Dear WBP Member, welcome to the December 2018 WBP Newsletter
Er mwyn gweld y cylchlythyr hwn yn Gymraeg, cliciwch yma
A shortened seasonal edition of the newsletter this month. To all our readers and supporters, WBP wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Featured articles are not endorsements by WBP
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State of Birds in Wales Report 2018
Long-term monitoring shows that the numbers and distributions of almost a third of Welsh birds are declining significantly according to the latest State of Birds in Wales Report.
Long term monitoring through the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) showing trends for terrestrial and freshwater species, as well as the latest Wetland Bird Survey trends for wintering waders, wildfowl and other waterbirds were used to compile the report.
The report illustrates the importance of Welsh bird populations in urban, woodland, farmland and coastal habitats.
The Wales wild bird indicator, based on BBS results, tracks the declines since 1994 in both lowland and upland farmland bird species, as well as an upturn in woodland bird populations, the latter most notable over the past seven years.
Notable among the BBS results are the positive trajectories of Wales urban populations of House Sparrow, Feral Pigeon and Collared Dove relative to in the UK overall. Welsh House Martins are holding their own but Starlings are in steep decline.
A special feature of this report is a section called ‘Patterns of change in Welsh birds’ in which key Wales-specific outputs of the 2007-11 Bird Atlas (Balmer et al. 2103) are highlighted. These include measures of the importance of Wales in supporting the UK breeding populations of Chough (76%), Pied Flycatcher (69%), Redstart (47%) and Honey Buzzard (47%) as well as significant proportions of the UK wintering populations of coastal species such Common Scoter and Guillemot as well as rarer winter visitors such as Brambling and Great Grey Shrike.
The report also includes measures of long term changes (ca 40 years) in breeding range since the first breeding bird atlas. Half of all farmland species in Wales have suffered loss of breeding range, by over 50% in the case of Grey Partridge, Yellow Wagtail and Tree Sparrow. Birds of farmed uplands such as Curlew, Golden Plover, Black Grouse and Ring Ouzel have also showed marked range loss. In contrast, most birds of wetlands had increased in range and new colonists to Welsh wetlands include Bearded Tit, Little Egret, Avocet and Mediterranean Gull. Birds of woodland and heaths had mixed fortunes with declines in the range of woodland specialists such as Willow Tit and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker balanced by increases in species that favour forest plantations such as Hobby, Nightjar, Siskins and Crossbills.
The Report Produced jointly by RSPB, BTO, Natural Resource Wales (NRW) and the Welsh Ornithological Society (WOS)
Wales hosts more than 50% of the UK breeding populations of pied flycatchers and redstart, birds charachteristic of western broadleaf woodlands and woodland edges
Text modified from BTO source
Pied Flycatcher © NRW
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Written Statement: Greenland White-fronted Geese
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Welsh Governmnet have removed Greenland White-fronted Goose from Schedule 2 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, prohibiting these birds from being killed or taken . It is anticpated this change will be brought into law in autumn 2019.
Further details |
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A Natural Progression
NRW have developed a model to help explain that everyone has the potential to move, step by step, from being in and connecting with the natural environment to establishing lifelong positive behaviours that will encourage all of us to look after the environmnet now and in the future.
Find out more here
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Planning Policy Wales version 10
Welsh Government have released the latest version of Planning Policy Wales (PPW).
The primary objective of PPW is to ensure that the planning system contributes towards the delivery of sustainable development and improves the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales, as required by the Planning (Wales) Act 2015, the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and other key legislation.
Welsh Government have adopted a placemaking approach to plan making, planning policy and decision making to implement these requirements through the planning system.
Placemaking adds social, economic, environmental and cultural value to development proposals resulting in benefits which go beyond a physical development boundary and embed wider resilience into planning decisions.
There is a section (6.4) around Biodiversity and Ecological Networks and a subsection (6.4.5) within that around Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Duty (Section 6 Duty).
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Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee inquiry on biodiversity
The Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee is carrying out an inquiry into biodiversity. The terms of reference for the inquiry are listed below. Please feel free to address any other issues in your response:
- How could the Welsh Government’s proposed Public Goods scheme, set out in Brexit and Our Land, be applied to restore biodiversity;
- How could the various existing Welsh Government policies and legislation for biodiversity restoration be applied in the design and implementation of the proposed Public Goods scheme; and
- What lessons can be learned from the Glastir Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (GMEP) to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of schemes to support the restoration of biodiversity. How should the new Environment and Rural Affairs Monitoring and Modelling Programme (ERAMMP) be designed and implemented effectively for this purpose?
Please respond to these issues by emailing SeneddCCERA@assembly.wales. CCERA ask that all contributions reach us by Friday 18 January 2019 . After this date, the Committee will consider the responses and decide how to take the inquiry forward.
Biodiversity enquiry link
Closing date: 18 January 2019
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Plantlife's Annual Review 2017_2018
Find out what Plantlife have been doing to help plants and fungi in the last twelve months.
In Wales, Plantlife Cymru have completed a project for Welsh Government working with landowners to identify rare and threatened cornfield flowers, such as small-flowered catchfly, corn marigold and stinking camomile. The project confirmed that if we can identify where there were arable fields in the 1930s, this is the key to unlocking the best 'buried treasure' of the famously long-lived arable seedbank.
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New Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) Portal in Wales
The National Biodiversity Network Atlas Wales has released the Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) Portal. The Portal supplements the GB Non-native Species Information Portal and its Alerts mechanism http://www.nonnativespecies.org/alerts/index.cfm by providing a new facility to view and search for INNS specifically of interest to Wales.
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Future Generations Commissioner annual report
The office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales have produced their annual report 2017-2018 overview of the work her office has done during their second year of operation to create the right conditions for the implementation of the Well-being of Future Generations Act.
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The Living Planet Report 2018
The Living Planet Report 2018 produced by WWF shows population sizes of wildlife decreased by 60% globally between 1970 and 2014.
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Wales Biodiversity Partnership Conference 2018
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The conference presentation videos are now available. Workshop notes will be posted up when available.
A big thank you to speakers, contributors & delegates who made the conference a great success!
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26-28 January
Are you ready for the Big Garden Birdwatch 2019? Registration now open!
Image © RSPB
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The Nature Recovery Action Plan Implementation group steers and drives the delivery and implementation of the Nature Recovery Action Plan. The group has a wide membership from Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, NGO’s and other public and private sector organisations.
The group are currently focused on refreshing Part 2 (Our Action Plan) of the NRAP, as announced by the Environment Minister at the WBP Conference. The group are undertaking a series of workshops to undertake the refresh. The first took place on the 13th December and focused on the narrative. A second workshop focused on the actions will be held in January.
Further information on the NRAP Implementation Group, and the various groups commissioned to take forward specific tasks can be found on the WBP website.
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 3rd December. 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.
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The BSBI New Year Plant Hunt will run from Saturday 29th December 2018 to 1st January 2019.
Your observations are helping build up a clearer picture of which wild or naturalised plants are in bloom at New Year across Britain. It's a great way of getting outdoors over the festive period and seeing what you can spot in bloom.
Image BSBI
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Consultations
Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee inquiry into biodiversity
Consultation link
Deadline: 18 January 2019
Draft climate change adaptation plan for Wales
Welsh Ministers are required by law to report on the objectives, actions and future priorities in relation to the impacts of climate change. The draft Climate Change Adaptation Plan for Wales meets those requirements by setting out 32 adaptation actions for Wales. Welsh Government want your opinion on the draft plan.
Consultation link
Deadline: 4 March 2019
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Species of the Month: Cobalt Crust Terana caerulea
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 December: Cobalt Crust Terana caerulea
This distinctive bright coloured fungus is considered uncommon in the UK, but can be found in many woodlands in Wales. As the common name suggests, this species is bright blue and forms a covering crust on trees and deadwood.
This species is likely to be found in many parts of Wales but is under recorded. You can view the Welsh distribution of Cobalt Crust on Aderyn. More information about Cobalt Crust can be found on NatureSpot and First Nature.
Text modified from SEWBReC source
Cobalt crust © Steven Murray
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Gwent-Glamorgan Recorders' Forum
19th January 2019 Newport
Free event
This annual event is a celebration of the wildlife recording in Gwent and Glamorgan, and is a great opportunity to meet others from the recording community of south Wales.
Further details
Big Garden Birdwatch
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Public Health Wales Health impact assessment
Free introductory sessions in North Wales (27th February 2019)
Link
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Vacancies
Senior Conservation Planner RSPB Cymru
Link
Closing date: 13th January 2019
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Funding
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.
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.
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 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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