It is nothing short of delightful to see New Nature Magazine going from strength to strength following its conception in late 2016. It’s exquisite design and fabulous content are testament to the young volunteers who dedicate their time, freely, to amplifying the voices of the next generation. It is with great pleasure that I can announce the launch of our March-April edition, available to download free here: bit.ly/2tZf32s
A description of what you can expect in this issue can be found below courtesy of Editor-in-Cheif, Alice Johnson.
The sun shines stronger now, down on deciduous trees that feel the warmth as their buds begin to open; snowdrops adorn woodland floors, as winter turns into spring. Many of us have patiently waited for the moment that signals the season has finally changed – a flutter of an orange tip butterfly as it floats through the air, or the first glimpse of a swallow dashing through the sky.
In this spring issue of New Nature, we urge you to get outside and enjoy the first joys of the season – some bird species, like common crossbill and raven, have already begun the task of rearing young, find out more from Elliot Chandler on p8. Take inspiration for a springtime walk from Lucy Hodson’s book review of Kate Humble’s Thinking on My Feet (p48), a must-read for any lover of the outdoors. If the day still holds the chill of winter and you want to stay wrapped up warm inside, then take a literary walk along the Sefton Coast with Hannah Branwood (p10), or discover the joys of skylark watching on the South Downs from Sophie May Lewis (p16).
As always our conservation-minded contributors have penned their thoughts on some interesting and sometimes concerning topics – Ryan Deal considers the effect of artificial lighting on wildlife (p35), while Carla Broom evaluates conservation grazing (p33). Harry Househam from the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust also shares with us the Trust’s new project, ‘Nature Stewards of the Future, which is aimed at young wildlife lovers and conservationists – learn what it is all about on p26.
For readers looking for advice on how to turn their plot into a wildlife haven, go to p22 where I speak to Brigit Strawbridge about gardening for bees and the importance of pollinators. If you want to marvel in some inspiring art and photography, then we have it covered, too! Alex Pearce chats to the incredible artist Rob Arnold who uses plastic litter to create thought-provoking pieces (p38), and Matt Roseveare shares with us his
fantastic wildlife shots from the New Forest (p42). We are also excited to announce the New Nature writing competition is back, this year judged by Dominic Couzens! Find out how to enter on p46.
Thank you to all of our fantastic contributors and our readers as always, and remember to share your springtime wildlife moments with us on our social media channels for a chance to have them featured in the magazine.
– Alice Johnson, Editor-in-Cheif