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Helen Baker

@helenbaker.bsky.social
249 followers 109 following 62 posts

Ornithology, Mycology, nature. Seabird team leader JNCC. Chair BMS Field Mycology & Conservation Committee. Own views.

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Reposted by Helen Baker
British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) @bou.org.uk · 03/09/2026
NEW on #theBOUblog from Lucy McRobert We Just Want to Go Birding: Everyday sexism in birding and the nature sector adds up bou.org.uk/blog-mcro... #ornithology 🪶
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
We're seeking a Research Ecologist to develop & apply methods for analysing large-scale passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) datasets & to lead work on the collection/analysis of restoration & rewilding data. Apply via www.bto.org/jobs Closing date: 22 September. #Ornithology #bioacoustics
The heads of two Puffins appear above a bank. Wording above reads: We're hiring! Senior Research Ecologist: Landscape Restoration & Monitoring Science.
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Dr Katrina Siddiqi-Davies @katrina-siddiqi.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Excited to publish the last paper from my PhD which explores how light can constrain chick provisioning behaviour in Manx shearwaters Thanks so much to all my co-authors and to everyone who helped support this manuscript! #seabird #science #research royalsocietypublishing.org/rsos/article...
royalsocietypublishing.org
Day length may impose an ecological constraint on chick provisioning behaviour in a high-latitude seabird
Abstract. Variation in daylight hours may shape light-dependent behaviours both across seasons and among latitudinally distinct breeding colonies. We inves
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British Mycological Society @britmycolsoc.org.uk · 20/08/2026
In the July issue of #FieldMycology, Harry C. Evans looks back at more than two centuries of records of entomopathogenic fungi in the British Isles and asks what we might be missing. Read the article, online and open access: fieldmycology.org/index.php/jo... #Mycology #Fungi #Insects #Biodiversity
Photo of a silver-grey moth with yellow-cream coloured fungal fruitbodies protruding vertically from its surface. Akanthomyces sp. indet. on the Antler moth (Cerapteryx graminis). Credit: Harry C. Evans.
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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Ever wondered how we might attract gulls and terns to new breeding sites, such as a tern raft? See the Solent Seascape Project's post here: www.facebook.com/share/p/1HYu... to read about how @rspbengland.bsky.social uses decoys to attract birds! #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social
An image of a Common Tern and its chick on a tern raft.
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JNCC @jncc.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
🌍 Help shape the future of nature #WeAreRecruiting a Director of Comms & Engagement to lead how JNCC communicates science, builds partnerships & turns evidence into action. 🔗 jncc.gov.uk/about-jncc/c... 📌 Hybrid role (Peterborough/Aberdeen/Cardiff base) ⏰ Closes 31 August #ForNaturePeoplePlanet
European Robin singing copyright Alex Cooper/iStock
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World Seabird Union @worldseabirdunion.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
🦠 SYMPOSIUM SPOTLIGHT — S03-04 Seabird Health and Disease: Lessons from Bird Flu and Beyond Emerging diseases, climate change and global pressures are reshaping the challenges facing seabirds. Convenors: Patricia Serafini, Amandine Gamble, Jana Jeglinski & Jude Lane. bit.ly/4589Gzi #WSC4
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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
After a spring and summer of seabird fieldwork, data entry might not be at the top of your mind. So, if you need a complete refresher or just want to pick up some handy submission tips, watch our new video here! youtu.be/8Ai7XQLHi3I #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
An image of a Kittiwake with text indicating that the SMP have released a submitting your data video tutorial.
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JNCC @jncc.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
🌊Seabird populations are under pressure. #ClimateChange, avian influenza & growing human activity at sea take their toll To expand our offshore wind capacity, we must understand the full impact on seabird populations But there's a gap in our knowledge that's easy to miss 🧵
Common guillemots copyright Ben DeanImmature Gannet copyright Annette CuttsJuvenile Kittiwake copyright Mark Lewis
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British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) @bou.org.uk · 20/07/2026
NEW on #theBOUblog from Will Smith The secret lives of Outer Hebridean Rock Doves: What can we learn from studying the wild counterparts of domesticated pigeons? bou.org.uk/blog-smit... Based on this paper doi.org/10.1093/orni... #ornithology 🪶
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JNCC @jncc.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
🌍 #WeAreRecruiting a Senior Social Scientist to integrate social & natural science evidence, shape policy & practice, and develop interdisciplinary solutions for #NatureRecovery 📍 FTA (2 years) 📍 Hybrid role (Peterborough/Aberdeen/Cardiff) 📅 Closes 12 August 🔗 jncc.gov.uk/about-jncc/c...
Person in a yellow jacket overlooking a coastal seabird colony on steep sea cliffs, with sunlight reflecting on the sea below copyright Daisy Burnell
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Helen Baker @helenbaker.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Much of Glenmore is conifer plantation but not all of it and the ancient pinewoods of Rothiemurchus are downwind, those of Abernethy upwind. Not to mention local communities. Let's hope it's contained soon because it could be devastating if not. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Wildfire still burning as helicopters waterbomb Cairngorms
More than 50 firefighters are spending a third day tackling the blaze which started in heathland near Nethy Bridge.
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Reposted by Helen Baker
JNCC @jncc.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
📢 #WeAreRecruiting Senior Fisheries Advisor Help shape sustainable fisheries management, advise on offshore MPAs, support Fisheries Management Plans & provide advice on impacts to #MarineBiodiversity 📍Hybrid (Peterborough/Aberdeen base) 📅FTA Aug 2027 🔗 jncc.gov.uk/about-jncc/c... ⏰Closes 2 Aug
Fishing net with orange and yellow floats being hauled alongside a fishing vessel in rough seas, while dozens of seabirds circle overhead above the open ocean copyright Marine Management Organisation
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British Mycological Society @britmycolsoc.org.uk · 14/07/2026
Out now: Field Mycology July 2026.
Front cover of the BMS journal 'Field Mycology', July 2026, with a photo of a Stinkhorn fungus by Barry Webb.
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Arjun Amar @arjundevamar.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Our new review paper is out - iOrnithology: a review of the use of web-sourced photographs and videos in ornithological research, published in Ibis @connorpanter.bsky.social onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
<fc>iOrnithology</fc>: a review of the use of web‐sourced photographs and videos in ornithological research
The internet hosts vast quantities of digital media across webpages, repositories and social media platforms, providing unprecedented opportunities for ecological research. The use of web-sourced med...
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Clare Blencowe @clareblencowe.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Latest issue of Field Mycology is out: ▶️ fieldmycology.org/index.php/jo... A fine array of fascinating funguses. "Not enough toadstools", according to one reviewer. I say, let all the fungi have their turn! (Happy to receive submissions of toadstool-based articles for next issue.)
fieldmycology.org
Field Mycology
Field Mycology, a British Mycological Society publication
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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
A new report shows climate change is already impacting UK bird populations. Upland birds & seabirds face steep declines in their numbers underlining the need for action, while some southern species are expanding their ranges. Find out more: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen... @btobirds.bsky.social 🪶
rspb.org.uk
Climate change is already impacting UK bird populations
A new RSPB and British Trust for Ornithology report looks at the impacts on UK birds and the actions we can take to protect them.
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Arjun Amar @arjundevamar.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Interesting new paper - AI, Comparative Advantage, and the Next Decade of Ecological Research onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
AI, Comparative Advantage, and the Next Decade of Ecological Research
Click on the article title to read more.
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Helen Baker @helenbaker.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
A big mushroom from a road verge in Aberdeenshire. Unsurprisingly called Agaricus macrocarpus.
Underside of a mushroom with a ruler showing diameter of 140mm, plus another mushroom cut in half to show stem shape and cap colour. On grass.
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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
The 2026 SMP Newsletter is here! Read it (and sign up to receive future editions) here: www.bto.org/our-work/sci... to find out about the SMP's 40th anniversary, latest developments, the science of seabird poo, and more! #birds #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
Image of the 2026 SMP Newsletter front cover
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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Great to see this one published. An incredible overview of the impact of HPAI on wildlife, with data from WAHIS, EMPRES and the literature. Also case study on Sandwich tern integrating mortality, ecological, serological + genetic data 👉 onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
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British Mycological Society @britmycolsoc.org.uk · 26/05/2026
The Global Strategy for Fungal Conservation is open for public consultation. The strategy identifies the global biodiversity targets that will not be met unless fungal #biodiversity is protected and sustainably used. 👉 Give your feedback here bit.ly/4wCyVX2 by 22 June. #fungi #conservation
Screenshot of the feedback form, with a photo of pink fungi on a dark background
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Reposted by Helen Baker
JNCC @jncc.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
📢#JobOpportunity #WeAreSeeking an Information Governance Manager to shape & coordinate successful delivery of JNCC’s Information Management aims bit.ly/JNCCjob2026018 ⭐Hybrid working based in Peterborough or Aberdeen ⭐Permanent post ⭐£41,525 ⭐Closing date 14 June 2026
A colour illustration of a man and a woman standing before a map of the world overlaid by digital code.
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Reposted by Helen Baker
British Mycological Society @britmycolsoc.org.uk · 12/05/2026
BMS field meetings enable mycologists to find and record the fungi in different geographic areas and habitats, and contribute to our knowledge of fungal distribution and ecology in the UK. Read about the BMS 2026 Spring Field Meeting: www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/field-events...
A photo of a group of people carrying rucksacs, walking down a grassy pathway between vegetation at Hawkcombe Woods. Credit: Linda SewardAnthracobia melaloma by Linda SewardMycoacia uda, photo by Suzie Rogerson
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JNCC @jncc.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Non-breeding birds form a large proportion of #seabird populations, yet they are often overlooked in research & difficult to account for in environmental assessments. A new #OWSMRF report highlights why this matters & how we can close evidence gaps 👇 jncc.gov.uk/news/new-rep... 🧵
Mixed flock of seabirds on the water, Kennacraig to ToIslay copyright Danni Thompson
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JNCC @jncc.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
JNCC has updated (April 2026) the UK data for Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). These sites make up the UK’s national site network, designated to protect birds, habitats and other species. 🔗 jncc.gov.uk/news/nationa... 🧵
Setting sun over the Humber Estuary copyright Peter Roworth / Natural England
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Alice Edney @aliceedney.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
An important study showing that drones detect more murres than boat-based surveys, especially in upper cliff areas 🛥 🔎 Drones could greatly improve counts of cliff-nesting seabirds! But we need to work out how to integrate historical estimates with those made using new tech 📈 #ornithology #seabirds
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Dr Alex Bond @thelabandfield.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
New @adriftlab.bsky.social paper in Conservation Biology: we estimate 629,000+ seabirds died during Australia's 2023/24 marine heatwave. Fewer than 5,000 were counted on beaches, less than 1% of total mortality conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/... 🧵 📸: SIlke Stuckenbrock
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Isabel Fernandes (she/her) @isabelrfernandes.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Super proud of my former PhD student Diana Graça for publishing another paper from her PhD. 🎉 onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/... More to come in the future! Stay tuned!!! #aquaticfungi #fungi #funga #biodiversity #multiplestressors #drying #freshwaters
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Species Matter: Aquatic Fungal Richness and Identity Enhances Recovery From Drying Events
The increasing human population growth raises water demand, while global change brings additional challenges, such as higher temperatures, nutrient enrichment and altered precipitation patterns. T...
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British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) @bou.org.uk · 23/04/2026
🔊 PUBLISH WITH IBIS There are a multitude of reasons to submit your #ornithology manuscript to IBIS 🐦 1️⃣ IBIS is society-owned: your submissions support the BOU’s charitable activities and develop the ornithological community Read more: bou.org.uk/ibis/auth... 🧵⬇️
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British Mycological Society @britmycolsoc.org.uk · 23/04/2026
📣 Abstract submission deadline extended! Present a talk or poster at our Annual Scientific Meeting & Student Research Conference. Don't delay - submit your abstract by Friday, 1st May 2026 to showcase your research, and join us at #BMS2026! 👉 www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/asm.html
Annual Scientific Meeting abstract deadline extended to Friday 1st May 2026.  Photo of two people in front of poster boards.
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Samantha Patrick @samanthacpatrick.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
Join me & @olliepadget.bsky.social at @livuninews.bsky.social! #postdoc #seabird movement & navigation in response to environmental cues @ukri.org. Developing new loggers w/ micro-engineers & computer scientists @yorkuniversity.bsky.social. Job tinyurl.com/2zuzktv5 Press release tinyurl.com/2zuzktv5
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Jakub Kronenberg @jakubkronenberg.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
At #BOU2026 I'm presenting a poster with preliminary findings on the arguments used to support #bird #conservation used by bird conservation organisations around the world. Based on 66 interviews with people from 39 bird conservation organisations!
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
1/ For #WorldAutismAwarenessDay we asked some of the members of the BTO team who are on the Autism spectrum to share their experiences of working for the organisation. At BTO we’re committed to becoming more inclusive, find out more about this work at www.bto.org/inclusivity
A Great Tit perches on a rock. A quote from a BTO staff member features alongside and reads: “I will forever be grateful to BTO for giving me a place I can belong. For me, BTO stands for finding Belonging Through Ornithology.” BTO logo is top right of the image.
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British Mycological Society @britmycolsoc.org.uk · 02/04/2026
Now is the time to recognise someone you know who is making an outstanding contribution to mycology! ➡️ Submit a nomination for the #BMSawards2026. Deadline: 31 May. Details: www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/awards.html
BMS Awards 2026 logoPuffball mushroom in grassAspergillus niger hyphae
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JNCC @jncc.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Our Impact Review 2024–2025 is out now! 🌱 🔗 jncc.gov.uk/news/impact-... It highlights a year of significant progress as we continue #TurningScienceIntoAction #ForNaturePeoplePlanet 🧵
JNCC Impact Review 2024–2025 cover featuring images of Yellow Waxcaps, a group discussion, a Small Tortoiseshell butterfly on flowers, and a person using a virtual‑reality headset, with the tagline ‘Turning science into action for nature, people and planet
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British Mycological Society @britmycolsoc.org.uk · 30/03/2026
If you're looking to give something back and support UK mycology, consider volunteering as a member of a BMS committee in Field Mycology & Conservation; Fungal Biology Research; or Fungal Education & Outreach. 👉 Find out what's involved here: www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/vacancies.html
Fungal researcher using a microscope in a lab.
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British Mycological Society @britmycolsoc.org.uk · 26/03/2026
The latest issue of 'Field Mycology' is now available online, and free to access. On the cover: Skeletocutis amorpha, a resupinate polypore with distinctive orange-pink tubes found on a coniferous stump in west Kent, UK. Photograph: Jasper Sharp. fieldmycology.org/index.php/jo...
Front cover of March 2026 issue of Field Mycology, published by the British Mycological Society
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JNCC @jncc.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
📢#JobOpportunity #WeAreSeeking an International Biodiversity Officer - to work with UK Overseas Territory governments & administrations to deliver robust evidence & expert advice to underpin our international conservation work. bit.ly/JNCCjob2026009 Closing date: Sunday 19 April 2026 #Biodiversity
A colour photograph of a St Helena waxbill (or common waxbill Estrilda astrild), perched on barbed wire.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Great opportunity to join BTO as Director of Country Operations! Apply online ➡️ www.bto.org/jobs 📝 £68,199 📆 Full time, Permanent. 📍 Stirling, Scotland, but we would consider BTO Cymru or Northern Ireland offices for the right candidate. 🖥️ Hybrid. Closing date: Tuesday 14 April. #Ornithology
A Stonechat perches on a yellow flowering Gorse bush. Wording alongside reads: We're Hiring. Director of Country Operations. www.bto.org/jobs. BTO logo is top right of the image.
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JNCC @jncc.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
📢#WeAreSeeking a Senior Marine Mammal Specialist to provide expert advice on conservation of marine mammals, & support secretariat function to UK strandings and bycatch initiatives Apply here👉 bit.ly/JNCCjob2026001 2 year fixed term | £41,525 | Hybrid working #JobOpportunity
A colour photograph of six dolphins swimming together.
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Matt Wood @woodmj.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
📢 #Postdoc in #seabird #demography Capture-recapture, IPMs and PVA. Analyses underway - great stage to join the project. Hybrid/remote possible. Apply: bit.ly/3P3yAM1 Please share widely, informal email enquiries welcome @theseabirdgroup.bsky.social @worldseabirdunion.bsky.social
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Morten Frederiksen @seabirdmortenf.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Big congrats to Johan Castenschiold for successfully defending his PhD thesis yesterday at Aarhus University! It was a pleasure to supervise with @sjurdur.bsky.social . Also thanks to @masden.bsky.social and Jonas Hentati-Sundberg for excellent questions!
Front cover of the thesis, entitled 'Eyes in the sky'. Photo of a magnificent bird cliff in the Faroes
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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
First confirmed cases of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV) on Gough Island represent one of the most geographically isolated detections of HPAIV to date. But how did it get there? Read on for a summary Full paper: doi.org/10.1080/2222... 🧪🪶🌍 #seabirds
A rainbow forms over Gough Island
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BirdLife Marine @birdlifemarine.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
🚨JOB ALERT🚨 We are looking for an emerging scientist with an interest in #seabirds and #conservation for a 🌟new scholarship position🌟 ⏱️Deadline: 13/03/2026 🐧Fixed term 12 months, 35 hrs/pw 📌Cambridge/ Hybird Come join our fantastic team! Full #job details ➡️ tinyurl.com/BLIemergings...
tinyurl.com
BirdLife Emerging Scientist Scholarship - BirdLife International
Are you seeking a career in conservation science and have a particular interest in seabirds or understanding species extinction risk? The BirdLife Emerging Scientist Scholarship could be for you.
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The Seabird Group @theseabirdgroup.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
⏳ Deadline approaching! This is a final reminder that our Training Grants closes on the 28th of February. If you are from a BAME background, and would like to gain seabird volunteering/ ringing experience we can provide support up to £250. For more info: www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/grants
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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
How do we protect wildlife from HPAI? Here, King Penguins vaxxed w self-amplifying mRNA 2344b H5 vaccine. Chicks followed for 250 days - good immune responses, no adverse effects. Good to see trials like this, protect species of conservation concern. 👉 www.nature.com/articles/s41...
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JNCC @jncc.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
📢#JobOpportunity #WeAreSeeking a Land Management Biodiversity Adviser We're looking for someone with knowledge of conservation and environmental issues and policy Based in Peterborough or Aberdeen but with hybrid working Closing date: 1 March 2026 bit.ly/3Ob2H3H
A colour photograph of a tree surrounded by cornfields.
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British Mycological Society @britmycolsoc.org.uk · 06/02/2026
BMS has over 40 affiliated local fungus groups across the UK, typically run by expert mycologist volunteers who record & monitor fungi, support conservation efforts, & help those new to fungi learn more 🍄 Find a UK fungus group near you: www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/recording-ne...
Photo of expert mycologist Geoffrey Kibby presenting in front of screen, on which there is a photo of fungi on a woodland floor.
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