Border nature News

Action is being taken to sort out the growing problem of invasive species that are threatening native wildlife in the Solway. A species of shelfish called the Pacific Oyster has been found in several locations. It is intensively farmed along the coast of Scotland and is thought to have escaped.

There is also damaging non-native plants including wireweed and cordgrass.New legislation has come into effect this year which gives authorities on both sides of the Solway the power to prosecute fishermen or anyone else who does not comply with strict bio-security rules.

At a conference held by The Solway Firth Partnership, bio-diversity expert Sarah Brown from the Firth of Cylde Forum said that climate change and invasive species were the two major threats to Scotland's native marine environment.

On top of new legislation, the Solway's new Coastal Ranger Nic Coombey is asking landowners to look out for the Pacific Oyster and any examples will be noted and destroyed. The Pacific Oyster is larger than native varieties and the risk is that they could desimate local beds.

The confrence at Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries also heard from the chairman of the Solway Firth Partnership, Gordan Mann. The partnership has responsibility for both the English and Scottish sides of the Solway.

Mr Mann said the biggest challenge for businesses operating around the Solway was to co-ordinate and co-operate more in the future.

Planning law is different on both sides of the border so it is vital that organisations with an interest in the Solway maintain open communication, he added.

• UK
• Nature
• Solway Firth

Campaigners opposing the felling of the Brockhole Monkey Puzzle in the Lake District are holding a protest.

They want to chain themselves to the tree to prevent it being felled.

• UK
• Nature
• Brockhole

An army of volunteers is trying to break a World record at Lowther Castle, near Penrith.

Around five hundred hardy souls, aged from two to 85, signed up to help plant 100,000 daffodil bulbs.

If they succeed it will be the most daffodil bulbs planted in one go.

• UK
• Lowther Castle
• World record

A world record attempt is to place at Lowther castle and gardens. More than 100,000 daffodil bulbs are to be planted in the estate's grounds by hundreds of volunteers in an attempt to break the record for the most bulbs planted in one day.

• UK
• Nature
• Daffodil

A conservation project to improve the quality of the River Petteril in Carlisle has won a national award.

The River Petteril was once renowned for its trout fishing, but recently was identified by the Environment Agency as being "poor" in terms of water quality and its fish populations.

Pollution was identified as a major problem, arising from various sources such as farms, roads, inadequate sewage systems and domestic septic tanks.

Working with farmers much of the focus was on reducing how much animal waste was washed in to watercourses and improving drainage and guttering.

More than 5km of river bank has been fenced to prevent farm animals from reaching the river. More than 2,000 trees have been planted along the river to stabilise the banks and allow more wildlife to feed and breed in the river.

Barriers that stopped fish migrating upstream have been improved.

"We are delighted to have received this award, which recognises the achievements and benefits of this collaborative way of working. None of this would have been possible without the fantastic support and commitment of the local farming community.

"The project will benefit all those concerned with the river and its surroundings, and make it a better place for people and wildlife."

• UK
• nature
• Cumbria

Muncaster Castle in Cumbria are celebrating a successful owl breeding season with more than 60 owlets raised from more than 16 species. This si the full report by Samatha Parker.

• UK
• Owls
• nature

People are being urged by the friends of the Lake District to go and view one of Cumbria's most beautiful hay meadows, before it gets cut.

The hay meadow at High Borrowdale was recreated by the Friends of the Lake District and is now in it's seventh year.

There are four hectares of stunning flowers including Ox Eye Daisy, red Clover, Geranium, Yellow Rattle, Hawkbit, Ragged Robin and meadowsweet.

The meadow was first seeded in 2005, with seed from a donor site at nearby Borrowbeck Meadows.

The site has special management involving grazing stock until 1 April each year, and will be cut after 20 July, after which cows are allowed to graze to eat the remaining vegetation, which allows the hay meadow to regenerate next year.

Friends of the Lake District Policy Officer Jan Darrall said: "Despite the weather, our meadow is beautiful once again. You are very welcome to go and enjoy our fantastic meadow.

"Please walk around the edges rather than over the meadow to avoid trampling, it, and don’t pick the flowers as the farmer will be making hay from this shortly."

People only have until 20th July to see the meadow as it will be cut for hay after that.

• UK
• Nature
• Cumbria