Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Instead of removing plant-munching caterpillars, gardeners asked to take relaxed attitude to support the moths many of them grow into As spring unfolds and plants come to life, gardeners often fight a losing battle against the caterpillars who munch their cabbages. Traditionally, advice for gardeners regarding caterpillars would be about how to get rid of them and stop unsightly holes in plants. But the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and the Wildlife Trusts are asking Britons to take a relaxed attitude to caterpillar carnage in order to support the moths many of them grow into. Foxgloves: These pretty plants are food for several moths, including the lesser yellow underwing (Noctua comes), angle shades moth (Phlogophora meticulosa) and setaceous Hebrew character (Xestia c-nigrum). Lady’s bedstraw: This native wildflower with frothy yellow blooms provides food for the hummingbird hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum), elephant hawk-moth (Deilephila elpenor) and bedstraw hawk-moth (Hyles gallii). Mullein: These tall, drought-resistant yellow plants are enjoyed by the brightly striped caterpillars of the mullein moth (Cucullia verbasci). Mint: This provides food for the mint moth and beautiful plume moth. It is also loved by bees. Hedges: If you have space, a mixed native hedge planted with hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hazel (Coryllus avellana) and dog rose (Rosa canina) provides food for a multitude of caterpillars. Continue reading...

A rare total lunar eclipse on Tuesday night resulted in a spectacular blood moon, seen first in Western Australia, then in parts of Asia, Europe and across North America. The next total eclipse will be New Year’s Eve 2028 From sacred sisters to hyper-sexualised models: PhotoVogue festival – in pictures Continue reading...

From the Chagos Islands to ‘windmills’ and sharia law, the US president’s comments do not bear much scrutiny Donald Trump has been opining about the UK again, saying on Tuesday that Keir Starmer was “not Winston Churchill” and repeating his complaint about the deal to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Here are some recent things the US president has said about British issues, and how they compare with reality. Continue reading...

FoI documents show ministers ignored recommendation for fresh inquiry that could have reduced or paused farming Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast The Albanese government rushed through legislation to ensure salmon farming could continue in Tasmania’s Macquarie Harbour last year shortly after receiving advice warning of “substantial new information” about the industry’s environmental impact. Documents released under freedom of information laws show the environment department advised the government in late 2024 that it should revoke a 2012 decision that allowed salmon farming to expand in the vast harbour on the state’s west coast. Continue reading...