Solway Firth Partnership March 2016 Newsletter

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Scottish Saltmarsh Survey, Solway Waterbird Roost Survey, Wild Spring Festival Programme
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First Scottish Saltmarsh Survey highlights importance of Solway Firth
 

News for March 2016



Scottish Saltmarsh Survey

Results from Scotland’s first comprehensive national survey of an important coastal habitat have been published by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

The three-year long Scottish Saltmarsh Survey, a joint project between the two agencies, has mapped in detail, and assessed the condition of, all known saltmarshes larger than three hectares or longer than 500 metres across the Scottish mainland and offshore islands.

Saltmarshes are found at the top of the sea shore around the Scottish coast, with the largest areas in the Solway Firth. They are exposed at low tide and covered by seawater at high tide to varying degrees. Upper marsh is not covered on every tide, and forms a transition area into terrestrial habitats.

Professor Stewart Angus of SNH, who managed the project, said: “The Scottish Saltmarsh Survey report gives us a really valuable ‘snapshot’ of a habitat that is likely to change considerably in coming years as a result of climate change. We now have detailed mapped information on four of Scotland’s most important coastal habitats – saltmarsh, machair, dune and shingle – known as ‘soft coasts’. This work also helps the Scottish Government to meet its European reporting obligations.”

Saltmarshes are important coastal habitats which provide us with a range of natural services. They help to filter and regulate water, provide defences against flooding and they act as a valuable carbon sink. Saltmarshes also provide a refuge and food for a range of breeding, wintering and migrating birds.

Saltmarsh vegetation can help scientists to assess changes in land use and management, and help understand how people are affecting the coastal environment. It can also allow changes in climate and coastal biodiversity to be detected reliably into the future.

The report can be downloaded as a pdf here.

 News Update & Events


March 2016
D&G Environment Fair
Sat 19 March, Rutherford McCowan Building, the Crichton, Dumfries. Over 50 environmental organisations representing a mix of small local projects and larger national concerns - an event for all the family! Find out more here

March 2016
Guide to Fisheries Management Measures
Marine Scotland has produced a simple non-statutory guide to fisheries management measures in Marine Protected Areas including those for Luce Bay SAC which take effect from February 2016. More information here.

March 2016
Solway Tidal Lagoon
Plans for a Tidal Lagoon on the Workington coast have been postponed. The company will focus on two projects in Swansea and Newport, Wales. More information here.

February & March 2016
Crab & Lobster Consultation
The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on new management measures for Scotland's brown crab, velvet crab and lobster fisheries. Respond to consultation here.

South Solway Waterbird Roost Survey

A study funded by Natural England and executed by Solway Firth Partnership with the help of RSPB Mersehead, the BTO’s Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) and the Cumbria Biodiversity Centre, mapped the locations and size of important high tide roost sites along the Cumbrian shore of the Solway for the first time.

Waterbirds are an integral part of the global ecosystem. Many waterbirds migrate long distances, often in large numbers making them visible and charismatic. With 109,297 individual birds, the Solway Firth Estuary is among the ten most important habitats for non-breeding waterbirds across the UK. However, to assure adequate management and protection of  habitats, the location of avian hotspots is crucial.

The study, collating data from WeBS volunteers into a GIS layer, identified 43 major roost sites. 

A copy of the draft report can be downloaded here. The GIS layer displaying all roost sites is available upon request: info@solwayfirthpartnership.co.uk

D&G Wild Spring Festival 2016 Programme Now Out

The 2016 Wild Spring Festival will run from Friday 25 March to Sunday 10 April across Dumfries and Galloway.

There is a programme of over 60 events, activities, fairs and guided walks to highlight the fantastic wildlife that is coming back to life in spring or just coming back to Dumfries and Galloway. 

Set amidst beautiful unspoilt countryside, our festival is perfect for families and wildlife fans alike to discover and stay in the most surprising and naturally inspiring part of Scotland. Whether you like to watch wildlife on foot, bike or canoe, and whenever you like to watch it, from dawn, through the day, till dusk or at night, there’s something for you in the programme.

Coastal highlights include 'High Tide Perambulation' at the 'Crook of Baldoon', 'Seabird Spectacular' at Mull of Galloway and a 'Spring Coastal Foraging Walk' with Galloway Wildfoods along the Carrick shore.

The full programme can be downloaded here.
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Solway Firth Partnership, Campbell House, The Crichton, Bankend Road, Dumfries, DG1 4UQ
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