The Independent reports nearly six times less than government claims, study says. The research, by scientists at the RSPB and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, analysed all of the UK’s land-based protected areas. Findings suggest global conservation progress may have been overestimated, researchers say.
Does feeding garden birds do more harm than good?
The BBC reports the regular feathered visitors to the bird feeders I hang in a particularly lovely tree outside my kitchen window are a welcome dose of colourful nature in a sometimes repetitive daily schedule. So the suggestion that my conscientiously topped-up supply of “premium mixed wild bird seed” is anything other than a positive boost for local wildlife has come as something of an unwelcome surprise. But evidence has been building recently that supplementary feeding could disrupt a delicate ecological balance beyond our windowsills and gardens.
Snowdonia Hawkweed: ‘One of most threatened in the world’
The BBC reports on cliffs above Bethesda that can only be reached with specialist mountaineering gear, grows one of the most endangered plants in the world. The exact location is a closely-guarded secret, but even sheep are unable to get to it, meaning they cannot eat the last of the Snowdonia Hawkweed. Their grazing has wiped the plant out in six of seven areas it once thrived. But from the verge of extinction, it is thought three plants spotted on a cliff in 2002 may have doubled their number.
“For some of the rarest plants, the only places they can sustain themselves is away from grazing and humanity, on the most inaccessible ledges and cliffs,” said horticulturist Robbie Backhall-Miles, who is trying to revive them.
Living with beavers: How the wild creature finally returned to British rivers after 400 years
The Independent reports after 400 years beavers could return to populate England’s rivers, land managers talk to Holly Bancroft about the government’s new consultation and the ups and downs of living alongside the animals.
Light pollution from street lamps linked to insect loss
The BBC reports scientists say light pollution may be contributing to “worrying” declines in insects seen in recent decades. In a UK study, artificial street lights were found to disrupt the behaviour of nocturnal moths, reducing caterpillars numbers by half.
Modern LED streetlights appeared to have the biggest impact. There is growing evidence that insect populations are shrinking due to the likes of climate change, habitat loss and pesticides. Factors are complex and varied, including the steady loss of forests, heathlands, meadows and marshes, overuse of pesticides, climate change and pollution of rivers and lakes.
Trees should be planted without plastic guards, says UK study
The Guardian reports planting trees without plastic tree guards should be standard practice, a UK study has found, as leading conservation charities and landowners seek sustainable alternatives to reduce plastic waste.
The Woodland Trust has announced it is aiming to stop using plastic tree guards by the end of the year. It is trialling plastic-free options at its Avoncliff site in Wiltshire, including cardboard and British wool. The charity plans to plant 10 million trees each year until 2025.
Darren Moorcroft, chief executive of the Woodland Trust, said: “As one of the nation’s largest tree planters, by committing to go plastic-free in terms of the use of tree shelters, we are set to be the trailblazers in this field – catalysing a permanent change to the tree-planting world.”
Builders to buy ‘biodiversity credits’ from farmers
The Daily Telegraph reports example given of Alscot Estate which has been approved by Warwickshire County Council to sell biodiversity ‘units’ to developers wanting to make up for the loss of wildlife at nearby projects.
Housebuilder Crest Nicholson is one customer which has bought credits to mitigate the effect of new homes in Warwick. Under the Environment Bill, developments in England are required to deliver net improvements to biodiversity with developers needing to do this on the site itself or by investing in projects offsite such as the Alscot Estate.
As a last resort, they will be able to buy “biodiversity credits” from the Government which will invest the funds in habitat projects.
Hello hawthorn! £10m sand dunes project brings plants back to life
The Guardian reports Dynamic Dunescapes, supported by Natural England and conservation groups including Plantlife and the Wildlife Trusts, aims to bring new life to sand dunes, by encouraging them to move and shift shape, creating the open areas that wildlife needs to thrive.
Plantwatch: a climate solution is hidden in the hedgerows
The Guardian reports hedgerows help slow down the runoff of water, guarding against flooding and soil erosion, and act as barriers to help prevent pesticide and fertiliser pollution getting into water supplies. Studies show they can improve the quality of air by helping trap air pollution.
The independent Climate Change Committee recommends planting 40% more hedgerows by 2050, and the government needs to commit itself to this target in the run-up to Cop26, the UN climate change conference in Glasgow this autumn.
Rewilding: should we bring the lynx back to Britain?
The Guardian reports reintroducing the big cats could control deer numbers and enrich ecosystems but farmers and the public need reassurance, say experts.