An oak can reveal 800 years of history
In a study conducted by The University of Oxford and Swansea University, core samples takes from hundreds of UK oaks have revealed the huge impacts climate change can have on society.
These trees allow researchers to access what they're calling 'a natural archive of climate information', providing records that outstretch even those of the Met Office, which only go back several hundred years.
The findings support the Met Office's records that British summers have become 13% wetter in the last century.
'Critically there have been times in the past when our climate has deteriorated and there have been really huge impacts on our society' says Mary Gagen of Swansea University's research group. The research has revealed that particularly wet summers from the mid 1200s to early 1300s coincided with a time of great famine.
Weather watch
A clear reminder that summer is over – a yellow weather warning stretches from London to the South, and all the way to the Scottish Borders. The rain is predicted to continue until 11pm this evening.
On this day...
On 24 September, 1896, The Great Gatsby author, F. Scott Fitzgerald was born. The American was famous for his depictions of the flamboyance and excess of the Jazz Age.
Why every school kid should spend a night under the stars
As the future custodians of our countryside, it's important that children have the chance to experience the beauty they will be safeguarding in years to come.
At least that's what the kind people at Northumberland National Park believe, as it reveals a plan to allow every school child in the country to visit the park.
'We believe that national parks have the ability to inspire and to change people’s lives' says the park chief executive Tony Gates. 'Our national parks should be for all of society.'
UK’s first spaceport could threaten habitats
North Uist in the Outer Hebrides could be home to a new rocket site, but islanders say it would damage important habitats.
In consultation meetings last week, locals raised their fears surrounding the environmental impact as well as asking about the economic benefits.
The RSPB has also objected to the plans, warning that the chosen site is in a 'highly sensitive area'. Corncrakes, Greenland barnacle geese and ringed plover are just a few of the many species living in the vicinity.
Those behind the scheme suggest it could generate payments of about £900,000 a year for the islanders and up to 70 jobs.
And finally... Cats care
Researchers have discovered cats care about their owners much more than we may have imagined.
The team observed 100 felines in an experiment that has been previously used to study the attachment of children to their mothers.
'Our study indicates that when cats live in a state of dependency with a human, the majority use humans as a source of comfort,' said Dr Kristyn Vitale of Oregon State University.
Britain set for stupendous autumn colours thanks to 'perfect conditions' through the summer
Forestry England has predicted an impressive display of autumn colours that will start now and continue through to mid-November.
Soothing sounds of woodland proven to be more relaxing than meditation apps or silence
Listening to birdsong, rustling leaves and a gentle stream can positively affect our wellbeing, a Natural Trust study has found.
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The real name of a 'ghost' rainbow, the first ever omnishambles, and golf on the moon: Country Life Quiz of the Day 20 February 2025Some real brainteasers for you in our Quiz of the Day. Good luck!
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Tom Parker Bowles's favourite recipe: French onion soupThis dish is no mere Gallic broth, rather pure bonhomie in a bowl — a boozy, beefy, allium-scented masterpiece that cries out for the chill depths of winter
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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.
