5 h. ago Insects are dying: here are 25 easy and effective ways you can help protect them

From turning out the lights to letting leaves rot, these small steps can create big changes at home or in the wild‘Half the tree of life’: ecologists’ horror as nature reserves are emptied of insectsInsects are in trouble. Around the world, scientists are reporting catastrophic declines in their numbers, even in nature reserves that are largely protected from human touch. We are also beginning to see huge drops in the populations of other animals – such as birds – that depend on insects as food.Many of the drivers of those declines are structural, and require strong action by governments to turn around. But there are clear, easy steps that anyone can take to support the insect world. For species under such pressure, any respite is important, and we can create refuges for insects in a world increasingly hostile to their survival. In creating better habitats for insects, you can also reap the benefits: thriving gardens, more songbirds, and a healthier web of life. Continue reading...

Events

9 h. ago UK's 'best place for camping holidays' has sandy beaches and huge nature reserve

The UK's best destination for camping holidays and caravan holidays has been revealed and it's an underrated staycation spot that you'll want on your radar

Politics

24 h. ago Dream job on tiny Scottish island with cottage provided in 'rare opportunity'

The island, which is located in the Inner Hebrides, is a nature reserve.

Politics

6 d. ago ‘Made for sex’: the hedonistic party palaces of New York’s Fire Island – and the blond bombshell who made them

It is a ‘queer Xanadu’, a sliver of sand where weekend-long revelling takes place in fabulous modernist beach-houses. As Fire Island gets its mojo back, we celebrate the Speedos-wearing architect who defined its lookPosters advertising a “bear weekend” cling to the utility poles on Fire Island, punctuating the wooden boardwalks that meander through a lush dune landscape of beach grass and pitch pine. It’s not a celebration of grizzlies, by the looks of the flyers, but of large bearded men in small swimming trunks, bobbing in the pools and sprawled on the sundecks of mid-century modernist homes. You might also find them frolicking in the bushes of this idyllic car-free island, a nature reserve of an unusual kind that stretches in a 30-mile sliver of sand off the coast of Long Island in New York.Over the last century, Fire Island Pines, as the central square-mile section of this sandy spit is known, has evolved into something of a queer Xanadu. Now counting about 600 homes, it is a pl...

Events

2 w. ago Locals win war with National Trust by stopping 'abhorrent' building planned for internationally important nature reserve on Norfolk coast

The charity insisted the 85x27ft facility would improve the experience for visitors. But over 150 objections were received, many accusing it of commercialising the spot.

Society

2 w. ago ‘Half the tree of life’: ecologists’ horror as nature reserves are emptied of insects

A new point in history has been reached, entomologists say, as climate-led species’ collapse moves up the food chain even in supposedly protected regions free of pesticidesDaniel Janzen only began watching the insects – truly watching them – when his ribcage was shattered. Nearly half a century ago, the young ecologist had been out documenting fruit crops in a dense stretch of Costa Rican forest when he fell in a ravine, landing on his back. The long lens of his camera punched up through three ribs, snapping the bones into his thorax.Slowly, he dragged himself out, crawling nearly two miles back to the research hut. There were no immediate neighbours, no good roads, no simple solutions for getting to a hospital. Continue reading...

Events

2 w. ago The most beautiful UK islands for a walkable holiday revealed including one with Caribbean

Want to ditch the rental car and explore on foot this summer? Luckily, you won't have to travel far to do so.

Politics

2 w. ago Boost for holidaymakers as new UK flight path overhaul 'will cut delays and journey lengths'

Ministers have set out plans for the largest redesign of Britain's system of flight paths since it was first decided in the 1950s, when there were only 200,000 flights per year.

Politics

2 w. ago Kent landscape that inspired Dickens declared nature reserve

Natural England announced the creation of the North Kent Woods and Downs national nature reserve to boost nature and tourism.

Politics

3 w. ago Hong Kong nature reserve shut down as birders flock to see rare owl chicks

Photographers and birdwatchers make a beeline to spot rare owl chicks born after four years

Politics

3 w. ago Work begins to protect vital Dumfries and Galloway habitat for rare bird

Threave Garden and Nature Reserve is home to three breeding pairs of willow tits – the most rapidly declining bird species in the UK.

Politics

3 w. ago Man faced with 'appalling scenes' after visit to popular beach

Tim Healey, 64, has said he visits Red Rocks Nature Reserve in Liverpool most days - but when he arrived at the popular seaside spot he was greeted with shocking scenes

Culture

3 w. ago Tiny UK village with gorgeous beach and nature reserve that visitors call 'bliss'

Wrabness, a small village and civil parish in Essex, has a beach and a nature reserve, and it's no wonder that people flock here to escape the chaos of everyday life

Politics

3 w. ago The Scottish 'hidden gem' seaside village perfect for summer holiday

The coastal destination features a beautiful beach and a scenic nature reserve.

Politics