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Tom Finch

@tfinch.bsky.social
6.1K followers 365 following 369 posts

Birds, science, climate, hills. Dad. RSPB Conservation Scientist. Views here are my own. Sorry for not getting back to you sooner.

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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 19h
If you are, or know, a Master's student looking for a research project for next year, @rspbscience.bsky.social have a really diverse set of opportunities here: www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu...
rspb.org.uk
Placement opportunities
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 19h
Slowly working my way through this: link.springer.com/article/10.1... "The original conveners of the SpSh framework and their academic progeny [is this me?] became vanguards for the concept of land sparing" Mostly feel like it is critiquing a version of sparing which few actually agree with
link.springer.com
Client Challenge
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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
We're excited to announce our MSc projects for 2027 are live! 🧪🪶 Our postgraduate opportunities page now also advertises placement projects for PhD students too Find out more here: www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu...
rspb.org.uk
Placement opportunities
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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
New job alert 🪶🧪 We are hiring a Conservation Scientist to work on links between hydrological restoration and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker conservation Deadline: 7/10/26 Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car... #SpeciesRecoveryProgramme @naturalengland.bsky.social 📷Ben Andrew
A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker perched by its nest hole
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Petr Procházka @rytikerttunen.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
We provide 8 policy recommendations: from protecting critical migratory nodes and restoring breeding habitat to assessing wind-farm impacts. For migratory species, protecting one place is rarely enough. We need to protect the network of places connecting an entire life cycle. 2/3
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Zeke Hausfather @zekehausfather.com · 01/09/2026
The biggest revisions are on the high end – the new high scenario is noticeably lower than the high scenarios in the past three generations of scenarios, reflecting a reassessment of the plausible range of future emissions in light of past trends and changing technology costs.
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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
New job alert🪶 2.5yr fixed term Conservation Scientist role in our England and Wales team Project: Developing a trial management intervention for upland breeding Whinchat through a programme of new science Deadline: 23 Sept Full details here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car... 📷Ben Andrew
A Whinchat perches atop a fern.
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James Bullock @jmbecologist.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
While I have your attention, let’s cover the harm caused by SUVs compared to standard cars - greater danger to cyclists & pedestrians - bigger impacts on infrastructure - eg roads - & traffic - higher emissions & particulate pollution - larger batteries in electric SUVs, depleting mineral resources
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
You can't adapt to climate change without also doing aggressive mitigation, otherwise the thing you are trying to adapt to will keep changing. (It's going to keep changing anyway, even with aggressive mitigation - just less badly and less quickly than in the absence of mitigation).
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Arctic, Common, Sandwich, Roseate, Little, American Black
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
A six-tern day is a good day
A Black Tern (American) and a white (Arctic) Tern flying over green vegetation, with a sandy beach and blue sea in the background
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
All topped off with a spoonbill flyover on the drive back to the ferry.
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
The landscape is stunning - sandy oak forests blending into coastal scrub with lots of topography and wet bits. Grazed by Polish horses, Scottish cows and Dutch Roe Deer. Bisected by footpaths, cycle paths, and pony trekking routes.
Konik ponies standing next to a fence in an open dune landscape
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Holidaying in the Netherlands with kids. Amazed by their cycling infrastructure obviously, but also the nature e.g. Meijendel is an 1875ha chunk of duneland sandwiched between big cities. Seen Woodlark, Honey Buzzard, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker without much effort. Nightingale & Bluethroat also here.
A sprawling oak tree at duskPine Chafer (a large beetle) crossing a road A wood ant nest, with a cap for scale.
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Osprey at Doune Ponds earlier this afternoon @upperforthbirds.bsky.social #birdingscotland
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Back home after another great week on Jura, our last year organising the fell race. Wildlife highlight was a Ringed Plover nest mid-hatching. Lowlight was pulling out 27 ticks after an 8km jog.
Two young kids on waterproofs play on a grey looking beach in the rainA view of mountains, sea, village and an old pier, with two orange RIBs in the foreground
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
Finally seen one of the local beavers - honest! 500m from home.
A river scene with a distant swimming beaver
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Enjoying hearing both Willow and Grasshopper Warbler singing from (though definitely not in) our garden. Wheatears back on the hill too, and first House Martins spotted over the weekend #birdingscotland
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Green Alliance @green-alliance.org.uk · 08/04/2026
Drax has confirmed it won't progress with bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) "in the short to medium term”, leaving a significant hole in the UK's carbon budget. What now? 🧵 A quick thread
politico.eu
Energy giant Drax pulls out of UK climate plan
Ministers were told to lock the biomass giant into an agreement on carbon capture. The government ignored them — and now Drax has walked away.
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British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) @bou.org.uk · 10/03/2026
🔊 JOB VACANCY Would you like to work at the heart of a global ornithological membership society? BOU are seeking a Journal and Engagement Manager to play a central role in delivering our mission ⏰ Apply by 14 April bou.org.uk/vacancy-j... #ornithology 🪶
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Is hayfever season upon us already? Here in Central Scotland I've looked like a bee sting victim / unsuccessful boxer for the last three days. Seen some high forecasts for Cypress tree pollen, but don't think Met Office pollen forecasts start until later this month
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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
This #InternationalDayofWomenandGirlsinScience meet just six of the inspiring women in our Conservation Science department and hear about some of their most memorable moments at the RSPB 🧪 Read the full story here: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...
rspb.org.uk
What’s it really like to work in science at the RSPB?
To mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we speak to six of our Conservation Scientists.
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Richard K Broughton @richardkbroughton.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
Very pleased to share #OpenAccess paper, which we think is important to understand woodland bird declines and impact of forestry on native ancient woodland in Britain. nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/... #ornithology @ukceh.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social @mizpas.bsky.social 🧵1/n
marsh tit, www.garthpeacock.co.uk
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
Little Egret at confluence of Allan Water and Forth this afternoon @upperforthbirds.bsky.social
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Arjun Amar @arjundevamar.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Good news - I suspect many other respectable organisations will follow soon.... www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...
mirror.co.uk
RSPB 'shuts down' X account in 'foreseeable future' update
The charity felt it had no choice but to protect its supporters and volunteers
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Looks great - is there an interactive map viewer anywhere?
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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
Reconciling top-down and bottom-up treescape objectives Wednesday - 1215 - Tinto @tfinch.bsky.social @britishecologicalsociety.org 📷Tom Finch
RSPB Geltsdale nature reserve, Cumbria
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Graham Appleton @wadertales.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
Trees or breeding waders? THREAD 1/4 There's little point paying farmers to leave space for breeding waders if their neighbours are going to plant trees. besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.... New review paper by Emma Sheard et al suggests that forests create ... #ornithology
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Woodland proximity limits benefits of conservation land management for farmland breeding waders
Where grassland breeding wader assemblages may be put at risk by tree planting, buffer zones >500 m should be implemented to mitigate the negative effect on wader species, with further distances havi...
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
Close enough to @upperforthbirds.bsky.social to be of interest?
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
Sea Eagle just flew over A9 between Greenloaning and Blackford, towards Ochil Hills #BirdingScotland
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 22/11/2025
3 woodcock between Cocksburn reservoir and Dumyat summit this morning #BirdingScotland @upperforthbirds.bsky.social
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Are you an MSc student based at a UK university? Or do you know one? RSPB @rspbscience.bsky.social have just released their list of research projects for 2026: www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu... #ornithology #conservationscience 🌍
rspb.org.uk
Postgraduate opportunities
The RSPB is offering a variety of exciting research projects for postgraduate students in 2026.
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
📣Job vacancy!📣 Research Fellow in Global Conservation at Leeds, working with Dave Williams (and me, a bit) to assess the impact of conservation initiatives on biodiversity, carbon, and people: jobs.leeds.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx... #ConservationScience 🌍
jobs.leeds.ac.uk
Job Opportunity at University of Leeds: Research Fellow in Global Conservation
Salary: Grade 7 (£41,064 – £48,822 p.a. depending on experience) This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing...
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Alice Risely @alice-risely.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
🦠 SAVE THE DATE! 🦜 I'm excited to announce that the theme of the 2027 BOU conference is Avian Disease Ecology! 📍 Nottingham, UK 📅 6–8 April 2027 🔗 Full details: lnkd.in/gPvFFDJe Please share widely! #BOU2027 #Ornithology #WildlifeDisease #AvianDisease #EcoHealth
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British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) @bou.org.uk · 07/11/2025
📢 REGISTRATION OPEN #BOU2026 | Birds and people | 31 March - 2 April 2026 University of Nottingham & Zoom & Bluesky Check out the programme and book your place today! bou.org.uk/event/bir... #ornithology 🪶
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
📣PhD opportunity📣 Farming Futures: comparing regenerative and conventional practices on soil, chemical use, and ecosystems in a changing climate With @ukceh.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social and others 🔗 www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
findaphd.com
Farming Futures: comparing regenerative and conventional practices on soil, chemical use, and ecosystems in a changing climate at UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology - Lancaster on FindAPhD.com
PhD Project - Farming Futures: comparing regenerative and conventional practices on soil, chemical use, and ecosystems in a changing climate at UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology - Lancaster, listed ...
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Anyway. I agree trees are over-sold. They aren't going to solve everything, they bring risks, and are easy to get wrong. But I'm also conscious of throwing the baby out with the bathwater
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Yes, peatland restoration is arguably a higher priority. I don't think that means we should do 0 woodland creation until peatlands are 100% restored. Wouldn't we get more diverse benefits from investing in diverse solutions?
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
How do you judge significance though? Lots of solutions have small effects. Should I just buy a second car? It won't significantly increase global emissions. Agree about time, but won't we be grateful for a stronger (or less weak!) land sink in 30 years time? Doesn't every tCO2 matter?
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
Are you saying that growing woodlands sequester no carbon? Or not enough to be considered a solution?
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
Because new woodlands, if done well, can counteract the decline of the land sink
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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
Job vacancy 🧪 Principal Conservation Scientist, RSPB Cymru Can you provide the evidence needed to save and restore the iconic species and landscapes of Wales? Deadline: 3rd Nov Location: Flexible within Wales Duration: Permanent Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car... 📷Jake Stephen
A Chough sits on a rocky cliff edge at South Stack Nature Reserve, North Wales.
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Janet Hill @saskajanet.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
Look at her go! #invertebrates 🌿
Screen shot of Project Monarch app map of progress of a monarch butterfly from southern Ontario to Oklahoma.
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Richard K Broughton @richardkbroughton.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
New issue of #BirdStudy out today! Birds on solar farms Numbers of released Pheasants & Partridges Woodlarks & Meadow Pipits in Central Europe Hawfinch supplementary feeding Black-billed Cuckoo diet Serengeti Secretarybirds Tracking Lesser Flamingos www.tandfonline.com/toc/tbis20/c... #ornithology
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Stu Bearhop @stubearhop.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
Fully funded PhD working on insectivorous bird declines with a broad range of stakeholders. Starting ASAP #ornithology #zoology #biodiversity #science #ecology www.exeter.ac.uk/study/fundin...
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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
New job alert: An amazing opportunity - our International science team are hiring for a 2yr position (initially) for an experienced scientist to work on tropical forest conservation 🌍🧪 Full details here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car... 📷Nick Williams/RSPB
The Gola Rainforest
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Richard K Broughton @richardkbroughton.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
Very firm statement on releases of captive-bred Turtle Doves, from Operation Turtle Dove inc @rspb.bsky.social & @naturalengland.bsky.social: *Doesn't meet IUCN guidelines *Risk of disease/genetic pollution *Irresponsible aims operationturtledove.org/captive-rele... 1/2 #ornithology #ukbirding
operationturtledove.org
Operation Turtle Dove’s view on the release of captive-bred Turtle Doves as a conservation measure - Operation Turtle Dove
Operation Turtle Dove is a science-led conservation partnership working to reverse the decline of Turtle Doves in the UK by restoring habitat and addressing key threats. Learn why captive-bred release...
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
Some recent beaver activity too
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Tom Finch @tfinch.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
👀 Green Sandpiper and Kingfisher on the Allan Water, just before it joins the Forth. Bit of a mess down there - loads of giant hogweed and Himalayan Balsam, also lots of cow muck washing into the river from the fields behind the prison #birdingScotland
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