London’s canals are one of the few places where nature and urbanisation sits side by side – however, they do not always do so in harmony. As anyone who has walked passed the Grand Union Canal near Paddington Station and Little Venice will have noticed that, together with the picturesque canal boats, birds and historic buildings is an array of colourful plastic bobbing up and down in the dark water. On Wednesday 29th April Read More

Cycling in Odisha is very different to cycling in London but just as much fun. Roads at first appear chaotic with cows, goats and dogs often wandering around and sometimes a whole herd of cattle being led along a main road. Trucks, cars and motorbikes weave around and often seem to be overtaking when there is a real chance of a head on collision.  Despite this there seem to be few collisions. I didn’t see one in maybe a Read More

The lake trip was everything we expected and more.   Our aim was to find out more about Chilika and to understand how we could in future take small groups to experience the lake and its ecology without negative impact.  Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest lagoon.  At around 1,100 square kilometers it’s generally not possible to see both shores at the wider points.  It’s a temporary home to many species Read More

India SUP TRip - Days 4-5 Tuesday starts with a motorbike ride through the jungle.  There are monkeys on the roadside and more cows on the road at every village or inhabited area.  Long time since I rode a motorbike and animals on the road were cause of concern. The road from Ramachandi Beach (site of the ISF) to the Rangers HQ (where all ISF organization takes place) is 12km of interesting but flat open plain with mostly Read More

India SUP Trip Day 3 "By Paul Hyman" We are settling in at the Rangers Centre which is now the hub of activity for the India Surf Festival. Meeting quite a few friends from last year and working on plans for SUP races, SUP Ball, and beginner lessons over the last 3 days. Also a few interesting meetings with the Superintendent of Police and Forestry Chief.  The Superintendent was very positive and so was the Forestry Read More