Loo with a view for Europe's high spot

Alpinists will be relieved to hear some improbable news from the highest point in France.Authorities have installed two toilets near the summit of Mont Blanc, to counter what Saint-Gervais’s mayor Jean-Marc Peillix describes as the yellow and brown spots that blight the summit of the 4,808m mountain.The two conveniences have been airlifted to a point at 4,260m, making them Europe’s highest WCs.

Cairn Gorm railway now open to walkers

Footsore walkers can now take a train ride down Cairn Gorm after the company that runs its funicular railway relaxed its rules.Previously, only downhill skiers and those taking a trip to the Ptarmigan restaurant were allowed to use the train.

Blind water-skier in Windermere speed challenge

Lakeland authorities are considering taking action after the Windermere speed limit was allegedly broken by a boat towing a blind water-skier.Kevan Furber, the skipper of the boat, was interviewed after Lake District National Park Authority officers took video recordings and laser speed-gun readings.

Midges by the millions for Scots researchers

An Edinburgh academic plans to trap millions of midges in a new research project.Dr Alison Blackwell, who runs the Advanced Pest Solutions company, will trap the annoying insects to help research into a cattle disease which blights parts of Europe.

Hunting fine for terrier man is Welsh first

A Denbighshire pensioner has been fined in what is believed to be the first successful prosecution under the Hunting Act in Wales.William Francis, 69, of St Asaph, pleaded guilty to hunting a wild animal with a dog.

Midge count plummets in Britain's wettest summer

Every cloud has a silver lining, they say, and Britain has had more than its fair share of clouds this summer.But while the gloom and torrents of rain may have induced depression among those outdoors lovers who pine for a clear day and a view from the hill, the awful weather has had one benefit for walkers: it has spelt disaster for the midge.recast.co.uk/2007/default_map.asp Culicoides impunctatus, the Scottish midge notorious for causing misery for thousands of Highland visitors every year, has had its worst summer for years.

It's time for South Downs national park, says Castaway star

Television presenter Ben Fogle has thrown his weight behind a campaign to conclude the long-running saga of the South Downs National Park.Ben, who took over the post of president of the Council for National Parks earlier this month, has added his voice to those calling for a decision on the boundaries of the park.

Union man back at work as TGO bosses do u-turn

Managers at TGO’s publishing company have climbed down in the face of a legal challenge by the National Union of Journalists over the suspension of one of their officers.Newsquest, owners of the outdoors magazine, reinstated Gordon Thomson, deputy father of chapel (workplace representative) after what it claims was a misunderstanding.The reporter was suspended after refusing to obey an order to attend a meeting at which he understood he might have been disciplined, unless he was accompanied by a colleague, as permitted by employment law.

Our uplands are 'neglected and declining'

The United Kingdom’s uplands are in crisis. They are neglected, damaged and in decline. Despite farming dominating land use, its economic benefi...