Coronavirus

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Stressed by lockdown? Turn to Nature

How do we remain healthy and well during particularly challenging times – such as pandemics? A number of studies show that being in or even near natural environments, can help a great deal regarding both our physical health and vital associated mental well-being. Science Daily…   A study published in Ecological Applications suggests that nature around one’s home may help mitigate some of the negative mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. An online questionnaire survey completed by 3,000 adults...

10 Nature Activities – Get Your Family Through Coronavirus Pandemic

This was written in March 2020 but us still ‘very, very relevant’ – by Richard Louv… If the coronavirus spreads at the rate that experts believe it will, schools, workplaces and businesses will continue to close. Here’s a thread of silver lining. We’ll have more time for each other and nature. And, at least so far, nature’s always open. Getting outside — but at a safe distance from other people — can be one way to boost your family’s resilience....

2020 review : people, Nature, coronavirus

The earth from space – above – might give the impression of ‘life as usual’ … this year of 2020 has been anything but! The truth, I would argue, is hidden in plain sight. We know of the completely tragic human consequences; let’s remind ourselves of what happened in Nature – arguably some ‘good news’ ? Here’s my review of some key news items… The Guardian reported how diseases spread more rapidly , when Nature is damaged : The human...

COVID-19 impact on the animal kingdom

While the human tally of COVID-19 cases has risen, animal cases have remained novelties. As of this moment, you can count the affected species on one hand: lions, tigers, domestic cats, dogs, mink. The pets contracted the virus from their owners; the big cats, likely from an asymptomatic caregiver; and the mink, likely from fur farm workers or possibly other infected animals.Beyond that conclusion is a sea of unknowns. There’s no evidence that domesticated animals can pass the virus to humans, but there’s...

Turtles on the beach!

When Kosum Kao-Uthai’s family noticed mysterious imprints in the sand outside the hotel resort they own in Koh Samui, she knew exactly which animal had paid a visit. She remembered spotting the same marks, left by a nesting sea turtle, when, as a teenager, she helped her father farm coconuts on the island. Kosum hadn’t seen another for five decades. Yet, this year, as the coronavirus pandemic emptied Thailand of tourists, nests belonging to endangered hawksbill and green turtles cropped up...

Beat COV19 blues – hug a tree!

Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority is encouraging people to hug a tree to overcome feelings of isolation. After flattening a coronavirus infection curve in May, Israel has experienced a spike in cases over the past few weeks. Can’t embrace friends and family these days? Hug a tree instead. That is the message Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority is spreading on social media to try to help people overcome the sense of detachment that coronavirus social-distancing rules can bring. “The most...

Young people need positive roles in nature

The young birder and environmental campaigner Mya-Rose Craig – a friend of this blog – believes the coronavirus lockdown has had a positive impact on the environment. “Wildlife has been doing much better, as it is less disturbed by people, traffic and dogs. We are listening, noticing and looking much more,” she says. “Hopefully, people will continue to do these things now lockdown is easing, which can only benefit nature and our health.” ( source : The Guardian) “The highlights...

Learning with Nature during lockdown? [competition]

The British Ecological Society is running a competition – answer the question ‘Have you learned from nature during your time in lockdown’ ? Have you done some maths, counting butterflies? have you drawn pictures of creatures in your garden? anyone under the age of 16 years of age can enter – deadline is Monday 13th July at 10am British time Full entry details visit – https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/learning-and-resources/learning-resources/learning-with-nature/ Some of the prizes...

Forest sounds mapped

Help to create the first ever forest ‘soundmap’ of the world. Timber Festival — a three day festival celebrating people’s connection to trees and woodlands through music, art, and ideas — has launched Sounds of the Forest, an ambitious project that aims to connect people with trees and one another by gathering sounds of woodlands and forests from across the world. Normally, people would be gathering at Timber Festival in the National Forest, but this year of course, due to coronavirus, the festival...

Marine pollution and Coronavirus

More masks than jellyfish : coronavirus waste ends up in ocean, reports The Guardian ‘Conservationists have warned that the coronavirus pandemic could spark a surge in ocean pollution – adding to a glut of plastic waste that already threatens marine life – after finding disposable masks floating like jellyfish and waterlogged latex gloves scattered across seabeds. ‘ As a carer in a nursing home, I fully appreciate the essential need for what are called PPE – personal protective equipment. Masks...

Native versus introduced…

Nice night time visitor or large invader? Spotted the above in my backyard tonight…. At first , I was excited as it’s ‘wildlife’ and I am enthused to ID life that I had not seen before – a frog! Seeing a creature at night , is particularly exciting and important at this time of Coronavirus lockdown, when we want to be more aware of what’s in our local environment. So, I ran inside, returned with my camera, zoomed in for...

Plants in your garden

With the Coronavirus meaning that we cannot access museums, botanical gardens, zoos, National parks etc – we turn to Nature in our backyards and nearby. Here are some online resources to help out your IDENTIFICATION needs UNITED KINGDOM The Botanical Society has great ID resources here The Field studies centre excellent charts – note there is a cost Biodiversity resources might be helpful You could Bioblitz your garden If you have Wildflowers contact Wildflower Society UNITED STATES For United States...

Bats

As bats are getting a hard time – with their connections to Coronavirus- these already creatures shouldn‘t ‘require’ any clarifications but ‘Just because’ here are some facts and myths exploded… The Guardian sets the record straight about bats and coronavirus Top ‘Bats’ websites Bats Conservation UK has many excellent resources / twitter @_BCT Bat Conservation International the United States based website / @BatConIntl Bats and flying foxes rescue (Australia) Australasian Bat Society / twitter @AusBats...