Are the Wombles really the best children’s characters to tackle the climate crisis?
The stars of 1970s television have been announced as ambassadors for the British government’s #OneStepGreener campaign. But would the Octonauts and Go Jetters do better?
February 2020
Thatcher planned to meet Kate Bush at Abbey Road, but got the Wombles
Papers reveal how PM walked wrong way across Beatles zebra crossing at 1990 studio visit
May 2019
If climate change sends us back to the 70s, would that be so very bad?
Letters: Stressed youngsters might well enjoy a less commercial society, writes Clare Hobba.And Alice Munnelly questions the Met Gala’s green credentials
July 2016
Ray Winstone joins cast of new series of The Wombles
Bet365 ads actor to voice Tobermory, joining Bernard Cribbins in a computer animated series
December 2013
Readers suggest the 10 best …
Readers suggest the 10 best ... children's TV characters
Last week we brought you the 10 best children's TV characters. Here are your thoughts on who should have made the list
August 2013
The Wombles to return on Channel 5
Cult children's classic will air for two new series in 2015, with plans in place to develop a live-action/CGI feature film. By Mark Sweney
April 2013
How we made
How we made: The Wombles
Songwriter Mike Batt and voice actor Bernard Cribbins remember overdoing the accents and blagging it on to Top of the Pops
February 2013
The Wombles at 40 – why we need them more than ever
They play golf, live for three centuries – and turn 40 this week. Stuart Jeffries celebrates the gang of stuffed raccoons who showed Britain how to recycle
May 2012
A look back
From the Observer archive, 5 May 1974: Abba? I can't see them lasting long
Originally published in the Observer on 5 May 1974: Dave Gelly bemoans the feeble state of a Top 30 dominated by Eurovision winners and the Wombles
June 2011
Glastonbury festival boss: booking The Wombles was a mistake
Michael Eavis 'cross' about 70s novelty act's inclusion, while band withdraws offer to help clear up after the festival
December 2010
Elisabeth Beresford obituary
Prolific writer who enjoyed her greatest success with the recycling Wombles
Wombles creator Elisabeth Beresford dies, aged 84
Writer of children's books invented much-loved creatures who made use of 'things that the everyday folk left behind'
Bubblegum pop: all the young dudes
If Miley Cyrus and today's child demographic-snaring acts have their roots in anything, it's 60s bubblegum pop. Bob Stanley looks back at the genre that took the rage out of rock'n'roll and invited in the tots
May 2010
Children's books
The Wombles return
Uncle Bulgaria and friends womble back onto bookshelves
January 2010
Florence Rawlings: A Fool in Love
The man behind the Wombles brings us the latest blue-eyed soul singer, writes Katie Toms
February 2009
Book corner
Book corner
No 19. The Wombles by Elizabeth Beresford (1968)
April 2008
MPs back Badass Wombles campaign
Who will stump up the cash to save the Wombles?
January 2008
Creative lounge
EDF recycles old clips for TV ad
Energy firm EDF has cut together footage including JFK, the Wombles and Thunderbirds - for an ad trumpeting its eco-friendly credentials
