News Archive
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International Year of Biodiversity
2010 has been declared the International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations – the year that celebrates the diversity of life on Earth, including every plant, animal and micro-organism.
Human activity is causing the diversity of life on Earth to be lost at a greatly accelerated rate. These losses damage the life support systems we rely on everyday, remember that wildlife and biodiversity can do quite happily without us, we cannot survive without it. But we can prevent these losses.
This year is your chance to learn more about the rich tapestry of life around you, discover why it’s important for a healthy environment and get involved in monitoring and conserving your local wildlife.
Scarce conifer to get military protection
Juniper is one of only three native conifers and well known for its dark blue berries, useful in gin making.
It has declined in recent years, due mainly to loss and poor management of its remaining habitats and is now a priority species across Europe and under the UK and Wiltshire Biodiversity Action Plans.
The downs along the Porton range are an important national stronghold for this small, bushy evergreen, but overgrazing has also led to ageing and decline of the plant population there.
Now a Wiltshire based plant research and conservation charity, Plantlife, has undertaken an important project, in partnership with the MOD at their research establishment there, to improve habitat management and secure the plant’s future.
