Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 05/07/2026Great to make an appearance in Abridged magazine, with a poem inspired by litter on the banks of the River Don near Penistone. Well, there weren’t any Grecian urns to be found. 010
Reposted by Julian DobsonArea @areajournal.bsky.social · 04/06/2026Check out @juliandobson.bsky.social's recent Area paper on civic geographies of care, featured in last month's RGS-IBG Journals highlights ⬇️ 011
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 04/06/2026Great to be back in @blacknorereview.bsky.social with this #poem inspired by the Howgills. 020
Reposted by Julian DobsonProf Bill McGuire @profbillmcguire.bsky.social · 23/04/2026The early wildfire season continues up here in the English Peak District Doesn't bode well for what could be blisteringly hot summer www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukCrews tackle two 'significant' Peak District wildfires in 24 hoursFire officials says 800,000 sq m of moorland was affected and warned people to be responsible. 03923
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 20/04/2026Do you live or work in South Yorkshire? If so, what does the River Don mean to you? Sewage? Filth? Or recovery and the return of salmon and otters? Come and explore what it means to be an ecological citizen at one of our workshops next month: forms.office.com/e/3jS3hgAp3P 172
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 02/03/2026A little word of praise for independent poetry publishers. Thanks to @inksweatandtears.co.uk for taking this! 021
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 19/02/2026Lovely to be back in Stand with a couple of poems, including one about Sheffield’s own Shepherd Wheel. A little taster in the photo for you. 000
Reposted by Julian DobsonBlack Bough Poetry @blackboughpoetry.bsky.social · 28/12/2025Julian Dobson takes to the allotment on Christmas Eve in our Christmas-winter anthology. 🎄 ❄️ @juliandobson.bsky.social www.blackboughpoetry.com/news 0112
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 10/09/2025Brunnenmarkt, Vienna: the common good not as a benefit bestowed by planners but as emergent and fluid, generated through the everyday exchanges of some of the city’s most precarious residents. 010
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 11/07/2025Well, who’d have thought it? High streets do better in wealthier places. —— So we need to build wealth in the communities that don’t have it, in ways that lock the benefits into those communities. And that’s what the big-ticket investments consistently fail to do. 020
Reposted by Julian DobsonHigher Education Policy Institute @hepi-news.bsky.social · 07/07/2025New Post: Can a university be civic if it fails to invest in local relationships? www.hepi.ac.uk/2025/07/07/c... 012
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 07/07/2025Universities risk losing focus, memory, credibility and relevance as they strip back their civic work at a time when they are being called on to better serve their communities. New research from @cresr-shu.bsky.social out now. Blogged at @hepi-news.bsky.social: www.hepi.ac.uk/2025/07/07/c...hepi.ac.ukCan a university be civic if it fails to invest in local relationships? - HEPIThe Government wants English universities to play a greater civic role in their localities. But new research shows universities are failing to invest in the people who perform this work, putting local... 164
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 24/06/2025In which my @cresr-shu.bsky.social colleague Jamie Redman and I get to grips with the question of environmental wellbeing: what environment, whose wellbeing, and what about those who cause harm? Free to read. www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....tandfonline.comEnvironmental wellbeing: a concept and principles for research, policy and actionEnvironmental wellbeing is often referred to in academic literature but seldom defined. This article provides two contributions to knowledge: (1) developing an integrated concept of environmental w... 030
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 20/06/2025There’s nothing like turning up at the allotment at 6am just before the solstice… 040
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 03/06/2025Really pleased to be working with @ella-hubbard.bsky.social and @riverdonproject.bsky.social on this - a chance to understand the rich variety of relationships between people and the river than connects South Yorkshire. 110
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 08/05/2025A short poem about long Sunday mornings. Thanks to @benbanyard.bsky.social for taking this for Black Nore Review. blacknorereview.wordpress.com/2025/05/08/j...blacknorereview.wordpress.comJulian Dobson – “Sabbath”Sabbath I’d observe a cherry tree through the arch whisking through seasons while Sunday sermons drifted over me in spent blossom. At the time I’d missed the point of boredom, which was only partly… 051
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 01/05/2025I've reviewed Robert Macfarlane's new book, Is A River Alive? for The Conversation 📚 It's a great read 🌳 It's an urgent call for new ways of relating to the natural world 😀 It’s timely inspiration for everyone who wants systems for mutual flourishing theconversation.com/robert-macfa...theconversation.comRobert Macfarlane’s new book is a plea to feel the pulse of our riversRobert Macfarlane’s new book asks a simple question that poses a profound challenge to environmental policy and the drive for economic growth. 020
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 30/04/2025Always nice to see a bike shed in full bloom. 030
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 26/04/2025Fascinating conversations and challenging discussions at the ‘Meeting of Rivers’ workshop in Sheffield today. Kudos to the person who picked the room. 040
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 21/04/2025Embracing the bank holiday spirit: Easedale Tarn, Stickle Tarn, Elterwater and Loughrigg Tarn. 040
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 18/04/2025It’s the sort of weekend (gloomy, ominous, unpromising) when thoughts turn to Lake District hillwalking. Here’s my take on the Kentmere round, just out in And Other Poems: andotherpoems.com/2025/04/16/a... 041
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 06/04/2025Plum and damson blossom against a cloudless sky. The allotment is waking up, and thirsty already. 190
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 14/03/2025An impressive range of responses to the River Don at the Faethm exhibition at Kelham Island, Sheffield. Industry, history, poetry, litter and the backdrop of an unfolding ecological crisis. 170
Reposted by Julian DobsonPaul Connolly @thepaulconnolly.bsky.social · 10/03/2025Perhaps my favourite starter pack: #poets with collections - finished, WiP - they want to share. Let me know if you'd like to be included. Publishers, reach out to these fine people. There's gold in here. Everyone else, please follow and repost #booksky #poetrycommunity #writingcommunity #vss365 185634
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 10/03/2025Great to have a snippet in this fine zine today. 281
Reposted by Julian DobsonGarry Kasparov @garrykasparov.bsky.social · 28/02/2025I started today’s “Putinization of America” article for the Atlantic before the Trump-Zelensky meeting was announced, but I have a bad track record when it comes to hoping I’m wrong. It could’ve been scripted by Putin, especially Vance’s attacks. Maybe it was. www.theatlantic.com/internationa...theatlantic.comThe Putinization of AmericaTrump’s deference to the Russian dictator has become full-blown imitation. 28880275
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 28/02/2025Once he’s had his free banquet at Balmoral, Trump will show the same level of respect to us. The only difference is that our survival isn’t at stake, yet. 020
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 27/02/2025It’s the middle of the night, it’s raining, and I’m walking across Sheffield. Here’s what it feels like. Thanks to Ink Sweat & Tears for finding a home for this today. inksweatandtears.co.uk/julian-dobso...inksweatandtears.co.ukJulian Dobson | Ink Sweat and Tears 010
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 26/02/2025This is what a free press should do. www.nature.com/articles/d41...nature.comTrump 2.0: an assault on science anywhere is an assault on science everywhereUS President Donald Trump is taking a wrecking ball to science and to international institutions. The global research community must take a stand against these attacks. 022
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 23/02/2025Great to have a couple of pieces in the latest Tears in the Fence - and to be in the company of such luminaries as @steveeely.bsky.social and @hannahl1n.bsky.social 261
Reposted by Julian DobsonChaucer Doth Tweet @levostregc.bsky.social · 21/02/2025You kan not run educacioun lyke a businesse. A businesse ys meant to make a profit. Educacioun ys meant to make the future. A businesse ys meant to serve customers. Educacioun ys meant to empower citizens. 941992
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 21/02/2025Morning run, and the song thrushes are tuning up - and spotted my first dipper of the year by the stream. ‘For all this*, nature is never spent’… we hope, still. *and yes, there’s an ever scarier amount of ‘this’, even from people who should know better. 130
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 18/02/2025📣 New article klaxon: with my @cresr-shu.bsky.social colleague Femi Owolade I’ve been reflecting on universities’ civic impact. Findings published today in the Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management: www.tandfonline.com/eprint/3M9CS...tandfonline.comResourcing universities to increase their civic impact: meeting challenges of communication, complexity and commitmentThe 21st century has witnessed an increasing focus on universities’ civic role and their impacts on the social and economic wellbeing of their communities. Recent work in the UK has emphasised the ... 151
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 16/02/2025Celebrating surrealist landscapes: both inside and outside the Hepworth Wakefield. Catch it while it’s still in your subconscious. 010
Reposted by Julian DobsonPeter Geoghegan @petergeoghegan.bsky.social · 15/02/2025"Democracy will not go down without a fight" @kimlanelaw.bsky.social explains Trump’s power grab and what can be done to stop the destruction of American democracy in latest Democracy for Sale Highly recommended reading this in full democracyforsale.substack.com/p/the-poster...democracyforsale.substack.com“The poster child for autocracy”: how to understand Trump’s regimeAuthor and legal expert Kim Lane Schepelle explains Trump’s power grab and what can be done to stop the destruction of American democracy 20226125
Reposted by Julian DobsonLondon Review of Books @lrb.co.uk · 14/02/2025‘The Israeli aerial bombing of Gaza may have lessened but it has not stopped; nor has the killing of Palestinians by other means. More than a hundred people have been killed since the ceasefire.’ Selma Dabbagh on the blog: www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2025/fe...lrb.co.ukSelma Dabbagh | RansackedOn 9 February, two branches of the Muna family’s bookshops in East Jerusalem were ransacked by Israeli police. They... 22413
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 12/02/2025‘In this emergency, I think it likely that we are going to need to pitch a very big tent and invite everyone in who doesn’t want to live in a dictatorship…’ Wise words from @rebeccasolnit.bsky.social - well worth subscribing to her newsletter at this moment. 030
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 02/02/2025A poem for the weekend. There’s a load of painting to be done, so here are a few decorator’s tips. This one appeared last year in the much-missed Dreich. #poetsonbluesky 020
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 29/01/2025‘To write fully aware and reflexive poetry about the modern world necessarily involves an engagement with the Apocalyptic’ - a timely anthology from @steveeely.bsky.social and Valley Press, and great to hear featured poets at the launch this evening. 040
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 27/01/2025 Great to see this collaboration between @sheffieldhallamuni.bsky.social and the River Don Project taking shape - exploring relationships between people and the more-than-human. blogs.shu.ac.uk/c3riimpact/f...blogs.shu.ac.ukfæthm: exploring curation with the River Dôn 13-16 March 2025 - The CCRI Impact Blogfæthm: exploring curation with the River Dôn Kelham Island Industrial Museum and The River Dôn Thursday 13th – Sunday 16th March 2025 Opening times Thurs: 10-4 Fri: 10-4 Sat: 10-4 Sun: 11-4 Our entan... 131
Reposted by Julian DobsonThe Conversation UK @uk.theconversation.com · 15/01/2025Retraumatisation can lead to mental health crises including suicidal thoughts and actions, self-harm and agoraphobia.theconversation.comI work with abuse survivors in Rotherham – the current discussion about grooming gangs risks retraumatising themRetraumatisation can lead to mental health crises including suicidal thoughts and actions, self-harm and agoraphobia. 093
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 20/01/2025“The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity.” For Trump’s second coming, Yeats’s The Second Coming. 010
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 19/01/2025A poem for the weekend. In a week when a felon returns to power, here’s one about another act of rehabilitation. Published back in 2016 in the late lamented Poets’ Republic. #poetsonbluesky #monarchy 040
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 16/01/2025When in hell, it’s helpful to know where you are. Thanks to @armenikus.bsky.social and his excellent Dante read-along for this handy piece of public signage. 1120
Reposted by Julian DobsonMalcolm Tait @malcolmtait.bsky.social · 14/01/2025Our article in the Conversation - reveals that only half of ecological features required on new housing estates are actually there. It's a systemic problem of housebuilders not putting them in, management companies not maintaining them and a lack of enforcement theconversation.com/property-dev...theconversation.comProperty developers installing as few as half of promised ecological features – new reportA new report highlights the extent that housing developers fail to deliver on their ecological commitments. 32814
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 12/01/2025A poem for the weekend, from Ink Sweat & Tears. A few years back I did a series of interviews at an organisation in crisis. Every time I turned up the offices were emptier. Some of the scenes might sound familiar. #poetsonbluesky 071
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 11/01/2025Witch hazel season in Sheffield Botanic Gardens. Enough to warm the heart but not the hands. 0143
Julian Dobson @juliandobson.bsky.social · 10/01/2025Very happy to see restoring nature and widening access at the heart of the new @nationaltrust.bsky.social strategy. Possibly the most encouraging news I’ve seen this week. 141