Bat-watching, beach explorations and ‘sniff’ walks: How nature can provide a tonic for loneliness

There is an ever-growing list of the benefits of natural prescriptions – now researchers say nature could offer a cure for loneliness too. Kye Aziz didn’t consider himself a big…

Finland investigates Russia ‘shadow fleet’ ship after cable damage

Finnish police are investigating whether a Russian ship was involved in the sabotage of an electricity cable running between Finland and Estonia. The authorities said on Thursday that they believe…

Dating for homes saved me £20,000 on holidays’

Inviting a stranger to stay in your home might seem like the opposite of a relaxing holiday, but for some travellers house exchanges are worth taking the leap of faith.…

The Nigerian watch-lover lost in time

Ticking is the predominant sound inside Bala Muhammad’s tiny watch-repair shop, tucked away on a bustling street in the northern Nigerian city of Kaduna. It is like a time capsule…

Panama’s president calls Trump’s Chinese canal claim ‘nonsense’

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has denied claims by US president-elect Donald Trump that there are Chinese soldiers stationed at the Panama Canal. In recent days Trump has threatened to…

Rybakina helps Kazakhstan win United Cup opener

Elena Rybakina marked her United Cup debut by helping Kazakhstan to a 2-1 victory over Spain at the season-opening tournament in Perth, Australia. The 25-year-old, who was Wimbledon champion in…

History in Paris, cycling glory and Ivorian joy – 2024 in African sport

As 2024 draws to a close, Biniam Girmay will be among the Africans proudly reflecting on etching their names into sporting history. The Eritrean cyclist enjoyed unprecedented success at the…

Two die in Sydney to Hobart yacht race

Two people taking part in Australia’s annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race have died in separate incidents, according to police. Both crew members died in separate incidents after being hit…

Life is not easy’ – Haaland penalty miss sums up Man City crisis

Nothing seems to be going Manchester City’s way at the moment – and star striker Erling Haaland is not a happy man. If there was any player currently in the…

Silva’s rehabilitation complete with historic Fulham win’

Marco Silva spent Christmas five years ago recovering from his brutal sacking at Everton after only 18 months at Goodison Park. Silva’s promising first season, in which he took Everton…