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We’re All Canaries in the Coal Mine: The Truth About Nature’s Decline.
The most profound truth about climate change and nature’s decline is this: our survival and the planet’s are inseparable. Yet, humanity often acts as though we are separate from nature. We behave as if we are above it, beyond it, or even exempt from its rules. This illusion is the root of the crisis. For
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Did You Know Britain’s Birds Are Disappearing?
Featuring recent findings* on wild bird populations and actionable steps towards reversing their decline. Birdsong, once the soundscape of the British countryside, is (as Rachel Carson predicted in her book Silent Spring) fading. Recent data on wild bird populations in the UK paints a picture of a species under strain. Birds are affected from farmland
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Podcast: Simon King interviews world-renowned wildlife photographer, Tom Svensson who reveals his undercover past…
From Photographer to Undercover Agent. In a shocking revelation, Tom Svensson shares that his career as a wildlife photographer was originally a cover. He used it for his covert work tracking the blood money behind illegal wildlife crime. Working undercover, Tom faced life-threatening situations, including being kidnapped by those seeking to exploit endangered species for
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Learning to Let the Leaves Lie
A Lesson from Martin Woods, Former Head Gardener to the Royal Family As autumn rolls in and our gardens fill with leaves, the urge to tidy up kicks in. This year, I’m holding back on the rake. My decision was inspired by a recent chat with Martin Woods. He is the former Head Gardener to
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Trump and Musk: A ‘Duel Fuel’ Tug-of-War for the Planet?
Where do I start… Well… with Trump set for another term as US president, we may be entering a new phase in environmental policy – one focused on fossil fuels and traditional industry. Meanwhile, Elon Musk (Trump’s new ‘star man’) continues to champion renewable energy and sustainable innovation, presenting a compelling counterforce. This dual influence
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Shrinking Biodiversity: The Impact of Human Actions on Wildlife.
Recent reports paint a stark picture of the challenges our planet’s wildlife faces today. The World Wildlife Fund’s Living Planet Report 2024 sounds a chilling alarm: there has been a catastrophic 73% decline in monitored wildlife populations over the past 50 years. Freshwater species have been hit even harder, facing a staggering 85% decline. This
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Invite: On-line webinar – 10th October…
Dear FFON readers and colleagues We hope you are all well. We are delivering an on-line webinar on 10th October (at 18.00 hours (6.00 pm) British Summer Time) about our work in East Africa for the organisation Leadership for Conservation in Africa (LCA) and we invite you to join us. It’s very much a personal, historical, account of our relationship with
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Tortoises, Terrapins, Turtles and Temperature Changes.
The British Chelonia Group Spring Symposium in Cambridge, 9th-10th March 2024. Report by Margaret and John Cooper. The British Chelonia Group Spring Symposium, held in Cambridge on 9th-10th March 2024, was a landmark event that united experts and enthusiasts in a comprehensive discussion on the impacts of temperature changes on tortoises, terrapins, and turtles. This report encapsulates a
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Wolves in the UK. Do we want them or need them?
By Graham Wellstead. In his thought-provoking piece, Graham Wellstead gets his teeth into the question of whether wolves should be reintroduced to the UK. Reflecting on historical accounts and personal experiences, Graham navigates the complexities surrounding this debate. He highlights the ecological and societal considerations, urging readers to ponder the implications of coexisting with these
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BADGER TROUBLES
By Graham Wellstead. Understanding Badgers: Conservation Efforts and Controversies Introduction: In this blog post, FFON contributor Graham Wellstead shares his personal experiences and insights into the complex relationship between badgers, one of our native wildlife’s most iconic creatures, and human society. Drawing from years of observation and a deep-seated respect for nature, Graham discusses the
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Beyond Bees: The Unsung Heroes of Pollination.
A letter from Dafydd Lewis published in the Amateur Entomologists’ Society. Introduction for FFON by Simon H King FLS: While bees often capture the limelight in discussions about pollination, their stage is shared with unsung heroes that operate under the cloak of night. This guest post by Dafydd Lewis shines a spotlight on moths, the
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Bridging the Gap: From Government Pledges to Global Biodiversity Recovery
We live in a world grappling with environmental challenges, where every action (even the well intended ones) have an equal and opposite reaction. No wonder nature’s on the back foot. Credit where it’s due, though, the UK government’s latest conservation measures (see https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nature-recovery-to-be-accelerated-as-the-government-delivers-on-measures-to-protect-land-and-sea ) present a slither of hope. These initiatives, aimed at accelerating nature
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To Bee Or Not To Bee
The importance of bees in our Countryside. By Graham Wellstead. It is often quite difficult to quantify the number and range of insect species which currently live, but may not necessarily thrive, in the UK. With the loss of habitat, and urbanisation, we should not be surprised to learn many small things have gone extinct
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Renewables on the Menu: A Promising Future for UK-Kosovo Energy Collaboration
By Simon King FLS In a world increasingly conscious of environmental sustainability, the focus on renewable energy has never been more pertinent. As an #ExportChampion, I recently had the privilege of attending a dinner hosted by Martin Vickers MP, the UK’s Western Balkans trade envoy. This event, graced by the presence of the Kosovan Ambassador,
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The Canoe River Cleaner – It’s About the Flow
By John Ashbrook for FFON. Dear FFON Readers, It’s Simon King here, delighted to share with you a heartening tale of environmental stewardship from our very own shores. In this feature, we meet James Elliott, affectionately known as “The Canoe River Cleaner” of Grimsby’s River Freshney. James’s story (crafted by writer John Ashbrook for FFON)
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Crafting an AI in Conservation Charter: Steering Technology for Nature’s Sake
Marrying Innovation with Stewardship In the world of conservation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands out as a much-needed beacon of innovation. Yet, as guardians of the natural world, we bear the responsibility to harness this power wisely. With so much at stake, for the sake of good order, it makes sense to – at the very
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Part 5: Embracing AI in Conservation – A Forward-Thinking Approach
As we bring this AI series to a close, it’s intriguing to ponder over AI’s alignment with Maxwell Knight’s lifelong dedication to nature. Knight, an illustrious naturalist and former MI5 spy-handler, devoted his life to the study and conservation of the natural world. His pioneering methods in observational research set a standard in environmental study
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Part 3: AI for Ecosystem Balance – Tracking Nature’s Intricate Web
In this third part of our series, we delve into the dual-edged sword of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ecosystem management. AI’s application in this field is akin to assembling a complex ecological jigsaw, a task Maxwell Knight, a pioneer in nature conservation, might have found captivating. Let me tell you why… AI: The Modern Nature
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Part 4: AI in Biodiversity Conservation – A Digital Legacy of Detailed Cataloguing
Picture this: a world where the intricate tapestry of biodiversity is not just observed, but deeply understood and meticulously catalogued with the help of AI. That’s the evolving realm of biodiversity conservation today. AI is playing a game-changing role, not just in identifying and cataloguing species, but in piecing together their roles in ecosystems. It’s
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The Little Stinker! Polecats in the UK in Need of a Helping Hand.
Breed and Release – did it work? By Graham Wellstead. There are today many creatures in the UK, and indeed, World Wide, that are in need of a concentrated scheme dedicated to try and reverse their decline. As a private individual I have done my best with the use of my time and money (unsupported)
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A Step Backwards for Bee Conservation: The Reauthorisation of a Harmful Pesticide.
The UK Government’s approval of the ’emergency’ use of Thiamethoxam, a harmful neonicotinoid pesticide, has raised serious concerns within the conservation community. This decision not only threatens bee populations and ecosystems but also underscores the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices. Environmental groups are advocating for nature-positive pest management solutions to safeguard the planet’s health.
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Part 1: AI in Wildlife Monitoring – Echoes of Knight’s Observational Expertise?
“#artificialintelligence (#AI) – Forget driverless cars for a moment, the future of #wildlife conservation could benefit greatly from embracing AI as a tool, provided it is used judiciously and in conjunction with traditional #conservation methods and fieldcraft. This balanced approach could lead to more effective conservation strategies, helping to protect and understand our natural world…” FFON Maxwell Knight’s legacy in
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Blog Series Intro: AI: The Modern-Day Nature Detective. Advancing Maxwell Knight’s Vision.
“Unveiling Nature’s Challenges, Inspiring Conservation’s Future.” FFON. Welcome to our exploratory (very much work in progress and up for debate) blog series, “AI: The Modern-Day Nature Detective – Advancing Maxwell Knight’s Vision.” This series is an exploration into the revolutionary world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its burgeoning role in nature conservation, a field that
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Listen to Podcasts? Here’s one to download: Naturespace with Haith’s featuring FFON’s Simon King FLS.
Visit: https://chartable.com/podcasts/naturespace-with-haiths/episodes Or search Naturespace with Haith’s wherever you get your podcasts. Latest podcasts: E15 : Embracing the Wild: A Sea Kayaking Adventure with Nick Ray Dive into the heart of adventure with the latest episode of Naturespace with Haith’s! In this captivating session, we’re thrilled to feature Nick Ray, the inspiring force behind Life
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Maxwell Knight the Amateur Naturalist – Remembering a Lecture by Prof. John E. Cooper
Introduction In a compelling lecture at the Maxwell Knight Commemorative Symposium, Professor John E. Cooper delved into the captivating world of Maxwell Knight, known to many as a WW2 MI5 spymaster and agent handler, but equally significant (especially to John Cooper) as a pioneering amateur naturalist. Held on 24th November 2018 at Birkbeck College, London,
What will you do now that you know?
Welcome to The Frightened Face of Nature (FFON).
This is a space for reflection, challenge and connection. Here, we ask the big questions about our planet – our choices and the legacy we leave behind.
Inspired by Maxwell Knight, FFON explores the balance between humanity and the natural world. Our latest project, 24 Questions to Save the World, reaches into the heart of the environmental crisis – one question at a time. These aren’t easy questions, but they’re the ones that matter.
This isn’t just a blog. It’s a space for those who care about the future. A place to pause, to think and to act.
So, what will you do now that you know?
— Simon King FLS
