2010s likely to be hottest decade on record
The report found that global temperatures for 2010 to 2019 were about 1.1C above the pre-Industrial average. Meanwhile, 2019 looks set to be the s...
The sea covers around a third of the earth's surface, discover their depths here
Albatross (Wandering)
The wandering albatross has the largest wingspan of any bird and is perhaps the most magnificent of all twelve species of albatross.
Ban proposed on single use plastics
Cotton buds are becoming an increasing hazard in our oceans, as they are often flushed down the loo after use and end up being washed out to sea. ...
Calling young writers
At YPTE, we would like to start giving young people the chance to have their voices heard about environmental issues. So from now on, we'll be pub...
Climate change is bringing humans and wildlife into conflict
The study, published in Nature Climate Change cited examples 49 of climate-driven conflicts occurring among all wildlife groups, on every continent...
Conservation Education 25 - Oceans
Into the deep blue sea....... Look at the earth from outer space and you will see a beautiful blue planet. It’s blue, because an amazing 70% of the...
EU backs ban on single use plastics
The ban doesn't have legal force yet. Member states still have to back the directive before it can become law, but with voting so overwhelmingly i...
El Nino and Indonesia
This Fact Sheet was originally written in November 1997, when major fires in the forests of Indonesia were blamed on the El Nino effect.
England ponders cash incentive for plastic bottle recycling
Mr Gove said., “We must protect our oceans and marine life from plastic waste if we are to be the first generation to leave our environment in a be...
Food Chains and Keystone Species
After introducing food chains and food webs, this suite of four lessons looks at ecosystems, focussing on the species that can completely alter an ...
Guillemot
The Guillemot is penguin-like in appearance; slim, pointed bill, dark brown head and upperparts, white underparts.
Gull (Herring)
The well-known yodelling call of the herring gull conjures up pictures of the seaside perhaps more than any other sound.
Half of world’s killer whales under threat from pollution
PCBs were widely used from the 1930s onwards in electrical coolants and insulators, carbonless copy paper etc., but we have known for around 50 yea...
Historic new treaty to protect world's oceans
The treaty sets out to protect 30% of the wold's oceans by 2030, a massive increase on the 1.2% that are currently protected. Almost two thirds of...
Lionfish
This flamboyant fish is beautiful with it's frilly fins and hypnotic stripes but don't be fooled by it's looks - it is trying to tell you to stay a...
List of Talks
The school talks service is available in person for schools within a 30-mile radius of our office in Yeovil OR on Zoom, Teams etc. for schools anyw...
Living things and their habitats: Year 5 (Animal life cycles & reproduction)
This suite of lesson plans and accompanying PowerPoint presentation includes a range of suggested activities, resources and explanations of key ter...
New lesson plans for Year 5 teachers!
The three extended lessons cover the differences in life cycles of mammals, amphibians, insects and birds; how animals reproduce; and how the work ...
New research to discover whether Greenland is melting more quickly
Greenland is an unlikely name for a country which lies between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, which appears much more white than green! It's the ...
Oceans now hotter than ever
Oceans have an essential role in regulating the planet's climate. They absorb heat, produce around half of the world's oxygen and have a key role ...
Octopus (Common)
Snails and slugs are distant relatives of the octopus, a creature that is so intelligent it is the only invertebrate that is recognised as sentient...
One in six UK species in danger of extinction
Climate change and intensive farming methods were cited in the report as the main causes of nature loss. Only a fifth of farm land was found to be...
Overfishing
It is sobering to consider that nearly 90% of the world's marine fish stocks are now fully exploited, overexploited or depleted, and there is no do...
Puffin
The puffin's distinctive bill has given it the nicknames of 'sea parrot' and 'bottle nose'. Although it looks a bit like a penguin or a parrot, it ...
Seashore: Plants and animals of the rocky shore
For the study of a less familiar habitat, the rocky shore is perfect. This lesson plan enables detailed study from the classroom and is accompanied...
Study reveals last remaining ocean wilderness
These last wilderness areas are characterised by very high levels of biodiversity. They are largely free from disturbance caused by human activiti...
Sussex: The Coastal Plain
Thanks to support from the Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust, we have produced this set of classroom reference guides to the regions of Sussex, for...
UK homes to be wind powered by 2030
Mr Johnson said, “We believe that in 10 years’ time offshore wind will be powering every home in the country, with our target rising from 30 gigawa...
Video on food chains
Arthur explains food chains and why removing keystone species like turtles can make a big difference to a marine ecosystem. Created in collaborati...
Whale (Blue)
The blue whale is not only the largest living animal but probably the largest creature the world has ever known. One of greatest recorded lengths f...
Whale (Humpback)
The humpback whale can reach a maximum length of 17 metres, with the female larger than the male. The size and weight is also impressive. A 15m hum...
Whale (Killer)
Killer whales are the only whale to prey on other warm-blooded animals. Like wolves, they are pack hunters and will even attack a lame blue whale.
Whales - Saving the Whales
Whales are warm-blooded mammals and the largest creatures on earth. The magnificent blue whale is the largest animal that has ever lived on this pl...