Ben Martynoga is a biologist and writer, based in Cumbria
March 2026
The alternatives
‘Hybrid organ’: how a union of trees and fungi could revolutionise forest management
A US startup supplies spray for fast-growing loblolly pines with the hope of increasing biodiversity – and reducing the need for artificial fertiliser
December 2025
Our unequal earth
Defunding fungi: US’s living library of ‘vital ecosystem engineers’ is in danger of closing
The alternatives
‘Soil is more important than oil’: inside the perennial grain revolution
August 2025
Down and dirty: how regenerative farming is digging into microscopic soil life
Arctic glaciers face ‘terminal’ decline as microbes accelerate ice melt
June 2025
Conservationists call for Lake District to lose Unesco world heritage status
Campaigners say designation promotes unsustainable sheep farming at expense of nature recovery and local communities
April 2025
Invertebrate of the year 2025
‘The ultimate circular economy’: how coral holobionts conjure magnificence from nothing
These creatures evolved over millenia to create nature’s finest circular economy, but are now struggling to survive
January 2025
Scouts embrace rewilding to connect UK teenagers with nature
Adventure centre projects will promote interest in natural world, boosting young people’s wellbeing
December 2024
Ash dieback experts identify shoots of hope for Britain’s threatened trees
As the deadly fungal disease tightens its grip, scientific efforts to protect ash trees are advancing
May 2024
How to rewild your teenagers: a parents’ guide to reconnecting them with nature
Young children often love wildlife and nature but find them boring, uncool or ‘icky’ in their teens
March 2024
The alternatives
A mecca for rewilders: the community-led project restoring Scotland’s southern uplands
Established 24 years ago, the Carrifran Wildwood has been credited with inspiring the current surge of rewilding projects across the UK and beyond
October 2023
Keeping taps on and boosting wildlife: the race to protect the Lake District’s water
Why aren’t there more trees in the Sycamore Gap?
June 2023
River in ‘wettest place in England’ in Lake District almost completely dry
Experts are warning of disastrous conditions for wildlife at upper River Derwent in Borrowdale
March 2023
‘The R-word can be alienating’: How Haweswater rewilding project aims to benefit all
On the Lake District’s north-eastern fringe, two farmsteads are restoring the landscape with a commitment to conservation and providing jobs
September 2022
Farming v rewilding: the battle for Borrowdale in the Lake District
Some locals say it is time for farmers and their landlords, including the National Trust, to make more space for nature
December 2019
Animals farmed
Turning farming upside down: mob grazing on a Cumbrian hill farm
Intensively grazing cattle on one patch at a time is one of the methods the Beaumont family are using in the hope of building a farm that is financially viable and beneficial to biodiversity
June 2018
The running blog
What does running do to your brain?
Neuroscientists have studied treadmill runners, ultramarathon athletes – and a number of lab animals – to investigate the effects of running on grey matter
June 2016
Use your head
How physical exercise makes your brain work better
Research shows different activities have quite specific mental effects – here’s how moving your body could sharpen your ideas
