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Operation Turtle Dove criticises Turtle Dove reintroduction scheme

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Operation Turtle Dove is a collaboration between RSPB, Pensthorpe Conservation Trust, Fair to Nature and Natural England (click here) which aims to improve the dire status of Turtle Dove’s in the UK. On its website the four bodies say: Operation Turtle Dove is aware of reports of individuals and groups releasing captive-bred Turtle Doves. Whilst…

BSBI press release – Rare fern rediscovered in iconic Cwm Idwal – more than 150 years after last sighting

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The Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) is thrilled to announce the rediscovery of Holly Fern (Polystichum lonchitis) in Cwm Idwal, a glacial cirque in the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia). The fern was found by naturalist, author and mountain leader Jim Langley, more than 150 years after it was last seen in the area. Holly Fern…

A tale of (one, two, three, four) fleabanes

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I blame Trevor Dines (click here) for the fact that I glanced at a plant in the car park of the Helston Premier Inn last week and wanted to know what it was. With my (lack of) botanical knowledge it was a toss-up between realising it was a plant I’ve seen thousands of time before…

RSPB comment on Defra burning announcement and Defra summary of consultation responses

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In response to this morning’s announcement by Defra of tighteneing of reguations on vegetation burning on peat soils, Beccy Speight, RSPB chief executive, said: “Extending the ban on burning over peat in the English uplands is a hugely positive step forwards towards protecting these precious habitats and reducing carbon emissions. Peatlands are one of nature’s greatest superheroes,…

Defra press release – a move forward on burning on deep peat soils

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Burning banned on England’s deep peat to protect wildlife Ban on burning heather and grass on deep peat extended to improve air quality for local communities, reduce flood risk and protect wildlife. Local communities are set to benefit from improved air quality, following an announcement that the government will extend the ban on burning vegetation on deep…

The new Defra, all female, team

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Following the departure of Angela Rayner, and a smallish reshuffle, the new Defra team is led by Emma Reynolds (in place of Steve Reed) and in comes Angela Eagle as Minister of State (replacing Daniel Zeichner). Mr Reed directly takes the place of Angela Rayner at Housing, Communities and Local Government – let’s hope he…

Guest blog – Taking a stand for marine protection by Chris Corrigan

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Chris Corrigan is CEO of the Sussex Wildlife Trust and has worked in nature conservation for almost 40 years. He spent most of his career with the RSPB, most recently as Director England, but has also worked for BirdWatch Ireland and Butterfly Conservation and is a trustee of the South Georgia Heritage Trust. He is…

Sunday book review – The Highland Cow and the Horse of the Woods by Roy Dennis

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This is the latest wonderful book by the wonderful Roy Dennis. I have reviewed three of them here; Cottongrass Summer (my book of the year in 2020, click here), Restoring the Wild (click here for review) and Mistletoe Winter (shortlisted as a book of the year for 2021 (click here)). I reckon this book is…