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Ben Averis

@averisben.bsky.social
1.5K followers 772 following 615 posts

Botany, bryology, lichens, habitat classification, ecology, biodiversity (www.benandalisonaveris.co.uk), art (www.benaverisart.co.uk), music, poetry... Lives near Edinburgh, Scotland.

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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 4h
In Edinburgh this morning. Later, looking at this photo I took on Cockburn Street, I thought "oh no - that damn van". I then saw that there are two vans (one moving and one parked), the photo having been taken at the exact moment when their front windows were aligned. I'm now quite pleased with it!
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
They did a stint at Venus Pool Flying flighty, running quick Local birder: "This is cool! A full-on patch and county tick!"
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
A Silver Y moth found by Alison Averis today here in East Lothian, Scotland. #TeamMoth
A Silver Y moth found by Alison Averis in East Lothian, Scotland, on 2nd September 2026.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
They're usually blue but sometimes white or pale shades of pink, and just a few (the rarest sight) are yellow! Who would think?
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Interesting to find the moss Polytrichum strictum growing in good quantity on logs today, in open woodland in West Lothian, Scotland. An unusual habitat for this species, which is normally found on wet ground, especially in bogs.
The moss Polytrichum strictum growing in good quantity on logs in open woodland in West Lothian, Scotland, on 25th August 2026. Logs are an unusual habitat for this species, which is normally found on wet ground, especially in bogs.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
My wife Alison found and photographed this Autumnal Rustic here in East Lothian, Scotland, this morning. Her first sighting of this species this summer. #TeamMoth
Autumnal Rustic moth in East Lothian, Scotland, on 24th August 2026. Found and photographed by Alison Averis.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
The white one is the same species. As with some other normally blue-flowered species, odd individuals have white (or in some species such as bluebell, white or pink) flowers, apparently reflecting genetic variation.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Unusual to see Wood Melick (Melica uniflora) forming an extensive dominant sward beneath a canopy of Douglas Fir. Near Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland, this afternoon.
Wood Melick (Melica uniflora) forming an extensive dominant grass sward beneath a canopy of Douglas Fir. Near Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Unusually late-flowering Purple Saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia) in the Cairngorms, Scotland, today. This species normally flowers in early spring.
Purple Saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia) in flower in the Cairngorms, Scotland, on 17th August 2026. Normally flowers in early spring.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Red Underwing, found and photographed by Alison Averis in East Lothian, Scotland, on 15th August 2026. A rare species in Scotland. #TeamMoth
A Red Underwing moth, found and photographed by Alison Averis in East Lothian, Scotland, on 15th August 2026. A rare species in Scotland.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
The land is tipped in Tipperary Tilting down to the left hand side I think I'd find that pretty scary "Help! We're slipping on a sideways slide!"
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Reposted by Ben Averis
BSBI Scotland @bsbiscotland.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Calling all plant photographers (and anyone with a camera phone and a bit of a sense of aesthetics): The 2026 Botanical Photographer of the Year competition is open for entries! bsbi.org/take-part/ac... Relaunched with a 16-strong judging panel, plus Young BPotY categories as well! Get snapping 📷😁
bsbi.org
Botanical Photographer of the Year
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Thank you!
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Just refound and photographed the exact same view that I drew a picture of back in 2011. Location: near Ullapool, NW Scotland.
Photo of oaks near Ullapool, Scotland on 7th July 2026 Coloured pencil drawing of oaks near Ullapool, Scotland. Done in 2011.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Part of a poem I wrote a few years ago: Please don't write the heights in feet It's out of touch with the rhythm and the beat of the world today, whose people say: "Use metres! It's a better way!"
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Just found myself in a first class train carriage for a few minutes before realising it. Seemed surprisingly normal. People looked the same as us, etc. Parallel universe stuff!
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Marbled Coronet, found and photographed by Alison Averis in East Lothian on 24th June 2026. An inland record of a species that in Scotland is mainly coastal. #TeamMoth
Marbled Coronet, found and photographed by Alison Averis in East Lothian on 24th June 2026. An inland record of a species that in Scotland is mainly coastal.
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Reposted by Ben Averis
Woodland Trust Scotland @wtscotsocial.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Here's an exciting new role - Native Woodland Partnership Officer with @n-t-s.bsky.social - developing large-scale projects including #ScotlandsRainforest restoration projects in West Lochalsh & on Arran. Closing date: 21 Jun 2026 | Fixed-Term til Jan 2029 ➡️ buff.ly/3B0cE4f #NatureJobs #ForestryJobs
buff.ly
National
Vacancies in our central services: Audiences & Support, Conservation & Policy, Corporate & Commercial Services, People and Public Engagement & Research.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
An unusual species mix just now in the NW ScottishHighlands: Bog Bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) and the moss Antitrichia curtipendula. (Also some Blaeberry Vaccinium myrtillus.)
Bog Bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) and the moss Antitrichia curtipendula growing together in the NW Scottish Highlands on 12th June 2026.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Mother Shipton moth found and photographed by Alison Averis in Wester Ross, Scotland, on 10th June 2026. #TeamMoth
Mother Shipton moth found and photographed by Alison Averis in Wester Ross, Scotland, on 10th June 2026.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
We can see Bass Rock from our house, so I'll keep a lookout for any signs of café development there.
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BSBI Scotland @bsbiscotland.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Beginner botanists & 100 Plants Challengers - join myself, local #BSBICountyRecorder Sue Jury & Ranger Matt McCabe on Sunday 28th June for a day exploring the botanical delights of Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat! So many fab plants! #100PlantsChallenge www.tickettailor.com/events/botan...
tickettailor.com
Book your place – Beginner Botany Walk - Holyrood Park, Edinburgh – Queen's Drive, Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
Beginner Botany Walk - Holyrood Park, Edinburgh – Queen's Drive, Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, Sun 28 Jun 2026 - This is event is part of a suite of events, offered by BSBI members as part of the 100 Plan...
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
I agree. Lots of details (such as brickwork) looking wrong.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Fantastic colours of Sphagnum mosses and reflected sky in a bog pool in Perthshire, Scotland, this afternoon.
Fantastic colours of Sphagnum mosses and reflected sky in a bog pool in Perthshire, Scotland, this afternoon.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Here's an example of bog vegetation (with abundant Hare's-tail Cottongrass - Eriophorum vaginatum) on a surprisingly steep slope. I found this today, during survey work in the hills in Perthshire, Scotland.
Bog vegetation with abundant Hare's-tail Cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum) on a steep slope in Perthshire, Scotland on 27th May 2026.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Yes, that was the one! You saw it too?
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
I saw what was surely that very same bird! (A long time ago.)
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Scottish Greens @scottishgreens.org · 08/05/2026
🟢 @lornaslater.bsky.social elected to represent Edinburgh Central! Lorna is the first Scottish Green MSP to be elected today, and the first Scottish Green constituency MSP to be elected ever!
Elected. Lorna Slater. Edinburgh Central.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Thanks - I've just looked if up and it seems very possible that fire blight is what has affected these hawthorns.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Lots of dead, blackened leaves on Hawthorns (Crataegus monogyna) in woodland at a site in West Lothian, Scotland, today. Not sure what has caused this.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) with many leaves dead and blackened. West Lothian, Scotland, on 6th March 2026.Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) with many leaves dead and blackened. West Lothian, Scotland, on 6th March 2026.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
A nice human touch just a few minutes ago: the ticket inspector drew a smiley face on my train ticket!
A train ticket with a smiley face drawn on it by the ticket inspector just now. Happy days!
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
The moss Grimmia pulvinata on a Rowan trunk at Kinross service station, Scotland, yesterday. More commonly seen on rocks and stonework.
The moss Grimmia pulvinata on a Rowan trunk at Kinross service station, Scotland, on 3rd May 2026.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
A nice photo of Nogopterium gracile. The wet and dry states look so different from each other.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
Here is Alison's photo of the Nut-tree Tussock moth that she had in her moth trap last night, here in East Lothian, Scotland. It put itself in a position in which its patterns match those of the bark. #TeamMoth
Nut-tree Tussock moth found by Alison Averis in East Lothian, Scotland, on the night of 1st May 2026.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Great to see @ross-greer.bsky.social of the Scottish Greens deal with that Reform guy so well. Very good work.
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Richard Harris @beeblebrox.com · 25/04/2026
My long experience of trying to source good quality ingredients when in the US makes me completely agree with this demonstration. Compare with France, where it’s actually harder to find processed crap than good fresh, unadulterated ingredients.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Potatoes (already in), lettuce, other salads, leeks, runner beans, sweet peas, chard, kale and carrots. A range suited to the relatively cool upland Scottish climate. We had a raised bed there before, but made with thinner planks of wood that didn't fit together properly; this new one is way better.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
We built ours just a couple of days ago! Location: Scotland.
Home-made raised bed, made on 19th April 2026 in Scotland.
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Richard K Broughton @richardkbroughton.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
This Monks Wood #rewilding (natural colonisation) plot is 30 years old this year. It's taken that long for this single Bluebell to migrate 20m from adjacent ancient woodland to colonise the plot. But now it's here, joining the growing trees & shrubs: future ancient woodland in the making.
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Wylie Horn @wyliehorn.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Reserves Manager - North (Highlands) - Scottish Wildlife Trust - environmentjob.co.uk/jobs/109907-...
environmentjob.co.uk
Reserves Manager - North (Highlands)
The post oversees planning, delivery and quality assurance of reserve and project work, ensuring compliance with policies, health and safety and regulatory requirements. It also manages budgets, risks...
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Yes, it is indeed that species.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
Thank you! We had a few days here, visiting our daughter. We're going back to Scotland today. Barcelona is such an amazing city! We also had some trips out and saw so many plant species in wonderful vegetation: forest, scrub, rocky coastal habitats, etc.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
Amazing lit-up skyscraper in Barcelona last night.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
Japanese onigiri! Bought just now from a shop in Barcelona. Haven't seen these in a shop since I was in Japan in 2018. Had them then as daily fieldwork food during survey work in Hokkaido.
Japanese onigiri bought from a shop in Barcelona on 11th April 2026.
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Reposted by Ben Averis
Mark Avery @markavery.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
NEWS: @rspb.bsky.social advice on bird feeding; Feed Seasonally, Feed Safely. My blog: markavery.info/2026/04/10/g... I think the RSPB has called this right. @btobirds.bsky.social @the-wildlifetrusts.bsky.social @alexanderlees.bsky.social @nationaltrust.org.uk
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Tame Cattle Egrets! In a busy park in the middle of Barcelona.
Two Cattle Egrets in a park in the middle of the city of Barcelona on 9th April 2026. The birds were surprisingly tame.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Shoulder Stripe, Twin-spotted Quaker and Water Carpet moths found and photographed by my wife Alison here in East Lothian, Scotland, this morning (8th April 2026). #TeamMoth
Shoulder Stripe moth found and photographed by Alison Averis in East Lothian, Scotland, on 8th April 2026.Twin-spotted Quaker moth found and photographed by Alison Averis in East Lothian, Scotland, on 8th April 2026.Water Carpet moth found and photographed by Alison Averis in East Lothian, Scotland, on 8th April 2026.
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
"That seems reasonable" - as said by Ernie Wise in the Andre Previn sketch!
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Ben Averis @averisben.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Yes, it is indeed Plagiomnium undulatum. Nice photo.
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