Latest news with #RSPB
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to plant 6 flowers that feed birds all summer long
Bird-lovers will be delighted to discover that these flowering plants will keep birds coming back to your garden as they provide them with nourishment and shelter If you're a fan of these feathery creatures, experts have shared the top flowers you need to plant to keep birds flitting about in your garden. Birds are delightful creatures, filled with personality and unique behaviours that make them fascinating to observe. What's more, they also play a pivotal role in your garden's eco-system, as they contribute to key processes like pollination and seed dispersal. One of the best ways to encourage them to your home is by growing plants that provide them with food and nesting materials. Plus, given that bird numbers are dwindling in the UK, this is more important than ever. According to government data, bird species across the UK have declined by 2% between 2018 and 2023. One of the biggest causes of this are modern farmland practices according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Bird's (RSPB) State of Nature report 2023, which is largely due to the use of fertilisers and pesticides, which impact bird's food supply. Luckily, garden design expert Calum Maddock at has shared the six flowers you need to plant to make your home extra appealing for birds. Sunflowers Sunflowers are a summer favourite, as they instantly brighten up any space with their broad yellow leaves. The good news is that they also attract birds. According to Calum: 'The many seeds packed at the centre of the flower heads provide nourishment that is rich in oil throughout the autumn for seed-eating birds such as finches and nuthatches.' Honeysuckle As well as providing berries, honeysuckles are a great source of shelter for small birds like thrushes, warblers, and finches. They will also attract insects during the summer months, providing a further food source for birds. Rowan Rowans are known to produce masses of creamy white flowers that entice birds. Calum advised: 'Depending on the species, you can expect your rowan tree to bear berries from late July through to November.' Hawthorn Hawthorn is a flowering shrub which produces berries that attract birds such as blackbirds, redwings, fieldfares and starlings. Plus, Calum adds that the leaves will also attract caterpillars, which are 'an excellent food source' for baby birds during spring. Ivy Calum shared: 'Ivy is another plant which doubles up as a fantastic source of both food and shelter. The blackberries which appear in winter provide much-needed food for a range of birds, such as thrushes, starlings, jays, finches, and blackbirds.' Holly Holly berries will keep birds satisfied during winter, as they are enjoyed by birds such as song thrushes, blackbirds, and redwings. Calum added: 'Just make sure that you plant a female plant and a male plant close together, as only the female produces berries, but the male is needed for pollination.'
The Guardian
12 hours ago
- General
- The Guardian
Alastair Robertson obituary
My brother, Alastair Robertson, who has died of cancer aged 75, drew compulsively from an early age, on any scrap of paper. When he lost the use of his right hand in an accident, he transferred his skills to his left. His acutely observed watercolour illustrations of wildlife against delicate backgrounds of washes were widely exhibited in the 1970s and 80s. He also drew mammals, insects and fish, sometimes with humorous intent, but his passion was birds of prey: he kept a variety of hawks and falcons in his late teens and flew gyrfalcons at a US air force base to prevent bird strikes. Born surrounded by chalk hills in the Hughenden Valley in Buckinghamshire, Alastair was the elder son of Johnstone (Robbie) Robertson, an RAF officer, and Margaret (nee Barber), who had met during the second world war, when our mother was working in intelligence in the WAAF. He was educated at Berkhamsted school, in Hertfordshire, and at Bath Academy of Art, where he was influenced by Clifford and Rosemary Ellis. In the 70s, as his reputation grew, he became a member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and held exhibitions locally and in the Tryon Gallery in London. Early in his career he provided a cover illustration of wrens for the RSPB's Birds magazine, after which he illustrated a wide range of books. In the 80s he provided meticulously crafted illustrations of rare birds, based on studying skins in the Natural History Museum's ornithological department at Tring, for Save the Birds, a groundbreaking publication of the world's threatened birds by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and the International Council for Bird Preservation (now Birdlife International). From the early 80s he lived in a National Trust property near Sharpenhoe in Bedfordshire, where he carried out warden duties on the surrounding chalk downland in lieu of rent. There he met Anna Poray-Gedroyc, an extrovert and bubbly woman, and they married in 1985; she died in 2021. If Alastair cut an eccentric figure, accompanied by one of his Scottish deerhounds, it was because he was far from the centre of most human life, and happiest sitting on a chalk hill quietly looking at birds. These observations were faithfully rendered into his paintings. At the end, unable to speak, and conscious that he was dying, he typed out a farewell to the effect that the process was of enormous interest exclusively to him, and ended with 'sorry to be selfish'. He is survived by me, two nephews, Liam and Patrick, and by a niece, Marion.
News18
13 hours ago
- Sport
- News18
Elite Women's Boxing Tournament: Nikhat Zareen Ankushita Boro Advance To Semis
Last Updated: Ankushita Boro and Nikhat Zareen advanced to the semifinals in the Elite Women's Boxing Tournament. Former youth world champion Ankushita Boro displayed her skill on Day 2 of the Elite Women's Boxing Tournament, advancing to the semifinals in the 65kg category with a decisive 5:0 win over Rajasthan's Parthvi on Sunday. In the 51kg division, home favourite and two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen thrilled the Hyderabad crowd with a commanding 5:0 victory over Kalpana. Nikhat had started her campaign with a clinical 4:1 win over Uttar Pradesh's Rashi Sharma on Saturday. Organised by the Telangana Boxing Federation under the aegis of the Boxing Federation of India and the Sports Authority of Telangana, the tournament brings together top-tier names and emerging talents from across the country. The event features 15 participating units, including the top 12 from the recent Elite Nationals, host Telangana, the SAI NCOE Combined team, and the TOPS Talent & Development squad. This competition is part of BFI's ongoing initiative to refine the national pool and scout future stars. Other notable quarterfinal results included Preeti (54kg), Jyoti (51kg), and Devika Ghorpade (51kg), who all secured their semifinal spots with unanimous wins. Tamil Nadu's V. Lakshaya (51kg) impressed with a 5:0 win over Laxmi Devi, while Tanu (54kg), Shashi (65kg), and Yashi Sharma (65kg) also advanced after strong performances. Ankushita's TOPS teammate Gitimoni Gogoi moved forward in the 70kg category via RSC, and Babirojsana Chanu (57kg) achieved a stoppage win in the second round. Day 1 saw 2023 world champion Nitu (Haryana) winning 5:0 over Rajani Singh (UP) in the 45–48kg category, while Telangana's Yashi Sharma defeated K. Monisha (Tamil Nadu) 5:0 in the 60–65kg category. Bout 23: Manju Rani (RSPB) def. Mahi Vazeer (TEL) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 5:0 Bout 24: Yamini Singh (RAJ) def. Kashish Mehta (PUN) Bout 25: Chanchal S (SAI N) def. Deepa (TN) Flyweight (48-51kg) Bout 26: Nikhat Zareen (TEL) def. Kalpana (SAI N) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 5:0 Bout 27: V. Lakshaya (TN) def. Laxmi Devi (CHD) Bout 28: Devika Ghorpade (MAH) def. Sanju (AIP) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 5:0 Bout 29: Jyoti (RSPB) def. Simran (HAR) Bantamweight (51-54kg) Bout 30: Preeti (TOPS) def. N. Dharani (TN) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 5:0 Bout 31: Shiksha (RSPB) def. Laxkmi (TOPS) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 3:2 Bout 32: Tanu (SSCB) def. Neerupama (TEL) Bout 33: Bhupali Hazarika (SAI N) def. Khushi Jadhav (MAH) Featherweight (54-57kg) Bout 34: Vishu Rathee (HAR) def. Kavita (CHD) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 4:0 Bout 35: Babirojsana Chanu (RSPB) def. K. Shalini (TN) Bout 36: Aroti Doley (SAI N) def. Nida Khan (UP) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 5:0 Bout 37: Kamaljeet Kaur Gill (AIP) def. Aparna Chiluveru (TEL) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 5:0 Lightweight (57-60kg) Bout 38: Gavali Priyanka Suresh (AIP) def. Vanshika (RAJ) Result: RSC-I (Referee Stops Contest – Injury) – Round 2 Bout 39: Anjali (HAR) def. Gargi Tomar (DEL) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 5:0 Bout 40: Niharika Gonella (TEL) def. Priyanka (CHD) Bout 41: Prachi (RSPB) def. Disha Vijay Patil (SAI N) Light Welterweight (60-65kg) Bout 42: Yashi Sharma (TEL) def. Sarita Rai (UP) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 3:2 Bout 43: Shashi (RSPB) def. Melody Kilong (SAI N) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 5:0 Bout 44: Ankushita Boro (TOPS) def. Parthvi (RAJ) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 5:0 Bout 45: Amita Kundu (AIP) def. Loveleen Kaur (CHD) Result: WO (Walkover) Welterweight (65-70kg) Bout 46: Gitimoni Gogoi (SAI N) def. Chesta (RAJ) Result: RSC (Referee Stops Contest) – Round 2 Bout 47: Shravani Barge (MAH) def. R. Sajeetha (TN) Result: RSC (Referee Stops Contest) – Round 1 Bout 48: Shivani (DEL) def. Pooja (HAR) Result: RSC (Referee Stops Contest) – Round 1 Bout 49: Neha Kasnyal (AIP) def. Astha Pahwa (UP) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 3:2 Middleweight (70-75kg) Bout 50: Sneha (UP) def. Vidhi Rawal (MAH) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 5:0 Bout 51: Lovlina (TOPS) def. Krisha Verma (PUN) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 5:0 Bout 52: Shruti (SAI N) def. Kusum (HAR) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 5:0 Bout 53: Lashu Yadav (RSPB) def. M. Swetha (TN) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 5:0 Light Heavyweight (75-80kg) Bout 54: Garima (RAJ) def. Anjuman Sharma (DEL) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 5:0 Bout 55: Alfiya (RSPB) def. Nishu (HAR) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 5:0 Bout 56: Saweety (SAI N) def. P. Anitha (TN) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 5:0 Bout 57: Babitabisht (AIP) def. Sakshi Gaidhani (MAH) Result: WP (Win on Points) – 5:0 Heavyweight (80+kg) Bout 58: Ritika (SAI N) def. T. Keerthana Lakshmi (TN) Result: RSC (Referee Stops Contest) – Round 1 Bout 59: Shivanitomar (AIP) def. Kanchan Suranse (MAH) Result: ABD (Abandon) – Round 2 top videos View all Bout 60: Mankirat Kaur Brar (PUN) def. Narmada Unnigi (TEL) Result: RSC (Referee Stops Contest) – Round 1 About the Author Ritayan Basu Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, More News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Ankushita Boro boxing nikhat zareen Location : Hyderabad, India, India First Published: June 29, 2025, 20:52 IST News sports Elite Women's Boxing Tournament: Nikhat Zareen Ankushita Boro Advance To Semis
Wales Online
a day ago
- General
- Wales Online
UK households with gardens urged to take action if they see these birds
UK households with gardens urged to take action if they see these birds The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is urging UK households to take action for one of the most frequently seen birds in UK gardens and outdoor spaces The house sparrow has seen a "drastic" decline in population (Image: Getty Images ) UK households are being urged to act if they notice sparrows in their gardens. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has noted a "drastic" drop in the population of house sparrows, one of the most commonly sighted birds in UK gardens and outdoor spaces. The RSPB's recent Big Garden Birdwatch disclosed that breeding numbers of house sparrows have drastically declined since records began. The birds are now on the UK Red List for "high conservation concern." The charity is now calling on individuals to help these struggling birds by taking action in their own gardens. It recommends allowing a part of the garden to grow wild this summer to attract the insects that these birds depend on for survival. The RSPB stated: "House Sparrows are one of the UK's most widespread birds. Article continues below "While they are often the most commonly spotted garden birds in Big Garden Birdwatch, unfortunately their breeding numbers have drastically declined since records began over the last 50 years." The charity has now stepped in, urging gardeners to set aside a portion of their lawn to support the bird population. The RSPB recommends: "One way to help garden birds is by encouraging insects. "Why not let a patch of your garden grow wild this spring and summer? "You'll get a rest, and you'll reap the rewards come Big Garden Birdwatch 2026." The RSPB emphasises that these birds could be saved with collective effort. They commented: "The problems faced by birds are many and varied, which means we need to take action in all sorts of areas. Article continues below "From gardening for wildlife to the way we farm and manage our rivers, it all impacts on nature. "That's why we work tirelessly to save, protect and fight for nature. And when we come together for nature, it works."
BBC News
2 days ago
- Science
- BBC News
Rare dragonflies spotted as RSPB Campfield Marsh awarded title
A nature reserve has been named as the UK's newest dragonfly hotspot as two rare species have been spotted at the white-faced darter, a rare dragonfly, was introduced to RSPB Campfield Marsh in Wigton in April and it is hoped there will be breeding pairs in British Dragonfly Society designated it to become the 12th hotspot in the UK, saying it had "amazing habitat management" with deep bog pools which "should provide the perfect conditions for the species to thrive".RSPB Cumbria Coast reserve warden, Dan Cropper, who recorded two male white-faced darter at the site recently, said the recognition was a "testament to the health of our peat bogs". The white-faced darter, named for its distinctive chalk-white profile, has seen its numbers severely decline in England where it only exists in a handful of Cropper said he had recently recorded seeing two males on site but no females yet. "It would be amazing to see female dragonflies dipping their tails into the water and releasing their eggs."This would mean that our site could be a provider to save the species."Dragonfly hotspots are chosen because they are "fantastic places" for the insects to thrive and are easily accessible, according to the society. Conservation officer for the British Dragonfly Society, Eleanor Colver, said the white-faced darter was "vulnerable to extinction"."Thanks to the amazing habitat management work of the RSPB, the peat wetland at Campfield Marsh, with its deep bog pools, should provide the perfect conditions for the species to thrive," she added. LISTEN: Meet the rare White-faced Darter dragonfly Mr Cropper said: "Cumbria is an English stronghold for the white-faced darter and we're really lucky to have the dragonfly here." He added Campfield Marsh was a "nice mosaic of different habitats - salt marsh, wet grassland and peat bogs - which provides different habitats for our 13 species of dragonfly". "The dragonfly hotspot title demonstrates the importance of the site and will hopefully engage people to come and take interest in the insects. "We are tucked away up here so it's important for the site to have recognition," he event to celebrate the title will be held at the site on 5 July which will include guided dragonfly walks and pond dipping. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
