Helen Baker
@helenbaker.bsky.social
Ornithology, Mycology, nature.
Seabird team leader JNCC.
Chair BMS Field Mycology & Conservation Committee.
Own views.
Seabird team leader JNCC.
Chair BMS Field Mycology & Conservation Committee.
Own views.
Reposted by Helen Baker
⏰ DEADLINE THIS FRIDAY...
...for the 2026 BOU Summer Placement Scheme
Financially supporting undergraduate students to carry out summer #ornithology research placements
Guidelines & application form: bou.org.uk/funding/s...
...for the 2026 BOU Summer Placement Scheme
Financially supporting undergraduate students to carry out summer #ornithology research placements
Guidelines & application form: bou.org.uk/funding/s...
January 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM
⏰ DEADLINE THIS FRIDAY...
...for the 2026 BOU Summer Placement Scheme
Financially supporting undergraduate students to carry out summer #ornithology research placements
Guidelines & application form: bou.org.uk/funding/s...
...for the 2026 BOU Summer Placement Scheme
Financially supporting undergraduate students to carry out summer #ornithology research placements
Guidelines & application form: bou.org.uk/funding/s...
Reposted by Helen Baker
Drones and artificial intelligence - in SEAPOP we have started to #monitor #seabird #populations with drones. Pictures are analyzed using artificial intelligence. Here's the #method to get from drone pictures to numbers of birds per species: seapop.no/en/2026/01/d...
Drones and artificial intelligence bring new precision to seabird monitoring
Traditional seabird surveys have long been time- and resource-intensive, often with a risk of disturbing birds during the breeding season. Drones have made it possible to collect large volumes of…
seapop.no
January 28, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Drones and artificial intelligence - in SEAPOP we have started to #monitor #seabird #populations with drones. Pictures are analyzed using artificial intelligence. Here's the #method to get from drone pictures to numbers of birds per species: seapop.no/en/2026/01/d...
Reposted by Helen Baker
Funding for new arts projects focused on fungi - up to a maximum of £5,000. Open to artists from all disciplines and all geographic locations, to help encourage all sectors of society to engage with & learn about the world of fungi! Find out more: www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/massee-arts-...
January 29, 2026 at 1:11 PM
Funding for new arts projects focused on fungi - up to a maximum of £5,000. Open to artists from all disciplines and all geographic locations, to help encourage all sectors of society to engage with & learn about the world of fungi! Find out more: www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/massee-arts-...
Reposted by Helen Baker
🌿UK publishes first post-EU assessment for habitats and species.
Latest reports cover nationally important habitats and species in each of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland & our UK offshore marine area
Find out more👉https://bit.ly/4sRWnOl
#TogetherForNature
Latest reports cover nationally important habitats and species in each of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland & our UK offshore marine area
Find out more👉https://bit.ly/4sRWnOl
#TogetherForNature
January 22, 2026 at 3:51 PM
🌿UK publishes first post-EU assessment for habitats and species.
Latest reports cover nationally important habitats and species in each of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland & our UK offshore marine area
Find out more👉https://bit.ly/4sRWnOl
#TogetherForNature
Latest reports cover nationally important habitats and species in each of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland & our UK offshore marine area
Find out more👉https://bit.ly/4sRWnOl
#TogetherForNature
Reposted by Helen Baker
This year, the taxonomists on the Fungarium Sequencing Project had a goal to review 10,000 specimens. They hit their target an impressive three months ahead of schedule, so to celebrate their hard work, here are some of the stories they’ve uncovered!
January 23, 2026 at 11:59 AM
This year, the taxonomists on the Fungarium Sequencing Project had a goal to review 10,000 specimens. They hit their target an impressive three months ahead of schedule, so to celebrate their hard work, here are some of the stories they’ve uncovered!
Reposted by Helen Baker
Very pleased to share #OpenAccess paper, which we think is important to understand woodland bird declines and impact of forestry on native ancient woodland in Britain.
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/... #ornithology @ukceh.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social @mizpas.bsky.social
🧵1/n
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/... #ornithology @ukceh.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social @mizpas.bsky.social
🧵1/n
January 23, 2026 at 12:27 PM
Very pleased to share #OpenAccess paper, which we think is important to understand woodland bird declines and impact of forestry on native ancient woodland in Britain.
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/... #ornithology @ukceh.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social @mizpas.bsky.social
🧵1/n
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/... #ornithology @ukceh.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social @mizpas.bsky.social
🧵1/n
Reposted by Helen Baker
✨New paper!✨
An individual‐based model to quantify the non‐breeding season impact of wind farms on #seabirds
doi.org/10.1002/2688...
@ninanatureresearch.bsky.social
@seatrackscience.bsky.social
@signecd.bsky.social
@masden.bsky.social
An individual‐based model to quantify the non‐breeding season impact of wind farms on #seabirds
doi.org/10.1002/2688...
@ninanatureresearch.bsky.social
@seatrackscience.bsky.social
@signecd.bsky.social
@masden.bsky.social
An individual‐based model to quantify the non‐breeding season impact of wind farms on seabirds
A novel individual-based model to predict the impacts of offshore wind farms on seabirds during the non-breeding season, using long-term tracking data from SEATRACK. We demonstrate the model by simul...
doi.org
January 21, 2026 at 2:27 PM
✨New paper!✨
An individual‐based model to quantify the non‐breeding season impact of wind farms on #seabirds
doi.org/10.1002/2688...
@ninanatureresearch.bsky.social
@seatrackscience.bsky.social
@signecd.bsky.social
@masden.bsky.social
An individual‐based model to quantify the non‐breeding season impact of wind farms on #seabirds
doi.org/10.1002/2688...
@ninanatureresearch.bsky.social
@seatrackscience.bsky.social
@signecd.bsky.social
@masden.bsky.social
Reposted by Helen Baker
📣 The deadline for this @britmycolsoc.org.uk special issue on fungal conservation has been extended to 15th March 2026.
Spread the word and don’t hesitate to contact @cfemycolab.bsky.social or me if you have any questions.
We’re looking forward to receiving your submissions! 🍄
Spread the word and don’t hesitate to contact @cfemycolab.bsky.social or me if you have any questions.
We’re looking forward to receiving your submissions! 🍄
Thrilled to announce that the special issue on fungal #conservation that @cfemycolab.bsky.social and I are co-editing for the @britmycolsoc.org.uk c.org.uk journal Fungal Ecology is open for submissions!
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
January 14, 2026 at 1:00 PM
📣 The deadline for this @britmycolsoc.org.uk special issue on fungal conservation has been extended to 15th March 2026.
Spread the word and don’t hesitate to contact @cfemycolab.bsky.social or me if you have any questions.
We’re looking forward to receiving your submissions! 🍄
Spread the word and don’t hesitate to contact @cfemycolab.bsky.social or me if you have any questions.
We’re looking forward to receiving your submissions! 🍄
Reposted by Helen Baker
BMS Research Grants now open! Two levels of grant available to support the development of new lines of fungal biology research. Maximum award £10,000. Apply by 31 March. Find out about the work of previous recipients, and how to apply, here:
www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/research-gra...
www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/research-gra...
January 19, 2026 at 11:45 AM
BMS Research Grants now open! Two levels of grant available to support the development of new lines of fungal biology research. Maximum award £10,000. Apply by 31 March. Find out about the work of previous recipients, and how to apply, here:
www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/research-gra...
www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/research-gra...
Reposted by Helen Baker
New paper! Here we present the history, geographical distribution, and structure of organizations in #mycology across #Europe, as well as their activities—including journals, magazines, meetings, educational initiatives, and #citizenscience projects. doi.org/10.1007/s105... #FunDive
January 12, 2026 at 11:52 AM
New paper! Here we present the history, geographical distribution, and structure of organizations in #mycology across #Europe, as well as their activities—including journals, magazines, meetings, educational initiatives, and #citizenscience projects. doi.org/10.1007/s105... #FunDive
Reposted by Helen Baker
BMS Grants are now open for applications! Funds are available to support a range of activities in #mycology including #research, training, meetings, conference participation, #fieldwork, #education, #arts & #outreach.👉 Find out more: www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/grants.html
#grants #funding
#grants #funding
January 9, 2026 at 9:58 AM
BMS Grants are now open for applications! Funds are available to support a range of activities in #mycology including #research, training, meetings, conference participation, #fieldwork, #education, #arts & #outreach.👉 Find out more: www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/grants.html
#grants #funding
#grants #funding
Reposted by Helen Baker
Countryside users are asked to take care not to disturb birds in severe weather👉 bit.ly/3Z15qPc
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation calls for voluntary restraint. Some areas in Scotland have been identified as being particularly affected
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation calls for voluntary restraint. Some areas in Scotland have been identified as being particularly affected
January 9, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Countryside users are asked to take care not to disturb birds in severe weather👉 bit.ly/3Z15qPc
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation calls for voluntary restraint. Some areas in Scotland have been identified as being particularly affected
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation calls for voluntary restraint. Some areas in Scotland have been identified as being particularly affected
Reposted by Helen Baker
Our detection dog Reid has been helping check for rats in cargo going to Bass Rock for lighthouse restoration for @nlb-uk.bsky.social. These checks are important to help protect the large Northern Gannet colony on the island from invasive predators. #NatureRestorationFund @naturescot.bsky.social
November 19, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Our detection dog Reid has been helping check for rats in cargo going to Bass Rock for lighthouse restoration for @nlb-uk.bsky.social. These checks are important to help protect the large Northern Gannet colony on the island from invasive predators. #NatureRestorationFund @naturescot.bsky.social
Reposted by Helen Baker
Producing breeding population estimates to monitor Little Egret trends
The RBBP continues to monitor breeding abundance, with the latest figure being 1,614–1,696 pairs in 2023 (Eaton et al. 2025).
Read more: britishbirds.co.uk/journal/arti...
🥇Subscriber Content
📸David Tipling, Thomas Willoughby
The RBBP continues to monitor breeding abundance, with the latest figure being 1,614–1,696 pairs in 2023 (Eaton et al. 2025).
Read more: britishbirds.co.uk/journal/arti...
🥇Subscriber Content
📸David Tipling, Thomas Willoughby
Producing breeding population estimates to monitor Little Egret trends
Abstract Modelling of Little Egret Egretta garzetta data from the Heronries Census (HC) and the Rare Breeding Birds Panel (RBBP) has been...
britishbirds.co.uk
January 9, 2026 at 7:14 PM
Producing breeding population estimates to monitor Little Egret trends
The RBBP continues to monitor breeding abundance, with the latest figure being 1,614–1,696 pairs in 2023 (Eaton et al. 2025).
Read more: britishbirds.co.uk/journal/arti...
🥇Subscriber Content
📸David Tipling, Thomas Willoughby
The RBBP continues to monitor breeding abundance, with the latest figure being 1,614–1,696 pairs in 2023 (Eaton et al. 2025).
Read more: britishbirds.co.uk/journal/arti...
🥇Subscriber Content
📸David Tipling, Thomas Willoughby
Reposted by Helen Baker
Still some vacant sites in Scotland! If you can help with the International Swan Census on 17th-18th January please click on the link below to find a vacant site near you. #BirdingScotland
🦢The International Swan Census is fast approaching, on the weekend of 17th-18th January. We still have vacant sites, particularly in Northern Ireland, Mull, Skye, Orkney and Uists. If you can help, please request a site on the map: app.bto.org/gsmp/public/...
#UKBirding #Ornithology
#UKBirding #Ornithology
January 9, 2026 at 2:24 PM
Still some vacant sites in Scotland! If you can help with the International Swan Census on 17th-18th January please click on the link below to find a vacant site near you. #BirdingScotland
Reposted by Helen Baker
Warning announcement! The University of Tartu HPC cluster will undergo scheduled maintenance and will not be available from January 12 to 18, 2026. As a result, the UNITE and PlutoF analysis modules will also be unavailable during this period.
January 5, 2026 at 9:41 AM
Warning announcement! The University of Tartu HPC cluster will undergo scheduled maintenance and will not be available from January 12 to 18, 2026. As a result, the UNITE and PlutoF analysis modules will also be unavailable during this period.
Reposted by Helen Baker
Home student looking for a PhD & interested in AI, quantitative ecology & bridging the species to ecosystem divide? This ZSL project, entitled "AI-enabled construction of an ecosystem management framework that supports UK seabirds conservation", may be for you! See lnkd.in/edhp3_zy (deadline:12/1)
November 27, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Home student looking for a PhD & interested in AI, quantitative ecology & bridging the species to ecosystem divide? This ZSL project, entitled "AI-enabled construction of an ecosystem management framework that supports UK seabirds conservation", may be for you! See lnkd.in/edhp3_zy (deadline:12/1)
Reposted by Helen Baker
📢 DEADLINE APPROACHING
For BOU Member Conference Attendance Grants
Now funding member attendance at any #ornithology conference 🪶
Low-carbon travel encouraged
⏰ Deadline: 5 January 2026
bou.org.uk/funding/m...
For BOU Member Conference Attendance Grants
Now funding member attendance at any #ornithology conference 🪶
Low-carbon travel encouraged
⏰ Deadline: 5 January 2026
bou.org.uk/funding/m...
January 2, 2026 at 9:00 AM
📢 DEADLINE APPROACHING
For BOU Member Conference Attendance Grants
Now funding member attendance at any #ornithology conference 🪶
Low-carbon travel encouraged
⏰ Deadline: 5 January 2026
bou.org.uk/funding/m...
For BOU Member Conference Attendance Grants
Now funding member attendance at any #ornithology conference 🪶
Low-carbon travel encouraged
⏰ Deadline: 5 January 2026
bou.org.uk/funding/m...
Reposted by Helen Baker
Thrilled to announce that the special issue on fungal #conservation that @cfemycolab.bsky.social and I are co-editing for the @britmycolsoc.org.uk c.org.uk journal Fungal Ecology is open for submissions!
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
August 25, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Thrilled to announce that the special issue on fungal #conservation that @cfemycolab.bsky.social and I are co-editing for the @britmycolsoc.org.uk c.org.uk journal Fungal Ecology is open for submissions!
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
www.sciencedirect.com/special-issu...
Reposted by Helen Baker
New New Phytologist paper (doi.org/10.1111/nph....) using UNITE data reveals global biogeographic and host patterns in Russula.
Biogeography and host associations of Russula subsection Xerampelinae based on large‐scale analysis of UNITE sequence data
Estimating fungal geographic ranges and niche potential is limited by the ephemeral nature of fruiting bodies. While environmental DNA offers broader insights, species-level identification remains d...
doi.org
December 16, 2025 at 6:48 AM
New New Phytologist paper (doi.org/10.1111/nph....) using UNITE data reveals global biogeographic and host patterns in Russula.
Ramaria atractospora from the ancient birch woods at Morrone Birkwood, Braemar, Aberdeenshire. No records in FRDBI but has been previously confirmed as occurring in the UK from museum specimens by Kew.
December 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Ramaria atractospora from the ancient birch woods at Morrone Birkwood, Braemar, Aberdeenshire. No records in FRDBI but has been previously confirmed as occurring in the UK from museum specimens by Kew.
Reposted by Helen Baker
🚨 We’re hiring!
3 exciting roles at JNCC:
💻 Senior IT Support Analyst
📊 Finance Business Partner
🌊 Senior Marine Industries Adviser
📅 Apply now 👇
jncc.gov.uk/about-jncc/c...
#WeAreHiring #ITJobs #FinanceJobs #MarineIndustries #EnvironmentJobs
3 exciting roles at JNCC:
💻 Senior IT Support Analyst
📊 Finance Business Partner
🌊 Senior Marine Industries Adviser
📅 Apply now 👇
jncc.gov.uk/about-jncc/c...
#WeAreHiring #ITJobs #FinanceJobs #MarineIndustries #EnvironmentJobs
December 19, 2025 at 2:09 PM
🚨 We’re hiring!
3 exciting roles at JNCC:
💻 Senior IT Support Analyst
📊 Finance Business Partner
🌊 Senior Marine Industries Adviser
📅 Apply now 👇
jncc.gov.uk/about-jncc/c...
#WeAreHiring #ITJobs #FinanceJobs #MarineIndustries #EnvironmentJobs
3 exciting roles at JNCC:
💻 Senior IT Support Analyst
📊 Finance Business Partner
🌊 Senior Marine Industries Adviser
📅 Apply now 👇
jncc.gov.uk/about-jncc/c...
#WeAreHiring #ITJobs #FinanceJobs #MarineIndustries #EnvironmentJobs
Reposted by Helen Baker
How should the discipline of ecology and the community of ecologists respond to the ecological crisis? Is it time that these were put on something more akin to an emergency footing?
www.cell.com/action/showP...
www.cell.com/action/showP...
December 18, 2025 at 8:59 AM
How should the discipline of ecology and the community of ecologists respond to the ecological crisis? Is it time that these were put on something more akin to an emergency footing?
www.cell.com/action/showP...
www.cell.com/action/showP...
Reposted by Helen Baker
📢 NOMINATE FOR BOU COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
➡️ Awards Nominations Committee
➡️ Engagement Committee
➡️ IBIS Management Committee
➡️ Meetings Committee
➡️ Records Committee
Plus NEW Committee Shadowing Scheme
Full details: bou.org.uk/about-the...
#ornithology 🪶
➡️ Awards Nominations Committee
➡️ Engagement Committee
➡️ IBIS Management Committee
➡️ Meetings Committee
➡️ Records Committee
Plus NEW Committee Shadowing Scheme
Full details: bou.org.uk/about-the...
#ornithology 🪶
December 18, 2025 at 12:00 PM
📢 NOMINATE FOR BOU COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
➡️ Awards Nominations Committee
➡️ Engagement Committee
➡️ IBIS Management Committee
➡️ Meetings Committee
➡️ Records Committee
Plus NEW Committee Shadowing Scheme
Full details: bou.org.uk/about-the...
#ornithology 🪶
➡️ Awards Nominations Committee
➡️ Engagement Committee
➡️ IBIS Management Committee
➡️ Meetings Committee
➡️ Records Committee
Plus NEW Committee Shadowing Scheme
Full details: bou.org.uk/about-the...
#ornithology 🪶
Reposted by Helen Baker
Available now: Field Mycology Vol 26(4) December 2025. On the front cover: Ascospores of Spirodecospora melnikii - a new genus for Western Europe, characterised by spores with spiralling ornamentation (article on page 132). Micrograph image by Jacques Fournier.
➡️ fieldmycology.org/index.php/jo...
➡️ fieldmycology.org/index.php/jo...
December 18, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Available now: Field Mycology Vol 26(4) December 2025. On the front cover: Ascospores of Spirodecospora melnikii - a new genus for Western Europe, characterised by spores with spiralling ornamentation (article on page 132). Micrograph image by Jacques Fournier.
➡️ fieldmycology.org/index.php/jo...
➡️ fieldmycology.org/index.php/jo...