The Frightened Face of Nature (FFON)
Inspired by Maxwell Knight: MI5’s greatest spymaster ('M') & the original 'Nature Detective'
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
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
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 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.
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
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
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.
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 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.
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
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
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
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
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?
I'm wishing all readers of the Frightened Face of Nature (FFON) blog a wonderful 2018. Thank you for your support and kind messages. 2017 was a terrific year for the FFON team: John and Margaret Cooper announced that a commemorative symposium to celebrate Maxwell Knight, the original “nature detective” and Second World War MI5 agent would be … Continue reading Happy New Year!
There's something sinister about seeing an anti-pigeon spike in a tree. If birds are unwelcome in trees, where exactly are they welcome? In the countryside? Our ancient woodlands? Amongst the UK's forests, woods and trees? (As long as no vehicles are parked nearby!). Or have changes in the wider countryside and intensive farming methods forced … Continue reading Anti-pigeon spikes in Bristol trees
Yes. We're way past all the other alternatives. Put a price on the head of plastic bottles, and guess what? Fewer bottles will find their way into our oceans. In an ideal world, manufacturers would use fewer single-use plastic formats. I can't see that happening without significant pressure - here's why: Delivering products through the … Continue reading Should there be a bottle deposit scheme in the UK?
In 29 lessons, Dr Jane Goodall shares her insights into animal intelligence, conservation, and activism. Learn from the legendary naturalist Dr Jane Goodall in her first ever online class. Only available through MasterClass. Take action “There is still a window of time. Nature can win if we give her a chance.” In her first ever online class, Dr … Continue reading MASTERCLASS: DR. JANE GOODALL TEACHES CONSERVATION
I'm not a fan of the word compulsory. Rules can bring out the worst in people. Make them feel grumpy or rebellious or, make them switch off. But I'm going to say that Blue Planet II should be compulsory viewing. We should all sit and watch that pilot whale carry its dead calf. And we … Continue reading Blue Planet II: we “dump eight million tonnes of plastic into the sea” every year, and it “entangles and drowns a vast number of creatures”. Think about that when you next shop.
