Re-lighting the fire
The wolf has been branded as proof that Satan walks the earth. It is the definitive prince of controversy yet recently, our perception of this apex predator – and the ecological role it plays – has changed.
Fjords, fjells and eagles
Ole Martin Dahle is a Norwegian sheep-farmer turned nature tourism entrepreneur. He has capitalized on his local population of sea eagles and now accommodates eco-tourists from around the world.
Lynx to the past
The Eurasian lynx once stalked the forests and glens of Northern Scotland. Find out more about this secretive predator and ways in which it might once again, be accommodated as part of our native fauna.
Clowns of the sea
A profile of the Atlantic Puffin in Scotland.
Scotland’s Prime Pine
The history – and future- of Scotland’s ancient pine forest – The Great Wood of Caledon.
A thin veil of wildness
“Wild” is different things to different people but is much a state of mind as a physical environment.. We must be prepared to relinquish some control and accept that in spite of our assertions to the contrary, nature knows it's business much better than we do.
The purple fire of summer
Heather moorland is a unique habitat of northern Britain’s uplands but is a man-managed environment rather than the wilderness that visitors might perceive.
Scotland’s mountain gorillas
There are celebrity wildlife species on every continent – grizzly bears in Alaska, tigers in India and mountain gorillas in Uganda. Highland cattle are Scotland’s superstars and as photogenic as any.
Tooth and Claw
Love them or loathe them, everyone has an opinion about predators. Despite our deep-rooted fascination with foxes, eagles and even wolves, their need to kill other animals to survive provokes extreme reactions in us.
A series of picture/text features are available to illustrate this fascinating subject
Rufous and rare
Considered a pest only 70 years ago, red squirrels are now a high priority conservation species. Find out more about the status of red squirrels in Britain and the threats facing their continued existence.
Looking forward to the past
UK conservation policy revolves around the concept of management and is often species-specific. Ecological restoration relies on a less interventionist approach and the resurrection of natural processes to govern biologically intact ecosystems.
A forest out of time
The threats and opportunities facing further expansion of Scotland’s native woodlands.
(The Countryman)
Time of plenty
Never before in the history of this planet, has a species evolved more quickly than homo sapiens. There was a time – not so very long ago – when we faced the same challenges of winter survival that our fellow species must still adapt to.
(The Countryman)
Norway’s elk harvest
Tracking and shooting elk in Autumn is big business in rural Scandinavia. This story follows a group of elk hunters in a remote Norwegian forest and explores the culture.
Yellowstone in fall;travelogue
A profile of the geology, wildlife and travel potential of the world’s first National Park.
(Outdoor Photography)
The wolves of Yellowstone
In 1995, wolves were free to roam the wild lands of Yellowstone for the first time in 70 years. Since then, they have become a major tourism draw but their continued expansion is not without a price.
Roy Dennis: A personal insight
An interview and profile of this pioneer of innovative conservation initiatives.
(The Countryman)
Tourism interpretation
A short insight into the value of good quality interpretation in the wildlife tourism industry.
One man and too many wolverines
Pressure on large carnivores in Norway is intensifying and the powerful farming lobby is becoming increasingly influential in government –led predator control programmes. One government employee however, was prepared to resign in the face of recent culling of young wolverines.
The bear truth
Love them or loathe them, in many parts of Europe, bears are increasing. Deep in a primeval Finnish forest, the myths about bears are dispelled.
An English eco-tourist
Wildlife tourism has developed into a major industry worldwide. The UK market is still growing but what do wildlife watchers want to see? How should the product be marketed and is it truly sustainable?
Alladale – the story so far
Paul Lister’s vision for the ecological restoration of Alladale Estate in Sutherland is challenging traditional land-use regimes. Will he be successful in establishing the Northern Hemisphere’s first “Africa-style” game reserve?
(various national newspapers and periodicals)
Cairngorms NP – preserve of the wild or playground to the world?
In 2003, the Caingorms became Britain’s largest National Park to date. The Park Authority is legislatively obliged to balance preservation of the area’s natural heritage against sustainable economic development, two aims that some argue are diametrically opposed.
(Scottish Field)
Viewpoints (c.1000 words per location)
Black Grouse
Inshriach Forest
Loch Mallachie
Cairn Lochan
Creag Megaidh NNR
Loch Insh
Moormore
Glenmore
Insh Marshes
Glen Strathfarrar
Cuckoos
Allt Ruadh
Brown Hares
Wild Boar
Wildlife Encounter (six part series)
Wolf
Buzzard
Grizzly bear
Osprey
Bison
Puffin
A boaring issue
Wild boar are again living wild in Britain - welcomed by some, persecuted by others. What of the future for this enigmatic native?
(Various magazines 2006/06)
A veil of mistery
Photo technique feature exploring the opportunities offered by temperature inversion.
(Outdoor Photography, June 06)
Seeing red
An exploration of the politics surrounding red deer management in Scotland.
(The Countryman, November 06)
Raindrops from heaven
A photo technique feature exploring the opportunities available in wet and overcast weather
(Outdoor Photography, November 06)
Wild at Heart
An interview with Amateur Photographer magazine
Norway's closest secrets
An illustrated feature profiling Norway's photographic highlights.
(Naturfoto, winter 06)
