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April 2019
Dear WBP Member, welcome to the April 2019 WBP Newsletter

Er mwyn gweld y cylchlythyr hwn yn Gymraeg, cliciwch yma

Featured articles are not endorsements by WBP

Latest News

BeeWalk

 

BeeWalk is the national recording scheme run by Bumblebee Conservation Trust (BBCT) to monitor the abundance of bumblebees across the UK. The survey would be impossible without volunteers, who once a month between March and October, walk a fixed route of their choosing (generally, though not necessarily, about a mile long) identify and count the bumblebees and send us their records. For more information and to sign up see www.beewalk.org.uk or email beewalk@bumblebeeconservation.org

BBCT have a variety of resources on their website to get started with identification http://bit.ly/1FWqw2r and you can also post photos to their partner website iSpot https://www.ispotnature.org/ for help with identifying a bumblebee.

You can view the 2018 BeeWalk Report here


Image © Bumblebee Conservation Trust

Wales Council for Outdoor Learning website launch

The Wales Council for Outdoor Learning brings together all stakeholders involved in Outdoor Learning in Wales and the website has recently been launched. The Wales Council for Outdoor Learning recognises that each stakeholder has a valuable role to play in contributing towards a collective, coherent voice for Outdoor Learning in Wales.

State of Natural Resources Report Update on SoNaRR2- How can you get involved

When: 20th May 2019 13:00-14:30

Where: Webinar- held over Skype

Who: Key stakeholders with an interest in the development of the next State of Natural Resources Report.

Why: To bring together key NRW staff and Stakeholders to enable collaboration on SoNaRR2.

 Please register your interest by replying to sonarr@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk

 We will send webinar log-in details and further information the week commencing 13th May.

If you are unable to attend via Skype and you would like to attend an NRW office, there may be scope for this, please do let us know and we will try our best to accommodate you.

UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (PoMS)

The PoMS scheme restarts in April and is organised by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH), and aims to generate systematic data on the abundance of bees, hoverflies and other flower-visiting insects at a national scale. You can take part with ad hoc Flower-Insect Timed Counts (FIT Counts) or sign up to a systematic 1km square survey. A useful video is available explaining how the PoMS scheme operates
Resources are available in English and Welsh.

Further information on the CEH website.

People and Nature Journal

People and Nature is a new open access journal publishing work from across research areas exploring relationships between humans and nature. People and Nature is designed to foster innovation and experimentation and particularly encourages submissions that stimulate debate.

Further details

Building with Nature

As well as allowing wildlife to thrive, green infrastructure – such as parks, ponds or play areas - provides spaces for people to enjoy, and cost-effective ways to manage water naturally and prevent flooding.  

Building with Nature supports the design, implementation and management of green infrastructure and offers an accreditation scheme for developers. Their website also has useful guides and case studies.

Glastir Small Grants- new application window

Glastir Small Grants is a programme of capital works available to farming businesses across Wales to carry out projects that will help to improve and maintain traditional landscape features, and provide habitat linkage for pollinating insects.

The Landscape and Pollinators Theme offers Capital Works that have been chosen for their broad and general environmental benefits and their ability to deliver the Welsh Government’s ambitions to maintain traditional landscape features and provide habitat linkage for pollinating insects.

The application window is open now and will close on 10 May 2019. For further information please see the following links:

Capital works -Landscape and Pollinators
Project Selection Maps
Option payment rates

Booking is essential. To book your space please contact Harry Powell by telephoning 02920 573110 or email harry.powell@museumwales.ac.uk. Suitable for ages 15+

Event link

Invertebrate conservation value of colliery spoil habitats in South Wales

A recent study from south Wales indicates that coalfield colliery spoil sites are nationally important areas for invertebrate conservation in Wales. Of the 901 invertebrate species recorded by invertebrate specialist Liam Olds, 195 (~22%) are deemed to be of ‘conservation priority’ in the UK (i.e. species considered to be Nationally Local, Scarce or Rare, and/or are listed under Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 as Species of Principal Importance in Wales. Notable invertebrates recorded included Green tiger beetle, Dingy skipper and Larinus carlinae – a weevil associated with thistles. Some of the species recorded are new to mainland Wales and one species of millipedeTurdulisoma cf helenreadae is new to science. The report's author highlighted to importance of management to maintain and encourage an open mosaic of different habitats commenting that "we should work to ensure that colliery spoil is recognised as something to be proud of. Colliery spoil deserves to be appropriately managed, protected, appreciated and sustainably used for the benefit of people and wildlife".

Image- flower-rich grasslands of Cwm Tips, Beddau © Liam Olds

Bat detector loan scheme

Bat Conservation Trust are piloting a bat detector loan scheme this year to help inform future bat monitoring programmes. The project allows volunteers to book a bat detector pack from a loan centre for one week at a time based on a one-kilometre square. At the end of the survey, the data cards are sent to BCT for rapid initial analysis and a report is sent back to the person borrowing the equipment. BCT are testing out a new low-cost full spectrum bat detector (Audiomoth) that will make acoustic bat surveys much more affordable. The project is part funded by Natural Resources Wales and runs in partnership with the British Trust for Ornithology, local bat groups, and local biological record centres.

For more information visit the BCT website 

Policy update

Key legislation and strategies

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 early 2019.

Further information on the NRAP Implementation Group, and the various groups commissioned to take forward specific tasks can be found on the WBP website. 
 

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.

Nature's Calendar

This month, the spring equinox means longer days ahead with hopefully warmer days to follow. Spring migrants - chiffchaff, sand martin and wheatear are arriving and woodland flowers are beginning their build up to a spectacular display peaking in April and May. As well as enjoying Wales' nature you can help contribute to our knowledge of species and habitats by taking part in a survey.

Here are some survey ideas brought to you in our Nature's Calender

If you would like to highlight a survey not listed here, please get in touch If you want to enjoy something more energetic, why not volunteer and enjoy in the outdoors in a social environment.

Survey Focus 

National Plant Monitoring Scheme

The National Plant Monitoring Scheme (NPMS) is a habitat-based plant monitoring scheme designed by BSBI, CEH, Plantlife and JNCC. The aim is to collect data to provide an annual indication of changes in plant abundance and diversity. Anyone interested in nature who can identify plants, or who is keen to learn. Different levels of participation ensure that all who are keen can participate: you do not have to be an experienced botanist. Find out more here

Carmarthenshire meadow © Sean McHugh/WBP
 

BeeWalk

BeeWalk is the national recording scheme run by Bumblebee Conservation Trust (BBCT) to monitor the abundance of bumblebees across the UK. Find out more here


Pondnet Survey

Freshwater habitats Trust would like your help in reporting frog and toad spawn in your local or garden pond. You can do your bit by taking part in the PondNet Survey. The results will help map out the distribution of frogs and toads in Wales. The survey runs from 1st Feb to 31st May

Frog spawn Amy Hicks/SEWBReC
 

Swift Survey

The purpose of this survey is to record locations of swift nest sites around the UK. This information can then be used to find out where swift hotspots are located around the country and therefore mitigate to protect breeding swifts during building development. This conservation planning tool plays an important role in reversing the decline of this charismatic migrant bird.

 

Buglife Oil Beetle Survey 

Buglife’s UK wide oil beetle hunt is helping us to understand and conserve these impressive and intriguing insects.  
We have five species of oil beetle in the UK, three of which can be found here in Wales.  
Now is the ideal time to look for the Black oil beetle (Meloe proscarabaeus), the Violet oil beetle (Meloe violaceus) as well as the rarer Rugged oil beetle (Meloe rugosus). Check footpaths when you are walking through fields, heathland, coastal areas or woodland where they can be found looking for mates and nesting sites, and feeding on path-side flowers.
Join Buglife in the search for oil beetles in Wales.

Meloe rugosus (C) John Walters/Buglife 
 

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.

Further details
 

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?  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.

Vacancies 

Butterfly Conservation vacancies in Wales
Conservation Officer Wales
Closing date: noon on the 13th May 2019
Application link

Head of Conservation Wales
Closing date: noon on the 13th May 2019
Application link
 
Summit to Sea vacancies in Wales
Community Engagement Coordinator
Closing date: 10th May 2019
Application link

Project Administrator
Closing date: 10th May 2019
Application link

Communications Manager
Closing date: 10th May 2019
Application link
 
Sands of LIFE Communications and Interpretations (x2)
Closing date: 15th May 2019
Application link

Consultations

Environmental principles and governance in Wales post European Union exit

Welsh Government are seeking your views on how to address gaps in environmental principles and governance relating to Wales when the UK leaves the European Union (EU).

Welsh Government are consulting on:
• gaps in our environmental principles and governance that may open up in Wales as a result of the UK’s exit from the EU and;
• how we provide a coherent and effective governance framework for the long-term improvement of our environment in line with our Wellbeing of Future Generations and Environment Act.
 
Consultation link
Consultation closing date9th June

Species of the Month

Species of the Month March: Hairy-footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes)

One of the earliest emerging solitary bees, the Hairy-footed Flower Bee resembles a small bumblebee. It has a distinctive quick hovering flight, more like a hoverfly or beefly than a bee. The species is sexually dismorphic; the males are ginger brown with cream markings on the face and long hairs on the middle leg (shown above) and the females are all black with orange back legs (shown below). Both sexes are often seen feeding on Lungwort, and may approach flowers with their long tongues extended.

You can view the known Welsh distribution of Hairy-footed Flower Bee here on Aderyn. More information is available from BWARS and Bumblebee Conservation Trust

Text modified from SEWBReC source

Hairy-footed Flower Bee © Liam Olds

Events

Dawn Chorus walk in Castle Woods

05 May 4:30 AM - 6:00 AM

Join Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales East Carmarthenshire local group for a dawn chorus walk in Castle Woods with Neil Matthew. Meet at Llandeilo Bridge (SN628220)

Invasive Species Week

13-17th May
Futher details here
 

International Day for Biodiversity 22 May

This year theme is ‘Our Biodiversity, Our Food, Our Health”

The theme aims to leverage knowledge and spread awareness of the dependency of our food systems, nutrition, and health on biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.  

How can I take part?

Events: If your organisation is holding an event on or around the 22nd May linked to the theme, please share on the IDB website and with WBP

Website: https://www.cbd.int/idb/

Sea Watch Foundation Annual General Meeting

4-5 May
New Quay
Sea Watch Foundation would like to invite you all in celebrating the Sea Watch Foundation Annual General Meeting. 

Sea Watch staff, volunteer observers and Regional Coordinators will talk about their work over the past 12 months through a series of presentations.

Further details here

BSBI Wales Annual General Meeting 2019

21st - 23rd May, Llanelli
The Committee for Wales organises a meeting every year, holding an AGM and organising excursions in a different county of Wales. In 2019, the BSBI Wales  AGM will be held in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, and will run from Tuesday 21st to Thursday 23rd May.
Further details here

Funding

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.

Glastir Small Grants (landscape and pollinators)

Link
Deadline: 10th May

 

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. 
 

Copyright © 2019 Wales Biodiversity Partnership, All rights reserved.


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