The Boris Johnson-led Conservative Party took a resounding win in December’s general election, increasing its majority to 365 seat in the House of Commons. Across the UK, levels of child criminal exploitation are estimated to be “almost back to Victorian times” according to Shaun Sawyer, the national police lead for modern slavery and human…
Read full postThere are many ways in which the legal system can be better used to protect the environment, both nationally and internationally. The UK could be leading the world in climate- friendly policies. Currently we are lagging behind. An example of legislation that could help is ‘climate-related risk disclosure’. Many businesses are already reducing their…
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In the Geography GCSE, climate change is often a stand-alone topic about possible causes. Carrying out a quick analysis of science courses shows that the AQA GCSE Physics course doesn’t mention climate change once, Biology mentions it once, and Chemistry uses the term nine times with a focus on greenhouse gases. The language used by…
Read full postThis time of year is a prime season for leaf blowers. Wanting a ‘tidy’ garden and a drive free of debris is the driving force behind many proud homeowners blowing away the leaves from the paving, but for insects and small animals, that quick garden tidy can spell disaster. A report by Germany’s Ministry…
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With insects on the decline, why not roll the metaphoric red carpet out for them by turning your garden into an insect haven? CREATE WOODPILES Insects such as woodlice, beetles and centipedes love a good woodpile. Wood left outdoors is also the perfect habitat for lichen and fungi. It can also house small…
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Our planet’s insects are collectively the cogs that keep the delicately tuned ecological machine in balance, but through a combination of temperature change, habitat depletion and modern agricultural practices, we are losing many of our insect species. Humankind needs insects in order to survive. They are crucial decomposers that help to break down and…
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We need to reinvent our relationship with nature for a sustainable future. A new relationship that helps slow climate warming and helps wildlife recover. A closer relationship with nature is for everyone, wherever they live. It doesn’t have to be about trips out into the countryside and it’s not about ‘hugging trees’. More and more…
Read full postMindfulness sounds like a panacea for modern day ills: it’ll boost your self-esteem, ease your stress and make you happier! So why aren’t we all doing it? In principle, mindfulness sounds simple enough; just pay full attention to whatever you’re experiencing right now, without judgement. But in practice it takes just a few seconds…
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Alighting at Pembrey and Burry Port Station I face the intriguing possibility of walking on for two months, keeping the sea on my left, then clinging to Offa’s Dyke down the Welsh border, before arriving back at this very spot. Instead I will taste a modest, introductory 12 miles of the Wales Coast Path…
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Our greatest river begins under a protective spinney in a Gloucestershire field. Did Isambard Kingdom Brunel deliberately route his London to Cheltenham railway within yards of this spot, drawing support from the watery spirits? My train to Kemble Station, a short stroll from the source, started at Paddington, which is only a mile from the…
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