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Simon Phelps

@simonphelps.bsky.social
780 followers 144 following 431 posts

Conservationist, naturalist, wildlife photographer and writer. wildlifephelps.wixsite.com/wildlife…

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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
I've shared wildlife photos from the Austrian Alps, but the real star of the show were the mountains. Staying in Mayrhofen I was surrounded by them. Many trails and two cable cars meant exploring them was easy. I loved nothing more than getting up high in the wilds to take in the inspiring views.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
As summer draws to a close and the days shorten, my mind drifts back to June in the Austrian Alps. The alpine flowers were wonderful. Snowbell and Trumpet Gentian were my favourites. Delicate, elegant pink Snowbell, and the gorgeous unique deep blue of the Gentian. The alpine flowers were a joy.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
I've had lots of new moth species since moving from Somerset to Peterborough. I had another on Thursday night, this fantastic Large Thorn. A stunning moth, quite different to the other Thorn species I have seen. #teammoth
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Forgive the terrible phone pic but delighted to see my first Cydia amplana in Peterborough this morning. Had 3! Got 69 species, a lovely selection. Clay Triple-lines, Maiden's Blush other highlights. There was a whopping 89 Vines Rustic! #teammoth @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
An excellent moth trap this morning in Peterborough. 64 species. Lovely variety. Gypsy Moth and Small Ranunculus new for me. Always a delight to see flashy favourites such as Jersey Tiger and Buff-tip. #teammoth
Jersey TigerGypsy MothBuff-tip
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
I saw lots of cool beetles in Austria. My favourite may have been this tiger beetle. I think it is Cicindela sylvicola, but there could be similar species and it is hard to find information online. There were a few of these flying along the path in the Stilluptal Valley.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
"No single waterway passed a separate test for chemical pollution." Shameful. Heartbraking. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Majority of England's rivers and lakes fail pollution review
A comprehensive assessment of England's waterways is the first in six years and shows little improvement.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
One of the most striking butterflies that I saw in Austria was the Black-veined White. Large and bold, and truly stunning up close. It went extinct in England in 1925. There is work taking place to potentially reintroduce it. You can't say it wouldn't be a welcome gem to have back!
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
As a butterfly lover I had to spend part of my birthday yesterday looking for them. Yet it was a death of one which brought me most joy! 😂 A Meadow Brown snared by a crab spider. I did also delight at live Purple Hairstreaks and Silver-washed Fritillaries. Found in the lovely Bedford Purlieus wood.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Far fewer species in the Peterborough garden moth trap today. Only 33. However it was worth it for this gorgeous Palpita vitrealis. I've only seen it a few times before. A lovely sheen to its wings. #teammoth
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Starting to make my way through my photo backlog. Here are photos from April of the stunning Pasque Flowers that I saw near Peterborough. That combination of purple and gold is magical. They gave me hope when I needed it. The natural world keeps growing & regenerating, inspiring me to do the same.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Green is the theme it seems! A few days ago I found this stunning Musk Beetle on my walk home from work in Peterborough. More fabulous urban wildlife in the Nene Valley. Not seen this species before. It shows that you can have excellent wildlife in urban settings.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Another Peterborough moth trap, another new moth for me. Delighted to catch several Tree-lichen Beauty. Wanted to see it for a while. On 74 species at the moment, will go over 80 when fridge micros are done. Chinese Character always makes me smile. #teammoth
Tree-lichen BeautyChinese Character
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
New garden and new moths! Moved back East to Peterborough. A new moth for me this morning: Toadflax Brocade. On 75 species, expecting to go over 80 and maybe close to 90. Heat made sleeping hard but mothing exciting! Always a joy when the trap is full up. #teammoth
Elephant Hawk-moth Blue-bordered CarpetLeast CarpetToadflax Brocade
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Amazing to see huge swarms of Cockchafer beetles in Ailsworth yesterday evening. Never seen that before. There were so many swarming around the trees. Zooming around over the grass in the park.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Another first for me in Austria were hundreds of trees wrapped in Ermine moth webs. Seen hedges coated in the UK but never found whole trees. Incredible to see. Amazing how much webbing these tiny caterpillars produce. Fascinating to see the entire trunk wrapped up, like clingfilm! #teammoth
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Bidding a fond farewell to Austria today. I'll miss waking up to Grinbergspitze mountain each morning. Mayrhofen is an incredible place to stay. I can't wait to return and explore other parts of the Alps. They're such a special landscape.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Further evidence of the complete system collapse with regards our rivers. Nothing works or is fit for purpose. It is desperately sad. Campaigner threatened with prosecution by Environment Agency after waterway cleanup www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Campaigner threatened with prosecution by Environment Agency after waterway cleanup
Paul Powlesland told he acted illegally after organising volunteers to remove litter, weed and silt from River Roding
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Blink and you'll miss it! Just watched a Dipper pair flying through this waterfall to reach their nest. Incredible to witness. Such remarkable birds.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
A final high alpine walk for me as my Austrian Alps holiday draws to a close. Reached my highest point of the trip at 2278 metres. Awe inspiring views of the Zillertal Alps. Amazing wildflowers everywhere, including lots of Bird's-eye Primrose. Mazarine Blue and Ring Ouzel the other highlights.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
A more sedate day today, to ease my aching legs. 6 miles along the valley floor. Beautiful chapels and churches. Lovely rivers and waterfalls. Screaming Swifts and gliding White Admirals the highlights.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Today was all about the alpine flowers. Up above 2000 metres in the Austrian Alps. Alpine Snowbell, Globeflower, Trumpet Gentian and many more I could not identify. A kaleidoscope of colour. Pure magic.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Breathtaking walk in the Stilluptal valley today. More lovely butterflies, including Thors Fritillary which was new for me. Large Blue and Chequered Skipper also great to see. Some cool beetlew too and the ever present wildflowers.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
This is fantastic. We need more of this. Properly monitored and quantified. But we need decision makers to listen. The science isn't new. It is about giving nature space to do its thing. When we take everything, as we normally do, we make problems for ourselves www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
independent.co.uk
How eight beavers solved a decades-old Tube flooding problem
The creatures were reintroduced in 2023 after being hunted to extinction 400 years ago
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Wonderful 8 mile walk exploring the Zillergrund valley. Up to Steinerkogl and down via Brandberg. Lots of lovely flowers and butterflies. Black-veined White and Birds nest orchid may have been the highlights. But there were so many delights. Just paradise!
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Arrived in Mayrhofen for a week in the Austrian Alps. The Zillertal Valley is stunning. Feels like paradise. Views of the majestic mountains from my hotel room balcony. Can't wait to get walking the trails tomorrow. Excited to see what wildlife I can find.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
Lots of wonderful wildlife in my parents garden. The Slow worm in the compost heap and Mullein moth caterpillars the highlights. The usual bat was out last night. Two hedgehogs seen recently. Painted Lady butterflies too. Ermine moth caterpillars on the apple and spindle. Newts in the pond.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
Final day in Snowdonia. Climbed Moel Siabod. Lovely walk, although the ridge path up was tough. Especially in the hailstorms! Another Cuckoo heard. So many here. Such a stunning and special part of the world. Can't wait to return!
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
A more gentle walk today, after the exertion of yesterday. Starting in Trefriw and going round two lakes: Llyn Geirionydd and Llyn Crafnant. Lovely views and lots of bluebells. Soundtrack of Cuckoo's (four or five) and Willow Warblers. Just wonderful.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Marsh Fritillary for me! Get voting!
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Fantastic walk up Y Garn in Snowdonia. Up via Lyn Idwal and Devils Kitchen and down via steep ridge back. Amazing panoramic views. Tryfan a welcome constant brooding presence. Bilberry Bumblebee the wildlife highlight, a new species for me.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
More thrilling urban wildlife seen today in Peterborough. A Peregrine perching on the block of flats opposite my office block. Lovely to watch it preening its feathers. Below by the road, the gory remains of its breakfast. I think it's a pigeons wing!
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
This morning on my daily walk to work in Peterborough I heard my first Cuckoo of the year. It brought genuine joy to my heart.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
Wonderful trip to Old Sulehay and Barnack Hills and Holes. Pasque flowers, Bluebells, Wild Garlic, first ever Toothwort, Nightingales singing, first Willow Warblers singing, Nomad bees. The pure magic of spring! 😁
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
The miracles of migration will never cease to amaze me. And in a world of so much turmoil and uncertainty, it feels strangely comforting to see birds like this continuing to live out their lives. All is not lost and the world can still function.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
I love this time of the year. The world is waking up. Intricate tiny details everywhere. The spring blossom is stunning. Blackthorn and willow an explosion of intricacy.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Not sure I can find the words after watching this. Of course I knew about the scandal. But this drama hits so hard. There aren't words strong enough to describe how I feel or how bad this situation is. www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
theguardian.com
Dirty Business review – if this doesn’t incite righteous anger over our filthy water then nothing will
Based on the true story of amateur sleuths appalled at the dumping of sewage in our rivers, this drama starring David Thewlis is a blast of controlled fury – and could become the next Mr Bates vs the ...
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
The Somerset Levels is drying out. King Alfred's monument emerging from the flood that engulfed it a month or so ago. Curry Moor remains full. Pumps on and powering the water away, down the rivers to Bridgwater Bay.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Spring in the air tonight and on Sunday during my @webs-gsmp.bsky.social count at @wwtworldwide.bsky.social Steart Marshes. Skylarks were singing. Such a glorious sound. A group of smart Grey Plover the highlight.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
A glorious sunrise walk around the Quantock Hills today. Dead Women's Ditch > Somerton Combe > Shepherds Combe > Ramscombe. I love it there so much. Golden light, twisted oaks, wild streams, far reaching views, open heath.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
Vast volumes of water moving slowly through the Somerset Levels and Moors. These photos show the King's Sedgemoor area, looking towards RSPB Greylake and the A361. Water transforms the landscape. Amazing to witness its power.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
Just been doing my Somerset garden moth trap records data entry (yes I know I am always late!). Nice to reflect on the previous year. Euchromius ocellea was my highlight of 2025, new for me. I am now at 623 species on my life list. I wonder what 2026 will bring. #teammoth
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
An admirable decision and one that shows courage and leadership. We will need much more of this as the climate breakdown intensifies.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
Another year and another wonderful UK Moth Recorders Meeting. An annual highlight for me. These were my two favourite talks; from Kent and Ireland. Thanks to @savebutterflies.bsky.social for continuing to put on this lovely event each year.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Took a walk to look at my local floods in Somerset. From Burrow Mump to King Alfred's monument along the River Tone. Lots of water on land and in the river. Tone has over topped its northern bank. Amazing to watch the power of the flow.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
Muted tones and mist on my early morning @webs-gsmp.bsky.social at @wwtworldwide.bsky.social Steart Marshes. Big flocks of Lapwing and smaller groups of Avocet the highlight. Not ideal conditions as not at high tide. Always a joy to be out there though.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
This is an issue that I worry about a lot too. Traditional ecological monitoring techniques often tell you more than new modern methods. We must not abandon them. Too many people are rushing to embrace new technologies without thinking about the issues.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
The world is changing. We have decisions to make. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘Ghost resorts’: as hundreds of ski slopes lie abandoned, will nature reclaim the Alps?
With the snow line edging higher, 186 French ski resorts have shut, while global heating threatens dozens more
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
This is a wonderful book. I'm halfway through and enjoying it. These passages stood out. We need to rebuild our connection to the natural world. Too many of us now have no link to it. It is alien to so many. People don't know, understand or care about it. We have lost so much.
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Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
I found this dogs vomit slime mould this morning in Somerset. Such a strange looking thing! Wonderful name too!
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