In the image, Charlotte smiles broadly while surrounded by flowers and trees. She wears a striped blue, black, and red sweater paired with blue jeans. This birthday portrait reflects not only her style but also the warmth of family celebrations.

Key facts about Princess Charlotte:

• She is the second child of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
• Charlotte has an older brother named George, who is currently 12 years old, and a younger brother named Louis, aged 8.
• The photograph was taken by Matt Porteous, a trusted photographer of the couple.

The Prince and Princess of Wales wished their daughter a happy birthday on social media with a cake emoji. This gesture highlights the close-knit nature of their family.

Charlotte celebrated her last birthday in 2025. As she turns 11, her long hair resembles that of her mother, while her facial features echo those of her father. This blend showcases the family’s legacy.

The release of this portrait aligns with the Royal Family’s tradition of sharing personal moments with the public, fostering a sense of connection with their supporters.

The post Princess charlotte celebrates eleventh birthday with new official photograph released appeared first on cottenhamnews.

“I’ve never been to South Africa before and when they asked me if I’d like to take part, I thought ‘perfect, lets go’,” said David Haye, reflecting on his upcoming participation in the South Africa edition of I’m A Celebrity.

At 45 years old, Haye is a former champion boxer known for his British heavyweight career and his nickname, ‘The Hayemaker’. He first appeared on I’m A Celebrity in 2012, where he finished in third place after entering the jungle on day one and being eliminated on day 20.

Haye’s return to the show comes after a notable year in his personal life, as he was romantically involved with actress Helen Flanagan throughout 2023 before their split in December. Flanagan has since dismissed speculation about a ‘throuple’ involving herself, Haye, and model Sian Osborne.

In preparation for his return, Haye expressed his eagerness to reconnect with nature, stating, “I really enjoyed the connection with mother nature. Chuck a bunch of cockroaches or spiders over me, I am pretty sure I will be fine.”

He also noted a change in his mindset since his last appearance, saying, “This time around, I felt a lot more – maybe I’m a bit older – but I seemed a lot more relaxed.”

Haye, who retired from boxing in 2018, has embraced a vegan lifestyle since 2014, which he credits for his health and well-being. His participation in the show is expected to showcase not only his adventurous spirit but also his commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

As the show approaches, fans are eager to see how Haye will navigate the challenges of the jungle alongside fellow contestants. “In the jungle, you don’t know what is going on in the outside world and your new world is in there with these random people you don’t know,” he remarked, highlighting the unique experience of reality television.

With the show set to air soon, viewers are anticipating Haye’s return to the spotlight and how he will adapt to the challenges ahead.

The post David Haye Returns to I’m A Celebrity in South Africa appeared first on cottenhamnews.

Tonight, North America will experience a Full Moon, known as the Pink Moon, with 100% of its surface illuminated. This celestial event is set to peak at 3:12 BST on April 2, 2026, making it a prime opportunity for stargazers and families alike.

The Pink Moon is the fourth full Moon of the year, and it is named after the spring-blooming phlox flower. The best time to view the moon is between 8:30 PM and 10:30 PM local time, providing an excellent chance to appreciate its beauty.

For those in areas like Priory Vale or across North Swindon, local Councillor Leanne Stevenson encourages families to step outside and enjoy the moment together. “It’s a chance to share those conversations, look up together, and take in what’s above us,” she stated.

As the moon rises, it often appears golden or reddish due to atmospheric scattering, adding to the visual spectacle. Without visual aids, observers can spot notable lunar features such as the Kepler Crater, Mare Vaporum, and Mare Serenitatis.

For those equipped with binoculars, the Mare Nectaris, Alphonsus Crater, and Endymion Crater are also visible. Meanwhile, telescope users can catch a glimpse of the Apollo 11, 14, and 15 landing spots, making tonight a unique opportunity for amateur astronomers.

The Moon takes approximately 29.5 days to complete its orbit around Earth, transitioning through eight distinct phases. Following tonight’s Full Moon, the next is predicted to occur on May 1, 2026.

Before the recent developments, the expectation surrounding David Attenborough was primarily focused on his legacy as a natural historian and broadcaster. His influence on wildlife conservation had been profound, but the specific impact on mountain gorilla populations was less highlighted.

However, a decisive moment occurred with the announcement of Attenborough’s new documentary, ‘Secret Garden’, set to air on April 5, 2026. This five-part series will delve into the wildlife thriving in UK gardens, showcasing the interconnectedness of nature.

Simultaneously, the documentary ‘A Gorilla Story’ will follow Attenborough’s encounter with baby gorilla Pablo in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This film will not only spotlight the gorillas but also reflect on the remarkable recovery of their population, which has surged from an estimated 240-250 in the mid-1980s to over 1,000 today.

The implications of this growth are significant. Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda, priced at $1,500 each, are limited to just 96 per day, underscoring the high demand for eco-tourism centered around these magnificent creatures. The increase in gorilla numbers has revitalized local economies that depend on tourism.

Rwanda’s prime minister recently announced plans to expand the boundaries of Volcanoes National Park by 25%, further enhancing the habitat for these gorillas and potentially increasing tourism opportunities.

Experts emphasize that gorillas have learned to trust humans for their protection, which in turn fosters a symbiotic relationship that benefits both the animals and the local communities. As one expert noted, “Gorillas trust humans to protect them, and in turn, they allow people to visit, helping revitalize an economy and region that relies on tourism to flourish.”

Attenborough’s upcoming 100th birthday on May 8, 2026, adds a poignant layer to his ongoing narrative in wildlife conservation. His work continues to inspire new generations to appreciate and protect the natural world.

As the world awaits the release of ‘Secret Garden’, the success of mountain gorilla conservation serves as a testament to the effectiveness of dedicated efforts, such as those initiated by Dian Fossey over 55 years ago, who first raised awareness for these incredible animals.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific content of the documentaries, but the anticipation surrounding Attenborough’s work continues to grow.

The post David Attenborough’s Impact on Gorilla Conservation and New Documentary appeared first on cottenhamnews.

Josef Stefan has been awarded the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People’s Choice Award 2026 for his striking photograph titled ‘Flying Rodent’. This announcement was made on March 25, 2026, at the Natural History Museum in London.

Stefan’s winning image, which garnered a record-breaking 85,917 votes, captures a young Iberian lynx playfully tossing a rodent into the air in Ciudad Real, Spain. The lynx, a species that has seen a remarkable recovery, was once on the brink of extinction in the early 2000s.

The competition for this prestigious award was fierce, with 60,636 entries submitted from 113 countries and territories. This year marks the 61st anniversary of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, highlighting its long-standing tradition of celebrating nature through photography.

The exhibition showcasing the winning and shortlisted photographs will remain open until July 12, 2026. In addition to Stefan’s award-winning image, four highly commended photographs were recognized, including works by Alexandre Brisson, Christopher Paetkau, Will Nicholls, and Kohei Nagira.

Stefan expressed his gratitude, stating, “Winning this award and being able to platform this message is the highlight of my 30 years as a nature photographer.” His work not only captures the beauty of wildlife but also raises awareness about conservation efforts.

Dr. Douglas Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, remarked, “It’s been wonderful to see all the votes coming in to choose the photograph set for display in our flagship exhibition here at the Natural History Museum.” This reflects the growing public interest in wildlife photography and conservation.

Currently, the Iberian lynx population has rebounded to over 2,000 individuals, thanks to extensive conservation initiatives. The efforts to protect this species serve as a testament to the positive impact of dedicated wildlife conservation.

As the exhibition continues, visitors will have the opportunity to see not only the winning image but also the diverse range of wildlife captured by photographers from around the globe.

The post Wildlife photographer of the year: Josef Stefan Wins 2026 appeared first on cottenhamnews.

The large tortoiseshell butterfly is now a resident species in the UK after being declared extinct in the last century. This marks a significant milestone for conservation efforts, particularly for Butterfly Conservation, which has documented this change in its 58-year history.

Recent Sightings Across the UK

Recent sightings of the large tortoiseshell have been reported in woodlands across Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Dorset, Cornwall, and the Isle of Wight. The butterfly’s return has increased Britain’s native butterfly count to 60, highlighting a positive trend in biodiversity.

Historical Context of the Species

The large tortoiseshell butterfly last flourished in Britain during the 1940s before it was considered extinct by the 1960s, primarily due to factors such as Dutch elm disease. Its absence from the UK for decades makes its return particularly noteworthy.

Breeding and Habitat

Confirmation of the butterfly’s breeding in Britain came when caterpillars were found feeding in the wild since 2020. These caterpillars feed on elm, willow, aspen, and poplar, which are essential for their development. The large tortoiseshell hibernates as an adult and emerges in spring to mate and lay eggs, with adult butterflies from this year’s offspring expected to take flight during midsummer.

Reasons for the Comeback

Experts believe the large tortoiseshell’s return is linked to population rises in the Netherlands and France, as well as climate change, which may have created more favorable conditions for the species. Richard Fox from Butterfly Conservation stated, “The signs are really positive, which is lovely,” emphasizing the encouraging nature of this development.

Public Involvement Encouraged

Butterfly Conservation is actively encouraging the public to log sightings of the large tortoiseshell using the iRecord app. This initiative aims to gather more data on the species’ distribution and help monitor its progress as a resident butterfly.

Future Observations and Uncertainties

While the large tortoiseshell has been classified as a resident species, details remain unconfirmed regarding its potential to become widespread across multiple landscapes in the UK. Richard Fox noted, “We’re still in that zone of uncertainty at the moment, but there are exciting signs,” indicating that ongoing observation will be crucial for understanding the butterfly’s future in Britain.

The post Large Tortoiseshell Butterfly Declared Resident Species in the UK appeared first on cottenhamnews.