Latest news with #WildIsles
Daily Mirror
05-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners told mowing the lawn before specific date is 'banned'
Every year gardeners are warned about the perils of cutting the lawn too early, with experts saying people should hold off mowing until a certain date in the summer Garden enthusiasts are being warned against mowing their lawns until a specific date this month. The annual debate on the appropriate timing and method for trimming the grass is once again a hot topic among horticultural experts. In May, gardeners were advised to refrain from cutting the grass entirely. This is due to the fact that long grass supports numerous wildlife populations, ranging from crucial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, to beetles, moths and birds that depend on these insects for sustenance - thereby supporting the entire food chain. READ MORE: Kickers' 'durable' Back to School shoe range that 'last all year' However, gardeners are now being encouraged to hold off on lawn mowing until July 15, according to Sir David Attenborough's recommendation. He urges people to abstain until 'mid-July', while Gardeners' World star Monty Don opts for June 21 as his preferred date, reports This advice has been endorsed by esteemed naturalist Sir David Attenborough, who has urged Britain to 'delay mowing' during the summer months, a plea supported by wildlife experts, reports the Express. This is because insects such as bees, butterflies, and even wasps utilise lawns, especially the daisies, weeds, and wildflowers within them, for breeding, pollination, and maintaining a healthy ecosystem during this season. Mowing the grass disrupts this process, resulting in the death of many insects that are a vital - and increasingly endangered - component of our ecosystem. The extinction of these insects could ultimately lead to our own demise. UK conservation charity Plantlife has issued a stark warning, stating: "We've lost approximately 97% of flower-rich meadows since the 1930s and with them gone are vital food needed by pollinators, like bees and butterflies. "But your lawn can help! A healthy lawn with some long grass and wildflowers benefits wildlife, tackles pollution and can even lock away carbon below ground. "With over 20 million gardens in the UK, even the smallest grassy patches add up to a significant proportion of our land which, if managed properly, can deliver enormous gains for nature, communities and the climate." Broadcasting legend Sir David, speaking on BBC's Wild Isles nature documentary, highlighted the plight of the UK's meadows: "Nowhere here is richer in wildflowers and insect pollinators than our traditional hay meadows. "Sadly, in the last 60 years, we've lost 97% of this precious habitat. But with nature friendly farming, meadows can be restored to provide a haven for wildlife. "It's all about the timing. Delaying mowing until mid-July allows birds and insects to complete their breeding and flowers to set their seed."
Press and Journal
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Fishing chiefs furious over Sir David Attenborough 'propaganda'
Aberdeen-based fishing chiefs have launched a scathing attack on a film narrated by 'national treasure' Sir David Attenborough. The Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) denounced it as a work of 'anti-fishing propaganda'. And it accused its makers of using 'the full panoply of Hollywood tear-jerk techniques'. The movie is called Ocean, with David Attenbourough. It's co-produced by two Bristol-based companies, Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios. Silverback's impressive roster also includes BBC shows Wild Isles, The Hunt and The Mating Game. It's also the firm behind Netflix wildlife successes including Our Planet, Our Planet II and A Life on Our Planet. Ocean was released as a 'global cinema event' on May 8, Sir David's 99th birthday. The film is now available on National Geographic, Disney+ and Hulu streaming channels. But its narrative on 'destructive' fishing techniques has triggered fury at the SFF. A statement from the Granite City-based federation said: 'Once again the fishing industry is in the position of defending its legitimate business activity in the face of a fresh onslaught from environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs) designed to influence delegates to the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France from June 9-13. 'The spearhead this time is a film, Ocean, made by Silverback and narrated by Sir David Attenborough. 'Despite being voiced by someone who is regarded as a national treasure, and whose former association with the BBC means he is almost universally perceived as being impartial and unbiased, the film is a work of anti-fishing propaganda that wholly blames the industry for the poor state of the planet's oceans. 'Astonishingly, it singles out fishing from every other form of human impact on our seas. 'It also omits to mention the necessity of protein-rich, healthy food to feed the planet, and fishing's relatively low impact on greenhouse gas emissions, compared with other modes of food production.' SFF added: 'Deploying the full panoply of Hollywood tear-jerk techniques, from beautiful imagery to, by turns, uplifting and depressing music, and additional narration by individuals who give an unchallenged, one-sided perspective on a variety of case studies from around the world, it has been carefully crafted to damage the industry.' The federation continued: 'Scottish fishermen have been committed to improving sustainability and sensible conservation measures for decades. 'It is due to the efforts of these fishermen that 70% of stocks in the North Sea and West of Scotland are fished sustainably. Yes, there is still more to do, but fishermen have made huge changes over the last 30 years to ensure we have stocks that are sustainable for the future.' SFF went on: 'Ours is a very heavily regulated industry, and our focus in working with governments is to find the right balance between conservation and sustainable harvesting. 'By providing jobs and income, a sustainable industry assures the future of many coastal and island communities that depend on seafood for their viability. 'No form of food production anywhere on the planet is without impact, as a glance at our farmed and grazed landscapes attests only too well. 'The unbalanced and unfair light shone on fishing in Ocean does a huge disservice to the skilled, knowledgeable and responsible men and women who make up our industry and, sadly, is a wasted opportunity to inform the public.' Meanwhile, SFF chief executive Elspeth Macdonald has warned the Scottish Government not to follow the path of Westminster proposing a ban on trawling in English Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Banning fishing in such an arbitrary and ignorant fashion will deprive hard-working people of their jobs.' Elspeth Macdonald, CEO, Scottish Fishermen's Federation Ms Macdonald said: 'It is extremely disappointing the UK Government seems to have caved to the emotional, unevidenced siren calls of the environmental NGOs and Sir David Attenborough, and announced a ban on trawling in English MPAs. 'We are sure the Scottish Government will take a much more intelligent, grown-up and responsible approach to the rules and regulations around fishing in Scotland's MPAs.' She added: 'Banning fishing in such an arbitrary and ignorant fashion will deprive hard-working people of their jobs and cost very often marginal communities much-needed income.'
Wales Online
28-05-2025
- Wales Online
Record numbers of unique bird now populating a tiny Welsh island
Record numbers of unique bird now populating a tiny Welsh island Skomer Island's puffin colony has previously been described as 'exceptional' by David Attenborough A record number of puffins have been counted on Skomer Island (Image: Mike Alexander / WTSWW ) A record number of puffins have been recorded on a small Welsh island famous for its wildlife. The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW) counted 43,626 during its observation on Skomer Island, off the coast of Pembrokeshire, this year. This record high bucks the trend of decline seen globally in puffin populations. A warden said that Skomer Island is an example of a "conservation success story" but warned that the species is still at risk. Puffins are listed as vulnerable to extinction on the global red list. Like many seabird species, they they are facing the pressures of pollution, food shortages and climate change. However, puffin numbers on Skomer Island have been steadily increasing over recent years, with over 40,000 birds now returning to the island from April to July. The last record was set in 2023, when 42,513 puffins were recorded on and around the island. David Attenborough once described Skomer's puffin colony as an 'exception' (Image: Jonathan Myers ) The growth in Skomer Island's population is likely linked to the abundance of food in the wider area, meaning there is plenty of fish for chicks resulting in high breeding success. The absence of rats and other predators on the island thanks to its isolation has also contributed to the success of seabird populations on Skomer. Article continues below The treasured island has long been a pride and joy to the Welsh coastline, tucked away in Pembrokeshire. Skomer attracts visitors from all over the world alongside being a regular touring spot to discover vibrant wildlife in the country. Even David Attenborough called the 40,000-strong puffin colony on the island "exceptional" compared to other parts of the world when he visited Skomer for BBC One series Wild Isles. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Every year WTSWW undertakes their annual seabird counts to monitor the population of Puffins that return to the island every spring to breed. Leighton Newman, Skomer Island warden, said: "Our annual Puffin count is no small undertaking, with 6 members of staff working to count every Puffin on Skomer. The island is broken up into seven sections and we systematically count every bird; on the land, rafting on the sea and we estimate the number in the air during our counts. "This is undertaken in the evening, when there are generally more Puffins around the island and early enough in the season that birds are not already in burrows. Big land falls this year, has led to Puffins being seen further up the cliffs than ever before!" Over 40,000 puffins return to Skomer Island each spring (Image: Getty Images ) Article continues below Lisa Morgan, Head of Islands and Marine Conservation at WTSWW, said: "It was a joy to see the masses of birds using the island during our spring count. However, we remain concerned about the increasing pressures on many seabird species. "Novel threats facing our seabirds include avian influenza and the recent marine heatwave conditions experienced around parts of the UK coastline. The long-term impacts are still largely unknown highlighting the importance of our annual seabird monitoring and research programs on Skomer."
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
David Attenborough's world turned upside down by tragic phone call
Beloved broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough will celebrate his 99th birthday on Thursday, but will be without his wife, Jane, who died almost 30 years ago As Sir David Attenborough celebrates his 99th birthday this Thursday, the world will take a moment to honour his remarkable career and contributions. However, the day may be tinged with sadness for the beloved broadcaster. The beloved presenter and biologist lost his wife nearly three decades ago, leaving him to navigate the latter stages of his life without his partner. Sir David was filming in New Zealand when he received the devastating news in 1997 that his wife Jane, aged 70, had suffered a brain haemorrhage and slipped into a coma, reports the Mirror. "She never regained consciousness but she knew I was back because she clasped my hand," Sir David once shared. "The surgeon very gently and compassionately said that there was no way he could operate because she simply wasn't strong enough. She passed away one day short of our 47th wedding anniversary. We had a very happy marriage." Childhood sweethearts Sir David and Jane first crossed paths at the tender age of 18 and exchanged vows six years later, after the BBC broadcaster completed his national service with the Royal Navy. The couple were blessed with two children; son Robert and daughter Susan. Reflecting on his late wife in a conversation with the Daily Mail, Sir David shared touching memories: "My wife was a very special woman. She gave up her career as a cook when we married because she was old-fashioned enough to believe that being married and having a family was a career. But she was special in the sense that she let me go off around the world. She knew it made me happy; she wanted that for me." As Sir David approaches his landmark birthday this Thursday, it has been revealed that he will host an immersive experience at the Natural History Museum exploring the narrative of humankind. The esteemed naturalist and broadcaster, renowned for his work on BBC documentaries such as Wild Isles and the Planet Earth series, will share insights from his illustrious career and his aspirations for the future of our planet in the engaging exhibition set to open in June. The exhibit, titled Our Story With David Attenborough and situated in the museum's Jerwood Gallery, will utilise state-of-the-art cinematic projection technology to animate the gallery space with captivating scenes from the natural world. Sir David commented: "Humanity is the most influential species on Earth. We depend entirely on this magnificent planet, yet its future is in our hands." He expressed his desire for the exhibition, saying: "My hope is that visitors of all ages will experience our extraordinary journey at the Natural History Museum and come away feeling inspired, informed and most of all, empowered about their integral role in our world. This is our story and we can all play a significant role." Starting from the dawn of our planet, over four billion years ago, Sir David Attenborough takes us through our earliest origins and how we've shaped the world around us. He also reflects on the highs and lows he's seen throughout his career and shares his hopes for our planet. The 50-minute immersive experience has been crafted in partnership with Sir David and production team Open Planet Studios. This new offering joins a line-up of other experiences from the museum, following the launch of Fixing Our Broken Planet in April and the upcoming Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth?, set to arrive on May 16. Our Story With David Attenborough will open at the Natural History Museum on June 19, 2025. Tickets will be available from May 22.
Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Tragic phone call that turned David Attenborough's world upside down
Sir David Attenborough met his wife when they were just 18 years old, and the happy couple welcomed two children into the world together before her tragic death in 1997 Sir David Attenborough turns 99 on Thursday, with the world using his birthday as a chance to celebrate his incredible career and achievements. However, the beloved broadcaster will likely experience a tinge of sadness on his special day. The presenter and biologist's wife died almost 30 years ago, leaving Sir David to live his final chapter on earth without his soulmate by his side. The dad-of-two was filming in New Zealand when he received the life-changing call in 1997 telling him that his wife Jane, 70, had suffered a brain haemorrhage and had fallen into a coma. "She never recovered consciousness but she knew I was back because she clasped my hand," Sir David once recalled. "The surgeon very gently and compassionately said that there was no way he could operate because she simply wasn't strong enough. She died one day short of our 47th wedding anniversary. It was a very happy marriage." Childhood sweethearts Sir David and Jane met at the age of 18 and tied the knot at the age of 24, when the BBC broadcaster had finished his national service with the Royal Navy. The happy couple welcomed two children into the world together; son Robert and daughter Susan. Discussing his late wife with the Daily Mail, Sir David fondly remembered: "My wife was a very special woman. She gave up her career as a cook when we married because she was old-fashioned enough to believe that being married and having a family was a career. But she was special in the sense that she let me go off around the world. She knew it made me happy; she wanted that for me." Ahead of his milestone birthday on Thursday, it was announced that Sir David is to present an immersive experience at the Natural History Museum that delves into the story of humankind. The naturalist and broadcaster, who is known for BBC documentaries including Wild Isles and the Planet Earth series, will draw upon his career and hopes for the planet in the immersive display that opens this June. Our Story With David Attenborough , located in the museum's Jerwood Gallery, includes cinematic projection technology that will bring the gallery walls and floor to life with footage of the natural world. Sir David said: "Humanity is the most influential species on Earth. We depend entirely on this magnificent planet, yet its future is in our hands. "My hope is that visitors of all ages will experience our extraordinary journey at the Natural History Museum and come away feeling inspired, informed and most of all, empowered about their integral role in our world. This is our story and we can all play a significant role." Beginning at the start of the planet, more than four billion years ago, Sir David documents our earliest beginnings and how we came to change the world around us. He also reflects on the good and the bad he has witnessed throughout his career and shares his hopes for our planet. The 50-minute 360 immersive experience has been created in collaboration with Sir David and production team Open Planet Studios. The new experience adds to a roster of other offerings from the museum following the opening of Fixing Our Broken Planet in April and the imminent arrival of Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth?, on May 16. Our Story With David Attenborough opens at the Natural History Museum on June 19 2025. Tickets will be available from May 22.
