conservation

A deadly fungus is killing frogs around the world, but the bacteria on their skin could protect them

Researchers in Costa Rica have found that some bacteria on the skin of amphibians prevent growth of the fungus responsible for what has been dubbed ‘the amphibian apocalypse’. Published in the journal Microbiology, the research identified a number of bacteria which could growth of the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). One particularly dangerous strain of the fungus, called BdGPL-2, is responsible forContinue reading “A deadly fungus is killing frogs around the world, but the bacteria on their skin could protect them”

Meet the Farmers (LIVE!) – episode 43 – The Tendring Hundred Show

Episode 43 comes to you from the Tendring Hundred Show which was held back in July. I spoke to Emma Stobart (RSPB), David Lord (local farmer), Dave Smart (Essex Wildlife Trust) and Barbara Sharp (Essex Beekeepers) about farming, conservation and the future of the countryside in the Countryside Ring at the Show.

The Most Exciting Technologies in Ecology

Measuring, recording and tracking our environment and wildlife has become standardised in many ways, with widely used software. However, in the last few years technology itself has changed the way ecological consultancy works on a day-to-day basis – from site surveys to endangered species monitoring, and here are just a few advances that are excitingContinue reading “The Most Exciting Technologies in Ecology”

Spotlight on…the Nature Friendly Farming Network

There are many organisations doing important work in rural areas, bringing people together, providing support and improving the state of nature. ‘Spotlight on…’ profiles some of these. The Nature Friendly Farming Network is a farmer led, grass roots organisation which profiles a way of farming that puts nature and the environment at its heart. Very fewContinue reading “Spotlight on…the Nature Friendly Farming Network”

Chris Packham and the Nature Friendly Farming Network

I recently visited Martin Lines, UK Chair of the Nature Friendly Farming Network. Martin invites large numbers of people to his farm each year to show them what he is doing to improve the state of nature on his farm. One of those guests was Chris Packham who organised a bioblitz to take place onContinue reading “Chris Packham and the Nature Friendly Farming Network”