Cheshire’s wildlife given £568,000 NIA boost

Rare wildlife is set to receive a boost after a Cheshire-based project secured a valuable place in a multi-million pound Government nature scheme.

‘Nature Improvement Areas’ (NIAs) were proposed in the White Paper for Nature last year and aim to make more space for wildlife within the wider countryside, in addition to traditional safe havens such as designated nature reserves.

The Meres and Mosses of the Marches NIA beat off competition from an original list of 76 applications from throughout the UK, and will now see an injection of more than £560,000 into areas across 40,000ha in south Cheshire and north Shropshire as one of only 12 pilot projects.

The Cheshire Wildlife Trust will be at the heart of the scheme, as their Bickley Hall Farm headquarters and Bar Mere wetland in the south of the county sits within the newly announced NIA.

Both Cheshire Wildlife Trust and neighbouring Shropshire Wildlife Trust, who led the bid, will be working in partnership delivering the new NIA.

The original list of more than 70 areas across the country was based on the recommendations of local people, with the aim of creating a step change that will benefit not only the natural environment, but local people and local economies.

The Meres & Mosses form the largest and most ecologically diverse cluster of natural wetlands in England, including the greatest concentration of farm ponds in Europe. The depth of peat deposits are a globally significant carbon store and source of environmental data.

The habitats within the Cheshire scheme are dominated by the prehistoric landscapes and hollows of the Meres and Mosses, mainly formed by the historical movement of glaciers thousands of years ago.

These rare and ancient wild places have given rise to some of the most unusual wildlife and plants in the region, including the insect-eating carnivorous sundew and several species of dragonflies – which thrived in the last boom time for the habitats when dinosaurs would have been a regular feature in the landscape.

Round-leaved sundew - Dr. Vicky Nall

Other species that could benefit from the NIA include the native white-clawed crayfish, water vole, otter, lapwing and our largest spider the fen raft spider.

Wider environmental issues such as water quality, flood risk management and sustainable food production could also benefit from the Nature Improvement Area scheme.

We now look to the Government to build on what we hope will be a successful set of pilot projects that will pave the way for expansion of NIA’s across the UK

Charlotte Harris, Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s Conservation Director said: “We warmly welcome today’s announcement by DEFRA and are excited by the prospect of our best wildlife sites being linked-up through the NIA scheme.

“The wildlife of the Meres and Mosses often goes unnoticed as many of the plants and insects are some of the smallest species we have, which makes them easily overlooked and at greater risk than those creatures with which we are more familiar.

“The Wildlife Trusts have been championing a wider ‘landscape-scale’ approach to conservation in recent years, and we now look to the Government to build on what we hope will be a successful set of pilot projects that will pave the way for expansion of NIA’s across the UK.”

I believe we have 12 outstanding NIAs – Sir John Lawton

Sir John Lawton, who headed the Government’s review of nature conservation across the UK last year added: “For more than 40 years I have had the privilege of working on nature-conservation issues in the UK, both as a professional scientist, and in the voluntary sector.

“Choosing 12 winners from 76 bids was an awfully difficult task, but I believe we have 12 outstanding NIAs, each unique in what it is setting out to achieve, for the benefits of people and wildlife.”

What’s on our reserves – can you help?

Small copper (c) Vicky Nall

At Cheshire Wildlife Trust we put a lot of effort into managing our nature reserves so they are the best possible home for our wild plants and animals. As part of this we have to go out and check what wildlife we can find on our reserves, to see how well we are doing. This is a huge job, so this year we are asking for volunteers to come forward and help us with surveying our nature reserves.

Butterflies are thought to be good indicators of the general health of the environment, they are also colourful, easy to see and easy to identify. Dragonflies and damselflies are good indicators of the health of aquatic environments, and with practice are also easy to identify. These two groups are the ones we are most interested in surveying, however if you have skills in identifying ladybirds, bees, moths or any other invertebrates we can also put these to good use.

The top priorities for dragonflies and damselflies are our wetland reserves: Abbott’s Moss, Dane’s Moss, Hatch Mere, Swettenham Meadows, Gowy Meadows, Hockenhull Platts and Black Lake.

For butterflies, all our grassland and heathland reserves need surveying. Ideally we need people who can make several survey visits to a reserve throughout the summer, however even a single visit can give us useful information. Don’t worry if your identification skills are not perfect – the best way to improve is to practice in the field. We may even be able to pair you with a more experienced surveyor in your area.

If you are interested in becoming a reserve surveyor please contact Sue Tatman at statman@cheshirewt.org.uk

New partnership approach to protecting region’s wildlife

A series of high-profile conferences across the north west has seen people from over 70 business, tourism and environmental groups come together in what the Government is calling ‘Local Nature Partnerships’.

Following the 2011 publication of the first dedicated White Paper for the natural environment in around 20 years, the Government has called upon leaders in industry, education and voluntary sectors to come together to debate a new approach to collaborative working.

The conferences have been led by local conservation charity the Cheshire Wildlife Trust with the support of many of the region’s local authorities.

The recent events in Widnes, Northwich, Congleton and on the Wirral saw more than 150 people from organisations as diverse as natural resources management, construction, universities and wildlife special interest groups debate how industry and the environmental sector can work more closely.

The events were each opened by leading councillors and other senior executives from local authorities across the region.

Individual teams have used each conference to debate which areas of the region required focus, and what shape any newly formed Local Nature Partnerships (LNPs) should take.

It’s hoped the new LNPs will provide a strategic voice to help direct and advise on how the region’s natural environment can be taken care of by maintaining an open dialogue between those in the environmental sector, and those involved in development and the use of the region’s natural resources.

The importance of Cheshire’s rural landscape to tourism was also considered to be a key factor, with this resource being the second most important aspect for short-stay visitors to the region after city-based attractions.

Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s involvement with so many different groups as part of the creation of LNPs is thought to be one of the first collective engagements of its kind in the north west.

Dr. Janel Fone, chief executive of Cheshire Wildlife Trust who has been involved with all four of the recent conferences said: “It’s perhaps fitting that in the Trust’s 50^th year, we’re able to help lead a new approach for this century in working together with those from across the commercial, academic and local authority sectors.

“We’ve seen huge support for the LNP process, not least in how those in industry are often unaware of the work undertaken by ourselves and others in the voluntary sector.

“What’s important now is that we carefully analyse the feedback from the wide spectrum of people who have taken the time to attend these workshops, and ensure that a consistent approach – taking all the individual views into consideration – is how we move forward in forming the Local Nature Partnership.”

Seeing the heath for the trees

Common lizards should be a feature in any well-managed heathland (c) Tom Marshall/WildNet

Work will take place this January to transform a Knutsford nature reserve and return it to its traditional state for native wildlife.

Knutsford Heath, managed by the Trust and owned by the Tatton Estate, will see many of its trees removed to allow heather and other plants to thrive – reinstating what would have historically been the traditional habitats on the site.

The £13,000 project is being funded by the Government’s non-departmental conservation body Natural England through their Higher Level Stewardship Scheme.

Although the operation to remove the trees may appear destructive, the work is necessary and simply aims to return the heath to how it should be – and provide a home for wildlife that can only live in heathland habitats.

The 13 acre (5.3ha) nature reserve has become overrun with ‘scrub’ species such as gorse and birch trees, and some smaller oak trees. A traditional heathland would contain a variety of low-growing heathers and grasses with only occasional mature specimen trees.

We completely understand that this work may appear quite dramatic and destructive, but that is often what must be done to reinstate original wildlife habitats

In addition to the removal of scrub, Cheshire Wildlife Trust is also reinstating almost 5,000 sqm of heath by ‘re-seeding’ with donor seeds taken from local heathlands. This technique involves carefully removing the top turf layer with specialist machinery and planting new heather seeds.

This technique has also been used on the famous Prees Heath nature reserve in Shropshire, home to the rare silver-studded blue butterfly.

The Trust has said: “We completely understand that this work may appear quite dramatic and destructive, but that is often what must be done to reinstate original wildlife habitats.

“The clue of course is in the name Knutsford Heath, the site is not supposed to be a wooded area and without intervention that is what will happen within a few years. Heathlands on the other hand have decreased significantly across Cheshire and the UK, and are now the last stronghold for many species that rely on the exact mix of heathers and open areas that they provide.”

The Trust also points out that it has timed the work during the winter months so as not to impact on any nesting birds, and the most mature oak trees that are home to rare purple hairstreak butterflies will be retained within and around the heath.

More than a third of Britain’s lowland heathlands have been lost since the 1950s, and they remain important for a remarkable variety of wildlife in the UK including reptiles such as lizards and adders, rare birds such as the nightjar and a host of butterflies and dragonflies.

One of the largest heathlands in Cheshire is the 50ha Cleaver Heath on the Wirral Peninsula, parts of which are also managed by Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

Panel recognise ‘continuing role’ for public forests such as Delamere – new report

The Independent Forestry Panel – set up in the wake of a public outcry over the Government’s proposed sell-off of parts of the public forestry estate has recognised that there should be a ‘continuing role’ for the nation’s woodlands – a view welcomed by Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

More than 42,000 people responded to the IFP’s call for views on the future of the public forest estate and the Panel said that the views have ‘helped inform’ their interim report.

Cheshire Wildlife Trust currently manages a number of nature reserves in the heart of the publically-owned Delamere Forest.

The IFP, chaired by The Right Reverend James Jones Bishop of Liverpool, also said that all woodlands, not just those in the public forest estate, should be ‘delivering more for society, the environment and the economy’ in the interim report ahead of a final response to Government in spring next year.

The trust is now looking to the Panel to explain to Government the true value of woodlands and to ‘bust the myth’ that the public forest estate is a burden on the state.

The net annual cost to the Treasury of Forest Enterprise, the arm of Forestry Commission England that manages the PFE, is under £20m.

The £470m investment in the Mersey Gateway would cover the current annual cost of the public forest estate for almost 25 years

Cheshire Wildlife Trust believes this represents a high value investment for a resource enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people in Cheshire alone, and millions more across the UK.

“In October, the Government announced a £470m investment in the Mersey Gateway – that would cover the current annual cost of the public forest estate with all its benefits to our wildlife and public wellbeing, for almost 25 years.” said the trust’s Director of Conservation Charlotte Harris.

The UK National Ecosystem Assessment (NEA) report, issued in June, highlighted the hidden value of nature to the UK economy.  It estimates the value of social and environmental benefits of all woodlands in the UK as £1.2 billion per annum.

Charlotte Harris added: “We understand the huge pressure on the Government to balance the nation’s books and make the necessary investment in the right infrastructure to kick-start the economy.

“However an annual investment in our public forests that represents significantly less than 1% of the current Housing and Environment budget is surely a commitment the Government can make to safeguard such a valued resource that provides substantial physical and mental health benefits, and a natural means to counter unpredictable impacts on our economy like flooding.”

The Wildlife Trusts across the UK have been pressing the Panel to articulate the numerous and substantial benefits drawn from our woodlands, with only 20% of the UK’s resource under public ownership.

The ‘Greenest Government Ever’ finds the colour is running

Not so green with envy given some of the Government's recent decisions (c) Andrew Walmsley

This week has seen some of the UK’s largest conservation organisations come together in a backlash over what appears to be an endless eroding of our environmental laws and guidelines.

Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s Paul Corner, planning and advocacy officer, explains why the frustration is reaching boiling point:

“In his Autumn Statement last week George Osborne, continued the self-proclaimed ‘Greenest Government Ever’ theme, by delivering some of the most anti-environmental rhetoric seen so far from this Government. Mr Osborne seemed to imply that the habitats and species protected by the Habitats Regulations (the Birds & Habitats Directive) are in some way culpable in preventing economic growth.

He sees the Habitat Regulations as a “ridiculous cost on British business”, claiming that they added up to what was “gold plating” on European legislation. This is a claim that the Davidson Report (2006) found was not the case.

The robust planning protection that has been put together over the past 10 years or so is being eroded away

For Mr Osborne and Mr Cameron the environment, especially our wildlife and habitats, seem to be an easy target, with the planning system as their main attack vehicle. The robust planning protection that has been put together over the past 10 years or so is being eroded away, through proposed policy changes such as the National Planning Policy Framework, with its build first, ask questions later theme.

On top of all this the National Infrastructure Plan (NIP) announced by the Chancellor in his statement, requires Natural England and the Environment Agency to report back to the cabinet exactly what they have done to support economic development, with the NIP stating ‘The Government will consider provisions to ensure progress is reported back to Ministers and strengthen relationship management by the bodies with major developers’

They further erode the effectiveness of the agencies by stating ‘Government will ensure the key consenting and advisory agencies have a remit to promote sustainable development.’ And that they ‘will ensure that these bodies are alive to the impact of their decisions upon sustainable economic growth and on economically significant projects’

What is clear from the NIP is that the Government agencies set up to protect the environment will be used to deliver economic growth through sustainable development.

These observations and conclusions are echoed by many, and the common theme in one of broad condemnation of what is being proposed.

Other bloggers, such as Miles King of the Grasslands Trust, summed the current situation up by stating,

‘As Natural England is weakened by every cut and thrust, nature becomes more threatened; and the role of conservation NGOs becomes more difficult. We all now need to stand up to defend our statutory conservation bodies against this anti-environmental onslaught.’

Further comments can be seen here:

The Guardian, front page

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/dec/03/new-green-alliance-savages-osborne

The Wildlife Trusts

http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/eu-wildlife-laws-at-risk

The RSPB

http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/298477-rspb-shock-at-osborne-attack-on-environmental-rules

Nature check: Leading environment groups warn Government over failing nature recovery

The Coalition Government's George Osborne has visited his local nature reserve with Cheshire Wildlife Trust, but is enough being done across the UK? (c) Tom Marshall

The Government is failing to deliver on its wildlife and landscape promises, according to a report compiled by 29 of the UK’s leading environmental groups, including the Wildlife Trusts.

The study highlights some of the most controversial environmental issues of the year – including the proposed reform of the planning system, a planned cull of badgers and the public debate on the future of UK forestry.

The Nature Check report, published by the umbrella body Wildlife and Countryside Link, assesses the Government’s progress on the 16 commitments it has made to the natural environment using a traffic light rating system.

Just two of the promises have been fully met, and have been given a green seal of approval. Seven have received an amber rating, meaning not enough progress has been made, and a further seven have been given the red card by environmental experts.

The report shows the Government’s commitments to wildlife overseas are being met – with green lights given for new legislation opposing ivory sales and commercial whaling. However with a new proposed planning system placing economic needs above environmental ones, confusion over the future of nationally owned forests, and a badly thought through plan for tackling bovine TB – it is the domestic issues that ministers are falling down on most.

Other failing policy areas include lack of controls to prevent inappropriate development in areas of flood risk and a failure to consider seabirds and other mobile species when creating the new network of Marine Conservation Zones around our coasts.

We see leadership when it comes to economic recovery, but what about nature’s recovery?

Paul Wilkinson, Head of Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts, said:  “Government performance on the natural environment is a very mixed bag.  We see leadership when it comes to economic recovery, but what about nature’s recovery?

“The Wildlife Trusts were encouraged by the hugely ambitious vision in the Natural Environment White Paper but see no evidence that this is being driven forward across Government.  We need strong leadership now, more than ever.

“There is a powerful evidence base which shows investing in nature is good for people, and the economy.  We need Government to ‘get it’ and urgently.  It must take decisive action to support nature’s recovery.”

Martin Harper, RSPB Conservation Director, said: “With a combined membership of over 8 million concerned nature lovers, conservation groups have an obligation to speak out on behalf of our countryside and our wildlife. When the Government fails in its commitments to protect nature, we are here to make a noise about it.

A healthy natural environment is not an aspirational luxury for times of plenty – it is vital for the future well being of our economy and our society

“These are 16 policy areas where the Government has promised tough action, but that is not what we are seeing. In these financially straightened times politicians may be tempted to ignore the natural environment in favour of economic growth – but this kind of short-termist attitude won’t wash with a British public which expects the Government to protect the countryside and wildlife we all hold dear.

“This report should be a wake-up call to David Cameron and the Coalition Government. A healthy natural environment is not an aspirational luxury for times of plenty – it is vital for the future well being of our economy and our society.”

The 16 Government commitments rated by progress:

1. Green – We will oppose the resumption of commercial whaling
2. Green – We will press for a ban on ivory sale

1. Amber – We will introduce measures to protect wildlife and promote green spaces and wildlife corridors in order to halt the loss of habitats and restore biodiversity
2. Amber – Make the case for significant reform of the CAP as part of the EU’s negotiations for the period beyond 2013
3. Amber – Publish a White Paper and legislate for reform of the water industry to ensure more efficient use of water, protect poorer households, enhance competition and improve conservation
4. Amber – We will maintain the Green Belt, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and other environmental protections, and create a new designation – similar to SSSIs – to protect green areas of particular importance to local communities
5. Amber – Work to secure changes to the Common Fisheries Policy
6. Amber – We will tackle the smuggling and illegal trade on wildlife through our new Border Police Force
7. Amber – We will introduce measures to make the import or possession of illegal timber a criminal offence

1. Red – We will radically reform the planning system to give neighbourhoods far more ability to determine the shape of the places in which their inhabitants live
2. Red – We will take forward the findings of the Pitt Review to improve our flood defences, and prevent unnecessary building in areas of high flood risk
3. Red – Consult on a new strategic approach to forestry in England
4. Red – As part of a package of measures, we will introduce a carefully managed and science-led policy of badger control in areas with high and persistent levels of bovine tuberculosis
5. Red – We will publish and present to Parliament a simple and consolidated national planning framework covering all forms of development and setting out national economic, environmental and social priorities
6. Red – We will create a presumption in favour of sustainable development in the planning system
7. Red – We will take forward the Marine and Coastal Access Act and ensure that its conservation measures are implemented effectively

Sue takes dormouse story to Germany

Sue Tatman inspects a dormouse nestbox with volunteers from the North West Dormouse Partnership (c) Tom Marshall

The Trust’s conservation officer and dormouse expert Sue Tatman has taken the local story of this rare mammal to an international audience.

Sue has been invited to address the eighth International Dormouse Conference in Ostritz, Germany, and will be highlighting the ground-breaking research undertaken on Cheshire’s re-introduced dormouse population.

The conference will see over 200 people from countries across the globe including Japan and South Africa, gather to discuss the latest thinking on the biology and conservation of the dormouse.

Once abundant in our woodlands and farmland centuries ago, the last wild dormouse was observed in Cheshire a few miles from Crewe in the early 20^th century.

Almost a century later during the 1990s, a small number of dormice were reintroduced to a woodland in the south of the county – where researchers have been monitoring their progress every year since.

The study has been one of the few ever undertaken on a re-introduced dormouse population.

Sue said: “The conference is a wonderful opportunity for dormouse researchers and conservation workers to get together and share our knowledge on these fascinating animals. It will be especially exciting to share Cheshire’s individual story from the UK’s leading work in the reintroduction of dormice, with those from around the world.”

The hazel dormouse, focus of an international conference (c) Tom Marshall

Dormice – from the French word dormir, are well-known for their long hibernations, with British dormice known to take up to a 6-month snooze each year during the lean and cold months of winter.

The mice make up for this long period of inactivity by making the most of nature’s bounty in late summer and autumn, when dormice gorge themselves on berries and nuts in a bid to put on half their bodyweight to see them through the winter.

Marine Protected Area recommendations revealed

Hilbre Island in the Dee, a santuary for a huge variety of marine life (c) National Oceanography Centre

As stakeholder recommendations for a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) around England are today made public (8 September), The Wildlife Trusts have reminded the Government of its commitment to create a well managed ecologically coherent network covering at least 25% of English waters by 2016.

This ambitious – and achievable – target is set out in the recently published England Biodiversity Strategy, ‘Biodiversity 2020:  A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services’, in which the Government proposes to reverse the decline of biodiversity in our seas and help to restore them to their full potential.

There are 16 proposed Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in the Irish Sea

The Wildlife Trusts believe the Government must designate the vast majority of recommendations proposed by the appointed stakeholder groups to achieve its commitment.  27% of English waters would be covered if the entire network is designated.

There are 16 proposed Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in the Irish Sea Conservation Zone project that affects the waters off the Cheshire and Wirral coast.

The four regional groups were set up by Government, following the passing of the Marine and Coastal Access Act (MCAA) in 2009, to consult on where Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs), a form of MPA, should be sited around England.  The Wildlife Trusts have been actively involved in them all, providing local, regional and national expertise.

It is essential that this opportunity is not wasted

Joan Edwards, Head of Living Seas for The Wildlife Trusts, said:  “The network recommendations mark a huge step in the right direction. This is the result of a great deal of hard work from many stakeholders.  It is essential that this opportunity is not wasted.  There are high expectations which need to be met.  A strong and complete network of MPAs must be presented to the public by the Government next year.  If it falters or fails in its designation, there’s no doubt it will fall short of reaching its own target.

MPAs are essential for the future of marine life, and The Wildlife Trusts are running a campaign to gain public support for them, called Petition Fish. 

 

 

Petition Fish at the Boat Museum, Ellesmere Port (c) Tom Marshall

Currently, only 0.001% of the UK’s marine environment is fully protected from damaging activities.  Fish stocks have collapsed and species including corals, seahorses, whales, seals and basking sharks have all suffered declines.

Currently, only 0.001% of the UK’s marine environment is fully protected

Research from around the world shows now is a critical moment for marine conservation, with extinction rates at an all-time high.  Key scientists have published a report recommending the creation of MPAs for restoring and protecting significantly damaged marine ecosystems.  Protection of key marine areas from damaging activities is one vital element in achieving the Government’s own vision of ‘productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas’ and turning around decades of decline.

Joan Edwards continued:  “True sustainability in the marine environment will be achieved only if we create a substantial network of MPAs across our seas; areas which work together to provide protection for the full range of habitats and species found in our waters.”

The Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) will put forward its own thoughts on an MPA network to public consultation in summer 2012

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Marsh harriers make their return to the Mersey

Marsh harrier chicks 2011 - Happy, healthy and almost ready to fly! (c) Tom Marshall

Marsh harriers have returned to the Cheshire region and nested for only the second time.

The Trust reported the first successful breeding of marsh harriers in Cheshire last year, and we can now confirm that the harriers have fledged two healthy chicks in 2011, which have now been seen flying beyond the nesting area.

The exact location of the nest has been kept under wraps once again throughout the breeding season to minimise disturbance.

Regular observations had been made by local bird experts – including Trust chairman Prof. David Norman, Peter Burton and Richard Castell, and the small team made a single visit to the nest during July, confirming the presence of the harriers and to fit leg rings to the chicks. A general health check also included weight and wing measurements. Watch the video

Professor Norman said: “It’s extremely heartening to see the return of these magnificent birds of prey to the Mersey basin. After many weeks and months of patient watching and waiting, to finally see two more young harriers in the air is spectacular news and a great relief to those who have been keeping a close eye on them.”

Our goal is to work with landowners through the support of our partners at the Environment Agency, to strike that balance between sustainable land management for individuals, communities and wildlife – and perhaps a place where the marsh harrier can be the centrepiece

The Trust now hopes that if suitable habitats can be created within our Living Landscape scheme along the Gowy and Mersey rivers, the offspring of this first historic pair of marsh harriers may return to the region.

Although marsh harriers generally favour large areas of reedbed, such as those typically found in East Anglia, Lancashire and the south coast where harriers are present in greater numbers, they can adapt to other habitats according to the Trust’s Living Landscape manager Richard Gardner:

Adult marsh harrier over a UK reedbed (c) Andy Thompson

“What we’re looking to achieve with a Living Landscape is a mosaic of wetland habitats that includes floodplain meadows, ditches and of course healthy rivers. This variety is key for species like the marsh harrier that can be flexible in where it nests, but ultimately still needs the right places to find food.

“Our goal is to work with landowners through the support of our partners at the Environment Agency, to strike that balance between sustainable land management for individuals, communities and wildlife – and perhaps a place where the marsh harrier can be the centrepiece.”

It is thought that the young harriers will remain in the area for a few more weeks before heading south across Europe for up to three years, with the adult marsh harriers hopefully returning again next spring.

Richard Gardner discusses the harriers with BBC North West Tonight (c) Tom Marshall