Latest news with #grassland
BBC News
08-08-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
People urged to avoid bonfires after Bicknacre field fire
A fire service has warned people against starting bonfires after one got out of control in a field and damaged four acres of grassland. Essex Fire and Rescue Service said crews from three stations were called to a field fire on Bicknacre Road, in Bicknacre, at about 12:55 BST on Thursday. Firefighters worked to prevent the fire from spreading to houses and it was extinguished by 13:50. Ben Stapleton, station manager, said: "This fire was caused by a bonfire burning out of control and we'd urge anyone planning to have a bonfire as the weather gets hotter to hold off until we've had some more rain." Mr Stapleton said with ground is very dry, bonfires can "quickly" spread out of control. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ohio landowners can get paid to restore native grasslands
COLUMBUS — Millions in new funding is available for Ohio landowners who want to create grassland habitats that support native wildlife. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has $9 million in grants for landowners interested in restoring grasslands for species like the northern bobwhite quail and other grassland-nesting birds, according to a community announcement. The program is designed to help reverse population declines in grassland birds, which have suffered from habitat loss across Ohio and the nation. Grant awards are available for both cropland and non-cropland, and landowners can receive funding on a per-acre basis or by the number of projects. Contract agreements are planned to last from one to four years. The Division of Wildlife and the National Bobwhite and Grasslands Initiative Foundation are partnering to provide free, hands-on technical assistance to landowners. Interested participants are encouraged to contact a wildlife management consultant to start planning conservation efforts with expert guidance. 'This grassland habitat program is a win-win for landowners and wildlife,' John Kaiser, private lands program manager for ODNR Division of Wildlife, said in the announcement. 'Healthy native grasslands support pollinators, improve soil health and create vital cover for birds and other wildlife. With the right guidance and support, landowners can make a big difference.' The program is expected to evaluate long-term impacts on habitat improvements, bird populations and broader social and economic benefits, according to the announcement. Projects are customized to align with each landowner's goals, such as improving soil health, increasing recreation value, supporting livestock or enriching wildlife diversity. 'This partnership is more than just funding; it's about bringing together people who care about working lands, biodiversity, and long-term stewardship,' Matt Gardner, state regional Conservation Partnership Program coordinator for the National Bobwhite and Grasslands Initiative Foundation, said. Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service's Regional Conservation Partnership Program as part of a multi-state initiative to restore native grasslands. This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: ODNR offers funding for Ohio wildlife habitat restoration Solve the daily Crossword
BBC News
22-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Greystones Farm nature reserve could soon double in size
A grassland habitat could double in size as an old farming approach is set to be used to boost biodiversity. Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust's proposal for the Greystones Farm nature reserve in Bourton-on-the-Water involves reinstating a traditional beef herd for trust said this change will help to increase the area of farmed land that also benefits nature, supporting farmland birds such as McLaughlin, CEO of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, said it will give them "better control over how the site is grazed" and "boost nature". During the trial, the fields nearest the farm buildings will be rested for longer periods, allowing the grasses and flowers to grow during the summer months. This will boost the number of seeds and nectar for insects, mammals and is hoped this will also encourage more plants to thrive in this "precious" habitat, the trust said. Mr McLaughlin said the "scale and impact" of the world's ecological emergency means "it is vital that we are doing everything we can to give nature a boost"."This is particularly the case on our own land that we hold for the benefit of wildlife and people's connection with the natural world," he said."Turnstone Farming Company have done a fantastic job in managing the dairy herd at Greystones Farm nature reserve over the last 10 years or so, and we thank them for all their efforts."It's an exciting new chapter for the Greystones Farm nature reserve that reflects its recent and ancient past, and we are looking forward to working in close partnership with the local community as we seek to bring this to reality in 2026."
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Field fire started accidentally, says fire service
A large field fire was believed to have started accidentally, a fire service has said. Crews tackled the blaze in Ravensden, near Bedford, on Friday, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said. About 25 acres (10 hectares) of grassland and hedgerow were destroyed, it added. It said crews used "a range of firefighting methods including hose reel jets and specialist lances" to put the flames out and stop it from spreading. The fire service warned people to "take extra care whilst out and about, especially with BBQs, smoking materials and any other kind of naked flame" during the warmer weather, when the ground was dry. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. You might also be interested in Council 'saddened' after fire destroys caravan site Crews tackle fire at derelict nursing home Bypass closed off as crews battle caravan park fire Related internet links Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
BBC News
20-07-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Ravensden field fire started accidentally, says fire service
A large field fire was believed to have started accidentally, a fire service has said. Crews tackled the blaze in Ravensden, near Bedford, on Friday, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said. About 25 acres (10 hectares) of grassland and hedgerow were destroyed, it added. It said crews used "a range of firefighting methods including hose reel jets and specialist lances" to put the flames out and stop it from spreading. The fire service warned people to "take extra care whilst out and about, especially with BBQs, smoking materials and any other kind of naked flame" during the warmer weather, when the ground was dry. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
