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…
BLOG POSTS
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. …
The week in birding by Jonnie Fisk
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Saturday cartoon by Ralph Underhill
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…
Vermin
We (and I am talking England here) don’t have a vermin list. I’m glad about that. Whenever I hear someone talking about vermin it makes my metaphorical hackles rise. Why should we regard any species that has evolved on this planet as being a problem? Yes, individuals of species can cause us problems but it…