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

Small isn't beautiful if you're a politician

A whopping 100 tons of carbon dioxide will be emitted by each of the main party's helicopters during this election campaign - but at the same time we hear that ten species of wildflower are disappearing from Britain each decade ...

this is cornwall

Hot air in election period sees greenhouse gas emissions rise

During an election campaign where the environment has been conspicuous by its absence from the political agenda, carbon dioxide emissions will have risen by about 340,000 tonnes.

WWF-UK

Lib Dems go global over climate change manifesto

Catastrophic climate change is the greatest man-made threat to the planet, a Swansea Liberal Democrat candidate told a news conference in Cardiff yesterday.

this is southwales

Target constituencies predict a doubling or trebling of the Green vote

"Voters are showing at the ballot box that they want a real, radical, Green alternative to the neo-liberal Westminster parties. By Friday, we hope to be repeating our successes in local authorities and in European parliament in Westminster, too."

Green Party

Greens warn voters: "Dont vote for Toxic Tony"

This morning, 24 hours before the General Election, top Greens gathered outside parliament to tell voters: " A vote for Labour will let nuclear in through the back door"

Green Party

Environmentalist's 'wake-up' plea to candidates

South Devon conservationists are urging voters to send a wake-up call to politicians and put the environment at the top of their election agenda.

this is southdevon


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

Large male basking shark live strands in Wexford

A 7.19m male basking shark was spotted in Ardmine bay, near Courtown, north County Wexford on Thursday, 28th .April last in apparent discomfort, thrashing about in the shallows.

Irish Whale and Dolphin Group

Another female right whale death

Another female right whale from an already endangered population of whales has been found dead, possibly the victim of a collision with a ship.

Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society

EU urged to stop feeding tuna farms with...fish

EU states should stop using fish as feed in tuna farms, which risks spreading exotic viruses to the Mediterranean, environmental group WWF said on Wednesday.

Reuters

Myanmar issues regulations to save decimated marine turtle population

Eating the meat and eggs of turtles will no longer be allowed under a package of regulations issued by the Myanmar government to save the country's decimated population of marine turtles, a state-run newspaper said Wednesday.

Environmental News Network

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

Lampreys, the food of kings, are close to extinction

Once a delicacy which graced the tables of nobility, the fish reputedly responsible for the death of two gluttonous monarchs is on the verge of extinction.

Independent

Group calls for 'alien' crayfish ban

When demand for a more exotic species of crayfish swept over Britain in the 1970s, the American Red Signal Crayfish seemed like the answer to everyone's prayers.

East Anglian Daily Times

Stag hunt is cleared over cruelty

An inquiry by hunting and countryside organisations has cleared a County Down hunt of accusations of animal cruelty.

BBC

Blame for bovine TB is wrongly placed

At the moment, Defra is pre-baiting in Mid Devon and south Gloucestershire. Trapping and killing is starting from May 1.

this is cornwall

New arrival for endangered ponies

A herd of endangered Exmoor ponies which graze on heathland in Berkshire have produced their first foal.

BBC

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

Fabled bird's return brings £180,000 to Cornwall

The return of the chough has boosted the Cornish economy to the tune of £180,000, according to the RSPB.

this is cornwall

Airport operator defends shootings

Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd has been accused of causing the problem at a Highland airport which led to the shooting of five buzzards to protect aircraft safety.

this is north scotland

Water project stepped up for corncrakes

Work on a £1million water improvement project in the Western Isles was speeded up to avoid disturbing a threatened species of bird.

this is north scotland

Stone the crows as mirrors deter them nesting in electricity poles

Electricity workers are making daily crow patrols on Tiree to deter the birds from building their nests on electricity poles - and it is all done with mirrors.

this is north scotland

Bid to enforce island's dog ban

A Caversham resident has taken it into his own hands to save wildlife from aggressive dog owners and their pets.

icBerkshire


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 appeal to help protect wildflower site

Sylvia's Meadow, near St Ann's Chapel, is a fine example of species rich, natural, unimproved grassland - a type of meadow now very rare in Cornwall with only one other comparable site in the whole of the county.

this is cornwall

Wonder drugs waiting in the weeds?

It's often said that plants hidden in the tangle of the Amazonian rain forest may harbor an undiscovered cancer cure. John Richard Stepp thinks the same can be said for the world's weeds.

National Geographic

Root for fruit

Britain's orchards - traditional and commercial - are fading fast. Could cider-powered buses and individual enthusiasts be the answer?

The Guardian


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

Are poachers to blame for deadly river pollution?

Two leads are being followed up to find the cause of a disastrous pollution in the River Fowey, killing thousands of salmon and sea trout, the Environment Agency has confirmed.

this is cornwall

Nature reserve targeted

A nature reserve near Louth is being targeted by professional thieves and arsonists, costing a wildlife trust thousands of pounds.

Louth Today

Lake District National Park about to be extended?

Countryside campaigners CPRE hope the Countryside Agency will tomorrow (Thursday) agree to setting in motion major extensions to two national parks — the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.

CPRE

Major new fish study launched

The nation's largest independent wildlife research charity today launched a pioneering study which aims to examine the impact infertile, farmed trout make when released into the wild.

Community Newswire

Online survey shows our impact on county's coast

A special survey has been launched by the Devon Wildlife Trust to help people discover the impact their lifestyles have on the county's coastline.

this is southdevon

Farm up with the lark again

The lark has returned to a farm once given the bird by many of our feathered friends.

icSurreyOnline

Wildlife growing at plant

A Teesside chemical plant is celebrating an environmentally friendly achievement.

icTeesside

Residents dig in to help wildlife in park

Residents learned more about their natural surroundings at a conservation event.

News Shopper

Coastal wildlife seminar

Come and find out more about the marine life in and around the Morecambe Bay area.

Lakeland Radio


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

Wicklow mountains park plan unveiled

A five-year plan has been launched for the management and development of the 17,000-hectare Wicklow Mountains National Park.

The Papers Today

Golf club future threatened by appeal against anti-erosion plan

Plans to secure the long-term future of the €150m Doonbeg golf club in Co Clare have been thrown into question.

The Papers Today

Roche on EU complaints

Minister for the Environment Dick Roche is to set up a taskforce to address outstanding complaints against Ireland over the State's failure to fulfil EU environmental obligations.

The Papers Today
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

EU waste ruling a warning to Ulster

A European ruling on illegal rubbish dumping in the Republic sends a clear warning to Northern Ireland, an environmental campaign group claimed last night.

Belfast Telegraph

Planning rules for waste projects to be eased

Minister for the Environment Dick Roche has relaxed Government guidelines on waste which are expected to ease planning restrictions on major waste projects such as landfills and incinerators.

The Papers Today

€5m marina planned for Westport

A plan has been drawn up for a €5m state-of-the-art marina at Westport Quay in Co Mayo ...

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

Ten thousand years on the bog

A near-continuous record of more than ten thousand years of environmental change has been found in a Banffshire bog.

Scottish Natural Heritage

Your woodland needs you!

Do your bit for the environment - and do yourself some good at the same time!

Forestry Commission

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


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


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

Dartmoor Park set to oppose wind farm bid

A scheme to build three wind turbines near Okehampton looks set to suffer a setback tomorrow as Dartmoor National Park Authority meets to discuss whether the proposal would have a detrimental impact on the landscape.

Okehampton Today

Turbines on march across our green and pleasant land

Another chapter is being added to the wind turbine saga. Following Bradworthy and North Tawton, we now have plans for a further three turbines on the edge of Dartmoor at Yelland Farm.

this is southdevon

Balloon goes up to oppose valley wind farm proposal

A bright red barrage balloon was flying high over the countryside near North Tawton over the Bank Holiday weekend to raise public awareness of a proposed wind farm.

Okehampton Today

Windfarm developers say views will not be adversely affected

Developers will claim a controversial windfarm planned for a Perthshire beauty spot would have "no significant visual effect" on the Sma' Glen at a public inquiry later this month.

this is north scotland

Buffer zone for turbines

Breckland council yesterday set it itself on a collision course with the Government over new guidelines on wind turbines.

EDP24

Over to you Charles

Campaigners are urging the Prince of Wales to back the growing movement opposing controversial wind farm proposals.

North Wales Pioneer

Inescapable logic of CO2

Having restrained myself from mere repetition of the arguments in favour of wind farms for some time, I am prompted to respond to Jack Harris (Have Your Say, April 28) and his ridiculous assertion about green coal technology.

this is southwales

Wind farms schemes generating jobs

Onshore wind farms will generate hundreds of jobs as well as electricity, construction industry experts have claimed.

this is southwales

Wood energy could contribute €70m to economy - SEI

Ireland has the potential to develop an indigenous fuel supply from forestry and wood industry waste for domestic and industrial markets, a conference will hear.

BreakingNews.ie

UK tidal power expert in island

A UK expert in renewable energy believes the tidal currents around Guernsey could provide Britain with a third of all its power.

BBC


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

U.S. Energy chief wants global push for 'clean coal'

U.S. Energy Secretary Sam Bodman called for more international efforts to develop coal as an alternative energy source as ministers met Tuesday to address concerns over the future of the world's energy supplies.

Environmental News Network

Party 'heat' over energy record

Environmentalists have released thermal images of the HQs of Scotland's four biggest political parties to illustrate varying standards of energy efficiency.

BBC

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

Europeans want policy makers to consider the environment as important as economic and social policies

For Europeans, a healthy environment is as important to their quality of life as the state of the economy and social factors, according to a new Eurobarometer survey.

EUROPA
Green Consumer Guide

Mediterranean fish at risk of exotic viruses

Mediterranean wild fish are exposed to exotic viruses because of huge quantities of imported feed-fish used in tuna farming, says a report launched today by WWF.

WWF Newsroom

Government oil greed to stamp out rare wildflower

A rare type of cactus could be pushed to extinction following a US government proposal to build 900 new oil wells in Utah's Uinta Basin.

edie news centre

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