All posts by lukewalter

Meet the world’s first ecologist

July 18th, 2019

July 18 2019 marks 299 years since the birth of Gilbert White, widely hailed as perhaps the world’s first ecologist. But, who was Gilbert White and why is he so important in our understanding of the natural world? Like many well-to-do gentlemen of the 18th century, Gilbert White was a diarist who chronicled his day […]

Nature’s population loss – what can be done to turn the tide?

July 10th, 2019

This World Population Day we want to talk about an international crisis – the population collapse of animal and plant species around the world. Did you know that since 1970 we’ve lost 60% of vertebrate populations globally, with many now on the endangered species list? And, when it comes to insects – a key indicator […]

The most iconic spots for a picnic in the South Downs

July 4th, 2019

You may not know it but July is National Picnic Month. With so many endearing beauty spots across the National Park, you could have your pick (no pun intended) of anywhere to settle down and enjoy a lovely lunch. In honour of this quintessentially English month of celebration, we asked some of our sustainable transport […]

Barn owl update – July 2019

July 2nd, 2019

It has been six weeks since our first barn owl egg hatched. At around six weeks old, well fed owlets can be 100g heavier than the adults. Over the last three weeks the ‘owlets’ have been busy. The very thin covering the owlets develop after hatching has been replaced with a thicker down, allowing them […]

Make a difference this summer and join a Youth Action Day!

July 1st, 2019

Like so many of our natural and wild spaces, the South Downs National Park is on the frontline of climate change. A warming planet threatens thousands of plant and animal species, including many found in the National Park, either through habitat loss, pollution, the arrival of invasive species or extreme weather events. While urgent action […]