Nature
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Britain has 763 different types of moss — and they're varied, distinctive and strikingly beautiful
As special as orchids, as beautiful as bluebells and as important as oaks, our ground-hugging mosses are worth a look down, says naturalist and author Mark Cocker.
By Mark Cocker Published
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Leading landscape photographers share their secrets in latest Light & Land exhibition
Charlie Waite, Bill Ward, Astrid McGechan, Ed Rumble and Charlotte Bellamy are some of the many famous names who will be exhibiting at the Mall Galleries from September 3.
By James Fisher Published
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Rarer than pandas: Meet the native breeds that have a crucial role to play in food security and conservation
Some treasured native farm animals have fallen dangerously low in numbers. Kate Green meets the breeders keeping the flame alive.
By Kate Green Published
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Curious Questions: Why do so many animals have bright white bottoms?
Why do so many animals have such obviously flashy appendages, asks Laura Parker, as she examines scuts, rumps and rears.
By Laura Parker Published
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Whistle while you work: why the sheepdog still owns the fields and hills of Britain
Sheepdog trials are mesmerising to watch, with one man and his dog speaking a language all of their own, but sheep welfare remains the ultimate goal.
By Katy Birchall Published
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There are 200 chalkstreams in the world, almost all are in England, and they're the most biodiverse freshwater habitat on the planet
Chalkstreams were forged millions of years ago when Europe was largely underwater and developed into unique and complex habitats that we must consider national treasures, says Charles Rangeley-Wilson.
By Charles Rangeley-Wilson Published
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'Water was coming in through the roof, the windows and the stone walls. It caused mushrooms to grow in the bedrooms, and sizeable bits of the ceiling to detach themselves without notice'
Water, water everywhere for Jonathan Self — especially in the places where you'd least want to have it.
By Jonathan Self Published
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The 1930s eco-warrior who inspired David Attenborough and The Queen, only to be unmasked as a hoaxer and 'pretendian' — but his message still rings true
Martin Fone tells the astonishing story of Grey Owl, who became a household name in the 1930s with his pioneering calls to action to save the environment — using a false identity to do so.
By Martin Fone Published
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The Lapwing, the bird with dozens names that is 'one of the most evocative sights and sounds of the countryside'
Often preceded by its otherworldly call, the jaunty emerald-and-purple lapwing is an increasingly rare presence in southern England, says Vicky Liddell, as she explores a new initiative to halt the decline.
By Vicky Liddell Published
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What's in a colour? The mystery behind our obsession with green
The human eye can detect more shades of green than any other colour and they are matched by a bewildering variety of names, discovers Lucien de Guise
By Country Life Published
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Curious Questions: Why do all of Britain's dolphins and whales belong to the King?
More species of whale, dolphin and porpoise can be spotted in the UK than anywhere else in northern Europe and all of them, technically, belong to the Monarch. Ben Lerwill takes a look at one of our more obscure laws and why the animals have such an important role to play in the fight against climate change.
By Ben Lerwill Published
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Curious Questions: Do dock leaves really cure nettle stings?
Renowned as a ‘land robber’, docks don’t have much going for them, other than alleviating nettle stings — but do they really work? John Wright heroically finds out.
By John Wright Published
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From oinking fugitives to ecological engineers: How wild boars have re-established themselves in our woodland and what to do if they try and steal your shopping
Once a common sight for our Neolithic ancestors, the wild boar was hunted to extinction. Now, in places such as the Forest of Dean, they are slowly returning.
By Vicky Liddell Published
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The cosmos, as you have never seen it before
This year's shortlist for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year has been released, and the images are truly out of this world.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
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The Big Butterfly Count is here — time to get out into the garden and do your bit
Do your bit to save the butterflies of Britain.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
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Iridescence: The greatest special effect in Nature
A lustrous play of colour alchemy, natural iridescence can intrigue, camouflage and incite desire. Laura Parker immerses herself in one of Nature’s greatest special effects.
By Laura Parker Published
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The truth about rewilding, by seven of Britain's most influential farmers, landowners and conservationists
Although the term 'rewilding' is contentious, most agree that our countryside could be better managed for wildlife. Yet what should we actually be doing to improve it?
By Julie Harding Published