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Do you have a question for the first ‘Armchair Naturalists’ podcast?

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What’s on the bird table?

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If you are self-isolating, you must: make the most of nature’s playground daily…

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What happens when humans ‘turn off’ for a moment.

Written by Chris Middleton FLS. What a great idea Armchair Naturalism is. A perfect time to make some observations, and to encourage others to do the same. I like to think people might also use the time constructively to perhaps learn a new study discipline or new language, or just further their general knowledge. On…
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A spring bee on a cherry tree (Prunus ‘The Bride’)

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When the traffic stops…

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London in lock-down? Not as far as nature is concerned.

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Charming Snakes by Dr Valerie Jeffries

A Seminar on Reptiles, Institute of Primate Research (IPR), Kenya A seminar on “Reptiles and Snakebite” was held at the Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre (KSRIC) near Nairobi on March 11th 2020, organised by Mrs Margaret Cooper and of course by Professor John Cooper, together with Dr. Atunga Nyachieo, (Chief of Research IPR) for…
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Notes from the ‘armchair naturalists’ – connecting through nature to beat coronavirus isolation

There is so much that the “armchair naturalist” can observe if s/he takes a few minutes’ break from working on the computer or reading the newspaper and books, through the window, at the world outside. This morning, for example, I noticed a wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) on the wooden fence at the back of our tiny…
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New Podcast Trailer

Launching soon: A new podcast, from the co-founders of popular natural history blog The Frightened Face of Nature (FFON). https://thefrightenedfaceofnature.com/ Join Simon H King FLS plus one of the world’s leading veterinary experts, Prof. John E Cooper, and wildlife lawyer, Margaret E Cooper and occasional special guests. Together, we’ll help you get through the coronavirus…
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Welcome to spring

If you’re in self isolation due to coronavirus, here’s how the great outdoors looks today – welcome to spring. I’ll be taking lots of photos, recording a few videos and considering launching a podcast to help all you ‘armchair naturalists’ dig deep and come healthily through being confined to barracks. Stay fit and well. Simon…
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Feeding the birds can help the nation’s ‘armchair naturalists’ beat the coronavirus isolation

Feeding the birds can help the nation’s ‘armchair naturalists’ beat the coronavirus isolation and stay connected through nature claims Haith’s bird food and leading veterinary expert. Haith’s bird food has launched a Helpline (0800 298 7054) and its team is preparing to help Britain’s birders stay connected with the outside world through observing nature in…
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Introducing Haith’s Helpline
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We’re in The Herpetological Bulletin!

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Take note of nature

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‘Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth…’
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From John and Margaret Cooper in Kenya

When we visited El Karama Ranch in Laikipia we expected to be shown a lot of large farm livestock and to see impressive wildlife, such as elephants. We experienced both but we were also consulted about a young white-browed sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser mahali) that had been found by Mrs Lavinia Grant (a long-term Kenya resident, renowned…
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All aboard the Madaraka Express – Kenya with the Coopers

John and Margaret Cooper are currently in Kenya. Here is an account of their experience of catching Kenya’s “Chinese Train” the modern replacement of the British narrow-guage railway (of man-eating lions fame) built at the turn of the 19th century, in its day a memorable, well-recorded experience in itself. The only certainty in life is…
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Look deep into nature…

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A stop you in your tracks photograph

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‘The Dynamics of Humankind’ – a new book exploring the comparative analysis between the natural world and the unnatural human world

Recently, I had the pleasure to meet British scientist Chris Middleton at Burlington House, Piccadilly prior to the two of us being formally admitted as Fellows of The Linnean Society of London (FLS). Chris and I were equally thrilled to have been elected a FLS and there we were, ready for the formal admission and poised…
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FFON Co-founder, John Cooper presented with the BFC Silver Falcon Award

FFON co-founders, John and Margaret Cooper recently attended the BFC (British Falconers’ Club) meeting in Hungerford, held at “The Bear Hotel”. At the dinner in the evening John was presented with the BFC Silver Falcon Award for his work on the diseases and veterinary care of raptors over many decades. John was first introduced to the world…
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Admission of Simon H King as a Fellow of The Linnean Society of London (FLS)

It seemed like an age had passed since Margaret E Cooper FLS informed me that she intended to recommend me for election to Fellowship of The Linnean Society of London and emailed over the formal certificate of recommendation – listing my qualifications along with a lengthy reference dated 9 September 2019. Margaret wrote that it…
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Maxwell Knight – Memorial to a herpetologist, naturalist, conservationist and much more

Published in The Herpetological Bulletin – Issue Number 150 – Winter 2019. The Herpetological Bulletin is a quarterly publication in English. It includes full-length papers, natural history notes, book reviews, and other items of general herpetological interest. Emphasis is placed on natural history and conservation as well as captive care that includes breeding, husbandry, veterinary, and behavioural…
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As the sun sets on 2019
