Sarah Whild

Oh squeak! It’s official publication day!

Yesterday’s gardening session produced the first Seven-spot Ladybird (actually about twenty) of the year, and Eristalis tenax sunning itself.

Oh yes, he’s a star!

Wow, thanks Bill!

Well, I’m bound to agree with h what Sue says!

Ah! The amount of mucus was truly spectacular! When I eventually tracked down the flatworm, I couldn’t believe something so small had completely slimed an entire blanket and a settee. That would explain it. Thank you!

Wow that’s so cool - I read your paper and this seems to be the only species with pets as vectors in France? Strange!

Yes, it was a surprise to see it surviving in the frozen wastelands of Shrewsbury!

What a splendid idea! 💚🌱💚

It’s in that wonderful front wall/pavement niche, north facing but v sheltered. I hope it isn’t weeded out. I give people a long hard stare when they start weeding the pavement on our street.

Yes, I’ve just read it - someone in the PSL FB group gave me the link. It’s fascinating that it’s just this particular species. Anyway, a fascinating beastie - it’s just emptied a woodlouse!

Ooh, first county record for #Shropshire for Geranium maderense, Giant Herb Robert! Pavement plants are the best 💚🌱💚

Which part?! I now have Jones, the ship’s cat next to me in case something happens…

It’s about 4 cm long and it’s in a standard NHS poo pot.

No, he’s beautiful! Look at those stripes! 🤩

A colour photograph of a tree surrounded by cornfields.

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Flatworm Friday! My first ever terrestrial flatworm which I think may be Caenoplana variegata but waiting for confirmation. It’s a INNS, brought in on the cat’s fur.

You’re more than welcome! It’s been a privilege to have learned so much from my students 💚🌱🪲🌱💚

Thank you, BSBI, you legend! 💚🌱💚

Thank you, Martin! It’s certainly new…

Thanks, Fay! I could say ‘nah, you’ll know it all’ but yes, please buy one! 🤣💚

On a rainy grey February, a splendid parcel has arrived. What a relief… @pelagic.bsky.social @nfbr.bsky.social @nbntrust.bsky.social

What could possibly go wrong, with a track record like theirs?

Hmm - as a retired academic, I really cannot imagine using something like ChatGPT to help me write. And dude, your lack of back up is a serious issue! And am I surprised that ChatGPT would run off with all of their work? No, but then sometimes being a bitter cynical twisted old bat does pay off.

Stunning Aurora in #shrewsbury Shropshire. Taken from the bedroom window, and the red was visible with the naked eye!

Harton Hollow is a brilliant site! So many plant species in a small corner of woodland. 💚🌱🤩

Ooh, I might try growing foxes this year…

Final stretch of the #NewYearPlantHunt in #Shrewsbury @bsbibotany.bsky.social with Red Campion and some snow!

#NewYearPlantHunt in #Shrewsbury - 28 species so far, from delicate Hazel catkins to Fumaria bastardii, Tall Ramping Fumitory

Thank you! With tardigrades, hammerhead sharks, and a host of invertebrates of course!