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Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership Partners’ News January 2010

In this issue: Partners News Suffolk tree sparrow project update Climate change adaptation in Orford Ness and Havergate Island Broads Authority peat project East of England regional bat conference Alde and Ore Futures More bats find converted pill boxes Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership News Information and news What’s on SBP information

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PARTNERS NEWS Suffolk tree sparrow project update Steve Piotrowski, Suffolk Wildlife Trust

As part of Natural England’s Countdown 2010 Project, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, in conjunction with other conservation bodies, is striving to halt the decline of Suffolk’s tree sparrows by providing the “Big 3” - i.e. nesting habitats and summer and winter food - at our few remaining colonies. The tree sparrow is one of for six declining species, known as the “Arable 6” (the others are: grey partridge, lapwing, turtle dove, yellow wagtail, and corn bunting), which are important indicators of the ecological health of the wider countryside. The project involves the provision of nest boxes and supplementary food but, most importantly, delivers tailored advice during one-to-one farm visits and at workshops for farmers, agronomists and advisers. It also calls upon BTO Atlas research and work in alliance with RSPB and FWAG to draw up Environmental Stewardship agreements that would benefit tree sparrows as well as other “Arable-6” species.

Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) 1

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Fig 1: Map showing summer distribution of Tree Sparrow following two BTO Atlas breeding seasons published by kind permission of the BTO for 2008-2009. Records circled require verification.

Nationally, tree sparrow populations crashed between the 1970s and the early 1990s with the current population now about 3% of that of the 1970s. The species is “Red Listed” and it’s plight is of great concern to conservationists throughout Europe. Undoubtedly, the loss of tree sparrows from Suffolk would have national implications. The decline has occurred at the same time as decreases in the numbers and/or range of other farmland birds which share its diet of grass, wildflower seeds and some cereal grains. Components of agricultural intensification, such as reductions in winter stubble availability, are likely to be implicated in the decline. Recent work completed by SWT as part of NE’s “Countdown 2010 Project” show the tree sparrow distribution to be in clusters around Mildenhall, Lackford/Ampton, Debenham and Kessingland. It’s just about hanging on in the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB with small colonies noted in early 2009 at Sizewell and Sudbourne along with wintering flocks at Benacre, Hulver, Giselham and Kessingland. However, early indications for the 2009 breeding season are not good for the coastal populations with nesting failing to take place at either Sizewell or Sudbourne.

Tree Sparrow Clusters 1

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Fig. 2 Map showing tree sparrow clusters from verified records 2005-2009

The latter is most disappointing as breeding colonies have been present at this locality for several decades. However, West Suffolk colonies have fared better with much stronger populations at Ampton and West Row, each population raising two/three broods. All known colonies are currently being monitored by a dedicated team of volunteers and landowners are being advised on conservation measures available, nest boxes fixed and an all-year-round food supply maintained. Studies are underway to determine whether there is any obvious correlation between wintering and summering populations. It would appear that the majority of birds at Ampton are of local origin with five pairs using the boxes provided as part of the project and an unknown number nesting under the eaves of nearby cottages. The large late-summer flock of 150+ birds from August must all have been of local origin and the wintering population was probably reinforced by birds from colonies in village gardens near to Ampton. From 310 birds ringed at Ampton to date, there has yet to be a recovery of any significance and no visiting birds from outside Suffolk have been found. The behaviour of the West Row colony is quite different. The birds use the “woodcrete” nest boxes provided and have ignored the wooden ones, but the colony disappeared from the breeding site soon after birds had fledged from the final broods, but returned to winter a few weeks later. Visitors from elsewhere in the UK have joined the wintering flocks. Suffolk Ornithologists Group and Suffolk Naturalists Society have jointly sponsored a colour-ringing study on movements and, although it is too early to determine origins Colour-ringed tree sparrow nest building with any certainty, early evidence suggests in “woodcrete” nest box at West Row. that wintering flocks are bolstered by birds Photo: Derek King moving from breeding colonies in the East Midlands through to south Yorkshire,. To date, Suffolk ringers have controlled four individuals from Spurn and others from Eyebrook Reservoir, Lincolnshire, Wiltshire and Hertfordshire. There is also evidence of presumed migrants moving from coastal localities to join wintering flocks inland. A full report on this species is to be published in this year’s edition of Suffolk Birds (Piotrowski, Evans and Walshe in prep). SWT’s Lackford Nature Reserve lies at the heart of Suffolk’s strongest population clusters and, in spring 2010, wild-bird seed strips will be planted in fields that adjoin the driveway leading to the reserve centre. A mix thought most likely to meet the tree sparrow’s requirements has been selected. Suffolk’s wintering flocks appear to have an affinity for strips containing tall plants that provide a structure, for example maize or sorgham, along with seeding plants such as red, white or reed millet growing at lower level. Another essential ingredient is a tall, thick hedge or an area of scrub from where flocks can descend but hastily retreat at the slightest sign of danger.

Climate change adaptation in Orford Ness and Havergate Island Stuart Warrington, Nature Conservation Adviser

The National Trust and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds have been awarded over half a million euros for conservation work on Orford Ness and Havergate Island in the Alde-Ore estuary. Work will begin in April and last for 4 years. The aim is to provide long-term improvements to habitat conditions and enable adaptation to the effects of climate change. The target is to increase the numbers of bird species of European importance that feed and breed on the sites. The initial work will enable water levels to be managed in coastal lagoons and marshes on the two sites. The lagoon islands and sluices will be altered to improve nesting opportunities for key species and enhance the viewing opportunities from the visitor hides on Havergate. Work on the lagoons and marshes will also protect and improve the environment for rare invertebrates and flora.

View across Airfield Marsh to pagodas Photo: National Trust

The effects of the work will be closely monitored and evaluated to inform future site management plans. There will also be a new website and webcams. Bailey Bridge at Orford Ness Photo: National Trust

Broads Authority peat project Erica Murray, Conservation Officer, Broads Authority

The Broads Authority is currently evaluating the significance of the peat resource outside of the statutory protected areas in the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads. The project will look at the type, quality and depth of peat in four study areas including the Waveney valley. The aim of the peat survey in the Waveney valley is to concentrate on sites that link between, or surround, the Suffolk Broads Living Landscapes project and existing designated sites. Peat not only supports some of the Broads most important wildlife habitats including fen and wet woodland, it also plays an important role in carbon capture, helping to counteract the effects of climate change. It is hoped this exciting project will lead to a greater understanding of the peat soils in the Broads, as well as contributing to potential areas being maintained or restored to provide valuable habitat for local wildlife.

‘For Peat’s Sake’ - Schools Peat Project The Broads Authority is also developing a peat project for local schools. The project aims to get children out onto the fens to help us assess the quality of peat soils, and investigate how much carbon these important wetlands can store.

Peat core Photo: Broads Authority

East of England regional bat conference Sue Hooton, Senior Ecologist, Suffolk County Council

Thanks to funding from Natural England, Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership was pleased to support Bat Conservation Trust (BCT)’s first East of England regional conference held recently at Ickworth House. The morning’s programme included speakers from Natural England, BCT and Suffolk Bat Group with topics covering wind turbines, roof insulation, the National Bat Monitoring Programme, woodland surveys for Barbastelles (as part of the Suffolk BAP) and involving people in bat conservation. The afternoon workshops provided an opportunity to focus on a wide range of issues e.g. bats and trees, species ID and sound analysis of bat detector recordings and there was plenty of time for important networking. This successful event will hopefully be biennial, Alison Collins, Suffolk Bat Group making a valuable contribution to Photo: Sue Hooton species biodiversity work across the region.

Alde and Ore Futures Bill Parker, Suffolk Coast Future officer

The Suffolk Coast Futures is a partnership between Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils, Suffolk County Council, the Environment Agency (EA), Natural England, Go-East, EEDA and Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Unit to develop a strategy on how to manage the future of the coast. Utilising an integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) approach tackling coastal issues in a holistic way the partnership is looking specifically at three key issues: • Coastal Governance and the alignment of policies between different authorities with powers and duties. • Enabling coastal communities to take greater ownership of their future • Developing ways to create multi funding (public, private and 3rd sector) to deliver sustainable coastal communities. To develop some of these concepts, an innovative pilot project is being undertaken with the communities around the Alde and Ore estuary (running from Thorpeness to Shingle Street and inland as far as Benhall, Blaxhall and Hollesley) in advance of the development of the Aldeburgh Coast and Estuary Strategy (ACES) lead by the EA. This will identify from the grass roots some of the key issues in the area and provide the opportunity for innovation from the community to resolve them. Following a Community Conference in September 2009, 5 topic area ‘task and finish’ groups, lead by members of the local community, have been working to identify in more detail some of the issues raised. They are due to report back by the end of February. The topic areas include; Landowners, Businesses, Community groups, Environment / Recreation and Access and an Artists group.

Initial results have already identified that there is a mutual interest between the groups including the importance of the landscape, habitats, wildlife and the tranquillity of the area. One strand of future work has already been identified as the need to fully evaluate the vulnerable freshwater marshes not only economically, but also from an ecological perspective. All of this work will feed into a second conference on 26th March to map the way forward for the area. If you would like to know more please contact Bill Parker SCF Officer (e) bill.parker@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk (t) 01394 444553

More bats find converted pillboxes Sue Hooton, Senior Ecologist, Suffolk County Council

Back in 2005, ten pillboxes near Sudbury were converted to bat hibernacula by the Dedham Vale AONB & Stour Valley Project. The first bats were found in a single pillbox in the second winter but recent checks by Suffolk County Council Senior Ecologist and licensed batworker, Sue Hooton, discovered that 4 more pillboxes were occupied by bats this winter. Brown Long-eared and Natterer’s bats were found hibernating in purpose built bat bricks that had been installed inside the pillboxes. It is very encouraging that 5 out of 10 conversions are now bat hibernation roosts, including new site in Essex and it is hoped that bats will find the remaining 5 pillboxes in coming years. These species records will be sent to Suffolk Biological Records Centre and Essex Bat Group and contribute to the National Bat Monitoring Programme.

Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership News

Launch of Suffolk’s NERC Act website!

Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership launched a new website in January providing practical advice to help public bodies meet their Biodiversity Duty under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC) 2006 (www.suffolkbiodiversity.org).

The Biodiversity Duty Public bodies in England and Wales have a key role to play in the conservation of biodiversity. This is now recognised and formalised within Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006, where: “Every public body must, in exercising its functions, have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity.” . Amongst other examples, the website shows how Bury St Edmunds Fire Service created a wildlife pond, Charsfield community group developed a ‘Recreation and Wild Fun area’ for people and wildlife, Essex & Suffolk Water manage Lound Lakes sensitively for wildlife and Holton St Peter Primary School became an Eco-School award winner. Visit the website now to find out what the Act means for your organisation and read inspiring case studies from around Suffolk! We are very grateful to Natural England for funding this initiative.

SBP joins the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) 2010 has been declared the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) by the United Nations and SBP has now joined the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity global partnership. We support the goals of the project to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and the threats to it, to celebrate what’s been achieved and to encourage everyone to take action to halt the loss of biodiversity. For find out more about IYB and current events, visit the Biodiversity is life! website.

Suffolk orchard survey

Suffolk’s orchard survey was very active in 2009. Paul Read, an independent consultant, led a varied orchard survey training programme with events in Bury St Edmunds, Lawshall, Botesdale, Needham Market, Thornham Hall, Foxburrow Farm, South Lopham and Hadleigh as well as providing fruit identification services at Kenninghall, Redgrave Fen and Foxburrow Farm. There are now 52 surveyors in Mid Suffolk district, 12 in Babergh District, 9 in Suffolk Coastal, 6 in St Edmundsbury Borough, 4 in Waveney District and 2 in Forest Heath District. More surveyors are needed, so if you would like to contribute to this project, please contact Gen Broad or Paul Read: (e) readhf@aol.com (t) 07860585422. A snippet from a surveyor’s notes There were 35 orchards in Framlingham when the 2nd Edition map was made and just three seem to be more or less still orchards of some sort, although much reduced. Site No. 13 was once a 1.5 acre orchard in the shadow of Framlingham Castle. Only one apple tree remains, probably a Blenheim Orange. The orchard is now the Castle car park!" Site No. 13 in Framlingham

Suffolk communities projects launch!

All across Suffolk, community projects are making a significant contribution to wildlife conservation as well as benefitting people. To celebrate these enterprising initiatives and inspire other groups, SBP joined forces with Suffolk Wildlife Trust and the Green Light Trust, amongst others, to identify local projects and develop an accessible web-based database. In January, we added a page to SBP’s website with a map and database containing detailed information on 17 projects; their aims and achievements, as well as the difficulties faced. To view the database, follow the link from our Welcome page, or go to www.suffolk.gov.uk/Environment/Biodiversity/Projects. These projects provide space for nature to thrive alongside people whilst also benefiting human communities. For example, community projects can help to build neighbourhood relations and increase a sense of ‘belonging’, improve health and well-being through contact with nature and physical activity and generate a strong local identity.

We are aiming to expand this pilot study across other districts in the future, as funding becomes available, in order to highlight the wonderful work being undertaken by Suffolk communities on behalf of wildlife. Thank you to Suffolk Coastal Local Strategic Partnership for supporting this project.

Correction: please note that the Silver Lapwing competition is a national FWAG competition; it was incorrectly listed as an NFU competition in the November newsletter.

INFORMATION and NEWS Biodiversity is Life 2010 has been declared the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) by the United Nations. IYB-UK is the UK partnership supporting IYB. Visit Biodiversity is Life website to find out about: World Wetlands Day on 2 Feb. Protecting global biodiversity beyond 2010 18 Jan. Workshop in London to agree post-2010 biodiversity targets ahead of the Nagoya Biodiversity Summit in October. Results of 2009 urban mammals survey 13 Jan. People’s Trust for Endangered Species annual survey of urban mammals, Living with Mammals

OPAL in the East of England – orchards in Suffolk The Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) network is a new initiative open to anyone with an interest in nature. The project aims to encourage people to spend time outside observing and recording the world around us. The hope is that this will increase active membership of amateur natural history societies and increase understanding of the state of the natural environment. OPAL in the East of England invites people to ‘Explore our orchards and the wonderful things that live there’. Read more >

‘Where the green grants went’ report November 2009 This report is available from the Environment Funders network at http://www.greenfunders.org/ and shows the patterns of UK funding for environmental and conservation work over a 5-year period, excluding NE, EU or Lottery funding.

RSPB: Blueprint for saving England’s farmland birds unveiled 11 January Launch of the Farmland Bird Package, one of 4 new environmental advice leaflets which Natural England is distributing to farmers as part of the Campaign for the Farmed Environment. This provides a package of measures which can be used by arable farmers to help halt the decline of farmland birds in the countryside. The RSPB, Natural England, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group say it represents the minimum needed to reverse the long term declines of farmland birds such as skylarks, lapwings and grey partridges. The leaflet provides detailed advice on how the Entry Level Stewardship agri-environment scheme can best support farmland birds. The three main measures set out in the Farmland Bird Package are providing in-field nesting habitat, winter seed food and summer insect-rich foraging areas. Read more >

Ispot ISpot is an Open University social networking website created to engage people with nature. It is intended to be a people-friendly, public forum for everyone to ‘share nature’ and their experiences of it. The website was developed by the Biodiversity Observatory of the Open University, as part of the public participation element of the Big Lottery funded Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) project. To find out more, visit the ISpot website >

Climate change action planner Denis Bellamy, Chair CMS Consortium. Email: belprof@aol.com The UK Conservation Management System Consortium (www.cmsconsortium.org/) is currently addressing the concept of a ‘climate change action planner’ (CAP). Community networking at all levels is becoming increasing important to avoid the ‘reinvention of wheels’ and ensure the communication of local achievements. The need was foreseen in the first UK strategy for sustainable development, which envisaged there should be an interactive citizen’s environmental network to spread ideas and consolidate methods of community working. A CAP is an interactive on-line planning, recording and reporting system for an organisation to register a geographical attachment and open a simple customisable database. The planner states the objective and lists the jobs (projects) that have to be done to meet the objective. It says when they are to be done, who is going to do them and what resources they will need. The outcome of each project is measured with a performance indicator related to the objective. There is a help system and on-line support information for particular kinds of projects. Using keyword/GIS filters searchers can view and learn from plans of others in the same project category in different places. In addition to the action plan, a CAP can hold word-processed documents, spreadsheets, pictures and discussion threads, all of which can be communicated within the planning network of CAP users. In order to take the next step, which is to make a prototype for testing, the Consortium needs the input of community groups that are already operating climate change action plans. In particular I would like to talk with project steering groups to develop the most suitable data model. CMS have a regional seminar on 9 February. See details in What’s On section.

Atlas of Biodiversity Risk publication date 22 May 2010 Settele, Penev, Georgiev, Grabaum, Grobelnik, Hammen, Klotz, Kotarac & Kuhn (Eds) (2010) Atlas of Biodiversity Risk. ISBN 978-954-642-446-4. Hardback. Pre-publication price: EUR 99.00. For details see http://pensoft.net/newreleases/14595.htm The Atlas of Biodiversity Risk describes the major pressures, impacts and risks of biodiversity loss at a global level. The impacts and consequences of biodiversity loss are analyzed with a strong focus on socio-economic drivers and their effects on society. Three scenarios of potential futures are the baseline for predicting impacts; the scenarios explore options for mitigating adverse effects at several spatio-temporal scales. All people concerned with environmental issues will find the Atlas a powerful weapon in their fight for saving the life on our Planet!

Funding for community projects The Healthy Ambitions Suffolk grants programme has £200,000 available each year until 2012 for new and existing health projects which will benefit people living and working in the county. Consider applying for community biodiversity projects, such as orchards. Three separate grant schemes are available: • small grants from £250 to £900, for groups looking to run one-off or short-term events or activities, pilot a small project or buy relevant equipment. • healthy living grants of up to £4,000. These are available for groups tackling some of the county’s key health priorities, which include improving mental health and wellbeing in the workplace and among children and young people and promoting healthy living for older people. • large grants of up to £15,000, for researching or introducing larger projects which address new and emerging health issues. All of the grants are aimed at community and voluntary groups run and led by local people. This includes residents and tenants groups, allotment societies, self-help groups or any organisations working to promote health and wellbeing. To find out more contact Sue Wright, The Suffolk Foundation tel: 01473 734127. Healthy Ambitions website >

Essex Otter Survey 2008 Available on the Essex Wildlife Trust website, 2009 report available shortly. Essex Wildlife Trust publications >

National Amphibian and Reptile Survey, DICE (Univ. of Canterbury, Kent) If you know of a site where a reptile survey is needed this season, or where there is an ongoing reptile survey, please contact John Baker as soon as possible. These may be incorporated into the NARRS survey trials which begin in March. John Baker, Suffolk Amphibian and Reptile Group, tel: 01986 872016 / 07884 441521

Fauna and Flora International (FFI) FFI lists 5 things everyone can do to protect biodiversity. To find out more, visit the FFI website >

Hedgelink This new website provides information on the UK's native hedges, hedgerow conservation and management and the legislation surrounding hedgerows. You can download The Hedgerow Biodiversity Action Plan Conference 2009 Report as well as individual presentations from the conference such as Agri-environment Schemes – what has been achieved and what changes are planned. Visit Hedgelink >

Broads Authority Biodiversity Action Plan The Broads Authority BAP is now available on the BA website >

New Ancient Tree Forum guides available ‘Ancient Woods: A guide for woodland owners and managers’ and ‘Trees for the Future’ Ancient tree guide No. 7. To download these go to the Ancient Tree Forum >

Hegerow surveys Defra funds are available for hedgerow surveys during 2010/11. If you’re interested in applying, please contact John Stratton for an application form. These must be submitted before 26 March 2010. John Stratton, Defra Agri-environment Policy and Evaluation Team. Tel: 020 7238 6022 Email: john.stratton@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Saxifraga Foundation and ECNC to host over 50,000 free nature photos Saxifraga Foundation is an ECNC-linked network of more than 100 European nature photographers from 17 European countries, whose aim is to stimulate and facilitate the conservation of European biodiversity. They do so by providing high-quality nature pictures free of charge. The website is http://www.ecnc.org/publications/freenatureimages. Low-resolution pictures of over 500 European animals, plants and landscapes are available for PowerPoint presentations and websites. Visitors can download these pictures free of charge, on condition that they mention the name of the photographer. Read the AlterNet article >

People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) re-launches its 'Reconnecting the Countryside' competition for 2010 The competition aims to highlight the importance of woodlands, scrub and hedgerows as both habitats and wildlife corridors, whilst celebrating the efforts made by the farming and land-owning community to protect them for posterity. To win the competition, entrants have to link wooded areas to create the largest possible continuous cover of dormouse-friendly habitat by planting, coppicing and/or filling in gaps in existing hedges and woodlands. Read the Linnean Society article >

The Marine and Coastal Access Act For latest updates, go to The Defra website > Net Gain – the North Sea Conservation Zones Project The UK Government is committed to establishing by 2012 a strong, ecologically coherent and well managed network of Marine Protected Areas that is well understood and supported by sea users. By the end of 2011, this project will identify and recommend Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in the North Sea. Net Gain is a partnership project, which aims to secure a healthy and productive future for the North Sea and its coast line. The project will work with stakeholders to recommend the location of MCZs. The goal of the MPA network in the North Sea is to safeguard our region's undersea habitats and marine life, and to help ensure the long term sustainability of marine resources in the region. Visit the Net Gain website >

Biodiversity in the East of England To find out what’s going on in our region, check the websites for the county Biodiversity Partnerships forum: Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Luton, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

WHAT’S ON 9 February (10.30 – 3,30) Conservation Management Systems seminar (10.30-3.30) Natural England offices, Northminster House, Peterborough PE1 1UA Contact: David Mitchell, tel: 01874 713077, email: davidm@esdm.co.uk *12 February (9.30 – 12,30) SWT Wildlearning – Amphibians Foxburrow Farm, Melton, nr Woodbridge IP12 1NA Taster session introducing native amphibians, including identification, ecology and conservation. John Baker £10 (£7.50): 25-26 February Foundations of biodiversity – savings the world’s non-vertebrates Zoological Society of London This meeting will present the findings of the sampled approach to Red Listing, and bring together researchers and conservation practitioners from a wide range of backgrounds in invertebrate and plant conservation to highlight and debate the importance of non vertebrate biodiversity from ecological, social and economic perspectives. For details go to the AlterNet website > *26 February (10.00 – 12,30) SWT Wildlearning – Dunwich Forest Dunwich Forest Corral A walk through the forest hearing about its management with a chance to see the roaming Dartmoor ponies. Dayne West £10 (£7.50). 27 February EEAOP Organic fruit tree management Audley End House walled kitchen gardens, near Saffron Walden, Essex. (1.00 a.m. – 2.30 p.m.) email: info@appesandorchards.org.uk, tel: 01328 838403. East of England Apples and Orchards Project > *28 February (9.00 – 1.00) SWT Wildlearning – Resident birdsong Lackford lakes, nr Bury St Edmunds IP28 6HX Listen to and learn to recognise different bird species by their songs and calls. Outdoor session. Beginners/less experienced Paul Holness £10 (£7.50). *28 February (9.30 – 3.30) SWT Wildlearning – Practical hedgelaying Redgrave and Lopham Fen, nr Bressingham IP22 2HX A hands on day learning how to lay and manage hedges using stakes and hazel hetherings to create a barrier which is a living corridor. Alison Marchant £20 (£17). *6 March (9.30 – 4.30) SWT Wildlearning – Barn owls Carlton Marshes, nr Lowestoft NR33 8HU A look at habitat requirements, food and nest site preferences, biology, behaviour, box installation and more. Steve Piotrowski £30 (£27) 12 & 13 March Deer Initiative conference – Deer management 2010 Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth, CV8 2LD Further info on the Deer Initiative website > *13 March (10.00 – 4.00) SWT Wildlearning – Introduction to permaculture Foxburrow Farm, Melton, nr Woodbridge IP12 1NA A fun, interactive day finding out what permaculture is, what principles it follows and where it can be applied. Hannah Thorogood £20 (£17)

*18 March (10.00 – 3.00) SWT Wildlearning – Introduction to otters Geldeston Village Hall Learn about the fascinating world of this elusive riverside species, their ecology, surveying techniques and how to identify habitats. Penny Hemphill £20 (£17) *11 April (9.00 – 1.00) SWT Wildlearning – Resident birdsong Foxburrow Farm, Melton, nr Woodbridge IP12 1NA Listen to and learn to recognize different bird species by their songs and calls. Beginners/less experienced. Paul Holness £10 (£8) *19 April (10.00 – 1.00) SWT Wildlearning – Art classes for beginners Redgrave and Lopham Fen, nr Bressingham IP22 2HX Explore different techniques in paint and pencil to help with observation. Kate Nockles £7.50 *25 April (10.00 – 4.00) SWT Wildlearning – Spring birds – early migrants Lackford lakes, nr Bury St Edmunds IP28 6HX Observe and identify birds by song and sight. Beginners/less experienced. Paul Holness £20 (£17) *28 April (10.00 – 4.00) SWT Wildlearning – Botanical illustration Lackford lakes, nr Bury St Edmunds IP28 6HX Covering a range of illustration techniques with an emphasis on botanical accuracy. Christine Grey-Wilson £14 or £50/4 sessions 21 April Floodplain Meadows conference The Open University Campus, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, Speakers from across Europe on species-rich floodplain meadows: research, management, policy and restoration. Registration before 21 Feb £20, after that date £25. Contact Michelle Duke email: m.duke@open.ac.uk 24-28 May, 7-11 and 21-25 June, 5-9 July 2010 Roof barn construction workshop Monday – Friday 9.00 – 4.30 £400 for 5 day course Practical experience of traditional roof construction at Orchard Barn, professional tuition with Rick Lewis of Traditional Oak Carpentry Contact Sarah Partridge 01473-658193 / 077660-54042, email sarah@orchardbarn.org.uk. www.orchardbarn.org.uk

(*For SWT Wildlearning courses contact: Alison Farquharson tel: 892430/890089, email wildlearning@suffolkwildlifetrust.org.) Various wildlife events - Suffolk Wildlife Trust , National Trust , RSPB

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SBP INFORMATION “Wow! What a newsletter, full of excellent articles. I was feeling jaded before I read this and now I am inspired again!” Will Akast Environment Agency Dec 2009 Please send me your news so we can continue to inspire Will and hopefully many others with Suffolk’s biodiversity work! If you would like to share information on how your organisation is benefiting biodiversity in Suffolk, please send your article to Gen Broad, Suffolk Biodiversity Officer (tel: 01473 264308, Mobile: 0789 4885337, email:gen.broad@suffolk.gov.uk) Deadline for March 2010 newsletter: Friday March 26. 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. Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership consists of: Babergh District Council, Center Parcs–Elveden, Environment Agency, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, Essex & Suffolk Water, Forestry Commission, Forest Heath District Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Mid Suffolk District Council, National Trust, Natural England, RSPB, St. Edmundsbury Borough Council, Suffolk Biological Records Centre, Suffolk Naturalist’s Society, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Suffolk Coastal District Council, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Naturalists Society, Waveney District Council.