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From bush to bike - a bamboo revolution

A bamboo bicycle can take over a week to make by hand

By Kieron Humphrey
Lusaka

On the outskirts of Lusaka, Zambia, next year's crop of bicycles is being watered by Benjamin Banda.

"We planted this bamboo last year," he says, "and now the stems are taller than me. When it's ready we'll cut it, cure it and then turn it into frames."

Mr Banda, is the caretaker for Zambikes, a company set up by two Californians and two Zambian… Continue

The grey squirrel has forced the red squirrel out of many areas of England

Better co-ordination is needed to save the red squirrels in northern England, say conservationists.

Dozens of local organisations are helping trap and cull grey squirrels, which threaten the UK's native red.

In recent years, the Red Squirrel Protection Partnership (RSPP) has joined the fight and says it has culled 23,000 greys.

The smaller groups have welcomed its work, but some want the RSPP to provide more informati… Continue

Conservation campaigners are hailing a victory for the "critically endangered" grey whale.

The groups have won agreement from some oil and gas companies in Russian waters to end seismic work, giving grey whales a chance to breed undisturbed.

The cessation comes in response to research showing how oil exploration can alter the behaviour of gray whales.

However, a number of firms have refused to stop exploration work planned for the breeding season.

Feeding season

The WWF and Pacific Environm… Continue

What is the purpose of a social networking site?

What are we doing with this site?

Why are we here?

Are we really interested in nature, conservation, ecology and in other peoples experiences?

Social networking sites (like Eco Watch) are internet based sites where people of similar interests can get together from all parts of the world and from any culture to make friendships, exchange ideas, share experiences and help promote shared values and concerns.

When we started Eco Watch we hoped th… Continue

UK Farm schemes boost hare numbers

Changes in farming methods had harmed hare numbers

Farms with wildlife-friendly schemes have helped numbers of brown hares increase by more than a third, the Wildlife Trusts have said.

The hares have suffered declines in numbers of 75% in the past 50 years, the Trusts say.

On 60 farms taking part in the scheme, numbers have increased by 35% from 167 last year to 225 this year.

Farmers are leaving wide grass margins in arable fields where the grass grows lo… Continue