Peter Wathern

A biogeographical study of plant communities and environmental gradients on South Uist, Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Abstract Plant community types and underlying environmental gradients in the Outer Hebrides have not been described in detail, although a number of general accounts of the flora and vegetation exist. Satellite imagery was used to locate a transect for phytosociological survey across the island of South Uist. Species cover and a range of environmental variables were described for a total of 212 quadrats along this transect. Sixteen plant community types were identified using Two Way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN) and the prevailing environmental gradients were determined using Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CANOCO). The communities were related to the National Vegetation Classification of the British Isles and general plant communities previously described for the Outer Hebrides. The vegetational history of the transect area was also described from pollen analysis of a core obtained from Lake Hellisdale on the transect. The position of these 16 community types along the environmental gradients i...

Intervener funding in the environmental assessment process in Canada

Intervener Funding (IF) has been adopted in Canada as a means of providing financial assistance to individuals or groups to allow them to participate in the Environmental Assessment process. In Ontario funds are allocated to interest groups (interveners) when their interests represent an issue which is significant to the public likely to be affected by a proposed development, and when a separate representation would assist the Environmental Assessment Panel. While the value of IF is well established, there is still a clear need to extend its application. Legislation Ls required at both federal and provincial level not only to ensure that adequate funding is made available but also to establish independent funding committees to administer the process, in particular to enforce eligibility criteria.

Assessing the impacts of policy: A framework and an application

Abstract The paper describes a framework for policy appraisal and its application to a retrospective assessment of the EC LFA policy. Appraisal is shown to be dependent upon the ability not only to predict the effects of a policy during its formulation, but also to assess its impacts after implementation. During policy formulation it is important to describe the baseline situation and to identity potential impacts, conflicts with other policies, and appropriate monitoring schemes. Methods previously used in project EIA, namely matrices and flow diagrams, appear to have an application in policy appraisal. After implementation, appraisal should follow a strict sequence of legislative, procedural and substantive review. In assessing policy impacts, environmental change and the causal factors responsible for change must be identified and dissociated from the effects of other policies. The main impacts of the LFA policy in the U.K. have been on upland vegetation and farm amalgamation, but indirect effects on upland landscapes, recreation, wildlife and water resources have also probably occured. In the U.K., application of the policy has not realised its objectives.

Recent upland land use change and agricultural policy in Clwyd, North Wales

Abstract Analysis of map-based data reveals a dramatic post-war transformation in land use within two study areas in upland Clwyd, North Wales. The major change has been a great reduction in the extent of rough grazing. The decrease in dwarf shrub vegetation is of particular significance for the upland environment. Agricultural statistics indicate that the demise of rough grazing is inversely related to sheep numbers. In these areas, headage payments under the European Community (EC) Less Favoured Areas (LFA) directive have encouraged farmers to increase stocking rates up to the maximum level attracting subsidy. This level is beyond the carrying capacity of the semi-natural vegetation of these areas and farmers have carried out grant-aided improvements, particularly grassland conversion, in order to sustain these high sheep numbers. Important deficiencies in the adequacy of present data on land use and agricultural change in upland areas are reviewed in this paper.

Upland policy and archaeological resources in North Wales

Abstract Implementation of post-war policies for the uplands has resulted in considerable impacts upon archaeological resources, which have gone largely unrecorded. A study of western Clwyd, North Wales has identified forestry and the improvement of upland vegetation for agriculture as primary causes of damage to archaeological sites. Both involve deep ploughing which is particularly destructive. Evidence suggests, albeit on a small number of samples, that Scheduled Ancient Monuments, despite their statutory protection against damage, are equally at risk as other sites of lesser importance.

Ecological issues in Thai environmental assessment scoping guidance

This research examines the ecological content of Thai environmental impact assessment guidelines that provide formal scoping guidance. The guidelines for power plants, industrial projects, dams and harbours as well as the general guidelines were analysed using review criteria. Generally, ecosystem, habitat and species population aspects feature strongly. The requirements for data presentation are more highly developed than issues related to ecological processes. All guidelines lack precise details as to how an ecological impact assessment should be carried out. There are many deficiencies in the treatment of ecological aspects, especially relating to existing studies and impact assessment. This evidence should feed into the improvement of ecological impact studies in Thailand.

UK interpretation and implementation of the EEC Shellfish directive

The EEC Shellfish Directive is a policy designed to protect and, where necessary, improve the quality of designated shellfish waters. Its implementation within the UK, however, has had no effect upon water quality for two reasons. First, the policy has important defects, having ambiguities concerning public health provisions and lacking designation criteria. Second, UK government has sought to achieve formal compliance, while at the same time ensuring that its full financial impact on public expenditure has been contained. Consequently, only those fisheries which already comply with water quality standards have been designated. Within Wales, one fishery has been designated, while other, commercially more important, but grossly contaminated shellfisheries have not.