The world of nature conservation is fast moving and complex. New opportunities for wildlife and threats to biodiversity seem to arrive almost daily, there are regular high-level meetings focused on conventions and policies, and an endless stream of scientific research being published in the world’s journals. Keeping up with all of this is impossible; trying to keep up with it is exhausting.

For this reason I’ve recently subscribed to Mike Shanahan’s newsletter The Nature Beat on Substack. Mike’s a writer with a background in science research. His PhD was on fig ecology and he wrote an excellent book about the ecological and cultural importance of these fascinating trees called Ladders to Heaven which was one of my five book choices on the Shepherd site.

The Nature Beat is described by Mike as being:

primarily aimed at journalists covering topics such as biodiversity, conservation, wildlife trade, ecological restoration and so on. Of course, non-journalists may also find it useful.

As a non-journalist trying to keep abreast of what’s happening in this complex and rapidly evolving arena, I find it extremely useful! For the past couple of months I’ve opted for the free subscription, but from today I’m going to pay. The kind of insights and expertise that Mike brings to his newsletter are invaluable for anyone interested in how our world is changing, for the worse and for the better. Please subscribe and if you find the content useful, and can afford it, consider upgrading to the paid version.