What a beautiful day! We've been making the most of the autumn sunshine, kayaking along the creeks that run through the salt marshes of the glorious north Norfolk coast. It's like a secret world, with chattering mallards, little egrets stalking their supper, curlews calling and flocks of starlings wheeling in the sky, promising a spectacular show when they come to roost later. It's a great way to get some exercise (and I need to do more of that!), and really relax at the same time.
As we paddled back to the shore (or rather, lazily coasted along with the outgoing tide), we slipped by the Albatros. This Dutch clipper, built in 1899, has previously been used by Greenpeace as a children's environmental study centre. It is now permanently moored at Wells-next-the-Sea, serving very tasty pancakes and a decent tipple or two. A lovely place to watch the world go by on a sunny afternoon...
Despite the slightly different name spelling, this fine old ship reminded me of a film that is opening today. 'Albatross' is a British coming of age comedy drama - apparently the title refers to a constant and inescapable burden, just as in Coleridge's Ancient Mariner.
Today several species of albatross are facing extinction, partly because frightening numbers are caught and drowned on longline fishing hooks. The fishermen are serving our ever growing appetite for fish. So we are collectively to blame. The fate of the 18 species of albatross at risk of extinction is our collective burden.
But the majestic albatross is also a blessing - these ocean wanderers are part of the natural world that enrich our lives. And collectively we can save them. Save stamps, donate, support our marine campaign - choose your own steps to save nature today.