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…
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
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…
BASC bailing out GWCT
BASC is leaping to prop up GWCT in these difficult times – it seems that the ordinary shooter has to bail out the organisation which probably has more millionaire donors than almost any other in the rural area. Meanwhile, GWCT is relying on selling snoods to escape financial difficulties – click here.
Slow progress on lead ammunition ban
Nearly six years after DEFRA received the completed report of the Lead Ammunition Group recommending that lead ammunition be phased out, DEFRA has asked for a review of the impacts of lead ammunition so that perhaps it can be phased out in two years’ time. The information on impacts of lead ammunition on wildlife, the…
Robin Page and the Countryside Restoration Trust
Robin Page has fallen out with some more people – but don’t worry, it’s all their fault and he is writing another book. Well, that’s part of Robin’s side of the story. The Countryside Restoration Trust website doesn’t seem to have noticed that he has gone, referring to Robin still as its ‘current executive chairman’….
Signs of Spring?
Have you noticed it’s Spring? I have, and it lifts my spirits. the first Brimstone in my garden was in January, and the second in February, but now they are frequent visitors along with Peacocks. You don’t get butterflies in winter so it must be Spring! less than a mile from my house there is…