H a b i t a t - Daily wildlife and environment news from the British Isles


Election
Resources
The Labour Party: Environment The Conservative Party: Action on the Environment (.pdf) The Liberal Democratic Party: Environment The Green Party: Issues MORI Delivery Index — Environment BBC Poll tracker The Guardian: Election 2005 GeneWatch UK - Policies on GM crops and human genetics Royal Society for the Protection of Birds - Think environment The Wildlife Trusts: Natural Selection - making the natural choices (.pdf) The Woodland Trust: Growing the Future

Unearthly silence

The apparent lack of interest in the environment in this election campaign isn't a reflection of voter apathy.

The Guardian

Livingstone's green vision

London's mayor, Ken Livingstone, has launched a vision of a green future for the capital with buildings shrouded in lush vegetation, populated by wildlife and powered by hydrogen, not fossil fuels.

The Guardian

SNP slams Tory CFP stance

The Leader of the SNP Mr Alex Salmond today responded to the long-standing Conservative claims that they will pull out of the Common Fisheries Policy if elected.

Fishupdate.com


Birds
Resources
British Trust for Ornithology Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Birds Directive BirdGuides Bird News JNCC - Birds Natura 2000 Birds by Species Breeding Birds in the Wider Countryside Black Grouse UK Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust BirdLife International Fat Birder

Rare bird killed – now mate stolen

Heartless thieves have stolen one of the country’s rarest birds from a secret nesting site, just 12 months after its mate was poisoned.

SouthShropshireJournal.com

Guards to protect hen harriers

A national wildlife charity was today gearing up to launch a £40,000 security operation if one of England’s rarest birds of prey nests at a North Pennines nature reserve.

News & Star

Birds' nests have the protection of the law, householders warned

Police have issued a seasonal warning to householders about the dos and don'ts of birds nests.

this is north scotland

Nature notes

Young coots are out on the water, with their parents fussing around them.

Times Online

RSPB concern after hawks shot at airfield

Buzzards have been shot at a Highland airport because of the risk of the big birds of prey colliding with aircraft and endangering them.

this is north scotland


Plants
Resources
The British Lichen Society The Woodland Trust Botanical Society of the British Isles Plantlife Flora locale Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Heritage Trees of Scotland The Postcode Plants Database Forestry Commission

Public urged to back battle for bluebell

Ground Force star Kirsty King has today called on green-fingered volunteers across the capital to join a charity-led battle to save Britain's favourite wildflower - the bluebell.

Community Newswire

Create your own meadow ...

In the past 50 years Britain has lost 95 per cent of its wildflower meadows. As well as protecting those that are left, environmentalists are planting their own meadows in gardens or common land.

this is lincolnshire

Pollution threat to rare marsh plant

A rare protected plant may disappear from a Natural Heritage Area in south Dublin if steps are not taken soon to safeguard its future, a report has found.

The Papers Today


Animals
Resources
Mammal Society Mammals Trust UK The Deer Commission for Scotland Scottish Big Cat Trust International Otter Survival Fund Bat Conservation Trust National Federation of Badger Groups Froglife Herpetological Groups of Britain & Ireland Butterfly Conservation Butterflies of Ireland Spiders of NW-Europe British Dragonfly Society Buglife

Have city's frogs been blown apart by mystery German toad disease?

More than 100 frogs may have been victims of a disease which causes them to explode.

this is lincolnshire

Blown away

"Butterflies are harder to conserve than golden eagles," says Martin Warren, chief executive of the Dorset-based charity Butterfly Conservation.

Independent

Bats in line for new home

Staff at a water company have come up with an idea to help a dwindling wildlife population.

this is leicestershire

Bats in the wood

Wildlife lovers can delve into the world of bats at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, near Coventry, on Saturday, May 14, from 4pm to 10pm.

icCoventry

The harlequin ladybird is the most invasive ladybird on Earth.
Now it's in Britain.
Help monitor its spread here


Marine
Resources
British Marine Life Study Society JNCC Fisheries Marine Conservation Society Marine Life Information Network for Britain and Ireland Shark Trust The European Register of Marine Species The UK Coastal Zone

End to fishing freedom urged as stocks dwindle

Freedom to fish on the high seas should be ended, environmental groups will say this week, as governments from 45 countries meet to discuss the crisis in world fish stocks.

FT.com

The tragedy of the commons

“Let your hook be always cast. In the pool where you least expect it, there will be fish,” wrote Ovid. These days, alas, one can’t be so sure of a nibble.

Economist.com

Whale meat is back on the menu in Japan

Served as burgers and marinated with sweet and sour sauce, whale meat has returned to Japanese school lunches 20 years after it went off the menu amid global anti-whaling campaigns, officials said on Monday.

IOL

Your ocean needs you!
Show your support for the marine bill campaign by signing The Wildlife Trusts’ marine petition online by clicking here.


England
Resources
English Nature Countryside Agency Environment Agency Campaign for the Protection of Rural England

Wetland reserve's £500,000 boost

The creation of a major new wetland reserve near Huntingdon has come a step closer after the project won a cash boost worth more than £500,000.

CEN News

Opencast plan at former pit opposed by wildlife group

A wildlife charity has lodged an objection against a coal company's plans to opencast a former colliery site.

this is the North-east

Coastal plans 'flawed' claim

Major flaws have been alleged in a controversial coastal-defence plan which threatens homes and businesses worth £250m around the East Anglian coast.

EDP24

Help keep details of rare birds

Conservationists are calling on bird watchers to help record four of the most threatened bird species in Leicestershire and Rutland.

this is leicestershire

Council backs rural scheme

Farmers are being asked to improve the way they manage the countryside.

CEN News

Farmers are left shocked as mystery beast strikes

Is this the picture that finally proves a lethal big cat is roaming the West? The photograph shows a young calf found savagely killed in a North Somerset field, apparently mauled to death by a massive beast.

Western Daily Press


Ireland
Resources
Environment & Heritage Service (Northern Ireland) Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group National Parks and Wildlife Service Ireland's Environment All-Ireland review of introduced species

Sharks mean we'll bask in sunshine

Basking sharks in Dingle may mean a very good summer, according to traditional weather forecaster TP O Conchuir.

Irish Independent
Examiner

Minister’s salmon quota will let species die out, say TDs

Backbench Fianna Fail TDs have attacked the marine minister’s decision to allow fishermen to take far more salmon than a safe number recommended by government scientists.

Times Online

Marsh helicopters opposed

Helicopter landings are continuing beside a bird sanctuary in south Dublin despite the owner of the adjoining site promising to remove the landing pad almost three months ago.

The Papers Today


Scotland
Resources
Scottish Natural Heritage Scottish Environment Protection Agency Scottish Biodiversity Group Scotland's National Nature Reserves John Muir Trust Scottish Environment News Scottish Wildlife Trust Red Squirrels In South Scotland

New lease of life for wild salmon

The sight of wild salmon leaping up waterfalls to return to their spawning grounds is one of Scotland's most famous wildlife spectacles.

Scotsman.com

Aberdeen scientists cast light on pollution

Pioneering technology which uses sunlight to clean polluted water and create electricity has been revealed by scientists in Aberdeen.

this is north scotland

Glasgow to have £1.5m urban forest

One of Europe's largest city-based environmental regeneration projects was approved yesterday.

The Herald

Huntly wildlife events

Pond life and peregrines will come under the spotlight in two events at Huntly this weekend.

this is north scotland


Wales
Resources
Welsh Assembly Countryside Council for Wales Wales Biodiversity Partnership Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales Environment Agency (Wales)

100 miles of Welsh coast at risk

Up to 100 miles of Wales' coastline is at risk of erosion over the coming century, the National Trust is warning.

BBC

Otters return to the Tywi

Residents bordering the Afon Tywi, farmers, and local anglers have recently been taking part in a survey to note sightings of this popular and once common river mammal.

Countryside Council for Wales

Interest in birds soars in Wales

Research into birdwatching in Britain reveals that Wales has the highest number of twitchers per head of population.

icNorthWales

Bare fields will be spruced up

A donation of 21,000 has kick-started a project which will provide an open space for the surrounding community.

this is Barry


National
Resources
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group Natural Environment Research Council Minerals and Nature Conservation Forum The Wildlife Trusts Wildlife and Countryside Link British Naturalists' Association EnvironmentJobs

Month promotes green volunteering

Charity chiefs were today launching the fifth stage of the Year of the Volunteer 2005 with the aim of encouraging people to give their free time to promote and safeguard the environment.

Community Newswire

Labour plans for coastline 'right to roam'

Labour plans to extend the right to roam to the coastline in England and Wales if it wins a third term.

Telegraph

Naturenet
Countryside management and nature conservation
- here


Energy
Resources
DTI Renewable Energy British Wind Energy Association Greenpeace - Renewable Energies Irish Wind Energy Association Yes2Wind Country Guardian Impact of Wind Turbines on Birds Wind-Farm.org Windfarm News

Fears for beauty spots as windfarms fail to deliver

Windfarms are failing to produce as much power as they are supposed to – and the only way to make them more efficient is to site them in beauty spots.

Yorkshire Post

Why the wind debate may be just hot air

The debate about windfarms is a long way from the top of the election agenda.

Yorkshire Post

Costs threaten offshore windfarm viability

Cabling and grid connection costs are "serious" barriers to offshore wind viability in the world's leading renewables markets, the UK and Germany, according to research by Ernst & Young.

this is north scotland

Campaigner branded a 'zealot' hits back in storm over windfarm

One of the Skye residents branded a "zealot" by former energy minister Brian Wilson yesterday vented his fury about Mr Wilson's claims on the level of opposition to a planned windfarm on Skye.

this is north scotland

Wind farm cash threatens to divide island, say opponents

A row has erupted in the Western Isles between the trustees of a proposed wind farm and those opposing the plans.

Times Online

Prince asks owner to end turbines protest

The Prince of Wales has urged the owner of a Highland retreat to end her protests against a windfarm company erecting dozens of turbines near her estate.

The Herald

Row over who gets what if wind farm goes ahead

A row has broken out between the trustees of a proposed island wind farm and those opposing the plans, it emerged yesterday.

Scotsman.com

R-R in £55m fuel cell technology deal

Expertise from Derby could drive the next wave of electricity generation, Rolls-Royce announced this morning.

this is derbyshire


Climate
Resources
Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research Southampton Oceanography Centre Centre for Ecology and Hydrology Natural Environment Research Council UK Climate Impacts Programme Impacts of Climate Change on Wildlife ENN Special Reports: Climate Change Global Warming: Early warning signs

Now's the time to act on climate

What will the weather be like in AD 2050? Will Gloucestershire be a Mediterranean- like paradise, with more street cafes in Gloucester, or a polar desert, or pretty much as it is now?

The Citizen

Simple steps that could save planet

Time is running out to save the planet from irreversible damage from greenhouse gases but a remedy is at hand.

The Guardian

Squeaky clean fossil fuels

Can we continue to burn fossil fuels and still hope to halt global warming? It seems unlikely - and with the cost of generating wind and solar electricity falling, perhaps unnecessary.

New Scientist

Help produce a forecast of the climate in the 21st century, using your computer -
here


Global
Resources
IUCN - World Conservation Union Convention on Biological Diversity WWF - The global environment network World Land Trust

Civil war threatens the rare Asian rhino

A census shows that the security vacuum caused by Nepal's civil war has allowed poachers to threaten the one-horned Asian rhinoceros, one of the world's most endangered species.

Telegraph

Central Vietnam discovered new butterfly species

A new species of butterfly has recently been discovered in Bach Ma National Park in central Thua-Thien Hue province, marking the first time the species has been recorded in Vietnam.

Thanh Nien Daily

Efforts to save threatened species gets a boost

Work by zoos in the UK and around the world to help save threatened species, gets a boost today.

Scotsman.com

Toxic algae on Florida's Lake Okeechobee jeopardizes $8.4 billion Everglades restoration

Lake Okeechobee was in trouble before last year's hurricanes churned up a thick layer of pollution from the bottom, turning the water the color of day-old coffee. But the worst may be yet to come.

Environmental News Network

Greenpeace co-founder dies of cancer

Bob Hunter, who co-founded Greenpeace and was also a broadcaster, journalist, author and political hopeful, died Monday after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer, CHUM Television announced.

canada.com network

Albatross migration attracts celebrities

With electronic jockeys on board and carrying the hopes of celebrity owners and punters from around the world, 17 unlikely athletes have taken off in an endurance race deemed by some as the toughest in the world.

Reuters

The World Land Trust is a conservation charity that has helped purchase and protect over 300,000 acres of rainforest and other threatened wildlife habitats worldwide. You can help us save even more - here

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Daily wildlife and environment news from the British Isles