World Animal Day: See the Forest Fires Through an Orangutan’s Eyes

Imagine carrying your baby to safety while the forest around you burns. 

The air is thick with smoke, the ground scorches your feet, and familiar routes to food and shelter have disappeared.

For orangutans in Indonesia’s West Kalimantan, this is a heartbreaking reality.

This year’s World Animal Day, on 4 October, carries the theme “See the World Through Their Eyes”. 

International Animal Rescue (IAR), based in Sussex, is urging us to do exactly that as its Indonesian partner, Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI), responds to devastating forest fires.

IAR’s current appeal reports that YIARI has rescued 38 orangutans from the fires. Behind that number are individual animals, including mothers desperately trying to keep their babies alive.

Among them is Mama Penja, rescued with her infant after they were found weak and severely undernourished. She had serious burns to both feet, thought to have resulted from walking across burning peat soil. Veterinary staff administered oxygen and fluids before taking the pair to the rescue centre for intensive care.

Another mother, Mama Man, was evacuated with her baby after fires left them isolated, with nowhere safe to escape. Although she had no visible burns, her infant showed worrying signs of smoke exposure.

These stories bring the scale of the emergency painfully close. A forest is an orangutan’s home, food supply, shelter and network of safe routes. When it burns, all of those essentials can vanish together.

Animals driven into plantations and closer to communities face further dangers, including hunger, injury and conflict with people. Smoke adds another threat, damaging the lungs of wildlife and affecting the communities living nearby.

IAR chief executive Gavin Bruce says a mother orangutan’s world should be somewhere she can find food and protect her baby. Instead, rescue teams are finding mothers and youngsters surrounded by fire and struggling to breathe.

YIARI works with authorities and local communities to locate animals in danger. Emergency treatment is vital, but so is protecting the remaining forest and preventing further fires, giving survivors somewhere safe to return.

For That’s Green readers, World Animal Day offers a moment to look beyond the flames and recognise the lives caught within them.

If you can help, consider supporting the rescue appeal or sharing it with others. Compassion begins with seeing their world; action can help protect it.

Find out more and support the International Animal Rescue Urgent Fire Crisis Fund.

https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/appeal/urgent-fire-crisis-fund

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Protect the ’Pods Campaign Calls for Stronger Animal Welfare Laws

Animal welfare charities have launched a new campaign calling for crabs, lobsters, prawns, octopuses, squid and other sentient sea creatures to receive stronger protection under UK law.

Crustacean Compassion and Compassion in World Farming unveiled the Protect the ’Pods campaign in Westminster, accompanied by a giant lobster and octopus. Colourful stilt walkers helped attract attention as campaigners carried their message across Westminster Bridge and towards Downing Street.

At the heart of the campaign is a striking inconsistency in animal welfare legislation.

Decapod crustaceans, including crabs, lobsters and prawns, and cephalopod molluscs, including octopuses, squid and cuttlefish, are recognised as sentient beings under the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022. However, they are not currently covered by the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

This means the law acknowledges that these animals can experience pain and suffering without giving them the same practical welfare protection afforded to many other animals.

As the Animal Welfare Act approaches its 20th anniversary, the two charities are urging the Government to “get their Acts together” and close this legal gap.

Dr Ben Sturgeon, chief executive of Crustacean Compassion, said recognition of sentience meant little while the animals remained outside the scope of the main welfare legislation.

“The Sentience Act says they can suffer. The Animal Welfare Act should protect them,” he told That's Green. “It’s time to close the gap, align the Acts and give these animals the protection they deserve.”

James West, chief public affairs manager at Compassion in World Farming, described cephalopods as extraordinary creatures and said scientific evidence concerning their sentience was clear.

“Recognition was an important first step, but now it must lead to meaningful protection,” he told us.

The campaign follows recommendations from the Animal Sentience Committee, which has called for the definition of an animal to be applied consistently throughout relevant legislation. It specifically suggested that using the definition contained within the Sentience Act for the Animal Welfare Act would bring decapods and cephalopods under its protection.

The Government’s Animal Welfare Strategy has also acknowledged that gaps remain in the treatment and protection of these animals.

Through Protect the ’Pods, members of the public are being invited to join the “Pod Squad” and ask the Government to extend the Animal Welfare Act.

The campaign’s message is simple: if the law recognises that an animal can suffer, it should also protect that animal from unnecessary suffering.

Two organisations have united behind one clear demand: it is time to put the ’pods in the Act.

http://www.crustaceancompassion.org

Volunteers Make a Difference on Historic Island I Vow

A dedicated group of volunteers has helped protect both the natural environment and the remarkable history of Island I Vow, near the northern end of Loch Lomond.

On 24 August, Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs joined forces with the Elanvow Preservation Fund for a special Make a Difference, or MAD, day. 

The volunteers travelled to the island, situated opposite the Loch Sloy hydroelectric power station, to tackle non-native invasive plant species which were disrupting its natural ecosystem.

Removing invasive vegetation can give native plants a better opportunity to thrive while helping to protect the wider variety of wildlife which depends upon them. However, conservation work on Island I Vow must be undertaken with particular care because it is also an important archaeological site.

Archaeologist Fiona Baker was present to explain the island’s history and advise volunteers on how the work should be completed without damaging its historical integrity.

Island I Vow, also known as Elanvow or Ellan Vhow, contains the remains of a castle built in 1577 by Andrew Macfarlane, 11th Chief of Clan Macfarlane. Following his support for the future King James VI of Scotland and I of England at the Battle of Langside, Andrew was awarded a new crest and motto.

The crest showed a demi-savage holding a sheaf of arrows in one hand while pointing towards the royal crown with the other. This gave Clan Macfarlane its famous motto: “This I’ll Defend.”

King James is said to have later visited the island, a connection remembered in the Scottish proverb concerning “Macfarlane’s Geese”. 

Island I Vow became the seat of Clan Macfarlane after Inveruglas was burned by forces loyal to Oliver Cromwell during the mid-17th century. It remained the clan’s seat through the end of that century.

John Urquhart, chairman of Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, described the MAD day as another “huge success” for the charity. He also paid tribute to project officer Lloyd Weir, for whom the event was his final duty before leaving to explore new career opportunities abroad. Blair Wilson-Scott will replace him and help lead the charity’s work within the National Park.

Thanks were also given to the Ardlui Hotel for providing packed lunches and use of its marina, and to Loch Lomond Leisure for supplying a boat and skipper at a heavily reduced rate.

The Elanvow Preservation Fund works to study, preserve and maintain the island’s 16th-century castle, buildings and archaeological remains, alongside other sites connected with Clan Macfarlane.

https://www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk

Quick-Step pioneers fully recyclable laminate flooring

Laminate flooring has long been valued for its durability, affordability and ability to reproduce the appearance of natural wood. 

However, recycling it at the end of its useful life has remained a significant challenge for the flooring industry.

Quick-Step says it has now become the first flooring manufacturer to develop technology capable of fully recycling laminate flooring. 

The new process allows material from old floors to be recovered and used in the manufacture of new ones, helping to establish a more circular approach to flooring production.

At the heart of most laminate flooring is high-density fibreboard, commonly known as HDF. Quick-Step’s recycling process makes it possible to recover this material from discarded flooring and transform it into new HDF panels. These panels can then be used as the core of future laminate floors.

This floor-to-floor recycling system could help reduce the amount of laminate sent for disposal while also lowering demand for new raw materials. Quick-Step aims to include up to 20% recycled content in its laminate flooring by 2030.

Recycling is only part of the company’s approach. Extending the working life of flooring is equally important, as a product which remains in use for decades does not need to be replaced as frequently.

Quick-Step’s new Impressive and Impressive Designs collections have therefore been engineered for longevity. They feature a highly resistant wear layer, waterproof construction and a lifetime warranty, allowing homeowners to enjoy their flooring for longer before recycling becomes necessary.

The company also uses recovered wood in its manufacturing. The HDF core in every Quick-Step laminate floor is made using wood obtained from sources including sawmill by-products, forest management and roadside maintenance. Around 80% of each laminate plank is wood, giving material which might otherwise be discarded another useful purpose.

Repairability can further extend the lifespan of a floor. Quick-Step’s patented Uniclic and Unizip installation systems allow individual damaged planks to be removed and replaced without requiring the entire floor to be lifted. This can help homeowners repair a particular area rather than replace a complete room.

No manufactured product is entirely without an environmental impact, but designing flooring to last, making it repairable and recovering its materials at the end of its life are valuable steps towards reducing waste.

If the technology can be adopted successfully on a large scale, Quick-Step’s innovation could set an important new standard for the wider flooring industry.

https://www.quick-step.co.uk

Take the Plunge for Wildlife at Abseil for Animals 2026

Individuals and businesses are being invited to step outside their comfort zones and descend one of Sussex’s most striking natural landmarks while raising vital funds for animals in need.

International Animal Rescue’s Abseil for Animals 2026 will take place at Peacehaven Cliffs on Saturday 26 September, shortly before World Animal Day in October.

Under the supervision of professional instructors, participants will abseil 115 feet down Peacehaven’s iconic chalk cliffs. The exhilarating challenge is open to individuals as well as companies searching for an unusual and worthwhile team-building experience.

For workplace teams, the event offers an opportunity to leave everyday pressures behind, build trust and support colleagues as they face the challenge together. International Animal Rescue can allocate time slots to corporate groups, allowing colleagues to complete their descents together and cheer one another on.

Companies can enter a single team or invite employees from across the organisation to participate. They may also match the money raised by staff, establish a company-wide target or encourage some friendly competition between departments.

International Animal Rescue President Alan Knight OBE told That's Green: “Nobody sets off to climb a 115ft cliff feeling confident! Having your colleagues next to you, cheering you on and taking on the same challenge really brings you together. It’s about trust, support and celebrating your achievements together.

“It’s a fantastic way to invest in your people, bring colleagues closer together and show your customers you care about animals worldwide.”

Phily Day from International Animal Rescue, who has previously completed the abseil, described the experience as beneficial to her mental health and wellbeing.

“It was nerve-wracking standing over the edge of that liff, but once I went, I knew I could do it,” she said. “When I reached the bottom, I felt such a sense of achievement. It was a nice reminder that we can achieve far more than we think, especially when we have other people encouraging us.”

Registration costs £15, and every participant is asked to raise at least £125 in sponsorship. Everyone taking part will receive an official International Animal Rescue T-shirt, while members of the charity’s team will be at Peacehaven to offer encouragement throughout the day.

Money raised will support International Animal Rescue’s work with community projects around the world. This includes rescuing animals from suffering, providing veterinary treatment and rehabilitation, and helping to protect endangered wildlife and threatened habitats.

To learn more or register for the challenge, visit International Animal Rescue’s adrenaline challenges page https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org

New global database maps more than 800 businesses helping to make reuse mainstream

REUSE Foundation has launched REUSE.IQ, a free global database featuring more than 800 reuse and circular economy businesses helping reduce single-use plastic waste worldwide.

Could reuse, rather than recycling alone, provide one of the most practical answers to the world's growing plastic waste problem?

UK-registered charity REUSE Foundation is hoping to make the organisations working on that solution much easier to discover with the launch of REUSE.IQ, a free, publicly searchable database covering more than 800 reuse and circular-economy businesses around the world.

The database brings together reuse operators, consumer goods innovators and businesses developing alternatives to the familiar "use it once and throw it away" model.

That includes refillable packaging, reusable containers, rental services and take-back schemes – all approaches designed to prevent plastic becoming waste in the first place.

The need for alternatives is clear. According to the OECD, only around 9% of plastic waste was ultimately recycled globally in 2019. With worldwide plastic production continuing to increase, recycling by itself is unlikely to provide the complete answer.

REUSE Foundation argues that greater emphasis needs to be placed on reuse and the circular economy.

REUSE.IQ has therefore been developed to provide researchers, businesses, policymakers, funders and consumers with a clearer picture of what is already happening.

Each database entry includes information such as an organisation's location, business model, main category, year founded and ownership status. Information is drawn from public sources and cross-checked by the Foundation's research team.

Users can search and filter the information, switch between card and table views and explore a map showing where reuse initiatives are operating around the world.

Greg Hewitt, Chair of Action on Plastic UK, believes the database could become particularly useful as Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) develop.

He said it could help businesses find solutions that allow them to reduce their dependence on single-use plastic and embrace circular-economy principles.

Importantly, REUSE.IQ isn't being presented as a finished project.

It has launched in public beta as a living, community-verified resource. Businesses and members of the public can suggest organisations that should be included, report errors or corrections and express an interest in contributing more detailed case studies.

Roger Sharp, Trustee of REUSE Foundation, told That's Green "until now anyone attempting to understand the global reuse movement has effectively had to piece it together from scratch".

By bringing hundreds of initiatives into one searchable resource, REUSE.IQ could help demonstrate just how much innovation is already taking place.

For those of us who want to see less single-use plastic, that's encouraging. Recycling remains important, but perhaps the greener question increasingly needs to be: why throw something away at all when it could be reused?

REUSE.IQ is free to search at the REUSE Foundation website.

https://www.reusefoundation.org

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Beaver Babies Are Back! Glen Affric Welcomes Its First Kits in 400 Years

There's exciting news from the Scottish Highlands, and it's enough to make even the grumpiest nature lover crack a smile. 

For the first time in around 400 years, baby beavers have been born in the spectacular Glen Affric, proving that sometimes the best comeback stories are written by nature itself.

At least two healthy beaver kits have been spotted at Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin, happily exploring the world outside their lodge after being born earlier this spring. 

Wildlife cameras have even captured one of the little adventurers paddling alongside its mum, the sort of family outing that's considerably cuter than a trip to the supermarket!

Because beavers are famously shy and mostly active after dark, seeing them is no easy feat. That made the moment even more special for Trees for Life's Beaver Management Officer, Tobias Leask, who described to That's Green that watching the youngsters as witnessing history in the making.

And he has a point. These aren't just adorable bundles of brown fur. They're the first generation of beavers that will help reshape Glen Affric for decades to come.

Beavers are often called nature's engineers, and with good reason. They instinctively build dams and wetlands that provide homes for countless birds, insects, amphibians and fish. Those same wetlands also help improve water quality, reduce downstream flooding and even make landscapes more resilient during periods of drought. Not bad for an animal armed with nothing more than impressive teeth and an outstanding work ethic!

The kits are the latest chapter in a carefully managed reintroduction programme led by Trees for Life, Forestry and Land Scotland, and Beaver Trust. Eleven beavers were relocated to Glen Affric over the past year after extensive consultation with local communities and land managers, ensuring the return of these remarkable animals benefits both wildlife and people.

Of course, beavers don't always make perfect neighbours. Occasionally they can flood tracks or nibble trees that humans would rather they left alone. That's why the project includes ongoing monitoring, volunteer support and practical measures to resolve any issues quickly if they arise.

The return of beavers is another encouraging reminder that nature can recover when given the opportunity. Glen Affric is already one of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes, home to precious remnants of the ancient Caledonian Forest. Now, thanks to a few busy new residents, it's becoming even richer in wildlife.

Here's hoping these little kits are just the beginning of a thriving beaver population. After waiting four centuries, Scotland has certainly earned a few happy squeaks from its newest woodland engineers.

https://www.treesforlife.org.uk

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Conservation Body Says Luss Litter Management is Totally Inadequate

Friends of Loch Lomond Chair, John Urquhart, told That's Green: “Luss is once more in a disgraceful state due to inadequate management of litter. 

"This happens every year, yet the two authorities responsible, Argyll & Bute Council and the National Park, still can’t get their act together. 

"It is not good enough for Argyll and Bute to fall back on their “Take your litter home” mantra. Demonstrably it doesn’t work. 

"What is needed are much better facilities and much better management in terms of servicing them. Similarly, it is not good enough for the National Park just to say keeping places like Luss clear of litter is not their responsibility.”

Inviting the two authorities to get in touch, Mr Urquhart said that the Friends had 18 high quality litter bins in storage which could be immediately deployed in and around Luss.

https://www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk

Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright, Where will You Stay Tonight? Paul Goldstein's 1,000-Mile Tiger Trek Roars Through Norfolk for Conservation

A nine-foot tiger walking across Britain might sound like the plot of an adventure film, but there's no need to panic if you spot one on the Norfolk coast this month. 

It's actually strapped to the back of one of the UK's most passionate wildlife campaigners.

Wildlife photographer, safari guide and conservationist Paul Goldstein has embarked on an extraordinary 1,000-mile charity walk to raise £50,000 for tiger conservation, and next week his remarkable journey brings him through Norfolk.

The challenge, called 2 Legs for 4, is being organised in partnership with conservation charity Explorers Against Extinction (EAE). Paul will walk 500 miles from Anglesey to Southend-on-Sea before continuing another 500 miles from Southend to Land's End over just 42 days.

At 63 years old, Paul describes this as the toughest challenge of his life.

It continues a remarkable fundraising journey that began 16 years ago when he first completed the London Marathon wearing his now-famous tiger costume. 

Since then, he and his oversized feline companion have tackled another 49 marathons, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, conquered the gruelling Everest Marathon and helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for conservation projects around the world.

Those funds have supported everything from anti-poaching patrol vehicles and wildlife transport to schools, boreholes, ambulances and community initiatives in tiger habitats.

Paul says this latest challenge is about far more than endurance.

"This isn't a publicity stunt. It's a protest," he explained to That's Green.

Despite decades of conservation work, Bengal tigers remain endangered, with illegal poaching and the trade in tiger body parts continuing to threaten their future. 

Paul hopes that by quite literally carrying the issue across Britain, he can encourage more people to take notice and support conservation efforts.

The journey has already tested him, with soaring summer temperatures and a chest infection making every mile more demanding.

Norfolk holds special significance for Paul. His family has roots in the county stretching back more than a century, with Carricks Farm at Swanton Morley remaining part of that heritage. He has also introduced countless visitors to Norfolk's spectacular wildlife through his photography and guided experiences, making this one of the places he most wanted the route to include.

Local people are being encouraged to join him for part of the walk. There's no expectation to tackle all 1,000 miles, supporters can simply walk a few miles, complete a day stage or cheer him on along the route.

A generous supporter has also pledged to match the first £10,000 donated, doubling the impact of early fundraising.

Money raised will help fund practical conservation projects in India and Bhutan, including installing solar lighting around communities near Bandhavgarh National Park to reduce dangerous encounters between people and tigers, while also supporting research into how climate change is affecting tiger habitats.

Paul's Norfolk route runs from 19 to 24 July, with a special public evening at Blake Studio in Norwich on 22 July, where he'll share stories from decades spent photographing wildlife and explain why protecting tigers has become his life's mission.

Sometimes raising awareness means making a bold statement. Few statements are quite as memorable as walking 1,000 miles across Britain carrying a tiger on your back.

To learn more and to contribute please visit https://explorersagainstextinction.co.uk

Naturewatch Foundation Calls for Faster Move Away from Animal Testing

New Government figures have reignited debate over the future of animal testing in Great Britain, with campaigners urging ministers to accelerate the transition towards modern research methods that no longer rely on animals.

According to the latest Annual Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals, Great Britain, around 2.54 million scientific procedures involving living animals were carried out during 2025. 

While this represents a 3.8% decrease compared with 2024, animal welfare charity Naturewatch Foundation believes progress is happening far too slowly.

The figures also reveal that over 17,500 procedures were classified as severe, meaning the animals involved experienced significant pain, suffering or distress. Of particular concern to the charity is the rise in the number of certain species being used for the first time.

The number of beagles increased from 1,593 to 1,640, while the number of non-human primates rose sharply from 1,478 to 1,845. The use of horses also increased, climbing from 60 to 100.

Naturewatch Foundation argues that these increases sit uneasily alongside the Government's commitment to phase out animal testing by investing in modern, human-relevant alternatives.

Laura Lendrum, Animal Experiments Campaign Manager at Naturewatch Foundation, said the latest statistics show there is still a long way to go.

She told That's Green that she welcomed the overall reduction in animal use but expressed concern that the number of beagles, primates and horses had increased. She said the Government's pledge to phase out animal testing now needs to be reflected in the statistics through a much faster shift towards research methods that are both more reliable for humans and avoid the use of animals altogether.

Scientists are increasingly developing innovative alternatives, including advanced cell cultures, organ-on-a-chip technology, computer modelling and artificial intelligence. Supporters believe these approaches can provide results that are more relevant to human biology while reducing the need for animal experiments.

Naturewatch Foundation hopes the Government's recently announced strategy, developed alongside researchers, industry and animal welfare organisations, will deliver measurable progress in replacing animal testing with these emerging technologies.

The charity is also encouraging consumers to play their part by supporting companies committed to cruelty-free practices. Its Compassionate Shopping Guide helps shoppers identify brands that do not benefit from animal testing, allowing purchasing decisions to contribute towards a future where scientific innovation and animal welfare go hand in hand.

For many campaigners, the latest figures serve as a reminder that while progress is being made, there is still considerable work ahead before animal testing becomes a thing of the past.

https://www.naturewatch.org

Rewilding our waters in an era of offshore wind: New report

For a country racing towards a cleaner energy future, offshore wind is often seen as one of Britain's greatest environmental success stories. 

But a new report from Rewilding Britain warns that if developments are not carefully planned, the UK could repeat many of the environmental and social mistakes of previous industrial revolutions.

As thousands of new offshore wind turbines are expected to be installed over the coming decades, the charity says nature recovery and coastal communities must be placed at the centre of every project rather than treated as an afterthought.

Its latest report, in an era of offshore wind, argues that marine rewilding should become a fundamental part of offshore wind planning. Instead of viewing renewable energy and conservation as competing priorities, the report suggests they can work together to restore marine habitats, strengthen local economies and improve biodiversity.

The charity highlights three key recommendations. First, marine rewilding should be integrated into offshore wind developments from the outset, helping regenerate ecosystems while supporting sustainable fisheries. 

Secondly, more of the economic benefits generated by offshore wind should remain within coastal communities through greater local ownership and investment. Finally, developers, government, conservationists, fishers and local residents should work together to co-design projects that balance renewable energy with environmental protection.

According to Kevin Cumming, offshore wind should become "part of the solution" by supporting nature recovery, creating jobs and giving coastal communities a genuine stake in the future of Britain's seas.

The report comes as marine ecosystems continue to face significant challenges. Britain has lost up to 92% of its seagrass meadows and around 95% of its native oyster reefs, while marine vertebrate populations have fallen by more than half over the past 50 years. Restoring these habitats is seen as vital not only for wildlife, but also for climate resilience, sustainable fisheries and thriving coastal economies.

Globally, around 2,000GW of offshore wind capacity will be needed by 2050 to help meet climate targets. That could require around 5,000 new turbines every year, occupying more than 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. Decisions made now, the report says, will shape marine environments for generations.

The report also points to the recently approved Berwick Bank Offshore Wind Farm as an example of why better planning is essential. The development has attracted concern over its predicted impact on seabird populations, including guillemots, gannets and kittiwakes, alongside worries from fishing communities and tourism businesses.

Perhaps most strikingly, the report notes that only around 30% of spending on offshore wind construction currently remains within the UK, meaning many of the financial benefits flow overseas instead of supporting local jobs and supply chains.

For environmentalists, the message is clear. Britain's transition to clean energy must not simply reduce carbon emissions; it should also restore damaged marine ecosystems, strengthen coastal communities and leave the natural environment healthier than it was before. Offshore wind, says Rewilding Britain, has the potential to do all three, provided nature is designed into every project from the very beginning.

To learn more please visit https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk

Over 11 Million Rare Tree Seeds Collected to Help Restore Scotland's Native Woodlands

A pioneering conservation project has completely smashed its original target by collecting over 11 million genetically valuable native tree seeds, helping secure the future of Scotland's forests for generations to come.

The joint initiative between Trees for Life and Woodland Trust Scotland was launched in 2023 with the ambitious aim of gathering one million seeds over three years. 

Instead, thanks to the dedication of around 100 volunteers, the project has collected enough seed to grow an estimated 7.8 million native trees.

The volunteers have travelled to remote parts of western Scotland and its islands, carefully collecting seeds by hand from species that are often difficult and expensive for commercial nurseries to access. These include hazel, oak, dwarf birch, willow, juniper, birch, wild cherry, wych elm, yew and elder.

What makes these seeds particularly valuable is their genetic heritage. Many come from trees that have adapted over thousands of years to the unique conditions of Scotland's west coast and temperate rainforest. Their resilience offers a stronger chance of surviving future threats such as climate change, extreme weather and disease, making them an invaluable resource for woodland restoration.

Once gathered, the seeds are carefully checked at Trees for Life's Dundreggan rewilding estate near Loch Ness before being distributed. Many are donated to more than 20 accredited Scottish tree nurseries participating in the Woodland Trust's UK and Ireland Sourced and Grown Assurance Scheme, ensuring future planting uses locally sourced native stock.

The project is helping tackle a long-standing shortage of native trees with traceable local origins, particularly for the Western Isles, Northern Isles and Scotland's west coast.

Project Officer Roz Birch described the work to That's Green as "about hope", praising the volunteers whose shared passion for nature has helped transform the initiative into one of Scotland's most successful seed collection programmes. Its success has already secured an extension beyond its original three-year timescale.

The need for projects like this has never been greater. Scotland remains one of Europe's least-wooded nations, with only around four per cent of its native woodland still surviving. Less than two per cent of the once-vast Caledonian Forest remains, while only around 30,000 hectares of Scotland's internationally important rainforest survives on the west coast.

By safeguarding the genetic diversity of native trees today, projects like this are planting the foundations for healthier forests, richer wildlife habitats and landscapes that will be better equipped to withstand the environmental challenges of tomorrow. It is a powerful reminder that restoring nature often begins with something as small as a single seed.

https://www.treesforlife.org.uk

Chris Packham Joins Protest as Chicken Welfare Dispute Puts Pret Under Pressure

One of Britain's best-known naturalists has joined campaigners calling for improved chicken welfare, as a growing dispute over farming standards places Pret A Manger under the spotlight.

Wildlife broadcaster and conservationist Chris Packham (PICTURED) led protesters in London, saying he will not visit a Pret café until the company delivers on a promise it made in 2018 to stop using fast-growing chicken breeds.

The controversy centres on so-called "fast-growing" broiler chickens, sometimes referred to by campaigners as "frankenchickens." 

Animal welfare organisations argue selective breeding has produced birds that grow so rapidly they are more likely to suffer from mobility problems, bone deformities and other health issues during their short lives.

Speaking at the demonstration, Packham said he was "absolutely furious" Pret had delayed its original commitment. He described the lives of many fast-growing chickens as "a horror story dressed up as a lunch menu" and urged the company to produce what he considers a credible timetable for change.

Pret originally pledged to phase out these breeds by 2026. However, campaign groups including Anima and Project Slingshot say the company has now postponed that target until 2032. Their campaign has attracted tens of thousands of signatures and includes a reported £1 million public awareness drive aimed at encouraging consumers to question where their food comes from.

Pret, however, rejects suggestions that it has abandoned its commitment. The company says it remains one of the few major food businesses still committed to transitioning away from fast-growing chicken breeds, even though it has extended its timetable.

The latest protest featured an eye-catching four-metre animatronic "Frankenwrap", which has already attracted millions of views on social media after appearing outside several Pret cafés across London. The demonstration took place outside the company's Waterloo Road branch and is part of an ongoing campaign intended to keep pressure on the retailer.

The dispute also raises wider questions about food production and consumer expectations. Increasingly, shoppers want reassurance that the meat they buy has been produced to higher welfare standards, while businesses face the practical and financial challenges of changing long-established supply chains.

Whether the latest campaign will persuade Pret to accelerate its plans remains to be seen. What is clear is that animal welfare continues to be an issue that resonates strongly with many consumers, and companies making public environmental or ethical commitments can expect those promises to be closely scrutinised in the years ahead.

To learn more about Frankenchickens please visit https://thehumaneleague.org.uk/Who-is-selling-you-Frankenchickens

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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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