Author: Simon H King

Writer, speaker and environmentalist

Maxwell Knight Symposium – commemorating the original “Nature Detective” and Second World War MI5 agent by Victoria J. Burton (12253)

Posted on by Simon H King in Amateur Entomologists' Society, Conservation

Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society Maxwell Knight (1900-1968) was an all-round naturalist and friend of AES founder Leonard Tesch. Maxwell Knight’s writings and his radio and television broadcasts influenced tens of thousands of people, especially youngsters. The Maxwell Knight Commemorative Symposium was held on Saturday 24 November 2018 at Birkbeck College in London, and marked the fiftieth anniversary of … Continue reading Maxwell Knight Symposium – commemorating the original “Nature Detective” and Second World War MI5 agent by Victoria J. Burton (12253) →

Plummeting decline: ‘may lead to the extinction of 40% of the world’s insect species over the next few decades.’

Posted on by Simon H King in Biodiversity

The report, published in the journal Biological Conservation, says 'intensive agriculture is the main driver of the declines,' particularly the use of  'agro-chemical pollutants' combined with urbanisation and climate change. The scientific review reports that over 40% of insect species are threatened with extinction over the next few decades. Highlights: Over 40% of insect species are threatened … Continue reading Plummeting decline: ‘may lead to the extinction of 40% of the world’s insect species over the next few decades.’ →

John and Margaret Cooper would like to express their personal thanks to Simon King

Posted on by Simon H King in Commemorative Maxwell Knight Symposium, John E Cooper, Margaret Cooper, Maxwell Knight Symposium 2018, Simon H. King, The Frightened Face of Nature

"Our friend Simon King has been a constant source of encouragement and support in the recent investigations into the life and work of Maxwell Knight (MK). Simon offered to take, temporarily to store, and then to catalogue, the contents of Maxwell Knight’s filing cabinet.  This was an enormous undertaking; the undertaking was greatly expedited by the enthusiastic … Continue reading John and Margaret Cooper would like to express their personal thanks to Simon King →

Happy New Year!

Posted on by Simon H King in Conservation

Looking forward to sharing more from the FFON with you in 2019. Happy New Year. Simon - FFON

At the DIT Christmas International Trade Reception at Lancaster House

Posted on by Simon H King in Conservation, Simon H. King

I thoroughly enjoyed attending the DIT Christmas International Trade Reception at Lancaster House (London) on 5th December at the invitation of the Secretary of State for International Trade, the Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox; it's been wonderful to represent Haith's as a Board of Trade award winner and spend 2018 as a Northern Powerhouse Champion. … Continue reading At the DIT Christmas International Trade Reception at Lancaster House →

Maxwell Knight, John Bingham and John le Carré by award-winning crime writer, Martin Edwards

Posted on by Simon H King in Conservation, John Bingham, John le Carré

Before he earned fame and fortune writing under the name John Le Carre, David Cornwell earned pocket money from part-time artistic work – such as illustrating Maxwell Knight’s Talking Birds. Cornwell, like Knight’s friend and trusted subordinate John Bingham, was then working for the secret services. The three men had something else in common: they … Continue reading Maxwell Knight, John Bingham and John le Carré by award-winning crime writer, Martin Edwards →

Thanks for your encouragement and support for the Maxwell Knight Symposium

Posted on by Simon H King in Commemorative Maxwell Knight Symposium, Maxwell Knight Symposium 2018

A message from John E Cooper, Margaret E Cooper and Simon H King:  Thank you for your encouragement and support for the Maxwell Knight Symposium (MKS). The day went well and the audience participation and encouragement was fantastic and we hope you enjoyed it. If you couldn't attend the event, you can get a good feel for the … Continue reading Thanks for your encouragement and support for the Maxwell Knight Symposium →

Living Planet Report 2018: a warning sign for our planet

Posted on by Simon H King in Conservation, WWF, WWF's Living Planet Report

A wake-up call from the WWF: Wildlife populations around the world have declined by 60% since 1970. It’s time to decide. Are you for the world, or against it? Join the #FightForYourWorld http://ow.ly/BUMv30mrGOz

Maxwell Knight Symposium 2018 video invitation from Prof. John E. Cooper.

Posted on by Simon H King in Conservation, John E Cooper, Maxwell Knight Symposium 2018

MAXWELL KNIGHT SYMPOSIUM 2018 THE BRITISH HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY (BHS) COMMEMORATIVE SYMPOSIUM London, Saturday 24th November 2018. Birkbeck College, 43 Gordon Square (“School of Arts’ annex”), London WC1H 0PD Organised by the British Herpetological Society (BHS), with support from the British Chelonia Group (BCG), the Amateur Entomologists Society (AES), the Institute of Animal Technology (IAT), The Frightened … Continue reading Maxwell Knight Symposium 2018 video invitation from Prof. John E. Cooper. →

The International Trade Banquet

Posted on by Simon H King in Simon H. King

Given by The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor Alderman Charles Bowman at The Mansion House on Wednesday 17th October 2018. It was my pleasure to attend this inaugural Banquet recognising the importance of The City - better known as 'the square mile' - and its connections with the Department for the International Trade and the … Continue reading The International Trade Banquet →

Commemorative Symposium – Maxwell Knight, nature detective and MI5

Posted on by Simon H King in Conservation

This year, 2018, marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Maxwell Knight, OBE, FLS. A symposium in November will provide an opportunity for veterinary surgeons and others, especially those interested in conservation, captive-breeding of endangered species and public education, to learn more about “the spy who loved nature”. To listeners of his BBC radio … Continue reading Commemorative Symposium – Maxwell Knight, nature detective and MI5 →

Kenya presentation: “Gorillas in the midst of war” – Saturday, 18 August 2018

Posted on by Simon H King in Conservation, Kenya

FFON contributors John and Margaret Cooper share their two years' experience working with mountain gorillas in Central Africa, discuss the history of the discovery, and the role played by Dr Louis Leakey and others, in learning more about the biology of these usually gentle and elusive great apes. Bookings: info@kenyamuseumsociety.org

“The mysterious Mr Knight: spymaster to be celebrated.” – Cage & Aviary Birds magazine July 18.

Posted on by Simon H King in BBC Natural History, Commemorative Maxwell Knight Symposium, Conservation, John E Cooper, Margaret Cooper, Maxwell Knight Symposium 2018, The Frightened Face of Nature

Thanks, Cage & Aviary Birds for the article "The Mysterious Mr Knight: spymaster to be celebrated" in this week's publication. Registration for the Maxwell Knight Symposium is via The British Herpetological Society website Organised by the British Herpetological Society (BHS), with support from the British Chelonia Group (BCG), the Amateur Entomologists Society (AES), the Institute … Continue reading “The mysterious Mr Knight: spymaster to be celebrated.” – Cage & Aviary Birds magazine July 18. →

Registration is now open for the 2018 Maxwell Knight Symposium

Posted on by Simon H King in Conservation

Register today for this unique event. Places are limited. For more information about the day and for booking information, please visit the British Herpetological Society (BHS) website #nature #M #MaxwellKnight #wildlife #spy #MI5 #conservation #animals #Press

LATEST NEWS: Venue/date confirmed for Maxwell Knight Symposium

Posted on by Simon H King in Conservation, Maxwell Knight Symposium 2018

Latest news 28/6/2018: Birkbeck College ("School of Arts' annex") is now confirmed as the venue for the Maxwell Knight Symposium.   Further details about the Maxwell Knight Symposium can be found here. John and Margaret Cooper.

Simon H King Future of Global Trade Delegate – Expert Forum

Posted on by Simon H King in Conservation, Simon H. King

The Future of Global Trade – Expert Forum, Whitehall Suite, Royal Horseguards, Wednesday 27th June 2018 Event Overview The Future of Global Trade – Expert Forum (27th June 2018) was a small, senior-level roundtable, which was hosted by the Secretary of State for International Trade, Rt. Hon. Dr Liam Fox at the Royal Horseguards Hotel, Westminster. … Continue reading Simon H King Future of Global Trade Delegate – Expert Forum →

David Attenborough calls for advertisers who feature animals to contribute to their welfare

Posted on by Simon H King in Conservation, The Lion's Share Fund

Around one in five ads we see feature animals because animals in adverts capture viewers' attention. But what's in it for the animals? Little, or most likely, nothing. In the meantime, many of the world's animals are under threat and habitat loss and degradation of habitat are key reasons for declines. If only these animals … Continue reading David Attenborough calls for advertisers who feature animals to contribute to their welfare →

Stop garden bird feeders from spreading disease

Posted on by Simon H King in Conservation, Garden birds

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) issues guidelines for disease prevention at bird feeders and recommends bird food is purchased from accredited resources - but what on earth do they mean by 'accredited resources'? The BTO is “calling on everyone who feeds wild birds to be aware of their responsibilities for preventing disease. Simple steps … Continue reading Stop garden bird feeders from spreading disease →

Bon Voyage? 250 Years Exploring the Natural World

Posted on by Simon H King in The Society for History of Natural History

The Society for the History of Natural History's (SHNH) summer meeting and AGM in association with the BOC, World Museum Liverpool is set for Thursday 14th and Friday 15th June 2018 (Optional visit to Knowsley Hall, Wednesday 13th June). The event marks the 250th anniversary of Captain James Cook’s first voyage to the Pacific. A … Continue reading Bon Voyage? 250 Years Exploring the Natural World →

Is this British agriculture’s chance to be more nature-friendly post-Brexit, or will the efforts of more than 100 farmers, with a new vision to ‘restore British wildlife, reverse declines in soil quality and help manage impacts of climate change’ fall on stony ground?

Posted on by Simon H King in Climate change, Conservation, Nature-Friendly Farming Network NFFN

I've written numerous articles about farm birds declining by more than 50% since the 1970s. The problem is that we see this kind of figure brandished about so often that we eventually become immune to bad news, and then it becomes the norm - the new baseline data. In other words, birds can continue to … Continue reading Is this British agriculture’s chance to be more nature-friendly post-Brexit, or will the efforts of more than 100 farmers, with a new vision to ‘restore British wildlife, reverse declines in soil quality and help manage impacts of climate change’ fall on stony ground? →