environment – Page 24 – The NEN

Where are all the Butterflies?

Wet weather and low temperatures causing havoc for butterflies during Big Butterfly Count

Leading wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has revealed very low numbers of butterflies have been spotted so far in its annual Big Butterfly Count. On average participants are seeing just over half the number of butterflies they were spotting this time last year.

The unusually wet and windy spring, coupled with the colder than usual temperatures so far this summer could be contributing to the lack of butterflies. While there is a chance of a later emergence of the insects if there is a prolonged sunny spell, numbers are currently the lowest recorded in the 14-year history of Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count.

With just one week remaining of the Big Butterfly Count, scientists are calling on the public to get outside for 15 minutes and record the number and type of butterflies they see – and to enter their results even if they see very few or no butterflies – as this will help them to understand more about how butterflies in the UK are faring.

Dr Dan Hoare, Director of Conservation at Butterfly Conservation, explains: “Butterflies need some warm and dry conditions to be able to fly around and mate. If the weather doesn’t allow for this there will be fewer opportunities to breed, and the lack of butterflies now is likely the knock-on effect of our very dreary spring and early summer.”

However, the charity is also warning that it is not only this year’s weather that is contributing to the lack of butterflies being seen. 80% of butterflies in the UK have declined since the 1970s, with habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use the main drivers of this decline.

With populations of butterflies already depleted, they are less resilient to the impact of poor weather.

Dr Dan Hoare continues: “The lack of butterflies this year is a warning sign to us all. Nature is sounding the alarm and we must listen. Butterflies are a key indicator species. When they are in trouble we know the wider environment is in trouble too.

“People are telling us that they aren’t seeing butterflies, but simply telling us is not enough, we need everyone to record what they are or aren’t seeing by doing a Big Butterfly Count as this will give us the evidence we need to take vital action to conserve our butterfly species.”

Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count is the largest citizen-science project of its kind and is a positive action everyone can take to help collect important scientific data which informs policy decision making and conservation effort.

The public are asked to spend just 15 minutes outside when in a sunny spot and record the number and type of butterflies they see.

Whether done with friends and family, or in a moment of quiet and calm solitude, the Big Butterfly Count is free, fun and quick to do. It is open to anyone, of any age, in any part of the UK – towns, cities or the countryside. No green space is too small – a back garden, a small terrace or balcony with some pot plants, a public park, allotment, or country lane are all important spaces to explore, track and report.

Last year more than 135,000 Big Butterfly Counts took place up and down the country, with participants spending a combined total of almost four years counting butterflies. The information gathered helps scientists to understand how butterflies and moths and faring, informs conservation projects, government policies, and supports other experts with their research and vital work to protect our planet.

This year’s Big Butterfly Count ends on Sunday 4 August. For more information and to take part simply visit www.bigbutterflycount.org or download the free Big Butterfly Count app.

The Fascinating World of Fungi sheds new light on nature’s hardest worker

Fungi’s role in aiding plant life, conservation and much more revealed in new book

Fungi have long been the subject of stark misconceptions. At times they are labelled as dangerous killers to be avoided at all costs when, without fungi, almost all plant life would perish.

While much of our planet has been explored, it is believed that only 10% of Earth’s fungal species have been discovered. Perhaps the most misunderstood and misrepresented of all groups of organisms, fungi are essentially nature’s unsung heroes, silently shaping our ecosystems for the better.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh will publish The Fascinating World of Fungi on 1^st August 2024, providing an accessible introduction to these often-hidden life forms.

A revised edition of the 2010 title From Another Kingdom: The Amazing World of Fungi, this updated book features a new foreword, additional imagery and insightful explanations about fungi.

Fungi are constantly decomposing organic matter and forming symbiotic relationships with plant roots. They are the ultimate recyclers and soil enrichers. With their remarkable ability to break down pollutants and support plant growth, fungi are a crucial component of a thriving and balanced environment.

This new edition, The Fascinating World of Fungi, explores the incredibly diverse impact fungi have on life on Earth.

In the realm of modern medicine, fungi emerge as astonishing allies. From ancient traditions to cutting-edge research, fungi have been harnessed for their medicinal power, offering innovative solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing health challenges.

With compounds like penicillin leading the charge against bacterial infections, and recent breakthroughs uncovering the anticancer properties of compounds derived from mushrooms, fungi stand as beacons of hope in the quest for novel therapies.

As scientists delve deeper into the intricate world of fungal biology, the future holds promise for even more ground-breaking discoveries, paving the way for a new era of healing inspired by the wonders of the fungal kingdom.

As well as its insights into science and medicine, the book provides links to popular culture, and updated sections on foraging and conservation.

Commenting on the publication of The Fascinating World of Fungi, editor Max Coleman explained: “Fungi are massively misunderstood. While it’s true that some fungi can cause us problems, for the most part fungi play an integral role in the functioning of life on Earth.

“As root partners, they release the essential nutrients needed for plants to flourish. Gaining and recycling nutrients from dead plants and animals, fungi are essential for our survival and prosperity.”

With contributions from the diverse perspectives of 14 authors, the new release from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a fantastic gateway into all things fungi.

The Fascinating World of Fungi is published by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on 1^st August 2024 and is available to pre-order now.

Giant immersive whale to wash up at Fort Kinnaird

A huge life-sized whale is set to beach at Fort Kinnaird tomorrow (Thursday 25^th July), with visitors welcomed to venture inside the stomach of the giant sea creature for a free, captivating storytelling session all about the environment and ocean.

The interactive adventure will be led by a group of engaging storytellers and actors and will educate children and their families on plastic pollution and recycling, all while surrounded by a mesmerizing seascape.

Six shows – suitable for children over three – will take place throughout the day, with 30 spaces available on a first come, first served basis. Booking isn’t required but families are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

The 25 minute sessions will run at 11am, 11.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, and 2.30pm, with the whale located next to Smyths Toys and Wagamama.

The event will be supported by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful who work to combat climate change, tackle litter and waste, restore nature and biodiversity and improve places.

Its ambassadors will be at the event, providing free activity sheets to take home to keep the conversation going, including a scavenger hunt that educates little ones on the rubbish and wildlife found in rivers across Scotland. These activities form part of Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Upstream Battle initiative, an award-winning campaign to tackle marine litter at its source.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Sustainability is a key focus for us at Fort Kinnaird. We champion biodiversity by planting wildflowers and installing beehives to encourage pollination and have committed to sending zero waste to landfill since 2018 – recycling more than 260 tonnes in the process.

“Educating others on the importance of sustainability is part of the pathway to a net zero future, and we’re pleased that we can play a small role in that with this event. Not only is it eye catching, but it provides families with a free activity during the summer holidays – that’s also educational. A win, win!”

Heather McLaughlin, Campaigns and Social Innovation Manager at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We’re so pleased to be able to support this great initiative at Fort Kinnaird. We know that 80% of marine litter comes from land and the damage it causes.

“It is crucial that young people know the impact the litter emergency is having on our waterways and the importance of protecting them. Fun and engaging activities like this are a great way to get children involved and we can’t wait to see everyone.”

For more information, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/event/the-whale

First Minister to visit carbon capture scheme: Why is public money going to wealthy polluters?

CARBON CAPTURE FUNDING + VISIT ‘MAKE A MOCKERY’ OF PLANNING PROCESS

First Minister John Swinney will visit the site of an innovative carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility in Aberdeenshire today where he will unveil new Scottish Government funding for the project.

The Acorn project, based in St Fergus, would take captured CO2 emissions from industrial processes across the country and store it safely under the North Sea.

The First Minister will meet representatives of the project and undertake a short tour of the site, before meeting staff and apprentices.

While in Aberdeenshire the First Minister will also meet business leaders and members of the Scottish seafood sector at a roundtable discussion in Peterhead.

Speaking ahead of his visit to the North East, the First Minister said: “Carbon capture and storage will play a huge role in Scotland’s net zero future.

“The Scottish Government is wholly committed to supporting the Acorn Project, which will take advantage of our access to vast CO2 storage potential and our opportunities to repurpose existing oil and gas infrastructure.

“Scotland’s energy transition presents one of the greatest economic and social opportunities of our time. This landmark project will help to support a just transition for oil and gas workers in the North East and across the country, by drawing upon their world-leading skills and expertise to create many good, green jobs in the coming years.

“The North East is also a powerhouse of Scotland’s word-class seafood processing sector, which contributes massively to our economy. According to recent figures the region alone is home to more than 3,379 full time equivalent jobs.

“The Scottish Government will continue to engage and work closely with the sector, and communities, to ensure that Scotland’s fishing industry, the wider seafood sector, and our marine environment can thrive sustainably.”

Climate campaigners have responded to the First Minister’s plans to visit to the Aberdeenshire CCS project saying it ‘makes a mockery’ of the planning process and questioning why there was more public funding being pledged for fossil fuel infrastructure.

The visit was announced as news broke of an official complaint into the Scottish Government’s handling of the planning application for the Peterhead gas power station with carbon capture.

The FM’s visit raises a number of concerns including that the explicit endorsement of this project may undermine any future assessment of a planning application to build the Acorn Project.

Environmentalists are also alarmed that public money is being handed to a pet project of fossil fuel companies. Shell, who are a key partner in Acorn, have made £50 BILLION profit in the past two years.

The Acorn Project is not yet in the planning system, and no application has been made yet it appears the FM is gambling our energy future on this technology working. The Scottish Government’s over-reliance on faltering Negative Emissions Technologies created a huge gap in its calculations around emissions reductions for the 2030 climate targets.

CCS has never delivered the capture rates that its proponents claim and there is a growing body of evidence that all it is doing is capturing public money and providing greenwash for continued fossil fuel expansion.

Friends of the Earth Scotland climate and energy campaigner Caroline Rance said:  “The Acorn carbon capture terminal does not exist and there hasn’t even been a planning application submitted to build it.

“However, with these fawning statements of support, the First Minister is in danger of making a mockery of the Scottish Government conducting a fair assessment of future planning applications.

“Vital public services are crying out for funding yet John Swinney has decided to give millions of pounds to a pet project of Shell, who made £50 billion profit in the last two years. The public must be starting to think the Scottish Government has been captured by the fossil fuel industry with hundreds of cosy meetings, huge handouts and the rolling back of positions on ending oil and gas.

“The Acorn Project is a pipe dream of polluters that will never live up to its hype.The purpose of CCS is to greenwash plans to keep burning oil and gas. Carbon capture has already had billions of pounds and decades of work to prove itself and it has failed on its promises everywhere it has been tried.

“Both the Scottish and UK Governments need to realise that public money would be far better invested in climate solutions that work today and can create decent green jobs such as home insulation, public transport and affordable renewable energy.” 

 Key questions for the First Minister:

• How can Ministers making future planning decisions be expected to judge the Acorn project on its merits when the First Minister is fawning over it and is funnelling public money towards it?

• Why is public money required to deliver this project when the oil companies who will benefit are making obscene profits?

• How will this project avoid the failures that have been seen in every other carbon capture project around the world?

‘Ministerial Code Broken’ in Scottish Government handling of proposed Peterhead fossil fuel power station

THE Scottish Government has been formally accused of 28 breaches of the ministerial code in connection with its handling of a planning application for a new fossil fuel power station at Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.

Friends of the Earth Scotland lodged the official complaint with civil servants on Friday (19th July) and said there was a “deeply concerning pattern of behaviour right across the Scottish Government”.

The breaches include ministers discussing the planning application with developers, ministers publicly supporting the project and the former First Minister Humza Yousaf appearing in a promotional video for power station developer SSE.

Energy companies SSE and Equinor submitted the planning application for a new gas-burning power station with carbon capture in February 2022 and it is still under consideration by the Scottish Government. Environmental groups have strongly criticised the plan because of the climate pollution it will create and the fact that it will lock households into higher electricity bills linked to fossil fuels for decades to come.

The ministerial code is a collection of standards that must be adhered to to ensure integrity, accountability and transparency. It sets out how ministers should act in the handling of planning applications and states that, to make sure the planning system is fair, ministers “must do nothing which might be seen as prejudicial to that process”, including by meeting developers to discuss a proposal but not meeting all interested parties.

Research including analysing the lobbying register and FOIs by Friends of the Earth Scotland has uncovered:

• Several incidents in which Scottish Government ministers were briefed by civil servants to welcome and offer their support for the controversial Peterhead gas-burning power station application in meetings with the developers SSE and Equinor, including one minister being briefed ahead of a meeting with Equinor to “offer your support in any challenges faced” by the company.

• Ministers undermining the planning process by publicly speaking in favour of the project, including then Cabinet Secretary for Energy Michael Matheson providing a supportive press quote about the fossil fuel plant for an SSE press release.

• Former First Minister Humza Yousaf breached the code with his visit to the existing Peterhead power station in July 2023. The First Minister wore an SSE branded jacket as he posed for press photos and appeared in an SSE promotional video praising the company’s “plans for the future”. The Scottish Government tweeted about the event and issued a press release.

• Repeatedly meeting with developers while refusing to meet objectors. Scottish Government met 61 times with SSE and Equinor between February 2022, when the planning application was submitted, and December 2023 (equivalent to more than once a fortnight) but refused to meet with objectors saying it would be inappropriate to discuss “a live planning application”.

• The Scottish Government has no records, or couldn’t locate records, of another 16 meetings with SSE and Equinor: the public only know about them because of records kept by the developers themselves.

Friends of the Earth Scotland climate campaigner Alex Lee said: “These 28 breaches of the ministerial code show a deeply troubling pattern of behaviour right across the Scottish Government. Public concerns have been deliberately ignored to try and push through a climate damaging planning application in the interests of greedy energy companies.

“Ministers and civil servants have been caught out playing fast and loose with the rules, in favour of a polluting project that risks locking households into higher energy bills for decades to come.

“Our investigations show that the Scottish Government has treated the outcome of this planning application as a foregone conclusion right from the beginning and has failed to follow the planning process and assess the evidence objectively.

“First Minister John Swinney must get his government in order and stop listening to fossil fuel companies. Once this project is assessed fairly on its merits, the huge climate pollution and impact on home energy bills will mean the only rational conclusion will be a rejection.

“Workers and communities in the North East of Scotland need a credible transition plan that can move us to good green jobs in renewables, not a dodgy project built on the rotten foundations of carbon capture and backroom lobbying.”

SSE AGM protest calls out fossil fuel ‘greenwash’

Energy giant SSE faced protests outside its AGM in Perth today from people concerned about the company’s role in driving climate breakdown and fuel poverty.

The protests were prompted by SSE’s plans to build a new gas burning power station at Peterhead, despite the existing plant at that site already being Scotland’s biggest climate polluter. Friends of the Earth Scotland highlighted the fact that, despite the company’s marketing and green image, it owns 14 fossil fuel power stations and 60% of SSE’s energy generation capacity comes from burning fossil fuels.

Free to use, press quality photos will be available shortly at https://scot.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b5ad0d61b2a67d22c68bf7d8d&id=2a3d8e7b56&e=195fc3d780

Protesters spoke to shareholders attending the AGM urging them to challenge the company’s plans to build new fossil fuel power stations and force prepayment meters into homes.

Fuel Poverty Action, who also organised the demonstration, focused on the energy giant’s £2.4billion in profits last year whilst a third of households were forced into fuel poverty in Scotland. SSE continues to force-fit pre-payment meters on people in energy debt which ultimately causes people who use the least amount of energy to pay the most for it.

Other activists disrupted the AGM from the inside, interrupting the Board’s address and imploring SSE to drop their plans for more gas burning developments.

Over 40 climate groups recently wrote to the Scottish Government urging them to reject SSE’s planning application to build a new gas power station at Peterhead.

Friends of the Earth Scotland Oil and Gas Activism Organiser Freya Aitchison commented: “SSE are getting rich from burning gas to make electricity, and the company is plotting even more climate damage with its plans for a new gas power station at Peterhead. We’re at their AGM to tell the company’s shareholders that there is no future in fossil fuels.

“The Peterhead proposals would guarantee demand for gas, meaning that Scottish homes will spend the next 25 years paying sky high energy bills which are set by the international price of fossil fuels. Building new gas infrastructure would be a terrible deal for the Scottish public, lock in climate pollution and undermine the transition to renewable energy.

“SSE cannot continue to try and greenwash the fact that the majority of its energy generation capacity comes from fossil fuels. The climate movement has stopped big polluters in their tracks before – from the fracking industry, to the Cambo oil field and the Hunterston power station.”

Lucia Harrington, Organising Lead at Fuel Poverty Action, said: “SSE is a company that continues to profit from people’s poverty and continues to force-fit prepayment meters onto people in energy debt.

“This behaviour is what has led to hundreds of preventable deaths in Scotland and we are here to hold them to account.”

2024 Green Flag Awards revealed

EDINBURGH LEADS THE WAY IN SCOTLAND

Eighty green spaces across Scotland have been presented with a Green Flag Award – and 36 of them are in Edinburgh.

Recognising the very best of our country’s outdoor areas, the International Green Flag Award acts as a benchmark for clean, safe and well-maintained parks and green spaces.

The Green Flag Award supports the opportunities that our green spaces provide to enable exercise, improve mental wellbeing and provide safe spaces for play.

Winners of the 2024 awards include parks managed by local authorities, community groups, universities and other organisations.

Edinburgh leads the way this year with 36 winners while there are nine in Aberdeen, eight winners in Dundee and plenty more across the country.

This year’s winners list also includes an impressive number of historically consecutive winners including Barnhill Rock Garden, Harrison Park and Braidburn Valley Park (18 years) and Duthie Park (12 years).

Jamie Ormiston, Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Training and Accreditation Coordinator, said: “Congratulations to all of our winners across Scotland. Receiving this prestigious award recognises all the hard work that has gone into maintaining and managing these precious green open spaces.

“What is most pleasing is the number of consecutive winners we have once again, showcasing the parks’ longevity and desire to continually be a welcoming and environmentally friendly place for all.

“Scotland is facing a biodiversity crisis, but these green spaces provide a space for everyone to reconnect with nature and I encourage everyone to do just that this summer.

“Green spaces are so important for our physical and mental wellbeing and it’s fantastic to see such a wide range of parks and green spaces across the entire length of the country.”

A total of 80 green spaces in Scotland have won a Green Flag Award for 2024. Across the UK there were 2,228 winners, a record number and up 11 from 2023’s total of 2,216.

Find a winning green space to visit now.

Taking care of trees at Lauriston Farm

Taking care of the trees! Weeding, mulching and tree tube maintenance help the saplings to thrive.

If you can help on Sunday 4th August 11am-1pm please sign up here:

https://volunteersignup.org/JRXXM

Protect Your Home from Rats with These 5 Must-Have Garden Plants

Rats are not just a nuisance; they can cause significant damage to your property and pose health risks to you and your family.

Home expert Neil Mckenzie from Halton Stairlifts understands the importance of maintaining a safe and comfortable home environment. One effective way to keep rats at bay is by using natural repellents, including certain plants.

Here’s how you can protect your home from rats using natural methods:

Why Rats are a Problem

Rats are notorious for gnawing on electrical wires, insulation, and structural elements of your home. They can also contaminate food and spread diseases. Preventing an infestation is much easier and safer than dealing with one after it has occurred.

Plants that Repel Rats

Certain plants have natural properties that repel rats. Incorporating these plants into your garden and around your home can be an effective and eco-friendly way to deter these pests.

Mint: Rats dislike the strong scent of mint. Planting peppermint or spearmint around your home can help keep them away. You can also use dried mint leaves or essential oil in areas where rats are a problem.

Lavender: Known for its pleasant aroma to humans, lavender is disliked by rats. Plant it in your garden or use dried lavender sachets inside your home.

Daffodils: These beautiful flowers are toxic to rats and other rodents. Planting daffodils around the perimeter of your property can act as a natural deterrent.

Garlic: The strong smell of garlic is another scent that rats find unpleasant. Planting garlic in your garden or placing cloves in areas where rats are a problem can be effective.

Catnip: While catnip attracts cats, it deters rats. Planting catnip in your garden can create a natural rat repellent.

Additional Tips to Keep Rats Away

In addition to planting natural repellents, here are some additional tips to keep rats out of your property:

Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for any gaps, cracks, or holes that rats could use to enter. Seal these entry points with steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh.

Keep Your Home Clean: Ensure your home, especially the kitchen, is clean and free of food crumbs. Store food in airtight containers to avoid attracting rats.

Remove Clutter: Rats love to hide in cluttered areas. Keep your home and garden tidy to reduce potential hiding spots.

Regular Maintenance: Regularly check for signs of rat activity, such as droppings or gnaw marks, and take immediate action if you notice any.

Proper Waste Management: Keep rubbish bins tightly sealed and dispose regularly to avoid attracting rats to your property.

Neil Mckenzie, home & garden expert from Halton Stairlifts says: “Keeping rats out of your property is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy home environment.

“By using natural repellents like mint, lavender, daffodils, garlic, and catnip, along with following good maintenance practices, you can effectively deter rats. At Halton Stairlifts, we believe in the importance of proactive home care.”

Advice against bathing at Portobello

As a result of analysis of routine samples, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have indicated a high bacterial result in the water at Portobello Beach.

SEPA are temporarily advising against bathing and paddling, at Portobello Beach from Pipe Lane to Joppa Rocks, due to the potential risk to human health. SEPA have activated electronic signs and the Council is arranging additional signs to be posted to support this.

SEPA are working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Water to investigate and will continue to monitor the situation.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “We’re aware of SEPA’s current advice against bathing and paddling at Portobello beach and I’d request that people follow the advice.

“The matter is currently under investigation, and we’ll continue to liaise with SEPA and our partners to monitor the situation.”

New Edinburgh East and Musselburgh MP Chris Murray said: “Horrible to see Porty beach is closed due to a threat to human health.

“Please take care in the coming days and stay out of the water. As the local MP, I will be pushing to get this issue dealt with.”

Further information on Scotland’s Bathing Waters is available on SEPA’s website.