Natural Wonders

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Rescuers Employ Air Cushions in New Effort to Save Stranded Humpback Whale

Rescuers plan to use air cushions to free a stranded humpback whale off Germany's coast, despite its critical condition and previous failed attempts.

3 min read

Reuters People next to a humpback whale stranded on a sandbank,

Rare White-Letter Hairstreak Butterflies Return After 430 Elm Trees Planted

After planting over 400 elm trees in the Quantocks, volunteers have spotted rare white-letter hairstreak butterflies, a species that has declined by 80% since 1973 due to habitat loss and disease.

2 min read

Butterfly Conservation A white-letter hairstreak butterfly is sitting on a green leaf. It is mostly brown with an orange stripe and a white W on its wings.

Scotland's Last Natterjack Toads Face Critical Threats Along Solway Coast

Scotland's only natterjack toad colonies along the Solway Coast face severe threats from habitat loss and climate change. Conservation groups urge the public to help by reporting their distinctive calls to aid survival efforts.

3 min read

Getty Images A natterjack toad with green eyes and mottled skin

Golden Eagle Reintroduction Supported, Consultation Essential for Success

Northern England charities welcome government support for golden eagle reintroduction, stressing that thorough consultation with local communities is essential for success, with potential releases as early as 2027 in areas like the North Pennines and Lake District.

4 min read

Ian Georgeson A close-up image of a Golden Eagle with its body almost filling the picture. It is a brown colour with white on its wings and around its face and has its wings about to be outstretched. It is looking intently into the camera.

Dorset Wildlife Trust Proposes Releasing Up to 50 Wild Beavers into Rivers

Dorset Wildlife Trust plans to release up to 50 wild beavers into Dorset rivers, following phased reintroduction efforts and public consultation to ensure responsible restoration.

2 min read

Pine Martens Thrive After Reintroduction in South-West England

Pine martens reintroduced to Dartmoor and Exmoor are thriving, with confirmed breeding after over 100 years. Conservationists track their movements and encourage public sightings to support the project.

2 min read

Mark Hamblin A pine marten stands on top of a log in an area of grassland. It has brown fur with black eyes and a black nose.

Government Commits £1m to Reintroduce Golden Eagles in England by 2025

The UK government pledges £1m to reintroduce golden eagles in England by 2025, aiming to restore this apex predator after 19th-century extinction. The project includes public consultations and addresses farmer concerns over livestock impact.

6 min read

Javier Sánchez/Getty Images A golden eagle flies over Scottish moorland in the rain

Joseph Cyr Captures Unique 'Preaching' Cactus in Arizona Desert

Joseph Cyr, a language teacher, photographed a rare crested saguaro cactus in Arizona’s Saguaro National Park, capturing its unique, human-like form during a trail run.

2 min read

Black and white photo of a double crested saguaro cactus in Arizona, US

Argentina's Glacier Law Reform Sparks Concern Over Water and Mining Impact

Argentina's recent reforms to glacier protection laws have sparked widespread concern over water security and environmental impact amid plans for expanded mining in the Andes. Communities, scientists, and environmentalists warn of risks to vital water sources supporting millions.

6 min read

Getty Images A large glacier next to a large rock, with a river basin below

Kilauea Volcano Erupts, Lava Fountains Reach 200 Meters on Hawaii’s Big Island

Kilauea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island erupted Thursday, sending lava fountains 200 meters high and prompting closure of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Authorities issued ashfall warnings and safety precautions amid ongoing volcanic activity.

2 min read

Kilauea volcano erupting in Hawaii – loop

Nature Reserve Aids UK Crane Population Recovery in Record Breeding Year

The RSPB's Lakenheath Fen reserve in Suffolk has helped restore the UK's tallest bird, the common crane, with a record 37 chicks born nationwide last year, marking significant progress since their extinction 400 years ago.

4 min read

PA Media A small crane chick in grassy part of a nature reserve. The chick is an orange colour with a yellow beak.

Beavers Reintroduced to Bedfordshire After 400 Years

A family of Eurasian beavers has been reintroduced to Bedfordshire for the first time in 400 years, following two years of preparation to restore local ecology and enhance drought resilience.

3 min read

Chiew Loo A brown beaver, with just it head and body, and then tail showing, swimming in water, and heading straight towards the camera. A bank is behind it.