defra - LJN Blog Posts - Landscape Juice Network2024-03-29T15:05:54Zhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/defraFlood prevention plans back on the agendahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/flood-prevention-plans-back-on-the-agenda2014-01-10T10:07:16.000Z2014-01-10T10:07:16.000ZLandscape Juicehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/LandscapeJuice<div><p>A long delay to the introduction of rules meant to prevent housing developments exacerbating floods, looks set to end.</p>
<p>House builders had previously rejected Department of Environment demands that ponds and collection hollows should be incorporated to intercept water run-off from roofs.</p>
<p>Whilst deadlock remains, a deal has been done over who covers the cost to maintain the proposed new anti-flood landscape features.</p>
<p>Under the Flood Act of 2010, builders are obliged to landscape developments to ensure water from roofs and driveways is intercepted rather than being allowed to flow into water systems.</p>
<p>However, builders say the proposed measures will lead to the cost of new housing going up and prefer a system of underground water catchment tanks.</p>
<p>Read more on the BBC website: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-25676973">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-25676973</a></p>
</div>New restrictions on movement of sweet chestnut and plane come into force to protect UK tree specieshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/new-restrictions-on-movement-of-sweet-chestnut-and-plane-come-int2013-11-25T09:06:34.000Z2013-11-25T09:06:34.000ZLandscape Juicehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/LandscapeJuice<div><p><a href="https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/image_data/file/18358/s300_Photo_resized.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/image_data/file/18358/s300_Photo_resized.jpg?width=150" width="150" class="align-right" /></a>Tighter controls on the import of sweet chestnut and plane trees come into force today throughout England and Scotland as the latest action to guard against tree pests and diseases.</p>
<p>These new regulations, which coincide with the start of the new planting season, mean that movements of plane trees and sweet chestnut trees in, around and out of England will need to be accompanied by official documentation confirming they are from an area free of any relevant disease. This new legislation will help keep the UK free from plane canker and chestnut blight.</p>
<p>In addition, the existing notification scheme for imports of certain tree species from EU member states is being extended to include pine trees. Statutory notification for intra-EU trade will mean that anyone importing pine trees for planting must notify the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA) in advance of their introduction.</p>
<p>These strengthened requirements were first announced by the Environment Secretary Owen Paterson at the Chelsea Flower Show in May and were supported through consultation at a ministerial summit on tree health in July.</p>
<p>Chief Plant Health Officer Martin Ward said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">These new regulations will help to protect our native tree species and reduce the threats from pests and diseases coming into the country. They will also help us to know exactly how many trees are being imported, and from where, increasing our understanding of the risks involved.</p>
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<p>In the longer term, stronger EU requirements are also being pursued for plane and sweet chestnut through protected zone status for the whole of the UK. This will give the UK better protection and will be more compatible with the European single market.</p>
<p>Businesses that import trees, and the people who purchase them, will have additional confidence that any pests or diseases will be detected early on as a result of these new measures.</p>
<p>This is the latest move to protect native trees from the pests and diseases which can be brought into the UK. Following a recommendation from the independent Plant Health Task Force which reported last year, Defra is also developing a plant health risk register which ranks the many different pests and diseases which could be introduced or could spread within the UK.</p>
<p>The register will identify possible priorities for regulation, contingency planning, research, surveys and awareness raising.</p>
<p>Further information on the <a rel="external" href="http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/plantHealth/documents/planeSweetChestTrade.pdf">new legislation</a></p>
</div>Asian Hornet - Vespa velutina - threat to UKhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/asian-hornet-vespa-velutina-threat-to-uk2013-09-05T06:55:53.000Z2013-09-05T06:55:53.000ZLandscape Juicehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/LandscapeJuice<div><div>
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<p>As well as the current pests and disease problems beekeepers have to contend with, there are still further potential threats on the horizon to be aware of, for example species of <strong>Asian Hornet</strong>. The recent arrival into France of one of these invasive predatory hornets<em>Vespa velutina nigrithorax</em> is a case in point. It was confirmed for the first time in Lot-et-Garonne in the South West in 2005, thought to have been imported in a consignment of pottery from China.</p>
<p>It quickly established and has spread very quickly to many areas of France where it is reported to be causing many problems for both beekeepers and biodiversity in the country. The hornet can predate on colonies, causing significant harm. All beekeepers should be on the look out for this hornet.<em> Vespa velutina</em> is smaller than our own native European hornet <em>Vespa crabro</em> (see the information sheets that should help with identification).  <em>Vespa velutina</em> should not confused with the Giant Asian hornet, sometimes referred to as the "Japanese hornet"  <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_giant_hornet" target="_blank"><em>Vespa mandarinia</em></a>.</p>
<p><strong>To protect bees from invasive threats it is important for all beekeepers in England, Scotland and Wales to sign up to <a href="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/public/register.cfm" target="_blank">BeeBase</a>.</strong></p>
<p>If you think you have seen an Asian hornet, please notify the GB Non Native Species Secratariat alert email address at alert_nonnative@ceh.ac.uk immediately.</p>
<p>You can also send a suspect sample to the NBU laboratory for examination if possible. Use a suitable sturdy container (cardboard rather than plastic) and provide as much detail as possible about the hornet and where you found it. See '<a href="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/index.cfm?pageid=117" target="_blank">How to Send Samples into the Laboratory</a>' page.  Digital photographs are also very useful to help with identification.</p>
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<p><strong>The message to Beekeepers from the NBU is as follows:</strong></p>
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<li>Monitoring for arrival is strongly encouraged throughout the UK, but especially in areas where likelihood of arrival is considered to be highest (S & SE England);</li>
<li>Make sure you know how to recognise Asian hornets – a very helpful ID sheet can be downloaded <a href="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/downloadDocument.cfm?id=698" target="_blank">here</a> or you can visit the <a href="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/nonnativespecies/index.cfm?sectionid=47" target="_blank">NNSS website</a></li>
<li>Know where to report sightings: <a href="mailto:alert_nonnative@ceh.ac.uk" target="_blank" class="scrambledEmail">alert_nonnative@ceh.ac.uk</a></li>
<li>Beekeepers and other members of the public should consider hanging hornet traps;</li>
<li>Click <a href="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/downloadDocument.cfm?id=869" target="_blank">here</a> to see a guidance note on a home-made trap used in France and <a href="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/downloadDocument.cfm?id=844" target="_blank">here</a> for a simplified version using materials readily available in the UK. <strong>Whichever trap design you may choose, please remember that it is very important that damage to native wasps, hornets and any other insects is kept to an absolute minimum.</strong></li>
<li>Spring trapping works! - Information from beekeepers in France, who are having to control hornet numbers, show that in areas where traps are deployed in springtime, nest numbers are reduced by > 90% . In the event that Asian hornets become established here, springtime trapping will thus be a very useful management tool</li>
<li>If you are participating in the Sentinel Apiary programme (i.e. a beekeeper who monitors your colonies for exotic pest threats to honey bees on behalf of the NBU at Fera), you can download a Guidance Note about Asian hornet monitoring <a href="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/downloadDocument.cfm?id=674" target="_blank">here</a></li>
<li>Sign up to BeeBase (see above) – This  is always important, but in the event that the Asian hornet (or any other exotic threat to honey bee colonies) arrives here, efforts to contain it will be seriously jeopardised if we don’t know where vulnerable apiaries are located</li>
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<p>There are a number of links to useful information on the hornet, plus details of how to distinguish between the native hornet Vespa crabro and Vespa velutina. Although they are a similar size, a very distinguishing characteristic between the two is the dark brown thorax, hence the name "nigrithorax".</p>
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<p><strong>In the event that Asian hornets arrive in GB:</strong></p>
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<li>A Response Plan for dealing with the Asian hornet has been produced;</li>
<li>Developed by the Food and Environment Research Agency (Bee Health Policy and the NBU), in consultation with Defra (Non Native Species Policy, and its Non Native Species Secretariat, the Response Plan was finalised in April 2012;</li>
<li>You can view the full Response Plan <a href="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/downloadDocument.cfm?id=675" target="_blank">here</a></li>
<li>Its objectives are:<br />
- Early detection;<br />
- Interception and prevention of establishment; <br />
- Nest destruction to eradicate localised outbreaks (if within a limited geographical area or areas); <br />
- Development of longer term management plans where eradication is no longer possible due to the extent and number of outbreaks; <br />
- Provision of advice to beekeepers and all other stakeholders.</li>
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<p>Guidance notes for beekeepers are available <a href="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/downloadDocument.cfm?id=607" target="_blank">here</a>. Guidance for pest controllers on the chemical control of Asian hornet nests is available from the NBU.</p>
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<h3><a href="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/displayImage.cfm?id=219" target="_blank"><img src="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/displayImage.cfm?id=219" class="align-right" /></a></h3>
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<p><a href="http://www.bee-craft.com/" target="_blank">BeeCraft</a> magazine published a detailed article covering the lifespan, habitat and spread of the Asian hornet through France. Please see the article '<a href="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/downloadDocument.cfm?id=276" target="_blank"><em>Vespa velutina</em> – The Asian Hornet</a>' which also covers the impact on agriculture and honey bees. Follow-up articles have been produced in September and October 2011. These can be viewed <a href="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/downloadDocument.cfm?id=544" target="_blank">here</a>. Thanks to Bee Craft for allowing us to provide this article.<br />
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<br />
Biologist Magazine published an article in May 2009 '<a href="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/downloadDocument.cfm?id=277" target="_blank">A foreigner in France: the Asian hornet</a>' written by Marie-Pierre Chauzat of the French Food Safety Agency and Stephen Martin from the University of Sheffield. We thank the authors for allowing us to attach this piece.</p>
<p><br />
There is also an article in 'Aliens- The Invasive Species Bulletin' (Issue No 31, 2011) titled: <a href="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/To%20link%20to%20this%20document,%20use%20this%20path:%20downloadDocument.cfm?id=629" target="_blank">Monitoring and control modalities of a honeybee predator, the yellow-legged hornet <em>Vespa veluntina nigrithorax</em> (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)</a></p>
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<p>An information sheet about the Asian hornet can be viewed <a href="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/downloadDocument.cfm?id=402" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Details about <em>Vespa crabro</em>, the hornet commonly found in the UK, can be viewed <a href="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/downloadDocument.cfm?id=403" target="_blank">here</a>. (For useful advice on the conservation of bees, wasps and ants within Great Britain and Ireland, visit <a href="http://www.hymettus.org.uk/" target="_blank">Hymettus Ltd</a>. The national society dedicated to studying and recording bees, wasps & ants (aculeate Hymenoptera) in Britain & Ireland is <a href="http://www.bwars.com/" target="_blank">BWARS</a>).</p>
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<p>Further details on Asian hornets can be viewed on '<a href="http://inpn.mnhn.fr/isb/servlet/ISBServlet?action=Espece&typeAction=10&pageReturn=ficheEspeceFiche.jsp&numero_taxon=433590" target="_blank">Inventaire National du Patrimoine Naturel</a>' the website for National Inventory of Natural Heritage in France. A translation of the article is available <a href="http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Finpn.mnhn.fr%2Fisb%2Fservlet%2FISBServlet%3Faction%3DEspece%26typeAction%3D10%26pageReturn%3DficheEspeceFiche.jsp%26numero_taxon%3D433590&sl=fr&tl=en" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
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The European And Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) refer to <em>Vespa velutina</em> in the Reporting Service on Pests and Diseases, Chapter 197: <a href="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/downloadDocument.cfm?id=274" target="_blank">A new invasive alien species found in France</a><br />
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Also of interest may be the French article '<a href="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/downloadDocument.cfm?id=275" target="_blank">La découverte du Frelon asiatique Vespa velutina, en France</a>' (The discovery of the Asian hornet <em>Vespa velutina</em> in France) written by Claire Villemant and R Jean Haxaire from the French National Museum of Natural History and R Jean-Claude Streito from the French National Laboratory of Plant Protection - Entomology Unit.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/nonnativespecies/alerts/index.cfm?id=4" target="_blank">Great Britain Non-Native Species Secretariat</a> website provides a great deal of information about invasive non-native species, including this Asian hornet. The wesbite covers the wide ranging work that is being done to tackle invasive species across Great Britain and provides tools to facilitate those working in this area.<br />
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All <em>Vespa</em> related photographs are copyright and courtesy of Jean Haxaire. Additional photographs in the Image gallery are courtesy of Marie-Pierre Chauzat (<a href="http://www.anses.fr/" target="_blank">ANSES</a>), and Jean Haxaire (<a href="http://www.mnhn.fr/museum/foffice/transverse/transverse/accueil.xsp" target="_blank">Paris Natural History Museum</a>). </p>
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</div>Defra publishes National Adaptation Programme report into climate changehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/defra-publishes-national-adaptation-programme-report-into-climate2013-07-01T13:36:10.000Z2013-07-01T13:36:10.000ZLandscape Juicehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/LandscapeJuice<div><p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314110561?profile=original"><img class="align-right" style="padding: 5px;" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314110561?profile=original" width="99" /></a>Defra has published its <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/adapting-to-climate-change-national-adaptation-programme" target="_blank">National Adaptation Programme report</a> into what leading businesses, councils and communities, as well as government, are doing to tackle climate threats.</p>
<p>The report calls on businesses, local councils and communities to get ready for climate change and extreme weather, outlining some of the measures taken.</p>
<p>The greatest risks identified are from increased flooding and also water shortages, as rainfall is expected to become more intense as the climate warms.</p>
<p>Environment Minister Lord de Mauley said: "Recent floods and droughts have highlighted the need to plan ahead and prepare for changing conditions.</p>
<p>"We have vital expertise in the UK which will stand us in good stead to adapt to climate change and help us compete in the global race.</p>
<p>"Businesses, government and local communities must ensure they are equipped to deal with the challenges ahead and embrace the opportunities that arise, both at home and overseas."</p>
<p>The report looks at many risks and says information is lacking when assessing the effect of high temperatures on cities, increased UV exposure causing skin cancer and even the risk to wifi connections as higher temperatures can reduce the range covered.</p>
<p>It also mentions the risk to the UK from climate change overseas hitting supply chains and the importation of food stuffs.</p>
</div>Defra publish guidance on dealing with invasive plantshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/defra-publish-guidance-on-dealing-with-invasive-plants2013-05-29T12:52:08.000Z2013-05-29T12:52:08.000ZLandscape Juicehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/LandscapeJuice<div><p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314211147?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314211147?profile=original" width="500" /></a>Detailed notes and guidance have been published by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) on dealing with invasive plants.</p>
<p>The guide, titled <a href="https://www.gov.uk/japanese-knotweed-giant-hogweed-and-other-invasive-plants" target="_blank">Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed and other invasive plants</a>, provides information on the legal standing, identification and treatment of such plants.</p>
<p>You will also find details of how to identify and control invasive plants using methods such as spraying, digging up, cutting and burning.</p>
<p>There is also a section offering further information, with telephone numbers and a collection of website links.</p>
</div>Farmers reimbursed for cost of removing sheep killed in snow in England last monthhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/farmers-reimbursed-for-cost-of-removing-sheep-killed-in-snow-in2013-04-18T13:54:31.000Z2013-04-18T13:54:31.000ZCraig McGintyhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/CraigMcGinty<div><p>Up to £250,000 will be available to reimburse farmers for the cost of removing sheep killed in freak snow in England last month, farming minister, David Heath announced today.</p>
<p>This is the latest move in a programme of support to help farmers affected by recent snow. Defra has already permitted farmers to bury or burn livestock onsite if snow makes it difficult to get them to a collection vehicle, and has relaxed rules on driver hours to allow extra time for essential deliveries of animal feed.</p>
<p>David Heath said: "As I saw on my recent visit to Cumbria, the loss of sheep in recent snow has taken a terrible emotional and financial toll on farmers. We have been working with the National Fallen Stock Company to find the fairest way to help them meet the cost of removing their stock.</p>
<p>"I’m pleased to be able to announce this support today and call upon the public to lend their own support to our farmers by choosing British lamb."</p>
<p><strong>Press release:</strong> <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/defra-to-meet-the-cost-of-removing-sheep-killed-in-snow" target="_blank">Defra to meet the cost of removing sheep killed in snow</a></p>
</div>BCPC opposes arbitrary pesticide reduction targetshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/bcpc-opposes-arbitrary2010-05-13T14:00:00.000Z2010-05-13T14:00:00.000ZPhil Voicehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/philvoice<div>[PRESS RELEASE] <img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314184405?profile=original" alt="" style="float: right;" />BCPC has issued a comprehensive response to <a href="http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/pesticides/index.htm" target="_blank">Defra's recent Consultation</a> on the implementation of EU pesticides legislation, highlighting some 40 key points and focussing in particular on risk assessment, water protection, research and education. Completely opposing the introduction of a pesticide reduction target, BCPC feels that pesticide policy in the UK should continue to focus on limiting pesticide use to the minimum necessary to provide effective control and reduce identified risks to human health or the environment. Some EU Members States having already set arbitrary pesticide reduction targets, but BCPC has consistently argued against such an illogical and unscientific approach. It asserts that it is the method, timing and frequency of application that are the key determinants of risk, rather than the amounts of product or active ingredients used. In this context, BCPC is not in favour of prohibiting the use of pesticides in public and conservation areas. With the appropriate risk assessments already built into the product approval process, it regards minimising use as being a far more cost-effective approach than looking to develop alternative control methods for weed, pests and disease control. Similarly, unless specified in the product's approval, it feels that signage – where the public has access to sprayed areas – is inappropriate and may even cause unnecessary alarm. With regards to the proposals on water protection, BCPC favours building on existing measures developed under the Voluntary Initiative. It points out that this approach will require significant R&D and special attention will also need to be given to developing specific guidance for some amenity situations and improving labelling of relevant products. “We have referred to the need for R&D several times in our response and we believe that this is a crucial area which needs to be revitalized in the UK in the future,” says Dr Colin Ruscoe, chairman of BCPC . “As well as providing advanced level training for practitioners, we need to deal with the current lack of good quality crop protection specialists, who are needed to undertake the necessary R&D so that UK pesticide policy can be implemented in the most effective way. This is a critical requirement if we are to deliver sustainable increases in food production in the face of both demand and the reducing armoury of crop protection products resulting from EU legislation.” 6 May 2010
</div>DEFRA at it again it would appear - now they want to ban the lawn!!!https://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/6660693_BlogPost_242092008-09-10T08:30:00.000Z2008-09-10T08:30:00.000ZLara Warnerhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/LaraWarner<div>I will simply post the link for now to the headline from yesterday's <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/60549">Daily Express</a>. I am trying to get a copy of the "consultation" document to post on here too.This is hardly the input the industry needs from the government when we are facing the current economic constraints!</div>DEFRA warns of Citrus Longhorn Beetle in the UKhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/6660693_BlogPost_241492008-08-15T12:30:00.000Z2008-08-15T12:30:00.000ZPhil Voicehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/philvoice<div><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314102237?profile=original" alt="" width="152" height="158" style="float: right;" />Gardeners are being warned about an invasion of the Citrus Longhorn Beetle (Anoplophora chinensis) in UK that has been imported from China, via Holland in a batch Acer palmatum and distributed via mail order. Whilst the beetle is know to affect the Acer it is able to damage oak, beech, ash, maple, apple, pear, willow, hibiscus, horse chestnut, hornbeam, hazel, birch, mulberry and rose. The larva or pupa can remain undetected for up to three year before emerging - <a href="http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2008/080814a.htm">the DEFRA website</a> has more information on the infestation and how to spot symptoms of Citrus Longhorn Beetle infestation or you can download a <a href="http://www.defra.gov.uk/planth/pestnote/2006/citlong.pdf">.pdf document</a> on how to deal with the Citrus Longhorn Beetle.
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