. This with short ‘soap-box style’ pitches from of years as a (mainly unintentional) by- was followed by a fascinating presentation PONT, summarising recent work that the product of people toiling to provide a on grazer selectivity and the effect of organisation has been driving in each area living for their families, and the need to this on both environmental outputs of Wales, together with Q&A sessions celebrate these special and precious places. and animal food-products (Bill Grayson, with all speakers, which generated some Mike also handed over the baton from Morecambe Bay Conservation Grazing lively debate. Natur to CIEEM – to whom a significant Company). Next up we heard Wolfgang CIEEM’s Welsh Section Committee then amount of encouragement and support Suske’s (SUSKE Consulting) entertaining held their short Annual Members’ Meeting, has been given, and for which we are perspective on how one agri-environment presenting a summary of recent events 58 Issue 96 | June 2017 The highlight of Day 2 was a choice of an indoor workshop or one of four field trips to the bracing Great Orme, looking at how conservation grazing has been applied in practice to a beautiful and highly popular local site. This included (amongst other things) a walk around the National Trust- owned Parc Farm, which has seen so much media interest of late. Dan Jones pays just £1 per year for his tenancy, in exchange for shepherding the land in a sympathetic manner that benefits both people and wildlife. Dan’s group explored the highs and lows of such an approach, plus enjoyed watching a shepherd doing what he does best – herding sheep with the aid of his faithful dog. in Wales and outlining some of our plans Day 2 saw several more soap-box sessions, The Welsh Section Committee would like for things to come. During the conference plus a beautifully-presented talk on meadow to extend a huge diolch yn fawr to PONT dinner we enjoyed hearing Iolo Williams restoration projects (Trevor Dines, Plantlife) for all of the hard work that went into speaking passionately about his personal and an eloquent discussion on the need for organising the conference, as well as the experiences with the natural world and longer time-frames, bigger spatial scales, encouragement and financial support from the farming community in Wales – a real an understanding of place, freedom from Natur that has assisted my appointment story-teller and entertainer. The rest of unrealistic targets and a welcome for the here in Wales. It was a pleasure also to the evening was spent catching up with unquantifiable, when it comes to managing welcome such a wide-range of speakers friends, colleagues and acquaintances (old our relationship with the environment (John to our event, many of whom gave up their and new) in the cosy hotel bar. Rodwell, Independent Ecologist). time for free. Plus of course the conference could not have run without the support of the 140+ delegates who attended. We look forward to further developing close ties with a multitude of organisations in the future, and hope to see you at a Welsh Section event sometime soon. PONT works with individuals and organisations to deliver appropriate grazing regimes for the benefit of wildlife, both on individual sites and at a local and regional level. You can find out more about PONT by visiting www.pontcymru.org. Check out the CIEEM Welsh Section Committee at www.cieem.net/welsh- committee-profiles. We currently have several vacancies so do get in touch if you are interested in contributing.

About the Author Diana Clark works as the CIEEM Welsh Section Support Officer for two days a week, supporting the Section Committee and staff at the Secretariat to run informal events, training, student engagement opportunities and policy responses in Wales. Contact Diana at: [email protected]

Issue 96 | June 2017 59 Member Network News

Member Network News

IRELAND CIEEM has two types of Member Networks: Geographic Sections and Special Interest Groups. Each is run by a committee of members for the benefit of other Irish Section Conference 2017: members, providing opportunities to network, share knowledge and learn more Advancing EcIA in Ireland about the science and practice of our profession. 6 April 2017, Dublin For further information about Member Networks and how you can get involved, Delegates gathered at the Dublin Chamber please visit www.cieem.net/get-involved. of Commerce for a day looking at EcIA with talks from a great line-up of speakers, WALES including a keynote from Bill Sutherland of Conservation Evidence. Bryophyte identification day, The morning session kicked off with a Pensychnant Nature Reserve presentation on Hydrology and Ecological 18 March 2017 Impact Assessment, which highlighted the multidisciplinary approach required A small group of CIEEM members braved the to examine interactions between water wind and rain at Pensychnant Nature Reserve and ecosystems (Ray Flynn, Queens in Conway, North Wales, to hunt out and University Belfast). This was followed by identify various species from the vast array of a discussion on the newly revised EPA bryophytes hosted at the reserve. Guidelines on Environmental Impact The morning was spent identifying Assessment Reports, which reflect changes and sampling out in the field followed in directives, legislation and case law since by an afternoon drying off after the the previous guidelines were published in inclement weather and identifying samples 2002 (Paul Fingleton, CAAS); and a talk using microscopes, hand lenses and on the approach taken for ecological data identification keys. collection for the N6 Galway City Ring Road The day was led by the very experienced project (Aebhin Cawley, Scott Cawley). and enthusiastic Lucia Ruffino of the After the morning break, there were North Wales Non-flowering Plant Group, presentations on air pollution in who helped delegates understand the Northern Ireland (Gary Dodds and Keith complexities of bryophyte structure in order Finnegan, NIEA); the latest advances to identify the species sampled. A great day in bat assessment and mitigation (Paul was had by all, despite the weather! Scott, Bat Conservation Ireland); EcIA Find out more about the Welsh Section and for Wind Farms (Chris Perry, NIEA); and upcoming events at www.cieem.net/geographic-sections/8/02.-wales the value of biological records and how You can read more about the recent joint Welsh conference on page 58. organisations such as CEDaR can engage

WALES Measuring a natterjack toad An Evening with Natterjack Toads 19 April 2017, Talacre 14 delegates, led by Kim Norman (Excal Ltd), Land Management Advisor for ENI UK Ltd at Talacre, Flintshire, spent an engaging April evening hearing about the history of natterjack toads at this site, before heading out to find them. The tropical- sounding croaks of the males as they try to attract females in from their daytime burrows in the surrounding dunes drew a different sort of attention as participants intervened to weigh and measure them.

Strings of natterjack eggs were also marked with numbered and dated flags to enable A natterjack toad Kim to plan for the date of emergence. We would like to thank Kim for a superb sits patiently on the evening and allowing us to act under her licence for this European Protected Species. weighing scales You can read more about this event at www.cieem.net/wales

60 Issue 96 | June 2017 Other great Member Network events over the last quarter have included: • Biodiversity Data with the Scottish Section • The European eel with the East of England Section • Ecological report writing workshop with the South West Section • Perspectives on EcIA with the West Midlands Section • Conservation Dogs with the East Midlands Section • 3rd edition bat guidelines with the Welsh Section These events are all organised by our volunteer committees and we hope many of you have been able to go along and enjoy their efforts. During the last year, your Member Networks organised no less than 83 local events, representing over 2000 opportunities to network and share expertise! This activity is increasing steadily each year, not only providing access to great low-cost CPD events, but also valuable opportunities to network, with many events organised jointly with other bodies. If you would like to see more happening in your area, please do get in touch with your committee – especially if you are able to offer a bit of time to help make it happen. Find out more at www.cieem.net/get-involved.

more comprehensively with data providers to assist the collation of data sets (Damian McFerran, CeDAR). The afternoon session provided a thought- provoking workshop on the need for evidence-based Mitigation (Bill Sutherland, Conservation Evidence). An interactive session with the audience of consultants and practitioners revealed what specific types of conservation interventions the group would most like to see tested to implement effective mitigation measures. The final session of the day brought together perspectives and insights on the EcIA process from a client, consultant and local authority perspective, and the day closed with the Irish Section Annual Member’s Meeting. You can find full details of all the speakers, along with their presentations at www.cieem.net/previous-conferences.

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

Issue 96 | June 2017 61 New Members

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

ADMISSIONS

Full Members Graduate Members Qualifying Members

David Brown, Nicholas Carter, Sophie Barrell, Joshua Birchall, Craig Baker, George Clutterbuck,

Dr Jennifer Dodd, Duncan Ludlow, Katherine Bird, Gillian Birtles, Joseph Whitehead, Kelly Farrelly,

Andrew Pearson, Paul Roberts, Ayesha Carew, Gary Chan, Leane Holyoak, Matthew Hodgson, Max Hemmings, Steven Gregory Nora Washbourne Aidan Crowl, Dr Naomi Dalton,

Patrick Ellison, Thomas Fawley, Lee Glasby, Upgrades to Full Membership Student Members Christopher Greenland, Henry Gunning, Rachel Barber, Victoria Brooks, David Arnott, Claire Butt, Seán Byrne, Hannah Claydon, Adam Collett, Caroline Ford, Isla Hoffmann Heap, Alex Hellyar, Rachel Hill, Kathryn Jones, Michael Connor, Joanna Coxon, Anna Maxwell, Andrew Perry, Emma Reid, Sorrel Kiamil, Kim Kirkbride, Laura Kor, Jack Dorkings, Darren Ellis, Neil Fraser, Kieran Shaw, Christopher Turner, Olga Krylova, Diane Megias, Mairi Gillis, Alexander Hargreaves, Dr Nick Underhill-Day, Kim Wallis, Dr Catherine Norris, Alex Perry, Eleanor Harrison, Alexia Hemming, David Watts Catherine Porter, Hannah Rowding, James Hodgson, Daniel Hooper, Manu Santa-Cruz, Phoebe Shaw Stewart, Associate Members Nicola Howie, Katie James, Bill Jeffreys, Joseph Shepherdson, Emily Shipley, Lydia Bach, Dr Carly Benefer, Abigail Johnson, Henry Koehler, Amy Slater, Carolyn Smith, Nicholas Trull, Dr Pamela Boyle, Lyn Cooch, Gary Lindsay, Pak Yi Lou, Rebecca Marsh, Diana Webber, Adam West, Carol Donaldson, Andrew Hill, Alice Martin-Walker, Margaret McCallum, Matthew Wingrove, Sharon Yardy, Martin Kennedy, Ben Walsh Susan Medcalf, Mark Morgan, Jessica Yorke Elaine Morrice, Michelle Newman, Upgrades to Associate Membership Jean Oudney, Nicolle Paisley, Upgrades to Graduate Membership Grace Burdge, Ishbel Campbell, Amelia Reddish, Talek Renals, Stuart Abernethy, Misho Baxendale, Sean Clarke-Davey, Claire Dovey, Jamie Renwick, Alison Rogers, Krisztina Fekete, Oliver Glenister, Kelly Downward, Joseph Dyson, James Rowland, Rachel Rowlands, Adam Hicks, Natalie Morrison, Gemma French, Jon Garner, Kate Holland, James Sanderson, Andrew Saxon, Michael Perkins, Shaun Pryor, Natalie Kay, Ben Lansbury, Samantha Stockley, Rosalyn Thompson, Joanne Martindale, Richard Millington, Vanessa Reeves, Thomas Rickman, Rachael Thurston, Richard Twining, Owen O’Keefe, Harry Smith, Amy Sneap, Amie-Beth Sabin, Emily Simpson, Caroline Vaughan, Lyndsay Walsh, Victoria Telford, Peter Timms, Hayley Tomlin, Jodie Twose, Mate Vakarcs, George Wilkinson, Rachel Wuest, Stephanie Walker, Olivia Winter Laura Vint, Bede West, Viola Zanetta Natalie Yoh

62 Issue 96 | June 2017 Recent Publications

Ecosystem Services: Marine Plankton: Key Issues A Practical Guide to Ecology, Author: Mark Everard Methodology, and Taxonomy ISBN: 9781138692725 Editors: Claudia Castellani Available from: www.routledge.com and Martin Edwards Price: £20.79 ISBN: 9780199233267 Given their rapid evolution, is the Available from: www.nhbs.com timing right for an authoritative guide Price: £150.00 on ecosystem services? Mark Everard This publication provides a practical guide has been active in innovation and application since the 1980s. to plankton biology with a large geographic coverage spanning His new book charts this journey both conceptually and using the North Sea to the north-eastern Atlantic coast of the USA many practical case studies from across the world. Covering the and Canada. Marine Plankton is divided into three sections: an underpinning science, areas of consensus and divergence, and overview of plankton ecology, an assessment of methodology in important considerations of ethics and economics, this excellent plankton research covering sampling, preservation, and counting book is for anyone interested in learning more and keeping up of samples, and a taxonomic guide richly illustrated with detailed with developments. Ecosystem services offer a powerful lever for line drawings to aid identification. This is an essential reference bringing nature into the political mainstream; this new volume text suitable for senior undergraduate and graduate students presents the ‘state of the art’ of this transformation. taking courses in marine ecology (particularly useful for fieldwork) Ann Skinner FCIEEM as well as for professional marine biologists.

Statistics for Ecologists Using Remote Sensing and R and Excel (2nd Edition) GIS for Ecologists Author: Mark Gardener Editors: Martin Wegmann, Benjamin ISBN: 9781784271398 Leutner and Stefan Dech Available from: https://pelagicpublishing.com ISBN: 9781784270223 Price: £34.99 Available from: https://pelagicpublishing.com This is a book about the scientific process Price: £34.99 and how you apply it to data in ecology. This publication shows how ecologists It shows how to plan for data collection, can integrate remote sensing and GIS into how to assemble data, how to analyse data and finally how their daily work. It will allow ecologists to get started with the to present the results. The book uses Microsoft Excel and the application of remote sensing and to understand its potential and powerful OpenSource R program to carry out data handling as limitations. Using practical examples, the book covers all necessary well as producing graphs. steps from planning field campaigns to deriving ecologically Statistical approaches covered include: data exploration; tests for relevant information through remote sensing and modelling of difference – t-test and U-test; correlation – Spearman’s rank test species distributions. All practical examples in this book rely on and Pearson product-moment; association including Chi-squared OpenSource software and freely available data sets. Quantum GIS tests and goodness of fit; multivariate testing using analysis (QGIS) is introduced for basic GIS data handling, and in-depth of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal–Wallis test; and spatial analytics and statistics are conducted with the software multiple regression. packages R and GRASS.

Issue 96 | June 2017 63 Recent Publications

Governing the Coastal Wildlife and Wind Farms – Commons: Communities, Conflicts and Solutions Resilience and Transformation Volume 1 – Onshore: Editors: Derek Armitage, Anthony Charles Potential Effects and Fikret Berkes ISBN: 9781138918436 Volume 2 – Onshore: Available from: www.routledge.com Monitoring and Mitigation Price: £26.39 Editor: Martin Perrow Coastal communities depend on the Available from: https://pelagicpublishing.com marine environment for their livelihoods, but the common Price: £34.99 each property nature of marine resources poses major challenges for This multi-volume work provides a the governance of such resources. Through detailed cases and comprehensive overview of the interactions consideration of broader global trends, this volume examines how between wind farms and wildlife. coastal communities are adapting to environmental change, and Volume 1 documents the current the attributes of governance that foster deliberate transformations knowledge of the potential impacts upon and help to build resilience of social and ecological systems. wildlife during both construction and Governance here reflects how communities, societies and operation. An introductory chapter on organisations (e.g. fisher cooperatives, government agencies) the nature of wind farms and the impact choose to organise themselves to make decisions about important assessment process is followed by a series issues, such as the use and protection of coastal commons (e.g. of in-depth chapters documenting effects on climatic conditions, fishery resources). The book shows how a governance approach vegetation, terrestrial invertebrates, aquatic invertebrates and fish, generates insights into the specific forms and arrangements that reptiles and amphibians, birds, bats and terrestrial mammals. A enable coastal communities to steer away from unsustainable synopsis of the known and potential effects of wind farms upon pathways. It also provides an analytical lens to consider important wildlife in perspective concludes the volume. questions of power, knowledge and legitimacy in linked social- ecological systems. Volume 2 provides a state-of-the-science guide to monitoring and mitigation to minimise or even eliminate impacts on wildlife from wind farms. The survey and monitoring section includes detailed chapters on birds and bats followed by chapters on modelling Urban Soils of collision risk and populations and the statistical principles of Editors: R. Lal and B.A. Stewart fatality monitoring. The following mitigation section comprises chapters on spatial planning and effective mitigation strategies for ISBN: 9781498770095 bats, birds and raptors including through repowering. A synopsis Available from: www.routledge.com of international best planning and practice concludes the volume. Price: £91.20 Volumes 3 (Offshore: Potential Effects) and 4 (Offshore: Monitoring Urban soil comprises geological material and Mitigation) are yet to be published. drastically disturbed by anthropogenic activities. Urban soils play a role in the production of food, aesthetics of residential areas, and pollutant dynamics. Handbook of the Marine Properties of urban soils are normally not favourable to plant Fauna of North-West Europe growth, are contaminated by heavy metals, and are compacted nd and sealed. This book explains properties of urban soils; effects of (2 Edition) urbanisation on the cycling of C, N, and water assesses; impacts of Editors: Peter Joseph Hayward management of urban soils; soil restoration; urban agriculture and and John S. Ryland food security; assesses ecosystem services provisioned by urban ISBN: 9780199549450 soils, and describes synthetic and artificial soils. Available from: www.nhbs.com Price: £49.99 This authoritative guide enables accurate identification of the common components of the inshore benthic invertebrates of the British Isles and adjacent European coasts, as well as a substantial proportion of fish species. This new edition builds upon the strengths of the earlier work and is thoroughly revised throughout to incorporate advances in both the taxonomy and ecology of the organisms concerned.

64 Issue 96 | June 2017 Recent Journals

Practitioner’s Perspective: Lack of sound science in assessing wind farm impacts Seeking convergence on the key concepts on seabirds in ‘no net loss’ policy Bull, J.W. et al. Green, R.E. et al. Journal of Applied Ecology 2016, 53: 1686–1693. Journal of Applied Ecology 2016, 53: 1635–1641. doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12726 doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12731 The authors identify inconsistencies that emerge in the usage Wind energy is expected to provide 9–14% of global electricity of eight key terms and phrases associated with no net loss generation by 2050. This may eventually reduce climatic change and (NNL) policies: biodiversity, frames of reference (i.e. baselines, its negative impacts on biodiversity, but there are also several poorly counterfactuals), no net loss, mitigation hierarchy, biodiversity quantified negative effects on wild species. For example, birds and offset, in-kind/out-of-kind, direct/indirect, and multipliers. For bats are killed by colliding with turbine blades or towers and there each term, the authors make recommendations to support may be effects of wind farms on mortality and reproductive rates of conceptual convergence, reduce ambiguity and improve clarity a wide range of species from avoidance and displacement. Birds may in communication and policy documentation. However, they also incur additional costs or forego benefits because of reduced transit or warn of the challenges in achieving convergence, especially given foraging within or near to wind farms. Positive effects of renewable the linguistic inconsistencies in several of these key concepts energy infrastructure on populations of wild species have also been among countries in which NNL policies are employed. proposed and, in a few cases, quantified. These include possible enhancement of food resources of seabirds by protection from fishing Correspondence e-mail: [email protected] from the presence of offshore installations and the provision of artificial substrates as habitat for fish and invertebrates. Solving environmental problems in the Correspondence e-mail: [email protected] Anthropocene: the need to bring novel theoretical Open access: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365- 2664.12731/full advances into the applied ecology fold Cadotte, M.W. et al. Journal of Applied Ecology 2017, 54: 1–6. doi:10.1111/1365- Avoidance of wind farms by harbour 2664.12855 seals is limited to pile driving activities Despite multiple advances, there is differential success in the transition Russell, D.J.F. et al. of some ecological tools and concepts into applied practice. The Journal of Applied Ecology 2016, 53: 1642–1652. authors examine how and why some theories, concepts and methods doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12678 successfully transition to the applied realm and to ask if some other areas of research have more to offer applied ecology than has yet The authors studied whether harbour seals Phoca vitulina avoided been realised. wind farms being constructed using impact pile driving in The Wash, south-east England. There was no significant displacement Correspondence e-mail: [email protected] during construction as a whole. However, during piling, seal Open access: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365- usage (abundance) was significantly reduced up to 25km from 2664.12855/full the piling activity. Within 25km of the centre of the wind farm, there was a 19-83% decrease in usage compared to during breaks in piling, equating to a mean estimated displacement of Providing foraging resources for solitary bees 440 individuals. Displacement was limited to piling activity; within on farmland: current schemes for pollinators 2h of cessation of pile driving, seals were distributed as per the non-piling scenario. benefit a limited suite of species Correspondence e-mail: [email protected] Wood, T. J., Holland, J.M. and Goulson, D. Open access: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ Journal of Applied Ecology 2017, 54: 323–333. doi/10.1111/1365-2664.12678/full doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12718 The authors’ results show that the majority of solitary bee species present on farmland in south-east England collect most Spatial targeting of habitat creation has of their pollen from plants that persist unaided in the wider the potential to improve agri-environment environment, and not from those included in agri-environment schemes focused on pollinators. If diverse bee communities are scheme outcomes for macro-moths to be maintained on farmland, existing schemes should contain Alison, J. et al. an increased number of flowering plant species and additional Journal of Applied Ecology 2016, 53: 1814–1822. schemes that increase the diversity of flowering plants in doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12750 complementary habitats should be studied and trialled. This study provides evidence that for conservation of species Correspondence e-mail: [email protected] associated with a specific type of semi-natural habitat, AES Open access: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ interventions are most effectively positioned close to that habitat. doi/10.1111/1365-2664.12718/full Correspondence e-mail: [email protected] Open access: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365- 2664.12750/full

Issue 96 | June 2017 65 Recent Journals

Commentary: Bridging ecology and Transition from conventional to light-emitting conservation: from ecological networks diode street lighting changes activity of to ecosystem function urban bats Harvey, E. et al. Lewanzik, D. and Voigt, C.C. Journal of Applied Ecology 2017, 54: 371–379. Journal of Applied Ecology 2017, 54: 264–271. doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12769 doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12758 Current approaches to conservation may be inadequate to maintain Light pollution is rapidly increasing and can have deleterious ecosystem integrity because they are mostly based on rarity status effects on biodiversity, yet light types differ in their effect of organisms rather than functional significance. Alternatively, on wildlife. Among the light types used for street lamps, approaches focusing on the protection of ecological networks lead light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are expected to become globally to more appropriate conservation targets to maintain ecosystem predominant within the next few years. integrity. The authors propose that a shift in focus from species to At light-emitting diodes (LEDs), the competitive advantage is interaction networks is necessary to achieve pressing conservation reduced for light-tolerant bats. Thus, the global spread of LED management and goals of conserving biodiversity, street lamps might lead to a more natural level of competition ecosystem processes and ultimately landscape-scale delivery of between light-tolerant and light-averse bats. This effect could be ecosystem services. The authors discuss historical and conceptual reinforced if the potential advantages of LEDs over conventional advances, current challenges and ways to move forward, and also illuminants are applied in practice: choice of spectra with propose a road map to ecological network conservation, providing a relatively little energy in the short wavelength range; reduced novel ready to use approach to identify clear conservation targets with spillover by precisely directing light; dimming during low human flexible data requirements. activity times; and control by motion sensors. Yet, the potential Correspondence author: E-mail: [email protected] benefits of LEDs could be negated if low costs foster an overall Open access: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365- increase in artificial lighting. 2664.12769/full Correspondence e-mail: [email protected] Open access: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ doi/10.1111/1365-2664.12758/full Review: Human activities and biodiversity opportunities in pre-industrial cultural Invasive species management will benefit landscapes: relevance to conservation from social impact assessment Fuller, R.J. et al. Journal of Applied Ecology 2017, 54: 459–469. Crowley, S.L., Hinchliffe, S. and McDonald, R.A. doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12762 Journal of Applied Ecology 2017, 54: 351–357. In adopting perceived ‘traditional’ management practices, doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12817 modern conservation rarely achieves the range and complexity of Established approaches for addressing the social implications of conditions that were present in the past. A better understanding invasive species management can be limited in effectiveness and of past practices allows more favourable management of those democratic legitimacy. More deliberative, participatory approaches are surviving semi-natural habitats where historic assemblages emerging that allow integration of a broader range of socio-political persist. When creating or restoring habitats, after interruption considerations. Nevertheless, there is a need to ensure that these of management sufficiently long for dependent assemblages to are rigorous applications of social science. Social impact assessment be lost, better appreciation of historic management encourages offers a structured process of identifying, evaluating and addressing novel forms of intervention to enhance biodiversity, with social costs and benefits. The authors highlight its potential value for emphasis on complex structural and spatial heterogeneity at enabling meaningful public participation in planning and as a key nested scales, biomass removal and nutrient reduction. These component of integrated assessments of management options. strongly management-based approaches are complementary Correspondence e-mail: [email protected] to the use of large herbivores to create and maintain dynamic Open access: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365- ecotonal mosaics in the manner advocated by some proponents 2664.12817/full of ‘rewilding’. Correspondence e-mail: [email protected] Open access: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ doi/10.1111/1365-2664.12762/full

66 Issue 96 | June 2017 Sensitivity of the farmland bird community to crop diversification in Sweden: does the CAP fit? Commentary: Is citizen science an open science in the case of Josefsson, J. et al. Journal of Applied Ecology 2017, 54: 518–526. biodiversity observations? doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12779 Groom, Q., Weatherdon, L. and Geijzendorffer, I.R. This study illustrates the importance of a consideration of structural Journal of Applied Ecology 2017, 54: 612–617. - rather than species - diversity of crops for biodiversity, in this case doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12767 farmland birds. The authors also underline the absence of such a The assumption that voluntary data collection leads to data distinction in current EU Common Agricultural Policy Greening, while sharing does not recognise the wishes and motivations of those simultaneously setting levels on crop diversification too low resulting who collect data, nor does it respect the crucial contributions in little to no change in landscape-scale crop diversity on Swedish of these data to long-term monitoring of biodiversity trends. To farmland. The authors recommend that future efforts to manage improve data openness, citizen scientists should be recognised farmland biodiversity should include ways of increasing the structural in ways that correspond with their motivations. Furthermore, diversity of crops at the scale of farms and landscapes. organisations that manage these data should make their data Correspondence e-mail: [email protected] sharing policies open and explicit. Correspondence e-mail: [email protected] Do agri-environment schemes result in Open access: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ doi/10.1111/1365-2664.12767/full improved water quality? Jones, J.I. et al. Assessing patterns in introduction pathways of Journal of Applied Ecology 2017, 54: 537–546. doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12780 alien species by linking major invasion data bases The results of this study indicate that agri-environment schemes Saul, W.-C. et al. can deliver improvements in water quality, through a reduction Journal of Applied Ecology 2017, 54: 657–669. doi:10.1111/1365- in diffuse pollution from agricultural sources. However, it is not 2664.12819 easy to demonstrate scheme effectiveness; the combination of Linking data bases on invasive alien species by harmonising and field survey and modelling used here provides a framework for consolidating their pathway information is essential to turn dispersed addressing these difficulties. A spatially targeted approach for data into useful knowledge. The standard pathway categorisation agri-environment scheme options to protect water resources from scheme recently adopted by the Convention on Biological Diversity diffuse pollution is likely to be most effective at delivering water may be crucial to facilitate this process. This study demonstrates the quality improvements. value of integrating major invasion data bases to help managers and Correspondence e-mail: [email protected] policy-makers reach robust conclusions about patterns in introduction pathways and thus aid effective prevention and prioritisation in invasion management. A toolkit for optimizing fish passage barrier Correspondence e-mail: [email protected] mitigation actions Open access: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365- King, S. et al. 2664.12819/full Journal of Applied Ecology 2017, 54: 599–611. doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12706 The importance of trees for woody pasture This study shows the benefits of combining a coarse resolution barrier assessment methodology with state-of-the-art optimisation modelling bird diversity and effects of the European to cost-effectively plan fish passage barrier mitigation actions. The Union’s tree density policy modelling approach can help inform on-the-ground river restoration Jakobsson, S. and Lindborg, R. decision-making by providing a recommended course of action that best allocates limited resources in order to restore longitudinal Journal of Applied Ecology 2017. doi:10.1111/1365- connectivity and maximise ecological gains. 2664.12871 Correspondence e-mail: [email protected] The results of this study show that tree density is not the limiting factor, but rather a driver of bird diversity and species composition in woody pastures and that tree density limits may fail to capture the whole range of biological values. To improve policy recommendations, the authors stress the importance of considering additional social–ecological drivers associated to management quality (e.g. taking into account moral and cultural motivations among farmers) to preserve biodiversity in woody pastures. Correspondence e-mail: [email protected]

Issue 96 | June 2017 67 Diary

Forthcoming Events 2017 For information on these events please see www.cieem.net. Conferences Date Title Location 4 July 2017 Summer Conference 2017 – Integrated Management of the Marine Environment Southampton

21-22 November 2017 Autumn Conference 2017 – Mitigation, Monitoring and Effectiveness Manchester

Training Courses 8 June 2017 Beginners’ Guide to the National Vegetation Classification Carlisle

13 June 2017 Otter Ecology and Surveys Cannock

14 June 2017 Otter Mitigation Cannock

14 June 2017 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: An Applied Approach Lewes

26 June 2017 Using Indicator Species for Habitat Assessment (Phase I and NVC) – Grasslands Salisbury

27 June 2017 Water Vole Ecology and Surveys Ilkeston

27-28 June 2017 QGIS for Ecologists and Conservation Practitioners Gloucester

28 June 2017 Water Vole Mitigation Ilkeston

5-7 July 2017 Working with Crayfish: Survey Methods, Ecology, Mitigation, Licensing and Invasive Species Settle

19 July 2017 Hazel Dormouse Handling Herne Bay

27 July 2017 Beginners’ Guide to the National Vegetation Classification Skipton

3-4 August 2017 Surveying for Bats in Woodlands Gloucester

26 August 2017 Bat Handling and Identification Herne Bay

1 September 2017 Hazel Dormouse Handling Herne Bay

6 September 2017 Introduction to Professional Bat Work Chipping

11-12 September 2017 Introduction to Phase 1 Habitat Mapping and Plant Identification Newark

12 September 2017 Introduction to Professional Bat Surveys Chipping

13 September 2017 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: An Applied Approach Lewes

14 September 2017 Using Indicator Species for Habitat Assessment (Phase I and NVC) – Heathlands and Acid Grassland New Forest

16 September 2017 An Evidenced-Based Approach to Camera-Trapping Edinburgh

19 September 2017 Water Vole Ecology and Surveys Cirencester

19 September 2017 Introduction to Bats and Bat Surveys London

20 September 2017 Water Vole Mitigation Cirencester

20 September 2017 Introduction to Bats and Bat Surveys Dunblane

21 September 2017 Bat Impacts and Mitigation Dunblane

25 September 2017 Eurasian Beaver Ecology and Surveys Dunkeld

26 September 2017 Eurasian Beaver Management and Mitigation Dunkeld

26-27 September 2017 Peatland Restoration Buxton

28 September 2017 Survey and Monitoring of Road and Rail and Associated Mitigation Schemes for Bats Leeds

5 October 2017 Making the most of BREEAM and Home Quality Mark London

13 October 2017 Understanding Wildlife Law Nottingham

11 October 2017 Badger Ecology and Surveys Llandeilo

12 October 2017 Badger Mitigation Llandeilo

17 October 2017 Badger Survey, Impacts and Mitigation Dunblane

26-27 October 2017 Intermediate QGIS London

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72 Issue 96 | June 2017