WINTERWATCH has seen a rise in its viewing figures for the first episode of the new series, according to the BBC. A total of 2.6 million viewers watched Tuesday s series opener of the nature programme, which is up from 1.7 million for the first episode of the 2020 series. The show has been broadcasting from Centre for the Alternative Technology (CAT) near Machynlleth, with Mid Wales naturalist Iolo Williams as one of the presenters. Presenter Chris Packham said the rise in viewing figures has come amid an increase in interest in the natural world as people seek solace and respite in the simple perfection of nature .
A common buzzard (stock picture)
- Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
A number of guns and pesticides have been seized by police as officers investigate the suspected deliberate poisoning of a bird of prey.
Suffolk police s rural crime team launched an investigation following the discovery of a dead common buzzard on land in west Suffolk back in September.
Officers then carried out searches and seized several guns and a quantity of pesticides on Monday in relation to their investigation.
Sergeant Brian Calver, of the rural crime team, said the investigation is ongoing and no further comment about the case could be made at this time.
Last modified on Wed 20 Jan 2021 23.37 EST
A consortium of conservationists that hopes to release wild lynx into the Scottish Highlands has launched a year-long study to see whether the public supports their reintroduction.
The study, part-funded by two billionaire Danish estate owners in the Highlands, Anders Povlsen and Lisbet Rausing, will test whether farmers, landowners and rural communities will agree to a pilot project in a remote area of Scotland.
The lynx, Europe’s largest native cat, became extinct in northern Britain more than 500 years ago through habitat loss, hunting and persecution, but proposals by other rewilding advocates to reintroduce the species into the UK have foundered.