Posts

The bees

At last we have a politician (Michael Gove) showing some intelligent leadership and awareness about environmental issues, backing a total ban on insect-harming pesticides in fields across Europe. It has taken a long time but it is very encouraging that politicians are waking up to the scientific evidence and acting responsibly. Long may it continue! Honeybees play a vitally important role in the pollination of countless plants across the world, including one third of the food crops which we depend on.

This image is available as a greeting card in the Cherish the Earth series on this website, and 50% of the profits will be donated to environmental projects supported by His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje, head of the 900 year old Karma Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. The Karmapa is well known for his commitment to environmental activity, as well as being a world spiritual leader and guide to millions of Buddhists around the world.

 

 

Red admirals

Yesterday was the most lovely day, a brief taste of Indian summer before the next weather front. After years of poor summers and the decline of many butterly populations, it was wonderful to see dozens of red admirals feasting on flowers in the garden, the most I have seen for a long time. Like honeybees, butterflies are a sensitive indicator of weather conditions, the seasons, and the environment. Warm sunny days at this time of year are a real bonus, before the onset of the long Northumberland winter. But in the meantime we have the autumn colours to look forward to, peaking in another three to four weeks.