A bright pink insect lights up Stroud; a metal detector enthusiast unearths a bishop's ring made of solid gold in Kent; and a British explorer walks the length of China's Yangtze river.
Pink grasshoppers spotted across the nation
Bright pink grasshoppers have been spotted roaming the country. One has been spotted at Cashes Green, near Stroud — and photographed by a local resident — while the Sussex Wildlife Trust have put out feelers on social media asking for reports.
They’re a rare sight. Females of the meadow grasshopper species carry genes that can give nymphs a vivid pink hue but they tend to become a purple-brown when adults.
Have you ever seen a pink grasshopper? The vivid pink of this Meadow Grasshopper is caused by caused by a genetic mutation known as erythrism, which affect the production of pigment. Pink grasshoppers are much more vulnerable to predation #SundayMorning pic.twitter.com/qi5pMkWpIu
— Sussex Wildlife Trust ? (@SussexWildlife) August 11, 2019
There’s another reason why they’re rarely seen: many don’t survive anyway because the colour makes it easier for predators to spot them.
Read full article (Stroud News and Journal)
Ancient gold ring found in Kent
A bishop’s ring, made of solid gold and probably dating from the reign of Henry VIII, has been discovered on the Isle of Sheppey.
PHOTO: 'Priceless' solid gold bishop's ring unearthed by metal detectorist on the Isle of Sheppey on Sunday.https://t.co/WP3dKNPGEM
— Times Guardian (@TimesGuardian) August 12, 2019
Metal detector enthusiast Ashley Solly came across the treasure on a day out with his club, the Medway History Finders. The ring, which may now go to the British Museum to be authenticated, is the most important among the many finds yielded by the Kentish island, which include Roman and Saxon coins.
Read full article (Kent Online)
Row erupts over council’s decision to spray weedkiller on a beach
Conservationists have voiced concerns at Wirral Council’s decision to spray controversial weedkiller glyphosate on Hoylake Beach to control the grasses that grow in the area.
Weed spraying on Hoylake Beach is now complete.
The beach can be used as normal but we ask that visitors take note of the signs advising people to exercise caution and refrain from picking vegetation until the end of August. pic.twitter.com/KF6HPudDDK
— Wirral Council (@WirralCouncil) August 9, 2019
They believe the chemical could harm both marine life and the Natterjack toads that live in a nearby Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Salmon farm proposals sparks fears of eco-damage in the Hebrides
Scottish National Heritage has expressed concerns about plans to build a large salmon farm off the coast of Canna, in the Hebrides.
Salmon farm plans raises environmental concerns for #Canna, with largest pens installed in UK – @severincarrell reports https://t.co/4FHwyN5TOq
— Guardian Scotland (@GdnScotland) August 12, 2019
The watchdog believes that the farm could have a negative impact on the area’s seals, porpoises and other marine species.
Hare coursers set Cambridgeshire field ablaze
Illegal hare coursers torched a car and burned a farmer’s field in Comberton, near Cambridge in the process. Although the Cambridgeshire police arrested four suspects, they had to let them go after escorting them out of the county because the witness was ‘reluctant to provide a statement’.
Hare poaching low life torched their car and set alight to this field in the process, 4 arrested at nearby pub. 5 dogs seized due to being un chipped. Witness reluctant to provide a statement so suspects dispersed and escorted from the county. #RCAT #OpGalileo @CambsCops pic.twitter.com/DAsf48Roqu
— CambsRuralCops (@CambsRuralCops) August 11, 2019
On This Day… Alfred Hitchcock was born
Alfred Hitchcock poses in a promotional still for his film, ‘The Birds’. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
The Master of Suspense was born in Leytonstone, on August 13, 1899
Read about his life and legacy on the Alfred Hitchcock official site
And finally… a Welsh man is first to walk the entire length of the Yangtze
Young British explorer Ash Dykes, from Old Colwyn, North Wales, has walked about 4,000 miles, braving blizzards and extreme temperatures, to complete a 4,000-mile journey along China’s Yangtze River. He’s believed to be the first person ever to have completed this epic journey.
