Natural England

• We use photo-elicitation to understand coastal resident’s perceptions of tidal energy. • We assess how key environmental values and attributes influence these perceptions. • Participants were positive about tidal energy and recognised its sustainable nature. • Participants resolved a range of self-interest and altruistic trade-offs to reach their perceptions. • Impacts on the local environment and wildlife were key influences on perceptions. Early consideration of potential societal issues, including public acceptance, is important for the effective implementation of energy policies and technologies. Conversely, lack of public acceptance can act as a barrier to their uptake, and deployment of renewable technologies has frequently been marked by public opposition at the local level. Levels of support for renewable energy are currently high, although expressions of public support do not always translate into approval for local developments, and there is significant variability in acceptance depending on a wide range of attributes. This paper provides novel insights into potential contributing factors to public acceptance of tidal energy amongst residents of coastal communities along a major inlet in the UK with high potential for tidal energy development. Adopting a largely qualitative empirical approach, nineteen participants from three coastal towns took part in photo-elicitation interviews that utilised self-taken photographs to drive discussions around local environmental (marine and coastal) attributes of importance and how these might influence participants’ attitudes toward tidal energy. Selected data from a previous related energy survey provided a mixed-methods lens to reinforce specific issues raised by participants. Key findings on participants’ perceptions of tidal energy included overall general positivity toward this technology, as well as recognition of its significance for sustainable energy. A range of trade-offs between issues of personal importance and the wider significance of tidal energy were also apparent. The perceived impacts of developments on environmental attributes of greatest importance to participants were thematically analysed revealing particular concerns regarding local environmental impacts and impacts on wildlife. Presented as key influencing issues on participant’s perceptions of tidal energy developments, this new qualitative data improves our understanding of the issues that can lead to acceptance or rejection of proposals and are thus of relevance to a range of users, including decision-makers, consultants and developers.

Killer whales (Orcinus orca) are cosmopolitan apex predators that interact with numerous species, including sharks, skates, and rays (subclass Elasmobranchii). Interactions between killer whales and elasmobranchs have garnered attention from the scientific community, but the dynamics of these events are poorly understood, as interactions are often challenging to observe. In this study, we collated imagery of interactions between killer whales and elasmobranchs to create the first image-based repository of interspecific interactions between marine predators. A total of 320 photos and videos from 82 unique interactions were collected from 12 countries. A minimum of 18 elasmobranch species across 16 genera were identified from the imagery. Furthermore, 10 different interaction types were documented, encompassing both predatory and non-predatory behavior. This dataset can provide insight into various research topics, including killer whale predation techniques, elasmobranch behavior, and the identification of individual killer whales that specialize in elasmobranch prey. As a new and openly accessible resource, this dataset provides the foundation to support future ecological and behavioral research on killer whale and elasmobranch interactions.

Abstract Environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring has been used for great crested newt ( Triturus cristatus ) survey in the UK since the publication of a Defra‐funded trial in 2014. If eDNA results are to be used in support of a great crested newt licence, surveys must be performed during a 76‐day survey window (15 April–30 June) to coincide with peak great crested newt activity, and must follow the approved ethanol precipitation protocol. However, eDNA detection is possible in other months and filtration may be a more effective method of eDNA capture. We investigated whether the great crested newt eDNA survey season could be extended and filtration could be used for great crested newt eDNA capture by reviewing the available evidence and conducting a field study from April to October 2022. Paired water samples for ethanol precipitation and filtration were collected from 25 ponds once a month, resulting in 124 samples of each type. All samples ( N = 248) were analysed with the approved great crested newt quantitative PCR assay. Our results indicate that great crested newts can be reliably detected using both eDNA capture methods from April to August, with detection rates decreasing in September and October. Great crested newt eDNA detection was comparable or higher with filtration than ethanol precipitation. Practical implication. Acceptance of filtration for great crested newt eDNA surveys could allow more water to be processed for robust and reliable estimates of great crested newt presence. Extending the great crested newt eDNA survey season to August could allow more waterbodies to be surveyed for great crested newt presence (but not absence), and identification of sites that provide important habitat for great crested newts outside of the breeding season. This would also remove logistical challenges and costs associated with completing sampling within 11 weeks and laboratory analysis within 10 working days from sample receipt. Furthermore, great crested newt eDNA surveys could be more frequently carried out alongside monitoring for other species, which are typically surveyed from April to September/October or year‐round with conventional methods or eDNA surveys using filtration. This could enable infrastructure projects to develop more effective mitigation measures as well as reduce time required from surveyors and survey costs.

Wild animals frequently show strong variations in allocations of energy to growth, reproduction and locomotion, typically corresponding to seasonal variations in temperature or resource availability. Seasonal variations in energy allocation to growth are commonly expressed in hard tissues as growth bands, but energy allocation to growth may be decoupled from absolute energy use especially in reproductively active individuals. Consequently, determining variations in absolute energy use in wild animals through annual cycles is challenging, particularly for aquatic animals such as fishes. The stable isotopic composition of carbon in the otolith of marine teleost fishes co-varies with the rate of oxidation of respiratory carbon and therefore serves as a proxy for energy use. Stable isotope analyses of otolith aragonite allow reconstruction of seasonal variations in total energy use independent from sclerochronological assessments of growth. Here we describe how total energy use varies seasonally within a sample of 272 free-roaming European plaice from the North Sea. Estimated energy (field metabolic rate) use peaked in early summer months prior to spawning, co-incident with formation of otolith opaque zones and increases in body condition, but decoupled from seasonal variations in experienced temperature. Maximum observed FMR estimates in years characatreised by high metabolc rates, approach laboratory inferred maximum metabolic rates, implying maximum feeding rates are limited by respiratory capacity rather than prey availability. The strong co-incidence between opaque zone formation and high energy use supports suggestions that otolith transparency is directly related to the rate of production of respiratory CO 2 (and therefore metabolic rate), and indirectly associated with somatic growth rates. Seasonal patterns of energy use differed between sexes. Males showed reduced energy use through summer months compared to females, but higher apparent energy use outside of the summer feeding season. Female-biased sexual size dimorphism in plaice may emerge via both greater energy allocation to reproduction and reduced energy acquisition in summer in males. Observed seasonal, sex-based and among-individual variations in energy use far exceed predicted thermal effects on enzyme reaction rates, implying that individual variations in realized field metabolic rates are constrained more by physiological and behavioural factors than by external ambient temperature. Our observations provide context for considering the implications of temperature on energy partitioning and physiological performance in wild fish populations across seasons and demonstrate how isotopic proxies for energy use compliment energy budget models and sclerochronological growth analysis.

ABSTRACT Capsule Field plots provisioned with a supplementary seed mix during summer attracted European Turtle Doves and other farmland birds, and exhibited only a low incidence of the parasite Trichomonas gallinae. Aims To test whether Turtle Doves and other granivorous birds use field plots provided with supplementary seed, and whether use of these plots increased exposure to T. gallinae. Methods Supplementary seed mix was provided at two rates (3 and 6 kg per 250 m2 plot) weekly at 37 sites in the spring and summer of 2016 and 2017. Provisioned plots, and similar (but unprovisioned) control areas, were surveyed for Turtle Doves and other birds. Soil swab samples were also taken and analysed for the presence of T. gallinae using a standard polymerase chain reaction procedure. Results Turtle Doves were much more likely to be recorded on provisioned plots than on unprovisioned control areas. Maximum counts of an aggregate of seven other granivores of conservation interest (European Greenfinch Chloris chloris, Common Linnet Linaria cannabina, Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus, House Sparrow P. domesticus, Common Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus, Corn Bunting E. calandra and Yellowhammer E. citrinella) were significantly higher on provisioned plots than on control areas. Positive samples for T. gallinae were rare on provisioned plots and unprovisioned areas (eight of 474 samples across both years). Samples classified as ambiguous (due to the presence of genomic DNA that could not be definitively ascribed to T. gallinae) or positive were equally likely on provisioned plots and unprovisioned areas, but were more likely at sites where European Greenfinches were recorded. Conclusion Supplementary seed provisioning in summer can attract foraging Turtle Doves with only a low risk of exposure to T. gallinae on the feeding areas.

The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act (1949), the first national nature conservation legislation in Great Britain, included provision to designate, for the purpose of nature conservation, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) on account of their flora, fauna, geological or physiographical (geomorphological) features. Although often incorrectly perceived only as a means of conserving flora and fauna, SSSIs remain the primary mechanism for conserving and managing nationally and internationally important geological and geomorphological features in Great Britain. Seventy-five years on, and with questions being raised about how well they conserve flora and fauna given current threats and pressures, the role and effectiveness of SSSIs in conserving the highlights of England's geoheritage are explored. The importance of geological/geomorphological SSSIs, their origin, character, and workings, and the threats and pressures they face are described. The condition of the 1221 existing geological/geomorphological SSSIs in England is described and the strengths and weaknesses of existing SSSI legislation and policy are discussed, leading us to conclude that SSSIs have been, and remain, extremely effective in conserving England's geoheritage. Any future SSSI reform should recognise, build upon and celebrate the success of geological/geomorphological SSSIs, and would provide an opportunity to raise the profile of geoconservation in government policy and to futureproof the SSSI series. For example, simplifying the process for updating SSSI descriptions and site boundaries would make it easier to accommodate advances in scientific understanding and respond to the physical repositioning of geological/geomorphological features resulting from natural processes.

ABSTRACT Capsule The sixth national survey of breeding Hen Harriers in 2023 revealed a near-significant 20% increase in the UK and Isle of Man population since 2016, with variation between and within constituent countries. Aims To estimate the size of the breeding Hen Harrier population in the UK and Isle of Man, constituent countries, Scottish regions and the UK Special Protection Area (SPA) network for breeding Hen Harriers in 2023, and calculate population changes since 2016. Methods Surveys were conducted in all 10-km squares likely to be occupied by breeding birds in England, Northern Ireland, Wales and the Isle of Man, using standard methods. In Scotland, a stratified random selection of 10-km squares within the known breeding range was surveyed alongside squares selected by volunteers. Surveys were conducted in the UK in 2023 and Isle of Man in 2022. Results The UK and Isle of Man population was estimated at 691 territorial pairs (95% confidence limits, 593–802), a near-significant 20% increase since 2016. Populations increased by differing degrees in all countries and the Isle of Man, except in Northern Ireland where they declined. Scotland held 77% of the population with 529 (95% confidence limits, 431–640) pairs, with only tens of pairs in the other surveyed areas. Overall abundance within SPAs scarcely changed since 2016, but Scottish and Northern Irish SPAs held fewer pairs (−28% and −18%). As in 2016, most Hen Harriers were found on heather-dominated moorland. In Scotland, abundance declines on grouse-shooting moors continued between 2016 and 2023 (−23%), following a significant 67% decline between 2010 and 2016. Conclusion The 2023 survey showed a near-significant 20% increase in the UK and Isle of Man breeding Hen Harrier population since 2016. There was a substantial increase in England and moderate increases in Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man, but a continuing decline in Northern Ireland. Breeding numbers within much of the SPA network in Scotland and Northern Ireland were below citation levels, with a more encouraging picture in England and particularly in Wales.

Outcomes in participatory environmental processes are strongly affected by choices about who is engaged. Inclusive engagement diversifies the range of interests and perspectives represented, including those from vulnerable and marginalized groups, ultimately contributing to more socially and environmentally sustainable and equitable outcomes. However, existing “stakeholder analysis” methods often bias participant identification away from disenfranchised groups with limited pre-existing interest or influence, instead favoring the most easily accessed and influential stakeholders. This paper draws on research impact theory and practice to propose a new, more inclusive approach, adding impact to the existing interest and influence criteria (which each begin with the letter “i", hence the 3i framework) that are typically used to identify, categorize and prioritize those who are relevant to be included or excluded from engagement processes. As part of this proposed 3i analysis approach, we articulate a new typology of relevant parties to engage in environmental decision-making processes, including: uninterested; uninterested and impacted; uninterested influencers; disinterested, influential and impacted; only interested; interested and impacted; interested influencers; and interested, influential and impacted. Except for the first group, all types of relevant parties should be considered for engagement wherever possible, with participation strategies tailored to their specific 3i profile. The approach was developed and refined through a series of workshops before developing it into a survey instrument that was piloted to gather 3i data efficiently across several national contexts. Survey findings are presented for a case study identifying those relevant to wetland and peatland restoration in a Scottish catchment. If widely adopted, the 3i framework would be the most consequential change in stakeholder analysis methods since the introduction of interest-influence matrices in the 1980s.