Bees at risk due to use of banned pesticide

The Government, for the second year running, has allowed for a banned bee-harming pesticide to be used by sugar beet farmers in England, threatening our precious pollinators In making the decision ministers went against the explicit advice of their own scientific advisors not to allow the pesticide to be used. Environmental organisations the RSPB, Friends of the Earth, Buglife & The Wildlife Trusts say the decision goes against the government’s green promises, and will ultimately lead to the harm of...

World Heritage: Artists links Sweden & Africa

Artist Imke Rust brings UNESCO World Heritage sites ‘Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes’ and ‘Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland’ closer ‘Worldresidency programme of one month at the World Heritage property ‘Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland’ (Sweden), was awarded to artist Imke Rust from Namibia/Germany. The call for applications was open for people from all over the world, including researchers, artists or other cultural actors and creators. Imke’s winning proposal explored the links between the World Heritage site in Sweden and the Namibian World Heritage...

In praise of plants

The new series “The Green Planet” by naturalist Sir David Attenborough – begs the question ‘why did it take so long for such a brilliant series to be made at all’ . In these already pandemic-stressed times,  it’s best not to ask and the answer would likely come…. ‘for a range of reasons’. Great news – it has received high acclaim including putting plants. Here, as a result, we kick-start a new series about websites, films, books and facts about...

Celebrating the lion

BORN FREE DECLARES 2022 ‘YEAR OF THE LION’ A year of action for lions in honour of the birthday of our fearless founder and lionheart, Bill Travers MBE, who would have been 100 today. “It’s not that I am more interested in animals than humans, I’m just interested in life”   Born Free is dedicating  2022 as the ‘Year of the Lion’, with an ambitious and intensive 12-month focus on securing a wild future for these magnificent animals. All in memory...

Trees are important

Trees are vital. As the biggest plants on the planet, they give us oxygen, store carbon, stabilise the soil and give life to the world’s wildlife. They also provide us with the materials for tools and shelter. Not only are trees essential for life, but as the longest living species on earth, they give us a link between the past, present and future. It’s critical that woodlands, rainforests and trees in urban settings, such as parks, are preserved and sustainably...

Dinasour : Rutland ichthyosaur fossil is largest found in UK

“The largest UK example of a predator that roamed the seas at the time of the dinosaurs has been uncovered. The 33ft (10m) long ichthyosaur fossil, which is about 180 million years old, was found at Rutland Water Nature Reserve. Similar in shape to dolphins, the reptiles – known as sea dragons – varied in size from 3 – 82ft (1 – 25m). Anglian Water, which owns the area, said it was now seeking funding to protect and display the...

Plants are finally in the spotlight!

They count, they hunt, they deceive, they communicate, they protect their relatives and they manipulate animals for their own ends.  With “The Green Planet” – a brand new five-part series entirely dedicated to plants and fungi fronted by passionate naturalist Sir David Attenborough – at the  Plantlife charity we are all enormously excited to see the BBC kick off 2022 with a firm focus on plants some twenty-six years after The Private Life Of Plants aired on BBC One. Sir...

Richard Leakey – “the man who saved the animals”

  Richard Leakey: Kenyan conservationist dies aged 77   “Richard Leakey, a world-renowned Kenyan conservationist and fossil hunter has died aged 77. ( on January 4th )  He told his rangers to shoot poachers on sight and organised the spectacular public burning of a huge haul of ivory.  His groundbreaking work contributed to the recognition of Africa as the birthplace of humankind. He also spearheaded campaigns to stop poaching in Kenya, famously burning the country’s stockpile of poached ivory. Kenyan...

New year’s Resolutions: reconnecting with Nature – journaling

Keep a notebook and get drawing Learning to draw the flora and fauna you see can have a major impact on your skills as a naturalist, according to botanical artist Julia Trickey. ( BBC wildlife magazine) “Most of us can identify well-known flowers and trees – but how much detail can we really recall?” asks Julia. “Observational drawing encourages you to look carefully at the world around you, getting into the detail – of flowers, for example: the number of...

Reconnecting with Nature : good reasons to try Birdwatching

As we continue the series of “ways to connect with Nature”, why not consider the amazing hobby that is Birdwatching….. So what’s so good about watching birdlife? PHYSICAL FITNESS. GREAT CARDIO. Speaking of hiking, it’s a great cardiovascular activity. … REDUCES STRESS. … INCREASES MENTAL FITNESS. … MORE BIRDS = LESS DEPRESSION & ANXIETY. … MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION. … IT MAKES YOU A BETTER PERSON. … COMMUNITY. 10. Birds are all around us. No matter where you live, there are...