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

The Inglorious 12th

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A week today the grouse shooting season opens (although because it’s Sunday there won’t be any shooting). I wrote this book, Inglorious, to document the ills of driven grouse shooting and to help energise a movement for change. We aren’t there yet – but we are getting closer all the time. Thank you to everyone…

Tim Melling – Tengmalm’s Owl

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Tim writes: this small owl inhabits in the boreal forest zone across Scandinavia, Siberia and North America, nesting in old woodpecker holes or nest boxes.  Although it is relatively numerous it is one of Europe’s most difficult owls to see as it is largely nocturnal, though in the short summer nights at high latitudes it…

And now there are seven (Icelandic whaling letter from tour operators)

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The letter below was sent to nine travel companies asking them whether they would sign up. So far we have seven signatures and two refusals (see below). I have no beef with the two companies, so far, who have said a polite ‘no’. All companies are different, they face different constraints and signing this letter…

A letter to the Icelandic Prime Minister

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Yesterday I sent this letter to the Prime Minister of Iceland.  The postage costs £1.25. Katrín Jakobsdóttir Stjórnarráðshúsinu við Lækjartorg 101, Reykjavík Iceland Dear Ms Jakobsdóttir (written by hand) Commercial whaling in Iceland I am writing to urge your government to take further steps to end commercial whaling in Icelandic waters.  I have watched whales…

Tomorrow, Sheffield kicks off 2018 Hen Harrier ‘days’

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Tomorrow morning Sheffield kicks off a great line-up of Hen Harrier Day events (a week ahead of anyone else!). Last year’s event on Devonshire Green was very good – I’m sure this one will be too.     The best of luck to all the speakers – and if you possibly can show your support…