Tag Archives: ecosystem services
Pontbren farmers – a beacon for upland livestock farming
Demands on the land The traditional view of nature conservation, forestry and farming is basically one in which all three are seen as competing and conflicting land uses. This view is unhelpful. Farming not only dominates in terms of land … Continue reading
Forests report – a conservation response
Ash disease and other pests and diseases – Austin Brady, Head of Conservation The Government response to the panel had its own long established timetable to follow, but this was dramatically cut across by developments on tree disease as the … Continue reading
Ecosystem services and valuing the environment
What’s the problem, who pays – and what about the rest of the natural world? What’s the problem? ‘Ecosystem services’ and ‘Payment for Ecosystem Services’ have gained in prominence in recent years. The UN ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity’ … Continue reading
Securing the Natural Environment White Paper
To mark one year of the Natural Environment White Paper (NEWP) an event entitled ‘Securing the value of nature’ was hosted yesterday by the think tank, Policy Exchange. It was lively and well attended with Ministers taking the opportunity to talk … Continue reading
Wales Woodland Creation conference – not seeing the wood for the trees
Some reflections on the recent Institute of Welsh Affairs woodland creation conference On the surface this conference appeared a cacophony of vested interests and established agendas and not much evidence of a lot of listening. Into this the Minister John … Continue reading
What are Ecosystem services?
You may have heard of the term ‘ecosystem services’ – very much a buzz phrase at the moment in Government circles and a mainstay of recent documents, like the Welsh Environment Framework or the upcoming Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. You may … Continue reading
Nurturing Nature, or exporting our assets?
A new report brings a significant degree of common sense to help ease the ongoing friction between planning and biodiversity. ‘Nurturing Nature: Policy to protect and improve biodiversity’ published recently by one of the UK’s leading think tanks, Policy Exchange, examines England’s … Continue reading
Our woods and their wildlife: symptoms of a planet under pressure
It’s felt more like summer than spring recently. Basking in such unseasonal temperatures has been so enjoyable, it feels churlish to put a damper on things by mentioning climate change. However, recent European research has shown some worrying trends. Birds … Continue reading
Austin’s blog: Back to my roots…?
Spring often feels like the right time for new challenges and a fresh look at the world – and now it’s beginning to feel a bit like spring, for once, I feel that I am comfortably in-step with a sense … Continue reading
