environmental commentator
The countryside should not be a peaceful place. It should be humming with activity. While it’s hard to sometimes avoid humans, the real racket should be insects. From revered butterflies and bees to reviled wasps and ticks – insects have be hitting the news as much as windscreens 50 years ago. Klaxon classic Rachel Carson’s … Continue reading On insects
Ben Goldsmith was appointed a non-executive director of DEFRA’s board in March 2018. I asked him about a range of environmental and land issues Interview first published by the RICS RY: What is your role in the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)? BG: As an informal adviser to the secretary of state, … Continue reading An informal Defra adviser
An exclusive interview with a previous Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs – Michael Gove for BBC Countryfile Magazine (first published Feb 2018) RY (Rob Yorke): Firstly, what are your personal connections to rural Britain and where do you love to walk? MG (Michael Gove): Both sides of my family have … Continue reading Gove green
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
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