Category: THE WILDLIFE NGOs – RSPB, Wildlife Trusts Wild Justice, BSBI etc

Beavers released in Glen Affric 400 years after extinction in Scotland

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Beavers released in Glen Affric 400 years after extinction in Scotland A family of five beavers and a beaver pair have been released at two sites on Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin in the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve in the northwest Highlands. The beavers were relocated under licence from agricultural land in Tayside to an…

RSPB press release – Cow retirement communities helping to save vultures from extinction

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The RSPB, working with Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) and Renewable World, has launched a new programme in Nepal to help some of the world’s most endangered vultures while also improving local livelihoods by using such comprehensive approaches as ‘cow retirement communities’ and boosting local dairy industries.  With funding from the Darwin Initiative, the programme –…

RSPB press release – Slithering success for UK’s most secretive snake

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Slithering success for UK’s most secretive snake The Smooth Snake is the UK’s rarest native reptile, found only on dry heathlands in southern England and restricted to sites in Dorset, Hampshire and Surrey.  Reintroductions to restore the historic range of Smooth Snakes includes a site in Devon where the RSPB, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC)…

RSPB responds to government’s Planning Bill amendments

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Dr James Robinson, RSPB Chief Operating Officer, said:   “Dropping 67 amendments to the Planning Bill at the eleventh hour isn’t just poor process, it’s legislative chaos. There’s no time for proper scrutiny, no clarity on the cumulative impact, and no confidence this is about good planning rather than political optics. It looks like a cynical…

Operation Turtle Dove criticises Turtle Dove reintroduction scheme

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Operation Turtle Dove is a collaboration between RSPB, Pensthorpe Conservation Trust, Fair to Nature and Natural England (click here) which aims to improve the dire status of Turtle Dove’s in the UK. On its website the four bodies say: Operation Turtle Dove is aware of reports of individuals and groups releasing captive-bred Turtle Doves. Whilst…

BSBI press release – Rare fern rediscovered in iconic Cwm Idwal – more than 150 years after last sighting

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The Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) is thrilled to announce the rediscovery of Holly Fern (Polystichum lonchitis) in Cwm Idwal, a glacial cirque in the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia). The fern was found by naturalist, author and mountain leader Jim Langley, more than 150 years after it was last seen in the area. Holly Fern…

RSPB comment on Defra burning announcement and Defra summary of consultation responses

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In response to this morning’s announcement by Defra of tighteneing of reguations on vegetation burning on peat soils, Beccy Speight, RSPB chief executive, said: “Extending the ban on burning over peat in the English uplands is a hugely positive step forwards towards protecting these precious habitats and reducing carbon emissions. Peatlands are one of nature’s greatest superheroes,…

Guest blog – Taking a stand for marine protection by Chris Corrigan

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Chris Corrigan is CEO of the Sussex Wildlife Trust and has worked in nature conservation for almost 40 years. He spent most of his career with the RSPB, most recently as Director England, but has also worked for BirdWatch Ireland and Butterfly Conservation and is a trustee of the South Georgia Heritage Trust. He is…