environmental commentator
2020 – a year to face up to rocky issues, explore new ground, re-frame narratives while avoiding going down rabbit holes. Updated. Here’s an eclectic take on past and future issues to kick off the year. Most unexpected result – after my talk at an international rewilding conference – an interesting number would wear beaver … Continue reading Rocks and rabbit holes
At an African wildlife/conservation/hunting conference, the man from the UN Environment Programme was unequivocal: “if elephants are global ‘public goods’, then developed countries should also pay towards local communities having to ‘manage’ living alongside them”. Pigeon pie Plenty of conservation conflicts, tensions, dynamics make the mainstream media. Two years ago Germany wolves were shot if … Continue reading Up-close wildlife
Improving productivity of farming includes ‘intensification’ of conservation practices. ‘The countryside is my factory floor’ is how one farmer framed it to the audience at a Hay Festival debate I chaired a few years ago. Farming, like retail, recreation, and even conservation, is an industry (albeit a primary one). It’s often at the front line … Continue reading State of ecological intensification
A pair of nesting long-tailed tits flags up the importance of hedgerows, including debate over their management. Mine’s a lichen Long-tailed tits are unmistakable. Bustling with extraordinary energy, their nest activity in a rose-infused thorn-meshed hedge which I struggle to manage, provides joy to many. While adjusting the nature cam, they would scold me, yet … Continue reading Thorny hedges, updated