Project Updates

ARCH Kent Habitat Survey

This is the latest map detailing the habitat survey's progress. Contact chris.blair-myers@kent.gov.uk for more information.

Kent Environment Strategy

The final report detailing our options for 'Large Scale Connectivity Project' is now available here . The report and its findings will be discussed at the next KBP Steering Group meeting and we intend that by the end of the meeting one proposal is selected and taken forward for further development.

For more information contact william.moreno@kent.gov.uk

Policy & Legislation

Defra has published a new Water White Paper

Water for Life describes a vision for future water management in which the water sector is resilient, in which water companies are more efficient and customer focused, and in which water is valued as the precious and finite resource it is. And it explains that we all have a part to play in the realisation of this vision.

News

Bittern in booming good health in England's quarries and wetlands

Quarries are providing a safe haven for rare bitterns to nest and breed, helping them to make a resounding comeback in this country. Making use of the bird’s distinctive ‘booming’ call, conservationists have found that 2011 has proved to be a bumper year for this species, which was once extinct in the UK.

Government approves second ferry terminal at Dover

Read more here

Wild Bird Populations in England, 1970 to 2010

The number of breeding bird populations has stayed stable over the last 40 years, but the number of farmland birds has dropped by almost half, and the number of woodland birds has fallen by 20%.

The figures have been published in a survey covering the period from 1970-2010 and the numbers have been affected by intensification of farming and changes to land management, also by poor woodland conservation and loss of habitat.

Reports and Bulletins

Dune Dunes December Edition

This issue has a special focus on machair with a foreword written by Stewart Angus and updates on the projects and research informing our understanding of this rare habitat.

Events

Kent Biodiversity Partnership Steering Group Meeting

Our next meeting will be at County Hall, Maidstone on Tuesday 17th of January 2012

Natural Environment 2012: Balancing Nature, Society and the Economy Conference and Exhibition. 12th June 2012 at the Brewery Conference Centre, London.

The conference will examine the first White Paper for over 20 years on the Natural Environment launched in June 2011 and explore the Government’s proposals, debate the methodology and question the actions to protect the environment for future generations.

LIMITED NUMBER OF FULLY FUNDED (NO COST) DELEGATE PLACES FOR PUBLIC AND THIRD SECTOR MEMBERS OF THE KENT BIODIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP

To book your place please call 0161 238 8887 or email david.nicholls@govtoday.co.uk quoting ref KBP6

For further information go to www.natural-environment.co.uk