This week in biodiversity news – 4th March 2024

Rediscoveries and Recovery 

The Norfolk hawker dragonfly is no longer extinct, with the species set to be taken off the British Red List of endangered species after a large-scale population surge. Since its extinction in the Cambridgeshire Fens in the 1890s, the Norfolk Hawker’s small population has been restricted to the Norfolk Broads. However, in recent years they have been found in Kent, Hertfordshire, Sussex, Dorset and Devon due to an increase in suitable habitats across Britain resulting from climate breakdown. This has been the driving force behind the species recovery, however, the gaps in the current population distribution need filling to ensure the Norfolk Hawker’s long-term survival.? 

Norfolk Hawker Dragonfly perched on a plant in the sun.
Norfolk Hawker by Jo Garbutt, via flickr.

A breeding population of an incredibly rare species of turtle has been discovered in India. The Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle is native to south and south-east Asia and has been classed as critically endangered. The discovery of a breeding female on the banks of the Chandragiri River in Kerala, however, provides hope for this illusive species. The study was led by a group of international conservationists who worked alongside local communities to record the first documentation of a female nest, and subsequently rescue the eggs from flooding. The hatchings have since been released into the river, and the team are now working closely with the local community to set up a hatchery and nursery near the original nesting site.?

Climate 

Since 2000, more than a third of Antarctica’s glacier anchors have reduced in size. These anchors, or “pinning points,” are important braking mechanisms that hold the glaciers in place and subsequently reduce the rate of ice detachment from the continent. New research conducted by the University of Edinburgh suggests that an increase in global sea temperatures is causing these points to thin at a much faster rate than previously estimated. Since 2000, 37% of pinning points have either shrunk or completely disappeared, and, as a result, the glacier’s braking force is weakening.? 

Amazing shapes and deep blue tumbled down the huge glaciers that lined the shores.
Antarctica 162 – dramatic landscape by McKay Savage, via flickr.

The UK has had the wettest February on record, according to the Met Office. Between December 2023 and January 2024, the UK experienced 90% of the total expected winter rainfall. This increase in wet weather continued throughout February with some areas of the UK seeing two and a half times their normal rainfall for this month alone. These adverse weather conditions, a result of climate change, is having detrimental effects on farmers due to increased crop flooding, with some farms in Lincolnshire having been underwater since October. 

Science and Environment 

A 12mm long, transparent fish has been found to make a sound as loud as a pneumatic drill. Scientists in Berlin were studying the Danionella cerebrum in their lab when they began hearing strange clicking noises coming from the male fish in the tank. Upon investigation, they discovered that this miniscule species can make a sound of 108 decibels when measured at a distance of one metre away – this is roughly equivalent to the noise made by a bulldozer and is likely to be the volume at which other fish hear the sound. This noise is created by the contraction and release of the fish’s swim bladder, and it is one of the loudest noises ever discovered in a fish of this size.?

Ancient trees play an irreplaceable role in supporting forest life, according to experts. The results from a recent study in the Spanish Pyrenees show that ancient trees no longer exert energy on reproduction, and instead prioritise stress tolerance, durability and slower growth. It has also been revealed that, over time, sections of older trees die and decay, which allows them to host more diverse and greater quantities of different species than younger trees, as juveniles don’t possess the unique physical and physiological features to support them. Although the number of old growth trees continue to decline worldwide, researchers Munne-Bosch and Pasques hope their report will highlight the importance of our ancient trees’ ecological role.? 

Old, twisted Silver Birch tree near Owler Tor in the Peak District.
Silver Birch by Steve Batch 61, via flickr.

Policy 

The government are expected to announce a move to 100% badger culling under exceptional circumstances in the coming weeks. The current policy on badger culling aims to reduce badger numbers by 70% in each cull area, however the government may increase the target to 100% in certain circumstances, subject to consultation, as of January 2026. The Government had previously stated that the cull would end in 2025 and be replaced by increased badger vaccinations, however some fear that the new 100% cull policy may become standard practice instead.

Parliament has implemented the first EU nature law to restore 30% of the EU’s degraded ecosystems by 2030. This comes into effect after recent findings reveal that over 80% of all European habitats are in poor shape, and aims to ensure the restoration of 60% of these environments by 2040, and 90% by 2050. The EU has pledged that once these ecosystems are restored, they will ensure that the area does not significantly deteriorate once more in a bid to aid the long-term recovery of damaged natural areas. 

Author Q&A with Hugh Warwick: Cull of the Wild

Cull of the Wild cover showing a red squirrel on the right facing a grey squirrel on the left, with a blue sticker on the cover saying 'signed copies.'In Cull of the Wild, author Hugh Warwick investigates the ethical and practical challenges of managing invasive species to increase biodiversity. He explores the complicated history of species control over time, while also combining scientific theory and subtle humour, to explain the many issues conservationists face when trying to protect native species from their non-native rivals.

Hugh Warwick, author of Cull of the Wild, in a black and white photo wearing a shirt and gilet.Hugh Warwick is an ecologist, conservationist and writer who specialises in the study of hedgehogs. He has published three books focusing on this species, however he recently expanded his field of study to include invasive species while writing Cull of the Wild. He has previously written for BBC Wildlife, New Scientist, The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph, is the spokesperson for the Hedgehog Preservation Society, runs courses on both hedgehog conservation, and lectures in creative writing.

Hugh recently took the time to talk to us about his book, including what inspired him to write Cull of the Wild, how he hopes his book will help future conservation methods, and more.


Firstly, what inspired you to write a book on the culling of invasive species?

The very first independent field work I did in 1986 – for the 3rd year project of my degree – took me to North Ronaldsay. My supervisor had a friend who was both the GP and the bird warden on this island, the most northerly in Orkney. He had noted that there seemed to be a correlation between the increase in number of imported hedgehogs (that was the postman’s fault!) and the decrease in breeding success of ground nesting birds – in particular the Arctic Terns. My work was to try and find out how many hedgehogs there were. This turned out to be around 500 – not the 10,000 the Daily Express had reported! The bird observatory organised an airlift to remove the hedgehogs after I had gone and I returned in 1991 to repeat the survey. Since then I have found the collision of ecological study with human concerns really fascinating.  

This led me to become involved, rather inevitably, in the Uist hedgehog saga, where the RSPB and Nature Scotland were killing the hedgehogs for the very same reason they had been airlifted from North Ronaldsay. I quickly shifted from reporting on the story for BBC Radio 4, to joining the campaign against the cull, and then doing the research that helped stop it. But while all this was happening, I met a researcher from New Zealand who was telling me that they were killing hedgehogs over there (in the 1860s we sent a load of hogs over to help the colonialists feel more at home) I could see no reason not to kill those hedgehogs.  

That apparent contradiction has been spinning in my head ever since and was the springboard for this book.  

Close up photograph of a New Zealand Hedgehog walking through long grass.
New Zealand: Hedgehog, by Eli Duke via flickr.

How did you find researching such differing opinions on the subject, and have your preconceived opinions changed over the course of writing this book? 

I found this book so very different from all the others I have written. Previous outings have always been with people who are just really pleased to talk – to share their enthusiasm for Beavers or Water Voles or owls. This was the first time where I felt like the initial communication was almost like a job interview – assessing whether I was suitable to talk to. Some people simply refused to talk, others were cagey. I guess I was quite naïve! 

The journey of the book is basically one where my head and my heart are in constant debate. I lay out my ‘bunny-hugging’ prejudices at the start. I suppose I was hoping to find that all instances where animals were being killed could be dealt with in other ways.  

One of the biggest lessons I learnt, though, was about how people, even ones with whom you have fundamental differences of opinion, share so much common ground. But you will never see that common ground if you charge in at the difference! I love that one of my potentially conflicting interviews ended up with the biggest argument being over who recorded the best version of Sibelius’ 5th Symphony! 

In Chapter 1, you discussed that animals are shown to be continually developing to become more like humans – problem solving, making and using tools etc. Do you think this gradual form of humanisation may lead to more equal ‘rights’ between animal species and humans in relation to killing for conservation?

I would not look at this as humanisation – that is slipping back into the human exceptionalism that got us into this mess. Currently the degrees of cruelty we deliver to wildlife is arbitrary, based in large part on language and on the names we give them, even different members of the same species. 

We need to recognise that these animals being killed experience pain, joy, fear and hope. If the realisation that different species have the capacity to do human-like things is enough to get this recognised, then that is some progress.  

I have been gently eased away from the concept of ‘rights’ for animals and towards a desire to see cruelty minimised. Rights are important and I see their value – but here, I feel the best outcomes will emerge from a utilitarian desire to maximise good and minimise bad. Though that requires we have the idea that these animals, most of whom are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, are individuals and can suffer.  

A close up of a Red Squirrel stood on its hind legs on a rock eating a nut it's holding in it's front paws.
Red Squirrel, by Caroline Legg via flickr.

You must have visited many places and spoken to many different people about different species while you were writing this book. Were there any particularly memorable moments or experiences that that have stayed with you?

I did not get to some of the places in this book – time, Covid, money and a desire to minimise flying all conspired to keep the exotic interviews on Zoom. But the adventures I did have were all special.  

Heading out along the coastline of South Ronaldsay, Orkney, with Spud – the most handsome labrador I have ever met – was magical. The wind blew, the surf crumped in from the Atlantic, and Spud, well, he followed his nose and we followed him as he tracked down evidence of Stoats.  

The Stoat story is so important – it is about speed and trying catch this problem early – they were only found in 2011. But more than the practical, it is also about the buy-in of the local population. If the public are not onside, the conservationists can give up now. So it is about education and communication as much as it is about deciding which traps to use and where to site them. 

A close up of a stoat climbing over a dark, wet, mossy log.
Stoat (Mustela erminsea) by big-ashb, via flickr.

In what way do you hope that Cull of the Wild will help future animal conservation efforts?

The overarching message I hope people get from Cull of the Wild is that ecology is both fascinating and VERY challenging when it is part of a conflict. Ecology is not given the level of respect that it should receive. It is always sidelined – economics and politics hog the headlines – yet both of those are but subsets of the wider ecosystem. Without a healthy ecosystem we are on a downward slope to disaster. So, I hope that people will read this book, maybe because they are outraged at the killing, and will then come away realising that ecology is very complex and should be treated with great respect.  

I also hope that this book will convince people who hold very firm opinions – opinions that are often amplified by the bubbles in which we tend to linger – that people with differing views may well share many of the same values as themselves. And that to begin discussion at the common ground is the foundation of progress. Argument should not be about winning, but about making things better. Remember, it is quite possible that some of the things you know are wrong. A friend of mine turned up at a conference recently with a t-shirt saying ‘Don’t believe everything you think’. We should be humble enough to recognise we might be wrong.  

Are you currently working on any other projects that you can tell us about?

As I write this, the lovely people at the publishers Graffeg are hoping I will stop promoting Cull of the Wild and finish the two books I owe them: one on bats and the other on nocturnal nature. I have another narrative nonfiction brewing – about as different to this book as imaginable. Something which will hopefully bring laughter into our love of nature. 


Cull of the Wild cover showing a red squirrel on the right facing a grey squirrel on the left, with a blue sticker on the cover saying 'signed copies.'

Cull of the Wild is available to order from our online bookstore.

This week in biodiversity news – 19th February 2024

Climate Crisis 

A new study reveals the Amazon rainforest’s worst drought on record in over half a century, with human-caused climate change acting as the driving force behind these weather extremes. The Amazon rainforest plays an important role in the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere, and accounts for around 10% of the world’s species. However, scientists suggest the Amazon could soon reach a “tipping point”, with droughts such as these expected every 13 years if global temperatures increase by a further 2°C. 

Conservation

Black Rhinos have returned to Kenya’s Loisaba Conservancy as species recovers following local extinction 50 years ago. This translocation project, the result of a collaboration between Loisaba Conservancy and Kenya Wildlife Service, was prompted by the news that Kenya’s 16 Black Rhino sanctuaries are rapidly running out of space due to a boost in population numbers. Twenty-one of these critically endangered Black Rhinos were released into a specially created fenced sanctuary that covers nearly half of Loisaba’s total area, marking an important moment in the long-term future of Black Rhino populations in Kenya. 

Black Rhinoceros stood in a plain full of grass.
Black Rhinoceros, by Andy Morffew via Flickr.

Hedgehog populations are on the rise according to BBC Gardeners’ World survey. Previous reports have found that since 2000, the number of hedgehogs has fallen by 30%-75% depending on the area due to increased habitat loss, fragmentation, pesticides, and a reduction in food sources. However, the annual hedgehog survey highlighted a 33% increase in sightings, up from 31% in 2022, which has been aided by the instillation of ‘hedgehog highways,’ and nationwide rewilding efforts. CEO of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, Fay Vass, stated that urban populations are still lower than they should be, however these results provide cautious optimism for the future of hedgehogs. 

Environment 

Hailed as one of the world’s most ambitious environmental policies, Biodiversity Net Gain came into effect in England on the 12th February 2024. It is now mandatory for all new developments in England to deliver at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity or habitat on all new sites. In light of the government target of building 300,000 new homes a year by the mid-2020s, it is hoped that the scheme will minimise or mitigate the environmental effects of these new developments. 

Iceland may be entering a new volcanic era, with increasing volcanic activity reported across the island. The most recent short-lived eruption on the Reykjanes peninsular marks the third since December 2023, and the sixth since 2021. Researchers think this wave of volcanic activity may be following a pattern that could last for decades, or even centuries. Scientists are trying to work out how to predict future eruptions by tracking ground inflations as magma rises, from which they can estimate when the magma will break the surface.

Litli-Hrútur - Volcanic Eruption in Iceland July 2023. Litli-Hrútur – Volcanic Eruption in Iceland July 2023, by Anthony Quaintano via Flickr.

Science and discoveries

The latest strain of bird flu has decreased Great Skua populations by 75% and Northern Gannet populations by 25% in the past 2 years alone, says the RSPB and British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). According to a recent report, the H5N1 strain has been noted as one of the biggest conservation threats facing numerous seabird species across both UK and Europe. The latest Seabird Count survey, published in November 2023 – which did not take into account the effects of bird flu – found that almost 62% of seabird populations were already in decline across the UK due to other factors such as fishing and offshore wind developments. 

The most vulnerable migratory species are at risk due to increased human activity, with one in five threatened with extinction according to the UN. Despite the signing of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals over 40 years ago, researchers suggest that more focus has been placed on preventing illegal animal trading rather than upholding the law on illegal killing. The report recommends that countries need to establish key biodiversity areas on the migration pathways of endangered species, reduce infrastructure obstructing migration routes, create corridors of protected land, and restore 30% of degraded marine and land areas. 

Sandwich Terns stood on a beach in a colony looking out to sea.
Sandwich Terns, by Gary Leavens via Flickr.

The Big Garden Birdwatch: NHBS Staff Results 2024

Greenfinch perched on a piece of metal.

The RSPB’s 45th Big Garden Birdwatch took place between Friday 26th and Sunday 28th January 2024. This annual event is one of the largest citizen science wildlife surveys in the UK and helps us gain an understanding of how our garden bird populations are changing in abundance and distribution over time.  Over half a million people took part in last year’s event, recording a total of 9.1 million birds. House Sparrows took first place, despite a gradual 57% decrease in sightings since the first Birdwatch Count in 1979. They were closely followed by the Blue Tit and Starling. 

Although the Big Garden Birdwatch has finished, there is still time to submit your results on the RSPB website by the 18th February, or by post before the 13th February. Even if you didn’t see anything, it still counts! 

With birds being faced with an increasing number of challenges each year, it’s more important than ever to make your garden and outdoor space wildlife friendly. This can include installing bird feeders or tables which provide an important food source throughout the winter months when natural food sources are scarce., You can also provide clean, fresh drinking water in shallow containers such as bird baths or saucers, and install nest boxes for breeding in the spring. Also, don’t forget to regularly clean and maintain your feeders and baths as this helps stop the spread of disease. Head over to the RSPB website to find out more about how you can help your garden birds. 

A robin stood on top of a wet wooden fencepost.
Robin – Catherine Mitson

Results

As usual, many of our staff took part in this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch from their gardens or local parks across Devon, and we recorded a total of 129 birds and 22 different species. Compared to last years results, there was a 31% increase in sightings, while an additional nine species were spotted in this year’s count. The most sighted bird was the Carrion Crow, closely followed by the Blue Tit and Magpie. In comparison, the county’s top birds were the House Sparrow, Blue Tit and Starling.

Sabine took part in the event from her garden and spotted: 

3 Carrion Crow 

2 Wood Pigeon  

1 Robin  

2 Magpie  

1 Blackbird  

1 Song Thrush  

Common Wood Pigeon sat on a small wooden bird feeder house by a Silver Birch tree.
Wood Pigeon – Oli Haines

Oli took part in the event from his garden and spotted: 

3 Blackbirds 

2 Woodpigeon  

3 Jackdaw  

2 Blue tits 

1 Dunnock 

1 Great tit 

1 Robin 

1 Magpie 

1 Goldfinch

 

Adam took part in the event from his garden and spotted: 

2 Blackbirds 

6 Blue Tits 

1 Chaffinch 

2 Great Tits 

4 House Sparrow 

Photograph of a Dunnock sat on a wooden fencepost in a garden looking up at the sky about to fly off.
Dunnock – Oli Haines

Catherine took part in the event from her garden and spotted:  

2 Collared Dove 

2 Jackdaw 

4 Starling 

1 Woodpigeon 

 

Mark took part in the event from his local park and spotted: 

5 Parakeets  

12 Crows  

4 Magpies  

10 Herring Gull

Blackbird stood on a branch with trees and blue sky behind it.
Blackbird – Catherine Mitson

Elle took part in the event from her garden and spotted: 

2 Blue Tits 

1 Dunnock  

1 Grey Wagtail 

2 Wood Pigeon 

1 Magpie  

1 Great Tit 

 

Mal took part in the event from her local park and spotted: 

3 Carrion Crow 

1 Buzzard 

 

Daniel took part in the event from his garden and spotted: 

10 Chaffinch

7 Blue Tits

5 Long Tailed Tits

4 House Sparrow

3 Great Tits

2 Goldfinch

1 Coal Tit

1 Blackbird

1 Wren

1 Dunnock

1 Robin 

Female Blackbird stood on grass covered in leaves.
Blackbird – Catherine Mitson

We’d also love to hear what you spotted if you took part – let us know in the comments below.


The RSPB: 

For more information on UK garden birds, identification guides, the 2024 Big Garden Birdwatch, past results and more, please visit the RSPB website. 

Author interview with Edward Bent: Plant-Life: A Walk with Nature

Plant-Life book cover showing a photograph of a pair of brown boots stood on a grassy path with a red poppy in the left hand bootThis adventurous and versatile book explores the wonders of our relationship with plants and our involvement with nature. Full of information on botanical science, ecological and environmental factors, artistic appreciation and philosophical reflection, Plant-Life offers a more holistic view of nature than in other books within this field. The text is supported by detailed images, diagrams and tables which provide a framework of understanding for the critical and questioning mind needed to approach biodiversity and climate change. 

Edward Bent, author of Plant-Life, stood wearing a red jumper holding his book.

Author Edward Bents career was founded on a Botany degree from the University of Hull, followed by many years of experience spent working across different sectors, including research, marketing and education. After moving to Italy, he became a self-employed consultant and writer with many of his articles published in leading international publications, as well as a founding director of UK plant breeding company Floranova Ltd. While producing a series of botanical art compositions exploring spatial relationships in plant communities, Edward was inspired to research and write this book as a way of reflecting on his understanding of plants and the ways of nature. 

Edward recently took the time out of his busy schedule to talk to us about the inspiration behind his book, why he chose to write in a journalistic style, other projects hes currently working on, and more.


In the first chapter it says that you have always wanted to explore the beauty of plants and flowers and to share an appreciation of their world with others. How did you first develop this fascination and love of botany?

From an early age I liked to draw and paint plants and flowers to express an artistic temperament and reveal what I thought to be aesthetically pleasing. This extended to outdoor landscapes. At secondary school, I studied botany at ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels, followed by a degree course at University. During these scientific studies, significant periods of practical work allowed greater awareness of the beauty of plants and flowers and led me to make drawings. This same awareness continued through research and teaching, in parallel with a scientific frame of mind. I refer later to the influence of realising botanical compositions of wildflower communities while retaining a botanical coherence.

Marsh Orchid photograph in a meadow with other flowers taken from ground level.

A dichotomous key was one of the first methods used to identify different plant species and variants through a hand lens before pictorial guides were developed. How do you think this early identification technique has affected the ways in which we observe and identify plants in the present day?

Pictorial guides to identify plant species represent a very useful shortcut, but, in many cases, just a few characteristics such as flower type, colour and leaf shape are sufficient to get the answer. While most guides also carry some detailed written descriptions, this is not commonly referred to except for professional reasons or uncertainty. The methodology of using a dichotomous key not only requires more time, but also attentive observation of far more plant characteristics. This helps develop powers of observation, or a trained eye, and better understanding of taxonomy, while providing an enjoyable sense of investigation. I believe that pictorial guides were developed to speed up the process of identification and to provide ordinary people, not just botanists, with an easier-to-use instrument.

I really enjoyed how Plant-Life touched on the relationship between botany and other disciplines such as art, poetry, maths and bio-economics. What inspired you to investigate these relationships throughout the book?

Image of different products that use floral and plant motifs in their design including coasters and jars.

Firstly, reading Keith Critchlow’s book (see my answer to your question six), but also because of the impressions perceived of the beauty of spatial relationships in natural plant communities, through observation and realising the botanical compositions from pressed plant material. The aspect of bio-economics relates to the common denominator of chaos and complexity. Some years ago, I had also written another book that had prepared my mind to be more receptive to these relationships, and gave rise to my logo/trademark WOWWalk on the Wild side.

Plant-Life photograph of a yellow Cowslip plant.

When walking in the country, I always sought the big picture, since nature – of which we are part – is more than just the science. The concept of ‘Art of nature and Nature of art’ also came through in my research, strengthening the wish to break down perceived barriers between science, art and indeed philosophy. Scientific methodology works through separation, not only between different disciplines but also within them, while an examination of nature demands a more holistic approach.

What inspired you to write in a holistic, journalistic style rather than the more traditional, academic style that many ecology books demonstrate?

I think a holistic style is essential to understanding the ways of nature. It involved a strong desire to engage in artistic appreciation and philosophical/spiritual reflection on the perceived beauty of plants and wildflowers in their natural habitats. That is something I have, as long as I can remember, ‘taken aboard’ with a mixture of interest, observation and empathy. The artwork involved in the realisation of a series of botanical compositions also inspired the book and gave rise to logo, N-ART-URA The Culture of Biodiversity.

A journalistic style in communicating information in straightforward language was obligatory after analysing big data scientific papers, news releases, books etc to make the writing more accessible to a wider and multi-level readership. This mission and ability stems from teaching and years of writing feature articles for the horticultural trade press and a few books. Equally, easier, pre-digested science would be unable to deal with some of the concepts and information presented in my book.

Field of Poppies and wild flowers overlooking Crantock Beach near Newquay Cornwall England UK Europe.

Do you think our plant life will reach a point where species will consistently be able to adapt to, and thrive within, the ever-changing environment that human activities have created? 

Much depends on the timeframe. Our destruction of ecosystems can be total or partial (leaving intact corridors) and usually happens very quickly, whereas the process of plant adaptation is gradual and long drawn out. The protection and conservation of large areas of wilderness are fundamental to securing the absence of damaging human activities. Despite this, nature is programmed to fill any ecological voids that occur.

The so-called ‘generalist’ plant species adapt far more quickly to new environmental challenges, as opposed to more specialist species adapted to precise habitats, such as alpine flora . The latter have a much smaller gene pool when needing to adapt to new conditions, rendering them more vulnerable to extinction. So, the generalist species will adapt more quicky and spread more widely throughout areas of ecological disruption and damage caused by human activity.

Species distributions will become increasingly alike between different geographical areas and continents, caused by human activities travel and transport, for example. There will be new opportunities for hybridisation, mutation and a few new species or sub-species. In a few cases, plant breeding and genetic manipulation in agricultural and horticultural crops, can ‘escape’, potentially affecting wild species from which crops were developed.

How did you develop your Holistic Notion diagram and what can this teach us about the relationship between nature and human emotions? 

This diagram is central to my book and needs further development. The publication The Hidden Geometry of Nature (Floris Books) by the late Keith Critchlow was inspirational and highly informative in providing links to further thought and research. I highly recommend this important book to students and teachers of botany to give the subject a wider context.

The human mind reasons and analyses, whereas the human heart brings natural phenomena together, connecting with natural beauty; something that is impracticable in scientific study, because scientific methodology invariably needs to be separate. The Holistic Notion diagram seeks to present mathematical principles lying behind nature and the universe that translate to specific aspects of ‘being’, the substance of what we are and what we see. In holism, emotions and intuition are as important as the science in terms of understanding. Emotions stem from our interest and perception of form and substance, engendering a feeling of continuity and gratitude.

Views Over Crantock Beach, Newquay, Cornwall, England, UK on a bright June day.

You briefly touched on the role of computers and artificial intelligence in creating ecological models that can be used to analyse data and potentially assist in the recovery of our environment. How important do you think these technologies will be in this process? 

I believe that artificial intelligence and computer power will be very important in realising ecological models because of the huge amount of data and number of variables involved. What is less certain is the success of these instruments in terms of conservation or rewilding, because the whole picture can never be pinned down to one moment in time. Plant-life and nature are in constant evolution, even more so with the dramatic effects of climate change. I define nature as working through dynamic instability, choosing complementary interdependence as the means. So, recovery will depend on the progressive ‘load’ of environmental challenges on plant communities, the biosphere and the Earth system itself, caused by climate change. Just how can artificial intelligence predict these events?

Do you have any current projects in progress that you can share with us? 
I am seeking ways to complete my NARTURA project by printing and publishing a series of nine botanical compositions, because earlier samples were well-received and complement the book. It requires, a printer, marketing, and distribution located in the UK. Living in Italy makes this more difficult, although I do have digital samples and plenty of ideas.


Plant-Life book cover showing a photograph of a pair of brown boots stood on a grassy path with a red poppy in the left hand bootEdward Bent’s book Plant-Life, a Walk with Nature was privately published and is available on the NHBS website at Plant-Life: A Walk with Nature | NHBS Good Reads

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2024

Blue Tit on a branch

For the past 45 years, the RSPB has been running one of the largest citizen science projects in the world, the Big Garden Birdwatch. Every January more than half a million people take to their gardens, parks and balconies to count the birds they see. This huge dataset has allowed the RSPB to create a comprehensive picture of how our local birds are faring, and to examine changes in both abundance and distribution over time.

This year’s Big Garden Birdwatch will take place from the 26th to 28th January and anyone can sign up to take part – all it takes is an hour of your time to record the birds you see in your area and send these results to the RSPB. They will then collate all of the data and publish the results in spring.

How to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch

    • Sign up on the RSPB website 
    • Find a good spot to watch the birds in your garden or a local park and choose an hour between between Friday 26th and Sunday 28th January. 
    • Have fun identifying the species visiting your garden during that hour and count the maximum number of each species you see at any one time. For example, if you see a group of three House Sparrows together and after that another one, the number to submit is three. This method means it is less likely you will count the same birds more than once and makes data analysis easier. Make a note of any other wildlife that you spot as well. 
    • Submit your results on the Big Garden Birdwatch website. Even if you don’t see anything, that’s still useful information. (If you can’t submit your results online, you can print off the form from the free guide and send it by post). 
    • Join in the conversation on RSPB social channels throughout the weekend to see what other nature lovers are spotting across the UK and upload your own pictures and comments using #BigGardenBirdWatch 
    • Look out for the results in April and take pride in having contributed data from your patch.

What did we learn in the 2023 Big Garden Birdwatch?

In 2023, over half a million people took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch, submitting records of more than 9.1 million birds. The most frequently reported species was the House Sparrow which received 1.4 million sightings, however counts of this bird have notably decreased by 57% when compared to the first Birdwatch in 1979. The second and third spots were held by Blue Tits and Starlings respectively. 

Last year’s results highlighted the vulnerability of some of our smaller garden birds and the environments they live in. Long-tailed Tit sightings increased by 39% in 2023, however they are very susceptible to harsh weather conditions and as a result of this, population numbers have fluctuated since the Big Garden Birdwatch began. Meanwhile, Greenfinches and Chaffinches continued to be affected by a disease known as Trichomonosis, which has led to a 34% decline in UK Chaffinch populations and 65% decline in Greenfinches over the last decade.
It is hoped that this year’s Birdwatch will help to give a better picture of how these population are faring a year on.

How can I encourage more birds and other wildlife to my garden?

 

Participating in the Big Garden Birdwatch is the perfect opportunity to observe how wildlife is using your garden and to give you some insights into how you could make your outdoor space even more attractive to wildlife. 

Improving your garden for wildlife can be as simple as leaving a patch of long grass; providing native trees or plants that are good for pollinators such as lavender, buddleja and verbena; or leaving a woodpile for insects to shelter in. You can also supply nest boxes for birds, bat boxes for summer roosting bats, access panels and shelters for hedgehogs, shelter for frogs and toads, and of course bird feeders, which will bring a multitude of species to your garden.

Recommended books and equipment

 

Collins Bird Guide book coverCollins Bird Guide: The Most Complete Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe 

With expanded text and additional colour illustrations, the third edition of the hugely successful Collins Bird Guide is a must for every birdwatcher. The combination of definitive text, up-to-date distribution maps and superb illustrations makes this book the ultimate field guide, essential for every birdwatcher and field trip. 

 

RSPB Handbook of British Birds cover

RSPB Handbook of British Birds 

This easy-to-use book is a complete guide to the UK’s most familiar birds and, having been revised for its fifth edition, the RSPB Handbook of British Birds now includes new artwork, additional rarities, extra comparison spreads and a fully updated taxonomic order, in addition to a detailed maps reflecting current UK distributions. 

 

 

Europe’s Birds: An Identification Guide coverEurope’s Birds: An Identification Guide 

Covering more than 900 species, and illustrated with over 4,700 photographs, this is the most comprehensive, authoritative and ambitious single-volume photographic guide to Europe’s birds ever produced. The images are stunning to look at, making this a beautiful book to enjoy, as well as an up-to-date and essential source of identification knowledge.

 

Park and Garden Birds coverPark and Garden Birds 

This newly updated fold-out guide covers the top 50 birds of gardens and parks, including ponds and rivers. Designed for speedy bird identification with living birds in the garden, the guide features beautiful colour paintings by Chris Shields. Accompanying text on the reverse side covers body size, food, key identification notes and conservation status. 

 

Challenger Plastic Seed Feeder Challenger Plastic Seed Feeder 

This seed feeder is ideal for small spaces due to its size and is made from durable, long-lasting plastic. The feeder includes perching rings which have been designed to allow birds to feed in their natural facing forward position and is available in two different sizes. 

 

 NHBS Wooden Bird Nest Box NHBS Wooden Bird Nest Box 

Installing a nest box in your garden is one of the easiest ways to support local bird populations, providing them with a warm, sheltered environment with protection from most types of predators. Our own range of wooden bird nest boxes have been custom designed and manufactured from substantial 2cm thick FSC-certified wood, are available with either a 25mm or 32mm entrance hole and can be expected to last for 5–10 years. 

 

Discovery Plastic Window Seed FeederDiscovery Plastic Window Seed Feeder

The Discovery Plastic Window Seed Feeder is ideal for those with small gardens or balconies and who are new to bird feeding. It has two feeding ports with ring perches to allow the birds to feed in a natural position and the high-suction pads securely fix the feeder to glass which offers a fantastic way to watch garden birds up close.

 

Hawke Optics Nature-Trek Binos in greenHawke Optics Nature-Trek Binoculars

The Hawke Optics Nature-Trek Binoculars are great value and ideal for fieldwork. They have a shock-resistant polycarbonate body, making them robust yet lightweight, and are waterproof and fog-free. The inner-focus optical design and BAK 4 roof prism produces high resolution images and ensures no detail is lost when viewing at long or short distances, while they also have effortless focusing and impressive depth of field which makes these binoculars quick and easy to use.

 

Kite Ursus Binoculars in black.Kite Ursus Binoculars

The Kite Ursus binoculars are an easy to use, entry-level pair of binoculars with all-round performance. They have been designed for everyday use and have a robust, fully waterproof housing, rubber touch points, and are lightweight and well balanced with a short hinge and a large ribbed focus wheel so changing focus is easy. As with other Kite binoculars, the Ursus also have a great field of view and, combined with their image quality, this makes them great for panning while watching fast moving subjects.

 

GPO PASSION 10x32 ED Binoculars in green.GPO PASSION 10×32 ED Binoculars

These binoculars combine a sleek design with high-quality features, including a Schmidt-Pechan prism, 10× magnification, ED multi-coated lenses and matched optics, which deliver exceptional clarity and colour transmission. They also offer a wide field of view, high edge-to-edge sharpness and a close minimum focus, which makes them unique among models in this price range, and come in five colours: green, brown, black, sand and orange.

Author Q&A with David Seamer: A Beginners Guide to Freshwater Microscopic Life

David Seamer book coversA Beginners Guide to Freshwater Microscopic Life is a practical, spiral-bound guide written by David Seamer which offers a fantastic introduction to the multitude of microscopic organisms found in freshwater. For those with a more specific interest, An Illustrated Guide to the Freshwater Protozoa provides an extensive review of taxonomic information and detailed descriptions of 400 genera of Amoebae, Flagellata and Ciliata, all of which have a worldwide distribution.

David Seamer looking at the camera smiling while sat at a table with a pencil in his hand and a large white microscope on his left and a partially complete drawing of a microorganism on his right.In 1993, David Seamer bought an old school bus and converted it into a mobile home and laboratory. He spent the next 20 years travelling around south-east Australia and Tasmania collecting, cataloguing and drawing the biodiversity of the micro-world. David has now settled in a county town in Australia where he has access to a great range of environments from semidesert springs to alpine ponds and lakes and continues to sketch, study and identify microscopic life.

David took the time out of his busy schedule to discuss how he first got into studying microscopic life, the biggest challenges he’s had to overcome while creating these books and more.


Can you tell us about how you first developed an interest in studying microscopic life? 

Ever since I was a small child, the natural world has fascinated me and my bedroom became a study place for caterpillars, tadpoles, lizards, insects of any description and anything else that I could keep in jars, boxes or old abandoned aquariums. But it wasn’t until I was about 15 and in high school that I discovered the micro-world, during a double biology lesson in which the teacher was using amoebas collected from a local pond as examples of an animal cell. While I was drawing an amoeba I noticed other ‘wigglers’ and drew them as well. After the lesson I approached the teacher and asked what these other things were. He pointed to a copy of Ward and Whipple’s Freshwater Biology and once I opened it and saw drawings of what I had seen, I was instantly hooked. I saved my money from a couple of lawn mowing jobs to buy my first microscope and it has become a lifelong passion ever since.  

Black and white pen sketches of microorganisms in David Seamer's book A Beginners Guide to Freshwater Microscopic Life.

Which techniques would you advise a beginner in this field of study to use? 

My advice to beginners is to be aware that these organisms are real creatures and should be treated with the same respect as any other animal. Collect your samples and examine them as soon as possible. Ideally, they should still be alive for once dead many of them decompose and break down very quickly. Preserved specimens often change shape and distort so live is always best. A good microscope is essential and the use of a measuring slide or an eye-piece micrometer, as well as phase contrast, is of great help. There are thousands of species so don’t try and identify organisms to that level. Genus or even family are as far down as one should go to start with.

I found it really fascinating looking at your illustrations of microbes and the incredible detail you’ve included. Can you explain the process of drawing from live microscopic observations and the challenges of this method? 

David Seamer's progressive drawing of sketching a microorganism, from basic outlined sketch on the left to a detailed 3D representation on the right.

Drawing from life requires patience and lots of it. Starting with basic measurements to get proportions is the first step. This illustration (see above) is fairly typical of my technique. I draw the initial outline and basic details in 2B pencil and then when I am satisfied that all is correct, I use various grades of felt tipped pens to complete the drawing. Of course one must have knowledge of the subject so as to point out specific identification pointers.

What does your essential field kit include? 

David Seamer stood on a lakes edge in a pink shirt and blue trousers collecting samples while holding a conical net over the water.My basic field kit apart from my wellington or gumboots, comprises a 30µm plankton net as seen in this photo, a basting pipette for mud surface collection, several numbered, widemouth jars with screw on lids, and a notebook for the recording of date, location, temperature and any other variable details – all packing into a large knapsack type bag in case a bit of a hike is involved.  

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome while creating these books? 

The biggest challenge one faces is reference material. It is essential to get not only the identification correct, but also the internal structure of these tiny organisms. Because taxonomy is constantly changing and developing, keeping up with name changes can be a challenge. While the internet can be invaluable, it is full of incorrect information and one must be very cautious when using it.  

When I started out, I was constantly frustrated by not only the lack of availability of reference material on this subject but also the language. So many books were written by scientists for scientists, or were so simple that they were pretty well useless, that finally I decided to write a number of comparatively comprehensive but simple guides aimed at the amateur, student and enthusiast. These guides have proved quite popular and have currently been despatched to 50 countries around the world.  

How have environmental changes as a result of climate change affected the distribution of and variation in microorganism species? 

Environmental changes resulting from climate change affect the distribution and variation of microorganisms in very subtle ways. Whilst many species are incredibly robust, others are very delicate and can easily be affected by things like water temperature. Some protists need very specific environmental conditions in order to exist. Freshwater is a fluid (no pun intended) environment and every change has its ramifications. For example, droughts can obviously dry out ponds, streams and even small lakes as well as change the oxygen levels and pH of water bodies and this can result in a change in biodiversity. Likewise, floods will have the same effect with an increase in additional nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates from farmers’ paddocks causing algal blooms. 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Seamer has privately published his collection, two of which are available at www.nhbs.com/david-seamer

Author Q&A with Michelle Sole: Antarctica: A Bird’s-eye View

Antarctica: A Bird's-Eye View hardback book cover showing an aerial view of the edge of a cliff covered in snow and penguins.This stunning photographic book, written in collaboration with penguinologist Dr Tom Hart, offers a unique view of Antarctica from above and captures the wonders of this magical place, from vast icebergs to penguin colonies in their thousands. Each chapter includes an array of incredible captioned images, taken from both land and air, and describes the resident wildlife and conservation efforts in this remote area.

Black and white photograph of Michelle Sole, author of Antarctica: A Bird's-Eye View, holding a Canon camera and facing the camera.

Michelle Sole grew up living between the rolling hills of England and the alpine wilds of Andorra. In 2011 she moved to South Africa, spending the following six years working as a Safari Guide and nurturing her passion for photography, before becoming a photography guide on expedition ships in Antarctica and the Arctic where she continues to challenge her photography in extreme conditions today. Michelle’s thrill for adventure, nature and the outdoors is evident throughout her photography and writing, and since her career began her work has been published worldwide in papers including Africa Geographic and The Daily Mail.

Michelle recently took the time out of her Antarctica expedition to Snow Hill Island to talk to us about the inspiration behind the book, the challenges she faced photographing such a challenging environment and more.


You began getting into photography when you moved to South Africa in
2011. What encouraged you to take the leap from the sunny African
plains to Antarctica, and how does photography compare from one
environment to another?

I worked as safari guide in South Africa and one of my guests just so
happened to be the president of a polar expedition company and he offered
me a job! The opportunity was too good to pass up and in 2017 I started
working as a photography guide in Antarctica and the Arctic regions.

The photography varies drastically between Africa and Antarctica. In Africa
you are often hiding from the sun and in Antarctica the elements are against
you. The light in Antarctica is a lot harsher than in Africa and photographing black and white penguins on bright white snow takes some practice.

Aerial photograph of the sea withicebergs scattered over it and snowy mountains in the distance taken from a helicopter flying over Cape Tuxen, Antarctica.

On the north side of Zavodovski Island in the South Sandwich Islands, a quarter of a million Chinstrap Penguins are lashed by the Southern Ocean at the base of a snowy mountain with the top covered by fog and big waves at the foot of the slopes.

What was it that inspired you to create this book and capture Antarctica
from the sky rather than focusing solely on more conventional, land-
based photography?

I was approached by Dr Tom Hart from Oxford University to collaborate and
make this book. Tom had over 40,000 drone images from penguin and seal
surveys. These are used to try and gather population trends across different
locations in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. I had a similar number of
images from the ground and a collection from helicopters. The aerial shots really add a different dimension and together with the images from the ground tell a grander and more unique story of the landscapes and wildlife of this remarkable place.

Aerial photograph of Gentoo Penguins making paths between their nests and the water on Useful Island, Antarctica.

Did you face any significant challenges that you had to overcome while
taking photographs in such a remote, harsh and often unpredictable
environment?

Yes! The weather in Antarctica can be brutal. Some days you are battered by
the winds and you can’t feel your finger tips, or you could be in a snow storm with snow collecting on the top of your camera as you shoot. I always carry a towel in my bag to protect my gear. Salt water takes a major toll on photographic equipment and throughout the years I’ve tried to salvage numerous cameras, sadly they didn’t all survive. On top of that, I am often photographing from an unsteady platform a zodiac (a type of rigid inflatable boat) that I am driving on the ocean.

Were you concerned over any possible impacts on the wildlife
that you photographed even though you used drones to capture some images?

Special permission was given to the researchers from the Penguin Watch
team to fly drones for scientific purposes to conduct penguin and seal surveys. The drones were flown at a non disturbance height. This is evident in the aerial wildlife photographs by the behaviour of the animals the seals continue to sleep and the penguins continue to walk on their highways without so much as looking at the drone.

Aerial photograph of a beach with the sand on the right, covered in King Penguins, and a big wave breaking on the right of the photo, with Elephant Seals led sleeping on the waters edge in Gold Harbour, South Georgia.

I was really surprised to see such a wide variety of habitats and species
in your photographs as I, like many, often think of Antarctica and the
surrounding areas as enormous ice-shelves rather than steaming
volcanoes and vibrant pumice rocks. Was there anything that took you
by surprise while you were out taking photographs for this book?

At the time of putting together this book I had six years of experience in Antarctica, so I was familiar with many of the different landscapes. However, on my first trip to Antarctica, like many others visiting for the first time, I was taken aback by the variety of landscapes on the seventh continent. As a guide in this environment, this initial wonder and surprise is something that I see in other people experiencing this for the first time on nearly every trip.

Are you currently planning to undertake any other photography projects
next year that we can hear a sneak-preview about?

As I write this I am currently onboard an expedition ship south bound to the most northerly Emperor Penguin colony in the world Snow Hill Island,
Antarctica. I also work in the Arctic each summer and spend a significant
amount of time out in Africa. Although I have no current plans to produce
books on these areas, my photography portfolio continues to grow.

Three Gentoo Penguins walking towards the camera with their wings spread using a 'penguin highway' track in the snow on Danco Island, Antarctica.


Antarctica: A Bird’s-Eye View has been privately published by author Michelle Sole and is available at www.nhbs.com/Antarctica: A Bird’s-Eye View.

25% of profits from the sale of this book is donated to Penguin Watch.

You can also visit Michelle’s website and follow her adventures on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.