Author: Fern McErlane

At 8am on the iconic Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, the city is just beginning to awaken. The steady rhythm of the Atlantic waves sets a calming backdrop as early risers take advantage of the quiet before tourists flood in. Vendors start to rouse themselves for the day while the distant sound of helicopters… Continue reading What Brazil’s supercentenarians can teach us about living to 120

The article discusses how carefully planned rewilding in the UK uplands can help reduce wildfire risks by restoring natural, functioning ecosystems. Key points include: – **Wildfires in Britain are mostly human-started**, but whether they become catastrophic depends heavily on the landscape’s condition. – **Rewilding is sometimes criticized** because stopping activities like grazing, cutting, and burning… Continue reading How rewilding could help stop the spread of Britain’s wildfires

Across Syria’s camps and rural areas, a vibrantly painted bus is bringing a wave of creativity and joy to children whose lives have been overshadowed by conflict. In northern Idlib, within the dusty expanse of Kafr Lusin camp, this mobile cultural hub arrives filled with colorful books, puppets, and art supplies that immediately attract the… Continue reading The mobile library bringing books to rural Syria

Grassroots football is gaining recognition as a powerful force for social change, addressing issues from knife crime prevention to mental health support. Local football clubs engaged in these efforts report noticeable positive impacts on young people involved, illustrating the potential of the sport beyond mere recreation. Ivan Liburd of Leicester Nirvana FC shares a compelling… Continue reading How community football is helping youth stay out of trouble

In Sierra Leone, a transformative program is empowering individuals with limb loss by teaching them sustainable farming techniques. This initiative, launched by Mambud Samai, who transitioned from pastor to farmer, equips amputees with the skills necessary not only to cultivate their own food but also to establish small-scale commercial farms, thereby fostering greater independence and… Continue reading How a farming programme in Sierra Leone helps amputees rebuild lives

The provided text highlights rewilding efforts in Ukraine and the Danube Delta region, emphasizing ecological restoration and community resilience amid ongoing conflict and environmental challenges. ### Key Points: – **Kulan and Fire Management:** Kulan (wild asses) play a critical role in managing vegetation, thereby reducing wildfire risk intensified by climate change and wartime hazards like… Continue reading Why Ukraine is rewilding in the heat of war

A range of empowering programmes are helping young people unlock their potential and influence their own futures, through methods such as individual mentoring, creative technology education, and leadership training. In London, The Kids’ Network offers approximately 5,000 hours of one-on-one mentoring annually, delivered by trained volunteers. These sessions center on building trust through conversation, shared… Continue reading Three mentorship schemes that help youth develop skills

This weekend marks the return of Generation Circus’ Over 50s Circus Showcase, an event that defies the common notion that play, performance, and daring acts are exclusively for the young. Taking place on Sunday, 14 June in Hertfordshire, UK, the show titled ‘A Rebellion Against Ageism’ will feature a vibrant lineup of circus artists aged… Continue reading In pictures: The circus artists rewriting the rules of ageing

At a small restaurant nestled within Brimscombe Mill in the English Cotswolds, an inspiring initiative called The Long Table is redefining the dining experience by embracing “radical hospitality.” Unlike traditional eateries, this restaurant operates on a pay-as-you-can basis, allowing guests to pay what they can afford without any proof of income or necessity. The concept… Continue reading Come dine with us

On the occasion of his 100th birthday, we reflect on some memorable remarks from the esteemed broadcaster and natural historian. Throughout his life, he expressed a profound connection to the natural world and its significance. He once remarked on the irony of television fame, saying, “You know, it’s a terrible thing to appear on television,… Continue reading 15 of the best quotes from Sir David Attenborough