-
Simon H King Future of Global Trade Delegate – Expert Forum
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.…
-
David Attenborough calls for advertisers who feature animals to contribute to their welfare
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…
-
Stop garden bird feeders from spreading disease
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…
-
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’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…
-
Happy New Year!
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…
-
Maxwell Knight Young Naturalists’ Library in the education centre of the Natural History Museum
-
Anti-pigeon spikes in Bristol trees
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…
-
Should there be a bottle deposit scheme in the UK?
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…
-
MASTERCLASS: DR. JANE GOODALL TEACHES CONSERVATION
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…
-
‘Insecticides blamed for migratory birds’ setbacks’ reports CAB. Effects reportedly ‘severe enough’ to ‘reduce their chance of survival.’
-
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.
-
‘Wildlife Forensic Investigation: Principles and Practice’
This book by Professor John E. Cooper and his wife Mrs Margaret E. Cooper, with contributions from many countries in the world and a Foreword by Dr Lee Durrell, was published in May 2013. It is published by CRC Press/Taylor & Francis Group. The book provides an in-depth introduction to the rapidly-evolving field of wildlife…
-
It’s World Rhino Day today, who feels like celebrating?
If there is something to celebrate it’s the dedicated people who commit their life to the protection of wildlife and make every day a World Rhino Day. These wonderful (underpaid) individuals deserve all the cake and tea in China; however, I’ve a feeling they don’t have much of an appetite to party after spending 364.25…
-
We need more naturalists, more 21st Century Nature Detectives
Maxwell Knight was amongst the first – if not the first – to coin the phrase ‘nature detective’ before the Second World War; however, he would have been the first to admit that his natural history forefathers had literally risked life and limb detecting fauna and flora as skilfully recorded in Richard Conniff’s book The Species…
-
Green Brexit: Farm subsidies ‘must be earned’ – Michael Gove
Michael Gove, as environment secretary, has made Greenpeace UK’s day by saying that farming subsidies must be earned and benefit the environment. Looking for a ‘green Brexit,’ Michael Gove may only be prepared to hand out payments when farmers agree to protect the environment and enhance rural life. “Huge news! Michael Gove has just said…
-
Should urban developers be forced to contribute to nature’s recovery in the UK?
By Simon H King With one in seven of the UK’s wildlife species at risk of *extinction should property developers be encouraged (or forced) to contribute to nature’s recovery? (*State of Nature report, 2016). ‘The natural world needs our help as never before,’ warns Sir David Attenborough in the forward to the State of Nature…
-
Are you ready to take part in the big butterfly count?
-
BIAZA Annual Conference
Great first day at the #BIAZA2017 AGM at The Deep, Hull. Such an amazing, diverse association – engaging presentations. Thanks all! #workingtogetherforwildlife I attended on behalf of Haith’s PRO to share recent research and development into avian diets. The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) is the professional body representing the best zoos…
