Nature
Otters vs Anglers: Menace or Misunderstood?
Picture the scene. You’re an angler. You’ve lovingly and regularly caught a 50lb carp named Barry for half a decade. Barry’s more than a fish—he’s a legend, a slippery mirror carp with a fan base and a gut a barstool bullshitter would envy. Then, one frosty morning, you find poor Barry half-eaten on the bank, looking like he's been on the wrong end of a knife fight with a furry torpedo. Enter the otter, Britain’s aquatic comeback ...
The Great Spring Swap: The UK’s March Migration Spectacle
March in the UK is a time of change. The days grow longer, the first daffodils shake off their winter weariness, and the air carries that unmistakable scent of spring. But for Britain’s birdlife, March is more than just a seasonal shift—it’s a departure lounge and arrival gate rolled into one. As we bid farewell to some winter visitors, we throw open the doors to a fresh wave of summer migrants (coming over ‘ere, eating our seeds). ...
The Unsung Garden Keepers: How Birds Keep My Garden in Check
Every morning, as I sip my coffee and pretend I have control over my day, a miniature ecosystem battle unfolds in my garden. It might just look like a handful of birds squabbling over my well-stocked nut feeder, but after a bit of investigation, in reality, these feathery freeloaders are working tirelessly to keep nature in balance. Blue Tits, Robins and Blackbirds Take the blue tits, for example. These tiny daredevils spend half their ...
Gone Fishing with Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer: My Perfect Escapism!
With everything going on in the world—bad news popping up like weeds—I’ve realised I desperately need moments of peace. Don’t get me wrong, I know it’s important to stay informed about current affairs, but sometimes my brain feels like it’s running on fumes, and I need a break from the misery of it all. That’s where Gone Fishing, with Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer, comes in for me—it’s the perfect way to switch off and ...
Not as Big as You Think – The Moon Illusion
For some reason, I only found out yesterday that the moon doesn’t actually get bigger when it’s near the horizon. Apparently, it’s all part of something called the Moon Illusion – a clever trick your brain plays on you! The Brain's Optical Trick When the moon is near the horizon, your brain compares it to familiar things like trees, buildings, or mountains. This makes the moon seem huge in comparison. But when the moon is higher ...