Saturday, 21 March 2026
That's Business: Global energy body backs carpooling as UK fuel pri...
That's Business: Global energy body backs carpooling as UK fuel pri...: Mobilityways says businesses can act now, no government mandate needed Carpooling specialist Mobilityways has welcomed the International En...
Friday, 20 March 2026
"Please Look After This Bear" Celebrating World Bear Day and The Gift of Freedom for Retta, from Broken to Beautiful
In 2024, the IAR team met Margaretta (Retta), an ex-circus bear who spent years confined in a tiny cage, serving as a sad spectacle for visitors at a tourist resort in Armenia. The tale was tragic and, as the photo clearly shows, heartbreaking for poor Retta.
But today, Retta's life is transformed. Thanks to an extraordinary rescue mission by International Animal Rescue (IAR) and its Armenian partners, FPWC (Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets), Retta now roams freely.
Retta's heartbreaking journey began in captivity, where she suffered for many years of neglect and isolation. Her cage, a small concrete closet, was her entire world; with no chance to explore, play, or feel the earth's warmth beneath her paws, Retta's life was a shadow of what it should have been.
This changed when animal protection and conservation charity International Animal Rescue (IAR) and FPWC launched a daring rescue to free Retta from her cage and transport her to safety. Working tirelessly with local authorities and police; the team navigated logistical challenges to ensure Retta could begin a new chapter of life.
International Animal Rescue's President, Alan Knight OBE, told That's Green: "Rescuing Retta was a monumental effort, but seeing her rediscover her instincts and joy make it all worth it. Her resilience inspires us to keep fighting for animals like her, who desperately need a second chance at a life worth living."
Sharing Retta's story this World Bear Day couldn't be more timely, as Paddington the musical celebrates award wins sweeping across the board, Retta's story echoes this famous bear's plea: "Please look after this bear." Retta reminds us that acts of kindness, big or small, can create miracles.
"But our work and Retta’s journey doesn’t stop here Retta will need daily care and support for the rest of her life, which is only possible because of our wonderful supporters.
International Animal Rescue invites you to read more inspiring stories or support our bears at www.internationalanimalrescue.org.
Thursday, 19 March 2026
Bluwater Solutions: Smart Water Innovation for a Greener Future
Across the UK and beyond, concerns around water quality, plastic waste, and sustainable infrastructure are growing louder.
Enter Bluwater Solutions, a company at the forefront of clean water technology, offering innovative systems designed to reduce environmental impact while improving access to safe, great-tasting drinking water.
What is Bluwater?
Bluwater is a Swedish-based water technology company specialising in advanced purification and sustainable hydration solutions. Their mission is simple but powerful: eliminate the need for single-use plastic bottles by delivering purified water wherever people need it, homes, workplaces, and public spaces.
The Problem: Plastic Bottles and Water Waste
The UK alone uses billions of plastic water bottles each year, many of which are not recycled. Add to that concerns about microplastics, contaminants, and ageing water infrastructure, and it becomes clear that a smarter solution is needed.
Bluwater tackles these issues head-on by:
Reducing reliance on bottled water
Cutting plastic waste at the source
Improving water purity beyond standard filtration
The Technology Behind Bluwater
At the heart of Bluwater’s systems is advanced reverse osmosis and membrane filtration technology. Unlike standard filters, which can miss microscopic contaminants, Bluwater systems remove:
Microplastics
Bacteria and viruses
Heavy metals
Chemical residues
The result? Water that is not only safer but often tastes significantly better, something that encourages people to ditch bottled alternatives altogether.
Real-World Applications
Bluwater’s solutions are already being used in a wide range of settings:
Airports and transport hubs , refill stations reducing traveller reliance on bottled water
Hotels and restaurants, offering premium still and sparkling water on-site
Offices and workplaces, improving sustainability credentials
Events and festivals, cutting down on plastic waste
This scalability makes Bluwater particularly attractive for businesses looking to meet ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals while offering a practical benefit to customers and staff.
Why It Matters for Sustainability
Bluwater isn’t just about clean water, it’s about changing behaviour.
By making refill stations and purified water more accessible, the company helps normalise reusable bottles and reduce single-use plastics. This shift is crucial if the UK is to meet its environmental targets and reduce landfill and ocean pollution.
Key sustainability benefits include:
Significant reduction in plastic bottle usage
Lower carbon footprint from transport and manufacturing
Encouragement of reusable habits
Improved public access to clean drinking water
A Smarter Way Forward
As sustainability becomes a priority for individuals, businesses, and governments alike, solutions like Bluwater offer a glimpse into a more responsible future.
Rather than relying on disposable convenience, we’re seeing a shift towards infrastructure that supports sustainable living, and water is a perfect place to start.
For readers of That’s Green, the message is clear: small changes, like choosing refill over purchase, can have a big impact. And with companies like Bluwater leading the way, making that choice is becoming easier than ever.
Bluwater Solutions represents a powerful blend of technology, sustainability, and everyday practicality. By rethinking how we access and consume water, it’s helping to tackle one of the most visible environmental challenges of our time.
If the future is refillable, reusable, and responsible—Bluwater is already there.
https://www.bluewatergroup.com/en-gb
Friday, 13 March 2026
Don’t Be a Sinner, Be a Binner!
Litter is one of the simplest environmental problems to solve, yet it continues to spoil our streets, parks, and countryside.
That’s why That’s Green is encouraging everyone to remember one simple message:
Don’t be a sinner — be a binner!
Every day, small pieces of rubbish such as plastic bottles, food wrappers, drinks cans, and takeaway containers are dropped in public places when a bin may only be a few steps away. When waste ends up on the ground instead of in a bin, it can harm wildlife, block drains, and make our communities look neglected.
Using a bin, and recycling when possible, is a small action that makes a big difference.
Recycling helps reduce landfill waste, saves energy, and cuts the need for new raw materials. Something as simple as recycling an aluminium can or plastic bottle helps reduce environmental impact and keeps valuable materials in use.
Being a “binner” simply means taking responsibility for your rubbish. Carry it until you find a bin, recycle where facilities exist, and encourage others to do the same.
If everyone makes this small change, the results could be huge: cleaner streets, healthier wildlife, and a greener environment for everyone.
So next time you finish a snack or a drink, remember the campaign slogan:
Don’t be a sinner — be a binner.
https://www.wrap.ngo/take-action/love-food-hate-waste/food-waste-action-week
https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/resources/some-best-litter-prevention-campaigns-around-world
Thursday, 12 March 2026
Peek-A-Bear! Rescued mum and dad wake baby bear following her first hibernation
A year ago, International Animal Rescue (IAR) took part in the rescue of three Syrian brown bears, Aram, Nairi and their young daughter Lola.
Today, IAR are happy to report that the bears have successfully undergone their first-ever natural hibernation period in the sanctuary, thanks to the expert care they received following their rescue.
When their colleagues at the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) discovered Aram and Nairi confined to filthy cages in someone’s backyard in Yerevan, Armenia, they had suffered years of appalling abuse.
The pair were denied even basic husbandry and Nairi was regularly bred with by the owner to produce cubs which were sold on.
Little girl bear Lola was kept imprisoned with them and her mother, having been born in captivity. This winter, after months of recuperating from their rescue at FPWC’s wildlife rescue centre with support from International Animal Rescue, all three of these bears have been able to undergo their first-ever proper winter rest periods – a sure sign that they have physically recovered from their ordeal and learned to trust that rescue teams will keep them safe.
Confined to filthy cages and denied even the most basic of care, the bears were discovered during an investigation by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) following a public tip-off.
Their rescue saw FPWC and International Animal Rescue coming together to secure their freedom. Described by International Animal Rescue (IAR) as their “most difficult rescue to date”, it took over 12 hours. The rescue involved a court-ordered confiscation, police intervention, and transport under heavy rain and during darkness.
This difficult rescue started when the team arrived at the property at 9 am, but the bear’s owner refused entry despite a legal order.
After a prolonged standoff, they finally gained access as night fell and worked into the night to sedate and remove the bears from their appalling conditions.
Alan Knight OBE, President of International Animal Rescue was on the ground to witness their their rescue.
Alan told That's Green: “This difficult rescue started when the team arrived at the property at 9 am, but the bear’s owner refused entry despite a legal order. After a prolonged standoff, they finally gained access as night fell and worked into the night to sedate and remove the bears from their appalling conditions.
"These bears had clearly suffered for many years and these were some of the worst conditions I have ever seen. The stench, the filth, the sheer cruelty of locking these animals up in tiny cages."
Today, thanks to veterinary care and round-the-clock specialist care at FPWC’s wildlife rescue centre, just a few months after the rescue, all three bears have been able to settle into their new home.
“To see them happy and healthy, knowing they have a future now, makes everything we went through worth it. Completing their first hibernation and exhibiting these natural behaviours is an incredible sight. We are so grateful to the FPWC team and all of our donors and supporters for making this a reality.”
Donate to the bear appeal here https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/appeal/bearfamily.
Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Recycling Lives Services Reaffirms Purpose-Driven Mission with B Corp Recertification
The UK recycling and waste management provider achieved an impressive B Impact Score of 103.5, comfortably exceeding the 80-point threshold required for certification and more than doubling the median score of companies completing the assessment.
This coincides with B Corp Month, the annual global campaign celebrating businesses meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. The B Corp movement, led by B Lab, now includes over 10,000 certified organisations across over 100 countries and 160 industries, from multinational brands such as Danone and Patagonia to thousands of SMEs.
This year’s recertification arrives at a pivotal moment. In 2026, B Lab introduced the most significant update to the B Corp standards since their launch in 2006, replacing the previous flexible scoring model with a new framework requiring companies to meet mandatory performance thresholds across several impact areas.
Recycling Lives Services maintained its triple-digit score following assessment across key areas including governance, environmental performance and social impact.
Its business model combines commercial recycling operations with programmes designed to support people facing barriers to employment. Through its national infrastructure, Recycling Lives Services works with businesses across sectors like construction, infrastructure, manufacturing and retail, including Tier One contractors such as Amey and Wates.
Construction is one of the UK’s largest waste-generating sectors, increasing the need for transparent recycling systems and responsible materials management across major projects.
Environmental performance sits at the heart of the company’s operations. Recycling Lives Services currently achieves 97% diversion from landfill, delivering a 61% reduction in operational CO₂ emissions, and has processed over 12.5 million batteries for recycling.
Alongside environmental progress, it has developed a strong focus on social value. Its rehabilitation and employment programmes, particularly those supporting ex-offenders and individuals facing barriers to work, have helped thousands of people access training and employment opportunities. These initiatives have also contributed to lower reoffending rates among programme participants compared to the national average.
The recertification reflects a wider shift across industry supply chains. Businesses are increasingly expected to demonstrate measurable environmental and social impact alongside commercial performance, particularly as social value now carries a minimum 10% weighting in central government procurement and can reach 20–30% in some local authority frameworks.
Lucas Hargreaves, Projects Director at Recycling Lives Services, told That's Green that the certification represents more than a benchmark.
“B Corp certification provides an important benchmark for responsible business, but for us it reflects something deeper about how we operate. Our model has always been built on the idea that environmental performance and social impact should be embedded within commercial operations rather than treated as separate initiatives.”
Looking ahead, Recycling Lives Services plans to continue investing in circular economy infrastructure and programmes that link environmental performance with meaningful social outcomes, helping businesses partner with waste management providers capable of delivering both operational efficiency and genuine impact.
Sunday, 8 March 2026
A Call for a National Clean-Up Campaign for Britain’s Roads and Railways
Across the UK, millions of people travel daily along our roads and railways. These routes form the arteries of the country, connecting communities, businesses and families.
Yet many of the verges lining these vital corridors are increasingly blighted by litter. Plastic bottles, takeaway packaging, discarded cans, papers, boxes and other waste often accumulate in plain sight, creating an environmental and visual problem that affects both wildlife and national pride.
It is time for a coordinated nationwide campaign to clean up Britain’s roadside and railway verges, one that brings together local councils, schools, colleges, rail operators, businesses and charitable organisations in a shared mission to restore these spaces.
Why Verge Litter Matters
Roadside and railway litter is more than just unsightly. It poses real environmental risks.
Plastic and packaging can easily be blown or washed into waterways, contributing to the UK’s growing microplastic problem.
Wildlife is also affected: birds, hedgehogs and other animals can become trapped in, injured or even killed by discarded waste. In agricultural areas, litter can even harm livestock when it ends up in fields.
Beyond environmental harm, litter also damages the perception of our communities. Visitors arriving by train or travelling along motorways should see the best of Britain, green landscapes, thriving nature and well-kept surroundings — not piles of waste.
A Nationwide Solution
Cleaning up roadside and railway verges cannot fall on one group alone. A nationally coordinated effort could transform the problem into an opportunity for community engagement and environmental education.
Local councils could organise scheduled verge clean-up days and provide equipment, waste collection and safety guidance.
Schools and colleges could integrate clean-up activities into environmental education programmes, encouraging students to take pride in their local area while learning about sustainability.
Businesses could support the campaign through staff volunteering days, sponsorship of clean-up equipment or by “adopting” sections of roadside or railway verges (with co-ordination with rail authorities) near their premises.
Charities and community organisations already experienced in environmental volunteering could help coordinate local events and recruit volunteers.
Education and Prevention
Cleaning up existing litter is only part of the solution. A successful campaign must also focus on prevention.
Public awareness campaigns, including signage along roads and stations, could highlight the environmental impact of littering.
Schools and youth groups could play a key role in educating younger generations about responsible waste disposal and recycling.
When communities work together on visible projects like verge clean-ups, attitudes can change quickly. People are less likely to litter in areas that are clearly cared for.
A Greener Vision for Britain
Imagine travelling along Britain’s roads and railways and seeing clean, flourishing verges filled with wildflowers and wildlife habitats rather than discarded rubbish. With coordinated action, this vision is achievable.
A nationwide verge clean-up campaign would not only protect wildlife and improve landscapes, it would also strengthen community spirit and demonstrate a shared commitment to protecting the environment.
Britain’s roads and railways connect us all. By working together, we can ensure the land alongside them reflects the pride we have in the country we call home.
Organisations that you can contact are:-
https://www.keepbritaintidy.org
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/keep-it-bin-it-anti-littering-campaign
https://capstone-news.ghost.io/the-best-anti-littering-campaigns-science
https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-work/environment/litter-resource
Friday, 6 March 2026
MNB Spring Craft Market returns on 4 April 2026 at OOTB Drill Hall, Edinburgh
This year’s market is bursting with new energy: over half of the stall holders are first-time MNB traders, joining a carefully selected line-up of returning favourites.
Expect a proper craft market experience, the kind where you can meet the person behind the work, hear the story, and leave with something meaningful (and beautifully made).
Thoughtful curation, lighter footprint
MNB is a community interest company with curation at its core, and that includes what things are made from, not just what they look like. Across the stalls you’ll find a strong focus on eco-friendly materials, recycled and upcycled pieces, and makers choosing more sustainable processes wherever possible. If you’re looking for small-batch goods with care stitched, poured, carved, printed or painted into them, you’re in the right place.
And just to be crystal clear: no drop-shippers, no mass-produced imports, and no AI-generated “craft” filler. This is all things handmade, by people who do the work.
Welcoming, accessible, and sensory-friendly, too.
The market is designed to be easy to enjoy, whether you’re popping in for a quick browse or making a day of it:
Sensory Hour: 10:00–11:00am (a calmer start to the day)
Accessible venue at OOTB Drill Hall Edinburgh
Pet friendly (bring your well-behaved pals along)
Food and drinks available from the Drill Hall Café
Tickets: Entry is free, but tickets should be booked in advance. Free entry tickets are available on Skiddle
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
Saving Loch Lomond? - Loch Lomond conservation charity forced to withdraw litter bins.
The charity’s Chairman, John Urquhart, said: “Five years ago, in an effort to better manage the dreadful littering of the A82 along Loch Lomondside the Friends used a “Covid Recovery” grant to install 20 litter bins in laybys between Arden and Tarbet.
(The map shows the businesses which have supported the scheme in the past, most notably Luss Estates Co., which has always borne the lion’s share of the sponsorship burden.)
He went on to say: "We are very disappointed that Argyll and Bute Council and the National Park were not prepared to make any contribution to our efforts to help them discharge their duty to keep the A82 clear of litter.
"Splitting the cost three ways, a contribution of only £10k each from Argyll and Bute and the National Park would have secured the scheme for another year and would have represented good value for the public purse. Of course, if they would shoulder the job themselves, it would cost so much less. Reluctantly, the decision was made on Monday to remove the bins from service as the financial burden on the charity became unsustainable.”
Hope Spring completes first borehole project in Northern Nigeria
In a blog post published on the charity’s website, spokesperson Bolu Olorunfemi confirmed the milestone, stating: “We are pleased to announce the completion of the Akwanga project.
"The community is delighted to have their very own clean water on tap for the very first time in their history.”
The charity is funded entirely by donations from supporters. Among the initiatives supporting its work is its digital platform, Hope Spring eCards, which enables supporters to send electronic greeting cards for occasions such as birthdays and seasonal celebrations. The organisation noted that engagement with sections such as the March birthday eCards has contributed to its broader fundraising efforts.
The newly completed borehole project in Akwanga represents a significant development for the community, where access to safe and reliable drinking water has historically been limited. For many residents, clean water has meant long walks to distant sources, reliance on seasonal streams, or the use of untreated water that carries health risks. The installation of a functioning borehole now changes that reality in a practical and immediate way.
Access to clean water is widely recognised as one of the most critical foundations for public health, education, and economic stability. Without it, communities often face recurring outbreaks of waterborne diseases, reduced school attendance among children tasked with fetching water, and limited opportunities for small-scale agriculture or local enterprise.
Hope Spring Water, based in Hereford in the United Kingdom, has been working with water-poor communities in West Africa for more than a decade. Over the years, the charity has supported the drilling of boreholes, rehabilitation of broken water systems, and implementation of community-led water management structures designed to ensure long-term sustainability.
According to the organisation, the Akwanga project is particularly significant because it marks the charity’s first clean water intervention in northern Nigeria. While Hope Spring has previously delivered projects in other parts of West Africa, expanding into northern Nigeria reflects a strategic effort to reach underserved regions where the need for safe water infrastructure remains acute.
Community engagement formed a central part of the project’s implementation. Local leaders and residents were involved throughout the planning and execution stages, helping to identify the most suitable site for the borehole and establishing basic management arrangements to safeguard the facility. This participatory approach, the charity says, helps foster a sense of ownership and responsibility within beneficiary communities, increasing the likelihood that the water system will be properly maintained over time.
While the eCard platform is one of several funding channels, the charity stresses that all proceeds are directed toward water poverty alleviation projects. Supporters who choose to send eCards are, in effect, contributing to the delivery of tangible infrastructure such as the Akwanga borehole.
For residents of Akwanga, however, the impact is measured less in fundraising mechanisms and more in daily life. Clean water on tap means children can spend more time in school rather than walking long distances to fetch water. It means reduced exposure to contaminated sources and the illnesses that often follow. It means households can plan their days with greater certainty, knowing that a reliable supply of safe water is available within their community.
The completion of the borehole also signals the beginning of a new phase rather than the end of a project. Ongoing monitoring and community coordination will be essential to ensure the system continues to function effectively. Hope Spring Water has indicated that it will maintain communication with local contacts to track usage and address any technical challenges that may arise.
As 2026 progresses, the charity says it fully intends to build on this milestone with additional projects aimed at reaching other water-poor communities.
For now, the successful completion of the Akwanga borehole stands as a clear example of how targeted intervention, sustained donor support, and local collaboration can come together to deliver meaningful change.
For Hope Spring Water and the community it has served, the message is straightforward: access to clean water is not a luxury, but a necessity, and in Akwanga, it is now a reality.
Tuesday, 3 March 2026
World Plant Power Day: Why Going Greener on Your Plate Matters More Than Ever
Every year, World Plant Power Day shines a spotlight on the power of plants, not just as food, but as a force for environmental change, better health, and more sustainable living.
For readers of That’s Green, this is more than a food trend. It’s a reminder that small shifts in what we grow, buy and eat can have a measurable impact on the planet.
What Is World Plant Power Day?
World Plant Power Day celebrates plant-based living and encourages people to explore how plants can support a healthier lifestyle and a healthier Earth. It’s not about forcing everyone to become vegan overnight, it’s about recognising the environmental and ethical benefits of increasing plant-based choices.
Whether that means a fully plant-based diet, cutting back on meat once or twice a week, or simply discovering new vegetables you’ve never cooked before, every step counts.
The Environmental Impact of Plant-Based Eating
Food production has a significant environmental footprint. Animal agriculture in particular contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and land use pressures.
Shifting towards more plant-based meals can:
Reduce carbon emissions
Lower water usage
Decrease deforestation pressures
Support biodiversity
Reduce food waste when planned properly
In the UK, where climate conversations are increasingly mainstream, making greener food choices is one of the most accessible ways households can reduce their environmental footprint.
Plant Power and Climate Action
According to the United Nations, global food systems are responsible for a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions. Plant-rich diets are regularly highlighted as part of climate mitigation strategies.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Try:
Swapping dairy milk for oat or almond alternatives
Using lentils or mushrooms to bulk out mince dishes
Growing herbs or salad leaves at home
Even small adjustments, when multiplied across millions of households, can create meaningful change.
Supporting Local and Seasonal Produce
Choosing plant-based foods can also mean choosing local.
Shopping at farmers’ markets, greengrocers, and local veg box schemes reduces transport emissions and supports regional growers. Seasonal British produce — from spring asparagus to autumn squash — often has a lower environmental footprint than imported alternatives.
World Plant Power Day is the perfect excuse to explore what’s in season where you live.
It’s Not All or Nothing
One of the biggest myths about plant-based living is that it must be extreme. In reality, flexible approaches like “flexitarianism” are becoming increasingly popular.
If you’re used to a traditional Sunday roast, try introducing a plant-based version once a month. Nut roasts, mushroom Wellington and lentil shepherd’s pie are satisfying alternatives that don’t feel like a sacrifice.
Progress, not perfection, is what matters.
Beyond the Plate
Plant power isn’t limited to food. It also includes:
Growing pollinator-friendly flowers
Supporting rewilding projects
Reducing packaging through loose produce
The more we reconnect with plants, whether in gardens, window boxes or on our plates, the more resilient our communities become.
How to Mark World Plant Power Day
Here are some practical ideas:
Cook one fully plant-based meal.
Try a new vegetable you’ve never eaten before.
Visit a local greengrocer instead of a supermarket.
Start a small herb pot on your windowsill.
Share your plant-based creations on social media to inspire others.
A Greener Future Starts at Home
World Plant Power Day is a reminder that sustainability doesn’t always require dramatic lifestyle change. Sometimes it begins with something as simple as choosing beans instead of beef, or planting basil in a recycled pot.
For readers of That’s Green, it’s another opportunity to celebrate practical, achievable environmental action — one plate, one garden, and one community at a time.
Children Can Legally Buy Weapons Used to Kill Wildlife, MPs Warned
The warning was issued during a Parliamentary briefing hosted by Naturewatch Foundation, which highlighted growing evidence that catapults are being deliberately misused to injure and kill wildlife, damage property and intimidate rural communities.
Despite their potential to cause serious harm, catapults remain completely unregulated in England and Wales, with no minimum age for purchase and no meaningful controls on sale or power.
Naturewatch Foundation warned MPs current legislation leaves police and communities powerless to act.
Officers are unable to confiscate catapults unless another offence has already been committed, and incidents involving catapults are not recorded as a specific crime.
This means the true scale of wildlife harm, antisocial behaviour and community impact is significantly underestimated. The event room in Parliament was kindly sponsored by Max Wilkinson MP.
“These items being sold are not toys and it is not harmless mischief,” Jim Clark, Wildlife Crime Campaign Manager at Naturewatch Foundation told That's Green.
“Modern catapults are capable of lethal force. Legislative failure to tackle this issue is costing wildlife their lives, traumatising communities and putting unnecessary pressure on already overstretched police forces. It’s a loophole that urgently needs closing.”
Wildlife rescue centres across the UK continue to report rising numbers of injured and killed animals, including swans, birds, hedgehogs, squirrels and domestic pets, many believed to have been deliberately targeted using catapults and crossbows.
At Vale Wildlife Hospital & Rehabilitation Centre, birds accounted for 50 of 53 wildlife shooting victims treated in the years 2023-2025, though the centre warns the true scale is likely far higher, with thousands of cases recorded as “unknown trauma”.
Calls for Change
Alongside the Parliamentary briefing, Naturewatch Foundation has launched a public petition calling for catapult sales to be restricted to over-18s, urging both government action and greater responsibility from major retailers.
The petition calls on the Policing Minister, Sarah Jones MP, to support legislation closing the loophole that allows catapults to be sold without restriction, while also pressing retailers to introduce immediate voluntary age checks and remove high-powered catapults from toy and sports categories.
“Retailers have the power to act now, even before the law changes,” Jim Clark added. “When a leading retailer continues to sell unregulated weapons to anyone of any age, it enables harm that is entirely preventable.”
Some retailers are taking voluntary steps ahead of legislation. For example Gumtree, one of the UK’s largest marketplaces for local buying and selling, now prohibits the sale of catapults and slingshots on its platform, following campaigning from Naturewatch Foundation.
Andy Harper, CEO of Gumtree, stated: “Animal cruelty has no place in society, and we are committed to ensuring our platform is not used to facilitate the sale of items that could contribute to such harm.’’
Naturewatch Foundation is campaigning for:
The introduction of an age restriction of 18+ for purchasing catapults and slingshots
Exploration of sales controls similar to those used for knives and air weapons
Prevention of sales of ultra-high-powered devices marketed irresponsibly for “hunting”
Improvement of crime recording to accurately capture catapult-related offending
Naturewatch Foundation stressed that catapult misuse is not a niche issue: Wildlife crime linked to catapults is widespread but underreported; damage to livestock, pets, vehicles and property is increasing; wildlife deaths undermine conservation efforts and local tourism and public support for stronger wildlife protection is consistently high.
The Name's Changed But the Aim is the Same. Open Cages is Now Anima
The change comes as Anima prepares to invest “more resources than ever” into its campaign to end the use of fast-growing “frankenchickens” in the UK.
The announcement follows major recent wins for Anima, including Poland’s fur farming ban and a world-first decision in Norway to phase out fast-growing chickens completely.
The UK is one of Europe’s largest chicken producers, with over 90% of chickens bred to grow at unnaturally fast rates, commonly leading to severe welfare problems, including chronic pain, lameness, and sometimes even heart attack. Anima International has identified the UK as a key strategic priority in its efforts to reduce animal suffering.
Commenting on the rebrand, Connor Jackson, CEO of Anima, told That's Green: “The breeding of fast-growing chickens represents one of the biggest sources of animal suffering in the world, and it’s a practice that is out of step with public sentiment.
"As a result, a transition is already happening in countries such as Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany. Our mission to achieve this in the UK hasn’t changed; we’re preparing to devote more resources than ever to this fight.
"Our new identity reflects our increasing focus on Britain as a priority for our entire organisation, given the snail’s pace at which we are solving this animal welfare crisis.”
Waitrose is the only major UK company to have totally phased out fast growing chickens, branding the practice an “animal welfare crisis.” M&S has done it for 30% of its products. KFC, Nando’s and several other restaurants recently abandoned their commitments to make the change. Whilst companies such as Pret and Greggs are yet to follow through on their commitments.
Anima International is a global animal advocacy organisation with six national groups, and two decades of experience working to end animal suffering. Now operating as Anima in the UK, the organisation plans to launch its largest UK campaign to date later this year.
Monday, 2 March 2026
Major Online Marketplace Bans Catapult Sales in ‘Win for Wildlife’ say campaigners
Animal welfare charity Naturewatch Foundation has warmly welcomed the stance taken by Gumtree, which prohibits the sale of catapults and slingshots on its platform, citing concerns over their cruel misuse in the harming of animals.
The announcement comes as MPs prepare to hear new evidence next week surrounding catapult misuse.
Modern high-powered catapults can inflict lethal injuries and have been linked to attacks on swans, birds, hedgehogs, squirrels and domestic pets. Yet in England and Wales, they remain completely unregulated, with no minimum age for purchase and no controls on sale.
Andy Harper, CEO of Gumtree, told That's Green: “Gumtree does not permit the sale of catapults or slingshots.
"Both are prohibited under our policies and any listings identified are removed. We support concerns regarding the cruel misuse of these items to harm animals.”
He added: “Animal cruelty has no place in society, and we are committed to ensuring our platform is not used to facilitate the sale of items that could contribute to such harm.”
Gumtree also confirmed its support for stronger safeguards to prevent dangerous items being misused and to ensure they are not accessible to children.
Naturewatch Foundation says the decision demonstrates that immediate action is achievable and is urging other retailers to act now rather than wait for legislation.
Jim Clark, Wildlife Crime Campaign Manager at Naturewatch Foundation, told us: “This is a real and meaningful win for wildlife, and for simple common sense. Gumtree has shown genuine leadership by becoming one of the first major platforms to recognise the devastating impact that the misuse of catapults is having on wildlife.
"By taking this bold and ground-breaking step, they are setting a powerful example for others to follow"
Wildlife rescue centres across the UK continue to report animals suffering catastrophic injuries consistent with catapult attacks. Police are often unable to intervene unless another offence has been committed, and incidents are not recorded as a specific crime, meaning the true scale of harm remains hidden.
Next week’s Parliamentary briefing, hosted by Naturewatch Foundation, will highlight growing evidence of catapult misuse and call for stronger safeguards.
Alongside calls for legislative reform, the charity is urging retailers to:
Introduce voluntary age restrictions on sales
Remove high-powered catapults from toy and sports categories
Prevent the marketing of devices for “hunting” wildlife
Jim Clark added: "These weapons can cause immense suffering, yet they remain cheap, easily accessible, and largely unregulated.
"Gumtree’s decision acknowledges that this is not just a retail issue, but a responsibility issue. Other retailers should act now and follow their lead; our wildlife and our communities simply cannot afford any more delay or inaction”
Public support for stronger wildlife protection remains high, and campaigners hope Gumtree’s stance will encourage industry-wide action.
World Wildlife Day Warning: as rescued baby bear Lissy sends a stark message about vigilance against the wildlife trafficking trade
Progress has been made, but poachers persist in the wildlife trafficking trade.
International Animal Rescue is calling for continued support against wildlife trafficking on World Wildlife Day after a young sloth bear cub, Lissy, was rescued from the illegal ‘dancing’ bear trade 17 years after it was officially eradicated.
The three-year-old cub was rescued from the Jharkhand–West Bengal border following a tip-off to forest officials. Spotting their approach, the trafficker threw the cub onto the floor before running off.
The baby bear, named Lissy, had gruesome injuries. Her muzzle had been pierced, and a rope had been forced through it, and her canine teeth had been smashed out.
She was emaciated and thirsty. Her injuries are a trademark of the horrific dancing bear trade, which forces cubs away from their mothers and tortures them into ‘performing’ in agony. Lissy’s injuries reflect why this practice was outlawed in 1972 and eradicated fifteen years ago.
In 2009, after many years of hard work from both International Animal Rescue and Wildlife SOS, more than 620 bears had been rescued and taken into sanctuary. So why was another cub still trafficked?
Alan Knight OBE, President of International Animal Rescue, told That's Green: “We cannot become complacent.
"We thought that the dancing bear trade had stopped, but this latest rescue proves otherwise, as traffickers are still attempting to sneak bears across borders. We named her Lissy, after our beloved colleague Lis Key, who spent her career working to end this practice.
"I know she’d be proud to see this cub, which is now safe and happy. We are calling for support to increase vigilance and to raise awareness.”
Native to South Asia, sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) are classified as Vulnerable and continue to face threats from habitat destruction, poaching and illegal trade.
This World Wildlife Day, International Animal Rescue is asking for support to continue enforcement, maintain cross-border vigilance and urge the public to help prevent this torturous trade from happening again as well as supporting Lissy bear.
To help them keep up the fight against wildlife traffickers, please visit: https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/animals/indian-sloth-bear
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