Monday, 22 March 2010

If You Go Down in the Woods Today

There is an initiative to co opt the general public into recording a range of alien species in the UK countryside (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/mar/22/bioblitz-campaign-record-britain-wildlife). The six species that are the focus are American skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus); Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis); Muntjac deer (Muntiacus reevesi); Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima); Water primrose (Ludwigia peploides) and the Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha). Some cause actual problems whereas others are mainly characterised by a bad smell. The idea is that the amateurs would report the occurrences and experts would check the claims before mapping the items. The proposal seems useful on both a surveying level and in enthusing a new generation about the world around them. One wonders why the initial focus is on these six.

1 comment:

Caroline Gill said...

Love the ducklings on the banner.

Wooden Tops 17. Hazel

Hazel is used for woven baskets, fence 'hurdles' and walking sticks. The thinner sticks are used to support beans and other garden ...