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.
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.
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.
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.
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’.
On This Day... Alfred Hitchcock was born
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.
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If heaven is on earth, it might be in this home with a converted chapel that is now a swimming pool5 Wood Barton Town House is part of an exclusive 80-acre development in Devon that also comes with fishing rights on the River Avon and four bedrooms.
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An Italian-inspired recipe for lemon-butter pasta shells with spring greens, ricotta and pangrattatoSpring greens are just about to come into their own, so our Kitchen Garden columnist reveals exactly what to do with them.
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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.
