The British Chelonia Group Spring Symposium in Cambridge, 9th-10th March 2024. Report by Margaret and John Cooper. The British Chelonia Group Spring Symposium, held in Cambridge on 9th-10th March 2024, was a landmark event that united experts and enthusiasts in a comprehensive discussion on the impacts of temperature changes on tortoises, terrapins, and turtles. This report encapsulates a ..read more

By Graham Wellstead. In his thought-provoking piece, Graham Wellstead gets his teeth into the question of whether wolves should be reintroduced to the UK. Reflecting on historical accounts and personal experiences, Graham navigates the complexities surrounding this debate. He highlights the ecological and societal considerations, urging readers to ponder the implications of coexisting with these ..read more

By Graham Wellstead. Understanding Badgers: Conservation Efforts and Controversies Introduction: In this blog post, FFON contributor Graham Wellstead shares his personal experiences and insights into the complex relationship between badgers, one of our native wildlife’s most iconic creatures, and human society. Drawing from years of observation and a deep-seated respect for nature, Graham discusses the ..read more

A letter from Dafydd Lewis published in the Amateur Entomologists’ Society. Introduction for FFON by Simon H King FLS: While bees often capture the limelight in discussions about pollination, their stage is shared with unsung heroes that operate under the cloak of night. This guest post by Dafydd Lewis shines a spotlight on moths, the ..read more

We live in a world grappling with environmental challenges, where every action (even the well intended ones) have an equal and opposite reaction. No wonder nature’s on the back foot. Credit where it’s due, though, the UK government’s latest conservation measures (see https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nature-recovery-to-be-accelerated-as-the-government-delivers-on-measures-to-protect-land-and-sea ) present a slither of hope. These initiatives, aimed at accelerating nature ..read more

The importance of bees in our Countryside. By Graham Wellstead. It is often quite difficult to quantify the number and range of insect species which currently live, but may not necessarily thrive, in the UK. With the loss of habitat, and urbanisation, we should not be surprised to learn many small things have gone extinct ..read more

By Simon King FLS In a world increasingly conscious of environmental sustainability, the focus on renewable energy has never been more pertinent. As an #ExportChampion, I recently had the privilege of attending a dinner hosted by Martin Vickers MP, the UK’s Western Balkans trade envoy. This event, graced by the presence of the Kosovan Ambassador ..read more

By John Ashbrook for FFON. Dear FFON Readers, It’s Simon King here, delighted to share with you a heartening tale of environmental stewardship from our very own shores. In this feature, we meet James Elliott, affectionately known as “The Canoe River Cleaner” of Grimsby’s River Freshney. James’s story (crafted by writer John Ashbrook for FFON ..read more

Marrying Innovation with Stewardship In the world of conservation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands out as a much-needed beacon of innovation. Yet, as guardians of the natural world, we bear the responsibility to harness this power wisely. With so much at stake, for the sake of good order, it makes sense to – at the very ..read more

As we bring this AI series to a close, it’s intriguing to ponder over AI’s alignment with Maxwell Knight’s lifelong dedication to nature. Knight, an illustrious naturalist and former MI5 spy-handler, devoted his life to the study and conservation of the natural world. His pioneering methods in observational research set a standard in environmental study ..read more