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
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.
Hedgehog SOS: vital new plan could save Britain's favourite animal from extinction
The new strategy outlines the major threats to hedgehogs that conservation NGOs, local councils and the Government must tackle collectively over the next decade to stop their decline.
Prehistoric aurochs are back from extinction - and they could be coming to the UK
Extinct since 1627, an ancient species of huge wild cattle could soon be back from the dead to graze on Scottish hillsides. James Fair finds out how – and where
Will we be able to 'talk dog' one day? A canine translation device may be available sooner than you think...
Could a dog translation devise help you understand your dog's needs? Researchers think it could be possible
Badger culling to end in England by 2029, but will it help stop the spread of bTB? Here's what the experts say
An estimated 230,000 badgers have been killed in the past decade.
Galloway National Park: Campaign against new plans sparks debate
The Scottish Government has selected Galloway as the preferred site for a new national park in Scotland. What are the pros and cons?
“Unique” bronze cannon found 360 years after gunpowder explosion sank the ship that restored Charles II to throne
The cannon is the latest item to be found at the 'London', a wrecked warship in the Thames Estuary.
Man spots black 'panther' running loose in Worcestershire. Big cat experts have their say...
Does the latest video of a black cat in the UK countryside offer evidence there are big cats roaming the British Isles? James Fair investigates
‘Restore Nature Now’ – the story behind the campaign to save Britain’s wildlife
Nature is suffering in the UK, and something has to be done, according to a coalition of 83 nature groups, including the National Trust and the RSPB. James Fair explains why they are taking the government to court – and marching to protest in London.
New DNA evidence confirms presence of big cat in British countryside
Could this be conclusive evidence that there are big cats roaming the British countryside?
Malvern Hills: the perfect dog walk
This eight-mile walk in the Malvern Hills is the perfect day out for both dog and owner.
Australian shepherd dog breed: characteristics, photos and facts
From their energetic temperament to care tips and training advice, explore the world of these intelligent and loyal canine companions.
The truth about dogs - here's the real science behind how to care for your best friend
When James Fair brought an Australian shepherd puppy home, he launched a mission to uncover the truth about the best ways to take care of their new beloved pet, Dakota
Britain's rivers at risk of becoming 'dead zones' due to booming chicken industry
Industrial chicken production in England and Wales has risen by the equivalent of one million birds per month for the last decade, putting rivers in at least seven counties at risk of becoming 'dead zones deplete of wildlife', according to a new report by the Soil Association.
The Corryvreckan whirlpool: Why this "freak of nature" is the most terrifying whirlpool in the world
James Fair explores this mesmerising – and dangerous – natural phenomenon, as well as many other astonishing marvels wrought by the tides around the British Isles
Wolves versus wild cattle – the story of the battle to rewild Britain’s countryside
Predators or plant-eaters? Conservationists are divided as to whether wolves or wild cattle will best restore our natural ecosystems. James Fair enters the fray
Giant, 8m-tall fungi known as prototaxites once ruled the land. The world of moulds and mushrooms is full of surprises, says Merlin Sheldrake
Mushrooms are not only strange and intriguing, they and other fungi are vital to life on Earth. James Fair finds out more about this astonishing group of organisms from biologist and author Merlin Sheldrake.
Corncrake: identification, sound and habitat
Learn more about the rare corncrake (Crex crex) , including how to identify and conservation efforts in this BBC Countryfile Magazine expert guide.
Highland cattle guide: what they are, where they live and how to see them
Discover the Highland cow breed, where they live and what they are used for in this comprehensive guide
Wild boar guide: benefits, dangers and where to see them in Britain
Wild boar numbers are rising in Britain, as are the arguments as to whether they should stay or go. Our guide explores boar in the UK, including whether they are dangerous, how they benefit the woodlands and grasslands, and where they live in Britain.