I am delighted to introduce my first issue of Nature
News as acting Chair of JNCC.
I am enjoying being Chair immensely, not least because JNCC is
currently involved in so much important work. Moreover, the
development of a new strategy for the organisation and
implementation of the changes recommended by the Financial,
Management and Policy Review mean that we shall be facing together
many exciting challenges in the weeks and months to come.
The date for the appointment of a permanent Chair has not yet
been finalised, but I understand that I shall be acting until at
least August. I shall, of course, let you know who is to be
appointed as soon as I am able. In the meantime, I shall do all
that I can to provide JNCC with both the leadership and support
that it so richly deserves.
I am sure that everyone will join me in welcoming the
appointment of Marcus Yeo as Director of Resources and External
Affairs. His role will encompass the establishment of the new
organisation and our business profile within the UK, Europe and
internationally.
I look forward to working with him in his new capacity.
This eighth edition of Nature News highlights much of
the work JNCC is currently involved in, including the common
standards monitoring guidance which is now available on the JNCC
website, and the 'Development of a Framework for Mapping European
Seabed Habitats' (MESH) project. Moreover, this month sees the
addition of four more publications to our already extensive list:
the third edition of the Bat Workers' Manual; the
Estuarine Waterbirds at Low Tide book; the latest volume
of the Geological Conservation Review, and An
Illustrated Guide to British Upland Vegetation.
Finally, we have recently had success in winning our first
ever design award for the 2002-2003 Annual Report which
was awarded the 'Public Service Annual Report/Review of
the Year' at The 2003 Charity and Public Service Publishing Awards.
Congratulations to all JNCC staff for this achievement - a truly
communal effort!
With warmest good wishes to all those involved in or with
JNCC.
David Ingram
 Acting JNCC Chairman
receives Medal of Honour
Professor David Ingram, acting Chair of JNCC, has been
presented with one of the highest accolades in horticulture.
The Royal Horticultural Society's Victoria Medal of Honour
(VMH) is one of the RHS awards presented each year, which
recognises leading figures in UK horticulture. Established in 1897
with the assent of Queen Victoria, only 63 horticulturists hold the
VMH at any one time, to commemorate the length of Victoria's
reign.
Professor Ingram has been a member of the Committee since May
1999, initially as a representative of Scottish Natural Heritage,
before becoming an independent member. Deryck Steer, JNCC's
Managing Director, said of the award, "This represents recognition
of a lifetime of achievement in horticulture. The passion for his
work is clear to anyone that meets David. The RHS have been working
with JNCC on the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, so
indirectly we again find our two organisations linked. His award is
well deserved."
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