I never had to get up seriously early until I was into my 20s. Then the redeye mornings started in earnest. These days, as a species, we –children included–are now doing more getting up at unearthly hours to set off on long journeys than probably any people since our distantly wandering ancestors. Although I also… Continue reading
The last of the onshore wind turbines, or only a pause?
Could the three turbines at Alveston, next to the M5 in South Gloucestershire, be the last wind farm to be built in England in our lifetime, or just the last one until the government (or a new one) reverses the policy, and allows further expansion of a form of renewable energy generation which has considerable public… Continue reading →
Electric bikes reach a Stark junction with the mass market
Update, October 13th, 2017 Electric bike company Stark, which says it has developed “the most affordable electric bike in the world, bar none” has raised $489,619 in a Kickstarter crowd-funding project to finance the launch of its range, exceeding its original target by almost 10 times. Its Stark Drive City will have a limited launch price… Continue reading →
Conkers in crisis – can horse chestnut survive annual onslaught by pests?
The damage caused by the larvae of the leaf miner moth in horse chestnuts seems particularly severe in parts of Southern Britain this year. While not fatal in itself, the moth may fatally weaken the trees. Autumn comes prematurely in sad little pockets of England and Wales. As early as July the leaves of the… Continue reading →
Anguilla – Caribbean gem struck by Hurricane Irma
By grim coincidence, I was editing this piece yesterday (September 6, 2017). I’m still setting it out in full here because this wonderful island deserves all the support it can get. Its people were extremely hospitable to me on my visit last November (2016) and, although one little article isn’t much, perhaps it will help… Continue reading →
Celebrating England’s Michelangelo on London’s leafy fringe
Surrey is easily missed, as we rush through by rail and road. Yet the first county to the west of London offers much to detain and reward the visitor. There are many pretty little villages and market towns, fine old buildings, tranquil countryside and river walks, including rambles along the Thames. Treasure trove So, a… Continue reading →