News
round-up
March 2010
Links and references to articles by the leading UK news providers covering subjects that are of interest to those living and working in rural England and Wales.
September 2009 (52) | October 2009 (83) | November 2009 (17) | December 2009 (10) | January 2010 (87) | February 2010 (159) | March 2010 (93)
A cracking good breakfast as Waitrose stocks ostrich eggs for Easter
Demand for pheasant, quail, duck and goose eggs has also increased, with sales of goose eggs increasing by 101 per cent, Waitrose said.
The Times - 19 March 2010 - 24
Demand for pheasant, quail, duck and goose eggs has also increased, with sales of goose eggs increasing by 101 per cent, Waitrose said.
The Times - 19 March 2010 - 24
Buy local – and buy your local pub, says Labour
Hundreds of pubs doomed to closure could be rescued under Government proposals to help to fund “community buyouts”, promote local beers and cut planning red tape.
The Times - 19 March 2010 - 15
Hundreds of pubs doomed to closure could be rescued under Government proposals to help to fund “community buyouts”, promote local beers and cut planning red tape.
The Times - 19 March 2010 - 15
Case study on the local community pub in Cookham Dean
Charles Benson is one of 60 residents in Cookham Dean, Berkshire, who have kept the Jolly Farmer pub afloat for the past 20 years. Now the pub, which serves local beers, contains a post office and there are plans for a local community shop on its land next door.
The Times - 19 March 2010 - 15
Charles Benson is one of 60 residents in Cookham Dean, Berkshire, who have kept the Jolly Farmer pub afloat for the past 20 years. Now the pub, which serves local beers, contains a post office and there are plans for a local community shop on its land next door.
The Times - 19 March 2010 - 15
Cheltenham Festival 2010: For passion, my money's always on the horses
This week's Cheltenham Festival shows that no sport can match the thrill of racing, says Charlie Brooks.
Daily Telegraph - 19 March 2010 - 24
This week's Cheltenham Festival shows that no sport can match the thrill of racing, says Charlie Brooks.
Daily Telegraph - 19 March 2010 - 24
Comment from Simon Jenkins: Votes for dogs appeals, but giving animals rights is moral chaos
Should animals get the vote? Country Life magazine this week asks, if animals did vote, which party would they support? Using random sampling (a "fox pop") and presumably assessing closeness to a polling station, the magazine lists voting intention by species, based on predictable responses to recent laws.
The Guardian - 19 March 2010 - 33
Should animals get the vote? Country Life magazine this week asks, if animals did vote, which party would they support? Using random sampling (a "fox pop") and presumably assessing closeness to a polling station, the magazine lists voting intention by species, based on predictable responses to recent laws.
The Guardian - 19 March 2010 - 33
How we'll keep the lights on, by Tories
Conervatives' energy plan created to ensure supply is always above peak demand.
Daily Telegraph - 19 March 2010 - 10
Conervatives' energy plan created to ensure supply is always above peak demand.
Daily Telegraph - 19 March 2010 - 10
Kingfisher sightings take a dive after winter takes it toll
Kingfishers are the latest victims of the harsh winter and numbers appear to be in sharp decline, say conservationists.
The Times - 19 March 2010 - 24
Kingfishers are the latest victims of the harsh winter and numbers appear to be in sharp decline, say conservationists.
The Times - 19 March 2010 - 24
Kingfishers 'at risk' after harsh winter
The harsh winter may have significantly reduced numbers of kingfishers on Britain's rivers and canals, British Waterways said as it launched its annual wildlife poll.
Daily Telegraph - 19 March 2010 - 11
The harsh winter may have significantly reduced numbers of kingfishers on Britain's rivers and canals, British Waterways said as it launched its annual wildlife poll.
Daily Telegraph - 19 March 2010 - 11
Letter to the Editor: Taxing green fuel from Director of Corporate Affaris at Wm Morrison supermarkets
The cost of petrol is about to hit a new high (report, March 16). Green-minded motorists are also about to be penalised for choosing biofuels. Unless the Chancellor intervenes next Wednesday, the removal of the duty differential for biofuels will lead to the pump price going up by 20p per litre. Morrisons has already withdrawn B30 biodiesel from forecourts. The high- ethanol blend, E85, will soon follow. This month, the Netherlands cut duty on E85 by 27 per cent. Our Government is going in the other direction. It will kill the market for a proven product that helps reduce carbon emissions and could be critical to the development of hybrid electric vehicles.
Daily Telegraph - 19 March 2010 - 25
The cost of petrol is about to hit a new high (report, March 16). Green-minded motorists are also about to be penalised for choosing biofuels. Unless the Chancellor intervenes next Wednesday, the removal of the duty differential for biofuels will lead to the pump price going up by 20p per litre. Morrisons has already withdrawn B30 biodiesel from forecourts. The high- ethanol blend, E85, will soon follow. This month, the Netherlands cut duty on E85 by 27 per cent. Our Government is going in the other direction. It will kill the market for a proven product that helps reduce carbon emissions and could be critical to the development of hybrid electric vehicles.
Daily Telegraph - 19 March 2010 - 25
MPs support tax relief for planting trees
Farmers who plant forests should be exempt from inheritance tax, a committee of MPs has suggested.
Daily Telegraph - 19 March 2010 - 11
Farmers who plant forests should be exempt from inheritance tax, a committee of MPs has suggested.
Daily Telegraph - 19 March 2010 - 11
Ostrich eggs to be stocked by Waitrose - at £18.99 each
Ostrich eggs which can make an omelette big enough to feed 15 adults are to appear in supermarkets across Britain in time for Easter. The eggs are laid by South African Black Ostriches on a farm in Lincolnshire.
Daily Telegraph - 19 March 2010 - 1
Ostrich eggs which can make an omelette big enough to feed 15 adults are to appear in supermarkets across Britain in time for Easter. The eggs are laid by South African Black Ostriches on a farm in Lincolnshire.
Daily Telegraph - 19 March 2010 - 1
Rural schools head for crisis
Village schools are facing a leadership crisis as they struggle to appoint new headteachers, according to research.
Daily Telegraph - 19 March 2010 - 8
Village schools are facing a leadership crisis as they struggle to appoint new headteachers, according to research.
Daily Telegraph - 19 March 2010 - 8
Sort your waste into six bins or face £1,000 fine
Householders could be forced to recycle virtually everything they throw away or face fines under new Government proposals to cut landfill.
Daily Telegraph - 19 March 2010 - 10
Householders could be forced to recycle virtually everything they throw away or face fines under new Government proposals to cut landfill.
Daily Telegraph - 19 March 2010 - 10
Tories' green bank to fund wind and nuclear power
Huge offshore wind parks and new nuclear reactors to be financed by a state-backed Green Investment Bank would be built under plans to reform energy policy and meet tough emission reduction targets to be announced by the Conservatives today.
The Times - 19 March 2010 - 51
Huge offshore wind parks and new nuclear reactors to be financed by a state-backed Green Investment Bank would be built under plans to reform energy policy and meet tough emission reduction targets to be announced by the Conservatives today.
The Times - 19 March 2010 - 51
Tory carbon tax
A Conservative government would impose a carbon tax on electricity generation to foster investment in renewables and nuclear power, David Cameron will say today as he sets out his party's energy strategy.
Finanicial Times - 19 March 2010 - 1
A Conservative government would impose a carbon tax on electricity generation to foster investment in renewables and nuclear power, David Cameron will say today as he sets out his party's energy strategy.
Finanicial Times - 19 March 2010 - 1
Vegetable seed sales jump as grow your own takes root
According to a leading retailer, sales of seeds for tomatoes, courgettes, beans and other vegetables now outstrip seeds for flowers by a considerable margin, after the recession and the allotment revival encouraged an increasing number of people to take up their trowels.
Daily Telegraph - 19 March 2010 - 11
According to a leading retailer, sales of seeds for tomatoes, courgettes, beans and other vegetables now outstrip seeds for flowers by a considerable margin, after the recession and the allotment revival encouraged an increasing number of people to take up their trowels.
Daily Telegraph - 19 March 2010 - 11
Energy policy 'nowhere near' ready
Energy policy is "nowhere near" having the right framework in place to deliver the investment and job creation that will be needed to hit government targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions, a group of leading academics backed by the Royal Academy of Engineering warns.
Financial Times - 18 March 2010 - 4
Energy policy is "nowhere near" having the right framework in place to deliver the investment and job creation that will be needed to hit government targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions, a group of leading academics backed by the Royal Academy of Engineering warns.
Financial Times - 18 March 2010 - 4
How Britain must live to hit climate targets
All cars need to be electric and most homes will need solar panels, while 10,000 onshore wind turbines and 40 new low-carbon power stations will also be required for the Government to stand a chance of meeting climate change targets, it has been claimed.
Daily Telegraph - 18 March 2010 - 13
All cars need to be electric and most homes will need solar panels, while 10,000 onshore wind turbines and 40 new low-carbon power stations will also be required for the Government to stand a chance of meeting climate change targets, it has been claimed.
Daily Telegraph - 18 March 2010 - 13
Pilot is cleared over death of huntsman hit by gyrocopter
In a case that highlighted the passions and entrenched attitudes on both sides of the hunting debate, an animal rights campaigner who had been at the controls of a gyrocopter when it cleaved open a huntsman’s head was cleared of manslaughter yesterday.
The Times - 18 March 2010 - 12
In a case that highlighted the passions and entrenched attitudes on both sides of the hunting debate, an animal rights campaigner who had been at the controls of a gyrocopter when it cleaved open a huntsman’s head was cleared of manslaughter yesterday.
The Times - 18 March 2010 - 12
Britain 'turns brown' as cold winter kills off spring growth
Britain's usually green and pleasant land has been turned a shade of brown this spring after the coldest winter in 31 years.
Daily Telegraph - 16 March 2010 - 9
Britain's usually green and pleasant land has been turned a shade of brown this spring after the coldest winter in 31 years.
Daily Telegraph - 16 March 2010 - 9
Grass cuttings 'to be used as biofuel'
Grass cuttings could soon be used to power cars, under a scheme to transform garden waste into biofuel.
Daily Telegraph - 16 March 2010 - 9
Grass cuttings could soon be used to power cars, under a scheme to transform garden waste into biofuel.
Daily Telegraph - 16 March 2010 - 9
Population of migratory bird falls after loss of suitable nesting places
Swifts, the rapidly declining birds of the high summer skies, are overwhelmingly dependent on houses for nesting sites, a survey has found.
The Independent - 16 March 2010 - 21
Swifts, the rapidly declining birds of the high summer skies, are overwhelmingly dependent on houses for nesting sites, a survey has found.
The Independent - 16 March 2010 - 21
Shoots 'forced to rely on French pheasants'
British shoots will be forced to rely on French pheasants in future following a ban on battery cages for raising game birds, it has been claimed.
Daily Telegraph - 16 March 2010 - 11
British shoots will be forced to rely on French pheasants in future following a ban on battery cages for raising game birds, it has been claimed.
Daily Telegraph - 16 March 2010 - 11
Beauty of Chilterns may be put at risk by fast rail link, say critics
Historic town of Wendover in Buckinghamshire in path of London to Birmingham high-speed network.
The Guardian - 12 March 2010 - 7
Historic town of Wendover in Buckinghamshire in path of London to Birmingham high-speed network.
The Guardian - 12 March 2010 - 7
Chatsworth reopens to public with exhibition amid £14m restoration
The second phase of a £14 million restoration project at Chatsworth, near Bakewell, Derbyshire, is due to finish this weekend. On Sunday it will reopen to the public.
The Times - 12 March 2010 - 23
The second phase of a £14 million restoration project at Chatsworth, near Bakewell, Derbyshire, is due to finish this weekend. On Sunday it will reopen to the public.
The Times - 12 March 2010 - 23
Company boss jailed over 'free range' egg scam
A company boss was jailed for three years today for his part in a scam which saw tens of millions of eggs falsely passed off as free range.
The Independent - 12 March 2010 - 18
A company boss was jailed for three years today for his part in a scam which saw tens of millions of eggs falsely passed off as free range.
The Independent - 12 March 2010 - 18
Country houses like Chatsworth still provide a gold standard
A £16m refit at Chatsworth shows these seats of privilege are in surprising good health, says Clive Aslet.
Daily Telegraph - 12 March 2010 - 24
A £16m refit at Chatsworth shows these seats of privilege are in surprising good health, says Clive Aslet.
Daily Telegraph - 12 March 2010 - 24
Egg boss jailed for 'free range' fraud
Around 100m mislabelled eggs sold by Keith Owen ended up on the shelves of supermarkets including Sainsbury's and Tesco. That the fraud was able to carry on for two years while he made a £3m profit raises questions for the food industry about the provenance of goods.
The Guardian - 12 March 2010 - 3
Around 100m mislabelled eggs sold by Keith Owen ended up on the shelves of supermarkets including Sainsbury's and Tesco. That the fraud was able to carry on for two years while he made a £3m profit raises questions for the food industry about the provenance of goods.
The Guardian - 12 March 2010 - 3
HIgh-speed rail line will destroy 440 homes
Owners and rural campaigners say they'll fight the 250mph rail project.
Daily Telegraph - 12 March 2010 - 12
Owners and rural campaigners say they'll fight the 250mph rail project.
Daily Telegraph - 12 March 2010 - 12
Industries hoarding greenhouse gas emission permits
Saved permits can be used to meet future targets to cut emissions without reducing pollution.
The Guardian - 12 March 2010 - 2
Saved permits can be used to meet future targets to cut emissions without reducing pollution.
The Guardian - 12 March 2010 - 2
Protests as Lord Adonis reveals plans for £30bn high-speed railway network
Across the Chiltern escarpment and the fields of Warwickshire and into the marginal constituencies of the West Midlands, the lines were drawn yesterday for a planning battle over Britain’s high-speed rail network.
The Times - 12 March 2010 - 11
Across the Chiltern escarpment and the fields of Warwickshire and into the marginal constituencies of the West Midlands, the lines were drawn yesterday for a planning battle over Britain’s high-speed rail network.
The Times - 12 March 2010 - 11
Route of super-fast rail lines revealed
The future shape of Britain's high-speed rail network began to emerge yesterday when the Department for Transport unveiled plans for a £30bn, Y-shaped network of track set to slash journey times between London and northern cities.
Financial Times - 12 March 2010 - 4
The future shape of Britain's high-speed rail network began to emerge yesterday when the Department for Transport unveiled plans for a £30bn, Y-shaped network of track set to slash journey times between London and northern cities.
Financial Times - 12 March 2010 - 4
Supermarkets tricked in organic egg fraud
Consumers bought free-range and organic eggs from Britain’s biggest supermarkets, believing they were the best quality and that hens enjoyed the highest of standards.
The Times - 12 March 2010 - 21
Consumers bought free-range and organic eggs from Britain’s biggest supermarkets, believing they were the best quality and that hens enjoyed the highest of standards.
The Times - 12 March 2010 - 21
The 100m free-range and organic egg scam
A company director of Heart of England Eggs Unlimited, has been jailed for three years for his part in a fraud in which tens of millions of eggs were falsely sold as free-range.
Daily Telegraph - 12 March 2010 - 11
A company director of Heart of England Eggs Unlimited, has been jailed for three years for his part in a fraud in which tens of millions of eggs were falsely sold as free-range.
Daily Telegraph - 12 March 2010 - 11
View from the new 250mph rail route
Idyllic countryside chosen for first leg of Britain's high-speed train revolution.
The Independent - 12 March 2010 - 12
Idyllic countryside chosen for first leg of Britain's high-speed train revolution.
The Independent - 12 March 2010 - 12
Virgin goes aerial in attempt to bring broadband to the country
Plans to string fibre optic cables along telegraph poles to connect rural areas.
The Independent - 12 March 2010 - 55
Plans to string fibre optic cables along telegraph poles to connect rural areas.
The Independent - 12 March 2010 - 55
250mph rail line will slice through the Chilterns
A high-speed line is planned through an Area of Outstanding Beauty in the Chilterns as the first stage of a proposed new route between London and Birmingham.
Daily Telegraph - 11 March 2010 - 11
A high-speed line is planned through an Area of Outstanding Beauty in the Chilterns as the first stage of a proposed new route between London and Birmingham.
Daily Telegraph - 11 March 2010 - 11
500 lost species of Britain's countryside
Some of Britain's most distinctive wildlife now only exists in nature reserves, conservationists have warned, as a small number of species start to dominate the countryside.
Daily Telegraph - 11 March 2010 - 11
Some of Britain's most distinctive wildlife now only exists in nature reserves, conservationists have warned, as a small number of species start to dominate the countryside.
Daily Telegraph - 11 March 2010 - 11
Extinction crisis sees hundreds of animal and plant species threatened in England
The biggest national study of threats to biodiversity found nearly 500 species that had died out in England, nearly all in last two centuries.
The Guardian - 11 March 2010 - 11
The biggest national study of threats to biodiversity found nearly 500 species that had died out in England, nearly all in last two centuries.
The Guardian - 11 March 2010 - 11
High-speed rail network to slice through the Chiltern Hills
Lord Adonis, the Transport Secretary, will set out detailed plans in a White Paper today. The proposed route is drawn to within 5 metres in urban areas and 25 metres in open country and will ignite a battle with thousands of people and landowners whose properties will be affected.
The Times - 11 March 2010 - 9
Lord Adonis, the Transport Secretary, will set out detailed plans in a White Paper today. The proposed route is drawn to within 5 metres in urban areas and 25 metres in open country and will ignite a battle with thousands of people and landowners whose properties will be affected.
The Times - 11 March 2010 - 9
Human activity blamed as 500 species of plants and animals disappear in England
Nearly 500 species of plants and animals have disappeared in England in the past 200 years, according to the first comprehensive audit of native wildlife.
The Times - 11 March 2010 - 17
Nearly 500 species of plants and animals have disappeared in England in the past 200 years, according to the first comprehensive audit of native wildlife.
The Times - 11 March 2010 - 17
Shooting of the brown hare is closely monitored
Letter from Dr Stephen Tapper of GWCT.
Daily Telegraph - 11 March 2010 - 27
Letter from Dr Stephen Tapper of GWCT.
Daily Telegraph - 11 March 2010 - 27
Wading birds thrive on game estates
Shooting estates are helping to bring back rare wading birds like curlew and lapwing, according to a major new study by GWCT.
Daily Telegraph - 11 March 2010 - 11
Shooting estates are helping to bring back rare wading birds like curlew and lapwing, according to a major new study by GWCT.
Daily Telegraph - 11 March 2010 - 11
'British classics' made with meat from the other side of the world
Food companies are selling products labelled "British" or "traditional" which contain meat from thousands of miles away, research for The Independent shows.
The Independent - 10 March 2010 - 20
Food companies are selling products labelled "British" or "traditional" which contain meat from thousands of miles away, research for The Independent shows.
The Independent - 10 March 2010 - 20
Dog curbs are barking up the wrong tree
Opinion from Roy Hattersley who says this new legislation will penalise the elderly but do nothing to stop the real culprits.
The Times - 10 March 2010 - 22
Opinion from Roy Hattersley who says this new legislation will penalise the elderly but do nothing to stop the real culprits.
The Times - 10 March 2010 - 22
Editorial: Bring back the dog licence
There is a tinge of desperation to the Government's plan to introduce a requirement for all dog owners to insure their pets to be able to pay compensation to anyone whom the unhappy animals might bite.
The Independent - 10 March 2010 - 34
There is a tinge of desperation to the Government's plan to introduce a requirement for all dog owners to insure their pets to be able to pay compensation to anyone whom the unhappy animals might bite.
The Independent - 10 March 2010 - 34
Japanese Knotweed: curse of the alien species
Importing tiny insects to tackle Britain's Japanese knotweed problem could easily backfire on us, warns Michael Leapman.
Daily Telegraph - 10 March 2010 - 17
Importing tiny insects to tackle Britain's Japanese knotweed problem could easily backfire on us, warns Michael Leapman.
Daily Telegraph - 10 March 2010 - 17
Penalising responsible dog owners is wrong
Leader commenting that too many laws have been introduced which bear down on the law-abiding without making any difference to the problem they were supposed to address
Daily Telegraph - 10 March 2010 - 19
Leader commenting that too many laws have been introduced which bear down on the law-abiding without making any difference to the problem they were supposed to address
Daily Telegraph - 10 March 2010 - 19
'Gribble’ marine pest may be key to biofuel breakthrough, say scientists
A marine pest could be the key to a biofuel breakthrough, say scientists.
The Times - 9 March 2010 - 16
A marine pest could be the key to a biofuel breakthrough, say scientists.
The Times - 9 March 2010 - 16
Alien v predator: moth out to kill Japanese knotweed
Chosen insect feeds on invasive species but not other closely related plants and crops.
The Guardian - 9 March 2010 - 6
Chosen insect feeds on invasive species but not other closely related plants and crops.
The Guardian - 9 March 2010 - 6
Bovis buying land as prices stablise
Bovis Homes will take advantage of low land prices to begin building up its pipeline of new houses, after edging back into the black with a £4.8m pre-tax profit last year.
Daily Telegraph - 9 March 2010
Bovis Homes will take advantage of low land prices to begin building up its pipeline of new houses, after edging back into the black with a £4.8m pre-tax profit last year.
Daily Telegraph - 9 March 2010
Bovis to focus cash on buying land instead of selling homes
Bovis Homes will plough money into buying land instead of selling homes as it expects the housing market recovery to flatten out this year.
The Times - 9 March 2010 - 41
Bovis Homes will plough money into buying land instead of selling homes as it expects the housing market recovery to flatten out this year.
The Times - 9 March 2010 - 41
Bugs to fight alien invaders
A small insect known as a psyllid – Latin name Aphalara itadori – will be released on sites blighted by Japanese Knotweed. The psyllid feeds on the knotweed and should help to prevent its advance.
Financial Times - 9 March 2010
A small insect known as a psyllid – Latin name Aphalara itadori – will be released on sites blighted by Japanese Knotweed. The psyllid feeds on the knotweed and should help to prevent its advance.
Financial Times - 9 March 2010
Canals boss floats plan for 'aquatic National Trust'
British Waterways chairman Tony Hales says fear of cuts is behind move to leave state control.
The Guardian - 9 March 2010 - 8
British Waterways chairman Tony Hales says fear of cuts is behind move to leave state control.
The Guardian - 9 March 2010 - 8
Crackdown on dangerous dogs to make microchips compulsory for all
Plan to extend dangerous dogs law to cover attacks on private property and to require third-party insurance.
The Guardian - 9 March 2010 - 1
Plan to extend dangerous dogs law to cover attacks on private property and to require third-party insurance.
The Guardian - 9 March 2010 - 1
Dog owners face a new pet “tax” in a government initiative to tackle the menace of dangerous dogs
Compulsory microchipping of every dog — which would cost owners an average £30 — is included in a consultation report published today. It also suggests that the six million dog owners in Britain should be covered by third-party insurance to cover injuries to victims of dog attacks.
The Times - 9 March 2010 - 6
Compulsory microchipping of every dog — which would cost owners an average £30 — is included in a consultation report published today. It also suggests that the six million dog owners in Britain should be covered by third-party insurance to cover injuries to victims of dog attacks.
The Times - 9 March 2010 - 6
Dog owners to be forced to take out insurance policies
Dog owners would be forced to take out insurance to cover compensation payments should their pet be responsible for a violent attack, under government proposals.
Daily Telegraph - 9 March 2010 - 1
Dog owners would be forced to take out insurance to cover compensation payments should their pet be responsible for a violent attack, under government proposals.
Daily Telegraph - 9 March 2010 - 1
Gardeners urged to stop using peat-based compost
Yesterday the Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced a new target to phase out the use of peat compost in amateur gardens by 2020 but shied away from imposing a ban, provoking criticism from members of wildlife groups who said that ministers should have taken stronger action years ago.
The Independent - 9 March 2010 - 18
Yesterday the Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced a new target to phase out the use of peat compost in amateur gardens by 2020 but shied away from imposing a ban, provoking criticism from members of wildlife groups who said that ministers should have taken stronger action years ago.
The Independent - 9 March 2010 - 18
Insects to be brought in to control Japanese Knotweed
A superweed that has been the bane of gardeners across the UK for more than a century has finally met its match - a tiny bug from Japan.
Daily Telegraph - 9 March 2010 - 3
A superweed that has been the bane of gardeners across the UK for more than a century has finally met its match - a tiny bug from Japan.
Daily Telegraph - 9 March 2010 - 3
Battle ahead over power plan for rivers
Rivers could be harnessed to generate electricity for almost a million homes with the building of up to 26,000 controversial hydropower turbines around the country, according to a report by the Environment Agency.
Sunday Telegraph - 7 March 2010 - 2
Rivers could be harnessed to generate electricity for almost a million homes with the building of up to 26,000 controversial hydropower turbines around the country, according to a report by the Environment Agency.
Sunday Telegraph - 7 March 2010 - 2
Britain's 'big cat X files' revealed
There have been more than 100 sightings of exotic and unidentified animals in England since 2005, according to a dossier compiled by Natural England.
Sunday Telegraph - 7 March 2010 - 5
There have been more than 100 sightings of exotic and unidentified animals in England since 2005, according to a dossier compiled by Natural England.
Sunday Telegraph - 7 March 2010 - 5
Crackdown on battery eggs sold as free range
Derbyshire investigation by trading standards officers finds that nearly 40% of eggs fail in quality and labelling.
The Observer - 7 March 2010 - 24
Derbyshire investigation by trading standards officers finds that nearly 40% of eggs fail in quality and labelling.
The Observer - 7 March 2010 - 24
Rise in UK carbon emissions disputed by report
Soil deposits of CO2 'not fuelling global warming yet – but will in future'
The Observer - 7 March 2010 - 24
Soil deposits of CO2 'not fuelling global warming yet – but will in future'
The Observer - 7 March 2010 - 24
VAT on food: new plan to cut debt
The imposition of VAT on groceries is being actively considered by Whitehall officials as a radical means of reducing the national deficit.
Sunday Telegraph - 7 March 2010 - 1
The imposition of VAT on groceries is being actively considered by Whitehall officials as a radical means of reducing the national deficit.
Sunday Telegraph - 7 March 2010 - 1
Birdsong is the best wake-up call
Birdsong is the best sound to wake up to in the morning, according to a survey of the nation's favourite alarm tones.
Daily Telegraph - 5 March 2010 - 13
Birdsong is the best sound to wake up to in the morning, according to a survey of the nation's favourite alarm tones.
Daily Telegraph - 5 March 2010 - 13
Country life, urban rule
Comment piece describing that at the end of 13 years in office, the Labour Party leaves the countryside in a worse condition than it found it.
Daily Telegraph - 5 March 2010 - 25
Comment piece describing that at the end of 13 years in office, the Labour Party leaves the countryside in a worse condition than it found it.
Daily Telegraph - 5 March 2010 - 25
Downpours threaten extinction for Britain's rarest butterfly
Duke of Burgundy needs cowslips and rough grassland to survive after UK survey records worst ever year in 2009.
The Guardian - 5 March 2010
Duke of Burgundy needs cowslips and rough grassland to survive after UK survey records worst ever year in 2009.
The Guardian - 5 March 2010
Green energy industry asks for £500m cash injection to meet targets
RenewableUK wants money for research and development.
The Guardian - 5 March 2010 - 26
RenewableUK wants money for research and development.
The Guardian - 5 March 2010 - 26
Met Office analysis reveals 'clear fingerprints' of man-made climate change
Climate scientists say the 100 studies of sea ice, rainfall and temperature should help the public to make up their own minds on global warming.
The Guardian - 5 March 2010 - 9
Climate scientists say the 100 studies of sea ice, rainfall and temperature should help the public to make up their own minds on global warming.
The Guardian - 5 March 2010 - 9
New reforms to take control of Commons business from whips
MPs voted to wrest control of Commons business from the whips yesterday in the most significant change to the way that the House operates in 30 years.
The Times - 5 March 2010 - 11
MPs voted to wrest control of Commons business from the whips yesterday in the most significant change to the way that the House operates in 30 years.
The Times - 5 March 2010 - 11
Problems of limiting the damage that heavy lorries do to rural villages
Letters on the restrictions on lorries say they just lead to drivers flouting the law.
Daily Telegraph - 5 March 2010 - 25
Letters on the restrictions on lorries say they just lead to drivers flouting the law.
Daily Telegraph - 5 March 2010 - 25
Tax could fund faster broadband
One in three households could be unable to access super fast broadband in the future, a major Government report has warned. The Country Land and Business Association has launched a new campaign calling on the Government to roll out broadband to the "final third" of the country that still has problems accessing the service.
Daily Telegraph - 5 March 2010 - 6
One in three households could be unable to access super fast broadband in the future, a major Government report has warned. The Country Land and Business Association has launched a new campaign calling on the Government to roll out broadband to the "final third" of the country that still has problems accessing the service.
Daily Telegraph - 5 March 2010 - 6
The countryside is dying at the roots without broadband
Without high-speed broadband, businesses can't operate in rural areas, says Charlie Brooks.
Daily Telegraph - 5 March 2010 - 24
Without high-speed broadband, businesses can't operate in rural areas, says Charlie Brooks.
Daily Telegraph - 5 March 2010 - 24
Zero-grazing farms and animal health
Letters in response to the proposed 8,000 herd in Lincolnshire.
The Guardian - 5 March 2010 - 35
Letters in response to the proposed 8,000 herd in Lincolnshire.
The Guardian - 5 March 2010 - 35
Could the future for UK biofuel be oilseed rape and hemp?
Intensive agricultural practice of any sort rarely uses less fossil fuel energy than the solar energy that it conserves as biomass. Letters to the Editor page.
The Times - 4 March 2010 - 25
Intensive agricultural practice of any sort rarely uses less fossil fuel energy than the solar energy that it conserves as biomass. Letters to the Editor page.
The Times - 4 March 2010 - 25
Exodus of the young puts rural life at risk
Rural communities across Britain are in danger of disappearing because young people are leaving in droves to seek jobs and homes, the government's countryside "tsar" has warned.
Financial Times - 4 March 2010 - 4
Rural communities across Britain are in danger of disappearing because young people are leaving in droves to seek jobs and homes, the government's countryside "tsar" has warned.
Financial Times - 4 March 2010 - 4
Fury as EU approves GM potato
Critics claim plant could spread antibiotic-resistant diseases to humans.
The Independent - 4 March 2010 - 16
Critics claim plant could spread antibiotic-resistant diseases to humans.
The Independent - 4 March 2010 - 16
Grow your own veg in a skip...or at the hospital
Gardeners will be able to grow cabbages in skips on building sites and tomatoes in hospital car parks under government plans to increase the amount of land available for grow-your-own vegetables.
Daily Telegraph - 4 March 2010 - 10
Gardeners will be able to grow cabbages in skips on building sites and tomatoes in hospital car parks under government plans to increase the amount of land available for grow-your-own vegetables.
Daily Telegraph - 4 March 2010 - 10
No phone, no net: why rural children are leaving
The lack of mobile phone reception and broadband coverage in rural areas has become the No 1 issue in dissuading young people from staying on in the countryside, the chair of the Commission for Rural Communities has said.
The Guardian - 4 March 2010 - 14
The lack of mobile phone reception and broadband coverage in rural areas has become the No 1 issue in dissuading young people from staying on in the countryside, the chair of the Commission for Rural Communities has said.
The Guardian - 4 March 2010 - 14
Solar panels have a bright future - they are not a fashion accessory
Economies of scale in manufacturing are causing rapid reductions in costs and solar energy has a bright future.
The Guardian - 4 March 2010 - 37
Economies of scale in manufacturing are causing rapid reductions in costs and solar energy has a bright future.
The Guardian - 4 March 2010 - 37
Villages dying as young flee 'broadband deserts'
Village life is in danger of dying out as a record number of young people desert the countryside because of a lack of modern services like faster internet speeds, the Government's rural tsar has warned.
Daily Telegraph - 4 March 2010 - 10
Village life is in danger of dying out as a record number of young people desert the countryside because of a lack of modern services like faster internet speeds, the Government's rural tsar has warned.
Daily Telegraph - 4 March 2010 - 10
Feed-in tariffs are key to energy innovation
Letters in response to George Monbiot's article on feed-in tariffs.
The Guardian - 3 March 2010 - 33
Letters in response to George Monbiot's article on feed-in tariffs.
The Guardian - 3 March 2010 - 33
Firefighter arrested after farmer is killed by stampeding cows 'spooked' by siren and lights
A fireman has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a farmer was trampled to death by a herd of cows which were spooked by his siren.
Daily Mail - 3 March 2010 - 5
A fireman has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a farmer was trampled to death by a herd of cows which were spooked by his siren.
Daily Mail - 3 March 2010 - 5
GM potato to be grown in Europe
Farmers will be able to grow fields of genetically modified (GM) potatoes in Europe for the first time after a controversial ruling by the European Commission.
Daily Telegraph - 3 March 2010 - 16
Farmers will be able to grow fields of genetically modified (GM) potatoes in Europe for the first time after a controversial ruling by the European Commission.
Daily Telegraph - 3 March 2010 - 16
Gyrocopter rotor blade killed hunt supporter instantly, court told
A hunt supporter trying to stop a pilot from taking off in a gyrocopter had his head sliced open by the machine's tail rotor blade, a court heard today.
The Guardian - 3 March 2010 - 11
A hunt supporter trying to stop a pilot from taking off in a gyrocopter had his head sliced open by the machine's tail rotor blade, a court heard today.
The Guardian - 3 March 2010 - 11
In praise of … the Severn bore
Whether it has a future is open to doubt, all the more reason to surf the bore while it.
The Guardian - 3 March 2010 - 32
Whether it has a future is open to doubt, all the more reason to surf the bore while it.
The Guardian - 3 March 2010 - 32
Call for deer cull to be extended
The Scottish Wildlife Trust yesterday called for the annual cull of deer across Scotland to be extended to avoid them starving during the unusally harsh winter.
Financial Times - 2 March 2010 - 5
The Scottish Wildlife Trust yesterday called for the annual cull of deer across Scotland to be extended to avoid them starving during the unusally harsh winter.
Financial Times - 2 March 2010 - 5
Supermarkets to offer 'green energy makeovers'
Supermarkets and DIY chains will offer 'green energy makeovers' to home owners as part of Government plans to transform Britain's housing stock.
Daily Telegraph - 2 March 2010 - 8
Supermarkets and DIY chains will offer 'green energy makeovers' to home owners as part of Government plans to transform Britain's housing stock.
Daily Telegraph - 2 March 2010 - 8
Bears, lynx, wolves and elk considered for reintroduction into British countryside
Lynx, brown bears, wolves and elk are among a range of animals being considered for reintroduction to the countryside centuries after they died out in Britain.
Sunday Telegraph - 1 March 2010 - 10
Lynx, brown bears, wolves and elk are among a range of animals being considered for reintroduction to the countryside centuries after they died out in Britain.
Sunday Telegraph - 1 March 2010 - 10
Biofuels 'more polluting than diesel'
Using fossil fuel in vehicles is better for the environment than so-called green fuels made from crops, according to a government study seen by The Times.
The Times - 1 March 2010 - 3
Using fossil fuel in vehicles is better for the environment than so-called green fuels made from crops, according to a government study seen by The Times.
The Times - 1 March 2010 - 3
Dog owners face 'competency test'
Owners of all dogs could have to undergo a "competency test" under plans being considered by the Government.
Daily Telegraph - 1 March 2010 - 9
Owners of all dogs could have to undergo a "competency test" under plans being considered by the Government.
Daily Telegraph - 1 March 2010 - 9
Dog owners test is barking up the wrong tree
Proposed new rules for the dog-owning classes are a model of useless state interference, says George Pitcher.
Daily Telegraph - 1 March 2010 - 24
Proposed new rules for the dog-owning classes are a model of useless state interference, says George Pitcher.
Daily Telegraph - 1 March 2010 - 24
Spring is back to normal – after 15 freak mild years
Spring begins today, Monday 1 March, and it is running about three weeks to a month late compared to recent years.
The Independent - 1 March 2010 - 11
Spring begins today, Monday 1 March, and it is running about three weeks to a month late compared to recent years.
The Independent - 1 March 2010 - 11
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