Nicotine-rich cigarette ends that repel parasites are the perfect building material for finches

Ministers from nearly 200 countries beginning talks on a new global warming treaty have been warned that progress in dealing with climate change is “recklessly slow”.

The world is losing the race to keep global warming in check, the Energy Secretary has conceded.

The value of more than 40,000 homes – and possibly as many as 170,000 – could be hit by the proposed new HS2 rail line, yet ministers are proposing to compensate fewer than 2,000 owners, campaigners have warned.

Three people have already died in the latest spell of severe weather, with hundreds more force to flee water-logged properties.

Environment Secretary orders assessment after more reports on the dangers to insects emerge

Avian pox, which has spread among woodpigeons and house sparrows for a number of years, is now taking its toll of populations of the great tit

More than thirty separate scientific studies in the last three years have shown adverse effects on insects such as bees from neonicotinoids, the controversial nerve-agent pesticides, MPs have been told.

The shrike is a scarce winter visitor to Britain, so keep your eyes peeled