NATIONAL NEWS
Have you seen a Pine Marten in Wales?
The Vincent Wildlife Trust (VWT) is renewing its efforts to detect Pine Marten in Wales through the new ‘People & Pine Martens in Wales’ project, funded by The Co-operative. This follows on from the astonishing find of a Pine Marten at Aberhafesp, near Newtown, last year.
VWT has put out an appeal for anyone who thinks they may have seen a Pine Marten in Wales, or knows someone who has, to get in touch. The main Pine Marten ‘hot spots’ in Wales are Carmarthenshire, Snowdonia and the Cambrian Mountains.
"Reporting sightings to the Trust will enable us to focus on the areas in which we think they may be present and so target our work more effectively. The key characteristics of this small cat-sized animal are the large ears, pointed face, long bushy tail and pale chest patch." said David Bavin, the VWT’s new Pine Marten Officer.
Much of the VWT’s work relies on the generosity, time and vigilance of volunteers and members of the public and none more so than with this project: the Pine Marten is nocturnal, elusive and very rare.
The aim of the new project is to promote pine marten conservation and to begin the process of population recovery in Wales. "Pine Martens are attractive, valuable members of our natural heritage and we hope to restore them as a symbol of healthy woodland in Wales." said David.
More details about the project can be found on The Vincent Wildlife Trust’s website at www.vwt.org.uk. You can report your Pine Marten sightings here and we will pass them on to VWT.
01 February 2013
The motorway looms again...
The Welsh Government has released a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the M4 options, which include the possibility of a dual carriageway across the Gwent Levels SSSI and Living Landscape.
This has been carried out after the original consultation, thus defeating the whole point of an SEA. It also makes the same false assumptions as the original (an ever increasing flow of traffic, more congestion, etc.). Thirdly, it’s been put together very quickly and therefore lacks data in some pretty key areas like air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and noise.
We can only persuade decision-makers to rethink their plans with YOUR support. Please write to Carl Sargeant and tell him this is not how the environment should be treated. And respond to the M4CEM SEA consultation, telling them that their SEA is inadequate and inaccurate. This needs to be done before December 3rd 2012
For more information and further details, click here.
27 November 2012
100 years of The Wildlife Trusts marked with commemorative history book
A century of action for wildlife is today marked by the first comprehensive history of The Wildlife Trusts – including the individual history of the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust.
With more than 500 stunning photographs, maps and fascinating ephemera, Wildlife in Trust charts the changing fortunes of UK wildlife and the local nature conservation movement founded to protect it.
At 792 pages, Wildlife in Trust is divided into three sections: a history of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts; individual histories of all 47 Wildlife Trusts in their own words plus a comprehensive reference section. The book features photographs and maps from The Wildlife Trusts’ archives and elsewhere.
Published by Elliott & Thompson Ltd, Wildlife In Trust is available to buy for £25 here and good book sellers from Thursday 25 October. The Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust shop also has a few copies available. Members of The Wildlife Trusts can receive 15% discount through the Winter issue of Natural World, the membership magazine for Wildlife Trust members around the UK.
For more information, including an interview with author, Tim Sands, about the writing of Wildlife in Trust, please visit www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlifeintrust.
12 November 2012
Chalara ash dieback found in Wales
A rapid survey of 259 10km square woodland blocks across Wales was carried out by Forestry Commission Wales between 2-6 November. This analysis confirmed the presence of Chalara infection in young trees planted in 2009 in a small, privately-owned woodland in Carmarthenshire. There are still no cases of Chalara fraxinea in established woodlands in Wales.
Biosecurity measures
The risk of visitors spreading the disease is very small and the Forestry Commission is not closing forests open to the public or advising owners of infected sites to do so. However, visitors are being asked to take simple biosecurity measures. These include brushing leaves, twigs and mud from footwear, clothing and vehicles and washing these items before visiting another woodland.
New Chalara helpline
To cope with the volume of calls on Chalara dieback of ash, a new helpline has been set up by Defra for the public to report suspected sightings of the disease. The number is 08459 335577 and it is open from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week.
For more information on anything to do with Chalara fraxinea, go to the Forestry Commission website.
08 November 2012
'Petition Fish' shoal to Cardiff
The Wildlife Trust's Petition Fish have been out and about around Wales over the last 18 months collecting signatures for greater protection for our seas. Today they headed back to Cardiff in preparation for a big Petition Fish shoaling event in the evening! This was to lobby the Welsh Government to make the right and proper decisions about Marine Conservation Zones which they are currently developing.
A huge thank you to all who signed a scale for petition fish.
06 November 2012
Recognise the symptoms of ash dieback
02 November 2012
Balloons and lanterns kill
Balloons and chinese lanterns are increasingly being released en-masse as part of celebrations and fundraisers. However, this seemingly harmless spectacle has a darker side. Once the balloons and lanterns fall back to the ground, they not only add to our litter problem, but some animals mistake them for food, causing their guts to become blocked and they consequently starve to death. They can also cause distress, injury and even death through entanglement.
Keep Wales Tidy have launched a campaign to raise awareness of this issue and are urging schools and organisations to sign a pledge. For more information, click here.
01 November 2012
Action for Ash
Now that Ash Dieback Disease has been discovered in established trees in Norfolk, the Wildlife Trusts urge members and supporters to report potential sightings of infected trees, in the hope that the ecological impacts of this devastating disease can be minimised. more...
26 October 2012
Wales' new environment body named
Today John Griffiths, Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development, has made announcements on two key steps towards the establishment of the new single body. This body will replace the Environment Agency Wales, the Countryside Council for Wales and Forestry Commission Wales and will be known as 'Natural Resources Wales' or 'Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru'.
Mr Griffiths said: "I believe that Natural Resources Wales / Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru communicates well the remit of the new body, covering all the current roles of the existing three bodies. This will provide confidence and reassurance to existing customers and stakeholders. I have based my decision on the response to the extensive consultation that has taken place with staff from CCW, EAW and FCW, with their customers and with other stakeholders".
The minister also confirmed the appointments of the ten non-executive directors of Natural Resources Wales / Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru. For more information, click here.
24 October 2012
Keep an eye on Ash
A new fungal disease affecting Ash trees has hit the UK this year and the public are being urged to be vigilant.
So far only found in planted Ash trees, Chalara dieback of Ash (Chalara fraxinea) causes leaf loss and crown dieback in affected trees and some trees even die. Since there has now been a number of cases across the UK, people are being urged keep an eye on their local Ash trees and report any suspected cases immediately. For more details or to report a suspected case, please click here.
15 October 2012
Relative of 'killer shrimp' discovered in River Severn
A non-native shrimp, Dikerogammarus haemobaphes has been discovered in the River Severn in Tewkesbury and in canals near Worcester. This is the first time this shrimp has been found in the UK.
The shrimp, which grows up to 18mm long, originates from Eastern Europe. It is related to the 'killer shrimp' and in Europe it kills and competes with a range of native freshwater species, particularly native shrimps and even young fish, as well as consuming plant matter. This alters the ecology of the habitats it invades.
There is currently uncertainty what the impact of this new species might be in the UK so until more is known, it will be treated as a high impact species. The shrimp does not pose any risk to human health. It will not be possible to eradicate the shrimp, but it is hoped to limit its spread. Members of the public are being urged to continue to 'Check, Clean & Dry' boats, watersports and angling equipment after use. More advice on this is provided here.
04 October 2012
Badgers & Bovine TB
The Wildlife Trusts are very conscious of the hardship that bovine TB (bTB) causes in the farming community and the need to find the right mechanisms to control the disease. However, we believe that a badger cull is not the answer. Biosecurity and vaccination should be at the centre of efforts to tackle this disease rather than a badger cull. Read more or find out what you can do.
19 September 2012
Birdfair 2012
The wildlife trusts will again be present at Birdfair 2012, 17th to 19th August, Rutland Water Nature Reserve. The theme will be our Centenary. Specific activities to note include:
Friday 17 August, 4.30pm - Stephanie Hillbourne will be presenting a short lecture on the history of The Wildlife Trusts in lecture marquee 1
Saturday 18 August, 3pm - President, Simon King, will be leading a game of Wildlife Bingo on our stand
If you are visiting the Bird Fair this year, do come and visit.
03 August 2012
Marine Conservation Zones in Wales
The Welsh Government’s recently launched consultation considers the location of Marine Conservation Zones in Welsh waters. We need your help to show support for greater protection of Welsh seas. more...
02 July 2012
Urgent – Please Take Action Now to Protect the Gwent Levels Living Landscape
The Gwent Levels are again under threat. The Welsh Government is proposing a dual carriageway from Magor to Castleton as one of the potential options for alleviating congestion on the existing M4. We’ve chosen the Levels as one of our Living Landscape areas, because it is so important for wildlife and people and is the only landscape of this type and size in Wales. A major road would essentially slice through the landscape, destroying habitats and polluting the air and water – not to mention ruining a beautiful and special place for the thousands of people who live, work, and visit there. Working with other organisations such as the RSPB, the wildlife trusts are doing everything we can to persuade the government that this shouldn’t even be an option, but we need your help.
Your voice, as a voter and taxpayer, really counts. Please write to your AM and respond to the Welsh Government consultation by Friday 6th July. For more information and template letters, click here.
28 June 2012
Public enquiry into two Mid-Wales wind farms called
Powys County Council has objected to both Llanbadarn Fynydd and Carnedd Wen wind farm schemes, triggering a public inquiry. The Government has decided that evidence on the benefits and impacts of these proposals is best considered at a single inquiry for both schemes.
Although the details are still to be confirmed, it is expected that the Pre-Inquiry meeting will take place in Spring 2013, with the full inquiry to commence later next year.
There are a further four section 36 applications for onshore windfarms on which Powys County Council is due to respond to the Department of Energy and Climate Change by the end of September 2012. The Secretary of State will give consideration to the arrangements for any additional public inquiries, including whether to conjoin them with the Llanbadarn Fynydd and Carnedd Wen inquiry, after Powys County Council have responded to DECC on the remaining applications.
27 June 2012
Michael Allen awarded OBE
Michael Allen, former Chair of The Wildlife Trusts, has been awarded an OBE for services to nature conservation. more...
16 June 2012
Give us back our wild flowers
An e-petition has been launched calling for a change in the national principles for managing amenity open space and road verges, thereby increasing the number and diversity of wild flowers. To view and sign the petition, click here
22 May 2012
Wildlife Trusts 100 today!
To find out more about our centenary, click here. Also look out for centenary events.
16 May 2012
Wild Wales Coast Path
On Saturday 5th May, the 870 mile Wales Coast Path was officially opened. You can now walk the entire coast of Wales and when linked with the Offa's Dyke Path, it opens up walking around the entire circumference of Wales - 1,030 miles!
To celebrate this achievement, the Welsh Wildlife Trusts have produced a leaflet highlighting the Trust nature reserves which can be visited along the way.
To download the 'Wild Wales Coast Path' leaflet, click here. Please note that this document is rather large, so you may wish to print only the section which interests you. Alternatively, contact your local wildlife trust for a hard copy.
05 May 2012
Wildlife Trusts concerned over Welsh Government Green Paper proposals launched today
Wildlife Trusts Wales today is calling on the Welsh Government to "not forget wildlife" in the consultation on the new Green Paper - Sustaining a Living Wales – launched today.
Rachel Sharp, Wildlife Trusts Wales CEO said: "The new approach being proposed today looks at what nature can do for the people of Wales. We want to see nature valued both within our economy but also for how it enriches our everyday lives."
"We are constantly told by our 23,000 members," Rachel continued, "how important wildlife is to them. We know that it improves people’s health and well-being, so we welcome any steps to securing wildlife for future generations."
Wildlife Trusts in Wales are calling on the Welsh Government to ensure the following be included in its new approach:
- Full recognition of the intrinsic value and importance of biodiversity in the new approach.
- That the accompanying Regulation Review not only continues to protect our most important sites for wildlife but also enhances our ability to monitor and enforce regulation.
- That the Welsh Government work with the third and private sectors to increase investment needed to develop the new whole ecosystem approach.
30 January 2012
Cross party support to strengthen marine conservation in Wales
One third of Assembly Member’s sign Petition Fish at Wildlife Trusts Wales Senedd event.
A total of 16 AMs signed the Wildlife Trusts Wales Petition Fish at the Senedd on 24 January, representing one third of AMs eligible to sign (Ministers cannot sign).
Petition Fish calls for greater protection of the sea around Wales through a network of well-managed Marine Protected Areas. Over 36% of Welsh waters are currently classified as Marine Protected Areas, but, according to Wildlife Trust Wales, their management and enforcement is failing and poorly resourced. Wildlife Trusts Wales are calling for the improved management and enforcement of existing Marine Protected Areas, and the creation of new Marine Conservation Zones. The first public consultation on establishing Marine Conservation Zones in Welsh waters is due this spring, with designation planned for 2013.
The AM’s who signed on 24 January included:
Russell George AM (Montgomeryshire – Conservatives)
Rebecca Evans AM (Mid + West Wales – Labour)
William Powell AM (Mid + West Wales – Lib Dem)
Simon Thomas AM (Mid + West – Plaid)
Joyce Watson AM (Mid + West – Labour)
If you have yet to sign Petition Fish yourself, you do so online, by clicking here.
27 January 2012
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