Peak Park Mismanagement – who introduced the Ostriches?

In a consultation document similar to the one above, the Peak District National Park introduces the Ostrich into the uplands of England.  Rarely has a public body been seen to stick its head into the peat, but that’s what the Peak District NP is doing. Last year the PDNPA consulted on its draft plans for…

Inaction speaks louder than words

The most remarkable aspect of the preliminary results of the 2014 national Peregrine survey (organised by the BTO but I read about it here) is that the UK population of this species has hardly changed in 12 years – a 3% increase since 2002.  The last Peregrine I saw was a couple of weeks ago…

Being open

Members of the ‘Sodden 570’ at last year’s Hen Harrier Day event in the Upper Derwent Valley will recognise this area  – we were getting soaked just off the left hand (western) side of the map on 10 August last year. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act provided open access to open ground (in…

High Peak Vision, Henry?

What’s that Henry? You support the National Trust’s High Peak Vision and wish they’d get on with it as quickly as possible?  I so agree Henry.  Are you a member of the NT? I am.

Hen Harrier Day update

The possibility of five events, across the North of England, all on Sunday 10 August, to show public outrage at the criminal killing of Hen Harriers, is being explored. The RSPB supports Hen Harrier Day but other wildlife conservation organisations have kept quiet so far.  We are waiting for the county wildlife trusts, individually or…

A burning question for the National Trust

This blog has been a bit critical of the National Trust in the past, suggesting that it isn’t taking its nature conservation work sufficiently seriously, and so  it gives me great pleasure to highlight an excellent piece of work, nearing fruition, by NT.  It’s such good news it is worth being the second blog of…

An everyday story of country folk

Last week, a scene in a long-running play was acted to a conclusion.  The play is a bit of a ‘whodunnit’ with heroes and villains – but since we haven’t yet seen the ending there is time for villains to repent.  Sometimes it’s difficult to know on which side some people are until the final…