Today's round-up features a warning to coastal walkers, bad news for New Forest cattle and a study revealing the threats to our seas.
Move over Fido: Marvel and Disney shape modern dog names
‘Do I look like a Charlie?’ — popular culture is shaping our dogs’ names. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
New data has predicted the most popular names for canine companions in 2020, with box office hits promising to be influential.
Marvel and Star Wars characters have been common choices and are likely to remain firm favourites next year. Disney inspired names are also in fashion, for instance Coco became the second most popular dog name in 2018, shortly after the film of the same name was released.
Charlie was in the top 10 for the last two years and, with the release of Charlie’s Angels later this year, this name is expected to top the charts once again.
The predicted name trends for 2020 are:
- Charlie
- Loki
- Harley
- Elsa
- Bella
- Luke
- Simba
- Lady
- Millie
- Maggie
A warning for autumn beach-goers
Large scale strandings were last seen in the UK in 2017. Man o’ wars pictured in Sidmouth, Devon. Credit: Matt Cardy/Getty Images
Coastal walkers have been warned to take care on beaches in the south west following mass strandings of Portuguese man o’ wars.
The jellyfish-like creatures are in fact floating colonies of hydrozoans, a group of tiny marine organisms living together and behaving as one animal, which have been blown by persistent south westerly winds.
Man o’ wars tentacles deliver a powerful sting, which can be fatal, so they should be given a wide berth.
On this day…
Four-time London Marathon winner Eliud Kipchoge. Credit: AFP via Getty Images
On 24 October, 2018, Kenyan marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge was named UN Person of the Year for setting a new marathon world record and for his work with AIDS/HIV in Kenya. This month Eliud became the first athlete to run a marathon in under two hours, beating the mark by 20 seconds.
Sea survey produces mixed picture
An assessment of the UK’s seas has produced positive findings on contaminants in water and in seafood, but most seabird populations, including kittiwakes, puffins and herring gulls, remain at risk.
Action needed now to protect our marine environment all round the UK. NI a case study of threats to all our seas. BBC News – Northern Ireland's seas a 'mixed picture' https://t.co/Ei3Jos3jo7
— Coble and Keelboat Society (@coble_and_keel) October 24, 2019
Scientific officer Helen Hanratty said the information now available was the most comprehensive gathered to date.
New Forest cattle to be dehorned
The New Forest Commoners Defence Association has been forced to take action. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
The New Forest Commoners Defence Association has asked cattle owners remove the horns of their stock after a rise in attacks on dog walkers.
Tony Hockley, chair of the CDA, said it was because people have ‘lost any respect’ for the dangers of livestock, and criticised dog walkers who do not keep their pets under control around the cattle.
And finally… Clever crabs
Crabs have shown they are able to navigate around a complex maze and even remember the route in order to find food.
? A-MAZE-ing!https://t.co/DPxm9aZiWT
— BBC Wales News (@BBCWalesNews) October 23, 2019
Researchers from Swansea University said over a four-week period, fewer wrong turns were taken and crabs steadily improved their time.
The findings of the study were published in scientific journal Biology Letters.
Pici the Jack Russell named Britain’s Naughtiest Dog for 2019
Researchers discover concerning plastic ‘pebbles’ littering UK beaches
A study has revealed hidden plastic pollution on Britain’s coastline, in the form of pebble-like chunks known as pyroplastic.
A perfect thatched cottage with a fairytale garden, pool and room for horses
A dreamy little cottage has come up for sale within the New Forest National Park.
