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Welcome to the West Midlands Biodiversity Partnership Newsletter. In this message:
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Spotlight on . . . Herefordshire Wildlife Trust 
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust has acquired a new reserve - located in the picturesque Golden Valley, The Parks at Dulas Court represents one of the finest unimproved meadows in Herefordshire. The Dulas Brook runs through the 44 acre site, which is host to species such as the white clawed crayfish and otter. The meadow has been in environmental stewardship for ten years and contains a diverse flora. The reserve is due to be formally opened in the summer, and the Wildlife Trust is continuing to fundraise to cover the cost of the acquisition. National Trust to reduce use of fossil fuels by 50% The National Trust is to reduce its use of fossil fuels by 50% by 2020, according to the charity's new energy strategy . The target will be met by reducing energy use for electricity and heating by 20% and by introducing 'grow your own' micro and small scale renewable energy schemes using wood fuel, solar, heat pumps, hydro and wind. The move will aim to cut the Trust's carbon emissions from energy use for heat and electricity by 45%, which is the equivalent of removing 4,500 family cars from the road. In addition, it could help the Trust dramatically reduce the amount it spends on fuel - the organisation currently spends around £6 million each year on power and heating for its buildings. At Carding Mill Valley in Shropshire, a new log-fired boiler is expected to save £4,000 a year in oil fuel bills, and reduce the carbon footprint of the property by 20,000kg per year. Wood fuel for the boiler will come from National Trust woodland at nearby Wenlock Edge, with replanting and maintenance benefiting woodland and wildlife habitats. Boost for woodpeckers in Herefordshire 
The 'Woodpeckers in Herefordshire' project, run by Herefordshire Biodiversity Partnership, aims to reverse the decline of the lesser spotted and green woodpeckers in the county; to gain a greater understanding of the ecological and behavioural needs of these two woodpeckers, and the relationship between woodpecker species; to raise awareness of the plight of the birds with the public, as well as among orchard owners and land managers; and to gain voluntary support to monitor woodpecker nests and boxes. The project also aims to encourage people to submit woodpecker sightings to an online survey, hosted by the Herefordshire Ornithological Club - click here to take part in the survey. For more information on the project, contact Nicky Davies, Herefordshire Biodiversity Partnership Coordinator, on 01432 383026 or woodpeckers@herefordshire.gov.uk (photo by Jon Robinson, not for re-use) 
Funding for biodiversity in 2010 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity, and to support this the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is encouraging organisations to apply for funding for projects that conserve the UK's natural heritage. The HLF has already invested more than £860 million in such projects, and is keen to fund more - from conserving priority species or habitats, to training volunteers and promoting wider education initiatives. Click here to download the HLF's 'Thinking about biodiversity' guidance document, which sets out what can be funded and provides sources of advice for potential applicants. |
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