Look ......

...... was a TV programme way back when, hosted by Peter Scott, which I remember well.

One of the longest running conservation studies in the world is that of Bewick Swans, which breed in the Russian tundra and (some of) which over winter at Slimbridge in Gloucestershire.

Peter Scott realised in the early 1960's that individuals could be identified by their beak markings, and that understanding laid the foundation for scientific study. Bewick's are now in decline, so this kind of research is vital to those who care about the natural world.

One of Peter Scott's big innovations - now taken for granted - was allowing public access to the reserve he established. I suspect he would have been OK with the idea of turning his swan portraits into mugs, fridge magnets, and book markers. All of which I bought on Sunday