Living Geography Newsletter #18
May 1st-7th
Welcome to the eighteenth weekly newsletter providing a summary of key posts on the LivingGeography blog.
Each newsletter will usually include a number of sections:
a digest of posts from the LivingGeography blog (and other blogs)
any important geographical news
an update on any personal projects
details of books that I am reading, or cultural experiences
a couple of nice images taken this week
events that you might be interested in
The May Day Bank Holiday provided a brief pause in an already short half term, and we enjoyed (or endured) some very warm weather. As always, the newspapers didn’t accompany this worrying early heat with appropriate images… they never do. Heat is always viewed as a good thing. Record breaking heat is just a ‘scorcher’…
Some posts this week included:
Details of a BBC Sounds series exploring the importance of rare earth minerals and metals. With the recent signing of the US-Ukraine minerals deal these are very much in the news at the moment.
A brief summary of a new photography project by Zed Nelson which includes some remarkable images of the world. It’s called ‘The Anthropocene Illusion’ and explores how we kid ourselves that the world is not in terrible trouble. The image below was in the FT at the weekend. Who exactly is that painted backdrop for? Not the occupant of the cage that’s for sure… Congratulations to Zed as the project has just won the Sony World Photography Award! The book can be pre-ordered here.
Image copyright: Zed Nelson / Guest Editions
News on the extension of Ed Hawkins’ Climate Stripes upwards into the stratosphere and down into the oceans.
After the power went out in Spain and Portugal (showing what a critical part of infrastructure it is), the Wicked Leeks newsletter from the organic food company Riverford asked:
Following Mitch Hutchraft’s attempt to complete the ultimate global triathlon, supported by the clothing company Jöttnar. It started by swimming the English Channel. You can find out more on the link. Follow the final stages of Project Limitless on the link too. It will involve summitting Everest if all goes well. We will be following with Year 8. Good luck to Mitch!
A link to an excellent Bloomberg UK piece on how Iceland is managing the newly awakened volcanoes on the Reykjanes peninsula and looking for the positives.
News
In the news this week was the trial of those accused of chopping down the Sycamore Gap tree. The GA has shared an excellent set of resources on this tree and its importance to so many people. These were also the basis for a workshop at the recent GA Conference 2025. If you were there, why don’t you try to spot yourself in the GA’s official album of photos.
This Teaching Resource was written for the Geographical Association by Paula Owens with Steve Rawlinson, Tessa Willy and Margaret Mackintosh.
Projects
More writing on my latest project, interrupted by May Day Bank Holiday weekend. I did however receive copies of the Teacher Guide that goes along with the previous books so now all three in the series that I was Series Editor for are available.
If you teach iGCSE Geography (or want some fresh ideas), take a look. There’s a year or so’s work right there…
Books
I continued to read Charles Moseley’s ‘To the Eel Island’ and also took delivery of my special edition of Robert MacFarlane’s ‘Is a river alive?’ - Rob also came to Ely Cathedral to do a talk about the book and also visited the Royal Geographical Society last Friday along with Horatio Claire (another author whose books are excellent). It’s serialised on Radio 4 this week - you can catch up with any missed episodes. He’s also doing talks in other places including Norwich, where he’s speaking to Patrick Barkham.
I also finally found a signed copy of Rob Cowen’s ‘The North Road’. This is about the A1. I have been driving up and down this road for over 35 years, and before that I cycled up and down it, or was driven up and down it by family and friends heading for the south or north, or connecting with other roads. I’ve driven the full length at various times - the most commonly driven section being between Newark and Doncaster which at a conservative estimate I’ve driven about 600 times. I’m very much looking forward to reading the book which has had great reviews and it has started really strongly.
Images
A few of the images I took this week.
I always enjoy the walk to Cathedral on sunny mornings in the summer term, knowing that the cool of the interior awaits - particularly welcome on this day when it got to the mid 20s - Alan Parkinson - shared on Flickr under CC license.
Events
Want to get started with using ArcGIS Online? The University of Birmingham is hosting an event in June in association with the RGS-IBG and ESRI UK. It’s really good value and will be a great day with expert trainers. Details here.
The GA is amongst the organisations supporting No Mow May. I tend to use it as excuse to avoid cutting the grass, but there are great benefits to pollinators too of course. So put away the Flymo for a few more weeks.
A job that may be of interest to somebody.
Come along to the RGS AGM, Awards Ceremony and Summer reception on the 2nd of June. You will have a chance to hear all about what the RGS’ plans are, congratulate those receiving awards and then have a glass of prosecco and canapés in the garden.
Does your school have a designated Climate Action Plan yet? It needs one.
By 2025, every school in England is expected to have a Climate Action Plan.
But where do you even start?
Join an event on Wednesday 14 May, 4–4:30pm for a quick, practical webinar designed for teachers, leaders, governors, and anyone working in or with a school setting.
✅ What’s a Climate Action Plan—and why does your school need one?
✅ What free support is available from Climate Ambassadors?
✅ How do you actually begin developing a plan that works for your school?
Sign up here to get help from your local Climate Ambassador.
You have just a few days left to put in a nomination to be a GA Elected Trustee and join the Governing Body.
Don’t forget the latest GeogLive! on the 14th of May on the theme of local fieldwork. Ticket link here.
Advance notice of this RGS Fieldwork training too. Led by Chloe Searl and in person at the RGS.
One for students as well. Booking details here.
There are other Substacks to subscribe to which are geographically related.
You can see some from my profile page.
Check out Emma Espley’s Educational Round-up for a start.
At the GA Conference 2025, a highlight was a good catch-up with John Wilkinson. John is the Head of Geography at St Edwards College, West Derby, Liverpool, and an Honorary Lecturer in the Geography Department at the University of Liverpool. He’s also a legend.
He is organising an excellent geology day for the PTI and has managed to get Professor Iain Stewart as one of his speakers. For those teachers interested in offering GCSE Geology alongside Geography this would be a great event to be part of. It takes place at the end of June, so a good way to end the academic year and be inspired to start something new in the new academic year.
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