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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 6th September 2013
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Consultation on biodiversity offsetting
New scheme for wildlife and economic growth

A consultation has been launched by the government on a new scheme to boost economic growth and improve the environment.

The scheme for biodiversity offsetting will mean that developers have to provide new wildlife sites better than the ones they are allowed to build on.

Politicians hope that the scheme will improve the environment for wildlife, as well as simplify the existing planning process.

Consultation on the scheme follows a recommendation made in the Ecosystems Market Task Force report, titled Realising Nature's Value. Published in March 2013, the report proposed biodiversity offsetting, among other actions, as a means of tackling biodiversity loss and achieving economic growth.

A commitment to publish a consultation paper on the proposal was made by environment secretary, Owen Paterson, at a wildlife summit in May.

"Offsetting is an exciting opportunity to look at how we can improve the environment as well as grow the economy," said Mr Paterson.

He added: "We want to hear from developer and wildlife groups alike on how we can simplify the existing planning process while enhancing our natural environment.

"There is no reason why wildlife and development can't flourish side by side."

Biodiversity offsetting has already been implemented in 25 other countries worldwide, including the United States, Australia and Germany.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.