Re rabbit holes (see previous post), in seeking more definition of Galeobdolon, [galê, Ancient Gk for weasel ... not all roots are Latin], I came across a treasure trove. By William Smith - The Ancient Library, Public Domain, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?... @justagalandadog.bsky.social

New #GBRedList for vascular plants is published today by a team led by @bsbibotany.bsky.social with partners @naturalengland.bsky.social @ukceh.bsky.social @naturescot.bsky.social @natreswales.bsky.social @nhm-london.bsky.social @plantlifeintl.bsky.social @rbgkew.bsky.social @thebotanics.bsky.social

As I get ever older I still continue to love the fact that trees produce these annual throw away items of such beautiful forms and colours

Over £9million raised so far in this 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' to do something truly meaningful for nature on a really large scale. It's absolutely doable. Can you help? Donate here 👉 www.wildlifetrusts.org/appeals/roth... www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... #wildlife

www.field-studies-council.org/shop/publica... Look what’s just come out! Fab little book only £12. Really easy to follow. Congratulations to @rockwolf74.bsky.social @vc40ladybirds.bsky.social

Another fantastic Brexit "benefit" Another massive let down by this chronically anti-nature government.

Please do feel at liberty to share this as much as you like.

Farage: epic grifter

Wildlife needs site-specific protections it has now, not removal of all this and just compensation for destruction..

Everything must go. By Thursday.

All #Shrewsbury folk please sign this petition to end the complete and utter arsery imposed on us by Gove’s bloody ‘levelling up’. It seems a small issue but it’s meant hold-ups for emergency vehicles ☹️ c.org/NHRqbQFz8S

Much digging about in a compost / horse dung / straw heap in All Stretton on Weds produced several fab inverts including many of these 1.9mm long Compost Chernes/Chelifer pseudoscorpions (Pselaphochernes scorpioides) incl two females carrying eggs.

We had a thoroughly enjoyable, and very informative, first meeting of the online #AquaticHyphomycete group yesterday. @isabelrfernandes.bsky.social gave us methodology and tips for collecting and fixing foam samples.

A male Dark Bush-cricket (Pholidoptera griseoaptera) seen earlier this week in Brambles near the River Severn in Telford. This species sticks almost exclusively to the Severn corridor in Shropshire, perhaps because of the warmer microclimate?

Same story - 2 very different takes. Reeves claims she unblocked a development being held up by a "microscopic snail or something", while Natural England claim they and the EA negotiated an agreement with Southern Water, to reduce water abstraction from the snail's habitat.

Female Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia complex) seen at an organic farm in south Shrops recently. 'F. auricularia' is a complex of 4 spp., 2 of which have been found in Britain (auricularia s.s. & dentata). They need to be DNA barcoded to separate. Nothing is ever easy...

🌊 Slapton Ley Annual Research Seminar Join us in South Devon for this popular event, showcasing research conducted in and around Slapton Ley. B&B package: £40 for two nights B&B plus a tour of the Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve! Book your place for Saturday 15th November 2025: buff.ly/58C4mJv

www.gov.uk/government/n.... Super 👌

Checkout our new starter pack: Academics to follow on BlueSky to keep up to date with cutting edge discoveries in the world of plant science! go.bsky.app/5CYhV8v

How much excitement can biological recorders cope with? Save the date! It’s @nfbr.bsky.social 40th anniversary conference next year - woohoo! Get it in your diaries… @nbntrust.bsky.social @kitenet.bsky.social @elaineeepoos.bsky.social @teamneyedc.bsky.social

we are in love with Campanula rotundifolia, Harebell. we just can't help it. #HarebellChallenge #WildflowerHour @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social 💚🌱

Some good news (for a change!)

In a new article for the RSA, Will Snell argues that we should bust the myth of meritocracy, and acknowledge the outsized role that luck plays in all of our lives- as well as the impacts of the structural barriers holding people back. Read the full article here: www.thersa.org/rsa-journal/...

GOOD NEWS: Lead shot will be banned! RESULT! After years of campaigning, the use of toxic lead ammunition by the shooting industry will be banned. This is excellent news for people's health and for wildlife. Read the Defra press release here: wildjustice.org.uk/general/toxi...

We're calling on the Government to include regulators in plans to introduce the Socio-Economic Duty. It would help reduce the ingrained poverty premiums faced by people in socio-economically disadvantaged groups through a more strategic approach. fairbydesign.com/blog-socio-e...

Do you know a young person with an interest in insects? 🦋 The Douglas Boyes Fund aims to provide people aged 14-18 with access to entomology equipment, fostering their passion for insects and inspiring them to engage and share their interest with other young individuals 🔽

Counted at least 20 Clitostethus arcuatus (Horseshoe Ladybird) larvae on the Greater Celandines in the garden this morning (+ an adult!). Some looked pre-pupal, so will look again in a few days for the pupae. #VC40Ladybirds #MicroLadybird

At the heart of the sewage scandal is a regulatory system which has failed. Liberal Democrats will continue our campaign to replace Ofwat with a new regulator to clean up our waterways for good. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

www.field-studies-council.org/shop/publica... Look what’s just come out! Fab little book only £12. Really easy to follow. Congratulations to @rockwolf74.bsky.social @vc40ladybirds.bsky.social

Surely it is finally time to end the failed privatisation experiment and bring water back into public hands so it can be run for the good of everyone, not for shareholders' profit? www.theguardian.com/business/202...

You couldn’t make it up - this is the same government that promised to deliver significant nature recovery - yet once again they’re slashing key nature funding & massively undermining farmers in the process. Madness

A rainy half term shouldn't bother you. A family can go through our exhibition for £13.50 and under 5s are free. Our soft play corner is free in the lounge area. Our cafe is open And with a membership, the exhibition is free and 10% off events, activities, shop and cafe.

Every bird sighting, butterfly ID, and track traced in the mud...we owe so much to wildlife recorders! Their dedication helps piece together the bigger picture for nature. Now it’s time to celebrate them. 💚 The #NBNAwards25 are open! Who deserves recognition? Nominate now 👇

For moth enthusiasts I heartily recommend Liz's YouTube presentation: full of tips and good humour as she recounts her life with moths (and butterflies) from teacards in childhood to diligent surveyor and expert she now is. Heartwarming in this darkest part of the year. #teammoth

ingsvillage.org.uk/church-solar-p… Lake District National Park (LDNP) refused planning. Ings church is seeking support to for solar panels. Please click through and sign to help common sense prevail. @foeeurope.bsky.social @cumbriawildlife.bsky.social

Sizewell C has now felled 21,675 trees. Absolutely outrageously damaging project in one of the most environmentally sensitive areas of England.

What a privilege to listen to one of these authors today in Darwin’s birth town. Well done Shrewsbury for a fab contribution to the festival. #Darwin #ShropshireBotany #ArvensisEcology #UnitarianChurch

We're hiring! Could you help create a resilient future for the Botanical Society, working across our teams to support staff and volunteers? Apply to become our first ever Administration Officer: bsbi.org/vacancies/ad... Not applying yourself? Then please help us spread the word! Deadline: 2nd March

Fab lecture today as part of Shrewsbury’s Darwin Festival. #botany on plants worldwide. Extinctions and new discoveries. Enjoying every bit so far.

I just completed a questionnaire via @the-wildlifetrusts.bsky.social to support giving nature a place in the current NHS consultation. There is so much potential for nature connections to play a role in our physical and mental well-being. Add your views at www.wildlifetrusts.org/give-nature-...

@mistletoeman.bsky.social Jonathan Briggs entertains us with life that lives on Sponges. Sponge Flies… who knew? #Shropshire Entoday @suedancey.bsky.social

Shropshire Botanical Society winter social/talk on Oliver Rackham and woodlands to celebrate the upcoming 50 years of THE book. Sun 12th Jan 2025 2pm-4pm, FSCPreston Montford, Montford Bridge, Shrewsbury SY4 1DX. All welcome to the friendly winter social - involving tea and cake! No charge.

Ooh fun!

“Velvet ants are among the most well-defended insects, wielding not just venom, but warning coloration and odor, an extremely tough exoskeleton and long stinger, and the ability to “scream” when provoked.” #scicomm #neuroskyence #pain #sensoryecology www.sciencenews.org/article/velv... 🧪 🐝 🐙 🧠