NATURE IN CRISIS
What’s the current state of global biodiversity loss?
Discover an elusive bird of the night HIDDEN WYCOMBE
Wild Times
Nature news and what to look out for this season
Photography
School nature with highlights of autumn species
Dr Dawber Head of Physics Interview
As the world transforms into the splendour of autumn, let us embrace the beauty of change that a new school year brings. Autumn reminds us that life is ever-changing, and with every end, there is a new beginning
A special thank you goes to our amazing team for bringing this issue to life: Sky Phisuthikul, Tracy Hang, Aryana Tiwari, and Jess Dolby. May these pages inspire you to explore the wonders of autumn and cherish the planet we all share.
Fiona Editor-in-chief
In spring, the horse chestnut tree produces tall white or pink flower spikes, which later develop into spiky green husks containing shiny brown seeds known as conkers
Scientific name: Aesculus hippocastanum
When: September - October
Where: parks, gardens, and along streets
Although the most colourful members of the crow family, jays are quite hard to spot as they are shy woodland birds. Their loud, raucous calls often alert us to their presence
Jays are famous for acorn feeding habits Each autumn, a single jay can bury thousands of acorns for winter, which they may not retrieve - leading to new oak trees sprouting!
Fiona L
The game of "conkers" has been played in the UK for over a century. Despite popular belief, conkers are not true nuts and are actually mildly toxic to humans, though safe to eat for some wildlife like deer.
Fiona L
Scientific name: Garrulus glandarius
Where: woodlands, parks, and gardens across Europe and parts of Asia
Chrysanthemums are flowering plants of the family Asteracae. They are native to East Asia and northeastern Europe, with the centre of diversity in China. The usual colours include white, yellow or red. They require warm, sunny and sheltered spot with fertile and well-drained soil.
The name 'chrysanthemum' comes from the Ancient Greek word chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower). Some consider it unlucky to have in the house as they are often associated with funerals It is known for its medicinal properties, and can treat things such as high blood pressure, fever and colds.
Tracy H
Known for its lush, three-lobed leaves that turn brilliant shades of red, purple, and orange in autumn, it produces small, dark berries that are enjoyed by birds. It is often planted to cover brick walls for its spectacular autumn foliage, and also acts as natural insulation for buildings.
Scientific name: Chrysanthemum indicum
When: mid-August - mid-January
Where: in the wild, their habitats include grasslands, mountain slopes, riversides, fields and seashores, although most are now cultivated
Scientific name: Parthenocissus tricuspidata
When: October - November
Where: on buildings, walls, fences in urban and suburban areas
Despite its name, Boston ivy does not come from Boston and is not actually an ivy. It originates from eastern Asia and belongs to the grape family.
Fiona L
Human activity continues to drive a “catastrophic” loss of species, says conservation charity the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
The 2024 WWF Living Planet Report has revealed that global wildlife populations have plunged by an average of 73% in the past 50 years (1950 - 2020). This report is based on the Living Planet Index of more than 5,000 birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and fish.
Among many snapshots of humaninduced wildlife loss, chinstrap penguins have suffered a 61% decline across 94 colonies from 1980 to 2019 due to changes in sea ice and krill shortage caused by climate change and more krill fisheries in the Antarctic.
While wildlife declines are seen globally, some regions are particularly affected The most losses are recorded in Latin America and the Carribean (-95%), Africa (-76%), and in Asia-Pacific (-60%).
Freshwater species have fared the worst, with an 85% decrease due to pollution, water overuse, and habitat loss
Tanya Steele, CEO of WWF UK, warns that "many ecosystems are on the brink," with critical habitats like the Amazon rainforest and coral reefs approaching dangerous tipping points. These tipping points mark potentially irreversible changes, where entire ecosystems collapse, affecting not only wildlife but human communities as well They include the decline of the Amazon, coral reef die-offs, the melting of Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets and the collapse of Atlantic ocean currents
The good news is, collective conservation efforts have shown positive results For instance, the European bison bounced back from near extinction to 6,800 from 1950 to 2020, thanks to breeding programs and protected habitats.
On a global scale, governments and organizations have signed critical agreements to set nature on the path to recovery by 2030. So far, little progress has been made and there is a lack of urgency for stronger action to meet these targets and avoid serious consequences
As youth, we are inheriting a world facing massive environmental challenges But we are also the generation with the power to make a real difference. Even small actions, like changing your habits and staying informed, contribute to positive change
The WWF is urgently calling the UK government for a new law at Westminster, the Living Planet Act. Sign the petition now: wwf.org.uk/act/living-planet-act.
Fiona L
The Planetary Boundaries Science initiative launched the first planetary health check of its kind. Its purpose is to quantify the planet's health and inform solutions to reverse the impact of human activity. This initiative was led by the Potsdam institute for climate change.
They established nine boundaries related to Earth's vital 'organs'. The 'organs' are the systems that the planet cannot function without
The nine boundaries are regarding:
Ocean acidification
Ozone depletion
Fresh water
Biodiversity
Nitrogen and phosphorus cycles
Land use
Climate change
Aerosol loading
Chemical pollution
Once a boundary is breached, the risk of permanent damage to Earth increases, and may lead to the Earth becoming uninhabitable for life forms The risks significantly increase if multiple boundaries are breached.
For each of the areas, there is a set of specific requirements for the planet to stay healthy. For example, the requirement for biodiversity is that the annual extinction rate of species is no more than 10 per million per year, so that Earth's ecosystems can remain balanced. However, we have far exceeded this boundary, as according to the Centre for Biological Diversity, at least 100 per million species per year go extinct In fact, of the nine boundaries, six are already breached with a clear trend towards further transgression. The only three that remain within the 'safe operating' levels are ocean acidification, aerosol loading and ozone depletion.
That being said, the transgressions do not mean drastic changes overnight but instead mark rising risk for the planet. There is hope that with the help of this monitoring initiative and various other measures taken to help the planet, we will be able to return to the safe operating space of Earth
Tracy H
A couple of weeks ago, you may recall the temperature fell quite dramatically, causing us to bundle up for the winterlike weather prematurely. The reason for this was Arctic air! This ‘blast’ of cold air is a phenomenon that occurs typically during the winter of the northern hemisphere. The polar vortex, an area of low pressure and cold air, expands and sends air south along the jet stream in the atmosphere. During the summer, the polar vortex is at its weakest and strongest in the winter. Changes in this affect our weather as it influences the strength of the jet streams - for example, weaker jet streams allow northerly winds to hit the UK, bringing in these cold spells, like what we were experiencing!
Sky P
Scientists have discovered a new type of algae that can be transformed via selective breeding and genetic engineering to produce fuel in extreme environments. This brings us closer to algal ‘biofactories’ that make sustainble fuels
The algae, Chlamydomonas pacifica, was found in 2020 in a pond at the University of California, San Diego.
Now, researchers have engineered a strain that can produce oil even when grown in wastewater at temperatures above 40ºC, in very alkaline water, and in full sunlight. These harsh conditions deter predators and increase carbon dioxide in the water, which the algae use as food.
Like other green algae, C pacifica stores energy as fat. However, organisms in extreme environments do
not usually produce much of anything useful. To make C. pacifica more productive, the researchers inserted genes from soybeans to increase fat production This boosted fat content from 28% to 36% of the engineered algae’s biomass (data source: bioRxiv, doi org/nbag2)
These fats can be converted into biodiesel or polyurethane, a type of plastic used in waterproof fabrics and many other products
Using algae to make oil makes sense as ancient algae turned carbon dioxide into fossil fuels. For hundreds
of millions of years, extremophile algae turned an atmosphere with 20% carbon dioxide and very little oxygen into an atmosphere that is around 20% oxygen today The carbon dioxide was stored as fossil fuels, essentially ancient algae oil.
The big challenge now is to see if C. pacifica can be scaled up and survive in larger ponds. Mayfield says one day, algae like C. pacifica could help make Mars habitable, just as extremophile algae have helped terraform Earth.
Fiona L
US start-up ArkeaBio has developed a new vaccine that can cut methane emissions from cows, with plans to launch the vaccine to farmers in three years.
Agriculture is the biggest source of human-caused methane pollution in
the world, and with a billion cows worldwide, methane from burps add up to a significant environmental impact.
ArkeaBio’s vaccine targets the methane-producing bacteria in cows’ digestive systems. Cows given the prototype vaccine emitted 12 9% less methane over 105 days, with no adverse side effects or changes in their growth. The vaccine works by stimulating the cow’s immune system to produce antibodies in its saliva, which then target the methaneproducing bacteria.
Methane emissions can also be reduced by changing a cow’s diet with feed additives that inhibit methaneproducing bacteria. However, this only works for cows actively fed by farmers, not those that graze freely. Experts say this methane vaccine is currently the most effective solution for reducing emissions from grazing cattle.
ArkeaBio aims to develop a vaccine that reduces methane emissions by 1520% per cow, with effects lasting 3-6 months. The vaccine may be ready for commercial use in three years, with widespread adoption within five years. While the results are promising, we need to be sure that the vaccine works consistently, is economically feasible, and safe for the cows.
Fiona L
A bold plan to pump seawater over sea ice could give us a final chance to save the Arctic’s disappearing ice
Arctic sea ice is melting rapidly due to climate change, with predictions of icefree summers by the 2030s.
Field trials in the Canadian Arctic to thicken sea ice using seawater have proved successful, says UK start-up Real Ice. The method can add 50 centimetres of ice and even trigger more natural ice growth.
Real Ice’s method involves drilling holes in the ice and pumping seawater onto the snow, which then freezes and thickens the ice This could help preserve the ice that polar animals and local communities depend on
Schemes like these, known as geoengineering, are controversial. This method could buy time to reduce emissions and combat climate change However, many scientists are cautious about tinkering with Earth systems, worried about the risk of unintended consequences
A larger experiment will be conducted in November to confirm how much ice can thicken when treated at the start of winter
Fiona L
Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower. Alfred Camus
The vibrant colours of deciduous trees are one of nature’s grandest spectacles of the year. What’s the science behind this dramatic change?
Fiona L
In autumn, trees drop their leaves to survive winter Shorter days trigger plant hormones that start abscission, a process where a special cell layer weakens, causing leaves to fall. This helps trees conserve water when the ground freezes, since leaves lose water through transpiration Plus, leaves aren’t frost-hardy cells would rupture if the water inside freezes. With less sunlight for photosynthesis, trees conserve energy by going leafless for the colder months.
Chlorophyll gives leaves their green colour. As sunlight decreases, less chlorophyll is produced meaning leaves look less green. Chlorophyll is broken down and reabsorbed by the tree to store in its roots. Leaves of various species transform into a range of colours due to different pigments and weather conditions.
Did you know?
Trees may actually benefit from autumn leaf colour change. Anthocyanins provide a natural sunscreen for plants, allowing more efficient nutrient absorption.
It’s also been suggested that red leaves can be signals to parasitic insects that use trees as hosts in winter. Brighter leaves signify higher levels of chemical defences against insects, and apple trees that develop red leaves have been observed to end up with a lower parasitic load.
This is the colour of carotenoids, which are usually masked by chlorophyll Carotenoids are the same pigments that give things like carrots and egg yolks their colour! Low temperatures destroy chlorophyll, so frosty nights promote yellow leaves.
These are caused by anthocyanins. When sugars that haven’t been reabsorbed yet get trapped in the leaf, they are eventually turned into red anthocyanin pigments. This usually happens in dry weather, when the temperature stays above freezing But frost weakens anthocyanins, so we see fewer red leaves in cold seasons.
This is the colour of the cell walls when the leaf is completely dried out and is ready to fall
Have you ever heard a “too-wit too-woo” call echo through the night? That’s likely a tawny owl!
Tawny owls are Britain’s classic brown owls, found in woodlands, parks and gardens With their reddish-brown, mottled feathers, they’re masters of camouflage. You might not see them, but if you’re lucky, you’ll definitely hear them. You’ve heard it before – the familiar ‘too-wit toowoo’ that often comes to mind when people imagine an owl’s call.
When roasted crabs hiss in the bowl, Then nightly sings the staring owl “Tu-whit to-who.” A merry note, While greasy Joan doth keel the pot.
What Shakespeare didn’t realise was that this is actually a duet. The female calls ‘too-wit’ (actually “kee-wik!”) and the male answers with ‘too-woo’!
What happens in autumn?
Autumn is when tawny owls are most active Young fledglings set out to stake out their own winter territories, while adults are busy hunting and securing their winter homes.
What’s their diet?
The call of the tawny owl is immortalised in the final moments of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost (Act V, Scene 2): Did you
Tawny owls are expert hunters. Small mammals like mice, voles, and shrews make up most of their diet, but they’ll also hunt small birds, amphibians, bats, insects, and even fish!
Like other owls, tawny owls can turn their heads a full 270 degrees to look directly behind them. Although owls have binocular vision, their forward-facing eyes cannot move in their sockets, so they must turn their heads instead.
Their facial discs channel sound waves toward their ears, which are placed asymmetrically. This helps tawny owls pinpoint exactly where sounds are coming from. Their hearing is so sharp that they can detect the rustling of a mouse under the leaves in pitch black.
As our most common owl in the UK, tawny owls are a vital part of Wycombe’s ecosystem, controlling rodent populations and keeping our woodlands balanced. However, they’re currently classified as “amber” for conservation, meaning their numbers are declining. Why? Urban development, habitat loss, and fewer mature trees for nesting all threaten their survival By protecting Wycombe’s woodlands, we’re giving these owls a chance to thrive.
Next time dusk settles, grab a friend and head outside to listen for the tawny owl’s haunting “twit-twoo.” You may hear one in the distance, or perhaps spot one perched on a high branch. Either way, keep your ears open - you might discover the hidden wildlife of Wycombe!
Fiona L
Your questions answered!
Fiona L
Q: When can we see baby deer at the school?
A: While baby deer are typically born in summer, autumn is when young fawns start venturing farther from their mothers, learning to forage for themselves If you're near woodlands, you might spot slightly older fawns now, with their coats transitioning to thicker, darker fur in preparation for winter.
Q: Why is the goose always pecking at the window?
A: The goose probably sees its reflection in the window and thinks it's another goose! Geese are territorial, so it’s likely trying to "defend" its space. To us, it might look silly, but to the goose, it’s serious business!
Q: Why do animals hibernate?
A: Animals hibernate to survive the winter when food is scarce By slowing down their heart rate, breathing, and body temperature, they use less energy and rely on stored fat to get through the winter until spring brings food and warmth back.
Q: Do bats swim?
A: Oddly enough, yes! Though bats are known for their flying skills, some can also swim if they end up in water by accident. They’ll flap their wings in a sort of freestyle stroke to get themselves to the edge. Swimming isn’t their strong suit, but they can handle it if needed!
How long have you been at Wycombe Abbey?
I have been here for 18 years, which is quite surprising. When I first came I thought I'll probably be here for a few years, but I love it here so much that I've just stayed
What’s your favourite season here?
That's really difficult. I love all the seasons and all the changes. One of my favourite times is spring, when you start seeing everything coming out, and nature bursting through in all itscolour. I do also like autumn as well, but I think the grounds are at their best in spring, when all the flowers start to bloom That's really lovely.
Favourite spot in the school grounds?
I really like it down by the lake because of the wildlife. There are lots of birds and animals there, so it’s probably my favourite place to chill and watch the wildlife and just get away from it all.
Do you have any outdoor hobbies?
I love walking and photography, particularly photographing wildlife. I belong to several Meetup groups, some for walking and others for wildlife photography We've visited parks in London to photograph deer during rutting season, and I've also spent three days in Norfolk in December to photograph the baby seals, which was wonderful.
There’s another Meetup group I belong to that goes and looks at birds. It's not for intense twitchers, but more for people who like birds. The group leader is amazing at identifying lots of the birds by their songs. I'm getting better and can probably identify about ten birds by their songs. Recently, I took some really nice pictures of a kingfisher, and we saw a bittern as well.
What do you like to do in autumn?
I'm a great walker I love going on nice long walks in the autumn, as long as it's not too wet and if the weather’s warm enough There are lots of lovely places around this neighbourhood, like the river and the Chiltern Hills. I take my camera out when I go walking as well. Autumn is also a good time for spotting wildlife as you often see animals scavenging for food. Sometimes I just sit in a cafe or a pub garden to watch people go by and enjoy the scenery I definitely like to be outdoors if I can.
What's your most surprising species encounter?
The most exciting thing I saw was a few years ago. I was walking on a golf course, and I saw a weasel with a family of baby weasels playing together. It was just the most beautiful thing to see one with its youngsters. They're not actually a rare animal, but it’s so unusual to see them because they’re so shy and fast.
I've also seen a few unusual birds, like a rare Hoopoe in this country when I was a child In other countries, I've had some incredible wildlife experiences In Romania, we went to a hide and watched wild bears come in, which was amazing.
Favourite animals in our region?
I love the deer, particularly the roe deer we get here I think they’re beautiful. I like seeing all the birds at the lake. I haven’t seen them in years, but occasionally we get these tiny birds called little grebes, or dabchicks They are so sweet and absolutely gorgeous.
For British animals, I love hares They are beautiful animals, and I've seen many in Norfolk, though not as much here. I love the kingfisher too.
I don't know about one favourite; there are many animals I really like. I even like watching the squirrels. I know there’s too many, and some people think they're pests, but I like watching them play and chase each other.
Do you have any favourite nature-related books, films, or documentaries?
I love everything that David Attenborough does. I'm very lucky to have actually met him briefly a few years ago, and I told him that he was sort of the reason I’ve always found wildlife so fascinating I must have been about eight when Life On Earth
first came out, which was his original big documentary, and I've always loved that. Anything to do with him, I've always liked
As a kid, I absolutely loved Watership Down, and I remember seeing the film when I was very little. I once watched a film called Ring of Bright Water, which is about otters. It's beautiful but very sad, and I can't bring myself to read or watch Tarka the Otter because it would be too sad.
There was also a film called The Incredible Journey, which they've remade it since. The original is about two dogs and a cat who got left behind and they have to make their way across half of America. It's fantasy, but I absolutely loved that as a kid, and there's a book of it as well.
I love everything related to that sort of thing, but I'm a bit selective about what I watch because some things are so heartbreaking. I like it when I know the animal at the end is going to survive, so that's my limitation.
If you could travel to any natural wonder in the world, where would you go?
There are a couple of things I've always fancied doing, and they're probably more about wildlife than natural feature I've really fancied going to try and spot polar bears. That would be an amazing trip.
Lucky enough, I've been to Costa Rica, which was stunning for wildlife I also was lucky enough to do the school Peru trip about eight or nine years ago and saw an amazing range of wildlife. I would love to go and see orangutans or gorillas, but those trips can be quite expensive and there’s no guarantee you’ll see anything. Seeing any of the great apes or something really unusual would be fantastic.
