Sunday, 23 November 2025
Friday, 14 November 2025
Nature Loses AGAIN Disappointing Outcome for Amendments 38 and 40 to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill
The CIEEM is The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management is the leading professional membership body representing and supporting ecologists and environmental managers in the UK, Ireland and abroad. (And, no, I am not involved in it. No one ever wants me involved with things 😂)
On
MPs have tonight voted on Lords’ amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill as it returned to the House of Commons.
CIEEM has been actively encouraging MPs to support Amendments 38 and 40, which sought to ensure that planning and infrastructure decisions protect nature and promote genuinely sustainable development.
Despite clear concerns raised by experts, communities and environmental professionals – most of whom were not consulted during the drafting of this Bill – the Government stood firm in rejecting both Amendments 38 and 40, urging MPs to vote against them.
On Amendment 38, there was a small concession from the Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook MP, who said: “I am minded to include chalk streams in the suite of national policies for decision making coming later this year.”
Amendment 40 was subsequently taken to a vote, which the Government won by 244 votes to 132. This is a disappointing outcome for nature.
We would like to thank the Peers in the House of Lords for their hard work in improving this Bill, and the MPs from across the political spectrum – particularly those from the party of government – who spoke up for common sense, nature and the public good.
There remains a possibility that Peers in the House of Lords will insist on reintroducing Amendment 40, especially given the large majority and cross-party support it received in the upper chamber. The Bill will return to the Lords on Monday 24 November 2025.
CIEEM continues to call for a planning system that works with nature, not against it.
Seagulls and Avian Influenza Virus
Common Symptoms in Seagulls
- Neurological signs: Lack of coordination (incoordination), balance issues, tremors, seizures, head/body shaking, twisting of the head and neck (torticollis), or swimming/walking in circles.
- Respiratory distress: Coughing, sneezing, gaping beak, gurgling, or rattling sounds.
- Physical changes: Swelling, particularly around the head and eyes, closed/runny eyes, and blue discoloration of the comb and wattles (if present).
- Behavioral changes: Lethargy, depression, unresponsiveness, loss of appetite, and separation from the flock.
- Mobility issues: Drooping wings, dragging legs, and general weakness.
- Other signs: Diarrhea (discolored or loose droppings) and sudden death with no prior signs.
- In the UK, you should report dead wild birds to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).
Fox Mating Season Has Started Early
I've noted previously that some fox births are much later than normal (summer months up to July) due to climatic changes and food being far more available to urban foxes.
I have already started hearing of mating calls during what is normal dispersal season -when young foxes seek out their own territory and mates.
So in case you are wondering....
Friday, 7 November 2025
Foxes
For those with any interest.....
Dead Bristol fox 330 and 331 just registered.
And Bristol City Council are munching down on biscuits and tea.
Thursday, 6 November 2025
Enjoy Your Fireworks?
This fox's life ended too soon. Why? Because of some ***** moron's firework.
Severe damage to the leg and so was put down. One more reason to despise humans. No apologies for the photos as we see these injuries but have to "sugar coat" them for the public.
Remember; 5th November a date when no one gives a damn about wildlife they terrify or kill so long as the morons get to hear a loud bang!
all photos (c)2025 Sarah Mills
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