Robin Moore/Re:wildWith human activity driving what conservation charity the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) calls a “catastrophic” loss of species, it can sometimes feel like we don’t hear an awful lot of good news about nature.But a ten-year study showed conservation actions are effective at reducing global biodiversity loss.Scientists from dozens of research institutes reviewed 665 trials of conservation measures in different countries and oceans, and found they had had a positive effect in two out of every three cases.The measures ranged from hatching Chinook salmon to the eradication of invasive algae, and the study’s authors said their findings offered a “ray of light” for those working to protect threatened animals and plants., naturally a national outpouring of shock and dismay followed.But in March, new life sprung from the tree’s rescued seeds and twigs, giving hope that the iconic tree has a future.BBC News saw the new shoots on a rare visit to the secret National Trust centre protecting the seedlings.Young twigs and seeds thrown to the ground when the tree toppled were salvaged by the National Trust, which cares for the site with the Northumberland National Park Authority.The saplings are now being given to charities, groups and individuals as “trees of hope”. …
