Natur Cymru

Issue 28

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Valuing Nature

The debate about valuing nature has often seemed rather theoretical. But in the wake of a changing climate, policy-makers are waking up to the pressing need to put a value on the full range of ecosystem services. So far, though, it is a salutary fact that we have only managed to put a price on carbon, but not on any living creature. Morgan Parry explains how far putting a value on ecosystems has got, and why it is such a critical issue for all of us.

Summary

A pinch of salt

As land animals, we often forget the influence which the sea has on the wildlife around us, whether via the oceanic climate, the huge food source which so many birds and mammals like the otter exploit, or from salt-laden winds which maintain coastal vegetation. The sea has also been a constant presence in MIKE ALEXANDER's career and photography, as he explains.

The bottlenose dolphins of Cardigan Bay

Every summer, Cardigan Bay receives masses of visitors from around England & Wales, eager to visit its sweeping coasts – its rugged cliff scenery, sandy beaches, and the wealth of marine wildlife that inhabit its waters. One species that attracts particular attention is the bottlenose dolphin, and boatloads of tourists travel out daily to see them from places like New Quay. How much do we know about these charismatic marine mammals? PETER EVANS has some answers.

Cymyran Straight, Anglesey: Kathryn Birch

Free-living seaweeds discovered on Anglesey

You never know what you will find when you are out on survey. In one case the unusual observation was of free-floating wracks in the sea. KATHRYN BIRCH tells the surprising tale of a group of seaweeds which very occasionally can dispense with holdfasts and hang free.

Llên Natur

'Llên Natur' (Lore of the Natural World) – a new project that links Nature, History and People

Cymdeithas Edward Llwyd is unique in the way it promotes interest in different aspects of our environment – geology, biology, history, archaeology, language and culture. This new project called ‘Llên Natur’ (Lore of the Natural World) will reflect this wide interest and provide a new opportunity for people to study, enjoy and share information on the environment of Wales. Here DUNCAN BROWN, the project co-ordinator, explains more about the development and gives us an idea of what we can expect.

This article is written in Welsh. A translation is available on request

Marine energy developments – good or bad?

On land, development is regulated by planning law, and assessments of ecological impacts are relatively straightforward. The same cannot be said for the sea, especially inshore waters, where development pressure coincides with high wildlife value. In the rush to develop renewable energy generation at sea, a cautious approach based upon a proper understanding of the likely impacts of these developments is essential if they are to contribute to sustainable development, as MICK GREEN argues.

The polecat marches on

Remote parts of Wales once provided a vital refuge for polecats. A survey in the 1990s showed that they were doing well here and expanding their range (see Williamson and Birks, Natur Cymru 17). Now the latest survey brings welcome findings about the rising fortunes of a skilled predator which has survived against the odds, as JOHNNY BIRKS reports.

Common scoter Sean Gray www.grayimages.co.uk

The Scoters of Carmarthen Bay

The shallow coastal waters of Carmarthen Bay, rich in invertebrates, provide vital feeding areas for overwintering flocks of an often overlooked seaduck, the common scoter. The Sea Empress oil spill killed large numbers of these ducks, but in response to this disaster, their wintering numbers are now monitored carefully. With numbers falling, vigilance remains essential, as ANDY MUSGROVE explains.