First-Ever Socorro Dove Chick Hatches at Whipsnade Zoo

Father and Son Socorro Doves

A type of bird that is reportedly extinct in nature, the Socorro dove, has hatched at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire - the first time the conservation zoo has bred this species. 

The precious little hatchling, which emerged from its egg in late August, marks a hopeful milestone in the global mission to bring the species back from the brink of extinction.

The chick's parents, who arrived from London Zoo in June, are part of an important international conservation breeding programme which is boosting the numbers of the rare birds so they can be reintroduced to their native habitat on Socorro Island, off the coast of Mexico.

With approximately 209 Socorro doves left in the entire world, cared for by fewer than 50 conservation institutions, the arrival of the chick is a significant boost - and along with nine others hatched at Whipsnade's sister-site London Zoo, the Socorro chicks cared for at the two ZSL zoos account for almost 5% of the species' entire population.

Gary Ward, ZSL's curator of birds, told That's Green: "To welcome the very first Socorro dove chick at Whipsnade Zoo is an incredible moment for us, but more importantly, it's a step forward for the survival of a species that would have otherwise been lost forever.

"These birds sadly only exist in human care, meaning that those of us looking after them in zoos are uniquely placed to protect the species, and return them to their native habitat in the not-too-distant future."

Socorro doves once lived in the dense woodlands of Socorro Island, but were declared Extinct-in-the-Wild in 1972, after severe habitat loss caused by deforestation combined with the introduction of non-native predators, sadly, decimated their numbers.

Whipsnade Zoo's tiny chick represents an important milestone for the Socorro Dove Project, an international initiative working to reintroduce this Extinct-in-the-Wild species to Mexico's Socorro Island. The project is a collaboration between ZSL (the conservation charity behind Whipsnade Zoo), key partners in Mexico, Frankfurt Zoo, African Safari, and other zoos within the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) networks, dedicated to safeguarding the species.

Gary added: "As a world leader in caring for and reintroducing Extinct-in-the-Wild species, and as a driving force in the IUCN SSC Extinct-in-the-Wild Action Partnership, ZSL is leading the recovery of the world's most threatened species - each Socorro dove hatchling is a genuine boost for this work and the Socorro Dove Project."

ZSL has previously helped to recover an Extinct-in-the-Wild bird species - the Sihek - after helping to hand-rear hatchlings of the kingfisher for release onto Palmyra Atoll, marking the first time the birds had been living in the wild for 40 years.

Tim Savage, manager of the bird team at Whipsnade Zoo, said: "Our Socorro dove chick is doing well and growing quickly. It's already taken the first step towards independence by fledging the nest - but will still be reliant on mum and dad for food.

"Dad has been doing the majority of parenting, keeping the chick company, feeding it, and encouraging it to forage for its own food too."

Every visit to Whipsnade Zoo supports ZSL's vital work to protect species and restore habitats across the globe. Find out more Whipsnade Zoo https://www.whipsnadezoo.org.

Learn more about the vital work of ZSL here https://www.zsl.org

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Charity Urges People to ‘Step Up for the Planet’ and Take Part in 2025 Rainforest Run

This September, hundreds of people across the world will lace up their trainers for the Rainforest Run 2025, International Animal Rescue’s (IAR) global virtual challenge to protect rainforests and the wildlife that depend on them.

“It’s the perfect challenge for anyone wanting to start running”, Jeanette from International Animal Rescue told That's Green.

“Participants can run, jog or walk 5km and raising money is a great motivation to keep going.”

Following last year’s success, with hundreds of participants running, jogging, and walking to raise vital funds, the movement is gaining momentum. Already, over 100 runners are registered for 2025, with more joining daily. So far for the 2025 Rainforest Run, participants have raised £2,180, planted 436 trees, and taken the first steps toward this year’s ambitious fundraising goal.

Team Orangutan Heads Into Action

This year, Team Orangutan will be led by The Kid Conservationist, whose passion and energy inspire young people everywhere to take action for the environment.

Meanwhile, wellness entrepreneur Valerie Orsoni @valerieorsoni will take on the challenge in a spectacular way, leading a team of ten women on The Rainforest Run while trekking through the rainforest to Kilimanjaro’s base camp. Their journey is a powerful symbol of commitment, courage, and solidarity for the planet.

Why It Matters

Rainforests are often described as the lungs of the Earth, absorbing carbon, producing oxygen, and providing a home for millions of species. Yet they are under constant threat from deforestation and climate change. The Rainforest Run gives everyone, everywhere, the chance to be part of the solution.

“By signing up, you’re not just running a distance, you’re running for the future of our planet,” said Gavin Bruce, CEO of International Animal Rescue. “Every step, every pound or dollar raised, and every tree planted brings us closer to protecting ecosystems that sustain life on Earth. We’re thrilled to see so many individuals, families, and teams join this year’s event.”

How It Works

On Sunday 28th September 2025, participants around the world will run, jog, or walk 5k or 10k in their own communities while raising funds to protect rainforests. Whether you’re an individual, part of a group, or even bringing along a four-legged friend, the event is designed for everyone.

There is a £10/$13 registration fee.

https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org

Planning Hurdle Cleared for Sloy Pumped Storage Project

The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, the independent charity that works to protect, promote and provide for the conservation of the National Park area’s special qualities, has welcomed news that Scottish and Southern’s Sloy pumped storage project near Tarbet on Loch Lomond has cleared an important planning hurdle.

Tarbet resident Duncan MacLachlan, who is one of the charity’s trustees told That's Green: “We're very pleased to see that the plans to redevelop the Sloy Power Station as a Pumped Storage facility have gone through the National Park’s planning processes successfully.

"The Section 36 category of the application has still to be assessed, but we are confident the Scottish Government will give approval, especially considering the valuable contribution the project will make to the country’s capacity to store surplus renewable solar and wind energy, providing stability for the national power distribution grid and boosting energy security. 

"As well as enhancing the status of Sloy Power Station’s iconic Modernist Classical building, it should also bring some much-needed economic benefit for the local community.”

https://www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk

Key Provisions of the Hedgerow Management Rules

1. Hedgerow Cutting and Trimming Restrictions

From 1 March to 31 August, cutting or trimming hedgerows is prohibited, except in specific circumstances. These include:

Safety Concerns: If the hedgerow obstructs public or private rights of way or poses a danger to users.

Health Risks: To prevent or treat serious plant, human, or animal health issues.

Statutory Requirements: Work mandated by a statutory body.

Hedge-Laying and Coppicing: Permitted during specific periods, such as 1 March to 30 April.

Sowing Oilseed Rape or Temporary Grass: Requires prior notification to the RPA and adherence to specific guidelines.

In these cases, notifying the RPA is essential, and records of all activities must be maintained 

2. Buffer Strip Requirement

A 2-metre buffer strip, measured from the centre of the hedgerow, must be established and maintained. Within this buffer:

No Cultivation: Land must not be cultivated.

No Pesticides or Fertilisers: Application of pesticides or fertilisers is prohibited.

This buffer strip is crucial for preserving hedgerow health and supporting wildlife corridors 

Enforcement and Compliance

The RPA is responsible for enforcing these regulations. While the approach is primarily advisory, non-compliance can lead to:

Civil Sanctions: Such as Stop Notices, Compliance Notices, and Variable Monetary Penalties (VMPs).

Criminal Prosecution: In cases of severe or repeated violations.

For instance, a VMP can be as high as £250,000 if deliberate non-compliance is detected 

Support Through Countryside Stewardship

Farmers and landowners can participate in the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) programme, which offers:

Financial Incentives: £13 per 100 metres of hedgerow per year.

Management Guidelines: Encouraging practices like hedge-laying and coppicing to promote biodiversity.

Capital Grants: For activities such as planting new hedges or filling gaps in existing ones 

These initiatives align with the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), supporting environmentally sustainable farming practices.

Practical Steps for Compliance

To ensure adherence to the hedgerow management rules:

Understand the Regulations: Familiarise yourself with the specific cutting and trimming restrictions and buffer strip requirements.

Maintain Records: Keep detailed records of any activities carried out under exemptions.

Notify the RPA: For activities like sowing oilseed rape or temporary grass, ensure prior notification is submitted.

Participate in Stewardship Programmes: Consider enrolling in CSHT or SFI for guidance and financial support.

By following these steps, land managers can contribute to the conservation of hedgerows and the broader environment.

ruralpayments.blog.gov.uk

NFU Energy: Supporting the Farming Community Toward a More Sustainable, Cost-Effective Future

In a time when energy costs are rising, regulations are tightening, and pressures to decarbonise are increasing, UK farmers need more than general advice — they need tailored, practical support. 

That’s where NFU Energy steps in.

What is NFU Energy?

NFU Energy is an energy consultancy service under the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) that’s specifically geared towards agriculture and horticulture. 

It does several things:

Helps farmers buy and sell energy — securing competitive energy contracts, handling the paperwork, managing supplier issues. 

Offers support to generate their own energy — through renewables like solar PV, wind, anaerobic digestion, etc., and helping with subsidies and feasibility. 

Helps with using energy more efficiently — audits, feasibility studies, advice on saving methods. 

Helps farmers stay compliant with regulations and make the most of schemes/discounts like the Climate Change Levy (CCL), RHI, etc. 

Key Ways It Helps Farmers

Here are some of the concrete benefits that NFU Energy brings to farms and growers:

Cost savings

NFU Energy helps members secure better energy deals, often with less effort on the farmer’s part. This includes negotiating contracts and acting as part of buying groups. 

For many farms, energy is a significant fixed cost. Even marginal savings on electricity, gas or fuel can make a real difference to profitability.

Access to renewable generation and diversification

Farmers are increasingly looking to generate their own energy — solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage — both to reduce their bills and potentially earn income from selling back to the grid. NFU Energy helps assess feasibility, find installers, understand the returns. 

Also, by partnering with accredited renewable installers (e.g. YLEM Energy, Infinite Renewables) NFU Energy reduces some of the risk and complexity. 

Regulatory compliance and financial incentives

Staying on top of energy regulation is tricky. For certain sectors (pig, poultry, protected horticulture), there are specific schemes like CCL (Climate Change Levy) discounts, Climate Change Agreements, etc. NFU Energy helps members manage their compliance, returns, data reporting. 

Practical help with efficiency

On-site energy audits, renewables feasibility studies, recommendations such as switching to LED lighting, variable speed drives for pumps/fans, electric vehicle alternatives — these are real, tangible actions that farms can take. 

Decarbonisation & long-term resilience

With net zero goals looming, farmers are under pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. NFU Energy works with local authorities & schemes (for example the North Yorkshire fully-funded decarbonisation initiative) to give farmers the tools to reduce emissions and become more sustainable. 

Reducing administrative burden

Much of the complexity of energy contracts, regulatory reporting, subsidy applications, etc., is offloaded from farmers to NFU Energy. That frees up time and reduces risk of costly mistakes. 

Challenges & Considerations

While NFU Energy offers a lot, it's not a magic wand. Here are some challenges/limitations:

Upfront costs: Even when feasibility and subsidy help is available, installing renewable technologies or making major efficiency upgrades can require significant capital.

Complexity & bureaucracy: Regulations, schemes, compliance can still be confusing, and not all farms have the capacity to act quickly.

Suitability: Not all farms will have the right geography, scale or infrastructure for certain technologies (solar, wind, battery storage).

Long payoff periods: Some investments only pay off after many years; farmers under financial pressure may struggle to wait.

Why It Matters Now

A few reasons NFU Energy is especially relevant in the current climate:

Energy prices remain volatile. Farmers face rising costs for electricity, gas, fuel, and are exposed to global energy markets.

Environmental regulations are tightening, plus there is increasing pressure (from policy, from consumers) to reduce carbon emissions.

Government grants and “green” schemes are more available now, but navigating them effectively is tricky; having specialist support gives an advantage.

Diversification is increasingly important for farm income resilience. Generating energy or selling back to the grid can provide an alternative revenue stream.

Success Stories & Examples

Here are a few examples of what NFU Energy has already done:

A pilot scheme in the North of England where 16 farms received free energy audits and renewable feasibility assessments. The recommendations included standard measures (LED lighting, variable speed drives) and options for renewables. 

The North Yorkshire decarbonisation initiative: 30 farms will be chosen to receive fully funded assessments (energy audits, renewables feasibility, soil carbon testing etc.) to help them reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving efficiency. 

What Could Be Improved / What to Watch For

To maximise the benefit of NFU Energy, here are some areas that might be looked at:

Ensuring that assistance reaches smaller farms, which may have less capacity or fewer resources.

Continuing to reduce paperwork, simplify applications, speed up decision-making for grants/subsidies.

More accessible financing options (loans, grants) so that farms don’t need to front large sums.

More regionally tailored advice, since what works (climate, grid access, planning permission etc.) can vary a lot.

Clear guidance and transparency around the payback times, risks, maintenance for renewable installations etc.

In Conclusion

NFU Energy represents a powerful resource for UK farmers and growers: helping reduce energy costs, improve efficiency, comply with regulations, and move toward more sustainable, resilient farming. Especially in times of rising costs and climate concern, having such specialist support is vital.

For those working in agriculture, keeping an eye on what NFU Energy offers — audits, renewable feasibility, compliance help — is more than just “nice to have”. It can make a material difference to the bottom line, to farm sustainability, and to future proofing operations.

To learn more visit https://nfuenergy.co.uk

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