Saving Loch Lomond? - Loch Lomond conservation charity forced to withdraw litter bins.

A spokesman for the independent conservation charity Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs told That's Green: "As Ross Greer trumpets that his Green Party has, “saved Loch Lomond”, we must announce we can no longer sustain our “Keep the Banks Bonnie” litter management scheme."

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.

"Since then annual management and servicing costs of around £30k (inclusive of a 12.5% increase from the service provider in 2026) have been met by local businesses, plus some limited support from the National Park and Argyll and Bute Council, but it has been proving more and more difficult to raise the business sponsorship necessary to keep the scheme going and this year’s refusal by the National Park and Argyll and Bute to give any support at all means we have had to withdraw it."

(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.”

https://www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk

Hope Spring completes first borehole project in Northern Nigeria

Hereford-based water poverty alleviation charity, Hope Spring Water, has announced the completion of its first borehole project of 2026 and its first-ever clean water initiative in the northern part of 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.

https://www.hopespring.org.uk

World Plant Power Day: Why Going Greener on Your Plate Matters More Than Ever

Celebrate World Plant Power Day with That’s Green as we explore how plant-based choices support sustainability, reduce carbon emissions and help create a greener future for our planet.

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:

Meat-Free Mondays

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

Composting kitchen scraps

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

MPs have been warned that anyone, including children, can legally buy weapons capable of killing wildlife, as a legal loophole allows catapults and slingshots to be sold cheaply and without restriction across England and Wales.

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.

naturewatch.org

The Name's Changed But the Aim is the Same. Open Cages is Now Anima

The UK animal charity Open Cages has rebranded to Anima, reflecting its global identity as Anima International.

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.

anima.org.uk

Major Online Marketplace Bans Catapult Sales in ‘Win for Wildlife’ say campaigners

A major online marketplace has banned the sale of catapults and slingshots in a move hailed as a “win for wildlife”, as pressure mounts on other retailers to follow suit ahead of a Parliamentary briefing next week.

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.

naturewatch.org 

World Wildlife Day Warning: as rescued baby bear Lissy sends a stark message about vigilance against the wildlife trafficking trade

The dancing bear trade ended in 2009, so this World Wildlife Day, 3rd March, why are we writing about another bear cub rescued in recent months? 

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