Latest news with #Arwen
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Farne Island puffins ‘may not survive the next century'
Seabirds on the Farne Islands, including puffins, may not survive the next century. Sophia Jackson, an area ranger, warned that climate change and extreme weather 'are the biggest threats facing both our seabirds and seal populations'. It comes as the National Trust sets up two webcams so visitors can watch the seabird breeding season to mark the centenary of the charity taking over the islands off the Northumberland coast. One will be trained on the puffin burrows and one on the cliffs where some of the 200,000 seabirds gather every year to breed. National Trust rangers will carry out the annual puffin count to monitor the number of breeding pairs. The wildlife haven, accessible to visitors by boat from Seahouses, is made up of as many as 28 islands depending on the tide and is home to 23 species of seabirds. Visitor numbers have been restricted in recent years, firstly by the Covid lockdown and then by avian flu which badly affected some species. The webcams will allow even more people to experience the birds' bustling lives on the islands. Regarding the next 100 years, Ms Jackson said: 'We are doing the best we can to ensure all our seabirds have a bright future. 'But climate change, especially its impact on the severity of winter storms, and extreme weather events are the biggest threats facing both our seabirds and seal populations. 'Summer storms resulting in heavy rain at the wrong time of year can flood puffin burrows on the islands, as well as impacting how the birds fare when on their migrating routes. 'Winter storms can also wash seal pups off the rocks and several pups perished when Storm Arwen hit the islands in 2021. 'Warming sea temperatures and the availability of the seabirds' food sources, as in different sorts of fish moving further northwards to find cooler temperatures, also means that the birds are expending more energy to seek out the food, and also spending more time away from the nest resulting in starvation or abandonment of young chicks.' She added: 'In this significant year we want more people to become 'watchers' of this annual spectacle to have a window into this unique world. 'We hope by seeing the birds, people will be inspired to visit in person one day, but also to realise just how special these wild isles are, and how we must do all we can to ensure these islands and bird species have a long and healthy future ahead.' The National Trust took over ownership in 1925 from the Farne Islands Association and it has been monitoring seabird numbers since the 1950s with the data used to direct conservation work Ms Jackson said: 'Looking back on the records for the different populations, it is very clear how important regular monitoring of the different seabird populations has been – despite different methodologies – for informing our conservation work on the islands, but also for keeping track of the impacts of climate change through warming seas and more frequent storms.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Brescia's Arwen Terblanche strikes gold at national orienteering champs
Arwen Terblanche, a matric learner at Brescia House School, claimed a remarkable gold medal at the South African Orienteering Sprint Championships, held in George on May 4. Competing in the fiercely contested Women U20 category, Arwen navigated her way to victory with a blend of physical fitness, mental focus, and tactical decision-making. Orienteering is a unique sport that challenges both body and mind, requiring competitors to move at speed while navigating a course using only a map and compass. 'A lot is happening at once, you are reading the map, planning your next move, and keeping your pace up. I was in the zone and nothing else mattered in the moment except the race.' Also read: Brescia's Christine wins 5 gold medals in Gauteng Schools Championships She said, despite tough competition and unfamiliar terrain, she thrived in the cool, slippery conditions. 'It was colder and wetter than I expected, and I had never been to George before. But I knew I had to give it my best. I made a really good route choice at one point that gave me a big advantage, which was a defining moment in the race.' Arwen added she had entered the event simply to gain experience but surprised herself. 'I was shocked. I didn't go there expecting to win. I just wanted to enjoy the event and see what national competition was like.' Also read: 13-year-old Brescia House Student finished first Midmar Mile She added she was a member of the South African Junior High Performance Squad. 'Balancing training with matric is tricky, but I find that exercising helps me focus better when I am studying. Luckily, most competitions are on Sunday mornings, and my family is incredibly supportive; they even take part in some of the events.' Arwen credits orienteering with teaching her essential life skills. 'It has helped me learn to multitask, adapt quickly, work under pressure, and perform in challenging conditions. The muddier and bushier the course, the better I seem to do.' Read more: First-ever Carnival Day at Morningside Country Club brings families and sports together She said she was inspired by her father, who introduced her to the sport, and hopes to qualify for the Junior World Orienteering Championships in Sweden next year. 'Orienteering is still quite unknown in South Africa. But it is fun, it is challenging, and there's always someone there to help you get started.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Vancouver Sun
05-05-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Gun-shaped lighters: Councillor seeks ban as they proliferate in Vancouver
Article content If you think selling lighters that closely resemble a real gun is a terrible idea, at least one Vancouver city councillor has your back. Article content Article content ABC Vancouver Coun. Mike Klassen has introduced a motion aiming to ban the sale of gun-shaped lighters in the city. Article content The motion, which goes before council on Wednesday, says the sale of the questionable lighters has 'proliferated in the City of Vancouver over the past year, with an estimated 50-75 stores selling multiple (gun-shaped lighters), particularly in the Downtown Eastside and downtown core.' Article content Article content Because the lighters look so much like real firearms, they have led to 'public distress and a significant increase in 911 emergency calls.' Article content Article content There were 162 police calls about the lighters last year, more than half of which were classified as 'priority weapons calls' — meaning they led to a response involving several officers armed with Tasers, less-lethal beanbag shotguns and Arwen guns. Article content Klassen's motion notes that the presence of the lighters in public spaces 'has resulted in multiple dangerous encounters where police officers have had to draw their firearms, creating a risk of fatal outcomes should a suspect fail to comply or appear to threaten officers or the public.' Article content They've also been documented as being used in violent crimes and leading to charges for robbery, assault and weapons possession. Calls about gun-shaped lighters were predominantly in the city's core, with 46 per cent happening in the Downtown Eastside and 39 per cent in other parts of downtown Vancouver. Article content Article content The drain on police resources is significant, the motion says: 32 of the calls led to 10 or more police units being dispatched and the average time required to resolve each call was two and a half hours. Article content Article content They may be a bad idea, but gun-shaped lighters are not specifically prohibited for possession or sale under the Criminal Code of Canada. They only become illegal when used in the commission of a crime, leaving law enforcement with little recourse. Article content 'A proactive ban on the sale and distribution (of gun-shaped lighters) in the City of Vancouver through a bylaw or bylaw amendment would serve to enhance public safety and reduce the burden on law enforcement while other legislative measures are being explored,' the motion reads.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Yahoo
Gun-shaped lighters: Councillor seeks ban as they proliferate in Vancouver
If you think selling lighters that closely resemble a real gun is a terrible idea, at least one Vancouver city councillor has your back. ABC Vancouver Coun. Mike Klassen has introduced a motion aiming to ban the sale of gun-shaped lighters in the city. The motion, which goes before council on Wednesday, says the sale of the questionable lighters has 'proliferated in the City of Vancouver over the past year, with an estimated 50-75 stores selling multiple (gun-shaped lighters), particularly in the Downtown Eastside and downtown core.' Because the lighters look so much like real firearms, they have led to 'public distress and a significant increase in 911 emergency calls.' There were 162 police calls about the lighters last year, more than half of which were classified as 'priority weapons calls' — meaning they led to a response involving several officers armed with Tasers, less-lethal beanbag shotguns and Arwen guns. Klassen's motion notes that the presence of the lighters in public spaces 'has resulted in multiple dangerous encounters where police officers have had to draw their firearms, creating a risk of fatal outcomes should a suspect fail to comply or appear to threaten officers or the public.' They've also been documented as being used in violent crimes and leading to charges for robbery, assault and weapons possession. Calls about gun-shaped lighters were predominantly in the city's core, with 46 per cent happening in the Downtown Eastside and 39 per cent in other parts of downtown Vancouver. The drain on police resources is significant, the motion says: 32 of the calls led to 10 or more police units being dispatched and the average time required to resolve each call was two and a half hours. They may be a bad idea, but gun-shaped lighters are not specifically prohibited for possession or sale under the Criminal Code of Canada. They only become illegal when used in the commission of a crime, leaving law enforcement with little recourse. 'A proactive ban on the sale and distribution (of gun-shaped lighters) in the City of Vancouver through a bylaw or bylaw amendment would serve to enhance public safety and reduce the burden on law enforcement while other legislative measures are being explored,' the motion reads. It asks city staff to come up with recommendations for bylaw amendments that would ban the lighters and set a range of penalties for selling them. It also urges Mayor Ken Sim to write to the provincial government asking for legislative changes that would prohibit the sale, distribution and possession of gun-shaped lighters in B.C. and make it possible for police to seize them. This isn't the first time city council has cracked down on questionable lighters over safety concerns. A year ago, councillors voted to ban the sale of butane lighters that can be locked to produce a continuous flame. The ban was championed by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services, which said they posed a risk of fire, injury and death due to misuse. Continuous-flame lighters were ordered removed from shelves as of June 2024 and retailers who sell them now face a $1,000 fine. jruttle@ Vancouver council seeks to reinstate school meal programs Despite rebuke of ABC Vancouver, towers to rise higher
BBC News
20-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
Kirkham swimming pool set to reopen three years after it shut
A swimming pool is set to reopen after a council committee has endorsed a plan to buy Swimming Pool in Lancashire closed in December 2021. Following a review of the pool's condition, Fylde Council's executive committee agreed to allocate £75,000 in annual funding to secure and monitor the to full council approval, the authority also plans to spend £150,000 from reserves to fund further works once the pool is transferred from current owners YMCA. Councillor Jayne Nixon said it was the "first critical step in restoring this important community asset". The swimming pool was transferred by Fylde Council to the YMCA in facility suffered significant structural damage caused by Storm Arwen in December 2021 and has also suffered from council said it will make essential repairs to secure the site against further decline and unauthorised decision follows a notice of motion to full council in October 2023 and consultation with the community and stakeholders regarding swimming provision in the area. Fylde Council said the acquisition represents a "significant step" towards reinstating the "valued community facility" adding it was exploring various funding options to minimise the time it remains said it has submitted an expression of interest to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. 'Commitment' Councillor Jayne Nixon, lead Member for tourism, leisure and culture, said: "This acquisition demonstrates our commitment to ensuring swimming provision remains accessible to residents across rural Fylde. "While we recognise the challenges ahead, securing this facility is the first critical step in restoring this important community asset."She added: "If successful, our expression of interest to the National Lottery Heritage Fund will prove vital in accelerating the restoration process and bringing this beloved pool back to life for our community."The recommendations will be presented to full council for final approval, with the formal transfer of the facility expected to follow shortly after. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
