Silent Spring by Rachel Carson Summary
One-Paragraph Summary
Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring sparked a major environmental movement in the 1960s and 1970s. This period saw the growth of public concern, leading to the introduction of new legislation and organisations such as the US Environmental Protection Agency and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Oil disasters, pesticide use, and urban development threatened wildlife, while conservationists and farmers sought to marry their needs. The RSPB opened nature reserves, attempted to stop keepers from taking wild birds, pushed for government investment in nature conservation, and called for a ban on synthetic insecticides. The 1980s and 1990s saw further developments in conservation efforts with new laws to protect biodiversity, international agreements on climate change, campaigns to prevent oil spills, and local authorities being required to plan for sustainable development.
Short Summary
Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring sparked a major environmental movement in the 1960s. The RSPB raised awareness of the collateral damage caused by synthetic insecticides and called for a ban on the three most lethal chemicals. David Conder was instrumental in pushing for regulations and Rachel Carson's book had a major impact on public understanding of the dangers of chemical use. The Torrey Canyon oil spill caused immense damage and led to the growth of conservation organizations. The population explosion was also a concern and dutch elm disease threatened the English elm population.
The 1960s and 1970s saw a growing public concern for environmental degradation, leading to the introduction of new legislation and organisations such as the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Oil disasters, pesticide use, and urban development threatened wildlife, while conservationists and farmers sought to marry their needs. The RSPB opened nature reserves, attempted to stop keepers from taking wild birds, and pushed for government investment in nature conservation. The 1970s also saw an international survey of oil spills and a ban on shooting birds due to a mysterious disease.
The 1970s saw a number of significant changes in the environment, from the introduction of the Control of Pollution Act, to the publication of Richard Mabey's Pollution Handbook, to the launch of the Stop The Massacre Appeal. Major environmental issues included water pollution, declining species such as the starling and house sparrow, and increasing use of toxic insecticides. The RSPB played an important role in raising awareness and fighting for conservation, while other organisations such as FWAG were established to provide advice on farming and wildlife. These changes helped pave the way for more sustainable practices in future decades.
The 1970s and 1980s saw a shift in conservation efforts, with increased attention paid to pollution, farmland issues, and forest protection. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 provided the context for nature conservation in the UK for the next two decades, while international agreements were signed up to by national governments. Environmental changes such as acid rain, the decline of peregrine falcons, and intensifying farming had a negative impact on nature. Despite this, progress was made with Rachel Carson posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the publication of 'The Theft of the Countryside'.
The 1980s saw a number of major developments in the UK's environmental conservation efforts. This included the implementation of habitat protection in the Wildlife and Countryside Act, the emergence of the environmentally sensitive area (ESA) concept, and the introduction of grants for wildlife-aimed forestry schemes. The RSPB campaigned for a ban on organochlorine pesticides, an increase in vigilance when using machinery during breeding season, and for more traditional farming. The government encouraged private sector funding for commercial forestry which had a detrimental effect on wildlife, but conservation was mobilizing with european directives and uk schemes to plant 30 million trees.
The 1990s saw a number of environmental changes, including the Gulf War and its impacts, the Mar Lodge Estate being put up for sale, the introduction of laws to protect birds from trade, and global agreements on climate change. The RSPB joined forces with other conservation organisations to pledge half the buying price for the estate, and put forward a 10-point plan to address biodiversity issues. Additionally, new laws were introduced to ban certain species of birds from trade. Despite this progress, habitat loss was identified as a major problem that needed to be addressed.
During the 1990s, the UK made progress in conservation and environmental protection, with the introduction of laws to protect biodiversity and campaigns to prevent oil spills. Local authorities were required to plan for sustainable development, while the RSPB published an environmental challenge document and called for a tax on pesticides. The Sea Empress spill off the coast of Wales highlighted the need for further action, while debates over song thrush decline prompted action to save wetlands and other habitats. The RSPB set out its core purpose of conserving wild birds and their habitats, while new technologies and policies offered potential solutions for environmental challenges.
This book examines the environmental challenges and initiatives of the 21st century, focusing on topics such as the introduction of genetically modified crops, the ban on certain pesticides and herbicides, the preservation of biodiversity, and the reintroduction of species like sea eagles, corncrakes and rock wrens. It looks at efforts to protect species from invasive species, destruction of habitats and climate change, including campaigns such as treasury schemes for farmers, international dawn chorus day and vote environment.
This book covers the unique environment of the Seychelles Islands, the effects of climate change, and the conservation efforts to save endangered species. It examines the human activities that have led to environmental degradation and the pre-industrial scene in the 21st century. It also discusses the efforts of charities to create a united front on climate change campaigning, the importance of voting in general elections, and Rachel Carson's legacy. Conservationists are using public funding to try and rectify environmental issues, while local conservation teams can help restore natural habitats for future generations.
This book covers the impacts of human activities, such as agrochemicals, on the environment and wildlife. It examines the effects of shifting baseline syndrome on species like frogs, toads, lizards and snakes. It also looks at government inaction in designating protected areas for marine life, and the widespread decline of birds due to human activities. The chapter on peregrine falcon discusses J.A. Baker's efforts to document the bird and its eventual resurgence in the 2000s. The key takeaway is that conservation efforts are necessary to protect wildlife from habitat loss, climate change, and other human-caused issues.
Silent Spring Chapter Summary
Introduction
Rachel Carson's Silent Spring sparked the modern environmental movement, and her writings highlighted the dangers of overdevelopment and the use of synthetic pesticides. She encouraged humility and wonder in approaching the natural world, and her work was echoed in the RSPB's efforts to prosecute illegal trade in wild birds.
The chapter recounts the events of the 1960s, including the population exceeding 3 billion people, the 'winds of change' speech given by Macmillan, the election of John F. Kennedy, the space race, the rise of the Beatles, the agricultural revolution, and the environmental issue of birds dying.
Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring was published in the USA in 1962 and in the UK in 1963, raising awareness of the collateral damage caused by synthetic insecticides and sparking the battle for the environment.
The Sixties
This chapter provides an overview of the pesticide saga of the 1960s, as documented in the Bird Notes newsletter from the RSPB. It recounts the discovery of bird corpses and birds in distress in the farmed countryside, the symptoms of poisoning, the RSPB's press conference and the response from the press. It also highlights the need for further research into the effects of these chemicals on the balance of life.
In the 1960s, the RSPB and other conservation organisations studied the effects of pesticides on the English countryside and submitted their findings to the government. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced a ban on three of the chemicals linked to bird deaths, but the ban was voluntary and there were still loopholes. The RSPB also expressed concern about other chlorinated hydrocarbons, including DDT, and called on its supporters to remain alert for kills of birds and mammals.
The chapter covers the events of the 1960s, including the introduction of new regulations, the RSPB's call for a complete ban on the three main chemicals proving directly lethal to wildlife, the publication of Rachel Carson's book 'Silent Spring', the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Thalidomide story, and the Ugandan independence from the British Empire.
The Sixties USA saw a worrying absence of birds of prey, leading to extinctions. The RSPB persuaded the government to give full protection to a list of bird species, and called for the withdrawal of a booklet on garden chemicals due to the fatalities of birds. Even today, the RSPB receives dead birds in the post from a vigilant public, and Peter Conder, the RSPB's chief, used his time in captivity to nurture his interest in birds.
The chapter tells the story of David Conder, a WWII prisoner of war who became a passionate birdwatcher, and his journey to becoming the Assistant Secretary of the RSPB. He was instrumental in the recommendation to curtail the use of persistent toxins and the eventual withdrawal of the most noxious of these in 1965. He also established the post of Biologist with a starting salary of £1,000 per year.
Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring" had a major impact on the public's understanding of the dangers of chemical use, leading to increased research into the potential health hazards and a call for more judicious care in the use of pesticides.
The chapter covers the events of the 1960s, including the influence of the Sixties, the publication of Lady Chatterley's Lover, the closure of railway stations, the popularity of Cilla Black's song, and the death of Rachel Carson.
This chapter discusses the effects of DDT, DDE and TDE on birds in the 1960s, particularly their effects on reproduction. It also details the public's growing concern for the environment, the changes in the use of pesticides, and the RSPB's efforts to educate the public and protect birds.
This book chapter covers the events of 1965, including the release of the seminal album 'The Sixties', the popularity of The Byrds' "Mr Tambourine Man", Mary Quant's revolutionizing of British fashion, the scattering of Rachel Carson's ashes, and the 75th anniversary of the RSPB. It also discusses the deteriorating biocides situation, the rebranding of the Junior Bird Recorders Club, and the hiring of a single man as Warden of The Lodge.
The Sixties saw the RSPB launch Birds magazine, issue advice to the lay birdwatcher about the potential value of their noted observations, and launch a project to collect information from the public on which berry-bearing plants were of most benefit to birds in a garden. Conservation bodies continued to call for the voluntary ban on noxious pesticides to be made compulsory, and the RSPB launched a survey to collect information on oil pollution.
The chapter covers the changes in the environment and conservation efforts in the 1960s, including the worst inshore oiling disaster in Britain, the establishment of the National Viewers' and Listeners' Association, the growth of the Lodge nature reserve, the introduction of the Protection of Birds Bill, and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and International Council for Bird Preservation conferences.
This chapter looks back at the 1967 Torrey Canyon oil spill, which caused immense environmental damage and the death of thousands of birds. It examines the response of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), and the Royal Navy, as well as the impact of the disaster on the local population. It also discusses the lasting legacy of the spill, and the need for greater conservation efforts in developing countries.
The Torrey Canyon oil spill of 1967 sparked a new wave of conservation in Britain, leading to the establishment of Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, as well as the RSPB's fundraising drive to create nature reserves. The public was also warned against disturbing birds, and a man on trial for illegally trapping wild finches was given a lenient sentence. The population explosion was also a concern, and Dutch elm disease was arriving in Europe, threatening the English elm population. 1967 was also remembered for the first summer of love and the rise of the hippie culture.
This chapter discusses the launch of a historic project in the 1960s to map all the breeding birds of Britain and Ireland, which was undertaken by the BTO and the Irish Wildbird Conservancy. It took almost a decade for the results to be compiled and analysed, and the resulting maps to be published. The project provided the first comprehensive baseline data for all species across the countries, and allowed for future tracking of bird numbers and the environment as a whole. In 2010, the author revisited the family home in Dunblane, Scotland, which they had left in 1970, and found that the birds were still active in the area.
The chapter covers the events of 1968, including the oil disaster in the Tay Estuary, the discovery of oil reserves in Arctic Alaska, the introduction of the Protection of Birds Act, the Prague Spring, civil rights and anti-war protests, and the ban on dieldrin from sheep dips.
In the 1960s, tensions between farmers and conservationists were rising due to the effects of pesticides on wildlife, leading to a monoculture of barley across the arable landscape. Hill farming was struggling due to lack of subsidies, and urban development was threatening the countryside's beauty and quality. The RSPB was working to increase the amount of nature reserves, and the Whitethroat warbler was mysteriously disappearing. The US was producing large amounts of DDT and other organochlorines, and conservation on farmland was finally being taken seriously.
In the 1960s, conservationists and farmers came together for a two-day conference to discuss how to marry the need for conservation with farming for maximum profit. Major oil companies sponsored competitions to raise awareness of wildlife conservation, while reports of seabird mortality due to pollution were rife. Government recommended some limits on the use of pesticides, but the RSPB noted that the delay and the language of the report suggested it had not been easily reached. The RSPB opened a nature centre at The Lodge which welcomed 18,000 visitors in its first year.
In the 1970s, President Nixon set the tone for the decade by announcing the need to reclaim the purity of the air, water, and living environment. The National Environmental Policy Act was passed and the Environmental Protection Agency was set up to monitor issues such as air, water, species, chemicals, waste, and mining. The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution was set up to report and advise on the issues of the day. Robert Dougall became RSPB President and the Society had 50,000 members. The World Wildlife Fund launched an appeal for £1 million and the RSPB set out their case against the proposed airport on Foulness, which would threaten the Dark-bellied Brent Goose.
In the 1960s, a mysterious disease decimated the population of geese in wintering grounds, leading to a ban on shooting the species. Governments across Europe took steps to address their pesticide problems, while the UK introduced a bill to ban oil tankers from discharging any oil within 92.6 kilometres of land. Environmentalists hoped that increased public awareness would lead to more government action, but this was hindered by rising unemployment. Protection of birds was increased with the addition of species to Schedule 1 of the Protection of Birds Act, and Max Nicholson wrote a book called The Environmental Revolution, advocating for a transformation of society through creative intimacy with the environment.
The 1960s saw a growing public concern for environmental degradation, leading to the founding of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Environment for Britain, as well as the launch of the Ecologist magazine. Rachel Carson's work was cited as having influenced these changes, and the decade ended with warnings of increased contamination by lead and other heavy metals.
The Seventies
In the beginning of the 1970s, the Ramsar Convention was established to protect important wetlands, the third International Beached Bird Survey took place, and the UK population increased by 2.5 million. The government was slow to withdraw DDT and other organochlorines, and the RSPB began to issue guidance on the use of domestic pesticides. PCBs were being withdrawn due to their potential release into the environment.
The 1970s saw a dramatic increase in the number of oil spills and other pollutants in the ocean, leading to the death of thousands of birds. This prompted a survey of the coast and an international survey of the damage caused by oil spills. Margaret Thatcher was asked to take action to protect seabirds, and the RSPB and Greenpeace were founded in response to the crisis. Studies were done to understand the impact of chemicals and supersonic technology on wildlife, and the Roskill Commission was set up to gather evidence and advise against the Foulness option.
This book chapter covers the events of the 1970s, including the Ugandan military coup, the conservation efforts to increase public awareness of the value of estuaries, and the experiences of the author's family in Ireland, London, and Scotland.
In the 1970s, the RSPB was critical of the growing number of zoos and private wildlife collections, and pushed for more government investment in nature conservation. The West German government promised to spend £4.5m by 1975 on cleaning up the environment, and the RSPB planned to average five new nature reserves each year, appoint new staff, increase publications staff, open three English regional offices, and expand the film show season. Pollution and population growth were also major concerns, and the environmental cost of motoring was starting to be appreciated.
In the 1970s, Sweden hosted the first world conference on the human environment, Britain joined the European Economic Community, conservationists protested against the shooting and netting of migrant birds in France, package tourism impacted the natural environment in Mediterranean destinations, Cyprus was in the news for the importation of pickled songbirds, Italy was threatened with a boycott to outlaw the trapping of songbirds, Belgium relaxed its ban on the netting of wild birds, the Department of Environment declared 1973 as tree-planting year, Dutch elm disease was identified in Britain, conservationists worked with the British Bird Fancy Council to stop keepers from augmenting their collections with wild birds, and aldrin and dieldrin were withdrawn from the UK.
In the 1970s, a public hearing reported that most humans carried dieldrin residues in fatty tissue, and experiments on mice indicated that high doses of dieldrin increased the incidence of malignant tumours. Duryea Morton gave an illustrated lecture to help recruit supporters, and Jon Tinker called for members of conservation organisations to be politically activated. The Washington Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species was created, and the RSPB called for a wildlife police force. The RSPB's annual report discussed the issue of toxic chemicals, and in 1974, the RSPB appointed a specialist in Scotland to cope with the oil industry. Harold Wilson's Labour government called a referendum on membership of the EEC, and it was World Population Year.
In the 1970s, the Council of Europe began to devise a network of protected areas for wildlife, the RSPB membership broke the 150,000 mark, Eric Morecambe described his fondness for birds, Mike Oldfield's album Tubular Bells was the must-have record of the time, Sir Julian Huxley spoke of the changes in birds due to DDT, Peter Conder stepped down from the RSPB, and the Sex Discrimination Act and the Equal Pay Act were brought in.
In the 1970s, Richard Mabey's Pollution Handbook was published, based on a survey of clean air and water by The Sunday Times. There was an outcry when more than 2,000 birds were found dead on arrival at Heathrow, and the RSPB published a damning report called All Heaven in a Rage. The combination of the report and the grotesque images of dead birds at airports had an immediate influence on government, which pledged to ratify the Washington CITES Convention. The RSPB launched an appeal to raise £1 million for nature reserves, sponsored by Lloyds Bank. North Sea oil was seen as a potential salvation for the ailing economy, but PCBs contributed to the deaths of 17,000 seabirds in the North Sea. The RSPB was struggling financially due to the recession and rising costs, and the July/August 1975 issue of Birds magazine was not printed. The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) was founded, and a family camping trip to the Isle of Skye revealed a Corncrake calling in the hayfield.
This chapter examines the events of 1976 in the UK, including the introduction of the Drought Act, the resignation of Harold Wilson, the launch of the Young Ornithologists' Club, and the sighting of a Red Kite. It also looks at the political turmoil in the US, the effects of the drought on the environment, and the population crash of the Whitethroat.
In the 1970s, the RSPB launched a campaign to increase public awareness of the value of watery habitats, but the Environment Minister still approved plans for an oil refinery at Cliffe Marshes. The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland was published, and Ian Prestt became the new RSPB chief, emphasizing the importance of the organization's watchdog role. The Peregrine Falcons in Arctic North America were still declining due to contamination from organochlorines, and rainforest in South America was being cleared.
This chapter covers the state of the House Sparrow population, the launch of Concorde, the rise of punk rock, the success of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody", the publication of Ted Hughes' "Season Songs", the withdrawal of aldrin and dieldrin, the borrowing of £2.3 billion from the International Monetary Fund, the Silver Jubilee, the immigration of the Collared Dove, the authorization of culls of seals and gulls, the protection of Cetti's Warbler, the fight for wetlands, the European Commission's draft directive, and the banning of repeating shotguns, bird lime, traps, hooks, and the sale of dead birds.
The Seventies saw the launch of the Stop the Massacre appeal, the establishment of important nature reserves, the appointment of the RSPB's first full-time Press Officer, the publication of the Nature Conservation Review, and the launch of Freddie Laker's Skytrain.
This chapter explores the changes in the 1970s in Scotland, from the departure of Kenny Dalglish from Celtic to Liverpool, to the attempt to reintroduce the White-tailed Eagle to the islands, to the release of young birds from Norway on the Hebridean island of Rum. It also looks at how the author was affected by the changing seasons and how he established a nature reserve in his own backyard.
This book chapter covers the environmental changes that occurred during the 1970s, such as the introduction of the Silent Spring Revisited campaign, the decline of species such as the Starling and House Sparrow, and the introduction of the Sycamore tree to Britain by the Romans. It also looks at the impact of the World Cup on Scotland and the presence of untreated sewage in local burns.
This chapter discusses the environmental issues of the 1970s, such as water pollution, the decline of the otter population, and the battle to protect the Ribble Estuary from development. It also looks at the introduction of the Control of Pollution Act and the efforts of the RSPB and NCC to protect nature reserves.
The 1970s saw the rise of the RSPB, the use of insecticides in orchards, the return of the Bonelli's Eagle, the introduction of a computer system to replace manual administrative processes, the YOC's spring migrant phone line, Bill Oddie's advocacy for bird conservation, the Amoco Cadiz oil spill, and the decline of the Corncrake population.
The 1970s saw the proposed Birds Directive aiming to make inhumane and indiscriminate trapping of wild birds illegal across Europe, which was met with shock when it was still happening near the RSPB's headquarters. The ICBP gathered in Macedonia for its annual conference and Europe's Council of Ministers finally reached agreement on the Birds Directive with some compromises. The RSPB expressed disappointment that the Skylark had to be sacrificed. The winter of discontent in 1979 saw wild birds struggling due to the icy conditions, with the RSPB having to insist that government put a stop to the wildfowling. Large numbers of Brent Geese were found dead on the Essex coast due to insecticide poisoning.
In the 1970s, small birds suffered huge losses due to the cold weather, and oil pollution was becoming a major issue. The RSPB mobilized its members to question candidates on environmental issues, and identified 20 major pollution incidents in the preceding year. The new Conservative government appointed Michael Heseltine as Environment Minister, and a new battle front was opened in forestry. Attention then turned to farmland issues, with only a 'minute proportion' of farm owners seeking advice on wildlife conservation. The RSPB appointed a specialist to deal with farming and forestry problems, and the concept of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) was introduced.
In the final year of the 1970s, oiled seabirds were found in large numbers, leading to the worst bird-kill in the area since the Torrey Canyon.
Rachel Carson was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Royal Commission set up to investigate pollution by agriculture released a 300-page report that backed RSPB concerns about the threat posed by DDT and similar substances.
Mevinphos was being widely misused as a poison and was featured in the report "Silent Death".
The Wildlife and Countryside Bill was introduced, which was expected to be "as vital to the future of bird protection and conservation in this country as any legislation since the RSPB was founded".
A World Conservation Strategy was launched in 32 countries to create a blueprint for survival.
It was estimated that 3 million of the 5 million known species on Earth would be extinct if the present rate of resource depletion was maintained.
The RSPB was shifting its focus from protecting individual species to preserving critical habitats and populations.
Migrant birds fitted with leg rings were beginning to reveal more about migration.
This chapter discusses the conservation struggle of the 1970s, which moved into the arena of international agreements signed up to by national governments. It highlights the vulnerability of 3,500 special places to destruction by farming or commercial forestry, and the need for a system of protection similar to that for ancient monuments and listed buildings. It also covers the looming law change to make recreational egg collecting illegal, and the need to register existing egg collections.
This chapter covers the impact of the 1970s on egg collecting, taxidermy, and tree conservation, as well as the destruction of tropical rainforests and the National Tree Campaign. It also recounts the story of a schoolboy egg collector who was rescued from an islet in the Clyde and the author's own experiences with tree carving and bird watching.
The Seventies saw a gathering of Hirundo rustica, a debate over the Wildlife and Countryside Bill, and the publication of Marion Shoard's book 'The Theft of the Countryside', which highlighted the destruction of the English countryside due to intensifying agriculture, lack of incentive to manage important wildlife sites, and the removal of 140,000 miles of hedgerow since the war.
The chapter discusses the environmental changes that occurred in the 1970s, such as the decline in water quality, the extinction of the Large Blue butterfly, and the warmest year on record. It also mentions the subsidies given to farm businesses and the lack of government concern for the wider public interest in the rural landscape.
The Eighties
This chapter covers the events of 1981, when oil pollution incidents caused the death of 42,000 birds, and a lively Lords debate was held to create widespread interest in the progress of the embryonic wildlife law. Amendments were tabled to the bill, and the House was packed out for the debate on protecting habitats. The government's voluntary approach to land ownership was questioned, and survey results showed that up to 15% of SSSIs had been damaged or lost. The concept of 'reciprocal notification' was introduced, and the Lords voted that Redshanks and Curlews should not be shot any more.
The chapter covers the conservation efforts of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which provided the context for nature conservation in the UK for the next 20 years. It also discusses the environmental impact of open-cast mining, the dangers of Giant Hogweed, and the disappearance of the Wryneck from England. Additionally, it reflects on the author's childhood experiences of exploring post-industrial Britain.
The Eighties saw a failure of the system to identify and protect important sites, leading to a voluntary code of cooperation with landowners and a campaign for woodlands and hedgerows. The Reagan administration's anti-environmental policies sparked a petition with over a million signatures and the ICBP published Endangered Birds of the World. The world conference discussed ways to use scientific knowledge to convince other governments of the value of conservation and the issue of persistent pesticides in poorer countries.
The chapter covers the environmental changes that occurred during the 1980s, such as the arrival of acid rain, the decline of Peregrine Falcons across Europe, the recovery of Peregrine Falcons in the UK, the reintroduction of White-tailed Eagles in Scotland, and the intensification of farming in the Somerset Levels. It also discusses the new Environment Secretary, the Code of Guidance, and the under-resourcing of the NCC.
In 1972, the Swedes hosted the UN conference on the environment to draw attention to the effects of acid rain on their forests and lakes, which was also being reported in North America. Solutions such as reducing sulphur emissions by half and investing £500 million by the end of the century were proposed, as well as laws controlling sulphur emissions in Germany. Acid rain was causing the death of aquatic wildlife, and birds were suspected to have trouble breeding due to heavy metals. The effects of acid rain were being recognised in the UK, and the Central Electricity Generating Board announced a five-year research programme. The USA and UK were passing the consequences of their emissions onto near neighbours.
The Eighties saw the passing of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, the NCC's deadline for getting round all owners and occupiers of SSSIs, and the EU's requirements for the Birds Directive. The Falklands War diverted attention from the domestic gloom, while the RSPB alerted the NCC to the damage being done to proposed SSSIs. Meanwhile, the planting of state forests was not as beneficial to wildlife and people as expected.
This book chapter covers the shortcomings of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, the need for resource to re-notify sites, the three-month consultation period, the lack of deterrent fines, the need for compensation to be given to voluntary bodies to purchase sites, the need to end taxpayer funding for private farmland drainage operations, and the need for the Department of Environment to fight harder to challenge Agriculture's domination of all things rural.
This chapter covers the environmental conservation efforts of Europe in the 1980s, including the inclusion of habitat protection in the Wildlife and Countryside Act, the RSPB's partner using Europe's leverage to stop government wrecking wetlands, and the Scottish Wildlife Trust hosting a major conference on acid rain in Edinburgh. It also discusses the RSPB's report Hill Farming and Birds - A Survival Plan, which highlighted the damage to moorland and the need for subsidies to provide for the needs of wildlife and recreation. Finally, it mentions the decline of Dippers due to acid rain, and how industry initially denied the problem existed.
Silent Spring Revisited 1985 is a book chapter that discusses the growing public concern for the environment in the 1980s, with evidence of acid rain effects in the southern hemisphere, the concept of ‘greening’ gaining ground, and the devastating effects of drought in Africa. It also looks at the decline of wading birds and Sand Martins, as well as the need for environmental laws and bigger budgets for the environment.
This chapter covers the environmental movement in the 1980s, including the resistance to new technology, the reintroduction of the White-tailed Eagle to Scotland, the amendment of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and the destruction of rare meadows and hedgerows.
In the 1980s, a protest was held against illegal shooting of Turtle Doves, with four times as many hunters confronting them. The RSPB launched the Eric Morecambe Appeal, with a concert by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and Max Nicholson as President. The RSPB also reintroduced Otters to Minsmere, and called on the government to halt drainage and planting of the Flow Country until a proper evaluation had been carried out. A student shared the author's love of birds, and they found hidden treasures of the Trossachs, including an Osprey.
This chapter discusses the impact of the 1980s on wildlife in the UK, including the spread of Ospreys, the decline of Black Grouse, and the continued use of pesticides such as DDT and dieldrin. It also mentions the impact of Live Aid and the Cocteau Twins, as well as the efforts of the RSPB to protect wildlife.
The Eighties saw the emergence of the Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) concept, the introduction of grants for wildlife-aimed forestry schemes, and the debate of new regulations in Parliament to protect wildlife from pesticides. The RSPB was concerned that the odd upland nature reserve and SSSI wouldn’t be enough to sustain Merlins, and public meetings were held to protect a Stone-curlew site from road developments. The NCC published a detailed account of commercial forestry’s impact on the wildlife of the uplands.
In the 1980s, government encouraged the private sector to lead the way in funding commercial forestry with attractive tax breaks, leading to the draining, ploughing and planting of wilderness places like the Flow Country of Scotland. This had a detrimental effect on wildlife, with the RSPB calling for a ban on the use of organochlorine pesticides and for more sensitive, traditional farming. The Lapwing population had also decreased due to the loss of damp pastures.
In the 1980s, environmental organizations such as the RSPB, Greenpeace, and the National Conservation Council (NCC) campaigned to increase awareness of the destruction of the planet and the need for conservation. They called for increased vigilance when using machinery during the breeding season, for the protection of the Stone-curlew population, and for the rejection of uneconomic forestry that would damage wildlife. They also called for forestry to come under planning controls and for local authorities to have more input and say in forestry.
In the 1980s, 45 acres of mudflats were turned into a boating lake, and an extension to this was proposed to create a water park, which would have destroyed an outstanding area for nature. The RSPB suggested an alternative plan for an urban nature park, and governments were expected to report every three years on how they had applied the European Birds Directive. Surveys of the Somerset Levels showed a decline in bird populations due to drainage, grazing, and earlier cutting of hay and silage. The lack of birds in Northern Ireland was also alarming, and peatland on Islay was saved from being stripped for whisky. The reputation of weather forecasters suffered a setback when they failed to predict a hurricane, and the RSPB set up an emergency appeal to help pay for the damage to nature reserves. The Otters had produced young at Minsmere, but the male and one cub were killed by cars, and the RSPB revamped their logo. The YOC's membership topped 100,000, and lead weights were to be banned from use in angling to protect swans. The Brundtland Commission released a report on sustainable development, and work began to gather data for the New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland.
In the Eighties, the Flow Country was gaining attention and support from experts overseas, leading to calls for it to be protected as a Ramsar site and World Heritage Site. The UK government agreed to protect half of the area, but there were still incentives for large-scale commercial forestry planting in Scotland. Conservation efforts were mobilizing, with Europe bringing in a directive requiring environmental assessments and the UK announcing a scheme to plant 30 million trees. The RSPB purchased the relic part of the near-extinct habitat of Abernethy, and local authorities were issued with new guidelines to protect nature reserves. A landmark court case successfully prosecuted a landowner for hedgerow destruction.
In the Eighties, many new species were given legal protection, scientists searched for the Loch Ness Monster, a government scheme enabled a young graduate to explore his local surroundings, the Common Agricultural Policy was subject to reform, the RSPB proposed a 20% reduction in output across farms, Margaret Thatcher gave a speech to the Royal Society about environmental concerns, and the Lockerbie bombing occurred.
The chapter covers the events of 1989, including the end of the year with the author working as a stage technician in a pantomime, the attempt to protect some of the best and most important surviving hedgerows, the RSPB's centenary celebrations, and the launch of the Action for Birds campaign.
The Eighties saw the revocation of approvals for the sale, supply, storage, use or advertisement of products containing dieldrin, aldrin and chlordane, the worst oil spill in US history with the Exxon Valdez running aground off Alaska, the EU's Habitats Directive, the RSPB questioning the government's intent to block it, National Nature Reserves being questioned by the government, the second summer of love, the Red Kite being brought back to southern England with two being found poisoned, the water industry in England and Wales being privatised, river pollution worsening, the greenhouse effect being discussed, and a jumbo jet flight to California providing a grandstand view of Iceland, Greenland, the eastern seaboard, the Great Lakes, the Rockies and the vast, unpopulated plains of the Midwest.
This chapter looks back at the environmental changes of the 1980s and 1990s, from the perspective of someone who experienced them first-hand. It highlights the contrasts between the vast empty wilderness and teeming, scary cities, and the efforts to save the California Condor from extinction. It also reflects on the impact of Reaganism and the Berlin Wall coming down, and the importance of nature and conservation, as seen through the eyes of John Muir and Robert Louis Stevenson.
The chapter covers the conservation efforts of the 1980s, including the Green Bill, the NCC, and the RSPB, to protect SSSIs, peatlands, and other natural sites from destruction. It also highlights the decline of species like the Corncrake and Sand Martin, and the success of campaigns like Save the Cairngorms and Glen Dye.
The Eighties saw Spain come top of Europe's offenders for violating environmental directives, leading to the extinction of the Red-backed Shrike in Britain. The White Paper on the Environment was seen as 'lightweight', and the opposition committed to SSSI and coastline action. Developers considered building Eurodisney on Rainham Marshes, a SSSI, and the Thames Estuary was under pressure. The BTO's Common Bird Census showed seven species had reached their lowest levels since 1962. The RSPB published an environmental manifesto for the nineties.
Margaret Thatcher's reign as Prime Minister in the 1980s was marked by her strong stance on Europe, which ultimately led to her resignation and the rise of John Major. Her legacy of Thatcherism spanned the decade, and ushered in a new era of environmentalism and biodiversity conservation.
The Nineties
In January 1991, The Times ran a news story about the failed attempt to build a Disney park in Rainham, which was won by conservationists. The early part of the year was dominated by the Gulf War and its environmental impacts, such as oil spills that affected migratory birds. Private Eye ran a cover photo of a Cormorant coated in oil, which sparked controversy. Saddam Hussein’s troops destroyed vast areas of the Mesopotamian marshes in south-east Iraq, displacing half a million Marsh Arabs. In the UK, the February cold snap took its toll on birds, and the Mar Lodge Estate was put up for sale. Conservationists urged the government to buy it, and the RSPB joined forces with the World Wide Fund for Nature and the John Muir Trust to pledge half the buying price. The author also recounts his experiences of visiting the Mar Lodge Estate, and his encounters with Stoats.
This book chapter covers the environmental changes that occurred in the 1990s, including the decline of the Cirl Bunting, the removal of hedges, and the illegal trade of wild birds. It also discusses the 10-point plan put forward by the National Council for the Conservation of Nature to address these issues.
In the 1990s, the RSPB faced new challenges such as the review of the system of protection for SSSIs in Scotland, the adoption of the Habitats Directive in Europe, and the closure of the Shetland sand-eel fishery to allow fish stocks to recover. The species of Corncrake was now effectively extinct as a breeding bird in mainland Britain, surviving only in County Fermanagh, the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland.
This chapter covers the story of how the RSPB purchased a four square mile reserve in the 1990s in order to protect birds from pesticides and other wildlife-harming products. It also discusses the legacy of John Spedan Lewis, the founder of John Lewis, and the impact of the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive on the UK's conservation efforts. Additionally, it looks at the challenges of managing native woodland and the RSPB's efforts to protect the Flow Country in Scotland.
The Nineties saw considerable optimism around the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which led to global agreements on biodiversity and climate change, but the USA refused to sign the latter. The UK election was won by the incumbent Conservatives under John Major, and the UK Presidency of the EU ended in December with a summit meeting in Edinburgh. The US elected Bill Clinton as President, and the year was marred by the M V Braer tanker disaster off Shetland and the wild bird trade.
In the 1990s, the US government introduced laws to ban the trade of certain species of birds, and the RSPB partnered with BirdLife International to identify and protect threatened species. Habitat loss was identified as the most serious problem, and hotspots were mapped to show where the threatened birds with the smallest ranges were found. The five main areas of work identified by the partnership were to get the facts, make plans based on the facts, change government policies, work in the field, and build the strength of partner organisations.
In the 1990s, the gap between child perception and young adult was bridged by the introduction of the White-tailed Eagles, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the BirdLife Secretariat, Africa Newsletter, and the UK government's ESA scheme. Conservationists called for more action from governments to produce the action plans committed to in the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. The UK government proposed a scheme to set aside fields for habitat and food for birds, and a conference was held in London to discuss sustainable development and biodiversity.
This chapter covers the progress made in the 1990s in terms of conservation and environmental protection, including the publication of the UK's Biodiversity Action Plan, the survey of local authority strategies, the death of 75,000 seabirds due to lack of food, the 150th anniversary of the extinction of the Great Auk, the publication of the New Atlas of Breeding Birds, and the launch of the Breeding Birds Survey.
This chapter covers the changes in the environment during the 1990s, from the lack of wildlife in the countryside to the rise of land prices and the decline of common species like the House Sparrow, Starling and Song Thrush. It also looks at the introduction of Himalayan Balsam and the effects of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
The Nineties of perfection saw a decline in Song Thrushes, debate over the reasons for the decline, the return of Sparrowhawks and Magpies, and the need to research Song Thrush populations in different habitats. Skylarks were also being lost at a rapid rate, with the Corncrake almost completely gone in the UK. The RSPB proposed ‘cathedrals of natural history’, while the Land Drainage Act 1994 allowed ministers to intervene to save wetlands. The RSPB also asked the courts to decide whether government was entitled to cite economic grounds when leaving the mudflats of Lappel Bank outside the boundary of the part declared an SPA.
In the 1990s, Europe implemented environmental protection laws to protect biodiversity, with the UK leading by example. Greenpeace campaigned to prevent Shell dumping the Brent Spar oil platform in the North Atlantic. Local Agenda 21 required local councils to plan for sustainable development in communities. The RSPB issued an Environmental Challenge document for local authorities and government published its White Paper on Rural England. Europe's environment ministers agreed to begin action to protect the marine environment outside territorial waters. The RSPB updated its Charter to set out its core purpose of conserving wild birds and the places they depend on. The Biodiversity Steering Group issued a report with rescue plans for 116 of the most threatened species and 14 types of habitat. The RSPB raised the profile of peatlands with a peat-free garden at the Chelsea Flower Show.
In the Nineties, the Sea Empress ran aground off the coast of Wales, causing 70,000 tons of crude oil to spill into the sea. The Newbury bypass was built despite threats to three SSSIs, and the European Court ruled in favor of the RSPB in the Lappel Bank case. The RSPB became champion for the Skylark, and set-aside was reduced to 5% of cropped land. The government released a Transport Green Paper, and Prime Minister John Major pledged support for the Biodiversity Action Plan. A third of people in England and Wales were "very concerned" about the environment, and one in five SSSIs had been damaged in England and Wales. The Glenmore Gondola was proposed instead of a funicular railway, and the RSPB established the Glenborrodale nature reserve.
This book chapter examines the decline of the Water Vole population in the UK due to habitat loss and persecution, as well as the efforts of conservationists to protect them through legislation.
This chapter covers the environmental changes that occurred in the 1990s, including the rise of conservation, the decline of the Bittern, and the public grief over Princess Diana's death. It also discusses the restoration of the author's front garden and the local knowledge provided by his neighbors.
This chapter explores the role of the Nineties kids in the road, discussing the play area on the site of the old village pond, the barn inhabited by birds, and the willow tree with Mistle Thrushes singing from it. It also looks at the House Martins nesting on the house, and the resident cat.
Silent Spring Revisited examines the effects of climate change on wildlife and how the UK government took a pro-environment stance at the Kyoto climate talks. It also looks at how the use of pesticides may be linked to the decline of certain bird species, and the efforts of conservationists to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Silent Spring Revisited is a chapter that examines the environmental changes that have occurred since the publication of Rachel Carson's book, Silent Spring, in 1962. It looks at the efforts of the RSPB and other organizations to protect wildlife and habitats, as well as the impact of human activities on the environment. It also discusses the potential of new technologies and policies to help protect the environment.
Silent Spring Revisited examines the environmental issues of the 1990s, including the rise of organic farming, the implementation of the Habitats Directive, the decline of certain bird species, and the introduction of the Skylark Index as a measure of sustainable living.
Silent Spring Revisited is a reflection on the environmental changes that have occurred since the 1960s, particularly in regards to the decline of House Sparrows, and the need for conservation efforts to protect them and other species from extinction.
Silent Spring Revisited tells the story of the decline of House Sparrows and Tree Sparrows in the UK due to farming and urbanization, and the efforts of the RSPB to intervene and save the remaining populations. It also explains how the author was able to create a safe house for a colony of Tree Sparrows.
This chapter discusses the impacts of genetic modification on the environment, including the risks of decreased biodiversity, the public unrest caused by GM foods, and the need for thorough checks on GM crops before they are released into the environment.
Silent Spring Revisited covers the government's obligations to biodiversity, the Common Fisheries Policy, the loss of wildlife, destruction of the countryside, and erosion of rural communities, as well as the reintroduction of the Red Kite and the Large Blue butterfly. It also discusses the RSPB's call for a tax on pesticides, and the Song Thrush study.
Silent Spring Revisited covers the changes in environmental conservation from the 1960s to the 2000s, including the introduction of taxes on hazardous products, steps taken to combat climate change, the purchase of nature reserves, and the efforts to save declining species.
This chapter discusses the life and travels of author and traveller Laurie Lee, the efforts of the RSPB to protect wildlife from GMOs, and the purchase of Hope Farm to be used as a worked example of conservation.
Silent Spring Revisited looks at the positive changes made to the environment in the 1990s, such as the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, the redirection of European money from damaging subsidies, the Plantlife national Cowslip survey, and the reintroduction of Fen Ragwort. It also discusses the decline of House Sparrows, the push for legal underpinning of the biodiversity action process, the Bird Aid project, the ban on peat extraction from SSSIs, and the flooding of the Great Ouse.
This book chapter discusses how the late 1990s was a period of melancholic anthems in music, as well as a time of environmental concerns and debates surrounding the economy and the environment. It also highlights the work of composer Dominic Crawford Collins, who created a work combining classical music with wild sounds, and the reintroduction of the White-tailed Eagle to the island of Rum.
This chapter examines the reintroduction of Sea Eagles to the Isle of Rum in Scotland in 1975, and the impact this had on the local environment and culture. It looks at the history of the island, the castle at its centre, and the shopkeeper poet who lives there. It also describes the beauty of the island at Hogmanay, with snow, stars, and moonlight glinting off the ice.
The 21st Century
This book chapter describes a visit to the Isle of Rum in Scotland on New Year's Day in the 21st century, highlighting the natural beauty of the island, the presence of feral goats, dolphins, and eagles, and the effects of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act on the rural landscape. It also discusses the impact of the Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and the research being done at Hope Farm to protect Skylarks and Yellowhammers.
This chapter covers the environmental initiatives and events of the 21st century, including the Treasury's £500 million scheme for farmers, the ranking of supermarkets on environmental performance, International Dawn Chorus Day, the RSPB's Wake up to Birds Week, the Vote Environment campaign, the return of the Osprey to England, the RSPB's Conservation Cup football tournament, the Futurescapes programme, and the climate talks in Bonn and Morocco.
This book chapter discusses the changing meaning of gardens in the 21st century, the importance of hedgerows in providing ecological services, the effects of climate change on plants and animals, and the need for conservation efforts to protect wildlife from the effects of wind farms.
The 21st Century saw the reconvening of the Earth Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, with an emphasis on development to reduce poverty, the launch of a report attempting to set out the true economic value of biodiversity, and the resurfacing of the airport threat in the marshes of north Kent. Elvis Presley occupied the number one slot for a month, and the Skylark Index showed birds of farmed habitats down 60%. The Ring Ouzel was posted missing from Exmoor, while the Chough bred in Cornwall for the first time in 50 years. The RSPB and BirdLife partners turned their attention to the rainforests of Indonesia, and a milestone in conservation for Africa was reached with the publication of a directory itemising the continent’s Important Bird Areas. A report by the National Audubon Society revealed that a quarter of all bird species in the USA had declined since the seventies.
This book chapter is about a journey to South Island, New Zealand to help protect the Rock Wren, a species threatened with extinction. It details the journey, the habitat of the Rock Wren, and the efforts to find and protect the species.
This chapter explores the environmental impacts of human activities on birds, focusing on the example of the Rock Wren in New Zealand. It highlights the introduction of invasive species, the destruction of habitats, and the effects of climate change on bird populations, and offers potential solutions to mitigate these issues.
This book chapter explores the unique species of New Zealand, such as the Kiwi and the Brown Teal, and how they are threatened by human activities such as intensive dairying, albatross deaths on long-line hooks, and the introduction of non-native predators. It also discusses the media attention surrounding the ECO TERROR POSSUM PLOT and the efforts of conservationists to protect these species. Finally, the chapter describes a boat trip to Kaikoura to observe albatrosses and other sea mammals.
This chapter discusses the effects of 21st century developments such as fishing, pesticides, and genetic modification on the environment and wildlife, and the efforts to protect them, such as the Albatross Task Force and allowing late grass crops to produce seeds.
This book chapter discusses the environmental impacts of genetically modified crops, the ban on certain pesticides and herbicides, the importance of preserving biodiversity, and the reintroduction of the Corncrake bird to England.
This book chapter discusses the decline of the Corncrake population in mainland UK due to the increased use of machinery in hay and silage fields, as well as the efforts to restore the population through captive-breeding and reintroduction of young birds to the Nene Washes in East Anglia. It also touches on the decline of other insect species, such as bumblebees, and the need for conservation efforts to protect them.
The chapter discusses the phenomenon of the now unknown, ‘bug-splatted’ windscreen and the Big Bug Count that was organised to try to work out more about insect populations. It also looks at the issue of illegal killing of mostly migrant birds in Cyprus and the victory for conservation when the government withdrew its proposal to replace the marshes of north Kent with an airport. Finally, it looks at the decline of the Starling and House Sparrow, and the return of the Tree Sparrow to the village.
The 21st century has seen the development of Ash trees with few natural nest-holes, the implementation of the Birds Directive to protect millions of birds from excessive and indiscriminate killing, the reform of the CAP to create more unploughed and unsprayed strips of land, the RSPB's centenary in Scotland, the reintroduction of Corncrakes, the rejection of GM crop release into the environment, the devastation of the Indian Ocean tsunami, and the impressive environmental track record of Seychelles.
This chapter covers the unique environment of the Seychelles islands, the effects of the 2004 tsunami, and the conservation efforts of the RSPB/BirdLife to save the endangered species that inhabit the islands.
This chapter discusses the environmental impacts of human activities in the 21st century, focusing on the example of Cousin Island, a tropical island in the Seychelles archipelago. It describes the efforts of conservationists to restore the island's native species, and the success of the Magpie-robin, which was brought back from near extinction. It also recounts the surprising discovery of a hare, which was introduced to the island as a source of food for plantation workers. Finally, the chapter reflects on the importance of voting in the general election to ensure that environmental issues are taken seriously.
This book chapter covers the changes in the environment and wildlife in the 21st century, including the effects of global warming, the introduction of GM technology, and the G8 Summit at Gleneagles Hotel. It also discusses the efforts of charities to create a united front on climate change campaigning and the outbreak of bird flu in Asia.
The 21st Century has seen an increase in the international movement of birds, posing a threat to both human and avian health. Governments are now taking steps to control the wild bird trade, including a temporary ban on imports to the EU. Conservationists are also working to save endangered species, such as the Bali Starling, and to educate children on the importance of connecting with the natural world.
The chapter discusses the effects of environmental generational amnesia, which leads to a decline in expectations and the extinction of experience, and how this is particularly evident in inner-city America. It also tells the story of a presentation given to a school assembly about birds and conservation, and how the children's knowledge of the environment was inspiring.
This book chapter covers the pre-industrial scene in the 21st century, with people cycling, carrying branches in baskets, walking with carts and animals, as well as birds such as Widow-birds, Fiscal Shrikes, and Sharp’s Longclaw. It also discusses the environmental threats to Lake Naivasha, the arrival of an American Robin in London, and the RSPB's 200th nature reserve, which is a piece of the Norfolk Broads. Finally, it touches on the return of Water Voles to a stretch of brook and the growth of a hedgerow planted in the past.
This chapter explores the effects of climate change on the environment, particularly focusing on the impact of extreme weather events, water shortages, and the destruction of wildlife habitats due to urbanization. It also looks at the efforts of conservationists to protect species and habitats, such as the reintroduction of Cirl Buntings in Cornwall and the protection of protected areas in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Finally, it examines the success of the Peregrine Falcon's restoration in cities and Rachel Carson's legacy.
This chapter discusses the impact of Rachel Carson's work on the environment in the 21st century, as well as the progress made in restoring the environment through conservation efforts. It also highlights the importance of small-scale environmental restoration projects and their potential to make a difference in the long run.
This chapter covers the changes in bird populations, conservation efforts, and environmental policies in the 21st century, including the Biodiversity Action Plan, the ban on wild bird imports, the Habitats Directive, the north-south divide in England, the abolition of the set-aside scheme, the Climatic Atlas of European Breeding Birds, and the commitment to slow or halt biodiversity loss by 2010.
This book chapter discusses the effects of the 21st century on biodiversity and the environment, and how the landscape of Northern Ireland has changed with the introduction of Red Kites and the destruction of farms. It also touches on the dangers of biofuels and the importance of preserving natural habitats.
This book chapter discusses the decline of insect species, the effects of climate change on bird populations, and the efforts to restore habitats for endangered species such as the Nightjar. It also focuses on the use of tape recordings to attract Swifts to nest-boxes and the importance of protecting their nesting sites.
The 21st century has brought a variety of environmental threats, from Donald Trump's golf course and housing development to the destruction of the Severn Estuary. Conservationists have been successful in rerouting the Helsinki-Warsaw road and passing the Marine and Coastal Access Act, but there is still more work to be done to protect seabirds and stimulate the low-carbon economy.
This chapter discussed the effects of climate change on wildlife, the need for billions of dollars to help make positive changes, the unexpected snowfall in December, the reintroduction of endangered species, and the potential negative impacts of neonicotinoids on insect-eating birds.
This chapter covers the environmental conservation efforts of the 21st century, including the online petition to ban neonicotinoids, the National Ecosystem Assessment, the controversy over selling off state-owned forests, and the success of Hope Farm in reversing the decline of farm-dependent birds.
This book chapter discusses the effects of human activity on the environment, focusing on the decline of bird species due to habitat destruction, climate change, and persecution. It also highlights the importance of conservation efforts, such as Earthwatch expeditions, nest-box studies, and the installation of artificial nests.
This book chapter discusses the decline of certain bird species in the 21st century due to human activities, such as the destruction of habitats and climate change. It also highlights the efforts of conservationists to help the species, such as the Turtle Dove, through projects such as fitting them with radio tags and tracking their migration patterns. It also mentions the success of the Corncrake reintroduction project and the surprise appearance of an Osprey in November.
This book chapter discusses the impact of human activities on the environment, and how this has led to the extinction of certain species of birds. It also looks at how public funding has been used to try and rectify this issue, and how local conservation teams can help to restore the environment to a more natural state. Finally, it looks at how the death of a local woman, Dorothy, is a reminder of the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.
This book chapter covers the end of an era of hands-on field work in England's market garden, the transition to civvy street, the effects of agriculture policy reforms on birds, the importance of climate talks and the Rio+20 Conference, and the effects of pesticides on honeybees.
This book chapter discusses the effects of shifting baseline syndrome, which is the changing perception of what wildlife should be in our worlds, and how it has already impacted the environment. It uses the example of a local estate to illustrate how species like the Common Frog, Common Toad, Common Lizard, and Grass Snake have all but disappeared. It also mentions the government missing its 2012 deadline to designate a network of Marine Protected Areas, and how it is 30 years since the original deadline set for doing this.
This book chapter discusses the decline of bird species in the 21st century due to changes in the landscape and human activities, such as the use of agrochemicals. It highlights the disappearance of 40 species in one area, and how Rachel Carson's warnings of a "silent spring" have become a reality.
This book chapter discusses the effects of human activities on the environment in the 21st century, such as agrochemicals, agricultural landscapes, and climate change, which have caused serious declines in bird populations. It also looks at the efforts of conservationists to protect birds, and the importance of citizen action to make a difference. Finally, it reflects on the legacy of Rachel Carson and her Silent Spring, and the beauty of nature.
This book chapter focuses on the decline of dippers in the Borders hills of Scotland, and how this is a worrying sign of the effects of climate change. It also tells the story of the author's mother, who remembers the dippers from her childhood, and how the author intends to investigate the issue further.
Postscript
- The chapter discusses the decline of the Peregrine Falcon in England in the 1960s, the efforts of J.A. Baker to follow and document the bird, and the eventual resurgence of the species in the 2000s, with Peregrines now nesting in cities and towns.
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