October 3rd marks World Habitats Day, yet there is no cause for celebration. CIWEM has serious doubts over the UK Government’s ability to protect and reintegrate vital habitats which provide a number of valuable ecosystem services in light of the new National Planning Policy Framework. A much more integrated policy approach is needed in order to halt increased habitat fragmentation, vital to increasing our resilience to the impacts of climate and demographic change.

 The fragmentation of habitats can considerably undermine the integrity of whole ecosystems - reducing genetic diversity, limiting migration and reducing predators’ range. In the UK the degree of habitat fragmentation has long been recognised and the 2011 National Ecosystem Assessment found that of the 8 habitat types assessed, 30% are in decline. 

Helping visitors plan their visit to All-Energy, the UK’s largest renewable energy exhibition and conference (Aberdeen, 23-24 May 2012) , and thus make the very best of their time within the show is a priority for organisers, Reed Exhibitions, who are introducing a series of sector-specific trails at next year’s show.  These will encompass wave and tidal; onshore wind; offshore wind; bioenergy; solar; and renewable heat, with trails also devoted to investment, jobs, smart energy (energy efficiency and energy management), and low carbon transport.

From Saturday 1 October, water companies will take charge of many drainage systems which have previously been the responsibility of individual property owners. This is the fulfilment of a long standing Welsh Government commitment to remove the burden of maintenance on householders whose drainage systems had not been adopted by the water companies or their predecessors.

These changes, introduced in Wales by Environment Minister, John Griffiths, in July, will mean that householders will no longer be caught out by unexpected and often expensive bills, for the repair of broken, blocked or damaged sewers and the difficulties that occur where several properties are affected.

Legislation was passed last year to ensure that all new indoor pools are insulated to the same standard as walls and ceilings in houses.  However, Nigel Rose, developer of Thermapool, says his contacts in the swimming pool industry and planning officials have suggested to him that nine out of ten new pools are not insulated to the correct standard, and therefore are being built illegally.