We like it when it’s personal

We cope much better, in a way, when we can identify a villain and deal with them, than we do when a problem has many contributors, particularly if we ourselves are part of the problem. The furore over Fred Goodwin’s knighthood which has led to him being ‘stripped’ of his ‘Sir’ title is a case…

Guest blog – Mark Infield – Feeling for nature

Mark Infield is the Director of Cultural Values and Conservation Programme, Fauna & Flora International. As a child I grew up exploring the fields and woodlands, ponds and streams where I lived.  This was the starting point for a life-long engagement with nature and its conservation.  My interest in nature and commitment to its conservation…

Fun, and well worth the effort

It was more of a challenge than usual to fit doing the Big Garden Birdwatch into a busy weekend but I am glad that I did. Looking out the window and eating crumpets and Marmite whilst drinking tea isn’t the most arduous form of field work I have known – and there is always the…

An everyday story of country folk

Last week, a scene in a long-running play was acted to a conclusion.  The play is a bit of a ‘whodunnit’ with heroes and villains – but since we haven’t yet seen the ending there is time for villains to repent.  Sometimes it’s difficult to know on which side some people are until the final…