CCW call for consideration for birds in cold snap

Following seven days of prolonged severe weather, the Countryside Council of Wales (CCW) is asking people to be sensitive to the plight of wildlife when they are enjoying the outdoors.

At times of prolonged severe cold weather, disturbing wildlife such as birds - especially waterbirds - can add to the physical stress that they are already suffering. Extra disturbance can threaten their survival and lead to increased mortality.

CCW’s request to the public to be considerate towards birds and wildlife is designed to minimise the pressure faced by animals during the current freeze. At the same time, a range of conservation and shooting organisations are contacting their members to discourage activities that may cause disturbance to birds.

This prolonged severe cold weather has brought freezing conditions to many areas of Wales - places which are vital for waterfowl in winter. Due to the more severe weather in the north and east of Britain, birds will also be flying west to areas in Wales to try and find places where they are still able to feed. These wildlife sites also attract many people out into the countryside for recreation. CCW is therefore asking people to be conscious of the birds' ongoing survival struggle and avoid stressing them further.

If freezing conditions continue after a period of 13 days, the Welsh Assembly Government will be required to implement a statutory suspension on shooting in Wales that will start on the 15^th day.

Dr David Parker, CCW Director of Science said: “We are grateful for the fantastic response from the public, and conservation and shooting organisations to help wildlife cope with the current freeze".

24% and counting

CCW, the Countryside Council for Wales, have just joined the 1000+ organisations worldwide who have committed to support the 10:10 campaign. Signing up to a ten percent CO2 reduction in 2010 is only part of the story though, as it's a step that we were already on the way with our existing commitment to reduce emissions by 24%, by 2012.

Here's the text of the press release:

THE Countryside Council for Wales has signed up to the 10:10 challenge being promoted by The Guardian - to reduce carbon emissions by 10 per cent in 2010.
Already one of the greenest organisations in Wales, CCW is also encouraging other organisations to step up to the mark in the run up to the Copenhagen climate conference in December.
The10:10 initiative aims to unite every sector of British society behind one simple idea – that by working together we can achieve a 10% cut in the UK’s carbon emissions by 2010. The 10:10 campaign is both achievable and meaningful.
John Lloyd Jones, CCW Chairman said: “At our Council meeting in Aberystwyth yesterday, we agreed that reaching a 10 per cent cut in carbon emissions by 2010 would be a significant step towards our even more ambitious target of reducing emissions by 24% by 2012.
“As a national leader in measuring and tackling public sector greenhouse gas emissions, both these targets reflect the pace at which changes are needed to avoid the more damaging climate change scenarios.”

24% Gold Standard

It feels good to be part of an organisation that's leading the way to make change happen; working with the Countryside Council for Wales on carbon reduction is a great example of what is possible with the potent combination of board level support, executive leadership and implementation from professional, capable officers who love a challenge.

The 24% reduction that CCW have committed to make, with a confident route map of what is needed to make it happen is an lighthouse quality example of what's possible.

Now's the time for other organisations to step up to the mark. Who's next?

Here's the full text of the CCW press release:

CCW sets ambitious plans to

become even greener

THE Countryside Council for Wales has set itself an ambitious target to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 24% by 2012.  Already one of the greenest organisations in Wales, the new target calls for innovative thinking - and some investment.

Roger Thomas, CCW Chief Executive said: “As a national leader in measuring and tackling public sector greenhouse gas emissions, CCW is striving to cut further its carbon and ecological footprints.  The target of 24% by 2012 reflects the pace at which changes are needed to avoid the more damaging climate change scenarios.”

Reducing CCW’s carbon footprint will require investment - but reduced consumption will lead to some financial savings. To achieve 24% savings over the next three years costs will include; investing in renewable energy generation technology, greening the pool fleet, improving lighting and IT efficiency and increased use of biodiesel from used cooking oils.

To achieve the target CCW will, for example:

• Cut down are electricity use in buildings;
• Purchase lower emitting vehicles for the pool fleet;
• Increase use of biodiesel;
• Improve lighting efficiency;
• Make even more use of video conferencing;
• Reduce waste to landfill;
• Ensure staff travel using the best environmental option

 This target goes beyond the Carbon Trust Standard which only includes utilities and transport emissions. CCW’s plan also adds the impacts of waste and materials.

24% and counting

Today was one of those days. Sat in a meeting with a couple of dozen people for 8 hours. Just as well it was a board meeting with my excellent colleagues at CCW, where one of the agenda points was to set a target the CO2 emissions reductions for the next three year. There was unanimous support for a 24% drop in the next three years, which is of the order that's needed across Wales, the UK and far beyond. Details to follow soon.