Welcome news for urban hedgehogs
Although there has been a decline numbers of hedgehogs in recent years, it appears those dwelling in urban areas are doing quite well.
Researchers from Reading University have been monitoring the species and their findings were published in the journal Urban Ecosystems. They placed ink pads in hundreds of back gardens and logged any footprints of passing hedgehogs.
The team found hedgehogs were less likely to frequent gardens enjoyed by badgers, who are the species' main predator, but were unaffected by foxes or dogs.
All gardens enjoyed by hedgehogs had clear areas for the creatures to enter. Those looking to encourage the animals into their gardens were advised to make a hole or two in fencing if their garden is completely contained.
Six-man rescue mission triggered by tired terrier
A tired terrier and his owner triggered a six-man rescue effort when they became stranded in the Lake District last week (12 September).
A team from the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team came to the aid of the pair after the dog refused to walk any further while out on the fells.
Rutland rejects plans for McDonald's
Residents of England's smallest county have criticised plans to open a McDonald's in the market town of Oahkham.
Rutland is the only county in England not to feature the fast food chain's golden arches, and many locals are keen to keep things that way.
On this day...
In 18 September, 1809, the second theatre of the Royal Opera House opened after a fire destroyed the original theatre one year earlier. The Covent Garden venue was subjected to a second disastrous fire in 1856 and was rebuilt two years later.
Arts hoped to help residents accept coastal loss
'Community operas' are part of proposals to persuade coastal towns and villages that their homes must be sacrificed to the sea because of climate change.
A report from the Environment Agency has suggested using the arts to engage with 'communities facing difficult choices such as managed retreat'.
Union Chain Bridge's future restored
The Union Chain Bridge between Scotland and England has received £3.14m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
It will allow a major programme of repairs to begin next year on the 200-year-old structure over the River Tweed.
And finally.... Farmer breaks world record
Farmer Tim Lamyman has broken the world pea yield record for the second time in three years with a yield of nearly 7.5t/ha.
'I am absolutely thrilled with the final performance of the peas as they have shown a consistency in biomass through the season – much more so than last year,' he said.
The gardeners' salvation? Jackdaw develops taste for the vicious Box Moth caterpillar
The small crows have been seen feasting on box moth caterpillars, who have wreaked havoc in domestic, commercial and historical
Carnivorous plant which devours its prey via sticky tentacles is reintroduced to England
A conservation group is working to boost numbers of the endangered great sundew.
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The brilliant tractor tribute to the NHS from a group of Warwickshire farmersPeople around Britain have been paying tribute to the efforts of our NHS workers at the time of the coronavirus pandemic — but few have been as creative and clever as this one.
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London's iconic red bus at risk and 6,000 year old chewing gum gives clues into our DNA historyCuts to industry subsidies and an increase in fares has left bus use at its lowest point ever, while DNA extracted from ancient 'chewing gum' allows scientists to decipher the genetic code of a Stone Age woman.
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90-million-year-old 'swimming dinosaur' skeleton found by dogs out walking in Somerset, and the nonchalant moths who don't bother fleeing enemiesA superbly intact dinosaur skeleton — described as being 'museum quality' — has been discovered on a beach in Somerset.
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Battle to ban 4x4s from the idyllic Lake District spot bequeathed by Beatrix Potter, eagle fights octopus and the 'snail's pace' climate talksThis morning we look at Little Langdale's fight for peace, reflect on the climate change talks in Madrid and discover the soundtrack for Brexit.
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Country Life Today: How Greta Thunberg shifted the dial on climate change — and the backlash shows just how muchThis morning we ponder whether Greta Thunberg is the Joan of Arc for the environmental movement, look at a key election — one from 19 years ago — and ponder the marvel of 'dad tidying'.
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Country Life Today: Great news for those who love our great country pubs — the years of decline are overThere is a great sign of health in the pub industry, we look back at Edward VIII's abdication message and fret about Greenland's melting ice.
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Country Life Today: Spain accused of being 'a deplorable choice' for UN climate conferenceA no-holds-barred assault on the Spanish fishing industry, Banksy raising awareness of the homeless and the woes of the Christmas jumper are in today's news round-up.
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Country Life Today: 'This is perhaps the ultimate wake-up call from the uncontrolled experiment humanity is unleashing on the world’s oceans'In today's round up, we examine why oxygen loss is putting oceans at risk, discover that action to cut air pollution brings almost immediate benefits to human health and find out which bird's arrival marks the start of winter in Gloucestershire.
