Welcome to Ground Cover, our roundup of news, science, reports and features. Here’s what you’ll find in this week’s edition:
- National: Nature's Rights, peatland restoration, inequality.
- Local: Beaver seeds, killer fungus, Bramley apple.
- Reports: Capercaillie count, rewilding results, health.
- Science: Weather-heritage, toads, pine martens.
- Driftwood: Snails, moon gardening, estate rewilding.
Some cross-pollination this week. Many of our readers work – or want to work – in nature, so I want to highlight another newsletter that may come in useful. The Wild Path is a weekly roundup of handpicked roles from the outdoor sector, including national parks, charities and outdoor brands. It includes freelance and seasonal work, alongside full-time roles. It certainly unearths an eclectic selection: recent jobs include lichenologist, lighthouse keeper and an auk disturbance project manager.
Finally, have you read this week's feature on wolves? We explored the latest research on the challenges of coexistence across Europe. Have a read and leave your thoughts in the comments.
Sophie Yeo
National news
Rights | A bill to recognise nature’s intrinsic rights, backed by former Green Party leader Baroness Natalie Bennett, has had its first reading in the House of Lords. The Nature’s Rights Bill marks the first time that legislation dealing with nature’s rights has been formally considered at Westminster, reflecting a growing campaign to give nature legal standing. The Bill would recognise Nature as a legal entity with enforceable rights, establishing a clear foundation for protection and regeneration. Other elements include a legal duty on individuals, businesses and public bodies to operate within safe ecological limits, and Bioregional Councils to address local challenges. Mumta Ito, the lawyer leading the movement, said: ‘We need to encode a new consciousness in law, with laws that protect nature as the very basis of life.’ ENDS reported the news.
