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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,
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The Unsung Heroes of Pollination: Beyond the Bee
FFON EcoScribe. Just as a bee isn’t merely a bee, a pollinator isn’t just a bee either. In the vast orchestra of nature, there are numerous (200,000+ species) unsung heroes playing their part in the symphony of pollination – far too many to mention here, but let’s make a start… 1. Butterflies: The Colourful Wanderers
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The Spy Who Loved Nature: Maxwell Knight’s Legacy Beyond MI5
Inspired by Simon King’s talk at The Maxwell Knight symposium. In the clandestine corridors of MI5, Maxwell Knight, the original ‘M’, was a living legend. His secret intelligence service prowess during the inter-war years and WWII is well-documented, with a flair for counter-subversion that helped infiltrate the British fascist movement and prevent Nazi sympathiser espionage
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The Hedgehog Dilemma: A Spiky Issue to Grasp. Here’s the point…
FFON Eco Scribe Can we agree a hedgehog is more than just a charming garden visitor? I hope so. It’s a barometer of our environmental health and a silent guardian of our ecosystems. In the quiet of night, hedgehogs perform vital roles, largely unseen and often unacknowledged. They control insect populations, contributing to a balanced
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Join the Big Garden Birdwatch 2024: Discover, Count and Conserve.
It’s time to turn our attention to one of the UK’s most engaging and important wildlife events – the Big Garden Birdwatch. Scheduled for 26-28 January 2024, this annual event offers a unique opportunity for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike to contribute to a nationwide effort in understanding and protecting our bird populations. What
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Mystic Meg: A Tale of Peregrine Falcon Rescue
By Graham Wellstead. In 1994 I was called to the Isle of Sheppey on the Kent coast to recover a female Peregrine in trouble. She had been found filthy and starving, trying to kill a chicken. I gathered her up and returned home. She was not wearing Government issued ring, therefore was not traceable, and
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Micro-conservation: Small Steps to Big Change
Every positive choice we make, every kind and considerate action we take, is a much needed ripple in the pond of our world. This is the heart of micro-conservation – the idea that our smallest habits can join together to create waves of nature-positive environmental change. You’ll already the kind of thing I’m talking about
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The Bee Paradox
Can we agree a bee isn’t just a bee? It’s a signal. A signal that tells us about our health, our planet, and even our future. In their relative silence, bees are surprisingly loud. They’re telling us about the fragility of our ecosystem, about the delicate balance we’ve disrupted. And yet, we often choose not
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The Girl, the Owl, the Deer and the River
In a world whispered by winds and sung by rivers, a young girl with curious eyes wandered through a forest of ancient trees. Each step was a question, each breath a wonder. One golden morning, she came across an owl, perched solemnly in an old oak tree. “Owl, why do you watch so quietly?” she
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The Climate Crisis: Through Nature’s Eyes and Echoing Maxwell Knight.
In “The Climate Crisis: Through Nature’s Eyes and Echoing Maxwell Knight,” we examine the current climate crisis, drawing parallels with the early environmental warnings of Maxwell Knight. The post delves into the multifaceted nature of the climate emergency, including biodiversity loss and extreme weather events, as highlighted by the WWF Living Planet Report 2022. It…
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Breeding and Releasing British Wildlife (Before rewilding became the catchphrase)
By Graham Wellstead Introduction: Delve into a fascinating tale of dedication and innovation in wildlife conservation with our guest contributor, Graham Wellstead. In this blog, Graham shares his personal experiences from the late 1970s, focusing on the challenges and triumphs of breeding and releasing Barn Owls and European Polecats in the UK. Before the concept
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COP28’s Climate Milestones:
The conclusion of COP28 heralds a pivotal moment in global climate action. As we dissect the agreements made, it becomes increasingly clear how these (appear to) align with the findings of the WWF State of Nature Report and the mission of FFON. COP28’s Commitment to Ending the Fossil Fuel Era: A landmark decision at COP28
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Storm Henk Unleashes Havoc: A Closer Look at the UK’s Battle with Flooding
As the UK reels under the impact of Storm Henk, the first named storm of 2024, communities across the nation confront unprecedented flooding challenges. Following a series of winter storms, including Storm Gerrit in late December 2023, the UK’s landscapes were already saturated, setting the stage for Henk’s devastating effects. The heavy rainfall began in
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A Sparrow’s Tale: The World Through a Sparrow’s Eyes.
I’m a House Sparrow – you might remember me from your garden or maybe from the park bench where you sat, lost in thought. I’ve been a part of your world for as long as you can remember, haven’t I? But have you noticed, there are fewer of us around these days? Let me share
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Nature’s Alarm: The UK’s Biodiversity Crisis
‘The UK is now one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth’ State of Nature 2023. The recent ‘State of Nature 2023’ report unveils a sobering reality: the UK is now one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth. This stark revelation compels us to reflect on the environmental challenges we face and the urgent
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A PERSONAL VIEW ON PREDATORS
By Graham Wellstead. Introduction: Join us as our guest contributor, Graham Wellstead, shares a captivating journey through a life enriched by encounters with nature. From early birdkeeping to close interactions with diverse wildlife, this narrative offers unique and personal insights into the complex relationships between humans and nature’s predators. Get ready to explore a world
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Anyone for Eco Chess? The Ultimate Game Where You’re Playing to Save the Planet
Introduction: Welcome to Eco Chess, the game where every move determines the future of our planet. Unlike traditional chess, where the goal is to checkmate your opponent, in Eco Chess, each player’s objective is to make strategic decisions that benefit Earth’s health and sustainability. Let’s dive into the rules of this crucial game. The ‘Rules’
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Happy New Year from all of us at FFON!
As we welcome 2024, we extend our warmest wishes to each and every one of our cherished readers. Your unwavering support and enthusiasm for ‘The Frightened Face of Nature’ (FFON) have been the driving force behind our mission. This year, we’re committed to making our blog a significant platform for environmental awareness and action. Together,
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Top 10 Reasons Why We Don’t Fully Cherish Our Planet
Our planet offers us the sustenance and splendour of life. Yet, amidst the daily rush, the value of this precious orb often dims. Why do we hold back our admiration for Earth’s magnificence? Take its natural capital for granted? Let’s unwrap this mystery and rediscover our role as its custodians. Reason 1 – Economic Prioritisation:
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Seeds of Tomorrow: The Rise of Urban Green Spaces in 2050
As we imagine our world in 2050, envisioning the future of our urban landscapes is crucial. In a time where concrete jungles have often overshadowed green spaces, a new era is emerging – one where nature and city life intertwine harmoniously. “Seeds of Tomorrow” explores this transformative journey towards greener, more sustainable cities. The Evolution
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Fork in the Road: Envisioning Earth’s Future in 2050
“Fork in the Road: Envisioning Earth’s Future in 2050” presents two divergent global scenarios (blogs) for the year 2050, each illustrating the profound impact of our environmental choices. These scenarios are not just about London but serve as a microcosm for the world at large. The first scenario paints a grim picture of a planet
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The Heart of Our Oceans: Preserving Marine Biodiversity
Today, let’s embark on an aquatic odyssey to explore and protect our vast, pulsating oceans. These mysterious blue realms, brimming with a symphony of life, are Earth’s lifeblood, yet they stand at a critical juncture due to human influence. 1. The Oceans’ Diverse Tapestry: Covering over 70% of Earth’s surface, our oceans are home to
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Simple Steps Towards a Greener Tomorrow
Hello, friends! Today, we’re jumping into how each of us can contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future. As we sip our morning cuppa and Boxing Day behind us, let’s ponder some easy yet powerful actions, buoyed by the inspiring work of various UK organisations dedicated to nurturing our planet. 1. Reject Single-Use Plastics: Embrace
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Triumphs in Conservation: Stories of Hope and Renewal
In the midst of pressing environmental challenges, it’s crucial to remember that positive change is not just possible, but happening. Today, we shine a light on the inspiring conservation success stories from around the globe – tales of resilience, renewal, and hope. The Return of the Bald Eagle: The bald eagle’s recovery is a celebrated
What will you do now that you know?
The Frightened Face of Nature is a space for slowing down.
Maxwell Knight (1900–1968) is known in some circles for his work in intelligence (MI5), but that’s not really why his name appears here.
Long before ‘the environmental crisis’ became a headline, Knight noticed something many around him overlooked: nature was on the back foot.
It was his love of animals and the natural world, not his professional career, that made him pay attention.
Knight’s life, anchored in curiosity, observation, and attention to detail offers a way to think about how we see the world, and how easily we can stop seeing it at all.
The Frightened Face of Nature takes its name from an unpublished manuscript he wrote, which was found inside a secret cabinet.
Here, we explore stories and questions that don’t fit neatly into clickbait headlines — not because they aren’t urgent, but because they are complex and demand more than fleeting attention.
Knight’s perspective reminds us: Awareness isn’t passive. It’s an active choice.
So what will you do now that you know?
— Simon King FLS
