Plastics update from Davos

The Ellen Macarthur Foundation says: More than 40 industry leaders have endorsed a new action plan to tackle global plastics issues, and have begun working together to create a more effective global system for plastics.  The plan, laid out in The New Plastics Economy: Catalysing action, which was launched today by the World Economic Forum and the…

News from Natural England and elsewhere

1. These are links c/o Natural England of recent research about the natural environment and health. Links between natural environments and physical activity: evidence briefing EIN020 – Links between natural environments and physiological health: evidence briefing EIN021 – Links between natural environments and obesity: evidence briefing   2. These are links to Public Health England resources Active…

Insect migration

The Times reported in December that trillions of insects fly across southern England each year in unseen migrations.  Their collective weight is some 3,200 tonnes.  The weight is more than seven times that of the 30m songbirds that fly between UK to Africa each autumn.  Researchers from the University of Exeter have used radar for more…

Lake Views from the Guardian

The Guardian had some gloomy pictures before Christmas of lakes across the world as they once were and now are. The picture is of Poyang Lake.  The commentary says: “China’s largest freshwater lake has been shrinking dramatically since the start of the century.  At one point, the lake covered 4,500 square kilometres but its surface…

January LEEF Update

Here are a few events being organised by LEEF in the coming weeks   Surrey Docks City Farm Child Protection Training for City Farms 10am-4pm, 23rd January 2017 The seminar is aimed at farmers and outdoor educators who work with children & young people. Safeguarding and child protection should be an important consideration when undertaking any…