This is a book about extinct animals – I’m personally interested in extinctions and so I thought I might enjoy this book, but, obviously it would depend on the way the author handled the subject and the quality of the writing. I did enjoy this book. Eleven species are given their own chapters; two mammals…
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
Tim Melling – Spoonbills
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Tim writes: these two Spoonbills flew over me at St Aidan’s RSPB reserve in West Yorkshire in September. Spoonbills fly with their necks outstretched unlike herons and egrets that tuck their necks in while flying. This is an adult on the left plus a juvenile with black wing tips and I was pleased to catch…
Saturday cartoon by Ralph Underhill
Press release – Langholm Initiative
South of Scotland’s biggest community buyout completes The South of Scotland’s largest community buyout has been legally completed following one of the most ambitious community fundraising campaigns ever seen and paving the way for the creation of a vast new nature reserve in Dumfries and Galloway. The landmark agreement of £3.8 million for 5,200 acres…
Blackbird chorus
I was awake before 3am, and it was raining. But at 5am the rain had ceased and I listened to the dawn chorus – a Blackbird chorus. It was simply wonderful. A free treat. Not of our making, and not for us, but nonetheless something we can enjoy. I seem to be going to bed…
National Trust re-introduces beavers to South East England site after Somerset success
Two beavers have been introduced into a hidden valley cared for by the National Trust, on the flanks of the South Downs First introduction by the National Trust in south east England Local supporters have helped fund the scheme, on land that was bought by local people to be donated to the Trust Aim is…
Farming Today on lead
Farming Today had a chat about lead ammunition this morning (7 minutes into the programme). Readers of this blog won’t have learned anything much (the research mentioned was covered here on 26 February, and Tuesday’s government announcement was covered on Tuesday) but in less than a month’s time this blog won’t be bringing you the…
Guest blog – Who gives a toss by Jonathan Wallace
After studying zoology at university Jonathan was involved in ornithological research and conservation for a number of years in France, Scotland and West Africa. Subsequently he has spent most of his career as an environmental consultant, assisting industry in managing its environmental impacts. Wildlife, particularly insects, remain his first love however and he is a…
Guest blog – Catching up with nature by Heather Buttivant
Heather Buttivant is a writer, educator and marine conservationist based in Looe, Cornwall. She specialises in introducing people to the magic of the rock pools. Her new children’s book, Beach Explorer: 50 things to see and discover is out on 1 April with September Publishing. Her website www.cornishrockpools.com was named BBC Wildlife Magazine’s Blog of…
I just don’t understand it
With the news, from untrustworthy DEFRA, that they are going to drag their feet for another two years and then, perhaps, do something about lead ammunition we cannot be sure that we are really that close to an end to the shooting of lead into our environment and into our food. But, it goes without…