Invertebrate conservation news

ES s6e
Invertebrate

Conservation
News

Number 52

ISSN 1356 1359 Editor David Lonsdale

A publication of The Amateur Entomologists' Society

Founded 1935
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David Lonsdale
Peter May
Peter Sutton
Phil Wilkins

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Cover designed by Wayne Jarvis. Photo: David Browne

INVERTEBRATE
CONSERVATION _,
NEWS

No. 52, February 2007

EDITORIAL

The Invertebrate Link 2006 conference (see “Past UK Meetings”, below)
has launched a new initiative to nurture a new generation of
invertebrate biologists and naturalists. One of the main challenges will
be to encourage youngsters to overcome societal obstacles which
smother their innate interest in “creepy crawlies”. In an environment
dominated by television, video games and other artifices by which the
“men in suits” make money out of youngsters and their parents, it can
seem “uncool” to show any enthusiasm for things that crawl around
under stones. There is also an increased parental fear of child abuse,
which restricts children’s freedom and discourages adult mentors.
Organised activities such as “mini-beast” hunts are nevertheless popular
and can serve as an excellent starting point for encouraging youngsters
to learn more about invertebrates.

Despite peer pressure and distractions, some youngsters are very
keen on insects or other invertebrates. At the conference, guest speaker
Nick Baker spoke of individual youngsters whose enthusiasm has been
inspirational. He had to admit, however, to an unhappy occurrence
when a young enthusiast reacted with horror to Nick’s instinctive act of
swatting a mosquito which had landed on his arm. Seen in a positive
light, such horror may reflect an admirable respect for all living things,
which is a great advance on the prejudiced attitudes that many adults
have towards “pests and creepy-crawlies”. On the other hand, the
incident probably reflects misplaced messages from well-meaning
teachers that it is simply wrong to collect specimens.

Promotion of a respect for all living things is excellent, if this means
that the next generation will not collect specimens without good
reason, but a total denigration of collecting is pernicious. It discourages

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a Invertebrate Conservation News DN

a new generation of dedicated naturalists and it also fosters a society in
which hypocrisy reigns. In such a society, a supposedly right-minded
majority of people can mentally distance themselves from “bad guys”,
such as invertebrate collectors, while abusing the biosphere in many
ways — even by slaughtering invertebrates in their thousands by driving
their cars.

The Invertebrate Link conference prompted very little discussion
about the concerns over the negative effects of anti-collecting
sentiments and legislation, despite these concerns being aired in one of
the presentations. Perhaps this was because most of the statutory
restrictions on fieldwork in the UK apply only to a small proportion of
invertebrate species, which responsible collectors would not wish to
harm anyway. The situation is, however, very different in many other
countries, where there are “blanket” restrictions or unjustifiably long
lists of protected species. Even in the UK, there is considerable unease
about grey areas of the law, which seem to make potential criminals
out of basically law-abiding citizens. Examples include the possession
or sale of specimens of species which are now scheduled as protected
in the UK, but which were obtained legally overseas or prior to
scheduling. Photography of scheduled species is another activity which
can create unintending criminals, since it is not illegal per se, but is
considered illegal in practice Gf unlicensed), since it is deemed to be a
form of disturbance (which it could genuinely be in certain
circumstances).

The recruitment of a new generation will be very much hampered if
youngsters are brought up to believe that collecting is inherently wrong
or that their aspirations to study invertebrates will be unacceptably
hampered by restrictive, unjust or confusing laws. Unfortunately,
however, bad laws can all too easily co-exist with democracy, as long
as they suppress only minorities whose votes are insignificant (“the
tyranny of the majority”). Such laws also offer a tempting prospect for
any government which wants to be seen to be conserving biodiversity
despite conniving in the destruction of habitats to make way for
development and cutting support for research and for habitat
management.

Number 52 ¢ February 2007

NEWS, VIEWS AND GENERAL INFORMATION

Bio-fuels and agricultural set-aside

Now that many leading politicians have been converted to the cause of
tackling anthropogenic climate change, there is increasing debate about
how to do so, rather than whether anything needs to be done. Those
who, for several decades, have been urging the replacement of fossil
fuels by other energy sources can only be pleased that the cause has
been adopted by mainstream politicians. On the other hand, the
development of new technology (e.g. the use of wind turbines for
generating electricity) is a growing reality, which is provoking new
concerns and conflicts.

One of the key questions requiring research and analysis is the
amount of carbon which is released into the atmosphere by the
development and use of non-fossil energy sources. This question
applies, for example, to the cultivation, harvesting and processing of
bio-fuels (Anon, 2006). When such crops are established on formerly
cultivated land, there will usually be a nett reduction of carbon
emissions, compared with the production and use of fossil fuels. This is
probably not the case, however, if forests are being cleared and burned
to make way for bio-fuel crops, as is happening especially in the
tropics, quite apart from the direct effects of land-use change on
biodiversity.

As far as invertebrate habitats are concerned, there is a need to study
the effects of the increasing practice of establishing crops for bio-fuel
production on land formerly occupied by other forms of vegetation,
both wild and cultivated. Such fuels include biomass derived from
plants such as the grass Miscanthus or from short-rotation coppice
stands of woody plants such as willow, poplar or eucalyptus. Also,
crops such as oilseed rape, sugar cane or oil palm, which produce
readily processed carbohydrates or oils, are being increasingly used as a
source of liquid bio-fuels. The use of such fuels in motor vehicles
seems to provide the ever-powerful road lobby with a technological fix,
which is much more palatable than any restrictions or increased
taxation On private motor transport.

In the European Union, where a proportion of land is designated as
“set-aside” for control of agricultural production, there are increasing
moves towards converting set-aside to the production of non-
agricultural crops, including fuel crops. Set-aside has clearly provided
benefits for some forms of wildlife, especially amidst areas of intensive

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4 Invertebrate Conservation News &

arable production, simply because the biological productivity of the set-
aside land is not being diverted into human mouths.

According to a UK government discussion paper, there is clear
evidence that bird populations are increased by rotational set-aside. Far
less effort has been devoted to the study of the main form of animal
biodiversity, i.e., invertebrates, and so the only statement that can be
made in the paper is that set-aside could be expected to help butterflies
and bumblebees. The paper also refers to reports of the dramatic
spread of the Brown Argus butterfly Aricia agestis and to anecdotal
evidence of huge populations of butterflies on non-rotational set-aside
land. Apart from these assumptions and anecdotes, there seems to be
have been little attempt to assess the benefits of set-aside for
invertebrates. It, is therefore very,| difficult to, predict: wheter such
benefits are eroded or enhanced when set-aside land is converted to
bio-fuel production.

If set-aside land is converted to short-rotation coppice willow or
poplar (but not eucalyptus, outside its natural range) invertebrates
could in principle fare quite well. If the land was previously used for
intensive arable production, rather than for set-aside, the change to
willow or poplar will be of undoubted benefit for invertebrates, but is
economically unattractive without a substantial subsidy. Hope and
Johnson (2003) refer to a study which showed that short-rotation
willow can support large earthworm populations, since the ground is
not disturbed by ploughing after establishment. They noted, however,
that pesticide inputs need to be low so as to allow the crop to support
large populations of other invertebrates, such as willow-feeding species
and their predators.

In the tropics, tree planting in small-scale agro-forestry plots provides
not only a source of fuel for cooking, but also shelters herbaceous
crops and yields various products derived from fruit or nuts etc. Little if
anything seems to be known about the effects of this small-scale use of
trees on invertebrate populations, but it seems likely in principle that
ecological diversity will be enhanced by the more complex vegetational
structure, compared with a purely herbaceous cropping system.

The situation is clearly different if tropical forests are replaced with
large-scale plantation crops such as oil palm, which is used not only for
food and a range of household and industrial products, but also as a
bio-fuel source. The big oil companies intend to move into liquid bio-
fuel production so as to show commitment towards reducing the
growth in fossil fuel use. They will argue that most of the bio-fuel crops

S Number 51 « October 2006 5

will be established on marginal agricultural land, rather than on primal
forests. If this is the case, most politicians will probably be satisfied. It is,
however, very important not to dismiss the biodiversity of marginal land
as being insignificant. On such land, just as on all other categories of
land which are being considered for bio-fuel cropping, there is a need
for much research on the potential losses and gains to biodiversity.

References

Anon (2006). Newsletter of the Environment Centre, Dec. 06-Jan. 07.
www.environmentcentre.co.uk

Hope, A.H & Johnson, B. (2003). Discussion paper on biofuels. English Nature,
Peterborough, UK.

Anon (2001). Centre for Rural Economics Research, Department of Land Economy,
University of Cambridge, UK.

Wild Worms Project in Britain

The Natural History Museum, London, is facilitating the development of a
new project to explore the identification and surveying of British
earthworms by non-specialists. The project was due to start in October
2006, with a pilot phase due to commence in January 2007. Any
members of organisations belonging to Invertebrate Link are invited to
participate and should enquire via their Invertebrate Link representatives.

SITES AND SPECIES OF INTEREST

Thurrock Marshes, south-east England

Buglife — The Invertebrate Conservation Trust has been running a
petition and campaign to save an outstanding brownfield habitat from
development. Before industrialisation, West Thurrock Marshes in the
county of Essex formed part of the floristically rich Thames Terrace
grasslands, Then, several decades ago, lagoons were created for the
dumping of fly ash, a waste material from power stations. As in many
industrial areas, however, valuable areas of habitat persisted (or were
created by disturbance), so that the marshes became a refuge for a
wealth of species which were later largely wiped out in the surrounding
countryside due to intensification of agriculture.

Among nearly 1,000 animal species so far recorded at the northern
lagoon, there are 36 Red Data Book invertebrates. Some of these and

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6 Invertebrate Conservation News \

the Brown-banded carder bee Bombus humilis, the banded digger
wasp Cerceris quinquefasciata and the Saltmarsh shortspur beetle
Anisodactylus poeciloides are listed as priority species under the UK
Biodiversity Action Plan, which requires action for their conservation.
Another species, the spider Sitticus distinguendus, is on the draft
priority list, having been found only at two sites in the UK — both
threatened brownfield sites. Among the other nationally threatened
species is the Red-shanked bumblebee (Bombus ruderarius) which, like
Bombus humilis, depends on the large areas of flower-rich grassland at
the site, most of which are due to be destroyed by the development.
Only one other site in the UK is known to hold more rare species.

Now, as an ex-industrial site, the marshes are classified as brownfield
land, which the British planning system treats as a first choice for
re-development, in preference to so-called greenfield areas which are
often tantamount to being ecological deserts. On this basis, in
November 2006, Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation
granted planning consent to Royal Mail for the construction of a huge
warehouse. Together with a lorry park, this will cover more than half
the site, destroying over two thirds of the flower-rich grassland.
Colonial species within the development will certainly be obliterated,
including the rare ant Myrmica bessarabica.

Buglife’s assessment is that the development would lead to a
significant, potentially devastating loss of the site’s wildlife. Linked to
the scheme are plans to re-flood the neighbouring southern lagoon,
which will have a further damaging impact on invertebrates. This view
is supported by the governmental advisory body Natural England
(incorporating the former English Nature) which reportedly stated that
“the effects (of the development) on the nationally significant
invertebrate assemblage could be dramatic”.

Planning consent was given despite widespread opposition from
organisations including the local council and nature conservation
bodies such as Buglife and the Essex Wildlife Trust. The Development
Corporation, a non-elected body set up by John Prescott, decided that
the nationally important wildlife interest of the site should not be
allowed to stand in the way of its development.

London Olympics development

Thurrock, the subject of the previous item, lies to the east of London,
within the so-called Thames Gateway, an area which is earmarked for
massive development. Several miles further west, within the boundary

Number 51 « October 2006 7

of Greater London, lies the lower Lea Valley, where the main centre for
the 2012 London Olympics is being constructed. Before London won the
bid to host the Olympics, the London Wildlife Trust expressed concern
that the development would destroy or harm important brownfield and
greenfield habitats (see ICN No. 46). Those responsible for the bid said
that habitats would be protected, but it was not clear how this could be
compatible with the large scale of the planned developments.

Recently, government sources revealed plans to build between 35 and
40,000 new homes around the Olympics area after the Games. This
seems to confirm fears that the development will do so much damage
to habitats that any plans for mitigation will amount to litthke more than
window-dressing. Also, the cost of the development seems certain to
swallow up a great deal of funding, some of which might otherwise
have been available to conservation bodies. The prestige of hosting the
Olympics and the various benefits that may accrue are of course
another matter on which our readers may hold a variety of views.

A marine dragonfly in Hong Kong

Although dragonflies depend predominantly on freshwater habitats,
there are a few coastal species which tolerate the full salinity of
seawater. One of these is Orthetrum poecilops Ris, a marine dragonfly,
which occurs in inter-tidal mudflats amongst Kandelia mangroves in
north-east Hong Kong. Unlike several other blue-bodied “darter”
dragonflies in Hong Kong, it is regarded as truly marine, since its
colonies are all found below the high water mark. Parts of these sites
have a reduced salinity during the rainy season, but they are fully
covered by seawater at high tide and have a full marine salinity during
the winter dry season.

According to an article by Keith D.P. Wilson CWilson, 2005), the
habitat of O. poecilops has been destroyed in many coastal areas
between Hong Kong and Japan, where it probably occurred in the past.
The main problem has been the well documented and continuing loss
of mangrove habitat. The author notes that none of the recorded
populations in Hong Kong lie within Sites of Special Scientific Interest
or Country Parks, even though some lie within 250 metres of Park
boundaries. He recommends that, in view of the global rarity and the
unusual biology of O. poecilops, its conservation in Hong Kong should
be considered a “high priority”.

The author adds that O. poecilops seems to have been overlooked
when the IUCN was assessing dragonfly species for protective listing.

Lh
8 Invertebrate Conservation News *s!

The IUCN has listed another species, Mortonagrion hirosei, as a Priority
species because of its unusual requirement for brackish water. It seems |
that O. poecilops would have been considered just as eligible for Priority
status if its marine requirements had been appreciated at the time. The
species, or rather a subspecies known as O. poecilops miyajimaensis, is,
however, already classified as endangered on the IUCN red list,
principally due to concern over habitat loss in its native Japan.

Reference: Wilson, K. (2005). Orthetrum poecilops. In: IUCN 2006. 2006 IUCN Red List of —
Threatened Species. <www.iucnredlist.org>

PUBLICATION REVIEW

Atlas of the Water Beetles (Coleoptera) and Water Bugs
(Hemiptera) of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and South
Yorkshire, 1993-2005 by Robert Merritt (published as Sorby Records
Special Issue Series No. 14 by the Sorby Natural History Society,
Sheffield, May 2006), 160 pp., 24 colour plates. Soft cover, £6.00 (plus
£1.50 postage & packing). payable to Sorby Natural History Society.
Available from Austin Brackenbury, 76 Crawford Road, Sheffield S8 9BU.

This book contains the results of a very considerable systematic survey
by the author. Before the-survey there were few records jor water
beetles or water bugs in the survey area, whereas by the end of the
survey there were more than 36,600 records, of which about 97% come
from the author’s own work at more than 2000 wetland sites.

The introductory sections include a very informative but concise
account of the biology of the various families of water beetles and
water bugs. There is also an interesting geological and hydrological
summary of the survey area, which comprises several “natural areas”,
such as the Trent Valley, the Southern Magnesian Limestone, Sherwood,
the Coal Measures and various portions of the Peak District.

Following a summary of the survey method and of the data collected,
the main body of the book consists of a series of accounts of each of
the species. For each species, there is a distribution map showing the 1
x 1 km squares where records have been made within the survey area.
Each account also includes a description of individual localities or of
the types of locality where the records were made.

y) 4 Number 51 ¢ October 2006 9

After the species-accounts, there is a series of descriptions of twenty-
four selected sites, each with a colour photograph of the site and a list
of the beetles and bugs recorded there. This helps to enliven the book
and to convey some idea of the diverse range of landscapes and
habitats that lie within the survey area.

For those who may be inspired by the book to visit some of these
sites, there is something of a challenge in a list of six species of water
beetle and one water bug, which were recorded between 1900 and
1992 but not re-discovered in the survey. The most recent of these
records go back as far as 1937 in the case of the whirligig beetle
Gyrinus aeratus but another of the beetles, Laccophilus poecilus, was
recorded as recently as a few years before the survey; in 1990. This is a
UK Biodiversity Action Plan species, not found anywhere in the UK
since 2002, when Peter Hodge found it at a previously known site near
Lewes, Sussex. Robert Merritt has therefore included a note about the
previous records of its occurrence within the survey area. These were
made between 1907 and 1987 in the Thorne Moors area of South
Yorkshire.

The book finishes with some interesting compilations of data,
including a species checklist, a table showing the number of records of
each species and the number of 1 km squares where it has been
fecorded: Also\.and of particular interest from a conservation
standpoint, there are tables of 535 notable sites for water beetles and
194 for water bugs. For each site, the tables show the protected status if
any, geographical information, the total number of species and the
numbers of species in the various categories of conservation status
(Rare, Scarce, Local A and Local B). Many of the “top” sites appear to
be on brownfield land but some of these have some protection as
nature reserves or as sites of special scientific interest.

This is a well laid-out and very usable book, based on a most
impressive survey, and is a mine of information for anyone who is
interested in the study or conservation of the aquatic invertebrates of
this sizeable and densely populated area of England. It clearly also has
wider interest for anyone with more specific interests in aquatic beetles
and bugs. Its importance is reflected by the financial support which the
Sorby History Society received from several major governmental and
non-governmental conservation bodies. It is well worth its very
reasonable price.

10 Invertebrate Conservation News

PAST UK MEETINGS

Coarse Woody Debris and its value and management for
biodiversity

A very well attended meeting with the above title took place on 7th
December 2006 at The Wolseley Centre, Cannock Chase, in the English
north-west midland county of Staffordshire. The purpose of this
workshop was to highlight the biodiversity value of coarse woody
debris (CWD) in woodland streams and to promote beneficial habitat
management amongst woodland and forest managers. This is very
important, since CWD has traditionally been cleared away on the
supposition that it will cause problems due to obstruction and flooding.

After an introduction from Ian Middlebrook (Action for Invertebrates),
Andrew Godfrey, a consultant entomologist, set the scene by describing
the habitat and its value. He explained that woody debris provides not
only a direct habitat for various invertebrates such as specialised
craneflies and beetles but also an anchorage for habitats in the
surrounding water. He also showed how some of the dependent
species have adaptations to variable water levels around the woody
material; for example, there are specialised craneflies whose pupae >
breathe via horns, which are extended when the wood is immersed and
then retracted when conditions become drier. |

Stephen Hewitt (Tullie House Museum, Carlisle) followed with a more
specific presentation on craneflies of the genus Lipsothrix, based on
studies in Cumbria. The River Irving was of particular interest because of
the dynamic development of habitats. Stephen’s presentation, together
with that of Andrew Godfrey, served as a helpful guide to identifying
species of conservation concern, such as L. ecucullata and L. errans.

Nick Mott (Staffs Wildlife Trust) addressed the management issues,
which include the need to reconcile conservation with a concept of
tidiness which has prevailed in the past. There is a need not only to
avoid removing CWD unnecessarily but also to manage river
catchments so as to protect the aquatic environment. A scheme known
as Catchment-Sensitive Farming has been developed with this in mind.
A particularly interesting discovery has been that, contrary to previous
opinion, the native British crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes does not
necessarily require clear water. Studies have shown that the crayfish can
thrive in muddy water, provided that there are clear spaces amongst
twiggy debris or willow roots. Nick is the author of an excellent free
booklet on CWD in rivers (Mott, 2006), a new edition of which has
been sponsored by Natural England.

e Number 51 ¢ October 2006 11

A local site visit to the Lower Sher Brook in Cannock Chase,
introduced by Sue Sheppard of Staffordshire County Council and Nick
Mott, helped to illustrate at first hand the themes of the morning
session, and also provided several new invertebrate records for the
area. Sue also explained that local management was being developed
so as to take account both of the aquatic habitat and of habitats in the
adjacent woodland.

Very productive discussions were chaired by Fred Currie of the
Forestry Commission. These touched upon the establishment of Special
Areas of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and an
interesting study of CWD, conducted by Forest Research in the Parrett
catchment in Somerset, south-west England.

Of key importance was the need to spread the message that CWD is
a valuable habitat, which should be allowed to develop, except in
certain circumstances where it could genuinely be a problem with
regard to obstruction and flooding. As explained in Nick Mott’s booklet,
such situations can be identified and appropriate measures taken. The
Environment Agency, the relevant governmental body in England, is
well aware of the need to conserve the habitat and it was encouraging
that many of its employees were in the audience. It was, however,
noted that there is a problem with an official booklet, which purports to
advice riparian owners about their legal responsibilities but fails to
address biodiversity issues. The booklet, entitled Living on the Edge,
inappropriately refers to a need to remove all vegetation from rivers!

Reference: Mott, N. (2006). Managing Woody Debris in Rivers, Streams and Floodplains.
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, UK.

Invertebrate Link conference, London, November 2006

This conference, entitled Who will watch the small things that run the
world: recruiting the next generation of invertebrate specialists, took
place on 9th November 2006 in the Flett Theatre, Natural History
Museum, London. The conference brought together invertebrate
specialists and educationists, with a view to launching a new initiative
so as to help overcome the evident decline in incentives for young
invertebrate biologists and naturalists. The factors which have led to
this decline were described in a stimulating presentation by Dr Roger
Key of Natural England (How I Became an Invertebrate Specialist: an
overview of issues affecting recruiting of the next generation). The
presentation, a revised version of one which Roger had given at the
Royal Entomological Society symposium at Brighton in 2005, forms the

12 Invertebrate Conservation News “

basis of a written paper which he and the conference chairman, Dr.
Oliver Cheesman, are publishing in the Brighton proceedings
(Cheesman & Key, in press). The written version provides evidence that
the educational decline is real rather than imagined.

Roger was followed by Nick Baker, writer and broadcaster, whose
talk was entitled Promoting the Study of “Bugs”, including the role of the
media and books for younger readers. Although Nick is relatively
young, he recognised signs of a deteriorating trend within his own
lifetime. He was, however, positive about some of the things that could
be done to provide more opportunity and encouragement for young
people; perhaps in ways which would have to embrace, rather than
disdain, present-day communication media.

Steve Tilling of the Field Studies Council (FSC) began the afternoon
session, with practical examples of the work of the FSC amidst a
decline of taxonomy and fieldwork in schools and universities.
Although everyone present was probably aware of the FSC’s work,
many seemed pleasantly surprised to learn how much the FSC is
already doing to help redress the decline.

Lynn Hughes of Oxford Brookes University then spoke about aids to
identification, including hand-held IT devices, which could be used by
schools or the organisers of events such as bug hunts. She was followed
by Martin Sanford of the Suffolk Biological Records Centre, who outlined
the rdle of local societies, museums and records centres in encouraging
young people to develop their interests and to take part in recording
schemes. Finally, Mark Boyd of the Royal Society for the Protection of .
Birds spoke about the lessons that can be learned from larger societies
and conservation charities, whose resources have already enabled them
to undertake initiatives for encouraging public participation in their work,
and in particular the encouragement of a new generation.

In line with the determination to make the conference a launch pad,
rather than a mere one-day event, some resolutions for future action
were agreed. These are as follows:

This Conference:

® Affirms the importance of ensuring future capacity for invertebrate
study, recording and conservation in the UK, through appropriate
professional posts and continuation of the amateur naturalist tradition

@® Recommends that a national forum be convened to examine and
promote current and future capacity for the study, recording and
conservation of all plant and animal groups

Number 51 ¢ October 2006

@ Recommends re-establishment of observational natural history as a
component of formal education in biological and environmental
sciences

@ Recommends enhanced co-ordination and co-operation between
those disparate sectors, bodies and individuals concerned with
promoting interest in invertebrates and supporting aspiring natural
historians, in particular through:

O Promoting awareness of the importance of invertebrates, their
essential ecological roles, and their value as indicators of
environmental change.

O Encouraging enjoyment and exploration of natural environments,
particularly by children and young people.

In the follow-up to the conference, Oliver Cheesman is acting as a
contact for the receipt and circulation of information relevant to
environmental education in the UK. For example, the Lemur Project
provides bursary placements, with Heritage Lottery Funding for the
training of environmental professionals, including those who wish to lead
educational events. Also, there is now a flow of information (e.g. from
the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority), which should help people
in the “invertebrate world” to tap into the educational framework.

Reference: Cheesman, O.D. & Key, R.S. (in press) The extinction of experience: a threat
to insect conservation? In: Stewart, A.J.A., New, T.R. & Lewis, O.T. (eds.) Insect
Conservation Biology. Proceedings of the 23rd Symposium of the Royal Entomological
Society. CABI Publishing, Wallingford, Chapter 14, pp. XXX-YYY.

FUTURE UK MEETINGS

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Gointly with Alton
Natural History Society)

Saturday 7th July, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shortheath Common, Hampshire:
Invertebrate observation and heathland conservation issues. Stephen
Miles and Dr David Lonsdale, together with Ian Stoneman, the County
Council warden, will lead a walk around this wet and dry heathland
site. An aim is to discuss the conservation needs of heathland insects.
MEETING POINT; SU770362, Oakhanger Village Hall. PARKING:
outside or nearby the hall (without blocking entrances) or by the main
road or in overflow car park at SU774368. ADMITTANCE: No fees but
donations welcome; dogs cannot be admitted and any child must be
accompanied by an adult. LUNCH: please bring sandwiches etc.
Contact: Stephen Miles, tel. 01420 478845.

CONTENTS

EDITORYAT: Perecc fi secde ices on ct TRS ee EE RU Se 1

NEWS, VIEWS AND GENERAL INFORMATION
Bio-fuels:.and agricultural’set-aside...0hs.%.e 5)
Wild’ Worms: Project in Britain iin ee ee D

SITES, AND SPECIES OF INTERES

Thurrock Marshes, south-east England: cic eee ee 5
London-Olympics development: i.e...0 ese ie a 6
A marine dragontly in Hong Kong ee eee ee eee ee V7

PUBLICATION REVIEW

Atlas of the Water Beetles (Coleoptera) and Water Bugs

(Hemiptera) of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire,

1993-2005 o.vissd Secces GUT ee Sea ea gee oa eh cae Ce 8
PAST UK MEETINGS :

Coarse Woody Debris — its value and management for biodiversity 10

Invertebrate Link conference,,<London, November 2006................. 2 11

FUTURE UK MEETINGS
Hampshire and Isle of Wigh

NOTICE
It is to be distinctly understood that all views, opinions, or theories, expressed in the pages of this
Journal are solely those of the author(s) concerned. All announcements of meetings, financial grants
offered or sought, requests for help or information, are accepted as bona fide. Neither the Editor, the
Officers and Council of the Society, nor its Trustees, can be held responsible for any loss,
embarrassment or injury that might be sustained by reliance thereon.

© 2007. The Amateur Entomologists' Society.
(Registered Charity No. 267430)
All rights reserved.

Published 25th February 2007 by the Amateur Entomologists' Society
(Registered Charity No. 267430), from PO Box 8774, London SW7 5ZG.
Printed by Cravitz Printing Co. Ltd., 1 Tower Hill, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4TA.