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Visit East Yorkshire: Wold Newton
Wold Newton is a small village of just over 300 people, located deep within the rolling picturesque dales of the Yorkshire Wolds.
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The West Midlands All Dayer Autumn 2019
On the 7th September 2019, the birders of the West Midlands Region came together to compete once again in the All Day Bird Race. Here’s how I fared on my local patch.
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The West Midlands All Dayer Spring 2019
A new season, a time for new opportunities and for the first time in 2019, the birders of the West Midlands came together to compete in the All Day Bird Race. Here’s how I got on.
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Who Were the Real Peaky Blinders?
Peaky Blinders is a hugely successful British gangster TV series. But how much of it is based on fact, and how much of it is fictitious? Read on to find out more.
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2019 Ashes Series: Third Test Review
The Third Test of the 2019 Ashes series between England and Australia will go down in history as one of the greatest Cricket matches of all time. Here’s how it all unfolded.
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Premier League 2019/2020 Preview and Predictions
Another season of Premier League Football is upon us, and of course fans are eager to see how things will play out. Who win the title? Who will go down? Read on to find out more.
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The Hundred: What Is It?
In 2020 a new Cricket league called The Hundred will launch in England that promises to revolutionise the game. But what is it exactly? Read on to find out more.
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The First International Cricket Match
Cricket originated in England and is often regarded as a quintessential English sport, but the first international match took place on the other side of the Atlantic. Here's the story!
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Top 10 Ashes Tests of All Time
Every two years, England and Australia clash for the famed Ashes. What are the best Ashes Tests of all time? From the 2005 Ashes to 1993's Ball of the Century, there are many contenders for the top spots. Read on for more.
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What Are the Ashes? England Vs Australia Explained
This summer once again, England and Australia go head to head in what is arguably the biggest prize on offer in Cricket. But why all the fuss? This article will explain everything.
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A Beginner's Guide to Cricket
Cricket is England’s national sport and is hugely popular in other countries, such as Australia and India. Here's a simple guide to the game, the positions, the field, and more.
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Rarity Alert: Common Crane at Upper Bittell Reservoir, Worcestershire, Saturday 18th May 2019
Common Cranes are undergoing an extraordinary comeback in the UK. Once widespread, they were hunted to extinction, but a series of reintroductions mean they are re-establishing themselves. Still, I'd yet to see one in my home region, but that would soon change.
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The Complete Guide to the Watsonian Vice County System
County boundaries have often been the subject of great change over time, but there are a special set of county boundaries that have remained fixed for over 150 years.
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Guide to the Historic Counties of England (With Maps)
Great Britain is divided into three countries: England, Scotland and Wales. Each of these countries, in turn, is divided into historic counties and modern administrative counties. Yes, it's complicated.
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Pied Flycatcher at Earlswood Lakes, Warwickshire Wednesday 3rd April 2019
Spring is always the most exciting time for birders, and fresh from finding a pair of Garganey, I received news of arguably an even rarer species- a male Pied Flycatcher.
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Birding Trip Report: Garganey at Earlswood Lakes, Warwickshire Monday, April 1st, 2019
April Fools Day is notorious for throwing bogus or hoax sightings reports, but a pair of scarce ducks that I found in a small corner of Warwickshire were the real deal.
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10 Interesting Facts About Birmingham City Football Club
Birmingham City Football Club, also known as 'Blues', are an English footballing institution, but how much do you know about them? This article will highlight a few interesting and surprising facts about the team.
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Birding Trip Report: Western Marsh Harrier at Ladywalk Nature Reserve, Warwickshire 7th March 2019
A relatively brief visit to the West Midlands Bird Club's excellent reserve at Ladywalk produced an unexpected but very welcome treat.
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Birding Trip Report: Elmdon Park, West Midlands Thursday 7th March 2019
The following is a detailed account of a routine wander around my local patch. Along the way I'll reveal that not all highlights are rarity related.
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Birding Trip Report: Cannock Chase, Staffordshire 25th February 2019
Cannock Chase is undoubtedly the wildest part of the whole of the Midlands region and home to some truly wonderful birds, so the opportunity to take a trip on a free Monday could not be ignored.
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Birding Trip Report: Red-Breasted Merganser at Shustoke Reservoir, Warwickshire 23rd February 2019
Red-breasted Mergansers are a species of duck that are commonly found along Britain's coastlines, but whenever an individual is found far inland, they're always worth seeing.
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A Walk Around Moseley Bog, West Midlands February 2019
Nestled away in a small corner of the City of Birmingham is a small relict of a once extensive natural woodland. This relict has huge cultural significance not just for the city but for the entire world.
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Birding Trip Report: Lincolnshire Wednesday 13th February 2019
Barely a month after my last trip to Lincolnshire, Paula and I made a return trip. Partly to revisit the beautiful Gibraltar Point and wonderful Frampton Marsh, but also, to try and see a Long-billed Dowitcher, a rare bird that I’d failed to see on two previous visits.
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Birding Trip Report: Black Redstart at Stirchley, West Midlands Wednesday 30th January 2019
Black Redstarts were once a common sight in town and cities across the UK, but widespread regeneration has seen numbers dwindle. When a bird was reported just a few miles from home, I decided to take a look.
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Birding Trip Report: East Yorkshire January 2019
My first extended birding trip of the year, and the destination was a familiar one- a return trip to one of the best areas in the whole of Britain for birding- East Yorkshire.
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Birding Trip Report: Caspian Gull at Sandwell Valley, West Midlands 21st January 2019
Gulls may not be attractive birds to many, but there's truly something special about a rare eastern species appearing just a few miles away from Britain's second largest city.
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Birding Trip Report: Lesser Scaup at Blithfield Reservoir, Staffordshire 14th January 2019
Just a week after missing out on a valued life tick in Staffordshire, an opportunity arose once again to see a Lesser Scaup. Hopefully this time, my luck would be in.
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Birding Trip Report: Lincolnshire 12th January 2019
Lincolnshire is one of the best areas of the UK for winter birding, given its flat landscape and large numbers of Waders and Wildfowl. Here is an account of a trip that I, and my girlfriend Paula took recently.
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Birding Trip Report: Lesser Scaup at Blithfield Reservoir, Staffordshire 07/01/2019
With the New Year less than two weeks old, an opportunity arose to catch a glimpse of a bird that always proves popular with birders, especially those of us who have never journeyed to North America.
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Birding Trip Report: Common Scoter at Earlswood Lakes, Warwickshire New Years Day 2019
New Years Day always brings with it the promise of new opportunities, and with the day barely 10 hours old, the opportunity of a first twitch of the year beckoned.
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Birding Trip Report: Dusky Warbler at Kingsbury Water Park, Warwickshire 29/12/18
With 2018 drawing to a close, an opportunity arose to see a bird that should be spending its winter in the jungles of South-East Asia, rather than a small corner of Warwickshire.
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Birding Trip Report: Black-Throated Diver at Arrow Valley Lake, Worcestershire Christmas 2018
For many the Christmas period is a time of festival fun. For me however, it provided a valuable opportunity to see a species that always causes a stir whenever its sighted far from the sea.
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How to Choose and Use Binoculars for Birding: Complete Guide
Birders love bits of kit, and no piece of kit is more valuable than a pair of binoculars. Here is the definitive guide on how to choose the right pair and use them correctly.
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Birding: The Complete Guide to Garden Birding
Birding, like most things, begins at home. Watching your regular garden birds can be every bit as rewarding as chasing rarities. So, here's the complete guide on how to do it properly.
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Birding Trip Report: Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve, Warwickshire 10/12/2018
Nestled in the heart of South Warwickshire, Brandon Marsh is the headquarters of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and the temporary home of a small party of Bewicks (Tundra) Swans. Read on if you wish to find out if I was successful in finding them.
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Birding: The Complete Guide to Twitching
Twitching often divides opinions not only among the public but among birders themselves. It can offer, though, some of the most memorable experiences you'll ever have as a person, let alone a birder. Here's the complete guide.
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Birding: The Complete Guide to Local Patch Birding
Many birders begin their birding journey by getting to know the birds that visit the small plot of land cordoned off by fencing known as the garden/backyard. Finding a local patch is the next step.
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Top 8 Tips to Improve Your Bird Identification Skills
Want to be a better birder? By getting to know the common birds, learning the songs and calls, and a few other tricks, you can identify birds much more easily.
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Birding Trip Report: American Wigeon at Grimley, Worcestershire 21/11/18
Barely a day after returning from holiday, I was back on the birding trail again. This time in the lovely rolling Worcestershire countryside in search of an American beauty.
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Birding Trip Report: East Yorkshire: Winter 2018
With 2018 drawing to a close, there was just enough time for one final trip to one of my favourites places in the whole of the UK for birding, the East Yorkshire Coast.
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Birding Trip Report: Great Grey Shrike at Cannock Chase, Staffordshire 12/11/2018
On the 2nd November 2018 a Great Grey Shrike was found in a small area of the wilds that are Cannock Chase. Ten days later, with a free Monday morning available I would go in search of the bird.
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Birding Trip Report: Short-Eared Owl at Kenilworth,Warwickshire 21/10/18
What started out as a routine Sunday morning walk ended up becoming one of my birding highlights of the year.
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Norfolk Birding Trip Report Autumn 2018
For just a few days this Autumn, myself and the family returned to the birding Mecca that is Norfolk, and as usual it did not disappoint.
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Rarity Alert: Grey Phalarope at Napton Reservoir, Warwickshire 21/09/2018
Grey or Red Phalaropes, as they are otherwise known, are, as I write turning up right across the UK after departing from their Arctic breeding grounds. When two such birds turned up in a sleepy corner of Warwickshire, the opportunity to see them was too good to pass up.
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Birding Trip Report: Black-Necked Grebe at Earlswood Lakes, Warwickshire 17/09/2018
A rather mundane Monday morning was brightened up by the appearance of a juvenile Black-necked Grebe just a few miles from home.
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Birding Trip Report: Curlew Sandpiper at Middleton Lakes Nature Reserve 09/09/2018
Autumn is the best time to see migratory wading birds, so when a Curlew Sandpiper was reported less than half an hour from home it was an opportunity far too tempting to pass up.
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The West Midlands All Day Bird Race Autumn 2018
Twice a year birders across the West Midlands region come together to try and spot the most amount of birds at a number of different sites. This is an account of the day and how I and my local patch fared.
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Birding Trip Report: Marbled Duck at Grimley, Worcestershire 27/08/2018
The Marbled Duck is a problematic species whenever it appears in Britain, as they are a popular feature of private wildfowl collections. But every now and then an individual appears that seems to display the characteristics of a wild bird.
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Birding Trip Report: Stilt Sandpiper at Frampton Marsh Nature Reserve 26/08/2018
The Stilt Sandpiper may be a common enough site in North America. But whenever one is sighted in Britain it draws in visitors from far and wide, including yours truly.
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15 Interesting Facts About Scottish Football
Scottish football may not get the attention that its neighbor south of the border does, but it is a compelling league full of iconic teams, compelling characters and a host of interesting facts.
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Celtic vs. Rangers: A Complete History of the Old Firm
Celtic and Rangers are collectively known as the Old Firm. Not only are they the most successful football clubs in Scotland, but they also contest one of the fiercest football rivalries in the world.
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Top 10 Largest Empires in World History
For most of recorded history, we humans have lived under the rule of an empire. But, which of the many that have existed were the greatest?
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19 Awesome Facts About King Cobra Snakes
In the dense forests of southern Asia lives a huge, venomous snake with an even bigger reputation.
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Ilfracombe: A Visitors Guide
Ilfracombe is charming and quaint seaside and harbour town nestled away in an often forgotten corner of the UK, the North Devon coast. It offers the perfect opportunity to get away from it all and has something for everybody.
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Flamborough Head: A Visitors Guide
It may only be 8 miles long but the peninsula of Flamborough Head is an outdoor and wildlife lovers haven. With unspoilt chalk cliffs and a historic lighthouse, it's one of Yorkshire's must see places.
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Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve: A Visitors Guide
East Yorkshire is home to some of the most spectacular coastline you'll find anywhere in the UK, and if you love seabirds, then the spectacular white chalk cliffs at Bempton are quite simply unmissable.
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How Do Chimpanzees Hunt and Kill Their Prey?
When we think of the great predators of the animal kingdom, chimpanzees don't normally spring to mind. Yet, they are in fact, among the deadliest predators on the planet. But how exactly do they catch and kill their prey?
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A Guide to the Brummie Accent and Slang (Birmingham, UK)
The Brummie accent is one of many regional accents spoken within the UK. There are millions of speakers, and yet little is known of it outside of Birmingham.
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10 Football (Soccer) Transfers That Almost Happened
Football can often be as entertaining away from the pitch than on it. The biggest transfers always generate a great deal of interest, but for every deal that goes through, there are many that fall just short.
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10 Common Shark Myths Debunked
With their dark eyes, sharp teeth and fearsome reputation, all sharks are ruthless killers ... aren't they?
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A Beginner's Guide to the English Premier League
The English Premier League (EPL) is one of the most exciting and popular leagues in the world, but it can be confusing to new fans. Allow me, a lifelong fan of the game, to explain it to you.
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How We Can Stop Plastic Pollution
Plastic is a highly useful material that we can shape and morph into whatever shape we want. But, the fact that it does not biodegrade make it highly dangerous when cast into the natural environment. We caused the problem, but we also have the ability to solve it.
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Top 10 Deadliest Sharks in the World
Sharks are among the most terrifying and deadly of all the creatures you'll likely encounter in the world's oceans, but which, are the deadliest of all? Read on if you want to find out...
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Top 10 Interesting Facts About Megalodon
There are few prehistoric animals as famous or iconic as Megalodon. But how much do we actually know about them? Were they as monstrous as everybody thinks?
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Top 10 Largest Living Birds in the World
Have you ever wondered which bird is larger- an Ostrich or an Emu? This article counts down the 10 largest living birds and puts to bed any argument as to which bird is the largest of them all.
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The Vegan Debate: Should We Go Vegan?
Earth's biosphere and the organisms that live within it are in grave danger, and there can be little doubt that we humans and the lifestyles we choose to lead are the primary cause. But is there a way, a simple way of reversing the damage that we have done. Does the answer lie with Veganism?
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The Rise And Fall Of The Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was a powerhouse of the Classical World, an Empire that survived for well over a thousand years, and in doing so changed the course of European and World History forever...
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Our Country: A History Of Nationalism
In the late 18th century nationalism emerged in Europe and the American colonies as a force for liberty, equality, and fraternity. But during the 19th century nationalism revealed its uglier side.
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The Promised Land: A History Of Modern Israel
According to the Bible the land of Palestine was promised by God to the Jewish people. In 1948 the modern state of Israel was established in the region, causing widespread fury among local Arabs.
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World War I: The Outbreak Of War
All the major European powers went to war in 1914 with plans for rapid offensives in pursuit of swift victory. Generals were convinced that attack would triumph over defence. They were proved wrong.
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A Guide To The Reptiles Of Britain
Britain's reptilian diversity may be small, but it consists of some of the most recoginsable creatures on the planet, and also in the slow worm, one of the oddest, considering that it's a lizard.
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A Guide To The Amphibians Of Britain
Britain's amphibians are among the most recognisable in the world, and have inspired numerous stories and tales throughout our history, including Jeremy Fisher and Mr. Toad.
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British Birds Of Prey: Golden Eagle
Some birds really do live up to their hype, and the golden eagle is emphatically one of them. As soon as you lift your binoculars, you know are in the presence of greatness.
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Swifts: Life In The Air
Out of all birds, swifts are the most accomplished flyers. In fact, they rarely ever land, spending virtually their entire lives high in the air. They feed, preen, mate and even 'sleep' on the wing.
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The Great Spotted Woodpecker: Both A Hero And A Villain
The great spotted woodpecker is a well known avian denizen of the British garden, and is largely admired by the public for its elaborate plumage; but what few people realise is that it has a dark side
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The Mexican-American War
When Mexico first became independent, it controlled a far greater area than it does presently, including Texas and California. However, they soon faced problem with the expanding United States.
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Wars Of Italian Unification: 1815-1860
Two short wars in the mid 1800's transformed Italy from a collection of rival and largely foreign controlled states into a single unified nation that we know today, simply as Italy.
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The Rise Of Prussia: 1815-1870
In the 1860's , Germany existed as a number of independent states dominated by Prussia and Austria. Within the next ten years, three destructive wars would change the political map of Europe forever.
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The Peregrine Falcon: The Fastest Animal in the World
Is the peregrine falcon the fastest animal in the world? Yes; among all the birds, none rival the peregrine falcon in its powers of flight and devastating speed. Even when stationary on a high perch, it seems to embody the essence of freedom.
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World War II: The Downfall Of Fascism
Fascism was and is a stark warning from history. This article highlights how a political viewpoint, which had ripped Europe came to a rather sudden and abrupt end...
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World War II: The Massacres At Wormhout
The massacres at Wormhout was just one of many atrocities committed by the Nazis in World War II. What made this one stand out was that my Grandfather knew and fought alongside one of the survivors.
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English Civil War: The Battle of Camp Hill
In the early stages of the English Civil War, the future city of Birmingham was the scene of an important, but long forgotten battle. A battle that pitted civilians directly against soldiers...
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Owain Glyndwr And The Fight For Wales
Six centuries ago Wales, led by Owain Glyndwr rose up and defeated the English who had ruled over them with an iron fist. His story is to this day, a powerful symbol of Welsh independence.
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The First Global Conflict: The Seven Years War
Between 1756 and 1763 Europe was immersed in a general conflict between the major powers. Prussia, having precipitated the war, fought for survival against a coalition of Austria, Russia and France.
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Garden Birds: Are Magpies Really Bad?
Magpies currently harbour a reputation as killers of 'innocent' nestlings. But is it a reputation that is deserved? Or is there more to the magpie than meets the eye?
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British Wildlife: The Polecat
Few people have ever seen a polecat so you might not have noticed this lithe predator bounding back into our countryside after centuries of persecution.
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European History: The Crimean War
The war fought between Russia and the fading Ottoman Empire in 1853 was the latest in a long-running series of disputes between the two empires.
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Garden Birds: The Dawn Chorus
The dawn chorus is one of the most magnificent spectacles in all nature. And yet, it is also one of the most mysterious. Why do birds sing so vigorously at dawn?
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Garden Birds: In Defence Of Pigeons
Pigeons all too often have an undeserved reputation of either being too boring, too messy, or bullying cute little songbirds. However, as this article proves, they are undeniably fascinating.
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Alternate History: The Modern Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was the mightiest Empire ever to inhabit the European continent, but as we all know it fell into ruin long ago. But what if it didn't? How would Europe look today?
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The Biggest Myths About World War One
World War One is often referred to as the writers' war; therefore facts can often become blurred with fiction. This hub attempts separates the fact from the fiction.
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The Forgotten Second World War
China was embroiled in World War II for four years longer than the USA, lost 14 million lives and suffered atrocities to match anything in Europe..
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Poetry: Call Of The Wild
A poem that combines passion, history and anthropology, as well as a little bit of futurology.
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Future Evolution: 30 Million Years AD
We move forward 30 million years, to a time where the Earth's natural balance has been fully restored. But what sort of weird creatures stalk the Earth now? Are man's descendants among them?
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Future Evolution: 10,000 AD
Civilisation has fallen, but humanity has survived. How will they and the rest adapt and evolve in a severely depleted and polluted world? Can humanity recover their former glory?
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Future Evolution: The Rise And Fall Of Man
What will the future hold both for us and the rest of life. How will the current mass extinction event play out? Will we and our civilisation survive? Or will other creatures prosper?
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The Origins of Writing
Writing, the symbolic representation of spoken language, and its development represent a major turning point in the intellectual evolution of humans and made our modern society possible.
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Science V. God
In 1859 Charles Darwin published On The Origin of Species, in which the naturalist outlined his theory of evolution. Understandably it sparked a debate that still rages today.
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Evolution: The Origin Of Species
The theory of evolution is often called 'Darwinism,' after the British naturalist, Charles Darwin. In 1859 he published the results of his research in the first evolutionary theory based on evidence.
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British History: The English Civil War
The conflict between monarchy and Parliament had its origins in Charles I's belief in the Divine Right of Kings. The English Civil War was really three wars fought between 1642 and 1651.
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China: The New Superpower
By embracing the free market, from the 1980's China achieved rapid economic growth and underwent a major social transformation. However, the country remained under authoritarian communist rule.
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Was Agriculture Humanity's Biggest Ever Mistake?
Agriculture is often regarded as the human hallmark that allowed for the development of modern technologies, but is this completely backwards?
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Rabbits: The Real Watership Down
Rabbits are often depicted as cute, fluffy breeding machines, but our understanding of these creatures has moved on a great deal from the days of Beatrix Potter
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Great Apes: The Bornean Orang-Utan
The Bornean orang-utan, along with its Sumatran cousin are our two closest living relatives currently living on the Asian continent. At the same, they are both among the most endangered
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Can Science Solve Our Problems?
Science is largely responsible for the relative comfort in which we live today. But this has come at a huge price in terms of biodiversity. Is science capable of solving our greatest problems?
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Can Humans Continue To Survive On Planet Earth?
Modern humans have survived on planet earth for 200,000 years. But, as we head further into the 21st century, humanity's long term survival on this planet is very much in doubt.
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World War II: Siege Of Leningrad
The siege of Leningrad was a ghastly epic of endurance that cost the lives of up to 1.5 million people, both soldiers and civilians. In total, it ran for nearly 900 days.
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World War II: Operation Barbarossa
A massive German army, supported by over 3000 tanks and almost as many aircraft, invaded the Soviet Union on the 22nd of June 1941. Ultimately, this invasion would decide the outcome of the war.
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The Lost Temple Of Cahl: Chapter Three
Chapter three of the first draft of my novel.
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The Lost Temple Of Cahl: Chapter Two
Presenting Chapter Two- a little bit longer than the previous installment. Again apologies for any mistakes (first draft)
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In Too Deep- A Poem
A poem inspired by one of my favourite songs of all time.
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Nature's Law
An attempt at some poetry.
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The Lost Temple Of Cahl: Chapter One
This is chapter one of the first draft of a novel I'm working on. It's a fantasy story inspired primarily by Narnia, Lord of the Rings and Indiana Jones.
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Can Capitalism Survive?
Today, the whole world is bound into a single capitalist system of global finance, trade and commerce. But can capitalism survive as pressure on the natural world we rely on increases?
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How Do Birds Fly?
Birds have perfected their powers of flight over eons of evolution. The result is a series of brilliant and spectacular wing designs, that give birds a wide range of incredible skills.
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Popular Garden Birds: Blue Tit and Great Tit
Blue and great tits are delightful to watch as they peck away at food in the most awkward of positions, survive in spite of intense competition for nest sites, starvation in winter and predators...
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The European Robin: Britain's National Bird
The robin is a particular favourite among bird lovers; everyone enjoys the attentions of this familiar redbreast in the garden during the winter. But despite receiving human help, many perish
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African History: The Second Boer War
Between 1899-1902, the world's largest empire fought a drawn out war against two small and poorly armed republics. What should have been a routine victory instead revealed the limits of British power.
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African History: The Zulu Wars
In the 19th century the Zulus were the most aggressive and disciplined fighting force in southern Africa, a proud people who stood up to both the British and the Boers and fought them valiantly.
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Aquatic Ape Hypothesis: Did Humans Evolve From 'Mermaids?'
The Aquatic Ape Hypothesis is the outlandish story of our origins that refuses to go away despite the objections and ignorance of most mainstream academics. Could man really have been aquatic once?
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What Are Feathers?
Feathers are an excellent means of insulation for birds. Every single bird, including the flightless ones possess them. Along with mammalian fur, it's one of evolution's success stories
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Earth After Humans
What would happen if every human being on Earth disappeared? How long would it take nature to recover from centuries of human activity? How much civilisation will able to stand the test of time?
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The Red Fox In Britain
The Red Fox holds a special place in the hearts of British people. It's a creature that is deeply ingrained in our mythology, which reflects our long love-hate relationship with the species.
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Could There Be Intelligent Life Elsewhere In The Universe?
It's one of the most perplexing questions asked by anyone. But how could it be answered without travelling into the cosmos? One way is to look inwards, at ourselves and the other lifeforms on Earth.
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The Korean War: 1950-1953
The North Korean invasion of South Korea to reunite the divided peninsula was the first major open conflict of the Cold War, pitting former allies- the US, USSR and China on opposite sides
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A Basic Guide To Mammals
Mammals are equally the most familiar and most successful of all the vertebrates. They are the animals that we most easily identify with, mostly because we ourselves are mammals.
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The American Civil War: Battle of Gettysburg
In an epic three-day battle, the brief history of the Confederacy reached its zenith as General Robert E. Lee's second invasion of the North was repulsed at Gettysburg in southern Pennsylvania.
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A Guide To Monotremes And Marsupials
Monotremes and marsupials are undoubtedly the most fascinating mammals on the entire planet. While they possess many typical mammalian characteristics, they have oddities that make them unique.
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The American Civil War: Battle Of Antietam
In the countryside of western Maryland, the bloodiest single day of warfare in American history ended with a tactical draw but a strategic victory for the Union over the Confederacy.
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A Guide To Evolution
Charles Darwin's definition of evolution was 'descent with modification,' He used the term to describe how successive generations of a species adapt to their ever changing environment.
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A Basic Guide To Animal Migration
One of the most fascinating aspects about the natural world, is the periodic movement of animals between different locations, often across vast distances. This movement is known as migration.
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The Origins Of Islam
1400 years ago, a merchant from the city of Mecca called Muhammad experienced a series of visions that revealed the true and final word of Allah, which would lay the foundations of Islam.
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American Civil War: The Role Of Black Troops
The idea of black soldiers was initially anathema to many in the North, but by mid-1863, state-raised black regiments had begun to see action and regiments of the U.S.C.T. were being formed.
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African-Americans In The American Civil War
The plight of African-Americans during the Civil War varied tremendously, depending on where they lived, their socio-economic status, and whether they were enslaved or free.
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The Hundred Years War: Battle Of Agincourt
The victory of Henry V's small, exhausted and starving army against a vast French host was the greatest triumph of the English longbow in the Hundred Years War between England and France.
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The Battle Of Hastings:1066
Normans and Anglo Saxons clashed in the longest, hardest-fought and most decisive battle in England in the early Middle Ages. William the Conqueror's victory changed English history forever.
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American History: The American Revolution
Between 1775-1783 rebels in 13 American colonies, supported by France, fought a conflict for independence from British rule. The fighting only came to an end with the British surrender at Yorktown.
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American History: The War Of 1812
Between 1812 and 1815 the USA fought a rather strange war against Britain. It was a war Britain did not want, and on the American side, it was a war where the goals were totally unclear.
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The Spanish Civil War
The Spanish Civil War began with a revolt of right wing army officers against a left wing government elected in 1936. From the outset, German and Italian forces lent support to the rebels.
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The Spanish Reconquista
The identity of Spain was forged in fighting; the Reconquista-the 'reconquest' of those territories taken by the Islamic Moors- was, for centuries, the guiding project of the nation.
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The Dunnock (Hedge Sparrow) and Its Odd Mating Behaviour
To the casual observer, the dunnock, or 'hedge sparrow,' is just a small brown bird. In fact, all too often, it's overlooked. But the dunnock has one of the oddest mating behaviours of any bird.
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The Bullfinch: Is It Really A Pest?
Bullfinches are one of the prettiest birds you'll ever encounter. But in the eyes of certain people, they are nothing more than a pest, greedily gobbling down buds from precious fruit trees.
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Firefly And Serenity: A Review
Firefly and its movie offshoot aren't quite as entrenched in people's consciousness as Star Wars and Star Trek, but it's every bit as good if not better. If you've dreamed of seeing a western in space, then this is a must watch.
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World War I: The Battle of the Somme
The Battle of the Somme is today synonymous with military folly and pointless bloodshed, but in truth, there were good reasons to attempt the massive assault. The military balance at the time favoured the defender, but there seemed to be no other way to break the deadlock.
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World War I: The Battle Of Verdun
Verdun epitomises the attritional struggle that became the characteristic of World War I on the Western Front. Intended to destroy the French reserves, the battle drew in massive numbers of German troops as well, and ended without any decisive result.
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World War II: Battle Of Britain
The German conquest of France and the Low Countries had been accomplished with astonishing speed. During the opening months of World War II in Europe, Nazi Germany had emerged victorious across the Continent. As German troops paraded down the Champs Elysees, Adolf Hitler and his generals planned...
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World War II: The Battle and Evacuation of Dunkirk
During the opening weeks of Hitler's war on the Western Front, thousands of soldiers of the British Expeditionary Force and the French First Army, with their backs to the sea, were evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk in nine desperate days of fighting.
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The Top 10 Dating Rules For Men
You've heard of the Ten Commandments right? Well, regard this as the dating equivalent. If you keep to the ten simple rules outlined here, then you should be able to build a long lasting relationship with a woman you truly love.
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Spanish Conquests In The New World
The 16th century saw two mighty empires in the Americas overthrown by tiny groups of Spanish adventurers. The technology gap between the Old and New World cultures was crucial to these conquests, yet their sheer audacity defies belief.
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How the Battle of Tours Prevented a Muslim Invasion of Europe
The Battle of Tours was a turning point in world history that decided the fate of Western Europe. It was here that the tide of Muslim conquest was turned back, with enormous implications for the future of the entire world.
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5 Interesting Facts About The Second World War
Did you know that the country that suffered the second highest loss of life in World War II was actually China! And that Hitler was not only a carnivore but also a devout Catholic. How about the fact that World War II didn't actually come to an end until the 3rd October 1990. This hub explains why...
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The Crusades: The Battle Of Hattin
The Battle of Hattin was a great victory for Saladin, who used his faster, lighter forces to great effect. He was assisted to a great extent by his enemy King Guy, who chose to march heavily armoured troops through a water-less region at the hottest time of the year.
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Dinosaurs: Tyrannosaurus Rex
Tyrannosaurus Rex is without doubt the most famous dinosaur of all time. It's the archetypal monster, that haunts everybody's nightmares, regardless of age. What few of us realise though is that the reign of T-Rex and its theropod kin left a lasting legacy, that is still present in many creatures...
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Human Evolution: Australopithecus
Around 4 million years ago, a species of ape living in East Africa, did something extraordinary. They stood up and walked habitually on two legs. This rather simple adaptation was to ultimately change the lives of their descendants and the rest of life on Earth forever...
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The Top 10 Threats To Life On Earth
There can be little doubt that life on Earth is under threat today, and that includes human life too. But what exactly are these threats? And just how great are they? Should we fear global war more than man-made pollution, or famine more than deforestation? This hub will provide all the answers...
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Sea Monsters of the Cretaceous
What makes the Cretaceous sea worse than any other in history is that there isn't just one predator to worry about. There was a whole collection of them, including sharks, lightning-fast killer fish and fearsome giant marine reptiles called mosasaurs.
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Sea Monsters: Liopleurodon
155 million years ago in the Jurassic Period, the sea was home to what some people believe is the largest predator of all time: liopleurodon. This marine reptile can grow to over 65 feet in length, has a superb sense of smell and ambuses from below. Not what you want underneath you when you go for...
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Sea Monsters: Megalodon
We think that modern sharks are scary, but they're nothing compared to megalodon. This mind-bogglingly large killer fish is 20 times the weight of a great white shark, has teeth the size of a man's hand and preys on full sized whales by biting their tails off. We should be relieved that this...
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After the Dinosaurs: Life in the Eocene
The extinction of the dinosaurs marked the end of one era but heralded the beginning of another. It only took the Earth a few million years to recover from the aftereffects of the asteroid impact, but it was a changed world.
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The Mongol Empire
The Mongols and their legendary leader Genghis Khan were viewed with outright horror by civilised nations. They were happy to let their savage reputations go before them, but their strategic sophistication tells another story. The Mongols were fighters with flair and intelligence who learned with...
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Britain's Wars In India
The disunity of India made the country ripe for exploitation in the 18th century. Britain represented by the East India Company, and often in alliance with Indian states, extended its rule over ever larger areas of the subcontinent through a series of military campaigns fought using mostly Indian...
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The Mughal Empire In India
Descendants of the great Mongol conqueror, Timur Lenk, the Muslim Mughal dynasty took pride in its Turko-Mongol origins and was celebrated for its civilisation and culture. The Mughals lived up to their ancestors in the field of war and ultimately carved out an empire that extended across India
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One Million Years BC: Sabre-Tooth World
Just one million years ago, the Pampas grasslands of South America were home to a range of weird and extraordinary creatures, including giant ground sloths. The top predator though, was a legendary sabre-toothed cat called smilodon.
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Australopithecus: Life In The Pliocene
3 million years ago, in a time called the Pliocene, lived some extraordinary animals that we would probably call apes. However, by virtue of a unique trait, we know that these apes are our ancestors. This hub travels back in time to follow a group of Australopithecus in prehistoric Africa.
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Gallic Wars: The Battle of Alesia
In 52 BC, Roman military and engineering skills enabled Julius Caesar to defeat a vast Gallic army, which had relieved their famous chieftain Vercingetorix, who was besieged inside Alesia.
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Star Wars- The Alternate Prequel Trilogy: Episode Two
My re-working of the Star Wars prequel trilogy moves on to Episode Two: Balance of power. The Clone Wars are nearing their conclusion, but this is far from the end, in reality the real story has only just begun...
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Star Wars- The Alternate Prequel Trilogy: Episode Three
The alternate prequel trilogy reaches its concluding part, with all story plots coming to a head. But be warned, there is one big twist that you may not expect involving a very famous armoured villain...
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Star Wars- The Alternate Prequel Trilogy: Episode One
This hub is my re-telling of the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy. Here, I present Epidode One: The Beginning.
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How to Find a Date Online
Online dating was once regarded as weird and definitely not the kind of thing a respectable person would do. But in recent times its popularity has soared, and more and more people have found true happiness on the net. This hub reveals some of my own personal experiences as well as useful tips for...
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The Second Punic War: The Battle Of Cannae
In the year 216 BC, the Roman army suffered one of its biggest ever defeats at the Battle of Cannae. The defeat was inflicted by a Carthaginian military genius called Hannibal whose strategies provided a model for commanders for centuries to come.
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Napoleon's Invasion Of Russia 1812
In the summer of 1812, Napoleon Bonaparte, at the height of his power launched an invasion of Russia. It was the largest invading force that the world has ever seen, his Grande Armee of over 600,000 men from all over Europe poured into the Russian countryside, the majority of them would never...
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Napoleonic Wars: The Battle Of Waterloo
The Battle of Waterloo was an epoch ending battle. It was the first and only battle that pitted the two finest military commanders of the age against each other- Napoleon Bonaparte and the Duke of Wellington. The conclusion of the battle would see the end of a bloody war that had engulfed Europe...
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The Anglo-Spanish War: The Spanish Armada
In 1588, tensions between Spain and England boiled over into outright warfare. Philip II sent forth a great Spanish Armada of warships to invade and conquer England. But the English were prepared, and ready to fight to the last ship to defend their precious island...
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The Complete Guide to British Birds: Diving Ducks
The complete guide to British birds continues with a look at the various species of diving ducks that inhabit the British Isles. Diving ducks primarily feed by diving beneath the surface, as opposed to the dabbling ducks.
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The Complete Guide to British Birds: Dabbling Ducks
The complete guide to British birds continues with a look at the various species of dabbling ducks that inhabit the British Isles. A dabbling duck is basically a surface feeding duck.
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The Neolithic Revolution: How Farming Changed The World
Of all the revolutions recorded by history, the biggest of all was actually occurred before anybody could write. The Neolithic Revolution transformed human beings in ways that seem scarcely believable today. It marked the end of hunting and gathering, and the start of humanity's dependence on...
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Earth's First Civilisations: 100 Million Years BC
Whenever we think of civilisations, we tend to think of the ones created by ourselves in the last 10,000 years or so. But what few of us realise is that civilisation actually first arose in the insect world some 100 million years ago, long before any human walked the Earth and still exist today.
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Life In Ice Age Europe: The Mammoth Journey
Life in ice age Europe was harsh, but surprisingly rich and diverse. It was a time when our ancestors and their cousins, the Neanderthals lived in a world of mammalian giants, including the most famous one of all, the woolly mammoth...
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Feral Children: Fact or Fiction?
Do feral children really exist? What do their stories tell us about the nature vs nurture debate? Learn about six cases of feral children.
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A Complete Guide to British Swans and Geese
This article examines the different species of swans and geese that either live in Britain permanently or spend a part of the year here. Photos and videos of some species are also included.
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A History Of Life On Earth: The Cenozoic Era
In the aftermath of the dinosaur extinction, an opportunity was created for other animals to assert their evolutionary dominance. The last in the 'History of Life' series tells of how life rebounded after the asteroid impact and how we ultimately came to dominate the planet.
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A History Of Life On Earth: The Mesozoic Era
We've now reached the Mesozoic era- a time when reptiles assumed dominance of the Earth. Huge dinosaurs dominated the land, pterosaurs had the skies to themselves and giant marine reptiles terrorised other ocean dwellers...
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A History of Life on Earth: The Palaeozoic Era
The history of life series moves on to the period where not only complex lifeforms evolved but came to take over the world. But they didn't have everything their own way. The Paleozoic era bore witness to natural disasters that make our problems seem minute.
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A History Of Life On Earth: The Precambrian Era
Planet Earth, our home for the last 200,000 years has existed for over 4 billion years. But how exactly did it form? And when did life first evolve and how did it do so? The story of life on Earth is every bit as exciting as anything conjured up by the human mind. This hub is the first in a four...
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African Forest Elephants: Rumble In The Jungle
The African forest elephant is the third largest land animal alive today, and a distinct species of elephant, and yet we know so little about it. This hub gives a detailed insight into their normally private lives. But its a life that is under serious threat, they are much rarer than their savannah...
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Did Cooking Make Us Human?
Where we do come from? How did we evolve? Two of the most common questions you'll hear. For years we've known that we evolved from bipedal apes in Africa. But how exactly did we transform into humans? This hub presents a relatively new theory that a skill that we take for granted that made us what...
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The Complete Guide to British Birds: Gannets, Cormorants and Herons
The complete guide to British birds continues with a look at some of the larger sea-birds such as the gannet, cormorant and shag; as well as freshwater birds such as the grey heron and Eurasian bittern.
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What If The Dinosaurs Had Never Died Out?
Sixty-five million years ago, a massive asteroid crashed into the Earth. It wiped out 70 per cent of all life, including the most successful, the dinosaurs. But what if the asteroid had missed? What would the world be like today if the dinosaurs had survived?
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How Did The Dinosaurs Grow So Big?
The dinosaurs were the biggest and fiercest land animals that ever existed, but they had rather humble beginnings. How did they transform into the monsters we are so familiar with today? This hub tries to answer the question...
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The Complete Guide to British Birds: Petrels and Shearwaters
The complete guide to British birds continues by looking at three birds that inhabit the coasts and smaller islands of the British Isles- the fulmar, Manx shearwater and storm petrel.
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The Complete Guide to British Birds: Divers and Grebes
This article profiles the remarkable and wonderful divers and grebes that inhabit the British Isles.
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The Most Competitive Football Leagues in Europe
The domination of certain European top football leagues and their talent can leave fans jaded. Here are some alternatives that showcase the most competitive football leagues in Europe.
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Top Tips For Successful Selling on eBay
eBay is the best online tool for people wanting to sell both expensive and inexpensive items. Its truly amazing what people will buy nowadays. This hub hopes to offer tips and guidance for anyone considering using it to either make some extra cash or to de-clutter their homes.
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10 Interesting Facts About Orangutans
The orangutan is one of our closest relatives, and yet we know comparatively little about them. They are an animal that we need to learn more about because perhaps knowing more about them will help us understand ourselves better. Hopefully, we can do this before it's too late.
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World War II: Operation Sealion
In July 1940, Hitler stood poised on the Channel coast, ready to invade England. He drew up a seemingly elaborate plan called Operation Sealion that was ambitious but foolproof at first glance. However, a closer look seems to suggest otherwise.
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World War II: Hitler and Spain
Spain's status during the course of World War II was ambiguous. In one sense, it was a mere spectator; standing on the sidelines, and yet its strategic importance was potentially enormous. Hitler knew this and sought to try and take advantage of it.
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What Killed the Megafauna?
Once not so long ago, the Earth was inhabited by huge, strange and fierce creatures. But what happened to them? Were they wiped out by a disease? Or was it climate change? Or did we play a role in their extinction? This hub tries to answer one of the most perplexing questions in all of science...
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The Asian Megafauna
Two million years ago, our ancestor Homo erectus marched out of Africa into Asia, where they encountered both familiar and fundamentally strange animals.
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The African Megafauna
Why do so many large, dangerous animals live in Africa? Why are we so fascinated by monsters? The answers may lie in our past, when our ancestors lived alongside Africa's real monsters.
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The European Megafauna
For thousands of years, our ancestors hesitated on the fringes of the European continent, seemingly unable to penetrate this frozen frontier. But an important cultural and technological revolution changed all that. Humans entered Europe ... and they discovered a land of plenty.