Of all the lone trees in the UK, the one at Sycamore Gap was arguably the most famous. It was situated almost smack bang in the middle of Hadrian’s wall and was featured in the 1991 movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. The one-of-a-kind beauty spot’s photogenic nature and Dark Sky location made it a favourite among landscape photographers and astrophotographers, but it was also sought out by thousands of hikers, daytrippers, historians and local residents year upon year. It was a bastion of rural England and a symbol of the Northumberland National Park. It was even named tree of the year by the Woodland Trust in 2016. And now it’s gone…
The felled tree was found on September 28 and at the time of writing a police investigation is ongoing. Reuters quoted the police in calling it a “deliberate act of vandalism,” but the damage has already been done. You cannot simply replace a three-century-old tree and although the prospect of the stump providing new shoots has provided some solace, this is by no means a certainty. Even if the old tree does regrow, how can it measure up to the majesty of what was? After all, it was a textbook specimen – a tree from childhood picture books – the muse of millions of photographers and a movie star.
• Read more: Photographers react to Britain’s much-loved tree being chopped down at Sycamore Gap
But it’s the local residents I feel for most. Campsites, holiday cottages and B&Bs line the nearby Military Road. The Twice Brewed Inn is famously little more than a half-hour walk from the gap. Its logo is a silhouette of the sycamore tree and it runs a variety of stargazing and astrophotography events throughout the year. The Vindolanda Charitable Trust relies on footfall through its Roman Army Museum and Roman Vindolanda Fort & Museum, the latter being a live excavation site. And then you have the thousands of walkers who take up the Hadrian’s Wall Challenge every year, walking the 84-mile National Trail from Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend (or vice versa). Sycamore Gap is one of the route’s biggest draws. And you have to assume that its destruction will have some kind of impact on local tourism and businesses.
Two weeks ago, a friend and I embarked on the Hadrian’s Wall Challenge. Roughly 67km in I twisted my knee and to make matters worse, I woke up in my tent the following morning with tonsillitis. Constant rain throughout the four-day hike from Bowness-on-Solway had beaten me down, and I couldn’t continue. My friend suggested struggling the final 2.5km to Sycamore Gap so I could at least see it, but with another deluge of rain falling upon my already sodden clothes and the prospect of a seven-hour journey home, I elected to hit the road. My intention was to return in the summer and finish what I’d started. Little did I know that my departing friend would be one of the last hikers to see the famed sycamore tree still standing. I’ve missed my chance, and I won’t be alone.
Much like the mindless act of cutting down a tree, I’m struggling to find a point to this article. I guess I’m sad that nobody else will get to experience or photograph Sycamore Gap. I’m sad because so many local businesses rely upon the landmark’s worldwide appeal. I’m sad because in a world where humanity is constantly reminded that it’s failing the planet, this feels like a cruel microcosm of more heartbreak to come.
I’m afraid too. Afraid that we’re powerless to safeguard historical and natural landmarks from a similar incident. It’s hardly an isolated one… In 2021 an osprey nest was felled at Llyn Brenig and nature reserves across the country regularly report acts of vandalism. It makes me want to do my part in safeguarding other areas of natural beauty. Refrain from geotagging landscape locations on Instagram, perhaps even refrain from photographing them altogether. But then again, isn’t photography and videography at least partially responsible for fuelling the nation’s passion for nature and history? And that passion is evident in the nationwide response to the felling. Hopefully it’s enough to deter other would-be vandals.
The sad truth, though, is that nothing can bring back Sycamore Gap. What really got me today was Google. The omniscient overlord of the Internet never misses a trick. Already, when you search Sycamore Gap on Google Maps, you are presented with a red pin. It no longer reads Sycamore Gap, just: Sycamore Stump…
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If you enjoyed this article, you might be interested in reading about the best Nikon Z lenses for FX and DX cameras. If you’re clinging to your DSLR you can also check out the best lenses for the Nikon D850, and it you’re embracing the revolution then take a look at the best lenses for the Nikon Z50.
Prepare to be enthralled by the artistry of Tavepong Pratoomwong, an acclaimed photographer hailing from the vibrant streets of Bangkok, Thailand. With an uncanny ability to spot surprising coincidences, charming moments, and quirky details, Pratoomwong transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. His lens captures the essence of life in a way that invites contemplation and wonder.
In this handpicked assortment of Pratoomwong’s work, we invite you to embark on a visual journey. From the lively markets of India to the serene landscapes of Thailand, his photographs tell compelling stories of the world’s myriad facets. Each image is a testament to Pratoomwong’s passion for street photography, showcasing his talent for finding beauty in the unexpected corners of our everyday lives.
Join us as we explore his curated collection, where every click of the camera is a magical revelation, inviting us to share in his perspective, finding joy in the mundane and fascination in the unnoticed. Discover the extraordinary in the ordinary through the lens of Tavepong Pratoomwong.
Scroll down and inspire yourself. Please check Tavepong’s Website and Instagram for more amazing work.
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The European Southern Observatory (ESO) shared a beautiful new image of stars trailing across the night sky. It was taken at the ESO’s Paranal Observatory, located in the Chilean Atacama Desert. The observatory is home to the Very Large Telescope (VLT), which consists of four Unit Telescopes and four smaller, movable Auxiliary Telescopes, like the one in the foreground of the image on the right.
Astronomers used a long exposure technique in which the night sky is photographed over several hours, capturing the movements of stars as they travel overhead. This creates a dazzling trailing effect, where starlight appears to arc over the observatory’s ground-based telescopes.
Two bright orange lasers are also seen beaming out of one of the Unit Telescopes. These laser beams, known as laser guide stars, are used to correct the distortion of starlight caused by Earth’s turbulent atmosphere, according to a statement from the ESO. The beams are pointed in opposite directions because the long exposure technique took several hours to complete, during which the telescope moved to observe different targets in the sky, ESO officials said.
Related: Amazing space views of ESO’s Very Large Telescope (photos)
A laser guide star creates an artificial star by shooting a laser beam into the sky, which excites sodium atoms in the upper layer of the atmosphere and causes them to glow like stars. This, in turn, provides a reference point for ground-based telescopes, enabling them to cancel out the effects of atmospheric turbulence and create a sharper image of the sky.
“Each laser delivers 22 watts of power — about 4000 times the maximum allowed for a laser pointer — in a beam that’s about 30 centimeters in diameter,” ESO officials said in the statement. “This remarkable display doesn’t just look pretty: the twinkling of these artificial stars is measured in real time and used by the adaptive optics system to correct for the blurring caused by the Earth’s atmosphere so that the telescope can create sharp images.”
When we look up at the night sky, we see stars as individual points of twinkling light. However, the new image of the star trails over ESO’s Paranal Observatory remind us of Earth’s constant rotation, or spin, around its axis. Long exposure images such as this capture the beautiful motion of the sky as the Earth rotates relative to the backdrop of stars.
The Astrophotography Cameras Market report offers qualitative and quantitative insights as well as a thorough examination of the market size and expansion rate of all potential market segments. The report has been put together using primary and secondary research methodologies, which offer an exact and detailed understanding of the Astrophotography Cameras market. The Astrophotography Cameras Market is projected to succeed at a CAGR of 6.3% during 2023 – 2029.
The research report on the global Astrophotography Cameras market includes a SWOT analysis and Porter’s five forces analysis, which help in provided that the precise path of the market. These market measurement tools help in identifying drivers, restraints, weaknesses, Astrophotography Cameras market opportunities, and threats. The research report offers global market figures as well as figures for regional markets and segments there. The analysts used a top-down and bottom-up approach to evaluate the segments and provide a fair assessment of their effect on the global Astrophotography Cameras market. The report offers an outline of the market, which briefly defines the market condition and the important segments. It also mentions the top players present in the global Astrophotography Cameras market.
Key players which are covered in the global Astrophotography Cameras market is: Nikon,Canon,Sony,ZWO,QHYCCD,Atik Cameras,Fujifilm,Panasonic,Olympus,Leica
Global Astrophotography Cameras Market Split by Product Type and Applications
On the basis of Types:
Requires Connected Device or Specific Software
No Connected Devices or Specific Software Required
On the basis of Application:
Individual
Commercial
Regional and Country-level Analysis:
The key regions covered in the Astrophotography Cameras market report are North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. It also covers key regions (countries), viz, U.S., Canada, Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Mexico, Brazil, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, etc.
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A word of warning, the current demand for the iPhone 15 Pro models is very high, so while you’ll find it listed at Amazon, John Lewis, Currys and other retailers, it’s only intermittently in stock.
We know all too well how strong the urge is to upgrade your phone, especially in September each year when Apple sends its latest models out into the world. If you’re a committed iPhone user, it can feel like your current handset is suddenly obsolete. But before we go further into this review we want to remind you that that’s not the case.
Those of you reading this with an iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14 or 14 Pro should be confident that you’ve got a great model that’s built to last. We don’t think it’s urgent for you to upgrade right now, especially as iOS 17 adds a few handy features to those phones. If, however, you’re coming from an older iPhone like the 11 Pro or 12 Pro, it’s understandable that you’re looking at the newest launches.
We’re happy to report that there are noticeable upgrades present in the newest pro-level iPhone 15 models, although those looking for value should highly consider the standard iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus as this is the most “pro” the main lineup has been in years.
Set on a Pro? Well, you’re in for some real changes. For its 2023 refresh, Apple has introduced a new lighter material, an upgraded camera system (especially if you go for the bigger Pro Max), a customisable “action button” and graphics updates for gamers – and yes, the long-rumoured switch to USB-C was true.
We’ve been hands-on with the iPhone 15 Pro models (both the 15 Pro and the 15 Pro Max) for over a week now, and what follows are our main thoughts on using the two phones.
Simon Cocks
iPhone 15 Pro key specs
Screen size: 6.1-inch for iPhone 15 Pro; 6.7-inch for iPhone 15 Pro Max
Resolution: 2556 x 1179 pixels for iPhone 15 Pro; 2796 x 1290 pixels for iPhone 15 Pro Max
Operating system: iOS 17
Processor: A17 Pro
Cameras: 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP 2x telephoto, 12MP front-facing, 12MP 3x telephoto (this is replaced by a 12MP 5x telephoto on the iPhone 15 Pro Max)
Battery life: Up to 23 hours for iPhone 15 Pro; Up to 29 hours for iPhone 15 Pro Max
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB for iPhone 15 Pro; 256GB, 512GB, 1TB for iPhone 15 Pro Max
Weight: 187g for iPhone 15 Pro; 221g for iPhone 15 Pro Max
Water resistance: Yes, IP68
Micro SD card slot: No
Apple iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro design
The key difference when it comes to the iPhone 15 Pro in direct comparison to not only its predecessor but also previous Pro models is weight. Specifically, how little there is. Apple is right, these are the “the lightest Pro models ever”, and although this will be barely noticeable if you’re coming from the 11 Pro, it’s definitely something you’ll feel if you’ve come from a 13 Pro or 14 Pro, which are 17g and 19g heavier than the 15 Pro respectively.
Apple lowered the weight by using titanium in the construction of the handsets. This helps with strength too, although some recent tests suggest that because it has more tensile strength than previous aluminium designs, the back glass (on the Pro Max) may not withstand as much pressure. This probably isn’t as big of a deal as the internet makes it seem, and it’s still incredibly strong and sturdy. Basically, don’t bend your phone.
We’re fans of another noticeable design change, which is that the phone now has slightly contoured edges to make it feel more comfortable when you’re holding it without a case. And, yes, the matte finish means it’s less slippery than Google Pixel options like the Pixel 7 or 7 Pro. However, we’d still recommend everyone put their phone in a case to keep it protected, as there’s really no other way to keep the corners and all that glass safe from accidental drops or bumps. We recommend options from Mous, CASETiFY and Tech 21.
Simon Cocks
The other major alteration is to something that’s been present ever since the first iPhone was announced way back in 2007 by Steve Jobs: the mute toggle. It’s been replaced by the “action button” on the Pro models. We love how this works, especially as our phone’s been on silent forever – it’s so much more helpful to program this button to open the camera, turn on the torch or fire up a handy shortcut to a frequently used app. This could have even more functionality if Apple allows us to set different “actions” for a single press, long press or double press in the future, so we look forward to seeing how it evolves.
When it comes to colours, you’re going to have to settle for neutral tones here. You’re picking between black titanium, blue titanium, natural titanium and white titanium. Pro users don’t get the lovely pastel shades of the regular iPhone 15, and we totally understand why some might see that as a little bland, especially as the white and natural look similar. The reason for this is likely that it’s challenging to colour the titanium in an effective way. For what it’s worth, we like the subtle looks of both our blue titanium 15 Pro and natural titanium 15 Pro Max review units.
Simon Cocks
iPhone 15 Pro camera
Arguably, Apple hasn’t changed quite as much with its camera system on the 15 Pro series as it has with the more affordable iPhone 15 models. These retain a 48-megapixel (MP) sensor, which is something you got in last year’s high-end iPhones, but there are still improvements.
It performs better in low light, has a bit less lens flare, “next-gen” portraits and the ability to pick different focal lengths. Those last two are pretty noticeable, and what we think will make the most difference to mobile photographers. It’s also worth mentioning that Apple introduced a longer 5x zoom that’s only in the bigger iPhone 15 Pro Max (more on the below) so you have to pay more if that’s a feature that’s important to you.
Simon Cocks
The new default 24MP output from the main sensor is fantastic, as is the option to shoot a high-res 48MP shot in good lighting conditions. We also like that you can pick between a few different focal lengths (24mm, 28mm and 35mm). This isn’t quite the same as a simple zoom, with Apple applying some computational photography magic to these shots. So far, we’ve found all these results come out looking terrific, and other than an improved night mode, we haven’t noticed a massive change to the ultra-wide or the 3x zoom on the main 15 Pro.
The “next-gen” portraits are worth it, though. We can’t tell you how many times we’d have liked to take a portrait mode shot with background blur to emulate pro lenses, but we forgot to switch to portrait mode. Now the cameras capture depth information automatically, so you can transform any picture of a person, cat or dog into a portrait after you’ve taken it. We’re already finding this super useful.
And, while this isn’t a dedicated review of the pricier iPhone 15 Pro Max, we’ve been using that model too and think zoom fans should consider it for the extra reach available with its 5x “tetraprism” zoom – it’s a clever design to stuff a longer 120mm equivalent lens into a phone, and it lets in a lot of light. We’ve found the results to be crisp and detailed, and its f2.8 aperture offers real background blur without portrait mode. We can see a lot of photographers going for this model just for the capable extra camera.
Below, we’ve included a gallery of photo samples from the iPhone 15 Pro camera system (including some 5x zoom shots from the bigger iPhone 15 Pro Max). These are all straight from the camera, with no re-touching or editing.
iPhone 15 Pro sample photos
iPhone 15 Pro display
At a glance, you’re not going to notice much of a difference between this iPhone’s display and the one on the iPhone 14 Pro, as both models have an excellent 6.1-inch OLED screen. They share the same refresh rate (120Hz), the same always-on capabilities, the same excellent colours and a maximum of 2,000 nits of peak brightness in outdoor conditions. The only very minor difference that you might notice is that the Pro handset has tiny edges around the display, but these are otherwise very similar panels.
While the iPhone 15 brought a notable display addition in the “Dynamic Island” feature, that was already something available on the Pro model from 2022. Of course, if you’re upgrading from an older phone, this is going to feel new, and it’s a feature we find more useful than some reviewers give it credit for. It was recently invaluable when notifying us of our gate on a recent flight, for keeping tabs on our pasta timer and controlling our currently playing podcast at the same time. Overall, despite its silly name, we love that it serves up notifications and status information without us having to go digging through apps.
Simon Cocks
There are no changes to “Face ID” but that’s understandable as it’s already far ahead of what’s offered by the competition. Yes, it’s the reason why you can’t get a tiny pinhole camera design on iPhones, but we’d take the extra security of proper 3D face recognition biometrics over that any day. There’s a reason why no Android offers comparable tech that works for not only unlocking your device but also confirming mobile payments and granting entry into banking apps.
iPhone 15 Pro performance and battery life
If you found yourself watching Apple’s presentation and wondering what a 3-nanometre chip is and whether it makes a difference, we’re here to let you know that you don’t need to worry or get lost in the jargon.
The key thing to know is that Apple has further improved the processing power with this generation but that they’re already highly impressive and it’s been a long time since anyone has had a real issue with the power and efficiency of any iPhone. The A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will continue to be fast and smart for many years, too.
Throughout our initial tests, we’re appearing to get the kind of battery life Apple is promising. The company never states official battery capacities, instead saying you’ll get “all-day” battery life with normal use, and that’s holding up after our first week or so with the iPhone 15 Pro. Of course, we’ll be monitoring this and updating this review if we notice any change, but we think for most people other than the most intensive power users, this will be a great battery for watching videos, taking a load of photos, hopping on FaceTime calls, sending messages and dealing with emails every day.
Simon Cocks
Where this phone does differ from previous models is with its gaming performance. It enjoys a big graphics upgrade and Apple boasts that console games can now be ported over to the iPhone with ease. We got a chance to play Resident Evil Village and were impressed with the realism and smoothness in the gameplay of the horror game.
The Pro iPhones now have hardware-accelerated ray-tracing, which should make them real competitors for gaming, as long as there are enough titles available for fans to play. It’s been revealed that Resident Evil 4, Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Death Stranding are all headed to iOS to play on the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.
iPhone 15 Pro connectivity and charging
For some (yes, including us), the addition of USB-C is the biggest and most welcome change coming to all iPhone 15 models. We know Android diehards are rolling their eyes right now, but this change finally brings Apple’s smartphones in line with the rest of the industry and opens up compatibility with a huge number of chargers and accessories. That massive versatility is going to make these iPhones more useful for loads of users.
Audiophiles can connect high-end wired headphones for reference-grade listening by using either a small USB-C to 3.5mm adapter or a hi-fi USB-C DAB like the Astell & Kern HC3. Photographers and videographers can offload their shots and footage using a USB-C hub or a USB-C to SD card reader while finding the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro Max support recording ProRes video directly to an external storage drive. With the Pro models, you’ll get faster data transfer speeds too, so you won’t have trouble moving large files over from a USB-C flash drive.
Simon Cocks
And that’s before even talking about charging, and how much more convenient it is to have one cable that works across all your devices. You’re not stuck with Apple-approved options for charging and can use quality USB-C cables for refuelling, as well as USB-C power banks with a built-in plug. Gamers will be able to connect to the Backbone One mobile gaming controller, making it much easier to play console titles on the phone. You’ll be able to recharge another iPhone, a wireless earbuds case or an Apple Watch directly from your phone’s battery too, when using the appropriate cable.
iPhone 15 Pro drawbacks
There aren’t many downsides that have become apparent during our testing of the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro Max. Of course, we’d always love to see a more substantial increase in battery life, so those hoping for more longevity than a day’s use will be disappointed. While we love the action button, we’d also love to see even more functionality and customisation through future software upgrades, including perhaps different functions in different focus modes, or different controls for a single press, long press or double press.
It’s also a shame that this iPhone appears to be slightly less durable than its predecessor, but we think you’ll be safe if you keep it in a case and don’t forcefully bend your phone. We’ve not done that in the last decade of smartphone use, so we do think it’s pretty unlikely you’ll be breaking this handset in normal use. The only other thing we’d mention is that, even if these iPhones have a welcome price cut compared to last year’s lineup, they’re still pricey compared to certain Android rivals. If you’re tempted to consider the switch, you can get a lot of the same features in the Pixel lineup, and Google is set to unveil its latest models soon. Patience is a virtue.
Simon Cocks
iPhone 15 Pro verdict
While we’d still encourage owners of the iPhone 13 Pro and 14 Pro that now isn’t quite the right time to trade in their working devices and upgrade, if you’ve got an older iPhone that’s on its last legs or you’ve been tolerating that cracked screen on your 11 Pro for just a little too long, then the changes in the iPhone 15 Pro make for a substantial improvement that you’ll notice.
Thanks to the addition of the USB-C port, the smart action button, the neat camera upgrades, the lighter design and a better chip, this is a fantastic phone for mobile gamers and keen photographers.
These models also cost you less than it would set you back to have upgraded to the iPhone 14 Pro models last year, making for a worthwhile saving. The iPhone 15 Pro now starts from £999 for 128GB of storage, a notable £100 cheaper than the 14 Pro was at launch. However, Apple did get rid of the lowest storage tier for the 15 Pro Max, as it now starts at 256GB for £1,199, matching the price of the 14 Pro Max in 2022.
If you’re a big fan of zooming into your photos, then the 15 Pro Max is a brilliant upgrade for its 5x lens. We’re not sure it’s something that everyone will use, but it’ll be great for certain travel and landscape shots. We’d struggle to criticise this latest batch of iPhones, although those hoping for a battery increase may be a little disappointed. Overall, the iPhone 15 Pro is a great upgrade for those coming from an older model but will feel incremental if you’re coming from last year’s iPhone.
Adults frequently advise us to reach for the stars; what if you really, literally could? With astrophotography, you might be able to get closer than you think.
The image of a lone photographer with nothing between them and the elements as they document the galaxy is probably what most people imagine astrophotographers do. But, according to award-winning Hong Kong-based astrophotographer Timmy Wong, that’s only a part of the whole experience.
“Astrophotography is a very broad topic,” says Wong, but there are three main types: deep sky imaging, planetary imaging, and astroscape photography.
7 most Instagram-worthy spots in Hong Kong to take festive Christmas photos this year
Deep sky imaging involves taking photos of space and celestial objects like star formations. This form of astrophotography is very hard to do in Hong Kong as “the light pollution is severe” in most parts of the city. It also requires a lot of photography experience and skill in post-processing.
Wong often has to stay a while on-site to get the perfect shot.
Photo: Timmy Wong
Planetary imaging can be considered “ideal” for Hong Kong, given the city’s geographical location, but the equipment required is rather pricey and the techniques involved are advanced.
So, what we normally think of as astrophotography is astroscape photography; these are the typical photographs you see all over Flickr or 500px that feature a starry sky over a landscape. What makes it so popular, even in such a light-polluted city such as Hong Kong, is that it can be done anywhere.
“Astroscape photography can be done both in town and also in the countryside” with the only requirement being that the “night sky [must be] clean and clear”, explains Wong.
Forget rooftopping: the 7 best places for a bird’s eye view of Hong Kong
He says that while astroscape photography in urban areas isn’t difficult, he still prefers visiting the countryside on clear nights because it’s good for stargazing and also astroscape photography. That is, if you have the right tools.
Wong says astroscape photography can be done anywhere.
Photo: Timmy Wong
Care to give it a try?
To do astroscape photography, you’d need to use a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera with a wide-angle lens (around 14mm) and a big aperture (very small f-number, such as f/1.8). Another item you’ll need is a good sturdy tripod to keep your camera steady while you’re shooting.
The key is to know exactly when and where you’ll go; Wong says you should always “check your target with a star map, and decide the destination and departure time” for the best composition, and make sure you have a clear view of the stars.
It is also important to be dressed appropriately (as you might be there for a while), and that you know how to get to the location and back safely.
Now that you have a general idea of how to prepare for a shoot, check out some of the best places to do it
5 historical and Instagram-worthy spots in HK you’ll want to take your next selfie at
Shek O beach (Southern District, Hong Kong Island)
Pros: Here, you can enjoy the breeze at the beach while you’re carrying out your astrophotography. Transportation is convenient as you can get there by taxi, bus, minibus or private car. It’s an ideal location for people living on Hong Kong Island. Cons: The beach can be overcrowded on clear nights and there is a bit of light pollution.
Highland Reservoir (Sai Kung, New Territories)
Pros: Far away from city lights, the reservoir is an open area with a 360-degree view. It costs around HK$110 by taxi from the Sai Kung town centre to the East Dam of the Highland Reservoir. Cons: Can be quite crowded on clear nights. Transportation can also be a problem as only taxis can enter the reservoir, especially during peak hours. During the summer nights, fishing boats can cause a bit of light pollution that can ruin your shot.
Po Toi Island (Islands District)
Pros: Po Toi Island is a very remote place with almost no light pollution at all. Cons: Ferry services to the island are limited so it is important to check the schedule before you go. There aren’t many eateries on the island so you might want to bring a packed meal. Water taxis to the island can be arranged via booking but they are very expensive. Since it’s summer, fishing boats may cause a bit of pesky light pollution.
Education has long been viewed as a passport to a better future. It equips us with knowledge, skills, and a broader perspective on the world. However, traditional classrooms are not the only places where learning can flourish. Educational travel, also known as experiential or immersive learning, has gained popularity as a powerful means of expanding one’s horizons. In this post, we’ll explore the concept of educational travel and how it allows individuals to learn beyond borders.
The Transformative Power of Travel
Traveling has always been associated with personal growth, cultural enrichment, and self-discovery. Mark Twain famously said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” These words encapsulate the profound impact that travel can have on our lives. Educational travel takes this idea a step further by intentionally integrating learning into the travel experience.
Fostering Independence and Adaptability
Traveling for educational purposes often requires individuals to step out of their comfort zones. Navigating unfamiliar environments, interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, and thoughtful use of essay writing services promote independence and adaptability. These skills are essential not only in travel but also in life.
Educational travel breaks down the traditional classroom walls and takes learning into the real world. Instead of reading about ancient civilizations in textbooks, students can walk through the ruins of Pompeii, explore the Great Wall of China, or visit the Pyramids of Giza. This immersive approach to education fosters a deeper understanding of historical events, cultures, and the human experience.
Learning by Doing
One of the fundamental principles of educational travel is “learning by doing.” Rather than passively absorbing information, travelers actively engage with their surroundings. For example, students studying marine biology can participate in hands-on research expeditions to coral reefs. By snorkeling and collecting data, they gain a profound appreciation for marine ecosystems and conservation efforts.
Learning by doing and cultural immersion are hallmarks of educational travel. They involve not only observing but also participating in the daily life, customs, and traditions of the host culture. This cultural exchange enhances cross-cultural understanding, language skills, and global awareness. Whether it’s learning to cook authentic Thai cuisine in Thailand or participating in a traditional tea ceremony in Japan, these experiences are invaluable.
Environmental Education and Sustainability
Educational travel can also serve as a powerful tool for environmental education and sustainability. Eco-tours and field studies allow participants to explore natural ecosystems and witness the impacts of climate change firsthand. This firsthand experience often motivates individuals to become advocates for environmental conservation.
Global Citizenship
Educational travel promotes global citizenship by encouraging individuals to think beyond national borders. It cultivates a sense of interconnectedness with people from different corners of the world. This global perspective is increasingly important in a world facing global challenges, from climate change to pandemics.
Types of Educational Travel
Educational travel takes various forms, catering to diverse interests and age groups:
Study Abroad Programs: These programs allow students to live and study in a foreign country, immersing themselves in a new culture and educational system.
Cultural Exchange: Cultural exchange programs bring individuals from different countries together to share their cultures, traditions, and ways of life.
Field Trips and Expeditions: Educational institutions often organize field trips and expeditions to natural reserves, historical sites, and scientific research centers.
Language Immersion: Language immersion programs provide intensive language learning experiences by placing participants in environments where the target language is spoken.
Volunteer Travel: Volunteering abroad allows individuals to contribute to social or environmental causes while gaining firsthand knowledge of global issues.
Educational Tours: Organized tours offer structured itineraries that combine learning experiences with travel adventures. These tours cater to various interests, from art and history to science and wildlife.
Challenges and Opportunities
While educational travel offers immense benefits, it’s not without challenges. Funding, logistics, and safety considerations can be barriers to participation. However, scholarships, study abroad programs, and organized educational tours provide opportunities for a wide range of individuals.
Case Studies: The Impact of Educational Travel
Let’s explore a few case studies that illustrate the transformative power of educational travel:
1. The Semester at Sea Program
Semester at Sea is a study abroad program that takes college students on a global journey. Participants live and learn aboard a ship, visiting multiple countries and continents during a single semester. This immersive experience exposes students to diverse cultures, global issues, and different ways of life. Many alumni of the program credit it with shaping their worldviews and career paths.
2. The Peace Corps Experience
The Peace Corps is a U.S. government program that sends volunteers to live and work in communities around the world. Volunteers engage in projects related to education, health, agriculture, and more. This hands-on experience not only benefits the host communities but also transforms volunteers into global citizens with a deep understanding of international development challenges.
3. High School Cultural Exchange
High school cultural exchange programs, such as the American Field Service (AFS), facilitate student exchanges between countries. These experiences allow young people to live with host families, attend local schools, and gain a firsthand understanding of foreign cultures. These exchanges foster lifelong friendships and a sense of global interconnectedness.
Conclusion: Education Knows No Borders
Educational travel is a dynamic and transformative way of learning that knows no borders. It transcends the confines of the classroom and immerses individuals in real-world experiences. Whether you’re a student seeking to broaden your horizons, a teacher looking to enhance your curriculum, or a lifelong learner hungry for new knowledge, educational travel offers a pathway to understanding, empathy, and personal growth. As we embark on journeys of discovery, we find that the world is our classroom, and its lessons are boundless.
Hello and welcome to This Week in Farming, your regular round-up of the best Farmers Weekly content from the past seven days.
Here’s a selection of the key topics the FW team have been focused on as party conference season kicked off and the latest State of Nature report once again pointed the finger at intensive farming.
Politics, politics
The Liberal Democrats kicked off its autumn conference in an upbeat mood in Bournemouth, with a clear aim to target the so-called “blue wall” constituencies, where it believes its candidates might oust any sitting Conservatives at the next general election.
As part of the process, the party promised an extra £1bn in funding for agriculture, taking the total UK pot to £4.4bn should they come to power, with much of it targeted to more nature-friendly farming.
The party also passed a wide-ranging motion, setting out its priorities for the rural economy, with a particular focus on food security and trade.
Former party leader and rural affairs spokesman Tim Farron also used an NFU fringe meeting to lambast the Tories’ record in government, warning that the steep cuts in Basic Payment Scheme funding, which have not been fully returned to farmers, is putting their livelihoods at risk.
The Conservatives struck back, saying the £1bn funding pledge was uncosted, and claiming the Lib Dems wanted to “take us back into the EU and the hated Common Agricultural Policy”.
State of Nature
Farming’s environmental impact came in for further scrutiny with publication of the State of Nature report, which is put together by a consortium of conservation groups every few years.
As ever, intensive agriculture was blamed for the 19% drop in species abundance since the 1970s, with birds and pollinators badly affected.
But the NFU mounted a strong defence, pointing to ongoing efforts by farmers to work with and restore nature through hedge planting and flower margin creation, for example.
Pro-science think tank Science for Sustainable Agriculture said the report also ignored the enormous progress made by Britain’s farmers in the area of precision agriculture and low-till cultivation.
Green lobbyists also took a pop at Defra this week for what they said was a “rowing back” on plans to require housebuilders to deliver 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG) in relation to construction sites.
Initial fears that the policy was being kicked into the long grass were quickly dismissed by government, which said BNG would be a legal requirement from January 2024, just two months later than originally planned.
Welsh angst
Welsh farmers and landowners expressed their anger and frustration, as rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths announced the new Habitat Wales Scheme would be open for applications from Friday 29 September, but she was not able to say how much farmers would be paid.
The scheme is supposed to bridge the gap between the old Glastir agri-environment scheme and the new Sustainable Farming Scheme, which starts in 2025.
But with government money clearly short – to the tune of £900m according to Ms Griffiths – farmers say they have been put in an “impossible position”.
Meanwhile, English farmers looking to join Defra’s new Sustainable Farming Incentive have had their lives made a little easier, with the setting up of a new online landing page designed to simplify the process.
It is understood that more than 10,000 farmers have now submitted expressions of interest in the scheme.
Machinery news
In more news…. the Farmers Weekly machinery team has been as busy as ever, with a number of new pieces of kit placed under the editorial microscope.
Machinery editor Oli Mark takes a detailed look at tractor manufacturer Valtra’s revamped flagship S-series range, with deliveries anticipated in the middle of next year.
He also finds time to study JCB’s latest addition to its Loadall range, in the form of the new compact 530-60 Agri Super.
There’s a quick look a Horsch’s new Xeric 14FS fertiliser spreader, “designed for high-output, accurate applications using a wide range of fertiliser products, with boom widths of 36m and 48m”.
And then there is Makita’s first cordless air compressor…
Photography
If a picture speaks a thousand words, then this year’s Farmers Weekly Harvest Photography Competition is a veritable magnum opus, with more than 1,600 brilliant entries received.
Selecting an overall winner was not easy, but the judges finally settled for a stunning shot by Jacob Dennis from Cambridgeshire.
It shows his brother Joshua driving the New Holland TF78 combine and Joshua’s partner Kate grain carting during their first-ever harvest as council farm tenants in Cambridgeshire.
The image graces this week’s print front cover.
And if you’re in the mood for more photography, then our annual competition for amateur photographers, covering eight categories, opens next week. Check next week’s magazine for details.
The results will be shared in our Christmas double issue on 15 December.
Listen to the FW podcast
Don’t forget the latest edition of the Farmers Weekly podcast with Johann Tasker and Hugh Broom.
Listen here or bring us with you in the cab by downloading it from your usual podcast platform.
Ric Flair sported a white tux and bowtie to his prom more than 50 years ago
And some fans even joked that he looked like a popular ‘Karate Kid’ character
DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
By Jake Nisse For Dailymail.Com
Published: | Updated:
Ric Flair has shared a photo from his high school prom, and the wrestling legend looks unrecognizable in his younger days.
Flair can be seen with a full head of blonde hair, a white tux and a youthful smile as he posed next to his date.
Given that the photo was taken at his senior prom, it’s about 56 years old as Flair is now 74.
He captioned the snap, ‘Throwback To My Senior Prom! I’ve Always Been A Handsome Son Of A B****! Stylin’ & Profilin’ For Decades! WOOOOO! #ThrowbackThursday.’
Multiple fans joked that Flair resembled Johnny Lawrence from ‘The Karate Kid.’
Ric Flair shared a picture from his high school prom to his Instagram last week
Flair is now 74 years old following a legendary wrestling career in his younger days
Flair’s fans joked that he resembled Johnny Lawrence from ‘The Karate Kid’ in the old snap
Flair recently appeared on comedy show ‘Kill Tony’ as a judge.
Last month, Flair broke the news of Terry Funk’s passing on social media, posting, ‘In My Entire Life, I’ve Never Met A Guy Who Worked Harder.
‘Terry Funk Was A Great Wrestler, Entertainer, Unbelievably Fearless, And A Great Friend!
‘Rest In Peace My Friend Terry Funk Knowing That No One Will Ever Replace You In The World Of Professional Wrestling!’
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Ric Flair looks unrecognizable as the ‘Nature Boy’ posts a photo from his high school prom: ‘I’ve always been a handsome son of a b****’
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Looking east down E. Wisconsin Avenue from Jefferson St. Photo by Jeramey Jannene.
Milwaukee will play host to two walks during the annual Worldwide Photo Walk day on Saturday, Oct. 7.
Veteran photographer David Bernacchi will host a Downtown walk that starts at 9 a.m. at 3rd Street Market Hall, 275 W. Wisconsin Ave. The walk will return to the market by noon. A second walk will take place on the East Side.
The free event was created in 2008 by Scott Kelby, a Florida-based professional photographer and Adobe Photoshop expert.
“The concept of a photo walk is simple. Photo walks are created by walk leaders in cities all over the world. Walkers meet up at a pre-designated location to spend a few hours socializing, capturing images, and sharing with like-minded people. At the end of the Photo Walk, most groups convene at local restaurants or taverns to share their images and experiences over food,” said Kelby in announcing the 2023 event.
The volunteer-led walks offer the opportunity for amateurs, enthusiasts and professionals alike to see Milwaukee from new angles and exchange strategies and techniques.
Urban Milwaukee will publish some of the best photos from the Downtown walk following the event.
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The East Side walk, organized by Melynda Benjamin, will start at 10 a.m. at the parking lot at 1410 E. Belleview Pl. and end at noon in front of Crossroads Collective food hall, 2238 N. Farwell Ave. It will include a greater focus on nature, including a walk through the Rotary Arboretum, than the Downtown walk.
Registration is not required, but it is suggested to enable the organizers to plan the walks. The walks are free to attend, but Kelby is encouraging donations to The Springs of Hope Kenya ministry.
Additional information on the international event, including a map and history, is available on the Worldwide Photo Walk website.
Individuals can follow the event by searching for posts with the tag “#WWPW2023” on different social media platforms.
