The Burren - farming for the future of the fertile rock
Bryony Williams, Sharon Parr, James Moran, Brendan Dunford and Ruairi O Conchuir
An introduction to the Burren, Co Clare, and recent conservation initiatives, such as BurrenLIFE, which are working to combine protection of the area's special wildlife communities with sustainable farming.
The water and wildlife of the Hampshire Avon winterbornes
Neil Punchard and Andy House
The results of ecological monitoring of these important winterbornes. Results show that there is a clear relationship between the length of time the riverbed is dry and the communities that are present. The effect of abstraction on these rivers is also discussed.
Comment: Alien plants in Britain - real or imagined problem?
David Pearman and Kevin Walker
An analysis of map data questions the often-held assumption that these species pose a threat to native communities, with many species restricted to highly modified urban environments.
Predation of breeding waders on lowland wet grassland - is it a problem?
Malcolm Ausden, Mark Bolton, Nigel Butcher, David G Hoccom, Jennifer Smart and Gwyn Williams
Breeding waders of lowland wet grassland are in decline. The effect of predation varies from site to site. This article reviews recent research on this complex subject.
The Lesser Glow-worm in Britain: native or newcomer?
Raphael De Cock, John Horne and John Tyler
The Lesser Glow-worm is a rare relative of the Common Glow-worm. This article describes its life cycle and habitat, as well as its status and distribution, exploring the idea that it is an accidental introduction rather than a native species.
Also included are more than 20 pages of Wildlife reports, and other regular features and sections, such as Through a Naturalist's Eyes by Robert Burton; Twitcher in the Swamp by Peter Marren; Letter from the far west coast by Michael Viney; Conservation news compiled by Sue Everett; Habitat management news compiled by Conservation Management Advice section of the RSPB; book reviews; and letters.
