Autumn: a season of saints and little summers
According to folklore there could be several distinct spells of good weather in autumn, each named after a saint’s day Spells of fine autumn weather used to be known as gossamer, a contraction of “goose summer”. The name was applied because this was when geese were eaten, having been fattened up in the previous months. […]
Gorilla recaptured after escape at London zoo
Animal reportedly shot with tranquiliser dart after zoo said it was ‘managing an incident’ London zoo was placed under lockdown on Thursday after a gorilla escaped from its enclosure. Armed police were called to the central London attraction and visitors were evacuated as keepers tried to recapture the animal. Continue reading… Source: Guardian Environment
Stranded seal rescued from river Thames in London
Animal found on a pontoon near Kew Bridge brought to safety after a 90-minute rescue, to applause from watching public A stranded seal has been rescued from the Thames to applause from the watching public in west London. The animal was discovered on a pontoon near Kew Bridge in Brentford, and brought to safety after […]
Electric vehicles could go first at traffic lights under UK clean air zone plans
Government proposals to tackle air pollution in five UK cities could see electric vehicle drivers using bus lanes and getting priority at traffic lights Drivers of electric vehicles could be allowed to use bus lanes in five UK cities and even go first at traffic lights, to tackle illegal levels of air pollution, the government […]
Power stations to get early warning against jellyfish invasions
Researchers say forecasting tool will stop coastal plants from being shut down by swarms blocking cooling water intakes Invasions of jellyfish have proved adept at shutting down power plants in recent years. But an early warning tool is now in development to alert power stations to incoming swarms which block the cooling water intakes of […]
The EU's effect on Blackpool's beaches – before and after pictures
As Brexit puts the future of EU laws protecting the environment in doubt, Greenpeace sent photographer Vanessa Miles to Blackpool to recreate a series of images she took in 1990 when just one in five UK beaches met bathing guidelines Continue reading… Source: Guardian Environment
Red squirrels in Wales protected with military-style strategy
Ogwen valley, which allows easy defence against grey squirrels, is selected for new colony Conservationists have turned to military strategy to ensure a new wild colony of red squirrels is protected from its bushy-tailed grey adversary in Wales. A site at Ogwen valley, five miles from Bangor, has been selected because it is ringed by […]
Cycling, saints and Santini: Italy's legendary Giro Di Lombardia
The end-of-season classic is not only among the oldest races, but also one of the toughest. Peter Kimpton delves into its course, kit and culture Snaking down forested hairpin bends towards the finish, just 61 riders remain from 201, most beaten down by a gruelling 240km and multiple climbs across some of Italy’s most challenging […]
Electric cars set to pass 2m landmark globally by end of 2016
China leads EU and US in market size, with Nissan Leaf taking the top spot for best-selling model followed by Tesla’s Model S and two Chinese-made models The number of plug-in electric cars on the world’s roads is set to pass the landmark of 2m vehicles by the end of 2016, with industry observers saying […]
GM seed firm Monsanto dismisses 'moral trial' as a staged stunt
US agri-business declines to attend peoples’ tribunal at which toxicologists and scientists will argue its activities have harmed human health and environment International judges will take evidence from 30 witnesses and “victims” of US agri-business Monsanto in an attempt by hundreds of grassroots groups to hold the company accountable for what they allege are human […]