iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 7h

Clifden Nonpareil, the Absolute Unit of the moth world. @themerl.bsky.social

A very large grey moth with patterns of black and darker grey

A huge grey moth showing its black underwings with a stripe of electric blue

A person's hand and forearm showing the size of a large grey moth

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Brief but lovely #UnconfinedWalks in warm sunshine and equinox light. Managed to persuade this beautiful Southern Hawker to hang about for a couple of pictures too.

A Southern Hawker dragonfly settled on withered blackberries. Its head and thorax are bright green with blue eyes, and the long abdomen is predominantly green with blue markings and blue 'end' segments

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Very proud to be offering a new member benefit to our #ArchivesWM membership. Really looking forward to hearing how we can share our learning experiences across the network.

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Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · 15/09/2026

Tell me again that climate change is a hoax.

Chart showing global annual temperature abnormalities between 1880 and 2024

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Archives West Midlands @archiveswm.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

This month #ArchivesWM held its AGM hosted by member service Hereforshire Archive and Records Centre. Attendees received the latest Annual Review offering an overview of our work and the impactful work our member services have completed in the last year. Digital version now available 👇

archiveswestmidlands.org.uk

Archives West Midlands Annual Review 2025–2026

We are delighted to announce the publication of our latest Annual Review. As with our previous reviews, it contains an overview ...

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Archives West Midlands @archiveswm.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Breaking the Climate Silence: #Archives for Climate Outreach 📆Mon 5 Oct 🕰️10:00-12:00 💻#Online Led by #ArchivesWM trustee Sal Mager (Shropshire Archives) this session is open to any staff member or volunteer of AWM member services. There is no limit on the number of attendees from any one service.

archiveswestmidlands.org.uk

Breaking the Climate Silence: Archives for Climate Outreach

In these times where the climate crisis is increasingly of concern, how can archives be used to facilitate conversations around the implications for all of us, helping to reduce eco anxiety, build res...

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Jane Winters @jfwinters.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Exactly this. The starkest example for me was a thesis I was examining. No I don’t want a summary, I want to read this human effort.

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Emma Mitchell @silverpebble2.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

My new collection of one-off necklaces I've made using Victorian & Edwardian stamp holders,lockets & charms along with tiny nature finds I've cast in recycled silver is now in my Etsy shop. It would help so much if you could give this a RT if you get a moment (thankyou): www.etsy.com/uk/shop/silv...

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Not a week I'm in a rush to repeat but I managed a short #UnconfinedWalks this morning. Good to see the cows can actually graze again now.

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Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

‘Honest Bob’ Jenrick says he wants to “abolish” Natural England, and at the very least stop funding it, in the first 100 days of a putative Reform government. Reform may appear to be on the rocks currently but their plans are terrifying, mad & must be stopped. www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...

Jenrick: “Even if you can’t abolish, I don’t know, Natural England within the first 100 days, you can stop funding it, you can turn the tap off and the tap will be turned off a lot of these quangos, and that will drive savings.”

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

#UnconfinedWalks to blow away far too many cobwebs. The leafaf miners seem to be having a field day this year.

Chestnut leaves with dark green veins. They are covered in brown splotches caused by leaf mining insects

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

#UnconfinedWalks to see the Eleanor Cross in Northampton today. I'd expected it to be in much worse condition than it actually was. Hoped to get rained on but instead we stomped around in muggy 27.5 degrees.

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

#UnconfinedWalks around the 1 hour 'Middlemarch' loop. Despite a few short showers this week, the land is still bleached. There are lots of fallen branches, and the leaf fall is crisp, dry and tired.

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

M and I doing routine blood pressure checks this week for GP. All good til this morning. Woke up hyper due to start of PREMIER LEAGUE season tonight. Arsenal away. Excitement, fear, you name it. BP and pulse confirmed that I've gone too soon with 11 hours to go!! M affected also cos I'm loud!!!

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

#UnconfinedWalks have gone to pot during the relentless heatwaves but today we've done 8.5 miles to Hillmorton Locks and back from home. My legs are definitely not going to thank me tomorrow. Café closed despite website saying open. Hurrah for viable plan B with a pint!

A flower planter in the shape of a penguin

A fingerpost showing distances to Oxford, Banbury and Coventry

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Archives West Midlands @archiveswm.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

A Brief Introduction to AI for #archive services An online session that introduces the possibilities and pitfalls of AI. 📆Wed 16 Sept 🕰️9:30 - 12:30 Free & open to any staff member or volunteer of #ArchivesWM member services with no limit on the number of attendees from any one service. To book 👇

archiveswestmidlands.org.uk

A Brief Introduction to AI for Archive Services

Artificial Intelligence is growing in its influence on the work of the archive sector. AI has the potential to be a useful tool in assisting archival processes but also creates new challenges for the...

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Explore York Archive @yorkarchive.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Next week the reading room will be closed as part of our Setting the Record Straight project. To find out more about setting the record straight and upcoming closure dates take a look at the dedicated page on our website below. exploreyork.org.uk/archives/setting…

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

@melindahaunton.bsky.social very late #ConfinedCocktails due to being in a right strop earlier due to having to talk to EE (12 one time passcodes. Really??), being too hot, talking to a friend for 1 hour and watching pre-season friendly. My drink of choice is limoncello on ice, with CCFC shirt

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

#UnconfinedWalks felt like a duty rather than a pleasure today. Left early-ish to beat the heat but it was still oppressive. I crossed the Avon 3x and could barely see any water. The fields look like a dystopian, end of the world nightmare and the cattle are eating winter fodder. RAIN PLEASE!

Tufts of bleached straw coloured grass in the foreground and beige fields behind with occasional green trees and hedgerows

A tree trunk to the left framing a scorched field. On the right is a smaller tree with dying leaves

Scorched fields with flocks of birds feeding on the stubble

A scorched field trampled down by cattle. A temporary feeding station is visible in the middle of the field

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Some of the canals round here are closed to navigation due to low water levels. The Oxford Canal near us is open for now and it's great seeing people enjoying it. #UnconfinedWalks

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

#UnconfinedWalks along a different stretch of canal, accidentally locating the 'Brownsover Reservoir' which I'd encountered while doing local history research but not had time to locate. Satisfying. Water levels are low and everywhere is parched.

A small artificial lake covered in pale green duckweed.

A pond with waterlilies, dammed on the left edge, and a small weir leading to a narrow waterway

A former millstream. The banks are baked mud and the water runs in a very shallow rill

A sky-blue, navy and white canal boat called Rosé and Gin with a picture of two glasses clinking together

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Explore York Archive @yorkarchive.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

We're Hiring! 2 Archives Positions: - Project Archivist: Fixed-term, 12 months, full-time. - Explore Centre Team Leader – Archives: Permanent, full-time. Apply by 9am, 10th August. More info and application link in comments. #archives #jobs

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

I've been round Dad's this pm helping with various jobs. One involved going into the garage infested with spiders the size of saucers that has terrorised me since childhood. I had to find the oil can that I had misplaced after a previous job. I survived. Drinking gin as a reward for being brave!

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Today my Dad is reminiscing about the first time I saw the sea. Apparently I ran and sat in it. The cows along the Oxford Canal have clearly got the same idea and who can blame them. A cold shower will have to do me, sadly. #UnconfinedWalks

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Laura Wolz @laurawolz.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

The number one reason children are drawn to and inspired by a Jodrell Bank visit is THAT IT IS A WORKING TELESCOPE. They get to meet scientists (like me!) and we all come together to adore the majestic creature that is the Lovell Telescope. 1/2

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Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

I'm absolutely devastated for colleagues at Jodrell Bank who found out this morning that funding for the UK's e-MERLIN radio telescope array will be terminated. This is a short-sighted move, to save a tiny fraction of the overall UK science budget. #SaveJodrellBank 🔭🧪 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Jodrell Bank's Lovell telescope faces axe in science cuts, BBC understands

Astronomers warn it would tear the heart out of UK science, and leave a generation untrained.

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Chris Lintott @chrislintott.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Short-sighted, stupid cuts to the UKRI budget include shutting down Jodrell Bank, the icon of British astronomy. (Many other cuts too, including 20% to our brand new @vrubinobs.bsky.social). Interesting politically to shut down a major facility in...um..Manchester 🔭 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Jodrell Bank's Lovell telescope faces axe in science cuts, BBC understands

Astronomers warn it would tear the heart out of UK science, and leave a generation untrained.

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kaybell27.bsky.social @kaybell27.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

This is awful news, Jodrell Banks Lovell telescope is an iconic part of the UK's scientific development.

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Heartbroken and so angry to read of the proposed closure of Jodrell Bank. Its cost relative to the work it does and what it represents in terms of British resourcefulness and scientific prowess. Is peanuts. An absolute disgrace.

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Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Terrifying to see wildfires raging through Scotland. The climate crisis isn't a distant threat - it's right here and right now. How many warning signs and alarm bells until Andy Burnham takes action to end oil and gas drilling?

Person trying to put out wildfires in Scotland

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Not a bad walk to the shops. Dappled shade, breeze and church bells all the way there and back.

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Julianne Regan @julianneregan.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Libraries gave us power. www.coventrytelegraph.net/incoming/gal...

coventrytelegraph.net

Libraries in Coventry through the years

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

It's gin o'clock due to a busy and productive day despite the heat. I hate being too hot at night but I also get bitten by every passing insect so it's a constant war of nerves about whether to have the windows open. We fitted a magnetic mesh today that looks as if it will work! #ConfinedCocktails

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

#UnconfinedWalks on a section of lush and verdant canal, unlike the scorched earth everywhere else round here.

A rural canal with lush green vegetation on both banks, contrasting with stands of bright pink willowherb and an orange and green narrow boat called Odin

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Katie Birkwood @girlinthe.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

In things I wish I hadn't seen, but now I have and you will too... New research published in the Journal of the Institute of Conservation recommends PPE for handling all red rot because of the risk of heavy metal contamination (lead, arsenic, cadmium). #GLAMS 📚 www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....

tandfonline.com

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

After the carnage caused by the otter in our fish pond last year, we've now converted to a wildlife pond. It's proving fascinating. Today's highlight was a female Emperor dragonfly laying eggs.

A green, brown and blue dragonfly sitting on a lilypad. It's abdomen is curved as it lays eggs in the water

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Count Binface @countbinface.bsky.social · 19/07/2023

Under a Binface government, anyone who doesn’t accept human-made climate change as fact will be sent back to school, from Year 1 right the way to A Levels, to see if anything goes in the second time round. #VoteBinface

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Brief foray into town to get my hair cut (the relief). And no, I didn't join in the 5K! #UnconfinedWalks

Feet in blue sandals next to a chalk drawn footprint and the words '5k'

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UK Archive Sector Leadership @uknatarcsector.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Seeking experienced record keepers to join the pool of Peer Reviewers for Archive Service Accreditation in England! New Peer Reviewer training starts in November so now is the time to make an expression of interest: www.archives.org.uk/peer-reviewers

Two record keepers are sat in a library. One is showing the other a large open record book resting on a book display pillow.

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

#UnconfinedWalks with literally hundreds of Banded Demoiselles and 10 species of butterfly. The ground is baked hard and the river is really low.

Lush green vegetation masking a very low river

Dry fields with blue skies and fluffy white clouds

A river bordered with reeds, reflecting the blue sky and clouds above

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

#UnconfinedWalks with goosebumps of excitement as I went to fetch my Premier League shirt from the CBS Arena and the spectacular new shop. #PUSB

A tunnel with a sky blue and white pattern and the word 'Cov' repeated in large fast letters

A clothes mannequin wearing a Coventry City football strip doing a spectacular overhead kick

The Coventry City club crest with an elephant on top of a football

A mural showing a footballer high off the ground, heading the ball to score the goal that took Coventry City back to the Premier League

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

#UnconfinedWalks to the retail park along the canal where I met a teeny tiny frog and some ducklings.

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

#UnconfinedWalks was still very muggy. I enjoyed a few patches of wild flowers sown by residents in the odd corners of their property next to the pavements. Lots of rookies in canal boats enlivened the stretch along the canal.

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Archives West Midlands @archiveswm.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Truly global participation at #ArchivesWM member service @astonunarchives.bsky.social conference 'Who is Responsible for the Archives? An Interdisciplinary Approach to Ethics in a Digital Age'

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

#UnconfinedWalks is not at all easy in this internal heat, is it. We went to Framlingham Castle earlier only to find it was shut due to the heat and it had made their internet go down. Cold drinks in the pub then some of us did a quick look at Detectorists filming locations, with actions!

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

I was there! Arsenal away first match. Talk about baptism of 🔥! Borderline terrified but also hysterically excited!!!

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(C)aroline Sam(P)son @sampscaroline.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Gratuitous #ConfinedCocktails G&T with honey gin. I'm stepping away from #WorldCup2026 for a bit and watching #DowntonAbbey. I'm in a carpe diem mood and this particular diem is slipping down nicely. Delighted to see Coventry City's Brandon Thomas-Asante get the assist for Ghana last night #PUSB

A hand holding a large gin glass decorated with bees and flowers, beaded with condensation

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