The swifts that danced over my house have gone. They'll be half way to Africa by now, but it gives me an opportunity to clean out my old swift box and try to fix it as high up my outside wall as my nerves and ladder will allow.

Hopefully, it will then be a bit more attractive to a passing swift next year.

Daniel and his Dad, David, at our Rye Meads nature reserve.I've also been humbled this week by a young teenager from Waltham Forest, who's cycling more than 200 miles to help secure the future of the UK's marine life.

14 year old Daniel Whitelegg is spending a week pedalling from his east London home to his grandparents near Newport. He set off with his Dad on Thursday, dropping in to our Rye Meads nature reserve in Hertfordshire, where the picture on the right was taken.

Daniel was inspired to undertake his epic adventure by an article in the RSPB's Birds magazine.

We successfully campaigned for new laws. Now they're in place we need to identify which bits of our coastline and territorial waters should be designated Marine Protection Zones

Daniel's undertaking is huge and the weather's not in his favour. He modestly says "I'm a bit nervous, but I'm really looking forward to it. It will be a big achievemnent for me, as it's a long way." You can help keep him motivated by sponsoring him online.

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