Search results for ""Royal Society for the Protection of Birds""

The development of agriculture has caused rapid changes to the rural environment. Today, with growing awareness and concern for environmental issues, there is a movement to stem further damage to the countryside and replace some of the values which have been lost. Voluntary non-profit organisations which own and manage land for countryside conservation are playing an increasingly important role in this movement. These are called CARTs Conservation, Amenity and Recreation Trusts. Countryside in Trust explores the principles behind this movement and investigates the activities of the wide range of organisations involved, both large and small, including the National Trust, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and the Scottish Tree Trust. The origins and experiences of CARTs are traced in a series of chapters which examine the different types of organisation, their land management activities and finances, and their close relationship with government agencies at all levels. Finally, the authors describe the role of public policy towards CARTs and assess the implications for the future. This is the first book to examine the large numbers of landholding environmental and amenity trusts in the UK, and is essential reading for students, voluntary organisations, conservation groups, land owners and local authorities.

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The British Expeditionary Force sent to France in the late summer of 1914 has been referred to as the 'Best British Army Ever Sent to War' as it was one of the most highly trained and disciplined forces in the world. It was also the 'Best Birdwatching Army Ever Sent to War' for among its ranks were hundreds of both amateur and professional ornithologists. When not fighting, many soldiers turned to birdwatching as a way of whiling away the long hours spent on guard duty or watching over 'no man's land'. The list of birds seen by them serving in all the theatres of war was truly impressive, ranging from the common like sparrows, skylarks and swallows to the exotic like golden orioles, hoopoes and bee-eaters. It was not just at the battle front that birds found themselves in the firing line but also on the home front. For the Foreign Secretary, Edward Grey, who worked tirelessly to preserve peace but ended up convincing the House of Commons to go to war, birds were his hinterland. But as well as declaring war on Germany on 4 August 1914, the government also declared war on the humble house sparrow, farmers falsely accusing it of destroying Britain's dwindling wheat and oat supplies. From the outset the slaughter was opposed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds who eventually triumphed over the Board of Agriculture, becoming the powerful voice for conservation we know today. When the guns finally fell silent on 11 November 1918 and the Great War came to an ignoble end, a generation of birdwatchers lay dead. Among them were scientists, researchers, lords, librarians, artists, authors, professors, poets, lawyers, surgeons and explorers, many young men with great promise. Had they lived, the science of ornithology and the hobby of birdwatching would have undoubtedly been much the richer. In commemoration of their sacrifice a selection of them is included in the Ornithological Roll of Honour at the back of this book.

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An accessible, comprehensive and beautifully illustrated guide—the only one to cover all the orchids found in Britain and IrelandCovering all fifty-one native species and twelve of uncertain origin, as well as hybrids and variants, Britain’s Orchids is an engaging, intuitive and in-depth identification guide to all the orchids of Britain and Ireland at all stages of development, from first emergence to setting seed. Drawing on the authors’ extensive field experience and the latest scientific research, the book uses multiple techniques to help both beginner and more advanced orchid enthusiasts to identify even the most difficult plants. It is beautifully illustrated with watercolour paintings by talented artist Sarah Stribbling, and features more than 1,200 evocative, instructive and detailed photographs. Orchids have long fired the imagination with their beauty and rarity. This book aims to ignite or increase your passion for these special plants, and for the conservation of their varied habitats—from remote mountaintops to urban wild spaces. The first book to cover all the species at all stages of development, as well as all subspecies, varieties and confirmed hybrids Lavishly illustrated with 98 beautiful watercolour plates More than 1,200 stunning photos showing the orchids in their natural settings and highlighting key identification features Simple, step-by-step system for identifying almost any orchid you encounter Up-to-date distribution maps and seasonal charts showing when each species can be seen in its various stages of development Sean Cole is a field naturalist who has been studying orchids for more than twenty years, with special interests in identification, taxonomy and pollination. He has published many articles on British orchids, including his specialty, the Ghost Orchid. Mike Waller is an ecologist and botanist who specializes in European orchids. He has worked for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Natural History Museum in London, the London Wildlife Trust and Plantlife.

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This definitive and bestselling field guide is the perfect companion for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Now revised and updated, this lavishly illustrated bird book includes crystal-clear photography and the latest taxonomic changes. From Robins to Jays, from Kingfishers to Ravens, this is your complete photo guide to all the birds of Britain and Europe.A Must-Have for Any BirdwatcherThe sheer variety in shape, colour, and size of the birds to be found in Britain and Europe provide birdwatchers with a truly spectacular pastime. Whether out for a walk in the local park or in the heart of the countryside, there is always something interesting to see.This bird guide is an essential reference for the novice and experienced birdwatcher. It includes:- Full-page profiles of the 330 most seen species in Britain and Europe.- Audio app that gives access to the bird songs and calls of key species.- Stunning photographs that capture the beauty and detail of each bird.- Key facts relating to each bird, which has been expertly verified by the RSPB and top bird author Rob Hume.For ornithology enthusiasts, or if you just want to identify the visitors coming into your garden, this bird guide will tell you everything you need to know about our local birds. It has been authenticated by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds to provide you with the most thorough and accurate information.Discover detailed profiles of a wide variety of birds in Britain and Europe. Read about their different behaviours and habits, such as mating, nursing, and migration patterns. Learn when the best time of year is to spot them and where they are most likely to be found.The highest quality photography brings over 500 bird species to life on the page. Every text entry covers identification of adults and juveniles, and you'll soon be able to identity birds from their shape, plumage, or call. This accessible birdwatching guide also features references to similar-looking species.

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Spot the difference! If you are not sure how to tell the difference between a swift or a swallow or shelduck from a shoveler, this bird guide is for you.Designed for beginners and more experienced birdwatchers alike, your DK bird book includes over 150 European birds and their distinguishing features. Authenticated by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the facts and illustrations included in this fascinating book will help you easily tell the difference between similar birds.Inside, you will find:- Similar and commonly confused birds, shown side by side for quick comparison and identification- A habitat-by-habitat approach that ensures you will quickly find the bird you are looking for- A compact and portable format for ease of use anywhere- Habitat overviews that show you where to look for and find particular birds within their natural environment- An at-a-glance bird-finder section that shows thumbnails of birds, grouped by colour, for instant identification- A fully illustrated introduction that explains the basics of birdwatching - where and what to look for- Concise, clear, and informative text, written by Rob Hume, a leading ornithological expert and writerSet off on an exciting nature adventure. Spot birds of all kinds in your garden or in the wild. The bird species included in this RSPB pocket guide are grouped according to habitat and appearance, with each image highlighted with their key characteristics, showing you exactly how to tell each bird apart! What's that Bird? includes an introductory section that highlights key features of birds such as size, shape, colour, pattern, flight, sound, season, and behaviour. From woodlands and forests, fresh water and coast, to the open country, author and leading ornithological expert Rob Hume, takes you on an exploration of birds around Britain and Europe. The pages of the photographic field guide are filled with high-quality photographs, detailed descriptions and comparisons, and an at-a-glance bird-finder so you will go from novice bird watcher to expert in no time.Look out for more RSPB books from DK. Discover the simplest, clearest guide to identifying common European birds ever in RSPB Birds of Britain and Europe or get out into your garden and get bird spotting with the RSPB Pocket Garden Birdwatch.

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