30 August 2013
The new RSPB identity and new logo are causing more than a
few ruffled feathers. Many of the
comments refer to the what is seen as a betrayal. When
I saw the new ad on telly of a young girl setting up various housing for wild
animals in her garden, and I was very impressed with it. The thing is, the RSPB's new identity is all
about making room for wildlife, all wildlife and not just birds. And that is why feathers are being ruffled -
if you see what I mean. Some of the more
militant birders who are only interested in birds are objecting by what they
see as a move away from just birds. But
as I said a few days ago all of nature is linked together in one large cycle,
all dependent on each other.
Obviously then, I don't have any problems with the changes. In fact, we have been putting bird boxes up
where we have lived. I've lost count of
the number we've installed and they've been used too ...
a blue tit with chick
in one box we installed in Bed'th. This
is Jan's photo, not mine and was taken in June 2003. But now we've gone even further, inspired by that
TV ad. We've now placed two hedgehog
houses out back and we have a bat box ready to go up once we find out where the
best place is to install it.
We are planning a birding trip for next week when we have
Kile before he goes back to school. He
loves being out with his binos and camera.
We both feel it's a privilege to have the chance of introducing him to
wildlife and to see his interest grow.
Later we hope to be able to take Kile's brother Billy with us too and
try to interest him in what is around him.
One of my many health problems is sleep apnoea. I've been using a CPAP (Continuous Positive
Air Pressure) machine for around 10 year now.
This morning I had a letter in the post inviting me to a sleep apnoea support
meeting being held in October over at the Walsgrave hospital. This is a new thing they've set up so I shall
be going to it, see what is going on and why.
For today's photo I'm going back to Kile on our last trip
out to Brandon Marsh ...
His mum said he looked really happy when she saw
it. That makes it worthwhile.
And more words of wisdom from the Sage ...
|
In the year
2013 the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in England and said:
"Once
again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all
flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along
with a few good humans."
He gave Noah
the CAD drawings, saying: "You have 6 months to build the Ark before I
will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."
Six months
later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard, but no Ark.
"Noah!"
He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"
"Forgive
me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed. I needed Building
Regulations Approval and I've been arguing with the Fire Brigade about the need
for a sprinkler system.
My
neighbours claim that I should have obtained planning permission for building
the Ark in my garden because it is development of the site, even though in my
view it is a temporary structure.
We had to
then go to appeal to the local council for a decision. Then the Department of
Transport demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines
and other overhead obstructions to clear the passage for the Ark 's move to the
sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear
nothing of it.
Getting the
wood was another problem. All the decent trees have Tree Preservation Orders on
them and we live in a Site of Special Scientific interest set up in order to
protect the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I
needed the wood to save the owls - but no go!
When I
started gathering the animals, the RSPCA sued me. They insisted that I was
confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodation was
too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a
confined space.
Then the
County Council, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Rivers Authority
ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental
impact study on your proposed flood.
I'm still
trying to resolve a complaint with the Equalities Commission on how many
disabled carpenters I'm supposed to hire for my building team. The trades
unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only accredited
workers with Ark-building experience.
To make
matters worse, HMRC seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the
country illegally with endangered species.
So, forgive
me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark."
Suddenly the
skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky.
Noah looked
up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the
world?"
"No,"
said the Lord. "..........the Government beat me to it!"
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