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February 2025

  • Date published

    Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Wider news

Hedgerows capture more carbon than grassland
A study has been carried out by scientists at the University of Leeds showing that hedgerow planting increases carbon soil storage at an average of roughly 40 tonnes more carbon per hectare, compared to grass fields. This is found to be due to roots, falling leaves and other organic matter.

Improving dairy farm ground water quality
Dairy co-operative First Milk and Nestlé Waters are forming a partnership project working with 30 dairy farmers throughout Pembrokeshire, Wales. They will be using regenerative farming practices to reduce soil compaction and improve water filtration on their land. The project aims to capture an additional 250m litres of groundwater a year.

Ban of butterfly & bee killing pesticide
The government has banned the emergency use of the pesticide neonicotinoid thiamethoxam. It is used on sugar beet seeds to protect against aphids carrying yellows virus, however it is harmful to several other pollinator species.

Nitrate vulnerable zones
DEFRA have published an interactive map identifying the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, and how to appeal from the 2025 to 2028 period. Farmers and landowners are also able to find the NVZ rules and how to prevent water pollution from your farm.

Using fungi to cut pollution
Harper Adams University have received funding from DEFRA to begin a project developing water filters to capture and neutralise phosphates and nitrates before they reach freshwater environments. They will be using locally sourced fungi within the filters to absorb and store these pollutants.

GroWet initiative
Local volunteers of the River Irfon catchment will be growing native wetland plants to relocate into the river during the summer months. This scheme is working towards restoring the catchment’s freshwater habitats, as a part of the River Irfon Catchment Project.

River Irfon, credit Freshwater Habitats Trust

Riverfly report 2024
The Riverfly Partnership have published the results from their 2024 UK monitoring. There was a total of 7832 samples taken, which is a 50% increase from the previous year. It also contains case studies from different groups that partook in monitoring throughout the year.

Local news

Wetlands and Beavers
In celebration of World Wetlands Day, Dorset Wildlife Trust has published a blog post detailing why wetland habitats are so important for biodiversity and flood defence. The post also explains the benefits of beavers, which have been reintroduced into some of Dorset’s rivers. They can transform streams into complex ecosystems through creating dams, channels through felling trees.

Water over abstraction
Despite having a licence, the Ilchester Estate has been fined following an investigation by the EA for over-abstracting water from the Dorset Frome chalk stream by nearly 7,500 cubic metres.

Credit Dorset Wildlife Trust

Have your say

Land use consultation
The DEFRA land use consultation has been published, which will contribute towards the Land-use Framework. Share your views before the 25th April 2025.

Reforms to development rules
Following the government's recent announcement, Dorset Wildlife Trust are asking you to write to your local MP addressing the environmental concerns around local development.

Funding

European Open Rivers Programme
Open Rivers Programme have funding available aimed towards projects involving dam removal. The deadline for applications is the 14th March 2025.

Sea-Changers Innovation Fund
A grant is available for projects that support innovative marine conservation approaches and solutions. This could include research, direct action, species protection or education/ community engagement. Applications close on 28th February 2025.

Grow Wild grant
The Royal Botanical Gardens have a £500 grant aimed towards projects involving UK native plants and/or fungi available for people aged 16 – 25. Apply before 26th February 2025.

Events and webinars

Water Quality Meeting
The Swanage Town Council and Wessex Water will be showing a presentation about monitoring and water quality at Swanage Beach, on Thursday 6th March. Find out more about the event here.

The Great Gale exhibition
Dorset Coast Forum, the Environment Agency and BCP Council are running a free exhibition showcasing the impacts of a storm that hit Dorset coasts in 1824, as well as discussing how we can predict and prepare for similar future events. It is running until the 19th March. Find further details here.

Carbon literacy training
Dorset Climate Action Network will be running four Zoom events across March and April 2025, providing training for town and parch councils. These event have been made possible through funding from the Carbon Literacy Community Pot. Register your place here.

PHC Stakeholder open evening
Poole Harbour Comissioners are hosting their annual open evening on Wednesday 12th March. There will be several different speakers providing an overview of the Port’s progress over the last year. Reserve your space here.

Jobs

  • Dorset Wildlife Trust have a vacancy for a Trainee Ecologist. Applications close on the 26th February 2025.
  • Birds of Poole Harbour are advertising for a maternity cover Manager. Submit your application before the 26th February 2025.
  • Birds of Poole Harbour are searching for an Osprey Engagement Assistant. Apply before the 3rd March 2025.
  • Plantlife are looking for a Chief Executive Officer. Applications close on 3rd March 2025.
  • NatureSpace Partnership have a vacancy for a Trainee GIS Officer. Complete your application by the 9th March 2025.
  • Waterwise have a vacancy for a Policy Manager. Apply by the 16th March 2025.