Dear WBP Member, welcome to the October 2018 WBP Newsletter
Er mwyn gweld y cylchlythyr hwn yn Gymraeg, cliciwch yma
Featured articles are not endorsements by WBP
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Big butterfly Count 2018
2018 was the ninth year of big butterfly count and by far the most successful so far breaking previous records for the number of people taking part both in the UK as a whole and in each of the participating countries. The number of people taking part in Wales was up 85% and the the average number of individuals was up 19% in Wales (to 12 per count).
In Wales the top of the big butterfly count 2018 chart for Wales was very similar to that in England, with Small White the most abundant species, followed by Large White, both species showing big increases on the same period in 2017, and the Gatekeeper taking third place. Gatekeeper numbers were unchanged in Wales compared with the 2017 count, contrasting with a large decrease in England.
The Common Blue, in fourth place, showed the greatest year on year increase of any big butterfly count species in Wales in 2018. Four times as many Common Blues were recorded than in 2017 and the species had its best showing in Wales of any big butterfly count. The average number seen per count in Wales in 2018 was higher than in any of the other UK countries. The Holly Blue also did well with its numbers up 162% on the summer of 2017, as did Brimstone (80% up) and the Silver Y moth (262% up).
The greatest annual declines in Wales were suffered by the Six-spot Burnet (62% down on 2017), Red Admiral (58% down), Ringlet (51% down) and Comma (32% down). While some of these may be genuine population declines, others may have been unduly influenced by the early emergence of species, meaning that their numbers were already on the wane by the start of big butterfly count. Further analysis will be required to separate out this potential effect, revealing the real underlying change in the fortunes of the species concerned.
Text modified from Butterfly Conservation source
Green Veined White © George Tordoff
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Creating Healthier Places and Spaces for Our Present and Future Generations
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The guide provides advice across a range of subjects, including information on how to improve the walking and cycling environment by reducing speed limits and introducing traffic calming measures, or provide access to well-maintained green spaces by ensuring dwellings are within 400 metres of a natural green area.
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Enabling Natural Resources and Well-Being in Wales 2019-2023 – Call for Grant Proposals
The Welsh Government is setting in place revised grant arrangements to support implementation of the Natural Resources Policy, making clearer links between Wales’ natural resources and well-being. The scheme will be administered and managed by the Environment and Communities Division on behalf of wider policy interests and will focus on supporting cross-sector collaborative projects that will achieve a broad range of environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits. Supporting the delivery of Prosperity for All: the national strategy and the Natural Resources Policy, the scheme has 3 themes of action under which grant applications can be made:
- Developing, regenerating and broadening access to sustainable green infrastructure
- Improving the quality of the urban and rural built environment
- Developing resilient ecological networks and nature based solutions
Further information about the scheme, including the guidance and application form can be obtained from our website: Enabling Natural Resources and Well-Being in Wales 2019-2023.
The deadline for applications is 03 December 2018 with view to grant funding being made available from commencing early in the 2019-20 financial year.
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Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme- 2nd funding round is now open
The Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme is a Welsh Government funding programme managed by WCVA. The scheme will support local community and environmental projects in areas affected by the disposal of waste to landfill.
How much funding is available?
Funding will be available between £5,000 And £49,999 for projects focusing on activities under the following three themes:
- Biodiversity
- Waste Minimisation
- Environmental Enhancement
The Autumn 2018 grant round is open from 31 October 2018.
Closing date 18 January 2019 for projects beginning in April 2019.
Please click here for further information.
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Landscape-scale O’r Mynydd i’r Môr / Summit to Sea project to go ahead after £3.4 million funding secured
This autumn saw significant funding secured for an ambitious new project that could boost biodiversity in mid-Wales.
Summit to Sea (O’r Mynydd i’r Môr) is a landscape-scale project that aims to show there can be a different future for the land and sea, that works for both people and nature. The initiative aims to restore flourishing ecosystems and a resilient local economy, on a scale never before seen in Wales or the UK.
The project will bring together one continuous, nature-rich area, stretching from the Pumlumon massif down through wooded valleys to the Dyfi Estuary and out into Cardigan Bay. Within five years it will comprise at least 10,000 hectares of land and 28,400 hectares of sea.
A successful bid to the Endangered Landscapes Programme means that £3.4 million of funding is secured for Summit to Sea over five years.
This is new money, from outside Wales. It will support a significant, sustained effort to create new opportunities in the project area, and infrastructure to deliver change into the future. It will also help us to bring in additional investment and develop other economic opportunities to sustain the work over the longer term.
A locally-led Summit to Sea partnership is being established to co-manage the project with a legal entity that allows for revenue and other benefits to be shared.
Rewilding Britain is leading the formation of the project in collaboration with The Woodland Trust.
They are responsible for delivering Summit to Sea’s objectives alongside the other project partners:
"It’s the sheer scale and ambition of the O’r Mynydd i’r Môr / Summit to Sea project that excites me," comments Mick Green, of project partner Wales & Dolphin Conservation. "There’s a long historic connection with the sea around Cardigan Bay, from old legends, through shipbuilding locally to current wildlife tourism. If we can connect projects on land, show how they influence the sea such as through better water quality and marine environment with thriving wildlife, we can stop seeing the sea as ‘separate’ and integrate it into a sustainable future for wildlife and people."
The project has also been welcomed by naturalist Iolo Williams, who says: “It’s fantastic to see a large, landscape scale project being planned in Wales. If we are to secure the survival of much of our threatened wildlife, this has to be the way forward.”
In the meantime, you can read more on the English and Welsh language websites at summit2sea.wales & ormynyddirmor.cymru, where you can also subscribe to email updates.
Text sourced from Tamsin Bishton / Charlie Peverett
Joint Communications Leads at Rewilding Britain
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Nature Prescriptions begin in Shetland
Doctors in Shetland are to start prescribing birdwatching, rambling and beach walks in the Atlantic winds to help treat chronic and debilitating illnesses for the first time.
Doctors will be working in the 10 GP surgeries on the islands will be authorised by the archipelago’s health board, NHS Shetland, to issue “nature prescriptions” to patients to help treat mental illness, diabetes, heart disease, stress and other conditions.
Patients will be given calendars and lists of walks drawn up by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds showing them particular bird species and plants, and suitable routes to take. The leaflets are to be available at surgeries. Nature prescriptions will supplement normal treatments given under conventional medicines.
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IPCC special report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels
UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has issued a special report on the impact of global warming of 1.5C. Climate scientists have warned there is only a dozen years for global warming to be kept to a maximum of 1.5C, beyond which even half a degree will significantly worsen the risks of drought, floods, extreme heat and poverty for hundreds of millions of people.
The report says there must be rapid and significant changes in four big global systems:
- energy • land use • cities • industry
But it adds that the world cannot meet its target without lifestyle changes by individuals.
BBC article
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Wales Threatened Bee Report
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Buglife Cymru have launched their Wales Threatened Bee Report, the first report of its kind to examine the health of our most threatened wild bees in Wales. The report highlights some of Wales’ rarest and most threatened wild bees and the positive things we can do to help these species, ultimately ensuring they do not go extinct in Wales. The report has found that seven of our bees have gone extinct in Wales, and a further five – such as the Long-fringed mini-mining bee (Andrena niveata) - are on the brink of extinction. Most of the wild bees species assessed by the report have suffered significant declines, including the Shrill carder bee (Bombus sylvarum) whose core populations are now confined to South Wales, raising concerns about the future prospects of these species.
Shrill carder bee Image NRW
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Tree of the Year
Vote for one of the four UK national winners to go on to face the European competition.
Wales's winner is the Pwllpriddog Oak, Rhandirmwyn, Carmarthenshire, a magnificient tree with a girth of some 8.4 metres. It may be around 600-700 years old, while local historians believe it was planted to commemorate the Battle of Bosworth. It is reputed to have been the hiding place of a king.
Woodland Trust Free trees for schools and communities
The scheme is currently taking applications for trees to be delivered in March 2019.
Link
NRW Acorn Antics 2018
Collect seeds from trees and help raise funds for your education group
The acorns that are collected will help us grow native trees from the seed of healthy, local, tree stock whilst encouraging learners big and small to get outside in the fresh autumnal air and connect with our wonderful Welsh natural environment.
Education groups based in Wales or anyone fundraising for their local Wales based education group are welcome to take part.
To get involved email us at education@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk to receive a registration pack
Link
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The Nature Recovery Action Plan (NRAP) Implementation Group steers and drives the delivery and implementation of the Nature Recovery Action Plan at a local and national level. The group has a wide membership from Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, NGO’s and other public and private sector organisations.
A series of groups are taking forward specific tasks, as commissioned by the NRAP Implementation Group. These include a Planning and Biodiversity Forum; Ecosystem Resilience and Restoration Group; Section 6 Task and Finish Group; Section 7 Task and Finish Group; Conference Task and Finish Group; Invasive Non-native Species Group; and the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Evidence and Research Needs (BEERN) Programme.
The Minister for Environment, Hannah Blythyn AM announced during the ministerial speech at the WBP Conference on the 19th September that the Action Plan, Part 2 of the Nature Recovery Action Plan in Wales will be refreshed. The NRAP Implementation Group met on the 11th October, where members discussed the refreshing of the NRAP and the Brexit and our land consultation. The NRAP Implementation Group will be collaboratively refreshing the Action Plan over the coming months - a dedicated workshop will take place in November.
Key legislation and strategies
Environment (Wales) Act 2016
For further details on the Environment (Wales) Act and a list of supporting documents click here.
Guidance for Section 6 – The Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Duty Frequently Asked Questions
Natural Resources Policy
The publication of the first statutory Natural Resources Policy by Welsh Government has taken place.
The focus of the NRP is the sustainable management of Wales’ natural resources, to maximise their contribution to achieving goals within the Well-being of Future Generations Act. The policy sets out three National Priorities. These are:
- Delivering nature-based solutions
- Increasing renewable energy and resource efficiency
- Taking a place-based approach
Next Steps
The Natural Resources Policy sets the context for Area Statements, which will be produced by Natural Resources Wales, ensuring that the national priorities for sustainable management of natural resources inform the approach to local delivery.
Area Statements – Natural Resources Wales (NRW) Stakeholder Questionnaire
NRW have set up an online survey to better understand the ways in which you would like to be kept informed of what’s happening during the Area Statement process. NRW will use the information to plan and target their communication and engagement around Area Statements. NRW have also launched an Area statements web platform to help coordinate their work and the work of others, to build the resilience of ecosystems and enhance the benefits they provide us.
The State of Natural Resources Report (SoNaRR) 2016
The SoNaRR report was launched in October 2016. A summary report and the full report, glossary and annexes are available to download.
The report sets out the state of Wales’ natural resources. It assesses the extent to which natural resources in Wales are being sustainably managed, and recommends a proactive approach to building resilience.
NRW want to hear from you if you could assist them in developing future SoNaRRs.
Please contact NRW at sonarr@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk
NRW Strategic steer for biodiversity to 2022 - 'Vital nature: Making the connections between biodiversity and the people and places of Wales'
Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015
For details on the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act click here
Future Generations Framework
The Future Generations Framework has been created to support the public sector and others in Wales to deliver projects and infrastructure fit for the future. Using this framework will help projects to be developed in an integrated and collaborative way, based on what people need and supporting the well-being of communities today as well as in the long-term. This is the first version of the framework and we will continue to develop and create updated versions based on feedback from users. If you have read or used the Framework, please send your feedback to us via contactus@futuregenerations.wales
Key Future Generations documents
Nature Recovery Action Plan
For further details outlining the aims of the NRAP and an explanation of its constituent parts please visit the Welsh Government website
Pollinators Taskforce update
The Pollinators Taskforce met on the 19th October. Action points from the meeting will be made available on the WBP website. Members of the Action Plan for Pollinators in Wales Group have published a review of the Pollinator Action Plan including future actions.
To contribute to the work of the Pollinator Group in Wales, and for further details of the groups' activities please contact natureconservation@gov.wales or visit the Pollinator section on the WBP website.
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BTO Tawny Owl Survey
The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) are running a nationwide survey to gain a better understanding of the population distibution of Tawny Owls in the UK
For more information about the survey and to take part, please visit the BTO website
Rugged Oil Beetle Survey
Join Buglife in the search for the Rugged oil beetle. Rugged oil beetles (Meloe rugosus) are primarily nocturnal and the adults can be active between September to April, in grasslands on chalk, limestone and sandy soils. In Wales, the Rugged oil beetle is only known from a small area in South East Wales. However, given that the beetle is most active at night and during the winter months it is likely that its presence has been overlooked in Wales – it may be more widespread.
Hedgerow Surveying
The Long Forest project have committed to survey over 5000m of hedgerow across Wales during the project and have developed the Long Forest App which allows anyone to survey hedgerows near them.
The app will give vital information about the condition and species makeup of the hedgerows across Wales. Hedgerows form a vital part of our landscape, but they're at risk from neglect, damage and removal.
OPAL Water Survey
How healthy is your local lake or pond? By taking part in the survey, you’ll help scientists learn more about how polluted our lakes and ponds are – something we know surprisingly little about.
OPAL Air Survey
Discover the impacts of local air quality on our natural environment
By taking part in the OPAL Air Survey you can find out about air quality near you and help our scientists answer important questions about the impacts of air quality across the UK.
The Big Seaweed Search!
Seaweeds are important. They form habitats, creating shelter and providing food for an immense diversity of marine organisms and also support fish nurseries and commercial fisheries. You can help MCS by signing up for your Big Seaweed Search guide and you'll be contributing to vital research by having fun and exploring your local rocky shore.
OPAL Surveys
Why not take part in an OPAL survey? The OPAL Air Survey can be done at any time of year and by taking part in the OPAL Air Survey you can find out about air quality near you and help OPAL scientists answer important questions about the impacts of air quality across the UK. Handy guides include field notebook, lichen and tree identification sheets. Resources are also available in Welsh.
The OPAL Data Explorer has recently launched allowing you to visualise environmental data submitted by OPAL participants for all current OPAL Surveys.
In 2018 we’re celebrating Wales’ outstanding coastline, and inviting visitors to discover new epic experiences all around our shores, with special events and attractions throughout the year.
Nature’s calendar 2018
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CENNAD: Lichen Apprenticeship Scheme
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They’ve become rarer than the species they study: the number of people who are lichen experts (lichenologists) has hit an all time low in the UK, but Plantlife Cymru are hoping that their project 'CENNAD’ will inspire a new generation of lichen experts.
“Wales is home to a huge number of amazing lichens" says Tracey Lovering from Plantlife Cymru "many of which are threatened by air pollution and loss of habitat. Few people take the time to look closely at their incredible structures or to understand the stories they tell us about our environment. Lichens add a rich tapestry of colour to our everyday lives. Look for lichens on our rocky beaches, trees, walls, roofs, pavements, gravestones – everywhere! Just like birds adding sound, lichens add colour to our lives."
"Lichens have been used to make perfume, antibiotics, flavour curries, by birds to camouflage nests and were even used by the Egyptians to make mummies! Yet sadly there is such a shortage of lichen experts they are being forgotten about. It is fantastic that the Welsh Government have thrown lichens a lifeline, by funding the CENNAD lichen training programme, to breathe new life into what has become an almost forgotten field of science.”
From the Great Orme to Galloway, the ‘Cennadeers’ as they are now known, have been getting up close and personal with lichens, gaining specialist identification skills in the field and learning how to use microscopes. For more than a century lichens have been used to gauge air quality, as many species are very sensitive to pollutants such as Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen, as was recently highlighted in a report launched by Plantlife called We Need to Talk About Nitrogen.
Trained by experts from Wales and across the UK, the ‘Cennadeers’ have carried out air quality surveys which show how lichens can determine how healthy the air is across Wales. The data the trainees collect will be used by Natural Resources Wales to inform policy and management. It is hoped that future funding support will take the ‘Cennadeers’, and new recruits, on the next stage of their incredible journey.
Why Wales?
· For its size Wales supports the greatest known diversity of lichen species in the world!
· 74% of the UK’s lichens are found in Wales, living often in extreme conditions; from where the waves touch the shore to where the mountains touch the clouds!
· 28 species in Wales are now critically endangered. Some species are so rare they exist in just one secret location in Wales! A perilous existence!
Text courtesy of Plantlife Wales
Tephtomela atra Plantlife image
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Species of the Month: Autumn Hawkbit Scorzoneroides autumnalis
Species of the month is a feature brought to you in collaboration with the Local Environmental Record Centres in Wales. You can submit recordings of the featured species or any species (no matter how common) to one of the four Local Environmental Record Centres - each covering a specific area in Wales. To view which LERC covers your geographical location click here
Species of the Month: Autumn Hawkbit Scorzoneroides autumnalis
Autumn Hawkbit is not likely to be confused with other species of hawkbit and is more likely to be confused with Smooth Hawk's-beard (Crepis capillaris) or Common Cat's-ear (Hypochoeris radicata), which both have branched stems with several inflorescences. Smooth Hawk's-beard has leaves on its stems, while Autumn Hawkbit and Common Cat's-ear only have small scale-like bracts on their stems. Non-botanists may find it useful to refer to this online glossary for an explanation of some of the botantical terms.
This species is found throughout Wales but is under recorded. You can view the Welsh distribution here on Aderyn.
Species images can be found on NatureSpot
Text modified from SEWBReC source
Image © Charles Hipkin
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Mink control free training day
12 November – Three Horseshoes pub, Llangeitho, SY25 6TW
6.30 – 10pm approx
The Green Shoots project funded by Natural Resources Wales focuses on the control of invasive non-native species such as mink control to benefit native wildlife such as water voles and other species, and grey squirrel control to benefit native red squirrels in key areas. We are looking for volunteers to get involved in these projects; we can offer training and loan rafts and traps.
Please refer to the BASC website for further information and to check the target map areas
If you would like to get involved and volunteer, please contact Hamish Profit,
Green Shoots Wales Officer, The British Association for Shooting and Conservation.
Tel. 07970 226 807
Public Health Wales Health impact assessment
Free introductory sessions in Cardiff (12th Nov) and North Wales (27th February 2019)
Link
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BES Wales Policy Group networking session
The British Ecological Society Wales Policy Group (BES – WPG) is hosting a free networking lunch and talk on Tuesday 20 November, 12:30 – 2pm at Cardiff University. This event is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the BES Wales Policy Group and meet ecologists, academics and policy makers.
Following the recent National Marine Plan consultation, the event will focus on evidence gaps and requirements, and engaging academic research with marine and fisheries decision-making in Wales.
The talk and discussion will take place from 12.30 - 13:30. The free lunch will be available from 13.30.
Book your free tickets here.
National Tree Week
24th November - 2nd December 2018
Further details
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Funding
Enabling Natural Resources and Well-Being in Wales 2019-2023 – Call for Grant Proposals
Further information about the scheme, including the guidance and application form can be obtained from our website: Enabling Natural Resources and Well-Being in Wales 2019-2023.
The deadline for applications is 03 December 2018
Dŵr Cymru / Welsh Water Biodiversity Fund
Dŵr Cymru have launched a new Biodiversity Fund to give financial support to projects benefiting nature and enhancing biodiversity at or near their sites. The fund is designed to help third-sector groups develop and then implement ideas on how to help nature on Dŵr Cymru sites and the wider community.
Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme
The Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme is a Welsh Government funding programme managed by WCVA. The scheme will support local community and environmental projects in areas affected by the disposal of waste to landfill.
Closing date 18 January 2019 for projects beginning in April 2019.
Please click here for further information.
NRW Funding Newsletter
Current funding update compiled by Natural Resources Wales and available on the NRW website
Woodland Trust Free trees for schools and communities
Link
Grow Wild Community Project Funding
Grow Wild is awarding grants of £2,000 or £4,000 to groups across the UK to deliver projects in their community focused on UK native wildflowers, plants and fungi. Applications for funding will close at midday on Monday 10 December 2018.
Link
Grow Wild Youth Project funding
Grow Wild youth projects provide young people aged 14-25 with £500 funding to do something creative and collaborative, inspired by UK native plants and fungi. Youth Project funding is part of a rolling programme, which means you can apply at any time. However, there are set points during the year when applications are reviewed.
Link
Tesco Community Funding administered by Groundwork
Grants of £5,000, £2,000 and £1,000 are available for open space improvements that benefit the community. Eligible projects include spaces such as pocket parks, school grounds, allotments, sports facilities, woodland walks and community gardens. For further details visit the website.
Heritage Lottery Fund
Heritage Lottery Fund HLF Cymru offer workshops which focus on different funding programmes so you'll need to decide which is most relevant to you. You don't need a project idea to attend - just come along and find out more. The Funding Support Workshops are a great opportunity to find out about our funding, learn about our outcomes, get tips on how to make a good application and network with other organisations from your area. You will also meet the development team for HLF Cymru.
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