Volume 9 * Issue 8 * October 2008 NIEL NEWS 89 Loopland Drive BELFAST BT6 9DW T: 028 9045 5770 F: 028 9094 2151 E: [email protected] W: www.nienvironmentlink.org

Inside this issue.... Director Sue Christie News from NIEL 2 [email protected]

Task Force News 4 Policy Officer Seamus óg Gallagher News from the Links 5 [email protected]

Assembly News 6 Policy Officer Sean Kelly Climate Change News 8 [email protected] Members’ News 10 Communications & Membership Officer News from EEF 12 Stéphanie Baine [email protected]

Environmental News 13 Office Manager Sandra Kilpatrick Publications 16 [email protected]

Recruitment 19 Administrative Officer Iona Meyer Consultations 20 [email protected]

Environmental Events 23 Part-time Administrative Officer Karen Nicholson Training & Resources 26 [email protected] Funding 28 EEF Co-ordinator Andy Griggs Conferences 29 [email protected]

Copyright Notice: Items may be reprinted freely with Submissions for NIEL News acknowledgement to NIEL or specified authors. We welcome your contributions for NIEL Disclaimer: News. If you’d like us to publicise your Some articles featured have been edited for length or news and events please send details to relevance. NIEL has placed no additions or changes of [email protected] or post. The emphasis upon the articles unless indicated. Articles are copy deadline is the 1st of every month. the views of NIEL or its members.

Note: All items included in a previous edition have been highlighted in grey. News from NIEL

NIEA and the The next in our annual series of meetings with NIEA, this conference will look at the evolving structures and functions of NIEA and provide input for their work programmes Environmental and plans for the coming year(s). It will provide the NGOs with an opportunity to discuss NGOs - the new arrangements, understand what it means for the environment and the NGOs Developing a and have a direct input into NIEA thinking. Short presentations on respective roles will be followed by workshops on topics including: Administrative Aspects and Changing Co-ordinated Structures; Environmental Crime and Conserving and Promoting the Heritage. Feedback Approach will be followed by lunch. A good turnout would be great, and it offers a great opportunity for you to make your thoughts known to those at the top of the NIEA. 30 October NICVA, Duncairn Gardens 10:00am – 1:30pm Better Those in charge of developing the NIEA better regulation agenda will explain what they’re planning to do to ensure that BETTER regulation does not equal NO regulation, how they Regulation – plan to maximise the effectiveness of the actions, discuss the risk based approach, clarify What Does It roles and look at the planning system and interactions therewith. Workshops will focus Really Mean? on Working with Business, Achieving Integration and Making the Polluter Pay (though still subject to change). 12 November 2008 NICVA, Duncairn Gardens, Belfast 10:00am – 1:30pm Policy Priorities Our Christmas meeting this year will look at our policy priorities in preparation for the publication Meeting and of our annual Way Ahead document. We will review Christmas Party progress on our priority recommendations from last year (depressing!) and look at what we wish 2 December to see over the coming year. Seamus will have 12.30pm - been preparing the document and will have a solid summary of this year’s progress and anticipated events for next, plus some suggestions for our Recommendations. The meeting 2.30pm will discuss these proposals and get additional ideas for incorporation into our document, NIEL Offices to be launched in late February. Please do try to come – very important for our policy development. However, it will be circulated so if you can’t come you will still have the opportunity to input. Followed by our annual Christmas Lunch!

Communicating Iain Stewart, presenter of the recent BBC programmes on ‘climate wars’ will give a lecture Climate Change on the issues around communicating complex scientific issues, such as climate change, to the public. The talk will be followed by a panel discussion. In conjunction with the Royal – Prof Iain Irish Academy. Admission free, but by ticket only. Stewart Monday 19 January, 5:30pm Climate Change We are organising a major conference and lecture on climate change, with details still evolving. It will be in conjunction with the Geological Survey and other partners and we will – What We be involving major figures in research in a variety of aspects. Details still evolving – mark Know, What We your diaries for this important event. Need to Know Conference 20 January, W5 Changes to the Standing Committee Membership 1. Mr Fred Cobain is replacing Mr David McNarry on the Business Committee; NI Assembly 2. Mr Paul Maskey is replacing Mr John O’Dowd on the Audit Committee. Guide 2008 Statutory Committee Membership 1. Mr Billy Armstrong is replacing Mr Fred Cobain on the Committee for Social Development; 2. Mr David McNarry is replacing Mr Roy Beggs on the Committee for Finance and Personnel; 3. Mr David McClarty is replacing Mr Billy Armstrong on the Committee for the Environment. NIEL NEWS October 2008 2 News from NIEL

Dates for the Date Event Venue Contact Diary 30th October NIEA & NIEL Meeting: NIEA and the NICVA Sue 10.00am – Environmental NGOs – Developing 1.30pm a Co-ordinated Approach 12th November NIEA & NIEL Meeting: Better NICVA Sue 10.00am – Regulation – What Does It Really 1.30pm Mean? 18th November Strategic, Information and NIEL Stéphanie 10.00am Membership Committee Meeting 2nd December Finance and Human Resource NIEL Sue 10.00am Committee Meeting 2nd December NIEL Executive Meeting NIEL Sue 11.00am 2nd December Policy Priorities Meeting and NIEL Sue 12.30pm Christmas Party 9th December EU & NI Seminar Stormont Sean 9.30am – 2.00pm 19th January Public Lecture – Communicating W5 Sue 5.30pm Climate Change – Prof Iain Stewart (No charge but ticket only) 20 January Climate Change – What We Know, W5 Sue 9.00am – What We Need to Know 5.00pm

NIEL Meetings in September Historic Buildings Grants New historic buildings grants are now available at increased rates and for more categories 3 September of buildings. See page 29. The new scheme plus revisions to the system will hopefully encourage more people to buy and restore historic and vernacular buildings.

Renewable Heat Strategy BERR is developing a new policy and supporting legislation on promoting renewable 8 September sources of heat energy; a consultation exercise took place in Belfast looking at a variety of sources and the support required to encourage different sectors – public, government, business – to make greater use of the available resources in NI. Christian Aid Climate Two of our MEPs, Barbre de Bruin and Jim Allister, joined a panel including David Ford, Change Conference Sue and reps of CA at this conference aimed at encouraging individual action and 13 September international responsibility. Mr Allister is a vociferous critic of the idea that humans are involved in causing climate change and the debate was lively. Ms de Bruin is a keen supporter of action on climate in the EU and is encouraging greater action at the NI level.

Eco Schools Consultative This group met to discuss proposals by Ian Humphreys about how to develop the Eco Committee Schools programme more effectively in NI. A wide ranging group from government, 16 September education and the voluntary sector heard from practitioners about the benefits of the programme and Ian made a number of proposals for future developments which were heartily endorsed by all present.

Minister Wilson’s The Minister held a reception in the Long Gallery for eNGOs and government officials. Reception for eNGOs This is always a most useful networking event. The Minister praised the NIEA for its work 17 September and supported the work done by NGOs in promoting and protecting the environment.

Sustainable Ireland These awards continue to be well supported by government and the business Awards community. 12 categories had numerous entries and the work of the category winners 18 September was discussed and applauded. It demonstrates that business in NI is doing a huge amount on the environmental front and that many businesses see good environmental management as essential for good business. Michelin, which won two awards, now produces zero waste from its huge operations near Ballymena, a first for the company worldwide.

NIEL NEWS October 2008 3 News from NIEL

Communicating on The aim of the event was to provide an opportunity for comment and suggestions in Contaminated Land relation to the planned update of the SNIFFER booklet ‘Communicating Understanding of 18 September Contaminated Land Risk’. Discussions centred on the content, format and accessibility of the new booklet and possible areas for improvement. The core audience for the new booklet, which will include useful information and advice, is: regulators, consultants, developers, community leaders, contractors, local politicians, activists, solicitors and homeowners and financial lenders. Originally published in 1999, the aim is for the new booklet to be available for the end of 2008. Carbon Trust Taming the The Carbon Trust has launched new interactive training event to help businesses and Bigfoot their employees to reduce their carbon footprint. The training has a road-show feel: 18 September the five tasks to be tackled by the participants use a different format to highlight the importance of reducing our emissions and explain practical ways to achieve this. Heritage Council Visit The Heritage Council, which is supporting the NI Archaeology Forum with a substantial 24 September grant, met the Historic Monuments Council in Belfast to discuss issues of protecting the heritage and examples of good practice and how to promote this. ARENA Benchmarking This annual survey of business and local authority environmental performance was Survey Launch launched by the Minister in the Harbour Commissioners Office. The survey has been 25 September revised to better reflect performance, so overall performance levels have decreased slightly. However, overall interest and involvement remains high and the survey is a most useful tool for measuring progress and encouraging action. See page 16. EPLANI Activists The Environmental Planning and Law Association held this very well attended event Workshop to inform communities and activists on how they can use the planning system to 25 September protect the environment and their democratic rights. Presentations on Judicial Review by David Schofield BL and Participation in Planning by Professor Greg Lloyd provided food for thought. The panel discussion was lively and informed. A key audience ask emerging from the day was the need for Third Party Right of Appeal, however, many of the experts felt this was ‘negative and unnecessary’ in a fully functioning planning system. NI Climate Change This intersectoral group met to discuss upcoming activities. A major event will take Impacts Partnership place in November to launch the Forum, present the findings from a survey on attitudes 26 September to climate change by the NI public, politicians and public sector and a few other bits – dates to be confirmed. The revised UK Climate Impacts Partnership predictions will be launched in November and local seminars will be arranged in the new year to promote the use of these scenarios and their application. Inequalities Study Group Community Development and Health Network convened a meeting of a range of 30 September sectors to look at the issues of inequality and how to address them. Sue presented on environment and sustainable development aspects. First Open Board Meeting The first open Board meeting of the NIEA was held on 30 September in the Senate of the Northern Ireland Chamber in Stormont. The Board will meet every month. The secretariat (Eamon Environment Agency Campbell) agreed to provide notice of meetings and a draft agenda 10 days before the 30 September next meeting. The minutes of the meetings will also be available via the NIEA website: www.ni-environment.gov.uk/index/about-niea/board_meetings.htm. Welcoming the first open meeting, NIEA Acting CE Dr Roy Ramsey noted that while the meetings were not public – i.e. the gallery could not get involved in discussions – the Board is interested in hearing from stakeholders. It was suggested that relevant position statements could be submitted to the Secretariat for the Board to consider. It was also noted that the Board would consider introducing a Q & A session at future meetings. At this month’s meeting the Board received presentations from the Built Heritage Directorate, Natural Heritage Directorate and the Rivers Agency (available online). The next meeting is scheduled for 31 October at Stormont. Task Force News Planning Task The Planning Task Force met Maggie Smith, PEPG, to discuss progress on the various PPSs. PPS14 (Sustainable Development in the Countryside) is unlikely to be significantly Force different in content from the Emerging Findings Report. Until PPS14 is resolved it is unlikely that much progress will be made in relation to PPS12 (Affordable Housing). Work 24 September on PPS2 (Natural Heritage) has re-started with a commitment for further stakeholder involvement. Discussions are currently on-going to establish the weight being given to the Supplementary Planning Guidance information to accompany PPS 18 (Renewable Energy). While PPS15 (Flooding/ Coastal) is not on the agenda at the moment, PPS4 (Planning and Economic Development) should be issued shortly. Finally, PPS1 (Adopting Climate Change Principles) will be considered as part of the wider planning reform agenda. NIEL NEWS October 2008 4 Task Force News

Northern The MTF has produced two new bulletins which are being sent to important contacts in Ireland Marine Northern Ireland. A Northern Ireland Marine Bill Task Force Over all, the parts of the UK Bill that Northern Ireland has committed to are: • Inclusion and development of a UK-wide Marine Policy Statement (MPS) and the development of high level marine objectives. • Planning offshore. • Reform of licensing arrangements relating to the Food & Environmental Protection Act 1985 and marine aggregate extraction. However, these three key areas only go part of the way towards delivering an effective Marine Bill for Northern Ireland. Important sections of the UK Bill, such as marine nature conservation and fisheries, will not be applied in Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Marine Task Force believes that to achieve the maximum benefit out of the legislation, all sectors of marine use should be incorporated. It is therefore essential that robust and effective legislation, in the form of a Northern Ireland Marine Bill, is developed without delay in order to fill the gaps and provide the legislative mechanisms that will ensure a truly sustainable future for Northern Ireland’s seas.

Securing a Diverse and Productive Marine Environment There is substantial evidence that demonstrates the benefits of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), in particular Highly Protected Marine Reserves (HPMRs), in supporting the recovery and protection of marine ecosystems and biodiversity. They provide a basis for long-term economic prosperity in the marine environment by improving the resilience of the marine habitats and species on which industries such as fisheries and tourism depend. The Northern Ireland Marine Task Force (NIMTF) believes that the creation of a network of Marine Protected Areas with a core of Highly Protected Marine Reserves is essential for the future sustainability of our seas. News from the Links Wales At WEL’s AGM and Council meeting in July, a proposal to create a new Climate Change Working Group to focus on supporting WEL’s Climate Change Commissioner was agreed. Environment The first meeting of this group took place in September. ‘The Government of Wales Act Link Quarterly 2006: What now for Advocacy?’ seminar organised by WEL’s Advocacy Working Group was Report a great success. July – Other policy work during this period included: September - Pre-consultation meeting with civil servants to discuss the re-make of the Sustainable 2008 Development Scheme and Action Plan. - Post-consultation meeting with civil servants to discuss the second Environment Strategy Susan Evans for Wales Action Plan, before the final version is published. - Submission of a response to the Welsh Assembly Government’s ‘Farming, Food and Director Countryside: Building a secure future’ consultation. - Submission of a pre-consultation response to the Welsh Assembly Government’s draft Green Jobs Strategy. - Submission of a response to the Assembly’s Subordinate Legislation Committee’s consultation on scrutiny of subordinate legislation and delegated powers. Wildlife & The Land Use Planning Working Group was successful in getting their recommendations Countryside published in the Town and Country Planning Association’s eco-town worksheet on green infrastructure, while the Marine Task Force, along with the Seabed User and Developer Link Group launched their Joint Statement on the draft Marine Bill, which was welcomed by the Quarterly Marine & Fisheries Minister, Jonathan Shaw MP. The Blueprint for Water coalition also held Report a parliamentary event on the 2009 Price Review (PR09) at which the Minister for Water, Phil Woolas MP, praised the coalition for building consensus for action on PR09. July – September Link members welcomed the announcement by Secretary of State for the Environment, Hilary Benn MP, that the Government would not be issuing licenses to cull badgers. Link’s 2008 Farming and Rural Development Working Group responded to the Defra consultation on the Fiona Llewellyn proposed Health Check reforms of the CAP and their potential impacts on the UK. Alexia Wellbelove, left Link at the end of September to move to Australia. Jodie Bettis, Link’s Policy & Campaigns Co-ordinator, was appointed to succeed Alexia as Link’s Director. As a result of Jodie’s appointment, Link has recruited a new Policy & Campaigns Co-ordinator who will begin at Link in late October. This quarter also saw the launch of Link’s brand new website! They encourage you to log onto www.wcl.org.uk to see the changes for yourself - please send them your views and any comments you may have. NIEL NEWS October 2008 5 Assembly News

By Sean Kelly and Seamus óg Gallagher, Policy Officers, Northern Ireland Environment Link Getting the Right The Environment Minister has stated that he will not reinstate representatives of the Irish Government onto the advisory committees of the Council for Nature Conservation Advice? and the Countryside (CNCC). When the council is reconstituted on 18 February 2009, it will comprise new members, as well as members who have already served a three-year term of office. All members of CNCC will now have to compete in a publicly advertised selection process, in line with guidance issued by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Northern Ireland, in order to demonstrate their suitability for the role. The Minister stated that as everyone from Northern Ireland who applies for the post must go through a public competition, someone from the Republic should not have an automatic right to a post on the advisory body, adding that he was not prepared to engage in that kind of ‘discrimination.’

NIEL says: It is vital that there is cross border cooperation on environmental issues. Having experts from the Republic of Ireland on Statutory Advisory Councils is one way of helping to achieve this. No Day Named ‘No Day Named Motion’ (NDNM) is the term given to a motion for which no date has been fixed for debate. During September a number of environmental motions were Motions added to the NDNM list. You may wish to contact MLAs to encourage them to sign the motion: they can do this at the Assembly Business office. A NDNM may, but does not necessarily, result in a debate on the Assembly floor; however, they are a good way to gauge support for and raise awareness of important environmental issues. There are currently NDNMs active on the following topics: Protection of the Irish Hare; Marine Protection Bill for Northern Ireland; Review of Environmental Governance; Forest and Woodland Targets; Plastic Bag levy; and Climate Change. The specific detail of each of these motions as well as their proposer is available at: www.niassembly.gov.uk/io/ noday.htm Answers to Written Questions www.niassembly.gov.uk/qanda/answer.htm Department of www.niassembly.gov.uk/qanda/2007mandate/writtenans/2008/080926.htm#6 Enterprise, Trade Reconnect Programme Arlene Foster revealed that an evaluation of the Reconnect Programme (the Programme and Investment ended on 31 March 2008) is due for completion by November 2008. It is expected that (26 September the target of 4,000 renewable energy installations will be met. 2008) NIEL says: Given the success of the Reconnect Programme and the need to promote the development of renewable energy in Northern Ireland, the Assembly should seek to secure funding to re-open the scheme as soon as possible. Renewable and The Minister stated that sustainability and maximising use of renewable energy will be a key focus of a revised Strategic Energy Framework. Following consultation on this Indigenous Energy strategic work, the Minister will publish a Framework in 2009 which will set out the Supplies actions she will take to increase significantly renewable energy use across the range of energy sectors. DETI is also reviewing the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation to provide more support to emerging technologies; starting work on a renewable heat policy; proceeding with a Strategic Environmental Assessment to facilitate the development of offshore wind and tidal potential; and working on the UK-wide Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation.

NIEL says: There is huge potential for renewable energy in Northern Ireland but we must ensure that the industry develops in a sustainable way. A revised energy framework will also be key in delivering a low carbon economy and should be developed in parallel to a Northern Ireland Climate Bill. As Minister of the Environment, Arlene Foster claimed that decisions on setting emission reduction targets should not be taken before a DETI report “ECONOMIC RESEARCH ON BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES PRESENTED BY CARBON EMISSIONS TARGETS” was released. She stated on 31 March that the report was due for publication “soon”. However, after raising a query with the Minister’s new Department it appears that this research is delayed until next year. NIEL believes this research is too important to delay and would call on Minister Foster to prioritise it. NIEL NEWS October 2008 6 Assembly News

Carbon Trust In response to a question on how many companies have reduced their energy costs Funding as a result of Carbon Trust Funding, the Minister revealed that Carbon Trust activities have: • Helped to reduce the energy costs of 941 companies over the five years to March 2008 • Provided specialised energy technology best practice training to over 4,000 delegates • Identified energy savings of over £100 million • Realised approximately £50 million pounds worth of energy savings • Projected future savings in lifetime energy costs in the region of £222 million, which equates to 2 million tonnes of carbon saved • Generated more than £70 million of work in the service sector in Northern Ireland. The Carbon Trust forecasts that a further 360 companies will benefit directly from its activities over the next three years.

NIEL says: We would like to acknowledge the valuable contribution made by the Carbon Trust, and would also like to draw members’ attention to the availability of a number of recent publications produced by the Carbon Trust including: Low Carbon Refurbishment of Buildings; Cutting Carbon in Europe; and Making Sense of Renewable Energy Technologies. Answers to Oral Questions www.niassembly.gov.uk/qanda/answer.htm Marine Renewable www.niassembly.gov.uk/record/reports2008/080922today.htm#6 Energy Minister Arlene Foster revealed that DETI is in the final stages of commissioning a strategic environmental assessment of offshore wind and marine renewable energy in Northern Ireland waters. This assessment will enable DETI to work with the owner of the seabed to issue a competitive call for private-sector investors in order to develop commercial projects at certain offshore sites. The strategic environmental assessment, including the consultation phases, will be completed by spring 2010. DETI, NIEA and the Crown Estate continue to work with developers who wish either to deploy pre-commercial or demonstration-stage devices such as the marine-current turbines at Strangford Lough or to prepare their proposals before the competitive call for commercial projects in 2010. Minister for the www.niassembly.gov.uk/record/reports2008/080929.htm#6 Climate change featured strongly in Environment Minister Sammy Wilson’s oral Environment questions. The Minister stated that he would review the Draft PPS 7 (Quality Residential (29 September) Environments) and seek to add an addendum to it in order that Planning Service can Climate Change ensure that future developments have permeable surfaces to decrease rapid run-off during storms. Furthermore, he will ensure that there is as much on-site catchment of water as possible, and that water is released in a way that does not exacerbate flooding tendencies in times of heavy rain. While stating that he believed that some Members seem to have a ‘kind of paranoia’ in relation to climate change, his Department has accepted that as a consequence of climate change, there will be periods of heavy rain. He added that PPS 15 (Flooding and Coastal) includes a precautionary approach: where there is a risk of flooding, there will be a presumption against development. Where a flood-risk assessment has been undertaken, development will be allowed to proceed only if mitigating measures are taken. Moreover, the Department will ask for changes in development designs to reduce the threat of localised flooding. The Minister concluded: “The Department recognises that there is a change in rainfall patterns and has adopted policies to deal with those.” In response to a question on whether the Minister had any discussions with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Minister replied that he had not had any discussions with the IPCC and stated that, “Given the way in which the organisation (IPCC) filters out views that it does not agree with, it would not wish to have any discussions with me either. Indeed, 44% of climate scientists disagree with the statement that climate change is mostly the result of man-made causes”

NIEL says: We are currently working on a series of initiatives that will highlight the economic imperative for adaptation and mitigation measures, and that will highlight the strength of the science behind the IPCC and other bodies that have clearly stated that climate change is happening and our actions are a major contributing factor. NIEL NEWS October 2008 7 Climate Change News

Met Office Warns www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/oct/01/ of Need for climatechange.carbonemissions1 The world will have to take drastic action within two Drastic Cuts in years to reduce greenhouse gas pollution if it is to Greenhouse Gases avoid the worst effects of climate change, a new study from 2010 (released October 1) by the UK Met Office’s Hadley Centre warns. The study shows that cutting global emissions by 3% a year from 2010 offers the only possible hope of avoiding a global temperature rise of more than 20C - widely recognised as the threshold beyond which the worst impacts of sea level rise and drought become a significant risk. Writing in the Guardian, Vicky Pope, the Met Office’s leading adviser on climate change to the government, warns that failure by governments to agree to “large and early” cuts or to meet those targets in future “could have worrying and significant consequences for the world’s climate”. The Hadley Centre analysed three possible agreements to cut global emissions, ranging from “early and rapid” to “late and slow” cuts, and compared them with what would happen if no action were taken. It found that if cuts begin in 2010 and quickly reach 3% a year then the most likely mid-range forecast temperature rise would be 20C above pre-industrial levels by 2100. This is based on cutting emissions by 50% globally by the middle of the century, as advocated by the UN and accepted by many national governments. By comparison, an “early but slow” decline, beginning in 2010 but at a more modest level of 1% a year, would lead to likely temperature rises of 2.90C by the end of the century, and a “late and slow” decline beginning in 2030 would generate likely temperature increases of 40C by 2100. At 20C, scientists have warned that at least one fifth of species are at risk of extinction and 1 to 2 billion people could suffer increased water stress; above 20C plants and soil significantly reduce the amount of carbon they absorb; and above 04 C experts warn there is a danger of passing a “tipping point” at which methane release from permafrost and the collapse of big ice sheets accelerate the problems. The Met Office’s researchers also looked at what would happen if reductions began later but were then steeper: “It looked very like the ‘early but slow’ [scenario],” Pope said. The reason delays cause greater impacts is that in the intervening years carbon would build up in the atmosphere, where it remains for a century. Even more worrying than the “most likely” central projections are the “worst case outcomes”, says Pope. Even for the optimistic “early and rapid” cuts there was a chance the temperature could rise by 2.80C - and any delay in making cuts ran the risk of the global thermometer coming close to or exceeding the crucial 40C figure.

Biofuel Target www.euractiv.com/en/transport/biofuel-makers-denounce-target-downgrade/article- 175298 Downgrade NIEL News has been following biofuel policy for several months: often highlighting the inappropriateness of targets without proper safeguards. This month (11 September) the European Parliament took a small step towards addressing some of these concerns. Though confirming a binding 10% target for renewables in transport fuels by 2020 (5% by 2015), an important Parliament Committee has suggested that the focus be shifted from agro-fuels. The Committee suggests that at least 20% of the 2015 target and 40% of the 2020 goal must be met from “non-food and non-feed-competing” second-generation biofuels or from cars running on green electricity and hydrogen. The Turmes report (named after the Green MEP who proposed it) also specifies that traditional first- generation biofuels, made from crops such as sugar, rapeseed or corn, would only count towards the target if they meet strict sustainability criteria. This would include social sustainability criteria, such as respect for the land rights of local communities or the fair remuneration of all workers, as well as an obligation for biofuels to offer at least 45% carbon emission savings compared to fossil fuels – a figure that would rise to 60% in 2015. The final figure will be crucial to the industry as, typically, biodiesel made from European-grown rapeseed results in a greenhouse gas saving of 44% while the typical figure for ethanol made from EU sugar beet is 48%.

NIEL NEWS October 2008 8 Climate Change News

The parliamentary committee is also demanding that, before 2015, a full review of the EU biofuel promotion policy and its social and environmental impacts be carried out to determine whether the targets need revising. This review should “focus on consequences for food security, biodiversity and the availability of electricity or hydrogen from renewable sources, biogas or transport fuels from ligno-cellulosic biomass and algae,” the text reads. Such a clause is strongly opposed by both biofuel producers and the European Commission, which fear it will create even more uncertainty and deter investments in the sector. Articles of Interest 98 Months, and Counting (1 0ctober): Governments moved quickly to rescue our banks. Why does it take any longer to act to save the planet from runaway warming? this Month We now have only 98 months before the world enters a new, more perilous phase of global warming, and that’s if we are lucky. www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/oct/01/climatechange. scienceofclimatechange

No Plant CO2 Relief in Warm World (18 September): Plants are unlikely to soak up excess carbon dioxide as temperatures rise, a study published in Nature concludes.

US scientists found that grassland took up less CO2 than usual for two years following temperatures that are now unusually hot, but may become common. http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/sci/tech/7620921.stm

Emissions May Be Stored Under Sea (17 September): Parts of the sea-bed between N. Ireland and Scotland could become a storage facility for carbon dioxide. Garth Earls, Director of the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, said this study was an important first step. “Results of the study suggest there are potential areas that can be considered for follow-up research, including a number of off-shore sedimentary basins between Northern Ireland and Scotland,” he said. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/ northern_ireland/7621193.stm Meat Must be Rationed to Four Portions a Week (30 September): People will have to be rationed to four modest portions of meat and one litre of milk a week if the world is to avoid run-away climate change, a major new report warns. www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/sep/30/food.ethicalliving

Turbines ‘No Risk to Farm Birds’ (1 October): Birds like the skylark are not disrupted by wind farms. The study shows wind turbines pose less of a risk to farmland birds than previously thought. Previous studies highlighted how turbine blades were hazardous for waterbird and bird of prey species. The findings have been published in the British Ecological Society’s Journal of Applied Ecology. www.reuters.com/article/ scienceNews/idUSTRE4900A120081001

TT Set to Host Emission-Free Race (18 September): The 2009 Isle of Man TT will include the world’s first ever emission-free Grand Prix. The event is expected to involve racing teams which are backed by high-tech institutions, international corporations and universities. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/7622945.stm

Major Plans for Tidal Energy Farm (29 September): Scottish Power has identified sites off the Antrim Coast, Pentland Firth and the Sound of Islay to test sea turbines which could power thousands of homes. They have been working on the Lanstrom device, which is said to be one of the world’s most advanced tidal turbines. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7640842.stm

The Methane Time Bomb (23 September): The first evidence that millions of tons of a greenhouse gas 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide is being released into the atmosphere from beneath the Arctic seabed has been discovered by scientists. www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/exclusive-the-methane-time- bomb-938932.html

UKCIP’s Climate For the latest UKCIP Climate Digest, go to: Digest www.ukcip.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=214&Itemid=482. You can also view the last six issues. To search earlier issues go to www.ukcip.org.uk/ index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=322 and use the search facility on the right.

NIEL NEWS October 2008 9 Members’ News

Last Bear of Hillview Community Woodland in County Fermanagh, cared for by the Woodland Trust, has a magnificent new Ireland inhabitant. Handsome and strong, the wood’s unusual Fermanagh addition is a huge brown bear, weighing in at over one Woodland Gets tonne and attracting the interest of locals and visitors New Inhabitant alike. Whatever the season, he will be waiting to ‘greet’ you as you explore this quiet corner of nature. The bear is in fact an artful sculpture, created out of oak by sculptor The Woodland Trust Owen Crawford. Our friend is a permanent fixture, representing the last of his kind, the Irish bear. Bears roamed Ireland thousands of years ago, when the island was almost totally forested. The Irish bear – the brown bear – was of the same species as the North American grizzly, and as such could reach heights of over eight feet when standing on its hind legs. Bones were found in Glenade, in nearby County Leitrim, in 1997 and at 3,000 years old are thought to be from the last bears to have lived in Ireland. The finding shows that bears lived on the island at the same time as humans; perhaps hunting and loss of habitat led to their extinction. To find out about Hillview and other Trust woods, visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/woods Lough Neagh This Framework is intended to influence bodies as they develop their own programmes and suggests a Sustainable number of principles for them to follow, in addition Recreation to ensuring that recreational development stays Framework within environmental limits. Lough Neagh & The Framework can be viewed or downloaded from Lower Bann Advisory http://www.loughneagh.com/SRF%20Final.pdf. Committees Engagement The Toolkit on Engagement was launched on 2nd September Toolkit for 2008 by Mr. Paul Martin, Chief Social Services Officer. This Toolkit has been produced to provide guidance for commissioners Commissioners on how to ensure that users, carers and communities get Launched fully involved in the new devolved commissioning. The aim is to make sure that the engagement process is built on real partnerships, where users, carers and communities begin to Community have ‘citizen control’. Development and Though the Toolkit was developed for health and social care Health Network commissioners, CDHN believes it could be used across health and social care, including with Trusts and also in other sectors such as education, social development etc. It is accompanied by a DVD of four engagement case-studies from across Northern Ireland and CDHN is developing training to accompany the Toolkit and are putting a PDF of it on the CDHN website. If you require any further information about the toolkit contact Barbary Cook on [email protected] or log on to www.cdhn.org WRAP Research New research from the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has found four main barriers which stop people recycling more. The study outlines a series of simple Shows Four steps to help local authorities overcome these. Main Barriers to The study found that the barriers are: Recycling 1. Physical – when containers for collecting recycling are unsuitable; when there is no space for storage, when collections are unreliable; when people have no way of getting to recycling sites. 2. Behavioural – if people are too busy; if they struggle with establishing a routine for sorting out recycling; if they forget to put it out. 3. Lack of knowledge – not knowing which materials can be recycled; not understanding how their local scheme works. 4. Attitudes and perceptions – not believing recycling is good for the environment; not wanting to sort waste; not feeling personally rewarded for recycling.

WRAP found that very different messages and actions are needed by local authorities to overcome these barriers. These will include: improving recycling collection services, providing better information and practical advice on how to use the service, and showing why taking part is worthwhile. More information on all of WRAP’s programmes can be found on www.wrap.org.uk NIEL NEWS October 2008 10 Members’ News

Belfast Hills The Partnership’s annual sponsored walk of the Belfast Hills had walkers stepping out in style to help Sponsored Walk raise vital funds to protect the hills. The walk took Raises Vital Funds place on Saturday 6 September with a guided hike around the perimeter of Black Mountain and Divis hosted by National Trust warden for the site, Dermot Belfast Hills McCann, and Belfast Hills Partnership Projects Partnership Officer Dr Lizzy Pinkerton. The money raised will go towards the fight against invasive species, namely the non-native Japanese Knotweed that prevails the length of Colin Valley. Photo from the Belfast Hills Belfast Hills Partnership would like to offer their thanks Partnership website and appreciation to all who took part in the 2008 Belfast Hills sponsored walk. Visit http://www.belfasthills.org/news.php?news=41 for full story. Government The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) welcomes the announcement Measures to Tackle of more funding for home insulation. It believes that insulation is an important element in dealing with fuel poverty and in reducing energy bills. However, the Government Fuel Poverty could do much more to address the problem in the long term. The CIEH agrees that Inadequate a windfall tax on energy companies is not an appropriate tool for dealing with fuel poverty but argues that the solution is about more than just providing temporary financial assistance. Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Helping the vulnerable and improving public health will require the Government to take a much more proactive approach. An important element of this should be to increase funding for private sector housing renewal (there is no point insulating a house when the roof is leaking and the occupants can’t afford to fix it). Environmental health practitioners in local authorities have the tools to act now to reduce fuel poverty but they need more resources to help tackle the problem on a permanent basis. EHPs are ideally placed to identify and assist those most in need of help. With potentially millions more people being thrown into fuel poverty this winter, the CIEH is calling for a mature debate about longer term solutions to the problem. Go to http:// www.cieh.org for more information. Young Fermanagh WWF has praised six Enniskillen pupils for their work to raise awareness and raise Campaigners Fight funds for whale conservation around the world. to Save the Whale The P7 pupils, all of whom have just left Enniskillen Model Primary School, gave presentations to fellow pupils and convinced the school’s Parents’ Association of the need to support this campaign. They donated the £300 raised to WWF and have WWF-NI written a scrap book of all their work. Members of the Whale Team, as they called themselves, were Ellen Cupples, Melissa Paget, Holly Monaghan, Chloe Hicks, Sophie Long, and Karley McGinley. “I was delighted when the ‘Whale Book’ arrived on my desk this morning,” said Sara McClintock, Communications Manager at WWF Northern Ireland. “It gave a very good explanation of the plight of whales and also the work which the girls had done to raise money and knowledge. It was great to see the enthusiasm and passion that these girls have for one of our most endangered marine animals.” For full story log on to: http://www.wwf.org.uk/core/about/nireland_0000005214.asp BMC International The 2009 British Mountaineering Council International Winter Climbing Meet will be held Winter Climbing 22 February – 1 March 2009 at Glenmore Lodge. Meet The BMC is inviting two representatives from each Mountaineering Federation to take part in MCI this event. As such the MCI would like to invite applications from the Irish climbing community to represent their country at this Meet. This Meet is the sixth of its kind and will bring together climbers of all grades from around the world. Anyone who would like to represent the MCI, and Irish climbing, at this event should complete the application form and return it to the MCI no later than 17 October 2008. Successful applicants will be notified by 24 October 2008. The application form can be downloaded here. Or go to the BMC website for further information: www.thebmc. co.uk

NIEL NEWS October 2008 11 News from EEF

By Andy Griggs, Co-ordinator, Environmental Education Forum The Environmental Education Forum (EEF) is a networking organisation that promotes a co-ordinated approach to the delivery of environmental education and education for sustainable development in Northern Ireland. New ESD A new ESD Resource Guide for schools and youth groups, produced by the Environmental Education Forum, was launched Resource Guide at a recent EEF conference. The document has been designed for Teachers / to help teachers and group leaders source organisations within Youth Leaders Northern Ireland who can contribute to or provide Environmental Education / Education for Sustainable Development visits and Launched talks.

The booklet contains details of Forum members, the education programmes that they provide, the links those programmes have to all levels and subjects in the NI curriculum and relevant contact details, e-mail and website addresses. It gives details of how schools, playgroups, nurseries and youth organisations can become involved in environmental education work that will lead to the next generation becoming more aware of their environment, engaged with it and inspired to take action to lead more sustainable lifestyles at school and at home.

If you would like to receive a copy or further copies of the document please contact the Forum at [email protected] or telephone (028) 9045 5770. The document will also be available to download from the EEF website at the following address: http://www. eefni.org.uk/publications EEF Conference The recent EEF conference on Learning outside the Classroom that took place at the Share Centre was attended by over 50 EEF members. This event provided essential information Report: for those running environmental education programmes. Speakers included Tony Thomas ‘Learning from the FSC who introduced the new ‘quality’ badge for providers and Trevor Quinn from Outside the Ardnabannon Outdoor Education Centre who gave the delegates a rundown on the policy and practice requirements for educational visits. The conference report can be found on Classroom’ the EEF website at www.eefni.org.uk/conferenceproceedings

BBC Breathing Teachers and schools across Northern Ireland still have the opportunity to sign up to BBC Breathing Places Schools. Hundreds of schools have already registered and are delighted Places Schools: with the resources they have received, enabling them to involve their pupils in exciting Do One Thing 3 – hands-on learning that makes a difference to the environment. Registration is easy to Feeding Wildlife do and it’s entirely free – so why not register your school today on www.bbc.co.uk/ breathingplacesschools

As soon as you register, the BBC will send you a colourful folder to keep all your Breathing Places resources. Teachers notes from previous DOTs can be downloaded to give a comprehensive resource pack and you can take part in the activities in whatever way suits your school or class. For further information, contact: Janet Wilson BBC Breathing Places Schools Project Co-ordinator (NI) RSPB Belvoir Park Forest Belfast BT8 7QT Tel 028 90491547. Email: [email protected] Website: www.bbc.co.uk/ breathingplacesschools Join the Forum Are you interested or involved in environmental education? Then why not consider joining the Forum? Membership is open to all organisations and individuals, and fees are based on a band system. As well as being part of a major network of environmental education providers, you will benefit from: a quarterly newsletter (LEEF), regular e-bulletins, Forum meetings (5 per year), conferences (2 per year), University ESD Days (as above), support and publicity for your work and much more!

For more information on the EEF or how to join please contact Andy Griggs, EEF Co-ordinator on tel: 028 9094 2156, email: [email protected] or visit www.eefni.org.uk

NIEL NEWS October 2008 12 Environmental News

Firms Should A crackdown should be launched on irresponsible firms who refuse to reveal where they are selling recycled Reveal Where materials to. The Local Government Association, Our Recycling which represents authorities in England and Wales, Ends Up has written to the Environment Agency, whose role it is to police the trading of recyclable material, to urge pressure to be brought on these firms to be more transparent. Councils collect waste Local Government from households and then pass on materials to companies who recycle them – but many Association firms do not provide details of where they are then sent. The LGA is calling for a clear, accountable and transparent system so residents will continue to have confidence in the system and continue to recycle more. For more information visit: http://www.lga.gov.uk/ lga/core/page.do?pageId=967750 Johnson London mayor Boris Johnson has launched what he claims is the first climate change strategy for a major city. The plan seeks to prepare Prepares London the capital for the increased risk of flooding, droughts and heatwaves for Climate caused by the impact climate change will have on weather trends in Change Disaster the south-east of England. Standing on the banks of the River Thames with the Thames River Barrier behind him, Mr Johnson told reporters he hoped the strategy would put London in a “position of strength”. “We need to concentrate efforts to slash carbon emissions and become more Boris Johnson at the Thames Barrier energy efficient in order to prevent dangerous climate change,” he said. “But we also need to prepare for how our climate is expected to change in the future.” For full story visit: http://www.politics.co.uk/news/domestic-policy/environment/ water/johnson-prepares-london-climate-change-disaster-$1238425.htm Arctic Sea Arctic sea ice may well have reached its lowest volumes ever, as summer ice coverage of the Arctic Sea looks set to be close to last Ice at Lowest year’s record lows, with thinner ice overall. Final figures on minimum Recorded Level ice coverage for 2008 are expected in a matter of days, but they are Ever already flirting with last year’s record low of 1.59 million square miles, or 4.13 million square kilometres. ScienceDaily “If you take reduced ice thickness into account, there is probably less ice overall in the Arctic this year than in any other year since 16 September monitoring began,” said Martin Sommerkorn, WWF International Arctic 2008 Programme’s Senior Climate Change Advisor. “This is also the first year that the Northwest Passage over the top of North America and the Northeast Passage over the top of Russia are both free of ice.” For more information on this story visit: http:// www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080915162428.htm Blue Whales The IWDG have announced that blue whales have been observed and photographed in Southwest waters. On 15 Now Off the September Kerry Marine Tours http://www.kerrymarinetours. Irish Southwest com/ of Cahirciveen organised a pelagic trip to offshore shelf Coast waters and on board was IWDG Dublin member Ivan O’Kelly. At least one and probably two very large whales approached Irish Whale & the MV Atlantic Explorer at close enough range for Ivan to secure images. Among the fin whales he had photographed he Dolphin Group had also secured images of a different species, which the IWDG confirm are blue whales. This is the first validated sighting of a blue whale in any Irish waters since the IWDG began almost 20 years ago. To see photos and read more, visit: http://www.iwdg.ie/ Minister Finance Minister, Nigel Dodds, has received the independent report on the review of policy on the location of public sector jobs from Receives Professor Sir George Bain. Taking delivery of the report, the Minister Independent said: Report on “I recognise the efforts of Sir George Bain and his team over the Location of last eight months and I thank them for their work. This was an independent Review, and Public Sector there are a number of detailed suggestions contained in the report that will need careful Jobs examination and consideration before decisions on a way forward can be reached. I now plan to refer the report for an early Executive discussion to gather the initial views of Ministerial colleagues on the Review recommendations.” Visit: http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/ news-location-of-public-sector-jobs for story and to download report.

NIEL NEWS October 2008 13 Environmental News

Charities Act The long awaited new charities legislation for Northern Ireland received Royal Assent on 9 September 2008. The Act makes gets Royal provisions for the establishment of a Charity Commission and Assent a Register of Charities for Northern Ireland. The legislation also provides statutory definitions of charity and charitable purpose; sets out new rules with regard to fundraising and NICVA eNews collections and; introduces a new form of charitable body. All charities, regardless of size, will be required to report annually to the new regulator with their annual accounts either audited or independently examined. For background to the reform of charities legislation see NICVA’s dedicated Charity Law Reform section at www.nicva.org/index.cfm/section/ General/key/141205CharReform.

Seamus Mc Aleavey, Chief Executive of NICVA, has welcomed the news that the Charities Bill for Northern Ireland has passed through its final stage at the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Charities Bill has been a long time coming and NICVA and charities in Northern Ireland have been seeking this legislation for over fifteen years. To read more: http://www.nicva. org/index.cfm/section/news/key/030708_Press_release Northern The Royal Town and Planning Institute (RTPI) NI Branch and RSPB Northern Ireland Ireland are hosting joint sustainable planning awards for the second year, to promote awareness and implementation of sustainable planning issues in Sustainable Northern Ireland. Planning Awards For further details, please download the entry form from http://www. rspb.org.uk/ourwork/policy/planning/niplanningawards.asp. If you need 2008/2009 to discuss your entry please call Claire Ferry on 028 9049 1547 or email [email protected]. The closing date is 14 November 2008. Minister Joins Stormont Ministers, MLAs and leading businesses joined forces with the Ulster Wildlife Trust, which is one of Northern Ireland’s most influential Wildlife Trust environmental organisations, to launch a ‘Year of Action’ marking this to Enlist 50,000 special milestone. At a special reception held at Stormont on Thursday, People 11 September by the Northern Ireland Executive, the local charity and its supporters looked back with pride on 30 years of protecting and Ulster Wildlife enhancing the province’s wild landscapes and urban green spaces for Trust everyone to enjoy. The charity is hoping to encourage at least 50,000 people, businesses and landowners to do one thing this year for local wildlife and wild places. However, the charity also stressed that if it was to take forward its vision of ‘an environment rich in wildlife, valued by everyone’, local people would need to get more involved and take action to help secure a lasting future for our wildlife and wild places. Full story: http://www. ulsterwildlifetrust.org/newspages/newspages/Minister+joins+Wildlife+Trust+to+enlist+5 0+000+people.htm Isle of Plenty In the past 10 years, one Danish island has cut its carbon footprint by a staggering 140%. Now, with a simple grid of Robin McKie windfarms, solar panels and sheep, it’s selling power to the mainland and taking calls from Shell. Samso, a Danish 21 September island famed for its rich, sweet strawberries and delicately flavoured early potatoes, has recently undergone a remarkable 2008 transformation, one that has given it an unexpected global Photograph: Nicky Bonne importance and international technological standing. The islanders have launched a renewable-energy revolution on this windswept scrap of Scandinavia. Solar, biomass, wind and wood-chip power generators have sprouted up across the island, while traditional fossil-fuel plants have been closed and dismantled. For full story visit: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/sep/21/ renewableenergy.alternativeenergy In pictures: the miraculous island of Samso Belfast Green On 28th August the Green Party hosted the first ever ‘Green Drinks’ in McHugh’s Basement Bar in Belfast. Around 30 people turned up, including members the party, NGOs such as the Drinks Ulster Wildlife Trust and the World Wildlife Fund as well as people from green businesses, local campaign groups and individuals who had an interest in environmental issues. Green Party Green Drinks is an opportunity for people from all walks of life who have an interest in environmental issues to get together in an informal setting to share ideas and create new ones. We in the environmental movement often get accused of taking ourselves too seriously, so this is a chance to show that we know how to have a good time. Check out www.greendrinks.org NIEL NEWS October 2008 14 Environmental News

Emissions May Be Parts of the sea-bed between Northern Ireland and Scotland could become a storage Stored Under Sea facility for carbon dioxide, according to a new study. A cross-border survey has been investigating the potential for underground carbon capture and storage. Geologists from Emissions could be stored under the Irish Sea instead Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and of going into the atmosphere Great Britain have worked with economists

and engineers to assess locations where CO2 could be stored safely underground. By capturing carbon from power stations and storing it underground the amount of

CO2 being pumped into the atmosphere could be reduced. The captured emissions could be transported by pipeline and injected into rocks deep below the surface and stored there for thousands of years. For full story go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/ northern_ireland/7621193.stm Review of Economy Minister Arlene Foster welcomed the Utility Electricity Price Regulator’s response to her call for an independent review of the electricity price setting process. Responding to concerns Setting Process raised about the scale of the electricity price increase, including those expressed by the ETI Committee members, Department of the Minister said: “I recognise that the recent price increases were of a scale that Enterprise, Trade and has caused real anxiety amongst consumers. In the interests of maintaining public confidence I wrote to the Utility Regulator suggesting that they bring forward proposals Investment for an independent review of the electricity price setting process.” For full story go to: 18 September 2008 http://www.detini.gov.uk/cgi-bin/morenews?util=1303 Planning The regulations take account of a European Court of Justice ruling that outline planning permission and the subsequent (Environmental approval of reserved matters must be considered as constituting Impact multi-stage development consent. Provision is made requiring Assessment) that consideration must be given to the need for Environmental (Amendment No. Impact Assessment before determining an application for approval of reserved or other matters. Details of the public consultation on these 2) Regulations regulations, including responses received and a Regulatory Impact (NI) 2008 Assessment are available at: http://www.planningni.gov.uk/Corporate_Services/ The Planning Service Planning_Legislation/news/news_sr_sep2008.html 16 September 2008 Scotland Gets Its A new dawn broke over the troubled waters around the Isle of Arran on 20 September; with it came new hope to the island’s community for a better future of their marine First ‘No-Take heritage and environment. The Scottish Government has created Scotland’s first ‘No- Zone’ Take Zone’ in Lamlash Bay on the Isle of Arran. All fishing within the specified area will be banned while a scientific trial will be carried out to investigate the fishery Community of Arran and biodiversity benefits of leaving the seabed to regenerate naturally without any Seabed Trust disturbance. The passing of the law was the final keystone of the bridge the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) has spent 13 years building between Islanders, fishermen, SNH, The Marine Directorate, Politicians and the Government. To read more visit: www.arrancoast.co.uk Largest Owls in the Several pairs of eagle owls, the largest owls in the world, are now breeding in the wild in Britain, according to a new study. It is unlikely World Threaten they will ever be considered British birds as they escaped from a large British Birds pool of birds kept in captivity. However, in the past 15 years, several pairs of the birds have begun to nest in different parts of England, Michael McCarthy according to a review of the eagle owl’s status in Britain published in the journal British Birds. 15 September 2008 “The situation with the eagle owl in Britain is a difficult one,” said Mark Avery, director of conservation for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). “On the one hand, Eagle owls are known to have these are fantastic creatures. On the other hand, they are attacked animals as large as roe deer not British birds, and, as is the case with all introduced species, we do not know what impact they may have on our native fauna.” For more information: http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/ nature/largest-owls-in-the-world-threaten-british-birds-930862.html NIEL NEWS October 2008 15 Publications

The Northern The aim of the Survey is to raise awareness of th environmental issues across Northern Ireland’s Ireland 10 business community. 250 of Northern Ireland’s largest Environmental organisations are invited to take part in this survey, Benchmarking which evaluates how well they are managing their environmental impacts. Their responses are scored Survey and ranked in terms of performance. It encourages organisations to improve their environmental Arena Network performance and identifies areas where more effort is needed.

In publishing the results of the Survey each year, ARENA Network is bringing further transparency to corporate environmental issues. To read more go to: http://www. bitc.org.uk/what_we_do/where_we_work/northern_ireland/getting_involved/in_ the_environment/survey_ni.html

The Organic Guide The Organic Guide to Ireland is the definitive consumer guide to certified producers, retailers, wholesalers and to Ireland manufacturers of organic goods in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. It is packed with information on farm The Organic Centre gate sales, vegetable box schemes, farmers’ markets, mail order, and much more. It also includes accompanying editorial about organic farming in Ireland, FAQ’s, and a directory of certification bodies, organic sector NGO’s, and government agencies. For further information please contact: Damien Murphy, The Organic Centre Tel: 00353 71 985 4338 or email [email protected]. You can also order it online from the Organic Centre website www.organiccentre.ie

Health Impact A new guide on health impact assessment (HIA) of greenspace has been launched. Developed by Greenspace Assessment of Scotland, NHS Health Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage greenspace: and the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IoM), this guide A Guide will be a valuable tool in assisting people to demonstrate the role of greenspace in improving both mental, physical and community health. greenspace Health Impact Assessment of greenspace: A Guide provides background information on greenspace and the current policy context in Scotland, presents a critical review of international research evidence on greenspace and health, and outlines how to use this evidence to do a health impact assessment. The guide is illustrated by short case studies of completed HIAs of greenspace. For more information about the Health Impact Assessment of greenspace: A Guide or to request a copy contact Ea O’Neill or 01786 465934 or download at: http://www. greenspacescotland.org.uk/default.asp?page=462

Climate Change in JNCC has produced a series of materials on climate change in the UK Overseas Territories which include brochures for individuals, policy and decision makers and the UK Overseas businesses; guidance for practitioners on planning and managing biodiversity; and Territories an overview of the basics of climate change. There is also a DVD on the basic science of climate change. Joint Nature Conservation All of the materials are available on the JNCC website: www.jncc.gov.uk/page-4362 Committee

NIEL NEWS October 2008 16 Publications

JNCC Annual JNCC’s Annual Report 2007/2008 is now available. The publication once again charts a hectic and rewarding year of Report 2007/2008 activity at JNCC, as well as providing all the financial details JNCC of their performance as a comprehensive set of appendices. Hard copies may be requested from JNCC Communications Team by emailing [email protected] or purchased online via www.tsoshop.co.uk - as always, an electronic version of the title is available here: http://www.jncc.gov. uk/page-4434

Inquiry into the The Carnegie UK Trust has produced Future of Civil three publications from their inquiry: Society in the UK & Futures for Civil Society – Summary: Ireland This report summarises the findings of the following two reports. Carnegie UK Trust The Shape of Civil Society to Come: This report analyses the drivers of change and how they might affect civil society, looking out to 2025. Drivers of change are forces (social, technological, economic, environmental, political or organisational) that may affect civil society for good or ill.

Scenarios for Civil Society: Drawing on the findings of the report ‘The Shape of Civil Society to Come’, this report describes a number of scenarios that are designed to illustrate what the future might hold for civil society, looking out to 2025. The purpose of the scenarios is to stimulate further deliberation about what actions might need to be taken now to take advantage of emerging opportunities or diminish possible threats to civil society. All reports are available to read in full on this website: http://www.carnegieuktrust.org.uk/publications. Hard copies can be requested from [email protected] The Code of Good This booklet was produced by Countryside Management Branch DARD to provide good management practice on how Agricultural to avoid polluting water, air and soil. The code is for farmers, Practice for the growers, contractors and others involved in agricultural Prevention of activities. Those claiming the Single Farm Payment and other direct payments must meet certain conditions known Pollution of Water, as Cross Compliance. Following the Code will help meet Air and Soil the environmental requirements of Cross Compliance. The booklet is available to download here http://www.dardni.gov. uk/index/publications/pubs-dard-environmental/content- codeofgoodagripractice.htm or in hardcopy by emailing [email protected]

Footpaths to With this publication Northern Visions has provided the first evidence-based footpath setting out the actions that need to Sustainability be taken to achieve the step changes in the Ecological and Carbon footprint of Northern Ireland which will be required to Northern Visions meet the challenge of a low carbon economy. Dr Cathy Maguire & To read this publication click on the following link: http:// Dr Robin Curry www.s-r-i.org.uk/Northern%20Visions%20Final%20Report. pdf

NIEL NEWS October 2008 17 Publications

Switch off, In this paper LGA develops proposals in three key areas: the Switched on 2: essential role councils would play in making a national insulation programme happen, the case for funding an insulation programme How to Cut from a contribution from energy suppliers, and the need for Ofgem Household Carbon to toughen their stance. Footprints and To download this document visit: http://www.lga.gov.uk/lga/ Energy Bills publications/publication-display.do?id=971070 Local Government Association Wildlife Action in There are many important wildlife habitats and species found in the city of Derry and district. This document has been produced Derry-Londonderry to provide information on the Local Biodiversity Action Plan for the 2008-2013 Derry City Council area.

Derry City Council For further information contact: Biodiversity Officer, Derry City Council, 98 Strand Road, Derry BT48 7NN, tel: 028 7136 5151, website: http://derrycity.gov.uk/biodiversity/

Environmental This project focused on practical environmental volunteering to explore what motivates people to become involved in practical Volunteering: volunteering work, what benefits they gain from their involvement Motivations, and are there any potential barriers to getting or staying involved. Barriers & Benefits Download full report: http://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/pdf/ Env_Volunteering_Full_Report.pdf/$FILE/Env_Volunteering_Full_ Forestry Commission Report.pdf & Scottish Forestry Trust Annual Review The Speedwell Trust is a voluntary project based in Parkanaur Forest near Dungannon. This project was created in 1991 as a 2007-2008 cross-community venture to bring Catholic and Protestant primary school children together through curriculum based programmes. Speedwell Trust At Speedwell children work in mixed groups, participating in both environmental and community relations programmes. This year has been both eventful and exciting for Speedwell. The Trust delivered environmental and community relations programmes to over 12,000 children from different cultural traditions. To obtain a copy of their Annual Review 2007-2008 contact: 028 8776 7392 or info@speedwell- trust.com or visit their website: http://www.speedwell-trust.com/ Carbon Trust Renewable Energy Technologies Publications in Northern Ireland - In-depth Technology Guide This publication is aimed at businesses in Northern Ireland that are looking to assess whether renewable energy technologies may be appropriate for their site. It explains the key technologies that are available and provides guidance on assessing the suitability of each technology for a particular site. Cutting Carbon in Europe: The 2020 Plans and the Future of the EU ETS This report analyses the climate change package proposed by the European Commission earlier this year and its implications for business. It concludes that the proposals are a bold and significant step in the right direction that correct weaknesses in the current scheme and provide the level of certainty that business and investors have been calling for. Low Carbon Refurbishment of Buildings - Management Guide This guide is aimed at those who wish to ensure that a planned refurbishment delivers carbon savings, in addition to meeting its other objectives. It provides clear, practical guidance based on real world experience. To find these and more Carbon Trust publications go to: http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/publications NIEL NEWS October 2008 18 Recruitment

Marine Specialist GRID-Arendal is developing a global marine initiative with four main project areas: climate change adaptation, GRID-Arendal global assessment of the deep oceans, national marine expertise capacity building and support to UNEP’s marine programme. This initiative builds on the successful UNEP Shelf Programme, which supports developing states with data and capacity building for the extension of their continental shelf under the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Jointly these programmes have an overarching focus on marine management, especially in the support of developing states and small island developing states. The Marine Specialist will be working with a small highly motivated international team in the further development and implementation of the marine programme and reporting directly to the programme manager.

Deadline for applications: 25 October, 2008. Applications should include a cover letter and CV. (No specific application form to be filled in). For more information about the position and application to: Personnel Manager at luana.karvel@grida. no. Website: http://www.grida.no/

Director Position EnVironmental Motors is a new age automobile and motorcycle dealership that EnVironmental Motors specialises in providing the most eco-friendly vehicle options to a rapidly growing segment Location: California of consumers. They market Zap, Zenn, Dymac, and other leading edge electric and alternative fuel modes of transportation to forward thinkers. They are currently Salary dependent on looking to expand their operations in the coming year and are seeking a dynamic, experienced professional with entrepreneurial drive to lead the company forward. experience Please visit www.environmentalmotors.com for more information. Closing date: 01/11/2008

2-Years Leadership Humana People to People offers a 24 month Leadership Training opportunity in Berlin, Africa and Europe. Are you 18-65 years old, open-minded and interested in working Training in development aid? Then you can help to promote sustainable development and join the 2 year Leadership Training Programme from HUMANA People to People. Humana People to Fighting poverty is up to everybody! The main target is to improve the living People Deutschland conditions of all people in the development countries. HUMANA People to People e.V. is an international network of 30 national NGOs and their subsidiary social welfare companies working in the sector of development aid. Altogether they run more than 150 development projects in Africa and Asia, eg teacher training schools, vocational Closing Date: 27 Dec training centers, children’s aid projects and sensitisation projects in the battle against 2008 HIV/AIDS.

HUMANA People to People would like to recruit Junior Executive Managers, whatever background or formal education they come from, to help expand the organisation in Germany, Europe and worldwide. Contact Humana at: Humana People to People Germany e.V. Waldhausstr. 7 51069 Köln or by email trainees@humanapeopletopeople. de or telephone 0221-5000456 http://www.humana-ev.de

NIEL NEWS October 2008 19 Consultations

Note to Members: While we make every effort to include relevant active consultations, this list is not exhaustive. The initial decision on which consultations to respond to is made after consideration of how the topic relates to NIEL’s Policy Priorities, Task Force themes, potential for influence, emerging issues and staff workloads. Every effort is made to incorporate members’ inputs in the draft NIEL response and to give all members time to review the draft NIEL response. We are particularly keen to include your comment in early drafts: to facilitate this please forward your comment early in the consultation period. Please contact us if you think NIEL should reply to a consultation not listed, not identified for response or if there is a consultation topic (or any other pressing issue) that you feel requires additional consideration; for example, a members meeting or study visit.

Consultations (recent and ongoing) relevant to the sector

Consultation Response Organisation Response Contact Details by NIEL Date Consultations shaded in grey were included in a previous issue Towards a comprehensive Yes European 10 October http://ec.europa.eu/ and ambitious post-2012 Commission yourvoice/ipm/forms/ climate change agreement. dispatch?form=climatepost2012 Adapting the UK to Climate Yes RCEP 10 October http://www.rcep.org.uk/ Change climatechangeadaptation.htm

NI Energy Efficiency Levy Yes NIAUR 24 October http://www.niaur.gov.uk/01%20 Strategic and Operational August%202008.htm Review 2008 A Consultation Paper on the Yes DARD 5 Roy Griffen concept of Rural Champion November http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/ and enhancement of the publications/pubs-dard-rural- rural proofing process. development/rural-champion- consultation-paper.htm

Proposed Water Supply Yes DRD 7 Paul McKenna (water Fittings) Regulations November www.drdni.gov.uk/index/water_ 2009 policy.htm

Consultation on the No BERR 11 http://www.berr.gov.uk/ Strategic Siting Assessment November consultations/page47143.html Process and Siting Criteria for New Nuclear Power Stations in the UK

Statutory Consultation Yes DETI 15 Malachy McKernan on the Reform of the NI December www.energy.detini.gov.uk/ Renewables Obligation consultations

NIEL NEWS October 2008 20 Consultations - Responses

Draft DARD Key Points: • Sustainable development is rightly identified as the key driver for the Evidence and Department. Much greater regard must be given to living within environmental Innovation limits as a sound environmental foundation is required not just for biodiversity Strategy 2008- but to support a healthy economy and society. • Research into adaptation as well as mitigation measures should be 2013 commissioned and policy decisions should be climate change proofed. • Alternative production measures which use the raw materials much more Department of efficiently should be developed and encouraged. The opportunities for Agriculture and Rural farmers to use renewable energy, including waste products, to provide both Development on-farm energy and export energy should be a major research theme. • Business must receive a consistent message from government in terms of Response Date: regulation, strategies and funding opportunities. Consistency will help deliver a level playing field that should allow the most innovative companies to 4 September 2008 prosper.

CAP Health Check: Key Points: Consultation on • There should be more proactive encouragement towards a flat rate model to ensure a level playing field across Europe. EU Commission • NIEL supports the simplification of the land eligibility rules and would welcome Legislative the inclusion of short rotational coppice as an eligible land use provided the Proposals sustainability of the crop is assured. • The system of payments for energy crops should be reviewed to ensure that Department of they support only crops which satisfy sustainability criteria and lead to an overall reduction in carbon production on a whole life costing basis. Agriculture and Rural • Cross-compliance requirements need to be enhanced to encompass a wider Development range of environmental features on farmed land as well as an increase in the minimum standards required in order to further improve the environmental Response Date: outcomes. 5 September 2008 • NIEL believes that to compensate for the loss of set-aside a new mandatory cross compliance mechanism should be introduced that requires each farm holding receiving the Single Farm Payment to demonstrate how a percentage of their land is managed for environmental measures. • In order to deliver a re-orientation of land management we propose the realignment of the current two pillar mechanism of the CAP, spilt between a decoupled farm payment and support for rural development, and instead develop an alternative integrated system which delivers a Sustainable Land Management Policy. • A ‘healthy’ CAP would significantly improve our self-sufficiency, reducing the need for agricultural imports and exports, consequently reducing our carbon footprint. Domestic Rating Key Points: • The proposals to introduce a rates rebate for households that undertake Green Rebates approved home insulation work, as well as a rates holiday for the first residents Public Consultation of new houses that meet the proposed new standard for zero carbon are important steps towards promoting energy efficiency and the reduction of Department of household carbon emissions. Finance and • There are many properties where further efficiency measures are not possible. NIEL, therefore, advocates the provision of incentives (rates Personnel rebates) for carbon savings achieved by the installation of renewable energy technologies, such as wood burning stoves, etc, when insulation, etc has Response Date: been fully utilised. 26 September 2008 • The Government should set annual targets to upgrade a stated percentage of the existing housing stock to the recommended insulation levels and a stated percentage to ‘zero-carbon’ standards. • NIEL proposes that the level of support available per house is based upon a Standard Assessment Procedure whereby each household is assessed (A - G) according to its space heating, water heating and lighting energy requirements per square metre. The level of support provided should be structured in such a way as to incentivise the achievement of the highest possible level of energy performance. • While NIEL supports the initial exemption as a positive step, we believe that continuing support should be made available to householders who are striving to achieve the highest standards of energy efficiency. Householder’s rates bills should therefore reflect and reward energy efficiency on a year on year basis. The standard required to qualify for the rebate would increase with time with homes with a zero carbon status enjoying the lowest rates. NIEL NEWS October 2008 21 Consultations - Responses

Renewable Key Points: Energy Strategy • NIEL used this opportunity to comment generally on the consultation document but also to make specific comments on Northern Ireland issues; Consultation even if they are matters for the devolved administration. • The UK Government should be applying pressure on the Northern Ireland Department for Assembly to introduce this Bill and should ensure that EU targets such as Business, Enterprise the 15% energy from renewables by 2020 are also achieved in Northern and Regulatory Ireland. • It is important that the Assembly adopt the UK goal for all new homes to Reform be zero carbon by 2016. The introduction of a mandatory microgeneration requirement for new buildings should act as a useful initial step, with the caveat Response Date: that if onsite generation is impossible off-site contribution be permissible. 26 September 2008 • Large scale renewable energy projects will play a vital part in reducing Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint, but only if supported by appropriate planning, fiscal and environmental policies. • We feel that it is essential that the NIRO target is set at 13% for 2012; which is the Government’s 2012 renewable energy target plus 8% headroom. In the longer term the target should be set higher, for example, at 43.2% for 2025 (in order to meet Sustainable Development target and allow headroom). • The encouragement of renewable heat sources, such as geothermal or biomass, and development of CHP as a significant source of energy for either business or domestic use, should be an important element of the new Strategy. • The most significant positive step that could be taken to encourage greater adoption of renewable technologies at the ‘micro’ scale is development of a system of ‘feed in tariffs’. • It is unacceptable to continue to promote biofuels which cannot be reasonably shown to offer genuine carbon savings and which do not meet sustainability criteria. • The move to indigenous renewable fuels may also help address our energy security concerns and develop industries that will provide economic opportunity and jobs locally. • In the absence of a comprehensive international agreement on carbon trading, purchasing any significant quantity of carbon credits from jurisdictions where there is not a robust cap on emissions is a dangerous strategy that will not prevent catastrophic climate change in Northern Ireland and around the world.

The following responses were also submitted: Review of Invasive Species in Ireland Invasive Species Ireland Response Date: 19 September 2008

Our Seas - A Shared Resource (NIMTF Response) DEFRA Response Date: 28 September 2008

Requirements for a Sustainability Scheme for Energy Use of Biomass European Commission Response Date: 30 September 2008

NIEL NEWS October 2008 22 Environmental Events

Have an event to plug? Why not publicise it, free of charge, on our online events calendar?

Simply click on www.nienvironmentlink.org/events/add.asp and add the details.

Date Event Organiser Venue Contact

Events shaded in grey were included in a previous edition

Fri 10th – Sun AGM of the Biodynamic Biodynamic At Camphill martin@camphillclanbogan. 12th Oct Association Association Clanabogan Farm 15 com Begins on Fri 10th 7.30p.m. with Drudgeon Road a screening of the new DVD on Clanabogan Biodynamics. Sat a.m. Welcome to Omagh the venue, overview of Biodynamics in UK and Eire, AGM Official Business, Sat afternoon: Renewable Energy at Clanabogan, plus talk about “The farm as a renewable Entity” Michael Miklis. Sun a.m. details to be confirmed. Sat 11th Oct Autumn Plant Sale The National Trust Rowallane Garden 028 9751 0131 12noon – Local specialist nurseries and Saintfield rowallane@nationaltrust. 5pm Rowallane Garden plants for sale. org.uk Normal admission, members free. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Sat 11th – Sun Harvest Food Fayre The National Trust Mount Stewart 028 4278 8387 12th Oct 10am Taste, talk and buy home produced Portaferry Road mountstewart@nationaltrust. – 5pm traditional and different ranges Newtownards org.uk of food and drink direct from www.nationaltrust.org.uk the producer. Live music and children’s craft sessions with an autumn theme. Normal admission, members free. Sun 12th Oct Bulb Planting & Autumn Walks The National Trust The Argory 028 8778 4753 2-5pm Join The Argory staff as they plant Moy [email protected] thousands of daffodils and then www.nationaltrust.org.uk take part in a guided walk around the estate in the company of the Warden. Bring a trowel. Normal admission, members free. Sun 12th Oct Autumn Seed Hunt Ulster Wildlife Trust Kilbroney Park 028 4483 0282 2-4pm Make the most of Kilbroney Park’s Rostrevor events@ulsterwildlifetrust. native trees – their seeds, nuts, org fruits and glorious autumn colours on a guided walk to celebrate Seed Gathering Season. Run in conjunction with Down District Council. Mon 13th Oct “The Giant’s Ring - Death, Queen’s Archaeology Lisburn Library 028 9097 31 86 7pm Ceremony and Ancestors in the and Palaeoecology 23 Linenhall Street http://www.qub.ac.uk/ Neolithic” Outreach Programme Lisburn schools/gap/Education/Ar- Speaker Mr. Barry Hartwell. (in association with chaeologyandPalaeoecology/ the Northern Ireland Archaeology Forum, NIAF) Thur 16th Oct Ecological Footprint Conference Community Eco- Armagh City Hotel 028 3751 5860 9.30am & Exhibition “A Step in the Right Challenge [email protected] Direction for Local Government” Southern Group If everyone lived like we do in Environmental Health Northern Ireland they would need 3 Committee planets to sustain our lifestyle. The Riverside House Community Eco-Challenge has been Tower Hill Complex tackling this issue through closely Armagh working with 100 householders to help them reduce their ecological footprint. You will hear from keynote speakers on how ecological foot printing can be used as an indicator for sustainable development as well as the impact food, waste, transport and energy has on our ecological footprint. Price £35.

NIEL NEWS October 2008 23 Environmental Events

Date Event Organiser Venue Contact

Sat 18th Oct Fungal Foray Lagan Valley Regional Meet at Shaw’s 028 9049 1922 11am Along with our expert guide join Park Bridge car park www.laganvalley.co.uk the Ranger on a walk through the autumnal splendour of the Lagan Valley Regional Park taking a closer look at the amazing world of fungi. There’s more to the humble mushroom than you might think! Sun 19th Oct Apple Sunday Northern Ireland Peatlands Park 028 3885 1102 A celebration of our local apple Environment Agency Dungannon www.ehsni.gov.uk heritage. Apple crafts, cookery (NIEA) demonstrations, apple tasting, games and fun for all the family. Free train rides on the Orchard Express. Free event. Sun 19th Oct Dyan Mill – Habitat Grassroots NI Dyan Mill 028 9052 0339 10am Improvement Co Armagh [email protected] Work will include some clearance www.grassrootsni.org of aquatic plants and planting to improve the habitat quality around the historic millpond. Leader Janis Lunn. Sat 25th Oct Secrets of the Stone Age Lagan Valley Regional Meet at Giant’s Ring 028 9049 1922 11am The Lagan Valley has been host to Park car park www.laganvalley.co.uk human settlement since prehistoric times. Join the LVRP Ranger Service to discover how our ancestors might have lived thousands of years ago. Discover the archaeological importance of the Giant’s Ring and its associated area: burial chambers, standing stones and more! Sat 25th Oct Autumn Fest The National Trust Crom 028 6773 8118 1-5pm Come along and enjoy a fun filled Upper Lough Erne [email protected] afternoon of activities. See the Newtownbutler www.nationaltrust.org.uk impressive display of autumn colours on a woodland walk, purchase and design a pumpkin lantern, explore the pumpkin trail, love music and more. Adult £3.50, Child £2, Family £10 Sat 25th Oct Ghosts & Gourds Day The National Trust Rowallane Garden 028 9751 0131 12 – 5pm Come to Rowallane and help carve Saintfield [email protected]. out your own pumpkin to take ukwwww.nationaltrust.org.uk home. A ghost trail and scary face painting, followed by spooky storytelling to haunt you on the way home! Normal admission, members free. Sat 25th – Sun Autumn Festival Northern Ireland Crawfordsburn 028 9185 3621 26th Oct 10am Experience the rich sights, tastes Environment Agency Country Park www.ehsni.gov.uk – 5pm and smells of the autumn season. (NIEA) Witness the amazing diversity of autumn bounty, from the grand display of over 100 types of orchard fruits to some amazing fungi! Activities and entertainment for the whole family, with tasty autumnal refreshments available. Free event. Sun 26th Oct Autumn Seed Hunt Ulster Wildlife Trust Delamont Country 028 4483 0282 2-4pm Make the most of Delamont Country Park events@ulsterwildlifetrust. Park’s native trees, their seeds, nuts Killyleagh org fruits and glorious autumn colours on a guided walk to celebrate Seed Gathering Season. Run in conjunction with Down District Council.

NIEL NEWS October 2008 24 Environmental Events

Date Event Organiser Venue Contact

Wed 29th Oct Participatory Social Enterprise Federation of City Windmill City Farm 0117 963 3252 9.45 am – Development Day Farms and Community Phillip Street 4pm Social enterprise is one way for Gardens Bedminster not-for-profit groups to generate Bristol income through trading or service BS3 4EA delivery in order to support their core activities. Many members have experience of some aspects of social enterprise and the Federation, along with some of our partners, are keen to explore and share good practice. This day offers an opportunity for those with such experience to share their knowledge (warts and all) and is seen as the start of a wider programme. Free to members. Fri 31st Oct Halloween on the Black The National Trust Divis and the Black 028 9082 5434 7-10pm Mountain Mountain [email protected] View Belfast’s spectacular fireworks www.nationaltrust.org.uk from the top of the Black Mountain. Bring along the family for an escorted tour. Fri 31st Oct Boo at the Zoo Belfast City Council Belfast Zoo 028 9077 6277 Come along to the zoo for a packed www.belfastzoo.co.uk day of eerie activities including: spooky storytelling and crafts, a reptile display, face painting: bat talks, spooky trail, a fancy dress and best carved pumpkin competition. You can get in free if you arrive in fancy dress. Normal admission charges apply. Sun 2nd Nov Second-hand Book Sale The National Trust The Argory 028 8778 4753 2-5pm With thousands of books for sale, Moy [email protected] come along and browse through an www.nationaltrust.org.uk eclectic collection at our second- hand book sale. Normal admission, members free. Sat 8th – Sun Book Fair & Literary Festival The National Trust Castle Ward 028 9751 2304 9th Nov 11am Browse through thousands of used Strangford castleward@nationaltrust. – 5pm books, LPs and CDs for a great Downpatrick org.uk bargain, then visit the special www.nationaltrust.org.uk property literary events and meet guest authors. Normal admission, members free. Sun 9th Nov Hedgerow Maintenance Grassroots NI Lagan Valley 028 9052 0339 10am Join us as we improve a native Regional Park [email protected] hedge with some cutting back and www.grassrootsni.org planting up gaps. Leader Anne Hardcastle

NIEL NEWS October 2008 25 Training & Resources

The Organic Centre October

12 Sun Cooking with the Grass Roof Café – An Introduction Courses October/ 18 Sat Growing in Polytunnels – An Introduction November 18 Sat Grow Your Own Mushrooms 19 Sun Advanced Gardening – Weed Management 19 Sun Spinning for Beginners www.theorganiccentre.ie 25 Sat Reedbed Systems 25 & 26 Sat/Sun Felt Making Weekend (2-day-course) 26 Sun Natural Paints - How to Make and Use Them

November

1 Sat The Complete Organic Garden Course Day 10 1 Sat Sprouting and Growing Wheatgrass 2 Sun The Planning Process - A Layperson’s Guide to Supporting or Objecting to Planning Developments 2 Sun Dying with Natural Colours 8 Sat Cooking for your Blood Type 8 & 9 Sat Pottery – Gardenware (2-day-course) 15 Sat Completing the Human Nutrient Cycle 15 & 16 Sat/Sun Basket Making (2-day-course) Vetting & Barring Volunteer Development Agency are delivering a series of Information Sessions between October 2008 and October Scheme - 2009 on the new Vetting & Barring Scheme, established Free Information under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups legislation, Sessions which will be fully operational from 12 October 2009.

October 2009 Sessions will be tailored to the needs of the following sectors: Health, Education, Voluntary and Community, and Volunteer other Miscellaneous Groupings

Development Agency In order to book a place online please follow the links below: www.volunteering-ni. org and look under the heading ‘What we do’ click on ‘Child Protection’. Or contact Julie-Ann Ashe on 028 9081 8316 or [email protected] WRAP Training Recycling Manager: Phase 2 24-26 February 2009 Courses 2008-09 Formerly known as the ‘Advanced’ course, the Phase 2 training course further Northern Ireland develops the key principles covered in the Phase 1 course and is targeted at Waste and Recycling Managers with 3 or more years experience. The course has 3 modules: 1. Optimising collections 2. The role of contracts 3. Getting more people involved

A full list of courses and course outlines can be found at www.wrap.org.uk/training, where you will also find the link for online course registration. Delegates from Northern Ireland may also register to attend any of WRAP’s courses being run across the UK. Please note that these courses can only run if the minimum number of delegates is met so register your interest with Laura Mawle at [email protected] or 01295 819655 or contact Keith on 028 9051 1518 or [email protected] New Programme of The Open Learning division of School of Education at Queen’s University has a long and proud tradition of offering short courses in a wide range of subjects. These Open Learning courses are open to all adults regardless of qualifications or experience. There are courses available in a range of subjects, however for those specifically Queen’s University, interested in environmental issues a sample of the topics covered is: The Story of Belfast Gardening; Birds of the Grey Wind; The Sky’s Their Highway; Beginners’ Geology at Marble Arch Caves; Women and Environment; as well as courses outside of Belfast on: Wings Around the World; Autumn into Winter; Journey into Spring and lectures by Cookstown Wildlife Trust and Fermanagh Naturalists’ Field Club. There is also a selection of courses on Equality, Governance and Citizenship. For further information and to enrol online click: http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ SchoolofEducation/ProspectiveStudents/OpenLearning

NIEL NEWS October 2008 26 Training & Resources

Equality The Equality Commission will be delivering a series of seminars this autumn in partnership with NICVA to help voluntary and community sector employers meet Commission responsibilities under employment equality legislation. All seminars are free of charge Seminar and will be hosted at NICVA at 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast. Programme The programme is as follows: Notes and queries: Equality legislation and best practice - 15 October 2008. Work-life balance: 11 November 2008. Bullying and harassment at work: 2 December 2008.

Find out more at www.nicva.org. To book please contact Margaret Thompson at [email protected] or call 028 9087 7777.

NICVA’s Training September saw NICVA’s training calendar back up and running with some top training opportunities. Areas of interest include: Finance for Non Financial Managers, Business Calendar Back in Continuity Management and Tax Effective Fundraising. Full Swing For more information and to register please contact Roisin Kelly on 028 9087 7777 or [email protected] or visit: http://www.nicva.org/uploads/docs/Training%20 Calendar%2008-09FINAL.pdf

Recent Trends Dr Wilfried Haeberli, Director of the World Glacier Monitoring Service, will outline the findings from the recently published in Global Glacier UNEP report on Global Glacier Changes: Facts and Figures. Changes This report presents information on the latest fluctuations of glaciers and ice caps and underlies the overall trend of glaciers Dr Wilfried Haeberli retreat. The report confirms that the average annual melting The Environmental rate of glaciers appears to have doubled after the turn of the millennium with record losses in 2006 for a key network of Protection Agency reference sites. Dr Haeberli will outline the significance of recent trends in ice retreat Lecture Series in terms of impacts on the environment, human health, natural hazards, water and energy supply. 21 October 2008, 7.00pm Email Clara Clark Event Management Ltd at [email protected] with Climate Change 21 Oct in the subject line for further information. There will be simultaneous regional Mansion House, broadcasts of this lecture, see website: www.epa.ie Dublin Health Impact The Institute of Public Health in Ireland will host a series of HIA Forum events during October and November. These sessions are open to those interested in practising HIA Assessment Forum across Ireland and sessions are free. Each session will disseminate positive examples Events of HIA practice and provide a forum to discuss themes and issues further. Details of forthcoming events are listed below: IPH • HIA and Mental Wellbeing, 28 October, 12 – 4pm, Institute of Public Health in Ireland, Belfast office. • Prioritising Health in Policy and Project Appraisal, 11 November, 10.30am – 2pm, Jury’s Hotel, Western Road, Cork. Please register for these events by contacting Leah Friend at leah.friend@publichealth. ie. For further information on these and other events visit: http://www.publichealth. ie/

Council to Offer Antrim Borough Council is running a number of free courses this autumn including: • Procurement – Quotations, Tenders and Invoices. Skills Development • Writing an Eye Catching Press Release. for Groups in the • Monitoring and Evaluation. Antrim Area • Marketing for Your Organisation. • Understanding Facts and Figures About Your Area. • Successful Fundraising. Antrim Borough • Full Cost Recovery. Council • OCN Level II in Community Development. • An Introduction to Community Development. For more information please call Kerry Brady on 028 9448 1323 or email: kerry. [email protected] NIEL NEWS October 2008 27 Funding

Funds for Historic The Funds for Historic Buildings website is a comprehensive guide to funding for anyone seeking to repair, restore or Buildings convert for a new use any historic building in the United Kingdom (excluding the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) which is listed, scheduled or in a conservation area and of acknowledged historic merit. It includes details of virtually all substantive funding sources which specialise in historic buildings, as well as many (including a variety of regeneration programmes) which provide funding for historic building projects within a wider remit. For more information go to: http://www.ffhb.org.uk/ All New Grant The all new Grant Tracker is set to re-inspire a billion pound treasure hunt for good causes in Northern Ireland at a time Tracker Goes Live when it could appear that the funding has run out. GrantTracker is a website that enables charities, clubs, voluntary and NICVAnews community organisations to track down funding for their work. Check out the site and see exactly what it can do at: www.grant-tracker.org Bernard Sunley Provides capital and/or revenue grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes including: education; arts; heritage; youth; community; conservation; housing; Charitable health; medical research. Grants are normally in the range £200 to £10,000. Foundation Applications made in writing to the Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation at 20 Berkeley Square, London W1J 6LH and can be made at any time throughout the year. Email: [email protected] m or tel: 020 7408 2198 Co-operative This programme is aimed at grass roots groups who want to make a difference in their own communities. Foundation: www.co-operative.co.uk/en/foundation/ Community Support communitysupportprogramme Those seeking Programme to start or expand a cooperative, employee owned business or social enterprise should also research further the opportunities available under the Co-operative and Community Finance Programme. www.co-opandcommunityfinance.coop Organics Capital The next round of the organics capital grant programme Grant Programme was launched in mid-September. This scheme can provide financial assistance of up to 30% towards the VII capital costs of plant, equipment and infrastructure for food waste recycling capacity compliant with the Animal WRAP By-Products Regulations in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Application documents are available on the WRAP website. Visit www.wrap.org.uk for further information. What’s the Big The Big Idea is a national competition funded by Invest NI which seeks to support young social entrepreneurs who wish to develop a Idea? creative and innovative project that will make a positive impact on society. If you are aged 16-30 years old (social entrepreneurs up Invest NI to the age of 35 may be considered at their discretion) and have the ideas, drive and commitment to take your social project to new groups, replicate it or take in a new direction, then The Big Idea wants to hear from you now. Your first step is to submit an online application atwww. thebigidea-ni.com, where you will find full entry guidelines. The closing date for final submissions is 24 October 2008. Opportunity Knocks Would you like to find out how you can access up to £20,000 and discover opportunities to develop your existing community/voluntary organisation or turn new ideas into in the North West a reality? If so, come along to the Junction, Bishop Street, Derry on Wednesday 22 October 2008 from 12 noon to 2.00pm to meet UnLtd – The Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs and the Social Economy Network. Both organisations will inform you of the funding, tailored development support, networking and opportunities available for you to access now. For more information visit www.unltd.org.uk To register, please email or telephone your details before 10 October 2008 to Jane Bryson at [email protected] or 028 9024 4007. Ecominds Has Thanks to the Big Lottery Fund and their Changing Spaces programme, Mind has been announced as an award partner to run an open grant scheme funding projects Launched over the next five years. These projects will integrate mental health service users into the community via the delivery of environmental projects conducive to good mental and physical health. Ecominds was launched in mid-September. To find out how you can improve your local environment, health, and wellbeing, visit www. ecominds.org.uk.

NIEL NEWS October 2008 28 Conferences

Ecological This conference will be targeted at senior representatives from across all 26 Councils in NI and the bordering councils, central/local government, NGO’s, voluntary sector, Footprint community groups and private businesses. Conference & Exhibition 2008 Delegates on the day will hear from keynote speakers on how ecological footprinting can be used as an indicator for sustainable development as well as the impact food, – “A Step in the waste, transport and energy has on our ecological footprint. Ecological footprinting Right Direction for is an excellent communication tool that can be adopted within community groups to Councils” raise awareness on environmental issues at both a local and global level and inspire members both young and old into action. An informative exhibition area will run parallel Community Eco- to the conference offering delegates the opportunity to browse products/services that Challenge will help them in their challenge to reduce their footprint. Southern Group Want to attend? There is a discounted rate available for community group Environmental Health representatives to attend, this is £20 per delegate (normal rate £35). Exhibition Committee stands and sponsorship opportunities are also available. To register a place or enquire Armagh City Hotel, about an exhibition stand, please contact Anne Mason for further information on 028 Thursday 16 October 37 515800 or e-mail [email protected]. 2008 Minister to Joan Ruddock MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Climate Change, Biodiversity and Waste, has confirmed that Attend LACORS she will be speaking at LACORS’ conference Council Regulatory Climate Change Services Tackling Climate Change on 21 October 2008. Conference This event is aimed at both councillors and officers who want to share knowledge, LACORS experience and good practice on both mitigation and adaptation measures. The day will include a range of interactive sessions and speakers from the Local Government Council Regulatory Association, the Energy Saving Trust and a variety of speakers from councils covering Services Tackling environmental protection, trading standards and private sector housing - in addition to Climate Change the Minister. For further information on the programme and delegate fees please follow 21 October 2008 this link:http://www.lacors.gov.uk/lacors/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?N=0&Ne=0+2000+ 3000+4000+5000+6000+7000+8000+9000+10000+11000&id=2012 Social Marketing: Social marketing is not only about crafting individually focused messages to promote behavioural change. It also puts the consumer An Introductory and the stakeholder at the centre of the process. This conference aims One Day to introduce the concepts and principles of social marketing through Conference presentations and interactive group work. For further information, contact: CIEH (Helen Gilmore) on 028 9024 3884 or: h.gilmore@ Hilton Hotel, cieh.org or visit: http://www.cieh-nireland.org/events.asp?event_ Templepatrick id=142&date=23/10/2008. For conference flyer go to: http://www.cieh-nireland.org/ 23 October 2008 documents/Social-Marketing_event_23-10-08.pdf Making Tourism is an increasingly vital part of any rural economy, especially in areas of high landscape value. Yet in an economic Sustainable downturn, tourism businesses need to increase the value they Tourism a add to their product. In Northern Ireland visitor numbers Foundation of the are on the increase and a key motivation for tourism is the landscape; it’s an ideal place to ask ‘how can stakeholders Rural Economy work together to develop tourism so that it is a key component Europarc Atlantic Isles of sustainable economic growth?’ For more information contact: Dan Bloomfield Tel: 00 44 1208 869797 dan.bloomfield@ Seminar Series europarc-ai.org, website: www.europarc-ai.org Europa Hotel, Belfast 23-24 October 2008 Green This exciting two-day conference brings together experts from home Infrastructure and abroad to share their experiences in “green infrastructure” planning and delivery. Green infrastructure means the networks of green areas - Connecting which provide multiple social, economic and environmental benefits to Nature, People society. These include protecting nature and natural systems, providing and Places a network of green space for people, and underpinning economic prosperity by creating a high-quality environment. For further information Grand Hotel, log on to: http://www.fingalcoco.ie/Planning/ConservationHeritage/ Malahide, Co Dublin GreenInfrastructure/#d.en.13167 4-5 November 2008 NIEL NEWS October 2008 29 Conferences

The Climate On 6 November 2008, the UN Association of Northern Ireland and the UN Association of the UK will host Challenge a free one-day conference on climate change at Grosvenor House, Glengall Street, Belfast. The 6 November 2008 Climate Challenge will equip delegates with practical

ideas for reducing individual CO2 emissions, evaluate government climate policy, and take stock of progress in UN-led negotiations towards a strengthened global climate deal. To register your interest for the Belfast conference, download free climate change resources or read more about the conference series, visit www.una.org.uk/climate or call 020 7766 3448. Northern Ireland Now in its third year, Northern Ireland 08 conference will bring together over 350 public sector professionals and 18 industry experts in what promises to be a challenging and 08 - Transforming often controversial programme of keynote speeches and debates. the Service of For full programme details please click here http:// Public Delivery www.govnet.co.uk/nireland/ For further information please call bookings on 0800 11 November 2008 542 9585 or email [email protected] Waterfront Hall, Voluntary / charity rate: £149 plus vat.Private sector Belfast rate: £995 plus vat.

Implementing This conference will explore the role of local authorities and community groups in fostering positive change in relation to Sustainable sustainable living. The programme aims to examine sustainable Development: development in terms of both mitigation and adaptation. The Empowering Local conference will revolve around four key themes: • Governance and structures: the role of local and regional Communities authorities • Local communities and best practice Comhar SDC • Developing local responses for adapting to climate change National Conference • Local and regional indicators for sustainable development. Radisson SAS Royal For further information contact: Paschal Stephens on tel: 00 353 1 888 3990 or paschal_ Hotel, Dublin 2 [email protected] or check their website: http://www.comharsdc.ie/index.aspx 11 – 12 November 2008

Effects of Climate The aim of this 2-day conference is to provide a forum for open discussion on Change on Plants: how global environmental change is Implications for likely to affect the many facets of crop Agriculture production and protection. It is hoped that this will encourage a useful exchange of ideas and Association of stimulate further relevant research in this area. Applied Biologists Papers from the conference will be reproduced in the Rothamsted Aspects of Applied Biology series, which will be available Research, to delegates at the conference. A late booking charge of twenty five pounds will be Harpenden, UK added after 31 October 2008. Full details and on-line booking are available from the 12-13 November AAB website: http://www.aab.org.uk 2008

Northern Ireland The 2008 Forum will once again bring Energy Forum together all the key players, both from within Northern Ireland and 2008 further afield, to focus on the most important aspects of energy policy and 13 November 2008 latest developments from across the sector. It provides a unique opportunity for all 8.30am -4.30pm those operating within the sector to come together for one day of networking and discussion. Price £229.12. For further information contact: 028 9261 9933. Email: Stormont Hotel, [email protected]. Website: www.bmfconferences.com Belfast

NIEL NEWS October 2008 30 Conferences

5th Ornithological It is five years since the 4th Conference on Ornithological Research in Ireland was held at University College Cork 14-15 November Research 2003. Since then a number of projects have been completed, Conference others started and some long-term studies are ongoing. This meeting will celebrate 40 years of BirdWatch Ireland, 150 Years University College of British Ornithologist Union and 75 Years of BTO and over 20 Cork years of Ornithological Research Meetings. If you have any queries please contact 14-15 November John O’Halloran or Tom Kelly by email [email protected] and [email protected]. Click here http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/ more details. 2008

Mitigation: Smoke The IEEM Annual Conference 2008 will be and Mirrors or considering the view that ‘new developments should deliver net ecological gain rather Biodiversity than simply being designed to achieve Enhancement? mere damage limitation’. It will consider the uncertainty associated with the success of proposed mitigation and the evidence Institute of Ecology that is required to demonstrate (i) the effectiveness of mitigation, compensation and and Environmental enhancement measures; and (ii) to what extent their success can be guaranteed. Price IEEM Members £95 per day or £180 for both days. Conference dinner £30. Non Management IEEM members £125 per day or £240 for both days. Conference dinner £35.

18 – 20 November For further information visit: www.ieem.net/confieemautumn2008.asp 2008 The Quality Hotel, Glasgow

Developing Northern Ireland’s waste infrastructure Northern will be delivered in three main projects. The morning session will be an update Ireland’s Waste on the status of these projects from Infrastructure each of the three waste groupings; Arc21; SWaMP; and NWRWMG. There will be a presentation examining some of 3 December 2008 the waste technologies that may be deployed, including an examination of a waste to energy case study from Great Britain. The closing session will be a round-table Stormont Hotel, discussion, featuring key players in the waste sector representing government, local Belfast government, the NGO sector and the waste industry itself. Price £229.12. For further information contact: [email protected] or go to: www. bmfconferences.com

National The next Annual Conference will be held at Low Wood Hotel close to Windermere in Cumbria. Dates: 4th to 7th January Association of 2009. The Conference is titled Challenge, Change and Field Studies Opportunities – Sustainable Solutions In and Beyond the Officers Lake District National Park. The conference will be hosted by The Lake District National Park and the Field Studies Council 2009 Annual and a rich, varied programme is under development. Costs are expected to be similar to last year. Further details may be obtained from Chas Matthews at matthews.r.c@ Conference - Early btinternet.com Notice NAFSO has become a leading national organisation for promoting academic field studies and the wider use of the outdoor classroom. It has an extensive influence in the Environmental Education and Sustainability Development world. For further information and updates on conference details visit: http://www.nafso.org.uk/news/ view/15

NIEL NEWS October 2008 31 Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL) is the networking and forum body for organisations interested in the environment of Northern Ireland. It represents 53 full members (voluntary organisations) and 56 associate members (statutory organisations, companies or individuals). Full members collectively represent over 84,000 individuals, 262 subsidiary groups, have an annual turnover of nearly £100 million and manage over 314,000 acres of land. Members are involved in environmental issues of all types and at all levels from the local community to the global environment.

Full Members

Action Renewables Lough Neagh Partnership ARENA Network Monkstown Community Forum Belfast Hills Partnership Mountaineering Council of Ireland British Council Northern Ireland Mourne Heritage Trust Bryson Charitable Group NI Birdwatchers Association Campaign for the Protection of the Countryside NI NI Cycling Initiative Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust NI Energy Agency Cavehill Conservation Campaign NI Rural Development Council Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Rural Community Network Colin Glen Trust Speedwell Trust Community Development & Health Network Supporting Communities NI Community Places Sustainable NI Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland Sustrans Council for British Archaeology Talnotry Avian Care Trust Ecoseeds The National Trust Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group Northern The Organic Centre Ireland The Rural College Federation of City Farms & Community Gardens Tidy Northern Ireland Field Studies Council Ulster Angling Federation Forest of Belfast Ulster Archaeological Society Grassroots Conservation Group Ulster Architectural Heritage Society Green Action Belfast Ulster Coarse Fishing Federation Greencastle Area Residents Group Ulster Society for the Protection of the Countryside Holywell Trust Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Institute of Public Health in Ireland Waste & Resources Action Programme International Tree Foundation Northern Ireland Woodland Trust Lough Neagh & Lower Bann Advisory Committees WWF Northern Ireland

89 Loopland Drive BELFAST BT6 9DW T: 028 9045 5770 F: 028 9094 2151 E: [email protected] W: www.nienvironmentlink.org