White storks (Ciconia ciconia) are a majestic bird with a two-metre wingspan and an enormous circular nest.

The recent release of these stunning birds at multiple sites in England, with more releases planned and a public consultation under way has kicked off a debate about whether non-native birds should be part of rewilding projects.

The government advising body Natural England says it does not consider white storks to be native birds. But some experts disagree and say it is a native species and was hunted into extinction in the 1400s.

What is a native species?

In the UK, native species are those which have been present throughout the last 12,000 years. This includes migratory species which breed in or visit the UK. It also includes species which have been eradicated by humans but reintroduced.

In England, a licence is needed to introduce any species which is not ordinarily resident, or a regular visitor, to England. This is partly because these species could become invasive, a term used when a species cause substantial environmental or socioeconomic harm.

But even when species are not native, they can have value for rewilding projects.
The white stork’s biggest contribution to rewilding is likely to be their ability to inspire the public interest in nature. Storks in Europe are so popular that there are special stork villages which are managed for tourism, and people can see these iconic species up close.

White storks are definitely regular visitors to England, and rare but present in the subfossil record (the last 4000 years). This status as a regular visitor means they fall somewhere between a native and non-native species – they are not considered a priority for introduction, but no license is required for their release.

Introduced non-native species can cause problems. A good example is Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), brought to the UK by the Victorians as an ornamental plant. It rapidly spreads and causes damage to the structure of buildings and essential services such as water and drainage pipes. Controlling it now costs the UK £247 million each year.

Introduced species are also a major conservation challenge, such as the damage to seabird populations by invasive cats, rats and other animals feeding on their eggs and chicks. If a rewilding project introduces a non-native species, it could become invasive and cause serious disruption to native species already in the landscape.

But evaluating the impact of adding new species to the landscape is important even when a species is considered native. The Scottish beaver trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of introducing beavers (Castor fiber) from Norway in 2008. Eighteen years later, beavers are a key part of many rewilding projects, from London to large estates in Scotland.

What can white storks add?

White storks are charismatic species which are viewed positively by most people, and this could increase engagement with nature. In Poland, tourists travel hundreds of kilometers to visit white storks, making them valuable for rewilding projects which use tourism to raise funds.

Non-native species are also introduced as “ecological analogues” which means they provide the same ecological function as extinct species. The steppe bison (Bison priscus) which roamed the UK in the Pleistocene period were mixed feeders, which means they ate a combination of grasses, leaves and the woody parts of plants. By feeding on a variety of plants and plant parts, mixed feeders like bison can encourage a patchwork of habitats in a landscape. The native steppe bison is extinct in the UK, but projects like Kent Wildlife Trust’s Wilder Blean project have introduced the related, but non-native, European bison (Bison bonasus) to provide these functions.

Adapting to warming climate

Better adaptation to future climates is another reason to include non-native species in rewilding projects. As the UK’s climate changes, species are moving from places where they are considered native to new areas which suit them better. The southern small white butterfly (Pieris mannii) has spread northwards in Europe and was first seen in the UK in 2025. This small butterfly has successfully made the journey over the ocean, but other species may require human help to move to new areas with more suitable climates.

As an island nation with many locally extinct species, the introduction of species has formed a key part of UK conservation, including rewilding projects. It does matter whether a species is native or not. Although both could benefit rewilding projects, non-native species carry greater risks to local environments and have higher regulatory requirements.

The white stork’s status as a regular visitor could allow them to sidestep the regulatory requirements for non-native species, though impact on the environment should also be considered.

But as their nests can attract birds such as swallows and martins, introducing white storks could have broader benefits to the landscape.

HEBRON, West Bank (AP) — Israeli troops shot at a car in the occupied West Bank, killing a 7-month-old Palestinian baby and wounding his parents, the Palestinian health ministry said, with the bullet striking the boy in the face.

The Israeli military said that soldiers shot at a vehicle perceived to be accelerating toward them near Hebron. It said an initial inquiry found that the three Palestinians wounded were uninvolved civilians.

Israeli military activity, and settler violence against Palestinians, have surged in the territory since the war in Gaza began in October 2023.

The baby’s father, Bethlehem University lecturer Fahd Abu Haikal, told The Associated Press that a bullet struck the windshield before piercing his right hand and striking his son and wife in the back seat Friday evening. Another bullet struck the hood, according to AP journalists who saw the car.

The bullet passed through Sam Fahd Abu Haikal’s face.

“He was the entire world,” Haikal said of the boy, who turned seven months on Friday.

The mother was in critical condition, with shrapnel close to her heart.

The baby’s body was wrapped in a Palestinian flag. His father carried him. The men placed the small bundle at their feet and bowed in prayer.

The father demanded justice. “At the end they tell you it was a mistake,” he said. “Nothing is called a mistake.”

The baby’s grandmother, Feryal Abu Heikal, was also in the car. She said that they were driving near a checkpoint and stopped when they saw Israeli military vehicles and soldiers in the distance. She said she initially thought the gunfire was warning shots.

“The scene was horrific to see a 7-month-old baby with a smashed face,” she said. “What kind of army in the world does this?”

Israeli soldiers are rarely punished in such cases

Israeli soldiers accused of harming Palestinians are seldom penalized, and were indicted in fewer than 1% of cases based on 2,427 complaints alleging wrongdoing between 2016 and 2024, according to Israeli rights group Yesh Din.

On Saturday, the Palestinian Red Crescent said that eight people were wounded in settler attacks on the town of Huwara, near Nablus, including from tear gas inhalation and rubber-coated metal bullets.

Israel’s military said that riots broke out between Israelis and Palestinians, with rocks and batons, after a reported theft of livestock and soldiers dispersed them. The military said that it was aware of footage showing a soldier using violence against a Palestinian and it was under review. Images appeared to show someone being thrown to the ground and beaten.

Huwara has seen numerous attacks in recent years. In February 2023, scores of Israeli settlers rampaged there, burning dozens of cars and homes, after a Palestinian gunman killed two settlers.

The United Nations said last month that more than 1,000 Palestinians including at least 240 children have been killed in the West Bank and east Jerusalem since the war in Gaza began with the attack by Hamas-led militants on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

More than 700,000 Israelis live in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories captured by Israel in 1967 from Jordan and sought by the Palestinians for a future state. The international community overwhelmingly considers Israeli settlement construction in these areas to be illegal and an obstacle to peace.

Strike kills at least 7 in Gaza

An Israeli strike on Saturday in Gaza City killed at least seven people, including two women, a girl and her father, all from the same family, according to Shifa Hospital. Director Mohamed Abu Selmiya said that a tent near the Rimal school was struck.

Israel’s military said that it attacked what it called militants in the area.

Meanwhile, Hamas said that negotiators chaired by Khalil al-Hayyah began a new round of talks in Cairo with mediators from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, in an effort to break a deadlock and move forward in implementing the Gaza ceasefire deal that took effect in October. The previous round of talks was a month ago.

Spokesperson Hazem Qassem said the talks were aimed at fully implementing the ceasefire’s first phase and ending Israel’s near-daily attacks in the territory. The fragile ceasefire began in October. While the heaviest fighting has subsided, the truce has seen almost daily Israeli fire.

Nickolay Mladenov, the head of the U.S.-created Board of Peace that oversees the ceasefire, acknowledged last month that the truce has stalled over the key issue of disarming Hamas.

Qassem said the talks will discuss “approaches acceptable to all parties” to implement the second phase, including addressing weapons of Palestinian militant groups and the entry of an international stabilization force.

___

Samy Magdy reported from Cairo, and Sam Mednick from Tel Aviv, Israel.

One year after completing her treatment, Nicola is taking on an impressive 100km trek for charity

In early 2024, Nicola McComb’s life took a dramatic turn when she was alerted to a lump by her cocker spaniel. At the age of 39, the Bangor woman said she always considered herself fit and healthy, with the diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer a “huge shock.”

In June 2025, Nicola successfully completed treatment consisting of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, and wanted to set herself a meaningful goal for recovery. This week, she takes on the huge challenge of the CoppaTrek, a 100km hike along the Jurassic Coast in the south of England, in aid of charity CoppaFeel!

The trek aims to raise funds and awareness for young people affected by breast cancer, and she will be led around the coast by team captains Giovanna Fletcher and Emma Willis.

Speaking to Belfast Live, Nicola said the event is about more than fundraising for her. She said: “It represents the determination and resilience needed to rebuild after cancer treatment and look forward with confidence.

“Taking on the CoppaFeel! trek a year after completing treatment feels incredibly rewarding. This time last year, my focus was simply on getting finishing treatment and recovering.

“To now be in a position where I can challenge myself physically and take part in an adventure like this is something I’m very grateful for. It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and what can be achieved with determination, resilience and support.

“While going through cancer treatment, I set myself a goal of climbing Slieve Donard. It gave me something positive to focus on during some difficult days and reminded me that there would be challenges and achievements beyond treatment.

“With the support of my brother, Michael Thompson, and nephew, Lewin Thompson, I achieved that goal in May. Reaching the summit was an incredible moment and showed me that I was capable of more than I had imagined, and now I’m taking on the CoppaFeel! trek feels like the next step in that journey.”

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Looking back on her cancer diagnosis and treatment, the 41-year-old said: “I always considered myself fit, healthy, and low-risk. This diagnosis was a huge shock.

“My cocker spaniel alerted me to my lump, and although I hadn’t been doing regular checks, I acted on that small moment. I saw my GP, which led to my diagnosis.

“Over the next 18 months, I underwent chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. It was incredibly tough, both physically and mentally, and I’m still recovering, rebuilding my body and strength.

“During this time, I witnessed the devastating loss of some incredible women to this form of breast cancer while I was battling it myself. These experiences gave me the determination to raise awareness and support life-saving work.”

Nicola said her diagnosis changed her perspective on life, making her want to move out of her comfort zone more often and try out new experiences. She also hopes to raise awareness of the importance of looking out for the signs and symptoms of cancer.

“I would never have considered this challenge before my cancer diagnosis,” she said. “Cancer changes your perspective on life and has made me more determined to say yes to new experiences and challenges.

“The trek is not just about completing the miles, it’s about proving to myself what I’m capable of and making the most of the opportunities I have. It’s also about connecting with other people who have faced similar experiences.

“There’s something really special about bringing together people who have been through similar journeys and supporting one another while taking on a challenge like this.

“It’s also an incredible opportunity to support CoppaFeel! and help raise awareness of the importance of checking your body and seeking advice if something doesn’t feel right.”

For anyone who finds themselves in the position she was in just two years ago, Nicola said it’s important to “take things one day at a time” and be kind to yourself.

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She said: “Two years ago, I was facing one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancers, it completely changed my world. If I could say one thing to someone in that position now, it would be to take things one day at a time.

“There will be moments that feel overwhelming and frightening, but you don’t have to have all the answers straight away. Ask questions, accept support when it’s offered, and be kind to yourself on the difficult days.

“Lean on the people around you, I could not have got through it without my husband, Sam McComb, by my side, he held me up so ask for help when you need it and focus on the next step rather than the whole journey.

“Treatment can be tough, life can feel still while the world keeps moving, but there is life beyond cancer. When I was first diagnosed, I couldn’t have imagined climbing Slieve Donard, let alone preparing to trek the Jurassic Coast with CoppaFeel! Those milestones are a reminder that while cancer changes your life, it doesn’t have to define your future.”

You can donate to Nicola’s fundraiser for CoppaFeel! by clicking here.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

European Cargo, headquartered at Bournemouth International Airport, appointed joint administrators on Wednesday after a period of “significant financial pressure.”

The company cited reduced flying activity, working capital challenges, and rising fuel costs as contributing factors.

A statement published on European Cargo’s website said: “The company has ceased trading and, regrettably, redundancies are being made.

“Affected employees are being contacted as a priority – while also engaging with customers, suppliers, creditors and other key stakeholders.”

European Cargo specialised in using Airbus A340-600 aircraft to transport freight.

The airline flew personal protective equipment (PPE) into Bournemouth Airport during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Aviation analyst Tomos Shah-Howells described the collapse as “like a real sucker punch” for Bournemouth airport, given the airline’s recent growth plans and investments.

Mr Shah-Howells said: “You look at where this airline was heading and the ambitions they had and the growth they had.

“And I know that Bournemouth did absolutely fantastic work helping them expand their operations…

“My heart really goes out to the people at Bournemouth airport and all of the staff that work there as well.”

He said the business model was unique but relied on older, less fuel-efficient aircraft.

Mr Shah-Howells said: “They use the Airbus A340-600 aircraft, it’s a very old aircraft, a four-engine, large, wide-body plane.

“It’s not traditionally used by many airlines around the world anymore, just because of the rising costs of operating these aircraft.”

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The airline had recently expanded its fleet to 15 aircraft and launched new operations from its base in Teesside and at Cardiff, employing more than 200 staff.

The total number of job losses has not been confirmed.

European Cargo had previously described Bournemouth as a cost-effective alternative to other UK airports.

Are you worried about the amount of businesses entering administration? Let us know in the comments

Russell said he believed the problem lay in their respective driving styles, and its impact on whether the tyres were at their ideal temperature for a qualifying lap.

“There’s clearly a difference in driving style between the two of us, which has been there last year as well, but played into my hands very well last year,” Russell said.

“And it clearly is playing into his hands perfectly well this year, but it still doesn’t answer why I was so good at the start of the year and so poor now. So, we need to look at why that is. It’s clear in the data.

“The difference is how we’re driving has such an impact on the tyres. He’s just getting the tyres in a nicer window than me, a nicer balance over the course of a lap, and the pace is just coming easier for him. I don’t know why that is.

“I’ve been driving in this manner my whole career, and now, for whatever reason, it’s not working with this car.

“Last year’s car, Kimi was trying to drive in my way, and it was also not working for him.

“It’s no excuse, it’s just a reality, and I need to either work with the team to adjust my driving to compensate these new tyres, these new cars, or I need to find a different set-up that works for me.”

The result of qualifying was especially dispiriting for Russell, who was on pole at the last race in Canada, for two different reasons.

Monaco has a special status as a track where driving talent can make the difference, and he needs to make up ground in the championship.

Starting sixth, on a track where passing is expected to be next to impossible even in the context of the increased amount of overtaking with the new cars introduced this year, means his chances of moving up the field are remote.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff told Sky Sports: “George is very robust and resilient. There were a few races that went against him, just because luck wasn’t on his side or he wasn’t there at the right moment. Here, I don’t think it’s so much a psychological side, he just never had the confidence in the car.

“Qualifying started on a bad foot. Once you start to run behind the performance and you lose the confidence, it’s super-difficult to catch up again and I think it would have been one session more and he would have been there or thereabouts but he didn’t have any grip.”

As for Antonelli’s performance, and a new high for the Italian, Wolff said: “He just has the good momentum behind him. He’s so young, there’s this easiness that he still has. When you have such a positivity then these things can happen.”

Keld, in Upper Swaledale, is located around 3.5 miles from Ravenseat Farm, home of Amanda and Clive Owen and their nine children, whose lives were followed by millions of viewers on the hit television series.

While Ravenseat is now closed to the public and remains a private working farm, many visitors exploring the area continue to stop in nearby Keld.

The views near Keld, North Yorkshire (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The small village, which sits within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, is best known for its dramatic scenery, waterfalls and walking routes.

It lies at the meeting point of the Pennine Way and Alfred Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk, making it a popular stop for hikers crossing the Dales.

Visitors regularly describe Keld as “peaceful”, “unspoilt” and a “hidden gem”.

One visitor wrote online: “It’s the perfect place to escape from the modern world.”

Another said: “The scenery is absolutely stunning and there’s a real sense of peace here.”

Among Keld’s biggest attractions are its nearby waterfalls, including Kisdon Force, East Gill Force, Catrake Force and Wain Wath Force.

The village is also home to the Keld Countryside and Heritage Centre, which tells the story of the area’s lead-mining past.

Nearby Crackpot Hall, the ruins of an 18th-century farmhouse overlooking Swaledale, remains a popular destination for walkers and photographers.

Despite its popularity with outdoor enthusiasts, Keld remains one of the Yorkshire Dales’ smallest communities, with fewer than 100 residents.

Many visitors say its quiet atmosphere and remote location are part of its appeal.

Although fans of Our Yorkshire Farm can no longer visit Ravenseat, Keld continues to attract those keen to explore the landscape that helped make the programme such a success.

Whether visiting for the walking routes, waterfalls or sweeping Swaledale views, the village remains a popular stop for people discovering this part of the Yorkshire Dales.

The baby is due on granda George’s 80th birthday, making the sweet moment “even more meaningful” to the family.

The heartwarming moment a grandfather broke down in tears following the news of his granddaughter’s pregnancy after five years of trying has been captured on camera.

Megan McCullagh, 32, from Glasgow, said finally announcing her pregnancy was “incredibly special” after granda George, 79, supported her through years of fertility treatment. And the baby is due on George’s 80th birthday, making the sweet moment between granda and granddaughter “even more meaningful” to the family.

In the TikTok video, which has over 18,000 likes and almost 900 comments, Megan surprises George by showing him her ultrasound scan results. George immediately breaks out in a yell of excitement, and descends into a teary – and sweary – outburst of joy.

Sobbing, the grandad takes Megan into his arms and repeats “f****ing hell, and f***ing brilliant” in a true Glasgow reaction that has resonated with thousands online.

After the video blew up, Megan, from the east end, told Glasgow Live: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to our video sharing our pregnancy news with my granda, George.

“After years of infertility and fertility treatment, being able to finally tell him he was going to become a great-grandad again was an incredibly special moment for our family.”

As the “heart of the family” Megan added that George was one of her “biggest supporters” through her fertility treatment, adding: “No matter how difficult things became or how many disappointments we faced, he always remained positive and optimistic.

“After every failed treatment, he encouraged us to keep believing that our time would come. His unwavering support meant more to us than words can express.”

Megan explained that the last few years “have not been easy” for her grandad after the loss of his wife, and that “seeing the joy on his face when we shared the news was incredibly emotional”.

George has nine grandchildren, and Megan’s baby will make him a great-grandad of two.

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What’s that, Coronation Street? Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard) hasn’t actually turned over a new leaf and is up to his old selfish tricks? What a surprise – said nobody ever.

Carl Webster is bad. Like, ‘have an affair with your brother’s wife’ bad.

Worse than that actually. More like ‘do a hit and run on Tyrone Dobbs’ (Alan Halsall) bad.

Let’s not beat around the bush here. The man is full-on, one hundred percent, ‘drunkenly cause a multi-car pile-up that kills the local vicar then gaslight your dementia-suffering mother into taking the blame’ bad.

The Worst Webster is so objectively awful that he included in the lineup of five nefarious villains who could have been killed in Coronation Street’s big murder mystery, sharing top billing with the likes of domestic abuser Theo Silverton’s (James Cartwright) and manipulative paedophile Megan Walsh (Beth Nixon).

Even his long suffering mum Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) couldn’t put up with his deplorable behaviour any longer. That’s why she paid him two grand in an envelope to sling his hook and leave the Cobbles for good.

Determined to get the last laugh, Kevin made sure to steal that two grand back so he could return it to Debbie. Not willing to take the L and move on, a furious Carl snuck into his uncle’s carriage and tampered with one of the cars. This was basically the attempted murder of Kevin Webster, which out of all the evil things Carl has ever done, ranks somewhere in the middle.

Fortunately, he didn’t have time to finish his sabotage, because someone interrupted Carl and knocked the car jack, sending the vehicle crashing down on the Worst Webster.

That someone is Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall), although he’s not about to tell Carl that. It might look too much like revenge.

If you thought being almost flattened by a falling old banger was enough to make Carl Webster turn over a new leaf, clearly you’ve not seen enough Coronation Street. While he pretended to have no memory of the accident, the sleaziest member of Clan Webster already knows Tyrone is guilty about something and is determined to find out what.

One could argue that Carl’s got every right to know who tried to smush him with a car. Still, lying about your memory loss and threatening the friendliest mechanic in Weatherfield isn’t exactly an encouraging sign of a reformed character.

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It’s about to get so much worse. Because of course it is.

Carl’s got a bad track record with cars. Aside from the aforementioned hit and run and multi-car pileup, he used to deal in dodgy motor with career criminal Fiona Morley (Sara Poyzer), who supplied him with faulty vehicles.

Fortunately, Weatherfield’s answer to Grand Theft Auto fell apart when Kevin and Ronnie (Vinta Morgan) planned to frame Carl as the brains behind the operation with Fiona’s help. But when Ronnie got cold feet, a scorned Fiona blew their entire plan to a furious Carl.

Upcoming scenes of Coronation Street will see Carl be tempted back into his old ways in the name of cash.

A bitter Kevin tells Carl he’s received a letter from another garage requesting a reference for him. Quite understandably, Kev tells Carl that he can whistle for it.

Just then, Carl takes a call from Fiona offering him some more dodgy work.

Will Carl resist temptation? Or will he embrace his dark side once more? Come on. You already know the answer…

MORE: Debbie’s loved ones on Coronation Street spring a surprise that leaves her reeling

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Thousands of children wearing neon green T-shirts flooded the town centre as races were held for different age groups throughout the day.

The youngsters competed in three categories – those in school Years 6-11 ran 1.5km, children in school Years 1-5 ran 1km and nursery to reception children ran 500m with a parent or guardian.

Bolton town centre was filled with impressive young athletes on Saturday (June 6) (Image: Newsquest)

With the weather up and down throughout the day, some competitors got wet, but many were able to stay dry as they darted through Bolton town centre before finishing in Victoria Square and receiving their medals.

Siblings Penny, nine, Olive, seven, and five-year-old Ellis enjoyed the day of action, with the running showing no signs of leaving them tired.

Both Olive and Penny said the race was “really fun” and exclaimed “yeah” when asked if they were happy when they finished and if they would do it again.

From left to right: Penny, nine; Olive, seven; and Ellis, five (Image: Newsquest)

Awa, seven, Ellie, eight, Miha, seven, Erik, also seven, Dayha, five, and Tia, three, were also in very high spirits during the afternoon, with those who had already competed wearing their medals proudly around their necks.

Mihan said: “When we finished it, we got a medal and they gave us a water.”

From left to right: Awa, seven; Ellie, eight; Miha, seven; Erik, also seven; Dayha, five; and Tia, three (Image: Newsquest)

The IRONKIDS event in Bolton is one of the largest in the calendar, with thousands of young athletes taking part each year.

The youngsters started at the arch on Le Mans Crescent, with the older groups running out onto Deansgate and down Knowsley Street, before turning back and heading onto Victoria Square and through the IRONMAN finish gantry, while the younger groups ran a shortened version of the course.

On Sunday (June 7), the main IRONMAN event will take place, with competitors starting the swim at Pennington Flash in Leigh, before a 56-mile bike ride through Leigh, Atherton, Horwich and Bolton, and finishing with a half marathon around Bolton.