www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

jackharr wrote:

hoping to meet the greatest living Englishman - Sir David Attenborough

I knew Peter Scott personally so there! Ya boo and sucks!

Jack

Sir Peter Scott is, sadly, no longer living, therefore doesn't qualify for the same designation as Sir David of greatest living Englishman.

Whether Sir Peter would qualify against Sir David if he were still alive is open to conjecture, although both did much to initiate and subsequently further nature conservation.
Their contributions have been different but equally important, with Sir David concentrating on broadcasting, and Sir Peter founding the Wildfowl Trusts.

Series such as the 'Life' and 'Planet' series have highlighted global natural history like no other and are immensely important.

Sir Peter's contribution has led to the saving of at least one endangered species, namely the Hawiian goose, the ne ne. It's wonderful to see this incredibly rare goose wandering amongst the visitors at Slimbridge.

The Greatest Living Englishman (and Sir David Attenborough)

All joking apart - I believe that Sir David is responsible for more conservation activity than anyone else.
A combination of his direct education of millions via his peerless documentaries, and his undoubted inspiration to many to follow careers or interests in wildlife are unquestionable.
I remember clearly as a young child (8 or 9) lying on the living room floor staring transfixed at the extraordinary exploits of this amazing young man chasing around the planet after exotic species. I doubt if my love of wildlife, and the amazing memories my pursuit of it have given me, would have been so powerful had it not been for Sir David. Certainly the crass Animal Magic with Johnny Morris wasn't doing it - even then I found that anthropomorphism uncomfortable.
Sir David manged to use his personality, quiet authority, and great knowledge to illuminate the documentaries - rather than dominate them in the way some modern presenters do!
Sir Peter S, on the other hand, probably shot more wildfowl than he saved.
Roger

Rogerdodge wrote: ........
Sir Peter S, on the other hand, probably shot more wildfowl than he saved.
Roger

Ooh, harsh! (But probably true! )

BTW _ When exactly did you change your name to Attenborough?

I knew Peter Scott through gliding, not his wildlife activities although I certainly admired his work. Typical of the man, first interest in gliding to becoming British Champion was just four years.

Another friend, a Royal Air Force Group Captain would visit PS (plain Peter as he was then) at Slimbridge when the project was in its infancy. Apparently over breakfast one Sunday morning, Peter suggested some shooting. The reserve wasn't due to open until later that Sunday. They had a very successful morning.

Jack

Rogerdodge wrote:
Sir Peter S, on the other hand, probably shot more wildfowl than he saved.

Roger

I was about to make a similar observation. It is a fact that many hunters and collectors have subsequently been instrumental in effectively setting up Nature Reserves for many species, both common and rare. Over the years, I have known and met in the field and elsewhere several such. Have even been on trips both in the UK and abroad with some too ~ sadly all now passed on.

As a schoolboy, I also met the then Peter Scott along with a school friend who I again have contact with in recent years after forty years losing touch. My friend is a superb artist working in oils and specialising in birds ~ I believe his skills exceed those of Sir Peter. I consider myself a half decent Natural History artist but nowhere near as good as my friend. As a result of his skills, my school friend and I were invited to Slimbridge about 1955/6 when we met the man himself. Back then, the only Natural History programme on TV was LOOK ~ presented by Peter Scott. It was a must see programme and I never missed it.

Before we all get too sentimental about all this.....

I can think of many instances (and I'm sure other fellow members can) where farmers and landowners encourage various forms of wildlife by creating or maintaining habitat favourable to the things they want to hunt.
In extreme cases, whole moors are managed; on a smaller scale, copses and water-scrapes are created to attract and provide cover for game. These smaller areas may be only hunted over by 2 or 3 guns and dogs a few times a year at most.
Many of these locations are left alone for much of the rest of the time- with an occasional mow or browsing by cattle or sheep in winter being the most disruption they receive - and provide excellent unofficial reserves for wildlife.
At one such location near Cambridge, we frequently have Marsh Harriers nesting in the reed-beds next to a chalk meadow at the Fen edge (great for butterflies and orchids). Walking on the old droves lined with willows and blackthorn, hidden by the reeds on the banks of the fen drains and listening to the sound of birds and wind, one can easily imagine how it must have been hundreds of years ago....

It seems a small price to pay if the owner wishes to take a few birds from time to time.

N

I agree, Nick. I'm certainly not one of the 'fluffy bunny' brigade, but see the survival of a beetle as just as important as a small mammal. It is ecosystems and habitats that are more important than individual species.

Having said that, there is still something rather odious about someone who takes huge amounts of time and money to create an environment to allow a species to survive merely so they can blow its brains out.

Yeah - What is certainly upsetting is the wholesale management of acres and acres of moor and woodland so that those who maintain our "traditions" can blast away at anything in front of their guns! This example of elitism will never get my (or I suspect, your) support. Whilst some other wildlife may benefit, it is on these large estates that many birds of prey mysteriously disappear! When a real impact like this is made, in the name of profit, I think we should all express our distaste for this form of "factory" hunting!
N

Sorry, I thought you were in favour of such practices:

It seems a small price to pay if the owner wishes to take a few birds from time to time.

I certainly would never go hunting or shooting, that's for sure! (Even clay pigeons have rights )

I was just making the point that getting all dewy-eyed about the small-scale activities of local farmers and land-owners who go shooting with a few friends may be forgetting that, despite their actions, they have a greater love, and understanding, of the countryside than many of those who throw their hands up and say "how awful it is!"
N

I've never been hunting, shooting or fishing but I know that I would get one hell of a kick out of it if I did.*



*maybe not the fishing, cos that's a bit dull for the most part.

Rosy Rustic wrote:I've never been hunting, shooting or fishing but I know that I would get one hell of a kick out of it if I did.*
*maybe not the fishing, cos that's a bit dull for the most part.

Budding Extinction Club member, I feel!

Absolutely. I am going to start with the Brown Hairstreak.

I can't belive you said that!

Denise

Is it worse than saying that I have always wanted to ride to hounds and hunt foxes?

Edit: I would also like to add that I think that people are far to precious about nature and the enviroment at times. When I wanted some wild plants for the garden recently I went out to some local fields and I PULLED THEM UP!! Then I planted them in my garden.

Go on, stone me, you know you want to.

Do you what any rag wort, I could send you some. My field got cut to-day, seven weeks late and there is some ragwort its a bit limb but its free if you want it, I was going to save it for Rogerdodge he likes it.

Hehe, thanks Shirley, but I already have that. Give it to Rog.

It grows in my front lawn, together with all sorts of other wild flowers that just pop up when I let it grown long (just like the flower meadows on Gardeners World tonight). We keep it mowed for the main part though so it looks tidy.

And while I am having a rant, what is this "you can't collect berries, you have to leave them for the wildlife" nonsense? If I want to collect blackberries or elderberries or sloes from the hedgerows then I will, and the birds can flippin well fend for themselves or starve. So ner. My dad collected blackberries and mushrooms from the wild and my granny before him, why should I stop?

I forgot I have loads seeds of honesty if you would like some and I also have Lady's Smock, I could wrap some in bubble wrap and post some too you. Shirley.

Thank you, Shirley, that is really kind of you. I already have Honesty and Lady's Smock though. Feel free to PM me if there are any wild plants you need and I will see if I can get you some seeds and/or cuttings.

Your post reminds me though, how is the Garlic Mustard getting along, Denise?