Claire Laila Dines
@freedomtodoubt.bsky.social
Ecologist fighting 4 nature; Watches Earth like hawk or Small Blue; Wanders in South Downs; Wildlife photo-recorder; Hove plot holder 4 nature; Brit/Norwegian/European; Art, Science, Politics;
Take bus or walk while I can ere I'm dust in the ground.
Take bus or walk while I can ere I'm dust in the ground.
Pinned
Welcome to Hove on #CleanAirNight & more specifically the shopping hub 7 Dials that despite being well served with a great & frequent bus service, on most days is stuffed w private cars, & quite a few diesel SUVs.
Here goes, I thought, get these posters onto as many shop windows as you can. 🧵1/7
Here goes, I thought, get these posters onto as many shop windows as you can. 🧵1/7
Reposted by Claire Laila Dines
The problem with so many of our top politicians - from Johnson, Mandelson, Farage - is that they all want to join the oligarch class. Whatever you think of Gordon Brown he is financially unbiddable www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
We owe it to Epstein’s victims and to British democracy to demand historic change | Gordon Brown
The abuse of women by figures such as Epstein, and of political power by the likes of Mandelson, must be confronted. As far as I am able, I will play my part, says former UK prime minister Gordon Brow...
www.theguardian.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:25 PM
The problem with so many of our top politicians - from Johnson, Mandelson, Farage - is that they all want to join the oligarch class. Whatever you think of Gordon Brown he is financially unbiddable www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Claire Laila Dines
London lichenology & bryology on the walls on the Barbican. Designed by Chamberlin, Powell and Bon in pick-hammered concrete (1965 and 1982). An ideal substrate for cryptograms. Lecanora muralis, Orthotrichum anomalum, and Grimmia pulvinata
February 7, 2026 at 10:44 AM
London lichenology & bryology on the walls on the Barbican. Designed by Chamberlin, Powell and Bon in pick-hammered concrete (1965 and 1982). An ideal substrate for cryptograms. Lecanora muralis, Orthotrichum anomalum, and Grimmia pulvinata
Reposted by Claire Laila Dines
Angela Smyth, contemporary artist & illustrator #womensart
February 7, 2026 at 3:48 PM
Angela Smyth, contemporary artist & illustrator #womensart
Reposted by Claire Laila Dines
But without science underpinning it, it's just Victorian-style 'grey squirrels and muntjac' again, isn't it, where those with the money and lobby/political connections can basically release what they like? Lines are already blurred with storks/pelicans, and clearly crossed with the push for bison.
February 7, 2026 at 3:28 PM
But without science underpinning it, it's just Victorian-style 'grey squirrels and muntjac' again, isn't it, where those with the money and lobby/political connections can basically release what they like? Lines are already blurred with storks/pelicans, and clearly crossed with the push for bison.
Reposted by Claire Laila Dines
If a bridge were damaged, it could make transport & trade impossible in the area. Local ratepayers & landowners would have to negotiate between them to fund repairs - not always amicably, particularly if the bridge were on a parish boundary.
4
4
February 7, 2026 at 1:21 PM
If a bridge were damaged, it could make transport & trade impossible in the area. Local ratepayers & landowners would have to negotiate between them to fund repairs - not always amicably, particularly if the bridge were on a parish boundary.
4
4
Reposted by Claire Laila Dines
Hamlet of Sampford Spiney, Devon, once the centre of one of the many courts leet across England. The courts regulated some of the systems that made daily life work, employing officials including my favourite ever job title, the 'Brook Looker' - responsible for maintaining waterways + bridges.
🧵 1
🧵 1
February 7, 2026 at 1:21 PM
Hamlet of Sampford Spiney, Devon, once the centre of one of the many courts leet across England. The courts regulated some of the systems that made daily life work, employing officials including my favourite ever job title, the 'Brook Looker' - responsible for maintaining waterways + bridges.
🧵 1
🧵 1
Reposted by Claire Laila Dines
Sampford Spiney is high in the hills, with brooks descending from it. Its name derives from 'sandy ford'. Still today, streams in the area pass under walls, roads, hedges, over weirs, past houses. Historically, they would also have powered mines + mills.
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2
February 7, 2026 at 1:21 PM
Sampford Spiney is high in the hills, with brooks descending from it. Its name derives from 'sandy ford'. Still today, streams in the area pass under walls, roads, hedges, over weirs, past houses. Historically, they would also have powered mines + mills.
2
2
THIS .. is what brings out the fight in Schumer .. the Orange President's vanity projects .. while Ice continues to harm and kill Americans without legal consequences .. retire old man .. you are not useful at all in these times!
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is hitting back after the president’s latest attempts to rename major institutions after himself.
Trump’s Newest Vanity Ploy Called Out as ‘Absolute Lie’
The president reportedly asked for Penn Station and Dulles Airport to be renamed after him in exchange for infrastructure funding.
trib.al
February 7, 2026 at 3:47 PM
THIS .. is what brings out the fight in Schumer .. the Orange President's vanity projects .. while Ice continues to harm and kill Americans without legal consequences .. retire old man .. you are not useful at all in these times!
Reposted by Claire Laila Dines
Suggesting a slight headline tweak:
“Epstein revelations have toppled top Europeans while fallout is more muted in the US, whose president is a sex predator and was Epstein’s pal”
“Epstein revelations have toppled top Europeans while fallout is more muted in the US, whose president is a sex predator and was Epstein’s pal”
February 7, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Suggesting a slight headline tweak:
“Epstein revelations have toppled top Europeans while fallout is more muted in the US, whose president is a sex predator and was Epstein’s pal”
“Epstein revelations have toppled top Europeans while fallout is more muted in the US, whose president is a sex predator and was Epstein’s pal”
Harris, by using too many unnecessary words, tucking transgender Americans under the bus.
Words and how many, are our thoughts made public.
Words and how many, are our thoughts made public.
"Do you believe that transgender Americans should have access to gender affirming care in this country?"
"I believe we should follow the law."
Seven words when one "yes" would suffice.
"I believe we should follow the law."
Seven words when one "yes" would suffice.
Kamala Harris on whether transgender Americans should have access to gender-affirming care
YouTube video by NBC News
youtube.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:53 PM
Harris, by using too many unnecessary words, tucking transgender Americans under the bus.
Words and how many, are our thoughts made public.
Words and how many, are our thoughts made public.
Not surprised in the least that Wes Streeting was an acolyte of Mandelson.
In these dark days of February, a little something to look forward to.
February 7, 2026 at 1:46 PM
Not surprised in the least that Wes Streeting was an acolyte of Mandelson.
Reposted by Claire Laila Dines
Saturday. 10am. Denton.
Biggest action day ever?
We have to stop Reform.
Let’s elect Hannah Spencer 💚
actionnetwork.org/events/big-d...
Biggest action day ever?
We have to stop Reform.
Let’s elect Hannah Spencer 💚
actionnetwork.org/events/big-d...
February 6, 2026 at 11:38 AM
Saturday. 10am. Denton.
Biggest action day ever?
We have to stop Reform.
Let’s elect Hannah Spencer 💚
actionnetwork.org/events/big-d...
Biggest action day ever?
We have to stop Reform.
Let’s elect Hannah Spencer 💚
actionnetwork.org/events/big-d...
Reposted by Claire Laila Dines
Back in 2020 it wasn't a good career move in the climate space to shit talk Bill Gates' and point out his climate hypocrisy. I was the only person quoted in an article on that issue in a VICE piece.
And that was before we knew of the Epstein connections.
However, I was right.
And that was before we knew of the Epstein connections.
However, I was right.
Bill Gates Says He's Fighting Climate Change While Cashing in on Oil
The billionaire's investment portfolio includes millions of shares of companies contributing to the climate crisis.
www.vice.com
February 6, 2026 at 10:59 AM
Back in 2020 it wasn't a good career move in the climate space to shit talk Bill Gates' and point out his climate hypocrisy. I was the only person quoted in an article on that issue in a VICE piece.
And that was before we knew of the Epstein connections.
However, I was right.
And that was before we knew of the Epstein connections.
However, I was right.
Reposted by Claire Laila Dines
Russia’s war on 🇺🇦
Russia isn’t winning
Its 3 day military operation where it aimed to seize control of all of Ukraine is just days off entering its 5th year & holding less territory that it did in early months
But its storytelling about the war frames it as if it is.
www.ft.com/content/36b5...
Russia isn’t winning
Its 3 day military operation where it aimed to seize control of all of Ukraine is just days off entering its 5th year & holding less territory that it did in early months
But its storytelling about the war frames it as if it is.
www.ft.com/content/36b5...
Putin isn’t really winning. Europe needs to make that clear
Behind Russia’s victory narrative in Ukraine is a system under strain. To fight back, the ‘middle powers’ must work harder on their own story
www.ft.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:37 PM
Russia’s war on 🇺🇦
Russia isn’t winning
Its 3 day military operation where it aimed to seize control of all of Ukraine is just days off entering its 5th year & holding less territory that it did in early months
But its storytelling about the war frames it as if it is.
www.ft.com/content/36b5...
Russia isn’t winning
Its 3 day military operation where it aimed to seize control of all of Ukraine is just days off entering its 5th year & holding less territory that it did in early months
But its storytelling about the war frames it as if it is.
www.ft.com/content/36b5...
This should be watched .. and thought about .. DEEPLY!! ..and if you are someone who wants to have nothing to do with politics or news about actual stuff that does and will effect our lives .. then just please leave me alone 🙏 .. if not WATCH & LISTEN!
open.substack.com/pub/thelefth...
open.substack.com/pub/thelefth...
It's Time to Rage Against The Billionaires and Establishment
It's time for the elite to realize the majority is uniting, organizing, & voting for fighters willing to bring about massive accountability & change to institutions that exist to protect the wealthy.
open.substack.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:11 PM
This should be watched .. and thought about .. DEEPLY!! ..and if you are someone who wants to have nothing to do with politics or news about actual stuff that does and will effect our lives .. then just please leave me alone 🙏 .. if not WATCH & LISTEN!
open.substack.com/pub/thelefth...
open.substack.com/pub/thelefth...
Reposted by Claire Laila Dines
#UkrainianView
Yesterday I randomly heard that during this exchange a son came back from captivity to the lady that volunteers in the organisation I joined.
If you stay in Ukraine, it is really easy to find people impacted by war one way or another.
Yesterday I randomly heard that during this exchange a son came back from captivity to the lady that volunteers in the organisation I joined.
If you stay in Ukraine, it is really easy to find people impacted by war one way or another.
Dialogues from the bus that carried Ukrainians released from captivity – reporters.
I am crying, I can’t imagine how much they suffered in russian captivity.
I am crying, I can’t imagine how much they suffered in russian captivity.
February 7, 2026 at 12:21 PM
#UkrainianView
Yesterday I randomly heard that during this exchange a son came back from captivity to the lady that volunteers in the organisation I joined.
If you stay in Ukraine, it is really easy to find people impacted by war one way or another.
Yesterday I randomly heard that during this exchange a son came back from captivity to the lady that volunteers in the organisation I joined.
If you stay in Ukraine, it is really easy to find people impacted by war one way or another.
Reposted by Claire Laila Dines
February 6, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Reposted by Claire Laila Dines
There aren't many serene days on #Papay
But on a calm Autumn day a Grey phalarope, obliging as ever.
Known as a Haf web on Papay.
For the #BirdOfTheDay theme of #Serenity
But on a calm Autumn day a Grey phalarope, obliging as ever.
Known as a Haf web on Papay.
For the #BirdOfTheDay theme of #Serenity
February 7, 2026 at 11:12 AM
There aren't many serene days on #Papay
But on a calm Autumn day a Grey phalarope, obliging as ever.
Known as a Haf web on Papay.
For the #BirdOfTheDay theme of #Serenity
But on a calm Autumn day a Grey phalarope, obliging as ever.
Known as a Haf web on Papay.
For the #BirdOfTheDay theme of #Serenity
Reposted by Claire Laila Dines
The 60-Year Sealed Garden
In 1960, David Latimer sealed a spiderwort sprout in a jar and basically created a mini-Earth. 🌿He only watered it once (1972) before sealing it for good. 60+ years later, it’s still thriving. Bacteria recycle dead leaves into CO2, keeping the ecosystem perfectly balanced
In 1960, David Latimer sealed a spiderwort sprout in a jar and basically created a mini-Earth. 🌿He only watered it once (1972) before sealing it for good. 60+ years later, it’s still thriving. Bacteria recycle dead leaves into CO2, keeping the ecosystem perfectly balanced
February 6, 2026 at 9:37 PM
The 60-Year Sealed Garden
In 1960, David Latimer sealed a spiderwort sprout in a jar and basically created a mini-Earth. 🌿He only watered it once (1972) before sealing it for good. 60+ years later, it’s still thriving. Bacteria recycle dead leaves into CO2, keeping the ecosystem perfectly balanced
In 1960, David Latimer sealed a spiderwort sprout in a jar and basically created a mini-Earth. 🌿He only watered it once (1972) before sealing it for good. 60+ years later, it’s still thriving. Bacteria recycle dead leaves into CO2, keeping the ecosystem perfectly balanced
For the love of bats 💞🦇💞
I have my blood taken every 3 months & where they "tap me" there's a big sign with "Welcome" w bat shapes flying around it so this week I asked why!
Because people call us the vampires!
Of worldwide 1400 bat species, *3* feed on blood 🙄
Humans are weird.
Bats are amazing.
I have my blood taken every 3 months & where they "tap me" there's a big sign with "Welcome" w bat shapes flying around it so this week I asked why!
Because people call us the vampires!
Of worldwide 1400 bat species, *3* feed on blood 🙄
Humans are weird.
Bats are amazing.
February 6, 2026 at 10:11 PM
For the love of bats 💞🦇💞
I have my blood taken every 3 months & where they "tap me" there's a big sign with "Welcome" w bat shapes flying around it so this week I asked why!
Because people call us the vampires!
Of worldwide 1400 bat species, *3* feed on blood 🙄
Humans are weird.
Bats are amazing.
I have my blood taken every 3 months & where they "tap me" there's a big sign with "Welcome" w bat shapes flying around it so this week I asked why!
Because people call us the vampires!
Of worldwide 1400 bat species, *3* feed on blood 🙄
Humans are weird.
Bats are amazing.
I've long wished to observe the Pied Flycatcher in the UK but understand 4 that to occur, I'd best travel to its stronghold in the wet Oak & Alder woodlands in Wales. BTO states that there are just 22K breeding pairs, a decrease of 56% between 1995 & 2023.
Back home on visits in spring/summer 1/9
🧵
Back home on visits in spring/summer 1/9
🧵
February 6, 2026 at 8:49 PM
I've long wished to observe the Pied Flycatcher in the UK but understand 4 that to occur, I'd best travel to its stronghold in the wet Oak & Alder woodlands in Wales. BTO states that there are just 22K breeding pairs, a decrease of 56% between 1995 & 2023.
Back home on visits in spring/summer 1/9
🧵
Back home on visits in spring/summer 1/9
🧵
Reposted by Claire Laila Dines
sometimes i think about the banksy piece that shredded itself at auction and omg it is just so fucking delicious
ai could never
ai could never
February 6, 2026 at 6:19 PM
sometimes i think about the banksy piece that shredded itself at auction and omg it is just so fucking delicious
ai could never
ai could never
Reposted by Claire Laila Dines
“Every time the home secretary rises to speak, it is with the express intention of smacking liberals and progressives around. And that rhetoric is not by chance and is not an outburst.“
February 6, 2026 at 6:19 PM
“Every time the home secretary rises to speak, it is with the express intention of smacking liberals and progressives around. And that rhetoric is not by chance and is not an outburst.“
Reposted by Claire Laila Dines
The Racist Birther
Happy Friday. There are 270 days until the midterm elections. Hillary gets hardcore, Trump tries a dirty deal and yes, that racist asshole is a racist.
Happy Friday. There are 270 days until the midterm elections. Hillary gets hardcore, Trump tries a dirty deal and yes, that racist asshole is a racist.
The Racist Birther
Happy Friday. There are 270 days until the midterm elections. Hillary gets hardcore, Trump tries a dirty deal and yes, that racist asshole is a racist.
www.thealtmedia.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:52 PM
The Racist Birther
Happy Friday. There are 270 days until the midterm elections. Hillary gets hardcore, Trump tries a dirty deal and yes, that racist asshole is a racist.
Happy Friday. There are 270 days until the midterm elections. Hillary gets hardcore, Trump tries a dirty deal and yes, that racist asshole is a racist.
Reposted by Claire Laila Dines
Roger Deakin and my biography, the Swimmer, is on the fabulous Radio Sohemia podcast (can't quite remember what I said but hope I make sense, it was, erm, recorded in the pub) podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/r...
February 6, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Roger Deakin and my biography, the Swimmer, is on the fabulous Radio Sohemia podcast (can't quite remember what I said but hope I make sense, it was, erm, recorded in the pub) podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/r...