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December 2024

  • Date published

    Wednesday, 18 December 2024

News from the team

Another year has flown by and again it has been very inspiring to see plans coming to fruition on the ground and hear about the collective efforts and dedication of everyone improving our environment at our catchment delivery groups. 
 
The work achieved by the team, partners, and contractors has been fantastic in the face of some challenging weather conditions both earlier in the year in January and February, and then again during the autumn. 
 
We hope the year has treated you well and you’re looking forward to all that 2025 has in store. We hope you all get a chance to relax and enjoy the festive season. 
 
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you. 
Lee, Sally, and Holly

Wider news

Clean gravel and the survival of fish species
Westcountry Rivers Trust have published an article on the effects of silt in gravel on fish species' health and survival in rivers. It also details how salmonoid spawning habitat areas are surveyed

Salmon fry, credit Westcountry Rivers Trust 

Tree Species Guide for UK Agroforestry Systems
The Forestry Commission in partnership with the University of Reading have released a guide with information about 33 tree and shrub species suitable for planting in UK agroforestry systems. The guide will help landowners and policy makers to decide which species to plant and where is most appropriate.
 
Bee-killing pesticides polluting rivers
New data from the Environment Agency has shown that 85% of English rivers tested in 2023-2024 have shown to have neonicotinoid pesticide present. This is the most prevalent showing pesticide amongst others and is best known for its toxic effect on bees.
 
SmartRivers data 2023
Wildfish have published the 2023 results from their SmartRivers data collection project. The data has been collected by volunteers, covering 351 sample sites across the UK. It showed that the greatest impact came from chemical and sediment pollution and has identified 353 different invertebrate species. 

Local news

Eel tagging and monitoring
The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, in collaboration with other partners, have begun tagging eels to track and monitor their migration from the UK. This involves trapping, weighing, measuring and tagging the eels before returning them to the water.

Nature Buddy
Dorset National Landscape are looking for organisations to become involved in the Nature Buddies Network. They are offering free training to anyone interested and will be running a webinar on 22nd January 2025 providing more detailed information.

Credit Dorset National Landscape

Dorset Coast Strategy Map
An interactive map has been created by Dorset Coast Forum providing a wide range of coastal resources and information.
 
Festive recycling
Several charities across BCP will be collecting and recycling Christmas trees after the festive period. They are asking for a small donation in return. 

Have your say

River basin management plan
The Environment Agency is asking for your opinion on their River basin management plan, in advance of their 2027 update. Have your say before 14th May 2025.
 
Reforms to the bathing water regulations 2013
DEFRA are asking for your views on modernising the current bathing water rules. The consultation closes 23rd December 2024.
 
Water company drought guidelines
The Environment Agency are reviewing and updating the drought guidelines for water companies. They are asking for your views on the proposed changes before 26th January 2025. 

Scallop stock protection
The Marine Management Organisation are looking for your views regarding the proposed closure of the king scallop dredge fishery. Share your views before 12th January 2025

 

Scallops, credit Marine Management Organisation 

Funding

Igniting Innovation
The Woodland Trust have a nature conservation challenge eligible for young people aged 16-25. The winning Nature-based project will be awarded funding to deliver the project. Apply before 20th January 2025. 

Events and webinars

Free carbon and literacy training 
BCP Council will be delivering a second training event after the success of their prior one. This is a free course taking place on 15th January 2025. Email carbonliteracy@bcpcouncil.gov.uk to register your interest.
 
RRC Annual Conference 2025 
The River Restoration Centre (RRC) are hosting their annual conference on the 1st and 2nd April 2025. It will showcase a variety of presentations, workshops and site visits. Secure your place here. Applications for the 2025 UK River Prize are also now open. Enter your project here. 

Jobs