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

Habitat will be back next weekend


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

Saved?

Britain's most persecuted bird of prey is regaining a foothold on the moorlands of Wales.

icNorthWales

Scarce birds pay county flying visit

Two birds have flown back into Gloucestershire for the first time in 20 years.

Gloucestershire Echo

Woody watch

The RSPB and British Trust for Ornithology is asking for birdwatchers in Lancashire to be on the lookout for lesser spotted woodpeckers.

icLiverpool

Rare bird victim of beach rubbish

A rare migrating bird has fallen victim to beach litter in Marazion, just a few weeks after the RSPB issued a warning about the problem in Hayle.

this is Cornwall

Little Terns safe from windfarm - report

Norfolk's rare colony of breeding Little Terns is safe from the dangers posed by its new offshore windfarm, scientists asserted yesterday.

EDP24

Birds steer clear of turbine threat

Geese and ducks learn to avoid the blades of offshore wind farms, according to research published in Biology Letters.

The Guardian

Nature notes

Twites are nesting in the heather in Scotland, and also on a few moors in northwest England and North Wales.

Times Online

New indicators reveal mixed fortunes for European birds

An updated set of wild bird indicators - the first genuine biodiversity indicators of their kind in Europe - paint a mixed picture of how the environment around us is changing.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

Feathered friends to see on ferries

From amazing birds of prey to stunning seabirds, this summer thousands of people will again have the chance to get close to wild birds with the RSPB.

icLiverpool


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

Alien pond weed poses deadly threat to lake fish

Ornamental garden ponds are being blamed for a deadly "alien" African weed which has invaded Lough Corrib, threatening fish kills.

Irish Independent

Hidden treasure on our doorstep

They are often overlooked as we pass them sprouting up on waste ground or by the sides of paths.

Scotsman.com

Ponies arrive to save rare plants

Conservationists caring for rare plants and animals on endangered heathland have brought in Exmoor ponies to help manage the area.

BBC

Park's rhododendron officer plan

An official could be employed in an attempt to control the spread of the rhododendron plant in Snowdonia.

BBC

Wildflowers and wildlife

Let's have a look at the wild roses. There's the shell-pink dog rose; the pink downy of the north of England and Scotland; the white or pink bramble; the rich pink Provence, and the white guelder which is a member of the honeysuckle family.

this is southdevon

Longer grass

Long grass in Newquay is being used to encourage biodiversity in the resort. Restormel Council is embarking upon an experiment in its grass-cutting season to try to encourage a range of wildflowers to grow.

this is cornwall


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

Food chain fears may end 'industrial' fishing in North Sea

Europe is expected to ban fishing for sand eels in the North Sea "within weeks" amid fears of ecological changes more radical than anything since the sea formed 10,000 years ago.

Telegraph

Gentle giants

A comprehensive website has been set up to inform people about basking sharks and encourage them to report sightings.

Isle of Man Today

Facts about Northern Ireland's seas

The murky goings-on in the seas around Ireland rival anything offered up by the most outrageous reality TV programme or soap opera.

The Papers Today

Fishing nets kill 1,000 marine mammals daily

Almost 1,000 whales, dolphins and porpoises die daily in fishing nets and urgent changes are needed in trawling methods to save nine populations under immediate threat, conservation group WWF said on Thursday.

Reuters
New Scientist
Environmental News Network

Coalition urges UN curbs on harmful ocean sounds

An environmental coalition urged the United Nations Wednesday to take steps to protect whales, dolphins and other marine life from the powerful sound waves used in oil and gas exploration and by the world's navies to navigate and detect submarines.

Environmental News Network

IFAW - Leading conservationists sound alarm over whaling

IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare - www.ifaw.org) and other leading conservation groups today called for an end to whaling and expressed concern over new proposals from the Government of Japan to expand its whaling activities.

International Fund for Animal Welfare

Japan whale vote 'will be close'

A bid to stop Japan from increasing whaling depends on just a few votes, Australian Environment Minister Ian Campbell said on Thursday.

BBC

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 Scottish Badgers 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

Key woodlands identified for red squirrel conservation

Efforts to save Scotland’s endangered red squirrels took an important step forward with a new report published today.

Scottish Natural Heritage

Badger TB vaccine trial launched

The government is to launch a trial to test whether vaccinating badgers against tuberculosis can prevent the spread of the disease in cattle.

BBC
Government News Network

'A sick attack on beautiful animals'

Sadistic badger-baiters have dug up a hidden sett in the county and almost certainly tortured the animals to death.

this is Gloucestershire

Encourage friendly visitors

Encouraging small mammals: Small mammals are elusive garden visitors going about their business mostly at night.

this is Gwent

Watch out for wildlife

With gardening season here, the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is issuing a reminder to gardeners across Scotland to keep a watch out for Hedgehogs.

icAyrshire

Squirrel paté dished by protests

A restaurant selling squirrel terrine has been forced to withdraw it after death threats from animal rights activists.

Telegraph

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


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

Good effort - must work harder

Real progress has been made in improving the environment, but the latest facts also reveal some worrying trends, the Environment Agency said today.

Environment Agency

Health alert over chemicals in rivers

The cocktail of chemicals entering British waterways may be causing far more damage to humans and wildlife than previously thought

The Herald

'Give communities right to ban GM crops'

A Europe-wide petition is calling for regions and local authorities to have the legal right to ban the cultivation of GM crops in their area.

icWales

Naturenet
Countryside management and nature conservation
- here


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

Grass fire drama at Red Moss

Firefighters battled through the night to control a grass fire that got out of control on conservation land.

this is Lancashire

Wildlife killed after arsonists strike

An arson attack at a Dudley nature reserve has killed young birds and put rare species under threat.

expressandstar.com

Arsonists to blame say nature lovers

Nature lovers say arsonists who have been starting a spate of woodland fires are putting wildlife at risk.

Chichester Today

Residents living in fear of heath flames

Arson attacks on heathland in Poole are sparking fears that residents' homes may be at risk.

this is Dorset

Wildlife crime increasing on protected sites

From April 2004 to March 2005 English Nature dealt with over 220 reported crimes.

English Nature

1,000 objections over major housing project

More than 1,000 people have objected to plans to build hundreds of homes in the countryside.

The Argus

Plea over a wildlife survey

Tamworth residents are being asked for their help in compiling a national wildlife survey of the waterways.

Tamworth Herald

Public consultation on procedural guidelines for the removal of an SSSI notification -denotification

Don’t forget, the public consultation on procedural guidelines for the removal of an SSSI notification (denotification) we issued on 15 March 2005 draws to a close on 16 June 2005.

English Nature

Police seek 'balance' over motorcycling row

Police chief Tony Rudd is aiming to thrash out confusion over motocross fans riding off-road on Portland.

this is Dorset


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

Islanders seek natural selection

Island communities have joined together to campaign for an integrated approach to protecting some of the most spectacular Inner Hebridean scenery.

BBC
The Herald

Youngsters' spotlight on Spey Bay wildlife

The wealth of wildlife which exists on the lower reaches of the River Spey and offshore in the Moray Firth is being pointed out to local youngsters throughout this week.

this is north scotland

Ythan project volunteers aim to maintain momentum

Environmental volunteers in the north-east are teaming up to maintain momentum following the recently-ended Ythan Project.

this is north scotland

Islanders back estate buy-out bid

Islanders have voted in favour of attempting what could become Scotland's biggest community purchase to date.

BBC

Battle starts to stop Cairngorms pylons plan

A campaign aimed at stopping the Scottish Executive from granting permission for 200ft pylons in the Cairngorms National Park was launched yesterday.

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)

Reservoir's in the top flight for birds

A Gwent nature reserve scooped a top national award after staff created the perfect environment for birds.

this is Gwent

A wildlife windfall

Cadoxton ponds in Barry have been awarded more than 50,000 of European cash to make the area one of the most important for conservation in the Vale of Glamorgan.

this is Barry

Crowds back forest drive

Hundreds of people gathered at the launch of a campaign to save a huge swathe of ancient Gwent woodland last night.

this is Gwent

Agency working on rivers

Some of the most important Welsh rivers from an angling and conservation perspective are the Teifi in Ceredigion and the Tywi in Carmarthenshire.

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

Walkers' uphill battle over as court rules track a right-of-way

Hillwalkers have welcomed a landmark court judgment granting the public right-of-access to a controversial walking track as "a victory for common sense".

Irish Independent

Minister Roche announces backdating of increased compensation rates for bogs

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Mr. Dick Roche, T.D., today announced that the increased rates agreed under "Sustaining Progress" for the sale of bog or turbary rights on raised bogs ...

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government


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

Wind farm illness

SIR - There seems to be a great deal of controversy about the effect of wind turbine noises on human health. I can assure everyone who needs to know, that some people like myself have found it impossible to live near them.

icWales

Wind farm fears for ships' radar

Fears over possible interference with ships' radar could put plans to build the world's largest wind farm in the Greater Thames Estuary in jeopardy.

BBC

Plans unveiled for gigantic wind scheme

One of the world's biggest wind farms could be built off the coast of Essex.

this is Essex

Wind farms will threaten environment

Madam - As the local district of the Campaign to Protect Rural England we would like to comment on the debate concerning wind farms.

Gloucestershire Echo

Windfarm comments

An article in your June energy supplement indicates that Brian Wilson is remarkably ignorant in his knowledge of onshore wind.

this is north scotland

Protesters welcome meeting with wind farm developers

Wind farm protesters have welcomed the prospect of talks with the company behind the Moorsyde proposal, near Shoresdean, for 14 turbines over 100 metres tall.

Berwick Today

Powering up again

A firm of wind farm developers are planning to press ahead with proposals for a site west of Berwick after overcoming financial problems.

icTeeside

Future generations will pay the price if anti-wind lobby succeed

Local campaigners from South Lakeland Friends of the Earth are scheduled to give evidence to the inquiry on Tuesday 7 June 2005 in support of the proposed Whinash wind farm ...

Friends of the Earth

Farmers push for biofuel support ahead of G8 summit

Farmers have pointed out ahead of the G8 summit that they are capable of making a significant contribution to tackling climate change.

FWi


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

Environment Agency calls for tough action on climate change

Increasing traffic levels, the rapid growth in flights and high dependence on fossil fuels for generating electricity mean the Government is failing to make progress on climate change according to the latest assessment from the Environment Agency,

Friends of the Earth

Millions 'hit by global warming'

Millions of people in England and Wales are being seriously affected by pollution and global warming, the Environment Agency says.

BBC

Traffic pollution is keeping air quality below standard

Pollution from traffic is undermining otherwise successful efforts by industry to improve air quality, according to new research from the Environment Agency.

Times Online

British conservationist to lose posts after climate claims

A retraction of controversial claims about climate change does not appear to have saved leading British conservationist David Bellamy from the imminent loss of two prestigious posts.

New Scientist

York scientists warn of dramatic impact of climate change on Africa

Scientists at the University of York are warning that dramatic changes may soon occur in Africa’s vegetation in response to global warming.

University of York

White House 'toned down' climate reports

The White House was accused of politicising research into climate change yesterday after it emerged that an official with ties to the oil industry rewrote reports to play down links between greenhouse gases and global warming.

Telegraph

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

Scientists believe insect would kill coca crops

A group of Colombian scientists believe they've found a way to wipe out cocaine production: unleash an army of hungry moth caterpillars. But critics of the proposal say the chance for "ecological mischief" is high.

Environmental News Network

Montana to fight spread of noxious weeds

They infest a portion of Montana the size of Florida and Arkansas combined, and go by names like tansy ragwort, yellow toadflax and houndstongue.

Environmental News Network

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