Author: Mark

Born Bristol, UK Educated: Cleeve House School Bristol, Bristol Grammar School and Downing College Cambridge Ph.D. University of Aberdeen, Winter activity of pipistrelle bats. NERC post-doctoral Research Fellow, Edward Grey Institute, Oxford University Former Conservation Director of the RSPB, 1989-2011

Friday book review – Naturalist by Edward O. Wilson adapted by Jim Ottaviani & C.M. Butzer

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This is a graphic adaptation of the great E.O. Wilson’s memoir Naturalist. I haven’t read the original but I have pretty much read all of this graphic book, and enjoyed it very much. On the back cover it is claimed that this book is ‘Perfect for all, young naturalists and accomplished scientists alike‘ and whereas…

Stephen Moss’s 2020 Round-up of Nature books.

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Stephen Moss is a naturalist, author and course leader of the MA Travel & Nature Writing at Bath Spa University. His latest book, The Swallow: A Biography, is published by Square Peg (£12.99). Here is his annual round-up of books about wildlife, nature and the environment. @stephenmoss_tv [Mark writes: where I have read and reviewed…

Press release – UK Overseas Territory becomes one of the world’s biggest sanctuaries for wildlife (Tristan da Cunha Government, RSPB, National Geographic)

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UK Overseas Territory becomes one of the world’s biggest sanctuaries for wildlife The Government and people of Tristan da Cunha make visionary declaration with support of an international partnership including the UK Government, RSPB, National Geographic Pristine Seas, Blue Nature Alliance, Becht Family Charitable Trust together with Blue Marine Foundation, Wyss Foundation, Kaltroco, Don Quixote…

Writing, reading and comprehension over non-native gamebirds.

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I think Matt Cross writes quite well, it’s his reading and comprehension that let him down! This is the Matt Cross who leapt into a long Twitter chain which contained a gross error because he hadn’t properly read the papers on which he was commenting. He has calmed down a bit now, for his current…

More avian/poultry flu cases in captive and wild birds.

Mark Comments Off on More avian/poultry flu cases in captive and wild birds.

Poultry establishments: 2 November nr Deal, Kent 2 November, nr Frodsham, Cheshire 11 November, nr Leominster, Herefordshire ‘Wild’ birds including non-natives: Canada Goose and Greylag at WWT Slimbridge, Glos ‘Swan’ nr Dawlish, Devon (this was a Black Swan and cygnets according to the BBC) ‘Goose’ nr Weymouth, Devon (illustrated with a Canada Goose in the…

Press release on HS2

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William Hague questions HS2 Ltd’s due diligence in relation to wildlife law William Hague (Lord Hague of Richmond) has written a letter to the Rt Hon. Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Transport, in support of evidence relating to potential wildlife crime issues of the High Speed Two (HS2) project, compiled by a team of…

Lockdown2 – the first week’s bird list

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My Lockdown2 garden bird list is a fairly servicable 27 species, so far. Nothing unusual but the occasional flocks of Redwing, Fieldfare and Skylark make me attentive to what is up in the sky. Here’s my list so far: Woodpigeon Collared Dove Black-headed Gull Common Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Sparrowhawk Red Kite Buzzard Green Woodpecker…

Guest blog – A Pheasant Surprise? Possible Implications of In-Combination Effects on the Gamebird Shooting Industry by Richard Wilson

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Richard Wilson is a professional ecologist with 20 years’ experience undertaking surveys for a range of clients, His specialist knowledge is in invertebrate and avian ecology, and his technical knowledge informs Environmental Impact Assessments, including when relevant, Appropriate Assessment. His professional background has led to a keen interest in EU and UK law in the context…

Joint press release RSPB and HIWWT

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Plans for Portsmouth ‘super peninsula’ should be binned not backed, say wildlife charities – 4000 new homes and new marine hub would rip up internationally important wildlife site and tear a hole through legal safeguards – Development could destroy vital line of natural defence against rising sea levels, meaning the public will pay over decades…