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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

I've written Joe Harkness's obituary for the Guardian. I hope it pays good tribute to a wonderful man who was brave, honest and made the world a better place. www.theguardian.com/environment/...

theguardian.com

Joe Harkness obituary

Writer, teacher and naturalist who explored the effects of the natural world on neurodivergency

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Gorgeous visit to the sunny Lincolnshire coast yesterday to see the latest golf course given back to nature. Credit to @nationaltrust.org.uk for being brave. This is nature as human regen too – fantastic new green infrastructure for Mablethorpe and Sutton-on-Sea. www.theguardian.com/environment/...

theguardian.com

Skylarks and sandwich terns among new birdies on reserve created from ‘boring old golf course’

National Trust has transformed Sandilands in Lincolnshire into a nature reserve with wetlands and wading pools

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Surprisingly, Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris didn’t pour themselves a Guinness during their epic signing queue at Epic, Norwich, last night. It was a fabulous Book of Birds evening. Many thanks to the great crowd and to @norwichartscentre.bsky.social for hosting us.

Robert Macfarlane turning and smiling at the camera while signing The Book of Birds with Jackie Morris signing books beside him. Behind them is a bar and a sign saying Guinness Self-Pour. Neither writer nor artist has a drink in front of them!

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Reposted by Patrick Barkham

Nic Wilson @nicwilson.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Very much looking forward to celebrating autumn, nature writing & John Clare's poetry in the beautiful setting of Clare Cottage in Helpston on Monday 12 Oct: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/writing-th... Everyone welcome. No writing experience necessary. #johnclare #naturewriting @johnclare.bsky.social

eventbrite.co.uk

Writing the Rural Seasons: Colours of Autumn

Guardian Country Diarist Nic Wilson explores the spirit of autumn through creative writing, taking inspiration from Clare’s nature poems

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Also going to bang on about more literary legends talking in Norfolk. The Mannington Book Bash is simply the nicest small literary festival. This Fri, I'm interviewing Jackie Morris. On Sat, I'm talking to Norfolk legends Norman Lamb and Delia Smith. Both are brilliant! mannington.co.uk/book-bash/

mannington.co.uk

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Going to bang on about this a few more times because it is tomorrow, 24th, in Norwich, and it's a really special treat! Wainwright Prize winners 2026 Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris are talking about their gorgeous BOOK OF BIRDS (I'll be interviewing them) at 7.30pm. Last few tickets left!

Image shows pic of Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris beneath the green-leafed branches of a huge tree, with details of the evening in Norwich at Epic Studios on 24 September, talking about their bestselling, prize-winning Book of Birds.

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

There won’t be two more interesting people speaking in Norwich this Thursday!

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Can't quite believe I will be interviewing 2x Norfolk legends in the space of a day next weekend – Norman Lamb (brilliant new book about how to fix mental health treatment) and DELIA SMITH (amazing new book about how to fix the world). At the Book Bash. You're invited! mannington.co.uk/book-bash/

mannington.co.uk

Book Bash - Mannington

The Mannington Book Bash is a boutique literary festival in the heart of North Norfolk, curated by multi-award-winning independent bookshop, The Book Hive.

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

My beautiful 1-bed cottage in Wells-next-the-Sea is surprisingly available for most of Oct. The season of geese, sunsets and hot chips! It's a blessed retreat for writing, walking, swimming, bird-watching, sea-watching. Book directly with Lisa for best rates www.glavenvalley.co.uk/holiday-cott...

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Rest in peace, Joe Harkness. I was shocked and gutted when I heard the news. He was a generous, inspirational teacher and such an important writer. He was brutally honest, inclusive and funny too. When I interviewed him last summer (below) he was so full of life. www.theguardian.com/environment/...

theguardian.com

‘Intrinsically connected’: how human neurodiversity could help save nature

Biodiversity is linked to people’s diversity, and nature lends itself to people who are different, says author Joe Harkness

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Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

The amazing disappearing woodland target! 🌳 In their 2021 Vision, Dartmoor National Park Authority set a goal to create 2,000 hectares of new broadleaf woodland (image 1). In their reissued 2026 Vision, DNPA have now... deleted any target for creating woodland on Dartmoor! (image 2) 🤪

Dartmoor National Park Authority's 2021 Vision, showing target 2: "2,000 hectares of new broadleaf woodland across Dartmoor".

Dartmoor National Park Authority's 2026 Vision, showing target 2: "Peatland and woodlands are being enhanced and managed to store carbon and strengthen soils and ecosystems". The previous target to create 2,000 hectares of new broadleaf woodland has been deleted.

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Right Norfolk dwellers, you've got the 2026 WAINWRIGHT PRIZE WINNERS Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris talking in Norwich next Thursday. Tickets not quite sold out yet. Come along, they are both amazing. And deserved winners! www.theguardian.com/books/2026/s...

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Will next year see a butterfly slump after this year's lovely year of (relative) abundance? I spoke to Matthew Oates and Richard Fox to find out more. Personally, I'm hopeful. www.theguardian.com/environment/...

theguardian.com

Record heatwaves bring Britain’s second-best butterfly season in 16 years

Volunteers counted almost 1.4m common butterflies and moths, with painted ladies up 335% on last year

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Norfolkians! This is a HUGE autumn highlight – the star of this year's Reith Lectures, Robert Macfarlane, and wonder-artist Jackie Morris talking about their beautiful Book of Birds at Epic Studios. Sept 24th. (I'll be asking the questions, and I can't wait.) Tickets miraculously still available.

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

More marathon-running badgers! Great work Nik Shelton, who has a much better badger head than I did, and is raising money for The Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants, one of the most dynamic Wildlife Trusts who are doing fantastic work for local nature. www.justgiving.com/page/nik-she...

justgiving.com

Running with Team Badger at the Great Eastern Run this Brocktober! 🦡

Help Nik Shelton raise money to support The Wildlife Trust BCN

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Reposted by Patrick Barkham

Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Today about 100 people took part in a mass trespass in the Prime Minister’s constituency. There’s a right to roam over just 1% of Makerfield, & today the landowner proved our point for us: putting up fencing & calling the police. @andyburnham.bsky.social - please open the door to the countryside!

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Nick Acheson @themarshtit.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

We did a thing swla.co.uk/support-us/t...

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Lovely exhibition surrounded by autumnal loveliness just outside the window at Knepp. It’s on for the next month if you’re near West Sussex… www.theguardian.com/environment/...

theguardian.com

Artist delights in beautiful ‘mess’ and dead trees of England’s rewilding sites

Rebecca Howard spent two years visiting projects and painting landscapes that feature in West Sussex exhibition

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Mark Avery @markavery.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

All those released Pheasants don't help.

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

North Sea, Nature Untamed is essential cinematic viewing for anyone who has ever gazed upon the North Sea and wondered why it is so brown?! (Maggi Hambling once told me off for saying so. "It's bronze, darling," she said.) www.theguardian.com/film/2026/se...

theguardian.com

‘Sharks are my film stars’: how the Jacques Cousteau of the North Sea finally unlocked its beauty

Epic plankton blooms make filming in the North Sea notoriously difficult. But a new documentary gives a rare glimpse of the kaleidoscopic life – seals, sharks, tuna, orcas and shorthorn sculpins – lur...

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George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

It's not often you can pinpoint real, positive change a journalist has caused. But as Turkmeni sources state, @dpcarrington.bsky.social's persistent and probing coverage of this issue has been critical to a change of policy, with massive implications. Big congrats www.theguardian.com/environment/...

theguardian.com

‘Breakthrough’ as Turkmenistan starts fixing ‘mindboggling’ methane mega-leaks

Secretive state begins repairs on ageing facilities after being revealed as worst country for leaks of potent greenhouse gas

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

This is unreal. In 2025, water companies in England and Wales reported 8,576 "dry spill" raw sewage discharges (ie, not when "overwhelmed" by rain). Jan-May 2026: 7,280 dry spill raw sewage discharges. When will government get a grip? www.theguardian.com/business/202...

theguardian.com

Dry weather sewage discharges soar as water companies face scrutiny

Exclusive: 7,280 suspected illegal spills in rivers and sea recorded in first five months of 2026

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Carl Sayer @carlsayer.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

So proud of my Dads self-seeded hay meadow covered so very brilliantly (huge thanks) by @patrickbarkham.bsky.social in the Guardian today. ‘I love it. It’s hope’: the mysterious self-willed wildflower meadow that seeded itself | Biodiversity | The Guardian share.google/rqDHUdpZBXuy...

share.google

‘I love it. It’s hope’: the mysterious self-willed wildflower meadow that seeded itself

Farmer Derek Sayer let a boggy field run wild and just one annual hay-cut has led to remarkable biodiversity

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Reposted by Patrick Barkham

Teresa Ribera @teresaribera.ec.europa.eu · 27/08/2026

Entire life commitment. Respect and gratitude. RIP, Paul Brown. “Their warnings captured the attention of the former scientist turned prime minister Margaret Thatcher, but it took a while to interest news editors even at @theguardian.com, as Paul told his successor @fionaharvey.bsky.social”.

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

And the winner if the Guardian Invertebrate of the Year 2026 is…. Of course there are really 1.3m++ winners and if we don’t save them we are LOSERS! (Sorry came over all Trumpian then 😆) www.theguardian.com/environment/...

theguardian.com

Winner of Invertebrate of the Year 2026 crowned – and it is the size of a grain of rice

The leaf sheep, a neon green solar-powered slug, has inspired at least one Pokémon character and triumphs in global ballot

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

"The house represents what we ourselves would like to be on Earth: permanent, rooted, here for eternity. But a camp represents the true reality of things: we’re just passing through" Remembering Roger Deakin today, 20 years since he died.

Roger Deakin stood in the frame of the backdoor (there was only one door) of Walnut Tree Farm, holding Millie, his favourite cat. Rosemary growing by the door, rambling rose climbing the old house. Roger is in his early 60s in this photo, and doesn't have long to live. He died on August 19th 2006 aged just 63 of a brain tumour. Rest in peace Roger.

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Sad story about ancient oaks dying in the drought. I know other custodians of these amazing trees (Britain has far more than the rest of Europe combined) who say they've been really struggling in recent summers. www.theguardian.com/environment/...

theguardian.com

England’s ancient oak trees dying in extreme hot and dry weather

Woodland Trust says trees struggling in drought stress, with older ‘survivors’ disproportionately affected

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Long, slimey and lethal - what’s not to love? Another strong contender for the Guardian’s Invertebrate of the Year Award 2026 - voting opens later this week. www.theguardian.com/environment/...

theguardian.com

Stuff of nightmares? Meet the bootlace worm – super-long, super-elastic, and it fires toxic slime

Its mucus, which can kill crabs and cockroaches, could be the basis of new insecticides

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

I'm answering questions live online about the Guardian's brilliant Invertebrate of the Year contest (Shortlist of 10 being revealed over the next week). Feel free to ask any questions (not hard ones though, I'm not an expert) or share the invertebrate love here! www.theguardian.com/community/li...

theguardian.com

Reader Q&A: Our natural history writer Patrick Barkham is answering your questions on invertebrates – live

This week, we launched our third annual vote to honour nature’s unsung heroes. The Guardian’s natural history writer – and woodlouse fanboy – Patrick Barkham is now answering your questions

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Over the next week, we're revealing the 10 amazing animals shortlisted for Invertebrate of the Year 2026. Then, from a week tomorrow, you'll be able to vote. @chrisgpackham.bsky.social will announce the winner on August 18th. www.theguardian.com/environment/... Woodlouse is a popular opener!

theguardian.com

Revealed: the top 10 invertebrates of the year

At last! It’s time for our invertebrate of the year competition as voted for by you. Today, the immortal jellyfish – come back on Wednesday to find out who else made the top 10

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

It was a real honour to appear on Martha Kearney's BBCR4 This Natural Life, and lovely to have a programme from Norfolk Wildlife Trust's fantastic Foxley Wood www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

bbc.co.uk

This Natural Life - Patrick Barkham - BBC Sounds

The nature writer takes Martha Kearney butterfly-spotting in Foxley Wood, Norfolk.

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

I recommend North Norfolk Festival of Literature & Landscape if anyone fancies a visit to this glorious coast in Oct – I'll be interviewing Nick Crane and Mark Cocker about their new books. Lovely festival, guided nature walks and the BEST time for birds literatureandlandscape.org/events-2026/

literatureandlandscape.org

Events 2026

Our 2026 programme of talks and readings, walks and field trips… Online bookings via the button links below are now live. You will also find our festival events on the Wells Maltings booking …

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Rest in peace Bill Oddie, the first celebrity birder. Interesting obituary here: www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...

theguardian.com

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Reposting in case anyone missed this tour of the amazing Wakelyns pioneering agroforestry farm and community hub – they are doing well with their fundraiser to become community benefit society but still need more support!

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Butterfly Conservation Herts & Middlesex Branch @bc-hertsmiddx.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Many congratulations to all those involved with the SAVE WHITEWEBBS campaign. They've won at the High Court. See their Insta post for full details. Many people have worked so hard against all odds. Amazing achievement @savebutterflies.bsky.social @patrickbarkham.bsky.social @malcolmhull.bsky.social

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Just seen Bure Valley steam train chugging merrily off through fields of tinder-dry wheat, powered by an open coal fire! WAKE UP government! We need Fire Risk Days with clear rules – temporary bans on disposable BBQs, open fires, steam trains etc. We must adapt. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...

theguardian.com

UK in ‘firewave’ as extreme heat provides ideal conditions for wildfires, experts warn

National Fire Chiefs Council say emergency services dealing with 19 wildfires across Britain, many near urban areas

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Sad to hear of Sam Neill's death. I spent a few days with him in New Zealand back in 2002 on a jammy journalistic assignment to write about his pinot noir. He was witty & down-to-earth, a real gent. Also remember a very fun night out in Queenstown with his staff! www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

theguardian.com

Les vins de Sam

What is it with movie types and their wine? First Chateau Coppolla and now Sam Neill who, when not acting, can be found down on the farm in New Zealand quaffing bottles of his own Pinot Noir.

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

If you need a writers' retreat, a readers' retreat or just a seaside retreat, amazingly our beautiful tiny cottage in the best place in the world (Wells!) is available for a week from this Friday 10th. Book with Lisa direct for last-minute sunshine-joy-bargain. www.glavenvalley.co.uk/holiday-cott...

glavenvalley.co.uk

1 Boatman's Row in Wells-next-the-Sea - Book Now | Glaven Valley

1 Boatman's Row in Wells-next-the-Sea is a 1 bed property for up to 2 guests. Book direct through Glaven Valley today for the best price!

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Damian Carrington @dpcarrington.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

🪰🪲🐜 Nominate your invertebrate of the year 🐛🕷️🦐 🪳🐝🦋 We’re asking people from around the world to nominate their favourite spineless species for our third Invertebrate of the Year competition 🦞 🦟🐞 🪱 @patrickbarkham.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/environment/...

theguardian.com

Nominate your invertebrate of the year

We’re asking people from around the world to nominate their favourite spineless species for our third Invertebrate of the Year competition

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Nominate your Invertebrate of the Year! We love this at the Guardian and always receive loads of amazing nominations from around the world. Please join in here (I will be reading all submissions and choosing the shortlist of 10) www.theguardian.com/environment/...

theguardian.com

Nominate your invertebrate of the year

We’re asking people from around the world to nominate their favourite spineless species for our third Invertebrate of the Year competition

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Patrick Barkham @patrickbarkham.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Always loved hollyhocks. Finally got them rampaging all over my garden.

A beautiful big pink hollyhock flower with some buddleia in the background

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