News | Ecology Briefing

7 Dec 2018	Defra vetoes lynx re-introduction trial Ecology Briefing: Natural England advises against the trial introduction of the species, highlighting a number of issues with the project’s license application.
6 Dec 2018	Biodiversity net gain may become mandatory Brownfield Briefing: It could now be applied in a standardised, mandatory form with a minimum 10% improvement suggested.
6 Dec 2018	No EIA for polluted wildlife haven set for 400 homes Ecology Briefing: Swindon planners say the site is previously developed with no development on the flood plain.
30 Nov 2018	Scottish launchpad project will impact ecosystem, claims campaign group Ecology Briefing: Campaign group raises ecological concerns over launchpad development.
23 Nov 2018	Gove stresses environmental policies should be linked to social justice Ecology Briefing: Environment secretary Michael Gove outlined his philosophies and thinking which influence current policies at the Theos’ annual lecture 2018, last night.	Europe, UK
15 Nov 2018	Diluted EU measures could harm waterways, says WWT Ecology Briefing: Even with Brexit coming, the prospect of weakened European water quality protection measures could harm UK wildlife, claims the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust.
15 Nov 2018	Gove assures Brexit preparations not compromising Defra agencies Ecology Briefing: Some 50 staff have been seconded from Natural England to EU exit posts as EAC chair Mary Creagh questions the impacts on the agency’s primary purpose.
1 Nov 2018	HS2 threatens rare habitats in Nottinghamshire, claims WLT Ecology Briefing: WLT prepares consultation response as ecological impacts of HS2 phase 2b route are revealed.
26 Oct 2018	Brexit could make invasive species problem worse Brownfield Briefing: UK’s biosecurity could be threatened after Brexit, according to a House of Lords EU Energy and Environment Committee report.
25 Oct 2018	WLT launches campaign to protect Gwent Levels Ecology Briefing: Wildlife Trust launches online petition calling the public to protest the M4 relief road which, it claims, will negatively impact the Gwent Levels.
18 Oct 2018	MP backs bill to save British pollinators Ecology Briefing: The bill calls on Defra to support the creation of pollinator corridors across Britain.
18 Oct 2018	Lottery fund aims to protect church habitats for bats Ecology Briefing: The Heritage Lottery funding will be used to protect the UK’s bats and mitigate the damage they do to the UK’s churches.
11 Oct 2018	Newcastle pledges £100,000 towards tree planting Ecology Briefing: The Council has unveiled plans to plant 19,000 new trees to make Newcastle a healthier, greener city.
11 Oct 2018	Khan’s London free tree scheme seeks to realise national park ambition Ecology Briefing: As part of Khan’s ambition to make London a national park city, 75,000 trees are to be planted across the capital.
4 Oct 2018	Environmental bodies call for government to stop undermining National Parks Ecology Briefing: Environmental charities have asked government ministers to stop using existing developments to support the further development in protected areas.
4 Oct 2018	People's manifesto for wildlife suggests new Environment Act Ecology Briefing: A People’s Manifesto for Wildlife has been published outlining a number of political and personal suggestions to help prevent the decline in British Wildlife.
20 Sep 2018	Wildlife bodies and Labour criticise badger cull Ecology Briefing: The Shropshire Wildlife Trust says the practice does not stop the spread of bovine TB.
7 Sep 2018	Scotland’s annual environmental, housing and infrastructure plans released Ecology Briefing: Scottish Programme for Government reveals £2m biodiversity fund, a seabird conservation strategy, £756m available to increase supply of affordable homes and £600m investment in water infrastructure.
21 Aug 2018	Redbridge nature reserve threatened by council approved road Ecology Briefing: Proposed haulage route threatens nature reserve supporting newts and migrant birds.
21 Aug 2018	Cornwall Council set to spend £3.5m on public and wildlife spaces Ecology Briefing: Cornwall Council is investing more than £2.8m of EU funding to create greener spaces.
21 Aug 2018	Council to reconsider IKEA water meadows development as costs double Ecology Briefing: Council urged to rethink plans to build an IKEA store and homes on water meadows after spiralling costs revealed.
9 Aug 2018	EA commits to £9m floodplain restoration Ecology Briefing: EA commits to Lower Otter restoration project enabling initial works to commence.
9 Aug 2018	Stay of execution for Coul Links wildlife Ecology Briefing: Unable to reach a decision for proposed golf course, Scottish Ministers extend application’s consideration period.
2 Aug 2018	Kent WLT intensifies campaign for marine conservation status after dredging project approval Ecology Briefing: An estimated three million tonnes of sand and gravel will be taken from the area over a two-year period.
26 Jul 2018	May announces new environment bill Ecology Briefing: First environment bill in 20 years set to be published by government.
12 Jul 2018	Sherwood Forest receives £2.4m lottery boost Ecology Briefing: Nottingham County Council and its partners will use the funds to restore heathland, protect ancient trees, and embark on local history projects.
12 Jul 2018	UK’s first newt officer appointed Brownfield Briefing: The officer will be based Central Bedfordshire as a third of the area’s ponds contain the creatures.
6 Jul 2018	Invasive species respondents lean towards tougher sanctions Brownfield Briefing: Respondents to the Government’s Tackling Invasive Non-Native Species consultation are largely in favour of the enforcement regime, though some advocate tougher sanctions.
20 Jun 2018	CEH calls for better phosphorous management Brownfield Briefing: It has issued a global call for global policymakers to manage the substance more sustainably and reduce the widespread environmental damage it causes.
20 Jun 2018	London Wildlife Trust welcomes Mayor’s strategy, in theory Ecology Briefing: The charity welcomes Sadiq Khan’s plan to make the capital a National Park City but says much must be done to make this happen.