5 minutes of bird recording in the garden... If you build it they will come 😍 #nature #wildlife #climatecrisis

A please @labouruk.bsky.social, stop saying that it's up to us to stop Reform. YOU could stop a Reform government in 2029, by introducing the proportional representation so many in the country have been clamouring for. The only way Farage can win is through our crazy first-past-the-post system.

Peonies I bought from a bucket by the side of the road for a few quid. My photo’s inspired by the paintings of Rachel Ruysch (1664-1750):

Will #Toronto gardeners ever be able to plant out their tomatoes? I don't know. My threshold is 4C/39F plus temperature lows. 3C/37F is forecast for Monday night (the 11th). Last year, we planted out on the 1st.

Normalcy bias is a cognitive bias that causes people to underestimate the likelihood and impact of disasters. Individuals ignore warnings, downplay threats, and delay action in emergencies, assuming that because a catastrophe hasn't happened yet, it won't happen now. #OpenYourEyes #ClimateCrisis

This is exactly why language matters: “women were given the vote” frames equality as a gift from men, instead of hard won political power extracted through organized resistance. Nobody gave women anything. Women fought, marched, strategized, endured violence, went to prison and died for it.

Crying

‘Dispute’, a quite impressive real picture captured by Polish photographer Jacek Stankiewicz, featuring two birds embroiled in what appears to be an animated argument. Original post

Best advice- check out this account ( @thewholeshebang.bsky.social ) to see wide array of medicinal &/or beneficial plants- great read!

Honeyberries (Haskap berries), nutrient-dense superfruits packed with high levels of anthocyanins, antioxidants, and vitamin C, surpassing blueberries in nutritional value. Cardiovascular health, enhanced brain function, reduced inflammation, better eye health, potential cancer-fighting properties.

California Lilac (Ceanothus spp.) It is a drought-tolerant, nitrogen-fixing shrub that supports local ecosystems by attracting pollinators. Roots & bark used for supporting lymphatic health and acting as a mild sedative, while its soap-like properties were used on the skin.

Sambucus nigra (European black elder), potent antioxidant-rich botanical. Used to boost immunity, manage cold & flu symptoms. Berries & flowers are high in flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and manage blood sugar. It is primarily used in syrups, teas, and supplements

Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum), medicinal herb known for its high tannin content, acting as a potent astringent, anti-inflammatory, & antioxidant. It is commonly used to treat diarrhea, sore throats, wounds, stomach ulcers, also aiding in reducing inflammation of the liver, kidneys, and bladder

Common hollyhock (Alcea rosea), medicinal plant used for its high mucilage content to soothe inflammation in the respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems. Leaves, roots & flowers utilized to relieve sore throats, coughs, constipation, & stomach ulcers, also offering antiseptic properties for skin

Red Campion (Silene dioica), used in herbal medicine for its saponin-rich, soapy sap, has mild anti-inflammatory & antiseptic properties, applied to wounds, rashes, sores. Historically, used to treat internal bleeding, kidney issues & skin issues like warts. Edible, nutritious plant when cooked.

Woodland forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica), used in traditional herbalism for respiratory issues, such as soothing coughs and asthma, and as a topical astringent for minor wounds. Not recommended for ingestion due to containing toxic compounds that can damage the liver, favoring external use only.

Actinidia chinensis (commonly known as gold or yellow kiwifruit) is a nutrient-dense fruit offering significant health benefits, particularly regarding immune support, digestive health, and cardiovascular wellness.

Nepeta × faassenii (Faassen's catmint) is a popular garden hybrid that shares many of the aromatic, medicinal properties of its relative, Nepeta cataria (common catnip). While less potent for feline stimulation, it is widely utilized for its calming, digestive, and culinary benefits in humans.

Sium sisarum (skirret) is a hardy herbaceous perennial root vegetable of the Apiaceae family, native to Asia and cultivated for its sweet, clustered, slender white roots. Popular before potatoes, it tastes like a mix of carrots and parsnips.

Purple toadflax (Linaria purpurea) is traditionally used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and diuretic properties, often applied topically to treat skin irritations, rashes, and hemorrhoids. It is known in folklore for supporting liver function and treating jaundice.

Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus), "cramp bark", medicinal shrub renowned for relieving muscle spasms, particularly menstrual cramps, due to its antispasmodic & sedative properties. Bark & berries are used to treat tension-related pain, support cardiovascular health & provide high doses of vitamin C

2m away and quite happy having a bath 😍

Square-stalked willowherb (Epilobium tetragonum). Highly regarded in traditional herbal medicine for its medicinal properties, particularly concerning prostate and urinary health. It is a perennial plant often found in damp areas, ditches, and gardens.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), highly nutritious, rich in vitamins (A, C, K, B) & minerals, reduces inflammation, treat arthritis pain & alleviate allergies. Diuretic, aids in managing blood sugar, supports prostate health, particularly for managing symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

"Tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) is traditionally used for its potential anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties, primarily due to its rich polyphenol content. It is traditionally used for skin conditions, digestive issues like diarrhea, and liver/spleen support."

Humans 👏👏👏 "The average size of monitored wildlife populations declined by 73% between 1970-2020. Populations of vertebrate species have declined by an average of 68% since 1970. Freshwater ecosystem species populations have shown the largest losses, falling 84% in the same period."

Always a fun read... assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/696e0e...

The garden is alive, whilst some plants have finished flowering many more are awaiting their turn ☺️. The #biodiversity increases year on year as the garden mature, the noise from bird life and native bees is glorious. #gardens #nature #bees #climatecrisis

Garden coming to life 😍

Good morning fellow doomers. My ongoing battle with the DWP and it's affect on my mental health is somewhat overwhelming ATM. I'm initiating a mandatory reconsideration today, after that it'll be a tribunal... It's incredibly stressful 😫 Apologies for my ongoing disappearance 🫂.

Expect to see a lot more sleeping peers in the coming days

South Wales council to buy and demolish homes prone to #flooding - Residents of 16 houses on Clydach Terrace in Ynysybwl express relief after repeated floods caused by #climatecrisis 1/2 www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...

The UK government has finally issued a plan for tackling "forever chemicals". Except the PFAS plan isn't much of a plan — it's a promise of more tests and more consultations later down the line. Doc here lnkd.in/enArqKPs

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026... 🤮

Disabled people have a poverty rate 8 percentage points higher than people with no disability. 🗣️ Hear Lead Analyst @datataha.bsky.social set out some of the additional structural barriers that disabled people face, and why the government must increase their support. 👇

"delay in publishing its national security assessment on biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse – which was finally issued last week, more than three months later than planned – is inexcusable, not least because much of the content is already out of date" www.theguardian.com/environment/...

I listened to a comedian on Instagram and have to share: "Do you ever eat popcorn at a friend's house and wonder if it's also their sick bowl"...

A third of international travellers say they are less likely to visit the US if proposals to scrutinise social media accounts are brought in, according to a survey news.sky.com/story/us-pla...

The parents of Alex Pretti have retained a former federal prosecutor who helped Minnesota's attorney general convict the police officer who kneeled on George Floyd's neck of murder. https://to.pbs.org/3ZA2HfU

#HealthyDiets have different foods & flavours, but share the same principles: adequacy, balance, moderation & diversity. Eat a variety of minimally processed & unprocessed foods to ensure you get enough essential micronutrients while reducing unhealthy fats, sugars & salt. More info 👉bit.ly/4pXCsux

Water bills to rise again in England, well above the rate of inflation. 90% of water industry is foreign owned. Shareholders count the returns, have no contact with leaks, water shortages or sewage dumping. Customers fleeced. Privatisation is a scam.

BREAKING: Facial recognition technology is to be rolled out across England and Wales, under sweeping reforms announced by the home secretary

Parts of England + Ireland are reaching the point of water stress - perilously close to not having enough water resources to meet demand, yet water firms have to be pushed, year after year, to take steps to address this. Explore water stress where you live on our map: share.google/DqfdTVWSPXMU...

Guys I gotta tell you all to stop putting personal information into active portal wifi. I keep seeing you do it. Don’t do it. I never have in my entire life. You can generally just farm any old bullshit into those forms and it’ll work just fine.

'Of the days to come, Mr O'Reilly has said there is still "uncertainty on weather models for low system on Fri. Most models were keeping it S of Ireland but latest high res HARMONIE model brings it into SE Ireland with risk of more heavy rainfall. This needs careful watching over next 48 hrs."'

Dramatic rise in water-related violence recorded since 2022 | Water | The Guardian share.google/40H2EkbNzdTG...

Having my favourite peasant lunch today, a can of cheap soup with half a can of new potatoes (yes, from a can). Jazzed up with a little garlic and worcestershire sauce... Cheap, tasty, filling. #broke #fuckyouworld #trumpisacunt

I’m so sad for a my US friends. This is gut-wrenching.