19 articles tagged
A surge of donations during The Big Give’s April campaign has raised £16,000 for Marwell Wildlife’s sand lizard breeding program. The funds will upgrade facilities and expand research to save England’s rarest reptile from habitat loss and extinction.
A new arrival at Marwell Zoo became the unlikely symbol of Britain’s late-May heatwave, romping through mud as temperatures shattered national records. The zoo near Winchester saw highs of 32°C, part of a wider scorching spell that saw the UK’s spring temperature record smashed twice in two days.
Illegal persecution of protected birds of prey persists in England and Scotland, with fresh evidence of shootings, poisonings and traps. A 2024 RSPB report reveals persistent hotspots and calls for urgent enforcement action.
A 100-hectare wildflower corridor is being planted across Hampshire and Sussex to reverse the decline of pollinators. The South Downs National Park’s Bee Lines scheme connects fragmented habitats, with early signs of bees and butterflies returning.
A two-year-old Rothschild giraffe has arrived at Marwell Zoo as part of a critical European breeding program. Ballycarry’s debut coincides with the launch of Zoo Wonders, offering behind-the-scenes access and interactive conservation activities.
Two conservationists have abandoned city living to run a remote Shetland island, where sheep outnumber residents 50 to one. Their move signals a growing trend among urban professionals seeking radical lifestyle changes in Britain’s northernmost reaches.
Six rare 19th-century coins, including an 1892 penny, have been recovered from beneath the foremast of HMS Victory during conservation work. The discovery marks the second time such maritime tokens have been found on Nelson’s flagship, sparking fresh curiosity about the centuries-old tradition.
Four Southampton-based Barratt Homes employees swapped construction tools for gardening gloves last week to clear poisonous ragwort from Marwell Zoo’s Valley Field. The voluntary effort supports the zoo’s animal welfare initiatives and conservation breeding programs, including a recent arrival of a two-toed sloth.
Lisa-Marie Bearman risks losing her 12 marmosets after stringent new licensing rules took effect this month. Only one licence has been granted across 294 councils, raising fears of mass euthanasia as owners scramble to meet zoo-level welfare standards.
The River Wylye meadow, a vital habitat for endangered species, has been bought by the Freshwater Trust to prevent development and restore ecological balance. The 12-acre site will become a protected sanctuary for river wildlife by 2026.
A new 20-year development blueprint for the South Downs National Park is under public consultation until June 23. The plan includes 3,559 new homes, 2,000 jobs, and strict protections for landscapes, wildlife, and dark skies. Residents can review proposals and submit feedback online.
The iconic cuckoo has reappeared in Hampshire this spring, detected at three wildlife reserves—its earliest return in five years. Conservationists warn the species remains at risk despite the welcome sighting.
A newborn born exactly at midnight on Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday has been named in his honor. The parents chose the name to celebrate the legendary broadcaster’s impact on conservation and culture.
Students at Lockerley CofE Primary School marked Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday by assembling a giant birthday message using school uniforms, PE gear and natural materials. The celebration included artwork inspired by his BBC series and a live tribute at the Royal Albert Hall.
The Hampshire Record Office has acquired a 50-year collection of original architectural drawings by Andrew Rutter, Winchester’s first conservation officer, capturing the city’s evolving skyline and intimate details now available to the public.
Mrs Ogdens, a female curlew ringed near Poole Harbour in the early 1990s, has been confirmed at 33 years and nine months old—the oldest ever recorded in the UK. Conservationists warn the species remains critically endangered despite her longevity.
Citizen scientists reveal critical nitrate and phosphate pollution in the River Test and River Itchen, urging immediate action. Over 12,000 samples collected highlight severe ecological damage.
The elusive 'goatsucker' bird, known as the nightjar, has made a remarkable recovery in a National Park, with numbers thought to have doubled in five years. Conservationists credit habitat restoration and reduced light pollution for the success.
A male peregrine falcon, a fixture at an ancient abbey for three years, has been killed by a vehicle. The tragedy has left conservationists reeling and highlights the dangers faced by these magnificent birds.