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

"Climate change could cost £20 billion per year"

Greens have warned voters that "a vote for Labour is a vote for economic disaster", following the release of their new "Costs of climate change" briefing, which outlines how the bill from climate change damages will increase dramatically in the future under the "business as usual" scenario.

Green Party

We seem to be forgetting the big issue

On Sunday night, I attended a hustings somewhere in the home counties. The five candidates answered questions submitted by a large, elderly audience, on topics as varied as school meals and arms sales.

Guardian Unlimited Politics

Greens in last push for first MP

The Greens have begun a final push to persuade people there is a real chance a vote for them could make history and send their first MP to Westminster.

BBC

Questions over greenbelt's future

It may have been overshadowed nationally by more emotive issues such as the Iraq war, school discipline and the state of hospitals, but in Gloucestershire the environment is high on the political agenda.

BBC

Green issues to the fore

Green policies were to the fore at an election meeting in Meltham.

icHuddersfield


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

Britain's loveliest wildflower makes a fuss and fights for survival

One of Britain's loveliest wild flowers, in bloom now, has declined so much in its distribution and range that it isfound in only 18 places in the country.

Independent

Milk thistle does not reduce deaths from liver diseases, best studies find

Milk thistle, a widely used alternative medicine, is not proven effective in lowering mortality in alcoholic or hepatitis B or C liver disease, according to a systematic review of current evidence.

EurekAlert

Nature notes

The oaks and the beeches are now coming into leaf everywhere.

Times Online

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


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

Underwater mounds may reveal all about our ecosystem

Huge underwater mounds just off the Irish coast are to be investigated by a team of scientists on a "floating university".

Irish Independent

Warning to skippers over 'black fish' scam

A multi-million-pound "black fish" scam involving tonnes of illegally landed herring and mackerel was just the tip of the iceberg, the head of the Scottish Fishery Protection Agency claimed yesterday.

Scotsman.com
The Herald

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.


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

Foxes 'suffer more under hunt ban'

New academic research has proven that the ban on hunting, and the subsequent rise in foxes being shot, has resulted in an increase in the suffering of the animals.

Country Life
Telegraph

Why bat survival is in the pipeline

A decline in the local bat population has prompted a water company to recycle redundant pipes and use them as homes for the mammals.

icBirmingham

Seals to be saved from fisherman's wrath by river noise

Thousands of seals could be saved each year by an invention that stops them entering Scottish rivers, where they are killed for “poaching” salmon fishermen’s catches.

Times Online

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

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


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

Security operation if birds nest

A national wildlife charity is 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

Wales is tops for twitchers in the UK

Wales is the business when it comes to bird lovers, according to a new survey.

icWales

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


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

New road 'could destory countryside'

Vast swathes of beautiful countryside could be destroyed by a major new road slicing through Essex, it was claimed yesterday.

East Anglian Daily Times

Working to help wildlife

A wildlife corridor is being established from Beckenham all the way to West Wickham.

This Is Local London

It's party time at woods

A party will be held at a community woodland in Keynsham to mark its new status as a nature reserve.

this is bristol

Advice on offer to create your own wildlife haven

Turning your garden into a haven for wildlife is not as hard as people might think.

This Is Local London

Website launch for farming and wildlife project

A new website has been launched to boost a unique conservation scheme in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

eGov monitor

River stock fish may be barren

The Environment Agency is considering changing its rules on stocking rivers with trout so only infertile, female fish can be released.

Telegraph

See something, hear something, say Environment Agency

The Environment Agency is today asking fishery owners, managers and anglers to be aware of disease problems on their waters and to report any signs of dead fish or fish in distress.

Environment Agency

Wildlife boosting awards

Farmers who actively encourage wildlife on their farms are being invited to enter a farm conservation competition - the 2005 Silver Lapwing Awards.

icNewcastle

Areas of importance for conservation

The Avon Gorge is not just a spectacular natural landmark. It is regarded as being of exceptional conservation importance.

this is bristol

Season springs surprises

Hundreds of nature watchers have plotted the arrival of spring in the North-East.

icNewcastle


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

Farmers win Tir Gofal pledge

Angry farming unions in Wales have won assurances that proposed cuts to Tir Gofal and other agri-environment schemes will not be implemented without full consultation.

icWales

TB action will span 3 years

Intensive treatment and research areas in Wales may be set up this summer to tackle the problem of bovine TB in livestock and wildlife.

icWales

Chance to see ospreys - in Wales

A pair of ospreys has returned to breed in Wales. RSPB Cymru is celebrating the return of the rare birds to North Wales by launching the only osprey viewing scheme in Wales.

icWales

My special place in Wales Top Ten revealed….but keep voting

The majesty of SNOWDON and the charm of TENBY - these places have taken the early lead as the Countryside Council searches for Wales’ most special places.

Countryside Council for Wales

Join biodiversity team

Ceredigion landowners and tenants have just days to join a wildlife land management success story.

icWales

Major work starts on country park

Major work has started to extend a Gwendraeth Valley country park. New attractions are being developed at Llyn Llech Owain in Gorslas.

this is southwales


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

'Natural gateway' to Mourne Mountains

Newcastle's proud industrial heritage is set to be highlighted with a new walking trail which is being launched in the County Down town.

BBC

Kids on trail to rural knowledge

Children in Antrim have been treated to the first glimpse of the new educational adventure trail at Greenmount College.

News Letter

Protest at site of new superdump

Gardaí have again been called to the site of a new €25 million superdump near the village of Kilconnell in Co Galway where local residents are protesting against a landfill project.

RTE News

Emergency powers force councils to clean up act

Environment minister Dick Roche last night invoked emergency powers to force lazy and incompetent local authorities to clean up the massive network of illegal dumps nationwide.

Irish Independent


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

Fears build over planning reform

Environmentalists have expressed "grave concerns" about a leaked document which suggests ministers may want to curb the right to object to major developments.

BBC

Enviro cash for village

Strichen Community Park Company has been awarded more than £17,000 from the Community Environmental Renewal Scheme on behalf of the Scottish Executive.

Buchan Observer


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

Angus windfarm protesters claim 700 objections lodged - but more needed

Protesters attempting to block a proposed windfarm development in Angus have claimed that more than 700 objections have been lodged with the local authority.

this is north scotland

Ramblers join fight against windfarm proposals

The Ramblers Association has joined the fight against plans to build giant wind turbines in the countryside.

this is devon

Challenge looms on windfarm at Drummuir

Councillors are expected to decide tomorrow whether to mount a legal challenge against the Scottish Executive's go-ahead for a controversial windfarm development in Moray.

this is north scotland

Warning on wind farm

Protestors fighting a planned Devon wind farm hope that a bright red barrage balloon will bolster their campaign against the scheme.

this is Exeter

Windfarm group seeks royal help

Campaigners are to ask Prince Charles to support their fight to stop a new windfarm being built off the north Wales coast.

BBC

Windfarm plans put on display

Plans for a controversial wind turbine farm have been put on public show.

icHuddersfield

Painting a picture of opposition

Paint it while you can was the theme of a wind farm protest day at Upper and Lower Lliw reservoirs.

this is southwales

Predictable energy

We have Plaid AM, Dai Lloyd, recently claiming that Plaid thinks Wales has more than its fair share of wind farms.

this is southwales

Home wind turbines cut bills and pollution

A mini-wind turbine generating electricity could soon become the homeowner's latest fashion accessory - especially when people realise it could turn their meter backwards.

The Guardian

Soapbox: let's not hand a nuclear nightmare to future generations

The proposals for a new wind farm near Brean are being opposed by Hinkley Action Group. The concerns they raise about placing "all the renewable energy eggs in one basket" and the efficiency of turbines are legitimate issues which deserve to be discussed.

this is bristol


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

Storage of CO2 would lessen the effects of global warming

Sir: We know there is appropriate infrastructure in the North Sea, purpose-built using stainless steel, that can process large quantities of CO2.

Independent

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

Argentina's great beaver plague

At the end of the world, a sky-blue stream sweeps down from an ice-glazed mountain on its way to the Beagle Channel.

BBC

Zimbabwe's government seeks buyers for surplus elephants

Zimbabwe’s Parks and Wildlife Authority is looking for private buyers for thousands of elephants because its game reserves are overcrowded.

Scotsman.com

Full of deceit and murder, cuckoos reveal new disguise

Cuckoos live what seem to be lives full of deception and murder. As adults, they lay their eggs in the nests of other birds. (Why raise your own chick, when you can dupe others into doing the work for you?)

National Geographic

Wild pigs killed to save Santa Cruz fox

Norm Macdonald rises each morning with the sun, grabs his .223-caliber rifle and slips into the passenger seat of a tiny, doorless helicopter for another day of shooting pigs.

Environmental News Network

Soil quality threat to EU farming

European farming is being threatened by declining soil quality, particularly in eastern states, according to a report.

BBC

Bob Hunter

Bob Hunter was one of the original eco-warriors. A man with a knack for words - he coined the term eco-warrior - he was also a man of action who inspired a new brand of personal environmental activism.

Times Online

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