I am a journalist based in Glasgow in Scotland, which is currently part of the UK. I have a wide range of skills from sub-editing to live radio and sound-rich audio packages, and can take a photo if needed. I specialise in Scottish environmental issues, land management, tourism, outdoor activities ...

Beaver reintroduction programme to spread across Scotland under new plans

21 Sept 2022  |  theferret.scot  |  English  |  Environmental Policy

Scotland has launched a 23-year strategy to expand beaver populations across the country, identifying over 250,000 acres of potential habitat. The plan, developed by NatureScot and guided by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, aims to resolve conflicts between farmers and conservationists. While beavers have been a protected species since 2019, farmers have legally culled over 300 beavers due to flooding caused by their dams. The strategy includes incentives for farmers, private conservation funding, and monitoring of beaver impacts on other species. A new Scottish Beaver Advisory group has been formed, including various stakeholders. Relocation projects may start this year, with Trees for Life and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds planning schemes. NatureScot's chief executive, Francesca Osowska, is optimistic about the ecological benefits of beavers, while NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy emphasizes the need for resources to manage beaver impacts on farmland.

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Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Trees for Life Royal Zoological Society of Scotland International Union for Conservation of Nature NatureScot National Farmers Union Scotland Scottish Land and Estates Scottish Beaver Advisory group Scottish Environment Link Scottish Rewilding Alliance

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Rebecca Bird is an ethical multimedia journalist and news editor based in Newcastle, United Kingdom. She has more than 17 years of experience working on newspapers, news websites and radio stations in the UK and the Caribbean.

Rebecca has additional related skills in photography, videography, ...

New report proposes ‘cheaper, greener’ east-west road link

06 Dec 2023  |  www.caymancompass.com  |  English  |  Urban Planning

Sustainable Cayman has released a report comparing the government's East-West Arterial extension with two alternative routes, highlighting a cheaper and greener option. The report, produced with the UK's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, suggests that one of its proposed routes would be the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective. The National Roads Authority's proposed route, dubbed the 'Central Highway,' would significantly impact the Central Mangrove Wetland and is estimated to cost $70 million. In contrast, the alternative Route 2 would improve traffic flow, connect schools and residential areas, and cost approximately $61.90 million, while Route 3 is estimated at $41.3 million but may incur higher costs due to existing infrastructure. The report emphasizes the need for rigorous environmental impact assessments and a holistic approach to development.

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Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Sustainable Cayman National Roads Authority

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Queen Accused of Fowl Play: Royals ‘Must Explain Why Animals Are Killed On Their Land’, Says Ex MP

04 Sept 2020  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Wildlife Management

The article discusses the controversy surrounding animal culling on the Queen's estates, with leaked documents revealing permissions granted for killing greylag geese and destroying their eggs at Sandringham Estate. Former MP Norman Baker criticizes the Royal Family for a lack of transparency and calls for accountability, highlighting exemptions in the Animal Welfare Act for royal lands. The article also mentions past instances of animal killings at other royal properties and the Royal Family's historical association with bloodsports. Animal rights activists argue for non-lethal wildlife management methods, while the Royal Family cites health and safety reasons for culling.

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Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Royal Family Natural England RSPCA Animal Aid

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Phoebe Cooke is a freelance journalist based in London.

Greenpeace accuses Treasury of distorting its stance on biomass burning

05 Oct 2023  |  ca.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Government Lobbying

Greenpeace has accused the UK government of misrepresenting its stance on biomass burning for electricity, particularly in meetings with the power company Drax. Greenpeace opposes most forms of biomass burning due to environmental concerns, while Drax has been lobbying for subsidies and government support. The article reveals that government briefing notes inaccurately cited Greenpeace as supporting bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). The controversy underscores the tension between environmental groups and government policies on renewable energy and carbon emissions.

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Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Greenpeace HM Treasury National Grid Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

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I'm a journalist based in Yorkshire. I studied journalism at Sheffield University and started my career in local newspapers, gaining NCTJ qualifications in Media Law, Public Affairs and 100wpm Teeline shorthand.

After a few years in local newspapers I moved to Nottingham and spent a couple of ...

Threatened: Puffins and People - A Complex Relationship

17 Mar 2024  |  BirdNote  |  English  |  Environmental Impact

The article is a transcript from the show 'Threatened' hosted by Ari Daniel, featuring a story about puffins at Bempton Cliffs on the Yorkshire Coast, UK. The story, reported by Paul Drury-Bradey, explores the relationship between humans and puffins, focusing on how the birds' cuteness and iconic status affect their conservation. Puffins are described as charismatic and a 'spark bird' that ignites a passion for birdwatching. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is organizing a puffin festival, and the puffin's role in the ecosystem and its vulnerability to climate change are discussed. The puffin's primary food source, sandeels, is threatened by warming waters, which could lead to a catastrophic decline in puffin populations. The article also touches on the impact of human activities, such as littering, on puffins. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has classified the Atlantic Puffin as vulnerable to extinction. The story concludes with a message about the importance of local conservation efforts and the potential for puffins to inspire greater environmental awareness and action.

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Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)

I'm a multimedia reporter and writer. I have covered social change, conflict and rights in more than ten countries across the Middle East and Europe while based out of London, Rome and the West Bank.

I'm experienced across all aspects of digital journalism - from filing breaking news to ...

‘This will be a wasteland’: Northern Irish farmers fear Brexit

06 Mar 2019  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Economy

Northern Irish farmers, including John Sheridan, fear the impact of a hard Brexit on their livelihoods due to the potential imposition of tariffs and border checks with the Republic of Ireland. The agricultural sector, which is highly dependent on trade with the Republic and EU subsidies, could face severe challenges if Britain leaves the EU without a deal. The Ulster Farmers’ Union and other business groups have expressed support for Prime Minister Theresa May's deal to avoid a hard border, which could also have environmental consequences. The UK government has allocated funds for Brexit preparations, but a no-deal scenario could significantly weaken the UK economy and affect Northern Ireland's businesses and environment.

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Royal Society for the Protection of Birds European Union Ulster Farmers’ Union Democratic Unionist Party

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Kitty Logan is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Puffins face uncertain future as climate change hits habitats

18 Jun 2022  |  newseu.cgtn.com  |  English  |  Wildlife Conservation

At Bempton Cliffs in northeast England, seabirds, including puffins, face threats from climate change. Rising North Sea temperatures disrupt the availability of sand eels, crucial for puffin diets, leading to potential population declines. Experts from the Zoological Society of London and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds emphasize the need for evidence-based conservation strategies to mitigate climate impacts on seabirds.

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Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Zoological Society of London UN

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Simon Marks is a journalist based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Wind project hits a hurdle in Scotland

26 Nov 2008  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Local Opposition

A proposed wind farm on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland faces significant opposition despite initial approval from the Western Isles Council. The Scottish government rejected the project due to environmental concerns and existing renewable energy targets. The project, led by Lewis Wind Power, a joint venture between British Energy Group and Amec, aims to contribute significantly to the UK's renewable energy goals. Local opposition centers on the potential environmental impact, particularly on protected bird species and peat marshes. The debate highlights the broader challenges of balancing renewable energy development with environmental conservation and local community interests.

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Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Scottish Government Western Isles Council British Wind Energy Association Moorland Without Turbines Scottish Tourist Board Greenpeace

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