Springtail discoveries anticipated
- Details
- Written by Administrator
- Category: Insects
- Published: 08 November 2010
There are a few hundred kinds of springtails recorded from the UK but we do not even know of an educated guess for the numbers of different kinds currently living in the soil under our feet in Badenoch and Strathspey. As with much of the biodiversity around us there is a lot to learn.
Famously in August 2009 BSCG member Tim Ransom found the first member of the species of springtail Bourletiella viridescens for Britain. For those not seeking to aspire to add a new kind of creature to the British list but simply developing an interest in macro-photography, springtails provide an interesting challenge and are still around in the soil in winter.
This winter a few members are starting work on a preliminary key to the identification of our local springtails. Needless to say Tim described by the Scotsman as an “eagle-eyed expert” is the enthusiast behind this project on these little and also little appreciated creatures. His experience that includes producing another such local key will be invaluable.
Bourletiella viridescens has not been rediscovered on Cairn Gorm this year and unfortunately some specialists, who had hoped to come and look for it and other species on Cairn Gorm, failed to raise the funding they needed to visit. The iconic local springtail has however been adopted as the logo for a popular and widely distributed newsletter about Invertebrates in Scotland the second edition of which is now available as a pdf from Buglife Scotland.
Now that we have started looking hopefully we can add to understanding about the very little explored biodiversity of springtails we have. We can expect there to be more kinds in our district waiting to be recorded and who knows what interesting new discoveries? All springtail photos will be gratefully received and If you are interesting in becoming involved in the springtail (Collembola) spotting project don’t hesitate to phone 01479 821 491.
The now relatively famous Bourletiella viridescens, blown up to look much larger than 1mm, from an article shortly after the unexpected discovery published in Sepetember 2009 in the Scotsman newspaper.
Reminder to members GPS and Camera equipment available to borrow
- Details
- Written by Administrator
- Category: Meetings
- Published: 08 November 2010
The group has digital camera equipment and a GPS for use by members including new members. This is for recording wildlife and documenting conservation issues (like for example the spread of invasive species) in our district. The equipment is simple to use and training in its use can be provided by those members who have learnt the ropes.
To help with identifying animals and plants remember to take plenty of photos from different angles. For insects for example views from above the side and the front are often helpful and don’t forget to use the flash. This helps for close up photos of fast moving creatures in poor light. The easiest way to arrange to sign out the camera or GPS for the first time, is to phone 01479 821 491.
Hoverfly - Meliscaeva cinctella, taken with the same type of equipment the group has for any member to borrow.
The ‘betrayal’ of Britain’s biggest national park
- Details
- Written by Administrator
- Category: Debates
- Published: 01 November 2010
New plan threatens wave of conflict
- Details
- Written by Administrator
- Category: Debates
- Published: 01 November 2010
Herald Scotland article: ‘Wave of conflict’ over national park housing.
"This damaging development plan is destructive of the special features that the national park was set up to conserve and enhance,” said Dr Gus Jones, convenor of the Badenoch and Strathspey Conservation Group.
Press & Journal: Cairngorms plan ‘promotes destruction of national park’
“The natural environment and local communities are paying the price for a park authority that has unacceptably ignored its principal duties."
Letter: Historic destruction of Scotland's native woodlands
- Details
- Written by Administrator
- Category: Debates
- Published: 26 October 2010
Dear Sir,
It is slightly encouraging to note the dismissal by Roseanna Cunningham, Scottish environment minister, of reports that the Forestry Commission Scotland might be required to sell off its forests in line with its English counterpart, (your report, 25 October).
Many will concur with her affirmation that "we believe Scotland's national forests are a very precious asset" and her earlier "it is quite shocking to think that we only have a tiny remnant of our original native woodland left, due to historical exploitation" (your report, 11 May).
It is all the more puzzling, and unacceptable, therefore, that the Scottish Government has done nothing to prevent the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) from targeting native woodlands for housing developments in its local plan.
This latter is due to be adopted on 29 October, and includes provision for several hundred houses that will destroy areas of pinewoods, some listed as ancient woodland.
Scottish Government reporters advised against these housing allocations in woodlands, following a local plan inquiry (LPI) in 2009, but the CNPA largely ignored their recommendations. Now, despite receiving a letter signed by 16 environmental organisations urging Scottish ministers to intervene and recommending "broad acceptance of the findings" of the LPI, no action has been taken by government. Ms Cunningham may be shocked at the historic destruction of Scotland's native woodlands. Many will be shocked at her failure to prevent further such destruction in Scotland's premier national park.
Roy Turnbull
Vice-convener, BSCG
Original published letter in The Scotsman: http://news.scotsman.com/letters/Letter-Woodland-threats.6598247.jp