Sign in

suewestoby

@suewestoby.bsky.social
354 followers 278 following 31 posts

Geographer, birder, passionate advocate for outdoor learning, volunteer for wildlife charities, traveller, family historian, proud mum and gran💚🇬🇧🐧

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by suewestoby
Little Green Space @lgspace.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Trees release compounds called phytoncides which can enhance mood and improve sleep. Phytoncides may even help prevent cancer. And native trees are brilliant for all sorts of wildlife - so let’s plant more trees, and cherish those we have already! 🌳 littlegreenspace.org.uk/features/nat...
Acorn and oak leaf
07119
Reposted by suewestoby
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
916047
Reposted by suewestoby
James Emerson @norwichbirder.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
So sad to hear about the death of Joe Harkness. Joe was passionate about getting people talking about mental health, as well as the benefits of being out in nature, and was rightly proud of his work with young people, all of which will leave a positive legacy.
75814
Reposted by suewestoby
Hugh Harrop @hughharrop.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Love this brilliant seabird mural currently on display at Sumburgh Head painted by local Shetland school children and facilitated by the amazing team at Sumburgh Lighthouse and Shetland Amenity Trust. Puffins galore plus Arctic Skua, Gannet, Razorbill, Guillemot, Shetland Wrens and Orcas! Brilliant!
1419
Reposted by suewestoby
John Fielding Aerial Images @john-fielding.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Once Benacre Ness, now Kessingland Ness: this vast bank of sand & shingle is migrating north at about 20–25 metres a year ... unusually, against the usual long-term direction of sediment transport along this Suffolk coast. #Kessingland #Suffolk #AerialPhotography #Coast
0245
Reposted by suewestoby
BirdGuides @birdguides.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Western Capercaillie appears on a new batch of 10p coins which have entered circulation in the UK:
f.mtr.cool
Capercaillie features on new 10p coin
New 10p pieces are entering circulation for the first time for about four years, with a new design featuring the grouse.
0203
Reposted by suewestoby
BirdLife Europe & Central Asia @birdlifeeurope.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Discover the State of the World’s Birds!🐦 This sixth edition by BirdLife International focuses on migratory birds and their flyways, and what they reveal about the state of nature, the drivers of biodiversity loss, and the solutions needed to reverse declines.🗺️ Find it here: sowb.birdlife.org
sowb.birdlife.org
State of the World’s Birds | BirdLife
BirdLife International’s report on the state of the world's birds — trends, pressures, and conservation responses.
077
Reposted by suewestoby
BirdGuides @birdguides.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
One of the juvenile Montagu's Harriers to fledge in England this summer has died after being hit by a train, the RSPB has confirmed:
f.mtr.cool
043
Reposted by suewestoby
Martin George @jannerbirder.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
“Bournemouth University has been awarded €1.5 million to lead a unique five-year research project exploring 10,000 years of seabird history to help inform long-term conservation strategies for populations in Northern Europe.” #Seabirds www.bournemouth.ac.uk/news/2026-09...
bournemouth.ac.uk
Bournemouth University awarded €1.5m to uncover 10,000 years of seabird history
0346
Reposted by suewestoby
Dawn Balmer @debalmer.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Bursary opportunity! The aims of the Eric Hosking Trust are to sponsor natural history and ornithological research through the media of writing, photography, painting or illustration. erichoskingtrust.com/apply/ Deadline 30 September - please apply!
02925
Reposted by suewestoby
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.”
19375153
Reposted by suewestoby
Neil @uk-wildlife.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
We might have had some rain in the last week or so, but its been a long dry summer, so what happens to life in the pond when it dries out? In my latest video I explain, which you can what here on my YT channel: youtu.be/PBw40QZm67A
youtu.be
What happens to wildlife when a Pond dries out?
YouTube video by Pond Lab
0124
Reposted by suewestoby
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 21/08/2026
Rewilded land remains green amid drought-stricken English countryside, images show
theguardian.com
Rewilded land remains green amid drought-stricken English countryside, images show
National Trust’s Holnicote estate says restored wetlands and rivers offer proof of resilience to drought, wildfires and flooding Aerial footage of an estate in Somerset has revealed the benefits of rewilding land in the face of extreme weather brought about by the climate crisis. The area of the National Trust’s Holnicote estate where rivers have been returned to their natural courses and wetlands have been restored have remained green and lush during the five heatwaves across the summer. In contrast, the surrounding countryside has become parched and brown. Continue reading...
18930349
Reposted by suewestoby
Palustris @palustris.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Now new generation adults are appearing, here's a quick guide to the 5 species of Great Diving Beetle found in England. This is the common one, Dytiscus marginalis, distinguished by broad pale margins on all 4 sides of the pronotum, the plain, unstriped brown underside and the rounded hind coxae.
14710
Reposted by suewestoby
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · 08/08/2026
Climate denial is getting louder. Reality is getting harder to ignore. When parks are brown, rivers are shrinking and firefighters are battling blazes across the globe, governments must accelerate climate action, not slow it down.
theguardian.com
This burning summer is the proof: the voices of climate denial aren’t just delusional, they’re deadly | Sadiq Khan
Look at our blazing forests and parched cities. Green policies aren’t a ‘luxury’, and we can’t burn more oil and gas. People need the truth, says London mayor Sadiq Khan
702190790
Reposted by suewestoby
National Trust @nationaltrust.org.uk · 07/08/2026
People have done their bit. Now they need a Government response to match. Sign the petition here: buff.ly/kJh4NBO
buff.ly
I've signed. Will you? Add your name to help make wildfire prevention and climate resilience a national priority, and stand with the communities affected by wildfires.
05327
Reposted by suewestoby
Dr. Aaron Thierry @thierryaaron.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
"The world has been warned that there is no room for new sources of fossil fuels if it wants to limit warming to 1.5°C, with a need to focus on boosting wind and solar capacity instead." #AndyDon'tBurn'Em
iisd.org
New oil and gas fields "incompatible" with limiting warming to 1.5°C
The world has been warned that there is no room for new sources of fossil fuels if it wants to limit warming to 1.5°C, with a need to focus on boosting wind and solar capacity instead. The warning cam...
04217
Reposted by suewestoby
Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Deeply irresponsible. We're in a climate crisis. This is such a terrible start. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Burnham to announce plans for new North Sea oil and gas drilling
Drilling has become a controversial topic for the Labour party after the 2024 manifesto pledged to not issue new licences.
28039401193
Reposted by suewestoby
British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 16/07/2026
Emerging research is beginning to challenge the conventional understanding of mountain water systems. A new BGS-led project is using new methods to understand how water moves from mountains to the lowlands, helping to improve water security for billions of people. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/delving...
The project team of a recent visit to the study basin in central Taiwan. The team stand around an open borehole casing on a grassy area. In the background is a building with trees growing against it. The team (14 people) look towards the camera and smile. Looking upstream from the outskirts of Dongpu village toward Yushan mountain, the highest peak in Taiwan, standing at nearly 4000 m. There are crops growing in a field in the foreground and building and a small water tower to the right of the image. In front and to the sides is the mountain range and on each side of the photo are low-lying clouds.
1102
Reposted by suewestoby
Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Appalling: Church of England votes against plan to rewild 30% of its land by 2030 @wildcard.land have run a noble campaign trying to get the CofE to see sense But this demonstrates exactly why Ministers can't rely on landowners to voluntarily support 30by30: www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Church of England votes against plan to rewild 30% of its land by 2030
Campaigners criticise C of E for failing to show moral leadership as one of country’s biggest landowners
43609256
Reposted by suewestoby
Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
"Pathetic": I told the Guardian what I think about the Starmer government's plan for nature It's more of the failed politics of the past 40yrs: failing to take public control of the nature crisis & contracting it out to private landowners. Burnham must do better www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Plan to restore nature in England by 2030 criticised as ‘completely insufficient’
Critics accuse ministers of failing to take control of nature crisis and leaving it to private landowners to act voluntarily
716258
Reposted by suewestoby
Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Starmer's nature plan is pathetic. Burnham must do better. I've written about the government's '30by30 Delivery Plan', out today, which isn't a plan & won't deliver 30by30. I suggest some policies Burnham should pursue instead, amidst Blackadder gifs: guyshrubsole.substack.com/p/starmers-n... 1/🧵
guyshrubsole.substack.com
Starmer’s nature plan is pathetic. Burnham must do better
Today's 30by30 Delivery Plan isn't a plan, and it won't deliver 30by30.
1223588
Reposted by suewestoby
James Murray @james-bg.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
A sad and not a little shameful day for a once serious party. www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/202...
88701229
Reposted by suewestoby
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Something deeply troubling & shocking is happening at Exeter University*, where a mass cull of staff is planned, even though it's in surplus. No good justifications given. @jamesgdyke.info provides the details: www.technosphere.earth/the-bonfire-... *Disclosure: I have a Visiting Fellowship here. +🧵
technosphere.earth
The bonfire of the humanities
150 academic posts at the University of Exeter are to be cut, most in the humanities but also in social sciences, engineering and environmental sciences
381042508
Reposted by suewestoby
DC🕊🌍🔥🌱 @dcminx.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Volunteers are working to restore Scotland's endangered Atlantic rainforest by collecting over 11 million rare native seeds to plant 8 million new trees. This grassroots effort involving hand-picking seeds from remote terrain showcases the power of community action in reversing biodiversity loss 🌱
theguardian.com
‘Literally growing the future’: volunteers help save Scottish rainforest by collecting 11m seeds
Teams painstakingly combed endangered Atlantic habitat over several years, helping to grow 8m native trees
22871353
Reposted by suewestoby
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) @rgs.org · 27/06/2026
How are extreme weather events, like this week's heatwave, connected to what's happening in the Arctic? Internationally renowned glaciologist Dr Heïdi Sevestre explains in this video 👇
22613
Reposted by suewestoby
Petra Michaela @petramichaela.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Every polluted river was once clean. Every barren landscape was once teeming with life. Every extinct species was once commonplace. Nature does not disappear overnight. It dies out gradually while people look away. The future is not something that happens to us; it is something we create.
static.klipy.com
Cosmic Figure Hugging Earth
ALT: Cosmic Figure Hugging Earth
4276105
Reposted by suewestoby
Curlew Action @curlewaction.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Read Mary's response to recent comments which argued about the importance of a Natural History GCSE: www.curlewaction.org/nature-educa...
052
Reposted by suewestoby
RareBirdAlert @rarebirder.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Some positive conservation news to start your week... Heathland birds survey records increases for three key species www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/H...
rarebirdalert.co.uk
Heathland birds survey records increases for three key species
Results shows increases for Nightjar, Woodlark and Dartford Warbler, with volunteers helping to track the fortunes of some of Britain's most specialised breeding birds
0173
Reposted by suewestoby
Nick Acheson @themarshtit.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
My lovely friend Mary Colwell has fought for a Natural History GCSE, supported by many, including Caroline. For it to be proper natural history, we need lots of naturalists to give their opinions on the proposed framework. Please consider visiting the public consultation www.gov.uk/government/c...
gov.uk
GCSE natural history proposed subject content
We are seeking views on the proposed subject content for a new GCSE in natural history.
018178
Reposted by suewestoby
WWF UK @wwf.org.uk · 12/06/2026
Great news! 🌼 The new Natural History GSCE will get young people outside, learning how our actions shape the natural world and how simple steps like wildlife‑friendly gardening can boost biodiversity. 🦋
theguardian.com
Natural history GCSE to teach teenagers to plant wildflower-friendly gardens
Long-awaited course to examine human effects on natural world and explore everyday ways to aid biodiversity
16112
Reposted by suewestoby
Caroline Lucas @carolinelucas.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Good news! Ministers have finally given green light to new #NaturalHistory GCSE. We’ve campaigned so long for this! Big hats off to tireless advocate Mary Colwell 🙌 Now our young people will have a chance to get to know & love the natural world, to feel awe & wonder, & gain skills to protect it 🌷🌳🦡
theguardian.com
Natural history GCSE to teach teenagers to plant wildflower-friendly gardens
Long-awaited course to examine human effects on natural world and explore everyday ways to aid biodiversity
391220372
Reposted by suewestoby
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) @rgs.org · 05/06/2026
📊New data shows benefits of choosing geography at university. This includes high graduate employment rates, with geography graduates having a higher rate than average. Find out more: www.rgs.org/about-us/our-work/lates…
01612
Reposted by suewestoby
Raptor Persecution UK @raptorpersuk.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Appeal Court throws out Moorland Association's legal challenge against new burning regulations. Good news ⚖️👏 raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/06/05/a...
raptorpersecutionuk.org
Appeal Court throws out Moorland Association’s legal challenge against new burning regulations
Good news! The Appeal Court has thrown out the Moorland Association’s legal challenge against the new burning regulations, which restrict burning on deep peat. Royal Courts of Justice, London…
26226
Reposted by suewestoby
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
This is exactly what we have been warning about. But oh no, anyone who objects to the changes is a selfish, privileged nimby, a zealot, a blocker, an elitist. Let's trash the lives of England's poorest communities, and smear anyone who complains. Thanks Keir. 🧵 www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
England’s poorest areas face deepest cuts to green space under planning law changes, report finds
Exclusive: New loopholes for developers will exacerbate extreme disparities across country, charity coalition warns
36807308
Reposted by suewestoby
Jon Moses @jon-moses.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
More great news from the growing trend of people-powered heathland restoration. 'It's the habitat, stupid!' (and the landscape connectivity, and... and...) www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Dartford warbler stages a comeback 60 years after almost vanishing
Survey shows 44% increase on RSPB reserves of bird that almost became extinct in England in the 60s
0173
Reposted by suewestoby
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Crucial discussion by @rewildingbritain.org.uk of how nature conservation in the UK needs to change. It is currently locked into rigid criteria and fixed endpoints - an approach entirely alien to how ecosystems work. But there are better ways. www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/blog/the-wil...
rewildingbritain.org.uk
The Wild View: Time to move beyond the 'museum model' of conservation
In her second Wild View opinion piece, Rewilding Britain Chief Exec Rebecca Wrigley calls for a radical modernisation of the way we protect our landscapes.
10304110
Reposted by suewestoby
Damian Carrington @dpcarrington.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
£38bn cost of Sizewell C #nuclear plant is ‘risky’, warns UK Spending watchdog - National Audit Office says potential benefits are ‘considerable but uncertain’ while risks are ‘immediate and substantial’ www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
Spending watchdog warns £38bn cost of Sizewell C nuclear plant is ‘risky’
National Audit Office says potential benefits are ‘considerable but uncertain’ while risks are ‘immediate and substantial’
0125
Reposted by suewestoby
Alice Roberts @profaliceroberts.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
This is now what passes for “science” from the BBC. Hackneyed cliches, faux mystery, factually incorrect statements. 1. Archaeologists are, once again, “baffled” www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Mystery of Welsh medieval cemetery deepens
Skeletons and artefacts unearthed from the site near Cardiff Airport are baffling archaeologists.
881614470
Reposted by suewestoby
Peter Stefanovic @peterstefanovic.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Petty, vindictive, and spiteful are just some of the words used to describe the latest shock-policy conjured up by Reform this weekend, after the party announced their intention to build migrant detainment centres in regions which elect a Green MP www.thelondoneconomic.com/politics/ref...
thelondoneconomic.com
Reform's new immigration policy blasted as 'unfair and sh***y'... by Rupert Lowe
Reform unveiled proposals to place migrant detention centres in Green-controlled areas this weekend - causing a stir in the process.
2222471
Reposted by suewestoby
Otto English @ottoenglish.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Vote Reform. Or we will house *dangerous migrant centres* in your village. And if you vote Green, it will be even worse for you. It's beyond disturbing. The chill wind of threat, thuggery and menace of a kind never before seen in Britain.
Today we announce a new policy:


In order to deport all illegal migrants in
Britain, Reform will need to detain tens of
thousands at a time.


Migrants will not be able to leave these
detention centres, and each will be held
there a couple of weeks before being
deported.


So here's our promise:


A Reform government will not put any
migrant detention facilities in any
constituency with a Reform MP.


Nor will we put them where Reform
controls the council.


And of the remaining areas, we will
prioritise Green controlled parliamentary
constituencies and Green controlled
councils to locate the detention centres.


Put simply, if you vote in a Reform
council or Reform MP, we guarantee yPut simply, if you vote in a Reform
council or Reform MP, we guarantee you
won't have a detention centre near you


If you vote Green, there's a good chance
you will,


This is an important exercise in
democratic consent, not just for our
mass deportation policy, but for where
the detention centres are placed


Given @ZackPolanski openly advocates
for open borders, I look forward to their
warm embrace of this policy
34328711071
Reposted by suewestoby
James O'Malley @jamesomalley.co.uk · 03/05/2026
This is grotesque on multiple levels.
1511410469
Reposted by suewestoby
🌱 Emma Marsh @emmamarsh5.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
🦉Birdwatching is now the second fastest growing hobby for Gen Z! Among millennials it has risen by 216% alongside a 66% increase in gen X birders. Welcome to a world of wonder! www.theguardian.com/environment/... #nature #birds
theguardian.com
Gen Z leads birdwatching boom as more Britons reach for the binoculars
Birdwatching no longer niche, old-fashioned pastime, says RSPB as research shows 47% increase in hobby since 2018
618140
suewestoby @suewestoby.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
23rd April Llyn Brenig with #waveneybirdclub Siskins, Redpoll and Goldfinch on visitor centre feeders and Ospreys 372 and LJ2 on their nest, viewed from a very safe distance
110
suewestoby @suewestoby.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
22nd April with #waveneybirdclub on Anglesey Black guillemots at Holyhead, Chough and Northern Wheatear at RSPB South Stack and Dunlin + Ringed Plover at NWWT Cemlyn NR
120
suewestoby @suewestoby.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
21st April with #waveneybirdclub Black Grouse at World's End lek and Grey Wagtail at Dyserth waterfall
120
suewestoby @suewestoby.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Cracking trip this week to North Wales with #waveneybirdclub . 118 species on my personal list, including Willow Tit, lifer. Great Orme - Rock Pipit, Peregrine Falcon, Raven, Mipit
110
Reposted by suewestoby
Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
England’s wildlife watchdog ‘has stopped designating special sites for protection’ Excellent report by @wildjustice.bsky.social on how Natural England has frozen its SSSI designation programme - covered by @patrickbarkham.bsky.social: www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
England wildlife watchdog ‘has stopped designating special sites for protection’
Exclusive: Report finds Natural England has created no new SSSIs, which protect areas from development, since 2023
37948
Reposted by suewestoby
Neil @uk-wildlife.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
One thing on my list to film is this behaviour I witnessed a few years ago now. Its a Great Silver Water Beetle larva eating a snail. It grabs the water snail with its asymmetrical mouthparts, wraps its body around it and uses brute force to crunch through the shell and get the soft chewy centre!
Larva under water, it has a orange head with dark red pincers, and brown caterpillar like body, which is wrapped around a brown spire shell of a water snail which has little blobs of green algae on.  All resting on a few strands of green pond weed
04212
suewestoby @suewestoby.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
Ring Ouzel seen just north of Benacre Sluice at 9.30 am today
051