Notes From a Birder and Writer
Monday, 27 April 2026
FROM MARINE CONSERVATION—WHAT GOES IN THE WATER GETS INGESTED
Help us stop harmful chemicals causing more damage
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A bottlenose dolphin and its baby are swimming in the ocean. A yellow smear appears on the mother dolphin and in the water surrounding it, to represent harmful chemicals. Text overlaid reads: Stop the Ocean Chemical Crisis
Hi John,
What do sea otters, bottlenose dolphins, northern gannets and polar bears all have in common? Exposure to harmful forever chemicals, otherwise known as PFAS. These beloved species are being damaged by human-made chemicals, but we're determined to put a stop to it and protect the ocean for generations to come.
A sea otter floats on its back on top of water. There is a lurid yellow smear overlaid on the otter's fur to represent harmful chemicals
You'll hopefully recognise the adorable, fluffy sea otter. Sadly, these beautiful animals are struggling to fight off infection because their immune systems have been damaged by exposure to forever chemicals. And they're not the only species affected.
Forever chemicals have been shown to disrupt reproduction, thyroid activity, metabolism and development in fish. They've also been linked to neurological impacts in polar bears, which could impact behaviours from searching for food to mating.
Perhaps most shocking of all is the fact that PFAS have been shown to pass from sea birds to their eggs, pre-polluting the chicks inside before they've even been born.
But hope is not lost. If we work together, we can stop the ocean chemical crisis. We're asking for a universal restriction on PFAS to be introduced by 2030, to stop more of these harmful chemicals polluting the ocean and the marine life that calls it home.
With your donation to our Big Give appeal, John, we'll have more funds to be able to lobby the UK Government for change. We'll also be able to research both the continued impacts of PFAS, and other solutions needed to tackle them. Donate now to help protect marine life from the ocean chemical crisis, and remember that your donation will be doubled for this week only!
Double your impact and donate today
Thanks so much for your support.
Francesca
Policy and Advocacy Manager (Chemicals)
Marine Conservation Society
Test your PFAS knowledge
Put what you've learnt to the test with our PFAS quiz. Find out if you're a PFAS expert - here's the first question to get you started:
First things first, what actually are PFAS?
Natural chemicals found in seaweed that are rich in nutrients and primarily used as fertilizers
Human-made chemicals used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products
Text speak for Piranha Fish Are Scary
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The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is the UK charity dedicated to protecting our seas, shores and wildlife.
Marine Conservation Society | Company Limited by Guarantee (England and Wales) No. 2550966
Registered Charity No. England and Wales No. 1004005 | Scotland No. SC037480
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Registered Office:
Overross House, Ross Park, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 7US.
Scottish Office:
CBC House, 24 Canning Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EG.
PROTECT THE WILD—THE SAVAGERY EXPOSED OF THROWING LIVE FOXES TO THE HOUNDS AND FILMING IT
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They filmed it and shared it like a trophy.
ROB POWNALL
APR 26
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I need to tell you about three foxes.
The first was in Norfolk. A fox, cornered in a private back garden. Nowhere to run. Hunt supporters looked on as the hounds closed in and tore them apart. In someone’s garden. A place that should have been a sanctuary.
The second was in Wiltshire. Footage filmed by hunt supporters and shared in WhatsApp groups showed the Avon Vale Hunt throwing two foxes directly to their hounds. Not a mistake. Not an accident. A deliberate act carried out by people who filmed it and shared it like a trophy.
This is what fox hunting actually is. Not a tradition. Not a sport. A blood ritual carried out by people who believe they are untouchable.
This week, the hunting season officially ended.
For the first time in years, we go into the off-season on the front foot. The government is now formally consulting on banning trail hunting for good. We helped force that moment. Viral animations seen by millions. Groundbreaking undercover investigations and reports. Years of lobbying. Millions of campaign emails. Hunt saboteurs and monitors supported in the field, season after season. That is what got us here.
But here is what I need you to understand.
The hunts are not done. They are regrouping right now. Lobbying quietly. Waiting for the consultation to pass without delivering a proper ban. They have money, they have lawyers, and they have friends in high places.
What we have is you.
Today I am asking you to adopt a fox.
Adopt a Fox
Every adoption directly funds the final push, the work that turns a government consultation into an actual ban.
In return you will receive a soft toy fox, sent straight to your door. These also make a perfect gift for any fox lover in your life. A reminder of exactly who we are fighting for.
We are closer than we have ever been. But close does not finish the job.
Thank you for standing with us.
Rob Pownall
Founder, Protect the Wild
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Protect the Wild, 71-75 Shelton Street
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Sunday, 26 April 2026
FROM PROTECT THE WILD — SWIFT NESTING HOLES RE-OPENED BUT AT WHAT COST
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VICTORY! Network Rail to reopen nesting holes for Swifts!
ROB POWNALL
APR 25
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I have some brilliant news to share!
Network Rail has confirmed it will reopen the swift nesting holes at Chapel Milton viaduct and work is already under way.
High Peak Borough Council has confirmed that listed building consent is not required to reopen the three holes identified by campaigners. Network Rail says it is now mobilising contractors to carry out the work as quickly and safely as possible. Swift boxes are also being installed on the viaduct to provide additional nesting habitat.
This is the outcome we campaigned for. The nesting holes will be reopened before the birds return.
None of this would have happened without you.
Local campaigners raised the alarm, gathered evidence, and refused to let this issue be dismissed. More than 12,800 people signed Protect the Wild’s petition and turned concern into real pressure. Network Rail has acknowledged that pressure directly, recognising the strength of feeling both locally and across the country.
Swifts are one of the UK’s most rapidly declining species. They return each year to the same nesting sites, and when those sites are blocked, they cannot breed. Getting these holes reopened before nesting season was always the priority and that is exactly what has been achieved.
There is still work to be done to ensure swifts are properly protected during future infrastructure works. But today is a day to recognise what collective action can accomplish.
Thank you to everyone who signed, shared, and spoke up for these birds. This one is yours.
Adopt an Animal and support our work
By adopting an animal with Protect the Wild, you are directly supporting frontline campaigns that protect some of Britain’s most persecuted species. Our fox adoption symbolises our fight to finally end hunting for good. Our badger adoption represents our determination to stop the badger cull and protect wildlife from government-sanctioned killing. Our peregrine falcon adoption stands for our work exposing the bird shooting industry and defending birds of prey from persecution as we work to take that industry down.
Adopt an Animal
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Protect the Wild, 71-75 Shelton Street
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Friday, 24 April 2026
FROM AMY AT MARINE CONSERVATION
Your donation will be doubled for this week only
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Hi John,
Our work to stop forever chemicals reaching the ocean will not only benefit amazing wildlife, but you too. From walks along the beach and birdwatching by the coast, to rock pooling, beach days and surfing in the waves, we'll all be enjoying healthier seas.
A few of our staff and ocean ambassadors, including Zoe Lyons, (and a little cameo from budding marine biologist, Henry) have recorded a special message for you. Watch our super-short videos to find out what they have to say:
Our goal of seeing a universal restriction on PFAS by 2030 will also future-proof the seas for the next generation, so that children will be able to experience an ocean filled with wonder for years to come. Please donate to our Big Give appeal today. You can double your impact for this week only, as every donation is doubled by matched funding.
Donate today
Thanks so much for your support.
Amy
Marine Conservation Society
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The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is the UK charity dedicated to protecting our seas, shores and wildlife.
Marine Conservation Society | Company Limited by Guarantee (England and Wales) No. 2550966
Registered Charity No. England and Wales No. 1004005 | Scotland No. SC037480
VAT No. 321 4912 32
Registered Office:
Overross House, Ross Park, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 7US.
Scottish Office:
CBC House, 24 Canning Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EG.
FROM THE SABOTUERS —- JUST EIGHT WEEKS TO GO? TO MAKE HUNTING HISTORY
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Hi, Supporter
EIGHT WEEKS TO MAKE HUNTING HISTORY!
A month ago, the government launched its long-awaited consultation on how to ban ‘trail hunting’. This is a once in a generation opportunity to blow away the smokescreen of ‘trail hunting’ and close the many loopholes in the 2004 Hunting Act.
This poor fox was hunted and killed on the anniversary of the Hunting Act.
This leaves you just eight weeks to complete the consultation, which closes on the18th June 2026. To makes this process quick, easy and effective the HSA has produced guidance which you can find here.
One of the key things to remember is that your submission should be individual and, where possible, capture your direct experience of hunts. By way of example, we reproduce below three accounts from the hundreds we receive on our Tip-Off line every year.
Because of the violence endemic in the hunting world, we have removed any identifying information.
We regularly hear from country people who are traumatised by the sudden arrival of the hunt into their area:
“The hunt - several men on horses and around fifty hounds - were in the little scrap of
woodland just west of XXX Farm just outside the village. There was a lot of shouting, hounds were manic, baying crazily and we heard the most terrible screaming of I can only assume a fox being ripped apart. We were on a footpath close-by walking our dog. The animal screaming only lasted a minute or two but all I could think of was to get away. I’m sorry I didn’t get a picture, but my old dog was also really frightened and to be honest I was afraid for her. So, we legged it. We felt afraid, upset and so incredibly sad for the fox as well and bloody angry that this barbaric activity still goes on.”
"We heard the most terrible screaming..."
It is also common for people out enjoying the peace of the countryside to have their experience totally ruined when the hunt shows up:
“We saw a large fox hunt, all in uniform. Two foxes ran past us, followed closely by the hunt. They ran past us and I shouted at them, they said they were following a pre-laid trail and it’s not their fault if the foxes get in the way. They had about 30 dogs with them, hunting calls being used and multiple split up horse groups. The dogs were yapping and very excited, with many people stopped on the roads watching, looking like they were watching for the fox.”
Hunts cause havoc and upset wherever they go.
Every year, we receive reports of companion animals being terrorised or even killed by hunts:
“Hunt arrived unannounced into the village. A single male rider was trying to control 20+ dogs with just a horn. The dogs were out of control and running into gardens and private land that residents house their horses in. Residents were frightened for their animal’s safety and had to rush to get chickens locked away. They were running and pushing my husband on the playing field, and it was lucky that children weren’t playing unsupervised as it would have been frightening. They were seen chasing a fox that lives in the village out into some residential gardens then out into the field.”
The Western Hunt hounds rip a beloved cat to pieces, March 2021.
If you have had any similar experiences with hunts – and we know many of you have- please record them when you complete your consultation.
Your contribution is important – please complete the consultation today!
Have your say
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Thursday, 23 April 2026
FROM AMY AT MARINE CONSERVATION ASKS CAN YOU HELP THE BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS
Donate to our Big Give appeal and your donation will be doubled
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Banner image: Right: A northern gannet is looking down at her nest which has an egg in it. The egg and the gannet have a lurid yellow smear on them. Text: Stop the Ocean Chemical Crisis.
Hi John,
Happy Earth Day! Our Big Give appeal to Stop the Ocean Chemical Crisis is now live. For this week only, any donation you make will be doubled by the Big Give and our generous partners at Sonardyne and the Marsh Charitable Trust. This means your £5 becomes £10, £10 becomes £20 and £25 becomes £50, at no extra cost to you.
Donate today
A short video clip of a bottlenose dolphin swimming playfully above coral
Credit: vkilikov
Because it's Earth Day, I thought I'd share some facts about one of my favourite marine mammals: the highly sociable bottlenose dolphin. Did you know that when they breach the water, they can leap up to 5m above the waves?
They're also incredibly clever. One study placed marks on two dolphins’ bodies; both dolphins used a mirror to investigate the marked parts of their bodies, suggesting that they can recognise their own reflection. How incredible is that?
Unfortunately for the bottlenose dolphin, they're one of the many marine species that are being impacted by the ocean chemical crisis. Exposure to harmful 'forever chemicals', called PFAS, means they're struggling to fight illness because their liver, kidney, blood and immune systems aren't working effectively. I find it utterly heartbreaking to think that animals are suffering because of humans.
At the Marine Conservation Society, we've been campaigning for a universal restriction on PFAS. We've been making great progress, with the UK Government announcing their PFAS Plan in January of this year. We know we can do more, but we need your help, John.
You can double your impact by donating to our Big Give appeal today. Every donation we receive will enable us to continue demanding change for our ocean, as well as provide us with funding for vital scientific research to better understand how PFAS affect the health of our ocean and the marine life that call it home.
Stop the ocean chemical crisis poisoning dolphins. Donate today.
Thanks so much for your support.
Amy
Marine Conservation Society
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The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is the UK charity dedicated to protecting our seas, shores and wildlife.
Marine Conservation Society | Company Limited by Guarantee (England and Wales) No. 2550966
Registered Charity No. England and Wales No. 1004005 | Scotland No. SC037480
VAT No. 321 4912 32
Registered Office:
Overross House, Ross Park, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 7US.
Scottish Office:
CBC House, 24 Canning Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EG.
PROTECT THE WILD — CAN YOU HELP IN YOUR OWN AREA
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Help us fight for wildlife near YOU
ROB POWNALL
APR 23
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Hi everyone :)
A few months ago we brought on a dedicated Scottish campaigns manager (Devon Docherty) and it got me thinking about how we can better represent wildlife across all of the UK.
To help us tailor our campaigns and close the gaps where British wildlife needs more voices, could you tell us where you’re based? We’d love to know how many of you are from each corner of the British isles and beyond! :)
It’s just a single question Google form and takes five seconds :)
The responses will be incredibly valuable in helping shape our future work.
Respond
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