Just a dead Greenfinch

Found in the garden. It’s just a dead Greenfinch – but then again I haven’t seen many dead Greenfinches in my life.  In fact, you don’t see that many dead birds do you?  Certainly not considering how many live birds there are – and they all die sometime. I suppose it’s the same with people….

Saint Patrick

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! Saint Patrick has some dodgy environmental credentials although his walking stick grew into a living ash tree and he used the shamrock to illustrate the Holy Trinity.  But driving the snakes from Ireland – what was that all about? Could he please come back and rid Britain of Muntjac Deer, Canada…

Oscar Dewhurst – Bittern

Mark writes: a great image of a Bittern at Minsmere – they will be booming there today, no doubt. Oscar has sent me the details (camera, lens etc) for his images but at the moment I can’t read them – rather oddly.  When we accomplish this piece of communication then I’ll add them. I haven’t…

Sunday Book Review – The Twitch by Kevin Parr

This is one of two books I bought in Oxford the week before last.  The first was in the shop window and caught my eye so I went inside and then this cover and title caught my eye so I bought it too.  Both purchases were testaments to the power of advertising – or communication. …

Breaking news – Sanctuary saved?

Reports suggest that plans for a cycle track which would wreck the Sanctuary Local Nature Reserve have been abandoned by Derby City Council.  Delays to the scheme – due to the brave and, it seems, effective – legal challenge by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust mean that the cost effectiveness of the plans is now in doubt. …

361 days to go…

And so we say farewell to the Cheltenham Festival for another year. Here are some random thoughts: the whole experience was life-enhancing the company of friends is one of the best things in life Margaret’s pie is simply the best Cheltenham racecourse is rather cruel to have a ‘Ladies’ Day’ in early March when some…

Guest Blog – Fifty shades of Grayling by Carol Day

Carol Day has worked for environmental NGOs, including The Wildlife Trusts and WWF, for over 25 years. She now works as a Solicitor for Leigh Day where she runs the Environmental Planning and Litigation Service (EPLS ) and is also a part-time Legal Consultant for the RSPB. The views expressed here are her own. Mark’s…

Cheltenham preview for Day 4

This is the last day – and the worst day of racing (in my opinion).  Yes it has the most prestigious race, the Gold Cup, but the supporting cast of races is a bit uninspiring. This year I’ll be watching the Gold Cup on TV rather than travelling back across the Cotswolds. But, don’t get…