BLOG POSTS
Press release – Langholm Initiative
South of Scotland’s biggest community buyout completes The South of Scotland’s largest community buyout has been legally completed following one of the most ambitious community fundraising campaigns ever seen and paving the way for the creation of a vast new nature reserve in Dumfries and Galloway. The landmark agreement of £3.8 million for 5,200 acres…
Blackbird chorus
I was awake before 3am, and it was raining. But at 5am the rain had ceased and I listened to the dawn chorus – a Blackbird chorus. It was simply wonderful. A free treat. Not of our making, and not for us, but nonetheless something we can enjoy. I seem to be going to bed…
National Trust re-introduces beavers to South East England site after Somerset success
Two beavers have been introduced into a hidden valley cared for by the National Trust, on the flanks of the South Downs First introduction by the National Trust in south east England Local supporters have helped fund the scheme, on land that was bought by local people to be donated to the Trust Aim is…
Farming Today on lead
Farming Today had a chat about lead ammunition this morning (7 minutes into the programme). Readers of this blog won’t have learned anything much (the research mentioned was covered here on 26 February, and Tuesday’s government announcement was covered on Tuesday) but in less than a month’s time this blog won’t be bringing you the…
Guest blog – Who gives a toss by Jonathan Wallace
After studying zoology at university Jonathan was involved in ornithological research and conservation for a number of years in France, Scotland and West Africa. Subsequently he has spent most of his career as an environmental consultant, assisting industry in managing its environmental impacts. Wildlife, particularly insects, remain his first love however and he is a…
Guest blog – Catching up with nature by Heather Buttivant
Heather Buttivant is a writer, educator and marine conservationist based in Looe, Cornwall. She specialises in introducing people to the magic of the rock pools. Her new children’s book, Beach Explorer: 50 things to see and discover is out on 1 April with September Publishing. Her website www.cornishrockpools.com was named BBC Wildlife Magazine’s Blog of…
I just don’t understand it
With the news, from untrustworthy DEFRA, that they are going to drag their feet for another two years and then, perhaps, do something about lead ammunition we cannot be sure that we are really that close to an end to the shooting of lead into our environment and into our food. But, it goes without…
BASC bailing out GWCT
BASC is leaping to prop up GWCT in these difficult times – it seems that the ordinary shooter has to bail out the organisation which probably has more millionaire donors than almost any other in the rural area. Meanwhile, GWCT is relying on selling snoods to escape financial difficulties – click here.
Slow progress on lead ammunition ban
Nearly six years after DEFRA received the completed report of the Lead Ammunition Group recommending that lead ammunition be phased out, DEFRA has asked for a review of the impacts of lead ammunition so that perhaps it can be phased out in two years’ time. The information on impacts of lead ammunition on wildlife, the…