Rewilding in the UK – hidden meanings, real emotions

(First published in Ecos Magazine (British Association of Nature Conservationists) – lead editorial in 2016) The word rewilding has become common currency in nature conservation narratives, but it rarely features in wider discussions on land use. The very mention of the word – especially without context or meaning – stirs up reactions that can equally … Continue reading Rewilding in the UK – hidden meanings, real emotions

Wielding evidence

A reflection on a British Ecological Society symposium ‘Making a Difference in Conservation’ from an ‘outsider’. Matters are never straightforward in a single-subject symposium (‘Improving the links between ecological research, policy and practice’). There was certainly nothing ‘single issue’ about this BES/CCI  conference. There were so many issues, it was hard to absorb, yet alone … Continue reading Wielding evidence

Wild bees and wolves. Nature Notebook. The Times Aug 2015

Transylvanian trek Nature Notebook. As published in The Times August 22 2015 In Romania, on a family holiday travelling with donkeys through the countryside, nature is abundant. Riches abound for those who forage for mushrooms, raspberries and bilberries among the native Norway spruce and silver fir. With goshawks and crested tits flitting across the tree tops, our slow progress … Continue reading Wild bees and wolves. Nature Notebook. The Times Aug 2015

Disruptor nature

Young naturalists learning with farmers, agro-chem reps sharing expertise on pollinators alongside enviro activists, gamekeepers providing data to ornithologists. New ways to disrupt old perceptions: some examples   A few years ago Defra funded a gathering of young farmers and naturalists, at the start of which the day was set with this introduction so we … Continue reading Disruptor nature

Smokin’ salmon

Drawn to an oceanic feast of spectacles on Blue Planet II, closer to home, another spectacular is under way as we munch our way through ‘cheap’ salmon sandwiches. Atlantic salmon are moving at the moment. Migratory instincts demanding the fish drive forward, bashing against rocks, jostling at the foot of waterfalls, ramming through woody debris … Continue reading Smokin’ salmon

Framing food and nature – a personal view part II

Prompted by my letter in The Times, I received this from a correspondent who had previously set out his personal framing of farming and nature as a guest blog here (part I). Part II   “Farmers provide multiple outputs – including marketable food and raw materials. Most environmental outputs are not marketable but often result in costs … Continue reading Framing food and nature – a personal view part II

Shooting must make friends, not enemies

My piece, in verbatim, originally published in Shooting Times magazine June 2017 – published with reference links and addendum. ‘Communication around shooting is far from straightforward. Rob Yorke looks at what the industry could do to bolster shooting’s public image’ For this challenging article, I canvassed opinion from the National Trust, Countryside Alliance (CA), RSPB, … Continue reading Shooting must make friends, not enemies