Sharon Thompson

A drone shot from above a forest dusted in snow

A bright blue tile with a green and blue chevron banner across the top and the words “Today wildlife in Scotland got a much-needed reprieve. We’re delighted MSPs voted to remove Part 2 of the Natural Environment Bill, which poses a serious threat to nature through powers that would undermine our most important wildlife protections. This Bill should be a turning point for Scotland’s nature, offering real hope to restore our cherished wildlife. We are one step closer to it being the win wildlife needs, but we must make sure Part 2 is not put back in when it gets to the final stage.”

📢Great news! Today, MSPs voted to remove Part 2 of the Natural Environment Bill, a serious threat to wildlife.

Thanks to everyone who spoke up! 🐦🌱

We’re not out of the woods yet though as it could return. Help us keep the pressure up for the Bill’s final stage: action.rspb.org.uk/page/181323/...

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 NI welcomes the publication of the Environmental Principles Policy Statement. It is a requirement that these vital environmental principles are taken into account for all government policy, not just those of
@daera-ni.gov.uk, to tackle the nature and climate emergency. [1/2]

Lapwing and curlews had a successful season on Upper Lough Erne Efforts by conservationists and farmers pay off as breeding waders have a good summer in Fermanagh.

A great reminder that conservation action works. And paying farmers to deliver public goods has multiple benefits.
Which is why @daera-ni.gov.uk need to create a robust Farming with Nature scheme & NI needs statutory Nature Recovery targets
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Wild victims of bird flu on the rise As ‘flockdown’ rules require keepers of birds to introduce strict biosecurity measures in Wales, increased deaths of wild birds have raised fears that it could be the worst winter yet for bird...

Wild victims of bird flu increase - will it be the worst winter yet in Europe? @btobirds.bsky.social reminds birders we can play a role in monitoring #HPAI

Plus the week's #NorthWales sightings in @northwaleslive.bsky.social BirdNotes. 📷 Tony Pope. #BirdingWales

www.birdnotes.wales/blog/wild-vi...

Information integrity is getting the attention it deserves at #COP30 🌍

We have been fighting misinformation in our Behind the Headlines series because when trust erodes, vital messages get ignored.

The challenge? 69% of people are concerned about being misled online.

Read: tinyurl.com/2fctx82u �

From Brazil to Belfast - pupils hold their own COP30 event The COP30 climate simulation negotiation brought pupils from 28 schools to Belfast Castle.

Young people in Northern Ireland show they care about tackling the climate and nature emergency

Meeting the NI net zero targets is as important now as it's always been
#COP30

@daera-ni.gov.uk

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Head of Fundraising and Communications/Pennaeth Codi Arian a Chyfathrebu - RSPB Cymru | RSPB Mae'r RSPB yn awyddus i benodi Pennaeth Codi Arian a Chyfathrebu i RSPB Cymru. Bydd yr unigolyn llwyddiannus yn cynnig arweinyddiaeth strategol ac yn cyfrannu at ddatblygu a gweithredu strategaethau a...

👀 CYFLE SWYDD / JOB OPPORTUNITY 👀

🦅 Ydych chi'n arweinydd, yn ddylanwadol, eisiau trawsnewid y maes cyfathrebu a chodi arian - ac eisiau achub byd natur Cymru? 🐝

🦆 'Da ni'n chwilio am rywun arbennig iawn i fod yn Bennaeth Codi Arian a Chyfathrebu newydd RSPB Cymru!

Ewch amdani! 👉 brnw.ch/21wX2x6

Head of Fundraising and Communications/Pennaeth Codi Arian a Chyfathrebu - RSPB Cymru | RSPB Mae'r RSPB yn awyddus i benodi Pennaeth Codi Arian a Chyfathrebu i RSPB Cymru. Bydd yr unigolyn llwyddiannus yn cynnig arweinyddiaeth strategol ac yn cyfrannu at ddatblygu a gweithredu strategaethau a...

🦅 Are you a leader, influential, want to have a transformational effect on the fundraising and communications sector - and want to save Wales' nature? 🐝

🦆 We're looking for a very special someone to become the new Head of Fundraising and Communications for RSPB Cymru!

Apply here! 👉 brnw.ch/21wX2x6

👍 It’s great to hear the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment signal his intent to work with others to improve the Bill.

💪 Let’s make sure it provides a strong platform for environmental protection, access to environmental justice, and nature recovery in Wales.

🔚

Briefings on the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill - Wales Environment Link Briefings on this page set out WEL and Green Alliance’s positions on the Environmental Governance Bill. The Bill has been eagerly awaited, and there is significant public interest in the Bill ensuring...

🤝 With our partners, we have outlined some key areas where we think the Bill should be made clearer, stronger and more ambitious 👉 bit.ly/489uwkg

…as has the CCEI Committee in its Stage 1 report 👉 bit.ly/47yPHvU

Bore da! 🥳 Fantastic news!

🌱 The Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) Bill passed its first hurdle yesterday, with resounding support from the Senedd.

So why is this bill so important? 🤔

🧵

Climate change is coming for some of our favorite vices Top grape, coffee and chocolate growing regions in western Europe, South America and West Africa under threat

Climate change is coming for some of our favorite vices

Top grape, coffee and chocolate growing regions in western Europe, South America and West Africa under threat.
@juliaelenamusto.bsky.social

'Environmental catastrophe' at Camber Sands as 'millions' of plastic beads wash up There is an "environmental catastrophe" at Camber Sands after "millions" of plastic beads washed up on the East Sussex beach, an MP has warned.

'Environmental catastrophe' at Camber Sands as 'millions' of plastic beads wash up

Rare orchid bought back from brink of extinction The fen orchid is no longer listed as almost extinct in Great British Red List for vascular plants.

Brilliant to see the #GBRedList making a report on CBBC newsround, headlined by the tale of Fen Orchid recovery.
The future of our wonderful plants is in their hands - let's try not to drop the baton before we can hand it over!
www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/ar...
@plantlifeuk.bsky.social

Today’s statement from the @daera-ni.gov.uk Minister is an important step forward for environmental governance in Northern Ireland. The evidence is clear that our current system is failing both nature and people.

Want to up your #WildFlowerID game this winter?
We just launched our Winter Webinar programme!
7-8pm, every Tuesday from 4 Nov - 10 Feb.
Thanks to funding from @daera-ni.gov.uk, these 10 great plant ID webinars are FREE for all of you to attend!
Programme & booking links: bsbi.org/botanical-sk...

Protecting and restoring nature is at the heart of tackling the climate crisis.

It’s good to see this recognised in the Carbon Delivery Plan announced today.

Healthy woodlands, peatlands and wetlands do more than store carbon - they support wildlife and protect communities 🧵

Little penguin. Photo: JJ Harrison, Wkimedia commons.

Fig. 2 from the article: Mean ± 95% CI hourly temperature recorded inside little penguin nests on Penguin Island and the corresponding mean ambient air temperature (± 95% CI), shown for days grouped by daily maximum temperature: (a) 20–24.9°C; (b) 25–29.9°C; (c) 30–34.9°C; and (d) ≥ 35°C.

Fig. 6 from the article: (a) Full and conditional model averaged coefficient estimates for effect of nest attributes and local climatic conditions on hours of exposure to temperatures ≥ 35°C in natural nests. (b) Predictions from linear mixed models of the effect of bush wall depth on hours of exposure to temperatures ≥ 35°C

NEW PAPER: Artificial nest boxes trap more heat than natural burrows, pushing little penguins beyond safe thermal limits. As temperatures increase, nest box design improvements are critical to prevent population declines.

➡️ vist.ly/4bz8w

#ornithology #birds #climate 🪶

Big job in #Wales, leading the exciting multi-landscape, multi-partner, multi-species @naturambyth.bsky.social recovery programme. Deadline 12 November. #ConservationJobs

swyddi.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/VacancyInfor...

The title reads 'Pumpkin Dos & Don’ts'. A light-hearted illustrated poster split into two columns with a "Do" section on the left and a "Don't" section on the right. In the "Do" section: three green checkmarks highlight turning pumpkins into bird feeders, keeping them high to avoid foraging Hedgehogs, and composting leftovers to avoid harming wildlife. The "Don't" section features three red crosses, advising against leaving pumpkins on the ground (Hedgehogs might eat them), letting pumpkins rot (it harms wildlife), and wasting pumpkins …encouraging instead to make tasty recipes or bird treats. A cartoon Hedgehog and pumpkin smile from the bottom of the poster, adding a fun and informative feel.

Psst! Pumpkins are a treat for birds but can be harmful to hedgehogs. 🦔❌

Keep them high up out of reach and compost any leftovers to protect our garden wildlife.

An orange poster with the warning “Beware! Fake Webs = Real Risks for Wildlife” written at the top in bold, accompanied by a small, friendly-looking spider hanging from a web. The text explains that fake web decorations can trap and harm birds, small mammals, and even toads. A cartoon owl and spider deliver the message, with the spider humorously saying, “This is all natural!” in front of its web, and the owl encouraging people to avoid fake webbing for a spooky yet wildlife-friendly Halloween. The overall tone is playful but highlights an important caution for Halloween decorating.

It’s spooky season, but let’s not make it scary for wildlife! 🎃👻

Fake web decorations can trap and injure our garden wildlife. Stick to sustainable, indoor decorations and let real spiders do the work outdoors!

Share these tips & help spread awareness 👇

Congratulations @penrhynbirder.bsky.social
Great to see you recognised amongst this elite group 🦉

Are you passionate about protecting wildlife and helping to restore habitats?

At RSPB NI, we are recruiting roles right across the country. From Campaigning Communications Officer, to Machinery Operator.

Read more and apply: rspb.org.uk/careers

Delighted this announcement landed during my first week @rspbni.bsky.social. Esp the additional call for statutory nature recovery targets

Thanks to the independent expert group chaired by @vgravey.bsky.social

Obviously we need @daera-ni.gov.uk to urgently bring forward the necessary legislation

Here are our thoughts on DAERA's Independent Review of Environmental Governance:

Independent panel’s final report recommends independent environmental regulator be established for NI A panel has recommended the establishment of an independent regulator as part of its review into environmental governance in Northern Ireland.

A pleasure to be up in Stormont earlier to present our final report on Environmental Governance in Northern Ireland 👇

More independence, more powers, and greater transparency and accountability all needed to improve governance and the environment for all.

www.daera-ni.gov.uk/news/indepen...

Join us to discover the importance of healthy hedgerows, their role in boosting biodiversity and farm resilience, and how to manage them at a farm scale. See real hedges in action and learn practical tips. 🙌

Thanks to Coed Cadw & Woodland Trust Wales. 🤝

https://tinyurl.com/bddryy87

#NFFNCymru

⚠️𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆.⚠️

Once again, this assault on environmental safeguards is being sold as “simplification.” It’s not simplification, it’s dismantling. And it’s a betrayal of both nature and farmers.