Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership Partners’ News December 2008
In this issue: Partners News Stag beetle dispersal, Colin Hawes Otters and Stillwater fisheries guidance, Environment Agency Heathland restoration at Tiger Hill LNR Wet woodland in the Waveney Valley, Forestry Commission Beachwatch in Suffolk, Suffolk Coasts and Heaths AONB Unit From Landfill to Larks, Ipswich Borough Rangers Is Pillwort losing the fight at Lound? Broads Authority Suffolk Hedgerow survey Planning update Focus on Habitat Working Groups Information What’s on
Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership information
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PARTNERS NEWS Stag Beetle Dispersal Colin Hawes, Royal Holloway University of London (Lead for the stag beetle Biodiversity Action Plan in Suffolk)
Traditionally the stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) has been associated with forests and woodland. However, records collected in national surveys, organised by the People's Trust for Endangered Species (1998 and 2002), showed that over 75% of the 12,000 beetles sighted came from urban areas rather than the rural environment. Furthermore, 93% of the urban sightings came from residential gardens. In the UK, the abundance of decaying wood, especially in older gardens, provides a significant food resource for stag beetle larvae. In addition, improved garden soils give good drainage and suitable conditions for female beetles to burrow deeply to lay their eggs, whilst warmth from houses increases the ambient temperature above that of the open countryside, providing 'heat islands' for this thermophilous species.
Stag beetle log pile. Photo: Colin Hawes
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Colonisation of new areas is dependent on female beetles dispersing to suitable dead-wood habitat. A reliable method for obtaining stag beetle dispersal data is required if the UK Species Action Plan targets are to be met and is fundamental to providing appropriate dead-wood conservation measures for the species. Data obtained from a mark-release-recapture study carried out in one residential Suffolk garden in 2006, and from subsequent radio-telemetry studies carried out at the same site in 2007 and 2008, suggest that stag beetle dispersal is very limited. Female beetle dispersal seems to be extremely limited, especially when there is a plentiful supply of suitable decaying wood close to the site of their emergence. If the majority of female Stag beetle log pile Photo: Colin Hawes beetles emerging at other locations prove to show similar limited dispersal then this behaviour needs to be taken into account when planning for the conservation of the species. Evidence obtained to date suggests that conservation effort should first be focused on using broad-leaved dead wood, in the form of logs or log piles, to continually replenish the decaying wood at known stag beetle emergence sites. Increased dispersal could then be encouraged by ensuring that short-distance 'stepping stones' of dead-wood habitat are present. Please send your records of stag beetle (and larvae) sightings (with a map reference or place-name to indicate where they were seen) and your address (including postcode) to Colin Hawes at c.hawes@homecall.co.uk or 3 Silver Leys, Bentley IP9 2BS. Records of stag beetle emergence sites are also valuable.
Otters and stillwater fisheries guidance Julia Stansfield, Fisheries, Recreation and Biodiversity Officer, Environment Agency
Otter populations have recovered throughout much of the UK, so increased predation on vulnerable specimen fish and fish farms has become of concern over recent years. In response to this concern, the Environment Agency, The Wildlife Trusts and the Water for Wildlife partnership recently published guidance on how to manage the impact of otters on fisheries (‘Otters and stillwater fisheries’, 2008). Chris Burt, Vice President of the Specialist Anglers Alliance said “The otter is welcomed back as an integral part of our environment and is a protected species too; we as anglers have to accept the associated risks posed to specimen fisheries in particular, and manage them where possible”. This new guidance provides fishery managers with the information necessary to make informed decisions on dealing with this issue. In most cases, otter-proof fencing can provide adequate protection for fisheries; the various options, together with their merits and disadvantages, are described in detail. Basic information on otter biology helps the reader to understand the impact this species may have on a fishery and which solutions may work. Otters are rarely seen, so practical hints on how to recognise their presence by tracks or spraint has been included. Deciding how to manage the impact of otters in new and existing fisheries is made easy with an action flowchart.
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The leaflet can be downloaded from the Natural England website on the Wildlife management - licensing page. Click here to download the pdf (21 Kb). Further information and advice can be sought from the Water for Wildlife officer at your local Wildlife Trust or a Conservation/Fisheries Officer at the Environment Agency. ‘Water for Wildlife’ is a partnership between the Wildlife Trusts, the water industry and the Environment Agency, taking forward wetland conservation through a network of officers across the UK.
Heathland restoration at Tiger Hill LNR Sue Hooton, Senior Ecologist, Suffolk County Council
Important heathland at Tiger Hill Local Nature Reserve (LNR) near Bures is to benefit from a new regime of sustainable management thanks to a grant of about £7,000 from Biffaward and further funding by Suffolk County Council, Sheep will be introduced onto the heathland following fencing work and the removal of invasive young oaks over the winter period. This type of management will restore a rare habitat, valued for a particular botanical composition and will contribute to the targets of the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for Suffolk. Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership and Rural Action East assisted with the grant application to Biffaward. This fund supports community and environmental projects across the UK using money from landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services. The grazing project will be co-ordinated by the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Stour Valley Project in liaison with Nick Miller, landowner and warden for the site and myself. Neil Catchpole, Landscape and Biodiversity Officer for the Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project said, “The project has the support of the Local Nature Reserve Committee and Natural England’s consent because the heathland is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. The fencing will be erected sympathetically to safeguard features of archaeological interest and to maintain public access to the site. Our volunteer practical conservation team will be helping to lay a water pipe to provide a supply of drinking water to the livestock. In line with all of the projects we undertake, we aim to support the local economy and as such the fencing and tree surgery works will be carried out by local skilled contractors”. Grazing is the ideal type of sustainable management to enhance the conservation value of this LNR. Over time, the special qualities of this BAP habitat have declined because of the lack of grazing and the invasion of tree species. Tiger Hill is open to the public at all times by arrangement and group visits for educational purposes are particularly welcomed.” For further information about visiting Tiger Hill, please contact the warden, Nick Miller on 01787 227359.
Wet woodland in the Waveney Valley Steve Scott, Forestry Commission Conservator for the East of England
A recent study of the Waveney Valley, straddling the border between Norfolk and Suffolk, has uncovered a wealth of wet woodland. But this important habitat is fragmented and under threat.
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Wet woodland is our most species-rich terrestrial habitat, combining elements of both broadleaved woodland and fresh water habitats. It is important for plants and protected animals such as Otter, water voles, and bats, for a number of rare insects and for birds such as marsh warbler, spotted flycatcher and song thrush. It occurs on poorly drained soils and seasonally wet soils associated with river valleys, flood plains, flushes and plateaus (i.e. trees growing on land which is permanently or seasonally wet). Dominant tree species are alder, willow (especially grey, goat and crack willow), ash and birch, although other tree species may be present.
Flooded Roydon fen Photo: Steve Scott
Wet woodland in the valley was more extensive than was previously anticipated. A total of 170 flood-plain woodlands were surveyed, of which 102 (580 hectares) were classified wet woodland. However, many woods have been damaged by over draining, conversion to plantations, herbivore poaching, flood protection and game preservation. The study identified opportunities for wet woodland creation at 11 sites (92ha) with possibility of restoration at seven sites (30ha). The 12-month study of flood-plain woodland within the Waveney Valley commenced during the winter of 2006-2007. The project is a partnership between the Forestry Commission and the Suffolk Wildlife Trust and is one of five similar projects throughout the region. Renowned local Environmental Consultant Steve Piotrowski carried out the work. He first used aerial photographs to determine the distribution and range of wet woodland in the Valley and map the existing resource. He then surveyed every woodland along the River Waveney and its tributaries, recording woodland type and the associated flora and fauna. This information was then used to create a computer-based Geographical Information System (GIS) wet woodland inventory. For more information, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/eastengland
Beachwatch in Suffolk Malcolm Farrow, Acting Manager, Suffolk Coasts and Heaths AONB Unit
Beach litter is one of the most frustrating and depressing facets of modern life. As well as being unsightly it's also dangerous to wildlife, so the problem is particularly acute in areas of high biological and scenic value, such as in Suffolk, where much of the coast is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. One of the best ways of tackling the problem is by raising awareness and taking action at a local level, such as through Beachwatch, a national scheme organised by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and coordinated in Suffolk by the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Unit. The scheme couldn't be more straightforward. Groups of volunteers survey a section of beach recording and collecting rubbish. As well as cleaning the beach, the information sent back and used by the MCS to identify the sources, target offenders and lobby government. All equipment is provided, either by Suffolk Coastal District Council or the AONB Unit and because the event is so popular, this year we have had to buy even more!
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Suffolk is leading the way in Beachwatch and is one of the UK's most active counties. The results from this year's event have yet to be published, but it's likely that the number of people involved and the amount of rubbish collected will match last year's record breaking results, when over 500 people took part - a tremendous result for the county and its precious coastal wildlife. For more information, contact the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Unit on 01394 384948, website http://www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org/
From Landfill to Larks Matt Berry, Ipswich Borough Council
Landseer Park July 2008. Photo: Matt berry
For the first time in thirty years Skylarks have been present and nesting in Landseer Park, thanks mainly to a simple change in the sites management, from vast areas of short mown grass to a fluid tapestry of meadows, trees and pathways. The reappearance of the Skylark on Landseer Park is a real achievement and a great reward for those who have been involved in this biodiversity project to breathe life back into a forgotten and lost landscape.
Ipswich Borough Councils Wildlife & Education Ranger Team has been leading on the project since its inception in 2002, working in partnership with local user groups and involving the public wherever possible through tree planting events, biological surveys and other special events. During the past five to six years approximately eighteen acres of meadow have been created and flora and fauna is now rising like a phoenix from the flames, and the ecological damage done during the sites more recent history as a municipal landfill site is being reversed. And the good news continues; the meadow is also providing habitat and food for other birds such as Linnets and Meadow Pipits. This is a real success story; it’s been just five years since the cutting regime was changed on Landseer Park and we have managed to attract two bird species that are suffering steep declines nationally. We have also been planting Gorse thickets to encourage species such as Linnet to stay and breed in the park and are noting other species such as warblers that are also benefiting from the improved habitats. But this is just the beginning. Future plans include the restoration of one of the site’s several lost ponds, lots more tree planting and continuing management of the CWS area of woodland. It is the Ranger team’s goal that the site continues to develop its potential, as part of a strategic green lung in SE Ipswich connecting the town with the docks and out to the River Orwell estuary. Southern Marsh Orchid, Landseer Park. Photo: Matt Berry
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Is Pillwort losing the fight at Lound? Hannah Gray, Conservation Officer, Trinity Broads & Lound, Broads Authority This summer a survey of the lakes at Lound was carried out, funded by the Suffolk and Norfolk Biodiversity Partnerships (Lound Lakes form the county border) and the landowner Essex & Suffolk Water. The aim of the survey was to see if the interesting plant communities around the edges of the lakes had changed since the last survey in 2002. A specific focus was a tiny fern called Pillwort (Pilularia globulifera), a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species for both counties. Pillwort is a small fern that is easily mistaken for a delicate grass. It is semi-aquatic, growing by, or just submerged in, muddy shallow water bodies including lakes, ponds and marshes, often on bare acid soils with fluctuating water levels. The leaves arise from a creeping root in a characteristic fern-like fiddlehead, and are bright green and thread-like. The plant derives its name from the small spores at the base of leaves, which look like blackish pills or nodules. To be brutally honest, we weren’t optimistic about the results, because the invasive species, Crassula helmsii (New Zealand Pygmyweed), has been established and expanding its range at Lound for over a decade. Unfortunately, our fears were realised, as the survey found no evidence of Pillwort, and other target species such as Lesser Water Plantain (Baldellia ranunculoides) and Greater Bladderwort (Utricularia vulgaris) are in sharp decline. It is possible that high water levels at the time of the survey made it difficult to comprehensively assess all margins for these small plants, but it is certain that Crassula is expanding and more than likely out-competing our native species. What now? Pillwort is a very rare plant in Norfolk and Suffolk, occurring in only a couple of locations. Lound has always been considered a stronghold for this species. We need to think about creative ways of revitalising this species – evidence shows that the spores can remain viable in lake substrate for many years, and the plant will come back if conditions are right. If we can find a way to create the right water levels and manage the Crassula expansion, we could see a reverse in the fortunes of this species at Lound lakes, as well as other delicate native plants that would naturally co-exist with Pillwort. As part of the Pillwort BAP, we are also looking for potential locations to introduce Pillwort, where Crassula is absent. If anyone knows of potential locations in Norfolk or Suffolk, please contact Hannah Gray tel: 07711 439180; email: hannah.gray@broads-authority.gov.uk.
Suffolk Hedgerow Survey Guy Ackers, Suffolk Hedgerow Survey
In July this year we reported that 98 parishes had completed their surveys. The total is now 106 with another 4 promised within weeks, so the Project is steaming along after a very successful survey season in spite of the awful weather. One consolation is that the leaves have stayed on the trees and bushes longer, thus extending opportunities to survey hedgerows.
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A new and important issue has arisen concerning our statistics. We now have details of the Landscape Character Assessment groups, all 31 of them! So all our past, current and new stats will be reviewed within these groups which will make comparisons and totals more meaningful, being based on a ‘like for like’ basis. St. Edmundsbury and Forest Heath parishes have lagged behind other districts in surveying. So with only two more seasons remaining, we are encouraging the 38 outstanding parishes to recruit volunteer surveyors in time for our training session at Lackford Lakes in May 2009. Babergh, Waveney and Suffolk Coastal districts have 13 outstanding parishes between them and Mid Suffolk has 21. New volunteers are needed, so please contact us if you would like to help out. Current surveyors include WI groups, Suffolk Wildlife Trust and Parish Council members and tree wardens. Volunteers are also needed for on-going surveys to help completion of the work in 2009 and 2010. Finally, we have been asked by an undergraduate to help with an ecological connectivity dissertation on the changing patterns of hedgerows in the Dedham Vale AONB. Parish survey coordinators in this area are helping when possible whilst respecting the confidentiality protocol relating to data obtained from private land. Visit http://www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/yourdistrict/trees/hedgerowsurvey/ to find out more.
Planning update 4th Annual Seminar on Planning and Biodiversity Organised by the Norfolk and Suffolk Biodiversity Partnerships in collaboration with the Association of Local Government Ecologists (ALGE), hosted by South Norfolk Council, Long Stratton The 2008 Planning and Biodiversity seminar was a great success with more than 50 participants representing the majority of Norfolk and Suffolk Local Authorities, the Biological Record Centres, conservation organisations and statutory authorities such as the Environment Agency. The aims of the seminar were to provide an overview of the latest national developments and to share best practice for incorporating biodiversity into the planning process. Presentations were given with enthusiasm and sparkle, entertaining and challenging the audience. We learnt about the new ALGE Biodiversity Planning Toolkit and the role of Natural England with regard to Protected Species and Development Control. The two biological record centres demonstrated how fundamental their services are to the development control process and the two Wildlife Trusts explained their role in the planning process. Lessons were shared from the recent introduction of the 1 App process and the Validation Checklist to Suffolk and we heard about the innovative and successful move by Mid-Bedfordshire Council to introduce a Green Roof tax. To read summaries of the presentations and access all the links for events, planning portals and more, visit the SBP News and Events web page.
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Focus on the Habitat Working Groups Farmland Members: FWAG, Natural England, Suffolk County Council, Independent consultant Paul Read, RSPB, Suffolk Coasts and Heaths AONB Unit, Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Last meeting: Oct ‘08. Work focus: 1. Farmland BAP leaflet. Partners: FWAG, Paul Read, SCC, NE 2. Suffolk orchard survey. 3. Native white-clawed crayfish ‘ark’ project. Partners: Environment Agency and FWAG Highlighting the Farmland BAP leaflet, Diane Ling, FWAG Farmers today have an absolute plethora of paperwork to plough through and are bombarded with masses of confusing abbreviations: ELS, HLS, FEP, NVZ, BAP, amongst others. Whilst not wanting to add to this avalanche of information, the farmland habitat working group feels that it is important for land managers to understand the importance and best management of BAP habitats and species that are present on their farm. The group is creating an easy-to-read one-sheet handout that will inform the farmer which BAPs are present on his land and how to best care for them. Anyone visiting a farm can print a custom made information sheet, choosing the relevant BAP species and habitats from a template. The front of the handout shows a basic line drawing of a farm with all the BAP habitats, an attractive, if somewhat unrealistic, showpiece! Printed on the back is a short, bullet-point paragraph on each habitat, including information on some of the BAP species present. The information, in less than 100 words, covers Orchards, Ponds & watercourses, Hedges & buffer zones, Arable field margins, Lowland meadow, Wet grassland and Woodland, together with information on Brown hare, Harvest mouse, Dormouse, Bats and Water Voles. Separate species information (in less than 50 words) will be available for Barn owls, Tree sparrow and Corn bunting. The Farmland Habitat Working Group hopes these concise handouts will be an effective way of informing land managers about biodiversity and having a positive impact on farmland conservation. Heathland Members: Natural England, Forestry Commission, Forestry Commission, Butterfly Conservation, Forest Heath District Council, The Brecks Partnership, Suffolk Amphibian and Reptile Group, Suffolk County Council. Last meeting: Nov ‘08. Work focus: 1. Silver studded blue - further surveys following successful translocations. 2. Dingy skipper - habitat creation through disturbance experiments in King’s Forest. 3. Breckland moths – grey carpet and Basil-Thyme case-bearer. Landfill money is funding experimental work with food plant flixweed.
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Wetland Members: Natural England, FWAG, Environment Agency, RSPB, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Last meeting: Oct ‘08. 1. Independent consultant Toby Abrehart described the survey work he’s completed on behalf of the Environment Agency for the molluscs Vertigo angustior, V. moulinsiana, Segmentina nitida and Anisus vorticulus. The reports can be viewed on the Biodiversity Action Reporting System (www.ukbap-reporting.org.uk/) under the relevant Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plans. 2. An update was given on the progress of the Little Ouse Headwaters Project, a Charity dedicated to the restoration, conservation and promotion of enjoyment of the wildlife and landscape of the Little Ouse valley. To find out more visit http://www.wavcott.org.uk/lohp/home.htm Coastal Last meeting: Nov ’08 Members: Natural England, Suffolk Coasts and Heaths AONB Unit, Environment Agency, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Suffolk Coastal District Council, National Trust. An important outcome from this meeting was a decision to revamp the Suffolk Action Plan format to ensure the plans fit into the work streams of the partners and to reduce the number of actions. The result will be streamlined plans that are less heavy on administration and are more focused. See the results in the January 09 newsletter! Woodland Last meeting: Dec ‘08. Future meeting dates: 4 March ‘09 Bradfield Woods (Wood products and wood management/deer), 3 June ’09 (wet woodland), 9 Sep ’09 (Dunwich wood pasture), 9 Dec ’09 (Kentwell Hall, SSI woodland and wood fuel – Alpheton Wood). Members: Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Forestry Commission, People’s Trust for Endangered Species, Mid-Suffolk District Council, Greenways Project, National Trust, Natural England, Environment Agency, Deer Initiative, Norfolk County Council. Work focus: 1. Dovetailing woodland groups SAPs and HAPs into new template/timetable. 2. Working within new project proposal forms. 3. Joint wet woodland project with Norfolk County Council (catching up with successful NCC project). 4. Wood pasture and parkland – joint Suffolk/Norfolk project including research, condition data, management advice, seed collection and tree planting. 5. Ancient woodlands – Suffolk/Norfolk/Essex project on impacts of deer, function and markets for wood products, management advice and support. 6. Woodland Masterclass spring ’09 for owners and managers will include habitat regulations, deer control and raising awareness of BAP species and habitats.
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INFORMATION Breathing Places Madeleine Forrester
This autumn, working in collaboration with Autumnwatch, Eco-Beebies and Wild About Your Garden, Breathing Places has been encouraging audiences to Do One Thing for nature in their local patch. On 28 October, Autumnwatch kicked off Breathing Places' 'Wild Autumn' season, followed by Eco-Beebies, Green Balloon Club and Wild About Your Garden (Wednesdays from 19 November to Christmas Eve, 8.30pm, BBC One) We've also been working with partners across the UK to offer audiences around 2,000 different events, from fungal forays to wildlife gardening. These will not only inspire audiences to engage with nature where they live, but will also provide them with an experience and/or skill that encourages them to go further. Check out http://www.breathingplaces.org/public/ to find an event near you. To support the activities, we've updated the website and produced some great new resources. Visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces/downloads/ . Guidance on Brownfield Sites and Mitigation research 16 Nov 2008 Herpetological Conservation Trust HCT has produced a guidance note on brownfield sites in order to provide advice for anyone wanting to ensure that reptile and amphibian interests are considered during development and with links to other sources of information. To download the guidance note visit http://www.herpconstrust.org.uk/index.php
WHAT’S ON National Tree Week is November 26 - December 7 First started in 1975, National tree week is the UK's largest tree celebration, annually launching the start of the winter tree planting season. Check out the National Tree Week website for tree planting tips, events and lots of other information. 16 December FWAG Christmas conference What is the future for farming? How do farmers prioritise between food and fuel and retaining space for biodiversity? How do agricultural businesses adapt to changing climatic conditions as well as reducing their impact on global and local environments? Suffolk FWAG, with help from the CLA and NFU, has brought together a group of exceptional speakers to answer these questions, including Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, CLA President and Katrina Williams, DEFRA Director General for Food and Farming. For further information, visit http://www.fwag.org.uk/ 2008 is the Year of the Frog! Amphibian Ark is leading zoos, botanical gardens and aquariums in a globally coordinated public awareness campaign “The Year of the Frog.” The main goal is to generate public awareness and understanding of the amphibian extinction crisis. To find out more visit http://www.2008yearofthefrog.org/
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Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition 31 October 2008 to 26 April 2009, Natural History Museum, London Visit the Natural History Museum website to see this year’s winning entries in the online gallery or to book tickets to visit the exhibition http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/temporary-exhibitions/wpy/index.jsp BBC Nature Features in Suffolk To find out what’s in the nature news in Suffolk, visit the BBC Suffolk Nature website http://www.bbc.co.uk/suffolk/nature/nature/, including (amongst others) Steven Piotrowski exploring the nature of Suffolk and the problems of coastal erosion for RSPB’s Havergate Island. Biodiversity in the East of England To find out what’s going on in our region, check the websites for the county Biodiversity Partnerships and the regional forum: Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Luton, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough East of England Biodiversity Forum Various wildlife events - Suffolk Wildlife Trust , National Trust , RSPB
Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership information SBP is a partnership comprised of conservation organisations, statutory bodies, local authorities, businesses and not-for-profit organisations working throughout the county of Suffolk on behalf of wildlife. The UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan is delivered at a local level by members of the Partnership – for further information visit www.suffolk.gov.uk/Environment/Biodiversity. This regular newsletter aims to highlight the biodiversity work of partners and to disseminate information about events, grants, workshops, the Habitat Working Groups and biodiversity project opportunities. If you would like to share information on how your organisation is benefiting biodiversity in Suffolk, please contact Gen Broad, Suffolk Biodiversity Officer. Tel: 01473 264308, Mobile: 0789 4885337, email: gen.broad@et.suffolkcc.gov.uk Deadline for January 2009 newsletter: 21 January 2009
Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership consists of: Natural England, Environment Agency, FWAG, RSPB, Suffolk Biological Records Centre, Suffolk Naturalist’s Society, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, National Trust, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Coastal District Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Babergh District Council, Forest Heath District Council, St. Edmundsbury Borough Council, Mid Suffolk District Council, Waveney District Council. Other partners assist in implementing Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plan.
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