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Award-Winning Heal the Land Documentary Brings Inspiring Rewilding Story to London

Credit Tom Francome Sunrise

An inspiring documentary showcasing the remarkable transformation of a former intensive dairy farm into a flourishing wildlife haven is coming to London next month, offering audiences a powerful reminder that nature can recover when given the opportunity.

National charity Heal Rewilding will host a special screening of its award-winning documentary Heal the Land on Wednesday 1 July 2026 at the London offices of Slaughter and May. The evening promises to be an uplifting celebration of environmental restoration, biodiversity and hope for the future.

Guests will enjoy complimentary drinks and canapés before watching the 25-minute film, followed by a live question-and-answer session featuring members of the Heal Rewilding team alongside the documentary's director.

Filmed throughout 2024 at Heal Somerset, the documentary follows the early stages of the charity's ambitious project to restore a once ecologically depleted dairy farm into a thriving landscape for wildlife and people. Through breathtaking cinematography and intimate access to the site, viewers witness the challenges, successes and unexpected discoveries that come with allowing nature to reclaim the land.

The film highlights the rapid return of wildlife, the creation of diverse habitats and the resilience of natural ecosystems. At a time when England remains one of the world's most nature-depleted countries, Heal the Land offers compelling evidence that meaningful ecological recovery is achievable.

The documentary was produced by wildlife filmmakers Tom Francome of Planet House Productions and Hayley Smith of Pictus Productions, who volunteered more than 100 days of their time to create the film. 

Post-production was completed free of charge by Bristol-based Films@59, whose award-winning team has worked on celebrated Sir David Attenborough productions including Planet Earth II and Blue Planet II.

Following the screening, attendees will hear from Heal Rewilding CEO Jan Stannard, Rewilding Ranger Daniel Hill and director Tom Francome during a discussion hosted by Heal Rewilding Director Sarah Winchester. The panel will explore the opportunities and challenges facing rewilding projects across the UK and discuss the lessons emerging from Heal Somerset's ongoing transformation.

Sarah Winchester told That's Green: "Heal the Land is ultimately a story about hope. It shows what can happen when we give nature the chance to recover and demonstrates that meaningful change is possible, even in landscapes that have been intensively managed for decades."

The evening will also provide opportunities for networking with others passionate about biodiversity, climate action and nature recovery.

Tickets cost £18 per person, making this an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in seeing first-hand how rewilding is helping restore Britain's natural heritage.

What: Screening of Heal the Land and live Q&A

When: Wednesday 1 July 2026

Where: Slaughter and May, London, EC1Y 8YY

Tickets: £18

https://www.healrewilding.org.uk/

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New Borehole Project Brings Clean Water and New Hope to Nigerian Community

Over 400 people in the community of Ido-Osun, Osun State, Nigeria, are now enjoying reliable access to safe drinking water following the completion of a new borehole project by UK-registered charity Hope Spring Water.

The Ido-Osun Borehole Project has transformed daily life for local families who, for many years, depended on unsafe ponds, uncovered wells and seasonal streams for their water supply. 

Funded through donations from Hope Spring eCards, supporters and volunteers, the project highlights how relatively small contributions can make an enormous difference to communities in need.

Before the borehole was installed, collecting water was a daily struggle. Many women and children walked long distances every morning, often before sunrise, simply to collect enough water for drinking, cooking and washing. The time spent fetching water frequently affected children's education and limited opportunities for work and family life.

Resident Fatima described the impact of the new water source.

"Before, I woke before sunrise every day to fetch water from a pond nearly thirty minutes away. Today, I walked only a few minutes to collect clean water close to my home. My children now leave for school on time, and our daily lives have completely changed."

The charity worked closely with local leaders, teachers, healthcare workers and community groups before construction began, ensuring the project reflected local needs. Residents also helped select the borehole location and formed a local water management committee to help maintain the facility for years to come.

Drilling started in May 2026 and reached around 120 metres to access a sustainable underground aquifer capable of providing clean water throughout the year. The completed installation includes a 1,500-litre elevated storage tank, concrete collection areas and improved drainage to promote hygiene and minimise contamination.

The benefits are already becoming apparent. Local healthcare workers report a noticeable reduction in cases of diarrhoea since the borehole became operational, while teachers say pupils are arriving at school earlier, healthier and ready to learn instead of spending hours collecting water.

Although the project faced challenges, including difficult rock formations and weather-related construction delays, it was successfully completed in June 2026.

Hope Spring says millions of people across Nigeria still lack access to safely managed drinking water, and hopes additional donations will enable similar projects to be delivered in more underserved communities across Africa.

Access to clean water is about far more than convenience. It improves health, supports education, strengthens local economies and gives communities the opportunity to build a healthier, more sustainable future.

https://www.hopespring.org.uk

New Solar Technology Could Boost Household Savings by 41%, New Analysis Reveals

Homeowners considering solar energy could now save significantly more on their electricity bills than they would have just five years ago, according to new research from renewable energy specialist MakeMyHouseGreen.com

The company's latest modelling suggests a typical household installing solar panels today could save around £1,285 per year, compared with approximately £913 annually from an equivalent installation in 2021. 

That represents a substantial 41% increase in potential savings.

The findings come from a reassessment of 240 British homes originally analysed in 2021. Importantly, the roof size, orientation and pitch of each property remained unchanged, meaning the increase in projected savings comes primarily from advances in solar technology rather than larger installations.

Over the past five years, solar panels have become significantly more powerful. Typical panel output has increased from around 365 watts to 480 watts, enabling homeowners to generate far more electricity from the same roof space. Across the homes studied, average annual electricity generation rose from 4,851 kWh to 6,394 kWh.

At the same time, the value of that electricity has increased. Household energy prices remain considerably higher than they were before the energy crisis, meaning every unit of electricity generated and consumed at home delivers greater financial benefits.

Llewellyn Kinch, founder and CEO of MakeMyHouseGreen, says two major factors are driving the improvement. He told That's Green: "The panels are more powerful, so the same roof area delivers higher output. At the same time, the grid electricity that solar replaces costs more, so every unit you generate yourself is more valuable."

However, Kinch stresses that solar isn't automatically the right solution for every property. Installation costs have also risen, and factors including roof orientation, shading and household energy usage patterns can significantly affect the return on investment.

For most homeowners, the key question remains whether their property is suitable for solar generation. While south-facing roofs are often considered ideal, east and west-facing roofs can also perform well. Heavy shading from nearby trees or buildings, however, can reduce effectiveness.

The research highlights how rapidly solar technology continues to improve and reinforces the growing role renewable energy can play in reducing household energy bills. For homeowners with a suitable roof and sufficient daytime electricity usage, solar power may now offer better value than ever before, while also helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower household carbon emissions.

As energy prices remain unpredictable, generating your own electricity is becoming an increasingly attractive option for many UK households.

GAP Group North East Opens New Yorkshire Facility to Strengthen UK Electrical Recycling Network

Electrical recycling specialist GAP Group North East is continuing its nationwide growth with the announcement of a new operational facility in Yorkshire, strengthening its ability to support businesses, local authorities and compliance partners across England and Wales.

The fully accredited electrical recycling and resource recovery provider already operates established processing facilities in Gateshead and Perthshire. 

The addition of a Yorkshire site marks another significant step in the company's long-term strategy to provide faster, more efficient and more accessible recycling services throughout the UK.

The new facility will serve as a central hub, improving coverage across Yorkshire, the Midlands, the South of England and Wales. By reducing collection distances and streamlining logistics, GAP Group North East aims to deliver quicker turnaround times and greater flexibility for customers managing waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

According to the company, the expansion has been driven by increasing customer demand and a commitment to ensuring consistent service standards regardless of location.

Nigel Tomlinson, Commercial Director at GAP Group North East, said the new site reflects the company's determination to provide customers with the highest levels of support and efficiency.

"As demand grows, our mission is to make sure every customer, wherever they are in the UK, receives the same level of service, speed and compliance support. The Yorkshire site is about us providing what our customers need."

The opening is expected to bring several practical benefits for organisations handling electrical waste. Reduced transport distances will help improve collection efficiency while potentially lowering vehicle mileage. Customers can also expect shorter lead times between collection requests and processing, helping businesses meet project deadlines and compliance obligations more effectively.

The additional capacity will also allow GAP Group North East to respond more quickly to urgent, large-scale or complex recycling requirements.

The move comes at a time when demand for responsible WEEE disposal continues to rise. Increasing environmental regulations and growing expectations around sustainability are encouraging organisations to work with trusted recycling partners capable of handling a wide range of electrical waste streams safely and compliantly.

From retailers carrying out store refurbishments to schools upgrading IT equipment, construction firms clearing sites and facilities management companies coordinating collections across multiple locations, organisations are facing increasing pressure to dispose of electrical waste responsibly.

By expanding its operational network, GAP Group North East is positioning itself to meet that demand while helping customers achieve their environmental goals. The Yorkshire facility represents not only a geographical expansion but also a commitment to supporting a more efficient and sustainable circular economy across the UK.

GAP Group North East is expanding with a new Yorkshire facility, improving electrical recycling services, WEEE compliance and resource recovery across the UK.

https://gapgroupuk.com

Animal Welfare Charities Unite to Support UK Rescue Centres Through Donate a Dinner Campaign

Naturewatch Foundation and Teckels Animal Sanctuaries have partnered for the 2026 World Animal Day Donate a Dinner campaign, supporting rescue animals across the UK.

Animal rescue centres across the UK are facing increasing challenges, from rising operating costs to growing numbers of abandoned pets. 

In response, two animal welfare organisations have joined forces to raise awareness and provide much-needed support for rescue animals waiting to find loving homes.

Naturewatch Foundation has announced that Gloucestershire-based Teckels Animal Sanctuaries will be its official charity partner for the 2026 World Animal Day Donate a Dinner campaign.

To mark the launch of the partnership, Naturewatch Foundation CEO Sarah Carr and members of the charity's team visited Teckels Animal Sanctuaries, presenting a £100 donation. The contribution will provide a meal for all 42 dogs currently being cared for at the sanctuary while they await adoption.

The visit offered a powerful reminder of the pressures rescue centres continue to face. Many organisations are dealing with increased demand, higher food and veterinary costs, and the long-term consequences of irresponsible and illegal breeding practices.

Among the dogs currently looking for homes at Teckels are three Pomeranians named Paula, Pearl and Podge. The trio were rescued from a property where around 120 dogs were reportedly being kept. Believed to be between eight and eleven years old, the dogs had never experienced everyday activities such as going for a walk outdoors before arriving at the sanctuary.

The Naturewatch team also met Apollo, a three-year-old Huntaway cross Husky, who is hoping to find his forever family.

World Animal Day takes place annually on 4 October and encourages people around the globe to take action to improve animal welfare. Naturewatch Foundation coordinates the international campaign and runs its popular Donate a Dinner initiative, which encourages individuals, businesses, schools and community groups to support local rescue centres by helping provide food and supplies for animals in their care.

Sarah Carr, CEO of Naturewatch Foundation and coordinator of World Animal Day, said she was delighted to visit Teckels and meet both the dedicated staff and the animals waiting for homes. She added that by launching the campaign early, the charity hopes organisations across the country will begin planning ways to support their local rescue centres on World Animal Day.

Chelsea Rogers, Social Media Manager at Teckels Animal Sanctuaries, welcomed the partnership, describing the support as invaluable at a time when the rising cost of living continues to impact rescue organisations.

More information about the 2026 Donate a Dinner campaign will be announced closer to World Animal Day. In the meantime, supporters can help their local rescue centres through donations, fundraising activities or by providing essential supplies.

Every meal donated can make a meaningful difference to an animal waiting for a second chance.

Heal Rewilding Partners with Great Yellow to Bring Biodiversity Net Gain Units to Market

Emma Lewis Supermoon

A major new partnership could help accelerate nature recovery across England while creating fresh opportunities for developers to meet their environmental obligations.

National charity Heal Rewilding has appointed Great Yellow to market and sell Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units generated at its flagship Heal Somerset rewilding site. 

Over 600 high-quality BNG units are expected to be created overall, with over 170 units becoming available during the first phase of the project.

The collaboration brings together two organisations committed to restoring nature at scale while attracting long-term investment into environmental recovery projects.

Located on a 460-acre former dairy farm in Somerset, Heal Somerset was purchased by Heal Rewilding in December 2022 and is being transformed through nature-led recovery methods designed to restore habitats, rebuild wildlife populations and strengthen ecosystem health.

Biodiversity Net Gain was introduced under the Environment Act and requires most new developments in England to deliver at least a 10% measurable improvement in biodiversity compared with pre-development conditions. 

As demand for off-site BNG units continues to grow, projects such as Heal Somerset are becoming increasingly important in helping developers meet these requirements while supporting genuine environmental gains.

Heal Rewilding says it selected Great Yellow because of its strong alignment with the charity's values and its expertise in connecting high-integrity nature recovery projects with organisations seeking measurable environmental outcomes.

Jan Stannard, co-founder of Heal Rewilding, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to integrity, transparency and long-term ecological ambition.

The charity believes that Biodiversity Net Gain can become a powerful mechanism for supporting large-scale nature recovery, provided projects are backed by credible management plans and measurable long-term outcomes.

The Somerset site is already delivering impressive results. Surveys have recorded 94 bird species, 17 bat species and 24 butterfly species since rewilding began. Heal also reports that the site supports nearly three times the abundance of small mammals compared with a nearby landholding.

Beyond helping wildlife, healthy ecosystems can provide wider benefits for communities and the environment, including improved soil quality, cleaner water, greater resilience to flooding and drought, increased carbon storage and stronger climate adaptation.

Great Yellow believes the partnership demonstrates how ambitious rewilding projects can provide developers with reliable, compliance-ready BNG units while delivering meaningful ecological improvements.

As nature recovery becomes an increasingly important national priority, Heal hopes the partnership will show how environmental markets can help channel investment into projects that benefit wildlife, communities and the climate for generations to come.

https://www.healrewilding.org.uk

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World Oceans Day: Why Our Blue Planet Needs Us More Than Ever

Mark World Oceans Day by discovering why healthy oceans are vital for wildlife, climate stability and our future, and learn simple ways to help protect them.

Every year on 8 June, people around the globe come together to celebrate World Oceans Day, a reminder of just how important our oceans are to life on Earth.

Covering more than 70% of our planet's surface, the world's oceans are far more than vast stretches of water. 

They help regulate our climate, provide food for billions of people, generate much of the oxygen we breathe and support an incredible diversity of wildlife, from tiny plankton to majestic whales.

Yet despite their importance, our oceans face growing challenges.

Plastic pollution remains one of the most visible threats. Millions of tonnes of plastic enter the sea every year, harming marine life and breaking down into microplastics that can eventually make their way into the food chain. Sea turtles, seabirds and marine mammals are particularly vulnerable, often mistaking plastic waste for food.

Climate change is also taking its toll. Rising ocean temperatures are contributing to coral bleaching, disrupting marine ecosystems and altering migration patterns for many species. At the same time, increasing levels of carbon dioxide are making oceans more acidic, creating additional challenges for shellfish and coral reefs.

Overfishing and habitat destruction continue to put pressure on marine environments, threatening both wildlife and the communities that depend on healthy oceans for their livelihoods.

The good news is that individuals can make a difference.

Simple actions such as reducing single-use plastics, recycling responsibly, choosing sustainably sourced seafood and taking part in local beach or river clean-ups can all help protect marine ecosystems. Even small changes, when adopted by millions of people, can have a significant impact.

World Oceans Day is also an opportunity to appreciate the beauty and wonder of our seas. Whether it's a walk along the coast, learning about marine conservation projects or supporting organisations working to protect ocean habitats, there are countless ways to connect with the natural world.

The theme of World Oceans Day is ultimately one of hope. Around the world, scientists, conservationists, governments and local communities are working together to restore habitats, protect endangered species and develop more sustainable ways of living alongside our oceans.

As we mark World Oceans Day, it's worth remembering that every drop of water on our planet is connected. Protecting the oceans isn't just about safeguarding distant coastlines and marine wildlife, it's about protecting the health of the entire Earth.

Our oceans have given us so much. Today is the perfect day to think about how we can give something back.

The Hidden Financial Risk of Biodiversity Loss: Why Nature Matters to the World Economy

The Hidden Cost of Nature Loss Could Push Nations Towards Financial Crisis.

New research warns that biodiversity loss could increase national debt costs, weaken economies and push some countries closer to financial crisis. 

Here's why protecting nature makes economic sense.

When we talk about biodiversity loss, most of us think about disappearing wildlife, shrinking forests, or declining bee populations. But new research suggests the consequences could reach much further than the natural world, all the way into government finances, national economies, and even taxpayers’ pockets.

A major new study published in the scientific journal Nature warns that financial markets are currently failing to account for the economic risks posed by environmental degradation. The result? Trillions of dollars of assets could be significantly mispriced, leaving countries exposed to serious financial shocks.

Researchers from the University of Sussex, University of Sheffield, Edinburgh Business School and SOAS examined what would happen if key ecosystem services suffered even a partial collapse. These services include wild pollinators that help grow crops, marine fisheries that support global food supplies, and tropical forests that provide valuable natural resources.

Their findings are striking.

The team estimates that biodiversity loss in these areas alone could reduce global GDP by around US$2 trillion every year. That economic damage would then ripple through financial markets, affecting countries’ credit ratings and making it more expensive for governments to borrow money.

Some of the world’s largest economies could be hit particularly hard. The study suggests India’s sovereign credit rating could fall by four grades, while China could drop by more than five grades. Together, the two countries could face an additional US$119 billion in annual debt interest payments.

Across the 23 countries included in the research, annual borrowing costs could rise by more than US$162 billion. That is close to three-quarters of the world’s total overseas development aid budget.

Researchers argue that current credit rating systems fail to recognise nature loss as a major economic risk. Professor Matthew Agarwala of the University of Sussex warned that governments may ultimately face difficult choices, including raising taxes, cutting public spending, or allowing inflation to rise if environmental decline continues to undermine economic performance.

The study draws parallels with the 2008 financial crisis, suggesting that markets may once again be overlooking a growing threat until it becomes impossible to ignore.

Perhaps the most important message is also the simplest: protecting nature is far cheaper than dealing with the consequences of losing it.

As governments around the world debate how to fund conservation and biodiversity recovery, this research offers a powerful reminder that healthy ecosystems are not simply environmental assets, they are economic ones too.

You can read the report here https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-026-03081-7

How Your Garden Lighting Could Be Harming Wildlife. And What You Can Do About It

Is Your Garden Lighting Harming Wildlife? Why Dark Nights Matter More Than You Think.

Leaving garden lights on overnight can disrupt bats, hedgehogs, moths and other wildlife. Discover how to create a wildlife-friendly garden after dark.

Many of us love a well-lit garden. Solar path lights, decorative lanterns, security floodlights and illuminated patios can make outdoor spaces feel welcoming and safe after dark.

But while garden lighting may look attractive to us, it can create significant problems for some of the wildlife that visits our gardens every night.

As awareness grows about biodiversity loss and declining wildlife populations, experts are increasingly encouraging homeowners to think carefully about how much artificial light they use outdoors.

Why Darkness Matters

For millions of years, wildlife evolved around natural cycles of daylight and darkness. Many animals rely on darkness to hunt, forage, navigate, breed and avoid predators.

When gardens remain brightly lit throughout the night, these natural behaviours can be disrupted.

Artificial light can affect:

Bats searching for insects

Hedgehogs moving between feeding areas

Moths and other pollinating insects

Owls and other nocturnal birds

Amphibians such as frogs and newts

Even relatively small amounts of light can alter how these animals use a habitat.

The Impact on Insects

One of the most visible effects of garden lighting is on insects.

Moths, beetles and other flying insects are naturally attracted to artificial light sources. Instead of feeding, pollinating plants or finding mates, they can spend hours circling lights until they become exhausted or fall victim to predators.

This not only affects the insects themselves but also the many animals that depend on them for food.

With insect populations already under pressure across the UK, reducing unnecessary lighting can provide valuable support.

Bats and Hedgehogs Need Darkness Too

Many bat species avoid brightly lit areas altogether. A floodlit garden may effectively create a barrier that prevents bats from accessing feeding routes.

Hedgehogs can also become reluctant to cross illuminated spaces, making it harder for them to travel between gardens in search of food and shelter.

As gardens become increasingly important wildlife corridors, maintaining dark areas can help these animals move more freely.

Simple Ways to Make Your Garden Wildlife-Friendly

The good news is that you do not need to sit in complete darkness to help wildlife.

Consider:

Using motion sensors instead of lights that stay on all night

Switching lights off when they are not needed

Choosing warmer-coloured bulbs rather than bright white LEDs

Directing light downwards instead of allowing it to spread widely

Creating "dark zones" where wildlife can move undisturbed

Using timers to limit lighting during late-night hours

Even small changes can make a significant difference.

A Better Balance

Garden lighting certainly has its place, particularly for safety and security. However, by using it thoughtfully, we can enjoy our outdoor spaces while also supporting the wildlife that shares them.

Sometimes one of the most environmentally friendly things we can do is surprisingly simple: switch off the lights and let nature enjoy the night.

And you'll be doing your bit for your nocturnal visitors. 

Rewilding in Action: New Somerset Report Shows Nature Fighting Back

(c) Pete Matthews Heal Beaver

As the UK continues to grapple with a biodiversity crisis, a new report from national charity Heal Rewilding offers something that is often in short supply when talking about nature recovery: evidence that positive change is possible.

The charity has published its first-ever Heal Somerset State of Nature 2026 report, documenting the remarkable ecological progress being made at its rewilding site in Somerset since acquiring the land in December 2022.

Designed to mirror the format of the UK's wider State of Nature reports, the publication focuses entirely on nature-led recovery and highlights how rewilding can play a significant role in restoring biodiversity, improving climate resilience and rebuilding healthier ecosystems.

The findings are encouraging.

Thirty-five surveys have been carried out so far, including five formal baseline studies. Researchers recorded 60 breeding bird species, 15 bat species, 404 invertebrate species and 113 vascular plant species. A comparative survey of small mammals found five species and 49 individual animals at Heal Somerset, compared with just three species and 17 individuals on a nearby organic dairy farm.

Informal observations have also revealed an impressive diversity of wildlife. Since 2023, visitors and surveyors have recorded 94 bird species, including 21 red-listed and 28 amber-listed species, alongside 24 species of butterfly.

The report arrives at a time when rewilding is gaining momentum across Britain. According to Rewilding Britain, more than 1,000 rewilding projects covering over 206,000 hectares are now part of its national network.

Heal Rewilding co-founder Jan Stannard believes that while inspiring wildlife stories are valuable, hard evidence is essential if rewilding is to become a recognised part of national nature recovery strategies.

The charity says its monitoring programme is about more than simply counting species. Long-term data collection aims to understand how ecosystems recover when nature is allowed greater freedom to shape the landscape itself.

Beyond supporting wildlife, rewilding can deliver wider environmental benefits. Healthy ecosystems help store carbon, improve soil quality, manage water more effectively and increase resilience to extreme weather events such as flooding, drought and heatwaves.

Perhaps most importantly, the report offers a rare sense of optimism. While the UK's biodiversity challenges remain significant, Heal Somerset demonstrates that when land is given space to recover, nature can respond surprisingly quickly.

The charity plans to publish updated reports every four to five years, creating a long-term record of ecological recovery and helping ensure rewilding has a stronger voice in future national assessments of Britain's natural environment.

https://www.healrewilding.org.uk/

Friends continue to make a difference on the A82 in Scotland

Volunteers from JP Morgan & AECOM turned out on a rainy Wednesday 3rd of June morning to try to reduce the litter which continues to gather along the shores of Loch Lomond.

The event was organised by The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs (FOLLATT), a long established conservation charity which operates in and around Scotland’s busiest National Park, and was assisted by the Grab Trust who provided the litter picking equipment.

Their Chairman, John Urquhart, told That's Green: “This, our second Make a Difference (MAD) event of 2026, concentrated once again on tackling the ongoing problem of littering which blights the loch side along the busy A82 between Arden and Ardlui. 

"We were especially keen to see how the removal of our lay-by bins was impacting the situation and were initially heartened to note that the lay-bys and intervening verges were generally quite presentable. 

"However, as we feared, the cleanliness was only superficial, as it quickly became clear that a substantial number of people were once again disposing of litter by throwing it into the undergrowth.

"Enquiries revealed a workforce from Argyll and Bute had indeed carried out a litter clearance operation of the road a few weeks ago, as they normally do at the start of the tourist season, but it was obvious to us this had not been an in-depth operation.

"Sadly, this just reaffirms our view that the two responsible authorities, Argyll and Bute and The National Park are continuing to neglect their duty to tackle this important issue effectively.

Meanwhile it looks like our hard-working volunteers are going to have to keep turning out to do their best to keep the bonnie banks looking their best.”

Mr Urquhart added that he wished to thank the Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel for hosting the event and supplying FOLLAT’s somewhat damp volunteers with a delicious snack at the end of the event.

https://www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk

Incidentally, That's Green has launched a nationwide initiative some under the title "Don't Be a Sinner, Be a Binner!"

It calls for everyone to do their part in helping to ensure that bins are used for rubbish and that our environment is kept clean. Discarded rubbish and trash can kill pets and wildlife so it's not merely a matter of discarded items looking a mess.  

If you follow this link to the blogpost you will find useful resources and advice on how to help to be a binner and not a sinner.

https://thatsgreen.blogspot.com/2026/03/dont-be-sinner-be-binner.html

Devon Conservation Charity Defies Odds with Rare Lemur Quadruplets

Shaldon Wildlife Trust is celebrating an extraordinary "baby boom" following the birth of four critically endangered red-ruffed lemurs. 

The quadruplets, born on May 4th to mother Eka and father Nero, represent a significant milestone for the small Devon-based charity and for the European breeding programme.

While twins are common for this species, quadruplets are an incredible rarity, occurring in fewer than 6% of births worldwide.

Despite being one of the UK's smaller wildlife charities, Shaldon is known for punching well above its weight on the international stage. 

These newborns are part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) breeding programme, a vital Europe-wide effort to ensure the survival of red-ruffed lemurs, which are only found in a small area in the Northeast of Madagascar. 

Alongside being part of the breeding programme, Shaldon Wildlife Trust directly supports the protection of these animals in the wild through their field conservation partner, the Lemur Conservation Association (AEECL).

The news comes on the heels of the Trust being featured in National Geographic as one of the top zoos globally dedicated to conservation, further cementing the small zoo’s role in global wildlife preservation.

The four youngsters are already keeping mom, Eka, very busy. Visitors to the Trust may soon be able to catch a glimpse of the youngsters as they become more active in their habitat.

"To have four healthy infants at once is a real testament to the care our team provides," sZak Showell, Director, told That's Green.

"We’ve had a lot of excitement recently with the National Geographic coverage, but there is nothing quite like the arrival of 'quads' to remind us why we do what we do. It’s a huge win for the species and a proud moment for Shaldon."

https://www.shaldonwildlifetrust.org.uk