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Vivien Boyes

@vivienboyes.bsky.social
93 followers 156 following 120 posts

Writer, photographer, lover of green spaces and open skies. Standing at an oblique angle to the world with a camera or a notebook in my hand.

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Vivien Boyes @vivienboyes.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
As #WorldRiversDay comes to a close in the UK, here’s a heron from the River Brent which reminded me of @robgmacfarlane.bsky.social Heron poem “Rock still at weir sill. Stone still at weir sill.” These are birds from the edge of time.
A heron stands stone still on the edge of a weir surrounded by reflections of fading leaves. Photo Vivien Boyes
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The Wainwright Prizes @wainwrightprize.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
It's our pleasure to announce that the 2026 winner of the Wainwright Prize Book of the Year is... The Book of Birds, Jackie Morris and @robgmacfarlane.bsky.social (Hamish Hamilton) #WainwrightPrize #StoriesThatConnect
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Alan Matthews #ClimateCrisis #FBPE @alan-matts.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
From Ealing wildlife group Facebook page regarding the building of a large "temporary " theatre on our park. EWG position on the Troubadour Theatre proposal for Walpole Park. Please have your say, links to petition and to write to your councillor are in this blog. #London #climateemergency
ealingwildlifegroup.com
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Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Such a beautiful time in West London Regional Park hearing plans to protect nature and rewild. Great to hear updates on Warren Farm from Kabir & Katie - a few years on from joining their campaign to save it! So much more to be done to protect & nurture it but great progress!
Kabir and Katie on Warren Farm Nature Reserve
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Brent River Park @brentriverpark.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Going,going,gone….! While the skylarks sing, the era of the derelict buildings on @warrenfarmnr.bsky.social comes to a crunching end. We’re looking forward to the rewilded brownfield site becoming a buffer zone with plenty of new species. Sound up!
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Brent River Park @brentriverpark.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Today is #NationalMeadowsDay. We have lots of meadows in the Brent River Park, including @warrenfarmnr.bsky.social, London’s newest nature reserve. youtu.be/sVAS67yRv6I
youtu.be
Warren Farm Nature Reserve - BBC London Lunchtime News - Reporter Luxmy Gopal
YouTube video by Warren Farm Nature Reserve
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John Ashburner @johnashburner.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Hardly any Himalayan Balsom ( #InvasivePlants ) to be seen today. The good people of CURB (Clean Up the River Brent) have been doing lots of bashing. #WildflowerHour
Himalayan Balsom flowers
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Brent River Park @brentriverpark.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
It’s our Birthday! 51 years ago the #BrentRiverPark was opened, creating Luke FitzHerbert’s dream of an 8km chain of green space along the #RiverBrent. Now we’re involved in exciting plans to take his vision forward into a new West London Regional Park stretching to the Thames.
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John Ashburner @johnashburner.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Some #PollinatorPals pics taken in @warrenfarmnr.bsky.social in West London yesterday morning. #WildflowerHour
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John Ashburner @johnashburner.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
This weekend was a bit hot, but the previous weekend was great weather for #PollinatorPals . These photos were from around @warrenfarmnr.bsky.social and the @brentriverpark.bsky.social in West London. #WildflowerHour
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Brent River Park @brentriverpark.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
We are delighted by the news that our special adviser @kaulofthewilduk.bsky.social is to receive a British Empire Medal for his work for nature. We will always be grateful for the important role he played in the success of our campaign to save @warrenfarmnr.bsky.social Congratulations Kabir!
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Vivien Boyes @vivienboyes.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Looking forward to this event tonight with @robgmacfarlane.bsky.social Such an evocative nature writer and advocate for the rights of rivers.
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Robert Macfarlane @robgmacfarlane.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
On May 7th I & the artist Jackie Morris publish The Book of Birds, our love-letter to birds & our re-imagining of the humble, wonderful field guide/bird book form. Jackie’s painted more than 300 new pieces of art for the book; a jaw-dropping body of work. First set of events detailed below. Come!
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John Ashburner @johnashburner.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Southall park confirmed as local nature reserve by council
Warren Farm in Southall is already home to nesting skylarks, wildflowers, butterflies and bees.
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John Ashburner @johnashburner.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
#SignsofSpring in the Brent River Park in West London. #WildFlowerHour @brentriverpark.bsky.social
Blackthorn (I think). Trumper's Field 08/03/26Blackthorn (I think). River Brent 08/03/26.Hogweed. River Brent 08/03/26.Sweet Violet. Trumper's Field 08/03/26.
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Brent River Park @brentriverpark.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
It’s official! Warren Farm is now a statutory Local Nature Reserve. www.warrenfarmnaturereserve.co.uk/blog/togethe...
warrenfarmnaturereserve.co.uk
TOGETHER, WE DID IT! WarrenFarmNR is now officially declared a statutory Local Nature Reserve! — Warren Farm Nature Reserve
The blog post that we dreamed of one day writing has landed! We are thrilled to announce that thanks to the incredible amount of support you have shown our Rewilded Grassland and Wildflower Meadow, al...
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WWF UK @wwf.org.uk · 13/01/2026
Winter’s colour palette. 🤍🩵💙🤎
Adult mountain hare high in the Cairngorms mountains, Scotland, UK. Robin in flight over snow covered ground. Derbyshire, UK.Red squirrel in snow, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland.Barn Owl perched on public footpath signpost, North Norfolk, UK.
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Vivien Boyes @vivienboyes.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
There weren’t many of these potatoes left in the tray at #WestEaling Farmers Market. I wondered if they’d gone off to join @vegetableorchestra.bsky.social I should imagine they have a well-rounded sound, far better than any digital copies.
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Brent River Park @brentriverpark.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
This is great news. @openspacessociety.bsky.social has been a champion of our Brent River Park for many years. We look forward to working with Kit to safeguard and enhance our paths and green spaces in Ealing. ealing.news/environment/...
ealing.news
Law student takes up fight to defend Ealing’s open spaces - EALING.NEWS - The Voice of Ealing's 7 towns - Acton, Ealing, Greenford, Hanwell, Northolt, Perivale, Southall.
Britain’s oldest conservation charity has appointed a new local advocate to protect green spaces across Ealing.
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John Ashburner @johnashburner.bsky.social · 10/08/2025
A few #Pollinatorpals from Warren Farm in west London yesterday. #WildflowerHour @warrenfarmnr.bsky.social
Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus) on Hoary MustardSmall Spotty-eyed Drone Fly (Eristalinus sepulchralis) on Hoary Mustard.Brown Argus (Aricia agestis), a bit late for this Common Knapweed.Blue Mason Bee (Osmia caerulescens - I think) on Black Horehound.
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Rory Cellan-Jones @rorycj.bsky.social · 29/06/2025
Awake at 6 to find we’re still needing 60 signatures by 0820 to hit our daily #parkypetition100K target - please sign! petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...
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Vivien Boyes @vivienboyes.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
As part of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations for the Brent River Park, I shall be holding a creative writing workshop, taking a sideways look at the stories rubbish can tell. Meet at the Bandstand in Churchfields, Hanwell at 1200, this Sunday 29th June. Bring writing materials.
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John Ashburner @johnashburner.bsky.social · 22/06/2025
The Lady's Bedstraw at @warrenfarmnr.bsky.social is in full bloom and smelling gorgeous. #wildflowerhour
A male Sphaerophoria scripta hoverfly on Lady's Bedstraw.A massive of Lady's Bedstraw at Warren Farm.
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John Ashburner @johnashburner.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
A bit late for #wildflowerhour, but the @warrenfarmnr.bsky.social bee orchids are blooming again this year.
Bee Orchids. Warren Farm, west London. 14/06/25
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Vivien Boyes @vivienboyes.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
Sometimes I like to find time to wander around that odd juxtaposition of old and startlingly new which is the City of London.🧵
Cranes and tower blocks rise up beyond smaller buildings at Finsbury Square. Photo Vivien BoyesAn old, brick- built house sandwiched in amongst new glass facades and towering new buildings. Photo Vivien BoyesSculpture at the base of a flight of steps leading between new buildings . Shadows and sunlight. Photo Vivien Boyes A crèche of Lime Bikes with tower blocks beyond and a tree casting shadows in the foreground. Photo Vivien Boyes
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Vivien Boyes @vivienboyes.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
Stumbled on this beautiful art work beside the Grand Union Canal on the Trumper’s Way bridge in Hanwell. More of the artist’s work:- ecwoodard.com
Art showing a dog and a cat in human dress cuddling with the text “Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”A wider view of the same artwork showing the bridge and the canal.
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Brent River Park @brentriverpark.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
Come celebrate our #BrentRiverPark 50th Anniversary!🌿🥳🎂Sunday 29th June join us as we unveil new history signs to mark the astonishing vision of Luke FitzHerbert who brought our 7km park to life! Wildlife walks/talks, food, history, arts, writing, fun run, maypole, fundraiser launch and more!💚
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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Labour promised to restore nature. ❌ Instead, their Planning Bill contains a licence to destroy it. We offered solutions. We’re done waiting. Part 3 of the Bill would gut the laws protecting our most precious habitats & species. Without significant change, it must be scrapped.
Screenshot of a Guardian news article with the headline: “Wildlife charities urge Labour to scrap ‘licence to kill nature’ in planning bill.” The subheading reads: “Conservationists say part of bill allowing developers to avoid environmental laws by paying into nature fund should be ditched.” Below, a protest photo shows handmade signs in woodland. One reads “BAT FACTS – 14 species of bat in Buckinghamshire. Bats are the only mammals that can fly.” Another says “FAT CATS KILL BATS” in bold letters. The image underscores public anger and the scale of opposition to the proposed Planning Bill.
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Chris Dempster @chrisdempster.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
#Disabilities Rights activist and all round good egg @gaelynnlea.bsky.social is playing the Glad Cafe in #Glasgow this weekend. Check out her awesome Tiny Desk Concert here youtu.be/n6oSeODGmoQ
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Justsmudge @justsmudge.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
🌿☕Good morning☀️ How do roses smell? 🌹 Gorgeous of course💃 Rose petals have microscopic perfume glands on their lower petals, responsible for producing their 💐 scent 💕 This is due to a gene that triggers enzyme RhNUDX1, this chemical makes cells in 🌹 petals produce the chemical monoterpene geraniol
Red climbing rose single head
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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
So grateful for this tour & all the wonderful people we've been able to meet and visit along the way. Yesterday's show at @bandonthewall.bsky.social and today's show at @bmusicltd.bsky.social were both delightful. Next up, Cardiff, Leeds & Scotland! 🇬🇧📆🎟️ GET TICKETS HERE: violinscratches.com/shows
Gaelynn Lea poses with Richard, Sophie (the GreenMatthews), Elle Chante and Chris (the GreenMatthews) at the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space by the windows at Birmingham Symphony Hall Gaelynn and Richard perform in the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space in Birmingham Symphony Hall in front of a black wall that reads B:Music in big gold lettersGaelynn, Paul, their friend Babs and Richard pose in a hotel lobby before leaving ManchesterGaelynn and Richard perform at Band On The Wall in Manchester in front of a red curtain
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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT! Gaelynn is so excited to have Rightkeysonly joining her as a special guest at Chapter Arts in Cardiff, Wales, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Learn more: rightkeysonly6.wixsite.com/rightkeysonly Get Tickets: violinscratches.com/shows
Image description: a picture of Rightkeysonly. With a purple background, she is smiling at the camera. She has long, multicolored hair and is wearing a mock sleeveless turtleneck.
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Vivien Boyes @vivienboyes.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
Great gig at @cafeotodalston.bsky.social last night, even if you did mention the M word a few times @gaelynnlea.bsky.social 😱Those “Scottish Play” melodies are so evocative.
Gaelynn Lea plays the violin during her gig at Cafe Oto Dalston accompanied by Richard Carter on guitar. Photo Vivien Boyes
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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
Gaelynn’s UK album release tour for her new recording – “Music from Macbeth” – starts soon! Her second batch of shows are in Nottingham, Manchester and Birmingham… Hope to see you there! Get tickets: violinscratches.com/shows Get her new music: gaelynnlea.bandcamp.com
Image description: a graphic announcing Gaelynn's concert with James Holt. Saturday, 17.05.25 in Manchester UK at BAND ON THE WALL. Gaelynn in a blue dress with a blue and brown flower in her long, dark hair. She is holding a violin and sitting in front of a harbor looking out over the water.
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Vivien Boyes @vivienboyes.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Not everyone was partying on VE Day, my mother was watching from her office in the Ministry of War. She was disappointed that her amateur dramatics performance in the evening was poorly attended #VEDay
Diary extract from VE Day
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Brent River Park @brentriverpark.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
Disposable barbecues are dangerous when there has been little rain and the ground is dry. Barbecues are banned in all Ealing and Hounslow parks. www.aroundealing.com/news/bbqs/ www.hounslow.gov.uk/info/20168/p... news.stv.tv/west-central...
news.stv.tv
Disposable BBQ causes wildfire the size of ‘two rugby pitches’
The charity warned the fire could have been ‘much worse’ if not for the efforts of firefighters.
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Vivien Boyes @vivienboyes.bsky.social · 27/04/2025
Hearing Roger McGough read at Ealing Book Festival this morning was so refreshing. when I saw him and other Liverpool poets perform when I was a teenager, it convinced me there was more to poetry than obscure language and pomposity. Love the way he plays with words.
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Vivien Boyes @vivienboyes.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
A fine and very wetting rain bringing a rainbow arching low over the bay #NewportPembrokeshire
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Robert Macfarlane @robgmacfarlane.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
This–– @robcowen.bsky.social’s The North Road––is out today. It's magnificent: one of the best books you'll read this year. A polyphonic walking-up of the ghosts & lives of the Great North Road; a bravura act of imagining in which RC seems to slip supernaturally between times & minds. So, so good.
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Vivien Boyes @vivienboyes.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Aurora Borealis over the Nevern Estuary tonight #NewportPembrokeshire. We need some reward after all the rain we had last night!
Pink curtains of the  Aurora Borealis over the Nevern Estuary . Photo Vivien Boyes
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Vivien Boyes @vivienboyes.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
The track curving away on one of my favourite walks along the Trellys #NewportPembrokeshire yesterday. The views are stunning
A curving  track in the sun, yellow gorse flowers, wide open views. Photo Vivien Boyes
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Warren Farm Nature Reserve @warrenfarmnr.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
When life’s buffeting you around but you still manage to keep focussed on the things that matter to you🙃🐭Amazing head stabilisation of our #WarrenFarmNR Kestrel, her tail fans to keep her steady🪶On the UK Amber List of conservation concern, her home here is an LNR in waiting💚
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Vivien Boyes @vivienboyes.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
Another day, another sunset from the Land of Mystery and Enchantment - Gwlad Hud a Lledrith #NewportPembrokeshire.
Peach coloured sky reflected in a calm sea, the outline of Dina’s Head looming through the mist . A pair of boats moored. Photo  Vivien Boyes
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Vivien Boyes @vivienboyes.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Calm sea and a colourful sunset at #NewportPembrokeshire Add a background of blackbirds serenading the evening. Add a single bat circling. Perffaith.
Flat calm sea , colourful sky, a single boat moored. Photo Vivien BoyesColourful sky and silhouette of the Boat Club , The Parrog. Photo Vivien Boyes
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Brent River Park @brentriverpark.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
This is not surprising when you consider what is being pumped into the Thames and its tributaries. news.sky.com/story/amp/co...
news.sky.com
'Concerning' levels of E.coli found in River Thames before Boat Race, campaigners say
The Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge Universities traditionally culminates in the winning team throwing their cox in the water, but campaigners have warned them to "think twice".
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Vivien Boyes @vivienboyes.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
A robin's pincushion, or Bedeguar Gall, on a dog rose at Elthorne Waterside. A gall wasps lays 30 or so eggs in the leaf bud of the rose. Chemicals secreted by the hatching larvae swell the stem into this hairy gall. The pupae over-winter there to hatch out as adults in spring.
The hairy mass of a robin's pincushion gall of the stem of a dog rose. These galls are bright red, like a robin's breast,  when first formed. Photo Vivien Boyes
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CURB CleanUptheRiverBrent @brentpollution.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
What do we think this haul is worth? Aluminium is infinitely recyclable. Why no return scheme? #returnscheme
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Lin Hawthorne @haggewoods.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
It occurs to me that not only have these thieves and scoundrels scraped my work, they've also, as a bycatch, scraped the work of ten of the finest garden photographers working at the time. it's a violation. @rsmythfreelance.bsky.social www.theatlantic.com/technology/a...
theatlantic.com
Search LibGen, the Pirated-Books Database That Meta Used to Train AI
Millions of books and scientific papers are captured in the collection’s current iteration.
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Thames21 @thames21.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
🥰We have highlighted some great events for #londonriversweek2025 (30th May to 8th June) in our March newsletter, which came out earlier today. 🌊Get connected to your local river. Help to improve it and celebrate it. ➡️https://www.thames21.org.uk/london-rivers-week-2025/
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Brent River Park @brentriverpark.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
Good piece on that sewage-in-the-Brent story by @jim.londoncentric.media on the @mrjamesob.bsky.social show. Mentions for our trustee Ben Morris of @brentpollution.bsky.social and Rob Gray of @friendsrivcrane.bsky.social. youtu.be/r_qEjAdWpfg?...
youtu.be
'This story's hideous': Flats pushing raw sewage directly into Thames | LBC
YouTube video by LBC
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