MY DAUGHTERS regularly send me photos of birds on WhatsApp.‘Look at these lads,’ one will caption a picture of crows foraging on a grass verge. ‘Mum I bet you wish you were here,’ the other will write, under a picture of a hopeful crow perched on a chair at her table at an outdoor café.So far this year I have received pictures including robins, herons, red kites, pigeons and parakeets, the latter who regularly raid the cherry tree outside my eldest daughter’s London flat – she often sends pictures of their bright green bodies and long tails twirling about in the branches. My youngest daughter sent pictures from a hide in Walthamstow Wetlands, where she and friend were observing the birdlife.My daughters are young adults, but have grown up with a keen interest in birds. They were raised in a home where the weekly bird food bill surpassed that of the food shop. While we were dining on budget brands, our garden visitors were tucking into premium seed mix and superior fat balls. It’s a garden, which continues to welcome all comers, including the much-maligned magpie, although crows always come first. We have all but hand raised at least ten families of crows, the latest of which is now feeding its young. And, of course, we have many small garden birds, who, as I often say, ‘eat us out of house and home’.I like that my daughters notice and enjoy watching birds. They are not birdwatchers in the official sense, more casual observers, but they can identify most birds they come across each day, and often comment on hearing birdsong around their city homes.I was pleased to read that research by the RSPB suggests more than 700,000 people aged 16 to 29 – collectively described as Gen Z – regularly enjoy watching birds in Britain, a more than tenfold rise since 2018. No longer seen as an older person’s pastime, birdwatching is now the second fastest-growing hobby for Gen Z after, bizarrely, jewellery making.Younger birders cite birdwatching as an easy, accessible, free way to break away from hours spent looking at screens, enabling them to relax, de-stress and improve their mental health.Here in Yorkshire, managers at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, one of the UK’s largest bird sanctuaries, say they have seen a “significant increase” in the number of younger visitors. Visitor manage Poppy Rummery said younger people increasingly understood the benefits of getting outdoors and experiencing nature.Great tit PAWhile birdwatching helps young people to break from technology, it does play a role in helping them to enjoy their hobby and give others an insight into it. Gen Zers are sharing their sightings and birding adventures on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit. Special birding apps are growing in popularity, with AI helping young people learn to identify species. Apps like Merlin Bird ID allow users to record bird song with their phones, with the app telling them which birds are singing. I might try and have a go with that myself.The beauty of watching birds is that it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. At a basic level, when you’re out and about all you need is your own eyes and ears. If you want to get up close and personal, a pair of binoculars – which come in a range of prices, or you can buy secondhand – is all you need.Watching birds is certainly a way of relieving stress. When I am working from home I can see the bird feeder beside the window and often find myself staring out, watching them coming and going. It’s an instant, therapeutic switch-off from the daily routine.
Author: admin
Birdwatching is the ideal de-stressing hobby for young people
Woman held in murder inquiry after body found in parked van in Leicester
The force said inquiries to locate the man’s next of kin were under way.Det Insp Kevin Hames, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit’s major crime team, said the man was found inside a white Ford Transit van with the registration BF18 VNV. “Officers are appealing for anyone who may have seen this van in Garden Street or other parts of Leicester and Leicestershire to get in touch,” he added.”This includes anyone who may have seen the van where they live or work to get in touch.”I’d like to extend this appeal to anyone who may have captured its movements on CCTV or a dashcam.”
Appeal for 49 affordable homes in village with only one bus per day dismissed
Residents feared the development would destroy a ‘valued asset’ and overwhelm ‘limited services’The field in Isleham seen from Sun Street(Image: Google Maps)A developer has lost an appeal to build 49 affordable homes in a village which residents feared would overwhelm the local school. Isleham Parish Council said the site is “one of the few remaining open spaces” in the village with “a strong reflection of its rural setting, nature and agricultural connections”.They said the land is a “valued asset” and the village has seen “significant recent growth” and has “limited services”. East Cambridgeshire District Council agreed and rejected the plans in 2024 – but an appeal was launched by Abbey Properties Cambridgeshire Ltd and Robin Diver.A hearing was held by The Planning Inspectorate on March 24 and 25, 2026. Inspector P Hanna visited the site on the second day.The council said that two other planning applications would likely already meet Isleham’s need for 47 new homes. The inspector said it “cannot be presumed” these “will respond directly to the local need, unlike the current proposal”.They added: “Indeed, even the council only go as far as saying that identified need is ‘very likely’ to be met by the two approved developments. Whilst the levels of local need may fluctuate, I am satisfied that the proposal would meet an identified need that may not be delivered by the sites within the settlement boundary or by existing planning permissions.”They said the farmland was formerly a chalk pit and is lined with “dense hedgerows and woodland” and “high distinctiveness habitat”, some of which would be lost if developed. Though a replacement was suggested by the developer, the council were concerned this hedgerow “would not represent like for like replacement under the trading rules”.The inspector added that even with the developer’s “own final metric calculation” it would fail to meet the minimum requirement. It was also noted that Isleham has “relatively poor existing public transport” with just one return bus service per day from Monday to Saturday and two on Tuesday and Saturday.Inspector Hanna said the plans fall short in terms of “reducing car usage” but the rural location would “justify a more pragmatic approach”. They also said the village itself “contains a wide range of services and facilities” including two industrial estates which still makes it “highly sustainable” in terms of employment.Commenting on school capacity, they said the lack of places at the primary school was “a matter for the education authority to deal with”. Inspector Hanna added that if children were unable to attend Isleham Primary, “there is no substantive evidence before me to suggest that a sustainable form of school transport could not be provided, such as a school bus”.The inspector concluded that the benefits of the proposal would not outweigh the harms and dismissed the appeal.
Staffordshire care home to host free mobility session
A Staffordshire care home is inviting members of the community to attend a free mobility session.Shoemaker Place Care Home in Stone, part of the Borough Care group, will be hosting a mobility and physio session in collaboration with Active Life Physio Care.The session, which will include mobility advice and free walking aid assessments, will take place on Friday 12 June from 2pm to 4pm.Sharon Parkes, Customer Relationship Manager at Borough Care, said: “Members of the local community can bring their loved ones along for free mobility checks and physio advice.”Anyone caring for a loved one with mobility issues across Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire and Stone who believe they might benefit from the session is welcome to attend.Active Life Physio Care provides private home visit and care home physiotherapy across Staffordshire to help older adults maintain mobility, confidence and independence.A spokesperson for Active Life Physio Care said: Join Active Life Physio Care for a friendly and informative presentation about how physiotherapy can help improve mobility, reduce pain, prevent injury and support a better quality of life.”To find out more about Borough Care, visit the website here.
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Report: Liverpool face Man City battle to sign £10.3m midfielder
Liverpool Make Formal Offer for Kenneth Eichhorn as Man City Battle EmergesLiverpool have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Hertha Berlin midfielder Kenneth Eichhorn, with TeamTalk reporting that the Reds have submitted a ‘formal offer’ for one of Europe’s most highly regarded teenage talents.The 16-year-old has been gathering attention across the continent after a breakthrough campaign in Germany, and the race for his signature now appears to be intensifying. Earlier this week, Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claimed Liverpool had held ‘concrete talks’ for Eichhorn, who was described via X as a ‘wonderkid’.🚨💣 EXCLUSIVE | Liverpool have entered the race very concretely for 16 y/o wonderkid Kennet Eichhorn. Concrete talks have already taken place, as sources from England confirm. #LFCEichhorn is planning to leave Hertha BSC in the summer. Release clause worth around €10-12m. – Monday, 25 May 2026That interest has now seemingly moved into a more advanced phase. According to TeamTalk, Liverpool’s proposal is said to be ‘similar’ to one already placed by Manchester City, with the player also being watched by ‘some of the biggest clubs in Europe’.Man City Competition Raises Transfer StakesThe presence of Manchester City in this race gives the story added significance. Liverpool and City have regularly competed at the top end of the Premier League, and that rivalry increasingly extends into recruitment.Eichhorn’s reported release clause, believed to be between €10m and €12m, around £8.6m to £10.3m, makes him an attainable option for elite clubs. For Liverpool, that sort of fee represents a calculated long-term investment rather than an immediate first-team gamble.TeamTalk’s report also states that, should either Liverpool or City secure the midfielder, the intention would be to loan him back to a club in Germany for two seasons. That is a logical strategy, particularly because FIFA rules prevent international transfers for players under the age of 18. Eichhorn turns 18 in July 2027, meaning any Premier League move would need careful planning.Eichhorn Profile Fits Long-Term Liverpool ThinkingEichhorn made 19 senior appearances for Hertha Berlin during the 2025/26 season, scoring twice in all competitions as the club finished seventh in 2. Bundesliga. For a player of his age, that level of exposure is significant.He is primarily a defensive midfielder, a position Liverpool supporters have repeatedly identified as a key area for strengthening. John Aldridge has urged FSG to prioritise that role this summer, although Eichhorn would clearly arrive as a future asset rather than an instant starter for Arne Slot.That distinction matters. Liverpool need senior solutions in the present, especially if they are serious about reshaping the midfield balance under Slot. Eichhorn would be a recruitment department move, one based on projection, value and elite potential.Transfer Race Could Define Summer StrategyIf Liverpool can beat Manchester City to Eichhorn, it would feel like an important statement. City have already landed prominent Liverpool targets Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo, so winning this particular race would carry symbolic weight as well as footballing value.The key will be pathway. Young players need more than a big club badge, they need minutes, development and trust. A two-year plan in Germany could allow Eichhorn to mature physically and tactically before being integrated into English football.TeamTalk’s reporting places Liverpool firmly in the conversation, and this is exactly the sort of recruitment battle that can shape future squads long before the player becomes a household name.Our View – Anfield Index AnalysisThis report is exciting because it suggests the club are still trying to get ahead of the market. Kenneth Eichhorn may not be the defensive midfielder supporters are demanding for next season, but elite clubs do not wait until a player becomes obvious to everyone.At 16, with senior football already behind him, Eichhorn sounds like the type of profile Liverpool should be monitoring aggressively. The fee being discussed is modest by Premier League standards, especially for a player with potential resale value and a clear developmental pathway.There is also a City angle that cannot be ignored. Liverpool losing out on Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City was frustrating, so supporters would enjoy seeing the club win this battle. It would not fix the first team immediately, but it would restore some confidence in Liverpool’s ability to compete for elite prospects.The caution is clear. Fans should not confuse this with solving the number six issue for Arne Slot. Liverpool still need a proven, senior defensive midfielder who can influence games now. Eichhorn would be one for 2027 and beyond.Still, if TeamTalk’s report proves accurate, this is a smart move. Liverpool should be ambitious at both ends of the market, ready-made quality today, high-ceiling talent tomorrow.View publisher imprintShare this article
Rail parking fears over future UK Universal resort
A new car park was at risk of becoming a park-and-ride site for visitors to a planned Universal Studios resort, a councillor warned.Conservative councillor for Cranfield and Marston Moretaine, Sue Clark, raised concerns about plans for a two-storey, 490-space car park next to a new East West Rail station in Lidlington, Bedfordshire.She warned theme park visitors could end up using the car park because the “ideal station” for a park-and-ride at Ridgmont would not yet be completed.East West Rail said Lidlington would be “a railway station for local rail users” and there were no plans for it to be promoted as a place for Universal visitors to park.In a social media post, Clark said residents at a recent consultation event had been told the Lidlington car park could be used by people visiting Universal Studios.The American entertainment giant intends to build a resort at Kempston Hardwick near Bedford.She added the proposed Ridgmont station, near junction 13 of the M1, depended on about 3,000 new homes being approved at Aspley Guise, but these were not currently allocated in Central Bedfordshire Council’s (CBC) local plan.The new theme park is expected to attract more than eight million visitors a year [Universal Destinations & Experiences/Comcast]Clark warned pressure on Lidlington would increase and the village risked becoming “collateral damage” if the station did not go ahead, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.In a statement, East West Rail said: “We understand the concerns people have about parking and traffic impacts across the Marston Vale.”We want to be clear that Lidlington isn’t being designed or promoted as a park‑and‑ride, but as a station for local rail users.”Plans for stations and parking along the route, including at Ridgmont, are still being developed.”We continue to work closely with CBC and other partners to ensure that when stations open, parking provision is balanced and appropriate across the network.”Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.More on this storyRelated internet links
EMAS stands down critical incident but asks for public to support recovery | West Bridgford Wire
East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has stood down the business continuity incident declared on Thursday 28 May.The incident was declared following sustained pressure on services across the region, including a significant increase in demand for emergency care.On Tuesday 26 May, EMAS handled more than 4,500 emergency 999 calls, one of the busiest days experienced outside of winter. A spokesperson for the Trust said:‘While the business continuity incident has been stood down, we know the pressures experienced over the past week remain.’- Advertisement -‘Our focus now is on recovery – improving response times and reducing the waits patients have experienced across our communities, while continuing to prioritise the most life-threatening and serious incidents.‘This will be supported by continued senior oversight and co-ordination over the coming weeks.‘We would like to thank our staff and volunteers, who have worked tirelessly during this period to continue supporting patients across the region, and our NHS partners for their continued support despite the significant pressures they are also facing.‘Members of the public are asked to continue supporting us during this period.‘999 should always be used when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.‘If your condition is not life-threatening, other NHS services may be able to help you more effectively, including:• NHS 111• Local pharmacies• Urgent Treatment Centres• Your GPChoosing the most appropriate service helps ensure ambulances are available for those who need them most.
Plans to turn listed pub in Ely into school staff room withdrawn
Bidwells said the current staff common room at King’s Ely was “located away from the main teaching block” and “under-utilised as many staff do not have the time to walk there and back in school breaks”.According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Joe Moor, who was campaigning to save the pub, called it a “very significant moment for The Fountain and for Ely”.The 41-year-old said: “Hundreds of people spoke up because The Fountain is not simply an old building but a nearly 200-year-old Grade II listed pub with real heritage and community value.”We are hugely grateful to everyone who supported the campaign, and pleased that King’s Ely has listened to the strength of feeling within the community.”At the same time, important questions remain about what happens next, including whether any revised proposals may emerge in future.”King’s Ely has been contacted for comment.
Staffordshire Nurse Angelista Joins Love Island 2026 Lineup
Staffordshire nurse Angelista will join the upcoming 13th season of the dating reality show Love Island as an original contestant when the series premieres on Monday, June 1, 2026, according to Closer Online.The 24-year-old healthcare professional, who goes solely by her first name, will enter the villa alongside other newly announced cast members including Sean Fitzgerald, Ellie Chadwick, Lola Deal, and Samraj Toor.Before entering the villa, Angelista stated that her main objective for participating in the series is to establish a genuine romantic connection rather than engaging in reality television conflicts.
“Finding love is my goal,” revealed Angelista.
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Scroll To Continue with ContentThe Staffordshire native explained that she prefers to stay out of arguments, choosing instead to remain a passive observer of any house tension.”I’m not here for drama, I’m non-confrontational. It’s entertaining to watch from the sidelines, I just don’t want to be involved in it,” said Angelista.
Angelista also shared her specific turn-offs regarding potential partners, noting that she dislikes individuals who constantly seek public attention or display arrogant behavior.”Someone who wants to be in everyone’s face all the time,” confessed Angelista.She further clarified the specific traits that repel her when getting to know a romantic interest.
“centre of attention all the time, that’s an ick. Someone that’s obnoxious I don’t like,” said Angelista.
Organisers insist festival will go ahead despite losing venue
It was announced last night that next month’s Fields of Éire Irish Music Festival can no longer be held in Newsham ParkCrowds at the Feis Irish music festival at the Pier Head in 2018(Image: Liverpool Echo)The organisers of an Irish music festival in Liverpool have insisted the event will still go ahead despite a change of location. The Fields of Éire Irish Music Festival is the successor to the short lived Feis, which came to Liverpool’s Pier Head in 2018.The ECHO previously reported that the festival would return this year in the new setting of Newsham Park in Tuebrook. Taking place on Friday June 5 and Saturday June 6, organisers said it would keep the same community feel as before but on a bigger scale.The event promises to celebrate Liverpool’s strong Irish heritage, with more than 75% of the city’s population believed to be of Irish descent. Headliners include country singer Nathan Carter and Irish folk-rock band The Whistlin’ Donkeys.Earlier this month, the festival’s directors secured the right to set up a special area for VIPs with extended hours, despite Merseyside Police opposing the move.However, at around 5.30pm last night (Thursday, May 28), organisers announced the festival would no longer take place at Newsham Park but promised a new venue would be announced this morning. Organisers claimed Liverpool City Council removed permission for it to use Newsham Park as the festival site due to security concerns related to Martyn’s Law.The festival was due to take place in Newsham Park(Image: Liverpool Echo)Officially known as the The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, this law aims to improve protective security and organisational preparedness across the UK by requiring that those responsible for certain premises and events consider how they would respond to a terrorist attack.In addition to this, at certain larger premises and events, appropriate steps to reduce vulnerability to terrorist attacks must also be considered. It is named after Martyn Hett, who died in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017.In its own statement published later in the evening, Liverpool City Council said its safety concerns had “not been sufficiently addressed”.Newsham Park has previously held outdoor music events in the past.The full statement, shared on The Fields of Éire Facebook and Instagram pages, said: “We are writing to inform you that Fields of Éire will no longer be taking place at Newsham Park.”Despite our team successfully securing the full premises licence for the site, Liverpool City Council has pulled our land use agreement at the final hour, citing security constraints under terrorism legislation (Martyn’s Law).”The event is 100% STILL GOING AHEAD. We refuse to let this stop the music. We have already secured an incredible, massive outdoor venue right here in Liverpool to ensure the festival continues exactly as planned.”We will be making the official announcement of our new home tomorrow morning. Keep your eyes on our page tomorrow for the full reveal, location details, and updated event information.”Thank you all so much for your massive support and understanding—we will see you all very soon!”The council said: “Liverpool City Council is advising people who are due to attend the Fields of Eire Irish Music Festival on 5 and 6 June 2026, that the event will not take place in Newsham Park as advertised.”Following extensive consideration with Safety Advisory Group (SAG) partners – which include Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, and North West Ambulance Service – Liverpool City Council, as the landowner of Newsham Park, is unable to issue a Land Use Agreement for the proposed event.”The Council and SAG members have had lengthy discussions with the event organiser, offering support and guidance to ensure that the event could go ahead safely and successfully, but unfortunately concerns raised have not been sufficiently addressed.”Liverpool City Council will only issue a Land Use Agreement where there is clear assurance that appropriate plans are in place to guarantee the safety of event attendees.”The Council and multi-agency SAG partners will not compromise on public safety and apply clear and consistent expectations to all event organisers to ensure events in the city are delivered safely and lawfully.”Ticket holders should contact the event organiser directly for more information.”
