7 stories of optimism this week (21.10.25-27.10.25)

Wondering what went right this week in the conservation world? We’ve got you covered with our Conservation Optimism Round-Up! We are collating stories of optimism from around the globe so that you never miss your dose of weekly motivation.

1. Peregrine falcon chicks spotted

“Two peregrine falcon siblings that were born and raised on top of a cathedral have shown “resilience and determination” after being spotted in different counties, a wildlife charity has said. The males – called VAT and VCT – were hatched at St Albans Cathedral in 2023.”

2. Resurgent wildlife at South Downs National Park

“A wealth of biodiversity has been discovered during ecological surveys of old livestock watering holes, known as dew ponds, restored by the South Downs National Park. The scarce blue-tailed damselfly – once thought to have been extinct – was recently spotted in one of the newly restored ponds.”

3. Communities come together to protect endangered bat species

“One of hundreds of endangered little brown bats, also known as the little brown myotis, have taken up residence on Shawanaga First Nation. The community has come together to help study their local bats.”

4. Optimism as whale species makes a comeback

“The North Atlantic right whale, one of the world’s most endangered species, is showing promising signs of recovery. Recent data indicates a modest increase in their population, sparking hope among conservationists. This uptick, though small, marks a critical juncture for a species that has long teetered on the brink of extinction.”

5. Butterfly park sees rise in numbers of species

“What began as a modest conservation effort has now evolved into a 30-acre butterfly park, recording 98 species in just one year. Spread over naturally grown forest within the Brahmavar Agricultural Research Station, the park was inaugurated during last year’s Krishi Mela and now serves as a living classroom for students, researchers, and nature enthusiasts.“

6. Dormice population on the up after breeding season 

“Now listed as vulnerable, the loss of hedgerows and changing woodland management practices have seen hazel dormouse numbers plummet in the last two decades. This summer has been a “bumper” breeding season for dormice in Hampshire, conservationists have said. Volunteers from the Hampshire Dormice Group, who have been carrying out surveys to monitor the tiny mammal, said the warm, dry summer had allowed them more time to breed.”

7. Ancient tadpole shrimp hatches

“Wet weather has helped a new population of one of the UK’s most ancient creatures to hatch in the south of Scotland. The tadpole shrimp – a relative of one of the oldest known animal species in the world – has been returned to RSPB Scotland’s Mersehead Reserve in Dumfries and Galloway after more than 75 years.”