This is, apparently, the second ‘Natura 2000 Day‘.
Natura 2000 sites are those designated under the Birds and Habitats Directives of the EU – how dull does that sound? But some of your best birding moments have been spent in such places – The New Forest, The Wash, The Coto Donana, the Camargue, the Danube Delta and the list goes on because this network of protected areas is one of the EU’s finest achievements. Remember that tomorrow when you vote in the EU elections please.
The UK is bottom of the list in the Natura 2000 barometer when assessed by % of national area that has been designated for nature in this way. We are behind Malta and France. We are behind everyone else.
I went for a walk in my favourite Natura 2000 site this morning – Stanwick Lakes is a small part of the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SPA. It’s no Camargue – but its existence and protection mean a lot to my quality of life.
BirdlIfe International Spanish partner , SEO (and they are a great organisation), is asking us all to celebrate Natura 2000 sites by uploading a picture of a butterfly made with your hands.
I did something different as I know that nature is feeling the pinch. No butterflies were harmed in the making of this photograph.
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Mark, I have been told that NE, who operate a Natura 2000 site, are carrying out scrub clearance during the nesting season, on the site. Our wildlife guardians?
Mark, as you like a bet perhaps you would comment on the following (i.e. what are the odds). The next CEO of NE will be a/. an accountant. b/. a lawyer. c/. A grouse moor owner. d/. A member of the English Tourist Board. e/. A Naturalist.
I see NE/Defra were quick off the mark dis-liking my first comment. Nothing better to do?