Subscribe now

Comment and Environment

How a victory for a small bog could herald a new era for conservation

Against the odds, a tiny wildlife retreat has won the day in a battle with developers. It is a sign that attitudes may finally be changing for the better, says Graham Lawton

By Graham Lawton

27 May 2020

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Les Gibbon/Alamy

AS LOCKDOWNS gradually ease across the world, I find myself in a growing state of anxiety. As you may have heard, this pandemic presents a historic opportunity to reinvent our world along more sustainable lines. I agree – but am gripped by fear that we will blow it.

Happily, some positive action has been taken. For example, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced plans to close much of the city centre to private vehicles, creating one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas. Other cities have made similar moves.

But I can’t imagine this will go down without…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop