Wildlife Circus

   I was asked to speak on Light Pollution and Wildlife at the fourth tranche of   Richmond Biodiversity Action Plan   launched at Hampton Court Palace 29.9.2025. The event, hosted by the Richmond Biodiversity Partnership , celebrated an updated plan, aiming to reverse environmental damage including actions encouraging dark skies, and saw the launch of an Action Plan of that name. The launch also featured inspiring talks, art, and other activities involving community groups, local authorities, and other partners. This leaflet, printed a decade ago, shows Council's intent to educate others on the issues that LP causes.   Most of the scientific information delivered in my talk came from commentaries written for the London Naturalist (2006, 2012) updated to include local information on the following headings: Light pollution in London is there more or less? Recent policy changes and the launch of initiatives by the Welsh Government; How do we manage wild...

Queen’s Wood, Highgate, annual fungus foray, London Natural History Society. The London Natural History Society’s annual Fungus Foray is one of its most popular autumn events, bringing together members, mycologists, and  newcomers to explore thediversity of fungi found in London’s parks, woodlands, and open spaces. Led by experienced field specialists, the foray offers participants the chance to learn how to identify mushrooms, brackets, and other fungi while gaining insight into their ecology, lifecycles, and importance in urban habitats. The walk typically includes hands-on examination of specimens, discussion of notable  finds, and guidance on responsible collecting and recording. Beyond discovery, the event contributes valuable observations to the Society’s longstanding biological recording efforts, helping build a richer picture of the city’s natural heritage.                                 ...

  Docks along the Mersey    My friend Marg has sent the letter below to her M.P. and whilst it it refers to the River Mersey, the names within our river catchment could just as easily be substituted (Thames, Hogsmill, Wandle, Queens Promenade, Teddington Lock etc.). Lack of preparation and rising water levels in the Thames, are becoming an increasingly urgent concern, yet preparation has lagged behind the pace of change. More frequent and intense rainfall, higher tides, and climate-driven sea-level rise are putting additional pressure on aging flood-defence systems.  “From 2035, sea level rise and changes to the Thames Barrier operation will result in higher water levels in the River Thames. In areas between Richmond and Sunbury, these increases could range from over one metre to as little as a few centimetres during frequent flood events that we expect to see most winters. Sea level rise will progressively increase flood levels in West London throughout the rest of ...

       Update Application Refused: at the Planning Committee meeting 11.3.26, the application was presented by planning officer Joel Turner. It was  refused on the basis of   substantial harm to the Metropolitan Open Land due to the scale, height, massing of the proposal . Although councillors recognised that we are in 'tilted balance' and the housing units were much needed, this was the wrong location; it was also out of character, 16 storeys was not in keeping with the character of the area, representing an overdevelopment.  Cllr Davy: We keep being told that this will represent 'no substantial harm to the MoL and I can't help but wonder what would count as substantial harm'. Cllr Sadr-Hashemi (to planning officer):  'it seems that this is not meeting our tall buildings policy, can you speak to that?'  Cllr Giles: The Council's Capacity Assessment (2019) was for 78-166 homes (Call for Sites) and 586 greatly exceeds this number  Cl...