Sophie Parker

6 days ago | bbc.co.uk | Sophie Parker

Image caption, Stonehenge is one part of a vast World Heritage siteThe Stonehenge World Heritage Site is big - so big, it is actually split in two, with much of it around Avebury. People have lived and worked in the area long before they were ever declared a World Heritage Site - so when someone needs to build something, how do you make sure it will not negatively affect the much loved sites? That is where a new draft document of more than 150 A4 pages comes in.

1 week ago | bbc.com | Sophie Parker

African scorpion 'may have hitched a ride' to UKSophie ParkerBBCThe scorpion was found in the home of a woman who had recently been to AfricaA scorpion found in a woman's home in Wiltshire may have hitched a ride all the way from Africa. The homeowner, who had recently holidayed there, managed to trap the unusual visitor under a wine glass at her home in Swindon, before moving it to a jam jar and being put in a touch with a local expert.

1 week ago | bbc.com | Sophie Parker

People urged to stay away from nesting kingfishers Sophie ParkerDarin SmithKingfishers have been spotted nesting at a Warminster nature reserveSigns have been put up around nature reserve's wetland to try and prevent the nesting birds being disturbed. If dogs or humans disturb the kingfishers at Smallbrook Meadows in Warminster they could leave their nests. Andy Dunn, from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said that the "beautiful bird" is usually quite hard to see, being very fast.

1 week ago | bbc.co.uk | Sophie Parker

Image caption, Around 200 people turned out to protest against the potential homesControversial plans for 700 homes on a former golf course that ecologists have said is a haven for nature have moved forward. About 200 protestors turned up to a Swindon Borough Council meeting on Wednesday where councillors voted to move the plans for Highworth's former golf course to its next stage, where more details will be drawn up.

1 week ago | bbc.com | Sophie Parker |Jonathan Fido

Nature reserve's moths help composer make new musicSophie Parker & Jonathan FidoNorthern School of ArtsThe premieres of the 12-minute music piece will include animated designs by students from the Northern School of ArtMusic that explores declining biodiversity has been created using the activity of 80 species of moth during an evening at a nature reserve.