Mel Roxby-Mackey
@archaeoborders.bsky.social
Archaeologist of borders, Anglo-Cymric borderland and its folklore, digital humanist, University of Birmingham. Archaeologist in Residence, Offa's Dyke Association. All ops my own. archaeoborders.wordpress.com
Some absolute gems showing off the best of the Anglo-Cymric borderland, even if deep pockets are needed for a couple of stays!
10 of the most romantic hotels, pubs, cabins and cottages for a cosy UK getaway
It’s an ideal time of year for snuggling up on a countryside break. We pick accommodation from shepherds’ huts in Somerset to a chateau in Wales
www.theguardian.com
February 14, 2026 at 11:02 AM
Some absolute gems showing off the best of the Anglo-Cymric borderland, even if deep pockets are needed for a couple of stays!
Good news from the North East Cotswold Farmer Cluster CIC (NECFC) for Gloucestershire where the Evenlode Landscape Recovery Project combines farming with the restoration of natural landscapes. Surely this is the future?
Evenlode Landscape Recovery | The North East Cotswold Farmer Cluster
www.cotswoldfarmers.org
February 13, 2026 at 3:55 PM
Good news from the North East Cotswold Farmer Cluster CIC (NECFC) for Gloucestershire where the Evenlode Landscape Recovery Project combines farming with the restoration of natural landscapes. Surely this is the future?
Wow, you go out in the pouring rain with @iwm21.bsky.social and the dogs and encounter three enormous gull sculptures made from recycled materials by @gulljunkart.bsky.social that are paying a flying visit to the park. They’re amazing 😱
February 13, 2026 at 12:14 PM
Wow, you go out in the pouring rain with @iwm21.bsky.social and the dogs and encounter three enormous gull sculptures made from recycled materials by @gulljunkart.bsky.social that are paying a flying visit to the park. They’re amazing 😱
'Shropshire council offers naming rights for local museum’s galleries' An imaginative approach to raising much needed funds, but here's hoping the rights don't simply go to the highest bidders. I can think of at least one or two companies who'd love to indulge in a bit of 'heritage washing'
Shropshire council offers naming rights for local museum’s galleries
Naming rights for local authority museum’s rooms, galleries and exhibitions put to local businesses
museumsandheritage.com
February 12, 2026 at 2:17 PM
'Shropshire council offers naming rights for local museum’s galleries' An imaginative approach to raising much needed funds, but here's hoping the rights don't simply go to the highest bidders. I can think of at least one or two companies who'd love to indulge in a bit of 'heritage washing'
From an archaeological perspective this is really interesting. We know that humans aren’t ’rational actors’ and we do weird s**t as a matter of course. So how are they factoring this in? I’m so intrigued.
Economics has failed on the climate crisis. This complexity scientist has a mind-blowing plan to fix that
Doyne Farmer says a super-simulator of the global economy would accelerate the transition to a green, clean world
www.theguardian.com
February 12, 2026 at 9:59 AM
From an archaeological perspective this is really interesting. We know that humans aren’t ’rational actors’ and we do weird s**t as a matter of course. So how are they factoring this in? I’m so intrigued.
Behold our AI overlords bring us SPUDS in [checks notes] early medieval Britain. What a turnip for the books.
There's so much wrong with this video, I may need to review it.
February 11, 2026 at 6:44 PM
Behold our AI overlords bring us SPUDS in [checks notes] early medieval Britain. What a turnip for the books.
Visit England's Tourism Superstar awards for 2026 are live and Mick Hurst founder and CEO of the Battle of Evesham events is nominated! Mick's energy and dedication has done so much to put the town and its heritage on the map. Voting is open until 22nd March
VisitEngland - Mick Hurst, Founder and CEO
visitenglandawards.secure-platform.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Visit England's Tourism Superstar awards for 2026 are live and Mick Hurst founder and CEO of the Battle of Evesham events is nominated! Mick's energy and dedication has done so much to put the town and its heritage on the map. Voting is open until 22nd March
English Heritage coming up with innovative solutions to provide support in tackling parental isolation
English Heritage launches ‘bonding benches’ to tackle parental isolation
Charity to also offer activities for young families and host NCT volunteer-led sling and buggy walks at selected sites
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 9:51 AM
English Heritage coming up with innovative solutions to provide support in tackling parental isolation
Great news for Worcester’s natural environment with some seriously long-term strategic planning
🌳 Big plans for Worcester’s trees!
A new Trees Strategy (2025–2050) will guide how trees are protected, managed and increased across the city over the next 25 years — shaped by public feedback and local pride in our green spaces 🌱
👉Find out more: www.worcester.gov.uk/news/council...
#Worcester
A new Trees Strategy (2025–2050) will guide how trees are protected, managed and increased across the city over the next 25 years — shaped by public feedback and local pride in our green spaces 🌱
👉Find out more: www.worcester.gov.uk/news/council...
#Worcester
February 8, 2026 at 2:12 PM
Great news for Worcester’s natural environment with some seriously long-term strategic planning
I’m sharing this in recognition of Gladys Mae West’s work on GPS because it’s been a transformational technology for archaeology and that lady deserves to be lauded.
No joke: I got angry hate mail today for writing an obituary of a Black woman scientist—because the person felt she did didn’t deserve the recognition.
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Gladys Mae West obituary: mathematician who pioneered GPS technology
She made key contributions to US cold-war science despite facing huge barriers as a Black woman.
www.nature.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:58 PM
I’m sharing this in recognition of Gladys Mae West’s work on GPS because it’s been a transformational technology for archaeology and that lady deserves to be lauded.
Reposted by Mel Roxby-Mackey
📢 Call for papers and discussion participation:
Into the Wild Conference & Discussion Meeting - 21st & 22nd May 2026, Glasgow.
Multidisciplinary event of interest to researchers, practitioners & policy makers.
Deadline: 2 March 2026.
Details: tinyurl.com/8twry2zc
Please share 🙏
Into the Wild Conference & Discussion Meeting - 21st & 22nd May 2026, Glasgow.
Multidisciplinary event of interest to researchers, practitioners & policy makers.
Deadline: 2 March 2026.
Details: tinyurl.com/8twry2zc
Please share 🙏
February 6, 2026 at 3:28 PM
📢 Call for papers and discussion participation:
Into the Wild Conference & Discussion Meeting - 21st & 22nd May 2026, Glasgow.
Multidisciplinary event of interest to researchers, practitioners & policy makers.
Deadline: 2 March 2026.
Details: tinyurl.com/8twry2zc
Please share 🙏
Into the Wild Conference & Discussion Meeting - 21st & 22nd May 2026, Glasgow.
Multidisciplinary event of interest to researchers, practitioners & policy makers.
Deadline: 2 March 2026.
Details: tinyurl.com/8twry2zc
Please share 🙏
There's nothing like the latest British Archaeology magazine from @archaeologyuk.bsky.social to brighten up a dull February morning. This issue includes a summary of the findings from the recent excavations at Nescliffe Iron Age hillfort in #Shropshire. Take an online tour of the excavations 👇
Nesscliffe Hills and the Cliffe Countryside Heritage Site - Shropshire's Great Outdoors
Parks & sites
www.shropshiresgreatoutdoors.co.uk
February 6, 2026 at 4:20 PM
There's nothing like the latest British Archaeology magazine from @archaeologyuk.bsky.social to brighten up a dull February morning. This issue includes a summary of the findings from the recent excavations at Nescliffe Iron Age hillfort in #Shropshire. Take an online tour of the excavations 👇
The next #Shropshire Hills Forum & Field Visit is set for 29th April in Clun and features a keynote presentation from Dr Andy Wigley 'The Clun valley landscape – past and future' www.shropshirehills-nl.org.uk/aonb-events/...
presentations, informal networking & field visits
Opportunity to talk with people supporting the Shropshire Hills in a variety of ways and find out what others are doing to look after this special landscape.
www.shropshirehills-nl.org.uk
February 6, 2026 at 3:36 PM
The next #Shropshire Hills Forum & Field Visit is set for 29th April in Clun and features a keynote presentation from Dr Andy Wigley 'The Clun valley landscape – past and future' www.shropshirehills-nl.org.uk/aonb-events/...
Sir Ian McKellen. Legend.
This is superb. Ian McKellen delivers a blistering pro-immigration monologue written by Shakespeare, that makes you want to punch the air with exhilaration. Wow, wow, wow.
An absolute must-watch. (Starts at 20:10 but the entire interview is a joy.) youtu.be/2l2RqzVG4ag
An absolute must-watch. (Starts at 20:10 but the entire interview is a joy.) youtu.be/2l2RqzVG4ag
"There's Nothing I Enjoy More Than Acting In The Theater" - Ian McKellen EXTENDED INTERVIEW
YouTube video by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
youtu.be
February 5, 2026 at 6:52 PM
Sir Ian McKellen. Legend.
Wassail! @worcswt.bsky.social on local wassail events in #Worcestershire Definitely going to keep an eye out for this next year!
Wassail! | Worcestershire Wildlife Trust
Wassail Butler Adam Warren explores the history of Wassailing through this year's popular event at Diglis Fields in Worcester...
www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk
February 4, 2026 at 2:23 PM
Wassail! @worcswt.bsky.social on local wassail events in #Worcestershire Definitely going to keep an eye out for this next year!
If anyone doubts the value of universities, their cultural and economic heft and the difference they can make for students and staff alike these reflections from Southend should dispel them. Heartbreaking news.
‘If I think about what this means, I want to cry’: what happens when a city loses its university?
When Essex University’s Southend campus opened, it was a message of hope for a ‘left behind’ UK seaside town. Its closure will be felt far beyond its 800 students, some of whom will not get their degr...
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:55 AM
If anyone doubts the value of universities, their cultural and economic heft and the difference they can make for students and staff alike these reflections from Southend should dispel them. Heartbreaking news.
Reposted by Mel Roxby-Mackey
One of my absolute favourite books of the last couple of years, @drtobydriver.bsky.social Hillforts of Iron Age Wales, not only a fantastic read, but full of Toby’s stunning reconstruction artwork & photographs…now the 3rd impression is out…darn it, I bought the 1st…should I update?😬🧐
#HillfortsMonday 🤔
Simply delighted to receive author copies of the 3rd impression of #Hillforts today 🥳🛖
A huge thank you to everyone who has brought a copy since it launched in Oct 2023 🙏
It includes amazing new images & also some minor updates - I do listen to those emails & reviews 🥰
Enjoy!
Simply delighted to receive author copies of the 3rd impression of #Hillforts today 🥳🛖
A huge thank you to everyone who has brought a copy since it launched in Oct 2023 🙏
It includes amazing new images & also some minor updates - I do listen to those emails & reviews 🥰
Enjoy!
February 2, 2026 at 8:29 PM
One of my absolute favourite books of the last couple of years, @drtobydriver.bsky.social Hillforts of Iron Age Wales, not only a fantastic read, but full of Toby’s stunning reconstruction artwork & photographs…now the 3rd impression is out…darn it, I bought the 1st…should I update?😬🧐
"“Something’s going to happen here but we’re not telling you what.” For once, not archaeology, or the Anglo-Cymric borderland, but simply the utter joy of reading the recollections of Jim Moir and @bobmort.bsky.social on the genius that was Shooting Stars. Happy days indeed.
‘We put a stink bomb in Stephen Fry’s shoe’: Vic and Bob on the inspired idiocy of Shooting Stars
‘Christians complained about the stuffed buzzard wearing a crucifix round its neck. Birds can’t be Christians, they said. It’s the most complaints we ever got’
www.theguardian.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:13 PM
"“Something’s going to happen here but we’re not telling you what.” For once, not archaeology, or the Anglo-Cymric borderland, but simply the utter joy of reading the recollections of Jim Moir and @bobmort.bsky.social on the genius that was Shooting Stars. Happy days indeed.
Prescient Private Eye. . .
Life imitates Eye
L: Joke from the last issue (21 Jan 2026)
R: A tapestry of headlines this morning
L: Joke from the last issue (21 Jan 2026)
R: A tapestry of headlines this morning
January 31, 2026 at 5:52 PM
Prescient Private Eye. . .
Excellent news from the Middle Marches Community Land Trust who have hit their funding target to purchase White Grit Meadows and thank you to everyone who donated or shared to help make this happen
January 31, 2026 at 2:08 PM
Excellent news from the Middle Marches Community Land Trust who have hit their funding target to purchase White Grit Meadows and thank you to everyone who donated or shared to help make this happen
Looks like a very good doggy indeed ❤️
Happy #FindsFriday friends!!🏺
We can't believe we haven't seen this one before today! This adorable dog sketch was excavated in the Valley of the Kings and comes from the New Kingdom period.
We can't believe we haven't seen this one before today! This adorable dog sketch was excavated in the Valley of the Kings and comes from the New Kingdom period.
January 30, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Looks like a very good doggy indeed ❤️
Good news for #Shropshire and #Worcestershire the Woodland Trust and @nfudc.bsky.social are working together to plant thousands of trees across the two counties
Farmers to plant 12,500 trees to boost biodiversity
Farmers in Worcestershire join NFU and Woodland Trust to plant 12,500 native trees, boosting biodiversity and tackling climate change.
www.worcesternews.co.uk
January 30, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Good news for #Shropshire and #Worcestershire the Woodland Trust and @nfudc.bsky.social are working together to plant thousands of trees across the two counties
@tobydriver.bsky.social living the archaeologists’ best life 👍
#FindsFriday or 🧐 #CarnyxFriday 🔊
Yesterday I got up close & personal with a Carnyx in the Senedd - Welsh Government - in Cardiff Bay 📢🥰
No - I didn't feel like giving it a honk in polite company..🤔🫣
Yesterday I got up close & personal with a Carnyx in the Senedd - Welsh Government - in Cardiff Bay 📢🥰
No - I didn't feel like giving it a honk in polite company..🤔🫣
January 30, 2026 at 10:39 AM
@tobydriver.bsky.social living the archaeologists’ best life 👍
Saw this and thought of you @archaeodeathprof.bsky.social
January 30, 2026 at 10:33 AM
Saw this and thought of you @archaeodeathprof.bsky.social
Reposted by Mel Roxby-Mackey
In Cardiff today at the Senedd for the launch of @henebtwa.bsky.social new 5 year strategy with its future focus on the role of archaeology for all in enriching lives, connection generations & building pride in place.
January 29, 2026 at 3:49 PM
In Cardiff today at the Senedd for the launch of @henebtwa.bsky.social new 5 year strategy with its future focus on the role of archaeology for all in enriching lives, connection generations & building pride in place.