State of Nature report - RSPB

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Ray Kennedy Lowland semi-natural grassland and heathland “... she looked up the valley of the heath, alive with butterflies, and with grasshoppers whose husky noises on every side formed a whispered chorus.” Thomas Hardy, from The Return of the Native
lowland semi-natural grassland and heathland Semi-natural grasslands consist of meadows and pasture under traditional management, including neutral, acidic and chalk grassland. Together with lowland heathlands, they provide vital, exceptionally species-rich open spaces for wildlife in our lowland countryside, and are home to many rare and threatened species. Churring nightjars, all six native species of reptile, the grey long-eared bat (one of the UK’s rarest mammals), thousands of invertebrate species and spectacular displays of orchids and other colourful wildflowers can all be found in these habitats. Silver-studded blue We have a special responsibility to conserve these habitats due to their international importance: the UK holds 20% of the world’s heathland, whilst Salisbury Plain is the largest remaining area of chalk grassland in north-west Europe. This natural interest, maintained by centuries of management, can make them important historical features and popular visitor attractions. Tragically, the majority of these habitats have been destroyed or damaged over the last 100 years (see page 14). The transitional nature of the vegetation and the current low commercial value of the habitat places it at extreme risk of further loss or degradation through poor management or neglect. Recreational disturbance is an increasing threat, particularly to heathland birds. The wider value these habitats have for human wellbeing has been underestimated, and recent research has shown that they are also important carbon stores that help mitigate the negative effects of climate change. Mark Sisson Following decades of widespread habitat destruction and species declines due to agricultural intensification, afforestation, urban development and neglect, the rate of this habitat loss has slowed since the late 1990s. Overall, 65% of the 1,236 species for which we have sufficient data have declined, and 35% have declined strongly. And yet, a warming climate may be helping some species. One in four species of flowering plant in this habitat is threatened. Nitrogen deposition, disturbance, inadequate or inappropriate land management, and habitat loss and fragmentation all pose barriers to recovery. Targeted conservation action, especially in protected areas and through agri-environment schemes, has benefited some priority species, including bats, birds and butterflies. STATE OF NATURE 2013 23
Page 3 and 4: STATE OF NATURE Foreword by Sir Dav
Page 5 and 6: UPLAND STATE OF NATURE 2013 29
Page 7 and 8: Although robust data are in short s
Page 9 and 10: ought species back from the brink o
Page 11 and 12: Wasps (175) All (5%) Moths (676) La
Page 13 and 14: MEASURING THE STATE OF NATURE Measu
Page 15 and 16: Although the evidence for the wides
Page 17 and 18: FARMLAND Farmland makes up around 7
Page 19 and 20: Why is farmland wildlife changing?
Page 21: Brown hares have benefited from hab
Page 25 and 26: Why is lowland semi-natural grassla
Page 27 and 28: Common lizard Steve Knell All six o
Page 29 and 30: UPLAND The UK’s uplands are the h
Page 31 and 32: o single factor is responsible for
Page 33 and 34: Golden eagles and other animals are
Page 35 and 36: WOODLAND Much of Britain was once c
Page 37 and 38: Why is woodland wildlife changing?
Page 39 and 40: Increased grazing pressure from dee
Page 41 and 42: COASTAL Wrapped in a narrow ribbon
Page 43 and 44: Why is coastal wildlife changing? T
Page 45 and 46: Genevieve Leaper Sea thrift on a cl
Page 47 and 48: FRESHWATER AND WETLANDS Freshwater
Page 49 and 50: Why is freshwater and wetland wildl
Page 51 and 52: Common frog Mark Sisson Freshwater
Page 53 and 54: URBAN There are many different ways
Page 55 and 56: Why is urban wildlife changing? A s
Page 57 and 58: The renovation or demolition of old
Page 59 and 60: URBAN Derelict, disused and unloved
Page 61 and 62: MARINE he UK is truly a maritime na
Page 63 and 64: hanges in the temperature, circulat
Page 65 and 66: Harbour seals have declined by near
Page 67 and 68: UK OVERSEAS TERRITORIES The UK has
Page 69 and 70: Just one individual of St Helena’
Page 71 and 72: EXTINCTIONS AND COLONISATIONS You w
Page 73 and 74:
Little egret Ernie Janes The little
Page 75 and 76:
CONSERVATION HEROES Picture the sce
Page 77 and 78:
Climate change Climate change is al
Page 79 and 80:
A: In some datasets, both total cha
Page 81 and 82:
Watchlist indicator Between 1995 an
Page 83 and 84:
11: Fuller RM (1987) Biological Con
Page 85 and 86:
in urban area: implications for nat
Page 87 and 88:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Acknowledgements T
Page 89 and 90:
Conchological Society of Great Brit
Page 92:
The State of Nature report is a col
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State of Nature report - RSPB

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