Red cage fungus Clathrus ruber

The 6th Suffolk record of this extraordinary species. Found in a garden by Aimee Dines-Davey

Plantlife launches appeal for more wildflower meadows

The UK is one of the most nature depleted places on earth. Since the 1930s, we have lost 97% of our meadows and they now cover less than 1% of the UK. 

10 years ago Plantlife called for action to turn the tide on the fate of our wildflower meadows. Alongside our conservation partners, we identified the best meadow in counties across the UK, harvested its seed and used it to create new meadows nearby. The Coronation Meadows project helped Plantlife develop a really effective way to create new meadows.

As we celebrate Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee, the legacy of Coronation Meadows lives on. The knowledge gained is now helping Plantlife to create and restore more meadows, with almost 5,000 hectares created and restored since 2013. Plantlife wants to restore another 10,000 hectares by 2030 to give today’s children a chance to experience what has been lost in just two generations. Can you help multiply meadows again?

Yes, I want to help multiply meadows

Field Studies Council (FSC) BioLinks courses

FSC BioLinks is an exciting project bringing together existing volunteers with skills in biological recording and identification, and new volunteers.

It provides subsidised training courses, learning opportunities and digital tools focused on invertebrate identification for anyone involved or interested in biological recording, to build and strengthen the community.

FSC BioLinks provides:

• Courses and resources to support volunteers
• Support for existing volunteers and encourages new volunteers

See all BioLinks courses

Soil Health & Regenerative Agriculture

Reepham, Norfolk | 8 June 

• Learn the whys and wherefores of regenerative agriculture and soil health on cropping and mixed farming operations
• Learn how to monitor soil/pasture.
• Be introduced to new ways of thinking about the "farming problem".

Suitable for

• Farmers, landowners and estate managers
• Ecologists & advisors
• Vets and veterinary trainees/students

Objectives

• Improving soil health / pasture health
• Improving drainage and water holding on your land
• Growing more and better forage/crops
• Reducing reliance on external inputs or contractor services
• Identifying opportunities for out-wintering & season extension
• Getting feedback on-farm: monitoring & data, on-farm trials
• Skills training on using Soilmentor and carrying-out basic tests

Topics

Regenerative Agriculture – The Broader Context, Empirical case for good soil management, Defining soil health, Soil Health Principles, Evidencing soil health, Aggregation and crumb structure, Nutrient Cycling, One Key Insight – Microbes Matter

Full details and booking

Building a better future – Preparing for biodiversity net gain

Online | 30 Jun 2022 | 09:30am - 15:30pm

Who should attend?

• Construction companies and developers
• Landowners
• Local planning authorities
• Ecologists
• Solicitors
• Consultants (architects, designers, planning consultants and industry bodies)

Overview

The Government is continuing to impose tighter environmental regulations on the development and construction industry to protect the natural environment. The much-anticipated Environment Act 2021 brings in the introduction of a mandatory 10 per cent biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirement on every planning permission granted in England, no matter how big or small. BNG which will not be enforced until late 2023 at the earliest, will put nature and biodiversity centre stage of all future development projects. Are developers, landowners and local authorities ready for the mandating of BNG?

The House Briefing will explore the key elements of the BNG policy and its implications on new housing and major infrastructure developments. Hear first-hand from the Government, policy experts and leaders in the industry who will share their insight and offer practical guidance to prepare and be ready for the new mandatory BNG requirements. 

Key Takeaways:

• How will BNG be incorporated into the planning system of England?
• What will BNG mean for local authorities, developers and landowners?
• Who is responsible for creating net gain and then managing and maintaining it long-term?
• How will biodiversity be measured and whose responsibility will it be to measure it?
• What are the costs involved?
• What are the options for offsite biodiversity?

More details