Conference meets to discuss bio-diversity plans

SCIENTISTS, conservationists and local folk interested in country affairs will meet tomorrow (October 17) to discuss the future of bio-diversity in the Dales despite setbacks caused by the foot and mouth crisis.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority launched a ten-year-plan to study and improve conditions for flora and fauna last October following the famous Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 where governments throughout the world were asked to take measures to reverse the decline in the world environment.

The British Government asked UK bodies to take up the challenge and the Dales national park spent two years planning and costing its plans - only to launch them four months before foot and mouth was first reported.

And although the crisis has hit parts of the programme - researchers could not visit some important wildlife sites because of movement restrictions - the Yorkshire Dales Biodiversity Forum will meet to discuss the first year's work.

Dr Tim Thom, a park ecologist commented: "The first year of the Biodiversity Action Plan has been marked by the worst crisis to hit Dales farming and the wider economy. The effects on biodiversity have been mixed and one year on the Forum will give us the opportunity to reflect on progress to date."

"The day will allow us talk through some of the initiatives that have happened despite the crisis, including our education and species protection work and the developments to agri-environment schemes.

"The afternoon will be spent looking at community involvement and how we can further involve the public in delivering the aim of a healthier environment for all of the area's plant and animal life."