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I have recently completed a continent-crossing journey to visit wetland restoration sites in the Danube Basin. Accompanied by my botanist wife, Natasha, we held talks with business stakeholders at Vlasina Lake (Serbia), Rudava River (Slovakia), March-Thaya floodplain (Austria) and, finally, the Razim lagoon wetlands at Enisala (Romania) adjacent to the Danube Delta. The sites are all involved in an EU-funded research project, Restore4Life, that is promoting restoring the ecological functions of degraded wetlands, including a component that I lead on nature-based solutions. More details of the project, which is led by the University of Bucharest, are on its website at https://restore4life.eu/. Here, I just want to pick up some of the highlights of the trip itself.

...Going to catch a tiny one! NatureBureau had a lovely, but damp, staff day out at Thatcham reedbeds the other day, hunting for the nationally rare Desmoulin's whorl snail. This diminutive invertebrate is only 2mm long, so it's not an easy one to spot!

It is considered to be an Atlantic-Mediterranean species with a range extending far and wide from Ireland to Russia and south to North Africa! In Thatcham, new wetland habitat was created from mitigation measures on the Newbury by-pass, and the reedbeds, which form part of the internationally important Kennet and Lambourn Floodplain Special Area of Conservation (SAC - a European designation), were designated in 2005 solely for Desmoulin’s snail. While no one is certain whether today’s population arose from snails present on introduced clumps of sedge only, or was supplemented by waterborne individuals from nearby populations, there is no doubt regarding the species’ capacity to colonise if the conditions are right.

Designing a publication is always an exhilarating adventure, but working on Beetles of Oxfordshire: An Atlas of the Coleoptera of Oxfordshire (Vc23 and Vc22 (part)) by Jonty Denton and John Campbell has been an exceptionally unique journey. This project isn't just about assembling a book; it's about bringing to life the intricate world of beetles through meticulous design and organisation. Here's a glimpse behind the scenes at how we're turning this book into a visual masterpiece!

Last week, Athena Allen, Marine Ecologist at NatureBureau and I attended the annual Restoring Meadow, Marsh and Reef (ReMeMaRe) (pronounced “re-memory”) conference in Scarborough.

Entering marine science requires passion and dedication. Start with a love for the marine environment and its conservation. Education in marine biology or oceanography is beneficial, but hands-on experience through volunteering and citizen science projects is invaluable. Careers range from research and environmental advising to consultancy. Gaining skills in both marine and terrestrial fields can enhance your expertise. Join the effort to protect our oceans and make a difference in this vital and evolving field.

We are thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Lissa Batey and Helen Walsh to our team. Dr. Batey, with over 20 years in marine conservation, has inspired many through her work at The Wildlife Trusts and now as Senior Marine Ecologist at NatureBureau Ltd. Helen Walsh, our new Design and Publications Manager, brings over 20 years of science communication experience, working with organizations like The Wildlife Trusts and the UN Environment Programme. Their combined expertise in conservation and communication will greatly enhance our projects and initiatives. Welcome, Dr. Lissa Batey and Helen Walsh! Stay tuned for updates on their innovative work.