News

A global 2016 report covering the state of the world's flora - new species, threats and conservation news.

E-natur is North Wales Wildlife Trust's first foray into the world of e-news.

Dear friends, Here is the last issue (99, May) in the first series of Bwletin Llen Natur. There will be one or two changes from issue number 100 and you will know more about them next month. In the meantime, may I make a request? Although neither Cymdeithas Edward Llwyd nor its very own Prosiect Llén Natur are in any way party-political, of course, but it is no more than natural as a Welsh environmental movement, and perfectly obvious from the content of the Bwletin, that we are not only in favour of using the Welsh language to the full, but also have a deep concern for what is happening to our global climate. Reflecting this we recently hosted two lectures by Professor Emeritus Gareth Wyn Jones who is in the vanguard in Wales in his efforts to wake us up to the unprecedented dangers that are facing us in this regard.

We know, many of us, of the deficiencies of large sections of the British press regarding the presentation of the highly disturbing scientific facts about climate change that are now available to us. There is no segment of this industry perhaps worse than the Welsh press (with perhaps the honourable exception of Y Cymro). Gareth has recently succeeded in getting the attention of the Western Mail in this regard, and he has been invited to present the evidence as it affects Wales, perhaps for the first time in the English medium Welsh press. This is to be much welcomed, but the WM in its professional wisdom, needs this evidence to be presented with a human face rather than through bare facts alone. The latter is so often such a "turn-off" to many.

My request therefore is as follows: can you let us know of a person or people, especially those of low income, who are making real endeavours to lower their personal carbon footprint. Their story would be really worth having so that Professor Gareth can reach a wider Welsh audience with his underlying message. Therefore if your answer is YES I CAN, please let us know. We really need this information. In this election month, make sure to quiz the Welsh Senedd candidates on their policies and position on Climate change. There is no issue more pressing for our environment and our well being.

Onward to the 200.... !

Duncan Brown Editor, Prosiect Llen Natur

The Wales Biodiversity Partnership is offering a small grant to all Vice County Recorders in Wales. This can be used towards the purchase of identification books, keys, CDs, or other small equipment.

A claim can be up to £25, and may only be claimed once in each financial year. The invoice date must match the financial year in which the claim is made.

To claim, please send your details together with a receipt to the address below by 17th September 2016.

Homeless and hungry pollinators are given a helping hand by this new survey.

This pollinating insect survey is open to all, so please click on the link below to find out more.

All the latest dragonfly news from across North Wales and beyond, with news of a new pond-level recording drive.

Building on the success of the inaugural awards in 2015, the National Biodiversity Network, the National Forum for Biological Recording and the Biological Records Centre are launching the second UK Awards for Biological Recording and Information Sharing.

Please click below for more information on how to nominate people for these awards (closes 31/07/2016).

This year Cofnod is helping to collate data from the Great Crested Newt (GCN) surveillance programme carried out throughout April and May in North and Mid Wales. Working with Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) and funded by Welsh Government, Cofnod have developed a data entry system for inputting the survey data. The system holds information for over 50 sites, with data being entered for nearly 500 ponds.

For the first time surveyors are being asked to submit their survey information online, allowing it to be collated immediately for sharing with ARC and Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Once all the survey results are in, Cofnod has developed visualisation tools to allow the comparison of survey data with previous years, helping to assess the status of this species across the region. Cofnod have prepared a couple of short guidance videos (see links below), to help surveyors use the system. However, if surveyors need specific help when entering data, please contact us directly. We look forward to generating the most comprehensive set of GCN surveillance data collated online and establishing a system for inputting annual survey information long into the future.

Guidance for entering pond and species data: Click Here

Guidance entering Habitat Suitability Index (HSI): Click here

Now in its fifth year, Buglife's UK wide oil beetle hunt is helping us to understand and conserve these impressive and intriguing insects.

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

Job Title:Conservation and Agriculture Project Officer

Salary: Grade 7, Salary Points 25 – 29

Location: National Park Offices, Penrhyndeudraeth

Closing date: 6 May 2016

This is an advert for a Conservation and Agriculture Project Officer for which the ability to communicate in Welsh and English is essential.