#553: RGS CPD on Biodiversity

As we move to the next stage of the development of the new GCSE Natural History, there will be a need for teachers to receive CPD in a wide range of new skills and knowledge. This sort of event will be particularly helpful.

How do we protect nature in a rapidly changing world?

Join us on Tuesday 17 March to hear leading conservation scientists and researchers discuss how we can safeguard biodiversity for the future.

• Professor Nathalie Seddon – Professor of Biodiversity (University of Oxford)
• Dr Liana Chua – Social anthropologist and Associate Professor in Malay World Studies (University of Cambridge)
• Dr Joshua Elves-Powell – Associate Lecturer in Biodiversity Conservation and Ecology (UCL) and National Geographic Explorer

Chaired by Martine Croxall (BBC News)

Be part of an important conversation on conservation, climate and the future of our natural world.

Book here - very reasonably priced.

#167: The Great Fen Project

A piece in The Guardian - which seems to be the paper with the best reporting on the environment and nature - on the Great Fen project. It's described as 'a gamechanger'.

The Great Fen project is organised by Wildlife Trust conservationists.

The project has already cost £10m and its price tag could reach £30m by the time it is completed.

The money – which has included an £8m donation from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – is being used to buy large sections of farmland to create a 9,000-acre site around two nature reserves – one at Holme Fen and the other at Woodwalton Fen, the latter being one of the very first wildlife refuges created in the UK . The land will then be transformed by allowing water to return to previously drained fields.

The Great Fen projects hopes to attract rare bird species such as bitterns. Photograph: FLPA/Alamy

A project to follow, and a place to visit perhaps for those schools close to the area. I've been to Holme Fen previously to see the post that was driven into the ground and now stands well proud of it.

#128: Putting a value on nature

 A nice context for some creative work and discussions perhaps.

The Royal Mint has announced the release of a new set of coinage, despite the reduced use of coins 
generally.

The coins will enter circulation by the end of the year, marking the new reign of King Charles III and celebrating his love of the natural world.

The new coins of the nation. Representing causes close to His Majesty King Charles III's heart, these are the designs you will start to see on the coins in your change.​

Discover special collectable sets to mark this historic moment: https://t.co/tz1DITakOK pic.twitter.com/8Asr5i7HEO

— The Royal Mint (@RoyalMintUK) October 12, 2023

The tails side of every coin from the 1p to the £2 will feature the country's flora and fauna.

They also feature large numbers, which are apparently designed to help children count with money. 

They are designed to show the importance, and precariousness, of the natural world:

1p: A hazel dormouse, which has seen its population halve since 2007

2p: A red squirrel, which is expected to blend into the colour of the copper coin

5p: An oak tree leaf, signifying its role as a rich habitat for biodiversity in woodland areas and an association with monarchy of the past

10p: The capercaillie - the world's largest grouse - found in a small part of Scotland and threatened with extinction

20p: A puffin

50p: The Atlantic salmon, which is at threat from river pollution and habitat loss

£1: Bees

£2: National flowers - a rose for England, a daffodil for Wales, a thistle for Scotland and a shamrock for Northern Ireland

Image: via Royal Mint Twitter feed.