David Oakes
@davidoakes.bsky.social
Actor & Ecologist
http://www.davidoakes.co.uk
🚂 Levin in ‘Anna Karenina’ @ Chichester FT
https://www.cft.org.uk/events/anna-karenina
⚔️ ‘Vikings: Valhalla’ on Netflix
🎙️ Hosts www.treesacrowd.fm
🔬 Student of Evolutionary & Behavioural Ecology
http://www.davidoakes.co.uk
🚂 Levin in ‘Anna Karenina’ @ Chichester FT
https://www.cft.org.uk/events/anna-karenina
⚔️ ‘Vikings: Valhalla’ on Netflix
🎙️ Hosts www.treesacrowd.fm
🔬 Student of Evolutionary & Behavioural Ecology
Pinned
David Oakes
@davidoakes.bsky.social
· Oct 12
Anything less than a united voice is proving easily batted away by a government prioritising *Planning* above the *Environment*.
@wclnews.bsky.social is our best current mechanism to mount an opposition.
I call on all British eNGOs (big & small) to work together to refocus the Labour govt.
@wclnews.bsky.social is our best current mechanism to mount an opposition.
I call on all British eNGOs (big & small) to work together to refocus the Labour govt.
That said; with a united backing, I would call on @wclnews.bsky.social to coalesce around a strong and bold vision that is uncompromising in placing nature and the environment at the top of their agenda.
Can we come up with a name for them?
Moth runways
Pixie hedgerows
Vegan tremors
Worm ramparts
…?
Moth runways
Pixie hedgerows
Vegan tremors
Worm ramparts
…?
At this time of year I become obsessed with the little lines of moss you find along mortar joints. Wall screw-moss (Tortula muralis) does this superbly, seeking out the lime-rich concrete #urbanplants #bryophytes #Conwy #wallplants
December 16, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Can we come up with a name for them?
Moth runways
Pixie hedgerows
Vegan tremors
Worm ramparts
…?
Moth runways
Pixie hedgerows
Vegan tremors
Worm ramparts
…?
Reposted by David Oakes
New Episode!
❄️🐻❄️❄️
The Secret Trade in Polar Bears
🐻❄️❄️🐻❄️
How do you save an animal everyone thinks is already protected?! David talks with award-winning filmmaker, @abrahamjoffe.bsky.social, who's trying to do just that.
www.treesacrowd.fm/abraham-joff...
❄️🐻❄️❄️
The Secret Trade in Polar Bears
🐻❄️❄️🐻❄️
How do you save an animal everyone thinks is already protected?! David talks with award-winning filmmaker, @abrahamjoffe.bsky.social, who's trying to do just that.
www.treesacrowd.fm/abraham-joff...
December 9, 2025 at 9:13 AM
New Episode!
❄️🐻❄️❄️
The Secret Trade in Polar Bears
🐻❄️❄️🐻❄️
How do you save an animal everyone thinks is already protected?! David talks with award-winning filmmaker, @abrahamjoffe.bsky.social, who's trying to do just that.
www.treesacrowd.fm/abraham-joff...
❄️🐻❄️❄️
The Secret Trade in Polar Bears
🐻❄️❄️🐻❄️
How do you save an animal everyone thinks is already protected?! David talks with award-winning filmmaker, @abrahamjoffe.bsky.social, who's trying to do just that.
www.treesacrowd.fm/abraham-joff...
Reposted by David Oakes
New Episode!
🦧🦍🐒
Primates, Policy, & the Power of CITES
🙉🙈🙊
A conservation conversation from the CITES COP, where self-confessed “CITES nerd”, @iris-ho.bsky.social, reveals how primate sanctuaries, trade treaties & policy tweaks can transform the fate of wildlife
www.treesacrowd.fm/abraham-joff...
🦧🦍🐒
Primates, Policy, & the Power of CITES
🙉🙈🙊
A conservation conversation from the CITES COP, where self-confessed “CITES nerd”, @iris-ho.bsky.social, reveals how primate sanctuaries, trade treaties & policy tweaks can transform the fate of wildlife
www.treesacrowd.fm/abraham-joff...
December 8, 2025 at 4:12 PM
New Episode!
🦧🦍🐒
Primates, Policy, & the Power of CITES
🙉🙈🙊
A conservation conversation from the CITES COP, where self-confessed “CITES nerd”, @iris-ho.bsky.social, reveals how primate sanctuaries, trade treaties & policy tweaks can transform the fate of wildlife
www.treesacrowd.fm/abraham-joff...
🦧🦍🐒
Primates, Policy, & the Power of CITES
🙉🙈🙊
A conservation conversation from the CITES COP, where self-confessed “CITES nerd”, @iris-ho.bsky.social, reveals how primate sanctuaries, trade treaties & policy tweaks can transform the fate of wildlife
www.treesacrowd.fm/abraham-joff...
Reposted by David Oakes
Manta Trust patron David Oakes is at CITES CoP20 explaining why CITES is vital and why manta & devil rays need the highest protection under Appendix I.
🔗 Visit our website to learn more about manta and devil rays, and the threats they face: www.mantatrust.org
🔗 Visit our website to learn more about manta and devil rays, and the threats they face: www.mantatrust.org
November 24, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Manta Trust patron David Oakes is at CITES CoP20 explaining why CITES is vital and why manta & devil rays need the highest protection under Appendix I.
🔗 Visit our website to learn more about manta and devil rays, and the threats they face: www.mantatrust.org
🔗 Visit our website to learn more about manta and devil rays, and the threats they face: www.mantatrust.org
A short insight into my day in Samarkand at CITES CoP 20.
Please watch all of it.
Please share.
vimeo.com/1140099514
Please watch all of it.
Please share.
vimeo.com/1140099514
Intial thoughts from CITES CoP 20, Samarkand
🌍 A few days into CITES CoP20 here in Samarkand, and the experience has been both eye-opening and deeply thought-provoking. I’m proud to be here as an ambassador…
vimeo.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:45 PM
A short insight into my day in Samarkand at CITES CoP 20.
Please watch all of it.
Please share.
vimeo.com/1140099514
Please watch all of it.
Please share.
vimeo.com/1140099514
Reposted by David Oakes
David travels to Assam’s Kaziranga Tiger Reserve to meet Dr Bhaskar Choudhury of Wildlife Trust of India (@wti-org-india.bsky.social). They talk elephant rescues from monsoon floods, 10-yr journeys back to the wild & what it means to live alongside “elephant gods”. www.treesacrowd.fm/wildlife-tru...
November 18, 2025 at 8:54 AM
David travels to Assam’s Kaziranga Tiger Reserve to meet Dr Bhaskar Choudhury of Wildlife Trust of India (@wti-org-india.bsky.social). They talk elephant rescues from monsoon floods, 10-yr journeys back to the wild & what it means to live alongside “elephant gods”. www.treesacrowd.fm/wildlife-tru...
Reposted by David Oakes
The eyes of the world should be on Ecuador tomorrow. The Trump-backed government is holding a referendum to permit US military bases in the Galapagos, and allow changes to the country's unique constitution to facilitate mining, threatening the rights of nature and indigenous people. Disastrous! 🦤🐢🌎
November 15, 2025 at 2:20 PM
The eyes of the world should be on Ecuador tomorrow. The Trump-backed government is holding a referendum to permit US military bases in the Galapagos, and allow changes to the country's unique constitution to facilitate mining, threatening the rights of nature and indigenous people. Disastrous! 🦤🐢🌎
Reposted by David Oakes
Watching Labour MPs take a wrecking ball to nature makes me so angry & so sad. Their action tonight voting down amendments to the #PlanningBill intended to protect wildlife & habitats from destruction is so reckless & so counterproductive. People didn’t vote Labour for this 👇
Housing secretary tells Labour MPs to vote down planning bill amendment
Amendment restricts protection for animals to allow faster house building
www.theguardian.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Watching Labour MPs take a wrecking ball to nature makes me so angry & so sad. Their action tonight voting down amendments to the #PlanningBill intended to protect wildlife & habitats from destruction is so reckless & so counterproductive. People didn’t vote Labour for this 👇
Yup…
…called it. What a sad day for British nature and British politics.
…called it. What a sad day for British nature and British politics.
When the bill returns to Parliament, should Labour whip the vote against art.130, they are proudly saying that Labour are not a party that gives a damn about nature.
For a nation of nature lovers; our govt is tone deaf.
Write to your MPs now, please.
For a nation of nature lovers; our govt is tone deaf.
Write to your MPs now, please.
Peers have passed a “milestone” pro-nature amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill following a late night debate in which ENDS is told the bill’s “economic and ecological illiteracy” was “laid bare” ⬇️
November 13, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Yup…
…called it. What a sad day for British nature and British politics.
…called it. What a sad day for British nature and British politics.
Reposted by David Oakes
When the bill returns to Parliament, should Labour whip the vote against art.130, they are proudly saying that Labour are not a party that gives a damn about nature.
For a nation of nature lovers; our govt is tone deaf.
Write to your MPs now, please.
For a nation of nature lovers; our govt is tone deaf.
Write to your MPs now, please.
Peers have passed a “milestone” pro-nature amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill following a late night debate in which ENDS is told the bill’s “economic and ecological illiteracy” was “laid bare” ⬇️
‘Milestone’ nature amendment passed following debate on ‘ecologically illiterate’ Planning Bill
Peers have passed a “milestone” pro-nature amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill following a late night debate in which ENDS is told the bill’s “economic and ecological illiteracy” was “la...
www.endsreport.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:10 PM
When the bill returns to Parliament, should Labour whip the vote against art.130, they are proudly saying that Labour are not a party that gives a damn about nature.
For a nation of nature lovers; our govt is tone deaf.
Write to your MPs now, please.
For a nation of nature lovers; our govt is tone deaf.
Write to your MPs now, please.
Reposted by David Oakes
Sussex Wildlife Trust celebrates success in legal battle to stop Marine Conservation Zone dumping as licence is quashed
sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/sussex-...
Short-snouted Seahorse © Paul Naylor
sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/sussex-...
Short-snouted Seahorse © Paul Naylor
November 7, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Sussex Wildlife Trust celebrates success in legal battle to stop Marine Conservation Zone dumping as licence is quashed
sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/sussex-...
Short-snouted Seahorse © Paul Naylor
sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/sussex-...
Short-snouted Seahorse © Paul Naylor
When the bill returns to Parliament, should Labour whip the vote against art.130, they are proudly saying that Labour are not a party that gives a damn about nature.
For a nation of nature lovers; our govt is tone deaf.
Write to your MPs now, please.
For a nation of nature lovers; our govt is tone deaf.
Write to your MPs now, please.
Peers have passed a “milestone” pro-nature amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill following a late night debate in which ENDS is told the bill’s “economic and ecological illiteracy” was “laid bare” ⬇️
‘Milestone’ nature amendment passed following debate on ‘ecologically illiterate’ Planning Bill
Peers have passed a “milestone” pro-nature amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill following a late night debate in which ENDS is told the bill’s “economic and ecological illiteracy” was “la...
www.endsreport.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:10 PM
When the bill returns to Parliament, should Labour whip the vote against art.130, they are proudly saying that Labour are not a party that gives a damn about nature.
For a nation of nature lovers; our govt is tone deaf.
Write to your MPs now, please.
For a nation of nature lovers; our govt is tone deaf.
Write to your MPs now, please.
Reposted by David Oakes
New paper - Learning about a topic by interacting with AI chatbots rather than following links provided by web search can produce shallower knowledge
Just saying ...
academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...
Just saying ...
academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...
Validate User
academic.oup.com
October 28, 2025 at 5:46 PM
New paper - Learning about a topic by interacting with AI chatbots rather than following links provided by web search can produce shallower knowledge
Just saying ...
academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...
Just saying ...
academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...
I met some extraordinary people at the IUCN WCC; I was even fortunate enough to record one of the conversations…:
“We’ve lost half of life in the ocean since the 1950s — but as long as there’s life, there’s hope.” 💙
We’re back! David Oakes dives deep with Her Deepness Dr Sylvia Earle and Mission Blue’s Dr Tessa Hempson — two extraordinary ocean champions.
🎧 Listen now at www.treesacrowd.fm/dr-sylvia-earle
We’re back! David Oakes dives deep with Her Deepness Dr Sylvia Earle and Mission Blue’s Dr Tessa Hempson — two extraordinary ocean champions.
🎧 Listen now at www.treesacrowd.fm/dr-sylvia-earle
October 21, 2025 at 7:33 AM
I met some extraordinary people at the IUCN WCC; I was even fortunate enough to record one of the conversations…:
The shame of living where moving from Environment Sec. to Housing Sec. is seen as a promotion.
The double shame of living where the integrity of our politicians shift according to the labels written on their office door.
Remind your local MP: With no Nature, there’s no roof that can shelter them.
The double shame of living where the integrity of our politicians shift according to the labels written on their office door.
Remind your local MP: With no Nature, there’s no roof that can shelter them.
A mandatory swift brick for every new home won't be supported by Housing Secretary Steve Reed. That's quite a u-turn from the former Environment Secretary. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Government U-turns on support for bird-friendly swift bricks in new homes
Housing minister Steve Reed refuses to back mandating measure, despite giving support while in environment job
www.theguardian.com
October 18, 2025 at 2:59 PM
The shame of living where moving from Environment Sec. to Housing Sec. is seen as a promotion.
The double shame of living where the integrity of our politicians shift according to the labels written on their office door.
Remind your local MP: With no Nature, there’s no roof that can shelter them.
The double shame of living where the integrity of our politicians shift according to the labels written on their office door.
Remind your local MP: With no Nature, there’s no roof that can shelter them.
Reposted by David Oakes
A mandatory swift brick for every new home won't be supported by Housing Secretary Steve Reed. That's quite a u-turn from the former Environment Secretary. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Government U-turns on support for bird-friendly swift bricks in new homes
Housing minister Steve Reed refuses to back mandating measure, despite giving support while in environment job
www.theguardian.com
October 17, 2025 at 2:14 PM
A mandatory swift brick for every new home won't be supported by Housing Secretary Steve Reed. That's quite a u-turn from the former Environment Secretary. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Yep - @greenparty.org.uk just secured my vote.
Come for the environment; stay for their social agenda.
And for the naysayers; you tried Blue (a lot), Red isn’t going all that well… so maybe in three years, it’ll be time to go Green.
Come for the environment; stay for their social agenda.
And for the naysayers; you tried Blue (a lot), Red isn’t going all that well… so maybe in three years, it’ll be time to go Green.
October 17, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Yep - @greenparty.org.uk just secured my vote.
Come for the environment; stay for their social agenda.
And for the naysayers; you tried Blue (a lot), Red isn’t going all that well… so maybe in three years, it’ll be time to go Green.
Come for the environment; stay for their social agenda.
And for the naysayers; you tried Blue (a lot), Red isn’t going all that well… so maybe in three years, it’ll be time to go Green.
Is anyone pleased with the Planning Bill?
Wildlife Groups are (rightly) ‘displeased’.
The Govt. continues to spout hyperbolic claims of “unshackling” Britain.
And NOWHERE can I find quotes from anyone in the building sector who is genuinely excited!
www.propertyreporter.co.uk/the-planning...
Wildlife Groups are (rightly) ‘displeased’.
The Govt. continues to spout hyperbolic claims of “unshackling” Britain.
And NOWHERE can I find quotes from anyone in the building sector who is genuinely excited!
www.propertyreporter.co.uk/the-planning...
The Planning Bill pretends to help developers. In reality, it will only create chaos
Sally Hayns, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, explores why Part 3 of the Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill is far from the “win-w...
www.propertyreporter.co.uk
October 16, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Is anyone pleased with the Planning Bill?
Wildlife Groups are (rightly) ‘displeased’.
The Govt. continues to spout hyperbolic claims of “unshackling” Britain.
And NOWHERE can I find quotes from anyone in the building sector who is genuinely excited!
www.propertyreporter.co.uk/the-planning...
Wildlife Groups are (rightly) ‘displeased’.
The Govt. continues to spout hyperbolic claims of “unshackling” Britain.
And NOWHERE can I find quotes from anyone in the building sector who is genuinely excited!
www.propertyreporter.co.uk/the-planning...
But I doubt the builders would build them - not enough ***profit*** in it for them.
October 14, 2025 at 2:11 PM
But I doubt the builders would build them - not enough ***profit*** in it for them.
If a Govt genuinely supported construction of Actually Affordable homes, where people need then, with the correct infrastructure, and access to vital nature - instead of sprawling estates of 4/5 bed homes built on floodplains 15 miles from the only GP & school - then I might consider voting for them
October 14, 2025 at 2:11 PM
If a Govt genuinely supported construction of Actually Affordable homes, where people need then, with the correct infrastructure, and access to vital nature - instead of sprawling estates of 4/5 bed homes built on floodplains 15 miles from the only GP & school - then I might consider voting for them
The hope that quashing environmental protection will kickstart UK building is a derided fallacy. Building stops when ppl can’t afford houses:
“…the market remains uncertain…” Taylor Wimpey
“…we saw build costs increase by around 33%… house price inflation (is) flat.” Persimmon
It’s
Not
Newts!
“…the market remains uncertain…” Taylor Wimpey
“…we saw build costs increase by around 33%… house price inflation (is) flat.” Persimmon
It’s
Not
Newts!
We are being sold a false story that nature is the enemy. That newts, bats, snails and spiders are somehow responsible for the so-called housing crisis and a blocker to economic growth. This is a deliberate lie - using a cynically chosen group of species that could be found in a witches cauldron.
October 14, 2025 at 2:05 PM
The hope that quashing environmental protection will kickstart UK building is a derided fallacy. Building stops when ppl can’t afford houses:
“…the market remains uncertain…” Taylor Wimpey
“…we saw build costs increase by around 33%… house price inflation (is) flat.” Persimmon
It’s
Not
Newts!
“…the market remains uncertain…” Taylor Wimpey
“…we saw build costs increase by around 33%… house price inflation (is) flat.” Persimmon
It’s
Not
Newts!
That said; with a united backing, I would call on @wclnews.bsky.social to coalesce around a strong and bold vision that is uncompromising in placing nature and the environment at the top of their agenda.
Anything less than a united voice is proving easily batted away by a government prioritising *Planning* above the *Environment*.
@wclnews.bsky.social is our best current mechanism to mount an opposition.
I call on all British eNGOs (big & small) to work together to refocus the Labour govt.
@wclnews.bsky.social is our best current mechanism to mount an opposition.
I call on all British eNGOs (big & small) to work together to refocus the Labour govt.
October 12, 2025 at 3:51 PM
That said; with a united backing, I would call on @wclnews.bsky.social to coalesce around a strong and bold vision that is uncompromising in placing nature and the environment at the top of their agenda.
Anything less than a united voice is proving easily batted away by a government prioritising *Planning* above the *Environment*.
@wclnews.bsky.social is our best current mechanism to mount an opposition.
I call on all British eNGOs (big & small) to work together to refocus the Labour govt.
@wclnews.bsky.social is our best current mechanism to mount an opposition.
I call on all British eNGOs (big & small) to work together to refocus the Labour govt.
October 12, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Anything less than a united voice is proving easily batted away by a government prioritising *Planning* above the *Environment*.
@wclnews.bsky.social is our best current mechanism to mount an opposition.
I call on all British eNGOs (big & small) to work together to refocus the Labour govt.
@wclnews.bsky.social is our best current mechanism to mount an opposition.
I call on all British eNGOs (big & small) to work together to refocus the Labour govt.
Reposted by David Oakes
In Abu Dhabi since yesterday attending the World Conservation Congress of #IUCN which will end on 15 October 2025. Great place to learn and meet #conservationists and #naturelovers @davidoakes.bsky.social
October 10, 2025 at 1:41 PM
In Abu Dhabi since yesterday attending the World Conservation Congress of #IUCN which will end on 15 October 2025. Great place to learn and meet #conservationists and #naturelovers @davidoakes.bsky.social