environment

This Week in Biodiversity News – 2nd June 2025

Wildlife

Poole Harbour’s osprey pair have hatched their fourth chick of the year. The only breeding pair of ospreys on the South Coast have laid a clutch of four eggs for the second year running, and the Birds of Poole Harbour charity has announced that the final chick successfully hatched in the past week. In 2022, female CJ7 and male 002 became the first nesting pair on the south coast in 180 years as part of a reintroduction scheme.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) by Birds of Gilgit-Baltistan, via flickr.

Golden Eagles are spreading their range from southern Scotland into England. Around 50 Golden Eagles have been translocated across Scotland since 2018 in an attempt to save this species amidst major population decline. In the past 7 years, South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP) have successfully translocated 28 juveniles and 15 sub-adult golden eagles from the Scottish Highlands to the Scottish borders. Satellite tagging has revealed that a number of birds are beginning to venture into Northumberland, the North Pennines, the Lake District and even as far south as Lancashire and Yorkshire, offering hope for the future reintroduction of Golden Eagles into England.

Reservoir projects fast-tracked in an attempt to secure England’s water supplies. Two major new reservoirs in East Anglia and south Lincolnshire have been fast-tracked through the planning process as they are now declared as ‘nationally significant.’ As such, the final decisions for these projects will be taken by Environment Secretary Steve Reed, rather than at a local level, with the aim of securing water supplies for future generations. These stores would provide resilience to future droughts in particularly dry areas of the country where water demand is high, and may be completed by 2036 and 2040 respectively. The water industry has welcomed this announcement, but some communities are concerned about increased bills, as well as the potential clearing of homes and farmland to make way for the necessary infrastructure.

Howgill Fells by Robert J Heath, via flickr.

Areas of common ground in the Yorkshire Dales are being restored to their ancient glory. A groundbreaking tree-planting programme is uniting farmers and rewilders alike to bring species back to ‘ghost woodlands’. Howgill Fells had been heavily grazed for hundreds of years, but in just over a decade, an extensive rewilding project has planted 300,000 native trees across common land in 64 acres of sheep-free enclosures. Ecologist Mike Douglas recently conducted his first of four annual surveys monitoring birds in the enclosures. His results have revealed the presence of 11 new breeding bird species since his original survey in the early stages of the project in 2016, and numbers continue to increase year on year.

Policy

Labour have rejected a proposal to provide every new home with at least one swift brick to help endangered cavity-nesting birds. The proposed amendment to the governments Planning and Infrastructure bill requested that every developer provides a single £35 hollow brick for swifts, house martins, sparrows and starlings in every new build home. This was previously supported when it was tabled on Conversative government legislation in 2023, however the current Labour-dominated committee have now stated they are not convinced it is the right approach. A petition calling for these bricks to become mandatory has now reached 80,000, demonstrating the public’s concern on the matter.

Pacific Swift by Stuart Price, via flickr.

Nature-friendly farming fund to be cut in UK spending review. Labour initially promised £5 billion over two years for the post-Brexit farming fund, which will be honoured until 2026, however in the years following it will be slashed in line with wide-scale budget cuts. This nature-friendly initiative replaced the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy and rewards farmers for stewarding nature, soil, and other public goods, rather than solely for land ownership and cultivation. While DEFRA have stated they are planning a new scheme aimed at smaller farms, many larger-scale ones will miss out on these incentives.

This Week in Biodiversity News – 19th May 2025

Wildlife

A mosquito-borne disease has spread to the UK and is now affecting wild bird populations. The deadly Usutu virus was first detected in southern Africa over half a century ago and spread to the UK in 2020. Blackbirds are specifically susceptible to the virus, with mass die-offs occurring as a result of the disease across Europe, and it has recently spread across the UK as far as Dorset and Cambridgeshire. Scientists are now monitoring the spread of the Usutu virus amid concerns that climate change may turn Europe into a breeding ground for its host species, mosquitoes, therefore exacerbating the reach of the disease.

Male blackbird (Turdus merula) perched on a branch by hedera.baltica, via flickr.

Scientists warn about numerous new threats affecting bee populations. A study from the University of Reading has highlighted that war zones, microplastic and air pollution are posing some of the greatest threats to our pollinators. An increase in worldwide conflict has forced countries to grow a smaller variety of agricultural crops, leaving pollinators without a diverse range of food sources throughout the year, whilst investigations into air pollution has revealed that is affecting the survival, reproduction and growth of our key pollinator species. Researchers also tested 315 honey bee colonies and found traces of microplastic contamination within most hives. Professor Simon Potts, the lead author of this report, stated that identifying these news threats and finding ways to protect pollinators early is the key to preventing further population decline.

Extinction risk

‘Vulnerable’ cockatoo species facing further habitat loss due to bushfires. Conservationists have warned that the planned burning of 13,000 hectares of forest in East Gippsland, Australia, may jeopardise declining Glossy Black Cockatoos populations. 64% of this species habitat was burned in the 2019-2020 black summer bushfires, resulting in the population becoming wholly dependent on the 48,000 hectares of unburnt coastal forest around Lake Tyers. Glossy Black Cockatoos feed almost exclusively on the cones of black sheoak trees, which are often subject to planned burning programmes. Australia’s biodiversity, wildlife, and habitat are currently under threat from bushfires, prompting ecologists and nature campaigners to highlight the urgent need for careful management, especially with Victoria’s cockatoo population now estimated at a mere 250.

Glossy Black Cockatoo by Merryjack, via flickr.

Welsh Celtic rainforests under threat. A 2024 survey investigating the ecology of Welsh rainforests has revealed that only 22% of the temperate rainforests found in this area are in ‘good’ condition, with many others under threat due non-native species, storms and inappropriate grazing of livestock. These rare habitats are only found in isolated areas across the world, including the Woodland Trust’s Coed Felenrhyd near Gwynedd, however it is vital that the remaining 33,024 hectares of rainforest left in Wales are protected. Natural Resources Wales manage seven Celtic rainforest reserves in the Meirionnydd area, and have now stated that these ‘exceptionally important sites’ need conservation and landscape scale management to ensure their preservation.

Climate change

The worlds coastlines are still in danger even if climate targets are met. Even if the world achieves the ambitious goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, researchers project that sea levels are still likely to rise by several meters. New investigations into how ice sheets respond to future climate changes suggest that even with stabilized global warming, this rise may not slow down. A major concern is that melting could accelerate past a viable ‘tipping point’ due to intensified warming from human activity, though scientists are yet to pinpoint this critical threshold. The consequences for coastal communities would be catastrophic, as approximately 230 million people currently live within one meter of high tide lines.

This Week in Biodiversity News – 5th May 2025

Wildlife

Captive-bred axolotls have successfully adapted to the wild, offering hope for the future of this critically endangered species who have been on the verge of extinction for nearly two decades. In an attempt to trial their reintroduction, scientists have recently conducted a study involving the release and monitoring of 18 captive-bred axolotls into Lake Xochimilco and its neighbouring artificial wetland. Volunteers tracked their movements for roughly 40 days, and the results of this study have revealed that not only have all 18 individuals survived, but those that were recaptured for monitoring have gained weight, suggesting they have successfully adopted natural hunting behaviours. Whilst this study has revealed that species reintroduction is a viable option, ecologist Luis Zambrano has stated the team’s first priority is to improve habitat conditions for axolotl’s already living in the wild.

Ambystoma mexicanum by Ruben Undheim, via flickr.

The only breeding pair of Ospey in southern England have laid four eggs for a second year running. The Osprey reintroduction programme began in Poole Harbour in 2017, and in 2022 female CJ7 and male 022 became the first nesting pair recorded on the south coast of England in 180 years. With the eggs expected to hatch at the end of the month, the Birds of Poole Harbour group have stated that a repeat of all four eggs successfully hatching would be a very promising outcome for their recolonisation, however every hatchling should be celebrated.

Science and Environment

A government grant from the Nature Restoration Fund is set to facilitate the eradication of American mink from the Outer Hebrides. Over 2,000 individuals have been captured since the Hebridean Mink Project began in 2001, and in 2018 it was thought that their population had been reduced to a level that was no longer functional. However, data has revealed that 20-30 mink are still trapped annually. The Scottish Government’s grant will enable the installation of more traps, ensuring the eradication of this invasive species from the islands and supporting the recovery of ground-nesting birds and other native wildlife.

American Mink Huron Wetland Management District South Dakota by USFWS Mountain-Prairie, via flickr.

Policy

Sandeel fishing ban remains in place in the North Sea. Sandeels are a vital source of food for a wide variety of the UK’s marine life and coastal sea birds, and in early 2024 English and Scottish authorities implemented trawling bans due to concerns about declining populations. The EU have now challenged this ban, arguing that the motion was ‘discriminatory,’ ‘disproportionate’ and could threaten commercial sandeel fishing in Denmark. Several key organisations including the RSPB and DEFRA have since advocated for the measure to remain in place, and judges have ruled that there is no legal obligation to reverse this order.

Sandeel in seabed by Crown Marine Scotland, via flickr.

Housing developers in England may be able to build on protected green spaces without needing to replace nature lost locally. The proposed Planning and Infrastructure bill could allow developers to pay into a fund for off-site habitat creation, potentially outside the local area, or even in a different county. While the Labour government aims to streamline development to meet housing targets, concerns are growing that this could harm poorer rural communities and lead to a “cash to trash nature” system, undermining local access to nature and potentially ignoring crucial environmental protection.

Pollution

UK is falling behind on its commitment to reduce microplastic pollution. Scientists have revealed that these pollutants continue to infiltrate our food sources, ecosystems and bodies. Researchers are now warning that the UK is falling behind both Europe and the US in the introduction of enforceable targets on microplastic in wastewater and drinking water. As a result of this, they are now encouraging ministers to develop a comprehensive approach to reduce plastic pollution, whilst also providing funding for vital research into safe microplastic exposure thresholds.

Equipment in Focus: CHASING Underwater Drones

CHASING’s range of underwater drones (also known as Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles – ROUVs) includes high-end consumer and heavy duty industrial-grade models. The drones capture high resolution underwater images and video, allowing unobtrusive, accessible monitoring, surveying or exploration of aquatic spaces. With technological applications ranging from reef monitoring and marine ecological assessments to aquacultural inspection and general exploration, these innovative devices are a powerful tool for efficient data collection and observation.

Underwater drones can alleviate health and safety concerns, save time, money, resources and the need for specialist personnel. By providing high-resolution imagery and precise manoeuvrability, this technology allows for the safe, efficient observation and sampling of aquatic environments whilst minimising harm or disturbance.

In this blog, we introduce you to CHASING’s underwater drones – the Gladius Mini S, the M2 S, M2 PRO and the M2 PRO MAX.

Consumer Models

Gladius Mini S

The Gladius Mini S is a highly portable consumer-grade drone for underwater exploration. Quick to deploy, with a maximum operating time of around four hours, the Gladius Mini S requires little preparation to get started and can be operated by one person– simply attach the tether, controller and accessories, and connect your mobile phone to the CHASING app. The Gladius can operate in temperatures between –10 and +45°C, and at depths up to 100m. High-quality video and still images are captured with the 4K image stabilised camera and powerful integrated lights, producing excellent underwater imagery. The Gladius Mini S has one mounting point, which can support accessories such as the grabber claw and underwater GoPro mount.

The Gladius Mini S is available in four packs: Standard pack with a 100m tether, Standard pack with a 200m tether, Flash pack containing grabber claw B and a 100m tether, and a Flash pack containing grabber claw B and a 200m tether.

An upper-end consumer-grade drone
100m max operating depth
Five thrusters
100m or 200m tether included (dependant on package)
One mounting point

We also recently tested the Gladius Mini S in Plymouth Sound, watch our short video to see it in action.

Industrial Models

Alongside the consumer model, there are a number of industrial-grade drones that are better suited for larger scale projects – the CHASING M2 S, M2 PRO and the M2 PRO MAX. The main advantage of these models is the use of interchangeable batteries, additional accessories and an increased tether length for longer sessions. Each industrial model benefits from a 4K camera, up to 4 hours run time, 150° field of view, e-reel compatibility, and powerful vectored thrusters allowing for precise movement. Here, we explore these models a little further, outlining the differences between each drone and their benefits.

Find a summary of the M2 series specifications below:

CHASING M2 S

Marking the first step up from consumer models, the CHASING M2 S benefits from eight thrusters for maximum stability and a high response speed. The unit features multiple accessory ports that are suitable for grabber arms, distance lock sonars, laser scalers and floodlights, as well as third-party accessories such as GoPro cameras. With the ability to swap batteries, and a greater range of compatible accessories, the M2 S is equipped for longer sessions with increased capabilities. An upgraded colour restoration algorithm improves the image transparency, clarity, colour, layering and noise on the M2 S, and live feed can be streamed onto multiple devices.

This model is available in three packages, each with varied tether lengths, accessories and spare parts.

An entry-level industrial drone
100m max operating depth
8 thrusters
200m tether included
One mounting point
More compatible accessories than consumer models*

*To view the full range of compatible accessories please see the above table.

CHASING M2 PRO

The M2 PRO has an increased operating depth and is compatible with more accessories than previous models. It is the first model that is compatible with the Shore-based Power Supply System (SPSS), allowing for unrestricted power supply to enable 24/7 operation. It is also the first to accommodate the control console – a professional platform designed to control the drone, AC power, external lights and other accessories. The M2 PRO can operate at depths of 150m and is designed to house larger batteries to accommodate an increase in drone size and accessory power.

The M2 PRO is available in two packages: Professional and Advanced.

A mid-range industrial drone
150m max operating depth
8 thrusters
200m tether included
One mounting point
Compatible with the Shore-based Power Supply System and the control console
An increased range of compatible accessories

CHASING M2 PRO MAX

The M2 PRO MAX is the most advanced model in our CHASING range, presenting a top-of-the-line industrial drone for NGO’s, researchers, government bodies and enterprise users. This upper-level model has five mounting points to attach an assortment of around 20 compatible accessories, including water samplers, sonar and sediment samplers. Eight powerful thrusters propel this drone to depths of up to 200m with 360° movement. For improved image clarity, the M2 PRO MAX has offset LED’s, helping to solve interference by the reflection of matter in front of the camera lens.

The M2 Pro Max is available in two packages: Professional and Advanced.

Top-of-the-line industrial drone
200m max operating depth
Eight thrusters
200m tether included
Five mounting points
Compatible with the Shore-based Power Supply System and the control console
Over 20 compatible accessories

Applications

Underwater drones, or ROUVs, provide an alternative, accessible tool for ecological and scientific research. Their applications extend far beyond observation, enabling researchers to conduct detailed ecosystem health evaluations, monitor invasive or threatened species, and perform habitat inspections – all with the capability to collect samples for off-site analysis. From assessing the source of underwater pollution, to conducting biodiversity surveys, these drones provide high-resolution imagery and real-time data, facilitating well-evidenced conservation action. Their ability to perform targeted water and physical sampling allows for detailed analysis of aquatic environments, which can reveal insights into aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Outside of its ecological applications, this technology has potential in search and rescue operations, item recovery, hull and dock inspection and energy facility inspection.

Find the CHASING range and accessories on the NHBS website here. Check out our latest YouTube video of the Gladius Mini S in action here.

If you have any questions about our range or would like some advice on the right product for you then please contact us via email at customer.services@nhbs.com or phone on 01803 865913.

Conservation volunteering to regenerate public grounds for butterflies and amphibians

In early November, NHBS colleague Dan volunteered with Chagford Conservation Group and the Chagford Parish Council to regenerate public grounds for wildlife – find out about his volunteer work below.

When strolling through your local public green space, take a moment to consider its value—not just as a recreational space but as a haven for wildlife. Behind the trees, shrubs, and ponds lies a delicate balance that requires care. Who ensures these spaces thrive for the benefit of both people and nature?

As you dig into the depths of your mind for answers and speak to fellow locals, you’ll discover that your local wandering patch has a past, present and even the future.

My front door patch, Padley Common, in Chagford – Dartmoor, has a variety of most of the above. Deciduous woodland, grassy fields aligned with stone walls and tree banks, areas with bracken and gorse, an area thick with young trees, streams and even some boggy areas.

One cloudy but warm November morning I joined the Chagford Conservation Group to help clear an area that was taken over by young willow and silver birch growth. Reading this with conservation specs may cause a frown. Cutting trees for conservation? The purpose of this venture, commissioned by Chagford Parish Council, was to restore the grounds to more favourable conditions for butterflies. Under the direction of Devon Wildlife Trust personnel, we cleared young willow and silver birch growth from the common. These trees, if left unchecked, would outcompete light-loving wildflowers and raise water uptake, drying out the damp grasslands needed by marsh fritillaries. This species depends on devil’s-bit scabious for its larvae. Its population in England has declined by 66% since 1990. Maintaining open, flower-rich meadows not only benefits butterflies but supports a host of other pollinators and insects.

Under the direction of Devon Wildlife Trust personnel, the Chagford Conservation Group and the Chagford Parish Council volunteers rolled up their sleeves and cleared a section of the common.

The cleared trees didn’t go to waste. They were repurposed into leaky dams that were fitted into streams that run through the common. These benefit the landscape in surprising ways as they allow water to pass through but slow its flow, reducing erosion and flood risk downstream. By creating side pools and wet areas, leaky dams also provide habitat for amphibians and aquatic insects.

With three organisations involved and so much goodwill from the local community, the day’s work saw the clearing completed and a series of leaky dams constructed. It was striking to see how effectively conservation targets can be achieved when vision, organisation, and community support come together.

Next time you wander through your local patch, take a moment to imagine its potential for wildlife. What small changes could make a big difference? Remember, with the right plan and a collective effort, even a single day’s work can transform a space—creating benefits for nature and leaving a legacy for future generations to discover as they explore their local patch’s story.

February 2025 update:

Last weekend I joined a local volunteering group for some more work on the same site – clearing brambles and gorse to enable new growth. On checking the leaky dams, I was delighted to see that pools created by these were now full of frog spawn!

June 2025 update:

Butterfly Conservation have now completed a survey of Padley Common and found 3 times as many marsh fritillaries as last year. All the efforts in clearing and pulling up of tree saplings have made it much more attractive for butterflies. The weather may have had a positive effect too, but Butterfly Conservation assume the work done has made an impact.

Recommended reading:

Butterfly Conservation – The Warwickshire Approach This book documents, celebrates and shares the many successes the Warwickshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation has had in conserving rare butterflies over the past 25 years. It is a manual of techniques, tips and ideas that will help and hopefully inspire others to create and manage habitats and to conserve butterflies.

The Volunteers: A Memoir of Conservation, Companionship and Community
When Carol finds herself single and unemployed, she unexpectedly takes on the role of leading a quirky team of countryside conservation volunteers. Although their first days are rocky, she and her diverse group of volunteers bond over nature, finding friendship, purpose, and a renewed sense of belonging. The Volunteers is a heart-warming story about healing, community, and the redemptive power of the outdoors.

British Wildlife Magazine

Since its launch in 1989, British Wildlife has established its position as the leading natural history magazine in the UK, providing essential reading for both enthusiast and professional naturalists and wildlife conservationists alike.

Conservation Land Management Magazine

Conservation Land Management (CLM) is a quarterly magazine, widely regarded as essential reading for all who are involved in land management for nature conservation, across the British Isles. Each aspect of CLM is designed for those involved in managing land to achieve conservation goals and priorities.

This Week in Biodiversity News – 3rd March

Environment

UK scientists have discovered a biological mechanism making plant roots more attractive to soil microbes. Through enhanced endosymbiosis, crops such as wheat and legumes are now able to scavenge nutrients more effectively from the environment with the help of soil microbes. This natural process reduces the reliance on synthetic fertilizers, which, when used excessively, can contribute to soil degradation, water pollution, and harmful algal blooms. This biological adaptation may result in crops requiring less artificial fertilisers, thus reducing the pressures of excess fertilizer use and opening the door for more environmentally friendly farming.

Spraying the plants in the crocus fields by International Labour Organization ILO, via flickr.

A recent study involving over 35 research teams has revealed that accelerated glacial melt presents a profound threat to global water security. The loss of 6,500 billion tonnes of ice since 2000, averaging 270 billion tonnes annually, directly impacts millions who rely on these freshwater reserves. This latest study underscores the critical role of glacier melt as a sensitive and alarming indicator of climate change, and demands immediate attention to mitigate the cascading global consequences.

Conservation

Conservation funding bias is depriving critical species of vital support, a new study has shown. A recent study investigated over 14,500 projects spanning a 25-year period, analysing almost $2bn of funding allocated across the globe. Of this, 82.9% of funding was allocated to vertebrates (with over 85% to birds and mammals), 6.6% was allocated to plants and invertebrates, and only 0.2% was designated for fungal and algal species. With a large majority of funds assigned to charismatic megafauna, this bias leaves nearly 94% of threatened species with no support, limiting the opportunities for researchers and protective measures. Researchers have called for a revision of conservation funding awards to ensure a more rigorous, scientifically driven approach in order to address this funding imbalance.

Sanglier by Philippe Rouzet, via flickr.

The reappearance of Wild Boar in Dartmoor National Park, after centuries of absence, has raised concerns about ‘guerrilla rewilding’. Despite their potential for ecological regeneration through natural foraging behaviours, the boar’s presence, following sightings and a dog walker incident, has triggered debate. Natural England and the Wildlife Trusts are now working to understand the local population dynamics and provide guidance to mitigate human-wildlife interactions, while the overall impact of their presence continues to be evaluated.

The UK government has authorized nature groups to apply for licenses to release beavers into the wild. This decision formalises existing practices, which include both licensed enclosure releases and unauthorized reintroductions. With an estimated 500 wild beavers in England already contributing to habitat creation and flood mitigation, the first of these licensed releases are anticipated this autumn, aligning with broader nature restoration goals in the UK.

Climate Crisis

The UK has released its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), outlining its commitment to meeting international biodiversity targets by 2030. This plan serves as the UK’s response to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, acknowledging the critical reliance of human wellbeing on thriving ecosystems and the urgent need to address the global biodiversity crisis. The NBSAP emphasizes a shift towards a systemic approach tackle these challenges effectively. This publication marks a crucial first step in the UK’s pledge to protect at least 30% of its land and sea, reduce pollution, and ensure sustainable practices in agriculture, forestry, and industry by the year 2030.

Researchers at the University of Leeds have modelled the potential impact of reintroducing wolves to the Scottish Highlands, revealing significant opportunity for woodland expansion and carbon storage. Using a predator-prey model across four areas of Scottish wild land, the study found that a population of approximately 167 wolves could effectively control burgeoning deer populations, which currently suppress natural woodland regeneration by grazing on saplings. A reduction in deer would allow native woodland to flourish, with the potential to sequester 1,000,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. This first-of-its-kind assessment provides compelling evidence for the crucial role of large carnivores in delivering nature-based solutions to the climate emergency.

Q&A with Trine Bregstein: The Riverfly Partnership

The Riverfly Partnership is a collaborative effort between anglers, conservationists, scientists, and water managers to protect the health and quality of our rivers. They use citizen science to monitor riverfly populations, which are sensitive indicators of water quality, and gather data on these fascinating insects to contribute to a better understanding of river ecosystems.

We recently had the opportunity to speak with Trine Bregstein, riverfly partnership development manager, about the work of the Partnership, their citizen science initiatives, the importance of riverflies and more.

Can you give an overview of the Riverfly Partnership, its aims and the work that the group is involved in?

The Riverfly Partnership is a network of organisations supporting projects to assess river health. The aims of the partnership are to protect the water quality of our rivers, further the understanding of riverfly populations, and conserve riverfly habitats. The partnership comprises many individuals and groups, including entomologists, angling clubs, volunteer groups, wildlife charities and Rivers Trusts.

We have data on freshwater invertebrate life dating back to the early 2000s, collected by a dedicated base of citizen scientists that is continuing to grow. Volunteers get to learn about the fascinating world of tiny critters living in their waterways, which are referred to as the canaries of our rivers because they are an important indicator of water quality. The work of Riverfly monitors means pollution incidents are quickly detected and reported, changes in water quality are monitored over time and the impacts of restoration work in and around the river can be tracked.

Can you tell us about the Riverfly Monitoring Initiative?

The Riverfly Monitoring Initiative (RMI) is a citizen science scheme in which trained monitors collect data about the invertebrates living in their local river. Volunteers are trained in the identification of key groups of riverflies, which are invertebrates that spend most of their life cycle living in fresh water. The initiative mainly focuses on the orders Ephemeroptera (also known as up-wing flies or mayflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies) and Trichoptera (caddisflies).

Invertebrate sorting and identification. Credit: Trine Bregstein

On a monthly basis, monitors carry out kick sampling at their site and count the numbers of each group of riverflies they have collected. From these counts, an RMI score is generated. This score is compared to the ‘trigger level’ of the site, which is a number set by the local ecology contact at the statutory body. If the RMI score is below the trigger level, it may be an indication that a pollution event has taken place. Another sample is done to confirm the breach, and then the relevant authorities are informed.

What are the main challenges associated with your work?

The national scale of the project, with various regional hubs coordinating groups of monitors at a local level, means it’s important to make sure things are done consistently across the network. We at the Riverfly Partnership HQ in the Lake District facilitate and try to keep track of what’s going on in all of these separate groups, and make sure training and protocols are standardised around the country to ensure the robustness of the data set. This can prove challenging, particularly as many of our hubs are charities and trusts that may not have consistent funding for citizen science projects, whilst others are volunteer run and rely on people managing to co-ordinate their groups in their spare time.

A group of volunteers standing around the riverside edge during a training day — Ribble training day. Image credit: Trine Bregstein

How did 2024 fare for the Partnership and its work?

2024 was a great year for the Partnership. Our monitors submitted 7,832 surveys to our database over the year – this is up from 6,392 in 2023, which reflects how much the partnership is continuing to grow, with many new monitoring groups set up all over the UK. We also launched a new Riverfly data dashboard for easy viewing of all this data.

Citizen science is of increasing importance in wildlife conservation across the globe. How can we get involved and be proactive in protecting our rivers and riverfly populations?

Riverfly monitoring involves carrying out a survey at your allocated site once per month, usually taking about an hour. As a monitor, you’d be contributing to a trusted, long-term, open-access data set that can be used to track gradual changes in habitat quality, as well as quickly pick up on any major incidents that the statutory body can investigate. Anyone can become a Riverfly monitor – no prior knowledge is required; you just need to have attended a training day led by one of our accredited tutors.

Kick sampling in a river — Gwent Wildlife Trust sampling. Image by Gareth Edge

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, e-mail info@riverflies.org and we will link you up to your local co-ordinator. Most training tends to take place in the spring and summer months, but you can register your interest at any time.

Aside from Riverfly monitoring, you can also get involved in the Rivers Trust’s Big River Watch, Earthwatch has the Great UK Water Blitz, The Angling Trust has the WQMN (Water Quality Monitoring Network), ZSL run the Outfall Safari project, and through the CABA and CaSTCo projects other organisations around the UK have been able to cascade this initiative to their volunteers. Check your local Rivers Trust or Wildlife Trust to see what volunteering opportunities they have, for example balsam bashes, riverside clean ups or restoration works like reed bed planting, tree planting and fence building.

Gwent Wildlife Trust members holding certificates following training — Gwent Wildlife Trust training. Image credit: Gareth Edge

There is so much to get involved with, and on a personal level, try look after your own patch. If you’re out walking the dog for example, try to keep them out of the water if they’ve had a recent flea treatment, take a couple of bits of rubbish to the nearest bin (safely, don’t pick up anything potentially dangerous) and know who to call if you spot something untoward – the EA/SEPA/NRW/NIEA for pollution, your local council for fly tipping and don’t forget to report sewage and water leakage problems to your local water company too, they all have helplines or online reporting options.

What projects will the Riverfly Partnership be working on next?

We have a scheme called ‘Extended Riverfly’, which is a more advanced version of Riverfly monitoring that experienced monitors can move on to. It involves identifying and counting 33 groups of invertebrates, rather than the eight in the Riverfly Monitoring Initiative. It’s a fairly new scheme, currently only operating in certain parts of the country, but we recently held an event at which many Riverfly trainers upskilled to become extended trainers, so we’re looking forward to rolling out this project to many more groups in the coming year.

Extended training at the natural history museum — Extended training at the Natural History Museum. Image Credit: Trine Bregstein

We’re also working on our ‘Targets and Triggers’ project, which has been developed with partners at the Environment Agency, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Buglife and CaSTCo. We’re aiming to devise a standard, and relatively easy, method for trigger levels to be set, making it easier for statutory bodies to engage with Riverfly monitoring without it being too much of a drain on their limited resources. Through gathering extra data about each monitoring site and running these through a predictive model, we plan to come up with not just trigger levels, but expand the initiative so that sites also have a ‘target level’ – the maximum RMI score that we would expect to see at a site, which gives a goal for habitat improvement projects to aim for.

The Riverfly Partnership Approved Kit is a complete kit suitable for water quality monitoring. The Riverfly Partnership receives £5 from the sale of this kit to help them continue their fantastic conservation work.

Please see the Riverfly Partnership website for more information on how to get involved.

Conservation volunteering with the Dartmoor Preservation Association

Last month, NHBS colleague Dan volunteered with the Dartmoor Preservation Association – read below to find out what he got up to.

Walking across Dartmoor, you feel centuries of history embedded in its rugged landscape. The open moorlands, rolling hills, and ancient stone circles are more than just features – they’re fragments of a rich past. Volunteering with the Dartmoor Preservation Association (DPA) reminded me how essential the work is to protect the unique heritage of places such as these.

Founded in 1883, the Dartmoor Preservation Association is one of Britain’s oldest conservation organisations and is focused on safeguarding Dartmoor’s landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage. The DPA works tirelessly to protect the moors ecological balance and preserve the archaeological sites that reveal Dartmoor’s deep connection to human history. The organisation advocates for responsible land use, defends against damaging developments, and promotes awareness of Dartmoors irreplaceable natural and historical value.

Among Dartmoors treasures, situated by Huccaby Tor near Dartmeet, stands a quiet reminder of the Bronze Age (c.2000-700 BC) – Huccaby Rings. A monument scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, it is one of many ancient sites on Dartmoor that were built to hold livestock, protect crops and / or to accommodate farmers and herdsmen.

It wasn’t too surprising that when I joined the DPA to help clear the ring of Gorse, I was joined by several archaeology enthusiasts, each keen to help preserve this window into Dartmoor’s ancient past and ensure that Dartmoor’s story lives on for future generations.

Conservation volunteering goes beyond hands-on work; it’s a commitment to protecting the legacy of places like Dartmoor. Each task – preserving historical heritage, supporting wildlife habitat, managing access – is a step towards safeguarding unique beauty, preserving cultural history and supporting wildlife.

I’m certain that you, the reader, also have a special place near you – whether urban or rural – that deserves this kind of dedicated care.

Find our more on the Dartmoor Preservation Society website.

Recommended reading

Dartmoor 365
A true gem of a book, it has a story about every square mile of Dartmoor, filled with captivating folklore, historical insights, archaeology, and nature facts. An intimate exploration of a unique part of the world.

This Week in Biodiversity News – 17th February

Environment

A new restoration project is set to enhance RSPB Geltsdale in northeast Cumbria. The project aims to restore and protect vital habitat across the site, including moorland, wetland and woodland. These enhancements will benefit a number of species including Hen Harriers, Curlews, Snipe, Willow Warblers, Black Grouse and Red Squirrels. RSPB will be working in partnership with North Pennines National Landscape and Natural England for the project, building on the previous conservation successes in Geltsdale, which include renaturalising a river, native tree planting, meadow creation and restoration of blanket bogs.

Ireland’s remaining ancient rainforests are under threat from the rapid expansion of pine monoculture plantations. Despite government efforts to increase woodland cover, the country’s focus on non-native pines is proving detrimental to biodiversity and ecosystem health. Ireland has the lowest proportional tree coverage of all European territories – the Irish Republic reports 11.6% coverage while Northern Ireland has just 8% – despite investing over £1bn into forestry schemes to increase woodland cover. This widescale industrial approach is replacing lost woodland with monoculture, enhancing both ecological decline and rural depopulation. Experts emphasise the need to identify and protect the remaining ancient woodland to safeguard the future of ancient Irish rainforests.

Derryclare Wood by Nils van Rooijen, via flickr.

Experts warn that the world’s peatlands are dangerously unprotected. Despite covering only 3% of land, peatlands store more carbon than all of the world’s forests and are crucial for biodiversity and water management. With only 17% of this vital habitat within protected areas, their draining, overgrazing and burning driven by agriculture and extraction is emitting greenhouse gases that would make peatland the fourth biggest polluting country in the world. With over ¼ of peatland under heavy anthropogenic pressure, experts are emphasising the need to restore and conserve existing peat to keep global warming in line with international targets.

Wildlife

Over one thousand dead sea turtles have been found along India’s coastline. An estimated 1,100 Olive Ridley Sea Turtles have washed up on the beaches of Tamil Nadu in southern India. The stranded turtles were found with bulging eyes and lung lesions, indicating death by suffocation and drowning – although it’s difficult to determine, it is possible that net fishing in the area may have caused entanglement and drowning in these animals. Since the incident, local government have created a task force and increased night patrols to protect the hatchlings from harm.

25082: olive ridley sea turtle by Panegyrics of Granovetter, via flickr.

A drove of feral pigs have been illegally released in the Cairngorms. In the wake of the illegal release of Lynx last month, a group of feral pigs have been spotted near the Uath Lochans area, less than five miles from the release site of the Lynx. Working with NatureScot and Forestry and Land Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority is working to investigate the release of these animals and safely capture them.

Policy and Development

The UK government remains committed to Heathrow’s third runway, despite significant environmental and social concerns. The expansion could see a further 4.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year – the equivalent of 101 billion car miles which could have destructive consequences in terms of pollution and the environment. The expansion could generate 51 million tonnes of carbon in five years, over 500,000 people would be exposed to enhanced noise pollution, and there would be severe environmental impacts – diverting five rivers, building a tunnel under the M25 and new flight paths would significantly impact wildlife throughout London, including the eleven bat species that reside within Richmond Park.

EGLL - Boeing 747 - British Airways - G-BNLY by Steve Lynes, via flickr. — EGLL – Boeing 747 – British Airways – G-BNLY by Steve Lynes, via flickr.

In its first year, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has significantly underperformed. First-year figures for BNG show only 773 hectares of habitat creation and enhancement (onsite and offsite combined), which marks just 13% of Defra’s annual generation estimations for the scheme. This shortcoming is due to broad exemptions, limited resources and poor monitoring and enforcement. Environmental groups are calling for a strengthening of the scheme through the upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill , including more ambitious targets, reducing exemptions to BNG, enhanced monitoring and enforcement, and a guarantee that reforms will not weaken existing protections while delivering more effective off-site nature compensation.

Find an official response from CIEEM on the UK Government’s Planning Reform Working Paper here. The working paper will be used to build the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that will seek to fast-track development across the UK and could see impacts on the role and effectiveness of biodiversity net gain.

Training Course: Bats for Building Professionals

The recent training course by the Bat Conservation Trust, Bats for Building Professionals, aimed to provide direction and understanding on the legal protections surrounding bats and their roosts in buildings. Suitable for contractors, pest controllers, surveyors, architects or those working within the construction industry, the session aided building professionals in developing their bat roost identification skills and taught them how to navigate situations where bats are present on site.

The seven-hour course, run over two interactive online sessions, explored bat ecology, biology, best practices, the latest guidance and legal information.

The course began with a comprehensive overview of Britain’s breeding bat species, covering their biology, ecology, adaptations, habitat preferences and roosting types. Speaker Katie Swift introduced the Bat Calendar – a particularly interesting aspect of the session which revealed how contractors and construction workers can plan work around bat activity to minimise disturbances (see below).

Bat calendar indicating best times for construction works — The bat calendar shows how contractors and construction workers can plan work around bat activity to minimise disturbances.

This led to a discussion of bat roosts in built structures, where Katie explained why bats favour these spaces and detailed attractive features for both cavity and crevice roosting species, such as soffits, eaves, and cladding. Exploring the different uses of these roosts throughout the year, Katie highlighted how occupied spaces change between summer and winter, and which bat species commonly utilise buildings for this purpose. Using examples like pipistrelles and horseshoe bats, she demonstrated how different species utilize roosting sites and how to recognize an active roost.

The second part of the discussion focused on legislation and bat protection, educating attendees on the laws that are in place to ensure bat protection, actions that are considered an offence, and highlighting advice services available. Katie then reviewed the European Protected Species License, explaining its role in safeguarding bats within the UK, outlining how construction activities can potentially harm bats in buildings, and when to seek advice as a building professional in keeping with best practice guidelines.

Common pipistrelle bat — Image by Bio Blitz via Flickr

The second session concluded with an interactive quiz of working examples for building professionals, covering a range of typical building works including barn conversions, door repairs and gutter replacements.

The ‘homework’ task between sessions was a particularly enjoyable aspect of the course – through independent field work, attendees had the opportunity to report on the potential bat features of their chosen building or structure and apply the knowledge learned throughout the session to understand which species may be present in the area, the areas bats may utilise on the structure and what works might impact a roost.

This insightful and informative training course provides a valuable resource for building professionals seeking to learn or refresh their knowledge about bats and building projects. The speaker’s expertise ensured a comprehensive and engaging learning experience, covering everything from bat ecology, to bats in buildings and licensing.

Find out more about upcoming events and the extensive range of training courses with the Bat Conservation Trust via their website.