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Thousands of seabirds to benefit from Solway Firth expansion
The red-throated diver will be joining the extensive list of species already protected by the MAP.
Red-throated diver and ringed plover to join list of protected species.

A stretch of water on the English-Scottish border is to be given additional protection in a bid to improve seabird populations.

The Solway Firth, which is classified as a Marine Protected Area (MAP), is being expanded by 92,070 hectares, becoming a total of 135,750 hectares in size. 

Some 125,000 seabirds will benefit from the expansion of this site, said Defra, with the red-throated diver and ringed plover joining the extensive list of species already protected. 

The move follows work undertaken by Nature Scot and Natural England and a public consultation on the introduction of further protections. 

The expansion will provide greater clarity on where boundaries of important foraging areas for protected seabird species are and offers the opportunity to adopt additional management measures if required, such as bylaws to manage commercial fishing or the zoning of water sports. 

Environment minister Rebecca Pow said: “The UK seabird population is of global importance with the UK holding more than a quarter of Europe’s breeding seabirds. This addition to England’s vital MPA network is a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to protect and improve the resilience of our marine environment and its precious wildlife.

 “Together with the development of our Seabird Conservation Strategy, we will help the coastal environment to recover and thrive for future generations to enjoy.”

Marian Spain, Natural England chief executive, said: “The new protections at Solway Firth, based on advice from the UK’s world-leading scientists will create more space for nature to recover and signify a significant step forward in enhancing protections for a range of globally important sea and shorebirds.

“We will continue to work with Defra as they develop their Seabird Conservation Strategy to understand the challenges that seabird populations currently face and consider what further measures are needed to help their recovery.”

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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.