Latest news with #UniversityofGloucestershire
BBC News
6 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Stroud dipper bird survey to reveal data on River Frome health
A research project looking into declining dipper bird populations could provide a valuable insight into the health of the River have been invited to help with the Stroud Valleys Dipper Project by monitoring the species, which is highly sensitive to changes in water acidity and University of Gloucestershire said the nature of the birds made them an important bio-monitoring species for freshwater lecturer in practical ecology at the university, Dr Mark O'Connell, said he wanted to find out if developments along the River Frome were going to "damage biodiversity". "The River Frome and its tributaries are more than 56 miles (90km) in length and there is a lot of development in the catchment," he said. "We need to know if that change is going to damage biodiversity." He said the dipper is an "excellent" indicator of river health."It is impossible to monitor everything, so instead we use bio-indicators," he explained. "Dippers feed on water invertebrates, and pollution can affect their populations."The project is asking volunteers to take part in the survey and add any dipper sightings to a O'Connell said one of the project's aims is to "set a baseline" for dipper populations in the Stroud Valleys so there is "something to measure change against". The International Union for Conservation of Nature has 'Amber Listed' the European dipper due to a 39% decline in the UK since 1995, which means there is cause for concern about the species' conservation Dr O'Connell said there was hope of reversing the decline, including by slowing down the volume of water that enters the river during rainfall."We're taking a complicated environmental situation and coming up with practical solutions," he said."We can put the bends back in the river and implement leaky dams, which slow down the river."Changes also need to be made to agricultural practices, making them less intense so that there are fewer pesticides and less fertiliser being used, resulting in less pollution in rivers."
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mission to boost cyber skills as number of jobs rise
Students are being matched up with cyber experts to boost skills in the industry amid more jobs. The University of Gloucestershire is running a programme to build a "talent pipeline", aimed at ensuring the county has the skilled workforce it needs to meet future job demands. The scheme pairs students from schools and colleges with local cyber businesses, which offers them apprenticeship opportunities. Clare Marchant, the university's vice-chancellor, said while there is a lot of cyber opportunities, there is "a lack of skills at the moment". "We know a lot of talent leaves Gloucestershire year-on-year, so we need to be keeping that talent in Gloucestershire. "That's what businesses want and we can facilitate that," Ms Marchant said. "We know there's so much going on in Gloucestershire. We've got GCHQ just down the road, we have the Golden Valley development coming. We need to be primed and have that talent pipeline coming through," she said. The Golden Valley development aims to confirm Cheltenham as the UK's cyber capital. The first phase of construction is the cyber park itself, which includes 1 million sq ft (93,000 sq metres) of commercial space, a car park and bus stops for services to Cheltenham Spa railway station. Ms Marchant said it was vital cyber learning starts at an early age. "One of the things we are focused on is really ensuring we develop their skills and that needs development from late primary and early secondary, rather than just when individuals hit 16 or 17," she added. Cyberis, a cyber security consultancy, is among the businesses participating in Gloucestershire's Launch Pad Programme, which was launched last year. Will Gould, from Cyberis, said it is something the company has been looking at for a while. "We're at the size now where we can take on an apprentice and give them the attention that they require. "It's fantastic for our business to grow and also bring up the next generation of security experts," he said. Students will learn a range of skills, including traditional infrastructure, cloud and general cyber security. Adam joined the programme in 2024 and has been working as an apprentice for a local cyber security business. "It allows me to get all the work experience I need from going straight into employment, as well as obtaining a good quality degree at the same time," he added. Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Nobody safe from cyber attacks, says council boss Plan for phase two of cyber park near GCHQ revealed
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Gloucestershire in pics: Water, water everywhere
It's been another sunny week across Gloucestershire, but some homes in Matson got an accidental soaking after a water main burst. They've been celebrating the long-awaited reopening of a road in Nailsworth and planting thousands of trees in Stroud. Plus we have the usual stunning sunsets and floral displays to keep us entertained. Water bursts: This photo shows the scale of the water burst in Matson this week. This white house was damaged throughout Wednesday whilst thousands of gallons of water covered it. And there was also a second water burst on Thursday in a different area of Gloucester. It never rains - but it pours. Just pretend: University of Gloucestershire students were involved in a simulated clash between demonstrators and counter-protesters this week which has challenged the skills of students working under pressure. Peaceful settings: This orange sky was gorgeous as the sun set in Dursley this week. This stunning image was taken by weather watcher AndrewB. Stately: The Badminton Horse trials came to an end on Sunday, closing off days of equestrian challenges in the sunshine in front of tens of thousands of spectators. Community celebrations: There were cheers in Nailsworth this week to mark George Street being accessible once again - after it was unexpectedly closed for four weeks due to a gas main line being hit. Tree-mendous: The team at Stroud Valleys Project have been looking back with pride at their work, which has seen nearly 20,000 trees planted in the area over the past five months. Funky flowers: Thanks to weather watcher Beaky for taking this picture of these gorgeous pink flowers in the sunshine in Woodmancote. Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Gloucestershire in pics: Jazz fever in Cheltenham Gloucestershire in Pictures: Keeping it cool Gloucestershire in Pictures: A tryfest at Kingsholm Gloucestershire in pics: Narrowboats and bluebells Gloucestershire in Pictures: Pelicans and dancing Gloucestershire in pics: Blossom and community Gloucestershire in pics: Derby delight and sunsets Gloucestershire in pics: EMF, penguins and rugby Gloucestershire in pics: Loud outfits and stunning sunsets Gloucestershire in pics: Pancakes and rugby wins Gloucestershire in Pictures: Spring sunshine and stadium renaming Gloucestershire in pictures: Wildlife and history Gloucestershire in pictures: Celebs and canines Gloucestershire in pictures: Candlemas and frosts Gloucestershire in pics: Wolf moon and pine martens Gloucestershire in pics: Snow and sunrises Gloucestershire in pictures: Pink skies and frosty mornings Gloucestershire in pics: Festive spirit spreading Gloucestershire in pics: Decorations fit for a King Gloucestershire in pictures: Snow and winter walks Gloucestershire in pics: Winter walks and sunrises Gloucestershire in pictures: Sunsets and fireworks Gloucestershire in pics: Pink skies and autumn trees Gloucestershire in pictures: Floods and rugby Gloucestershire in pictures: Super moons and epic challenges Gloucestershire in pictures: Medals and rainbow clouds Gloucestershire in pictures: Stars and soap boxes Gloucestershire in pictures: Rowing records and fantasy characters Gloucestershire in pictures: Farm fun and public art
BBC News
17-05-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Gloucestershire in Pictures: Matson fountains and showjumping
It's been another sunny week across Gloucestershire, but some homes in Matson got an accidental soaking after a water main been celebrating the long-awaited reopening of a road in Nailsworth and planting thousands of trees in we have the usual stunning sunsets and floral displays to keep us entertained. Water bursts: This photo shows the scale of the water burst in Matson this week. This white house was damaged throughout Wednesday whilst thousands of gallons of water covered it. And there was also a second water burst on Thursday in a different area of Gloucester. It never rains - but it pours. Just pretend: University of Gloucestershire students were involved in a simulated clash between demonstrators and counter-protesters this week which has challenged the skills of students working under pressure. Peaceful settings: This orange sky was gorgeous as the sun set in Dursley this week. This stunning image was taken by weather watcher AndrewB. Stately: The Badminton Horse trials came to an end on Sunday, closing off days of equestrian challenges in the sunshine in front of tens of thousands of spectators. Community celebrations: There were cheers in Nailsworth this week to mark George Street being accessible once again - after it was unexpectedly closed for four weeks due to a gas main line being hit. Tree-mendous: The team at Stroud Valleys Project have been looking back with pride at their work, which has seen nearly 20,000 trees planted in the area over the past five months. Funky flowers: Thanks to weather watcher Beaky for taking this picture of these gorgeous pink flowers in the sunshine in Woodmancote.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ukrainian Festival to 'bring refugees together'
Organisers of a festival celebrating Ukrainian culture say the event will "bring refugees together" and "provide joy". The Gloucester Ukraine Festival will feature art exhibitions and music performances from Ukrainians based all over the UK who have fled the conflict. It will include a 60-metre-long selection of paintings and photographs called 'Lines of Resistance', which will be showcased in Ukraine as a "message of solidarity". Event volunteer Robin Burton said: "This festival aims to introduce the people of Gloucester to the incredible richness of Ukraine culture". More news stories for Gloucestershire Listen to the latest news for Gloucestershire The event will take place at the The Folk of Gloucester from 3 May to 18 May. Olha Barvynka, artist and curater of the 'Scattered Light' exhibition within the Gloucester Ukraine festival, said she is "very proud" to be part of it. The name of the exhibition "stems from the idea that we as refugees are scattered around here and there with all our different stories", explained Ms Barvynka. It is a mixed-media exhibition spanning across multiple rooms, which features the work of 10 Ukrainian artists - two of whom are currently in Ukraine. Ms Barvynka, who is originally from Bila Tsverkva in Kyiv, moved to the UK in April 2023 and now lives in Cheltenham. She discovered her passion for art whilst in Ukraine, and is now in her second year of a Fine Art degree at the University of Gloucestershire. "The exhibition has helped to reunite and bring hope and confidence to many of these artists," she said. "Some of these artists didn't know each other and I can see how it has helped uplift them." Artist Russell Haines, who curated 'Lines of Resistance', said the piece will "document Gloucester's grassroots response to the Russian invasion". "All of the paintings and small artworks are for sale, to help us take Lines of Resistance to Ukraine", he said. "Our goal is to exhibit the painting in Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Odesa, as a message of solidarity from Gloucester to the people of Ukraine before bringing it back to Gloucester to be exhibited here". The festival will also feature performances from the Bristol Kozachky Choir and Stroud-based dance group Styx Border Morris. It will exhibit the work of Ruslan Ganushch, a war photographer who was killed in the conflict earlier this year. "[The festival] aims to give refugees from the conflict in Ukraine, the opportunity to get together and be proud of their own culture", Mr Burton added. "It aims to provide everyone with as much joy as possible". Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Ukrainian's new shop to make city a little sweeter MP who went to Ukraine admires country's resilience Future remains uncertain for Ukrainians in county Gloucester Ukraine Festival
