Tim Melling – Star Jelly

Tim writes: while walking on the Peak District moors this morning I came across some Star Jelly, which I have only seen once or twice before. I took this photograph on my phone but I thought it was too interesting to keep to myself. I hope you agree. So what is Star Jelly? Well it also…

This blog’s Books of the Year, 2020

I’ve reviewed over 40 books here this year – a record. Here’s where I reveal my shortlist of eight books which might have been my book of the year, and then the two of them, because I gave up trying to choose between them, that are my joint Books of 2020. I’ll give you my…

RSPB statement on Number 10’s 10-point plan

In response to the Prime Minister’s 10-Point Plan, Beccy Speight, chief executive of the RSPB, said: “We are facing a nature and climate emergency, so must take this opportunity to build back better. While we welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement of new money, new national park designations and new landscape plans, in truth this barely…

Nature books and gender

It is a privilege to have published Stephen Moss’s round-up of nature books for the last three years, including this year’s which was published here yesterday. The number of books covered increases every year and many have said that this year provided not only a bumper crop but also more really good books than usual….