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Consultation on Second Tranche for Marine Conservation Zones
From 30 January 2015 to 24 April 2015 the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is running a consultation on the Second Tranche of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) including Allonby Bay on the English side of the Solway.
The 23 sites proposed for designation in the second tranche cover a total area of 10,810 square kilometres adding to the 9,664 sq km already protected by the 27 MCZs designated in 2013. The consultation aims to gather views and opinions from the stakeholders and the general public while offering an opportunity to provide DEFRA with any additional scientific or economic evidence concerning the sites.
Within the Solway, Allonby Bay on the Cumbrian coast is one of the 23 recommended Marine Conservation Zone (rMCZ). The site supports nationally important living reefs, formed by honeycomb worms, and blue mussel beds. The reef structures support a wide range of species such as anemones, snails, shore crabs and seaweeds. Of further importance are Allonby’s intertidal sandy beaches providing a habitat for shrimp-like sandhoppers, cockles, sea snails and worms. Lastly, areas of peat exposure, also present within this site, support piddocks, a type of burrowing clam, and other species.
For more additional information, expected impacts and site specific protected features, refer to the MCZ proposal for Allonby Bay.
If you wish to respond to the proposals and take part in the consultation, please complete DEFRA’s online survey. |
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Environment Fair Saturday 14 March 2015 - A FREE day out for all the family!
After much confusion concerning funding and venue, the Dumfries & Galloway Environment Fair 2015 is now taking registrations from environmental organisations that would like to have a stall.
The Fair will be held on Saturday 14 March from 10am to 3.30pm in the Crichton’s Rutherford McCowan building and will once again showcase and celebrate the diversity of organisations involved with the natural environment of D&G.
Funded by D&G Council and supported by Dumfries University Campus students, the Fair will provide an interactive visitor experience; a day full of fun and information.
To follow, like and share find the Environment Fair Project team on Facebook and Twitter or email.
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Nature Festivals Unite
For the first time ever, two of Scotland’s prestigious nature festivals are uniting to showcase over 150 family-friendly events taking place in the south of Scotland throughout April, May and June 2015.
The Dumfries and Galloway Wild Spring Festival (Scotland’s largest and longest running wildlife festival) has joined forces with the Scottish Borders Nature Festival to celebrate the diversity of flora and fauna that can be discovered throughout the area in a fascinating programme of events. To mark Scotland’s Year of Food & Drink, both festivals are also set to reveal a series of events with a special focus on the area’s outstanding natural larder.
For the latest news about The Dumfries & Galloway Wild Spring Festival and the Scottish Borders Nature Festival visit www.wildseasons.co.uk. Searchable events listings will be made available on this website early in 2015. |
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