Helen Baczkowska
@helenb92.bsky.social
Ecologist, environmental activist and writer, fascinated by the many lives of Britain's common lands.
My first book Twyford Rising, is a story of land and resistance. Find out more on:
http://helenbaczkowska.com
My first book Twyford Rising, is a story of land and resistance. Find out more on:
http://helenbaczkowska.com
'One of the penalties of an ecological education is that one lives alone in a world of wounds', wrote Leopold, describing ecologists as a 'doctor who sees the marks of death in a community that believes itself well and does not want to be told otherwise.'
Businesses risk extinction themselves unless they protect and restore the natural world, scientists are warning
It comes amid major concerns over UK nature loss
#ClimateCrisis
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It comes amid major concerns over UK nature loss
#ClimateCrisis
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Ipbes report: Nature loss could spell extinction for businesses
Experts call for urgent action by businesses to restore the natural systems that keep them running.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 9, 2026 at 10:07 PM
'One of the penalties of an ecological education is that one lives alone in a world of wounds', wrote Leopold, describing ecologists as a 'doctor who sees the marks of death in a community that believes itself well and does not want to be told otherwise.'
A stone row on Dartmoor, a reminder of how many different lives this land has lived. I wonder if people always worried about its future, the changing climate, the declining of species, or is this just the anxiety of our age?
February 9, 2026 at 10:01 PM
A stone row on Dartmoor, a reminder of how many different lives this land has lived. I wonder if people always worried about its future, the changing climate, the declining of species, or is this just the anxiety of our age?
A rare article that is inclusive, well argued and well written. Journalism like this is gold dust and yet so needed.
February 9, 2026 at 9:35 PM
A rare article that is inclusive, well argued and well written. Journalism like this is gold dust and yet so needed.
Reposted by Helen Baczkowska
Returning oystercatcher are one of the first signs of spring in Shetland, their shrill cries the harbinger of changing season. The weather is still wild, with weeks of storms and raging seas, but these birds remind us calmer days will come #Shetland
February 9, 2026 at 9:04 AM
Returning oystercatcher are one of the first signs of spring in Shetland, their shrill cries the harbinger of changing season. The weather is still wild, with weeks of storms and raging seas, but these birds remind us calmer days will come #Shetland
It is hard to find words for the seasonal shift that is February, especially in the endless rain and mud and a cold north easterly breeze.
But it feels like all of us, human and wild, are looking outwards again, no longer drawing in and down against the dark nights.
But it feels like all of us, human and wild, are looking outwards again, no longer drawing in and down against the dark nights.
“February. Another cold, dead month, or so it seems. The elms are bare against the sky, the plough-ground is naked and wet, and still as brown as the sodden leaves.
Yet the world is waking up”.
Artists: Edith Hilder, Rowland Hilder (ShellGuide, 1955)
Yet the world is waking up”.
Artists: Edith Hilder, Rowland Hilder (ShellGuide, 1955)
February 9, 2026 at 9:29 PM
It is hard to find words for the seasonal shift that is February, especially in the endless rain and mud and a cold north easterly breeze.
But it feels like all of us, human and wild, are looking outwards again, no longer drawing in and down against the dark nights.
But it feels like all of us, human and wild, are looking outwards again, no longer drawing in and down against the dark nights.
Two nights running last week I was woken by barn owls shrieking blue murder at 1 am. One night it went on so long, I had to get up and shut the window. Noisy neighbours, but forgiven because of their eerie beauty.
February 9, 2026 at 9:26 PM
Two nights running last week I was woken by barn owls shrieking blue murder at 1 am. One night it went on so long, I had to get up and shut the window. Noisy neighbours, but forgiven because of their eerie beauty.
Reposted by Helen Baczkowska
Reposted by Helen Baczkowska
Responding to questions about ongoing media coverage of proposed amphibian reintroductions, ARG UK wishes to clarify its position, building on our Policy Statement Concerning Reintroductions, and ARG UK Advice Note 12 Amphibian and Reptile Reintroduction Guidelines.
www.arguk.org/get-involved...
www.arguk.org/get-involved...
January 7, 2026 at 3:06 PM
Responding to questions about ongoing media coverage of proposed amphibian reintroductions, ARG UK wishes to clarify its position, building on our Policy Statement Concerning Reintroductions, and ARG UK Advice Note 12 Amphibian and Reptile Reintroduction Guidelines.
www.arguk.org/get-involved...
www.arguk.org/get-involved...
Reposted by Helen Baczkowska
All those who wrongly believe that nature collapse might be 'sad', but won't really affect them in any way, badly need to wake up.
Nature isn't just 'nice to have'.
Planet Earth is only liveable – for *us* too – due to the regulating effects of natural ecosystems.
share.google/NoVLRatfUoH5...
Nature isn't just 'nice to have'.
Planet Earth is only liveable – for *us* too – due to the regulating effects of natural ecosystems.
share.google/NoVLRatfUoH5...
Biodiversity collapse threatens UK security, intelligence chiefs warn
Ecosystem destruction will increase food shortages, disorder and mass migration, with effects already being felt
share.google
January 21, 2026 at 9:01 AM
All those who wrongly believe that nature collapse might be 'sad', but won't really affect them in any way, badly need to wake up.
Nature isn't just 'nice to have'.
Planet Earth is only liveable – for *us* too – due to the regulating effects of natural ecosystems.
share.google/NoVLRatfUoH5...
Nature isn't just 'nice to have'.
Planet Earth is only liveable – for *us* too – due to the regulating effects of natural ecosystems.
share.google/NoVLRatfUoH5...
Reposted by Helen Baczkowska
If it were up to me, geriatric would-be invaders of Greenland would be sent out on an ice floe or maybe just rethink their life goals from an extended meditation retreat period atop the ice sheet. Perhaps a polar bear could discuss arctic life with him too?
January 20, 2026 at 11:22 PM
If it were up to me, geriatric would-be invaders of Greenland would be sent out on an ice floe or maybe just rethink their life goals from an extended meditation retreat period atop the ice sheet. Perhaps a polar bear could discuss arctic life with him too?
Reposted by Helen Baczkowska
Tomorrow we honor the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. I remember the "good trouble" that occurred 65 years ago. I believe it’s time for some good trouble again. Some thoughts...
https://robertreich.substack.com/p/sunday-thought-a-time-for-good-trouble
https://robertreich.substack.com/p/sunday-thought-a-time-for-good-trouble
Sunday thought: It’s time again for good trouble
Time to take action against Trump’s mayhem
robertreich.substack.com
January 18, 2026 at 3:28 PM
Tomorrow we honor the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. I remember the "good trouble" that occurred 65 years ago. I believe it’s time for some good trouble again. Some thoughts...
https://robertreich.substack.com/p/sunday-thought-a-time-for-good-trouble
https://robertreich.substack.com/p/sunday-thought-a-time-for-good-trouble
Just the thoughts I have been having the last few days.
'Starmer says he does not think Trump seriously considering military action against Greenland'
Chamberlain, 1938: 'I believe it is peace for our time'
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
Chamberlain, 1938: 'I believe it is peace for our time'
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
January 19, 2026 at 7:17 PM
Just the thoughts I have been having the last few days.
Reposted by Helen Baczkowska
Brilliant fishy #pond conservation. At Kelling Heath Holiday Park, Norfolk, E. England they have fish & non-fish ponds.
Science says that having some ponds with native pond-associated fish & others without fish increases biodiversity at the landscape-scale.
Science says that having some ponds with native pond-associated fish & others without fish increases biodiversity at the landscape-scale.
January 19, 2026 at 8:44 AM
Brilliant fishy #pond conservation. At Kelling Heath Holiday Park, Norfolk, E. England they have fish & non-fish ponds.
Science says that having some ponds with native pond-associated fish & others without fish increases biodiversity at the landscape-scale.
Science says that having some ponds with native pond-associated fish & others without fish increases biodiversity at the landscape-scale.
Over on Substack @iainrobinson.bsky.social writes of finding it hard to write in the times we are living in, in the rapid unravelling of so many former certainties. I feel the same, my thoughts frayed and concentration hard won.
At least my favourite local tree is still dispensing its wisdom.
At least my favourite local tree is still dispensing its wisdom.
January 19, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Over on Substack @iainrobinson.bsky.social writes of finding it hard to write in the times we are living in, in the rapid unravelling of so many former certainties. I feel the same, my thoughts frayed and concentration hard won.
At least my favourite local tree is still dispensing its wisdom.
At least my favourite local tree is still dispensing its wisdom.
Reposted by Helen Baczkowska
🌸Got a botanical study in mind?🌾🌼You can apply for a helpful @bsbibotany.bsky.social Study Grant- but do it soon: the deadline is 31 January. More info at bsbi.org/learn/grants.... @atu-ie.bsky.social @uniofgalway.bsky.social @tcddublin.bsky.social @phoebeobrien.bsky.social @mikekally.bsky.social
January 19, 2026 at 3:49 PM
🌸Got a botanical study in mind?🌾🌼You can apply for a helpful @bsbibotany.bsky.social Study Grant- but do it soon: the deadline is 31 January. More info at bsbi.org/learn/grants.... @atu-ie.bsky.social @uniofgalway.bsky.social @tcddublin.bsky.social @phoebeobrien.bsky.social @mikekally.bsky.social
Reposted by Helen Baczkowska
“Taxing private jets is about the emissions, but it’s increasingly about justice. The rich elite are the ones who create the most pollution, yet we all suffer, and the poorest suffer the most because they’re least equipped to deal with the climate crisis.”
www.bigissue.com/news/environ...
www.bigissue.com/news/environ...
Sorry, Donald Trump – Scotland slaps private jet tax on the uber-rich
Scotland is set to hit private jets with a new tax from 2028–29, aiming to curb emissions and make the rich pay their fair share.
www.bigissue.com
January 19, 2026 at 5:50 PM
“Taxing private jets is about the emissions, but it’s increasingly about justice. The rich elite are the ones who create the most pollution, yet we all suffer, and the poorest suffer the most because they’re least equipped to deal with the climate crisis.”
www.bigissue.com/news/environ...
www.bigissue.com/news/environ...
Seeking common land in Wales, I find Wyn, who was once a coal miner, like the men of my own past family. He shows me his lunch tin, shaped to the loaf and battered from years of being carried underground. A little relic in an old man's garage.
#commonland #welshhistory
#commonland #welshhistory
January 19, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Seeking common land in Wales, I find Wyn, who was once a coal miner, like the men of my own past family. He shows me his lunch tin, shaped to the loaf and battered from years of being carried underground. A little relic in an old man's garage.
#commonland #welshhistory
#commonland #welshhistory
Reposted by Helen Baczkowska
Best sort of live stream, a living stream!
A minute by the upper Wensum, for everyone needing some wild water in their Monday x
January 19, 2026 at 9:41 AM
Best sort of live stream, a living stream!
Dreaming of summer...fingers crossed the swallows make it back this year (and every year to come).
Dancing in the Air II - Annie Ovenden
Annie is a British artist who loves nature, particularly trees, "Trees have the power to create a sense of safeness. I’m attracted to the way light dances across them, the patterns they create". I Iove her work and she creates love in her paintings. #artzeal
Annie is a British artist who loves nature, particularly trees, "Trees have the power to create a sense of safeness. I’m attracted to the way light dances across them, the patterns they create". I Iove her work and she creates love in her paintings. #artzeal
January 15, 2026 at 9:11 PM
Dreaming of summer...fingers crossed the swallows make it back this year (and every year to come).
Reposted by Helen Baczkowska
Any volunteers in Norfolk who can survey this @bbs-birds.bsky.social square? #NorfolkBirding
(1/) Now is a great time to think about signing up to survey a BBS square ready for when the survey season begins in April. Here is just one example of a vacant square that we are looking for a volunteer to survey! @btobirds.bsky.social JNCC RSPB Science #norfolkbirds
January 15, 2026 at 9:33 AM
Any volunteers in Norfolk who can survey this @bbs-birds.bsky.social square? #NorfolkBirding
Reposted by Helen Baczkowska
World profoundly out of balance.
"Insects are undergoing concerning declines across the world and as this trend continues, essential ecosystem services will increasingly be at risk."
#PlanetaryBoundaries #Biodiversity
phys.org/news/2026-01...
"Insects are undergoing concerning declines across the world and as this trend continues, essential ecosystem services will increasingly be at risk."
#PlanetaryBoundaries #Biodiversity
phys.org/news/2026-01...
Insects are victims, not just invaders, says study
Insects are often seen as invaders due to high-profile species like the yellow-legged (Asian) hornet, the harlequin ladybird and fire ant. But new research reveals insects are also major victims of in...
phys.org
January 15, 2026 at 12:05 PM
World profoundly out of balance.
"Insects are undergoing concerning declines across the world and as this trend continues, essential ecosystem services will increasingly be at risk."
#PlanetaryBoundaries #Biodiversity
phys.org/news/2026-01...
"Insects are undergoing concerning declines across the world and as this trend continues, essential ecosystem services will increasingly be at risk."
#PlanetaryBoundaries #Biodiversity
phys.org/news/2026-01...
Reposted by Helen Baczkowska
Here at The Warehouse 6th Feb 7pm with @birminghamfoe.bsky.social @xrbham.bsky.social & Greenpeace Brum.
Jan and Feb tour dates for my film 'Fires and Fascism' announced!
I’ll be attending each screening in person for a discussion afterwards about community, what might be drawing people towards Reform, and sharing ideas about what to do next.
Trailer and tickets: fires-and-fascism.co.uk
I’ll be attending each screening in person for a discussion afterwards about community, what might be drawing people towards Reform, and sharing ideas about what to do next.
Trailer and tickets: fires-and-fascism.co.uk
January 15, 2026 at 2:54 PM
Here at The Warehouse 6th Feb 7pm with @birminghamfoe.bsky.social @xrbham.bsky.social & Greenpeace Brum.
Not sure one can 'like' this post...just weep at it.
'The ice is melted at 1.5 centimetres a minute, meaning that every hour, 45,000 years of environmental history melts away before my eyes.'
Shadows & Reflections: Anton Spice measured 2025 in bell strikes and ancient ice www.caughtbytheriver.net/2026/01/shad...
Shadows & Reflections: Anton Spice measured 2025 in bell strikes and ancient ice www.caughtbytheriver.net/2026/01/shad...
January 15, 2026 at 9:06 PM
Not sure one can 'like' this post...just weep at it.
Reposted by Helen Baczkowska
Butterflies and moths are sounding the alarm. Nature in the UK is in crisis. 🚨
Wildlife and natural places are under pressure from development, climate change and habitat loss - and yet a new report, the Nuclear Regulatory Review, suggests weakening the protections that help keep what remains safe.
Wildlife and natural places are under pressure from development, climate change and habitat loss - and yet a new report, the Nuclear Regulatory Review, suggests weakening the protections that help keep what remains safe.
January 15, 2026 at 3:57 PM
Butterflies and moths are sounding the alarm. Nature in the UK is in crisis. 🚨
Wildlife and natural places are under pressure from development, climate change and habitat loss - and yet a new report, the Nuclear Regulatory Review, suggests weakening the protections that help keep what remains safe.
Wildlife and natural places are under pressure from development, climate change and habitat loss - and yet a new report, the Nuclear Regulatory Review, suggests weakening the protections that help keep what remains safe.