The 25 year strategy

The government 25-year plan for the environment is a significant document. It covers most of the correct ground and says many good things. The proof of it, as noted by many others, will be in the extent to which it is delivered, but in six months Michael Gove has moved the Conservative Party quite some…

Oscar Dewhurst – Red Deer drinking

Oscar writes: I visited Bushy Park for the deer rut for the first time this year, as I had heard that the deer go in the water more than at Richmond Park. Sure enough this turned out to be true, with a large stag spending some time drinking in the early morning sun. I wish…

My library – Library Minus?

This blog isn’t about the natural world but it is about the political one in which the natural world sits. As an author I’m quite keen on people reading books – indeed last year I got the huge sum of £77 as my share of the Public Lending Right pot.  But the local library is…

Completely impossible to choose

What is the nation’s favourite nature book? The shortlist of 10 alleged nature books is open for you to vote for your favourite. How one can possibly choose between Fingers in the Sparkle Jar by my mate Chris Packham (which is a superb book but not really what I would class a nature book) and…

Tim Melling – Malachite Kingfisher

Tim writes: What amazing headgear this tiny Malachite Kingfisher has. Looks like it is dressed up for Ascot Ladies’ Day. Malachite Kingfishers are only about two thirds the size of the British Kingfisher but they have much longer crest feathers and have a different shade of blue on their backs. They are common and widespread…