We’re lucky here to be the only place in England to have ospreys successfully breeding – and diving for their fish in Bassenthwaite just up the road from the cottage. This ‘good news’ environment story – made possible by the efforts of the Forestry Commission and others since 2001 – is joined this week by another. The belle of the southern grasslands, the large blue butterfly has returned we hear to its old haunts. [Photo © Karen Nichols]
Extinct in the UK since 1979, the large blue has now been brought back to six new sites in Devon thanks to the meticulous research of Jeremy Thomas and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in uncovering its secret life cycle. Read more about this fascinating story of the ant, the caterpillar and strange happenings in the south in this week’s Guardian (16th June).
The big news this week is the announcement by Zhang Xiaoqiang, China’s vice-chairman of National Development that the country plans to increase substantially its commitment to invest in new wind and solar power initiatives. According to the 
Yes it’s a cottage for all seasons but despite thick walls, we’ve always needed plenty of winter heating. Why? Draughty windows! Last month we had well-sealed double glazed windows installed. We’re already feeling the difference.