 | | | Book signing with Ben Jacob: Orchid Outlaw |
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The Orchid Outlaw tells the tale of author Ben Jacob's mission to save some of the UK's rarest, native orchids. With many facing extinction due to land use change and the climate crisis, while also not being protected by environmental and planning laws, Ben took it upon himself to rescue these threatened plants and grow them in his own kitchen and garden, rather than losing the plants altogether. In doing so, he placed himself on the wrong side of the law. This part memoir, part natural history piece shows us how we can all save the world, one plant at a time. |
| | Ben works as a university lecturer by day, and as a clandestine ecologist, conservationist and orchid-saviour by night. It is always a pleasure to meet the authors behind our books, particularly those who are adopting their own approach to nature restoration and conservation, and we were delighted to have the opportunity to talk to Ben in person about The Orchid Outlaw and have him sign our books. We discussed how he first became interested in Botany, his thoughts on the Right to Roam movement, what he hopes the reader can learn from his book and more. |
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The Big Butterfly Count 2024 |
|  | Butterfly Conservation’s annual Big Butterfly Count is being held from 12th July - 4th August and encourages tens of thousands of people to venture into their garden, local parks or countryside and spend 15 minutes counting the butterflies they see. This data is then collated and helps scientists understand how butterfly and moth populations are faring, informs conservation projects and more.
Ahead of this years count, Butterfly Conservation’s Senior Surveys Officer Dr Zoë Randle said “We’re getting reports that although many species have been seen early this year, likely due to the very warm early spring, sightings are actually down, which is probably a result of the very wet and windy weather. So people getting out and counting will be invaluable in helping us to gauge what’s going on!’” |
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Browse our new and forthcoming books, featuring the recently published RSPB ID Spotlight: Birds of Heath, Moor and Mountain and the forthcoming The Storm Petrels. Plus, explore our essential seasonal equipment, which includes the NHBS moth trap, binoculars, bug hunting kits and more. |
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| Stoats, Weasels, Martens & Polecats |
| The latest volume in the New Naturalist Library, this book describes the four small mustelids of Britain. Characterised by a slender body, a pointed snout and powerful jaws, these delightful animals are brought to life by one of the UK’s leading experts. Enriched with personal experiences, this extensive text covers the physiology, ecology and daily lives of the group and investigates their significance in history and folklore. |
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| PIXFRA Mile 2 M400 Series Thermal Monocular - M419 |
| Powerful, yet compact, this monocular, features a 384×288, 12μm, <25mK NETD sensor for optimal thermal viewing. The small, lightweight design make this monocular ideal for carrying in-field and can easily sit inside a pocket for handy use. With a detection range up to 1300m, this monocular can capture clear, crisp videos and images, and an IP67 rating and an 8hr battery life ensure all-day, all-weather viewing without risk of damage. |
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|  | The Restore Nature Now march took place in central London on Saturday 22nd June. The march, supported by over 350 charities, businesses and direct-action groups, called on the UK government to act on the climate crisis and to do more to protect biodiversity in the UK. |
| Some of the NHBS team travelled to London to take part in the demonstration. Read our blog to find out about their experience and to see some shots of the day. |
| | |  | | |  | This Monday marked the start of Solitary Bee Week 2024. Hosted by Buglife, this week-long event is looking to raise awareness of these lesser-known pollinators, and in doing so, hopes to encourage the public to pledge their support for the group. Buglife are inviting us to #EarnYourStripes through raising awareness, pledging to help solitary bees and joining activities throughout the week.
There are a wide range of events taking place throughout Solitary Bee Week, including pollinator identification workshops and solitary bee walks - find out how to get involved here. |
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