Mini Rewilding in SW France

Rewilding doesn't always have to involve bringing in large animals, like the European beaver, the European lynx or the wolf. Sixty, ball-rolling dung beetles have recently been released in the marshy forests of Etang de Cousseau in South-West France (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/30/france-first-dung-beetle-reintroduction-rewilding-aoe). The dung beetles will feed on the waste ('cow pats) produced by the numerous wild cattle now inhabiting that location's dunes. The beetle's activity should greatly facilitate recycling in this developing ecosystem. Dunes are systems that show rapid transformation. Sometimes, it's the little changes that produce the biggest results!

In an English Country Garden?

UK gardeners are 'bombarding' the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) with letters, asking why the plants thay have successfully cultivated for many years are dying. One wonders what planet the gardeners live on. Surely they are aware that climate change is a fact of life? (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/apr/30/april-cold-weather-gardens-hardier-plants-extremes-heat-cold). The UK had an unseasonally mild Autumn (Fall), followed by a much colder than usual, Spring. England has had its driest February for 30 years, followed by the wettest March for 40 years. These unseasonal changes appear to be due to altered prevailing airflows. Many plants are 'creatures of habit', relying on predictable seasonal changes. The RHS advises the gardeners to hedge their bets by growing plants that can cope with extreme heat and cold. Plants that can deal with wet and drier conditions would also be helpful. The RHS suggests the gardeners switch to growing a diversity of plant species. English gardens will also have to adapt to climate change.

No Rain in Spain?

Spain is experiencing what might be its hottest April on record. Temperatures are currently some 7 to 11 degrees Centigrade above their average for the time of the year. The temperature might even reach a record high of 39 degrees in some southerly locations (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/27/spain-braced-for-record-april-temperature-of-39c-as-heatwave-causes-misery). These high Spring temperatures are due to hot air, from Africa, spilling over into southern Europe (parts of France are also hot). Rainfall is also well down, being only some 25% of the normal figure. In deed, this might prove to be the driest April on record for Spain. Spain is experiencing a prolonged drought, which will damage agriculture. The high ambient temperatures are also challenging for humans. Public swimming pools, in Spain, have been opened a month earlier than normal. The Spanish government is also advising people to be careful about hydration. Hydration is especially crucial in babies, children and older people. Perhaps particular attention should be directed to older tourists (mad dogs and Englishmen)? The folk who dress up in heavy costumes (of 'Sonic' the hedgehog etc), to earn their money, posing for visitors in Madrid and elsewhere, are really suffering (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/30/the-suit-burns-madrids-street-performers-suffer-in-record-spanish-heat). Things will only get worse in the Summer.

Seeing the Changes 1779

Having seen other people's hauls, I foolishly put my moth trap out in Loughor last night. Everything got very wet. I only snared a spattering of micro-moths, one early May bug (Melolontha melolontha) and a single Brindled beauty (Lycia hirtaria).

Seeing the Changes 1778

Lots of flowerings at the interface between Bynea and Penclacwydd. Field mouse-ear (Cerastium arvense); Wood forgetmenot (Myosotis sylvatica); Crab apple (Malus sylvestris); Red campion (Silene dioica); Silver weed (Potentilla anserina) and Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna).

No Mow May Movement

'No Mow May' was a campaign, started in 2019, by the Plantlife organisation. This year, UK lawn owners, have been asked once again to 'lock away their mowers', until May 31st. (https://www.countryfile.com/news/no-mow-may-why-you-should-lock-up-your-lawnmower-on-1st-may/). 'No Mow May' is intended to allow flowers to grow in garden lawns. This provides insect pollinators, especially butterflies and bees, with nectar and pollen. Other organisms (e.g. birds and bats) feed on the insect pollinators. 'No Mow May' has the support of Wildlife Trusts and the Royal Horticultural Society. Obviously, herbicides should not be used on these grassed areas. The campaign's participants are also being asked to record the flower species found on their, otherwise, lawn monocultures. It's also suggested that, when cutting is resumed:- a) clippings are removed (some interesting plant species don't thrive with high levels of organic material) and b) lawn sections are cut at different times and to variable extents (to further encourage greater biodiversity). 'No Mow May' seems to provide a simple, relaxing and low cost way of helping wildlife, as well as stimulating interest in the natural world.

Seeing the Changes 1777

My first Small white (Artogeia rapae) of the year in Loughor.

Seeing the Changes 1776

It's the start of garden bird egg time in Loughor.

Another Fine Mess 'Biocontrol' Got Us Into

There are many examples of problematic attempts at biocontrol. Notable cases include the introduction of the Cane toad to Australia and the Indian mongoose to Hawaii. A less well-known example resulted in the wiping out of the unique Partula 'tree snails' in French Polynesia (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/27/polynesian-partula-snails-extinct-in-the-wild-species). Problems were caused in Polynesia, by the accidental introduction of the alien African giant land snail (kept, today, as a non-demanding 'pet' by some folk). Attempts were made to wipe out this alien by loosing another 'outsider'. The predatory Rosy wolf snail was the designated killer and consequently released. Unfortunately, the Rosy wolf snails found the small endemic (local) Partula snails easier prey. The wolf snails 'sped' along the slime scent trails of the Partula to make their kills. Partula became extinct on all the islands of French Polynesia. Now, more than 5000 Partula (of 11 different species) have been reared in English, Scotish and US zoos. These snails will be released on the islands of Mo'orea and Tahiti. The snails will be marked with a dot of paint that emits UV when specially illuminated. This will help scientist to track the populations, as they (hopefully) re-establish themselves.

Seeing the Changes 1775

In Bynea, the Field horsetails (Equisetum arvense) had unfurled and the native Bluebells (Endymion non-scripta) bloomed.

Bristol Zoo Fallout

Bristol Zoo was, for many years, in a prime location in that city. It recently moved 'out-of-town' to a site in semi-rural Gloucestershire. There's no doubt that the now Bristol Zoo Project has much more space. Space is often at a premium in zoos. The zoo animals will also be less exposed to traffic noise and atmospheric pollution (vehicle fumes damage animal health). Some people are, however, very unhappy that Bristol councillors have approved a plan to build almost 200 homes on the zoo's original city site (https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/apr/26/anger-in-bristol-as-councillors-approve-plan-for-homes-on-site-of-zoo). Bristol aspires to be 'greener' but it does have, like many other UK locations, a housing crisis. Some of the planned homes are said to be 'affordable' (whatever that means). The councillors admit the development will lead to some tree and habitat loss. Bat roosts, in that area, will also disappear. Protected buildings will, however, remain. Such 'balancing acts' involve difficult calculations. Freeing the site did provide an opportunity for developing a new 'green space' for Bristol. New homes, however, have to be built somewhere. It was never likely that this prime site would escape the attentions of developers. It's also predictable that people, living in that area, would like things to stay broadly as they were. Someone's going to be unhappy.

Banking on the Bank of England?

One primary task of the Bank of England is to keep the UK's rate of inflation within manageable limits. The bank has, however, only one 'lever' to perform this task. It can change the rate of interest. James Meadway (Director of the Progressive Economy Forum) maintains this will not control current rampant inflation (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/26/bank-of-england-huw-pill-inflation-wages-prices). The 'logic' behind the Bank of England's 'strategy' is, that increasing interest rates is likely to drive up unemployment. This will, they feel, force workers (especially in the public sector) to curb their pay demands. The UK's current 'cost of living crisis' is due, however, to surging costs of energy and food. This country imports circa 50% of both requirements. At the same time, multinational fossil fuel companies and agribusinesses are currently taking massive profits. These drive up costs, 'lower in the food chain'. Increasing the UK interest rate has no impact on multinationals. Meadway has some sensible advice. Firstly, the Bank of England should stop trying to moderate inflation, by raising the interest rate. This just makes all workers poorer. It's not going to help productivity. Secondly, we should accept that wage and salary increases need to match or better the rate of inflation. Otherwise, we will have no services with doctors, dentists, nurses, teachers etc. Thirdly, accept that price controls are needed on essential products. This applies, as much to basic foods, as it does to energy. Finally, and fourthly essential products and services must have public investment. Privatisation (of water, gas, telecommunications, postal services etc) has actually made it more difficult to have functional services. Markets are not in the business of increasing human satisfaction.

Seeing the Changes 1774

Charlock (Sinapsis arvensis) and Cornsalad (Valerianella locusta) were blooming in Bynea.

A World Awash With Conspiracy 'Theories'?

A 'theory' is a hypothesis that's been tested before becoming generally accepted, by proven experts in that area. The term 'conspiracy theory' is, consequently, something of an oxymoron. There are, however, lots of them about in today's digital world. It's important to try to understand why (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/apr/24/fake-or-fact-how-to-recognise-a-conspiracy-theory). A belief in a 'conspiracy theory', is not a sign of low intelligence. Such 'theories' are, especially likely to be developed and spread during times of great uncertainty. Wars, pandemics, social upheaval, concerns about climate change, famine, cost of living crises etc consequently facilitate their genesis. When folk feel helpless, some may take comfort by believing that particular people or organisations planned the event, inorder to profit. 'Conspiracy theorists' may also tend to feel good, about being, one of a minority, who 'knows' the truth. Intuitive thinkers, relying on their 'gut feelings', appear more prone to accept 'conspiracy theories' than analytical thinkers. One way of identifying deliberate misinformation, is to examine where it comes from. It also pays to assess whether its advocate benefits from the 'belief'. It's worth checking the real qualifications of its authors. How 'conspiracy theorists' deal with criticism of their hypothesis, may also enable one to assess a claim's likely validity. Everyone needs a 'bullshit detector', to detect nonsense, in an 'information'-intensive world.

Deaf, Dumb and Blind?

Climate protestors, led by Extinction Rebellion (XR), gathered for 4 days of peaceful demonstrations, in London's Parliament Square. XR is currently attempting to mellow its image, by being less confrontational. They even agreed to protect the running of the last London Marathon. Somewhat predictably, however, the 4 days of protest. failed to generate the intended pledge from the UK government that it would ban all new North Sea oil and gas projects (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/24/climate-protests-london-xr-the-big-one-fossil-fuel-deadline). The UK government has always been more concerned about profits than climate change. Increasing the extraction of oil and gas makes no sense in terms of countering climate change or in keeping UK fuel prices down. It will be interesting to see, whether XR will continue with its new direction. Even if it does, it seems highly likely that other protest groups, will lose patience with their deaf, dumb and blind government. They will probably revert to direct action.

Death of the Coral Reef 'Lawn-mowers'

Long-spined sea urchins eat the algae growing on coral reefs. If this algae remains in place, stops the coral organisms feeding effectively, So, the presence of Long-spined sea urchins, keeps reefs in a healthy condition. There's recently been, however, from the US to the Caribbean, a massed die-off of urchins. Why? (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/24/scientists-discover-why-sea-urchins-are-dying-off-from-us-to-the-caribbean). A study, in Science Advances, has implicated infection by a single cell parasite in the mass urchin die-off. There was a similar event in the 1980s, when 98% of Long-spined sea urchins were wiped out. It's probable that the same parasite, philaster, was involved but no samples were collected at that time. Having a better understanding of complex interactions can help improve reef conservation.

Letting Down Our Defences

Humans are proving pretty effective at damaging their own immune defences. The use of antibiotics as growth enhancers by farmers, enhances the development of resistant strains of bacteria. Fatter pigs and chickens means bigger profits! There's now evidence that the efficacy of Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is also being challenged in the same way (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/apr/25/use-of-antibiotics-in-farming-endangering-human-immune-system). AMPs are part of the body's innate first line of defence against micro-organisms. They are part of a system that 'kicks in', before the production of antibodies (the second line of defence). Like antibiotics, AMPs have been given by farmers to their animals. One AMP, Colistin was used from the 1980s on Chinese farms, to fatten pigs and chickens. Fortunately, it's now banned. These AMPs are similar, however, to those produced by the human immune system. A study published in the journal eLife has shown that using AMPs in farm animals, encourages the survival of resistant bacteria. E. coli , with the MCR-1 resistance gene increased in bacterial populations. The MCR-1 gene essentially creates a version of the bacterium that's likely to be resistant to human AMPs. Medicines are created and then commercial pressures often reduce their effectiveness. Like antibiotics, AMPs should be used, only where appropriate. Overuse always reduces effectiveness.

Unnatural England?

Natural England are supposed to look after that country's 'wild' locations. They are charged, for example, with protecting Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI's). SSSI's are designated, protected areas with particular concentrations of important (often endangered) animals, fungi and plants. It appears that farming interests, especially in areas like Dartmoor, are hoping to have Natural England stripped of its protective powers over SSSI's (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/24/fears-natural-england-may-lose-powers-amid-row-with-dartmoor-farmers). The main source of the farmer's discontent, is that Natural England have asked for stocking densities of sheep to be reduced on or near SSSI's. Overgrazing is seriously damaging to many natural environments. Some 'senior' Members of Parliament (MPs) of the UK's current ruling party are now advocating that Ministers should take decisions on the management of SSSI's. Ministers, of course, are likely to be less interested in wildlife, than in getting political and financial support from large landowners. This would be a very bad move. The 'woolly maggots' would run riot!

Seeing the Changes 1773

Greater stitchwort (Stellaria holostea) in flower on many roadside banks in Gowerton and other Gower locations.

Seeing the Changes 1772

In Loughor, Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) was flowering.

Reaping What He Sows?

Herefordshire's (England) river Lugg is a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest. It provides rare habitats for many animals, including salmon, trout, kingfishers and otters. A farmer, with property worth £21m-£25m, decided to use bulldozers and excavators, to dredge and re-profile a 1.5 k stretch of 'his' river. The exercise removed tons of material and trashed mature trees along the river banks. He claimed he was improving waterflow (it wouldn't have any such effect). The farmer has fortunately received a 12 month prison sentence for his 'environmental vandalism' (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/21/farmer-jailed-for-damaging-river-lugg-herefordshire). The Environmental Agency and Natural England took the farmer to court. They often currently don't bring charges, being concerned about risking their limited finances. In addition to his prison sentence, the farmer has to pay £600,000 of prosecution costs. He will also has to finance the remediation for that stretch of the river and is banned from being a company director for 3 years. These are all sensible outcomes but a) it will take decades for the river habitats to recover and b) the money involved is 'a drop in the ocean', given the farmer's total assets.

The Day One Point Five Died?

A Copernicus Climate Change Service's report confirms the mantra of 'keeping 1.5, alive' has failed, at least in Europe. Limiting global heating to 1.5 degrees Centigrade (above pre-Industrial levels) was supposed (by the Paris Accord) to be the 'safe' option. This is, of course, only an educated guess. Over the last 5 years, however, the average temperature, in Europe, is 2.2 degrees Centigrade above pre-Industrial levels (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/20/frightening-record-busting-heat-and-drought-hit-europe-in-2022). The Copernicus report confirms, that 2022 was Europe's 2nd warmest on record. Average temperatures on this continent, are rising at twice the global average rate. In 2022, heatwaves killed more than 20,000 people in Europe. European temperature rises, for 2023, are currently 'baked in'!

McClimate Change?

The McDonald's hamburger chain seems proud of its climate change actions. It, of course, has long encouraged over-eating, rearing of climate-busting cattle, destruction of the Brazilian rainforest (to grow soya for cattle feed) etc. McDonald's has now been recently revealed, to have supported London's Metropolitan police, in their attempts to 'deal' with (in some cases illegally) climate change demonstators (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/apr/21/mcdonalds-offered-met-police-cheap-burgers-and-free-drinks-during-xr-protests). Extinction Rebellion (XR) carried out major demonstations in central London. At this time, 6 London McDonalds outlets in the area, offered police free hot drinks, half-price burgers, use of toilets and places (after 11 pm) to sit quietly. It's appreciated that demonstations are likely to hit sales in fast food outlets. McDonalds was, however, perhaps ill-advised to offer the police such direct support? The Metropolitan police, themselves, seemed to appreciate this. They advised their officers not to be too 'upfront' about the deals. Perhaps McDonalds dismissed XR protestors, as being unlikely to eat any burgers? If so, it was purely a commercial decision?

Muck Spreaders!

Councillors in Stockport (Greater Manchester) have abandoned their plans to create a green space for the public on waste land. Soil, in the chosen area, is so contaminated with leached sewage, it's thought to pose a risk to human and tree health (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/21/sewage-soaked-field-stops-creation-of-new-woodland-in-greater-manchester). United Utilities is the privatised water company, operating in this area. It was the most polluting English water company last year. Ten of the country's 20 pipes spilling the most raw sewage last year, belong to United Utilities. Environment Agency data reveals that, last year, United Utilities discharged raw sewage on the Stockport site, 135 times. That's equivalent to 40 continuous days of sewage flow! The privatised companies don't just contaminate the rivers and coastal waters, they spread muck on our green (and in some places, unpleasant?) land. They do this simply to save money for their shareholders and CEOs. The solution for the Stockport councillors could be relevatively simple. Firstly, stop United Utilities (or its replacement) discharging raw sewage in that area. Secondly, cordon off the area for a few years (for human health protection). Thirdly, leave the transformation to nature. Creating their green space will take longer (than tree planting) but it will still happen. The result might even prove more naturalistic and vibrant.

Seeing the Changes 1771

In Bynea, Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) was in bloom.

Seeing the Changes 1770

Lots more flora and fauna at Swansea University's Bay Campus and Crymlyn Burrows. Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris); Common fumitory (Fumaria officinalis); Marsh cranesbill (Geranium palustre); Marsh violet (Viola palustris); Marsh hawksbeard (Crepis tectorium) and Marsh ragwort (Senecio aquaticus) were all in bloom. Flies sun-lounged on buttercups. Also spotted St Mark's fly (Bibio marci), Tadpoles of the Common frog (Rana temporaria) and an active Viviparous lizard (Lacerta viviparia).