Campaigns Update

The government recently gave the go ahead to a new deep coal mine in Cumbria – the first of its kind in more than 30 years.

In the midst of a climate emergency, this decision flies in the face of the ambition we need to solve this crisis.

Thousands of you have already written to the Secretary of State, Robert Jenrick, asking him to ‘call in’ the decision. Thank you!

Since then, the county council has said it will reconsider their decision. This is great news, but we’re not over the line yet – they could still stand by their earlier approval.

If you haven’t already, will you write to Robert Jenrick asking him to intervene?

We’ve written you a template letter, so it should only take a minute.

Star-lovers from across the country have been braving the cold to take part in Star Count, our annual citizen science project to celebrate our view of the night sky.

More than 5,000 people have submitted their count, which already makes it our biggest Star Count ever!

There are just two more evenings left to take part if you haven’t already. Find out how by clicking the button below.

If you've done a count, you can submit it here.

Writer and naturalist Susie White lives and gardens in a small valley in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Its diverse mix of habitats and landscapes provide a rich variety of wildlife to observe and record for her regular Country Diary entries for The Guardian.

Susie will be sharing her sightings and reflections with us in this exclusive monthly online column.

This month, she gives us tips on what to look out for in February, from the buff-coloured swoop of the barn owl to the cherry red splash of the Scarlet elf cup fungus.

Lockdown is once again showing us how important getting out in the countryside and local green spaces is to so many of us.

That’s why we’ve joined forces with nine other campaign groups – including the Ramblers and Open Spaces Society – to urge the government not to make trespass a criminal offence.

This would affect how people can access and enjoy the countryside and green spaces, and we strongly believe that recreational activities, such as walking, cycling, camping, climbing or canoeing in the countryside, should not put you at risk of committing a crime.

While we’re all longing to get back out into the countryside, sometimes the next best thing is a great nature book.

Here, five acclaimed outdoor writers share the books they’re immersing themselves in for a taste of the wild this season. Which will you read?