Enjoy some of my blog posts, which mainly include ones published before I repurposed this website for freelance work! Cheers!
HS2: Bats Cost the UK Tax Payer £100m for a Shed? A Bat Ecologists Thoughts
The media are all a flutter; ‘a bat shed will cost the tax payer £100m’ is the claim from, Sir Jon Thompson, a civil servant, who recently took over as boss of HS2 from Mark Thurston. Here are my first thoughts as a bat ecologist.
In Nature Nothing Exists Alone
In 1990, the greater mouse eared bat (Myotis myotis) was declared extinct in the United Kingdom – the first native species to be declared extinct in Britain since the grey wolf (Canis lupus) in 1786. However, in 2002, in a dank, disused railway tunnel in Sussex, a greater mouse eared bat was found hibernating. Nobody…
The ballad of the Bulo Burti Boubou bird: An alternative to killing animals for museum collections?
A Fascinating Tale of Zoological Pedantism
There Are Bats in my Loft! What Do I Do? Advice from a bat Ecologist -UK
After providing my friend, Brian, with some bat advice, I thought I’d smash out a quick blog for people in a similar situation. Navigating the planning process when you have bats in your loft can be a pain; the process if rife with jargon, potential time delays, un-expectancy and expense.
X Marks The Fox – Animal Footprint ID in Snowy England
A short walk through the British countryside in the snow is a great way to sharpen up on your British animal footprint ID. Lets have a look at some common UK species which I found on a recent walk through the snow; and some quick methods to ID them. Badgers, unlike dogs and foxes are…
From The Vaults: The Hunger Games With Tigers
Here’s an article I wrote way back in 2015 about a controversial tiger project – with a ridiculously dramatic update about the situation! A 2015 scientific study on the world’s rarest sub-species of tiger, the South China Tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis) may offer a glimmer of hope for captive bred carnivores, however the project has attracted…
My Unofficial Entry into the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards…
By James Salisbury The Comedy Wildlife Photo Award is a relatively new competition, founded in 2015, which hosts a yearly competition for funny animal photos. Winners get some awesome prizes, like an amazing camera and a holiday to Africa. The website promotes the Born Free animal conservation charity, where you can adopt an endangered species.…
Old School Names for British Species
#1 Warty Newt (Great Crested Newt) An old school name for the great crested newt is the warty newt. For example, you can see this name in early works by Malcolm Arthur Smith from the 30’s. This name makes much more sense than ‘great crested’ newt as the most common newt in the UK (smooth…
What David Brent Can Teach The Media About Daddy long-legs
Every year in the autumn, a mini invertebrate invasion of our homes begin as various species seek shelter and warmth and a mate. During this time, the press predictably roll out their best efforts to turn us into gibbering, broom clutching, stool-perching cartoons… Invasion! Cheshire town is overrun by Britain’s biggest spider… and beware, it’s bound to be…
How Long Can A Bat Roost Be Disused Before it is Considered Abandoned?
Note: this article is over 5 years old This has been the topic of discussion between many UK based ecologists, home owners and developers. Perhaps a project was delayed and requires updated ecology surveys, however, for various reason you suspect that a previously identified bat roost is abandoned. You ask your ecologist: ‘how long can…
Could Hedgehogs Become a Protected Species in the UK?
Note: this article is over 5 years old Intro Hedgehogs are what we call in conservation a ‘charismatic species’. A species that is instantly recognisable with striking features, one that is well embedded within the national psyche. If you strike up a conversation with someone about hedgehogs, as I often do on site with clients,…
Forget Biodiversity Net Gain Jargon, and Focus on These Key Principles for a Development
Note: this article is over 5 years old and biodiversity net gain is in full force – however the general principles of this article remain relevant. The new biodiversity net gain proposals are the perfect storm of ecological and governmental jargon. Full of unnecessary acronyms and Shakespeare-esque compound adjectives (‘future-fit’), mixed in with the familiar buzzwords like…
What is the Difference Between an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal?
Note: this article is over 5 years old and Phase 1 Habitat surveys are now outdated due to the addition of UKHabs (more jargon hurrah!). The short answer is none, both of the above surveys refer to the same thing. Read on to find out why. Many of my clients (and graduate ecologists) have been…
Species Enhancements for Urban Sites? Try a Swift Nesting Scheme
Note: this article is over 5 years old It can be difficult to include species enhancements on sites that have a low baseline for ecology, for example sites in urban locations, or sites that have a small development footprint. However, many council’s will still condition species enhancements to be included within the new development, often…
Add a Species Rich Hedgerow to Your Development
Note: This article is more that 5 years old Planting a species rich hedgerow is an excellent way of achieving a net-gain in biodiversity for your site or project. Using one to create a new natural barrier or screen; or, enhancing an existing hedgerow will improve wildlife connectivity and provide a valuable habitat for a…
