The Ragged Optimist's Season's Greetings
The hope and optimism doesn’t stop for Christmas, of course. In Peru, scientists have 'discovered' a blob-headed fish and amphibious mouse among 27 new species, although Yulisa Tuwi sets them straight;
“As Awajún people, we have a great deal of knowledge about our territory. We know the value of our plants, how they cure us, how they feed us and we know paths within the forest that have led us to meet different animals.
Although we don’t know scientific names, we’ve developed a classification of these species … I believe the discoveries are for the scientific world, not so much for us, as these species are known under other names or for their usefulness or behaviour in nature.”
Closer to home, Cumbria Wildlife Trust is now the official owner of the 3000 acre Skiddaw Forest in the northern Lake District. And Studio Weave have been appointed to create new pavilions and eco-landscaping at the entrance to the British Museum.
But — while the good news undoubtedly continues — I am giving myself a week off from writing The Ragged Optimist’s newsletter. For one thing, I’ve got a beautiful collection of books to read, thanks to subscriber, friend, and good chap Connor Sansby. And for another, I’ve been helping my family move into their new home in Ramsgate, so am surrounded by half-empty boxes, with a soundtrack of engineers fitting a new boiler. So am, in at least two ways, a little distracted!
So — normal service will be resumed next week. Until then, hope the winter solstice went well, have a great Christmas, enjoy the giving of gifts (however you choose to do it), and thanks for reading The Ragged Optimist’s newsletter this year.
Dan, The Ragged Optimist