CONSERVATIONIST Graham Megson is back on dry land - after cruising across the Bay of Biscay to see bio-diversity in action.

He believes in the 'Think Global, Act Local' message and is writing local bio-diversity action plans for the district councils in North Yorkshire.

He said: "A surprisingly large variety of whales live in the Bay of Biscay and I was keen to see some of these animals which are being conserved on an international level."

The highlight for whale watchers this summer has been the sighting from the Plymouth to Santander ferry of the world's largest creature - the blue whale, a species that is still endangered.

Mr Megson, however, had to make do with pilot whales, common dolphins and bottle-nosed dolphins.

But the most surprising sighting was a familiar song thrush, which landed on the boat to rest during its long migration flight.

Mr Megson said: "Seeing such a small bird battling against the elements made me realise that the work we do to conserve birds in North Yorkshire is of international importance."

The action plans will, among other things, encourage gardeners to protect song thrushes by cutting down on thenumber of slug pellets they use.