Tag: Magazine

Another issue of New Nature!

We’re delighted to bring you yet another edition of New Nature, the youth nature magazine. Covering September and October, the publication is jampacked with content associated with wildlife and wild spaces. You can download the latest edition for free.

For now, I will leave you with an introduction to the latest issue courtesy of outgoing Editor-in-Chief, Alexandra. Enjoy!

Autumn is a time of change; perceptible in the curl of a leaf, the early morning mist and the lingering of the moon in the late morning sky. Here at New Nature, we are undergoing some major changes too.

So it is within this letter that I take the opportunity to announce a few things; firstly we will be switching from bimonthly to quarterly to fit in with the seasons. We are a purely voluntary team and running a magazine is a full-time job, so sometimes we have to make adjustments to fit in with busy schedules. We will also be advertising for some new roles, so please keep an eye on our social media to see if there is something that could suit you – we are a lovely team to join and being a part of the magazine offers some fantastic opportunities. My final announcement is that one of those roles will be my position; Editor in Chief. I am not leaving the New Nature team completely but will be taking a step back into a background supporting role, allowing someone else to take the helm of this fantastic publication.

This is an exciting issue for me to finish on; I always love reading our writing competition entries and can say that the standard of entries has been really high! Even if you haven’t placed, we loved reading every single entry and are impressed with all of them – remember, we are always looking for contributors so if you want to send us an article we would love to hear your suggestions.

As well as selecting our competition winners (p. 20), the fantastic Dominic Couzens also talked to Lucy Hodson (p. 18) about his career in nature writing, we learn about how to take photographs ethically whilst still getting some outstanding shots with Benjamin Harris (p. 32), get some tips and advice from Danielle Conner (p.28) and Sophie May Lewis takes us through the autumnal changes she is seeing in her column about Sussex.

A huge thanks to everyone who has contributed, read or supported us at New Nature, we really appreciate it and are excited about the upcoming changes and hope that you will be too.

Alexandra Pearce-Broomhead, Editor-in-Cheif

The latest New Nature Magazine is out!

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:

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

New Nature: Issue 18

This month we celebrate the success of the fantastic young writers who took part in our inaugural writing competition. Entitled ‘the embodiment of Spring’ and judged by reknowned author, Robert Macfarlane, some sensational articles were submitted as part of contest proceedings, and we had an incredibly tough time making anything that vaguely resembled a decision. That said, Arabella Currie was the eventual winner with a fantastic poem entitled Black Cows in a Yellow Field. We offer our congratulations to her and the other featured entries from Conor Gearin and Dara McAnulty specifically – although everyone who submitted should be incredibly proud of their work.

This month, Robert also features as our guest interview (p.28) teaching us some new words and offering advice on how to make it as a nature writer; while continuing with our winning theme, we also speak to Elliot Monteith, a recent winner of the winner of the Cameron Bespolka Trust scholarship, about the scheme and why it’s worth committing to. (p.32)

In our June issue also, Sophie May Lewis tells us about tiger hunting in Sussex (p.16), whilst Emily Jordan provides an insight into the weird and wonderful world of the sand lizard in this month’s species focus (p.20). Great articles which are far from alone this edition as a fleet of young writers discuss everything from marvellous mud snails and earthworms, to Brexit (p.26).

Look out also for AFON member Ben Eagle’s superb review of Tiffany Francis’s new book, Food You Can Forage – a fantastic read and book we on the editorial team cannot help but endorse.

The latest issue of New Nature can be downloaded for free here: http://bit.ly/2sVvvQm 

If you would like to express an opinion on environmental issues or submit your writing, art and photography to the magazine, you can get in touch at editorial.newnature@gmail.com, or contact us on social media.

New Nature: Issue 14

It’s been a very busy time lately with lots of interesting environmental news being released this month. Don’t worry if you missed any of it though as, in this issue of New Nature, Abby Condliffe gives us 10 easy ways to help the environment right now (p.26), and our own Emma Pereira recaps the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan (p.41; looking at just how connected all of us are to the natural world. Later, Lucia Speroni rounds everything off by looking at the impact of plastic in the North Atlantic (p.30).

We still have our regular features too and, in this issue,, Alice Johnson interviews wildlife photographer and filmmaker, Jake Perks (p.38), and finds out just what it takes to make it in the photography industry. While, for photography a little closer to home, we have Matt Livesey extolling the benefits of winter photography and explaining why we should all be braving the cold this month for the perfect shot (p.44). Elsewhere, Elliot Dowding tells us what fantastic wildlife there is to look out for in the month of February (p.8) and explains why he thinks the earwig is a truly underrated species. Let us know on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/NewNatureMag/) if you agree with his choice!

The articles mentioned above are only the tip of the iceberg this month and, elsewhere, we have features on everything from rural sheep farming in Scotland (p.22), to urban foxes in Bristol (p.14). It is another fantastic edition and we are hugely grateful to everyone who has written for us this month. So, if it is cold and miserable outside, go put the kettle on and settle down for an enthralling and entertaining read!

Words by Scott Thomson – Content Editor

You can download the latest edition of New Nature here (https://goo.gl/ad1q2r) and find out more about our current young writer’s competition, judged by the phenomenal Robert MacFarlane. If you would like to see your work published in New Nature, photos, articles and art all included, do not hesitate to get in touch at editorial.newnature@gmail.com

New Nature Issue 12!

It’s December, the blushed tones of Autumn now but a fading memory and vibrant greens of Spring and Summer a soothing promise of things to come. Outside, the air resonates with the nasally honking call of migrant geese and our fields and hedgerows have been overtaken by thrushes from afar: by redwings, fieldfares and immigrant blackbirds. It is a time of cold, dulcet tones and unfavourable weather yes, but also a time of wonder. A time of splendid wildlife, thrilling vistas and unforgettable wild experiences.

This December marks a milestone for the team at New Nature Magazine; an event myself and the other editors have been looking forward to for some time. Yes, this month marks the end of one full year of New Nature. The end result? Twelve issues published, hundreds of topics covered, two major events attended and a reach that now extends far beyond what I, personally, had even dared hope for. Better still, however, is the
fact that during our first year we have brought the views of almost one-hundred incredibly passionate young naturalists to an audience of thousands. Allowing them to have their say and discuss the topics which, as young environmentalists, interest them the most.

This issue, the final edition of 2017, continues along a similar, exciting vain. Here you will find talk of eco-friendly snorkelling with globally endangered species, right here in the UK; as well as evocative writing centred on the Hebrides, robins and wildfowl. Conservation is well represented too, in the form of a wonderful piece on otters by Helina Hickey; while youth nature, as ever, can be found in abundance. Brought to you on this occasion by New Nature stalwart Zach Haynes and newcomer Georgie Lamb.

We hope that you enjoy this issue as much as we have enjoyed producing it and very much hope that you will stick with New Nature through to the New Year and beyond. Big plans are afoot behind the scenes and with our team now back to full strength and raring to go, 2018 looks set to be another fantastic year for us as both a free, enjoyable magazine and a fledgeling community of cracking young writers.

The latest edition of New Nature can be downloaded here: https://t.co/fcjoNyMznt

New Nature Issue 11!

November is a month of rain and frost, of falling leaves and howling gales, the steady drip of birds coming to winter in Britain now becomes a torrent of ducks, waders, owls and finches. As there are changes in the natural world, there are changes in the world of conservation, and one of the most significant of these is the ever-growing concept of ‘rewilding’. At New Nature, we are keen to explore what this term means to younger generations of naturalists, so in this rewilding-themed issue, we hear from contributors new and old on this complex topic. We hear why farmers are crucial to rewilding in Ben Eagle’s article (Page 32) , Jack Hicks gives us his thoughts on beavers in south-west England (Page 38) and regular Zach Haynes gives us his view on the rewilding debate (Page 12). Also, new contributor Alexandros Adamoulas gives us the facts on a potential reintroduction of white-tailed eagles to England (Page 24), but Peter Cooper reminds us that successful reintroductions need good community engagement (Page 34). On top of all that, our own Alex Pearce interviews the inimitable Nick Baker about his exciting new book on rewilding (Page 30).

As always, our regular articles include what autumnal wildlife you need to watch out for this month (Page 8), Alice Johnson suggests some really wild places to visit around the UK (Page 10) and in the underrated species column I argue that roe deer are just as noteworthy as their larger cousins (Page 14). Recent decades have seen paradigm shifts in nature conservation and thoughts are turned towards what the future holds and how we can prepare for it. It is the young generations of today that will be living in that future and for whom rewilding could be a vital tool in the protection of nature. So, let’s keep up the discussion; please read, recommend and share New Nature and let us know what you think on social media. Thank you for your support!

To view and download the latest issue of New Nature, click here: 

Words by Elliot Dowding, Content Editor

New Nature: the launch.

Today witnessed the launch of New Nature Magazine, the new e-magazine written, edited and produced entirely by young people. And what a launch it was.

When I clicked the metaphorical launch button this morning, I did not envisage New Nature going down half as well as it did, in truth. I had hoped that people would enjoy it, of course, though what transpired today has been nothing short of thrilling. And a little dumbfounding. The magazine read and shared hundreds of times and by hundreds of people. The response to our publication nothing short of humbling.

Browsing social media, barely a minute has passed today without chancing upon a positive comment about New Nature. Comments which have flooded in from writers, conservationists, ecologists, gardeners, birders, botanists and everyone in between; including some very notable organisations and personalities to whom I am exceedingly grateful. With the greatest amount of praise directed – as it should be –  at the plethora of dedicated young naturalists who have contributed to our inaugural issue. It has been marvelous and I am sure each contributor is as thrilled by the response as I am.

The aim of New Nature, during its development, has always been to promote and support the diligent efforts of young people striving for a career in the environmental sector. From our initial feedback, this is exactly what I feel we have done. Apparently while creating something “professional, enjoyable and marvelous” at the same time. I could not be happier, and would like to thank, once again, everyone who has supported our efforts or contributed thus far! I feel nothing short of motivated to take New Nature to new heights in the future and to attempt to bolster the confidence of young people along the way. Of course, not all liked the magazine, and a minority chose to belittle it out of nothing more than dislike of myself. Bah humbug, you’re not popping this bubble.

Heading forward from today, all I can say on the matter is that you can expect more of the same. You can expect news, opinion and creative writing from Britain’s marvelous young people; you can expect interviews with familiar faces willing to mentor and support them and can certainly – given the skill of our creative director – expect a colourful, fresh and enjoyable read delivered to your inbox each month. Without fail. As things progress, I hope that word will spread; and as it does, that more young people will feel emboldened enough to express themselves in the magazine – ultimately helping New Nature grow into something permanent. Though, in this regard, only time will tell. Though the horizon looks bright and the youth nature movement continues flourish.

For those looking to read the magazine it can be found here.

The Logic Behind ‘New Nature’

Anyone who follows me on social media may have noticed the incessant waffling about a new “project” of mine. Well, said project is now coming along nicely and, as such, I thought I would post a quick summary here. Both to drum up support and assess the reaction of the many lovely eco-minded folk I have the pleasure to know online.

Truthfully, I have been toying with the idea of starting an e-magazine for quite some time, but due to other commitments have been unable to progress. Now, however, with the help of a number of fellow A Focus On Nature members, the idea appears to have taken off. And I am pleased to announce that January will, hopefully, see the launch of ‘New Nature’ – a brand new electronic magazine written, produced and edited entirely by young people in the environmental field. Hooray!

The ‘Youth Nature Movement’ really is a thing of beauty and one need only read this recent guest blog by Ben Eagle to see that it is gaining momentum, fast. Groups like AFON and Next Generation Birders have created a vibrant community of young conservationists: offering support, advice and wonderful opportunities for those seeking to forge a career in the field. They have worked wonders for the prospects and even the self-esteem of young people. And, as such, more and more aspiring environmentalists are involving themselves annually. The movement is gaining steam, but, aside from the highly interesting AFON blog – which I really advise you to visit and enjoy – lacks a serious media outlet. This is something that alongside Alex, Laura and Connel, I hope to rectify.

In New Nature, we hope to collate the fabulous work of young people (between the ages of 13 and 30) and broadcast it far and wide on the internet. We hope to create a hub for news and exciting revelations and highlight the passion, dedication and talent of young naturalists in the eyes of potential employers. As well as offering said young people with interesting and, in some cases, useful information themselves. Based on our initial ideas, the e-magazine looks set to contain a huge variety of topics. From conservation news, creative writing, opinion and good news stories from younger writers: to trip-reports, careers advice, interviews, promotions and photography. We hope to highlight the great work of those involved in the YNM: their research, practical conservation work, artwork and much, much more. And while we may have our work cut out for us – creating something of this sort was never going to be easy – the initial tidal wave of submissions and interest has given us hope. It can and will be done.

New Nature will be released online, and made available on our various social media channels (see Twitter and Facebook) – and we hope that it will be shared far and wide on the web. It will, of course, be free and will be easily accessed by anyone with an interest in the work of young people. We sincerely hope that the idea will catch on, and hope that anyone interested would be so kind as to share the magazine -upon its completion – and draw attention, where possible, to our social media accounts. We will also be running a blog to coincide with our release, which should be up and running very soon.

Stay tuned for updates here too, the next few months look set to be jolly exciting…