With its wide range of habitats and long history, it is no surprise that the capital is home to many of the UK’s widespread reptile and amphibian species. Wherever you find these animals, it is very likely that you are going to find people interested in helping them…
We hope all of our readers have had a fantastic, happy and healthy 2022. After a year of highs and lows, and not just in terms of temperature, I hope you can join us in looking forward to 2023 with a hopeful optimism and appreciation of our wild city that has so many people dedicated to its conservation…
…Residents have a huge part to play in ensuring Sutton’s parks are more than just grass and some trees. People need to know how valuable parks can be outside of the traditional definition, and take the initiative by getting involved in existing groups (or even creating their own)….. We know one thing for sure – we must aim for more than just a “park”…
The open data movement is inspiring and exciting, but for it to work for the environmental data sector it needs long-term and significant investment in our local, regional and national data infrastructure…
…I’ve found a great way to learn about the natural environment, and keep it interesting, is to try to get some good photographs of local nature and wildlife. When you set yourself that goal of trying to get a good snap of something, you can learn a lot about it, for example, its location, the time of day or year it appears as well as what it looks like in detail. All of this can be very useful, not only for your own ecological knowledge but also for recording of species in London…
From migrating eels and faecal shields to ‘full frontal newtity’ and figwort weevils, the London recording community continue to find inspiration and joy in everything natural, weird and wonderful.
Professional species identification skills can take years to learn, but some people don’t realise you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy it, take part, and make a difference.
I grew up with access to nature and open spaces and encouragement from others to engage with the outside world in a positive manner. It’s only since growing up that I’ve realised how lucky I was – and still am – to have this relationship with the natural world …”
Our findings are important because they demonstrate the potential benefits of conserving existing natural spaces and developing new high quality ones in deficient areas for both the environmental and our well-being. They also show that the SINC network is not only important for London’s nature, but also for individual well-being in the city …