Press release: Asian hornet: Second Fowey nest destroyed

The National Bee Unit has located and destroyed a second Asian hornet nest in Fowey, Cornwall.

The Asian hornet is smaller than our native hornet and poses no greater risk to human health than a bee. However, they do pose a risk to honey bees.

Investigation work by the National Bee Unit has continued in the area since the discovery of a nest in the town earlier this month. That nest was promptly destroyed and removed.

Work is now on-going to ensure no further nests are present. Local beekeepers in the surrounding area are supporting this effort, including in Liskeard where a single sighting of an Asian hornet occurred. Members of the public are also encouraged to report any further sightings of Asian hornets.

Nicola Spence, Defra Deputy Director for Plant and Bee Health, said:

While the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than a bee, we recognise the damage they can cause to honey bee colonies.

I am pleased our well-established protocol to contain them is working so effectively in Fowey.

Intensive surveillance by inspectors from the National Bee Unit has taken place around Hull, East Yorkshire, after the finding of a dead Asian hornet in a house. No further Asian hornets have been seen in the area. There is no evidence to suggest the sighting in Hull is linked to the sightings in Cornwall.

Nicola Spence added:

It is reassuring that we have seen no further hornets in Hull however the discovery of a second nest in Fowey emphasises the need for continued vigilance.

During September the number of hornets in a nest can reach a peak and this will increase the chances of members of the public seeing this insect.

I want to encourage people to look out for any Asian hornets and if you think you’ve spotted one, please report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online.

If you suspect you have seen an Asian hornet you can report this using the iPhone and Android app ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ or by emailing alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk. Identification guides and more information are available.



News story: A visual guide to Exercise Saif Sareea logistics

The UK’s lead exercise of 2018, Exercise Saif Sareea 3 (SS3), is taking place this autumn in Oman. It has been years in the making, with Joint Forces Command at the very centre. Delivering an expeditionary exercise on this scale brings a host of complex challenges for Joint Forces Command and the wider Ministry of Defence, from ensuring 24/7 medical cover to making sure drinking water never runs out.

This ‘Guide to Exercise Saif Sareea logistics’ helps explain this monumental effort, outlining who is responsible for this kind of military exercises abroad, and how they are delivered safely and effectively. Please see the Twitter details at the bottom of the page to stay on top of all Saif Sareea 3 news.

What is Exercise Saif Sareea 3?

‘Saif Sareea 3’, shortened to SS3, means ‘Swift Sword’ in Arabic. It is the name for the UK-Omani military exercise taking place in Oman from October to November 2018.

What is Exercise Saif Sareea 3?

Who runs the logistics for Exercise Saif Sareea 3?

The ‘Joint Force Logistics Component’ (JFLogC) oversee and deliver the logistics for Exercise Saif Sareea 3 (SS3).

Who runs the logistics for Exercise Saif Sareea 3?

What do Exercise Saif Sareea 3 logistics look like on the ground?

The ‘Joint Force Logistics Component’ (JFLogC) are harnessing resources across the army, navy & RAF to deliver the UK’s logistics capability for Exercise Saif Sareea 3 (SS3) in Oman.

What do Exercise Saif Sareea 3 logistics look like on the ground?

How do you keep 5,500 UK troops safe whilst on exercise in Oman?

Exercise Saif Sareea 3 (SS3) will test the UK and Oman’s ability to deploy a ‘Coalition Joint Task Force’ to the Gulf region and operate in austere and challenging conditions together.

How do you keep 5,500 UK troops safe whilst on exercise in Oman?

ComdJFC_UK, @DefenceOps, @DefenceHQ, @UKinOman,



News story: Martin Cave confirmed as Ofgem Chair

The Business and Energy Secretary, Greg Clark, has confirmed Martin Cave as the new Chair of Ofgem, the independent regulator of gas and electricity markets in Great Britain. Dr Cave will take up his position on 1 October.

Ofgem’s role is to protect the interests of existing and future electricity and gas consumers, promoting value for money, security of supply and sustainability.

Prior to taking on this role, Martin has undertaken a number of roles in government including as Economic Adviser to Ofcom between 2003 and 2006. He has been appointed to lead several high profile reviews within government, which is testament to his credibility in the sector.

Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Clark said:

We are determined to see active regulators who put consumers interest at the heart of their work, the appointment of Professor Cave to lead Ofgem will ensure that.

Professor Cave has an impressive track record and is well respected for his work regulating the utility markets. I have no doubt he will use his wealth of expertise to protect consumers whilst we continue to build and upgrade our energy system to make it fit for the future.

This appointment has been endorsed by the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee following the pre-appointment hearing which took place on 3 July.

Martin Cave will take up his role as a Non-Executive Director (NED) of Ofgem until he becomes Chair on 1 October after being found appointable during the recent NED appointment process.



News story: Commendations awarded to outstanding JFC staff

The awards were presented to the recipients by Commander Joint Forces Command (JFC), General Sir Chris Deverell, who also took time to meet with the recipients and their families. Offering his congratulations, he said:

Joint Forces Command is a major enterprise which strives to harness the talent and energy of all its people. The commitment of the workforce is a fundamental element of JFC success and I am delighted to be able to recognise people and celebrate their achievements.

The individuals and teams I have met today, and those who were unable to attend the ceremony due to operational commitments are an inspiration and have gone above and beyond their normal role to provide great support to defence, and we thank them for this

Teams and individuals from a number of different areas received awards in recognition for their work. This included work supporting ongoing operations at home and abroad, working in the local community and also recognition for individual acts of courage in the line of duty.

Commander Kearsley, who received a commendation for his work in J9 Maritime, said:

It is one of the proudest moments of my career to date and it was an honour to be presented the award at Admiralty House by General Deverell

Flight Lieutenant Lindsay was recognised for his work with Information Systems and Services, had the following to say:

It is a proud day and realising that someone has put a lot of effort into recognising his work and nominating him, and receiving the award was a shock

The Commander JFC Commendations can be awarded to service personnel, civil servants and contracted staff from across the organisation. Those awarded the Commander Joint Forces Command Commendations are:

  • Major Martin Ness, Standing Joint Force Headquarters
  • Mrs Mandy Diane Childs, Civil Servant
  • Major Alexander Daniel Whitaker, Joint Force Development
  • Major Paul Morris, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Joint Force Command C41SR
  • Corporal Michael Andrew Jenkins, Royal Air Force. Royal Air Force Wyton
  • Corporal Mark David Latimer-Jenkins, Royal Air Force, Joint Service Signal Unit (Digby)
  • Corporal Thomas Routledge, Royal Air Force, Royal Air Force Waddington
  • Major Robert Leasing John Monger, Corps of Royal Engineers, Permanent Joint Headquarters, Northwood
  • Squadron Leader Graeme Richard Watkin Jones, Royal Air Force, Chairman of the Royal Air Force Martial Arts
  • Team Award Op CARBRIT Team, Permanent Joint Headquarters, Northwood Headquarters
  • Flight Lieutenant George Jack Lindsay, Royal Air Force, ISS Blandord
  • Mr Paul Turton, Civil Servant, Senior Trainer at Training Delivery Division
  • Commander David Christopher Moody, Royal Navy, Strategic Command and Control Networks
  • Mr Alexander Jacques part of the CROSSBOW Team, Royal Air Force Wyton
  • Lieutenant Commander Iain Peter Kearsley, Royal Navy, J4 Maritime
  • Lieutenant Commander Charles Richard Keith, Royal Navy, Permanent Joint Headquarters
  • Corporal Brendon Grant Bale, Royal Air Force, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
  • Lieutenant Colonel Mark Edward Johnson-Ferguson, Corps of Royal Engineers, Headquarters British Forces Cyprus


Guidance: Higher Tier manual for 1 January 2019 agreements: Countryside Stewardship

Use the manual to understand the rules and conditions that apply to Higher Tier agreements.

Use the Higher Tier and Mid Tier options, supplements and capital items documents:

  • to understand the rules for each option, supplement and capital item
  • for advice on carrying out options, supplements and capital items

Use Countryside Stewardship (CS) forms to support your agreement.

The manual has portrait and landscape pages. Before printing, select ‘auto rotate’ in your printer settings.