Seeing the Changes 1772

In Loughor, Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) was flowering.

Reaping What He Sows?

Herefordshire's (England) river Lugg is a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest. It provides rare habitats for many animals, including salmon, trout, kingfishers and otters. A farmer, with property worth £21m-£25m, decided to use bulldozers and excavators, to dredge and re-profile a 1.5 k stretch of 'his' river. The exercise removed tons of material and trashed mature trees along the river banks. He claimed he was improving waterflow (it wouldn't have any such effect). The farmer has fortunately received a 12 month prison sentence for his 'environmental vandalism' (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/21/farmer-jailed-for-damaging-river-lugg-herefordshire). The Environmental Agency and Natural England took the farmer to court. They often currently don't bring charges, being concerned about risking their limited finances. In addition to his prison sentence, the farmer has to pay £600,000 of prosecution costs. He will also has to finance the remediation for that stretch of the river and is banned from being a company director for 3 years. These are all sensible outcomes but a) it will take decades for the river habitats to recover and b) the money involved is 'a drop in the ocean', given the farmer's total assets.

The Day One Point Five Died?

A Copernicus Climate Change Service's report confirms the mantra of 'keeping 1.5, alive' has failed, at least in Europe. Limiting global heating to 1.5 degrees Centigrade (above pre-Industrial levels) was supposed (by the Paris Accord) to be the 'safe' option. This is, of course, only an educated guess. Over the last 5 years, however, the average temperature, in Europe, is 2.2 degrees Centigrade above pre-Industrial levels (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/20/frightening-record-busting-heat-and-drought-hit-europe-in-2022). The Copernicus report confirms, that 2022 was Europe's 2nd warmest on record. Average temperatures on this continent, are rising at twice the global average rate. In 2022, heatwaves killed more than 20,000 people in Europe. European temperature rises, for 2023, are currently 'baked in'!

McClimate Change?

The McDonald's hamburger chain seems proud of its climate change actions. It, of course, has long encouraged over-eating, rearing of climate-busting cattle, destruction of the Brazilian rainforest (to grow soya for cattle feed) etc. McDonald's has now been recently revealed, to have supported London's Metropolitan police, in their attempts to 'deal' with (in some cases illegally) climate change demonstators (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/apr/21/mcdonalds-offered-met-police-cheap-burgers-and-free-drinks-during-xr-protests). Extinction Rebellion (XR) carried out major demonstations in central London. At this time, 6 London McDonalds outlets in the area, offered police free hot drinks, half-price burgers, use of toilets and places (after 11 pm) to sit quietly. It's appreciated that demonstations are likely to hit sales in fast food outlets. McDonalds was, however, perhaps ill-advised to offer the police such direct support? The Metropolitan police, themselves, seemed to appreciate this. They advised their officers not to be too 'upfront' about the deals. Perhaps McDonalds dismissed XR protestors, as being unlikely to eat any burgers? If so, it was purely a commercial decision?

Muck Spreaders!

Councillors in Stockport (Greater Manchester) have abandoned their plans to create a green space for the public on waste land. Soil, in the chosen area, is so contaminated with leached sewage, it's thought to pose a risk to human and tree health (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/21/sewage-soaked-field-stops-creation-of-new-woodland-in-greater-manchester). United Utilities is the privatised water company, operating in this area. It was the most polluting English water company last year. Ten of the country's 20 pipes spilling the most raw sewage last year, belong to United Utilities. Environment Agency data reveals that, last year, United Utilities discharged raw sewage on the Stockport site, 135 times. That's equivalent to 40 continuous days of sewage flow! The privatised companies don't just contaminate the rivers and coastal waters, they spread muck on our green (and in some places, unpleasant?) land. They do this simply to save money for their shareholders and CEOs. The solution for the Stockport councillors could be relevatively simple. Firstly, stop United Utilities (or its replacement) discharging raw sewage in that area. Secondly, cordon off the area for a few years (for human health protection). Thirdly, leave the transformation to nature. Creating their green space will take longer (than tree planting) but it will still happen. The result might even prove more naturalistic and vibrant.

Seeing the Changes 1771

In Bynea, Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) was in bloom.

Seeing the Changes 1770

Lots more flora and fauna at Swansea University's Bay Campus and Crymlyn Burrows. Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris); Common fumitory (Fumaria officinalis); Marsh cranesbill (Geranium palustre); Marsh violet (Viola palustris); Marsh hawksbeard (Crepis tectorium) and Marsh ragwort (Senecio aquaticus) were all in bloom. Flies sun-lounged on buttercups. Also spotted St Mark's fly (Bibio marci), Tadpoles of the Common frog (Rana temporaria) and an active Viviparous lizard (Lacerta viviparia).