Latest news with #AndyKing
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Experts stunned after rare ospreys return to area: 'A chance of making further progress'
A bird egg in Wales became a symbol of hope this spring for the recovery of a species that was once considered nearly extinct in the United Kingdom. Conservationists believed that the egg, found on April 24 in the nest of a rare pair of ospreys in the Usk Valley, was the first one laid in the area for at least 250 years, the BBC reported. "The fact that this pair have established a nest and laid an egg shows the species has a chance of making further progress," said Andy King, of the local group Usk Valley Ospreys, in the BBC report. King noted that this was "great news for everyone who cares about our wildlife." Within days, the productive parents added two more eggs to the nest, which is monitored by live webcams and has been protected by a team of 60 volunteers, according to The Guardian. Reports of ospreys returning to nest in the U.K. and in other places around the world are inspirational for people involved in conservation. As top predators in their habitats, the fish-eating birds of prey can also play key environmental roles in well-functioning natural systems. And scientists take them as indicators of habitat health in coastal areas. The Usk Valley Ospreys website reports that the birds were common in the U.K. centuries ago. Habitat loss, hunting, and egg theft destroyed local populations to the point that ospreys went extinct as a breeding species by 1847 in Wales and England, and by 1916 in Scotland. They were thought to be extinct as a breeding species in Ireland by the late 1700s, per the BBC. In 1954, ospreys re-established populations in Scotland. Helped along by conservation efforts, the piscivorous prey birds have since shown signs of recovery in various U.K. regions. Ospreys started nesting again in northern Wales in 2004, according to the conservation group. The BBC reported that the ospreys that recently produced eggs began building their nest in 2023, which marked a significant southward expansion of the species' nesting range in Wales. Since then, birders have noticed other ospreys in the area. According to a report commissioned by the Brenig Osprey Project in northern Wales, the birds have the highest protection status under the U.K.'s Wildlife and Countryside Act, making it illegal to disturb them at their nests. While national laws and local conservation programs have led to increasingly healthy populations of ospreys and other species, ongoing threats to habitats are a reason for continued effort. For example, reports by the World Wildlife Fund in the U.K., as well as by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, have noted the impacts of rising global temperatures on migratory birds. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Meanwhile, the return of nesting ospreys in Wales is encouraging. "It's lovely to see them, isn't it?" said Louise Milne, one of the volunteers monitoring the Usk Valley ospreys, in the Guardian report. "They are a wonder of the world." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
South Wales Argus
28-04-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Osprey egg laid in the Usk Valley in Brecon Beacons
The egg was laid by a pair of ospreys in a nest near Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon, showing that the rare species is beginning to make a comeback in mid Wales. Ospreys were wiped out in Wales in the 19th century due to persecution and habitat loss, but conservation efforts have helped the species to slowly return. Usk Valley Ospreys' chair Andy King said: "It's fantastic to see this pair of ospreys thriving and now laying their first egg in our part of Wales. "It had to happen by the end of April to give the parents a whole season to raise the chicks, so time was running out. "Although nothing is certain, we are hoping for another one or two eggs in the next few days." The ospreys arrived, defended a territory, and began building this nest near Talybont-on-Usk in 2023 – the first time the species had nested so far south in Wales for 200 years. (Image: Usk Valley Ospreys) Both adults are unringed but it is thought they are a young pair in their first full nesting year. Since they arrived, other ospreys have also been seen in the area. Mr King said: "Ospreys are among the most impressive and rarest birds of prey in Wales and the UK as a whole. "The fact that this pair have established a nest and laid an egg shows the species has a chance of making further progress. "That's great news for everyone who cares about our wildlife." The species is recognised as a Schedule 1 bird with full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, making it a criminal offence to disturb them or their nests. You can keep up to date with the ospreys and watch the live-stream on the Usk Valley Ospreys website
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Popular artisan bakery launches new doughnut flavours
A popular artisan bakery in Carlisle has launched a series of new doughnut flavours. Dough-Luxe, which is owned by former chef Andy King, is located in Carlisle's Market Hall. The artisan bakery was officially opened by Andy in December 2023 and was nominated for the News & Star's 'Best Bakery 2024' award. READ MORE: Carlisle Market Hall bakery named finalist in Best Bakery 2024 award At Dough-Luxe, Andy takes pride in lighting his 'creativity' shine through the products he creates, and he has now launched three new doughnut flavours which reflect this ethos, including Apple Crumble, Oreo Cheesecake, and The Jammy Dodger. Writing on social media, Andy said: "Back at it again after a week off. Hitting the ground running with some superb new doughnut flavours. "Apple Crumble. Oreo Cheesecake. The Jammy Dodger. "With plenty of other bakes and specials to choose from, why not give us a visit this week." Speaking previously, Andy discussed the pride he takes in putting a 'twist' on traditional bakes and wowing his customers with his bold flavours and combinations. He said: "Without sounding too arrogant, I think I am good at putting a twist on certain bakes, and I know that I strive for high quality and use high-quality ingredients. "It is all about putting my creativity into the bakes rather than doing the same thing over and over. "A big motivation behind opening the bakery was being my own boss and having that creative freedom and that is the biggest thing that I love about Dough-Luxe. "It really is like its own reward system, and that is reflected in the feedback I receive."
Wales Online
25-04-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Something just happened in part of Wales that hasn't happened for 250 years
Something just happened in part of Wales that hasn't happened for 250 years The event is being seen as an important step in the comeback of one of Wales's most iconic birds and reason to celebrate This is believed to be a first in 250 years (Image: Usk Valley Ospreys ) In a first in over two centuries, a pair of Ospreys, commonly known as a 'Duet' have laid their first egg in their nest close to Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon. This is being seen as a crucial sign of the rare species fighting to make a comeback, with wildlife experts believing it's the first such egg laid by Ospreys in the Usk Valley for 250 years. These rare birds were considered extinct as breeding birds in England and Wales by the mid 19th century. This was largely due to persecution and habitat loss but thanks to efforts for their conservation, these birds are now making a comeback in Wales. Earlier this month WalesOnline reported on how another Duet were reunited at a nest this spring in the Glaslyn Valley for their third breeding season. You can read more about that by clicking here. Article continues below The Ospreys were wiped out from Wales by the mid 19th century (Image: Usk Valley Ospreys ) Usk Valley Ospreys Chair, Andy King said: 'It's fantastic to see this pair of ospreys thriving and now laying their first egg in our part of Wales. It had to happen by the end of April to give the parents a whole season to raise the chicks, so time was running out.' The birds came to the area and defended a territory, following which they started building this nest near Talybont-on-Usk in 2023. The charity said this was the first time that Ospreys had nested so far south in Wales in more than 200 years. Stay informed on everything Merthyr Tydfil by signing up to our newsletter here Both of the birds are considered adults, and are 'unringed' — meaning they don't have a small metal band attached to their leg as part of conservation efforts. They are thought to be a young pair, who are in their first full 'nesting year'. Since these birds came to the area, other Ospreys have also been spotted. The birds are making a comeback due to conservation efforts (Image: Usk Valley Ospreys ) Andy added: 'Although nothing is certain, we are hoping for another one or two eggs in the next few days. 'Ospreys are among the most impressive and rarest birds of prey in Wales and the UK as a whole. The fact that this pair have established a nest and laid an egg shows the species has a chance of making further progress. That's great news for everyone who cares about our wildlife.' Article continues below Ospreys are recognised as a Schedule 1 bird with full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, which makes it a criminal offence to disturb them or their nests. You can read more about the conservation of Ospreys in Wales, and a book dedicated to documenting the conservation effort by clicking here.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rare osprey egg a sign species is 'fighting back'
A rare pair of ospreys have laid their first egg in mid-Wales, which conservationists believe is the first such egg in the area for at least 250 years. It was laid in a nest near Talybont-on-Usk, near Brecon, Powys, and is a sign the "rare species is fighting back", said conservation group Usk Valley Ospreys. The species was wiped out in Wales in the 19th century due to persecution and habitat loss, but has been making a comeback in recent years due to conservation efforts. "Although nothing is certain, we are hoping for another one or two eggs in the next few days," said Andy King, of Usk Valley Ospreys. Ospreys reunite in Wales for third year together Osprey finds new lovebird and set to become dad The ospreys began building their nest in 2023 - the first time the species has nested so far south in Wales for 200 years, according to the group. Although both adults are unringed, it is believed they are young and in their first full nesting year. Since their arrival, other ospreys have been seen in the area. Mr King said the couple were running out of time to lay their egg, as it had to happen before the end of April "to give the parents a whole season to raise the chicks". "The fact that this pair have established a nest and laid an egg shows the species has a chance of making further progress," he said, adding that it was "great news for everyone who cares about our wildlife". The fish-eating birds used to be widely distributed across the British Isles, but their numbers declined centuries ago due to illegal killing and egg theft. Now they are a Schedule 1 species, meaning they have the highest level of protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. It is a criminal offence to disturb them or their nests. The species remains on the Amber List because of its historical decline and low breeding numbers. Drone suspected of disturbing osprey nest Charity gives up hope osprey will ever return Osprey pair lay first egg of the season
