Introducing children to nature engenders hope

As the global fires and extinctions of species proceed at speed, the only hope of human survival may be in the stars

We tend to forget that 'flies' are insects that play a vital role in sustaining our world. This is a hover fly, roosting on a sea aster. It will pollinate a wide variety of plants and crops.

Down west, the other day, I was struck by the sight of a cow standing apart from their companions with her 'teenage' calf while she licked its neck and shoulders with deep and, it seemed to me, loving affection. The calf stood absolutely still, clearly enjoying its mother's love.

Do animals 'love' their young? Does such behaviour arise from, simply, protective instinct? After all, the parent will drive the offspring away at a certain age, viciously, if need be. The 'child' which enjoyed its mother's 'love', is suddenly expelled into the world to fare for itself.