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Champions for British Wildlife Wildlife and Countryside - Europe Wilderness, National Parks, Forests - North America Australasia and southern hemisphere Permaculture and related topics Last updated 23 April 2008 |
Champions for British Wildlife NEW While there are many national advocacy organisations for British wildlife, some of the best thinking and practice can be found on the websites of individuals and self-associating groups (sometimes local groups of national organisations) who document and support the wildness of an extraordinary place. Sometimes, they are set up to counter an existing group or official organisation that no longer has the best interest at heart for the location because they condone inappropriate or high-handed management. Ashdown Forest Action GroupThe Ashdown Forest Action Group was formed to prevent further enclosure of the commons of Ashdown Forest. The group object to the use of sheep for conservation grazing on the commons because they degrade the landscape, and their use often gives rise to fencing of commons that radically alters the nature of the commons and is antithetical to the 1974 Act that governs the conservation of Ashdown Forest. The aim of the group is to ensure that a public inquiry is held into the actions of the Board of Conservators, the operation of the Ashdown Forest Trust 1988, and that the 1974 Act is reformed. The website gives a link to their petition, and contains documentation of the harm being done to the Forest by dogmatic nature conservation. www.ashdownforestactiongroup.co.uk Blacka Moor – an independent viewThe Blacka Blogger documents the wild values of the Blacka Moor landscape at the edge of the Peak District near Sheffield, and how it is being degraded through the management by a wildlife trust. Excellent photographs and nature notes, as well as commentary on the inanity of contemporary industrialised nature conservation. www.theblackamoorsite.blogspot.comBorders Forest TrustA charity based in Jedburgh, whose vision for the South of Scotland is a place where a rich network of native woodlands and wild places flourish, cared for by local communities. Established in 1996 to develop and manage habitat restoration and community woodland projects and to reverse the decline of woodlands and wild places. Wide range of projects, including Carrifran Wildwood and Tweed Rivers Heritage.Carrifran WildwoodA project to rewood a 1600-acre valley in the hills between Moffat and Peebles in the Borders of Scotland. The valley is a typical, denuded farm landscape that a locally formed trust has purchased. In the last five years, the trust has set out to systematically restore woodland and heathland habitat. Well documented as an example of fund raising, site appraisal and management plan. Tree planting was scheduled up to 2007 and the trust then intend to let nature take over most of the management of the valley. www.carrifran.org.ukFriends of Blacka Moor An informal grouping of people with a common interest in Blacka Moor, who regularly walk the moor in all seasons and want to maintain its unique appeal. They first came together when they saw that the site was likely to be compromised as a result of Sheffield City Council leasing the land to Sheffield Wildlife Trust as a nature reserve. History of events leading up to the decision to lease the site to SWT, and lays out their objections to the management now being imposed. http://friendsofblackamoor.co.uk Friends of Loxley and Wadsley Commons NEW The Friends came together to document their protest at the high-handed management of this publicly owned space by Sheffield Council's Ranger Service. Explains the history of the wooded commons, the background to the disputed management plans, the lack of consultation involved, and the damage that is being done to a very special place in a futile pursuit of restoring heathland. www.loxley-and-wadsley-commons.org.uk Friends of Raincliffe Woods NEWThe Friends came together in 2005 to protect and restore an excellent publicly owned, ancient, oak woodland near Scarborough, helping to promote the use of the woodland as an educational asset and to encourage responsible access to the woodland. Gives a brief description, history and geology, and provides a map of car parks and list of waymarked walks as well as information on a geology trail, and of a nature trail originated by Scarborough Council. The notes on management show an aim to gradually take out non-native conifers and rhododendron. Site would benefit from some description of wildlife and plant and tree species. Save Lyme Bay Reefs NEW Documents the extensive studies of the Lyme Bay Reef system since the early 90s, and the successful recovery of pink sea fan after the voluntary agreement negotiated in 2001 by Devon Wildlife Trust to stop scallop dredging in two parts of Lyme Bay. The agreement broke down in 2006. Online video on the harm caused to the reefs by scallop dredging, plus reports on the economic value of a conservation in Lyme Bay as well as the monitoring of pink sea fan. Explains proposal to give statutory protection to the whole of the Lyme Bay Reefs – 60 square miles, less than 10% of Lyme Bay. Trees for LifeA charity located at Findhorn on the Moray Firth coast, whose main focus is to assist the natural regeneration of the Caledonian Forest. The forest once covered a large area of the Highlands of Scotland. Practical work began in 1989 and over 472,000 native trees have since been planted, and numerous areas have been protected with fenced exclosures so that natural regeneration of the trees can take place in the absence of overgrazing by deer. One of the partners in rewilding Glen Affric. Good resource for information on the ecology of Scottish pine woodlands, and with inspring writings and the past and future.West Wales Marine ConservationA collaboration between the Pembrokeshire local group of the Marine Conservation Society, the sports diving organisation South and West Wales Seasearch, and active supporters of the Skomer Marine Nature Reserve. Good information on the benefits of no-take zones, and why the Skomer MNR should be turned into a Highly Protected Marine Reserve (an NTZ) in the new Marine Bill. Has an online petition for the HPMR. Wildlife and Countryside - Europe Access MoDA new web address into information on access for walking in the 240,000 hectares of the MoD's Estate. It has 1300km of public rights of way and 200km of routes. Their are Fourteen walks downloadable as well as overall information on each of the ranges. Away MAVEAn online distance learning course for an MA in Values and the Environment, Lancaster University. The course is made up from a range of modules.www.lancs.ac.uk/depts/philosophy/awaymave/The Environmental Ethics module has students thinking about stewardship, sustainability, the land ethic and respect for nature. There is an interesting contest set up between the preservation of "wilderness" and urban environmental ethics. The course material seems unaware of the concept and application of urban ecology.www.lancs.ac.uk/ depts/philosophy/awaymave/403/403home.htmBadger TrustSet up in 1986 to represent and support what is now around 80 local voluntary badger groups, the Trust promotes the conservation and welfare of badgers and the protection of their setts and habitats. The Trust provides expert advice on all badger issues, including information sheets on the life of badgers, their habitats and behaviour and how to watch them; the threats to setts and foraging grounds; and reviews the science on bovine tuberculosis and culling. BadgerwatchPersonal website of badger watcher and photographer, Steve Barnett. Good advice on how to watch badgers, as well as information on the law that protects badgers. A links page and gallery of his photographs. Beaver Information Exchange for WalesAims to provide reliable information on the European Beaver as background to the consultation currently going on in Wales for reintroduction of beaver, and the benefits and costs associated with such an initiative. Developed by the North Wales Wildlife Trust in coordination with farming, forestry, fisheries and conservation interests as part of a cooperative consultation exercise. Extensive information on reintroductions, impacts, benefits, management and legalities. British Association of Nature Conservationists (BANC)Publishes ECOS, their subscription journal, which contains independent comment and analysis on UK conservation. Often has articles on rewilding Britain, which can be download from the index of issues. British Wild Boar Provides information and a forum for discussion and research about the animals living wild in Britain. Promoting the re-introduction of the wild boar into Britain. Burrenbeo (The “living Burren”) Information on the Burren, a limestone area in Western Ireland with outstanding wild flowers. Community Woodlands AssociationThe CWA work with over 70 community woodland groups in Scotland giving support and advice on issues such as planning, obtaining land, setting up a committee, legal matters, biodiversity, fundraising, project management, access issues and insurance. Their meetings and newsletters keep communities in touch with what's going on regionally and nationally. Conservation Evidence - sharing conservation experienceA database of conservation case studies and synopses of conservation issues, submitted by conservation professionals, and hosted by the University of East Anglia. To amend a phrase, this website is the "longest death note in history" for wild nature. Examples of scrub persecution, single species optimisation, and general landscape interference abound. To avoid nightmares, do not browse this website last thing at night. Continuous Cover Forestry GroupA technical and professional organisation promoting the transformation of even-aged plantations to structurally, visually and biologically diverse woodlands with the aim of sustaining and enhancing the production of quality timber according to the principles of continuous cover management. Also has close links to the Pro Silva movement in Europe. List of principles, image gallery, newsletter, meetings/workshops. Council for National ParksA charity that works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales, and areas that merit National Park status and promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.Countryside Council for WalesThe statutory conservation agency for Wales, it strives to give each area of countryside the particular help it needs through efficient 'countryside management'. If you are lucky, you might stumble over the area on the website that lists the NNRs and SSSIs in Wales, but they are not individually mapped. Deer InitiativeA broad partnership of statutory, voluntary and private interests dedicated to "ensuring the delivery of a sustainable, well-managed wild deer population in England". Species information with endearing pictures.www.thedeerinitiative.co.ukDo or Die - Voices from the Ecological ResistanceAn occasional journal, republished on the web, with reports and analysis from the world-wide ecological frontlines. The series of articles on ecological restoration are interesting and uninhibited.www.eco-action.org/dod/index.html Ecological Flora of the British Isles NEW Database compiled at York University on over 2200 species of higher plants that occur in the British Isles. Has information on taxonomy (family, genus, specific name, authority, and vernacular name, together with a synonomy), a set of over 130 ecological and morphological characteristics, vice-county distribution in Britain, European distribution by country, mycorrhizal associations, phytophagous insects and fungal diseases. Direct links are provided to the NBN Gateway Distribution Maps for each species. Environmental Issues - Stephen Rowe Stephen is an angry young man. His articles, college studies, and a few rants, document his disillusion with what he regards as the destructive falsity of current nature conservation by organisations such as English Nature and BTCV. On the use of grazing in conservation, he says “The present policy of grazing is maintaining an unnatural environment”. Somewhat idiosyncratic in prose style, his insight on a number of issues is astonishing in someone so young. http://geocities.com/tree15.geo/ European Forum on Nature Conservation and Pastoralism Aims to increase understanding that certain European farming systems are of high nature conservation and cultural value FACT (Forum for the Application of Conservation Techniques) This is a scary website. Backed by English Nature, and the usual suspects in a broad-ranging partnership, it exists to “Identify, and co-ordinate action on practical habitat management problems”. Useful to those who are addicted to managing nature, it has handbooks on scrub management, pesticide use, and management techniques for every habitat. Human ecological imperialism writ large. I despair. It is also the umbrella for an number of projects that may perhaps have some independence of thought from this mainstream megalomania. Flora LocaleCharity established in 1997 that aims to promote good practice in the use and sourcing of British and Irish wild flora for all projects in those countries that are involved in large-scale habitat creation and restoration projects in the countryside. Lists suppliers of native flora, guidelines for planting projects, habitat descriptions, extensive online library and tutorial system, and case studies. Good links. Flora of the FellsA project, funded by English Nature and Friends of the Lake District, that raises awareness of the value of allowing natural processes a greater role in the running of the upland landscape in Cumbria. Forest Harvest - Non-timber Forest Products in Scotland Information about non-timber harvests from Scottish woodlands, provided by Reforesting Scotland (see below). Scottish woodlands provide a wide range of such products, including wild and managed game, edible and medicinal plants and mushrooms, foliage, seeds, bark, resins, dyes and craft materials. Species and Product lists, history of use of non-timber harvests, and management and gathering information. All linked in to descriptions and locations of Scottish woods. Forestry CommissionThe Government agency responsible for forestry policy and management of the public forests throughout Great Britain. Has as well separate areas for the home nations. Search system and guides to walking in the various FC woodlands. Extensive statistics provided in various ways. Many woodland management publications free to download. Grazing Ecology and Forest History The theories of Frans Vera on the effect of wild herbivores on landscapes. His book is published by CABI, and the contents and first chapter can be downloaded. (And see Grazing Networks) http://www.cabi-publishing.org/bookshop/BookDisplay.asp?SubjectArea=&Subject=&PID=1470 Grazing Networks (Formerly Grazing in nature reserves) A new site from Hans Kampf in Holland about grazing animals and ecological networks. Contains information about nature conservation (ecological networks) in Holland, some articles about the use of grazing animals in nature conservation, and pictures of grazing animals. See also the book Grazing Ecology and Forest History by Frans Vera. Green Corridors - Championing green corridors and joining-up the natural spaces within and between communities Green Corridors aims to protect, preserve and improve the linear green spaces that softly define community boundaries and which join up larger natural areas. It works to provide animals and birds with contiguous ‘wildlife runs’ that prevent fragmentation of the natural environment by the built environment. It gathers information and examples that will help people to protect their green spaces by knowing who to contact, what to tell them and how to use the appropriate agencies Habitat
A one page,
daily digest of wildlife and environment news from around the British
Isles. Items are from a variety of sources which are grouped together
under themes, such as Mammals, Birds, Marine, Plants, Climate, Energy,
England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Links to websites associated with
each theme.
Invasive Alien Species Information on all Alien or Non-native organisms that are invasive in the UK www.appliedvegetationdynamics.co.uk/iaapwebsite/ John Muir TrustConserves and protects wild places with their indigenous animals, plants and soils for the benefit of present and future generations, and in particular to renew wild places, where they have been damaged, by encouraging natural processes. Interesting page explaining their adopted definition of wildland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) The JNCC provides wildlife advice to government, and undertakes national and international conservation work for the UK nature conservation agencies. Has downloadable publications from its reports series and an online database of classified habitats and species. The site best way to use this website is to look at the site map. Mammal Society Protects British mammals. Fact sheet for each mammal. Mammals Trust Protecting UK native animals and their habitats. Moor TreesA charity based in Chudleigh, whose vision is to encourage areas of Dartmoor to return to forest wilderness. Produces trees for Moor Trees planting schemes and involves the local community wherever possible. Extensive programme of projects ranging from seed gathering and growing trees on various sites around Dartmoor to training nursery co-ordinators and increasing the number of nursery sites.National Biodiversity Net The NBN is a project to build the UK's first network of biodiversity information. Online habitats dictionary, and a species dictionary with entries for each list that the species may be on (eg Red List, UKBAP, WCA 81 etc.) and links into the NBN Gateway which provides an interactive mapping system for species distribution in the UK based on 10km squares (hectads). National Biodiversity Net Gateway View distribution maps of British species based on 10km squares (hectads) and cross reference these spatial locations with NNR, SSSI, LBAPS, AONBs etc. Maps can be used interactively. National Parks & Wildlife Service – Ireland The NPWS is part of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government. It manages the Irish State's nature conservation responsibilities under National and European law. Full listings for their six National Parks, and for their 77 Nature Reserves. Also information on Ireland’s new basic designation for wildlife of Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). National Trust Known primarily for its stewardship of historic buildings in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, its Enterprise Neptune project has been vital in safeguarding 700 miles of coastline. Its landholdings are increasingly being turned over to various rewilding projects - not that you would know it from their website. National Trust for Scotland The Trust was established in 1931 to protect architectural, scenic and historic features, including large areas of Scottish countryside. Partner to a number of rewilding projects. Has a policy statement on wildland. Natural EnglandEstablished by the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, Natural England has been formed by bringing together English Nature, the landscape, access and recreation elements of the Countryside Agency and the environmental land management functions of the Rural Development Services. Natural England unites in a single organisation responsibility for protecting and enhancing biodiversity and landscapes, as well as promoting greater access and recreation. Contains information on all the National Nature Reserves (NNR) and Sites of Special Scientific Information (SSSI) in England, plus research and information reports. North East Mountain TrustAn association of climbers and hill walkers in north east Scotland that promotes the conservation of mountain and coastal environments. Open Spaces Society Protects common land and public rights of way. Instrumental in supporting a number of local groups in defending their publicy owned open spaces from tree clearance, and from being fenced off and grazed. PAN Parks The PAN (Protected Area Network) Parks Foundation is a non-profit organization, based in Hungary with funding from WWF Netherlands. Their prime objective is to form a network of self-regulating ecosystems with large carnivores and herbivores on a European wide scale. Through a certification system, the Foundation brings together the management of existing protected areas with their local sustainable tourism businesses in forming a PAN Park marketable for wildland tourism. A core wilderness area is a key feature of a PAN Park. This untouched core zone, where no extractive use such as forestry or hunting are allowed, makes a PAN Park different from other protected areas across Europe. A PAN Parks wilderness is a large area of land, (at least 10,000 hectares) which, together with the native plant and animal communities of its ecosystems, is in an essentially natural state. Of the six PAN Parks certified so far - one each in Finland, Sweden, Romania, Poland, Bulgaria and Russia – these core wilderness areas represent between 30-60% of the PAN Park areas that themselves range in size from 28-72,000 ha. People and Wildlife Seeks to resolve conflicts between the needs of people and those of wildlife, and develop long-term, humane solutions. Conflict resolution manuals, an advisory service, noticeboard and bibliographic resources. A partnership between the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit and Born Free Foundation. Plantlife Carries out wild plant species and habitat conservation, and owns and manages nature reserves. Pro Silva Europe A European federation of foresters who advocate forest management based on natural processes, founded in Slovenia in 1989 and with membership in Ireland, Spain, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Austria, Holland, France and Belgium. Members adopt a holistic approach involving perpetual forest cover, landscape protection, use of indigenous species, natural regeneration, and areas of non-intervention. Good overview given in their series of four forestry principles, and the agreed statements from their recent conferences. Deal well with the use and problems associated with non-indigenous forest species. Currently building casework and demonstration examples from various member countries. Reforesting Scotland An Edinburgh based charity whose vision is to transform deforested Scotland back to a landscape with a mosaic of ecologically healthy and productive forests and well managed farmland. Twice-yearly journal and a membership newsletter. Information sheets on setting up a community woodland, native tree nursery, non-timber harvest products (fuelwood). Scottish Beavers Network An organisation promoting the re-introduction of the European beaver into Scotland. Scottish Environment Link The voice of Scotland's environment movement Scottish Native Woods A charity dedicated to the conservation of native woodlands in Scotland. Do not own land, but help others to manage their woodlands by surveying and preparing management plans, help secure grants, supervise contracts and monitor progress. Organise training and demonstration events for woodland owners, tenants and managers. www.scottishnativewoods.org.uk Scottish Natural Heritage The statutory conservation agency working for the care and protection of the natural beauty and wildlife of Scotland. Promoting access and enjoyment of it, and facilitating an understanding and appreciation of its value. Has a policy statement on wildland. Scottish Wildcat Association Early days for this Association established in 2007, and seeking charity incorporation before it opens to a membership. The aim is conserving the Scottish wildcat through awareness campaigns, supporting the captive breeding program and scientific research. Description of the natural history of the wild cat (excellent pictures), how to identify it and distinguish from hybrids, the current threats faced, especially from hybridisation with feral domestic cats, and a mapped compilation of sightings since March 2007. Scottish Wildlands Group Works to protect and conserve wild land throughout Scotland. Interesting newsletter articles. Scottish Wildlife TrustOne of the partners in the frustrated attempt to re-introduce beaver. www.swt.org.ukSmall Woods AssociationA Shropshire-based charity, the SWA provides information to anyone wanting to conserve, plant, manage or harvest woods and trees. It acts as a focus for new bodies aiming to improve public awareness of the importance of woodlands and to stimulate or support local timber supply chains. Members include those with a general interest, local authorities, foresters, owners, coppice workers, botanists, ecologists and timber technologists who all share their knowledge and experience to encourage the enhancement of woodlands and to maximise the rewards. Their downloadable Woodland Initiatives Handbook is excellent.Tooth and Claw - living alongside Britain's predatorsAn open forum on the issues surrounding our relationship with wild predators. The online survey is building a picture on how we really feel about Britain's predators, and why. The aim is to find more imaginative ways of bringing seemingly opposing human agendas together so that we can co-exist in the long term with species such as fox, hen harrier, sea eagle and potential re-introductions such as lynx. Case studies and species profiles. www.toothandclaw.org.ukTrees for Cities An charity set up in 1993 (initially as Trees for London) to work with local communities on tree planting projects. Their aim is to tackle global warming, create social cohesion and beautify cities through tree planting, community, education and training initiatives in urban areas of greatest need. Useful practical information and best practice guidelines. UK WildfileAn independent website that aims to help internet users to reach information on UK wildlife and other environmental themes Who Owns ScotlandData on land ownership obtained from research in the Registers of Scotland and the National Archives of Scotland using title deeds as source material Who Owns Britain and IrelandSite is in development. Based on the work of Kevin Cahill, who has traced land ownership from the mid-19th century to today and shows that the majority of the population live in enforced density while the other 93% of land is enjoyed by the land-owning few. Wild About Britain A website with a free online newspaper (British Nature Conservation Magazine), online forums for the wildlife community (over 300 members and many threads) and a gallery of UK nature photography. There is an encyclopaedia to British Wildlife, a listings directory for wildlife organisations and places, and a calendar of events, all of which are available for submissions to the website. Wild EnnerdaleDeveloping Ennerdale Valley in the Lake District as a unique wild place allowing natural forces to become more dominant in the shaping of the landscape and the ecology and therefore providing an inspirational visitor experience Wilderness BritainA record of a series of seminars, meetings and field trips during 2001 that investigated the idea of wilderness in Britain. Culminated in a three-day conference of discussion groups, invited papers and keynote presentations from leading workers in the field. Economic and Social Research Council and the University of Leeds www.geog.leeds.ac.uk/conferences/wildbritain/index.html Wilderness Foundation(formerly named Wilderness Trust) A perhaps paternalistic legacy in its approach to the peoples and wilderness of other countries, based on founder Laurens Van der Post and patron, Sir Wilfrid Thesiger. The recent change of name suggests a change in emphasis is on the way. www.wildernessfoundation.org.uk Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wetland conservation charity. Wildland NetworkThe WILDLAND NETWORK is forming to give a voice to wild land values in Britain. It brings people together to promote and explore the environmental and human potential of wild land with new approaches that go beyond nature conservation. Its first national meeting took place in Leeds on the 9th May, 2005. A report is posted on the website.www.wildland-network.org.ukWildlife and Countryside - DEFRAInformation about the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affair's work on the conservation of wildlife and landscape, and on countryside recreation. www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/index.htm Wildlife and Countryside Link Brings together environmental voluntary organisations in the UK united by their common interest in the conservation and enjoyment of the natural and historic environment. Good links page Wildlife Trusts National and county-based charity supporting wildlife education and activities, and owning and managing wildlife and nature reserves. Increasingly involved in rewilding projects. Wildwood Trust A charity committed to improving wildlife throughout the UK. Involved in conservation programs of many native species, such as the water vole, the hazel dormouse, the sand lizard, konik ponies, water shrew and the European beaver. Runs the Woodland Discovery Park (between Canterbury & Herne Bay) containing owls, otters, badgers, beavers, wild boar and wolves. Hoping to establish a large woodland nature reserve, managed by large browsing and grazing animals. Wolf TrustPromotes the reintroduction and recovery of wolves back to Britain in the Scottish Highlands. Wolves and Humans FoundationA registered UK charity working with people and communities to find practical solutions to the problems of co-existence with wolves, bears and lynx. "The future of large carnivores in Europe in the twenty-first century depends on the ability of people to adapt to their presence and resolve conflicts that arise when these animals exist in close proximity to human activities, particularly livestock-raising." Species profiles, a history of wolves in Scotland and a view on their re-introduction, and a reading list.www.wolvesandhumans.orgWoodland TrustA conservation charity dedicated to the protection of UK native woodland heritage. Many good policy documents and guides, plus a portfolio of woodlands across Britain that you can walk in. Woods And Trees Under Threat A joint initiative by the Woodland Trust and Ancient Tree Forum. A collection point for a comprehensive picture of where ancient woods and ancient trees are under threat so that help can be given to promote better protection of these habitats. Useful online mapping system that shows ancient woodland sites in the UK over 2ha in size, and those which are at threat. Provides a campaigning guide for action. Woods for People A partnership between the Woodland Trust, Forestry Commission and Environment and Heritage Service (Northern Ireland) to gather information on the open accessibility of woodland in the UK, and to delevop a Woodland Access Standard. Tables giving regional information on woodland accessibility, and maps showing their location in the home countries. A future for our seas - Marine Campaign, Wildlife & Countryside Link (WCL) UK WCL have been running an excellent marine campaign, with press releases, bulletins, reports, working papers and case studies that sought to influence the contents of a Marine Bill for the UK. Solid and informative briefings. www.wcl.org.uk/marine_campaign.htm Commonwealth marine protected areas– Dept of Environment & Water, Australia The Australian Government manages an estate of MPAs that are Commonwealth reserves under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The Act requires that each reserve or zone should be managed in accordance with the Australian IUCN Reserve Management Principles and that these management principles are reflected in the management plan. Australia's governments are working together to set up a National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas (NRSMPA) throughout their entire marine jurisdiction. Benefits of MPAs, legal framework, criteria, range of protection, declaration process, guidelines for setting up NRSMPA, location mapping, and information on each reserve. www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mpa/index.html Finding Sanctuary UK Stakeholder-led partnership project, backed by Natural England and JNCC, that aims to create a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) around the coasts and seas of South West England. Good explanations of MPAs and the need for them in the SW, and describes the approach of the project and the principles it will use. Newsletters, stakeholder meeting reports. Living seas – Wildlife Trusts UK Marine Bill campaign, marine wildlife surveys and research, projects, news, reports and pamphlets. www.wildlifetrusts.org/index.php?section=environment:marine Marine – Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) UK JNCC, as a statutory adviser to Government, undertakes surveillance and mapping of marine habitats and landscapes, the collation and analysis of marine data, the conservation of marine species, the identification of marine protected areas and advising on their subsequent protection and management. Information on marine habitats, Conventions and legislation, marine SACs and the habitats and fish species covered by them, marine SPAs and their birds and habitats, and species information on sea birds, sea ducks and cetaceans. Marine Conservation Society UK Protection of the UK marine environment and its wildlife. Species and habitat information, plus briefings supporting the setting up of marine protecetd areas. Tracks the progress of the Marine Bill Marine and fisheries – Defra, UK Pages on marine biodiversity, environment, fisheries, marine and fisheries science, salmon and freshwater fisheries, as well as the main source of information on the Marine Bill, and its proposed designation of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). www.defra.gov.uk/marine/index.htm Marine Protected Areas – Dept of Conservation NZ Under the Marine Reserves Act 1971, the DOC is responsible for managing marine reserves. NZ aims to build on their current system of 28 reserves by establishing a network of MPAs to protect a full range of marine habitats and ecosystems. The New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (2000) goal includes having 10% of the marine environment in a network of Marine Protected Areas by 2010. Reserve information, including location map and monitoring. www.doc.govt.nz/templates/summary.aspx?id=33756 MPA Global - a database of the world's Marine Protected Areas A world-wide database of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) that have some intertidal and/or subtidal component, based largely on information in the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) Version 6.1. It is a collaboration between the Sea Around Us Project, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), United Nations Environment Programme - World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and the World Conservation Union - World Commission on Protected Areas (IUCN-WCPA). You can search the database for MPAs by Country, International Conventions and Programmes, or by the name of the Site. The database uses the IUCN Guidelines for Protected Area Management Categories and has a field for No Take Zones (NTZ). National Marine Conservation Areas of Canada – Parks Canada Canada has the longest coastline in the world. The Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act 2002 gives Parks Canada responsibility for setting up a national system of MPAs, protecting these ecosystems and managing them for visitors. The National Marine Conservation Areas system divides the country's oceans and Great Lakes into 29 marine regions, each one a distinct combination of physical and biological characteristics. Information on creating new National Marine Conservation Areas. www.pc.gc.ca/progs/amnc-nmca/intro/index_e.asp National Marine Protected Areas Centre – Depts of Commerce & Interior, USA A mix of federal, state, and local legislation, voter initiatives, and regulations has created MPAs since the 1950s, resulting in a range of types such as reserves, refuges, preserves, sanctuaries, and areas of special biological significance. Executive Order 13158 in 2000 created the National MPA Center, and directs federal agencies to work with non-federal partners to develop a National MPA System, evaluating the needs for habitat protection and to devise the best management approach to meet those needs on a system-wide basis. Benefits of a National System, MPA definitions and criteria, inventory of marine managed areas from which to identify MPAs, legislation, fact sheets, newsletters, case studies, plus extensive Framework document that pulls all this together. No Take Marine Reserves, NZ A website about the no-take marine reserves of New Zealand from Bill Ballantine of the Leigh Marine Laboratory, University of Auckland. Dr Ballantine was involved in the six-year campaign to enact New Zealand's Marine Reserve Act in 1971. Much explanation, simply put about NTZs, coupled with forthright views on the reaction of the fishing industry, all based on the success of the New Zealand experience within such reserves. OSPAR Commission for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the NE Atlantic The 1992 OSPAR Convention is the current instrument guiding international cooperation on the protection of the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic. Information on protection and conservation of marine biodiversity and ecosystems through the creation of an ecologically coherent network of well managed marine protected areas. Guidelines for identifying, selecting and managing MPAs, and on network ecological coherence. Current status of the OSPAR network of MPAs, including table of each countries contribution to the overall network. UK contribution is the marine SACs. UK Marine Protected Areas Centre -The information resource for Marine Protected Areas practitioners The UK MPAs Centre is an online resource for information and news on Marine Protected Areas, launched in 2007 after the first UK Conference on MPAs, and backed by Natural England. It has a News section, FAQS, glossary, links, searchable reference database of literature on MPAs, and is developing a series of topic notes. Interactive map of current UK MPA sites such as SACs, SPAs, MNRs and voluntary MPAs. WWF-UK Marine Act Campaign Key facts and information on campaign issues, including marine spatial planning, MPAs and governance. Extensive list of publications and reports. www.wwf.org.uk/marineact/main.asp Wilderness, National Parks, Forests - North America Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research InstituteA federally funded research group focused on wilderness, developing the knowledge needed to protect and preserve wilderness and the ecological and social values derived from Wilderness and similarly managed lands, and communicating and applying this knowledge to the Wilderness management agencies and other user groups. American Wildlands - Science-based conservation for the Northern Rockies NEW American Wildlands advocates the protection, restoration and connectivity of the wild landscapes and the mountain-fed waters of the U.S. Northern Rocky Mountain region in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming that includes Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Glacier NPs, plus many wildernesses. Using science and GIS mapping, they identify and prioritize the wild lands, waters and species habitat most in need of conservation, and then work with decision-makers to shape policies and projects. Natural history of area, program information, research and reports. Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training CentreDevelopment and implementation of wilderness training, information, and education programs. Canadian Model Forest NetworkThere are 11 Model Forests in the Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN), a network created by the Government of Canada through the Canadian Forest Service and funded under Canada’s Model Forest Program. A Model Forest is a partnership of public and private landowners, government, industry, universities, Aboriginal communities and other organizations that have a common interest in achieving Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) within a local, defined forest area. SFM is management that maintains and enhances the long-term health of forest ecosystems while providing ecological, economic, social and cultural opportunities for the benefit of present and future generations. Each Model Forest is run by a not-for-profit organization. Model Forests range in size from 113,000 hectares to 7.7 million hectares, covering typical scales at which district-level forest management decisions are made.www.modelforest.netCanadian Parks and Wilderness SocietyNational non-profit organization devoted to protecting Canada's wilderness heritage. Defenders of Wildlife Dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. Its programs encourage protection of entire ecosystems and interconnected habitats while protecting predators that serve as indicator species for ecosystem health Green InfrastructureWebsite of the Green Infrastructure Leadership Program of the Conservation Fund. The project was developed to help communities and their partners make green infrastructure an integral part of local and regional plans and community decisions. The Conservation Fund is among many organizations that utilize the Green Infrastructure Approach to Strategic Conservation, simultaneously focusing on the best lands to conserve and the best lands to accommodate development. Services of the project include rapid assessments and drafting of comprehensive green infrastructure plans, plus training in a strategic approach for prioritizing conservation opportunities and a planning framework for conservation and development. The project has numerous publications and articles, some of which can be downloaded. There is a comprehensive digest of green infrastructure projects across America, and a range of excellent case studies. www.greeninfrastructure.netLeave it wild - Campaign for America's WildernessWorks to achieve lasting protection for threatened wild lands, by providing local wilderness advocates with expertise in campaign planning and implementation, strategically placed resources for opinion research, communications, and public education efforts. Campaign staff have been involved in the passage of every major piece of wilderness legislation in the last 35 years. Decision-making tools, briefing papers, campaign reports and success stories. National Park ServicePortal into the National Parks and Monuments of America. A very informative website, making it easy to track down places of interest, giving their history, wildlife and how to get access to them.www.nps.govParks CanadaCanada's National Parks are a country-wide system of representative natural areas of Canadian significance. By law, they are protected for public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment, while being maintained in an unimpaired state for future generations. Parks Canada is responsible for both protecting the ecosystems of these natural areas and managing them for visitors to understand, appreciate, and enjoy in a way that doesn't compromise their integrity. Much information given on management philosophy and approach - including wilderness - and the creation of new National Parks. www.pc.gc.caPennsylvania Wildlands Recovery ProjectTheir mission: To advocate, design and implement the first, comprehensive wildlands network proposal for Pennsylvania - a long-range plan to connect our wildlands with each other and with protected areas in neighbouring states Predator Conservation Alliance– Saving a Place for America's Predators Dedicated to conserving, protecting, and restoring native predators and their habitats in the Northern Rockies and Northern Plains. Advocate on behalf of: black bear, black-footed ferret, burrowing owl, coyote, ferruginous hawk, fisher, grizzly bear, lynx, marten, mountain lion, northern goshawk, swift fox, wolf and wolverine. Collect, use and share the best scientific information to determine each species' ecological condition, threats to their survival, and monitoring needs. Pursue all administrative, legal and public pressure avenues to secure adequate protections for predators and their habitats. Good general info. on predators and species info. Re-wildInteresting articles that suggest we were better off before the development of agriculture ("The Worst Mistake in the History of the Human Race"). What is a wild human? Primitivism. Poetry, stories, booknotes. www.re-wild.comRewilding InstituteRecently founded in 2003, the Rewilding Institute is a "think tank" of Fellows that develops and promotes the ideas and strategies to advance continental-scale conservation in North America, particularly the need for large carnivores and a permeable landscape for their movement, and to offer a bold and hopeful vision for the future of wild Nature and human civilization in North America. The website has ecological criteria for wilderness identification and selection.www.rewilding.orgSierra ClubHas a Wildlands Campaign to secure lasting protection for 100 million acres of wild America in the next decade. Society for Ecological Restoration (SER)A non-profit organization infused with the energy of 2300 members – individuals and organizations who are actively engaged in ecologically-sensitive repair and management of ecosystems. The Society does not itself engage in restoration projects; its mission is to promote ecological restoration as a means of sustaining the diversity of life on Earth and re-establishing an ecologically healthy relationship between nature and culture. Good range of Reading Resources including The SER Primer on Ecological Restoration, Guidelines for Ecological Restoration, Natural Capital and Ecological Restoration, and SER Environmental Policies Southern Rockies Ecosystem Project SREP with the Wildlands Project and the Denver Zoo, have produced a Wildlands Network Vision for the Southern Rockies to protect and rewild the regional landscape. In area, it covers about 62% of the Southern Rockies ecoregion, straddling Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. The Wildlands Network Design is a pro-active, landscape-based conservation map that designates areas as core protected, wildlife movement and riparian linkages, or compatible-use areas. Good example of wildlands network design (see also Wildlands Project). Check out the proposals for the I70 highway overpass just west of Vail, as an example of bridging for a wildlife corridor. Wilderness SocietyProtecting America's Wilderness since 1935 through a combination of science, advocacy and education. Developed the Wilderness Act that since 1964 has been the cornerstone of wilderness preservation in America Wilderness WatchA national organization focused on the preservation and proper stewardship of lands and rivers already included in the National Wilderness Preservation System and National Wild & Scenic Rivers System Wilderness.netExtensive information on the National Wilderness Preservation System in America. Wilderdom - a project in natural living & transformationNot sure how to describe this website. Wilderdom "explores human-nature relations and seeks sustainable solutions to modern-living. Anyone can experience Wilderdom by living in conjunction with nature." Has a section on Outdoor Education Research & Evaluation, within which is a useful section on Wilderness & Education. The link will get you straight there.www.wilderdom.com/Wilderness.htmlWildlands CPR - reviving wild places A national clearinghouse and network, created by a core group of sixteen organizations, that targets off-road vehicle abuse of public lands and actively promotes wildland restoration, road removal, the prevention of new road construction, and limits to motorized recreation. Wildlands ProjectFounded in 1991 to work on restoring and protecting the natural heritage of North America through the establishment of a connected system of wildlands. The Project and its partners have completed five Wildlands Network Designs, and a sixth WND will be completed for the greater northern Appalachian region in 2005 (A Checklist for Wildlands Network Design is available on the website). These landscape-scale conservation plans establish conservation priorities for very large regions. Dozens of partner groups are now actively working to turn these hopeful visions of what could be into reality on the ground. Wildlife Conservation Society - saving wildlife Mission is to save wildlife and wild lands through careful science, international conservation, education, and re-engagement of people and wildlife through the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks. The latter are a series of renowned "zoos" in New York city, but their remit goes wider in researching and supporting initiatives that hope to ensure a wild future in North America and around the world. Take a large scale approach that includes human interaction, predator prey relationships and migrations in locations such as the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Good section on worldwide landscape ecology, including 'Last of the Wild' locations and a descritption of their main biomes. Wildlife Crossings Toolkit Designed for professional wildlife biologists and engineers faced with integrating highway infrastructure and wildlife resources. Case histories, articles and a collection of drawings of many types of crossing structure. Useful for those who have seen the examples of wildlife bridges spanning motorways in Holland and want to see if they have a use in the UK. www.wildlifecrossings.info/beta2.htm Wild Ones: Native Plants, Natural Landscapes A not-for-profit educational and advocacy membership organisation formed in 1990 that encourages environmentally sound natural landscaping practices to preserve biodiversity through the preservation, restoration and establishment of native plant communities in America. The inspiration of the Wild Ones is Lorrie Otto, a pioneer of prairie restoration. Good resources for understanding the importance of native plant communities and practical approaches to their restoration and preservation.
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