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Nicholas Carter

@neacarter.bsky.social
155 followers 100 following 49 posts

Lecturer and researcher, University of Oxford ‘Living Stone’ out on Penguin Viking Books in 2028 linktr.ee/neacarter

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Reposted by Nicholas Carter
Fraser MacDonald @frasermacdonald.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
I have some hot compost news
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Fiona Robertson @stonelands.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
The STONE LANDS pbk is coming 4th June, so here are some events! I'm very excited about these. The best thing about having published a book about my niche interest is getting to meet people who share it, so really hope you can come ❤️🪨
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
There’s no wind like an Orkney wind…💨 Long-awaited visit to the Comet Stone this weekend, a nearly 2-metre high Neolithic monolith 140 metres southeast of the Ring of Brodgar, or Temple of the Sun, in Orkney, Scotland. The lichens glowing in the smirr. #StandingStoneSunday
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Heading up to Orkney and Skara Brae with my lenses for a spot of book-related lichenology accompanied by this rather wonderful companion by @jeffreyjcohen.bsky.social. I’m all in on this creaturely mineral ride.
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Oxford Earth Sciences @oxuniearthsci.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
We are hiring! Postdoctoral Research Assistant in lithium behaviour in volcano-sedimentary systems The deadline for applications is 18th May 2026 Apply now: www.earth.ox.ac.uk/vacancies
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
Fresh from my talk at the British Lichen Society AGM in Carlisle; a short trip over to Keswick to see Castlerigg Stone Circle. A light shower meant the lichens got a glow up, with the Rhizocarpon Geographicum (Map Lichens) present truly luminous! #StandingStoneSunday #CastleriggStoneCircle #lichens
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The British Lichen Society @britishlichensociety.org.uk · 30/01/2026
The British Lichen Society’s AGM 2026 is in full swing. After a day of productive meetings, we are now so lucky to have our keynote speaker, Dr. Nicholas Carter to share with us his work on the lichens of Blenheim Palace. Great turn out for this fascinating talk. #lichens @neacarter.bsky.social
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
Thank you so much @britishlichensociety.org.uk for the invitation - the honour was all mine #lichens
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
Birth of the Gurdy Stone, 29th April, 2023, near Lewes, East Sussex. Awestruck, I wondered what lichens would eventually find it? Would this two-tonne tower of Welsh slate attract ones otherwise absent, the Stone a new island, a hillside beacon of biodiversity? Time will tell. #StandingStoneSunday
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 25/12/2025
Christmas Day 2025, Port Meadow, Oxford
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 21/12/2025
A little charity shop find… a merry festive season to all and a joyful winter solstice to boot. Managed to capture the light and eventually lined it up between the stones 🪨🌞🪨 #StandingStoneSunday #Stonehenge
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
I was thrilled to attend the final day of the Ithell Colquhoun exhibition at Tate Britain in London recently. This stunning painting is called ‘Dance of the Nine Opals’ and is inspired by the Merry Maidens stone circle near Lamorna, Cornwall (1) #StandingStoneSunday
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
The Memory Stones on the Isle of Portland in Dorset have been positioned for the sun to cast shadows throughout the year, marking the equinoxes and the solstices. The nearby ‘One Island Many Visions’ exhibition celebrates them in sculpture and light. #StandingStoneSunday
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
National Year of Reading 2026: Oxford Geography 
We @oxfordgeography.bsky.social are ready to GO ALL IN (www.goallin.org.uk ) and will be publishing a list of essential Geography reads on our website in preparation for the National Year of Reading 2026… (1)
goallin.org.uk
GO ALL IN | National Year of Reading 2026
The National Year of Reading 2026 invites the UK to rediscover the joy of reading. Whatever you’re into – music, films, food or anything – reading can take your passions further. Join the movement and...
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Peter Ross @peteralanross.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
I'm thrilled that Upon A White Horse is going to be Radio 4's Book Of The Week. The first episode, which is on Stonehenge, will be on December 8 at 11.45am – and then there will be a reading from a different part of the book every day up to and including December 12. I hope you'll enjoy listening.
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
It’s said that two stone circles stood either side of Easton Lane on the Isle of Portland in Dorset until they were removed by workmen and built into the walls along the road. I took these photos whilst on a field trip with my students recently. #StandingStoneSunday
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
Joy oh joy! #whenyouknowyouknow @stoneclub.bsky.social
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
Had a lovely time chatting to Ellie, The Curious Geographer, about stone lichens and how they challenge our thinking about the natural world and our cultural heritage @britishlichensociety.org.uk @oxfordgeography.bsky.social youtu.be/9tO_5yBvQmw
youtu.be
Dr Nicholas Carter on the fascinating world of Lichens!
YouTube video by the curious geographer
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Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford @ecioxford.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
New Nature Energy @nature.com study shows the UK can reach net zero faster, cheaper & with fewer risks by cutting energy demand. ECI’s Prof Christian Brand @profchristianbrand.bsky.social led the transport analysis in this unique gov–research collaboration. ➡️: www.eci.ox.ac.uk/news/less-en...
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School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford @oxfordgeography.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
👋 Welcome to the School of #Geography & the Environment @ox.ac.uk! We’re a world-leading department tackling global challenges through research and teaching. Follow us + @ecioxford.bsky.social @tsuoxford.bsky.social @oxfordsmithschool.bsky.social for updates from our SoGE community. 🌍
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Prof Alexandra Pitman @alexandrapitman.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
Key findings: 1 of 3: Nature exposure is consistently linked to better mental health and higher wellbeing, whereas certain urban characteristics are associated with poorer mental health and increased substance use.
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Dr Rachel Delman @racheldelman.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
‘If we are seeking to reassert women’s presence in our public spaces, where better to look than to the very legacies they themselves constructed’. My latest article for @uk.theconversation.com is inspired by a new statue of @ballioloxford.bsky.social’s co-founder, Dervorguilla of Galloway.
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
It’s been a fantastic field trip on the Isle of Portland with the @oxfordgeography.bsky.social 1st Year geographers. Coast, quarry and sculpture exhibition all feeding keen senses of enquiry. Think one or two may have caught the lichen bug too.
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
It’s not every day you sign your first book deal. Delighted that ‘Living Stone’ has found a home at Penguin Books. Publishing Spring 2028. As time goes on, I’m going to post about the writing of it over on Instagram. But for now here’s Cormoran’s stony heart on my author guide 🐧❤️
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The Linnean Society of London @linneansociety.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
Step inside the world of green careers: from hidden paths you’ve never considered, to hands-on roles shaping the future of our planet. Talk to the people already out there and hear how they got their start. Build practical skills that help you move forward and look great on your CV. buff.ly/jnpm93w
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 27/09/2025
Great evening with @racheldelman.bsky.social and @stoneclub.bsky.social at @soanemuseum.bsky.social last night for Fragments and Ruins. An unfolding labyrinth of stony wonder introduced by the magical words of the late, great Brian Catling. Thank you to all!
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Stone Club @stoneclub.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
Its here! The first ever Ancient Times, our new zine covering everything stone related and beyond. This issue contains French Megaliths, Daniel Gumb, Flint, Stonehenge, Druids and more! 40 pages of stone-mania. Copies will be shipped in October. stoneclub.bigcartel.com/product/anci...
The front cover of Ancient Times zine
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
It was a huge honour to be welcomed into the @linneansociety.bsky.social recently as a new Fellow. Such a beautiful building, packed full of nature’s stories.
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Stone Club @stoneclub.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
The time is nigh! Something new is coming. It’s in the woods. It’s coming! Send us your submissions! Articles! Photo diaries! Reviews! Enthusiasms! Unexpected Tales! UFO Sightings! Favourite Stones! Whatever takes your fancy! Email us via our contact form on the website, or slide into our DMs 😉
A stone club poster for all of you to suggest your ideas for publication
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
Looking forward to talking about the lichens and the living stone of Blenheim Palace on this course for Oxford Lifelong Learning on October 7th. Places still available! lifelong-learning.ox.ac.uk/courses/natu...
lifelong-learning.ox.ac.uk
Nature in the Historic Built Environment: How to Make the Most of it
Managing nature around historic buildings can be a challenge. But it also presents exciting opportunities for engagement and conservation. This course will introduce new research, policy trends and ca...
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 07/09/2025
Oh my, what an amazing opportunity in such a wonderful location :)
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Angeline Morrison @angelcakepie2.bsky.social · 31/08/2025
Save the date! Saturday 4 October is a Black British Folk Renaissance and you are invited. I’ve nurtured this idea for a few years now, so I’m thrilled that @efdss.bsky.social will be hosting it at @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social See you there! 🖤 www.efdss.org/whats-on/26-...
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
Thank you for having me over @blenheimpalace.bsky.social for an armchair talk (sorry, couldn’t help but prowl for most of it!) about my research into Blenheim’s lichens and seeing stone differently. And so glad the escaped convict’s skull dressed in glorious Parmelia didn’t cause too great a stir ☠️🦠
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
Wonderful evening with the brilliant Matthew and Lally at @stoneclub.bsky.social. Particularly listening to @lallymacbeth.bsky.social talking about all things folk and my old stomping ground of Painswick in Gloucestershire… just don’t mention the song ;)
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 27/07/2025
Sandstone @harvingtonhall.bsky.social, framing, bridging, laying foundations. Depth, warmth, colour #Stone #Sandstone #HistoricBuildings #Buildings #Weathering
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
Very much looking forward to this. I’ll be talking about my research into Blenheim’s lichens, their cultural history and the life of stone. Hope to see you there! Date: Tuesday 29th July, 6pm Place: Blenheim Palace blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/event…
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Di Napier @larkinlichen.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
#lichenGBI Caloplaca teicholyta with apothecia. First time I’ve seen it fertile. On calcareous ironstone, Warwickshire, UK. Used video to catch the red reaction on the apothecial section, as it dissolved out rapidly. The soredia gave a faint pinkish reaction to K (not really ‘dull violet’) >
Whitish crustose lichen with white/brownish soredia and dark red apothecia with pale rims A non-fertile example. Whitish crustose lichen with white/brownish sorediaThe edge of a non-fertile example. White lobes, and white/brownish soredia away from the edgeSection of apothecium in KOH. The upper layer of the apothecium (dull reddish in water) turned bright red in KOH, but rapidly dissolved and dispersed. More or less continuous green algal layer below the hymenium.
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Sim Elliott @sim-elliott.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
The @britishlichensociety.org.uk LEAF course taught me that my road, Brighton, is typical of Xanthoria parietina-Physconia grisea community (Physcietum ascendentis): well-lit trees, urban areas: Hyperphyscia adglutinata, Phaeophyscia orbicularis, Physconia grisea, Physcia adscendens & X. parietina
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
Stepped into the wonderful world of tree lichens this weekend with @britishlichensociety.org.uk in Somerset. It’s both challenged and enriched how I think about rock and stone lichens and I’ll be exploring those crevices more closely from now on 🔬👀
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Natural history museums are our most complete records of life on Earth and environmental change. Great talk by @jackdashby.bsky.social at @morethanadodo.bsky.social this evening. And what a lovely book cover 🐚💚
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Nicholas Carter @neacarter.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
Delighted my new article on stone lichens and conservation is out with @uk.theconversation.com. It’s time to think differently about stone… theconversation.com/how-lichens-...
theconversation.com
How lichens are bringing stone to life and reconnecting us with the natural world
Lichens bridge the living and non-living – understanding them allows us to better see how to conserve our heritage, and also ourselves.
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Julian Hoffman @julianhoffman.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
LIFELINES is published today, 25 years after my wife and I arrived in northern Greece with the aim of changing our lives. It's a book about shelter and generosity, borders and brown bears, people and pelicans. It's about how the lifelines of the world hold together the greater home of us all.
A copy of the book LIFELINES stood in a granite rock with the mountains and lakes of Prespa in the background.
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Rob Yaxley @robyaxley.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
A patch of licheny material on a mossy brick wall in my garden looks to be Vezdaea leprosa, with tiny loosely organised apothecia and long squirly paraphyses. 1st occurrence in VC28.
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Di Napier @larkinlichen.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
Interesting link to article about different perceptions of lichen interactions with building stone
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Chris Cant @chriscant.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
On the wee red hill An Ruadh Mheallan in Torridon, on the way down at 500m asl we saw a lot of Alectoria nigricans lichen on top of an erratic sandstone boulder above the gneiss, presumably out of reach of munchers and tramplers. #LichenGBI
Alectoria nigricans on the top right of this boulderAlectoria nigricans with a bilberry flower for scaleAlectoria nigricans showing the paler basal stems with pseudocyphellae - and darker pointed tips on the rightTufts of Alectoria nigricans hopefully visible on top of the boulder
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Konrad Emil Schönfelder @brustringer.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
"Arguably, much of how we define something depends on our relationship with it and how we choose to see it. How we value the living in relation to the non-living plays out in how we define lichens; we need to acknowledge the importance and value of both. In doing so...
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Anthony Speca | Aspen Ecology @aspenecology.com · 19/05/2025
Inspiring article ⬇️ about #lichens, stone, conservation, reconnection. In my experience, strange beauty, diversity and vitality of lichens has special power to 're-enchant' nature. People who take lichen walks and workshops with me all marvel to discover this secret world right under their noses!
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School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford @oxfordgeography.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
Congratulations to @neacarter.bsky.social for the publication of this fascinating article on stone lichens, which is also a runner up for this year’s Conversation Prize! 🏆 #AcademicSky #Geography #Geosky #Conservation
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School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford @oxfordgeography.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
A team led by Prof Louise Slater has created the most complete #map of the world’s #rivers ever made, offering a major leap forward for flood prediction, #climate risk planning, & water resource management. Read more: www.geog.ox.ac.uk/news/grit-re...
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Alison Smith @eci-bio.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Check our our tool for finding suitable indicators to monitor biodiversity and soil health - the paper is published today! www.smithschool.ox.ac.uk/news/researc... @naturerecovery.bsky.social @naturebasedsols.bsky.social
smithschool.ox.ac.uk
Researchers create “one-stop shop” for effective monitoring of Nature-based Solutions
From the UK’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to the Biodiversity Monitoring Framework agreed at COP16, there is an increasing recognition that nature and biodiversity projects require ...
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