Environment & healthy living    2022

 


Rothamsted scientists working in collaboration to find out what makes the varroa parasite of honey bees resistant to chemical treatment.


One of the biggest problems facing honey bees, the parasitic mite Varroa destructor (varroa) is now found almost worldwide and usually kills untreated hives within three years. For varroa control, many beekeepers use the chemical tau-fluvalinate, marketed as Apistan®, but its effectiveness has been in decline since the mid­­-1990s. Scientists studying varroa mites collected from Florida and Georgia, USA, have identified two new mutations that give the parasites resistance to tau-fluvalinate.










The discovery of the two mutations enables testing of varroa populations to determine whether control with tau-fluvalinate will be effective. The research was carried out by scientists working in Spain, the USA and Germany in collaboration with a team at Rothamsted Research, which is strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). The study is published today in the journal PLOS ONE.


Joel González-Cabrera, scientist at Rothamsted Research who led the study, said: “We identified the mutations in a known hot-spot for pyrethroid resistance on the sodium channel protein—a region proposed as the binding site for these compounds. Together with our previous work on European mites, this finding allows us to develop diagnostic screening tests to analyse individual mites for the presence or absence of the mutations. The diagnostic test should help beekeepers to decide whether to use pyrethroid-based chemicals to control this highly damaging parasite.”


How important are Honey Bees to our everyday lives?

  1. 1• Honeybees, together with other types of bees and pollinating insects, increase the yields of about 75% of the crop species grown worldwide

  2. 2· The value of pollination performed by these insects has been estimated at €153 billion per year

Important facts about Honey Bees and Honey

  1. 1·The number of honeybee hives in Europe declined by 16% between 1985-2005. In the USA colony numbers dropped 61% between 1947-2008.

  2. 2·Honey is nectar that bees have repeatedly regurgitated and dehydrated

  3. 3·A single hive contains approximately 40,000-45,000 bees

  4. 4· A queen can lay her weight in eggs in one day and 200,000 eggs in a year

  5. 5·The queen mates in flight with approximately 18 drones. She only mates once in her lifetime

  6. 6·Honeybees communicate with one another by 'dancing' so as to give the direction and distance of flowers

  7. 7·The Varroa mite is a major pest species of the honey bee

  8. 8·In the course of her lifetime, a worker bee will produce 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey

  9. 9·To make one pound of honey, workers in a hive fly 55,000 miles and tap two million flowers



Jan 2021. Addressing the  climate emergency in Harpenden and St Albans.

SADC are implementing more than 100 actions towards making the District carbon neutral by the end of the decade. It is part of a sustainability strategy that has been developed in 2020.

* The creation of more charging points for electric vehicles and improving the energy efficiency of council homes.

* Energy audits of buildings such as Westminster Lodge and the Civic Centre will look at how energy consumption  can be reduced.

  1. *From October the council will take energy supplies will be taken from a provider that guarantees only renewable sources will be used.


LONDON LUTON AIRPORT EXPANSION to be questioned.

The Portfolio Holder and Chair of this Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Chris Whyte is

being recommended to take the following actions:

  1. 1.Write to the Department for Transport (DfT) to emphasise the need to implement the Future Airspace Strategy Implementation (FASI) and to prioritise that over further expansion at London Luton Airport, since the pressure on capacity is likely to be much reduced once the COVID-19 pandemic ends.

  2. 2.Make joint representations to encourage the UK Government to prioritise accelerating the reduction in climate damaging emissions rather than growth in passenger and flight numbers, with particular reference to Luton Airport’s imminent expansion plans.

  3. 3.Make representations to London Luton Airport Operations Ltd and the airport owners, Luton Borough Council, to seek a comprehensive and realistic action plan for reducing all emissions relating to the airport and use of the airport which meets the needs of the climate emergency.

  4. 4.Make representations to the Head of Planning at Luton Borough Council with regard to planning permissions being sought at London Luton Airport, drawing attention to the apparent attempt to use the planning system to move the goals on their maximum passenger numbers rather than meet their current requirements.  Also, to request the Borough Council to transfer approximately 500 representations made in respect of the first planning application (reference 19/00428/EIA) to the second (i.e. the current) application.

  5. 5.Make joint representations to Anthony Aldridge to press the airport to improve low carbon ground transport options, such as detailed plans for an east-west modal shift, with the objectives of reducing emissions and traffic, especially on the District’s local and country roads.

  6. 6.Write to Network Rail to ask how potential Railfreight terminal operations at Radlett on the Midland main line might impact on the capacity for the anticipated increase in train passenger numbers en route to and from London Luton Airport, following its proposed expansion.

  7. 7.Write to the DfT asking for a timeframe and likely scope of future policy to recognise the need for the aviation sector to play its part in achieving net zero by 2050.

 

Harpenden’s Rothamsted Research plays a leading role in tackling Climate Change with SHAKE.

+ Up to £140k funding available.


SHAKE is a unique Climate Change programme which helps entrepreneurs and start-ups who are combating climate change with science or tech-based ideas in the areas of agriculture and food production. Set over two years it is an active learning programme with 3 phases which focuses on closing the gap in business development between the early start-up stage and investable businesses, through provision of expert care and advice, sourced through the high-profile consortium and its associated network of mentors. Up to £140k funding is available with two years of expert mentoring.


They are not a typical fund. Imagine them more like a family - nurturing collective potential to create something truly amazing, leveraging world class expertise in science, tech and business.


They have a shared passion and a

collective ambition to tackle climate

change who believe they have the

drive, determination and courage to

push the boundaries of the food and

farming industry.


They will support bright ideas,

providing  care, mentorship and

advice well beyond the initial funding

to turn ventures into a reality.


   Now in its third year, the Programme is

hosted and led by Rothamsted Research as

part of a consortium with three leading

universities – Cranfield University, the

University of Hertfordshire and University

College London, with funding by the Societe

Generale Foundation.


   “Virtually every step in the value chain associated with agriculture impacts on climate – from how food is grown or reared, to the way the food is harvested, transported, stored and distributed. In addition, farmers themselves face increasing pressure to deliver sufficient food sustainably, whilst dealing with increasingly unstable climates,” said SHAKE Programme Manager Ms Midtgaard.(above right)


   “At SHAKE, we believe Entrepreneurs have a unique role to play in countering these challenges; they are agile and flexible in their approaches and are unencumbered by the vested interests and legacy investments of larger business and corporates.”


To find out more  please visit http://www.shakeclimate.org/ and follow SHAKE https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/shakeclimate/ for the latest updates

Harpenden Town Council now owns Rothamsted Park after finalising the acquisition from St Albans City & District Council on 30 April 2021.


The transfer of ownership will bring numerous benefits to Harpenden residents and users of Rothamsted Park, with the Town Council planning significant financial investments and biodiversity enhancements.


Residents will see an immediate impact from the new ownership, with Harpenden Town Council investing £150,000 into the redevelopment of the Rothamsted Park Play Area. The Town Council is working in partnership with Playground Action Rothamsted Committee (PARC), a group of local residents who for a long time have driven forward the vision for the project and have fundraised more than £110k themselves. Residents should be hugely grateful to the outstanding work of PARC in getting the project to this stage.


The play area is just the start of a number of improvements projects that the Town Council will be making. We have also allocated significant funding to:


Develop a new 3G pitch on the site that will provide first class facilities for junior football and sport in the Town.

Build a new community pavilion to replace the two existing structures that are in a very poor state of repair.

Make improvements to the grass sports pitches so that they are of a higher quality and are less susceptible to bad winter weather.

Refresh the signage across the site.

Increase the number of benches and bins.


All of our planned improvements will be set out in a new management plan for the site that will be developed during 2021. At the heart of this management plan will be a focus on biodiversity and making environmental improvements in the park. We will carry out community engagement on the management plan later this year and look forward to receiving ideas from residents.


Harpenden Town Mayor Cllr Paul Cousin said, “The Town Council is delighted to have taken ownership of Rothamsted Park. The park is an invaluable and much-loved asset for our local community, and this transfer will enable us to deliver significant improvements in the years ahead to ensure it is an outstanding and engaging open space for everyone to enjoy.”


The Rothamsted Park transfer does not include the new Leisure and Culture Centres, depot building, or car parks, which will all remain under the ownership of St Albans City & District Council. Any queries regarding the transfer of ownership can be directed to Harpenden.Town.Council@harpenden.gov.uk.

Sept 10th. Bim Afolami MP

Hosts Climate Change

Conference in Harpenden.

‘Achieving Net Zero:

Strategies for Sustainable

Growth.’



Bim Afolami MP (above right) and the All-Party

Parliamentary Group for Renewal and Sustainable Energy (PRASEG) hosted experts and practitioners from across industry and politics at world-renowned Rothamsted Research in Harpenden on Friday. It took place in  the Conference Centre’s Fowden Hall.


Featuring a keynote speech from the Rt. Hon. Dr. Kwasi Kwarteng MP, (above left) Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the conference sought to find solutions and strategies and share best practice as we work towards the Net Zero by 2050 target and in the lead up to COP26 in Glasgow.


Panellists from organisations including the NFU, the British Business Bank and Network Rail discussed integrated strategies for sustainable growth, land use and supporting SMEs as part of the road to Net Zero by 2050.


Bim Afolami MP, Chair of the Parliamentary Renewable & Sustainable Energy Group, said:


“I believe the net zero transition can help catapult our economy into the new industrial revolution for the 21st century. The economic opportunities of being the first mover in the applied technologies of carbon capture and storage, nuclear fusion, green and blue hydrogen, ever improving battery technology, lab grown meat and many other things will be transformative for the UK. Our businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, government all working together can help the UK lead the world.


I would like to thank Rothamsted Research, all of our panellists and the Secretary of State for coming to the event. It was a lively and productive discussion and I look forward to continuing to work with Kwasi towards the Government’s Net Zero target.”


Kwasi Kwarteng, Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, said:


“I’m clear that, for COP26 to be a success, and for our longer-term prosperity and stability, we need the innovation, energy and influence of the Great British private sector on our side. If they embrace the green transition, businesses can be great agents for change.”  


Tom Glover, RWE Country Chair, said:


“As one of the UK’s largest power generators, RWE has a key role in helping to drive the UK’s progress towards net zero through its investments in renewables and other low carbon technology across the length and breadth of the country. The drive for clean energy represents a clear economic opportunity for the UK and RWE, with its clearly stated target of reaching net zero, is working with the UK Government to deliver clean, secure and affordable power supplies.”


Angela Karp, Director and CEO of Rothamsted Research said:


“Food production generates around one fifth of our greenhouse gas emissions globally– yet agriculture also has great potential to sequester carbon though more sustainable practices. Our science and innovation at Rothamsted is helping to deliver on the ambition for UK “net zero farming by 2040”.


“So, we were delighted to host this this lively debate at our Harpenden site and welcome the Secretary of State for BEIS, Kwasi Kwarteng, and Bim Afolami, our local MP. Only by bringing together politicians, scientists and business in this way can we hope to deliver on the radical actions needed to combat climate change.”


BELOW: Conference delegates touring the Rothamsted Research agricultural estate

Climate Change

What are the actions we can take now (in agriculture)?

Prof. Angela Karp, Rothamsted Research

A presentation to UNA Harpenden Branch,  Park Hall. Sept 2021












The presentation started with a review of the issues;

“It is indisputable that human activities are causing

climate change, making extreme climate events, including heat waves, heavy

rainfall, and droughts, more frequent and more severe.

There’s no going back from some changes in the climate system. However, some

changes could be slowed and others could be stopped by limiting warming.

“Every increase in degree temperature…increases the severity of changes.”


The intro concluded with a graphic showing examples of what citizens can do to make a difference,






















Agriculture is both impacted by and a cause of climate change

24% Global emissions and 10% UK emissions

What are the actions for agriculture?

Rothamsted Research has been addressing the

challenges facing agriculture and food security for a long time.

Over the years we have developed unique capabilities and built a

profound knowledge base - but the issues are more complex now and

need integrated approaches.

* Understand processes affecting the health of our soils

* Produce more with less reliance on inputs

* Reduce Green house gases from livestock grazing systems

* Grow perennial crops for bioenergy and ecosystem diversity

* Combine and Integrate

* Accelerate Innovation


Each of the six point above were explained in detail with charts, graphs and technical information. Ideas, recommendations and timeline to solve the problems were suggested. Some of which in action now other in the years ahead. The presentation concluded with a graphic summarising these six points.




















Professor Karp thanked her Rothamsted Colleagues who contributed material for this talk:

Prof. Steve McGrath, Head of Sustainable Agricultural Sciences

Rothamsted Research, UK

Dr. Jordana Rivero, Grazing Livestock Systems Specialist

Prof. David Powlson, Lawes Trust Senior Fellow

Rothamsted Research, UK



"UNA Harpenden were pleased that so many Harpenden and local people turned up this late summer day after a long break due to Covid-19 restrictions." Suheil Shahryar Chairman.

A tree will be planted for every 100 mobile phone car parking payments made by residents and visitors in St Albans District during the festive season.

The Green Christmas initiative has been launched by St Albans City and District Council’s cashless parking provider PayByPhone.

They have teamed up with the Eden Reforestation Project which aims to reverse deforestation across the globe.

Trees resulting from the District’s parking scheme will be planted at mangrove swamps in Madagascar, a country off the coast of East Africa.

The swamps are in the World Wildlife Fund’s Global 200 list of the planet’s most outstanding ecoregions.


All on-street parking pay and display locations in the District will be included along with a number of the Council’s car parks.

The car parks involved are the Civic Centre, Adelaide Street, Keyfield Terrace, London Road, all St Albans, and Amenbury Lane, Bowers West and East, and Lydekker, all Harpenden.


Green Christmas will run in the District throughout December and it should result in around 400 trees being planted.

Councillor Anthony Rowlands, Chair of the Public Realm Committee, said: “Our priority as a Council is tackling the climate emergency and this Green Christmas scheme is another action we are taking in support of that.

“This PayByPhone initiative will make a positive impact on the environment and I am sure residents and visitors will be pleased to contribute to it.”

Rebecca Maisey, UK Client Director for PayByPhone, said: “It’s marvellous to see a Council being so proactive in getting behind our Green Christmas campaign.

 

“Since we launched Green Christmas in 2019, we have donated over 77,000 trees to-date. This year we’re aiming to beat our current annual record and donate more than 30,000 trees. I’m confident with the help of St Albans City & District Council, we may get there.

 

“Environmental consciousness is at the core of our business decision-making and our award-winning green initiatives are helping to leave a sustainable legacy for future generations.”

Councillor contact: Councillor Anthony Rowlands, Chair of the Public Realm Committee, cllr.a.rowlands@stalbans.gov.uk, 07761 232064.

Car parking payments made

on your phone in Harpenden

and St. Albans will enable

trees to be planted at

mangrove swamps in

Madagascar.

How recycling used cosmetics packaging can help the environment.

SPACE NK have teamed up with HANDLE who take all the returned beauty packaging for recycling.



































HOW THEY WORK

Handle collect used and empty beauty packaging, intercepting the waste before it goes to landfill or gets incinerated for waste to energy. They sort it into the correct waste streams, then work with their partners to recycle and repurpose the material so manufacturers of beauty products can put recycled content into their packaging. 


HOW YOU CAN HELP

Call into the SPACE NK store on Church Green to find out