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Mayor Claudia Kalisch, vice‑president of the German Federation of Cities and leader of the Green‑party city of Lüneburg, announced a push for a nationwide ban on night‑time use of robotic lawnmowers. The proposal aims to curb injuries and deaths among hedgehogs and other small nocturnal animals that frequent residential gardens after dark.Recent research has highlighted that the fast‑moving blades of autonomous mowers pose a hidden danger to wildlife active between dusk and dawn. Hedgehogs, which often curl into a ball when threatened, are especially difficult for mower sensors to detect.Kalisch told the Funke newspaper group that urban green spaces have become critical refuges as development and intensive agriculture shrink natural habitats. She noted that petitions urging the ban have amassed tens of thousands of signatures earlier this year, reflecting broad public concern.In addition to legislative pressure, the mayor called on manufacturers to develop hedgehog‑friendly technology. She emphasized that industry responsibility is essential for protecting biodiversity and improving city life quality.The European red‑list classifies hedgehogs as "near threatened" since 2024, after a documented 30% population decline over the past decade. Beyond mower hazards, motorised leaf blowers, vacuums, and vehicle collisions—responsible for up to one in three fatalities—exacerbate the species’ decline across Europe.Scientists at the University of Oxford, in collaboration with Danish colleagues, recently demonstrated that hedgehogs can hear high‑frequency ultrasound, opening the possibility of sonic road repellers to deter them from dangerous areas. The same team has produced 3D‑printed, crash‑test dummy hedgehogs to work with manufacturers on a future certification scheme for "hedgehog‑safe" mowers.Study co‑author Anne Berger of Germany’s Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research warned that injuries from robotic mowers place an "enormous burden" on animal‑care centres, with many victims discovered days or weeks after the incident, enduring prolonged suffering.German law already protects hedgehogs, imposing fines of up to €65,000 for illegal trapping, injury, or killing. Several cities—including Cologne, Leipzig and Munich—have already outlawed night‑time mower operation. However, a recent attempt by the Greens to enact a statewide ban in Bavaria was rejected.

David Attenborough is set to dazzle audiences with his sparkling new series on BBC One, showcasing the wonders of wildlife living right under our noses. The series begins in Oxfordshire, where Attenborough discovers scampering voles and talking duck eggs.Meanwhile, on Channel 4, The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer challenges celebrities to conjure up mini rolls and syrup sponge puddings, with a showstopper involving recreating their best looks in choux pastry form.Other highlights include The Other Bennet Sister on BBC One, The Capture on BBC One, and Pilgrimage: The Road to Holy Island on BBC Two. Film enthusiasts can look forward to Being There on BBC Two at 11:50pm.For sports fans, Women’s FA Cup Football matches are scheduled on TNT Sports 1 and Channel 4.

A Malaysian tree climber, Jami, shares their extraordinary experience of climbing the world's tallest tropical tree, a 100.8-meter yellow meranti in Borneo's rainforest. Growing up around logging camps, Jami developed a passion for conservation while working with the South East Asia Rainforest Research Partnership in the Danum Valley. Jami's journey into tree climbing began when they saw colleagues measuring tree heights and monitoring wildlife from the canopy. Despite an initial fear of heights, Jami was determined to challenge themselves and contribute to conservation research. The climb, which took over two hours, was a slow and meticulous process. Jami had to carefully assess the tree's branches for strength and watch out for potential dangers like snakes, scorpions, and insects. At one point, Jami was attacked by bees and received over 100 stings. Upon reaching 70 meters, Jami's fear subsided, and they began to appreciate the wider landscape. The view from the top was breathtaking, with the rainforest's canopy resembling the sea and clouds peeking over the forest. Jami measured the tree's final height using a pole and confirmed it to be 100.8 meters tall. Jami emphasizes the importance of preserving the world's forests, stating that every tree tells a unique story about our history. For Jami, the experience of climbing the tallest tropical tree was a reminder of the serenity and beauty of nature, and they hope to inspire others to join conservation efforts.

In a fascinating week for wildlife enthusiasts, several remarkable discoveries and sightings have made headlines. A meep-meep roadrunner was spotted, bringing joy to those who caught a glimpse of this iconic bird. Additionally, a new frog species has been identified, expanding our understanding of amphibian diversity. Researchers have also been studying Orkney voles, shedding light on these intriguing creatures.

Highland cows, a hardy breed known for their shaggy coats and upturned horns, have been a part of Hothfield Heathlands nature reserve in Kent. They were introduced to restore and maintain the reserve through wild grazing. However, their presence led to an unexpected consequence. The cows became an unlikely sensation on social media, particularly on TikTok, with videos of them going viral. This sudden fame attracted a large number of visitors to the reserve, who were eager to take selfies with the cows and even stroke them. Despite warnings from Kent Wildlife Trust to keep at least 10 meters away, the situation became unmanageable. The trust eventually made the decision to remove the cows from the reserve, at least temporarily, to protect them from the stress and potential harm caused by the influx of visitors. The cows, which have survived the harsh climate of the Scottish Highlands for over 1,000 years, were becoming distressed and could have reacted out of fear if the situation continued. This incident is not an isolated case. The popularity of Highland cows has caused trouble before, such as in January when three people had to be rescued after getting lost while searching for viral Highland cattle on Butser Hill in Hampshire. The hashtag #highlandcow has reportedly reached millions of people on social media, highlighting the significant public interest in these animals. The removal of the Highland cows from Hothfield Heathlands serves as a reminder of the impact of social media on wildlife and the importance of respecting the personal space of animals, even those as adorable and charismatic as Highland cows.

David Attenborough’s voice returns to British screens in ‘Secret Garden’, a BBC One series launched to celebrate the network’s 100th birthday. Unlike his classic wildlife documentaries, the show turns the lens toward the UK’s own backyards, exploring how gardens can rival tropical rainforests in biodiversity.Series producer Bill Markham explains that the programme deliberately avoids the usual “lions and tigers” spectacle, aiming instead for a relatable, garden‑centred narrative. He notes that British gardens collectively cover more area than all national nature reserves combined, and that an average garden can host up to 2,600 different species.The series tackles the contentious issue of domestic cats. With 9.5 million pet cats in Britain, Attenborough reveals they may kill around 55 million birds each year. Simple measures—such as fitting cats with bells—can slash hunting success by one‑third, while raising bird feeders reduces fatalities further.Markham stresses that the current predator‑prey balance is “unfair on the prey”, noting that cats are “the biggest predator in our gardens” yet are constantly fed, leading to an unsustainable population. He cites ecologist Dr Davide Dominoni, who suggests that keeping cats indoors during the breeding months of April and May could dramatically lower bird deaths.Beyond cats, the series examines other garden‑linked wildlife challenges. Each year, over 30 million pheasants—an Asian species—are released into the countryside, where they prey on native insects, reptiles, and amphibians. Markham argues that despite the countryside lobby’s claim that pheasant shooting sustains rural jobs, the practice “mess‑es with the ecology”.‘Secret Garden’ also showcases rare footage, including a pine marten hunting sand martins, an otter preying on ducks, and intricate mayfly battles reminiscent of the famed “snakes vs. iguana” scene from Planet Earth II. These moments underline the hidden drama unfolding in everyday green spaces.Markham hopes the series will soothe the growing eco‑anxiety many feel about climate change. He points out that the UK boasts roughly 25 million gardens, with 80 % of the population having access. Simple actions—like planting a native tree to boost caterpillar supplies for birds—can make a measurable difference.While the show may provoke cat owners and countryside advocates, Markham believes the nation’s love for “animals, gardens and David Attenborough” will drive a collective re‑thinking of garden stewardship. As Attenborough reflects, his first encounter with nature likely occurred in his own garden, setting him on the path to becoming the world’s most renowned naturalist.‘Secret Garden’ airs from 5 April on BBC One and iPlayer.

Submersible hydroelectric systems are emerging as a pivotal component of North America’s clean‑energy strategy, especially as the Trump administration eliminates key subsidies for solar and wind. The technology, already proven in Alaska and Maine, is now being deployed in the densely populated Great Lakes corridor, where electricity demand and prices are climbing sharply. Last month, Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) announced its first urban installation on the St Lawrence River in Montreal, slated to launch two carbon‑fiber turbine units later this year. ORPC’s CEO Stuart Davies highlighted the river’s “consistent, high‑velocity water” and estimated a 60‑90 MW resource potential for the Montreal area alone. In parallel, ORPC is preparing a second project on the Niagara River near Buffalo, New York, and plans a future deployment on the lower Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The timing coincides with record electricity price spikes across the Great Lakes. New York’s public service commission approved substantial rate hikes in September, and further increases are scheduled for 2027, while Michigan and Ohio face similar pressures driven by data‑center expansion. These economic pressures are driving interest in marine‑based power. Unlike traditional hydropower, ORPC’s devices resemble “push‑lawn‑mower blades” and can generate between 0.5 MW and 5 MW continuously, offering a potential baseload for industrial users and a reliable backup during grid outages. Environmental considerations remain central. While Quebec benefits from long‑standing, low‑cost hydropower, U.S. projects endure an average eight‑year licensing timeline. Critics worry about impacts on fish and wildlife, though ORPC cites its Alaska deployment—operating since 2019 without recorded fish injuries despite massive salmon migrations—as evidence of minimal ecological risk. Researchers are also expanding the technology’s reach to slower‑moving waters. University of Michigan professor Michael Bernitsas demonstrated the Vivace system on the St Clair River, capable of harvesting energy from currents as low as 0.5 m/s, suggesting broader applicability across the Great Lakes watershed. Operating in fresh water offers a distinct advantage: the absence of salt eliminates corrosion, extending turbine lifespan and reducing costs compared with ocean‑based projects. Some European tidal installations have even anchored devices to riverbeds to avoid ice damage, a practice ORPC may adopt. Financially, the sector benefits from a 40‑50 % investment tax credit that remains intact, even as the Trump administration phases out Biden‑era subsidies for solar and wind. The National Hydropower Association confirms that marine‑energy tax incentives will stay in place through at least 2033, reshaping the competitive landscape and attracting inquiries from entities in over 70 countries. As electricity bills rise and policy shifts favor alternative renewables, submersible hydropower could become a cornerstone of the Great Lakes’ energy mix, delivering resilient, low‑carbon power while navigating regulatory and environmental hurdles.

A humpback whale, approximately 10 metres long, has become stranded for the third time on Germany's Baltic coast. The mammal, believed to be male, appeared weakened and sick on Sunday, struggling to find a route back to the Atlantic.**The prognosis for the whale's survival is grim**, according to Burkard Baschek, a marine scientist. The whale's breathing frequency has reduced, and it no longer exhibits reactions to nearby vessels.Till Backhaus, the environment minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, established a 500-metre restricted area around the animal to give it a chance to rest and hopefully free itself. However, **the chances of success are relatively slim**, according to Baschek.The whale was first spotted in the Baltic on 3 March and reported stranded on a sandbank last week. Authorities used an excavator to deepen a channel and boats to create waves to help free the mammal, which was nicknamed Timmy. Despite being freed once, it became trapped again on Sunday.**The whale's respiratory rate has dropped considerably**, and it is not moving, according to Stephanie Gross of the Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research. Even if the whale frees itself again, it would need to navigate narrow straits and approximately 310 miles to reach relative safety.Humpback whales are not native to the Baltic, and experts suspect that the young whale followed a shoal of fish or became disoriented by the noise of a submarine. **The lack of salt concentration and nutrition in Baltic waters makes it difficult for humpbacks to survive in the long term**.

While birdwatching is a well-known hobby, moth-watching is gaining popularity as a fascinating and misunderstood pursuit. A recent study on birdwatching found that becoming an expert birder causes changes to the brain that may help protect against age-related cognitive decline. The study, led by Erik Wing, discovered that expert birders show more activity in brain regions linked to visual processing, attention, and working memory when identifying difficult species. The author, a self-proclaimed moth enthusiast, argues that moths are orders of magnitude more difficult to distinguish than birds, with over 2,500 species in the UK alone. The author participates in the Garden Moth Scheme, a citizen science project that has been running since 2008, and has found that moths play a vital role in the natural world, pollinating plants, providing food for wildlife, and contributing to nutrient cycling. Despite their importance, moths are often misunderstood and maligned, with many people viewing them as pests. However, the author highlights the beauty and diversity of moths, with some species having intricate patterns and colors that rival those of butterflies. The author also notes that moths are harbingers of environmental change, with many species declining in abundance due to habitat loss and climate change. The Garden Moth Scheme has revealed a troubling trend of declining moth populations, with half of UK garden moth species showing a decrease in abundance. This decline has significant implications for the balance of the natural world. The author concludes that moth-watching, like birdwatching, can be a mindful and rewarding hobby that not only promotes appreciation for nature but also supports brain health.