Latest news with #DavidAttenborough
Time Out
32 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Our Story with David Attenborough
The seemingly unstoppable David Attenborough has achieved more since hitting retirement age than most of us - let's be honest, all of us - will achieve in our entire lifetimes. This new immersive film is his second major project since turning 99 in May, following his more traditional documentary Ocean. Produced by Open Planet Studios, Our Story sees the Jerwood Gallery at the Natural History Museum transformed into a smaller version of the Lightroom in King's Cross (a sort of projection-based theatre). While 'immersive' is a word exhausted by overuse, 'immersive documentary' is emerging as a fairly distinct genre with clear hallmarks. As with the Lightroom's shows, Our Story is based around powerful digital projectors beaming the film onto the four walls of the space, wrapping around the surfaces so there are different images whichever direction you look. You are indeed immersed. It's still a narrative documentary film, in which Sir David tells us the story of the planet from fiery, lifeless rock to the advent of mankind to a possible future. Attenborough narrates, and appears at the start and end. There's a fair smattering of expectedly dazzling wildlife footage. But Our Story isn't really a nature doc in the style of Attenborough's most famous works, and rather than painstakingly captured original footage of animals, it uses pre-existing stuff plus heavy use of CGI to supplement its storytelling. Occasionally this feels like a minor letdown: though they're not trying to pretend they're anything else, some very obviously computer generated whales feel a little jarring in a documentary from the literal David Attenborough. For the most part, though, the graphics are used well to create dramatic vistas of space or primaeval Earth, or to offer more prosaic illustrations of Attenborough's words (collages of cave paintings or early depictions of agriculture). It will probably not shock you to learn that you can't tell the entire story of the planet Earth and mankind in any great detail in 50 minutes. But the Att-man knows what he's doing by this stage in his career, and works deftly with the time he has. A visually razzle-dazzly pre-life on Earth section; a gallop through the first four billion years of the planet before establishing that the appearance of man coincided with an unprecedented stable patch in the planet's climate; an explosion of nature footage to illustrate this; bringing himself into it as he describes the world he was born into and how it's changed over his long, long life. Climate change is accepted as a part of the human story rather than laboured over bombastically; which works, because the question of doing something about it is raised not as a hypothetical but an inevitability. And it ends on a hopeful note: the whales are an illustration of how humans can influence the planet for the better, populations of the aquatic giants having bounced back since humanity took concerted action to save them. A projected cityscape of a hypothetical low carbon future London is another dose of optimism. Whether or not Attenborough feels as optimistic about the future as he professes to be here, it's a more inspiring note to end on – particularly for young audiences – than declaring it's too late and we're all doomed. The final image of the show isn't a spectacular vista of space or nature, but a life-size Attenborough, sitting in his study: it looks like he's in the room with us. I wouldn't put it past him to still be presenting documentaries in 10 years' time, but there is something haunting about the sense of his physical presence – the show feels like a time capsule already, wisdom designed to live on after he's gone.
ITV News
a day ago
- Science
- ITV News
'115 humpback whales in one day' - ITV News' Polar team inspires the next generation of scientists
ITV News' Martin Stew and members of the British Antarctic Survey fielded questions at the Eureka Museum - whilst on board the RRS Sir David Attenborough.
Metro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
The best boat restaurants in London including Richmond's Peggy Jean
Welcome back to The Slice! We're getting our first proper heatwave of the year, and it was truly worth the wait. With that being said, we know that you'll want to know the best ways to soak up the sun. Who knows how much longer it'll be around? So we've got a round up of the best boat restaurants you need to be on this week, including Paddington's Cheese Barge with an open-air upper deck and indulgent cheese and wine. We also give you our verdict on Kokin, with a wood-fired menu of dreams, fresh fish and delicious cocktails. And we tell you how to be part of House Party's very own Postcode Lottery. Plus: We've got something David Attenborough fans will definitely want to hear. Read on for a whole range of recommendations for 21-22 June, handpicked as always by The Slice. The Slice is your weekly guide to what's happening in London, so if you're looking for restaurant reviews, drinks deals or just a great new exhibition to visit on a rainy Saturday in the capital, we've got you covered. Click here for this week's edit of the best things to do in town. The Slice newsletter also a brand new look! We'll still be in your inbox every week, bringing you all the very best things to eat, drink and do in the capital. So if you want get the next edition before anyone else, sign up here! If you want to do it all on the cheap, you can also find our latest batch of exclusive hand-picked offers in partnership with Time Out here. If you're looking for something to do this weekend, here are 13 of the best activities, dining, and drinking spots in the capital. By James Besanvalle Summer is officially in full swing, and what's better than a BBQ to really turn up the heat? Kokin's wood-fire menu offers the perfect combination of fresh fish and delicious cocktails, and I'm told it's the first restaurant to offer wood-fire smoked rice. I start with a crisp oyster with apple smoked celeriac purée and nebansu jelly, and a delightfully light homemade tofu with langoustine tartare. To experience the wood-fire menu at its best, try the grilled bluefin tuna collar with ponzu sauce. It practically melts off the bone, while the charcoal wagyu beef sukiyaki is a touch of class. The real standout is the temae sushi, also known as 'sushi made by me'. It showcases salmon roe and three kinds of bluefin tuna with wood-fired rice, along with sheets of dried seaweed. It's essentially DIY sushi and perfect as a light lunch bite on its own. If you're feeling adventurous, try the matcha vodka martini, which is becoming an instant favourite cocktail of mine. Starters from £4.50, sushi bar from £4, mains from £18, cocktails from £12. 7th Floor, The Stratford, 20 International Way, Stratford. Book here. By Kate Rice As a total newbie to Venezuelan cuisine and having solidified my north-of-the-river status many moons ago, I had no idea what to expect from Arepa & Co.'s new Elephant and Castle location. But if there's one conclusion I can draw from my time there, it's that it won't be long before I'm back. Walk through Elephant Park and you'll find a sea of green and tasty food experiences aplenty. Attentive staff walk you through each dish, explaining the flavours as well as their personal recommendations. Our standouts? The buñuelos, yuca balls on creamy whipped feta cheese with sugar cane syrup and chilli flakes on top, and the cachapa pabellon: a Venezuelan pancake stuffed with black beans, plantain, avocado and cheese. And don't leave until you've tried one of their homemade sauces – especially the spicy, tangy picante. For dessert, the options are creamy, chocolatey, and well worth a try – but so indulgent and rich you'll probably need to share one with your date. Small plates from £3.75, arepas from £11.25, cachapas from £12.50. Elephant Park, Haggerston, Brixton and Bethnal Green. Book here. By Sama Ansari Pour Chocolate Dino's motto is 'lift heavy, eat cookies.' As lifestyles go, it's a pretty good one. My boyfriend certainly thought so, as he immediately bought their merch with the motto on – and after eating the cookies, he went to the gym and lifted heavy weights. But let's get to the food: each cookie is a quarter pounder and always served hot. My eyes immediately dart to the orange chocolate chip (which is made using zest and no artificial flavours) and my taste buds are thankful for it. It's tangy, sweet and complemented by the perfect hint of citrus. But the star of the show are the brownies. The recipe is 80% chocolate and 20% everything else. Expect rich, fudge-like heaven in every bite. Served with coffee and ice cream, it's everything you'd want on a Sunday morning. Box of six cookies, £24. Box of three brownies, £24. 36 Kennington Rd, Kennington. Book here. Best for: indulgence Floating restaurant Caravel, which means 'small, light Spanish ship or sailing boat', serving simple, French and Italian influenced dishes. Standout dishes include prawn toast with spiced tartare and confit potatoes with curry sauce. Expect hearty dishes and British nostalgia here, inspired by chef Lorcan's experience from his time in the kitchens at Quo Vadis, Oldroyd and Rochelle Canteen, and memories of home cooking growing up. 172 Shepherdess Walk, Regent's Canal. Book here. Best for: Aussie food An iconic part of Richmond's riverside, this barge is the perfect spot for a summer brunch. Guests sit under pretty pink parasols on the top deck terrace and tuck into tasty Aussie dishes like sweetcorn fritters or the Dirty Daisy. And don't forget to order a frozen Aperol or two. The Boat, Bridge Boathouses, Riverside, Richmond. Book here. Best for: a twist on cheese Float onto the double-decker Cheese Barge in Paddington Basin. With a seasonal cheese focused menu, serving everything from Cornish cheddar to curried cheese curds. And with the weather heating up this week, it's the perfect time to get your booking in. Head to the open-air upper deck and indulge in some cheese and wine as you soak up the sun. Paddington Basin, Sheldon Square, Paddington. Find out more here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cafe Linea (@ An all-day European cafe, Cafe Linea, is opening on 23 June next to the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea. Its terrace will overlook the Duke of York Square. With a menu that changes throughout the day, we're excited to give it a try. Is there anything better than free pizza? Base Face Pizza has opened, serving up perfected crispy hits like the Cheeky Pineapple and the Manjamo 3.0. You can get 50% off all pizzas until 22 June. Book your table here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Knoops (@knoopschocolate) KNOOPS and JENKI have linked up for the ultimate collab for all matcha fans. The new drink blends 100% ceremonial grade JENKI matcha from Uji, Japan with KNOOPS sweet, creamy 28% white chocolate. No syrups over here, just real quality chocolate. And it's seriously indulgent! Pop down to your nearest KNOOPS to get your hands on the limited-edition drink. View this post on Instagram A post shared by House Party (@ House Party (created by grime artist Stormzy) is turning one this month. How time flies! To celebrate, House Party has launched 'Streetstakes', their own version of the postcode lottery. Apply for an invitation here to be entered into the weekly on the House Party Instagram. Calling all nature buffs (and Attenborough fans), a brand new Sir David Attenborough-fronted experience is opening at the Natural History Museum. In collaboration with Open Planet Studios and Sir David, you can expect stunning animations and projections, real-world footage and full 360° immersion. Get your ticket. Looking for somewhere to soak up the sun this weekend? The Dark Horse Camden has just opened their terrace, which sits above the pub with the sun reaching it all day long. They've also launched a brand new open mic night, Vibe Village. Every Wednesday for the rest of the summer you can experience new talent, 7pm-10:30pm. A FREE Windrush Day event lands in Brixton this Sunday, honouring the legacy of Windrush. Head to Brixton House (11am – 4:30pm) for open games of dominoes hosted by the Queer Dominoes Project, and a writing room facilitated by Cold Islanders. Catch the River Walk Market at Battersea Power Station this summer. Every Sunday until 31 August expect an exciting mix of stalls selling natural wine, artisan cheeses, handmade chocolates and more. By Hugh Montgomery More Trending Given its joyful high-camp showmanship, it's a surprise that the Eurovision Song Contest has yet to inspire a musical – until now. Last week saw the announcement of a new stage show based on the 2020 Netflix comedy Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, which told the tale of a fictional Icelandic duo, played by Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams, as they realised their dream of representing their country. View More » The production will feature a book co-written by Ferrell, and a score by the movie's music producer Savan Kotecha. Given the film navigated a fine line between being a parody and a celebration of Eurovision, the signs look promising for a similarly deft tribute to Eurovision on stage. Initially, the show is planned to open on Broadway, but given the passionate Eurovision fanbase in the UK, we can't imagine it will be long before it transfers here – so watch this space. MORE: Aldi's £15 champagne is named 'best in the world' and I've tried it MORE: Lidl just dropped 'spectacular' new bakery item — and it only costs 79p Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Sustainability Times
a day ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Lost for 62 Years Then Found Alive': Ultra-Rare Egg-Laying Mammal Resurfaces in Remote Indonesian Rainforest Against All Odds
IN A NUTSHELL 🦔 Scientists have rediscovered the Attenborough's long-beaked echidna in the Indonesian rainforest after being thought extinct for over 60 years. the Attenborough's long-beaked echidna in the Indonesian rainforest after being thought extinct for over 60 years. 📷 The discovery was made using camera traps and indigenous knowledge, capturing 110 photographs confirming the species' existence. and indigenous knowledge, capturing 110 photographs confirming the species' existence. 🌿 The echidna is one of only five living species of egg-laying mammals , belonging to an ancient lineage known as monotremes. , belonging to an ancient lineage known as monotremes. 🔍 This finding underscores the importance of conservation efforts and the role of technology in wildlife discovery and protection. In an extraordinary turn of events, scientists have confirmed the rediscovery of the Attenborough's long-beaked echidna, a species thought to be extinct for over six decades. This remarkable find was made deep in the Indonesian rainforests, reviving hopes for the survival of this ancient species. Named after the legendary naturalist David Attenborough, this species is one of the Earth's few egg-laying mammals, known for its spiky fur and distinctive beak. Often called 'living fossils,' echidnas have an ancient lineage, believed to have originated around 200 million years ago during the era of dinosaurs. The photographic evidence of this elusive creature has been a breakthrough in the scientific community, shedding light on the biodiversity hidden within the depths of our planet's rainforests. Finding Elusive Echidna The rediscovery of the long-beaked echidna, known scientifically as Zaglossus attenboroughi, marks a significant milestone in wildlife conservation. The species had not been recorded in over 60 years, with the last known observation being a dead specimen now housed in the Treasure Room of the Naturalis Museum in the Netherlands. In 2023, an expedition from Oxford University to the remote Cyclops Mountains, located 6,561 feet above sea level, provided the first glimmer of hope. During this expedition, researchers deployed modern scientific techniques, including camera-trapping, and set up 73 camera traps across a 2.7 square mile area. These traps were strategically placed along animal trails and ridgelines, where potential echidna 'nose-pokes' were found — these are holes created by echidnas while foraging for invertebrates underground. Local indigenous knowledge played a crucial role in this discovery. Generations of local communities had reported sightings of the echidna, and their insights were invaluable in guiding the search. The combined efforts of modern science and traditional knowledge culminated in the capture of 110 photographs from 26 separate events, providing irrefutable proof that Attenborough's long-beaked echidna is alive and thriving in the Cyclops Mountains. This rediscovery not only highlights the importance of indigenous knowledge in scientific research but also emphasizes the significance of collaboration between local communities and scientists in preserving biodiversity. 'Predator Found at 26,000 Feet': Scientists Discover First-Ever Hunter Living in the Abyss of an 8,000-Meter Ocean Trench Unique Evolutionary History The long-beaked echidna is one of only five living species of egg-laying mammals, belonging to an ancient lineage called monotremes. These creatures diverged from other mammals over 200 million years ago, making them some of the planet's most enigmatic 'lost species.' The rediscovery of Zaglossus attenboroughi underscores the importance of conserving a unique evolutionary history that connects us to the distant past. Previously found in the Oenaka Range of Papua New Guinea, the Cyclops Mountains now serve as the only confirmed modern stronghold for this distinct species. The significance of this discovery extends beyond the survival of a single species. It offers hope for the preservation of other 'lost species' amidst a global biodiversity crisis. With more than 2,000 so-called lost species identified, some may indeed be extinct, yet rediscoveries like this prove that others survive, especially in regions where biological research has been limited. This find is a beacon of hope, encouraging further exploration and study of the world's unexplored regions. Biologists Alarmed as Newly Discovered Chain Reaction Threatens to Trigger Mass Extinction Across Multiple Species Worldwide Conservation Efforts and Global Implications The confirmation of the long-beaked echidna's existence is a call to action for conservationists worldwide. Protecting this species and its habitat in the Indonesian rainforest is vital for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. The findings, published in the journal NPJ Biodiversity, highlight the need for heightened conservation efforts and increased awareness of the challenges faced by unique habitats. Conservationists are now focused on creating strategies to safeguard the echidna's environment from threats such as deforestation and habitat degradation. The international scientific community must collaborate with local governments and organizations to ensure the protection of this ancient species. This rediscovery also prompts a reevaluation of conservation priorities, urging policymakers to consider the ecological value of species that have been overlooked or presumed extinct. 'This Thing Shouldn't Exist': Scientists Stunned as Humanity Witnesses This Deep-Sea Monster Alive for the First Time Ever The Role of Technology in Wildlife Discovery The rediscovery of the long-beaked echidna underscores the transformative role of technology in wildlife conservation. The use of camera traps and other modern scientific methods has proven invaluable in documenting and monitoring elusive species. These technologies enable researchers to gather data in challenging environments, providing insights into the behaviors and habitats of species that are difficult to study through traditional means. As technology continues to evolve, its application in wildlife research is likely to expand, offering new opportunities to explore and understand the natural world. This case highlights the potential for technological advancements to revolutionize conservation efforts, making it possible to rediscover and protect species that would otherwise remain hidden. The integration of technology with traditional knowledge and conservation strategies is essential for addressing the complex challenges posed by biodiversity loss in the 21st century. The rediscovery of Attenborough's long-beaked echidna serves as a powerful reminder of the mysteries that still lie hidden within our planet's ecosystems. This finding raises important questions about how many other 'lost species' might be waiting to be found and what steps we can take to protect these invaluable treasures. How can we continue to balance technological advancements with traditional knowledge to ensure the survival of our planet's most extraordinary creatures? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (23)
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Forestry not behind sheep decline
We need to see the sheep for the trees, Richard Holloway writes. There is trouble down on the farm with a turf war heating up between two of New Zealand's larger export sectors — sheep and forestry. In the latest iteration of its "Save our Sheep" campaign, Federated Farmers has released a pseudo David Attenborough video that shamelessly likens sheep to an endangered species, squarely focusing the blame on exotic forestry. You would have to laugh if it was not serious. Sheep numbers have declined dramatically since 1990 — by about 60% — but the reasons why do not match the anti-forestry rhetoric of the campaign. The area of exotic forest has been stable for over 20 years. In 2002, New Zealand's exotic forest area totalled 1.78 million ha. By 2020 — the most recent year for which Statistics New Zealand holds land use data — this had decreased by 10% to 1.6m ha. A 2024 study by Orme & Associates (commissioned by Beef + Lamb NZ) found 146,331ha of sheep and beef land was sold for forestry conversion from 2021 to mid-2024. This figure was based on planting intentions — not actual area planted — and included farm sales still awaiting approval. Combining the 2020 statistics with the O&A data to mid-2024 brings the total to 1.75m ha — marginally less than the total area of the forest estate reported in 2002. And this assumes that none of the baseline forest area reported in 2020 has since been deforested. Additional land has been sold for forestry since mid-2024, but planting has slowed. Fewer seedling orders, reduced planting contracts and minimal Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) participation all suggest a waning momentum. The political winds have shifted, putting the brakes on forestry by tightening the rules for registering land in the ETS, particularly whole-farm conversions. Late last year, the government introduced a moratorium on registering exotic forestry on land use capability (LUC) classes 1-5, and a hard cap of 15,000ha per year for new exotic forest plantings on LUC 6. The conclusion is that the area of land planted in exotic forest is, at most, not much more than it was way back in 2002. That is two decades with relatively little net change. So, it is implausible that increased forest area is the main reason for declining sheep numbers. Dicing this another way, most new forest planting occurs on LUC 6 and 7 land. Even if we are generous and assume this land supports on average 10 sheep per hectare, the math still does not add up. If forestry was the main reason for declining sheep numbers, the area of exotic forests would need to have expanded by 3.4m ha since 1990. The real causes for declining sheep numbers are well known. A major driver is that land has shifted to more profitable uses, especially dairy, which grew nearly 80% between 2002 and 2020. Productivity per animal has increased significantly, particularly in terms of lambing percentages and slaughter weights, resulting in higher production from fewer breeding animals. At the same time, sheep farmers have faced highly variable output prices and rapidly increasing production costs. The strong-wool industry has been decimated by changing consumer preferences and the market clout of the petrochemical industry. As synthetic fibres surged, wool has been relegated to the status of a low-value nuisance byproduct. Farmer demographics are shifting, with an average age of 58 and rising, due to the difficulty of attracting and retaining new entrants. Throw in significantly increased regulation and compliance costs and you have got the real culprits driving the decline in sheep numbers. Not forestry. Profitability of forestry outperforms sheep hands down. Being able to generate regular income from the sale of carbon is a bonus, providing cashflow that smooths the volatility of sheep and beef returns. On the environment front, there is sound evidence that forestry is a more environmentally sustainable land-use than pastoral farming on much of New Zealand's steeper hill country. Trees reduce sediment loss, landslips, and improve water quality and biodiversity outcomes vis-a-vis pasture. The one caveat to this is at harvest, which must be appropriately managed to mitigate environmental damage. Farmers are highly exposed to the effects of a changing climate. For many, forestry is a way to make a small and positive contribution to the emerging climate crisis. Sooner or later New Zealand's agricultural sector will be held to account for its greenhouse gas contributions. Forestry provides some farm-level insurance for when that happens. Changing land use is an integral part of a functioning market economy. We are no longer running sheep on prime dairy land on the Canterbury Plains, or milking cows on prime kiwifruit land in the Bay of Plenty. Where farmers are deciding to plant exotic forestry, this should be applauded as an entirely rational and legitimate land use choice. By all means, let us have a discussion on the decline of the sheep industry, but a little more attention to the facts and a little less stoking of anti-forestry sentiment would better reflect the standard of evidence-based advocacy that Federated Farmers once held itself to. • Richard Holloway is a Canterbury-based farmer-forester and agricultural economist.
