What I've Been Reading Online No.18

View over the forests of Strathspey to the Cairngorms. April 17.

Much to my astonishment it's two months since I posted a piece on my online reading. The world has been moving fast and time has sped by. Unsurprisingly much of my reading has been about the Covid 19 crisis - not the medical or political stuff but rather the personal and environmental, how it's affecting people and what it means for the future. There are also pieces about the outdoors, nature and conservation.

RELATING TO COVID 19

Covidvirus shaming

A moving and powerful piece by Feargus Cooney about the crisis and mental health. A reminder not to make judge people whose circumstances you don't know.
This, Our Mythic Moment 

A thoughtful and thought-provoking essay by Vanessa Spedding about this moment in time, its meaning and the possibilities that flow from it. "This monumental pause presents a monumental opportunity to at least plot the route: to catalyse a shared and simple sense of direction, back home, to deep social and ecological belonging."

How you can help support outdoor writers during the coronavirus pandemic

Practical suggestions from Alex Roddie.

'The impossible has already happened': what coronavirus can teach us about hope.

A typical insightful, deep, and optimistic essay from the brilliant Rebecca Solnit.

Finding Beauty in the Local Everyday

Dan Bailey describes how to enjoy local walks with words and suggestions from other outdoor people.

Rhythm and blues - nature's undisturbed cycles bring comfort in the chaos

Ben Dolphin describes the highs and lows of dealing with the lockdown day to day and how nature simply continues as usual.

Covid-19 and national parks: lessons learned so far

The Chair of the Peak District National Park Authority, Andrew McCloy, makes some excellent points about the lessons of the crisis.

The Grand Canyon

HILLWALKING, MOUNTAINEERING, & THE OUTDOORS

Who mapped the Grand Canyon? This forgotten female mountaineer

Nina Strochlic tells the story of Barbara Washburn who made first ascents in Alaska and was the first woman to climb Denali, the highest peak in North America. And with her husband she spent seven years making the first complete map of the Grand Canyon.

The Evidence of Things Not Seen - W.H.Murry. Review.

Natalie Berry reviews Scottish mountaineer W.H.Murray's biography, which has just been republished by Vertebrate.

Cause and effect - five walks that changed my life

Ben Dolphin reflects on five walks that turned out to be major life events.

A pair of lapwings seeing off a red kit. Strathspey. April 17.

NATURE AND CONSERVATION

Yellowstone's Window Into The Wolf World: Celebrating 25 Years

Last month was the 25th anniversary of the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park after an absence of over 70 years. Jenny Golding looks at what has happened since and what the future holds.

Why Italians Are Growing Apples For Wild Bears

Italians in the Apennine mountains are reviving abandoned apple orchards to provide food for bears and reduce conflicts with people. 

Admitting defeat: why I am quitting nature conservation

Professional conservationist Mick Green explains why he has lost faith in the big nature conservation bodies. The piece isn't as negative as the title suggests though as he also says "rewilding to my mind is the way forward – the full ecological restoration of large areas to functioning ecosystems" and that he will "continue to work with smaller organisations that are less bureaucratic".

Global rewilding charter strengthens worldwide call for nature recovery

Endorsed by over thirty NGOs across the world this charter "reinforces the message that rewilding must be prioritised as a critical solution to our current climate and biodiversity emergencies."