Cat Flap Flap

Developer, Redrow, is apparently intending to construct 450 homes in Farnborough, Hampshire with the purchasers permanently banned from keeping any dogs or cats (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6968548.ece). This is said to be because the development is about 1.5 km away from a 8300 hectare area of protected heathland that is home to the Dartford warbler (Sylvia undata), Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) and Woodlark (Lullula arborea). It has, of course, been estimated that cats account for vast numbers of small mammals and birds each year and dogs can be an important source of disturbance. Even the RSPB, however, feel that such a ban is unenforceable. Perhaps such a statement of 'intent' plays well with planning committees?

Railing Against the Unfairness of it All!

There seems to be developing momentum in the campaign against the proposed £60 bn high speed rail link between London and Scotland (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6968490.ece). The proposal is welcomed by the Scots on economic grounds. The idea of reducing the need for many of the internal air flights within the UK also seems sensible in terms of minimising carbon dioxide emissions but (apparently) the proposed routes will 'clip the edge of the Lake District National Park' and plough through the Chilterns in Buckinghamshire. The development is said to inevitably 'rip up the finest countryside' but, I suspect, that the fact that a number of extremely rich people live near the possible route is a bigger threat to the proposal. NIMBYs rule OK?

Move to Survive

The Department of Global Ecology at the Carnegie Institution in the USA have unveiled a study looking at the likely impact of the spread of global warming on the survival of individual species of animals and plants (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/dec/23/global-warming-spreading-quarter-mile-year). They estimate that the average impact of warming spreads at around quarter of a mile per year; so species will have to move faster than this, if they are to survive (pretty obviously, movement is harder for some species than others). Their studies also suggest that species in mountainous areas (where the velocity of the 'wave' of global warming spread is slower) are much less vulnerable than counterparts from flat flooded grasslands, mangroves and deserts. The study also maintains that most protected areas for important organisms are too small and fragmented to easily accommodate the necessary movements.

Birder's Bonus 63

A pair of Common merganser (Mergus merganser) were seen on the ice-surrounded Loughor estuary. There were also Common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos). Starling (Sternus vulgaris) sang in the trees. A young, female Blackbird (Turdus merula) was so engrossed in feeding that she allowed a very close approach. On the last of the ice days (Christmas), there was much wader activity on the deserted beach at Pembrey. Post ice age in Loughor, we had repeated visits to our peanuts by a Great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major).

Seeing the Changes 252

Lots of snow and ice here on the shortest day. Strangely, in Loughor, a brave, green caterpillar climbed towards the light and the Ivy-leaved toadflax (Cymbalaria muralis) was in bloom.

Seeing the Changes 251

Had the first local sprinkling of snow. In spite of this, a few Giant willow aphids (Tuberolachnus salignus) were clinging on in Penclacwydd. In Bynea, only Gorse (Ulex europaeus) was in flower.

Climate Change: Not the Way We Are Programmed?

There appears to be an element of gloom and despondency about the outcome of the just-completed Copenhagen Climate Change Conference (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/copenhagen). I have had discussions with folk close to me about why so many people either claim that they do not believe that humans have contributed to climate change and/or dislike the messages that the 'global warming lobby' put out. When you get a cold snap, like the present one in northern Europe, it's even difficult to get people to accept that global warming is happening. My personal view is that nobody likes messages like 'prepare to enjoy yourselves less and accept that your standard of living must fall'; 'accept that there are too many of you' or even 'it will be OK because, when the human species has gone, the planet can return to equilibrium' (possibly ruled over by the octo Einsteins). I made up the last bit. Humans, like every other species on the planet, are guided by Darwinian principles where getting a big share of resources to improve your chances of leaving more copies of your genes is generally of paramount importance. Altruism (especially towards people we don't know very well) about something as complex and intangible as 'climate' doesn't come at all easily. In addition, our political systems make it dangerous for 'leaders' to resist a consensus view. Marcus Brigstocke's take on the Copenhagen SAT conference, as seen through the eyes of Dr Suess (on BBC 4's 'The Now Show'), is the only thing that has raised a smile in me (catch it, if you can locate it).