Standing up for Nature
I sometimes think that this blog only writes about banning driven grouse shooting – important though that is to me, it is not the only thing in the world. But looking back over the year and the blogs I have written myself, there is a fair amount of variety. Here are some blogs, one from…
This blog will start posting again on 27 December
The December issue of British Wildlife came through my letter box yesterday but others must have got theirs earlier as I had a few emails and messages on social media about my column. Here’s a taster: ‘On the ground, local NE staff may well be doing their best, and will be doing some good, but…
In the latest GWCT email to members and supporters, their cheery chair, Ian Coghill, spreads the Christmas good will by asking for money so that most people don’t get what they want after Brexit but what farmers and gamekeepers want! Post-Brexit Policy Appeal As we leave the EU, the GWCT…
Defra has just published old and incomplete maps of raptor persecution events on the Magic system. These are worth having a glance at and I’ll be looking at them more closely through the day, as I’m sure will Raptor Persecution UK (this is right up their street), but if you have ever looked at the…
The Westminster government is very keen on presumed consent. This week it has said that it wishes to move towards a position of presumed consent for organ donation, ie that unless we opt out then we are presumed to be opted in. That’s fine by me However, the government had a blow this week to…
Just have a look through this collection of artwork going on sale at Christies from Tillypronie – there are some fantastic paintings on the market including a whole clutch of Thorburns, Lodges and some Scotts too. The two illustrated here are by George Lodge and are quite superb. There is a wide variety but the…
Blue Planet blues? Think of the Kittiwake. This really is a ‘sea’ gull – the most marine of all our gulls. It’s a classy looking bird with its black legs and ‘dipped in ink’ wing tips, smooth elegant grey plumage and friendly, intelligent and coquettish look. A strong contender for the Audrey Hepburn of the…
Yesterday evening was the last of the seven episodes of Blue Planet 2 – I’ll miss it next week. This closing episode addressed sideways on, if not completely head on, the fact that we are screwing the planet. It was a brave attempt which was partly successful. ‘There is hope’ appeared to be the message…
George Monbiot, Natalie Bennett, Chris Packham. What a great alliance! Join them please. Sign the e-petition to ban driven grouse shooting Join the thunderclap to spread the word