Dr Jack J Matthews
@jackjamesmatthews.bsky.social
🌍 Geoheritage, Geoparks, Geotourism | 🏛️ Academic in spare time | 🌳 Charity Trustee | Views are my own
Reposted by Dr Jack J Matthews
Happy #FossilFriday from a wet cold La Niña Newfoundland. How about a new #Ediacaran fossil teaser, from a brand new fossil site north of St. John’s? This is one of several remarkable fossils that came out of a rockfall and discovered by my PhD student Pascal Olschewski. A new species of #Arborea!
January 16, 2026 at 2:58 PM
Happy #FossilFriday from a wet cold La Niña Newfoundland. How about a new #Ediacaran fossil teaser, from a brand new fossil site north of St. John’s? This is one of several remarkable fossils that came out of a rockfall and discovered by my PhD student Pascal Olschewski. A new species of #Arborea!
🙂 Proper chuffed with this geosite, telling the story of the Woodhouse Eaves earthquake of 1893, and the early example of citizen science that allowed Charles Davison to infer the location of the epicentre.
👍 Thank you to our fabulous volunteers who helped install a Geopark Information Hub in Woodhouse Eaves yesterday.
👉 The Hub also hosts the Woodhouse Eaves Earthquake Geosite, with interpretation on the tremor of 1893. Plan your visit: www.charnwoodforest.org/location/woo...
👉 The Hub also hosts the Woodhouse Eaves Earthquake Geosite, with interpretation on the tremor of 1893. Plan your visit: www.charnwoodforest.org/location/woo...
January 9, 2026 at 3:42 PM
🙂 Proper chuffed with this geosite, telling the story of the Woodhouse Eaves earthquake of 1893, and the early example of citizen science that allowed Charles Davison to infer the location of the epicentre.
Reposted by Dr Jack J Matthews
📖 Applications are now open for an exciting geopark-related PhD in storytelling at Loughborough University
🤔 Know anyone who might be interested?
🌐 Read more here: www.charnwoodforest.org/storytelling...
🤔 Know anyone who might be interested?
🌐 Read more here: www.charnwoodforest.org/storytelling...
January 5, 2026 at 10:08 AM
📖 Applications are now open for an exciting geopark-related PhD in storytelling at Loughborough University
🤔 Know anyone who might be interested?
🌐 Read more here: www.charnwoodforest.org/storytelling...
🤔 Know anyone who might be interested?
🌐 Read more here: www.charnwoodforest.org/storytelling...
🚶♂️ Fabulous - if a little cold - day for a walk up Pen y Fan from Brecon
January 3, 2026 at 6:02 PM
🚶♂️ Fabulous - if a little cold - day for a walk up Pen y Fan from Brecon
Reposted by Dr Jack J Matthews
⭐️ Recap of 2025 - Our Biggest Stories of the Year ⭐️
👉 In November we submitted our application to become a UNESCO Global Geopark... with the backing of Sir David Attenborough!
🌐 Read more: www.charnwoodforest.org/charnwood-fo...
👉 In November we submitted our application to become a UNESCO Global Geopark... with the backing of Sir David Attenborough!
🌐 Read more: www.charnwoodforest.org/charnwood-fo...
December 31, 2025 at 8:30 AM
⭐️ Recap of 2025 - Our Biggest Stories of the Year ⭐️
👉 In November we submitted our application to become a UNESCO Global Geopark... with the backing of Sir David Attenborough!
🌐 Read more: www.charnwoodforest.org/charnwood-fo...
👉 In November we submitted our application to become a UNESCO Global Geopark... with the backing of Sir David Attenborough!
🌐 Read more: www.charnwoodforest.org/charnwood-fo...
Reposted by Dr Jack J Matthews
Delighted to see my @oxuniearthsci.bsky.social colleagues Gideon Henderson (CBE) and Tamsin Mather (OBE) recognised in the New Years honours list published this evening. Brilliant news for them and for Earth Sciences more generally.
December 30, 2025 at 12:44 AM
Delighted to see my @oxuniearthsci.bsky.social colleagues Gideon Henderson (CBE) and Tamsin Mather (OBE) recognised in the New Years honours list published this evening. Brilliant news for them and for Earth Sciences more generally.
Reposted by Dr Jack J Matthews
The Earthwatch Innovation Team shares what we are looking forward to in 2026... ✨
💡Science is at the heart of what we do. Our Innovation Team leads and contributes to a range of projects exploring the power of #CitizenScience.
Discover more 🔗 https://earthwatch.pulse.ly/en38ajvze5
💡Science is at the heart of what we do. Our Innovation Team leads and contributes to a range of projects exploring the power of #CitizenScience.
Discover more 🔗 https://earthwatch.pulse.ly/en38ajvze5
December 27, 2025 at 12:59 PM
The Earthwatch Innovation Team shares what we are looking forward to in 2026... ✨
💡Science is at the heart of what we do. Our Innovation Team leads and contributes to a range of projects exploring the power of #CitizenScience.
Discover more 🔗 https://earthwatch.pulse.ly/en38ajvze5
💡Science is at the heart of what we do. Our Innovation Team leads and contributes to a range of projects exploring the power of #CitizenScience.
Discover more 🔗 https://earthwatch.pulse.ly/en38ajvze5
🎄 Merry Christmas everyone. May the servings of pigs in blankets be ever in your favour.
December 25, 2025 at 2:09 PM
🎄 Merry Christmas everyone. May the servings of pigs in blankets be ever in your favour.
🎅 If you've got any space left on your list, it wouldn't harm to ask Father Christmas for UNESCO Global Geopark status for Charnwood Forest! 🎄
December 24, 2025 at 12:20 PM
🎅 If you've got any space left on your list, it wouldn't harm to ask Father Christmas for UNESCO Global Geopark status for Charnwood Forest! 🎄
Reposted by Dr Jack J Matthews
Our final #Ediacaran palaeontology paper of the year! Introducing #Aninoides coombsorum gen et sp nov
Such a beautiful fossil. At the moment only known from our Inner Meadow site, Newfoundland. Paper led by PhD student Simon Rosse-Guillevic
Not OA sadly :-(
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
Such a beautiful fossil. At the moment only known from our Inner Meadow site, Newfoundland. Paper led by PhD student Simon Rosse-Guillevic
Not OA sadly :-(
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
December 23, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Our final #Ediacaran palaeontology paper of the year! Introducing #Aninoides coombsorum gen et sp nov
Such a beautiful fossil. At the moment only known from our Inner Meadow site, Newfoundland. Paper led by PhD student Simon Rosse-Guillevic
Not OA sadly :-(
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
Such a beautiful fossil. At the moment only known from our Inner Meadow site, Newfoundland. Paper led by PhD student Simon Rosse-Guillevic
Not OA sadly :-(
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
Reposted by Dr Jack J Matthews
❓ Did you miss our recent public talk by Dr Duncan McIlroy on Charnwood Forest's newest fossil?
🌟 We've got you covered - watch the recording on our Youtube channel and discover the wonders of our fossil, Charnia brasieri!
🌐 youtube.com/live/poR8iv7...
🌟 We've got you covered - watch the recording on our Youtube channel and discover the wonders of our fossil, Charnia brasieri!
🌐 youtube.com/live/poR8iv7...
December 18, 2025 at 10:15 AM
❓ Did you miss our recent public talk by Dr Duncan McIlroy on Charnwood Forest's newest fossil?
🌟 We've got you covered - watch the recording on our Youtube channel and discover the wonders of our fossil, Charnia brasieri!
🌐 youtube.com/live/poR8iv7...
🌟 We've got you covered - watch the recording on our Youtube channel and discover the wonders of our fossil, Charnia brasieri!
🌐 youtube.com/live/poR8iv7...
Reposted by Dr Jack J Matthews
Warm congratulations to Dr. Graham Ryan, OBE, Director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, on receiving the Order of the British Empire for his outstanding contributions to volcanology and geothermal physics in Montserrat.
The investiture was held last week at Windsor Castle.
The investiture was held last week at Windsor Castle.
December 16, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Warm congratulations to Dr. Graham Ryan, OBE, Director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, on receiving the Order of the British Empire for his outstanding contributions to volcanology and geothermal physics in Montserrat.
The investiture was held last week at Windsor Castle.
The investiture was held last week at Windsor Castle.
This was very well deserved - congratulations @lej-palaeo.bsky.social!
Thank you @thepalass.bsky.social for a great conference and awarding me a prize for my poster on the results of the first chapter of my PhD! And congrats to @harrysavage.bsky.social and the other three recipients of poster prizes for their amazing work #PalAss25
December 14, 2025 at 10:16 PM
This was very well deserved - congratulations @lej-palaeo.bsky.social!
📅 Join me on Tuesday as we welcome Prof Duncan McIlroy for a free online talk on the new species of Charnia!
🍷 If you're having a glass of wine while you watch, I'm recommending a Chilean merlot.
🍷 If you're having a glass of wine while you watch, I'm recommending a Chilean merlot.
👉 Join us for a free online talk by Prof Duncan McIlroy, as he shares the story of Charnwood Forest's newest fossil: Charnia brasieri!
📅 Tuesday 9 December, 7.30pm
🌐 Book you place now: www.charnwoodforest.org/event/free-o...
📅 Tuesday 9 December, 7.30pm
🌐 Book you place now: www.charnwoodforest.org/event/free-o...
December 7, 2025 at 12:49 PM
📅 Join me on Tuesday as we welcome Prof Duncan McIlroy for a free online talk on the new species of Charnia!
🍷 If you're having a glass of wine while you watch, I'm recommending a Chilean merlot.
🍷 If you're having a glass of wine while you watch, I'm recommending a Chilean merlot.
Reposted by Dr Jack J Matthews
🥳 We are delighted to announce that we have submitted Charnwood Forest's application to become a UNESCO Global Geopark, and we have done so with the backing of Sir David Attenborough!
🌐 Read more on our website: www.charnwoodforest.org/charnwood-fo...
🌐 Read more on our website: www.charnwoodforest.org/charnwood-fo...
December 1, 2025 at 11:49 AM
🥳 We are delighted to announce that we have submitted Charnwood Forest's application to become a UNESCO Global Geopark, and we have done so with the backing of Sir David Attenborough!
🌐 Read more on our website: www.charnwoodforest.org/charnwood-fo...
🌐 Read more on our website: www.charnwoodforest.org/charnwood-fo...
Great job in Jersey, helping to secure UNESCO Global Geopark status for the island: www.jerseyheritage.org/jobs/geopark...
November 27, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Great job in Jersey, helping to secure UNESCO Global Geopark status for the island: www.jerseyheritage.org/jobs/geopark...
Reposted by Dr Jack J Matthews
what a great crowd out to learn about #Charnia brasieri at the GeoCentre tonight and the celebratory cake from emthefairycakemother.
I can confirm that C. brasieri was delicious. I’ve decided that #Ediacaran organisms became extinct because they tasted so good.
I can confirm that C. brasieri was delicious. I’ve decided that #Ediacaran organisms became extinct because they tasted so good.
November 25, 2025 at 1:38 AM
what a great crowd out to learn about #Charnia brasieri at the GeoCentre tonight and the celebratory cake from emthefairycakemother.
I can confirm that C. brasieri was delicious. I’ve decided that #Ediacaran organisms became extinct because they tasted so good.
I can confirm that C. brasieri was delicious. I’ve decided that #Ediacaran organisms became extinct because they tasted so good.
Reposted by Dr Jack J Matthews
The Museum of Natural History is seeking contemporary art work for our upcoming exhibition, with a total budget of £7000. Please note that that this must include all costs including artist time, shipping, fees, production, and travel (if necessary).
November 25, 2025 at 1:52 PM
The Museum of Natural History is seeking contemporary art work for our upcoming exhibition, with a total budget of £7000. Please note that that this must include all costs including artist time, shipping, fees, production, and travel (if necessary).
Reposted by Dr Jack J Matthews
👉 Join us for a free online talk by Prof Duncan McIlroy, as he shares the story of Charnwood Forest's newest fossil: Charnia brasieri!
📅 Tuesday 9 December, 7.30pm
🌐 Book you place now: www.charnwoodforest.org/event/free-o...
📅 Tuesday 9 December, 7.30pm
🌐 Book you place now: www.charnwoodforest.org/event/free-o...
November 25, 2025 at 8:30 AM
👉 Join us for a free online talk by Prof Duncan McIlroy, as he shares the story of Charnwood Forest's newest fossil: Charnia brasieri!
📅 Tuesday 9 December, 7.30pm
🌐 Book you place now: www.charnwoodforest.org/event/free-o...
📅 Tuesday 9 December, 7.30pm
🌐 Book you place now: www.charnwoodforest.org/event/free-o...
Reposted by Dr Jack J Matthews
⚓️ Charles Booth, the shipowner and social reformer, died on this day in 1916.
📕 Booth lived in Grace Dieu Manor, Thringstone for the last 30 years of his life, and is best known for his book 'Life and Labour of the People in London'.
📕 Booth lived in Grace Dieu Manor, Thringstone for the last 30 years of his life, and is best known for his book 'Life and Labour of the People in London'.
November 23, 2025 at 10:13 AM
⚓️ Charles Booth, the shipowner and social reformer, died on this day in 1916.
📕 Booth lived in Grace Dieu Manor, Thringstone for the last 30 years of his life, and is best known for his book 'Life and Labour of the People in London'.
📕 Booth lived in Grace Dieu Manor, Thringstone for the last 30 years of his life, and is best known for his book 'Life and Labour of the People in London'.
Reposted by Dr Jack J Matthews
🌳 Stay connected with everything that's happening in Charnwood Forest Geopark.
📰 Sign up to our monthly newsletter now: www.charnwoodforest.org/newsletter-s...
📰 Sign up to our monthly newsletter now: www.charnwoodforest.org/newsletter-s...
November 18, 2025 at 9:25 AM
🌳 Stay connected with everything that's happening in Charnwood Forest Geopark.
📰 Sign up to our monthly newsletter now: www.charnwoodforest.org/newsletter-s...
📰 Sign up to our monthly newsletter now: www.charnwoodforest.org/newsletter-s...
Reposted by Dr Jack J Matthews
🔎 The Geopark and our partners are looking for 2 researchers to join exciting projects, funded by the Collaboratory Research Hub:
🌳 PhD on nature & wellbeing
🦖 Research Placement on public understanding of fossils
🌐 Deadline approaching! More info here: www.charnwoodforest.org/collaborator...
🌳 PhD on nature & wellbeing
🦖 Research Placement on public understanding of fossils
🌐 Deadline approaching! More info here: www.charnwoodforest.org/collaborator...
November 10, 2025 at 9:39 AM
🔎 The Geopark and our partners are looking for 2 researchers to join exciting projects, funded by the Collaboratory Research Hub:
🌳 PhD on nature & wellbeing
🦖 Research Placement on public understanding of fossils
🌐 Deadline approaching! More info here: www.charnwoodforest.org/collaborator...
🌳 PhD on nature & wellbeing
🦖 Research Placement on public understanding of fossils
🌐 Deadline approaching! More info here: www.charnwoodforest.org/collaborator...
Reposted by Dr Jack J Matthews
‼️New PhD project in Edinburgh: "Animals, traits, and oxygen in the Ediacaran Nama Group, Namibia". Supervised by Rachel Wood (Amelia Penny and I co-supervising) — big UK+Namibian team — help us understand early animal evolution! Apply by Dec 14th #paleontology
e5-dtp.ed.ac.uk/project?item...
e5-dtp.ed.ac.uk/project?item...
November 9, 2025 at 8:16 PM
‼️New PhD project in Edinburgh: "Animals, traits, and oxygen in the Ediacaran Nama Group, Namibia". Supervised by Rachel Wood (Amelia Penny and I co-supervising) — big UK+Namibian team — help us understand early animal evolution! Apply by Dec 14th #paleontology
e5-dtp.ed.ac.uk/project?item...
e5-dtp.ed.ac.uk/project?item...
Reposted by Dr Jack J Matthews
👍 Excellent story on the BBC about Charnwood Forest's newest fossil species - Charnia brasieri
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Bradgate Park fossil named by researchers
Experts say the species lived on the seafloor around 560 million years ago.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 7, 2025 at 10:02 AM
👍 Excellent story on the BBC about Charnwood Forest's newest fossil species - Charnia brasieri
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Superb! A new species of Charnia - found in Charnwood Forest - has been named after Prof Martin Brasier 😊
🥳 NEW FOSSIL! Researchers from Canada have named a new species of fossil from the 560 million year old rocks of Charnwood Forest!
🌟 Its called Charnia brasieri, shaped like a frond, and could grow to a metre long.
🌐 Read more on our website: www.charnwoodforest.org/researchers-...
🌟 Its called Charnia brasieri, shaped like a frond, and could grow to a metre long.
🌐 Read more on our website: www.charnwoodforest.org/researchers-...
November 4, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Superb! A new species of Charnia - found in Charnwood Forest - has been named after Prof Martin Brasier 😊