Bowdens Silver’s Post

So here is the spreadsheet for considering reptiles when designing habitats for BNG. https://lnkd.in/etJDV4Wx Perhaps in the future the need for site based surveys would not be required - perhaps there will be a modelled risk map so that the species of reptiles can be determined for the general area so that features can be designed into the BNG plan It would make sense that for now site based surveys for reptiles would be recommended to establish whether these considerations are necessary and would actually benefit reptiles. There are differences in the ecology of all six native reptiles in the UK. Out of the four more widespread species here are some of the features for or in habitats which would be useful (if the species is present within 1km of the site) Snakes - typical home ranges 500m to 2,000mplus Grass snake - linear features - ditches, stone walls, bramble, woodland edges, banks, tussocky grassland, artificial egg laying sites and ponds Adder - woodland edge habitats, linear features, hedges, ditches, rough grassland, banks, stone walls, bramble, bracken, gorse, Molina etc Lizards typical home ranges- 10m to 500m Slow worm - ground covered in ivy within scrub, scrub edge, rough grassland, anthills, tussocks, compost heaps, Viviparous Lizard - prominent basking sites - anthills, log piles, tree stumps, banks, ditches, rough grassland, scrub, Molina grassland, bracken etc There are com,on themes running through the features which makes a site good for reptiles - which are a key indicator for the health of a habitat and its biodiversity value - more on that in due course. I will be going through the spreadsheet with some active case studies working with more qualified BNGers- people with botanical skills plus my own expertise in reptile habitat assessments to see how the spreadsheet copes with real life examples. The BNG baselines deals with habitat in a 2D way whereas reptiles tend to like 3D habitat features which are not reflected in the UK Hab Code assessments. It is an exercise for the winter months when the GCN work does down I hope in the New Year. The spreadsheet is hosted on Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Trusts website.

Oasis MezcalTrascendente The project undertaken by MezcalTrascendente to replant a chinampa in Xochimilco with plants specifically chosen to attract pollinators, particularly hummingbirds, carries profound ecological significance. As urbanization encroaches upon natural habitats, preserving and restoring biodiversity-rich areas like Xochimilco becomes imperative. Hummingbirds play a pivotal role as pollinators, aiding in the reproduction of numerous plant species and thereby maintaining ecosystem health. A chinampa is a traditional Mesoamerican agricultural system characterized by rectangular raised fields built on the shallow lake beds of the Valley of Mexico, notably in Xochimilco. These artificial islands, constructed using a combination of organic materials such as mud, sediment, and vegetation, have been used for centuries to cultivate crops such as maize, beans, squash, and flowers. The chinampas not only provided sustenance for indigenous communities but also served as a vital part of their cultural identity and heritage. Ecologically, chinampas play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by acting as wetlands that support a diverse array of plant and animal species. They serve as important habitats for migratory birds, amphibians, and fish, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region. Additionally, the chinampa system helps to mitigate flooding and erosion, making it an essential component of the environmental resilience of the area. By focusing on plants that attract hummingbirds, MezcalTrascendente not only aids in the conservation of these magnificent birds but also fosters a symbiotic relationship between flora and fauna. Hummingbirds, with their unique ability to hover and extract nectar from flowers, rely heavily on specific plant species for sustenance. Thus, the restoration of suitable habitats through initiatives like this not only benefits hummingbirds but also supports the broader ecosystem by enhancing pollination and fostering plant diversity. Moreover, the project underscores the importance of community engagement and environmental stewardship. By involving local communities in the restoration efforts, MezcalTrascendente not only raises awareness about the importance of preserving natural habitats but also fosters a sense of pride and responsibility among residents. Ultimately, initiatives like this serve as a beacon of hope for the conservation of fragile ecosystems, demonstrating the positive impact that collective action can have on safeguarding biodiversity for future generations. #mezcaltrascendente #mezcal #artisanal #xochimilco #culture #pollinators #hummingbirds #ecosistem #innovation #land #mexico #liquor #agave #agavespirits #spirits #beverages

BGANZ partners with IrisBG to advance plant conservation and biodiversity BGANZ Ltd and IrisBG are delighted to announce a long-term partnership combining IrisBG’s expertise in plant collections management and curation with BGANZ’s purpose to uplift botanic gardens, nurturing a deeper appreciation for plants, and fostering plant conservation. Connecting BGANZ’s network of 120 botanic gardens, arboreta and allied institutions across Australia and New Zealand with IrisBG’s community-focused plant collections system will be remarkable and innovative in the way both organizations address the need for data sharing to combat the effects of climate change on the natural world. Botanic gardens play a vital role in addressing the pressing issues we face, including critical challenges like plant biodiversity loss and climate change. The BGANZ-IrisBG partnership is set to empower gardens with the essential tools needed for effective conservation, biodiversity protection, restoration, and public education. Together, we will leverage skills in botanical data management, knowledge sharing, training, and policy advocacy to equip gardens across the region. We eagerly anticipate the release of collaborative annual projects for the BGANZ network members, starting with the “Beginners Guide to Plant Accessioning” in 2025. As a testament to its commitment to the partnership, IrisBG has developed a BGANZ member benefit that offers BGANZ members an advantageous discount on IrisBG licenses and services. Visit https://ow.ly/pC1p50UnaVY for details.

Oasis MezcalTrascendente The project undertaken by MezcalTrascendente to replant a chinampa in Xochimilco with plants specifically chosen to attract pollinators, particularly hummingbirds, carries profound ecological significance. As urbanization encroaches upon natural habitats, preserving and restoring biodiversity-rich areas like Xochimilco becomes imperative. Hummingbirds play a pivotal role as pollinators, aiding in the reproduction of numerous plant species and thereby maintaining ecosystem health. A chinampa is a traditional Mesoamerican agricultural system characterized by rectangular raised fields built on the shallow lake beds of the Valley of Mexico, notably in Xochimilco. These artificial islands, constructed using a combination of organic materials such as mud, sediment, and vegetation, have been used for centuries to cultivate crops such as maize, beans, squash, and flowers. The chinampas not only provided sustenance for indigenous communities but also served as a vital part of their cultural identity and heritage. Ecologically, chinampas play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by acting as wetlands that support a diverse array of plant and animal species. They serve as important habitats for migratory birds, amphibians, and fish, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region. Additionally, the chinampa system helps to mitigate flooding and erosion, making it an essential component of the environmental resilience of the area. By focusing on plants that attract hummingbirds, MezcalTrascendente not only aids in the conservation of these magnificent birds but also fosters a symbiotic relationship between flora and fauna. Hummingbirds, with their unique ability to hover and extract nectar from flowers, rely heavily on specific plant species for sustenance. Thus, the restoration of suitable habitats through initiatives like this not only benefits hummingbirds but also supports the broader ecosystem by enhancing pollination and fostering plant diversity. Moreover, the project underscores the importance of community engagement and environmental stewardship. By involving local communities in the restoration efforts, MezcalTrascendente not only raises awareness about the importance of preserving natural habitats but also fosters a sense of pride and responsibility among residents. Ultimately, initiatives like this serve as a beacon of hope for the conservation of fragile ecosystems, demonstrating the positive impact that collective action can have on safeguarding biodiversity for future generations. #mezcaltrascendente #mezcal #artisanal #xochimilco #culture #pollinators #hummingbirds #ecosistem #innovation #land #mexico #liquor #agave #agavespirits #spirits #beverages

As we enter the month of May, we start to see a lot of discussion around the movement #NoMowMay. Here is my RTE Brainstorm piece from yesterday afternoon (currently trending as most read!) that explores the impact that the initiative can have on our plants, bees, butterflies, and even ourselves. The declining numbers of many species that are dependent on wildflowers are startling, so it can become such an important month to support nature. But in the piece, I make the argument that this doesn't have to be just May. Even maintaining a small area of unmown lawn all year round can have substantial positive impacts to the local biodiversity. https://lnkd.in/dR4Hg-T8

Oasis MezcalTrascendente The project undertaken by MezcalTrascendente to replant a chinampa in Xochimilco with plants specifically chosen to attract pollinators, particularly hummingbirds, carries profound ecological significance. As urbanization encroaches upon natural habitats, preserving and restoring biodiversity-rich areas like Xochimilco becomes imperative. Hummingbirds play a pivotal role as pollinators, aiding in the reproduction of numerous plant species and thereby maintaining ecosystem health. A chinampa is a traditional Mesoamerican agricultural system characterized by rectangular raised fields built on the shallow lake beds of the Valley of Mexico, notably in Xochimilco. These artificial islands, constructed using a combination of organic materials such as mud, sediment, and vegetation, have been used for centuries to cultivate crops such as maize, beans, squash, and flowers. The chinampas not only provided sustenance for indigenous communities but also served as a vital part of their cultural identity and heritage. Ecologically, chinampas play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by acting as wetlands that support a diverse array of plant and animal species. They serve as important habitats for migratory birds, amphibians, and fish, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region. Additionally, the chinampa system helps to mitigate flooding and erosion, making it an essential component of the environmental resilience of the area. By focusing on plants that attract hummingbirds, MezcalTrascendente not only aids in the conservation of these magnificent birds but also fosters a symbiotic relationship between flora and fauna. Hummingbirds, with their unique ability to hover and extract nectar from flowers, rely heavily on specific plant species for sustenance. Thus, the restoration of suitable habitats through initiatives like this not only benefits hummingbirds but also supports the broader ecosystem by enhancing pollination and fostering plant diversity. Moreover, the project underscores the importance of community engagement and environmental stewardship. By involving local communities in the restoration efforts, MezcalTrascendente not only raises awareness about the importance of preserving natural habitats but also fosters a sense of pride and responsibility among residents. Ultimately, initiatives like this serve as a beacon of hope for the conservation of fragile ecosystems, demonstrating the positive impact that collective action can have on safeguarding biodiversity for future generations. #mezcaltrascendente #mezcal #artisanal #xochimilco #culture #pollinators #hummingbirds #ecosistem #innovation #land #mexico #liquor #agave #agavespirits #spirits #beverages

The role of companies in funding nature projects is growing – Metsä Group is funding 26 projects across Finland this year. These include biodiversity management and restoration projects, which Metsä Group funded with a total of 600,000 euros in 2024. The themes of the 26 new projects include, for example, condition of water bodies, restoration of flowing waters, removal of invasive species and predators, pollinator services, management of traditional habitats and restoration of bird wetlands. https://rb.gy/mogs6f #biodiversity #sustainableforestry #regenerativeforestry

This is an important read. Seed of only 10% of our native plants is widely available for land restoration. Restoring land is not just about planting lots of the local trees and shrubs, but also including the many thousands of understorey species that create complex ecosystems and habitat. I think we all need to get our heads around what's needed to repair the ecology of Australia. I'd hate to think that planting for carbon storage leads to huge swaths of low diversity plantings. If we are serious about nature repair, then biodiversity matters and increasing the diversity of seed available is critical. #biodiversity #naturerepair #ecosystemrecovery

A new study demonstrates the contribution of global conservation efforts, indicating their significance to curbing, stopping, and reversing biodiversity loss of habitats and species such as the Mountain Gorilla, Cuban Crocodile, or Leatherback Turtle! If you like this post and would like to see similar daily news updates from around the world, follow Global Conservation Solutions 👈 #science #conservationworks #speciesretoration #habitatrestoration #restoration #conservationimpact #conservationeffectiveness #nature #wildlife #biodiversity #optimism #conservationoptimism #news #discovertheworld #natureisbeautiful #ourplanet #wildlifeconservation #conservation #LetNatureThrive Photo Credit: Anne Gibson https://lnkd.in/eCgDETSg

Nature restoration 🌿 efforts may be about to get a boost from hornbills. Equipped with bulky beaks and impressive wingspans, hornbills are vital long-distance seed dispersers in tropical forests. But while a lot is known about the eating habits of hornbills, many mysteries still remain. That is now starting to change thanks to a new open-source, publicly available database of Asian and New Guinean hornbill frugivory and seed dispersal research, reports Carolyn Cowan. The new resource, published in a new study in Global Ecology and Conservation, aims to help researchers, students and conservation organizations pinpoint knowledge gaps so that they can target their efforts and limited resources. “This new database will allow us to better triangulate which of these plant species that uniquely depend on hornbills might be under threat if we lose hornbills,” Jun Ying Lim, an assistant professor at National University of Singapore and co-author of the study, told Cowan. The new frugivory database could also prove useful for reforestation projects, many of which increasingly recognize the importance of planting food plants to attract natural seed dispersers, which in turn helps to further regenerate the forest. “There is a need to demonstrate what plant species are the most important for hornbills and other frugivores,” said John Payne, an ecologist who was not involved in the study but as executive director of Bringing Back Our Rare Animals (BORA) has spent many years rewilding an oil palm landscape with orangutan food plants. “Reforestation work should serve to diversify the ecosystem and to favor the natural seed dispersers.” “For me, the hornbill is a true Carbon Superhero that works silently helping tropical forests to maintain their health integrity [and] to store more carbon,” Yoki Hadiprakarsa, founder of the Indonesian Hornbill Conservation Society (Rangkong Indonesia), who was not involved in the new study, told Cowan. 🗞 The story: https://lnkd.in/g5_H6p9V 🔬 The research: Liang, H., McConkey, K. R., & Lim, J. Y. (2024). From beak to fruit: An Asian hornbill database for frugivory and seed dispersal research. Global Ecology and Conservation, 51, e02879.  https://lnkd.in/ggG8VC8R