Sign in

Kirsten Somerville

@kirstensom.bsky.social
306 followers 310 following 28 posts

PhD researcher at University of Glasgow. Researching storytelling in geographical and environmental education, teaching critical and academic literacies. #EducationForSustainability / #LearningDevelopment / #WideningParticipation

PostsRepliesMedia
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
The emergence of GenAI really brings into focus the distinction between belonging and mattering in Higher Education. When conformity to convention is prioritised over authentic contribution, those who already feel they don't belong are disproportionately incentivised to outsource their expression.
020
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
Writing up mantra, courtesy of Amyl and the Sniffers youtu.be/xYOjGaBY-20?...
Photo of a desktop monitor and keyboard with post-it notes reading "do it do it", "do it til it's done"
020
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
Anna Marchi 🌈 @journolinguist.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
This is brilliant: www.storiescourse.org/new free online ecolinguistics course "The Search for New Stories to Live By" (Arran Stibbe) discourses that can help build a fairer and more ecological world
storiescourse.org
The Search for New Stories to Live By
044
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
Hester Parr @hesterparr.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
Geographical and Earth Science (GES) at Glasgow has a new post! A ‘Creative Technologist’ for our new ‘Creative Impact Lab’! Working with human geographers, physical geographers and earth scientists - it’s going to be fun! Take a ganders and spread the word: www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs...
gla.ac.uk
University of Glasgow - Explore - Jobs at Glasgow - Appointments - Creative Lab Technologist [181033]
033
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
Reasons to love Elisée Reclus: the only geographer, to my knowledge, to have been immortalised in a punk song youtu.be/KMLPvseoF94?...
youtu.be
Justine- Elisez Reclus !
YouTube video by justinepunk
100
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
CommuniGALLANT @communigallant.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Libby Walker painted Glasgow from the @uofglasgow.bsky.social flagpole yesterday! What happens if every photo is a brushstroke, and together we paint Glasgow’s storybook? 📖🌍 That’s communiMap! We’re raffling Libby’s painting. Add a “spot” between 9–22 Sept to be in with a chance of winning :-)
095
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
Having completely overhauled my "What is Nature?" course in light of these principles - centring authentic, situated engagement with texts in pedagogy and assessment - seeing the sparks fly in class and in students' writing has made it all worthwhile.
010
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
"The real crisis is that the system itself has already reduced learning to a game where authentic engagement gets crowded out by the logic of accumulation and exchange." Insightful article on the structural incentivisation of AI outsourcing in #HigherEd trevoraleo.substack.com/p/against-sc...
trevoraleo.substack.com
Against Schoolish Reading and Writing
August’s arrival always heralds a few things for me: my vacation sunburn settling into a flaky golden brown, a flurry of summer projects around the house, and a slow turn towards the impending school ...
010
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
Currently overhauling my introductory "What is Nature?" course and delighted to discover a new book has been published on exactly this topic since I last taught it. Thanks @asleuki.bsky.social for a perfectly-timed announcement of your book prize shortlist! yalebooks.co.uk/book/9780300...
yalebooks.co.uk
The Story of Nature - Yale University Press London
The story of humanity’s evolving relationship with the natural world from pre-history to the present day   Nature has long been the source of huma...
010
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 02/08/2025
The end of the road? What The Salt Path scandal means for the nature memoir
theguardian.com
The end of the road? What The Salt Path scandal means for the nature memoir
It wasn’t the first hit memoir to tell a story of redemption inspired by the great outdoors – but could it become one of the last? Authors and publishers assess the damage
44211
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
University of Glasgow @glasgow.ac.uk · 17/07/2025
Say hello to #communiMap - a new community science app that helps you notice, share & map what matters in your neighbourhood - trees, wildlife, flooding & more. Co-designed by UofG's @communigallant.bsky.social & local communities — it's everyday noticing turned into climate action. gla.ac/4eVwYMU
An urban garden with planters and shingle. A garden table sits next to a poly tunnel with a plant pot on top. In the background are tenement flats and colourful bunting
02615
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
Just back from a fantastic experience at the International Conference of Historical Geographers at Fudan University, Shanghai. As well as catching up with my old #GeoEducation buddy Hermione, I gained new perspectives on my field, including the Scottish poet I wrote my undergraduate dissertation on!
A photograph of Kirsten and Hermione in front of the stage at the closing ceremony of the 18th International Conference of Historical Geographers.
000
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
Anita Holford @anitaholford.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
Fascinating & useful article 'What if we think of the arts as knowledge rich' by @patthomson.bsky.social on Cultural Learning Alliance website. Useful for anyone working in #artseducation. How do we translate into practical framing/messaging? www.culturallearningalliance.org.uk/think-of-art...
culturallearningalliance.org.uk
022
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
The Poetry Society @poetrysociety.org.uk · 02/06/2025
This #WorldPeatlandsDay we're sharing a new free learning resource all about poetry & peatland, created for our Bog Talk project. 🌿 designed for upper KS2 learners (but full of fun ideas for all!) 🌿 written by @clareshawpoet.bsky.social 🌿 illustrated by Louise Crosby 🔗 bit.ly/BogsTalking
Graphic with text reading Bogs Talking. New learning resource on poetry & peatland. bit.ly/BogsTalking. Resource written by Clare Shaw & illustrated by Louise Crosby. A pale green background with an illustration of sphagnum moss on the left, in shades of brown and ochre. Logos for The Poetry Society, South West Peatland Partnership, Natural England, National Trust, Renew Biodiversity and University of Exeter.
2225
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
SCILT @scilt.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
We're excited to announce that we're taking part in the Glasgow Science Festival! Come along to our session in partnership with @uofglasgow.bsky.social on 14 June and explore languages in nature at the Botanic Gardens! More info: loom.ly/xjOQ_Hk #GlaSciFest
002
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
"Our current crises stem from narrow, technocratic thinking: a mindset that externalised environmental harm, reduced nature to property, and prioritised short-term gain over long-term survival. The humanities help us challenge that logic." #EnvHum #HigherEducation #ESD wonkhe.com/blogs/our-fu...
wonkhe.com
Our future may depend on the humanities
For Peter Sutoris, the humanities hold the key to understanding and responding to the many civilisational crises we face
010
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
Finn Arne Jørgensen @finnarne.me · 20/05/2025
We are hiring a new PhD student in the history group @unistavanger.bsky.social. There are several possible topics, including «Intersections between history education and education for sustainable development/environmental citizenship», which should be interesting for the #envhist #envhum crowd.
12232
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
✍️ Words of the Wild is back — and submissions are OPEN! This year’s theme is From source to sea, exploring the journeys our rivers, coasts & wild waters inspire. 🌊 Full details + how to enter: bit.ly/4m1a4qQ #WordsOfTheWild #NatureWriting
2104
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
This month, we're discussing the affordances of drama for exploring the psychosocial dimensions of climate change in education. Join us this Wednesday at 4pm (UK time).
Flyer for the next session of the Creative Methods in Education for Sustainability Reading Group on Wednesday 7 May, 16:00-17:00 (BST). More info at tinyurl.com/creative-methods-EfS.
010
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Feeling energised after yesterday's PGR conference on Social and Environmental Sustainability at @uofgdumfries.bsky.social. It was a great prompt to consider my own work through the lens of the UN #SustainableDevelopmentGoals, as well as hearing a range of critical, cross-disciplinary perspectives.
Title slide of a presentation on "Storytelling in Education for Sustainable Development", with images of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
030
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
Volume 9 of [X]position, the undergraduate journal of @uofglasgow.bsky.social, showcases research across all four colleges on the theme of An Evolving Digital World. It was a privilege to mentor some of the authors through the publication process. Check it out! www.talkaboutx.net/xposition
talkaboutx.net
Home | Let's Talk About X
010
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
"There is much that could be learnt from the approach taken by Scotland. Its learning for sustainability vision takes a cross-curricular, solutions-focused approach." #NaturalHistoryGCSE #LearningForSustainability #ClimateChangeEducation theconversation.com/a-new-natura...
theconversation.com
A new natural history GCSE is welcome – but climate change needs to be part of the whole curriculum
Mathematical concepts could be introduced through calculating the effect of introducing solar panels on the school roof.
020
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
SCILT @scilt.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
❗New❗Launching this term, we are running a series of Open Access workshops for primary practitioners on the theme of outdoor learning🍃. These in-person workshops are free to attend. Sign up to the session closest to you: loom.ly/GVnjN3k
012
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Not @jstor.bsky.social embedding academic literacies into its citation tool. We love to see it! #AcademicLiteracies #LearningDevelopment
Screenshot of the JSTOR citation tool. Below the options to download reference files, a note reads: "Always review your references and make any necessary corrections before using. Pay attention to names, capitalization, and dates."
010
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
"We think of culture as this kind of side issue that our enemies use to distract people away from more material concerns, but that's exactly backwards." www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2...
theguardian.com
Ta-Nehisi Coates on why stories matter in the age of Trump – podcast
The award-winning writer Ta-Nehisi Coates on why US liberals have misunderstood the role culture plays in shaping politics
000
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
Another excellent episode of the Communicating Climate Change podcast on the transformative power of fiction, the kinds of stories we need now, and where to find them. open.spotify.com/episode/7KFZ...
open.spotify.com
Visions of Tomorrow’s World With Chinelo Onwualu
Communicating Climate Change · Episode
000
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
Empower Agency @empoweragency.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
"Without a bold narrative from people who are delivering the green transition we risk division and delay at the very moment we need unity and ambition." Great article from @climateoutreach.bsky.social on why communicating about climate action remains as important as ever 📣
011
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Excited for the 10th Anniversary of the Let's Talk About [X] conference #LTAX25 tomorrow and Friday @uofglasgow.bsky.social! We'll be showcasing undergraduate research across all four Colleges - check out the programme here: www.talkaboutx.net/letstalkaboutx
talkaboutx.net
Submitting and presenting | Let's Talk About X
000
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
CommuniGALLANT @communigallant.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
🚲 The GALLANT project is hosting cycling workshops for women and non-binary people in Glasgow. Join us to share your experiences and help make cycling in Glasgow more accessible! Workshops happening in Govanhill and West End this April. tinyurl.com/2b3x79tc
034
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
Prof Sam Illingworth @samillingworth.com · 17/03/2025
📚 The Living Mountain is about knowing nature, not trying to conqueror it. Nan Shepherd’s quiet landmark gets a new US edition with a foreword by @robgmacfarlane.bsky.social & afterword by @jennitaur.bsky.social. My @uk.theconversation.com review: theconversation.com/the-living-m... #SciComm
theconversation.com
The Living Mountain: why a second world war meditation on nature’s fragility and wonder is still relevant today
Nan Shepherd’s The Living Mountain is a meditation on the Cairngorms. Decades on, its quiet wisdom remains urgent, reminding us how to truly see nature.
082
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
Inspiring talk by @georgemonbiot.bsky.social at Words by the Water Keswick this evening, on the naturalisation of neoliberalism and the need for new narratives www.penguin.co.uk/books/455534...
Photograph of the stage at the Words by the Water festival
010
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
SCILT @scilt.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
📢 Deadline approaching for our Words for the World competition! Focusing on 'Water', learners design a postcard, including a written message to the First Minister, with their words of advice for the world. Submit entries by 22 March. More info: loom.ly/N2cC-3A #languages
002
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
University of Glasgow @glasgow.ac.uk · 11/03/2025
🌍 Sustainable Travel Week 2025 at UofG is here! Join in for free bike repairs, workshops, active travel events, and more to make your commute to campus greener. The programme runs until 15 March: gla.ac/3DlBVRb
 A poster for the University of Glasgow's Sustainable Travel Week 2025, taking place from 10th–15th March. The poster has a green and beige colour scheme and features an illustration of a smiling person wearing glasses, carrying a bag, and riding a bicycle. The text highlights cycling engagement events, social walks, freebies, workshops, and more. A QR code in the bottom right directs users to further details. The event website URL is displayed: https://gla.ac.uk/2025travelweek
042
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
Join us tomorrow to explore collaborative storytelling across disciplines in #EducationForSustainability #EfS
Flyer for the next session of the Creative Methods in Education for Sustainability reading group, Wednesday 5 March, 16:00-17:00 (GMT). More info at tinyurl.com/creative-methods-EfS
000
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
Alison Phipps አሊሰን @alisonphipps.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
Come and work with us! @uofgunescorila.bsky.social www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/research...
jobs.gla.ac.uk
Research Associate
Job PurposeTo make a leading contribution to the project Sustainable Designs for Living and Learning (SDLL): Embedding Multilingualism into Learning for Sustainability working with Lavinia Hirsu, D...
032
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
Scottish Poetry Library @byleaveswelive.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
WORDS OF THE WILD We’re sharing these fantastic classroom resources for teachers, bringing Scotland’s natural and literary heritage to life. Free, downloadable lesson plans for teachers and youth workers looking to inspire creativity in young people. www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/2025/02/hey-...
scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk
Hey! Teacher! Leaves and twigs and stones...
Free lesson resources for teachers plus the chance to win £200 in vouchers. In partnership with our friends at the Scottish Wildlife Trust, we’re sharing these fantastic classroom resources for teache...
053
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
TOMORROW: we'll be discussing how #drama can support #ClimateChangeEducation - come join us!
Flyer for the next session of the Creative Methods in Education for Sustainability Reading Group, Wednesday 5 February, 16:00-17:00. More info at tinyurl.com/creative-methods-EfS
010
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
Association for Scottish Literature @asls.org.uk · 14/01/2025
Global Burns 2025: Burns & the Environment 28 January, online – free Join @glasgowburns.bsky.social to explore Robert Burns & the environment. How did it influence his poetry? And how might we understand Burns in the context of contemporary environmental concerns? app.forumm.to/event/e4af57...
University of Glasgow

Global Burns 2025: Burns and the Environment

Join us online for discussion, laughter and an insight into the life and times of Robert Burns! 

Start Time/Date: Jan 28, 6:00 PM
End Time/Date: Jan 28, 7:00 PM
02114
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
Vojta Hybl @vojtahybl.com · 27/01/2025
Calling all artists and scientists! Do you want to elevate your field sketches? Or maybe you’d like to incorporate more science into your art practice? Join The Creative Geo Club on Patreon! 🪨🎨 www.patreon.com/c/vojtahybl Keep reading to learn more ⬇️ #SciArt #illustration #science
A sketchbook with a colourful drawing of mountains in the Scottish Highlands.A hand holding a sketchbook with a coloured pencil drawing of a sea arch, with the actual arch in the background of the photo.
3185
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Can I apply to a second PhD before I finish the first one...? I guess not, but I am *very* excited to follow this research into the environmental legacy of #RobertBurns
010
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
Scotland's Nature Student Conference 2026 @scotnsconf.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
Registration is open for Scotland's Nature Student Conference! snsconference.wixsite.com/2025. Click the link to register: forms.gle/sEhSQWsF5SXK...
snsconference.wixsite.com
Scotland's Nature Student Conference | Conference
Scotland's Nature Student Conference, formerly called the Scottish Ecology, Environment and Conservation Conference. Students based at every University and Research body are welcome to attend, and the...
133
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 19/01/2025
"Hero figures can motivate others to follow suit, but a University of Sydney study suggests the way the energy sector shapes this narrative sets individuals up to fail."
011
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 19/01/2025
“Taking a very character-based approach can help reveal aspects of future scenarios that you might not necessarily get from a more pulled-out approach.”
000
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
Julie's Bicycle @juliesbicycle.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
Calling young frontline storytellers! How do you envision a desirable climate future in 2075? Climate Futures invite you to submit a proposal to Climate Storytelling 2075 - an anthology series dedicated to exploring the complexities of climate change. Submit by 31 Jan >> tinyurl.com/32pkfp4k
tinyurl.com
Open Call for Proposals — Climate Storytelling 2075
102
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
Scottish Poetry Library @byleaveswelive.bsky.social · 23/12/2024
We have teamed up with Macondo Literary Festival to offer 2 Scottish & 2 Kenyan poets with the unique opportunity of a residency in March at the Turkana Basin Institute. Supported by British Council Scotland & Creative Scotland. ffi 👇 www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/disrupting-t...
scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk
Disrupting the Nature Narrative
Macondo Literary Festival and the Scottish Poetry Library invite poets in Kenya and Scotland to apply for a writing stay at the Turkana Basin Institute in Kenya.
11313
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
Critical media literacy is a vital part of #EducationForSustainability - great to see this addressed in professional learning for primary and secondary teachers in Scotland
020
Reposted by Kirsten Somerville
NiCHE Canada @nichecanada.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
Call for Participants – Environmental Humanities Summer School - University of Bristol- 6 to 26 July 2025 Early Bird Application Deadline: 1 March 2025 Final Deadline: 25 May 2025 niche-canada.org/2025/01/06/c... #envhist #envhum
niche-canada.org
Call for Participants - Environmental Humanities Summer School
6-26 July 2025 - University of Bristol - Consider how we can confront the realities of environmental change and develop new relationships with the wider natural world.
11310
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
The Creative Methods in Education for Sustainability reading group kicks off again tomorrow! We'll be discussing a topic close to my heart: "storytelling in troubled times". Message me for details if you'd like to join ✉️
Flyer for the upcoming meeting of the Creative Methods in Education for Sustainability reading group on Wednesday 8 January, 16:00-17:00 (GMT). More info at tinyurl.com/creative-methods-EfS.
010
Kirsten Somerville @kirstensom.bsky.social · 04/01/2025
Visit tinyurl.com/creative-methods-EfS for information about our reading group, details of upcoming meetings and previous readings, and contact details to get involved.
Screenshot of the Creative Methods in Education for Sustainability reading group webpage.
The "About" section reads: "A monthly online reading group for practitioners, researchers, and students interested in creative approaches to education for sustainability".
072