The report – “Looking forward to ‘strict protection’: A critical review of the current legal regime for cetaceans in UK waters” is co-authored by Ecology Matter’s Mick Green and published by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. The report is available at:

http://www.wdcs.org/submissions_bin/uk_legal_regime_report.pdf

The 54 page document, put together with external experts, questions complex and confusing laws that offer differing levels of protection to the same animals in different parts of the country, and why species such as the harbour porpoise have had much of their protection removed in England and Wales.

Under European law two species are required to have coherent networks of protected sites established for them: the bottlenose dolphin and the harbour porpoise. However, no sites are currently proposed in the UK for the porpoise and only three established for the bottlenose dolphin.

The report also underlines the fact that protection currently given to whale, dolphin and porpoise species outside of these sites (which is needed to implement the wider protection measures required by the EU Habitats Directive) seems weak and, from an enforcement point of view, confusing.

Mick Green, co-author of the report, comments: “Our investigations have revealed a remarkably convoluted legal regime which, in practice, may offer little protection, and it is concerning that levels of protection seem to be slipping.”

Sonja Eisfeld, WDCS conservation officer, adds: ‘The UK governments have a number of review processes in place at the moment looking at wildlife and environmental law and we shall be using this new report to highlight the current problems surrounding the implementation of laws. At WDCS we expect the legal protection in the UK to be exemplary, especially as marine activities continue to grow, but the current situation is far from that.”

The report, which is jointly authored by Green, Eisfeld, Richard Caddell, a lecturer in law at the University of Swansea, and both Sarah Dolman and Mark Simmonds from WDCS, includes a series of recommendations aimed at improving the current situation.

Ring Ouzel Maroc Ringing report

Ecology Matters has been providing wind farm assessments since the late 1980′s and are currently working on over 20 sites across the UK. Natural Power’s Welsh office in Aberystwyth has consented 40MW in Wales and has another 346MW in planning as well as working on several early stage projects in England and Wales whilst the Ecology team has been established for some nine years, and is based in Scotland. Combined, the teams stand as one of the most experienced, qualified and knowledgeable Ecology partnerships in the country and are positioned to assist renewable energy development clients with their complete Ecology & Hydrology requirements for studies and services.

Commenting on the agreement, Sarah Cartmel, Director of Ecology Matters said “We are delighted to have signed this framework agreement with Natural Power and look forward to working closely with them on a variety of projects. The two companies have skills which complement each other and the agreement will allow us both to provide high quality ecological services for onshore and offshore renewables projects across the UK.”

John Woodruff, Natural Power’s Senior Development Manager in Wales said: “We have worked with Ecology Matters on several sites and feel the two companies share a common approach to Ecology & Hydrology – this arrangement helps to strengthen the offering of both companies, ultimately assisting our respective clients and seeking new opportunities in the market.”

Richard Walls, Director of Ecology and Hydrology at Natural Power added: “Natural Power’s in-house Ecology & Hydrology team now stands at over 30 and is the only dedicated resource solely focused on renewables in the UK. Partnering with Ecology Matters is a logical way to bolster the Natural Power team while ensuring that we can complement each other in the provision of high quality ecological services.”

For more information email info@ecologymatters.co.uk

For more information on Natural Power visit www.naturalpower.com

Your host – Mahjoub – is very helpful and hospitable.  If you are interested in staying here please contact us for details.

Tea on the terrace at Gite Chez Mahjoub, Atlas Mountains

Whilst the numbers caught were dissapointing we did learn a lot more about the birds habits and use of habitat during the time spent in the field and this has enabled us to look at new work for the future. A full report on the ringing trips is being prepared.

The one that didn't get away!

Any ouzels caught will be fitted with both a metal BTO ring and and individually inscribed colour ring. The colour ring will identify Moroccan ringed birds so they can be identified during migration and on the breeding ground if seen without needing to re-catch the birds. Colour ringing studies of birds hatched in Scotland have led to a good proportion of sightings so we are hopeful that as well as obtaining more information on the birds on the wintering grounds we will also help to improve knowledge of the ouzels migration routes.

Results of the project will be posted at the end of the winter.

We are looking for a French speaking Ecologist / Botanist to help us with this project. Initially this would be a voluntary position but there will be the opportunity for an expenses paid visit to the Atlas Mountains, the opportunity to help us develop the project and we will be seeking funds for possible paid work within the project.

If you are interested please contact us via the website contact form or phone Mick Green on 01970 832491

Ecology Matters encourages other organisation to join as corporate members – full details are on the Society’s website – www.birdsinwales.org.uk

The development of the guidelines was supported by Ecology Matters and Mick Green was a member of the IEEM working group which produced the guidance.