James Fair
Wildlife journalist
James Fair writes about wildlife conservation and broader environmental issues for a wide range of publications, including BBC Wildlife and BBC Countryfile magazines. James started his career as a journalist in the early 1990s, then spent a number of years working on conservation projects in South America, including an ultimately doomed effort to reintroduce an orphaned Andean bear cub into the wild in Bolivia. In 1999, James joined BBC Wildlife as a commissioning editor, while later filling the roles of staff writer, environment editor and keyboard destroyer-in-chief. In 2018, he went freelance, and now takes on a range of news, feature and report writing assignments, and is also the editor of the membership magazine of the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES). In 2019, he published his second book, 100 Great Wildlife Experiences: What to see and where.
Recent articles by James Fair
“That was the biggest high you could imagine – completely fixing this broken thing”
Headlines about the nature emergency might paint a bleak picture, but a network of sanctuaries powered by dedicated volunteers across the UK is giving wildlife a second chance. James Fair visits an animal rescue centre in Herefordshire and discovers new hope
Intensive ‘megafarms’ failing to declare huge pollution impacts, new research reveals
Many local councils are being kept in the dark over potentially devastating climate impacts of new pig and poultry ‘megafarms’, shows a new report
“Avoidable” pain, fear and significant distress – pig slaughter methods must change, say experts
Around 90% of UK pigs are stunned using CO2 before slaughter – a method that causes the animals “avoidable” pain, fear and significant distress. Now, experts are calling for a ban, but what are the alternatives? James Fair reports
This odd kangaroo-like animal is native to Australia – but it's been spotted roaming wild on a Scottish island
Surely the UK doesn't have any wallabies? Well, you may be surprised...
Lynx reintroduction in Northumberland backed by 72% of locals
Around three out of four locals back reintroducing lynx to Kielder Forest, according to a new study.
Where are big cats roaming wild in the UK? We take a look at the leopards and pumas supposedly on the run
We take a look at the big cats - both real and legend – that have roamed the wilds of the UK
Cat cafes are on the rise — but are these feline hangouts cruel or a safe haven for cats?
Ash woodland is evolving resistance to ash dieback, say experts
Scientists say natural selection is helping the trees fight the deadly fungal disease, which has decimated forests across Britain and much of Europe.
Cases of rare but deadly rat lungworm disease – that can spread to humans – reported in animals in Spain
The disease comes from a parasitic nematode worm that infects slugs and snails – it can then be passed on to dogs, humans and other animals.
Raccoons, pink salmon and purple clams: these are the latest invasive threats to British wildlife, say experts
UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology updates watchlist of invasive non-native species that could threaten British wildlife in the next 10 years.
“We looked at how we could use the estate radically differently”: All you need to know about Knepp, the UK’s first rewilding project
Everything you need to know about Knepp – the 1,400-hectare farm that has been turned into a ‘wildland’ fit for a safari
Enormous elk are recolonising Europe – and soon they could be heading for the UK
These large mammals could return to the UK 3,000 years after going extinct as the first stages of new rewilding project get underway.
Known for their feisty and playful nature, these top terrier breeds will show you why smaller dogs rule
From the loyal Staffordshire bull terrier to the iconic Westie, here are six top terrier breeds – including their famous achievements and owners.
A new national forest: 20 million trees to be planted in west of England by 2050
The Western Forest – the UK's first national forest for 30 years – will cover up to 50,000 hectares, stretching from the Cotswolds to the Mendips.
Millions of salmon are dying in Scottish fish farms – is it time to overhaul the system?
A mass die-off of over one million salmon at a Scottish fish farm last year had many questioning the health of the industry. James Fair asks what the future holds for both fish farmers and consumers.
Birdlife more abundant on well-managed solar farms than on arable farmland, finds RSPB study
Researchers recorded nearly three times as many birds on solar farms managed with wildlife in mind as they did on adjacent arable land.
Hitchhiking tree frog found in UK florist shop highlights threats of global plant trade
Hidden pests are arriving in Britain through imported flowers and plants, threatening ecosystems and agriculture, say experts.
It's as big as a wolf and its ancestors could take on a grizzly bear – meet the 'Royal Dog of Scotland'
If deerhounds look like something out of medieval legend, that’s because they may be the oldest dog breed in Britain. James Fair reveals the history of these elegant canines
How safe are garden bird feeders? Their threat to finches leads the RSPB to suspend sales of flat tables in wake of huge declines
Flat bird tables can spread deadly diseases that harm birds such as greenfinches and chaffinches, says the RSPB.
Cattle and salt licks: the new experiment that could boost biodiversity on farms
Farmers hope the nature-based solution will help control bracken levels, allowing wildflowers, invertebrates and birds the optimum conditions to thrive.
'Big cat' caught on camera in Cambridgeshire most likely a leopard, says expert
But not everyone is convinced. While one expert says "the form is possibly of a large black cat like a leopard", another believes it is a “well-fed but otherwise totally typical moggie”.
Tensions are simmering over proposed seaweed farms in Cornwall. Here’s why
Seaweed farms promise rural investment. But are the benefits overstated?
UK rivers test positive for toxic cocktail of pesticides, caffeine, nicotine and antidepressants
Anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers and untreated sewage were also detected in Earthwatch's annual river survey.
Flea and tick treatments for dogs might be poisoning our rivers, warn scientists, but are there alternatives if we want healthy dogs?
You want to protect your dog from parasites – but the flea and tick treatments you use might be poisoning our rivers, says scientists.